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

Who has the greater chance for success this season?

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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.

133 comments Add your comment

Marcus

August 27th, 2009
5:41 am

up early, eh?
Guess I am first (sleep deprived, as I am).
I agree this is a big deal. Being that I am in an ATL sports fan in the Philly market, believe me, I have gotten a fill of anti-ATL rhetoric (Vick, Braves ….err, Hawks not so much, but hopeful :) )
I will be watching tonight, hoping he acquits himself well.

Marcus

August 27th, 2009
5:45 am

Also, “success” is kinda relative because Vick is a component to an NFC title game participant, Farve is expected to be cure-all for a wild-card participant. Also, I don’t know what the ruling was on the “Williams wall” but folks penciling in the Vikes for SB contention don’t seem to factor in their potential for missing games on the Vikings chances to be playoff-contention.

Alan

August 27th, 2009
5:54 am

The Vikings will be a train wreck this season.

Vick Supporter

August 27th, 2009
6:35 am

The day is finally here.

The Great Mike Vick Has Returned

drew

August 27th, 2009
6:48 am

The Vikings deserve whatever they get…karma’s a beeaatch. I hope they and Farve stink it up this year.

Good luck to Vick…he’s paid his price, I’d like to see him have some success. I actually like Vick…it’s only his dumbazz, jock-sniffing, Ryan-hating, diehard supporters I can’t stand.

Jim

August 27th, 2009
6:52 am

Vick will do better than Favre. The fact that Favre has little support in the locker room should surprise no one. The guy intentionally misses all the hard work of training and then walks in to the starting job. Add to that his going back and forth about playing for the last several years and there is no surprise about people on the team not liking him. The Vikings should have got the hint from the Jets players last year. Several of them openly called Favre out for not being a good team mate and for being someone only interested in himself. So yeah, I think Vick has the better year.

honest_abe

August 27th, 2009
6:53 am

i believe both will fail. favre’s fall will be more severe since he’s a starter… however, neither will find success.

that vikings team is a mess.

vick’s strength was/is his unbelievable speed… two years of jail and i doubt he is still running that 40 in sub 4.2 secs. but now all of a sudden a guy starts stayin after practice for 20 minutes and thats supposed to help him start protecting the ball as well as help him grow a pair allowing him to stay in the pocket? me thinks not. his accuracy was always horrible and i don’t see how 2 years in jail could’ve made that any better. he throws better to target that is not moving. he can’t throw to a spot to save his life. he sucked as a qb and he’s not going to get better anytime soon.

Mac

August 27th, 2009
7:04 am

Vick’s biggest obstacle will be off-the-field stuff. He was kind of out of control before prison, and now that he’s out, learning to walk the straight and narrow without hangers-on will be a big challenge. Hope he’s up to it for his and his family’s sake.

[...] and his chance of succeeding in 2009 is better than Brett Favre’s. See more here:  Vick has a better chance for success in return than Favre | Jeff … Categories: Success Tags: and-his, brett, brett-favre, chance, exhibition-game, [...]

[...] and his chance of succeeding in 2009 is better than Brett Favre’s. View original here:  Vick has a better chance for success in return than Favre | Jeff … Categories: Success Tags: and-his, brett, brett-favre, chance, exhibition-game, [...]

Sarcastic Blogger

August 27th, 2009
7:15 am

Mr. Schultz,
Have you considered writing about a home team?

Not it

August 27th, 2009
7:16 am

Vick Supporter, that’s disgusting. You’re a sad, sad person.

JustaThought

August 27th, 2009
7:37 am

I’m still trying to figure out why the ViQueens did not draft a qb……Chances are Favre will not make it thru the season, then that clown coach will have to turn to one of the guys and say ok, go lead us…..It’s obvious Bozo don’t quite understand the meaning of TEAM. I look for both Bozo and Favre to be done by Thanksgiving.

