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
Dr. Dave
May 24th, 2009
10:34 am
Vick not only broke the law but he looked Arthur Blank in the face and flat out lied to him after being trusted with a $100 million contract. Take him back? That’s like inviting your hot looking wife over for dinner right after she cheated on you.
drmondo
May 24th, 2009
10:59 am
One point has been forgotten by a lot of posters here. The prison sentence was punishment for a crime. The commish said Vick’s punishment for breaking the NFL’s rules wouldn’t happen until after he served his federal punishment. I think Vick probably serves a year’s probation from the NFL. Guys like Pacman have hurt Vick’s chances for immediate reinstatement. Pacman’s been suspended so often, after being reinstated, I think Goodell will keep Vick’s suspension until he’s sure Vick won’t be another PR timebomb waiting to explode. Now if MV spends his time rehabilitating his image before the season starts, maybe Goodell shows leniency. Judging by his actions though, I’m not that sure MV can show enough remorse in so short a time.
showme714
May 24th, 2009
2:54 pm
Let the man play! Common sense should tell you that this was way bigger than fighting dogs. No one before nor has anyone since been drug through the system for fighting dogs. Vick not making the flights to D.C. for that engagement with the Washington power base pissed off the wrong people and they made an example of him. http://www.petakillsanimals.com
Paddy
May 24th, 2009
3:39 pm
showme714…dog fighting was not the issue for jail time. Maintaining and financing a criminal enterprise is what got MV 23 mons in Federal prison.
showme714
May 24th, 2009
3:55 pm
Thanks for the clarification Paddy. I still say let the man play. We have people in government guilty of maintaining and financing a criminal enterprises. They may or may not go to jail. They get recycled for jobs from administration to administration and even become president. The public’s memory is real short on those things and media coverage is slim to none. MV has not caused jobs to be outsourced overseas, has not contributed to high foreclosures and unemployment. Nor has he stolen 1 trillion + dollars from the American people in the name of jumpstarting the economy. Let him play!
ROLLTIDE23
May 24th, 2009
5:24 pm
Enter your comments here
FLACONCREST
May 24th, 2009
5:25 pm
HEY MR BLANK, I DON’T LIKE THE WAY MIKE WAS TREATED BY YOU OR THE FAKE SPCA PEOPLE. I WILL NEVER SHOP IN HOME DEPOT OR ATTEND ANOTHER FALCON GAME. I RATHER ROOT FOR THE PANTHERS. BYE
joe
May 24th, 2009
7:38 pm
No Vick = Less thugs at the game = Safer for the fans.
Cedric
May 24th, 2009
7:50 pm
Vick has a better qb rating than John Elway, Joe Namath and Terry Bradshaw all qbs the media declears as wonderful. Vick will put in the time it will take to not only come back successful, but come back with a desire to be the best because he has lost it all. Mars, stallworth was driving a car drunk, hit somebody and that person died. nothing else matters to me regarding that situation. he might get off on some loop hole, but still a person died and nobody cares. Now go and kill one dog and the world is against you, but kill a person and nobody cares. sad time.
Cedric
May 24th, 2009
7:52 pm
my error Vick does not have a better rating than john elway but better than ron jaworski and many other qbs.
UGA 75
May 24th, 2009
8:06 pm
I have said earlier that Mike has paid more of a penalty than most killers, and that is just jail time, his money loss is beyond normal folks imagination. Give the man a chance, he should have the opportunity to prove or disprove that he learned a lesson. I’d bet he will be a model citizen for the rest of his career. I’d love for him to have a chance with the falcons
SNY
May 24th, 2009
8:38 pm
AJC hurting for advertising dollars…what do we need? Another Mike Vick thread! It brings out all the looney’s! DOL, I saw where you said there would be at least one more MV blog…WHY??? You and your cohorts have driven this subject into the ground and the only people that truly care to continue on with this are the same people that showed up at the Town Hall meeting.
