Michael Vick did everything possible to try and guide his team to a win on Sunday, including playing through yet another injury.
Vick said that the middle finger on his throwing hand “popped out of place” in the first half, and it was clear on the game footage that his hand impacted a 49ers helmet pretty hard on a follow through in the first half. “I was just determined to finish the game, regardless of how I had to do it” said Vick. He is not listed on Eagles head coach Andy Reid’s injury list.
Despite being dinged up on his throwing hand, on top of the deep contusion on his non-throwing hand, Vick did everything he could for his team. He passed for a career high 416 yards and 2 TDs, and led all Eagles runners with 75 yards on the ground as well.
But even with Vick accounting for 491 yards from scrimmage, he couldn’t stop the Eagles from blowing a 20-point lead midway through the third quarter. His frustration was palpable in the post-game press conference.
Asked about his feelings about sitting at 1-3, Vick responded, “My feeling? Do I really have to explain that? Do I really have to explain how I’m feeling right now sitting at 1-3? You want me to explain that to everyone here? It’s frustrating, it’s tough. I can’t put that in words.”
His frustration is understandable. Vick put the team on his shoulders and DeSean Jackson was there with him, with 171 yards receiving, but ultimately the team wilted again near the end. One (or two) players doesn’t make a “Dream Team” and the team will need to start firing on all cylinders if they are even going to make the playoffs, much less make a Super Bowl run.
The Eagles are now 1-3 and in last place in the tough NFC East, and their next stop is the surprising 3-1 Buffalo Bills.