Beating Vick would be biggest win of Matt Ryan’s career
Matt Ryan has accomplished a lot but a win over Michael Vick would be the biggest of his career. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
It may sound strange considering Matt Ryan won 33 games in his first three seasons, won games that got the Falcons into the playoffs, won games in the fourth quarter and has beaten Green Bay (twice), New Orleans (twice) Baltimore and the New York Jets, among others.
But a win Sunday would be the biggest of Ryan’s career.
The Falcons play Philadelphia, a potential Super Bowl team. More importantly, the game is the first meeting between Ryan and Michael Vick as starters. (Ryan was injured during the first meeting between the teams with Vick coming off the bench; Ryan started the second meeting but Vick was injured.)
Regardless of who wins this game, there still will be Ryan fans and Vick fans, Falcons fans and anti-Falcons fans. But this will be Ryan’s first chance to win a game over Vick, who at his peak probably had a bigger hold on this city than any athlete in history.
Vick’s post-prison rebirth has been an amazing story, and the fact he is playing for one of the NFL’s premier teams makes it even bigger. For those who’ve held a grudge against Vick since he was instrumental in trainwrecking the Falcons franchise, that has been difficult to take.
There is no question the Falcons made the right call on Vick. He had inflicted too much damage on the franchise, betrayed trusts and burned bridges. Beyond the fact that there were no guarantees he ever would be a premier player again – and the odds certainly were against it — the team couldn’t wait around for two or three years without a starting quarterback. Going after Ryan was the absolute correct move.
But Vick hangover still exists, and this is Ryan’s opportunity to ease that.
It’s only the second game of the season. But if the Falcons win, Ryan won’t have a bigger one on his resume.
By Jeff Schultz
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405 comments Add your comment
Michael M.
September 15th, 2011
5:40 pm
Jeff Schultz says Atlanta will win a upset against the Eagles too, I guess we just a bunch of nuts
Don't Feed Iggles Trolls (It Isn't 1960 Anymore)
September 15th, 2011
5:42 pm
The Eagles can’t tackle, can’t block and can’t stop the run. That falls into the hands of the Falcons, trolls. Ovie Mughelli will be back on Sunday. MV7 will wish he skipped this game. I am still a Vick fan, but I was a Falcons fan waaaaay before Vick was even at Virginia Tech and will continue to support the red and black through good (1998), bad (48-21) and ugly (2007) times.
Michael M.
September 15th, 2011
5:46 pm
If they can’t do none of options 1, 2, or 3 then we ought to be able to put up 35 or 38 points against them.
Big Play Ray
September 15th, 2011
5:49 pm
Don’t forget to wear your #34 Jerseys Sunday night!
BPR
Chandler going Deep....
September 15th, 2011
5:58 pm
Didnt Jeff say last week the Birds will upset Da Bears too? Jeff will be 0-2 like the Birds….lol
Chandler going Deep....
September 15th, 2011
6:01 pm
Hey fyi, the Falcants Cheer leading club is on D3’s blog over there—————————————->
Chandler going Deep....
September 15th, 2011
6:09 pm
Coach Smith on live with Sal P(ESPN) on 97.5 the fanatic..Streaming is good..
antichoker
September 15th, 2011
6:21 pm
Is Duntay going to give half of that money back to Mr. Blank?
Falcons put opposing team in third and long. Ooops, Duntay Done fallen down. DUNTAY DONE FALLEN DOWN. DUNTAY DONE FALLEN DOWN. Opposing team first down!
DUNTAY CAN’T DO IT ALL SEASON, DUNTAY DONE FALLEN DOWN ON THE SIDELINE.
DUNTAY DONE FALLEN DOWN IN THE LOCKER ROOM.
DUNTAY DONE FALLEN DOWN LEAVING THE PARKING LOT. DUNTAY DONE FALLEN DOWN OFF PLANET EARTH.
DeCoud can’t make a play. Owens can’t cover a tortoise.
Can Grimes get some help? WHERE IS HAYDEN AND SANDERS? GRIMES NEED HELP!
SOMEBODY PLEASE PUNCH RYAN IN THE THROAT, MAKE HIM MENTALLY TOUGH TO THROW DOWN FIELD.
RYAN YOU GOT TO THROW THE DOWN FIELD. STOP BEING PUNKED.
GONZALES STOP HYPING RYAN AND START SCHOOLING HIM.
Chandler going Deep....
September 15th, 2011
6:50 pm
Sal Pal(ESPN), lol just said after his radio interview with coach Smith just ended he did not want to embarrass the coach on the air with this horrific stat:
last two blow outs( GreenBay, Chicago) 23 offensive possessions, only 3 TD’s.. Whew….
