Vick Saga Might Bring Garcia Back to the Eagles’ Nest
The Philadelphia Eagles are an organization that has typically employed a “zero tolerance” policy the last decade with player misconduct on, and off the field.
The most infamous example of this is with how the Eagles suspended Terrell Owens in 2005 in wake of his contract dispute with the front office, subsequent negative locker room antics, and public defamation of the organization and specific players. Eagles fans also remember that the organization opted not to resign wide receiver Donte Stallworth after an injury-plagued season that included a minor offseason marijuana charge.
So you can understand — given the history of the Eagles organization the past decade, along with the presence of veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb — why it was a major shock that the Eagles acquired former Atlanta Falcons signal-caller Michael Vick prior to the 2009 NFL season. Given his two year incarceration after federal investigators determined he was running a dog fighting ring, Vick’s presence brought extra distractions to the team
Michael Vick kept himself out of trouble in the 2009 season.
To his credit, Vick conducted himself with the utmost class, made public appearances speaking out against animal cruelty, and seemed genuinely remorseful for his actions and a changed human being. However, Vick has returned to the national spotlight in a negative fashion in wake of a shooting incident last week outside of an establishment where Vick was celebrating his 30th birthday. The incident involved one of Vick’s co-defendants, and speculation is abound on what role, if any, Vick may have in the shooting. Reports are already circulating that the Eagles organization is preparing to release Vick, despite picking up his option for the 2010 season and paying a hefty roster bonus by doing so, and having dealt starting QB Donovan McNabb to the rival Washington Redskins in the offseason.
If police determine that Vick played a role in the shooting, I do believe the Eagles will release Vick and attempt to recover the $1.5 million roster bonus they paid to him for this upcoming season.
Reports from Eagles offseason training activities (OTA’s for those who are into the whole brevity thing) are that the coaching staff and front office is pleased with the progress of 2010 draft pick Mike Kafka. While this is good news for the franchise long-term at backup QB, the thought of Kafka running the offense if Kolb gets injured or performs poorly in his first season as a starter is more terrifying than William “the Refridgerator” Perry continuing a trend of former NFL players appearing on “Dancing with the Stars.”
To Jack ‘Bauer’ of All Sports, the solution is clear what the Eagles should do, and I believe would do, if releasing Vick becomes reality: bring back Jeff Garcia!
Jeff Garcia stepped in for an injured Donovan McNabb to lead the Birds to a playoff berth in 2006.
In 2006, QB Donovan McNabb went down with a season-ending injury, and Jeff Garcia stepped into the spotlight as the Eagles starter. In the final six games of the season, the Garcia-led Eagles finished the season 5-1 to win the NFC East, including three consecutive road victories against their NFC East rivals.
But wait, that’s not all…
In the postseason, the Garcia-led Eagles defeated the New York Giants during wildcard weekend and very nearly defeated an inspired New Orleans Saints team in a raucous Superdome.
Despite his age (40) and not playing in the NFL last season, Garcia is the perfect person for the Eagles to sign to backup Kolb. He’s had success with the Eagles, and he knows the Eagles offense very well. He could also be a great person to help mentor Kolb. Also attractive to the Eagles will be Garcia’s price tag, which will not be significant given his age and the fact he didn’t play last season.
If nothing else, Garcia is a very cheap insurance policy, who can jump in and get wins. Even if the Eagles do not intend on releasing Vick in response to the shooting incident last week, Vick could face disciplinary action by the league, which would cause him to miss games and require the Eagles to fill his place on the depth chart. Not that it matters to Eagles management, but Garcia was a fan favorite. There were even calls to trade McNabb after the 2006 offseason and make Garcia the full-time starter.
If the Vick situation festers, re-enter Jeff Garcia. Book it for me, Phoenix!