Vick has a better chance for success in return than Favre
Is Michael Vick pointing in the same direction as his career?
While it seems like 90 percent of readers tell me that they’re sick of stories about Michael Vick, while the other 90 percent continue to consume every word about him — and I’ll get back to you about the math just as soon as I can figure it out — I think there’s something we can all agree on. Tonight’s kind of a big deal.
Tonight, Vick will be on a football field. In a football uniform. Playing in a football game. And not in a prison yard. Or worse, the UFL.
Vick will see only limited action in Philadelphia’s exhibition game against Jacksonville. But the fact that it will be the first time any of us see him sweat outside of a courtroom since Dec. 31, 2006 — when he and the Falcons closed the regular season with a loss at Philly — is significant. It’s not quite Mike Tyson getting out of prison and returning to
Loading ...squash Peter McNeeley. But it kind of has that, “He has returned!” feel to it.
We know Vick can shine on a football field. We’ve seen it. What we don’t know is what he can do now, or in the future. He was 26 and declining when he left. Now he’s 29 and desperate. Even Eagles coach Andy Reid doesn’t know what to expect, saying, “I can only go off what I’ve seen in practice and it looks like he’s moving around pretty good, but again realistically it’s been two years.”
Two years and eight months, actually.
What a surprise. Players in huddle don't like Brett Favre.
The question of how good Vick will be this season is relative, really. He can’t be graded on the same scale as a starting quarterback. Maybe not even a backup quarterback. Chances are, he’ll be more of a weekly wrinkle in Philly’s offense.
Will he be successful? Honestly, I have a better feeling about Vick than I do Brett Favre. It all goes to expectation level and what each quarterback is there to do. Vick is there to expand Philly’s offense. Favre is in Minnesota to get the Vikings to the Super Bowl. The first scenario is realistic. The second I find laughable.
ProFootballTalk.com and ESPN already have reported what seemed predictable: Favre has alienated a segment of the team with his late arrival. Football is a game about chemistry. Favre is a lab experiment gone bad. ESPN quoted sources as saying Favre has “little support” in the locker room, and several players prefer either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels at quarterback. Coach Brad Childress will be out of Tums by Week 2.
That’s my opinion. Let me hear your’s. I’ve got a poll above: Who has the greater chance for success this season, Vick or Favre? I’m casting the first vote.
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133 comments Add your comment
bugman
August 27th, 2009
9:01 am
Well Jeff, with that definition it’s ez to say Vick has the most potential to succeed. There are no expectations attached to him.
Wish my job was that flexible…
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 27th, 2009
9:02 am
Jeff, I’m not race baiting and I know your dislike for the word and I like you do not like the use of words out of context. With that, I am going too post the following according to dictionary.com:
Thug–noun 1. a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) one of a former group of professional robbers and murderers in India who strangled their victims.
thug
1810, “member of a gang of murderers and robbers in India who strangled their victims,” from Marathi thag, thak “cheat, swindler,” Hindi thag, perhaps from Skt. sthaga-s “cunning, fraudulent,” possibly from sthagayati “(he) covers, conceals,” from PIE base *(s)teg- “cover” (see stegosaurus). Transferred sense of “ruffian, cutthroat” first recorded 1839. The more correct Indian name is phanseegur, and the activity was described in Eng. as far back as c.1665. Rigorously prosecuted by the British from 1831, they were driven from existence, but the process extended over the rest of the 19c.
This has nothing to do with this blog topic I know but those wishing to use the word should at least know its meaning.
Ivan
August 27th, 2009
9:03 am
Does anyone know a good Falcons blog?
Sadly, I visit the teams own city news site, and every single day I’m seeing a different blog about a FORMER Falcon who hasn’t played in two years, and comes back to the NFL to play for the Eagles.
MightyQuinn
August 27th, 2009
9:03 am
MV7, I hope that Vick has righted his ship and has success with the Eagles (just not on Dec. 6, I am a Falcons fan first). It will be a great story. A famous person has said that the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. So we shall see. .
Edina Ed
August 27th, 2009
9:06 am
Favre and Vikings have a decent run, but fall short of SB. Chilly keeps his job, Favre comes back next season after skipping training camp, again. L.A. Vikings use Favre to sell tickets and get California fans behind the team. Minnesota is awarded an AFT team in 2014, but the team plays in Duluth.
