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
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220 comments Add your comment
Steve
July 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
Mike @1:29
Ouch that hurt. It has nothing to do with MV being black. Get over your racial problems.
Right now the man is a “media nightmare”. Any team that takes him will do so with the knowledge they will be hounded by the press and PETA this year. Remember T.O on the excersize bike last year at Dallas. How much did that effect the rest of the team’s ability to focus on preparing for the footbasll season. I can’t say, but I wonder since the team picked by many to win the Super Bowl didn’t even make the playoffs.
I believe MV will do everything he can to put his best foot forward this year. First, he doesn’t seek the media limelight like T.O. does. Second, he knows his career is hanging on it. As a football fan, I hope he does get picked by an NFL team. I enjoyed watching the man play. I believe 98% of all football fans will admit that MV, while not a good passer, was one of the most exciting players to step onto an NFL field.
From the prospective of an NFL front office & coaching staff though, they have to consider both on-the-field and off-the-field dynamics associated with bringing MV into camp. How well will the rest of the team be able to focus on the up coming season, with media constantly asking questions that have to do with MV. How well will MV be able to: 1) get back into NFL playing shape; 2) focus on learning a new offensive scheme; 3) Possibly adapt to a new postion-no guarantee he will be brought in as a quarterback.
Mz Lady M
July 30th, 2009
2:04 pm
I wish everyone would get a life. There are people that have done worst things then what Michael did, so please get another life. I can’t wait to see what teams picks him up, because that team will get paid just on the supporters that will be there. I will support Michael on any team that has him. I hope to see Michael Vick in the NFL playing again.
WE MISS YOU MICHAEL VICK AND LOOK FORWARD TO YOU COMING BACK STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PETA need to get a life and leave him alone.
Chris
July 30th, 2009
2:07 pm
Don’t let the door hit ya.
MV7 Fan 2
July 30th, 2009
2:08 pm
All of this over some damn dogs??? I’m trying to figure out who changed the bible when it said that man would have dominion over animals and not animals over humans??? Some of you really need to get a grip!! It’s sad when you get more time over killing a damn dog than you will another human. Then again, I forget the entire reason for his punishment. He’s black!! If Brett Favre had did the same thing most of you would praise him. All of you go to HELL!!!!!!!!!
Chris
July 30th, 2009
2:08 pm
Are the ignorant ‘it’s only dog fighting’ people the same ones who were cheering when Chris Chandler got injured?
Magic 8 ball says ‘All signs point to yes.’
Marie
July 30th, 2009
2:10 pm
Correction Falcon Fan in DC, Michael Vick did not hire his own attorney until after the federal indictment; the NFLPA hired Billy Martin to represent Michael Vick (which is unusual since MV had a multi-million dollar contract and to my knowledge they have never done that for any player in legal trouble). Coincidentally, Billy Martin is also a GOOD FRIEND of current US Attorney General Eric Holder who the NFL hired to supposedly “investigate” dogfighting in the NFL.
And as one of Vick’s supporters I think we were a bit perturbed with the fact that the Falcons, Blank and the NFL threw the man under the bus before he had even made a court appearance. If you can recall correctly, the Falcons were going to immediately suspend Michael Vick once the indictment was made and the NFL had to stop them. So, I think some folks are still bitter that Blank did not at least stand by Vick until all the facts were made known.
However, I do believe Arthur Blank is a caring person, has a good heart, and really only wants the best for Michael Vick. It has been reported throughout the last 2 years that Blank has frequently corresponded with Vick during his incarceration and has personally flown to VA to spend time with him after his release. If Arthur Blank was the “user” that some Vick supporters are making him out to be, then why would the man go through such measures (since his organization will likely have nothing more to do with Vick)? There is absolutely nothing for him to gain at this point in time, so I have to make the assumption that the man really cares about Vick as a person.
Paddy
July 30th, 2009
2:11 pm
godfather… no, all dumb and negative people don’t live in the South. Alot of them live over yonder way near mama an’em.
clyde
July 30th, 2009
2:12 pm
If Michael Vick was picked by a team and the media agreed to never ask one question about him concerning his past,how long does anyone think it would take Vick to do something stupid and land himself in the media’s eye once again?He was there before the Feds hauled him away on racketeering charges and he’ll be there again.It’s what he is.
