ATS Sports Blog

Playing his first NFL game since his release from prison, the Eagles quarterback got a standing ovation in a half-empty stadium, avoided any ugly protests and completed four passes for 19 yards. Though his minutes were limited Thursday night, Vick was ready to take on any assignment. He played quarterback, ran the Wildcat formation, even lined up at wide receiver and completed a pass right-handed.

Philadelphia even won the game, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 33-32 on David Akers’ 34-yard field goal in the final minute. Vick’s return overshadowed a somewhat sloppy effort by an Eagles team that has Super Bowl aspirations.

Eagles coach Andy Reid didn’t wait long to use Vick. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback jogged onto the field for the second play from scrimmage and got a hearty welcome from the notoriously tough Philly fans.

Vick was on the field for six plays — all in the opening 18 minutes — and completed all four of his passes, ran for 1 yard and lined up in the slot for one play.

Vick hadn’t played in an NFL game since Dec. 31, 2006, with the Atlanta Falcons. He was released from federal custody July 20 after serving 18 months of a 23-month sentence for his role in running a dog fighting ring. He signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract with the Eagles, who hold a $5.2 million option for a second season.

It was a long day for Vick. He traveled to Virginia early Thursday, where a federal judge approved his six-year plan to repay creditors $20 million and emerge from bankruptcy, and then hustled out of court to return to Philadelphia for the game.

With Vick, the Eagles managed 3 points. Without him, they moved the ball far more efficiently, and McNabb made it clear he would’ve rather waited until the offense was in a rhythm before Vick debuted.

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