LEDYARD, Conn. — Michael Vick in a Patriots’ uniform? Two former NFL stars think it could work.

The idea of New England acquiring the former Falcons quarterback been floated by some on the Internet. And speaking before Tuesday’s Big Shot Titans at the Tee long drive competition at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Lake of Isles course, Marcus Allen and Joe Theismann agreed that Vick would make an interesting addition in Foxborough.

Setting aside his off-field transgressions — Vick was recently released after spending 19 months in a federal prison on dogfighting charges — Theismann acknowledged that Vick has plenty of “hurdles” to overcome before he returns to the NFL. But the former Redskins quarterback said someone who approaches the game in a non-traditional way like Belichick would likely use Vick as part of a “Wildcat” scheme.

“Michael would probably fit in very, very well in New England,” Theismann said of Vick. “It would give him a chance to transition back in, play a little bit, get comfortable in a system, be surrounded by good players.”

Theismann said the Patriots’ offense — namely, their willingness to operate out of the shotgun more often than not — plays to Vick’s strengths.

“For him to be effective as a quarterback, he has to be a better passer. Not just a thrower, but a better passer,” he added. “And I feel like the system that they run in New England, the system that they run with the quarterback further away from the line of scrimmage, would serve him a lot better.”

The Patriots have been extremely selective when it comes to picking and choosing from available players who might have had a checkered past. But when it comes to approaching those types of players, those decisions have always come with the full assent of the organization.

And Allen believes that, based on their track record, the Patriots would do their due diligence before deciding to take a chance on Vick.

“That’s a large undertaking for a team,” Allen said when asked about the possibility of a team signing Vick. “And so I think before it even gets to the head coach, the organization itself has to make that decision.

“I clearly think a person deserves a second chance, but at the same time, there will be a lot of pressure on the organization that takes him on. Even before it gets to the coach, I think the organization will have to make that decision. I think if the decision got past the organization, Coach Belichick is the perfect guy to foster that experience.”

7 Comments for “Vick as a Patriot? Allen, Theismann think it could work”

1. Brendan Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 2:06 am

   There is absolutely no need for Vick on the Patriots roster. Tom Brady is the NE QB, Vick would be a waste. Furthermore, the offense is already full to the brim with weapons this 2009 off season. The only investment Belichick will need to make at this point is on the other side of the ball solidifying the secondary. Besides, they already drafted a “wild cat” receiver/qb/rb this year should they wish to go that route.

2. ATLPatsfan Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 6:28 am

   I think we could get Vick for a song and he would be an excellent backup. (since we just lost ours) He could also double as a receiver and maybe even a corner/safety. With his speed and natural ability there are no end to the possibilities. Belichick would use him anyway he sees fit and Vick would do anything that was asked of him at this point. There would be no ego or attitude or he would be off the team. That would also probably mean he was done in the NFL.

3. PatsFan Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm

   ATLPatsfan = Clown!

   What a ridiculous post. Vick is a horrible QB. I don’t want that mess/circus on our team.

4. Allan Says:
   June 23rd, 2009 at 5:51 pm

   Theismann makes it sound like Vick would be playing quarterback on a regular basis, which would only happen in the very worst case scenario for the Patriots

5. Dana Kiecker Says:
   June 24th, 2009 at 4:54 pm

   Woof

6. tj Says:
   June 26th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

   if they can steal him for the vet minimum salary why not pick him up for at worst a punt returner or back up qb…..but i dont forsee the pats going that route

7. Mike Daly Says:
   June 29th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

   I’d rather have James Pinkney (ex-Manchester Wolves) than Michael Vick as a Brady backup. What is it about this fact - VICK IS NOT A FOOTBALL PLAYER, HE IS AN ATHLETE - that people don’t understand? Vick can’t throw accurately, and this offense in particular requires accuracy. All he can do well is run, and quarterbacks who run get killed. The Wildcat is not here to stay because it doesn’t work - the Patriots proved that when they killed it in Miami last November and even the Dolphins acknowledged that by not running it in the playoff game against Baltimore.

   BTW, we’re forgetting that Vick has been out of the game for two seasons now.

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