Big Al,
Perhaps the media remembers a certain rape case in North Carolina that they reported on.Maybe this time they’re awaiting a trial?If Ben Roethlisberger is guilty,he’ll be punished like Stallworth,fair ’nuff?
Falcon Fan in DC
July 30th, 2009
2:16 pm
One more thing….everyone seems to think that killing the dogs landed Michael Vick in jail. He’s in jail because for a period of several years he was the financial supporter of an illegal interstate gambling operation and he participated in some of the illegal events. Also, don’t forget he would have most likely received probation if he was honest in April of 2007 but once again he lied to everyone that would listen to him.
Dell
July 30th, 2009
2:21 pm
Hey Carol, your point is weak! As is anyone’s whose argument, is that MV is not a good role model. You fail to mention the “pipe-sucking” MP. Is he playing a role in your child’s life? I don’t hear you trying to keep him out of the pool!
midnite
July 30th, 2009
2:22 pm
It is obvious that many of the Mike Vick supporters on this forum:
1) have no respect for the laws of the US
2) are the ones responsible for spewing hate and racism
3) support the criminal lifestyle
4) do not respect the opinions of others
5) use profanity, vulgarity, and personal attacks
Then you wonder why you have zero credibility.
MV7
July 30th, 2009
2:22 pm
Please Please continue the hate, so when i return to one of the highest paid and most watched player in the league again, some of you’ll can go out purchase my jersey again and claim that you are a fan of mind. THAT DAY SHALL COME AGAIN, AND MAY ALL THE GLORY BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY.
kevin
July 30th, 2009
2:25 pm
cant you just picture that idiot “falcons sorry” pounding away at the keys at the downtown library while foaming at the mouth?
RUSERIOUS
July 30th, 2009
2:25 pm
I have read all of the post and still can’t believe that you all have fell into the media trap. As long as YOU continue to talk about Vick the longer the media has fuel to light the fire. MV made a mistake and probably will make many more, as will ALL of you (myself included). For those of you that have children and just HATE MV I hope you are not letting them see this attitude. It’s okay to dislike someone for their actions, but please think about what you say in front of the children. I would be embarrassed if someone at the game was shouting “Dog Killer” in front of impressionable children. What are we teaching them?
On a side note, regardless what you feel about MV he did generate money for the Falcons, the owner, and the city of Atlanta. He was an exciting QB that sold games out, both home and away. Let the man alone and let him get back to what made us watch in the first place – excitement.
Lizzie 300
July 30th, 2009
2:27 pm
It’s not what you want, it’s what right. The man has done his time. Let him play. The fans and Peta can do what they do. He didn’t kill a “person”. All of you who eat meat need to think about this.
Chris
July 30th, 2009
2:29 pm
Atlanta – where excitement is more important than championships.
See also: ‘The Highlight Factory’
ITS 2009
July 30th, 2009
2:36 pm
come on SOUTHERN WHITES get over this racist s…., damn its been 300 years enough is enough
What not to expect: Falcons vs. Vick in 2009 :Casino and Betting Online
July 30th, 2009
2:37 pm
[...] View original post here: What not to expect: Falcons vs. Vick in 2009 [...]
Carol
July 30th, 2009
2:40 pm
I realize that no matter how outrageous or criminal, OVERPAID athletes will always have a long trail of idiots riding their coatails and singing their praises. In response to Dell, my argument is NOT WEAK and it deals specifically with Micheal Vick and his career. Your comments about Micheal Phelps are WEAK. While I by no means support his bad judgement smoking pot, at least he had the decency to immediatley admit to his poor choice. Heck we had an IDIOT President (Clinton) that couldn’t even admit to his pot smoking, remember he said he “Didn’t Inhale”. NOW THAT IS WEAK! I have a RIGHT to my opinion, as you have a right to yours. My only hope is that there are more people in this country that can understand and agree with my argument, than there are supporters Micheal Vick. If the almighty buck is more important than Decency and Common Sense, than we are all screwed!
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans & Glad Matt Ryan is Here
July 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Arthur Blank and the Falcons didn’t throw Mike Vick under the bus. Vick was asked if he was involved in HIS criminal enterprise TWICE and he said no. When sheds, rape stands and dog carcasses were found at his home…he still said he was not guilty. After his boys ratted him out, he went in last and got the longest sentence-which he was told would happen by going in last! He screwed himself and makes bad decisions.
