Two playoff contending teams, two young quarterbacks, two legacies to prove. Chad Pennington and Mike Vick are a duo of fiery youngsters with unlimited potential and boundless jubilance. Both men started their careers illustriously as Pennington led the Jets past the first round of the playoffs in 2002, and Vick revolutionized the definition of a playmaker, while earning his spot as the poster boy for the Madden cover.
Both quarterbacks also suffered the horrific fate that all rookie stars dread, injury. Having fully recovered from injuries that had them sidelined for most of last season, these young superstars are out to show the world they belong in football.
Two vastly different players with the same goal in mind, to win. The only question now: whom would you take, Pennington or Vick?One word to describe Mike Vick, incomprehensible. The stellar athletic shakes and spins of this illusive signal caller didn’t go unnoticed two seasons ago. Mike Vick had all the critics raving. Vick could drop back to pass, appear to be sacked, and then, 60 yards and six points later, the defensive players are spinning like tops. Mike changed the entire complexion of the NFL–he basically reenergized the league. He also filled the seats in Atlanta. Vick was the quintessential scrambling quarterback–passing on the run or just tucking the ball and burning the opponent’s secondary. Vick beat the Packers in the first round of the playoffs in 2002.
Pennington made his mark in the league in a more subtle fashion, precision and accuracy. While Vick was running wild in Atlanta, Chad was capturing the hearts of all the New York fans. A smart quarterback that always seems composed while playing. As I watched Chad orchestrate his offense seemingly effortlessly, flashbacks of Joe Montana and Steve Young flickered in the back of my mind; history in the making it seems. Pennington was quietly having a great year with the Jets, and all their hard work paid off in the postseason. In the 2002 Wild Card Game against the Colts, the Jets shut Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison out 41-0, as Pennington threw for 222 yards and 3 TD’s.
In Vick’s unofficial rookie season with the Falcons, he threw for 2, 936 passing yards, earned a QB rating of 81.6, and threw 16 TD’s. But it wasn’t Vick’s passing merits that had everyone talking. He also scrambled for 776 yards and scored 8 rushing TD’s. His electrifying runs and jaw dropping scrambles forced opposing defensive coordinators to build a game plan around stopping Mike Vick.
These young stars may have had the same goals in mind, but they had two completely different styles to help them reach their goals.
Chad Pennington is a patient, smart quarterback that knows how to stay composed when the going gets tough. Mike Vick, he just keeps on running…and nobody can catch him.
Both of these quarterbacks have also be criticized, but for completely different reasons. While Vick may be able to rush for 100 yards in a game, it’s your arm that will win you games and ensure longevity. Vick’s passing numbers are not yet where they need to be at this stage in his career. Vick could be in danger of being called “the guy that could run but had no arm”. And I know he doesn’t want that.
Pennington, on the other hand, possesses the ability to throw the ball hard and with accuracy; his numbers are just plain better than Vick’s. If a critic (like me) is to pick out one specific flaw in Chad’s stellar game, one would most likely say that he isn’t very mobile and that could hurt his team. I disagree. I believe that Pennington can move very well within the pocket and is smart enough to know when he needs to take off and pick up five yards on the ground. Awareness, skill, and even some athleticism, now that’s a complete quarterback, something Mike Vick is not.
Analyzing both players’ field merits, and their susceptibility to injury, I would say that Vick really has something to prove in 2004. Can Vick pass with the big boys, and can he avoid potentially fatal injuries with him exposing himself every other play? Pennington is under less pressure to succeed. He has already proven he has a great arm, and has demonstrated the poise to take a team to the next level. If I were to choose between Mike Vick and Chad Pennington as my signal caller, I’d take Pennington any day of the week. Plain and simple.
6 replies on “Take your pick: Chad or Vick”
I’m a Vick kind of man Here’s the thing, QB’s like Pennington are practically a dime a dozen. If he elevates his game, then he has a chance to be…nothing special, just another above average QB. Michael Vick, on the other hand, has a chance to be something the likes of which has never been seen before. If he nails down his throwing game (as I think he will), could you imagine what Vick could do? At this moment, for one game, I’d take Pennington. But if you’re talking about for years to come, Vick is the man.
One thing that bothered me about your article was how you refer to Vick as Mike, instead of Michael, which is what he’s asked to be called (actually, his mother told him she wanted him to go as Michael). Not really a problem, just one of those little things.
Wasn’t aware that Vick wants to be called Michael and not Mike. I will keep that thought in mind when writing about Michael in the future.
I believe that Pennington has a chance to develop into an almost identical Peyton Manning. He has the great arm, leadership and awarness, all the skills he needs to be a great QB for many years. All that talent and leadership at such a young age, thats tough.
Vick on the other hand, if he becomes a much better passer, he can be great. He has a shot, but Pennington has a better shot.
I agree Pennington has a better shot, I just like Vick’s potential too much I guess.
Give me Vick Both have a chance to become Hall of Fame players, but Vick’s over all potential is too much to pass up. If Vick can develop his passing instincts, improve his accruacy, and use his feet only in situations he has to (meaning don’t risk getting hurt), in 2 years or so he might be the most unstoppable weapon in the NFL.
Keep in mind Vick has only started around 20 games in his career and with his talent and arm strength should make strides to become a more complete QB. No knock on Chad, who has shown he can be a star, but Vick could become something no one has yet seen in the NFL. If you watched his games against GB in the playoffs, it could just be a glimpse of things to come.
Give me Chad! He’s a smart QB ready to have his huge year in the Peyton Manning mode. (God I hope so as he’s my FF starter.) I think Pennington is primed for great things with Moss and McCareins as his weapons.
I love Vick as an athlete/QB but the falcons aren’t ready to go anywhere yet.
Chad the man Both QB’s will have great careers, but i dont think Vick will ever fully develop a great arm, (just a good one) and i dont think he will learn to stay within the confines of the big fat white guys saving his ass. He may improve upon that, but he still runs a high risk of being injured and then he would never develop an arm.