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?
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440 comments Add your comment
geno
May 22nd, 2009
10:32 pm
michael Vick is a hybrid player( run and pass )…other hybrid players are Pat White, Steve Young, Coredale Stewart, Marshall Faulk, Devin Hester, and that WR who threw the TD PASS to Hines Ward in superbowl….??? Anyway, some coach is going to put Vick on the field with two more hybrid players in a NO HUDDLE offence and score a lot of points..
Green Tea
May 22nd, 2009
10:35 pm
I wonder what Vick is doing right now. I wish the AJC would keep us more informed on his every move.
Paddy
May 22nd, 2009
10:39 pm
Speedygrl……thats what the dogs said the first time they met MV. Pick me…Pick Me… Pick Me. How’d that turn out for them? Be careful what you wish for.
DHD
May 22nd, 2009
10:52 pm
Has he gone to bed yet?
tyler
May 22nd, 2009
10:54 pm
The Falcons should absolutley not cut Vick. Imagine him in the Wildcat. 3rd and 3. 2cnd and goaL. If the Falcons keep Vick, they will be in the Super Bowl in 2010. Swallow your pride Mr. Blank, you fired the only Coach to take the Falcons to the Super Bowl. Time to make it up to REAL FALCON FANS. Your no angel Mr. Blank. Let he who is without cast the first stone you EGOMANIAC.
tyler
May 22nd, 2009
11:06 pm
For any morons my FALCON plan includes Matt Ryan as the starter and VICK as a situational player
Green Tea
May 22nd, 2009
11:10 pm
Braveshater, what does one do to become a “physic” anyways…
Navigator
May 22nd, 2009
11:11 pm
Things have finally quieted down in this town over Vick, and Ledbetter feels he must bring up old wounds. Ownership doesn’t want him here, does it really matter that some will line up for him, while others hate the idea. This is either low class journalism, or a desire to create some ridiculous faux situation that somehow Vick’s return has some positive aspects for Atlanta. Somebody in the NFL who has a horrible team and needs a boost in local ratings will hire him, so write about that. The one big thing that really irritates me is that some people believe that Vick has some kind of right to have a job in the NFL, a privilege not a right. Inalienable rights don’t include a starting job in any sports franchise, for anyone.
tyler
May 22nd, 2009
11:13 pm
Leggomyeggo, I will buy your Vick jersey for what you paid. Just show me the reciept.
tyger
May 22nd, 2009
11:17 pm
Of course, the Falcoons would be better off with M. Vick.
Who’s behind Matty Ice? Certainly not another former All-pro QB.
That said, a decent trade of MV7 could reap long term benefits for the Falcoons. But, only if he’s properly rehabilitated will they get FMV. MV7 at a deep discount is a risk worth taking.
Apparently, there is truth to the documentary. He will show his remorse to the world. Future programming with the Humane Society secures a long-term commitment to change.
Falcoons can move MV7 to Washington, where theyve made it clear they dont think jack of Jason Campbell. He will be closer to home in MDV, where plenty of locals and Hokies can help wage a grass roots PR battle on the ground. No one loves their team more than Redskins fans, I promise you. And they are accustomed to notorious figures in leadership positions. i.e. Marion Barry, Richard Nixon, Ollie North…etc.
MV7 to the Skins for a conditional future 1st/2nd/ or 3rd. round pick depending on how he turns out.
tyler
May 22nd, 2009
11:38 pm
Thacker is an out of work writer. Please forgive him.
Florida Sucks
May 22nd, 2009
11:44 pm
He would make a great center
Kris G
May 22nd, 2009
11:59 pm
I think 33 people should have say so in Vick’s return. That’s Michael Vick and the 32 NFL owners. That’s how I see the American system… Vick has easily paid his debt, and now has a chance to get his life together and continue his career. Those 32 NFL owners each has the right to reject him, but if one wants Vick, the others should not interfere, nor should Roger Goodell. I’m glad DLed corrected that guy about Vick’s win totals… people have reeaaally revised history to pretend Vick was some scrub.
Kris G
May 23rd, 2009
12:04 am
As for the argument “if I committed a felony I’d lose my job” there are two facts. 1. Vick HAS lost his job, and will not play into the Falcons’ future. 2. If there were only 20 people in the world who were competent at your job, with 96 or so positions available, chances are that someone would consider hiring you.
Darrin "The Vent King"
May 23rd, 2009
12:04 am
The worst thing about all this outside of the killings of the dogs is the ugliness in the reaction by people responding to it in these blogs. Some of your comments are as uncivilized as the acts of cruelty themselves….what a shame.
tyler
May 23rd, 2009
12:14 am
I agree.