Navigator
May 24th, 2009
8:45 pm
I didn’t know that Jamie Dukes was MVick’s agent, man it certainly sounds like it. I agree most of his points about Vick’s strengths: Wildcat QB to unsettle the defense, helps sells tickets for those that come for highlights. I hope he first he has settled his own life, secondly, I hope he takes his dog and pony show somewhere else. Last year we saw the beginnings of team that has a long future, let’s not upset that chemistry.
Gary
May 24th, 2009
8:49 pm
I think the man has done his time. Some people who have actually killed a human have gotten much less than he has. I am a supporter of PETA but I think they are pushing this too far and I agree that what he did was horrible but even the people of PETA have had to ask for forgiveness at some point and will in the future. I don’t condone Michael Vick’s actions. But it is time to move on. Innocent people die every day. Lets do what we can to prevent that. The falcons are making a horrible football decision in getting rid of Vick but I understand that if Mr. Blank let him come back he, as well as the fans, would never hear the end of it. And I’m sure that the investors have something to do with it as well. Dog fighting needs to end. But so do those who play God and try to force upon someone a brain scan to see if they are capable of remorse. Let him prove himself. Time reveals everything.
michaelgee
May 24th, 2009
10:19 pm
the ajc has the dumbest writers on earth.
DLed how can you make anotehr Vick story after Jeff’s failure this week? Are you that sure your articles will be skipped over? Maybe another Detroit Lion story?? Anything but the Falcons??
Dled, people come here to see if there is any Falcon news and you guys completely fail to understand that Vick has humiliated the entire city of Atlanta, yet the ajc can’t quit slobbering over the guy. You and Jeff have huge man crushes on a convicted felon of all people. Maybe one day your kids will grow up to be just Vick? Would you like that?
You ajc guys need to man up and get some positive role models to focus on vs that criminal animal abuser Vick.
Did Vick serve his time? Yes Are the dogs he violated ever coming back to life? No
He beat the system and is not a bit different today, he will dodge the ball again and end up back in trouble again. Vick is not smart enough to make it legitimately, much like the ajc sports writers..
The slobbering over Vick is sickening, you guys need to find something else to write about or just get a different job.
The only people who look up to Vick today are pathertic sad losers like himself.
A-Ville Ranger
May 24th, 2009
11:06 pm
I couldn’t care less about ”the football decision”, I would NEVER turn over a penny to a team with Vick on it’s payroll.
Sick of Vick
May 24th, 2009
11:35 pm
Mike Vick could probably audition for the mascot position if Freddie Falcon retires. He gotta do what he gotta do though. He let down the franchise and the fans. I DON”T want him back…. EVER!
Ken Strickland
May 25th, 2009
12:30 am
It appears my comments about the AJC and their self serving interest in focusing on MVick didn’t meet with your approval, so my comments were removed. ORLANDO LEDBETTER, go back and look at the attitudes, responses and overall positive tenor of the comments on your previous blogs. Then compare them to the negative, derogatory, and in some cases, discriminatory comments on this blog that you’re having to sensor. There are negative comments from people none of us regulars have heard from before you and the AJC decided to focused on MVick and put the Falcons on the back burner. IS THIS WHAT YOU AND THE AJC WERE SHOOTING FOR WHEN YOU BROACHED WHAT YOU HAD TO KNOW WOULD BE A SENSITIVE ISSUE?
Why would you go to so much trouble to clean up these blogs and and change the atmosphere of the respondants and their comments, then rekindle the same fire all over again? HOW STUPID AND MINDLESS IS THAT? I GUESS YOU’LL DO ANYTHING TO GENERATE MORE INTEREST IN YOUR RAG OF A PAPER.
) no other Falcon is better
May 25th, 2009
1:49 am
Cap wise vick must stay this year. Blank have you lost your mind. keeping vick Falcon is a win is a win win for you the falcons. you get nothing for one of the best player in foot ball if you cut him that makes no kind of since. why help another team help your.you will hate the day you let him go for nothing. you never gave away nothing a home depot. Keep Vick this year and get something for him a 3 time pro bowler a give away? pure nuts!!
