Michael Vick: Kyler Murray’s going to be a big problem for opposing teams

Michael Vick was definitive when talking about Arizona Cardinals rookie signal caller Kyler Murray recently.

The Human Joystick not only gave props for Murray’s play up to this point, he thinks the rookie is going to be a force in the NFL.

But what version of the retired QB does Murray resemble most?

“Philadelphia Michael Vick hands down, with a little bit of Atlanta sprinkled in,” Vick said on Speak For Yourself. “Those were some special times and I’m pretty sure he’s going to create some special moments.

“I’m excited for this kid. I think he’s going to be a great quarterback as he grows, as he gets experience. And I can honestly say he’s going to be a lot harder to deal with than I was.”

When looking back at Vick’s tenures with both teams, there’s some reasoning behind his thoughts.

While he was a dominant player in Atlanta, he was beat up much more often by opposing defenses. Compared to his stint in Philly, Vick was sacked 187 times with the Falcons, while getting taken down just 100 times with the Eagles.

Vick also showed more of his passing abilities with the Eagles, completing nearly 60% of his throws (773-1300). He was just over 53% in the six seasons he spent in Atlanta. He enjoyed his best statistical season of his career with the Eagles in 2010, recording career highs in touchdowns through the air (21) and completion percentage (62.6%).

The former NFL QB also limited the amount of times he ran the ball, dropping from 529 attempts and 3,859 yards to 298 carries for 1,998 yards. He still scored the football, however, recording 15 touchdowns in Philadelphia. Vick managed 21 on the ground in Atlanta.

But while he thinks Murray should try to emulate the former version of himself, Vick see the differences between the two, noting another QB that’s already been linked to Murray.

“His stature is totally different,” the four-time Pro Bowler said when comparing himself to the shorter QB. “It’s more so a model like Russell Wilson, and I think Russell did a great job of protecting himself, getting in between the tackles, playing the game and protecting himself and still being effective in the passing game.

“This kid is really polished in the passing game coming out of college. That’s his upside, and everything he’s going to be able to do from a mobility standpoint will just compliment his game. He’s going to be one of the biggest problems the NFL has seen in a long time. From the offensive standpoint to the defensive opposition.”

Vick doesn’t believe Murray will just be good, he thinks the rookie can be more explosive than he ever was. Even going as far as to say Murray could be holding the QB rushing title when it’s all said and done.

“This kid is going to be something like we’ve never seen before,” Vick said. “I love [Baltimore Ravens quarterback] Lamar Jackson … but this guy Kyler Murray is going to be able to carry his team on his back for year’s on end. Trust what I’m saying. It’s going to be a different look and I’m excited.”

The jury’s still out as to what exactly Murray will look like come Week 1, but if Vick’s analysis is true, the commercials moving forward should be pretty awesome.

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