Michael Vick can run like the wind, but in Philadelphia on Sunday, he will be running for his life unless he can throw to keep his team in the game.
A week after crushing the Rams with the NFL version of the option offense, Vick will actually have to run an offense in order to score touchdowns on a well coached Eagles defense. And that will be an uphill battle for a quarterback who, while as talented as any to have come into the league since John Elway, has posted mediocre passing statistics and poor turnover numbers. Vick may one day be a great NFL quarterback, and his immense running ability presents coaching difficulties, but having played only 4 complete college/pro seasons, he is not there yet.
McNabb, once the top "running QB" in the NFL, now passes first and runs mostly to gain time, not yardage. In doing so, he has become the NFC's best quarterback while retaining the dangerous threat of running. Last week, without the injured Terrell Owens, McNabb showed that he can still lead an offense without any decent wide receivers, albeit against a Swiss-cheese defense.
Meanwhile, Vick threw for a mere 82 yards in the Falcons' victory over the defenseless Rams. He may again throw for 82 yards on Sunday, but it will not be enough for the victory.
Philadelphia is not without its own problems. While Atlanta can grind the ball on the snowy field with 245-pound RB TJ Duckett, Philly must rely on Westbrook, who is not an inside runner.
A key will be which team's short passing game works better. Alge Crumpler was the NFC's best tight end, but Philly has two capable tight ends, and Westbrook will be used in short patterns as well.
If Philly goes up early, the game's a blowout. Early inconsistency by McNabb could keep it close, but it comes down to whether Vick can stretch the field with his arm. With Philly pressing Atlanta's WRs at the line and spying on Crumpler (rather than Vick), Vick's highlight runs will not be enough to win.
Philly 31, Atlanta 16
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