Are Falcons making the right football decision on Vick?
Vick leaving the field in his last NFL game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
VICKSVILLE – Let’s go there today. But let’s keep up the good manners we’ve been working on this offseason.
Fussing is fine. Cussing is not.
Two of my favorite folks in the NFL – Gil Brandt and Jamie Dukes – shared their very different views on
Michael Vick’s possible return to the National Football League.
Former Falcon DeAngelo Hall was fined for supporting Michael Vick.
Let’s look at some of the issues:
SHAKING OFF THE RUST: Vick has not played since Dec. 31, 2006 against the Philadelphia Eagles, when he left the game with an ankle injury giving way to Matt Schaub.
He was working out in Bobby Petrino’s offense over the 2007 offseason when the federal dogfighting case broke.
“It will be a challenge, but I’m not nearly as concerned about that,” said Dukes, an analyst with the NFL Network and former player.
Brandt, the former Dallas personnel man, shared a story about a linebacker the Cowboys drafted out of Missouri, who went into the service for two years.
“When he came back he was just not the same,” Brandt said. “I think it’s like somebody that drops out of school for two years and then they try to recover their study habits, it’s very, very hard. . . .
NFL Network's Jamie Dukes.
“I just think it’s really hard for a guy that is away and misses two years to get back up to speed and realize that you have to work to be successful because you lose that edge.”
THE WILDCAT OFFENSE: Most have contended that Vick could come back as a Wildcat offense quarterback.
“The spread helps him get a job,” Brandt said. “If and when he’s cleared. He can do that pretty well because of the fact that he can run so well.”
Dukes thinks that with teams – like the Falcons – emphasizing the running game, that Vick is a fit for any run-heavy attack.
“Look at the Falcons and their success,” Dukes said. “Most teams think if we can play good defense and run the football, we are going to be successful. So what Michael brings to the game. . . is you’re going to have one of the top three rushing offenses in the league. That’s just fact. Every year he’s played that number speaks for itself.”
VICK LACK OF PASSING PROWESS: Vick has a lively arm, but he was still developing as a passer. Former
The infamous trick water bottle from Miami International Airport. (D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER/AJC)
coach Bobby Petrino would have helped him along if things had worked out.
“Some might say he’s not a career 60 percent passer; are we going to ignore the yardage that he gets running the football?,” Dukes said. “Are we going to ignore all of the other things that he does?
“He’s not the prototypical NFL quarterback, but that does not mean that he’s not a good quarterback. He still will be a good quarterback.”
Brandt never liked Vick as a passer.
“At Virginia Tech, he hit 56 point something of his passes,” Brandt said. “Which is not very good. His brother (Marcus) who wasn’t even considered a good passer and hit 59, almost 60 percent of his passes. In the Wildcat formation, that is probably where he has to be if he’s going to be on offense.”
CAN VICK STILL PACK THE STANDS: It’s no league secret that for years before Vick arrived, selling out Falcons game was a difficult task. TV blackouts have a place in local Falcon lore.
“Vick is recession proof,” Dukes said. “That is the one thing that I can say about him that people forget. If he’s going to play, he’s going to pack out whatever stadium he’s going in.
“How many members of PETA are actually season ticket holders? You where here with the Falcons fans when this thing went down. You saw that the season ticket holders wanted Michael Vick back.
“They understood that he did something terrible and they understood that he needed to pay some form of a price for what he did. But they wanted him. This wasn’t a racial issue, black, white or purple. Falcon fans, season ticket holders, wanted their quarterback.
“So whatever team he goes to, those fans are going to want their quarterback to play. Especially, if their quarterback position is poor. Are you telling me that Michael Vick won’t go into St. Louis, where they are worried about selling tickets and sell that place out? You are telling me that if he went to Kansas City that he wouldn’t pack that place out? I know they just got Matt Cassel, but before that. If he went to Detroit he would pack that joint.”