Hey Mike, Greyhound is ready for ya….
JSS
September 15th, 2011
7:30 pm
Your “process” is broken! Time to trade up to a 2012 model, oh that’s right you’re the Falcons you need a public bailout because your credit is bad!
TCCB
September 15th, 2011
7:44 pm
I THINK CHOKE IS RIGHT ABOUT RYAN
JSS
September 15th, 2011
7:45 pm
For the moron…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2SKl533Pzg
http://pigskinlovinglady.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/vick-and-his-baby-moms31.jpg
Here’s something novel for your mind, it is called a “relationship!” Dysfunctional or not…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 15th, 2011
8:38 pm
This LOSER has had 3 plus seasons to prove he is worthy of a 72-million dollar contract, and a draft pick in the SAME draft, making 42 million dollar LESS, has won a playoff game every season.
I don’t want to hear anymore excuses about the Ravens defense. If you want a good defense, you don’t waste draft picks on players like Gonzalez & Julio, trying to make this CHUMP look elite.
All Vick had was Crumpler and he went to the Championship game, and none of you FOOLS ever said “If Vick only had the Ravens defense he would be in the superbowl”, so shut you lying pie holes and face the reality.
This CHUMP SUCKSSSSSSSSSSS
#7 Rules!
September 15th, 2011
9:02 pm
Vick rolls up the yards, eagles win easy—30-17! Book it.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 15th, 2011
9:26 pm
Big Play Ray
September 15th, 2011
3:29 pm
Why don’t nobody wear my No 34 in the stands is what I want to know? I was the only shut down corner the Falcons ever had.
Don’t worry, Big Play Ray. We will always remember you thanks to Nelly, who so graciously wore your jersey backwards in the Tip Drill video.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 15th, 2011
9:26 pm
Probably best not to click that link if you are at work.
Back 2 Reality
September 15th, 2011
9:28 pm
All these keyboard tough guys keep rambling about whats gonna happen if you wear a Vick jersey or in thier section or sitting in front of them. I tell ya what, I’ll have my Vick jersey on in Section 104, better yet, say something to anyone wearing a Vick jersey, you might not like your dome field advantage!
Hetch Hetchy
September 15th, 2011
9:30 pm
I think it will be 45 – 13 Eagles. Ryan and the defense chokes. Crap linebackers, Turner is done, also Gonzales. Zero play makers.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 15th, 2011
9:32 pm
“On ESPN today, Skip Bayless and a black commentator whose name I didn’t see said Michael Vick probably would be cheered Sunday night since Atlanta is 70% black, with the latter endorsing the idea, saying that racial ties run deeper than team loyalty.”
ESPN doesn’t know anything about what is going on outside New York and Boston. The same black ATLiens who cheer for Vick boo Joe Johnson — who is quite black himself — every May when he inevitably fails in the playoffs. It is much more complicated than just “black people love Vick”, and most people who think it’s that simple a) choose not to remember or appreciate the many positive things Vick did as a Falcon and b) don’t know a whole lot of black people.
Back 2 Reality
September 15th, 2011
9:37 pm
Hetch you’re so tough in the midst of all your tea party girls, klan mentality!
Ronald Millsaps
September 15th, 2011
9:58 pm
“chandler going deep”— Some of your posts make literally no sense. I can’t stand arguing with someone who’s actually arguing with himself and not even realizing it, and be reverent when you mention God. As for your finishing foolish comment, foolish in its wording, irreverence, and its showing you didn’t listen to what you read, talk to the aforementioned guy on ESPN saying that Vick should be cheered BECAUSE he’s black.
Running Dan Reeves out didn’t help Vick or this team, but Arthur Blank showed he’s almost another Daniel Snyder.
“back”— Comparing the Tea Party to the klan is a cheap shot, and you know it. I’m no fan of Sarah Palin, just for the exact-opposite reasons the Tina Feys of the world are against her. I will compare any pro-abortion advocate to Nazi Germany, and that statement, my friend, is no cheap shot.
The Falcons have a lot of work to do. With all due respect, they last season were the worst 13-3 team I’d ever seen.
Back the Vick, the fact that Matt Schaub never got a start in the midst of Vick’s inaccuracies was appalling. (I didn’t see the game, but I know he started against NE in ‘05 and threw for over 300 yards in a 31-28 loss.) Oh, wait; I guess starting Schaub would’ve been an act of racism.
Ronald Millsaps
September 15th, 2011
9:59 pm
to* Vick
Chandler going Deep....
September 15th, 2011
10:05 pm
Eagles will roll up 500-700 yds.. Just Brutal man….
