Can Washington Contain Michael Vick

Dec 23, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) drops back to pass during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins have a tough task on their hands Monday Night when the teams faces off against the revamped Philadelphia Eagles. While injuries are a concern for Philadelphia, there are still some major red flags for the Washington Redskins.

That all starts with quarterback Michael Vick, who since coming back to the NFL in 2009 has slowly become a better passer, but still a lethal weapon on his feet. Washington of course knows that first-hand as they suffered a 59-28 loss to Vick, a game in which he contributed to 333 yards, four-passing touchdowns, as well as two on his feet while rushing for 80 yards.

That’s not all either, the Washington Redskins have never beaten Michael Vick. The closest they’ve come was in 2010 at Philadelphia when they managed to knock him out of the game and hold off a late possible touchdown pass by Kevin Kolb to secure a 17-12 victory.

How dangerous is Michael Vick when it comes to the Redskins? Well, he’s never lost to them, that’s a start, and that’s really all that should matter.

During his career in the NFL vs. Washington, Vick has contributed to 1,076 yards, 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 226 yards and two touchdowns.

That however was against standard style offenses which the Redskins had seen for many years, as well as during times the Redskins had top rated defenses.  While Washington ranked in at #5 against the run last season, their passing defense was on the other end at #30.

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback David Amerson (39) runs onto the field prior to the Redskins game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

While that might have a significant impact on the game against the Eagles Monday Night, the major issue might be Michael Vicks legs. The new offense in Philadelphia will give him many more chances to run the ball with a bigger open field, such as the Redskins were able to do last year with Robert Griffin III.

The other issue is that Washington does not do well against quarterbacks who tuck the ball and run. Since Mike Shanahan took over in 2010, dual-threat quarterbacks have rushed for 290 yards and five touchdowns against his teams. That’s roughly 96 yards a game and 1.5 touchdowns a game. Not only do the Redskins face Michael Vick this season, but they also face Colin Kaepernick who has been just as spectacular as Robert Griffin III.

The major issues for Washington is how to stop Chip Kelly’s offense, which managed to humiliate just about any team they faced during his time there. While some say the offense won’t work in the NFL,  they also said it about the read-option, which so far appears to be the new breed.

If his offense in fact does work, the Redskins could be in for trouble Monday Night. Not only is Michael Vick healthy and feeling much more free than he did in Andy Reed’s offense, he also has DeSean Jackson who so far appears to be the threat he was in 2010.

The Redskins swept the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012, but nearly lost their second game against them, which came down to the wire.

Washington should be able to have their way with the Eagles defense for the most part, but if they can’t contain Michael Vick and limit him both through the air and on the ground, it could be a long night for the Redskins.

The last time Michael Vick played at FedExField was indeed the 2010 game which has been forever known as the Monday Night Massacre.

Robert Griffin III has been able to break losing streaks and many other things during his short time in Washington, perhaps he has something special on hand for Monday Night Football after all the scrutiny this offseason which will help break the Redskins losing streak to Michael Vick.