What not to expect: Falcons vs. Vick in 2009
Falcons coach Mike Smith and defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder probably won't have to devise a way to stop No. 7.
(UPDATE: An online sportsbook, Bodog.com, has just established odds on Vick’s next team. Feeling lucky? See below.)
When I caught the tail end of the Falcons’ luncheon for select season ticket holders Wednesday — ostensibly to talk to coach Mike Smith for a column –I mentioned to a few people that at least 18 teams already had indicated they weren’t interested in signing Michael Vick. But all anybody seemed to want to know was: Are any in the NFC South?
Well, here’s some news that even most Falcons fans who don’t want any more local coverage of Vick should be interested in: The Falcons will not have to play Vick twice a season because it seems no NFC South team is interested. (And he may not appear on their 2009 schedule: see below.) That’s something I would’ve never guessed. But here’s the UPDATED breakdown:
♦ NEW ORLEANS:The Saints are out (unofficially team No. 19). It turns out General manager Mickey Loomis actually said last month the team had “no plans to bring Michael Vick to the Saints.” But since everybody seemed to ignore him, he reiterated his lack of interest (sort of) Wednesday, saying: “We have already commented on Vick and have nothing further to add.” This surprises me. New Orleans seemed like a good fit. It’s another indoor/turf team that could help Vick utilize his speed. He’s familiar with the opponents. He could play for a loud and loyal fan base and in a town where the Saints are the show. He could play for a creative offensive coach in Sean Payton, who would find ways to incorporate Vick into the game plan, even with Drew Brees as the starter. He could play for an owner, Tom Benson, who is always desperately looking for ways to generate revenue in a market that just doesn’t provide a lot (which is why he has wanted to move the team).
♦ TAMPA BAY: The Buccaneers also once looked like a plausible destination. But that was before coach Jon Gruden — who goes through quarterbacks like jelly beans and always has been fascinated by Vick’s talents — was fired in January. The Bucs have been quiet since Vick’s suspension was lifted but they indicated earlier they weren’t interested. Chances are, they don’t want to subject new coach Raheem Morris to the circus, even though the team is a mess at quarterback (depth chart: Luke McCown, Bryon Leftwich, Josh Freeman). It also should be noted that Tampa’s offensive coordinator is former Falcons assistant Jeff Jagodzinski, who dealt with the relatively pristine Matt Ryan at Boston College. Morris and Jagodzinski are expected to use a form of the West Coast offense at Tampa, which as we’ve seen is not conducive to Vick’s skill set.
♦ CAROLINA: The Panthers have never officially commented on their interest in Vick. But it would be shocking if they signed him. This franchise already has had its share of tragedy and embarrassment — Rae Carruth conspiring to murder his pregnant girlfriend; Kerry Collins booze-fueled racist ramblings; two cheerleaders caught in public restroom having sex — and doesn’t want the attention that comes with the Vick package. Neither owner Jerry Richardson nor coach John Fox seem the type to want to roll the dice on Vick. A recent Charlotte Observer story noted, “Who knows what teams might be interested in picking up Vick – and some will – but be assured the Panthers aren’t one of them.”
And finally, I just looked at the Falcons’ 2009 schedule. The only two teams on it who haven’t yet made a public declaration about Vick are New England in Week 3 (when Vick might still be under Roger Goodell’s vague suspension) and Chicago in Week 5 (ditto).
So if you were wondering/concerned/anxious about the Falcons vs. Vick scenario in 2009, I think you’re safe.
