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
DawgFan
July 30th, 2009
3:47 pm
When the Bible says that man will have dominion over the animals it doesn’t give us the free right to force them into deplorable conditions in which they have to fight one another, and then if they lose we get to drown or electrocute them. It simply means that man is the highest level of life, and it’s more our job to protect the earth and all its creatures than to dominate them.
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
3:47 pm
kepp it real is a closet uncle tom
Big AL
July 30th, 2009
3:51 pm
Pooty Tang, what is it wit you and uncles? Did you sleep with yours?
midnite
July 30th, 2009
3:51 pm
RUDELERIOUS- I was there also. Do you remenber the second halves of the 05-06 seasons? Your idol sucked after the first half both of those years. Your hero and faded badly two years in a row. Vick only had two good years, while Matt Ryan has had one good year. You sound confused, bro.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
3:57 pm
All I can say after reading the majority of posts related to Michael Vick, is THANK GOD he is not aspiring to be our next president. I truly believe that there are enough STUPID people in this country that would support such a campaign.(Even though he is a convicted FELON) I just can’t believe how low morals and beliefs have gone. I don’t wish any harm to Michael Vick, I just don’t want to see him playing football anymore. Let him use his college education for some other career. There are so many talented, decent athletes out there (Of ALL RACES), how about singing praises for them, instead of dwelling on Vick. Stop making this a RACIAL ISSUE…and move forward. I am NOT a member of PETA, although I hope the Humane Society investigates “Mike” the Pit Bull owner threatening people with his poor dog. STUPID PEOPLE should never be allowed to own or handle any living creature! That is why Pit Bulls have ended up being such dangerous animals…they are being trained and handled by IDIOTS that have no compassion or respect for others. (including their own pets)
Herb
July 30th, 2009
4:07 pm
VICK VICK VICK VICK SICK SICK SICK SICK ..HE WENT TO THE DOGS A LONG TIME AGO. HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING AND FELT HE WAS ABOVE THE LAW AND EVERYTHING ELSE BECAUSE WE,{FALCON FANS} MADE HIM FEEL SO IMPORTANT. SHAME ON US AND SHAME ON HIM. WE DO NOT NEED ANY VICK VICTORIES NOR DOES ANYONE ELSE IN THE NFL. GOOD BYEOI. HE IS A VERY SICK PERSO
BG
July 30th, 2009
4:09 pm
Mike I got something for your black a**.
Bigmike
July 30th, 2009
4:11 pm
It sems to amaze me about Atlanta fans. There bandwagon fans. A man makes a stupid mistake and get tossed under the bus. When chipper jones got in trouble you’ll just brushed it off. I’m glad the Falcons let Vick go because regardless of the situation they did not stand behind fron the get go and maybe he can go where somebody can appreciate the talent that he has. I thimk Matt Ryan will be a 1 hit wonder and look forward to the fans booing him soon. Go Saints?
This Sorry Government NOT working for Americans
July 30th, 2009
4:13 pm
Yea, give the criminal another chance. Next time he might be off the field teaching YOUR KIDS
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:17 pm
big al, nice smiley face what are you twelve?
Marie
July 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
Jeff looks like you need to host your own Obama Beer Summit. You guys are too much for this wholesome Southern gal!!!
