With a date with the Giants just four days away and quarterback Michael Vick recovering from two broken ribs, the Eagles may have to go to "Plan B." The Eagles, though, are fortunate, as they have one of the most talented backup quarterbacks in the National Football League in Vince Young.
Young, like Vick, is a Pro Bowl quarterback. Both are dynamic playmakers with big arms and the ability to make plays outside the pocket. Young's 30-17 career regular-season record as a starter is one of the best in the league.
Young has also done quite well against the Giants in the past. In two games, both wins for his Tennessee Titans, Young combined to throw for 367 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions for a 107.2 quarterback rating. He also added 75 combined rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in those games.
Still, any declaration regarding who will play quarterback for the Eagles if Vick is unable to go has not yet been made. Both Young and second-year reserve Mike Kafka took reps with the starters Wednesday. But If Young is called upon to start Sunday, he'll be ready.
"Michael's a strong guy, so it's definitely possible that he plays," said Young. "You never know. Kafka and I are both preparing as if we're going to play Sunday."
Asked if he expected to get the nod if the Eagles are without their franchise quarterback, the 6-foot-5 slinger was coy, telling reporters to "take that up with coach Reid."
Young admitted that this has been a "different" season for him. His only game action has come in very short stints in relief of Vick. Young was on the field for two snaps in the win over the Washington Redskins in Week 6 (he threw an interception on one play) and handed off to LeSean McCoy in his one snap last week against the Arizona Cardinals. But Young has stuck to the plan throughout the season, and he expects to be fully prepared if he is indeed called upon to play Sunday night.
"I'm getting better each week, every day, really," said Young. "I always stay ready and prepare like I'm going to be the starter, even when Vick is healthy."