Edina Ed
August 27th, 2009
9:07 am
Minnesota is awarded an AFL team in 2014, but the team plays in Duluth.
MightyQuinn
August 27th, 2009
9:09 am
And Chef, good post at 9:02.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 27th, 2009
9:14 am
Thanks, MQ.
ERich42
August 27th, 2009
9:24 am
I am really looking forward to see Vick play tonight. Furthermore, I hope all the people that was on board to run him out of town tune in as well. The first time he gives Philly the excitement he gave us here in Atlanta they will embrace him and make him feel more comfortable. Now that he is with a good coach and supporting cast it will be very interesting. Vick show your haters that you have it especially the clowns on the 790thezone morning show.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 27th, 2009
9:28 am
ERich42-
“All” the people who ran him out of town consist of the face MV7 see in the mirror.
Period.
DHD
August 27th, 2009
9:29 am
Another Vick article??????????? How many can you guys do? There were FOUR yesterday and already there are TWO for today. I know you can break the record. Write some more. I heard that Vick ate Cheerios this morning. That’s a scoop for you…now you take off with it.
It really is sad the number of articles you guys do about a former player.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 27th, 2009
9:29 am
Sorry, “sees in the…”
Jam
August 27th, 2009
9:34 am
Mightyquinn it seems as though you are only here to correct everyone’s posting, are you an elem school teacher or something. It’s not that serious so give it a rest.(so grade this)
Phildo
August 27th, 2009
9:36 am
Hey, MV7 and a few others with a serious complex, here’s several dictionary/thesaurus (which is not an extinct animal from the Mezoic era) definitions of a thug:
hood: an aggressive and violent young criminal
thug
Noun
a tough and violent man, esp. a criminal
Noun 1. thug – an aggressive and violent young criminal
hood, hoodlum, punk, strong-armer, toughie, goon, tough
bully – a hired thug
criminal, crook, felon, malefactor, outlaw – someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
Anybody in this blog come to mind?
midnite
August 27th, 2009
9:37 am
Childress looked like he had already ran out of Tums at that press conference announcing Favre was a Viking. Talk about looking haggard. We have seen first hand what happen when a coach loses the locker room.
You are correct in that Vick was already on the decline. There was talk that 2007 was gonna be his last year here if he did not improve under the little dictator Petrino, who was brought here to challenge Mike Vick.
cookie
August 27th, 2009
9:42 am
Is it game time, Can’t wait to see Michael Vick #7 for life, Vick give them a little of what you got tonight. And on December 6, 2009 kick the Falcons *** especially Arthur Blank in the GEORGIA DOME, I forgot about MATT RYAN he will get knocked down several of times! Welcome Back MICHAEL VICK your the MAN! God is so GOOD, I MISS YOU
VICK. Can’t wait to see you tonight and DECEMBER 6, 2009. KICK BUTT!
Jam
August 27th, 2009
9:43 am
I think people need to stop trying to lable this man as a thug, his title is QB IN THE NFL. GET over it.
Jam
August 27th, 2009
9:46 am
Vick was not on a decline, He had no players or coach around him. The entire team declined not just one person. You cant blame everything on one person.
Marie
August 27th, 2009
9:48 am
Jeff, I agree that Brett Favre has the greater chance of being a bust but not because of his team mates. I believe these guys are professional and regardless of how they feel of Brett’s late arrival at practice — they want to win. And when the season starts and your goal is to make the playoffs; who came to preseason and who didn’t will not matter.
However, Brad Childress has a serious man crush on Favre and I just don’t think he will have the guts to snatch the man out of the game if he is screwing up. (1) Brett Favre is a legend and willl be given every opportunity to prove himself; (2) The fans will be behind Brett; (3) He’s being paid 12 million and (4) again the coach is in LOVE WITH BRETT (leaving the rest of the team to go pick up “his boy” from the airport — ridiculous).