♦ ♦ ♦
An online sportsbook, Bodog, has just issued odds on what team will sign Vick. I’m not sure if I’m required to say that these odds are for entertainment purposes only. But here you go::
- New England Patriots 4/1
- Orlando Tuskers (UFL) 9/2
- Baltimore Ravens 5/1
- Washington Redskins 5/1
- Oakland Raiders 6/1
- San Francisco 49ers 7/1
- Jacksonville Jaguars 15/2
- New Orleans Saints 15/2
- New York Sentinels (UFL) 15/2
- San Francisco Rockfish (UFL) 15/1
- Buffalo Bills 11/1
- Las Vegas Locomotives (UFL) 11/1
- Cincinnati Bengals 12/1
- Miami Dolphins 12/1
- Seattle Seahawks 13/1
- Any CFL Team 30/1
- Any other NFL team 5/2
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
220 comments Add your comment
FALCONS SORRY
July 30th, 2009
12:37 pm
JEFF SHULTZ! ANY TEAM THAT IS NOT SMART ENOUGH TO GIVE MIKE VICK A CHANCE TO SHOW CASE HIS TREMENDOUS TALENTS IS CRAZY! ALL YOU SORRY HATER TEAMS WILL HATE THE DAY YOU IGNORED YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SUPPER BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP WHEN MIKE VICK CAME KNOCKING ON YOUR DOOR AND YOU ALL TURN YOUR BACK ON HIM! ESPECIALLY YOU SORRY AUTHUR BLANK! THE BEST CHANCE YOUR FALCONS TEAM EVER HAD OR EVER WILL HAVE OF WINNING AN NFL CHAMPIONSHIP LEFT TOWN WHEN YOU STAB MIKE VICK IN THE BACK JUST KEEP YOUR OWN NOSE CLEAN! YOU PROBABLY DID A LOT WORSE TO YOUR DOGS THAN VICK EVER DID! BIG MILLIONAIRE LIKE YOU BLANK PROBABLY SHOWED VICK HOW TO FIGHT DOGS AND TRAIN THEM! BLANK YOU WILL BE CRYING OVER YOUR MISTAKE ALONG WITH 32 OTHER TEAMS IN JANUARY WHEN MIKE VICK IS STANDING ON TOP OF THE WORLD IN MIAMI AFTER TAKING BACK WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY HIS! MIKE YOUR TRUE FANS WILL BE CHEERING RIGHT ALONG WITH YOU IN JANUARY WHEN YOU SHOCK THE ENTIRE WORLD WITH YOUR TALENT AND THE WHOLE NFL HAS TO BOW AT YOUR FEET AND APOLOGIZE FOR HOW YOU WERE WRONG FULLY TREATED! YOUR NEXT TEAM IS MY NEW FAVORITE TEAM MIKE!
Hollywould
July 30th, 2009
12:37 pm
Jeff, I hope he goes to Dallas as I just got confirmation for my tickets Oct. 25th in Dallas. Luckily, I have a friend who’s sister works for the Cowboys. The Cowboys she says have 3,000 employees
in all aspects and they each can buy 4 tickets to a game. PLAY BALL
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:38 pm
No need to watch any video. I’ve been around dogs all my life, I’ve buried 2 with in the last year. They are considered family but what you do with your dog is your business and what I do with my dogs is mine.
Barbara Primas
July 30th, 2009
12:39 pm
I’m orginally from Pittsburgh, I’ve hear rumors that the Steelers were considering Vick.
I think he would be a great asset to the team. He has paid his dues and has the right to earn a living. He is an extraordinary athlete and deserves to earn a living!!!!!
cookie
July 30th, 2009
12:42 pm
Don’t matter where MICHAEL VICK land I will forever be his FAN. I pray that he goes to a team that plays the FAKCONS and kick them out the PLAYOFFS
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:42 pm
Barbara, Steeler fans and owners have been considered the best in the leauge. It show by only having 4 coaches in history. It shows by giving a young black man a high profile job. I guess the Southern Folks don’t make mistakes nor believe in 2nd chances…
GO BARBARA…
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:43 pm
BIG AL, don’t say that to loud… You may cause some folks to fall out.
Steve
July 30th, 2009
12:43 pm
GoBigBlue @ 12:16
Detriot?!? Hasn’t Vick already suffered enough
cookie
July 30th, 2009
12:43 pm
SORRY FOR THE TYPE-O I MEAN THE FALCONS!!!!!!!
Haliburton Billonaire
July 30th, 2009
12:44 pm
Why does the AJC continue to harp on how Mike Vick WON’T be returning to the falcon franchise??? Good grief can we get OVER this dude already?!
Hubert
July 30th, 2009
12:48 pm
Fact: Vick went to Federal prison for racketeering, not torturing and killing dogs. As someone else has pointed out, it’s not uncommon for all star athletes in any sport to be censured for gambling.
Fact: No, a dog’s life is not more valuable than a human’s…the issue here is intent. Stollworth, Heatley, and other comparisons don’t apply…although driving under the influence is illegal, it’s not considered murder if somebody dies as a result. Vick obviously had cruel, unusual, and sadistic intentions towards these animals.
Fact: Vick just plain wasn’t that good before he went away, and most knowledgeable football minds know it…which is why nobody is beating a path to his door. If a team really thought he could help them win, he’d be playing. The man is virtually uncoachable, and nobody really knows what to do with him.
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:50 pm
Hubert – Good post…
Godfather
July 30th, 2009
12:53 pm
Do all the dumb and negative people live in the south?