CJ BLENCKE

August 27th, 2009
7:42 am

WHATEVER WHO CARES VICK’S NOT DOING ANYTHING TO HELP THE FALCONS THAT PROBABLY WON’T HAVE A CHANCE AT A WILD CARD SLOT AND FARVE AT LEAST HE THINK’S HE CAN DO IT SO WHO CARES VICK IS BACK FARVE WILL NEVER RETIRE WHAT IS HE LIKE 42 AND STILL TRYING TO COMPETE GO FOR IT.

JustaThought

August 27th, 2009
7:42 am

I feel real bad for AP, but he’s probably going to be getting OLD real fast.

[...] Continued here: Vick has a better chance for success in return than Favre | Jeff … [...]

VICK FAN 4 LIFE

August 27th, 2009
7:46 am

It’s a beautiful day in Atlanta…Mike Vick with a NEW TEAM = NEW FUTURE…..GO VICK :)

Have a great day everyone!

VICK FAN 4 LIFE

August 27th, 2009
7:47 am

Vick has a lot of Fans – ALL OVER THE WORLD….say what you may but our God gave him FAVOR :)

MACrulesPCsucks

August 27th, 2009
7:47 am

Good question Jeff. I”m leaning more towards the idea that Michael Vick will experience more success than Buckhead Brett. I say this because: 1. Vick has the support from his team to succeed whereas Brett does not. 2. Vick is not 39 years old. Favre surpassed his prime long ago. 3. A lot is riding on Vick’s performance this year. This will determine his longevity in the league whereas Brett has nothing to lose.

Titletown

August 27th, 2009
7:49 am

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper”……Welcome back MV7!!

Jeff Schultz

August 27th, 2009
7:49 am

Marcus – actually wrote it last night and had it timed for 5 … A lot of intrigue surrounding how MV does.

Alan – it will be more fun watching Vikings blow up than it was watching Cowboys blow up.

Mac – Agree. Off the field, both in the public and in work habits. If he conquers those two things, he’s got a chance.

Sarcastic blogger – perhaps you should check out my archive.

Navigator

August 27th, 2009
7:50 am

Of course MVick’s fans will continue to support him, they never stopped. As far as I can tell, all of Favre’s fans were in Green Bay, and they aren’t fans any more. I think Favre’s age will finally hit him in the middle of the season (at Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, etc.) when it’s cold and some 300 lb. lineman tries to plant him in the ground. He’ll finally ask himself what he’s doing here, and the rest of the season will be long and tedious. I really do think Favre will never put on a uniform after this season.

Jim

August 27th, 2009
7:51 am

After all the ‘hullabaloo’ about Farve the ‘returning savior’, it’s totally unrealistic to think that he can perform like he did 3-5 years ago….In my mind Farve’s beome what I call an ‘NFL football whore’, selling himself to the highest bidder, and to ‘hell’ with what even his team-mates think!….That’s a sure prescription for disaster!

Pop

August 27th, 2009
7:51 am

The haters PRAYED for this day to never come!! God is Good!!

Bruce

August 27th, 2009
7:54 am

I think success is a relative term for both guys. But going to a superbowl is tough every year. But for him to win it in one season is a stretch. Vick issue partly is football. But people didn’t want to sign him this season it had nothing to do with his football playing skills. So as long as Vick keeps a low profile he will start again. I still belive after two years Vick is probably still faster than 89% of the people on the field. He still has a cannon and accuracy can be worked on. And I understand its ok not to like Vick but to call someone who is a supporter of him sad, now that is truly sad.

Joe

August 27th, 2009
7:56 am

MV hasn’t played NFL football in almost 3 years….its impossible for him to come out this year and look like the old Mike Vick….Farve played last year, he better have an MVP season I don’t care HOW OLD HE IS….$12 million this year?? If he’s unable to play, he should have stayed his azz home with his family!

