Michael Vick

The Eagles took responsibility for $3 million of whatever is left of quarterback Michael Vick on Wednesday when they let pass the deadline for releasing him and getting away without a nickel's obligation for the 2013 season. Everyone agrees it was the smart play and allows another month for new coach Chip Kelly to figure out his battle plan for the quarterback position. When the NFL calendar actually flips on March 12 with the opening of the free-agent season, Vick could be jettisoned then, with the Eagles only liable for any portion of the $3 million that he doesn't make elsewhere.

As expected, the Eagles will take advantage of a provision in Michael Vick's contract and won't release the quarterback before a Wednesday deadline guarantees him $3 million, sources close to the situation said. The clause permits the Eagles to keep Vick on the roster until the start of free agency on March 12 without having to pay the guaranteed figure as long as another team picks him up or pays him more than $3 million. Wednesday was once thought to be D-Day for Vick and the Eagles, but the provision buys new coach Chip Kelly some time before he has to make a decision on the 32-year-old quarterback.

49ers (-4) over Ravens Matchups, matchups, matchups. That's what the wise guys and sharps here in Vegas always talk about, and your very own wiseguy, Double V, has found a matchup that will be the key to unlocking a Super Bowl winner. Speaking of winners, just hope you have been riding the Vegas Vic best bet money train for a while. Last week, we had another bestie winner, maybe the easiest of the extended run, as the Ravens bounced into Super Sunday with a 28-13 victory as a 7 1/2-point underdog.

The Eagles have longer than the three days following the Super Bowl to decide if they want to keep Michael Vick without having to pay a guaranteed $3 million. The Eagles quarterback is due to receive that amount on Feb. 6, but the team is likely to buy time until the start of free agency on March 11 because of a provision in Vick's contract. The Eagles would owe him the money only if no one else picked him up or if someone signed him for less than $3 million, according to an NFL source.

TO A REGION lately capped by the knees of Andrew Bynum and Chase Utley, dismayed by the failings of Andy Reid and Michael Vick, and held hostage by the egos of Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr, Chip Kelly at least offers hope. He is an uncertain light at the end of what is a short but very dark tunnel. Largely without pedigree - he never coached in the NFL, never coached a team covered by a major media market, ran an emerging college program for just four seasons - Kelly landed in Philadelphia last week in full glow.

Don't look for Michael Vick to speed up the Jersey Turnpike to MetLife Stadium now that Marty Mornhinweg is offensive coordinator for the Jets. According to ESPN.com, the two were not on the best of terms last season when Mornhinweg called plays for the Eagles, and that relationship - along with Vick's price tag - makes a reunion unlikely. When Mornhinweg was hired by the Jets last week, the immediate thought was that he might be looking to bring Vick with him. The Eagles have only two weeks to decide about keeping Vick.

Well, one thing is for sure: Lance Armstrong won't be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame - at least not on the first ballot. Most of those not currently in a coma couldn't have found the cyclist's confession to Oprah Winfrey any more shocking that Jodie Foster's acknowledgment at the Golden Globes that she is . . . "single. " The question is what Armstrong does now. Can he rise from the ashes of his Nike sponsorship? For some people, "breaking good" is motivated by a desire for inner peace.

Here are some of the biggest issues new Eagles coach Chip Kelly will have to resolve: Who is his quarterback? Is it second-year player Nick Foles? Could Michael Vick return? Will Kelly draft a QB or sign a veteran to hold the fort until real help arrives? Who is his first-round draft pick? The Eagles have the fourth pick, and if he does not choose a quarterback, who is next on Kelly's list? What about that secondary? Can Kelly fix what ails the Eagles' cornerbacks and safeties, or will he have to hire a whole new backfield?

Here are some of the biggest issues new Eagles coach Chip Kelly will have to resolve: Who is his quarterback? Is it second-year player Nick Foles? Could Michael Vick return? Will Kelly draft a QB or sign a veteran to hold the fort until real help arrives? Who is his draft pick? The Eagles have the fourth pick, and if he does not choose a quarterback, who is next on Kelly's list? What about that secondary? Can Kelly fix what ails the Eagles cornerbacks and safeties, or will he have to hire a whole new backfield?