Just an average Mike

Without a doubt Michael Vick is an electrifying player and he brings unprecedented athleticism to the position of quarterback. He strikes fear in the hearts of defensive coordinators because there isn’t much in the way of scheming that can neutralize his speed when he escapes the pocket.

But is the fear warranted?

Over the course of Vick’s last 16 career starts he is 8-8. At home during the same stretch Vick is 3-6. During his career Vick is 1-1 against the Ravens, both while a member of the Atlanta Falcons (20-17 win at home in 2002, 24-10 loss at M&T Bank Stadium in 2006).

Clearly numbers like this don’t keep opposing coaching staffs up at night. It’s his legs that do. Well, at least they used to.

Since his injury against the Cardinals during Week 10 in 2011 that sidelined Vick for 3 games, the 32-year-old southpaw has rushed only 18 times over the course of his last 5 games for 86 yards – 17.2 yards per game. Those numbers aren’t worthy of restless nights for Dean Pees and John Harbaugh.

Could it be that Vick has been instructed to only run when absolutely necessary in order to keep him upright? After all, Vick has missed on average 4 games per season since his return to the NFL back in 2009.

Or maybe Vick has taken it upon himself to dial down the scrambling. You can’t help the club in the tub and the more time he spends there the less likely he is to play through the 6 year, $100 million contract he signed in August of 2011.

Sure, Vick can light up the highlight reels on occasion. But his recent track record suggests he isn’t the player the Ravens need to be fearful of on Sunday.

That player wears No. 25, the REAL (LeSean) McCoy.