Jim

August 27th, 2009
7:57 am

In my mind Farve’s become an NFL football ’streetwalker’, selling his wares to the highest bidder/most desparate owner….and in this case I think ‘Ziggy’ has made a huge mistake….Age is everyone’s enemy in sports and it appears Farve will fall far short of expectations

MightyQuinn

August 27th, 2009
8:08 am

Vick has a much better chance for success than Favre. Vick naysayers around here have always questioned his intelligence, both as a QB and a person, (myself included). But if what he stated in the 60 Minutes piece is true and he didn’t study and didn’t dedicate himself to becoming a better QB, and he now is doing so, we will find out what he is capable of doing. And if he actually has the intellect to comprehend at a NFL QB level, and hasn’t lost too much speed, he could be a tremendous weapon and the Eagles QB of the future. But, off topic, being able to kill those dogs in the manner that he did indicates to me a sociopath. Talk about dog fighting being part of the culture all you want, but killing animals with your bare hands and looking for other creative ways to torture them to death are signs of extreme deviant behavior. So, the question is, can a sociopath truly be rehabilitated? We shall see.

Dixie Normuss

August 27th, 2009
8:19 am

But you can bet the farm that Farve will never be arrested for brutally killing animals or dog fighting. He will never flip off the fans, never try to sneak a water bottle with a secret weedcompartment through airport security, never have a posse, never be treated under an alias for VD, never look the team owner and NFL commish in the eye and lie to them, never have a baby-mama, ……..shall I go on? Vick is a THUG. So go ahead Schultz and delete this comment. The truth is the truth!!!

greg

August 27th, 2009
8:19 am

Someone said “the great Mike Vick”…please he is not great…he’s a dog killing thug who happens to have an amazing gift…that’s it…there is nothing great about him.

MV7

August 27th, 2009
8:23 am

THE SHOW IS BACK, LET THE HIGHLIGHTS START TONIGHT ON SPORTS CENTER BECAUSE WE ALL WILL BE LOOKING FOR THEM AND THIS IS HIS FIRST GAME BACK.

Jeff Schultz

August 27th, 2009
8:25 am

Jim — Favre/streetwalker. I like the analogy.

MV7

August 27th, 2009
8:25 am

GREG, EVERYTHING WRITTEN ABOUT MV YOU READ, WHY IF HE’S NOT THAT GREAT

MV7

August 27th, 2009
8:27 am

ALL YOU’LL WHITE PEOPLE GET ON HERE AND CALLED PEOPLE THUGS, WHAT IS A THUG?

bugman

August 27th, 2009
8:31 am

Just based on the shear volume of touches Faver has more potential to do something than Vick. If Vick had been at least one camp this year and was starting, definitely would get my vote. But then again, what is your definition of “success”?

And one more thing while I have this space: when will everyone STOP pandering to Favre and start pronouncing his name the way it’s spelled?! Primadonna punk.

MV7

August 27th, 2009
8:31 am

JEFF, DID THEY SAY VICK WAS IN GREAT SHAPE

MightyQuinn

August 27th, 2009
8:33 am

MV7: Not being able to construct two coherent sentences is a starting place, since you asked.

MV7

August 27th, 2009
8:37 am

MIGHTYQUINN, SO WHAT IS A THUG

M Anthony

August 27th, 2009
8:40 am

Rather people like it or not, the folks of this city can support who they want. A lot of people here like MV and will always like him. Others will not. Just like there are people here who like the rebel flag and others do not. Brett is a hall of famer. Both franchises and cities made lots of money off these guys. Try hating on that aspect of the game.

Jeff Schultz

August 27th, 2009
8:41 am

Bugman — “success” is relative to expectation level and what they are there to do.

MV7 — “great shape” maybe for you and me. But football shape and timing are different matters. That will take a while. (PS — don’t race-bait.)

To all — if you persist in race-baiting I will close this thread.

