Vick's Fans, Critics Plot Rallies Ahead of Eagles Game

Patriots top Bills, Saints crush Panthers, 49ers thump Rams

(NEWSER) - The New England Patriots overcame a 21-point deficit today with 49 unanswered points to rock the Buffalo Bills 49-21, the AP reports. The win earned the Pats home-field advantage and the AFC's top seed. Tom Brady threw for 338 yards and finished with the second-most passing yards in NFL history, 5,235—behind only Drew Brees, who threw for 5,486 this year with the New Orleans Saints. More»

Deal completes NFL star's journey back to top

(NEWSER) - Four years after he was sent to prison for his involvement in a dogfighting ring, Michael Vick has rejoined the ranks of the NFL's highest-paid players. The Philadelphia Eagles have signed the quarterback to a 6-year, $100 million contract with $40 million guaranteed, sources tell AP . The 31-year-old, who joined the Eagles after completing his 18-month sentence in 2009, led the team to the NFC East title last year. More»

But he believes in second chance for those who've 'paid for' crimes

(NEWSER) - Yes, President Obama did applaud the Philadelphia Eagles’ owner for giving Michael Vick a chance—but the White House is soothing any ruffled feathers by clarifying that he “condemns” the quarterback’s crimes, a spokesman tells the Huffington Post . Obama “does think that individuals who have paid for their crimes should have an opportunity to contribute to society again.” His call to Jeffrey Lurie, however, was chiefly about alternative energy use at the Eagles’ stadium. More»

Record-setting win leaves everyone gushing

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick eviscerated the Washington Redskins last night, throwing for 333 yards and four touchdowns, and running for another 80 yards and two more touchdowns, an unprecedented, record-breaking accomplishment. “He’s got my MVP vote,” Washington linebacker London Fletcher told the Washington Post after the game. Is the ex-con really that good? Here’s what people are saying:

• “It was one of the best single performances in league history,” gushes Matt Mosley of ESPN . “When Vick is on his game, I’m not sure there’s a team in the NFC capable of beating the Eagles.”

Andy Reid flip-flops, gives him the job

(AP) - It's official: Michael Vick is back. The notorious ex-con will take over as the Philadelphia Eagles' No. 1 quarterback, said coach Andy Reid, just a day after he announced he would go back to Kevin Kolb. "When someone is playing at the level Michael Vick is playing, you have to give him an opportunity," Reid said. "This isn't about Kevin Kolb's play. You're talking about Michael Vick as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now." More»