Philly Good Fit for Vick, but Fords and Lions Could Not Risk Auto Protests in Detroit
Open Mike | by Mike O'Hara | 08.14.2009/7:31AM
My quick take on Michael Vick signing with the Philadelphia Eagles:
It’s a good move for the Eagles, and a great move for Vick.
The Eagles get insurance behind starting QB Donovan McNabb. Vick is a game-changer because of the unique skills he brings to the position. I stand by what I’ve written before: Vick did the crime, did the time and warrants a chance to play football again. Notice I am not saying he deserves a change. Nobody deserves a chance to play football. But he has the skill to play the game, and that warrants getting an opportunity.
As for the Lions, it would not have been a good fit in Detroit. The Lions never could have signed Vick. First reason: they’re rebuilding, and not a Super Bowl contender, as are the Eagles. Second reason: their QB chart has Daunte Culpepper and Matthew Stafford competing for the starting job. There’s no room for Vick on that depth chart.
And third reason – perhaps the biggest of all: the Lions are owned by the Ford family, whose auto company is experiencing a rebound. Their brand is not just football, it’s cars and related business, and it would be a target for protestors.
The Lions could not risk signing Vick, and having protestors picketing their dealerships around the country. That could – would, probably – cost them car sales, income and jobs.
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