Michael Vick is back.
Cue "Ode to Joy."
OK, so Vick hasn't been that good this season, and Vince Young wasn't as bad as some have suggested - he did engineer an 18-play, game-winning drive against the New York Giants last month.
But if the Eagles are to have any chance of closing out the 2011 season with four straight victories, they need the 2010 Vick, specifically the one from the first half of last season.
We've seen glimpses of that quarterback this season. There was the 49ers game, when Vick threw for more than 400 yards and ran for another 75, and then the Cowboys game, when he finally put all that preseason talk about recognizing blitzes to use.
For the most part, however, he just hasn't been the same quarterback. In fact, he has regressed. He's leaving the pocket too early, he's turning the ball over too much, and his team isn't winning.
Last week, Vick vowed to finally start sliding, or diving, or whatever it takes to not endure the type of hits that have caused him injury over the years. Skepticism remained. Even Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg didn't sound convinced.
"Well, we've discussed that since day one," Mornhinweg said, "so we'll see."
Nevertheless, having Vick back in the lineup - and possibly wide receiver Jeremy Maclin - should elevate the offense against the Dolphins and down the stretch. Momentum into next season is key, but Vick has to remind the Eagles why they gave him all that money four months ago.
Here is how the teams match up:
The Eagles have an NFL-worst 22 interceptions, but not all of have come from Vick. Young had an astounding eight picks in three starts, but even he can't be blamed for all of his errant throws. Eagles wide receivers just haven't been as sure-handed as they should, and a few picks have come from passes that bounced off hands. The Eagles won't have any excuses if they cough up the football against Miami. The Dolphins have caused only 11 turnovers this season. Their 3-4 defense is sound, especially against the rush, but only pass-rushing linebacker Cameron Wake (61/2 sacks) has been able to bring consistent pressure.
Edge: EAGLES