Cleveland and San Francisco are two other quarterback-needy teams Dukes mentioned. (Hey, Cleveland does have the Dawg Pound, too! I know, bad joke.)
Vick could smile back during OTAs in July of 07 before the dogfighting case broke. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
POSITION CHANGE: Agent Joel Segal and Vick’s camp are not considering a position change to wide receiver, running back or defensive back.
Brandt thinks that might not be wise.
“I don’t know if you can teach a guy to back pedal, but he’s an athlete,” Brandt said. “He might be a corner because of his speed and athletic ability. Because of his running ability, he might be a running back. There will be opportunities for him, but I think it will be extremely hard for him to come back as a quarterback.”
Vick is a quarterback in Dukes’ book.
“He’s not Peyton Manning, but you know what, he’s got some things that Peyton Manning doesn’t have,” Dukes said. “Peyton has some things in the passing game that Mike doesn’t have. Nevertheless, he’s a very effective quarterback. . .
Loading ...“That guy can play quarterback. He’s not Steve Young in the West Coast offense, but guess what, who is? He is a good enough quarterback.
“His numbers are pretty darn good, when you compare it to some of the bums who have played the quarterback position. This guy wins games.”
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES: For us folks that have covered the Vick case from the beginning, we know about the substantial role The Humane Society of the United States played in helping to convict Vick.
PETA does all of the protesting, but the well-financed Humane Society does the heavy-lifting.
It’s ironic now that they now may play a role in helping Vick cleanse his reputation. Here’s a link to a blog written by their president Wayne Pacelle.
FROM THE E-MAIL BAG: Here are some of the e-mails I received this week on Vick’s release to home confinement.
“Orlando, I am surprised no one did a story about Vick’s day to day life in prison. There is some disconnect in this country to what prison is. I hear people saying he needs to be punished when he gets out. What do they think he was doing in prison?
“You mention he will be on home confinement and add the 3,500 square foot house. You think a killer cares if he is juiced in a mahogany electric chair or a metal one. They must have something in the journalism school that says to leave the description of prison or punishment alone.
“If you talk about it maybe someone might not be afraid of it, get it figured out, and maybe want to go there.
“The place is hell; the man has been through hell for a damn dog fight.”
* * * * *
“The no good SOB should never be allowed to play in the NFL again.”
* * * * *
“Now that he has paid his debt to the dogs, can we move on, and let him get on with his life. He should not have been in jail for fighting dogs, and I am a dog lover, but who died and made P.E.T.A. gods. I hope he is allowed to play football, or (whatever) he wants to do without (a) newspaper reporter recording his every move. . . .
“The media should get over it, and let him move on, the public has.”
* * * * *
“I believe the Falcons are making a BIG mistake in not keeping Vick. Yes, we have a terrific new starting quarterback who deserves to remain that way. However what if he gets hurt? You need a good backup and certainly could we believe that the other QB’s could come close to filling Ryan shoes?
“Michael Vick is serving his debt to society by virtue of his prison time, probationary period and substantial loss of income. He is paying the price for his very poor past judgments. He has had plenty of time to think about his stupidity while he was in Leavenworth. . . .
“Atlanta sports teams have traded away so many good athletes and have nothing to show for it. Vick can contribute and I believe that when Vick is reinstated, Mr. Blank should consider what Vick could do and give Vick, a talented star, another opportunity.”
* * * * *
Remember the rules, y’all. Fussing is fine. Cussing is not.
Let’s try to have a civil dialogue on this. Are the Falcons making the right football decision? Should they let Vick play in a preseason game or two in order to rebuild some value and then trade him? Will you get anything for him when teams know that you are going to cut him if you can’t trade him? Should they just wash their hands and move on?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
440 comments Add your comment
FALCONS SORRY
May 22nd, 2009
1:11 pm
I THINK PRESDENT OBOMA NEED TO STEP IN ON THIS TO PARDON HIM AND MAKE THE FALCONS PAY THE MAN WHAT THEY OWE HIM. HE SUFFER ENOUGH. HE HAD HIS WHOLE LIFE TOOK AWAY FOR NO REASON! IT IS PLAIN SORRY THE WAY THAT NO COUNT BLANK DID HIM. HE DESERVE TO PLAY IN NFL AND TAKE BACK HIS TEAM AND GO WIN THE SUPPER BOWL. PLEASE COME BACK WE LOVE YOU MIKE!!
