Reid Lets Vick Off the Leash, Eagles Hold Players-Only Meeting

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After weeks of speculation, and a report on late Sunday evening that Andy Reid was making a switch under center for the Eagles' Week 9 tilt against the New Orleans Saints, the embattled head coach attempted to put the controversy to rest on Thursday. Reid confirmed Michael Vick will be his quarterback, and stressed it is not subject to a "week-to-week" basis.

Speaking at his normal weekly press conference that was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy, Reid finally gave Vick an emphatic endorsement. "Michael is, was and will continue to be our quarterback. This is not a week-to-week thing."

Reid's words were a major departure from the mood he projected immediately after the 30-17 loss to the Falcons, as well as heading into the bye week. When asked if he was committed to Vick as the starter before the bye, Reid responded, "Today, I am," which is hardly, "For always, and forever." On Sunday, he added fuel to the fire when he admitted he would "look at everything" once again when pressed about the quarterback.

Clearly feeling the pressure, Vick himself actually announced Reid was considering a change after Sunday's game. Reports that he had been given the hook proved erroneous on Wednesday though, and suddenly the head coach is standing squarely behind his franchise QB.

Or is he? I won't be the first to point this out, nor the last, but Reid has gone back on his word in the past, and specifically as it relates to his signal callers. Donovan McNabb was the man... until he wasn't. Kevin Kolb was the man... until he wasn't. With another subpar outing, Vick could still wind up being next on that list.

For now at least, the Nick Foles era remains on hold. With that much settled, the locker room is attempting to rally for their last stand over the final nine games of the season. According to reports, there was a players-only meeting on Wednesday, at which as many as 10 Eagles veterans apparently spoke out. As we all know, those meetings always fix everything.

Sarcasm aside, it's a good thing the Eagles realize their backs are against the wall, but you have to wonder if they're not too late, or if it even matters at all. A win in New Orleans on Monday night would get the Birds back to .500, so they're not out of the race just yet. However, they've dug themselves a sizable hole in a competitive NFC, and haven't looked as talented as many of us pictured to begin with when heading into the season.

At this point, it might be fair to suggest nothing can save the Eagles this year -- not a players-only meeting, nor a change at quarterback. It doesn't appear the team is ready to give up either, so maybe we should wait a week or two before calling it.

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