Vick On Critics: They’re Ignorant, Don’t Know Football

Michael Vick is clearly tired of answering questions about how he’s not good enough at reading NFL defenses.

The Eagles’ veteran quarterback talked to Mike Missanelli during a 97.5 The Fanatic interview earlier this week and was asked to address critics who have pointed out that he doesn’t make quick enough reads and holds on to the football too long.

“I’m really tempted right now to just say no comment to that because like I said a second ago, you don’t last 12 years in the NFL not being able to read the defense,” Vick said. “Those people who are talking and saying that are just ignorant, and they know nothing about football. Unless they turn on the film and watch my game and see what goes on, then they’ll replace those comments with the right comments.”

When reminded that many critics have made those claims, Vick said, “But it’s incorrect. Without getting sensitive about it, it’s incorrect. So I’d rather not talk about it.”

Of course, the easiest way to silence the critics will be to win the starting job and play well in 2013. The Eagles brought Vick back on a one-year deal, and he’s still considered the favorite to be the starter, although Chip Kelly has made it clear that the competition is open.

As Tim pointed out a couple weeks ago, Vick will likely be asked to get rid of the football quickly in Kelly’s offense. His propensity to hold on to the ball last year was partly due to the offensive system and partly due to Vick’s own inclination to want to keep every play alive.

“We had a lot of deeper throws last year, which required more time,” Vick said. “It’s just a big difference. Not to say there was anything wrong with the west coast system, I loved it. I spent seven years in it, and it was cool. But I think the change of pace for me at this point in my career is good and the game is a lot easier now.”

The other issue Vick will be asked about constantly between now and the start of the season is turnovers. He has fumbled 32 times in his last 35 games, 12 of them resulting in turnovers.

“Chip told me how to run with the football the other day,” Vick said. “He taught me how to run with the football and how to carry the football, and I think it’s something that you just have to work on.”

At first, it was unclear whether Vick was being facetious, but he sounded serious when asked a follow-up question.

“The other day, I broke out in the pocket, and the first thing Chip told me was to tuck the football,” Vick said. “So I showed him how I was running with it, and he looked at it and he knocked the ball right out of my hands. And he was like, ‘Hold it like this.’ And what he told me felt comfortable. I had a tighter grip on the football. That should secure that problem as long as I work on it. Like I said, you’re always a work in progress, and even when you think you know it all, sometimes you don’t. The people who feel like they know everything, they don’t.”

And finally, the topic of LeSean McCoy’s off-the-field transgressions was brought up. Vick said he’s already had a chat with the Eagles’ running back.

“We talked about it today, and I really want LeSean to start taking his life more serious,” Vick said. “I think the opportunity to be one of the elite running backs in this league is very reachable, but he still has to understand that outside of football, you still have to live a life. He’s a Dad. He’s a son. He’s friends to a lot of people. And a lot of people count on him. He has to learn to just respect his situation. I think he understands, and I think he wants to make it right, which is important. Like I said, he’s my little brother and I’m going to continue to help him out and continue to give him the best advice that I can give him. He’s just got to listen.”

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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