Eagles and Vick: What The...?

When I got home a short while ago, turned on the TV and saw the news on the screen, my initial reaction was to yell "What?" about a dozen times. I'm completely flabbergasted. The Eagles have shocked everyone by signing dog-killer Michael Vick to a one-year contract with an option for a second year. He's been conditionally reinstated by the NFL -- he can play the last two preseason games; once the regular season starts he can participate in all team activities except the games, with a full reinstatement by commissioner Roger Goodell possible no later than Week 6.

I think the opinion of a majority of people is that Vick, having served his sentence for the crimes he committed, ought not be barred forever from playing football. And there were a few rumors about teams that might be interested in signing him because they were desperate for a quarterback and/or eager to use the Vick sideshow to sell tickets. But the Eagles? The EAGLES? With squeaky-clean disciplinarian head coach Andy Reid? A team that went through the craziness of Terrell Owens a few years ago? A team that recommitted itself to Donovan McNabb as their starting quarterback and still considers backup Kevin Kolb as the future QB? A team that sells out every game instantly once tickets go on sale?

I can't imagine what they're thinking. Is Vick going to replace Kolb or, more likely, A.J. Feeley as a backup QB? Is he going to play in the "wildcat" formation that's become so en vogue last year? Is he going to be a wide receiver? Are the Eagles ready for what could be a circus atmosphere at every road game, if not home game? Are they ready for what will undoubtedly be a huge publicity hit?

I just got home a few minutes ago, so I didn't get to see much of the Eagles' first preseason game. The NFL preseason is a monumental bore and a tremendous ripoff for those who are forced to buy tickets as part of a season package, so I wouldn't really have watched or paid close attention at any rate. But after the Vick news, no one is paying attention to that game.