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
big mike, you talk about bandwagon fans,man that is priceless….moron
Bigmike
July 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
It is what it is poosy wang
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
mike has a pitbull? i wonder how sterotypes get started. i really do
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
maybe, but your still a moron
Bigmike
July 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
Go read you pooty prick
pooty tang
July 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
i think i will, your starting to bore the h ell out of me
Mississippi P
July 30th, 2009
4:36 pm
I sick and tired of hearing comments about Mike Vick ability to play the quarterback position.Let’s ask Dan Reeves can he play quarterback. Lokk at MV7’s stats under Dan Reeves compared to that pitiful Jim Mora. Look at the production of Dan Reeves offensive line and that of Jim Mora’s . Mike’s copletion percentage was much better with Dan’s seven step drop versus Jim’s 3 step drop West coast style. Dan’s offensve line protected MV7 muc better than Jim’s. Under Mora mike vick had to drop back and run for his life with probably 2.5 seconds to find an open receiver. Dan offensive line was not great, but they provided 3.5 to 4 seconds for him to find a receiver. The extra seconds were mainly due to the seven step drop. Pure coaching and understanding the talent that you hav on hand. The same people saying how bad a QB MV7 was were saying something totally different when we went to Green Bay and took down the Great Brett Farve. Oh Yeah Mike Vick was the better quarterback that night. Jim Mora and Auther Blank di not invest in an offensive line while MV7 was a falcon. In fact until after he was gone did they finally relize how bad the offensive line really was.No other QB in the NFL could have done what MV7 did behind that sand lock offensive line we trotted out every Sunday. So please think hard before you speak. In any good business deal you have to compare apples to apples not apples to grape fruit.
mars
July 30th, 2009
5:38 pm
Elvisinthehouse, got a mirror? At least you’ll be able to see ONE racist behind closed doors.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
5:42 pm
Knuckle Sandwich – Gee, ya think?
WJones – I think I’ve written that I understand the legal part of it. But I still don’t feel sorry for the players because they’ve been dishonest from the outset.
Yeah Right – Funny. Very funny.
Old Gold Engineer — He was 40.
The Big Maru – not sure about that with AJ
Barbara Primas – yes, the Steelers-Vick rumor has been around. But so far no word from Steelers.
IDC — Uh, it’s getting lower every day I think.
Long time falcon – Thanks for the comments.
Marie – I’d love a beer about now. And any time I have a bad day and have to spend hours deleting comments, I think, “Prez Obama is having a harder day than me.” Talk about inheriting the in-box from hell. (Not my line. I think it was Maureen Downey from NY Times.)
WHAT UP!!!
July 30th, 2009
5:45 pm
Ahhhhh…………..BWAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! HE ‘AINT PLAY’N THIS YEAR!!
Sorry Vick fans. BWAA HA HA HA HA HA HA !!!!!
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans & Glad Matt Ryan is Here
July 30th, 2009
6:06 pm
RUSERIOUS -Mike Vick has only been to the Playoffs twice…He’s 2-2 which is average. The Mike Vick fans that keep looking at other wrong doings by other players is sad. He has no hope with people like you guys in his corner making excuses. Matt Ryan went 11-5 at went to the playoffs in his rookie season in case you were sleep. You were probably rooting against him so badly you didn’t notice he also won rookie of the year.
Mike Vick wore cornrows, baggy pants, shinny chains, tattoos, and hung out with a posse and did not want people to judge him based on stereotypes and what does he do: Do nothing to disprove the stereotype:
Smoke weed
Flip birds
Lie to the Feds
Commit felonies
Goes to prison
Fathers 3 kids out of wedlock
Buys houses, cars and jewelry that he can’t pay for
Goes 20 million dollars in debt
Won’t pay his bills
Take a superstar away from Atlanta
Betrays the man that gave him a $130 million dollar contract.
He had a platform to change perceptions and he just affirmed why people are turned off by people who want to be cool, have no substance and have intense attitude( I make a lot of money I can do what I want)
You dummies keep saying he made the Falcons a lot of money-HE WAS SUPPOSED TO when he was paid 130 million dollars. You think Arthur Blank paid him that scratch to go to prison for 2 years and have Joey Harrington starting a game on Thanksgiving against Peyton Manning?
All Mike needs is a great offensive line, a great defense, great wide receivers, a great running back, and a good coach. –any qb can win with all of that.
Exciting to watch. Poor excuse for a father, leader and football player. I hope you don’t want your kids to grow up to be like him. I don’t.
The wildcat is run by running backs not QBs by the way.
ron mexico
July 30th, 2009
6:13 pm
hahahahahaha
falconidiot
July 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
If he hooks up with the evil Ravens, he could be playing in the dome pre-season week 4. Ravens are interested. He comes to the dome, get the body bag ready.
