The July 28th episode of "Pros vs. Joes" on SPIKE TV marked the first time the Joes beat the Pros in a 3-on-3 football challenge.
Not only did the Joes beat the Pros, they simply embarrassed them.
The Pros included former Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington, St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce, and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.
The Joes were a collection of former college football players who were eager to show the Pros they have what it takes to compete at the NFL level.
As the football challenges unfolded, the Joes looked noticeably faster and more polished than the Pros.
LaVar Arrington was simply horrible. He couldn't run, tackle, or intimidate. The Joes ran circles around Arrington while constantly using stiff-arms to create more separation than the gap between Michael Strahan's front teeth.
Isaac Bruce was decent by comparison, but he still looked old, uninterested, and ready to officially retire.
And then there was Michael Vick, who was probably the most disappointing of them all. Anyone hoping to see the slashing, dashing, slick, deceptive, strong-armed Vick of old times were in for a shocking surprise. He didn't use his height advantage or mobility while throwing the football. He often ran with two left feet and was easily tackled while running. He was pushed around when he attempted to play defense. It was sad to see.
Vick, Bruce, and Arrington were "Sloppy Pros." The Joes were "Manwiches".
There is some consolation in the fact that Arrington is retired and Bruce is ready to retire in 2010.
However, similiar to a cloud of smog, a sense of uneasiness slowly engulfed the city of Philly as they saw their current backup quarterback being manhandled by a group of undersized, mid-level college players.
Of course, Vick's perfromance could be attributed to several factors. Maybe he underestimated the Joes, figuring he could turn on the turbo and zip whenever he wanted. Maybe the time he spent in jail caused his football skills to diminish more than previously thought. Maybe all of the major criticism he is facing for the company he keeps is weighing heavily on his mind. Maybe baby-sitting Marcus is finally taking a toll on him.
Or maybe Vick was just holding out on us. Perhaps he was saving his best for this upcoming NFL season, trying to fool everyone into thinking he is washed up so he could surprise us with his real talent.
Was that Donovan McNabb I just heard laughing?
Whatever the case, the city of Philadelphia is hoping they never ever see a replay of that performance during this upcoming football season. Vick is penciled in as the backup quarterback behind the young and inexperienced Kevin Kolb, so it's very possible his number will be called quite often. Don't forget that the Wildcat offense was largely made popular by the younger Michael Vick and Philadelphia surely has plans to implement it into their offense this year. But after his appearance on "Pros vs. Joes", NFL defenses are suddenly not so concerned about containing Vick and Philadelphia's "Wild-Kitten" offense.
In the NFL, it's "Pro's vs. Pro's", a league featuring the biggest, strongest, and meanest football players on the planet. Hopefully, Vick will have it all figured out by the season opener on September 12th when Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers roll into town.
If not, he could suddenly find himself out of a job and leaving the NFL permanently to once again star in some reality series on SPIKE TV or VH1.
Michael Vick was born in Newport News, Virginia. He was a star quarterback at Warwick High School in Newport News. After graduating, he attended Virginia Tech University where he set numerous passing and rushing records as a quarterback. He went on to have a successful and lucrative NFL career after being the #1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft.
Comments
I saw it and the pros just weren't motivated. They we at 3/4 speed hardly trying. It wasn't serious. The joes were all hyped up and they were by no means joes. They were serious athletes. It wasn't a dad or over the hill personal trainer like the other ones.
Calm down people. It shows nothing of Vick and if you think it does your delusional... To base how good someone is buy this show is moronic!!!
Slow news day huh? It was a TV show dummy! It's not the real game of football! They went out there and had a little fun, that's it, that's all!
Did you think they were going to really go out there and get hurt playing against a bunch of rejects?
Anything negative about Michael Vick works to get attention right? LOL.....
You should be "embarrassed" by this high school article!
Paul, This shows EVERYTHING about Vick. A washed up, never has been. I'm sure Mike went into this with little or no warm up and figured it was in the bag. All ego, fading and wasted talent.
Michael Vick is living proof you can't polish a t*rd.
Face it, Paul, Vick looked terrible. He looked slow in comparison to the Joes. He got sacked and tackled in the open field with ease. He's 30, and he's slowing down like everyone else. Better hope Kolb pans out.
"Paul, This shows EVERYTHING about Vick. A washed up, never has been. I'm sure Mike went into this with little or no warm up and figured it was in the bag. All ego, fading and wasted talent.
Michael Vick is living proof you can't polish a t*rd."
Yeah....he was so washed up that he was the highest paid player in the NFL! You people are a bunch of wimps!!!
"Paul, This shows EVERYTHING about Vick. A washed up, never has been. I'm sure Mike went into this with little or no warm up and figured it was in the bag. All ego, fading and wasted talent.
Michael Vick is living proof you can't polish a t*rd."
Yeah....he was so washed up that he was the highest paid player in the NFL! You people are a bunch of wimps!!!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!