Michael Vick, players talk

Updated: November 2, 2012, 9:35 AM ET
ESPN.com news services

PHILADELPHIA -- Michael Vick, secure as the Eagles' starting quarterback this week after receiving a public endorsement from coach Andy Reid, called a players-only meeting Wednesday, with the team on a three-game losing streak.

Turnovers Plaguing Vick

Turnovers are keeping Michael Vick and the Eagles from taking flight. He has 13 this season, although he had none in last week's loss to the Falcons, and 31 in 20 games since the start of 2011.

Most turnovers this season

Player Turnovers INTs
Matt Cassel, KC 16 10
Tony Romo, DAL 15 13
Michael Vick, PHI 13 8
Andy Dalton, CIN 12 10
Philip Rivers, SD 12 9
-- ESPN Stats & Information

About 10 players, including Vick, spoke at the meeting. The message: There was still time for the Eagles (3-4) to salvage the season.

"We just needed to come together after that loss (to Atlanta on Sunday) and hash it out," defensive tackle Mike Patterson said of the meeting.

Tight end Brent Celek said the Eagles need to change how they are playing if they're going to make a late run at the playoffs. "This season's not lost, but there needs to be some drastic changes and we need to do it," he said. "It needs to be shown on the field." Celek, who has 28 catches and a touchdown, refused to elaborate on what kind of drastic changes the Eagles should implement. "It's a lot of different things," he said. "Like I said, I'm not going to go into it."

Reid, meanwhile, said Thursday that he never considered benching Vick, that he just wanted to step back and evaluate the beleaguered quarterback.

"Michael was the quarterback, is the quarterback and will continue to be the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles," Reid said. "I can't make it any more clear than that."

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After Thursday's practice, Reid said he thought Vick played one of his best games of the season against the Falcons. Vick was a pedestrian 21-of-35 for 191 yards and a touchdown. He had a rare turnover-free performance, though, after throwing eight interceptions and losing five fumbles in the first six games.

In another sign of support, Reid called Vick the leader of the Eagles.

Earlier Thursday, Vick sent a text to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio to give his thoughts on his status.

"Ready to make a playoff run. One play at a time. One game at a time," he wrote in the text.

Vick, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has struggled this season. Reid didn't endorse Vick after the 30-17 loss to Atlanta, saying he was going to evaluate all of his starters. Vick said then that he would support whatever decision Reid makes.

“

Vick Ready to make a playoff run. One play at a time. One game at a time.

” -- Michael Vick, in text to Sal Paolantonio

That led to speculation Vick's days as the starter were numbered, but for now, Reid is sticking with Vick over unproven rookie Nick Foles.

Vick said Thursday "it wasn't news" that he remained the starter because Reid never told him his job was in jeopardy. Vick said he believes he's still one of the best players in the NFL.

Vick said he needed to get his "swag" back.

When asked about a comment made by receiver DeSean Jackson, who said Vick didn't look comfortable, the quarterback said, "I'm only human, just like everybody else," according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

"I've got to get my swag back," Vick said. "I got to get back to playing football the way I love to play it and not worry about what's going to happen. That's out of my control. All I can control is how I play and how aggressive I can be."

Vick and the Eagles face the Saints Monday night in New Orleans.

Information from ESPN's Sal Paolantonio and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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