"Chef" Tim Dix

August 27th, 2009
8:41 am

If you can legally walk the streets and have a skill set that an employer convets and an agreement can be struck, it’s called gainful employement.

The NFL is no different.

MightyQuinn

August 27th, 2009
8:43 am

And just to show I am not biased in my criticisms, Buddman, its shows not “showes” and the restaurant is Wendy’s not “Windy’s”. Just shows that there are ignorant people on both sides of this argument.

"Chef" Tim Dix

August 27th, 2009
8:43 am

Jeff, you can close this thread, just don’t pull it.

I’m afraid my sleeve may fall off.

PETA Watcher

August 27th, 2009
8:45 am

MightyQuinn

August 27th, 2009
8:48 am

The starting place for a thug is ignorance. People with education and intelligence generally don’t become thugs. And this isn’t race based. See my post at 8:43. I’m sure Buddman is white.

Former Favre Fan

August 27th, 2009
8:48 am

It doesn’t surprise me at all that some of Favre’s team are alienating him. Swooping in at practically the last minute – I knew they were going to be pissed off. Screw Favre and screw the stupid Vikings. However, I do feel bad for the players on the team.

Vick is certainly not a favorite of mine – never has been, but I think he will do okay and most likely he will keep his nose clean… he has too.

MightyQuinn

August 27th, 2009
8:52 am

To paraphrase the old chinese proverb, better to not post and have people wonder if you are a fool, than to post and remove all doubt.

MV7

August 27th, 2009
8:53 am

MIGHTYQUINN MY COMMENT WERE NOT ABOUT YOUR STATEMENT AT ALL, BUT I JUST HERE THUG THIS AND THAT NOW AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT IS. I’M TRULY SORRY FOR COMPLETION A SENTENCE FOR YOU.

Rev. Right

August 27th, 2009
8:53 am

Both will have their moments, but farve has more responsibility than vick. he will be starting and expected to lead them like the favre of old. Vick just needs to hand off or throw a few passes maybe 3-4 times a game as long as Culpepper is healthy.

Brett who was addicted to pain killers yet has not missed a game since then(hmm) will eventually have 2-3 bad games, enough to hurt them playoff wise. He will retire but comeback next August to play again for the vikes

Rev. Right

August 27th, 2009
8:57 am

Both will have their good moments and both will screw up at some point on the field. Farve has more to lose since he will start and the pressure is on for him to lead. Farve will eventually have 2-3 bad games where he throws 2-3 int when he tries to force the ball like he is 30 yrs old.
Vick needs to stay clean and make a few plays here and there and he can get by.

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

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.

beelethal

August 27th, 2009
11:15 am

new vick site launches today…..www.mikevick.com

willdave

August 27th, 2009
11:16 am

Jeff Schultz, to answer your poll, I truly cannot predict who will be more successful in his return to the NFL: a 39-year-old future HOF QB or a 29-year-old convict who has not played or trained in the league for over two years. However, since neither is on the roster of my beloved Atlanta Falcons, I honestly do not care.

I will say this, however. Atlanta sports fans are kittens compared to the fans in Philadelphia. The folk up there do 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 much more intense than what he experienced here. If he fails to meet those 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 anything that foolish up there.

Ivan

August 27th, 2009
11:17 am

DHD,

It’s truly sad isn’t it? I’d like to know what the effect might be to the team should Wilson take Shockley’s place. Would we keep Shockley as a trade to fill a spot on the defense, or just cut him? I’d like to find out how the defense, as a whole, feels about going against the Chargers offense this weekend. Is Smith going to alternate his 1st, 2nd, 3rd stringers/rookies early in the game like he did last week?

But none of these questions are asked or these topics discussed. Instead, it’s another blog about a former falcon who hasn’t played in two years, and comes back to the NFL as a backup quarterback. You’d think this was the Philly Inquirer if you didn’t know any better.