Chandler going Deep....
September 15th, 2011
10:08 pm
@ Millsaps, To you they make no sense but remember dude your one of 6.7 billion people.. Its okay?
Chandler going Deep....
September 15th, 2011
10:12 pm
I wont waste your time and you certainly wont waste mine..Just hit the scroll button when you see me. My rants aren’t meant for you…..SCROLL got it……………
Ronald Millsaps
September 15th, 2011
10:35 pm
“chandler”— Worry about being coherent as opposed to attacking my intelligence.
To the guy who said Ryan stinks (use that verb), think again, and Vick did play well between 2001-2004 here, but he was subpar in 2005 and downright awful in 2006. Yeah, the West Coast offense stifled him and never should’ve been here; I’ll give him that much, but he still should’ve played better and, specifically, should’ve led better. Again, not playing Matt Schaub was inexcusable, and Vick did have a team around him. You say he “only” had Crumpler? Well, he had him, Dunn, and Duckett, and he also had quite a defense. Let me guess; you play fantasy football and don’t even know the importance of a defense.
Also, Skip Bayless thinks Tim Tebow should be out in Denver because he allegedly causes division. Well, Rosa Parks caused division, too. Causing division isn’t intrinsically wrong, Bayless. ESPN and the like have a huge prejudice against Tebow because of what he believes. If he weren’t a Christian, the media wouldn’t spew toward him as it does. How much sense does trading Tebow on Week 2 of year 2 of his career make? None, especially since he’s a diamond in the rough, especially since John Elway can mentor him, especially since he has all the physical and mental tools, etc..
Did Bayless and his ilk say to get rid of Carson Palmer and stick with Jon Kitna; to trade Vince Young and go with Kerry Collins; to trade Michael Vick and stick with Chris Chandler; to trade Eli Manning and go with Kurt Warner; to trade Philip Rivers and go with Drew Brees? No.
Overrated RYAN
September 15th, 2011
10:44 pm
WEAR FALCONS VICK JERSEY SUN NIGHT!!!
Overrated RYAN
September 15th, 2011
10:46 pm
UNITE FOR #7 ATL!!
Back 2 Reality
September 15th, 2011
11:10 pm
Hey M-sap, comparing the klan to tea party is not a cheap shot, its called the truth!!
Ronald Millsaps
September 15th, 2011
11:38 pm
“back”– It’s a cheap shot, and you know it as well as I do. The Tea Party deserves blame for its prioritizing fiscal issues over speaking against abortion, homosexuality, stem-cell research, evolution/”safe sex” (and other lies) in schools, etc., and I do indeed blame its wrongfulness in priorities. Through two debates, 99 percent of discussions have been about monetary issues.
Chris Matthews is a typical media guy. At least he made a similar observation the other night; I will applaud him for that much.
By the way, “back”, don’t believe everything Obama and Oprah tell you. They’re two of the worst people in the world. Do some investigation on your own, because propaganda abounds. Almost every “educational” lecture is filled with propaganda. Most books deserve to be burned. Hollywood is utter trash, as are most things on TV, and 95 percent of the “Christian” Church promotes the same ideologies promoted by Obama, Oprah, Joel Osteen, etc., and is apathetic about taking a stand. We’re definitely in postmodern times.
Kindly listen to http://www.sonliferadio.org –particularly at 9:30 a.m. and p.m. weekdays.
The Eagles aren’t as good as advertised. Run the ball, and get Jacquizz Rodgers at least five touches per game. Atlanta needs to emphasize fundamentals and not fantasy numbers.
Brendan
September 15th, 2011
11:46 pm
This would be a big win for Matt Ryan. It might be an even bigger win for Michael Vick. But, in the end, aren’t pretty much all football games won and loss at the line of scrimmage? The team that can run the ball effectively, eat clock, and control the line … without turning the ball over, usually wins. I predict … that that is precisely what will happen. Unfortunately, I like Philly’s odds of controlling that line of scrimmage more. Ryan will be rushed. He may make more turnovers. And Vick, when pressured, may scamper for lots of yards.
Sincerely, I hope the Falcons win. The fans win and lose as a team, not as a quarterback plays. I hope Atlanta can win this game, get back to 1-1, and put their string of ‘blowout losses’ behind them.
Ronald Millsaps
September 15th, 2011
11:50 pm
Looks like my post isn’t going to post. Hmmmm, interesting.
You know it’s a cheap shot, or if you don’t, turn Oprah off and seek the truth.
Chandler going Deep....
September 16th, 2011
12:37 am
““chandler”— Worry about being coherent”
Hey Saps I suggest you take your own advice to heart dude….lol
Chandler going Deep....
