Michael Vick wants to be a starter again in the NFL. He is signed with the Eagles through next year. Whether the Eagles provide him with the opportunity to compete for the starting job remains to be seen, but Vick says that mentally he is a better quarterback now than at any point of his career.
"I feel like I'm probably better than I ever was in my career as far as the mental aspect of the game. Physically, that will come. That's easy," Vick said. "I think now I'm better than I was five or six years ago and that's scary."
The Eagles made the bold decision to acquire Vick in August after he missed the past two seasons due to his imprisonment. Primarily used in short-yardage and red zone situations, Vick threw for 86 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 95 yards and two scores in 12 games. His best game was his two-touchdown performance in his return to Atlanta, which is where he was made the No. 1 overall pick back in 2001 and spent the first six years of his career.
On Saturday night, Vick set a franchise-playoff record for the longest pass play with a 76-yard touchdown strike to Jeremy Maclin. However, he also fumbled a fake handoff to fullback Leonard Weaver when he tried to pull the ball back and pass it.
Vick said that the chance to spend the year with Donovan McNabb taught him what it truly takes to be a pro.
"I learned a lot about defenses, just hearing him talk in the film room. The film study, the preparation, what it takes and I know that's going to take my game to another level," Vick said. "In this game, you never know enough. You never learn enough. You strive for perfection, but you'll never get there."
After a few weeks of rest, Vick said that he would likely hire a personal trainer and immerse himself in preparation for the 2010 season. One in which he hopes to be the primary signal caller and not just a special weapon.
"I'm a competitor. Everybody wants to be a starter. Everybody wants to play. That should be your goal. That should be the ambition that you have, to want to be great," Vick said. "I can't take too much time off. I want to get back in tip-top playing shape and be the Mike Vick that I know I can be and the Mike Vick that I was before because I feel great."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 11:00 a.m., January 11
