The last time Michael Vick started a game against the Giants in New York, he engineered perhaps the most incredible come-from-behind win in franchise history. In that game, dubbed the "Miracle at the New Meadowlands," Vick used his powerful arm and dazzling speed to will his team back from a 21-point deficit late in the fourth quarter.
Two seasons later, things look much different for Vick. He hasn't played in a month and a half as he recovered from a concussion suffered in Week 10. And the Eagles go into their last game of the season playing the role of spoiler, hoping to keep the Giants out of the playoffs.
Rookie quarterback Nick Foles, who had started every game since Week 11 and was named the full-time starter shortly thereafter, suffered a fracture hand in last week's game against Washington. That means Vick will finish out the 2012 season the same way he started it – under center.
"It's great to know that you're going to have a chance to go out and play," Vick said Wednesday. "The one thing I never do is waiver or back down from my opportunity to go out there and get on the field, regardless of what has transpired throughout the season. I'm fully confident in myself and the guys around me have to go out there and put it all together for the last game and get a win for Andy."
Before his injury, Vick totaled 2,165 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also put up 307 yards rushing with a touchdown and five fumbles. Turnovers were undoubtedly an issue, but Vick also engineered two game-winning drives early in the season and still possesses the unique abilities that make him one of the league's premier offensive weapons.
With that in mind, it's not hard to understand why Vick is excited to play – he's been a superstar at every level since high school. Watching from the sidelines isn't something he's used to, nor is it something he wants to do much more.
"It's difficult, especially after watching the game last week," he said. "You want to get out there, you want to play. You get that feeling back of what it's like to be behind the center and be in control. As a quarterback, I love being in control. I just miss it. I have the opportunity to go out this week and play and I'm excited about it."
Vick will once again be in control this Sunday, and history says he should be successful. In his career, Vick is 9-0 in the regular season when facing NFC East opponents on the road. And the Giants are in danger of missing the playoffs. After starting the year 6-2, a loss to the Eagles on Sunday would send them into the offseason with an 8-8 mark.
Not that Vick is worried about what things look like for the Giants. His focus is getting himself — and his teammates — ready to end their season with a win. For the fourth time in seven seasons, the Eagles can end the Giants' Super Bowl dreams. To do it, they won't need another spectacular comeback. They'll just need a total team effort jumpstarted by the presence of the electrifying Vick. One thing is for certain – he will be ready.
"The thing I'm truly confident about is my ability to play the game of football," he said. "I think I just have to go out and continue to play my game. The focus is to try to be the best player I can be, year in and year out, and be in tip-top shape and ensure that I'm doing all the right things."
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