On the other hand, Andy Reid showed us last year he is not a friend or fan of any QB. He will snatch out Donavan and put in Kolb; snatch Kolb out and put in Vick; snatch Vick out and go back to Donavan. He chewed out his kicker during the NFC championship for missing easy field goals. But somehow his wishy-washy demeanor works because benching McNabb last year appears to have lit a fire up under him and they were able to not only get into the playoffs — they made it to the NFC championships again.
And more importantly, I think Reid is a better coach and Philly has a better system in place which will help Vick improve his game. Childress is a clown and will more than likely be canned at the end of this year after Favre fails.
Jason
August 27th, 2009
9:50 am
Perhaps they will both succeed, perhaps they will both fail. Who cares?
Jason
August 27th, 2009
9:55 am
JUam, Vick was in a mental decline, hence his poor numbers, crap behavior toward the fans, drug use (see Miami airport), cruelty to animals habits, etc etc.
By the way, a THUG is a piece of crap, worthless, trouble making, good for nothing, indecent, sociopath who belongs underground, not in jail.
Race has nothing to do with what a thug is.
Jam
August 27th, 2009
9:58 am
Jason get over it. I sure you have done something in your past that we know nothing about, but what if someone held it over your head forever. so just fucus on something else ok (Buddy)
Realist
August 27th, 2009
10:04 am
Jeff,
Just wondering if you have any more potshots to take at Vick’s laywers, now that his bankruptcy plan has been approved by his creditors? You were quick to call them some of the worst lawyers in America when the judge failed to approve a previous plan (a not uncommon occurrence in bankruptcy proceedings). Are you going to continue to mock them now, or is it possible they are doing their job adequately?
willdave
August 27th, 2009
10:06 am
Jeff Schultz, to answer your poll, I truly cannot predict whether a 39-year-old future HOF QB will have more “success” in his return to the NFL than a 29-year-old convict who has not played or trained in the league for over two years. However, since neither is currently on the roster of my beloved Atlanta Falcons, I honestly do not care.
I will say this, however. Atlanta sports fans are pussycats compared to the fans in Philadelphia. The folk up there will not tolerate mediocrity and ineptitude as patiently as we do down here. Thus, the pressure on Vick to succeed in “The City of Brotherly Love” will be immense. If he fails to meet the fans’ expectations, their wrath will come down on him swiftly and harshly. And he better not even think about flipping off a Philly crowd the way he did in Atlanta. A team of security and law enforcement personnel would have to escort him out of the stadium for his own safety if he ever did something that crazy up there.
matt r
August 27th, 2009
10:16 am
“I can only go off what I’ve seen in practice and it looks like he’s moving around pretty good…” as for the passing… not so much.
ATL
August 27th, 2009
10:22 am
I love you Michael Vick and welcome back to the NFL. Vick will fair more successful this year; however, since they’re both working, contributing positively to society, making $ and supporting their families – says they both will be successful!!!!!!
Good luck to them both!
Curious George
August 27th, 2009
10:24 am
Why is Jeff Schultz censoring & deleting posts to this particular blog that have no profanity, are not attacking or insulting anyone else posting on here and are actually ON THE TOPIC OF THE ARTICLE while allowing unrelated posts that contain racist undertones ???
ATL
August 27th, 2009
10:26 am
We love you Michael Vick – Keep the articles and we’ll ALL keep reading them!!!!!!!!
CARTERSVILLE DAWG
August 27th, 2009
10:27 am
Jeff, who cares?
Call it Like It Is
August 27th, 2009
10:28 am
Why is the media even covering these guys, especially, VICK?
What a loser and those that support him as well are a bunch of MORONS!
Enough Said!
old bird
August 27th, 2009
10:28 am
I’m just curious to see who Vick will be starting for next year…after the Eagles trade him for several draft picks.
william
August 27th, 2009
10:31 am
Jeff, if i read correctly it is ok for the vick supporters to be race baiters but every one else is censored? I hope the dog torturer fails and i hope those who suppport him may one dat find a waqy not to hate animals.
yellerjacket
August 27th, 2009
10:35 am
Schultzie, please close this thread. I can’t take it anymore. MV7, Jam, and cookie, just make it stop, you’re embarassing yourselves. Quinn, Jason, and Chef, this is neither an intro to English class, nor dictionary.com.
I’m like a rubbernecker passing a mangled car crash. I want to look away, but I can’t. Jeff, please put this lame horse down.
