Vick to Patriots ?

Belichick’s fascination with ‘Wildcat’ could help Vick
Posted: July 18th, 2009 | Jamie Dukes | Tags: Bill Belichick, Michael Vick, New England Patriots, Robert Kraft, Tom Brady, Urban Meyer, Wildcat

Bill Belichick’s pride took a big hit last season when the Dolphins shredded the vaunted Patriots defense with the “Wildcat” offense. So, Belichick, the consummate student, has spent extensive time communicating with University of Florida coach Urban Meyer about the spread offense. Belichick also has worked with former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden, who’s also enthralled with the scheme that Meyer’s Gators run so well.

On the surface, it appears Belichick is just making sure he isn’t caught off guard because it appears the “Wildcat” is here to stay for at least the next few seasons. However, my sources tell me that Belichick is looking at the system to help protect Tom Brady. Putting “Tom Terrific” in the shotgun would reduce the wear and tear on the three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback’s surgically repaired left knee.

The $64,000 question is, will Belichick go all the way? In other words, will he add an athletic quarterback who can execute the “Wildcat” version of the spread offense?

With Michael Vick’s impending return to the NFL, New England would be an interesting re-launching point for his career. Vick will not be ready to step in and start for any team after being idle for two years. However, he would be tremendously dangerous in limited duty. He has the athletic ability to run the ball and the arm to overthrow WR Randy Moss.

And before you create some kind of team chemistry story, Vick was never a problem in the Falcons’ locker room. He just made an incredibly stupid mistake off the field — a mistake that has cost him millions of dollars in salary and endorsements. The $128,000 question is, would Patriots owner Robert Kraft go along with adding Vick, given the consumer-based products his companies sell to the masses?