The Most Underrated Running Back of All-Time, Michael Vick

The NFL is home to the world's greatest athletes and most talented players. Using speed, strength and power to fight through defenders and make it to the endzone. There is a player in the NFL is, in my opinion, is one of the best running backs to have ever played the game, and he has gone un-noticed as a running back. I give this guy the label; Most Underrated Running Back of All-Time. The guy that I am talking about averages over 9.2 yards per carry this season and with 870 rushing yards is 11th in the NFL in rushing. There is a simple answer as to why he has gone somewhat un-noticed as a running back; he is a quarterback and his name is Michael Vick.
I'm sure everyone has his or her own opinion about Michael Vick as a quarterback and say; he can't pass, he's a coach killer, and he needs to be benched, but let's take a look at Michael Vick as a runner and not a passer for a minute. He has more moves than anyone in the NFL and blows by defensive ends and linebackers as if they were standing still. He's fast, he's quick, and he has some superhuman abilities at times when running the football (i.e. Carolina Panthers game a few years back). Over his career he has; 3690 yards rushing, averages 7.4 yards per carry, and has scored 21 rushing touchdowns. For a guy who is supposed to think pass first, those numbers are startling. The Michael Vick as a runner is no doubt one of the best in the league. Think about it, put Matt Shaub in at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and put Michael Vick in the backfield. Not only will this allow Michael Vick to get more touches as a runner, but it will add another dimension to the Atlanta Falcons offense with the threat of him passing as well, like LaDanian Tomlinson.
In recent weeks Michael Vick has been under fire by those in Atlanta and around the league. His Falcons are in the midst of a four game losing streak and in jeopardy of falling out of the playoff picture. Michael Vick's passing stats have been subject to heavy criticism as he has not been getting the job done. Also, he has recently been called a 'coach killer' by his coach's father and even became so frustrated with the team and the fans that he kindly gave the 'finger' to the Atlanta crowd. If I were in the Falcons' front office, there is no way I get rid of this guy and let another team pick him up. Instead, I would find new ways to use him. He has been in the league five years and is still struggling as a passer. You have one of the best back-up quarterbacks in the NFL with Matt Shaub. It's time to start utilizing Michael Vick in new ways, getting him the ball in the open field. Running back, wide receiver, quarterback, etc. Put someone in there who is going to get Michael Vick the ball in the open field, that is how you are going to win with this guy on a consistent basis.
Michael Vick as undoubtedly had his struggles as a passer over the early years of his NFL career, and maybe now is the best time to move him from that position. He has some of the best running skills in the NFL, if not the best, and it is time to let him unleash these talents more often throughout the course of the game. Give the ball to the most underrated running back of all time in the open field. We have all seen the speed, the moves, and the result. Just a though, Michael Vick as a multi threat running back, wow!