JR
May 22nd, 2009
1:12 pm
Dledbetter, fans, PETA, etc… To answer your questions: YES MV could shake off the rust, YES he can sell tickets, No he should not change position and YES he will be controversial. Look, we all know MV did a horrible thing and is paying for it in prison time, probationary period and substantial loss of income. Act an idiot, pay an idiot price. There are other athletes that have made mistakes (some involving human deaths) but have been forgiven and given a second chance or reinstated to their sport (Danny Heatley,Jamal Lewis,Leonard Little,Ray Lewis,Darryl Strawberry). Not as bad, but society even forgives athletes that use steroids and blatantly lie to congress and continue to play their sport. Is there anyone out here that has not done anything in their life that they didn’t regret? By the way, where is PETA whenever an animal kills a human…no where to be found? That being said, I also think that the Falcons will have a hard time trading Vick and the salary cap hit will be high to cut him but Blank is not going to keep him. Vick carries a lot of bagges but you know some owner will take the negatives long with the possible positives to having him on their roster. I do think he can recover, get back in shape, be productive and help some team. He will sell tickets because both fans and protesters will pay to support him or protest him (money has no color conscious or morals). I agree that maybe the Falcons should play him a little in preseason just to possibly show some value to other teams, even though it will be very controversial and likely won’t happen. However, like some of you have said, if something were to happen to Ryan, Vick is a more suitable backup than the other QB’s. I would like to see him play again because he brings excitement to the game, plus he is probably still better that a lot of players in the league now. But if he doesn’t make it back then he can only blame himself for a wasted opportunity in life.
MJ
May 22nd, 2009
1:16 pm
What drugs are the people on that even think he should be invited to visit Flowery Branch! Release him at the proper time and let him go elsewhere. He doesn’t belong here anymore. We have our quarterback. Let’s move on people. For the goodness sakes AJC, get a life and report on something worth while
Maurice
May 22nd, 2009
1:19 pm
It’s just a notion “Chef” after two season of 6-1 and 5-2 starts to falter at the end says a lot about your coaching staff and ability to improvise after the Defensive Coordinators make their adjustments. Who have the Falcons drafted in those years after the 6-1 start and 5-2 start to help Michael? No one. Just garbage players on defense and free agency pickups that left a bad taste in your mouth. If the Arthur had kept Dan Reeves around, we would have won that NFC Championship game and went the proceeding two years after as well. Yeah Dan wasn’t the most prolific at picking up decent draft picks, but there is no denying he’s a great coach. Look Arthur just went and hired Dan’s long lost son last year. Which tells me he’s a man that at least tries to correct his mistakes, unlike the collective Borgs at Turner Field.
mike
May 22nd, 2009
1:26 pm
I would love to see vick on the falcons in some capacity… too talented to give away for nothing.. its too bad that politics, PR, and PETA will force us to do otherwise.
Maurice
May 22nd, 2009
1:26 pm
Do we really think Matty Ice is made of porcelain? We just nicknamed him the “coolest”-pun intended- nickname in Atlanta history and now we think it will hurt his psyche if Michael Vick is on the sideline with him. I think we are all misjudging his intelligence and diligence. If Arthur did have a change a heart and decided to keep Vick, this marriage will benefit both Vick and Ryan. Look at what Vicks influence on Shaub did. He isn’t the most fleet footed quarterback, but he learned to scramble at the right time. Vick could learn a think or 100 about passing on time and foot work. Not that it will happen but I do think if Vick did return to the Falcons it will probably be at Ryan’s request. I don’t see that happening. But hey, who else has a chance to have a up and coming quarterback and a backup as electrifying as Vick? NO ONE BUT THE FALCONS!
