MIAMI -- Quarterback Michael Vick didn't try to hide the fact that he battled through pain during much of Sunday's much-needed 26-10 win over the Miami Dolphins.
In his return to action after missing three games with a rib injury, Vick was 15-of-30 for 208 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Vick said the most important thing after helping win was to finish the game and show his teammates his "dedication" and "will to win."
"I want to be out there and be the best that I can be," Vick said. "I try each and every week. I want to be accountable. I want to hold my weight."
After taking two sacks on the first two series of the game, two key changes were made. First, Vick changed his cleats to get better traction after rain poured down on SunLife Stadium for most of the morning leading up to the game. The other change was that the plays called were designed to get the ball out of Vick's hands quickly and off-set a ferocious pass rush by the Dolphins.
"We just go out there and try to do what we know works best against what they do," Vick said. "They did a great job of disguising their coverages, so we were able to take advantage of the opportunities that we got."
The executed by getting the ball into the hands of running back LeSean McCoy and tight end Brent Celek. McCoy caught a 26-yard screen pass on the Eagles' first touchdown drive. Celek finished with four catches, which was tied for a team high, for 39 yards. Finally, Vick broke the Dolphins' defense for a big play when he found DeSean Jackson wide open on a play-action rollout for a 34-yard touchdown. It was Jackson's longest touchdown grab of the season.
The Eagles scored 24 unanswered points in the second quarter and 17 came of them off turnovers by the defense. Turnovers have been the Achilles' heel of the Eagles' high-flying offense this season. Vick was glad to finally turn the tables on the opponent.
"That's how games are won in this league," Vick said. "I'm very proud of the defense. I have to give credit to them."
And even though the offense didn't score in the second half, Vick provided two highlight-reel plays to help extend drives. Vick tossed a 29-yard pass to Riley Cooper after he shook off Dolphins defensive end Randy Starks. Vick appeared to be in Starks' grasp, but Vick spun away and found Cooper who jumped up high to haul in the pass. Vick also pulled a Houdini act on Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby turning a would-be sack into one of the more amazing 4-yard gains you'll see.
"Just the ability to make those plays when we needed them wins football games," Vick said.
The Eagles now have five wins on the season. They need to win out, and get some help, to entertain the notion of possibly making the playoffs. But after Sunday's gutsy win in Miami, Vick will be the first to say don't count out the Eagles just yet.
"You've got to keep pushing," Vick said. "As long as out mindset is right, we can make it happen."
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