Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is ready to bring back his running game. The 33-year-old veteran expects to be a difference-maker on the ground, and he has an answer for any concerns about injury.
"I'll be a threat," Vick told ESPN on Thursday. "I'm going to have my opportunities to do the things I like to do within this offense and to run the football. That's exciting."
Vick's been more of a pocket passer since joining the Eagles. The problem with Vick becoming a scrambling quarterback again is the amount of hits he becomes more susceptible to. In 10 years, Vick has only played a full season once - in 2006. Since 2010, Vick has missed 17 regular-season games.
"You guys act like I get hurt once a week," Vick said. "Some [injuries] were random, some were positions I put myself in, sometimes being in the wrong place at the wrong time - two years back-to-back with broken ribs. Other than that, everything's been pretty cool. If I can keep that to a minimum, I'll be OK."
Despite being 33 years old, Vick believes he still has elite speed and cited a 40-yard dash this offseason where he beat running back LeSean McCoy. Vick also sounded confident he'd found a solution to keep from getting injured.
"We have an answer for that - 220 pounds standing right here, soaking wet," Vick said of his added muscle weight gained this offseason.
"... Hopefully I'll be able to maintain [taking] the hits. I've been taking my vitamins, taking calcium like never before, just doing things that will give me an edge."
Coach Chip Kelly's offense should be conducive to Vick's skill set. Although running puts his body at risk, Vick believes a football player can't be successful if he's afraid to get injured.
"You've got to take on a certain mindset that you've got to play the game all out," Vick said. "When you go into a football game not wanting to get hurt, trying not to get hurt, it doesn't allow you to play the way that you want to play."