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
12:56 pm
Things are just a little different in the south… It’s hard for some to give up the past history and move on… Give us a little time maybe it will sink in that things has changed…
Honestly it depends on what part of GA they live in…
midnite
July 30th, 2009
12:57 pm
Would someone PLEASE explain to me what these people have to do with Mike Vick’s downfall:
Dante Stallworth
1) George W. Bush
2) Dick Cheney
3) Matt Ryan
4) Arthur Blank (oh yeah, gave him $130M contract)
5) Martha Stewart
6) Ben Roethlisberger
7) Danny Heatly
9) Bobby Cox
Only thoughtful, educated, and realistic opinions will be accepted. Anyone??
Wow
July 30th, 2009
12:58 pm
Lots of anger today. I love it.
Will never understand how the Mike Vick blogs jump so quickly to politicians and political views. Solid comparison, really. Every time, without fail someone tries to somehow equate Vick with Bush or Chaney or god knows who else. I don’t get it. Throw in how much Arthur Blank owes Vick too. I haven’t poured through his financials lately, but feel pretty confident that Blank was okay financially before Vick. Made a heck of a lot more money than he ever will owning the Falcons. I will admit though, it is much more fun though if we stick with the highly plausible idea that it’s really Vick that has helped him succeed and he ruthlessly turned his back on him in his time of need.
Steve
July 30th, 2009
12:59 pm
Big Al,
The media did report the issue with Ben Roethlisberger. Ben has indicated he is not guilty. I suspect if it comes out later that he is lying about that the media will be all over his butt again (and won’t let up).
DawgFan
July 30th, 2009
12:59 pm
Haliburton, I think the reason that there are no reports on Big Ben is because it is a largely unreliable witness claiming that he raped her, with no evidence other than her word. Vick was scrutinized and convicted because he had all the necessary tools for fighting and killing dogs at his house. There’s a big difference there. It has nothing to do with race.
Marie
July 30th, 2009
1:00 pm
Some of you guys are soooooo pathetic. Goodell reinstated Vick for one reason and one reason only the man has a fan base and a talent that generates cash. And he did not want that fan base, talent, and cash going to some start up league along with the press attention Michael Vick will receive — period. So all you losers that are still pissed off about MV, get over it, according to the man himself he is close to signing with another team. Even if he went to the UFL (and they are clamouring for him) he would get premium pay of $1 million or above; more than the Mickey D’s burger flipping salary some of you would love to see him make (and that you’re probably making).
And this silly list that Jeff and others have compiled is not rooted in reality. Some of the teams on this list have offered only vague half-hearted statements in the past (some before Vick was released from prison, before he was reinstated, and before all the details of the nanny state Gooddell has cacooned him in was known). Only a hand full of teams have positively gone on record and stated that MV will not be playing with them. Even if the 19 or 20 teams Jeff has listed is correct, I am more impressed with the remaining teams since they have some of the leagues’ smartest minds as coaches.
And while there is soooo much consternation and constipation on Vick, you good ole boys might want to keep your eyes on Big Ben with the Steelers. While 2 incidents may not a pattern make; there appears to be signs of a young QB who lacks good judgement and engages in reckless behavior. A few years back he’s ridin’ his motorcycle without a helmet, crashes into a car, and came dangerously close to ending his career. Now he’s ridin’ dirty with a female hotel employee and is the subject of a civil lawsuit by this young woman.
Thru the years folks have loved to recount all the misdeeds of MV prior to his dogfighting conviction and saying these were all signals of a troubled young man. Well somebody needs to read the signs with Big Ben and see if there are some issues there that need to be addressed. Unlike those who hate Vick — I love Big Ben and would hate to see his downfall. And yes I am rooting for Vick’s successful return to life and/or the NFL as are all decent humans who love to see folks succeed.
Haliburton Billionaire
July 30th, 2009
1:01 pm
The FOURTH article today alone on a guy whom, the city of Atlanta and the AJC claim, are irrelevant to them. Slow news day, I suppose.
Dell
July 30th, 2009
1:01 pm
Wow! To all the anti-Vick commentators………I can see through you, as well as the “glass house” that you stay in!
Haliburton Billionaire
July 30th, 2009
1:04 pm
Fair enough, DawgFan. But you’re INSANE if you believe this has absolutely nothing to do with race. For the record: I DO agree that Vick is a bonafide idiot for getting mixed up in dogfighting of all things.
Algonquin J. Calhoun
July 30th, 2009
1:07 pm
Falcons sorry, your post is a well-written, informative revelation. Keep up the voodoo that you do so incredibly.
