Red-Zone Report

The signing of Michael Vick does not pose a threat to Eagles QB Donovan McNabb for one simple reason: Vick will not play quarterback for the Eagles in 2009. At least not exclusively.

Vick will play the role of option QB, RB, maybe even WR. He will provide the Eagles with an offensive weapon that opposing defenses will have to prepare for and track throughout the game. If they don’t, they may pay for it.

In six NFL seasons, Vick has compiled 11,505 passing yards and 3,859 rushing yards — a 3-to-1 ratio.

[In comparison, Kordell Stewart, in his "Slash" role --and throughout his career-- only got as close as a 5-to-1 ratio, pass vs. run, with comparable passing statistics.]

With Vick lined up in the back field, split-back, pro-formation, a number of things are possible: A) Direct snap to Vick; B) Hand-off to Vick on a running play; C) Pitch to Vick with the option to throw.

Or none of the above. But either way, defenses will have to account for him.

When Vick is on the field, he will occupy at least one defender. That should free things up slightly for the Eagles receiving corp and versatile back Brian Westbrook (who had off-season surgery remove scar tissue and bone fragments from his right ankle).

My point is, the Ealges have added another weapon to their offense. And it’s been the plan all off-season. The first three draft picks were on the offensive side of the ball, and 6 of 8 picks overall.

Vick will provide a way to keep the Eagles offense near the top and improve their chances in the post-season. Vick will not challenge McNabb at QB or clock significant playing time behind center. He is simply another wrinkle in the Eagles offense, part of head coach Andy Reid’s mission– maybe his last chance – to get the Eagles back to the Super Bowl.

Source: NFL.com, profootballreference.com, football.about.com (photo); 10:15 p.m. et

It seems Michael Vick has found a new home in the NFL. He will play backup quarterback to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Donovan McNabb.

After 19 months in Federal Prison, Vick will be rejoining the NFL. Eagles’ head coach, Andy Reid isn’t known for his decision making. Reid has stuck with always injured QB McNabb for three seasons.

His decisions have, however, paid off. Reid has taken the Eagles to an unprecidented 5 NFC title  games. Will this decision be another TO mistake? Or, will Vick prove he’s worth a second chance?

As the NFL preseason gets underway, all fans will be watching Vick closely to see if he fails or (hopefully) rises above.

NFL.com is reporting that Clevelend Browns WR Dante Stallworth has been suspended for the entire 2009 NFL season after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter.

Stallworth will be suspended without pay, and will not be able to participate in any team activities until he is reinstated.

“Your conduct endangered yourself and others, leading to the death of an innocent man,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was quoted on NFL.com. “The NFL and NFL players must live with the stain that you have placed on their reputations.”

Other veteran wideouts on the Browns roster include Josh Cribbs, Braylon Edwards, Mike Furrey and David Patten.

 Source: NFL.com, dyfuse.com (photo); 3:58 p.m. et

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is proposing to extend the football regular season from 16 games to 17 or 18 games. This announcement came Wednesday, when Goodell proposed the idea of making some of the pre-season games counting towards the regular season. Networks that carry the games seem to be all for the expansion, the only question is will the players union be for the proposal?

According to ESPN News, Goodell stated, “It’s possible that we could vote in May, but we want to have core discussions on this,” he said Wednesday. “Anytime you have change, there is some reluctance. But it’s clear we don’t need four preseason games anymore.”

Source: Espn.com – 10:12 a.m. et

We’ve dropped the “NFL” in “NFL Quick Hits,” since, you know that’s what we cover (for the most part).

Profootballtalk is reporting that it’s now a  matter of “when” and not “if” charges will be filed against Browns WR Dante Stallworth for his alleged involvement in the traffic accident that led to the death of a 59-year-old man.

The Jaguars have released WR Matt Jones, two days after he was released from jail, ESPN is reporting (Editor’s Note: This is actually an AP Report on ESPN.com…).

Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has made a formal request to be traded, per ESPN (Editor’s Note: This one is actually from ESPN– well, Chris Mortenson anyway).

Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle has been informed of his release, which will take place next week, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Source: Profootballtalk.com, ESPN.com, Rotoworld.com, BaltimoreSun.com - 1:20 p.m. et

After being released from the Cowboys, NFL diva Terrell Owens heads north to the Buffalo Bills. But the move raises one obvious question: Will T.O. be good for the Bills, or will he only cause more trouble?

When Owens was in Philadelphia, there were rumors that Star QB Donovan McNabb and Hot Shot Receiver T.O. clashed on and off the field. Having to choose between the veteran QB and the Diva, the Eagles chose McNabb.

The rumors coming out of Dallas are only slightly different. T.O. and Cowboys QB Tony Romo were said to be close, playful friends both on and off the field. However, some were speculating that two star receivers on one team didn’t work. This is where trading T.O. came into play. But the team found no suitors.

After being released by the Cowboys, the fate of T.O. was up in the air. It seemed every day, another team was denying interest in Owens. That is, until the Bills took quick action and picked up the wide receiver.

Having gone 7-9 last year, Buffalo needs something to spark team energy. T.O. will have to work with Bills QB Trent Edwards. Edwards has 395 career completions, and now has a bigger, better target to complement Lee Evans.

There is one thing that cannot be denied–he can catch and run like no other receiver. It can be debated that T.O. is one of the greatest receivers in the NFL. The question is, can he keep his ego in check?

As an Eagles fan, I say-Good Luck, Bills! T.O. will be a handful!

11:12 p.m. et

The AP has reported that former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has been approved for release to home confinement.

Vick will be placed on an electronic monitoring system and will only be permitted to leave home for activities approved by his probation officer, the AP has reported.

So he isn’t completely off the leash. Per PFT, Vick is scheduled to be freed July 20.

More on this tonight -

Source: USAToday.com, Profootballtalk.com - 12:55 p.m. et