Also, your one-liner, sarcastic retorts to bloggers are hilarious. Keep up the good work.
melvinowens
August 27th, 2009
10:40 am
vick has a better chance. when prisoners are locked up they lift weights and exercise. vick is probably stronger than when he went to prison
william
August 27th, 2009
10:40 am
Jeff i’m curious do you enjoy other forms of torture and maiming, possibly small children, or just dogs?
Earl Holiday
August 27th, 2009
10:40 am
I agree with Jeff Schultz,Brett chances of taking the vikings to the Super bowl are slim and next to none.Michael Vick has a better chance of turning his life and career around by staying focused ,hungry and humble
Tracy
August 27th, 2009
10:47 am
VICK VICK VICK!!!! Can’t wait to get my philly #7 jersey!!!!
Football Fan
August 27th, 2009
10:47 am
Farve has nothing to to prove to anyone in the NFL. He holds the majority of records, so if he plays the game because he wants to play the game. He respects the game of football and has given his heart and soul to playing 100% – good or bad outcomes. We may not like his results but we need to respect his spirit.
I can’t feel sorry or support Vick. He wasted a golden opportunity to be an impact player in the NFL. Not of drugs (which is bad enough), but on stupid behavior and associations. I would have preferred that he was banned from the game. What kind of example does he present to our young people. “Hey if you can throw and run – who cares if you have morals”.
Jeff Schultz
August 27th, 2009
10:48 am
Curious George — trust me when I tell you posts on both sides of the racial dividing line have been deleted.
Yellerjacket — Thanks.
William — are you trying to get banned? Keep it up.
break vick's other leg
August 27th, 2009
10:50 am
Let’s hope tonight justice is served by someone breaking Vick’s other leg and putting him out of the game forever. I bet Vick’s mother is so proud of raising 2 criminals that have both fell on their faces. Talk about bad parenting, she should be the one going to prison for doing such a bad job raising her sons.
yellerjacket
August 27th, 2009
10:53 am
Schultzie, right after I complement you, you get all serious on us? Bring the stinky cheese, man.
william
August 27th, 2009
10:54 am
Jeff is it the censorship question or my implication that you lack empathy for our canine friends that so bothers you?
JAM
August 27th, 2009
11:01 am
Jeff I have A question. If everyone say that Mike will help the Eagles O be better. Do you think he would have made our O better? We already know he sells tickets.
Str8 Off Candler Rd
August 27th, 2009
11:03 am
I don’t think that MV will want dissapoint Tony Dungy. Coach Dungy has offered his support to him and that’s speaks volumes. Dungy is a great human being and will keep MV focused. Tonight, Tonight Vick doing will do his thing. (Humming the tune from Westside Story)
Str8 Off Candler Rd
August 27th, 2009
11:05 am
will want to
ERich42
August 27th, 2009
11:06 am
Chef Tim Dix and all you other racist and Vick haters get your popcorn ready. The man is back. For the idiot on this post that took a shot at his Mom you should be ashamed of yourself its not that serious. So you white people can continue to hate but this man has been given a second chance and he will do well. Hell he was awesome with terrible coaches, no work ethic and no help. Just imagine what a great athelete with good coaching and help will do. Matt Ryan your party is about to be ruined by the return of Mr. Exictement.
Green Tea
August 27th, 2009
11:06 am
The two most tired stories in the Sporting World, Mike Vick and Brent Favre. Aren’t these two talked about at length on EVERY EPISODE of SportsCenter? I mean every single one is nothing but these two. And you write about what SportsCenter (tabloid sports news leader) talk about everyday? Don’t give me the “Well if you think this isn’t news because it is” run around.
So disappointed.
Seriously Jeff…
dog lover
August 27th, 2009
11:07 am
Vick will probably not do well since it is the “dog days of August” and he can not stand the heat !
midnite
August 27th, 2009
11:08 am
Tony Dungy do not take your eyes off of Vick. Vick might rehab if you stay on him 24/7/365 other than that Vick is just not smart enough on his own to stay out of trouble.
yellerjacket
August 27th, 2009
11:08 am
Green Tea, You can’t talk about Sportscenter that way. An all sports news show is like gold, baby.