While many big names stay saddled to the sidelines during the NFL’s dog days of preseason, Mike Vick looks to show everyone tonight that he’s still got it

SCOTT JACOBS

Mike Vick has been in the dog house for two years, because of his own stupidity.  Tonight he begins his attempt to climb out.

Preseason game number three for the Philadelphia Eagles is more than a chance for guys on the edge to put up or get out.  Preseason game number three for the Eagles is Mike Vick’s chance to prove he still belongs on the field.  Whether you agree with what he did or not, it’s his football skills, not his heart (or second chance) that landed him a deal with a team that came a few plays away from going to the Super Bowl last year.

Buy what you want to believe but if Mike Vick flops tonight in his preseason debut, something that is entirely possible considering he’s been out of the game for over two years, all those second chance stories that you’ve heard witll be closer to be rendered moot.  Vick’s success or his failure in his second NFL stint will come down to his play on the field, not how beloved he tries to become off of it.

Vick says he’s a new person, says he’s learned from his mistakes, and that he’s put it all behind him.  He just wants to play football.  Tonight is his stage.  Tonight will be more than a game too. There will be angry protesters outside, still mortified from Vick’s actions, and he more than likely will get booed.

But if he plays well, everything goes away.

It’s the reality.  We live in a forgiving society.  Many people probably want to see Vick fall flat on his face, but there are also those who want him to turn this nightmare into a Disney Hollywood ending.  We’ll just see about that.

Whatever happens, Vick’s road back to redemption starts tonight.  Logic be damned.

Popularity: 3% [?]