As the buildup to free agency and the draft is underway, let's take a moment to reflect on what each position group accomplished in 2011 and what questions might be in store for this offseason and beyond. We'll review each group in four sections - last year's performance, impressive stat, depth chart and questions to be answered. Today, we'll start with the quarterback position.
2011 Season In Review
Armed with a lucrative, six-year contract entering the 2011 regular season, Michael Vick was poised to build upon a prolific 2010 campaign that ended with his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
Vick topped the 3,000-yard passing mark and the 500-yard rushing mark for the second straight season, setting a new career-high with 3,303 passing yards in the process. Vick's return to the lineup from injury sparked the team in the final four games of the season, which were all wins.
The two reasons that Vick was not able to play at an elite level once again in 2011 were injury and turnovers. For the second straight season, Vick missed three games due to a rib injury. The Eagles were 1-2 in those games. But Vick was also forced out of games because of injury in the losses to Atlanta and the Giants. The Eagles held fourth quarter leads against both teams after Vick exited. If the Eagles had won either one of those games, the Eagles would have been in the playoffs.
As for the turnovers, Vick boasted an impressive 21-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2010. This year, Vick had 18 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. Vick threw his seventh interception in the sixth game of the season.
By the end of the year, Vick dedicated himself to becoming more of a pocket passer and ran for just 54 yards in the last four games. That is easily a career-low rushing total for that timeframe.
Backing up Vick in 2011 was Vince Young, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason. Young came to Philadelphia with a strong resume that included a 30-17 record as a starting quarterback. Young hoped to learn from Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg and evolve as a quarterback the way Vick did.
Young started the three games that Vick missed due to injury. Young led the Eagles on an impressive 18-play, 80-yard fourth-quarter drive that resulted in the game-winning touchdown to beat the Giants in his first start. Young threw for a career-high 400 yards in a loss to the Patriots. However, Young's four interceptions against the Seahawks were a big part of the team's blowout loss on the road. In fairness to Young, he only had training camp to learn the new offense.
Second-year quarterback Mike Kafka came on in relief of Vick in Atlanta since Young was also sidelined due to injury at the time. Kafka was poised in his NFL debut completing 7-of-9 passes for 72 yards and a 100.0 QB rating. He nearly rallied the Eagles to a come-from-behind win, but a fourth-down pass attempt was dropped by wide receiver Jeremy Maclin ending any chance for a comeback.
Impressive Stat
Vick had a QB rating of 100-or-more in each of the last three games. It's the first time in his career he accomplished that mark in three straight starts.
End Of Season Depth Chart
1. Michael Vick, 2. Vince Young (UFA), 3. Mike Kafka
To Be Answered
Can Vick regain his status as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league?
Three quarterbacks passed for over 5,000 yards this past season. Ten, including rookie Cam Newton, crossed the 4,000-yard barrier. That's not to say that Vick needs to pass for more yards. In fact, Vick was on pace for 4,000 yards early in the season, but the Eagles were not able to convert those yards into points. The Eagles gained fewer yards later in the season, but were more efficient scoring more points. But there's no question that it's more imperative than ever that you have efficient quarterback play. Alex Smith isn't considered a dynamic quarterback, but he only threw five interceptions for the NFC West champion 49ers. Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay tossed 45 touchdowns against just six interceptions.
The offensive line reduced the sack total by 17 in Howard Mudd's system, so Vick's protection has improved. This will be Vick's first full offseason with access to coaches and mini-camp reps as a starter since he arrived in Philadelphia. It is something that Vick must take advantage of.
After Vick, the Eagles must decide whether Kafka proved he can be a backup. If Vick were to miss time again, the Eagles must have someone in line who can win games. If not, do the Eagles bring Young back?
Another thing that the Eagles must consider - when is it time to look to develop the next franchise quarterback? Vick will be 32 years old this year. The Eagles hope he plays at a high level for the remainder of his contract. The Eagles have been smart with their development of quarterbacks in the Andy Reid era. Maybe Kafka can be "the guy," but could the Eagles consider selecting someone in the draft who would learn for a few years before taking the reins?
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