Vick Supporter
May 23rd, 2009
12:43 am
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned
Skee
May 23rd, 2009
1:11 am
I think Vick and the Falcons organization learned from this situation. Mike, making his stupid choices and lying, Authur Blank and the Falcons personel people for not building a complete team. Instead, They were relying on one person to win. I felt Vick’s time served was more for the gambling than the killing of dogs. You can’t profit extra money without the Gov’t getting their cut. But, still wrong is wrong and he paid his dues.
A lot of people feel Vick shouldn’t be in the NFL again, but I think he should. Like it or not, he bought some excitement back to the game and to city of Atlanta. A lot of weight was put on his sholders and he fell down. Just allow the man to get up and go on. If not in Atlanta, at least somewhere else!
freshd
May 23rd, 2009
1:14 am
Arthur Blank could have ended this mess a long time ago if he had just released MIKE VICK before he was released from prison. If you say that the Falcons have moved on, then move on. He makes his team look like a guy who’s ex-girl has left him but he still can”t let go.Give him a chance to start in a new city, with a new team and quit putting out these fake press releases every time VICK”S name comes up.
Dmoney!
May 23rd, 2009
1:47 am
Anita, I see you must not have any short comings! Everyone knows what Vick did was wrong. For the life of me, I do not understand why people can not forgive him and move on. Will Vick play for the falcons again? of course not, and it’s the right thing to do. If you dont understand that…it’s ok. However, I believe that Mr. Blank has forgiven Vick and truly wishes him well and has he has stated ” he would do whatever he can to help him”, just not with the falcons. I think Vick is more remorseful for not telling the truth to Mr. Blank ….and it was obvious that it really, really hurt Mr. Blank. He understand business, and making business decisions, that’s why Vick will not be in a Falcons uniform. Lets learn to walk in love and forgive people.
G. Tampa Bedwetter
May 23rd, 2009
1:48 am
Mike Vick Is not a football player ……….. he is a convicted felon on supervised probation. There is no sports story here. It has turned into a racial issue and that is very sad. If you must report on him, please do it under crimestopper.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 23rd, 2009
2:59 am
“Vick is and always has been a circus act, nothing more. EVERY exciting play he ever made was a broken play.”
Ever wondered why so many of those plays were broken in the first place?
How many broken plays do Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and the like have to salvage on a weekly basis?
I’d like to see y’all name one QB who succeeded on a yearly basis in the NFL despite a terrible coaching staff. Just one.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 23rd, 2009
3:03 am
Oh yeah, and Mr. Ledbetter… with all due respect, if you are in charge of comments on this blog you are a clown. I have never cursed at anyone, or posted any spam links on this blog ever, in my five-plus years of posting here. I’ve disagreed with plenty of people, but I don’t think I’ve ever outright offended anyone other than PETA (and lord knows they deserve it). There is absolutely no reason for my comments to go into moderation immediately after I post them. I don’t know if you are doing this with everyone or what, but it’s pretty ridiculous.
Vick fan 99
May 23rd, 2009
4:52 am
Some of you all are crazy the man did time for a dog a dog come on I was watching espn and i saw hunters killing deers and other animals and people get excited about that type of stuff plus its on tv for kidds to see. To me thats wrong any pussy can get a gun and shooy it, im tired of people talking about vick he did his time let him play. I know one of you suckers are going to make a smart commit so before you do don’t waste your time. Vick is a pro bowl QB. Plus the media is funny if a black player does something the drag it on and make a big dill about but matt jones a white football player get cought with crack and the media sweeps it under the rug i have issues with this but this world will never be fair because so many people judge
Bud Wiser
May 23rd, 2009
7:00 am
Too bad Falcons went so public about simply releasing Vick. He might have brought in a draft pick somewhere, mid-level probably.
His improvisational skills on the field led me to believe then that he did not have a full grasp of what the plays/playbook was designed to do, and 3 years away from it certainly won’t help. His mediocre passing stats won’t impress either…..who cares if he could throw a football through a wall, because it probably isn’t the wall he’s aiming at.
Vick will become a sad and sorry footnote to the NFL himself, much like Mike Tyson’s career in boxing did a personal free fall. You simply cannot lose 3 years in the absolute prime of an athletic career and expect to come back on the wrong side of the clock now and expect similar successes, not with the performers in the game today that have been sharpening teir skills while he has been doing nothing related to football.
