Thursday, the Eagle’s camp provided us with the first storyline without explicit mention of mention to Chip Kelly and how the new-look Eagles will play in 2013. But the headline may be a bit of old news to sports fans.
So what has one Eagles player buzzing on Twitter?
According to safety Colt Anderson, Michael Vick still has his breakout speed that made him a heavily recruited NFL prospect.
“Vick just beat Shady [McCoy] in a 40 yard race,” Anderson tweeted form his personal account.
The now 32 year-old Vick was apparently challenged to a foot race by Eagle’s running back LeSean McCoy. McCoy, one of the young and premier rushers in the NFL, prodded the “old man” under center into a 40-yard dash at the team’s practice facility. Sources have disclosed that McCoy not only lost, but also lost badly.
After referring to new head coach Chip Kelly’s practices as “a freaking track meet,” McCoy should have had no problem beating a guy nearly 8 years his senior. However, it appears that Vick has been a big beneficiary of the marathon-type practices run this off-season.
Despite having one of his poorest statistical seasons in rushing yards per game in 2012, it appeared that the heralded college quarterback had lost his biggest asset—his speed. Struggles or not, Vick should still be the guy in Philly for the 2013 season opener, given the lack of success from backup-QB Nick Foles. Fans will be calling for Vick’s departure should the 2013 campaign be as futile the 2012 season.
With a bulk of the issues stemming from a rash of injuries sustained last season, Vick’s health will be more vital than ever heading into the 2013. Struggles or not, Vick should be the starter for the 2013 season opener, especially given the lack of success from backup-QB Nick Foles. Despite Foles’ struggles, fans will be chanting his name should Vick brings the struggles of the 2012 season into the first year of the Chip Kelly era.
For the moment, it appears as if any struggling Vick may have will not be related to his speed or explosiveness.
Just ask LeSean McCoy.
