Fans have certainly dreamed of the scenario. Quarterback Michael Vick leads the Eagles into Atlanta to face the Falcons for the NFC Championship game. It would be the former franchise quarterback and No. 1 overall pick returning to the place where he suited up for six seasons. Atlanta, still to this day, reveres Vick. All you have to do is look at what happened when the Eagles visited the Falcons in 2009 and Vick scored his first two touchdowns as an Eagle. You could argue whether the Falcons would even have homefield advantage.
Yes, there are still two weeks left in the regular season. The Eagles haven't even clinched a playoff berth, let alone the division title. The Eagles would sport the division championship merchandise this weekend if they beat the Vikings on Sunday night or if the Giants lose to the Packers. The Eagles are 10-4 and are currently tied with the Chicago Bears for the No. 2 seed in the NFC, but the Bears have the tiebreaker because of their Week 12 win over the Eagles. The Falcons are the No. 1 seed at 12-2 and have clinched a playoff berth. The Falcons clinch the division title and homefield advantage with a win Monday night over the Saints.
On Friday, Vick was asked about the potential scenario of going back to Atlanta and playing for the right to go to the Super Bowl. Vick played in the NFC title game once with the Falcons ... and it was in Philadelphia against the Eagles.
"I think it'll be a great storybook ending to close that chapter finally," Vick said. "I think it'll also be a great game. I think it would bring the best out of both sides. That would be awesome. That would be great."
A year ago, Vick relished the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season as a free man after spending the previous two Christmases in prison. Since then, Vick has become the most exciting player in the NFL once again. Vick has thrown for 2,755 yards, 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions for a 103.6 passer rating which is third-best in the NFL. Oh yeah, he also has 613 rushing yards and an additional eight touchdowns. The MVP race in the NFL will likely be between Vick and New England's Tom Brady. Vick said that if he had a vote, it would go to him. No surprise there.
But looking back at the two holidays away from his family has made him appreciate the success that he's been able to recapture that much more.
"I spent two Christmases in Kansas and that was by far the toughest thing I ever had to do," Vick said. "I think each and every year I reflect on that and I think it always makes the holiday season more gratifying. I'm just thankful for a lot. I'm thankful for the opportunities that I've been given."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 3:35 p.m., December 24
