The Eagles aren't happy about what they consider to be illegal hits on quarterback Michael Vick. The NFL is aware of those concerns, the *Philadelphia Daily News* reported Saturday, citing a source close to the situation.
Vick's running ability seems to be at the center of the issue. He's adept at scrambling to find open receivers or running with the football when needed. But that also increases the punishment that Vick takes from defenders, whom the Eagles claim have hit the quarterback after throws, in the head and while he's on the ground after running.
The NFL has cracked down on hits to the head this season, issuing heavy fines to players and promising suspensions for those who continually break the rules.
Vick said after Thursday night's 34-24 victory over the Houston Texans that the hits don't bother him. He changed his tune the next day.
"If you go back and watch the film, I'm getting hit after I throw the ball, repeatedly," Vick said Friday on WIP-AM, according to the Daily News. "Time after time after time, I'm getting my facemask pulled, I'm getting hit in the head. The calls are not being made.
"Every time I get hit, I look up at the ref and I see no flag. I see other quarterbacks standing in the pocket, the minute they get touched, there's a flag on the field. ... This has been happening for the last four or five weeks. I haven't complained, I haven't said anything, but it's getting to a point where I'm tired of getting up off the canvas."
Vick ran for 48 yards and one touchdown against the Texans. The *Philadelphia Inquirer* reported that Vick rode an exercise bike on the sideline during the game to keep his quadriceps loose after taking repeated hits.
Although Vick was sacked only once, he took a beating from the Texans. On one play, according to the Inquirer, a defender grabbed Vick's face mask. On another play, a defender hit Vick in the head with a knee while the quarterback went to the turf.
"The defense is going to continue to do it, because it's not getting called," Vick said. "I care about the longevity of my career, I care about my health, and I want to be treated as fair as any other quarterback."
Vick has 467 rushing yards in nine games this season. In 2006, his last season with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick became the only quarterback in NFL history to top 1,000 yards, finishing with 1,039.
Vick missed two seasons while he served a federal prison sentence for running a dogfighting ring. He joined the Eagles in 2009 and emerged as a team leader this season after former starting quarterback Donovan McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins and heir apparent Kevin Kolb was injured.