Ken Strickland
May 25th, 2009
8:45 am
(Note from DOL: Ken you’re not the only one being moderated. TRUST ME. We can deal with this topic and move. You can protest, too. — dol)
It appears the DLedbetter and the AJC are practicing outright censorship. I haven’t said anything vulgar or negative about any blogger, nor have I called anyone names or made any comments about MVick, and I’m certainly not the only one to mention his name. Yet, I seem to be the only one getting moderated.
My comments have been directed at the AJC for turning this blog back in the direction of the emotional, often venumous and racially charged forum it’s been in the past. And for that, I get censored.
ORLANDO LEDBETTER-How many times have you had bloggers request writeups about certain active Falcon players? How many times have you gotten requests to give information about MVick, especially requests to report every instance he leaves his house, gets out of his car or goes to the bathroom?
I GUESS YOU’LL HAVE TO EITHER BAN ME, OR CONTINUE SENSORING ME, BECAUSE I’M GOING TO CONTINUE MAKING YOU AN ISSUE UNTIL YOU START ANOTHER BLOG THAT’S ABOUT THE FALCON PLAYERS, UPCOMING TRAINING CAMP, PRE AND REGULAR SEASON.
Falcon57
May 25th, 2009
9:01 am
I’m so sick of opening this web page to read about the Falcons and all you see is Vick this and Vick that. It’s already been said, written and re-written that Vick is NOT going to be playing for the Falcons so WHY does the AJC sports section dedicated to the Falcons coverage have basically no FALCONS coverage, just all this ‘human’ story line about Vick????????????
OK, Vick did his time and may deserve another chance. Enough is enough already!!!!!!!!!!!!!
majic food fairy
May 25th, 2009
9:32 am
Michael could never get around the first round of the playoffs. He was NEVER a team player. How many of us would have jobs if we had lied to our boss and done the things he had done at work? Would we get a second chance at our job? NO!!! Maybe he should apply for unemployment, would he get it? I DON’T THINK SO! I don’t care where he goes as long as it’s not in Atlanta. Let another cities fans make excuses for his shortcomings.
reed thomas
May 25th, 2009
9:45 am
I agree with MFF. I grew up in Dallas, A HUGE COWBOYS FAN. While I loved the Super Bowl Rings of the 90’s, I did not enjoy the me attitude of Michael Irvin and some of the other players. They brought shame to a class organization. Now I live in Atlanta and while the BOYS are still my favorite team I like the birds and wish them well. All the pieces are in place for the Falcons to become a top notch football team. Matt Ryan reminds me of Troy Aikman. The last thing they need is more of their bad history tainting their positive future. Ryan is a team leader and puts his team first. There is NO WAY the Cowboys would consider MV7, he brings NOTHING to the table to help them win a SuperBowl. The Falcons did what no one thought could be done this past season without Vick.
Preston
May 25th, 2009
10:22 am
I’m all for giving people second chances but I really think he’s going to screw up again eventually. People say that he was just trying to help his old friends make some money for themselves but he didn’t have enough sense and character to set them up in a legitimate business. People that do things that stupid usually don’t do it just once. I’m not saying that he’ll fight dogs again but he’ll manage to screw up somehow. However, I do believe he deserves the chance to prove me wrong. The Falcons shouldn’t keep him but someone else should sign him.
bandit dawgg
May 25th, 2009
10:39 am
its time to move on mike vick is nothing but a gangsta thug. he lied about his involvement with dog fighting when it turned out he bank rolled the whole operation. also dont forget the episode in the airport with the water bottle that had pot residue in it.he can thank mr. blank for getting that case thown out. as an nfl quaterback his passing rating was mere 56% could not throw the a short pass to save his life.i would be shocked to see any team picking vick up as quterback. maybe mike can get job as an dog food rep.
bakerman
May 25th, 2009
11:19 am
I stepped in a pile of Vick and ruined my shoes.
Jerome
May 25th, 2009
11:43 am
I hope God is more forgiving on judgement day than you “PERFECT” people in this forum. OH how I wish I had not done anything wrong to anyone and had to ask for forgiveness. A sin is a sin in Gods eyes and I have forgiven him.
