the 4th star

I decided to go straight to the Philadelphia newspapers this morning for first reaction to the Michael Vick signing, to see not only what they’re saying about it but to see what they’re not saying about it.

This guy loves it. And he’s in love with husky men, too.

Reid may have a few faults as a coach, but he is one of the best play-designers in the NFL. Give him 5 minutes, a pen and a cocktail napkin and he’ll give you a play defenses can’t stop. He is all about creating mismatches.

Oh, you mean what every coach in every sport tries to do? Unstoppable. No wonder he’s won all those Super Bowls. Wow. But the love doesn’t stop there. This guy is also looking for a seat in the owner’s box.

“But I’m not going to kill the Eagles for signing him…”

This reporter asked people at the game what they thought of the news. Amazingly, she couldn’t find one person who had a problem with it.

For some, the criticism against Vicks (sic) has gone a little too far. “Other people get another chance,” said Paul Kelley, of Center City. “When [Phillies piyther] (sic) Brett Myers beat his wife, everyone stopped talking about him a week later.”

Terrific. That glowing recommendation despite the ultra-scientific reader poll which has the naysayers out in front as of this morning or the segment of fans who are dumping their Eagles season tix on Craig’s List:

“The last thing my son & I want to see is Michael Vick in an Eagles jersey. We made up our mind to sell the tickets. Lower Level, 2 seats, side by side, 24 rows off the field. Great seats. $3000 cash gets the tickets. Any info feel free to ask, serious buyers only, I want the deal done fast.”

Phil Sheridan is all for second chances, but doesn’t think Vick is worth the trouble.

Reid emphasized the importance of second chances, taking the rare step of mentioning his two sons’ issues with drug addiction and the legal system. That tells you he has given this a lot of thought and is doing it for what he believes are strong reasons. But he is asking the millions of people who follow the Eagles, who spend their money on tickets and sweatshirts and invest their hearts as well, to share his faith in Vick. And that’s asking too much.

As you might expect, the Philly animal protection community is less than impressed. Said Tom Hickey of Drexel Hill, a member of the governor’s Dog Law Advisory Board:

“For the Philadelphia Eagles, knowing the heinous crimes committed by this man, to sign him is unconscionable.”

All of this on top of conflicting stories that quarterback Donovan McNabb is happy with the deal and that Vick was signed to just be a ‘Wildcat’ player. It will shake down and come out as the pre-season and first few weeks of the season play out but the initial splash of the signing (two years, team option for the second) has everyone wet.

Vick and the Eagles are holding a press conference as I type this. If something interesting comes out of that, I’ll pass it along here. I expect everyone to say the right things. What else can they do — give actual opinions?

UPDATE: Vick will wear No. 7. And he’s done a terrible thing.

Being a New York Giants fan, I’m pretty pleased with all of this. Couldn’t happen to a better team. Having the Eagles make such a desperate move like this means they have some worry going into the season. That’s what I’m telling myself, anyway. I firmly agree with what Sheridan says, Vick is not worth the risk. The Eagles are a good team and should contend in the ultra-competitive NFC East. A move like this has the potential to not only push them over the top but it could also bring the team down to the ground. They tried this ‘over the top’ move with Terrell Owens and that flamed out quick, if you remember. Granted, Vick is not of the same personality as T.O. (or so everyone says), but his presence turns up the heat on all the Eagles players now. Countless media will be watching every move this club makes now. And I love it.