Michael Vick has told USA Today that he's "80% healthy" after sustaining a rib contusion in Monday night's game against the Patriots. He says he's feeling better and focused on preparing for the Eagles September 9th opener against the Cleveland Browns.
The hit Vick took spawned a rash of criticism of the QB and his perceived inability or unwillingness to "protect himself" on the field.
"I just let everything happen in that moment. I can't go to the line dictating what I'm going to do," said Vick in response the criticism. "I can't go to the line trying to predict everything that I'm going to do. That would hurt you're game a little bit, because I might miss somebody getting open. I have to go through my progressions to the best of my abilities."
To be fair, there were two virtually unblocked pass rushers coming at him on the play, one from his blind side. Could he have just given up and turtled on the ground to avoid the hit rather than try to make a throw? Sure, but Andy Reid says he can't fault his QB for the decision he made.
"He was trying to make somebody miss, and he wheeled backwards about 15 yards. He had an available receiver down the field, and he was trying to make a play. To tell him that he can't make that throw, you're not going to tell him that. You just want everyone to do their job so that that doesn't happen back there."
As much as Vick needs to protect himself, the Eagles need to protect him.
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