Tara
May 22nd, 2009
1:29 pm
I know that Mr. Blank wishes that the public (the Media) would forgive Mike so that he wont feel bad about letting him play. PETA needs to focus on Sarah Palin and leave my buddy Mike alone. Keep your head up Mike, you are more fans than you will ever know!!!
Nookah
May 22nd, 2009
1:29 pm
I don’t know if it is ill-timed fate, that as I find my way back to to the ‘Cage, I am met with an explosive topic as this. Jason, WR, I’m with you guys. I prefer not to get involved in this debate. Whereas I recognize that all are entitled to their opinion, I prefer to plead the 5th on this topic.
I think our ownership has stated it loud and clear, we will wish MV all the best in his bid to come back to the NFL, it just won’t be as a Falcon. Personally I just wish him all the best as he reunites with his family especially his children. I really hope his kids are not affected by this, or perhaps I should say I hope they’ll be able to manage this throughout their lives.
WR, Reno911, Stirg, D3, Unca Bob, Jason… to name a few, it’s good to be back. Had to take care of some family matters. It’s great to be back. I have been catching up on my reading however.
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime……
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlocks rasta, fighting on arrival, fighting for survival….Robert Nesta Marley
Chuck
May 22nd, 2009
1:30 pm
People that think he went to federal prison for dogfighting are poorly informed.
He went to federal prison for interstate trafficking and criminal conspiracy. The feds have nothing to do with punishing him for dogfighting, that is a local or state charge.
IMO what he did was way worse than what gets most players the boot. Fighting, shooting, driving drunk, smoking weed – all of these are insanely stupid, but are borne of passion – NOT extensive forethought, not planning.
Vick was the head and sole financial backer of a large, elobarate organization solely dedicated to what was known by each of its members to be criminal acts – that can not be understated, and I don’t think the commissioner should waive his league suspension.
hop
May 22nd, 2009
1:34 pm
the defenses in the nfl did indeed caught up with him by assigning a good athlete to follow vick where ever he went.
his passing was very poor and he was not a threat as a passer.
i can only think one or two teams who will take the huge risk in signing him.
DHD
May 22nd, 2009
1:36 pm
Did Vick eat lunch yet? I haven’t heard and I’m worried.
Joe
May 22nd, 2009
1:38 pm
Falcons sorry you are an idiot, Vick made his whole team worse. It is not just coincidence that the oline and wide receivers got better when he left. The Falcons had roughly the same olineman with Ryan than they did with Vick. Vick is not smart enough to ever win a Super Bowl
Reality Time
May 22nd, 2009
1:39 pm
I really don’t care what happens to Michael Vick, but I do think it is ridiculous that on the Falcons page of the AJC 9 of 10 headlined stories are about Michael Vick. I think it has been covered. How about some information about current Falcons, including those new ones drafted. Enough is enough.
Todd - Dacula
May 22nd, 2009
1:40 pm
Why do so many do not want him to play quarterback? Regardless of what the analyst say, no one knows until he takes a few snaps, even me. As a lifetime Falcon Fan (and I am a true Fan) I want him back on the team and at QB. I just do not trust the Team Management to he honest to Mike; the same way they lied and said all QB’s would start a preseason game. But DJ did not start and played better that all of them did. Simply put, they lied. Perhaps you can argue that he [DJ] did not do beter than Matt Ryan, but he played as good as Matt. Do not get me wrong, I like Matt Ryan.
I just think that people who dislike Mike Vick; dislike the fact that he’s a QB, dog fighting or not, they just simply do not liek him as a QB and he has nothing to do with throwing the ball.
Mike Vick will be in the NFL; I just hope it’s with teh Falcons.
