If only it were that easy to tune out this season. If only it were that easy for Vick and the Eagles to turn back the clock to August, when, at least for one day, it was sunny at the NovaCare Complex.
The Eagles held a news conference formally announcing the $100 million contract to which they had just signed Vick, and the franchise quarterback and coach Andy Reid took to the stage nearly arm in arm.
The two appeared married to each other. Vick's contract was for six years, but really the Eagles were on the hook for only two. And Reid was entering the second year of a four-year extension he signed in 2009.
But at this point, after a most disappointing 4-8 start that will end without a playoff berth and most likely a losing record, only Vick is guaranteed to return next season. Reid could be back, if only because Eagles owner Jeff Lurie and team president Joe Banner believe that only Reid can get the maximum out of Vick.
But what would be the point?
Let's say Reid dumps Juan Castillo as his defensive coordinator, brings in someone with a pedigree on that side of the ball, and the defense's problems are fixed to the point of competency - sort of like when Sean McDermott ran the defense.
Where does that get the Eagles with a healthy Vick - 12, 13 wins and a shot at the Super Bowl? Not likely. A more probable scenario is one that has become commonplace with the Eagles of late - 10 or 11 wins, a playoff berth, and an early exit.
That may be generous. In Vick's first 11 games at quarterback last season, the Eagles went 8-3. He didn't start the opener against Green Bay and didn't finish the first game against Washington - both losses - so he was 8-1 in games he started and finished.
