Michael Vick has taken a beating over the first three weeks of the NFL season. After absorbing several hits during Philadelphia's season-opening win over the Rams, the Eagles' quarterback was knocked out of the Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons with a concussion. Although the head injury was caused by a collision with his own offensive lineman as his pocket was collapsed, Vick had been roughed up all night. In the Eagles 29-16 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday, Vick got battered around again and suffered another injury -- a broken hand.
During his postgame press conference, Vick vented about the play where he broke his non-throwing, right hand.
"I was trying to protect myself. Still didn't get a flag. That's pretty much been the story for the last three weeks. Obviously at some point something catastrophic is gonna happen," he said. "Not to blame the refs or say it was their fault. I just think more precautions should be taken when I'm inside the pocket. If you look at all the replays, I'm on the ground every time."
Recently concussed and nursing a freshly broken hand, Vick made it clear that, as far as he's concerned, he's not afforded the same protection as other quarterbacks around the league.
"I’m on the ground constantly. All the time." Vick said. "Every time I throw the ball, in all my highlights and just watching film in general, every time I throw the ball, I’m on the ground, getting hit in the head, and I don’t know why I don’t get the 15-yard flags like everybody else does."
Does Vick not receive as much protection as his counterparts? Or does his style -- and relatively diminutive stature -- merely make it seem like he is being hung out to dry by officials?
Either way, Vick will reportedly miss three to four weeks with his broken non-throwing hand.