ChippersLoveChild

August 27th, 2009
11:19 am

I hope Favre fails miserably. The Packers made the right decision by going with Rodgers, and Favre has been a bitter, miserable old man ever since. Move on Brett, but not before 12 teams get to embarrass you first.

Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here

August 27th, 2009
11:19 am

Clearly, Vick has less on his shoulders Jeff. Favre is starting where all of the blame for failure will fall on him. Vick is backing up Donovan McNabb and losing won’t fall on Vick’s head.

Outside of injury, he won’t be behind center the majority of the time. He is responsible for less so he will fail less.

Wait until next year when MV7 is starting somewhere, has a big contract and has all the demons to deal with. Anybody read that Tony Dungy is already finished with the hands on mentoring?

JSS

August 27th, 2009
11:29 am

As I prepare to enjoy another of Zurich’s fine culinary institutions for dinner; well Jeff Schultz, you have done it again I see… By the Chef Tim, Phildo, MQ, and others, you don’t use dictionary.com or Webster’s to find the definition of the “T” word in the sense which it is intended here (by you)… That would be something utterly different, just be honest in your intent, you’ll feel better… By the way, for the rest of you, please visit urbandictionary.com and type in the word and see if you agree with the definition… Context can be a dangerous thing! Adieu

Ron Gant

August 27th, 2009
11:31 am

I dont get it, Why has Favre become the bad guy ,just because he loves to play the game and everybody is treating vick like a hero? “Real” Falcon fans look what were building now, Sure I wish vick the best in his future but come DEC.6th if he gets on the field (I’m sure he will to fulfill the hype)he is the enemy. I am a Falcon fan First. Go Falcons!!!!!!!!

ninga

August 27th, 2009
11:31 am

I hope they Vick and Favre both fail miserably. I do think Vick has a better chance for success this season and I will watch. Still, I would prefer that we had an article about our home team to discuss.

Green Tea

August 27th, 2009
11:38 am

Yeller, SprotsCenter has turned into a gossip show that runs gossip before the scores every single episode. It’s the TMZ of Sporting news. I mean look how they ranted and ranted about the stability of the Vikings locker room yesterday in regards to the QB situation with Brent. WHO THE F CARES ABOUT THE VIKINGS LOCKER ROOM?!

You know what has replaced SportsCenter as a real sporting news show? PTI, except for when Bob Ryan is on there. And yes they do cover the gossip stories but the best part is when the buzzer sounds they move on and talk about something else unlike SportsCenter that will go on and on and on about total BS.

It’s just sad that Jeff decided to fall in line with SC. I wish he’d do more of his smart arse joke columns top 10’s and such.

Shame on you

August 27th, 2009
11:53 am

@”break vick’s other leg,” what an awful, awful thing to say. why attack his mother and her parenting skills? you can raise your kids by the book or near perfect, and in the end, they make their own choices. I sure hope you don’t haven any children. To have this kind of hatred, even given the current circumstances, for another human being is just hurtful. You will reap what you sow. I hope you don’t have kids… and you will be reminded of this when it hits you in some way. Remember what they say about “payback” and about “what goes around”?

GT Fan

August 27th, 2009
11:57 am

Sorry Schultz, Vick was not starting to decline; he had only been in the league for 5 years and was in his mid-20’s. He didn’t work near as hard as he should had a horrible coaching staff, so yes his final years in Atlanta were sub-par. But that had nothing to do with him being 26…

What's Important

August 27th, 2009
11:57 am

My question is this – Philly already has a rich, black quarterback, so when Vick fails, what will his supporters blame his failure on.

Kelvin

August 27th, 2009
11:57 am

If intelligent and educated people are not “thugs”, then explain Martha Stewart, Mike Milken, Bernard Madoff, Ken Lay, Richard Schrushy, etc. They are intelligent, highly educated felons. There is no direct relationship between intellect, education, and good character/morals.