Sad really. As a new to this year season ticket holder, had all other things been equal and he had kept his nose clean, I’d have been wearing my number 7 to the GD every Sunday. Now, I have two number 2’s.
Go Birds!!!
Cedric
May 23rd, 2009
7:13 am
just waiting for the day when he comes back to the dome and puts a beating on the falcons.
safari
May 23rd, 2009
7:25 am
If slick didn’t flat out lie to Arther Blank then he might have had a chance at staying a Falcon. If I am Blank and someone who I am paying millions of dollars flat out lies to my face I would kick him to the curb as well.
Sure slick killed defenseless animals, but guess what.. 90% of the people who read this blog have animal blood on their hands. Mmmmmm those chicken wings are good!
The real problem with slick is he is a situational liar and doesn’t garner any respect from anyone associated with or who respects the Falcons team.
Go Falcons!
High Logic...Low Emotion
May 23rd, 2009
7:28 am
Let’s be careful not to project our personal preferences and predjudices onto this situation.
He broke the law, got caught, is serving the sentence, and has skills that should help him productively re-enter society.
1. The Falcons are making the correct decision.
2. Vick will be reinstated and will have a successful career. The timing is the question.
3. He has paid his debt to society. He went to prison and lost millions.
4.. After playing for Dan Reeves, Vick did not have a chance to play in a conventional NFL offense. He performed well in the Reeves offense, as a young quarterback. He would have flourished with more experience in that type of offense.
5. During the Mora era, the offensive line was marginal, at best, and the defense was nothing to get excited about.
6. Most importantly, the Mora led staff was not prepared to coach that roster to a number of championships. Additionally, the entire organizational model was flawed at that time.
6. Vick has obviouis play making skills and a strong arm, but strugggles with accuracy.
7. The winning formula is for him to be in a conventional play-action 5 step to 7 step drop offense.
8. There are many offenses in the NFL that could use his skill sets.
9. The most important component for Vick’s success is for him to gain the ability to make better lifestyle decisions.
Again>>>>..
Let’s be careful not to project our personal preferences and predjudices onto this situation.
He broke the law, got caught, is serving the sentence, has skills that should help him productively re-enter society.
AndyC
May 23rd, 2009
8:16 am
D. LED,
What is Vick’s contract status? If the Falcons keep him do they have to honor his old contract? If that’s the case then forget it. I don’t think there is anyway the Falcons can keep Vick from a PR perspective. There is no way they will allow him to put on a Falcons uniform again. They don’t want to deal with all the drama and media craziness that will go with him coming back. It would be a major distraction for the team. I also think he is going to struggle and not nearly be the player he was before. I mean, how do we know if he hasn’t lost a step or two during his down time. Blank will never allow him to come back.
DHD
May 23rd, 2009
8:39 am
Good morning, Michael. Did you enjoy your eggs and bacon?
Boots
May 23rd, 2009
8:50 am
Vick is not smart enough to read defenses — to audibilize — so is constantly faced with a “fight or flight” response. Yes, he was successful running the football between the 20’s but was a dismal quarterback in the Red Zone.
Some team will pick him up and we’ll see why he reached the apex of his career early on and was in a gradual decline over the last three years of his career with the Falcon.
He’ll never be a first rate quarterback. Unfortunately, he’s just not smart enough.
Birdy
May 23rd, 2009
8:54 am
If the league caugth up to Vick because he was around .500 his last two seasons, what do you say about the team’s record WITHOUT him while he was here, and, more importantly, the 5-11 record of 2007 while he was suspended?
In 2007 we saw the impact of having the smallest, slowest, softest-running RB in the league as the “feature” back. And once the regime was changed to a real GM from a prennial playoff team, replacing the waif RB with a physical RB was the FIRST move they made.
I remember a game last season where a blitzer came unblocked and sacked Ryan. OLine roster moves and practice squad shufflings were made the very next day. Yet the notion of the Falcons allowing unblocked blockers in on our QB was commonplace when vick was here.
And while allowing UNBLOCKED ruhers was commonplace during the Vick years, the OLinemen were not held accountable by team management. In fact, they were literally designated by the team as “MVPs”.
I might also remind D-Led that one of the main decision factors about whether to start Ryan game 1 or not was whether or not team management felt the OLine could protect him.
