With pending federal charges I discovered that my disdain for Mike Vick was misplaced. Besides, he's got much bigger issues to worry about than some random blogger who thinks he's a running back with a strong arm.Since bursting on the scene in 2000 as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons college football has ever seen, Mike Vick has been a highly controversial figure. This controversy is not spawned entirely from off the field issues, contrary to popular belief after his recent run in with federal authorities. He is also a constant item of debate based on his ability on the field.
I confess. For the last 3-5 years I’ve probably been one of the biggest Mike Vick, “haters.” Many critics believed Vick would be a stellar QB. Comparisons to all-time greats such as Steve Young have been bandied about. My position has always been, Mike Vick is one of the best “players” in the league; however, he is a mediocre quarterback at best.
He’s undersized at 6’0 215. He has not shown any consistent touch in the short passing game. He has never thrown for 3,000 yards in a season, which is not a hard benchmark for a QB. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a starting QB in the league that didn’t pass for 3,000 yards outside of Vick. He’s only had 20 passing TDs in a season once and outside of two seasons, has a hard time passing for more TDs than INTs. His completion percentage has never been higher than 56%. The Falcons have only made 2 playoff appearances during his tenure as the starter. Using the above mentioned stats, you’d be hard pressed to include Vick in a list of the top 15 QBs in the NFL.
Vick has shown flashes of being the NFL’s ultimate weapon. His elusiveness and quickness at the Quarterback position are unparalleled. Naturally, it has been repeatedly suggested that Falcons coaches should consider lining Vick up at other positions, to which Vick has adamantly objected. Initially it was this insistence on playing QB despite his lack of success throwing the ball that rubbed me the wrong way. However, the real culprit here and the source of my disdain is not Mike Vick the football player, it is his “potential.”
Based on potential, Mike Vick is not only a top 5 QB, but a top 5 NFL player. It is this potential that has revitalized professional football in the
Recent events culminating in the recently issued federal indictment on felony dog-fighting charges are threatening to extinguish the flame of potential that has been burning since Vick entered the NFL. The Falcons and the NFL have asked Mike Vick not to report to training camp while the NFL conducts an investigation. The Falcons are strongly urging Vick to sit out the entire time the case is pending. If Vick is convicted on the charges, the consensus seems to be that he will likely be sentenced to active jail time.
It seems that after every failed attempt by Vick to translate his potential into ability, pundits and Falcons officials place the blame on a mysterious outside force. He’s learning a new offense. He’s working with a new coach. He’s not surrounded with enough talent. Schaub is looking over his shoulder. He surrounds himself with the wrong kind of people. Coaches are limiting his abilities by trying to convert him into a pocket passer.
I have no shame in admitting my disdain for Mike Vick was misplaced. My hate should be directed at Mike Vick’s “potential.” The potential to be one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. The potential that has garnered him critical acclaim, endorsement deals, and tons of money. Vick is facing the battle of his life, the ultimate battle for his freedom. For the first time in his life, his potential will not factor into the ultimate decision.