Michael Vick returned for the Eagles final game on Sunday to finish out an exceedingly disappointing 2012 season with another pedestrian performance in an Eagles blowout loss. On Monday, shortly after the organization made things formal and announced the firing of Andy Reid, Vick sharply criticized his teammates for a lack of effort. The veteran quarterback did not cite anyone by name, however, but generally ripped a locker room that he felt let down Reid.
Andy Reid fired: Michael Vick lashes out at teammates
Michael Vick defended Andy Reid shortly after he was fired by the Eagles, opting to sharply critique his teammates instead.
“It’s all about focus, dedication and commitment,” Vick insisted. “Until you get guys who are willing to better themselves week in and week out and want to win, you’re not going to win. And I haven’t played with guys like that. It’s unfortunate for coach thing turned out the way they are. It could have been a lot better. This locker room could have dictated that.”
Vick staunchly defended himself, stating that he gave maximum effort through multiple injuries but he didn’t feel that was matched by his teammates. He also reiterated his continued closeness to Reid, whose firing was expected but likely added to Vick’s surliness on Monday.
Vick regretted not taking a more vocal leadership role in the locker room to attempt to correct things, but he indicated that he tried to lead by example. That was hard for him to do this year during an inconsistent and injury-marred season. He finished with a 58.1 percent completion rate, 12 touchdowns, four fumbles, and 10 interceptions in just 10 games played.
With rookie Nick Foles taking snaps in the second half of the season, Vick's immediate future in Philadelphia is in doubt. Whether he's on board next year or not, he left the Eagles facility on Monday with the clear message that there's plenty that needs to change.
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