Michael Vick says he’s ‘very confident’ Eagles, Jalen Hurts will thrive with new offensive scheme
Vick and his former Eagles teammate (and fellow MEAC head coach) DeSean Jackson were both present Monday for training camp and to talk about their upcoming matchup.
Michael Vick stood on the Eagles practice field Monday, sporting a bright green polo with a Norfolk State Spartans logo on the chest, and soaked it all in.
He made the rounds, talking to general manager Howie Roseman and players includingDeVonta Smith. He then watched practice with admiration as the first-team offense looked sharp running a new system under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
After practice, Vick — who is heading into his second season as head coach at Norfolk State — made sure to pick the brains of Mannion, Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
His expert opinion? The Eagles offense is in great shape with this new scheme in place.
“I’m very confident in this offense,” Vick said Monday. “I understand the West Coast system because in 2004, when I was introduced to it, it just changed my whole football life because it’s so structured around footwork and timing. Feet dictate where you’re supposed to go. So I was able to take those principles and play in anybody else’s offense, basically. I could see any route, any concept and break it down and know where I’ve got to go.
“This offense just makes you a smarter player. I’m glad Philly adopted it.”
The praise from Vick, who attended practice along with Delaware State coach and former Eagles teammate DeSean Jackson to announce a game between the teams at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 31, didn’t stop there.
Vick understands the pressure that comes with quarterbacking the Eagles. He joined the Eagles in 2009 after serving nearly two years in prison following a conviction on federal dog-fighting charges, and was named AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2010. He believes Hurts, now entering his seventh season with the Birds, deserves more credit across the league.
“Jalen is a Super Bowl champion,” Vick said. “That’s all you need to know. When you’re a Super Bowl champion, there’s no disrespect. He’s just got to continue.“
Does he think Hurts will thrive in this modern offense?
“Oh for sure,” said Vick. “He’s clearly super comfortable with the offense and understanding it. But he understands that he’s got to get better.
“We all know good quarterback play is so hard to get. So when you get one, you’ve got to cherish them. You need to treat them with respect. The Eagles have that in Jalen.”
As for his return to Philadelphia, Vick said it’s “surreal” that he gets to face Jackson for a second straight season in the same stadium where they used to play. The teams faced off last October in the inaugural HBCU Battle of Legends, drawing a crowd of 47,266 fans to Lincoln Financial Field. Delaware State won the game, 27-20.
“We’re blessed to be in this position,” Jackson said. “I’m hoping we can do this (in Philadelphia) year-in and year- out.”