BiteMe
July 30th, 2009
1:08 pm
Mee, you’re an idiot.
Deltra
July 30th, 2009
1:10 pm
I am sick of the negative comments about Vic. He made one mistake and the media/fans will not give hima chance. I was hoping that an NFC team would pick him up that way he could play the Atlanta Falcons. I understand the crime he comitted was wrong and it seems to me that he realizes and acknowledges it as well. But olease look at all of the others that have committed crimes and some are alot worse than the crime Vick committed. You have some out there killing humans but we don’t hear much about that but alot has been said about Vick.. I am and will always be a Vick fan. Yes I know what he did was wrong and that’s not a question but I feel like everyone deserves a second chance. BACK-UP… LEAVE MICHAEL VICK ALONE…
BiteMe
July 30th, 2009
1:10 pm
Haliburton Billionaire – You’re an idiot, too.
Max Power
July 30th, 2009
1:10 pm
Donte Stallworth only got off because he is WHITE!!! Oh wait….
Dr. R.
July 30th, 2009
1:11 pm
To Godfather: No, they aren’t.
To Big Al: There is a big difference between being accused and being convicted (and in Vick’s case, admitting guilt). If you don’t agree with that, then I accuse you of having sex with kittens. There, see the difference now?
arlene
July 30th, 2009
1:16 pm
This is not about a dog. And for all of you ignoramuses who are being nasty, you need to get a grip on yourselves! Bottom line: he paid a debt that was severely unfair, and has served his time. What more do you people want? These teams that are rejecting him, including the Falcons, are being spiteful in denying their teams of a great player.
There is something better for Mike, and I hope it happens soon.
Y’all need to stop the hate…..give the man another chance!
Stephen
July 30th, 2009
1:16 pm
Well…I guess I gave Schultz too much credit yesterday about turning the corner on the continued Vick stories…because the very next day ANOTHER ARTICLE ABOUT Michael Vick.
Will it ever end??? I guess its just highly unlikely that the AJC sports writers can come up with something creative about the CURRENT Atlanta Falcons team on a continued basis. Not even the national sports mags and website write this much about Vick.
Max Power
July 30th, 2009
1:17 pm
I can’t stand Mike Vick but he does deserve a second chance. He will sign on with another team and he will be able to make a living. That’s what makes America so great. Now, with that being said, I wouldn’t sign him just for the mere fact that he was an average QB. IF you put everything else aside, his last 2 seasons were not good and his numbers were terrible. Just from a football stand point, I will be shocked if he ever becomes a starting QB again
DownGoesFrazier
July 30th, 2009
1:18 pm
Jeff, Thank you for not removing FALCONS SORRY posts. He’s the smartest and most clairvoyant human being alive. I wish he’d write a book (in all caps) so I could be further enlightened by him. Such insightful remarks like “WIN A SUPPER BOWL” and “BLANK PROBABLY SHOWED VICK HOW TO FIGHT DOGS” and let’s not forget “THE WHOLE NFL HAS TO BOW AT YOUR FEET AND APOLOGIZE FOR HOW YOU WERE WRONG FULLY TREATED!” Please FALCONS SORRY, give us more truth and guidance!
Pedro
July 30th, 2009
1:20 pm
Everything is about keeping the black man down. Honestly, look at the White House. The majority white voters did everything in their power to keep him out, but the minority blacks outvoted them. Or wait, maybe the majority white voters voted him into office so they could manipulate him and keep him down. Whatever. Us whiteys will always be accused of keeping the righteous black man down because we all a bunch of racist honkies. I admit it. We owes a big debt for what we all done did to you alls. Even if we’s only been in the country fo foty years or less. I’s guilty as sin. Please fogive us. Then wake up and get yourself a life.
sidewalk74
July 30th, 2009
1:22 pm
Jeff,
For Vick to be “familiar with his opponents” he would have needed to watch film when he played for the Falcons. Which we all know he didn’t. Also after missing 2 years the teams have different personnel.
DHD
July 30th, 2009
1:23 pm
Another Vick article??????????????????????
Of course, it’s the AJC continuing the love affair.
BiteMe
July 30th, 2009
1:23 pm
Damn, Pedro! I never knew you could clean guns while typing. KILL WHITIE, right? Moron.
MV7 Fan
July 30th, 2009
1:24 pm
@Ummm. Idiot??? The camparison that I made is that vick served more time for killing dogs than another player received killing a human.
Period
DownGoesFrazier
July 30th, 2009
1:26 pm
Jeff, how come we never see you and FALCONS SORRY in the same room at the same time?
