Vick on his MVP pick: 'I would take...myself'

[King Taharqa]

PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Michael Vick’s MVP pick?

That would be Michael Vick.

Asked after practice Friday who he would select if he had a vote, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback said, “You put me on the spot.”

Then he added with a smile: “I would take … myself.”

Vick and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady are widely considered the top two candidates for the award, which has been won or shared by a quarterback 17 of the last 23 years.

Brady leads the NFL with a 109.9 passer rating. In his last nine games, he’s thrown 21 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Patriots (12-2) have won 11 of their last 12.

Vick’s 103.6 passer rating is third-highest in the NFL and leads the NFC. He also has 613 yards rushing and has run for eight TDs—more than all but nine NFL running backs.

Vick spent Christmas in 2007 and 2008 incarcerated at Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas while serving an 18-month sentence on federal charges of running an illegal dogfighting ring.

“I’m just blessed to be here,” Vick said. “I spent two Christmases in Kansas, and that was by far the toughest thing I’ve had to do. Each and every year I reflect on that, and I think it will always make the holiday season more gratifying.

“(I’m) just thankful for a lot, thankful for the opportunity that I’ve been given, thankful for the blessings, and hopefully they’ll continue to come.”

The Eagles (10-4) would clinch the NFC East title Sunday either with a home win over the Vikings (5-8) or a Packers victory over the Giants in Green Bay.

“We all know what’s on the line,” Vick said. “We know what’s at stake. Like I say each and every week, every game is going to be a tough game. You have to go and play as hard as you can. You can’t let up and you can’t go into a game sure you’re going to win. You have to earn it. That’s our mentality and that’s our mindset, and this week is no different.”

Notes: The Eagles signed cornerback Gerard Lawson on Friday to replace kick returner Jorrick Calvin, out for the year with a back injury. Lawson averaged 14.4 yards on eight kick returns during his two-year stay with the Cleveland Browns. Lawson was released in late August, three weeks after he was arrested near Browns training camp when police saw him drive his vehicle into a parked car. Lawson pleaded no contest to driving under the influence and accepted a plea agreement that included a year of probation, 20 hours of community service and a $500 fine but no jail time. Coach Andy Reid said undrafted rookie Chad Hall would probably return kicks Sunday against the Vikings. Jeremy Maclin has also practiced returning kicks.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ar1Sa5w7l2irKFZsl_6LP_5DubYF?slug=ap-eagles-vick

[pantherfool]

Hard to argue with the man. When he's been in there he's special. If he hadn't missed those 3 games there would be no doubt in my mind. I believe that this is one case where a man has paid a steep price for his sins and has learned from them. Not many are willing to be make the changes in their lives that are needed to turn things around. I was a critic but now I'm a fan. I wish him the best.

[theyhateme45]

It's close, but this year I think Vick would just slightly edge Brady and get my vote.

[Brooklyn Bully]

Those missed games will hurt Vick, but I think he's done enough to edge out Brady. Might be the closest vote in a long time. Do they release the numbers?

[Awesomeness!!]

When has the NFL MVP EVER meant this much? Not in a long time I bet....glad people actually care about it again.

As of right now, He is a hair ahead of Brady after that game last week, but things change ever single game. It might come down to who plays last next week. If the Pats have a 4 oclock game, and the Eagles get the Sunday Night game, Vick might win, and vice versa. I hope they don't pull a 2004 and give us CO MVPs. Nobody wants that.

[Panthro]

Should be between Rivers and Vick

[Boltergeist]

Should be between Rivers and Vick

I think any real hope PR had of winning it died in that 2nd Oakland game, I'd put him 3rd behind Brady and Vick.

[pstall]

It's Brady. TWO rookie..umm...TIGHT ENDS. Danny Woodhead and Ben Jarvis Ellis as your RB's. I said Danny Woodhead and Ben Jarvis Ellis.

Deon Branch came late in the season. He loses Randy Moss. I said he LOST Randy Moss. Name the other WR? That's what I thought.

Vick while having a superb year has the amazing Desean Jackson to go to. McCoy is far and away better than NE's rb's. Macklin is the other wideout. If Vick goes down and he has, Kolb is more than capable of leading this team. Sure the Eagles are more dynamic with Vick but do you really think the Pat's are about to be the #1 seed with NE's backup? Nope.

Oh and to add to Brady's lore, the Pat's have the YOUNGEST D in the league.

Sorry but not really that close.

[CarolinaKid704]

Vick is the clear cut choice if your a 5th grader. Tom Brady should win MVP easily.

[PantherFan52]

Tom Brady and it's not even close. Like someone said earlier, Tom Brady is leading his team while throwing to NFL C-listers while Vick is throwing to a top 10 TE in Celek, and two of the best young WR's in Jackson and Maclin. Vick is playing at an All-pro level no doubt but, he doesn't deserve the trophy as much as Brady imo.

[dimbee]

Name the other WR? That's what I thought.

Ummmmm... Wes Welker? Possibly the most consistent WR of last 2-3 seasons?

[jim stone]

Bradys numbers are better, but you must remember, the Pats cheat. Vick is most likely to get it thouigh, due to afirmative action like considerations ( Vick is truly a gifted player and has changed the game.)

[pstall]

Ummmmm... Wes Welker? Possibly the most consistent WR of last 2-3 seasons?

consistent but not a deep threat. he only catches everything thrown his way. i do say WW is awesome.

Again, with what Brady is working with, I give the nod to him over Vick.

[Matt Foley]

Brady by far, and that won't even take postseason performances into account. Bet you money Vick folds in the playoffs.