Quarterback Michael Vick took the snap on the second play of the 11-on-11 drill on Tuesday and surveyed the scene. He unleashed a rocket that connected perfectly down the left seam with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who ran a dig route to create just enough of a window for his quarterback.
It may have been the first day of the Organized Team Activities at the NovaCare Complex, but the quarterback looked at this play as an example of what he was not able to get last season because of the lockout.
"We've got an opportunity to do some special things. I think this time right now is invaluable," Vick said. "We have to go out here and work as hard as we can and put the hard work and preparation in. It'll be equivalent to something special down the road."
This is Vick's first full offseason with the team as the team's starting quarterback. Vick has spent the past two months at the NovaCare Complex for the offseason conditioning program and has taken advantage of the time with the coaching staff watching film in order to improve his game.
"It's very critical," Vick said. "Hard work and preparation is one thing I pride myself on now.
"We just have to keep grinding and understand that nothing is going to come easy."
Quarterbacks coach Doug Pederson said on Monday that the staff wants Vick to reduce the number of turnovers and improve in the red zone. Vick agrees with the need to cut down the turnovers. Vick had 14 interceptions and lost four fumbles in 2011 for a total of 18 turnovers. That number is double what Vick had in 2010 when he led the Eagles to a division title.
Vick also wants to improve his accuracy which looked crisp on that zipline throw to Maclin. In order to improve his accuracy, Vick said that he must improve his mechanics and footwork - more specifically settling his feet and not getting too anxious before he delivers the ball.
"If I do it, it'll take my game to another level," Vick said. "I feel like I'm getting there."
When the Eagles finally got together for the start of training camp following the lockout, Vick was on the field but he didn't have Maclin because of his mysterious illness that. His other starting receiver, DeSean Jackson, was unhappy with his contract. After signing All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy to a long-term extension last week, the Eagles have their top offensive weapons healthy and in the right frame of mind.
"It all starts with your attitude. Guys can go out and play with a clear-level head then I think you can get the most out of them and they can get the most out of themselves," Vick said. "Everybody's taken care of. There's nothing else to do but to go out and play good football."
And that good football will only come with hard work now.
"You're out here trying to detail your work, get better as an individual and as a team," Vick said. "Everything happens for a reason. I think this year is a chance for us to jell together, get to know one another, work on being the best players we can be."
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