DawgFan
July 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
Haliburton, thank you for agreeing. Maybe this has something, nothing, or everything to do with race. I’m just disheartened that our immediate stance on any issue facing any person requires bringing up their race. If this had been any white player in the NFL instead of Vick do you think the race wars would’ve begun?
DIPPER
July 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
Why must we explain it, we are trying not to go to that level. Basically we are saying that other people make mistakes and are allowed to carry on with there jobs. Why can’t Mike do the samething. It’s not about BLK or WHT because Mayor Marion Barry got a second chance…
mike
July 30th, 2009
1:29 pm
What I really don’t understand is that…if u are tired of hearing about Vick, and hate the guy sooo much…why take time out of your “busy” schedule to write something ignorant about him?? I hate dogs and hate the dumb people that treat them as humans..it’s rather sick to me to kiss an animal in the mouth or allow them in your lap while u are drivinga car. I think you all need counseling. Leave the man alone and keep your racist, ignorant comments to yourself..or better yet. Go tell a black person how much u hate Vick. If u are a true hater, don’t hide behind your keyboards..especially the weak so called “men” (caucasian of course) that are on here!
Carol
July 30th, 2009
1:37 pm
Micheal Vick should NEVER be allowed to play in professional sports again. Even though he completed his prison sentence, he has no business being in a position of idol worship by young sports fans. He made many bad choices, and quite frankly he came through this situation far better than an average citizen would have. If he wants to remain in football, let him work behind the scenes. He could get a job as a janitor at the stadium and clean locker rooms, if he desires to still be in contact with other athletes. He didn’t just fight dogs and lie about it. He took part in torture, abuse, and murder of animals for his fun and profit. The mentality capable of such cruelty has in the past led to further heinous crimes…(i.e; Jeffrey Dahmer for example). Look how Major League Baseball handled “Charlie Hustle” when he gambled and lied about it. Pete Rose was banned from the sport he excelled in…for LIFE! What Pete did, was extremely stupid and wrong, but it didn’t come close to the sick, murderous, and arrogant actions of VICK. The Falcons fans remember Vick “giving them the bird” as he exited a game before his arrest. I hope every single professional football team out there will return his gesture, and “flip him off”. There are many more deserving athletes waiting in the wings…give one of them a chance, Micheal Vick already HAD his.
Ricci
July 30th, 2009
1:37 pm
Colt 45 and two zigzags – baby dats all I need…
Drew
July 30th, 2009
1:39 pm
It needs to be said… as a running QB, if Vick takes one more serious leg injury, the long-idled 29-year old will be just another mediocre pocket passer. He may already be, for that matter.
Why anyone would spend millions to bring that kind of baggage to their team is beyond me.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 30th, 2009
1:39 pm
This is a fantastic article, and I think it sums up Vick’s current situation perfectly.
Elvisinthehouse
July 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
Man, i always knew georgia was a racist state but these comments on somebody elses(mv7) life that don’t concern nobody or there own dog/dogs is just plain ol hatred.Wow,you could work with someone who will smile in your face,talk to you at your job but behind closed doors they hate the color of your skin.AJC KNOWS THAT,THATS WHY THEY HAVE VICK AS THERE TOPIC EVERY DAY.AJC YOU KNOW THE RESPONSES YOU WILL RECIEVE FROM THIS BLACKMAN THATS WHY YOU DO IT.I CAN SEE YOU NOW,SMERKING AS YOU CREATE THE STORY.
Falcon Fan in DC
July 30th, 2009
1:47 pm
I have a hard time understandign why the Vick supporters are angry with Arthur Blank and the Falcons. I can understand celebrity worship and the fact that he will be supported through thick or thin, but why the anger with the Falcons? I seem to remember it was Michael Vick who made the decisions he made, lied to law enforcement, the commissioner, and didn’t hire his own attorney until he was indicted. Plus, he ruined the 2007 season, so were the Falcons supposed to wait two years guarantee him his starting position again? One more thing, Arthur Blank nor anyone in the Falcons organization stood in the way of MV returning.
Chris
July 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
The only people making it racial are the Vick supporters. It doesn’t matter that he’s black. It’s the choices HE made. Being stupid isn’t a white or black thing.
Disgusted
July 30th, 2009
1:52 pm
@Falcon Fan in DC — well said!
ABC
July 30th, 2009
2:00 pm
The more Vick fans move to where ever it is he may go, I bet it’ll bring the crime rate down in Atlanta. Every little bit helps with the mayor and police chief we have here.