Scott Case
May 22nd, 2009
1:41 pm
THIS JUST IN:
Michael Vick has just gone to the bathroom. No word yet if it was #1 or #2. Stay tuned for this developing story…
WR
May 22nd, 2009
1:42 pm
Nookah, back in the house, where you been brother
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
1:45 pm
D-led, was Vick not listed on the Atlnta Falcons roster as the starting QB from 2002-2006? If not, I am mistaken. As far as I know a player can not loose their position due to injury.
RedandBlack
May 22nd, 2009
1:45 pm
Hopefully, MV will try to be consistent and meaningful in making good decisions for himself and for his family. There are countless thoughful things that he can do now for the good of others, for himself, and for his family. He will need to do so to live the rest of his life. No one is perfect. I am sure that everyone is rooting for him to do good things from here on out Forget about football. This is a human being we are talking about. Hope that good prevails. Always.
The Falcons have already made decisions as has Arthur Blank. They are on a good path now and must remain collectively focused without any distractions.
The only reason for the Falcons to keep MV now is to enhance any trade value that he may still have if he is allowed to come back to the NFL. Whether or not he comes back to the NFL is up to Michael Vick. Whether or not he remains with the Falcons has already been decided.
Birddawg
May 22nd, 2009
1:46 pm
I think they are making the right decision only if they can get good value in return. Matt Ryan is a star in the making and Michael is already a star. No team can have two starting quarterbacks in the fold (see: New England). Keep him as a backup until some team realizes his worth on the field and gives the Falcons equal compensation. As far as the dog fighting…WHO FREAKING CARES?!!! I love dogs and I don’t think he should have done prison time for that. People made more of an uproar over those silly dogs than the fact that he participated in an ILLEGAL gambling operation. Ridiculous. He’s paid more than his debt to society. Get over it and move on.
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
1:48 pm
Dogfighter, D-led also proved one of my posted from “another blog” Vick’s experiment was figured out!
jason
May 22nd, 2009
1:48 pm
Nookah, About time one of our lost Cage members returns. Now if we can locate Seminole Warrior. WR, how’s going ? Unca’ Bob? Cutter? This is not a good blog to bring in the week end. At least it hasn’t gotten nasty yet.
The AFC notrh breaks like this. Pittsburgh, Division Champs, Followed by Baltimore; fighting for a wildcard. Then Cincinati and Cleveland. I don’t see Pittsburgh making the Super Bowl, maybe the AFC Championship.
I will be back later with my #3 RB, and continued analysis of the Carolina game.
Dirty Birdie
May 22nd, 2009
1:49 pm
I can’t believe I would even suggest this because I detest anyone who marginalizes Vick as nothing more than a glorified back or receiver, BUT ……..
one compromise I could see being worked out with the commissioner is that Vick goes to New England to be Brady’s backup and a slash receiver/running back guy JUST FOR NEXT SEASON. The Falcons could even get a break in compensation because of the prior relationship of the GM with the Pats (maybe a very late round pick).
After a year there in NE shaking off the rust, being tutored by Belichick and Brady, partially rebuilding his brand name in a cool unique role (that folks always love) with a winning high profile team, and taking some of the bad guy tarnish off his image a la Randy Moss, he could then go to some other team repackaged as a decent enough guy and good teammate who’s made some terrible mistakes but always been a winner as a football player, and who’s also shaken off some of the rust while learning and observing the best (which he hadn’t previously been allowed to do).
I think that might be the best situation for Vick and the NFL next season. Allows him to be re-instated in a situation where he doesn’t become as much of a circus because the team is already good, he wouldn’t be expected to be great because not much would be asked of him in that role, he wouldn’t be a threat to the QB already there, and there are at least 3 bigger stars than him with that franchise, and so on and so on and so on.
I think if he goes to a lesser team and they expect him to be a world beater, all eyes will be on him, and if he stinks as so many hope he will, the fire around him will only burn even more. It could just be very ugly for Vick and the NFL in such a situation. Don’t want to set him and the league up for failure. The NFL and Vick need to make sure this goes right, even if that means he doesn’t immediately re-enter the league as a starting QB, instead choosing to take a one year rehabilitative, remedial course with the NFL’s best in Belichick, Brady and Moss, so that he can be re-packaged as another team’s starting QB.