Paddy
July 30th, 2009
6:38 pm
ruserious… I don’t buy that clap trap. He is a 29 year old man for gosh sakes. Work it out for yourself. Your a man not a plant. Guess I am just to old school. But has worked well for me and mine.
Tired of Dumb Matt Ryan fans, Glad Mick Vick will be playing
July 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
Matt Ryan will not win 7 games this year and you will see the fans look desperately for something to do this year. The person that is winning you’ll games is Michael Turner. When he gets hurt get ready for bags for the head. HA HA HA HA GO SAINTS
Tired of Dumb Matt Ryan fans, Glad Mike Vick will be playing
July 30th, 2009
6:46 pm
Mike Vick is about to sign with a team today. So sorry Vick Haters.
Tired of Dumb Matt Ryan fans, Glad Mike Vick will be playing
July 30th, 2009
6:46 pm
Find something else to cry about like the Braves. HA HA HA HA
Jah
July 30th, 2009
7:09 pm
Point blank he’s a football player. He there put up numbers and sell tickets. As far as the dog situation, he his mistake and did his time. I say sign him and let him do what he does best… Play football dammit!
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans & Glad Matt Ryan is Here
July 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
Funny how you had to play off of my name. You probably smoke weed with your Vick jersey on and can’t come up with your own. I LOVE IT.
I hope he signs with a team so he will no longer be referred to as a Falcon. If you are still dumb enough to think he is signing a contract today, then you think he was NEVER THERE to kill dogs. He doesn’t even know where he’s going since he cant be a man and run his own life.
Tony Dungy and his lawyers tell him what to do now. Weak.
Actually Michael Turner is not the only reason the Falcons won last year:
Matt Ryan completed more passes than Mike Vick ever did 265 to231
Matt Ryan completed a higher percentage than Mike Vick ever did 61% to 56%
Matt Ryan won as many games as Mike Vick ever did 11games-11games
Matt Ryan threw for more yards than Mike Vick ever did 3440 to 2936
It’s amazing what you can do when you get married, read the playbook, stay out of prison and don’t smoke weed every day.
Seems you hate the Braves too because they don’t have any felons that run fast.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
7:36 pm
The only source speaking of an imminent signing is Vick himself. I wouldn’t be so sure a team is willing to grab him up that quickly. Whatever owner does consider him is an absolute IDIOT(Obviously with more money than common sense). I hope fans and teammates “Flip him off” if he is signed,(just as he did to his Falcon fans before his downfall) and I hope their ticket sales and advertisers sales plummet. It is not like he is the only talent available out there. He had his chance at a pro career and HE (nobody else to blame) BLEW IT! He has NO entitlement to return to the spotlight as a player, quite frankly he needs to use whatever education he got in college and get a real job. For all of you pro-Vick supporters out there that blame everyone and everything else OTHER than Michael for his career downfall, get a life…and stop the racial rants. There is more to life than football and it is about time 29 year old Michael learns that. His gridiron glory days are long gone. He was a flash in the pan anyway. Sure he had talent, but he was a true “hotdog” that promoted himself instead of his team in the manner he played. He is a distraction and a money pit, find someone else to idol worship.
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
7:37 pm
I often wonder why I read these blogs, but I now realize that people use this in my opinion as a blind way to say dumb things that come to their minds and not be accountable. Regardless of his stats, MV was entertaining to watch. You never turned on a Falcons game to see what his “QB Rating” was going to be!! He played his heart out and won games, the end. I personally want to see him play again just to shut the “haters” up. It is funny how we pick and choose who should get a second chance and who should not when no one on this website has led a model life! “Judge not less you be judged first!”