Blue Fender

August 27th, 2009
11:58 am

As far as who’s going to be better, I think it’s Vick. However, that’s like asking who’s going to do better at calculus – a second grader or a third grader. You’ll bet on the third grader, but there’s too many variables to really make your case (I hope the math reference didn’t make any Vick fans’ heads explode).

midnite

August 27th, 2009
12:03 pm

JSS-Who are you to tell anyone what your re-definition of a word is? I think most here would respect Webster over your definition. You sound like a snooty jerk with your “As I prepare to enjoy another of Zurich’s fine culinary institutions for dinner” it adds nothing to to the forum, only sates your obviously thirsty ego. Not impressed here.

Jeff Schultz

August 27th, 2009
12:04 pm

Gandalf — deleted your posts. You’re gone.

DawgNDallas

August 27th, 2009
12:21 pm

Vick can do great things if he straightens up and flies right. But then again, that’s always been a big “if” for him.

Jack G.

August 27th, 2009
12:25 pm

I dont understand all the negatives about Farve.
I have been retired for over 20 years, and if you want to throw 12 million at me I will unretire in a heartbeat. So he is not the QB he once was,but he has another 12 million in his bank A/C.

Bushwacker

August 27th, 2009
12:27 pm

I just hope somebody remembers the 2 espn buffons that said Brett Favre instantly made the vikings the favorites to win the NFC.

The word EXPERT should be removed from the dictionary, as we are finding out the hard way, from Doctors, to politicians, to wall street guru’s, NOBODY IS AE EXPERT, everybody IS JUST WINGING IT!!

PullitzerPrize

August 27th, 2009
12:32 pm

As long-awaited during the dog days of summer, former dogfighter Mike Vick will take the field tonight. Vick will be fighting for his life and also to impress the Eagles brass. If Vick comes all the way back and performs well as he did at the height of his glory, the fans WILL be treated to one of the nfls best talents, regardless of the hateful negative publicity. DONT FORGET: VICK HAS DONE THINGS IN THE LEAGUE THAT NO ONE EVER HAS DONE BEFORE; and I dont mean dogfighting. I can recall three accomplishments that quickly come to mind: 1) first qb to lead a team in victory over green bay at Lambeau field in the playoffs; 2) only nfl qb to rush for over 1000 yards in a single season; 3) single highest rushing game at the qb position ever gaining 173 rushing yards against the Minnesota Vikings. No one else in league history has done any of this. So hopefully, Vick will regain his form tonight and bring the fans back to his corner.

Steve

August 27th, 2009
12:40 pm

I believe MV will have a better year overall than Brett. He probably won’t get the PT that Favre gets, but that’s OK.
When Favre is on, he’s as good as pretty much any QB in the league. However he seems more off than on these days, or at best 50/50. The Vikings are counting Favre to get them to and win the Super Bowl. While his presence may throw some voodoo spell on the Packer’s, I don’t think the other 14 NFC teams will be phased. There seems to be enough riff among the Vike players as to Favre’s late signing. I wonder which side of the fence the starting line is on? My prediction is the Vikes do not make it to the SB, possibly not even the playoffs.
I believe Andy Reid and Philly will try to initially put MV into situations where he can succeed. I know he’s the backup QB, but with his speed (assuming most of it is still there) and knack for making big plays I can see them using him in wildcat situations. I’m anxious to see how he does tonight. The addition of Vick adds an extra tool to the strong roster that Philly already has. I see them as the team to beat in the NFC East and possibly the entire NFC.

