Vick bails out Birds again

For the second straight week, the Philadelphia Eagles were in danger of losing a football game they should have won easily.

Last night, the situation was even more dire. The Eagles had coughed up a lead just as they had the week before against the Bears. That loss in the Windy City had taken away the Eagles safety net. They entered last night’s game against the Texans in a virtual tie with the Giants atop the NFC East, with a razor-thin edge because they beat the New Yorkers a few weeks back. The bottom line is that it is unlikely that more than one NFC East team is getting into the playoffs. The Eagles desperately needed to win last night.

And they almost threw it away. A 20-10 halftime lead was again erased in the third quarter, with the Texanas, led by West Chester native Matt Schaub, scoring 14 unanswered points to take a 24-20 lead.

Still, the Eagles prevailed

And they did so for one reason. His name is Michael Vick. The QB returned the favor to the Texans, leading the Birds to 14 4th quarter points.

I said it before and I will say it again. In years past, the Eagles would not have won this game.

Vick is the difference. He is a leader, on and off the field. Watch him on the sidelines and as the team comes onto the field. No “air guitar” theatrics here.

When things turn south, it’s Vick who seeks out his teammates to reassure them, or kick them in the butt, depending on what’s necessary.

Vick is now the face of this organization. I know a lot of people still have problems with that.

I don’t. He’s done everything right. If he does something to once again throw it all away, I’ll deal with that then.

Right now I wish Andy Reid and Sean McDermott would do something about this defense. It’s just not good enough. Even if they make the playoffs, it could prove to be their Achilles heel.

Not even Michael Vick can fix that. Unless he suddenly decides to play cornerback or safety as well as quarterback.

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