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
7:40 pm
CAROL…..FYI…I was at the “flip off” game. It was a fan for the other team giving him the business that he flipped off! The guy was rude and drunk but the media will never say that because then it would make sense.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
7:50 pm
Oh and the comment from Jah, stating “let him do what he does best, play football Damnit!” Michael Vick is far better at being DISHONEST, being a DISTRACTION, and getting injured, than he EVER was at actually playing football. Maybe he can get a sportscaster job educating young sports fans on how to be a successful FELON in America. What a stand up guy he is, somebody everyone can aspire to be………………..NOT!!!!
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
7:56 pm
I had to comment on the stereotypes. How quickly we forget
Smoke weed – Michael Phelps (nothing happened, saw him in subway ad)
Flip birds – Everyone in WWE MMA and Jerry Springer no big deal
Lie to the Feds – Mark McGuire (nothing happened)
Commit felonies – Thrasher player that killed teammate, punishment TRADE
Goes to prison – Ryan Leaf
Fathers 3 kids out of wedlock – Tom Brady, then dumped the baby mama
Buys houses, cars and jewelry that he can’t pay for – 90% of Americans
Goes 20 million dollars in debt – Georgia’s Governor!
Won’t pay his bills – 90% of Americans
Take a superstar away from Atlanta – Bobby Cox, but you love him!
Betrays the man that gave him a $130 million dollar contract. – You got me on this one!
Wallace
July 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
Hey Rick, judge me first so I can judge him.
I’ve never been arrested, never bought a rape stand, never smoked pot, never given a woman a disease, never admitted to quitting on my team- never let a city down. Never partied with Purnell “P Funk” Peace.
It doesn’t matter who he flipped off! High school qb’s don’t do that when they get taunted.
Exciting and a winner=two different things
Exciting and professional=two different things
Exciting and a good quarterback=two different things
Exciting and a person of good character=two different things
atl fan 4 le
July 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
forget about mike vick he is old news why are we not talking about Ben Rothlisberger.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
8:05 pm
Rick the Ruler, I was at that game also and your defense of Vick is blatently wrong. For you to believe one drunk fan is too blame for such a public display is truly pitiful. Oh and I can tell what a wonderful person you are with that foul language, just the kind of person one would expect too see aligned with Vick all right! I hope your support of Michael gets you far in life, but along the way drop the crude language it clearly shows your IGNORANCE. I have to say the rude drunk guy you referred too sounds much more worthy of a chance, than either dishonest Mr. Vick or “Foul mouthed Rick”.
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
8:16 pm
Wallace, lets be real. Never arrested or never caught???? Many people who own Westminster Kennel Club dogs, own breeding stands. Some dogs are not like us, willing to breed freely. Some woman gave him the disease first! Never smoked pot, your loss! Although you never partied with P Funk you partied with some Drunk! (that rhymes).
All I am saying is why can’t we let him move on?
Wallace
July 30th, 2009
8:18 pm
atl fan 4 le-Ben Rothlisberger was accused of rape, by a woman who didn’t call the police but waited a year later to sue him for $440,000 dollars for commiting the alleged act.
I would think you would want your assailant to go to jail not try to get paid for being allegedly brutalized. No wonder the cops didn’t press charges.
If I accuse you of stealing my wallet does that mean you are guilty?
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
8:18 pm
Carol did you read my entry??!?!?!?!? I used no foul language
DHD
July 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
The ignorant thing is how people assume that those that write here are from Georgia or are from the South. It was Philadelphia where the little black kids were told to get out of the pool. It was Boston where racial allegations are concerning the professor and the policeman. The point is, racism is everywhere and not all of these posts are coming from Southerners. The AJC is online all over the world.
Carol
July 30th, 2009
8:24 pm
Until proven guilty in a court of law we should not judge. While we have placed our OVER PAID sports stars and celebrities on pedestals, NONE of them deserve to continue rolling in the big bucks if they are found guilty of criminal wrongdoing. Yes they deserve a second chance in life after they face their punishment, but that second chance doesn’t require that they return to their OVER PAID position in the limelight. Who’s to say getting a REAL job and earning a living isn’t fair enough. (Most of these individuals went to college and got degrees, why not use that knowledge…too bad if it doesn’t bring in millions) Michael Vick lied all the way up to his conviction, and he is now a “Convicted Felon”, Big Ben hasn’t had his day in court yet. If he is found guilty in court than he should never play again either. It is an honor to play professional sports…NOT a right! Good judgement and responsibility are part of the requirements to receive such an honor.
