The answers are yes and yes.
The Eagles didn't sign Vick to have him push Donovan McNabb for the starting quarterback job. He wasn't even really signed to give Kevin Kolb a run for his money as the No. 2 guy.
He was signed for one reason, one word: Wildcat.
While many NFL coaches don't view the Wildcat formation, which features a direct snap to a skill-position player other than the quarterback, as much more than a glorified trick play, Eagles coach Andy Reid sees it as much more than that. He understands the problems the Wildcat can give a defense if you have the right weapon.
And he believes Vick is the right weapon.
"Michael is an unbelievable athlete, both running the ball and throwing the ball," Reid said last night after his team's 27-25 preseason loss to the New England Patriots at the Linc.
"He's a difference-maker in a lot of areas. He can do a lot of different things for you. I'll think of something for him."
Reid may have a few faults as a coach, but he is one of the best play-designers in the NFL. Give him 5 minutes, a pen and a cocktail napkin and he'll give you a play defenses can't stop.
He is all about creating mismatches. A safety on a swift wide receiver like DeSean Jackson. A linebacker on Brian Westbrook. Now he's got Vick, who he can line up anywhere in the formation; who can throw the ball, run with it, even catch it.
"Strictly from a football standpoint, it's a terrific move," an AFC personnel man said. "Look at the speed they're going to have on the field now when Vick, Jackson and [rookie wide receiver Jeremy] Maclin are all out there at the same time."
