The quarterback carousel happening in Philadelphia is something that has baffled fans and bystanders alike throughout the NFL. After ex-quarterback Donovan McNabb was traded by the Eagles to their divisional rival Redskins, all signs indicated that the new leader was going to be unproven backup Kevin Kolb. Kolb, who had just two career starts prior to this season, had the full support of head coach Andy Reid, and it appeared as if the Kevin Kolb era was about to begin in Philadelphia.

This era came to an abrupt and early end when Kolb sustained a concussion on a sack by Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews in the Eagles’ first game of the season. The injury kept Kolb out for the remainder of the game and in his place stepped in controversial quarterback Michael Vick. The Eagles lost a close game to the Packers, but Vick made sure that no one could pin the blame on him. He was extremely impressive, looking like the quarterback that dazzled fans and confused defenders back when he played for the Atlanta Falcons.

The concussion kept Kolb out of the next game for the Eagles, giving Vick the chance that he needed to prove his case for the starting job. Andy Reid was watching, and when Vick looked impressive in a close win over the Detroit Lions, the waffling coach changed his mind ‘ again. Vick was named the starter mere hours after Reid had vehemently stated that Kolb would still be the starter regardless of Vick’s performance.

A lot of controversy surrounds the troubled quarterback. In 2007, police discovered evidence of an illegal dog-fighting operation occurring on a property that Vick owned in Virginia. When news of the heinous acts committed by Vick and his associates was released to the public, most wished to never see him step onto the field again, let alone be signed and sit the bench.

One year later, when Vick was released from prison, many wondered if any team would take the chance on signing him. The Philadelphia Eagles took that chance, signing the quarterback to a one-year deal worth a little over $1 million.

It is hard to blame the Eagles from a professional point of view. It’s impossible to deny that signing him would make your team look bad from a moral point of view, but you can’t argue with his talent, and that’s the reason why the Eagles signed him in the first place.

A former No. 1 overall pick out of Virginia Tech, Vick achieved instant success in the NFL. Early in his career, Vick proved to be one of the most exciting players in the league, astounding people with his quick feet and ability to make a positive play out of a negative one. He only reached the NFC Championship game once, a game that he lost, but his personal accomplishments were nonetheless sensational.

It shouldn’t really be a surprise that Vick is the starter in Philadelphia, and the proof is in the play. Although he was injured in the Eagles’ most recent game on Sunday against the Redskins, Vick has been great, torching defenses with the speed of a rookie and throwing the ball better than he ever has in his career. In the 10 quarters that Vick has played in, he has rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown, which is signature Michael Vick. The more impressive stat comes from his improved passing game ‘ he has 750 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions since being named the starter. These numbers speak for themselves, and reinforce Vick’s athletic versatility.

The definitive debate concerning Michael Vick is one that pits morals against success. From a purely professional standpoint, it would be absolute insanity to leave such an explosive player sitting on your bench. With Vick as your quarterback, you have a chance to beat almost any team in the NFL on any day. However, it’s difficult to shake the baggage that the athlete brings to the table. With your morals turned on, it’s hard to stomach the idea of paying a criminal millions of dollars to throw a football up and down a field.

Would most of us have signed Michael Vick to our team after everything he did? Probably not. Would most of us start an amazing athlete who gives our team the best chance to win? Absolutely, and that’s what Vick is.

It’s likely that those who own fantasy football teams encountered a similar problem. Of course, you aren’t actually paying him money to play for you, but I imagine that anyone who has Michael Vick starting for their team must feel a little bit dirty.

Here are the facts: Michael Vick is a great player who brings a lot to the table. He has done horrible things in his past, things that most people consider to be unforgivable. But when you have that kind of talent on your team, you have to take advantage of it. The Eagles made a bold move starting Vick, a move that most of us probably wouldn’t have made. But the NFL is a business above everything else, and from a business standpoint, you can’t blame the Eagles for making that decision.