The problem with Michael Vick is that he is such a dynamic runner, I think refs allow bigger hits on him than say a pure pocket passer like Tom Brady.
With that being said the rules should be the same for everyone and it doesn’t appear that Vick is getting the same ref protection as other quarterbacks and he is speaking out.
“Looking at the replays, I’m on the ground every time, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated,” Vick said. “The refs have got to do their jobs. And I mentioned it to the refs in training camp when I talked to them. I’m on the ground constantly, all the time. Every time I throw the ball, I’m on the ground. And I don’t know why I don’t get the 15-yard flags like everybody else does.”
Some of that is frustration on Vick’s part, but there were some calls that weren’t called were questionable. Vick and the Eagles also need to shoulder some of the blame.
Vick doesn’t slide and a part of his brilliance is his ability to extend plays which leads to more hits. He won’t last at this rate, so he and the Eagles need to figure out better ways to protect or it is going to be a long season.
Here is the video from the press conference.