Vick: I’m Not Holding the Ball Too Long

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Michael Vick has started 106 games in his career, including 39 with the Eagles.

He turned 33 in June, and at this point, certain topics tend to strike a nerve with the veteran quarterback.

One is turnovers. Another is durability.

And today’s topic?

In watching the film, do you think you’re holding the ball too long?

“No, I’m not holding the ball too long,” Vick said sternly. “I’m not holding the ball too long at all. Don’t try to make that an issue. It’s not.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Vick holds the ball for 3.06 seconds on average before each attempt. That’s the highest number of any starting quarterback, but without context, it doesn’t mean much. As we showed with the All-22 earlier this week, there are times when Vick holds on to the ball and doesn’t pull the trigger.

But there have been more times when he’s scanning the field and can’t find an open receiver.

“Listen, whoever’s saying I’m holding the ball too long, they don’t know anything about football,” Vick said when the topic was revisited. “They need to go watch the film. I’m gonna post some film up for y’all and I’m gonna have a clicker right here. And we’re gonna go through every play so I can break it down verbatim, play for play for y’all.”

The other factor is that Vick’s made a lot of plays downfield on routes that typically take longer to develop. Per PFF, he’s been on target with 44.4 percent of his downfield throws (20 yards or more from the line of scrimmage). Vick has completed 23 passes of 20+ yards, tops in the league. And he’s averaging 9.2 yards per attempt, second to only Peyton Manning.

Vick is always going to be a quarterback who believes he can make a play, regardless of circumstance. So there are going to be times when he holds on to the ball too long. But so far this year, and specifically last week against Denver, it hasn’t been a glaring issue.

INJURY REPORT

Brandon Boykin was a full participant in today’s practice. Patrick Chung was limited. No other Eagles on the injury report.

The following Giants did not practice: center David Baas, cornerback Jayron Hosley, DT Cullen Jenkins, DT Linval Joseph, TE Adrien Robinson, CB Aaron Ross, guard Chris Snee and CB Corey Webster.

DT Shaun Rogers, LB Mark Herzlich and CB Terrell Thomas were all limited.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.

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