So why all the new-found emphasis on physical running and pass blocking once Vick is no longer the QB? Because you are actually giving your QB the best chance to succeed when you do those BASIC AND FUNDAMENTAL things. But the Falcons DELIBERATELY de-emphasized pass protection when they had their previous franchise QB. They didn’t care that their feature back went down most runs even BEFORE contact. It was “all vick’s fault” when the team did not win (even though they were really embarrassing whenever he did not play. Remember the loss to the Philly backups with Schaub leading the way?)
D-Led, Vick let himself and the Falcons down, no doubt. But the honest truth is that the Falcons were letting Vick down long before his transgressions came to light. As evidenced by the woeful showings of the team when he was not there, the team DESIGN was such that ANY QB would have a nearly impossible task trying to lead that squad to wins. Remember Schaub never WON a game here and we were 5-11 in 2007 without Vick.
I won’t even mention the horror that was Greg Knapp as a coach / play designer / play caller. Did you know that the Raiders had 3 different play callers last season, including Greg Knapp? With Kiffen calling the plays the Raiders averaged 20+ points. When he left, Knapp started calling the plays and they sunk to 10 points per game. Tom Cable banned Knapp from calling the plays and they went back to averaging 20+ points per game.
Two differnt coaches got DOUBLE THE PRODUCTION from the same players as Knapp.
And yet D-Led “suggests” the league may have caught up to Vick.
Jeff Schultz said Vick was “polarzing”. I guess anyone would be “polarizing” when some folks choose to ignore facts and just spew biased opinions.
Vick had the most difficult task available and still made it work better than anyone else. Lets see another QB succeed with soft-running RB support and an OLine that isn’t even expected to block well. And let’s give the QB ONE audible — “take off and run”. Yes, remember Jim mora said himself that the team’s only audible was the franchise QBs ability to scramble. he added, “It’s something the defense has to account for.” Brilliant coaching.
D-Led, you are close enough to the situation to know what I said is true. Why don’t you go ahead and confirm it in case some of your readers have doubts about it.
ET
May 23rd, 2009
9:09 am
If Vick had not bankrolled the dogfighting operation & if he had not lied to his employer along with the fans & if he had not killed dogs with his own bare hands, then I would have thought maybe he could be brought back…
on second thought… No, not even then would I want him back.
HATinGA
May 23rd, 2009
9:11 am
I never liked having a offence with a short QB we never had a chance to comeback in the 4th quarter,his 4th quarter stats were horrible.I think he went a season with like 1 or 2 4th Quarter TDs. He could not see the field from the pocket,his only decent passes came while rolling left,the games we won were when we got a lead and held on. You are NOT going win a super bowl with that type QB. That being said if you get in trouble\make a mistake an pay your debt ,no one should be kept from makng a living.So good luck Mike we have some good memorys!
Paddy
May 23rd, 2009
9:20 am
Safari…could not agree more. Situational liar is a great way to explain him. The NFL Commish was none to happy about that face to face lie he was told either. Respect is one of the key ingredients to a successful QB. NFL owners must think long and hard about hiring MV. Can this guy really pull my dressing room together? Will he gain the respect of his teammates by his hard work on and off the field? Do we get to the playoffs and SB with his leadership qualities? It is more than just pure economics when it comes down to choosing your starting QB. Many hard questions to answer for an owner in the face of fan uphevel with this particular player. I may be wrong but this is a PR nightmare that could set a franchise back years with the wrong decision. MV deserves a second chance at a career. IMHO his new career path may not be on the gridiron. If it is football in his future, I can’t see it lasting very long.
) The Falcons Brass will lose
May 23rd, 2009
9:33 am
Blank and crew will hate the day when #7 door has finally close on Vick. A lot of fan and I mean a lot of fan will all way be in Vick Conner. But to prove to the Hater of Vick he need to leave to get a super bowl like other falcons had to do. Some of the Fan base id just like the GOP lost in space and always will be. I hope he goes to the 49er they have the coach he needs. Matt Ryan is and will be a fluke he is a punk under pressure he cat take hit and his are is weak as the year goes on . The NFL help the Falcon last year with Ryan what this year and you will see this to be true. #7 is a land mark here in Atlanta #2 just a foot note. But the hater are our to prove this to be wrong Falcon top brass and the media they need this golden boy to shine but he won’t . Blank will see as time goes he mess up big time after Vick has been back a year or more.Thing happen for a reason we will miss you playing mike Vick here in the ATL. I and many other hope the team you play for plays here in the dome we will cheer you on Bank on it they can’t trade our love for you Mike. oh yea this year Falcons will be 7-9. No help this year Blank from the league. They are going to tag Matt like never before and AJC will be on him like they were on Vick watch and see!!!!!!!!!
