Significance of Justin Fields' Meeting with Michael Vick: A Deepe
Born and bred in Georgia, Justin Fields, like any young sports enthusiast, had his fair share of sporting idols. At the apex of his list sat Michael Vick. Vick was nothing short of a legend in his stint with the Atlanta Falcons, redefining the quarterback position with his phenomenal running skills. His unique blend of athletic prowess changed the game, inspiring a new breed of mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson, and yes, Justin Fields.
Recently, the Chicago Bears shared images of a meeting between Fields and Vick at Halas Hall. It seems Vick dropped by for a friendly visit, sharing his wisdom with the up-and-coming quarterback - a magnanimous act that showcases Vick's character.
While this might just seem like a pleasant interaction on the surface, there's more to this meeting than meets the eye. Vick's experiences and insights could serve as invaluable lessons in Fields' ongoing evolution as a player. Notably, Fields must strive to rely less on his running ability, a factor which if overused, could hinder him from reaching his zenith.
Lessons from Vick's journey could guide Fields.
Vick himself would concede that his reliance on his legs turned into a handicap. His over-reliance on his athletic ability detracted from his potential to become an even more formidable player. During his Atlanta years, Vick's strategy was primarily to make significant ground using his legs, punctuated by occasional aerial strikes. This strategy led to lower completion rates and he never surpassed 3,000 passing yards in a season. His opponents exploited this perceived weakness in crucial playoff games.
His two-year prison sentence for dog fighting provided him with ample time for introspection, leading him to realize that while he had propelled the Falcons to success, he was also, ironically, their Achilles' heel. Upon his release, he was determined to reshape his career and refine his quarterback skills. Joining the Philadelphia Eagles under the guidance of respected head coach Andy Reid, he demonstrated a remarkable transformation in 2010. He clocked 3,018 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a mere six interceptions, complemented by 676 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
This season was a testament to Vick's potential, had he honed his quarterback skills earlier during his tenure with Atlanta. It's this very lesson that he can impart to Justin Fields: don't perceive your incredible athleticism as the fulcrum of your game; it's simply one facet of it. Develop a holistic approach to the quarterback role. Resist the temptation to run at every juncture. Opt for it when it's the only choice left. That's the formula to instill fear in the hearts of opposing defenses.
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