Going to NE to me looks like the best thing for Vick and the NFL.
Michael Roberson
May 22nd, 2009
1:51 pm
the bible says he who has no sin cast the first stone . No one is with out sin therefore we should not judge Michael Vick but forgive him and let him be . he’s serve his punishment.
R
May 22nd, 2009
1:53 pm
Seriously, every person here think about this. If YOU were convicted of a crime. You then “paid your debt to society” by serving time, do you really think YOU would be welcomed back to your former job? Why is it that everyone thinks Vick should get his pre-felony life back just as it was? He had the good life and he ruined it. Let him go coach JV Football at some high school or something. Trust me, if it were any of us, we wouldn’t get our jobs back.
NUWAVE
May 22nd, 2009
1:53 pm
when I read peoples comments I can’t help but think for give our tresspasses as we for give those who tresspass against us. and then all have sinned and fell short of his glory and he that is without sin cast the first stone In the bible they all turned and left but I guess they didn’t know these good in god we trust a33333s Americans. What gets me is youknow some of these folks write these comments have done far worsst to people. That P in peta probably stands for Pedophiles bunch of Hypocrits
jimmy
May 22nd, 2009
1:56 pm
mr ledbetter,please read alge crumplers statement at si.com under the atlanta falcons site
Najeh Davenpoop
May 22nd, 2009
1:59 pm
Of course the Falcons are making the right decision in not keeping Vick — they have already committed $72 million to another quarterback, so keeping Vick at his current contract makes no sense from a salary cap standpoint. Can you imagine the quarterback controversy that would emerge if Vick remained on the Falcons’ roster? It’s hard enough on Matt Ryan that he’s been anointed the savior of the QB position by Falcons’ fans and that he actually has to face a real NFL schedule this year; the last thing he needs in his development is to be looking over his shoulder at a more accomplished veteran on the depth chart.
For both the Falcons and for Vick, releasing him and letting him sign with a different team which will let him play in a real NFL offense — something Vick hasn’t experienced since 2002 — is the best course of action. Greg Knapp’s system was just Wildcat-lite. The people talking about Vick’s future being in the Wildcat must not have seen the Falcons’ offensive system (if you can call it that) when Greg Knapp was here.
mykhalc
May 22nd, 2009
2:02 pm
simple…he deserves a chance to ‘earn’ a job elsehwere. VICK and the FALCONS days are done!!
Unca' Bob
May 22nd, 2009
2:04 pm
Nookah!
It’s starting to look like ‘Ol home week. Welcome back.
Was a season Ticket holder
May 22nd, 2009
2:05 pm
I think the Falcon need him back. He keep the Dome sold out and Falcon’s on TV. After he left so went the TV slots and full seats!!! I dont care what no one say I bet any amount of money if Vick come back to Atlanta Them tickets will sell out again.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 22nd, 2009
2:06 pm
Why is my comment awaiting moderation? I didn’t post any links or curse…
hoopscoach21
May 22nd, 2009
2:09 pm
I like how NUWAVE quotes the Bible and then calls PETA members “Pedophiles”. Calling someone a pedophile is the most horrible, terrible thing possible.
You are a terrible human being for placing that term on someone with absolutely no logic or understanding.
Orlando- that shouldn’t be on here. Period. You tried to have a civil conversation, but as usual, ignorance takes over.
Kim
May 22nd, 2009
2:10 pm
Michael Vick had his chance at fame and blew it at the expense of abusing helpless animals. He is despicable and one of the worst examples of the human race. AJC don’t waste any more time on this. Move on to something that matters!
uga_b
May 22nd, 2009
2:11 pm
D-Led, what do you think about the possibility of a trade? I guarantee it wouldn’t be more than a 7th rounder but I don’t even see that.