Fact is when T.O. was a free agent he had a job in 48 hours. If Vick is this great qb, which is what every team dreams of, why is no one tripping over themselves to sign him?
And why does a grown man need to be appointed a mentor(Tony Dungy)? At 29 shouldn’t a star qb and father of three need to be at a place in his life where he is a mentor to others? What is he 17! Sure acts like it.
His whole career has been based on the fact that he has been the fastest man on the field, since he can’t read a defense and did not study film; he is of no use to a team if he can’t run. The Falcons and every other team don’t have to worry about him because he’s a quarterback that cannot throw.
Too much of a risk, too much of a bad record of behavior (herpes, bird flicking, weed bottles, failing weed tests, hanging out with thugs, torturing dogs, running gambling rings).
Sad people have so many excuses for him. Would you want your son or daughter hanging out with a resume’ like that? I don’t.
Go Birds
BBfan
July 30th, 2009
2:42 pm
Vic…Vic…Vic…enough! And with that said, why should he get a second chance? He commited a FELONY! Let me think back to Pete Rose. Gambled on baseball, not illegal, not a felony, no criminal charges, no jail time but SUSPENDED FOR LIFE from baseball. Vic is a looser and deserves the same punishment.
IDC
July 30th, 2009
2:46 pm
Jeff, your idiot tolerance schedule must be off the scales. I don’t envy your job of policing the site. Keep up the good work.
RUSERIOUS
July 30th, 2009
2:48 pm
To Chris- No, excitement is never more than a championship, that will never be the case. But I rather be an excited fan than one that’s sitting there watching the other team ream us. The championship part needs to be taken up with management.
Timus
July 30th, 2009
2:48 pm
WORDS OVERHEARD AFTER VICK’S FIRST 300 YARDS PASSING AND 100 YARDS RUSHING GAME AFTER RETURNING TO THE LEAGUE: “What do fighting???”
mike
July 30th, 2009
3:00 pm
If I see anybody from PETA at a game that MV is playing in..I am going to sic my dog on them..hopefully he bites all of them…and yes I have a pit bull to do the deeds! How’s that for irony?!
midnite
July 30th, 2009
3:03 pm
RUSERIOUS-URDELIRIOUS You do realize the Falcons were 11-5 in 2008 and went to the playoffs? With a rookie QB no less. Brilliant remarks!!
FREE AT LAST
July 30th, 2009
3:07 pm
ONLY in America can you have a man who committed burgulary and plotted murders (G. Gordon Liddy) a cocaine drug-runner, convicted felon (Oliver North) and a big FAT, Oxycontin,hillbilly heroin, doctor-shopping LARDA$$ Rush Limbaugh be idolized and worshipped by the redneck, white trash who cast stones at others. Well, you will NEVER keep us down…WE SHALL OVERCOME
FREE AT LAST
July 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Free your mind…let freedom ring…SLAVERY IS OVER HONEY!!
BG
July 30th, 2009
3:12 pm
I hope no one signs this THUG!
Rev. Al Sharpton
July 30th, 2009
3:17 pm
As the great Rodney King once said, “Can’t we all just get along?”
BG
July 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
The BG stands for big girl…big girls need love two dammit!!
I am unemployed and stuck in my mother’s basement. Why should MV get a high-paying job? I can’t even find one at McDonald’s.
ITS 2009
July 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
if brett farve of peyton manning did the same thing, SOUTHERN people would be waiting for them to get a chance…If vick would have thad 3 turnovers against the Arizona SOUTHERN people would have place the blame on him..But no one said anything about Ryan…People talk Shi… about Vick performance on the field even though we had no coaching, the smallest OL in the league, and a bad defense..Southern people fail to realize that he suffered from droped passes and was forced to run because of bad blocking so you all label him a “running QB”…Southern people started hating Vick only when he signed his big contract..I know what what Vick did was wrong but hell Bush has caused thousands of people to die over an senseless war and southern people forgave him right? ok so why cant you Southern people forgive Vick…Like i said its 2009 get over this racist stuff..and when i say “SOUTHERN PEOPLE” yall know who im talking about!
Ron Donelan
July 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
Any sports figure who is convicted of a felony should be barred from their sport for life. If they are incapable of being a law abiding person then why should they be rewarded with multimillion dollar contracts and become the wrong type of example for the young who idolize sports figures.
