As one of the NFC favorites, the Philadelphia Eagles have taken a huge gamble by signing Michael Vick. They believe he could be a difference-maker in their search for a first Super Bowl title.

His presence also could carry them over the edge — in the wrong direction.
The expected furor, which would have occurred wherever Vick landed, is now engulfing Philadelphia. The Eagles and coach Andy Reid, the key decision maker here, have energized the preseason, a difficult thing to do, particularly in a city where the World Series champions play and are chasing another title.
All of this attention isn’t necessarily a good thing, though. Sure, Vick could provide an additional threat if Reid and his coaching staff incorporate some Wildcat into the offense. And yes, the former Falcons quarterback probably has some big-play potential remaining, even after sitting out two seasons — and spending 18 months of that time in prison for bankrolling a dogfighting ring.
Plus, Donovan McNabb, one of the key figures in this venture, has fully supported the move. Having Tony Dungy as one of Vick’s chief advisers should be comforting for all concerned.
Still, there are so many ways this decision could backfire. Team owner Jeffrey Lurie knows it and all but said so.
“That is unprecedented in the way we operate with the Eagles,” Lurie said Friday. “I have a very close and respectful relationship with Andy Reid. Never has there been an instance where he wanted to acquire a player and I said I don’t want to.
“We take great pride in building a high-character team. This is extremely counterintuitive.
“I had to ask going forward, is Michael going to be a negative force in society the way he has been? Or is he going to have an opportunity and be able to be committed enough to take the bull by the horns and become a force for good?”
Lurie recognizes the certainty of backlash from animal rights groups. The protesters might not be out in full force now, but wait until Vick gets in uniform, and particularly when he actually plays in a game.
Anyone who says the players are insulated from those demonstrations is ignoring the fact they will be asked about it ad nauseam by the media. Few cities have the aggressive media corps and vociferous fan base that exists in Philly. The Vick buzz will be constant from now until he is cleared to play by commissioner Roger Goodell, probably in mid-October.
Then, it will ratchet up exponentially. Not what the Eagles need halfway through the season.
There’s also the issue of how much the Eagles are paying Vick. Dungy has said this signing is not a “charity measure.” Considering that Vick will be paid $1.6 million this year and, at the club’s option, could earn another $5.2 million in 2010, it’s quite conceivable fans struggling to pay the rent will criticize the team loudly for being so generous.
How Vick fits into the locker room is a non-issue unless he attempts to usurp McNabb’s role. Pro athletes quickly forgive and forget when a new teammate can win games for them, regardless of his off-field resume. Indeed, so will the fans forgive and forget if Vick has a significant role in lifting the Eagles past the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins, and then even further in the playoffs.
How Vick fits into the offense is far more dicey. For one, if Reid uses him at quarterback, as he’s indicated he will, that cuts into McNabb’s time behind center. It’s incomprehensible that Vick could have anywhere near the command of Reid’s system that McNabb has, meaning a limited package of plays is about all Vick will be handed this season. That places more pressure on Vick to produce when he does get on the field, not exactly a situation that enhances performance.
If star running back Brian Westbrook is healthy — he’s still recovering from offseason ankle surgery — and rookie LeSean McCoy really is as good as he’s looked so far, does it make much sense to turn some of their snaps over to Vick?
Finally, does this move smack a bit of desperation? Reid’s contract is up after 2010 and there has been no word of discussions on an extension. While Reid has gotten Philly to five NFC championship games in his decade in charge, only once did the Eagles get to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Patriots 24-21.
Considering all that, his mandate is to win NOW — win everything NOW.
“I’ve always said to the people of Philadelphia that I would try to bring in the best players that could help our football team to achieve the highest goal and that’s a Super Bowl,” Reid said.
This might be a second chance for Michael Vick, but it could be a final chance in Philly for Andy Reid.