Hillbilly Deluxe

August 27th, 2009
12:44 pm

Is 90% + 90% that 110% we hear so much about in sports?

break vick's other leg

August 27th, 2009
1:41 pm

ERich42 maybe your mother didn’t raise you well either. I’m not white, not a racist. Killing animals in large numbers for sport and gambling should be just as serious as killing a fellow human being. Just because this fool can run fast doesn’t mean he should be allowed another chance to screw up. And he will screw up again. Matt Ryan did more for the Falcons in 1 season than Mr. trip over my own feet when I’m running with no defenders around did his entire time in Atlanta. Move to Philly if you love him so much. We don’t care about Vick in Atlanta anymore. We have enough criminals running around town.

break vick's other leg

August 27th, 2009
1:45 pm

Hey “Shame on you” blah blah blah. I don’t have any hatred for Vick. Just like he was doing, I’m merely betting that he will be mangled by another team in retribution for what he did to so many innocent dogs. You must be a dog fighter too. Buzz off fool

JSS

August 27th, 2009
1:50 pm

Poor Midnite… That prepositional phrase “see if you agree with the definition” just went over his head….By the way, Jeff Schultz understood what the Zurich statement meant, it was not intended for what you think or care about… if being “snouty” means I have good taste in dining, I ‘ll take it every day… 60 Euros, 5 courses, delicious!!!

Jeff Schultz

August 27th, 2009
2:02 pm

JSS — you’re in a beautiful part of the world. Zurich’s not the cheapest place tho. I’m sure you had a blast at the Worlds in Berlin. That’s another great city. Spent nearly 3 weeks there in 1995.

Titletown

August 27th, 2009
2:30 pm

You pilgrims are having a bad 2009!!

mark

August 27th, 2009
3:29 pm

We’re talking about a sport that requires athletes, right? Favre is lazy and out of shape. I’ll take an athlete who still realizes he needs to work out and practice.

Crowler

August 27th, 2009
4:01 pm

Someone pointed out incorrectly that Vick had started to decline. Vick had NOT started to decline. In fact, Vick was improving because he was starting (finally) to throw the deep ball a little better. His receivers were dropping a bunch of passes but that was not Vicks fault. Vick has a cannon arm and he was drilling the ball into his receivers chests but they were dropping the ball a lot. That reduced some of Vicks stats.

DamnGoodDawg

August 27th, 2009
4:46 pm

Vick will continue to shine taking off and running against average or worse teams. Playoff teams will throttle him. He’ll still be a 50% or worse passer. He is NOT and never will be a good professional QB.

Jim Stoddard

August 28th, 2009
1:01 am

Favre will do just fine. Look, last year he was one of the top QB’s for over half the season…until opposing teams figured out the Jets were still playing the same limited plays/formations as the weeks before. New system. The Jets D throughout the second half sure couldn’t help…they were carved apart by almost every third string QB they came across…and could barely get a touch on one of those third stringers in an entire game against an O line made up of players from random positions. Blame the Jets end of the season on Favre if you want, most idiots do…but at 39 in a new system he was still a candidate for MVP, running the plays he *did* know for the Jets. Minnesota is completely different…he doesn’t have to be super Favre…look for short passes, runs and if the rest of the Vikes play as great as they think they are (ego is what kills the Vikings year after year) and look for Favre to be the story…and come the end of the year, when the D can’t do a thing & Favre is left to start trying to do *something* in the NFC Championship game & makes one of his “stupid” mistakes…the press can blame Favre’s gunslinger ways for the loss, just like in GB a couple years ago and we’ll repeat the cycle next year…now if he wins, there’s a story you guys might actually be able to write about with his name in it that won’t make people sick.

[...] Vick has a better chance for success in return than Favre | Jeff Schultz blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/08/27/vick-has-a-better-chance-for-success-in-return-than-favre – view page – cached Michael Vick returns to football tonight in Philadelphia’s exhibition game against Jacksonville, and his chance of succeeding in 2009 is better than Brett Favre’s. — From the page [...]

[...] Vick has a better chance for success in return than Favre | Jeff Schultz blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/08/27/vick-has-a-better-chance-for-success-in-return-than-favre/ – view page – cached Michael Vick returns to football tonight in Philadelphia’s exhibition game against Jacksonville, and his chance of succeeding in 2009 is better than Brett Favre’s. — From the page [...]