It is clear he is not playing here and I cannot point this out enough: for most positions–outside QB–he is nearing old age in football terms. He also has to either A)learn a new playbook (which Farve couldn’t do in a year) or B) learn a new position (about a 50-50 proposition at WR; not much history moving to RB).
Gandalf, the White! (!)
May 22nd, 2009
2:12 pm
He’s a has been! I bet he isn’t as fast as he was, so now linebackers will be teeing off on his tender butt!
Serious!
May 22nd, 2009
2:13 pm
D. Ledbetter that’s an inside slant….about the league catching up to Mike Vick. The Falcons never added a real option to their offense until last year. Micheal Tuner is the X-factor. I believe Ryan Leaf would have been better if he had Micheal Turner in the backfield…but Seriously, who burned those buses up? They should get atleast 23 months!
D3
May 22nd, 2009
2:14 pm
Great Friday Afternoon Bird-Cager’s! Its a non-issue as far as I’m concerned. I only have this one comment to make on it and I’m heading back to the Training Camp blog we’ve been rockin’ out, because I have no desire to slip back into any of this mess, one way or another.
Nookah – GREAT TO HAVE YOU BACK BROTHER!!!! We sure as the H—- have missed you here in the ‘Cage. We thought you may have abandoned us. We have some excellent discussion going on including roster spots analysis, week-by-week breakdowns, and even analyzing other divisions and teams. Hope everything is Kool & the Gang with your family, and once again…..Welcome Back!!!!
Reno911 – what’s up brother-man? Where you been the last week or so? Have you been reading and just not posting or been away from the ‘Cage altogether? Great to have you back as well.
Falcon Devil – how have you been my friend? Hadn’t heard from you in a while. Between you, Reno, Nookah, and Seminole we were starting to worry. Great to have you back.
One & Only MV comment – whats in the past is in the past. Human nature and every religion imaginable dictates forgiveness and redemption. MV mad some terrible choices, decisions, and style of living. He has paid his debt to society and deserves another chance at some point if the commissioner believes he has learned from his experience. In any other profession, a felony would preclude his return. Simply put, MV deserves the chance to move on with another team and the Falcons have certainly moved on as well. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors. The End.
Back to the ‘Camp blog………..
WR
May 22nd, 2009
2:14 pm
Najeh, you probably said something intelligent, or something that focuses attention away from someone who should be afforded the opportunity to move on, apparently thats how it works, the samething happened to my post.
Once again the Falcons are moving on, what was the face of the franchise and a player who made the Falcons relevant is no longer going to be considered a Falcon. Nuwave I agree and thats why I choose to move on.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 22nd, 2009
2:15 pm
“Vick’s record was 38-28-1 as a starter. He was 15-16 over his last 31 starts. There’s a notion that the league caught up to him after a great start, which included a trip to the NFC Championship game.”
In those last 31 starts — spanning his last two full seasons as a starter — his teams started off 6-2 and 5-2 respectively, and the undersized lines wearing down over the course of the season caused the team to fall apart each season.
Vick wasn’t playing defense when Samkon Gado ran for 100 yards in the Georgia Dome.
Serious!
May 22nd, 2009
2:16 pm
D. Ledbetter that’s an inside slant….about the league catching up to Mike Vick. The Falcons never added a real option to their offense until last year. Michael Tuner is the X-factor. I believe Ryan Leaf would have been better if he had Michael Turner in the backfield… but Seriously, who burned those buses up? They should get atleast 23 months!
WR
May 22nd, 2009
2:16 pm
D3, you are truly a professional
Najeh Davenpoop (moderate this, fool)
May 22nd, 2009
2:16 pm
Of course the Falcons are making the right decision in not keeping Vick — they have already committed $72 million to another quarterback, so keeping Vick at his current contract makes no sense from a salary cap standpoint. Can you imagine the quarterback controversy that would emerge if Vick remained on the Falcons’ roster? It’s hard enough on Matt Ryan that he’s been anointed the savior of the QB position by Falcons’ fans and that he actually has to face a real NFL schedule this year; the last thing he needs in his development is to be looking over his shoulder at a more accomplished veteran on the depth chart.
