In preseason games, Vick replaced Kolb for short stints - often one snap - in varied down and distances and field positions. He has worked from the shotgun and under center, sometimes handing off, sometimes dropping back, often rolling out, and is always a threat to run. In his second year back in the NFL, his speed is reminiscent of his earlier days.
Vick, who said he still dreams of starting again in the NFL, was coy about his role on the team.
"My role is to make positive plays, baby," he said.
Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg also declined to talk specifics, but the preseason provided hints.
In the Eagles' third warm-up game, Vick came in on short-yardage situations and delivered his most effective spot duty, converting on third and 1 and third and 2. On both plays, the offense feinted a pass - Vick lined up in a shotgun - and the quarterback ran for a first down.
Inside the red zone that game, he took a second-down snap from under center and handed off to LeSean McCoy, who broke an 18-yard touchdown run. It was the only time the first team offense reached the end zone this preseason.
Notably absent have been the "Wildcat" plays that accounted for much of his 2009 playing time.
Vick has not been limited to short or red-zone situations, though. He has come in on several first-and-10 plays and at times appears to be a decoy as he hands off to a running back.
On pass plays, the Eagles have often sent Vick on bootlegs, giving him the opportunity to make a quick read and throw or pull the ball down and do what he has always done best: run.
His presence in different formations and plays gives defenses another look, and set of skills, to account for.