Average white guy
July 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
I’m mad two. I don’t have a job. I can’t afford my meth. My sister quit putting out. I can’t afford a beer to cry in! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH WAHHHHHH!!!
Hollywould
July 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
Free, The Joseph Lowery lovefest is on the Home page.
rotflmao
July 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
rotflmao at Average and the gang…he he he
kevin
July 30th, 2009
3:23 pm
free at last? i dont think so
UGASlobberknocker
July 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
I wouldnt sign him to play for the Blackwell Bears
RUSERIOUS
July 30th, 2009
3:25 pm
Midnite- Your lights must be out! Yes as a STH I know the 2008,2007,2006,2005,2004,2003,and 2002 records – I was there! But do you realize that we went to the playoffs in 2003 & 2004 and the NFC Championship in 2005 with MV! If you really read my BRILLIANT REMARKS you would know that I was merely stressing that one man doesn’t win championships…it is the TEAM that management has brought together.
kevin
July 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
awg is racist and too ignorant to realize it
Paddy
July 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
I had not thought about this until I read it earlier in these posts. Why does a 29 yr old man need a mentor(s) as encouraged by the NFL Commish? He does not seem a candidate for AA, or any of those other worthy organizations. What are they supposed to talk to him about, LIFE? Maybe if he was 13 or 14 yrs old I could understand. Most people figure it out before 29 yrs.
Keep It Real
July 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
Well if you get your BG AZZ out the basement and stop hating just maybe you can find a job.
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
3:28 pm
average white guy is a closet uncle tom
Big AL
July 30th, 2009
3:31 pm
Ok, some of you have good points, some are just living in their on little bubble. I’t has been proven that Vick sell tickets. He is great to watch playing football. I for one will be happy to see him on ht e field again. With that said, have any of YOU christians comitted any sins? The bible said there is no sin greater than the other. So, WWJD!
Keep It Real
July 30th, 2009
3:33 pm
I’ve figure this whole thing out. When VICK played, the DOME was sold out with 80% black people and some folks couldn’t handle that. Now that VICK is going those same people that complained about VICK are not supporting the FALCONS. It’s all about ticket sales and RYAN isn’t packing the DOME like folks thought he would.
When VICK signs with a team you will see how much money that team will make and how many sell outs they will have. Then like any other Falcons Player, VICK will come back in the DOME and Kick our AZZ… Then you will say “I wish he was back”
Big AL
July 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
FORGIVE AND FORGET…GO MV7!!!
long time falcon
July 30th, 2009
3:37 pm
I find it so funny when people come on here and comment about how there sick of hearing about Vick. Your so sick of hearing about him that you read the article and then took the time to comment? If it bothers you so much move on when you see a headline containing Vick’s name. This a national story that has been in the headlines ever since vick was reinstated and the AJC writers wouldn’t being doing there job if they didn’t write about it. Personally, I’m very interested in seeing which team takes a chance on vick. And I hope he gets that chance and makes the best of it although I completely agree with the falcons decision to move on. I think the guy more than paid the price for his mistakes and I believe in people getting second chances. Anyone who doesn’t is a hypocrite.
Keep It Real
July 30th, 2009
3:43 pm
KEEP IT REAL – The white folks aint said nothing about BIG BEN because they know he is wrong. How can a Super Bowl Champ be accused of RAPE. Why does he put himself in that situation.
KEEP IT REAL – KOBE was cast to the pits, lost endorsements before found not guilty of rape. Threw him under the bus at every game, faced protest groups and the whole 9…
So yes I’m going to say this is a racist thing. I think this whole thing started when he didn’t show up at the Capitol building in D.C to speak about the BOYS and GIRLS club. These Senators had there grandkids there waiting for autographs and he didn’t show. I bet any amount of money that they said “he will pay”. His life went down hill from there.
RUSERIOUS
July 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
To PADDY- We all need a mentor in our lives. Some for guidance, some just for support, and some just to have someone to go to. If you think being a 29 year old male who had millions and had every race praising your performances on the field- then have that taken away from you because of a mistake is easy, then think again. Then to deal with the racial comments on top of that. Today we have seen just on this board alone that racism is alive and well and some people can’t get past that this is just football. Having a mentor is very beneficial for anybody because we don’t have all the answers.
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
hey keep it real..try keeping literate for a change