I am a Vick fan and I hope this has been a wake up call for the young man, but the Falcons and I have moved on and I agree that this chapter in the history of the Atlanta Falcons should close. However, I will be pissed off if Vick goes to another team and leads them to a championship just like so many other players in Atlanta sports history or he plays the Falcons and he has a career day.
Mac
May 25th, 2009
12:10 pm
Vick had 36 fumbles and 38 interceptions in his last 46 games. He was mediocre. Let him try to have a career somewhere else.
bakerman
May 25th, 2009
12:34 pm
Falconcrest, good riddance.
BartBuzz
May 25th, 2009
12:34 pm
Forget whether it’s a good “football” decision. Anyone who abuses animals doesn’t belong in sports period.
Joebrave
May 25th, 2009
1:05 pm
Just shut up about this LOOOOOOOOZER!!! He has the football IQ of a pissant!!!
olskool
May 25th, 2009
1:22 pm
why is this even a topic of conversation.
Linda
May 25th, 2009
2:07 pm
Michael Vick should never be allowed to play football or any other professional sport. When I grew up, those who played professional sports were looked up to as roll models. What parent would want Vick seen as a roll model for their child. He abused animals not only by making them fight, but by neglect of their health, and by the cruel, sadistic ways he and his “associates” killed the dogs who could not win. I own a pit bull and he is one of the finest dogs my family has ever owned. He is gentle and loving to our family and our friends. Research has shown that in the majority of cases, individuals who abuse animals will also abuse the humans in their lives, such as their spouse and children…..I know this from experience of living with an abusive father…..he abused animals and he abused me, my sisters and my mother. Anyone who will abuse an animal for their enjoyment has an evilness in their soul that will never go away.
shaad
May 25th, 2009
2:49 pm
People are so stupid when they say that Vick might not be a starting qb again because he was average at best. What the heck do you think Rex Grossman was a great qb or something because his team went to the superbowl, I just would really like to know if people really think if Vick played for the bears that year would he not have performed better than Rex Grossman who was the starter for the entire year. I think people are linking the falcons success the years Vick was there which was average with Vick’s ability which was superb, not thinking the real case was vick carried a horrible team his whole career. Lastly, I wish people who don’t even watch football would stop posting about their dislike for Vick and how they hope he never gets to play again, because if PETA would not brought all this negative media attention Vick would not had to suffer this bad. People say he should be punished more as if prison was not a real punishment(I really believe they want his blood or for him to be dead), I don’t think he should have been punished at all. This country has allowed slavery, killed civil right protesters, killed animals for sport, and have had mass murders receive less attention than Vick has for a bunch of dogs not “humans” DOGS!!!!
MV = VD
May 25th, 2009
3:16 pm
Satan,
I laughed so hard I cried when I saw what #7 did in that Disney movie you posted.
Menzoni
May 25th, 2009
3:21 pm
Good riddance to this thug. Selah.
Algonquin J. Calhoun
May 25th, 2009
3:26 pm
It is not a lock that Vick will not face additional suspension. I believe he will be suspended for next season.
As for the Falcons, they have every reason to keep him out of uniform and out of the locker room. They had a great season in 2008, went to the playoffs and they’ve added great talent since the season ended. To bring this lame albatross back for another sling around the neck of the franchise would be suicidal. Dimitroff and Blank aren’t going to do that. If Blank expressed a desire to do that, Dimitroff would leave. He and coach Smith are building something special and Mr. Blank wants to keep it going in a positive direction. There’s nothing positive about Vick! He’s a known liar, a gambler, a dog fighter, a dog killer, the money behind a criminal enterprise of six years duration, a drug addict and a lousy football player. People talk about his winning record with the Falcons but I remember a typical game, this one against the Jets. Vick threw three interceptions, passed for 105 yards and the Falcons won because the Jets were even sorrier than they were. Vick won’t make it back into the NFL. He never should have been in in the first place!
