And this guy looks good. It really suits him.
If the New England Patriots have ruled themselves out of the Michael Vick reverse-sweepstakes, where instead of being notified when you win the prize, you notify the world that you have no interest of even being in the drawing, it seems like Minnesota makes the most sense for the convicted felon. And this is true for both Vick and the Vikings.
Actually, it has probably been the best fit the whole time. But there was that whole extended “Will he or won’t he” episode with Brett Favre. The truth is that even if Favre had decided he could make it through one more season with the “Need Fuel” light blinking as he coasted on fumes while racking up interceptions, Vick would have been a better fit for this Vikings’ team.
It’s hard to believe at this point that a 29 year-old Vick wouldn’t be a better quarterback than the over-the-hill Favre could possibly have been. And that’s just being real.
Michael Vick is the best rushing quarterback in NFL history. He was the first quarterback to ever lead his team to a playoff victory on the frozen tundra in Lambeau. And he did it against Brett Favre.
The idea of him sharing a backfield with Adrian Peterson is nothing less than tantalizing. It would immediately make the Vikings contenders for the NFC crown.
He would also have Benard Berrian and rookie Percy Harvin, the 22nd selection over all in this year’s draft, lining up at receiver. He would have dependable veteran tight end Jimmy Kleinsasser to work with.
That would make for a pretty dynamic offense.
It would certainly be understandable if the Vikings were hesitant to sign Vick. Who would want the guy just voted the most disliked athlete in the world to be the face of their franchise?
But then again, who would want to have all of that offense wasted with Tarvaris Jackson or Shane Rosenfels under center? Who really believes those guys can lead this team to the Promised Land?
Nobody, that’s who. And if the Vikings believed it, they wouldn’t have been pursuing Favre like a hopelessly romantic teenager for the last few months. I know they say they have ruled out Vick, but they also can’t be any more comfortable since Tarvaris suffered a minor injury in an early practice session.
Not to mention, with so many teams saying they are not interested in Vick, it would be a chance to get him cheap. If he keeps his nose clean and excels as both a player and member of the community, it could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Vick is entering his physical prime at a time when the Vikes seem to be coming into their own.
A former Pro Bowler for a team desperately in need of a quarterback.
And the perfect spot to fill for a quarterback desperately in need of a team.
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Photo by Todd Huffman
Mason Lerner
Mason Lerner is a freelance writer and stand-up comedian in Austin, TX. His works has appeared in the Houston Chronicle, ESPN the Magazine and many other publications. Lerner is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Anthropology. ...
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mercy says:
so vick is likely to be accepted by vikings？？？
Mason Lerner says:
I wouldn't say likely. It seems like UFL is a good bet. What if he made 1.5 million for 6 games of work and at the same time elevated his status by showing he can still play? NFL teams may be missing their chance to get him cheap. He is just the most intriguing football story in years. There are so many angles.