Woodstock
July 30th, 2009
8:30 pm
IIIIII IIII III IIIIIII III IIIIII II IIIIII IIIIII IIII IIII IIIIIII IIIII IIII IIII I IIIII IIIIIIII IIII IIIII IIII
Rick the Ruler
July 30th, 2009
8:38 pm
Carol if we fired every OVER PAID person that was guilty of criminal wrongdoing, we would have a 90% unemployment rate!
Carol
July 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
Rick, I apologize I didn’t see the I in FYI, so I thought you did use profanity. I still can’t believe that you feel his “bird gesture” was appropriate at a game, regardless of the motivation. He has always displayed a very arrogant and entitled attitude, and has never shown any remorse for his behavior. I remember when he was interviewed at the Fox Theater by an Atlanta journalist about the allegations of his involvement in a dog fighting ring. He was asked if he was concerned about the possibility of being suspended and prosecuted. In his normal arrogant, “above it all” demeanor he eluded that “nothing will ever come of this”. Slightly over a month later the Falcons released him, seperating themselves from his destructive personna. He needs to move on, I’m sure he still can make lots of money out there by writing a book about his personal problems. He just doesn’t deserve to plsy again, period.
Just like his brother
July 30th, 2009
8:49 pm
NORFOLK, Va., June 11, 2009 2:45pm (UPI) — Former Miami Dolphins player Marcus Vick violated the conditions of his suspended sentence on drunken driving charges, Virginia authorities say.
The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot said Thursday that Vick, younger brother of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, is now facing revocation of his suspended sentence.
A hearing Wednesday regarding the allegations against the younger Vick was postponed in General District Court for Aug. 5.
What a great family!
Carol
July 30th, 2009
8:57 pm
Actually Rick if we fired all the OVER PAID criminals, our financial crisis in America would be resolved. There are more honest hard working individuals out there, than there are OVER PAID criminals. A lot of our honest citizens are currently out of work. Take away the outrageously compensated abusers of our society and things could fall into balance. The price of everything in our society has gotten out of hand due to the compensation and litigation related to these criminals. Stop enabling them and we will have a much better world. Your argument that 90 percent of society is criminal is way off, although in time if we keep allowing the likes of Michael Vick to succeed regardless of life choices, maybe that 90 percent figure will be true someday. Hopefully after I am long gone.
ed
July 30th, 2009
9:21 pm
Its funny how you can tell what race a person is by the comments they make!
1st. Vick is not a great qb, but he has a better winning percentage than Bulger, Palmer, Cutler, or anyone else not named Brady, P.Manning, Mcnabb, Warner, E. Manning. He beat a HOF qb in his 1st playoff game. Under dan reeves system, vick had his best compl. %, and that was his first year as a starter. Vick is not a west coast qb and I would definitely agree with that. With that being said he still guided the falcons to the nfc championship. LOL
2nd. What is the purpose of going to prison? The purpose is to serve time for the crimes that you have committed. Once that time is finished, you should be able to come back into society without the BS. If the guy down the street killed dogs would you carry on like this?? Most people who get caught fighting dogs are likely to get probation or community service. This guy lost 150 million dollars, paid 1 million to treat some dogs, humiliated, and this is still not enough.
Vick did some stupid things and he got so full of himself, and he paid dearly for his stupidity.
But People are always quick to scream that it is not about race, then what is it really about? It has to be about race, jealously, or ignorance. If black people can forgive white people for slavery, murder, rape, kidnapping, and humiliation than you can surely forgive this guy right?? God help us all!
jen
July 30th, 2009
9:22 pm
Can’t imagine any decent human being wanting to be around Mike, much less cheer for him, like I did before his true persona came to light. He is a scary man.