Barry Jay
May 25th, 2009
4:22 pm
I think the Falcons made a bad business decision in how they handled this. There was no need to come out and say, “He will never play for the Falcons again.” They could have deferred the final decision until he was reinstated by saying, “no comment”. The PR for the team would not have been any worse. People would still whine and complain and discuss the matter, as evidenced by these blogs. Even though Blank has made his decision known, people are still talking about it. They should have let other teams think we were going to bring him to camp even if we never intended to. We might have gotten something for him that way.
Polterbubba
May 25th, 2009
4:40 pm
Vick’s lucky he worked for, and lied to, Arthur Blank, and not John Gotti.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
May 25th, 2009
5:55 pm
ON “BETUS.COM” – THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS RUNNING:
“FAVRE, VICK & BRADY COULD EFFECT SUPERBOWL BETTING”
THE ARTICLE STATES THAT NEW ENGLAND IS THE PRE-SEASON SUPERBOWL FAVORITE, WITH MINNESOTA IF THEY ADD FAVRE WILL BE THE TEAM FAVORED TO MEET NEW ENGLAND IN THE SUPERBOWL.
THE ARTICLE WENT ON TO MENTION THAT MIKE VICK WILL BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR. IF MV7 GOES TO NEW ENGLAND AND RUN THE WILDCAT, NEW ENGLAND WOULD BE UNSTOPPABLE AND IF MV7 GOES TO NEW ORLEANS, THE SAINTS WOULD BE THE FAVORITE TO WIN THE SUPERBOWL.
THE FUNNY THING WAS: EVENTHOUGH THE FALCONS HAVE THE GREATEST TIGHTEND IN NFL HISTORY, MATTY ICE AND THE BIRDS WERE NOT MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE AS BEING NEAR THE TOP OF THE FAVORITE LIST.
HOW CAN THAT BE? MATTY ICE IS “THE MAN” RIGHT?
THE SECOND COMING OF “GOD” RIGHT?
AN INTELLIGENT THINKER RIGHT?
CAN READ DEFENSES RIGHT?
I GUESS “BETUS.COM” DIDN’T GET THAT MEMO
GO FALCONS!
dawgs/falcons4life
May 25th, 2009
6:27 pm
I agree with AtlSouthside keep him and use in sparlying and let him boost his stock a and then see what they can get for him. Who knows a change of paste will slow a lot of defense down. From a throwing QB to a running QB just might work out and get the falcons to the promise land. Try it for a year and see what happends.
Paddy
May 25th, 2009
6:36 pm
shome714…almost everyone deserves a 2nd chance. (exceptions, Charlie Manson, John Wayne Gacey and Paris Hilton to name a few). MV will get his opportunity after the Commish decides the NFL stance on this matter. I believe the real question is what team owner will decide if his playing ability will outweigh the public (his fans in that city) backlash that is sure to come. It will take a stronger than ever owner to pull that trigger. I for one hope someday he gets his chance. You must agree it will interesting to follow this story and where it will leed us as fans of football. Pray to God he keeps his nose clean.
Marcus 15 year Falcons Season Ticket Holder
May 25th, 2009
6:52 pm
Dogfighting is sick. That being said, I would love for Vick to stay with the Falcons. He has the athletic ability to play several different positions for the Falcons. But if he must leave so be it.
Vick’s next team will instantly become my 2nd Favorite team. Hopefully Vick will join a team on the West Coast, so I can get home from the GA Dome in time to see him play.
fkj
May 25th, 2009
8:15 pm
I think it will be very interesting to watch happens with Vick. I have been a Falcons Fan for over 34 years (attending games when they were still in Fulton County Stadium). I’ll pull for any quarterback who helps us win. Let’s move forward and let Vick do the same. His stats speak for themselves as does his wn/loss.
Good luck Mike, just so long as its somewhere else.
Stephen
May 25th, 2009
9:52 pm
When and if Michael Vick’s contract get picked up by another team (if he’s reinstated by the NFL) will the articles and blogs about him on the Atlanta Falcons sports page end?????? Enough already!!!!!
