Vick’s return: a game within a game

Even a 48-22 demolition Sunday at the hands of the New Orleans Saints and the myriad problems on defense and special teams it revealed did not obscure the one true subtext of the Philadelphia Eagles‘ season: the return of Michael Vick.

Outside the stadium, the anti-Vicks stood at different checkpoints, their dissent documented for the record. Vick is on the team, a decision made long ago; nonetheless, out the protestors stood, picketing with signs and banners and shouts. They numbered between 50 and 75 people, a physical reminder to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and coach Andy Reid — as to Vick himself — that all is not forgiven.

While Vick watched the debacle on the field, shielded by Lurie’s private luxury box, nine times the Eagles ran the offensive formation — the exotic Wildcat — so well contoured to the special set of athletic skills Philadelphia inherited when the club signed him two months ago. It couldn’t have helped but look like a preview of how Vick will be used.

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