It was the last game of the season, a horrible loss to the New York Giants.
And Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick, returning for the first time in more than a month after injury, had once again been battered and bruised.
But this time, Vick lashed out: blasting his teammates for a lack of effort and heart.
We all thought that was the last Birds fans would ever see of the controversial QB.
After all, Vick had spent most of the season injured. And when he was on the field, he was producing too many costly turnovers.
He was due a bonus if kept on the roster. And about $15 million if he played next season. So everyone thought Vick would be cut right after the Super Bowl.
Well, guess who's back?
New coach Chip Kelly made a move that most fans are questioning and hating by announcing this week that Vick has restructured his contract and will be donning the green jersey for another year.
He didn't name him the starter, but since Vick will earn $7.5 million -- and possibly $10 million if he meets incentives -- you can expect him behind center next year.
Kelly, I guess, sees Vick as being capable and competent enough to run his high-octane offense.
This doesn't bode well for rookie Nick Foles, who showed some strong signs of life during his six starts last year, but also made some rookie mistakes, which is expected.
So Foles could be a goner, with former Coach Andy Reid also expressing interest in Foles playing for his Kansas City Chiefs. That might be a great fit for Foles.
With the NFL Draft coming up in April, don't be surprised if Foles gets traded. It seems like Kelly has determined that Foles doesn't have a future as his QB.
Also, don't expect Trent Edwards to stick around. He may be great to have in camp or maybe he can make it again as third strng, especially if Foles is traded.
The Birds could also take another quarterback in the draft, one whom Kelly and his staff can groom.
But now that Kelly has signed Dennis Dixon, his former University of Oregon QB, the camp battle looks a little uneven.
Dixon knows how to run Kelly's offense. Big advantage there.
Dixon, believe it or not, also has two Super Bowl rings in his possession: one as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers and another while on the practice squad this past year for the Baltimore Ravens.
You never know, Dixon could beat out Vick in camp for the starting job.
Anyway, this quarterback situation isn't going as Birds fans had hoped or anticipated. It will be interesting how this off-season develops.
But, for now, know this: Michael Vick is your starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles for 2013.
No one knows where the Eagles QB situation is going to be this year, or whether their plans will include Vick at all. Signing Vick to a more attractive contract, not only frees up cap space for the Birds; it also frees up manuverability. The Eagles could very well end up doing a sign & trade for Vick at the draft. Any way you look at it, Foles has to be the #1 at this point. Have to laugh at all the Vick haters. Second chances mean nothing to some people; yet we had to endure the football world going gaga over Ray Lewis, who was present, obstructed, and then lied to investigators about the murders of TWO HUMANS in an incident he witnessed by members of his posse'. Lewis could well end up in the NFL Hall of Fame. And although Vick came clean; did his time; and has been nothing but a model citizen since returning to football, he puts up with more grief than a guy who knowingly lied about his presence and actions during the murder of two humans!
I have given up all hope of ever seeing them win a Superbowl in my lifetime,this year we have had it,finally cancelling our season tickets we have had for 30 years. I wish Lurie would sell the team, so we can get the people and QB to win one, that will never happen:(
Do you not remember the shape the Eagles were in BEFORE Lurie bought the team???
There has been very little discussion about the offensive line and it's inability to block, let alone, protect the Eagle's Quarterback, regardless of who it is. Does anybody even analyze the entire aspect of football anymore? Let's start with those that want to talk money, since that is an issue for some knowledgeable fans. How much money is being made by the linemen that were among (not the most) the league leaders in sacks allowed? Don't get quiet, now. Can they be cut...and use their salaries to get "real" lineman? How did these lineman fare against the top sackers in the league? To answer, you have to review the top sackers, and see which one played against the Eagles and then see how many they actually allowed in the 16 games this season, at the very least. That's what a real fan would do! Or, let's look at how balls were dropped by Eagle receivers? Some have suggested that Michale Vick throws the ball "too hard"? Maybe, but that also said about the former Colts (now Broncos) Q-back. His receivers catch the ball, so does that mean that Michael Vick is stronger than him and others or that the quality of receivers is lacking? You can't have it both ways, can you? Michael Vick can be all at fault, or can he? The lack of discussion of these football factors is "crazy"!
Relax... it's all good.
Convenient ... but not exactly the definition of a "fan". Us Eagles fans won't miss you.
Just had enough. Hoping for better from Coach Kelly era.