Falcons Fan
May 25th, 2009
10:32 pm
Let’s examine the facts about Vick. Probably from middle school on, he has been told by coaches that he is the best thing that ever graced the field with is presence. I guarantee he’s probably gotten away with living a nefarious lifestyle all the way from middle school through college. Unfortunately, no one with any real moral fiber has ever succeeded in trying to raise this kid right. He’s surrounded himself with low-lifes (including family members) and no adult in his life has ever had the balls to convince him that he was headed down the path of destruction. Also, I would be willing to bet that no coach has ever had the courage to bench him whenever he went off script and did his own thing. It’s a shame that even Arthur Blank contributed to his downfall by excusing his behaviors and not holding him accountable early in his career.
He had it all: money, fame, endorsements, and threw it all away because he couldn’t separate himself from stupidity. Do I feel sorry for him? HECK NO… It’s obvious to me and millions of other hard working, decent Americans that Vick epitomizes what is wrong with too many young men in America today. Family is not valued. Morality is not valued. Decency is not valued. Respect for the law is not valued. It’s okay to father children out of wedlock. It’s okay to fight dogs and murder them when they don’t perform….It’s okay to smoke pot and lie about it…It’s okay to knowingly give people herpes and lie about it…It’s okay to hang with liars, thieves, and thugs.
I doubt he has changed. I don’t and won’t believe anything that comes out of his mouth. Any team that is stupid enough to sign him are idiots, but luckily, it won’t be the Falcons. Arthur Blank has already been burned too many times, and the Falcons have done an excellent job of fielding a team that EXPECTS and REQUIRES good moral values from their players. If VIck wanted to show that he was remorseful, he would voluntarily renegotiate his contract or retire to make himself attractive to another team that needs a QB. But instead, Vick is going to go the other path, damage his former team’s salary cap situation, and expect to get paid for nothing, because that is the type of self-centered child he is.
Leonard Maltin
May 25th, 2009
11:04 pm
I hear Mike is going to be a made-for-BET movie star since football is over for him now.
His first lead role -
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN 2 : Keeping It Real!
oneydjax
May 26th, 2009
12:07 am
Somethings you can see coming. In the very near future in a playoff race, ABC , CBS or Fox will ballyhoo the match between the Mike Vick Led (team to be named later) and the Atlanta Falcons. Notice I didn’t say the Matt Ryan led Falcons, we didn’t expect to lose Mike this soon either.
I don’t even have to say what happens next. Sometime during the fourth quarter a seemingly trapped Vick will escape containment to launch a game winner or run for a score. The postgame show will center not only on his triumphant return but also the many championship players the Falcons have virtually given away. ( Deion Sanders, Brett Favre, R. C. Thielman, etc. ad nauseum) I am of the opinion that Mike had aches and pains from one season to the next that nagged and never healed. They have had time to heal now. This Mike may be BETTER! cest la vie…Turn your back on him now Atlanta …Make it easier for him to kick us there.
Ken Kendrick
May 26th, 2009
12:59 am
You can multiply thes numbers by thousands as these are just incidents that made it to the news. My neighbors 6 year old daughter was attacked by a PITBULL and nothing was written about her!
PITBULL KILLS BABY -28,500 Articles!!!!!
PITBULL KILLS CHILD-181,000 Articles!!!!!
PITBULL KILLS OWNER – 799,000 Articles!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PITBULL KILLS 7 Month OLD – 140,000 Articles!!!!!!!!!!
PITBULL KILLS INFANT – 46,900 Articles!!!!!!!
PITBULL ATTACKS BABY – 108,000 Articles!!!!!!
PITBULL ATTACKS CHILD – 147,000 Articles!!!
Lets quit pretending this was such an atrocity. Who is organizing for the ungodly number of infants and children tortured, killed and maimed by PITBULLS?!
Vick served his time, let him go back to the job he’s been training to do his entire life. We’re not asking for a new Pope. This is AMERICA! The land of second chances and forgiveness. Go to the middle east if you want to cut off hands and take out eyes you heartless human hating PETA fanatics. We are sick of you lording over us as if we don’t have a voice of our own.
DeathFromAbove
May 26th, 2009
1:48 am
I don’t even wish Vick well after what he did to my Falcons but he’d most likely be better off playing in a city w/o as many easy temptations as Atlanta offers.