Larry
May 23rd, 2009
9:41 am
Vick is a psychopath, as is anyone else who enjoys watching animals maim and kill each other. Such people don’t belong in the limelight. The Falcons are well rid of this monster.
alponso
May 23rd, 2009
9:41 am
I wish him the best, but I don’t know if he can overcome his raising, his former thug life style, and all the hangers on who are even now surrounding him again.
KPH
May 23rd, 2009
9:44 am
I hope he plays for a team in our division. We will be the team recovering all those fumbles and getting those interceptions. Good luck Mike but not in Atlanta.
savannadawg
May 23rd, 2009
9:48 am
The man has payed for his discretion through our pennal system. Now, if he is TRUELY repentative of his transgretion to one of the LORDS creations. Then let him play.
Randy
May 23rd, 2009
9:49 am
Of course the Falcons made the right decision. Which is not to say that Vick shouldn’t get a chance elsewhere. This team is about to move further forward than Vick would ever have been able to take them.
Mr 305 Mia
May 23rd, 2009
9:52 am
I can’t believe some of these comments. Most of you aren”t real fans anyway. You loved Vick to death when they were winning, but he makes one mistake and he’s a serial killer. You listen to rappers all day brag about how many drugs they sold, but still gets radio play. And you seem to forget, there was an Atlanta hockey player whom killed his teammate in a Drunk driving accident, which didn’t recieve half as much attention. TI, convicted felon, gets popped with assault weapons and silencers. Wow, he gets praise for doing a show and getting a one year prison sentence in which he may not even serve. So I guess you can kill, steal and any other crime in Atlanta, as long as you don’t hurt any dogs.
Todd
May 23rd, 2009
9:52 am
I challenge ANY to dispute this; check and find out: THE SENTENCING GUIDELINES for what Mike Vick plead guilty for was ‘ZERO TO 6 MONTHS PROBATION’. That’s the truth. Considertions for a 1st time offender, the likelyhood for being a repeat offender, the defentants envolvement… ZERO TO 6 MONTHS PROBATION. This is a fact!!!!!
Barnley
May 23rd, 2009
9:53 am
savannahdog, did you go to school? You barely got one word spelled correctly.
jonnyboy007
May 23rd, 2009
9:53 am
Jamie Dukes has about as much credibility as me. Does he have a clue? Yes the Falcons rely on the run and are successful, but that is because other teams have to respect the pass. With Vick the Falcon could run but that did not help them his last year. Why? Because teams did not have to respect the pass. Any team facing Vick can line up 8 in the box and beat him. Jamie D. needs to go do something he is good at.
Brian Hunt
May 23rd, 2009
10:00 am
The Falcons are right to move on, and have done so successfully. I wish Vick the best, but I’m tired of reading about him. He’s on the roster, but he’s not on the TEAM. I hope that next week we can read more about our TEAM and the guys who will be there helping the Falcons to win this season. Let’s see more about getting our picks signed. Let’s read about Coleman stepping up to captain the secondary. Let’s read about how Nicholas is preparing for the up comming battle in camp. How about a feature on Michael Jenkins, one of our most underrated players? I don’t think that you should have to be a superstar or a household name to get a feature article in your homemarket newspaper. We fans are hungry. Feed us.
Meka 76
May 23rd, 2009
10:01 am
People give me a break, of course he should be reinstated. He has paid his debt for the crimes he committed, unlike most of the crimnals out there and I wonder why doesn’t PETA advocate for abused children the way they do animals. Not to mention MV was always playing for the wrong team I can’t wait to see him in another teams’ uniform. You go MV!!!
ProFootballTalk.com - Saturday Morning One-Liners
May 23rd, 2009
10:04 am
[...] Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution asks if the Falcons are making the right football decision by helping QB Michael Vick out the [...]
Harleyman
May 23rd, 2009
10:13 am
Who is Mike Vick?
JJB
May 23rd, 2009
10:20 am
“Vick paid his debt”-maybe to the dogs, but his creditors still feel he has a debt-that is a given. I hope he goes into a situation where he can get some stability imposed upon him. And Vick Supporter-who states on one blog that he respects Ryan and he is a good quarterback, has gone back to the “noodle arm” derogatory posts. You are not very honest, there Mr. VS. I am sure that if there was an open competition for services of QB among the 32 NFL teams, I would lay money down that Matt Ryan would be considered more highly desireable and would command a larger salary than Mike Vick would in the same competition. What do you think there Mr Supporter? Am I wrong?