Bears Face Toughest Test Yet This Year Against Vick
CHICAGO (CBS) - The Bears enjoyed a long weekend off, but they'll have their work cut out for them as they get ready for Michael Vick. CBS 2's Megan Mawicke reports.
Michael Vick has returned from a month-long absence with broken ribs to lead the Eagles to three straight wins. The Bears face their toughest test yet this season. They certainly haven't faced a quarterback like Vick this year.
Of all weeks to have an extra practice, this is it, with Michael Vick and the Eagles coming to town. We all know that Vick is a dangerous runner but now he's become a dangerous passer.
"Now that he's throwing the ball well, it's gonna add another beast to it but we feel comfortable and confident in the talent that we have here that we will match up well," said Bears linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.
"He is a phenomenal athlete, he's electrifying. I find myself in awe of him sometimes," said Bears safety Chris Harris. "What he did against Washington a week ago, wow. He is playing some of the best football of any quarterback in the league."
In seven games, Vick has thrown 11 touchdowns, no interceptions and boasts the best passer rating in the league. So is he a different quarterback than the guy they used to see in Atlanta?
"Not from what I have seen. He has a strong arm, athletic, he's faster than just about everybody on the field, so when a play breaks down he can make a play out of nothing , so defending him is a bit different than most guys," said Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith.
Even after Vick spent 19 months in prison for his role in a dogfighting ring, the Bears aren't the least bit surprised that he is explosive once again.
"Gives a guy a chance to get his legs back, get healthy, and you come back feeling brand new. It kind of is an advantage for him. I hate that he was out the game for so long but it kind of worked in his favor," said Bears cornerback Tim Jennings.
"You can see he is genuinely trying to reshape his image. My hat's off to him. I give him a lot of credit," said Bears tight end Greg Olsen. "We all knew what kind of athlete he was, and the way he has played this year guys are happy for him, but I hope he doesn't play that good on Sunday."
The Bears have fared well against Vick in the past. He has never beaten the Bears in three meetings, but there is no doubt Vick is a different quarterback now in so many ways.