For both the Falcons and for Vick, releasing him and letting him sign with a different team which will let him play in a real NFL offense — something Vick hasn’t experienced since 2002 — is the best course of action. Greg Knapp’s system was just Wildcat-lite. The people talking about Vick’s future being in the Wildcat must not have seen the Falcons’ offensive system (if you can call it that) when Greg Knapp was here.
bushwacker
May 22nd, 2009
2:18 pm
If Vick is going to be making great plays again it should be for the Falcon fans, we suffered thru this whole thing too, and we deserve it if anyone does.
This way he can play all over the field, a player literally like no one else.
RB, WR,KR, PR,CB,think about it, he could possibly be a shut down corner like Dieon.
Mr Blank,
Look at it this way for a minute.
Forget his name, forget # 7, think about the incredible athlete, are we a better team with that athlete not on our roster?
THINK ABOUT IT.
What!!!
May 22nd, 2009
2:18 pm
How about Vick’s FUMBLE stats, Dogfighter!
Vick, in the end, did nothing for the Atlanta Falcons!
Injury prone poor excuse for a QB. He gets credit, as the starting QB, for all wins and loses.
A trip to the Championship game big deal! What since? HA!
the truth....
May 22nd, 2009
2:20 pm
Not with Atlanta…but…………
killing dogs (even vicious Pit Bulls)doesn’t compare to killing babies….40,000,000 since 1976…….
PETA can drop dead….they’re so phony it is unbelievable…..aren’t the unborn “beings”?
So lay off Vick hypocrites…..
BTW…. I never liked Vick as a QB, and his thug behaviour made him less likeable, despite what he brought to the field….
NC Braves Fan
May 22nd, 2009
2:23 pm
I think bringing him back would be a tough sell. He needs to move on and get a fresh start somewhere else where the QB position is wide open.
The Falcons have, in every way, moved on and closed the book on a sorry chapter in their history. Guys who screw up deserve a second chance and a fresh start … but most times that does not mean coming back to the place where all the bad memories were made.
Wish him well and let him go – and let’s get behind the exciting team we have in ATL!
Wink from Lithonia
May 22nd, 2009
2:24 pm
Home fans forgive, period. Mike Vick is an asset. He can use him as trade bait, but you have to build value back or let him walk, either way he will be an asset for any team that allows him an honest opportunity to compete.
Falcons have to have a back up quarterback, my guess is that Atlanta fans will agree he would be better than the current group of backup quarterbacks. It’s too bad Arthur Blanks is on record stating Vick will not be coming back as a Falcon. It he takes away the emotion and makes a business decision, I know he would agree Vick would help this team. Blanks believes in redemption & second chances, but he can’t give Vick one because of his remarks…totally hypocritical.
Blanks could confine the story to Atlanta, to help the NFL as a whole, so no other team would become a circus; we already have the black cloud just by retaining his rights. The local fans will forgive, some want, but most will. San Francisco forgave Barry Bonds, Baltimore forgave Ray Lewis, Los Angeles forgave Kobe Bryant, Atlanta forgave Bobby Cox, etc etc..
BirdDog
May 22nd, 2009
2:25 pm
FalconsSorry: Stay away from the kool-aid.
edt
May 22nd, 2009
2:27 pm
Let us not forget that Vick also financed the gambling on dog fights. The NFL does not need a pro gambler playing. Think of the possibilities of influencing games trying to match gambling goals. No reinstatement for Vick.
AtlSouthside
May 22nd, 2009
2:28 pm
If the Falcons are gonna release him anyway, they would benefit more from attempting to restructure Vick’s deal and let him ride the bench for a season. Let him get playing time during pre-season games, and I guarantee some would trade for him… Releasing Vick is an emotional move, if you think business-wise, it makes more sense to keep him. The salary cap will still take a hit