September 16th, 2011
12:39 am
It will be a brutal defeat for the Falcons! Is that simple and coherent enough for ya?
Chandler going Deep....
September 16th, 2011
12:42 am
“Well, Rosa Parks caused division, too”
Hey Jeff what rock did this guy crawl out from under? A mind is a terrible thing to waste on 80 proof?
JSS
September 16th, 2011
8:25 am
Oprah is on, what is your TIVO stuck on June or something? Man, call a repair tech?
JSS
September 16th, 2011
9:13 am
blogger “Ronnie Milsap said regarding the 2005 Falcons defense:
(They had) “quite a defense” I was giving the benefit of the doubt until you said that…
Within 3 seasons, 8 players on offense, and 6 players on defense were completely out of the game of football. Players with talent are never jettisoned out of the NFL that fast unless they are beaten in other camps and can’t win a job!
Boley*, Hall*, and Brooking*, Scott, Williams, and Babineaux* (that is it!)
Carpenter-SS (out of the league in 2006 at only 29)
Scott-FS (Has only started 20 games in the 5 years since being jettisoned from the Falcons)
Kerney-DE (Out of football in 2009)
Coleman-DT (Out of football in 2007)
C. Lavalais-DT (Out of football in 2006)
Chauncey Davis-DE (Just cut in 2011, not picked up by anyone)
Brady Smith-DE (Out of football since 2006)
Ed Hartwell-LB (Out of football since 2007)
Jason Webster-CB (Out of football since 2008)
D. Williams-OLB (In KC since 08 but has not started a game since 2009)
It is amazing that one team could be so overloaded with people no longer in football…
Chandler going Deep..
September 16th, 2011
9:43 am
Wasn’t McKay the GM during those years?
Then he gets promoted to CEO/President with that track record for assessing talent? Amazing….
Greyhound is ready….
Bilbo
September 16th, 2011
9:54 am
Obviously you don’t remember Dominique, Dale Murphy, Peachtree Bart, or Hank Aaron. Icons not fools.
Back 2 Reality
September 16th, 2011
12:00 pm
Heh M-sap, don’t listen to nimrods like beck,o’reilly, hannity & pain pill popping rush, you’ll get symptoms that bush was the greatest president of all & palin really is president material
North FLA Falcon
September 16th, 2011
12:07 pm
I just heard ESPN this morning call the game “MIchael Vicks’ Goodwill Tour: The Final Stop.” Absolutey DISGUSTING! ESPN loves to stir up sh*t and turn it into a feel good story. Falcons have the ability to keep it close but Eagles will win, unfortunately.
Overrated RYAN
September 16th, 2011
12:54 pm
WEAR FALCONS VICK JERSEY SUN NIGHT!
Dave Choate
September 16th, 2011
2:03 pm
I hate to say this, but we are outmatched in every position. Instead of hoping for a win, I’m just hoping we can at least score a touchdown.
JSS
September 16th, 2011
3:01 pm
Chandler going Deep..
September 16th, 2011
9:43 am
“Wasn’t McKay the GM during those years?”
Actually, a lot of those less than talented individual were the doing of the man who handicapped to franchises: Dan Reeves… Reeves was a horrible evaluator of talent…
JSS
September 16th, 2011
3:04 pm
Correction:
“Actually, a lot of those less than talented individual(s) were the doing of the man who handicapped t(w)o franchises: Dan Reeves… Reeves was a horrible evaluator of talent…
P Rose
September 16th, 2011
3:09 pm
This is rich. I expect to read about football here (my first mistake) and instead have to scroll this mindless diatribe between the likes of “Chandler Goes Deep” and “Overrated Ryan” on one side, and “Ronald Millsaps” on the other – wow. The left side has this huge man-crush on Vick, not because he’s a great player (which he is), but because he is a sociopath (like themselves) who made it big, thereby giving them sick inspiration; and the right side has this guy using a football blog to claim that evolution is propaganda and most books should be burned. Good God. The Falcons will lose big, I’m afraid, but I’m far more troubled to live in a society surrounded by people like this.
Big Play Ray
September 16th, 2011
4:17 pm
Forget #7….Who’s gonna wear #34 Sunday Night??!! Big Play Babeeeee
Big Play Ray
September 16th, 2011
4:21 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
September 15th, 2011
9:26 pm
Probably best not to click that link if you are at work.
Thanks, but Big Play don’t have to work no more…..
ICE P
September 16th, 2011
6:31 pm
Atlanta needs to call the special victims unit cause the falcons are gonna get RAPED sunday night.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL(cough)LOLOLOLOLOLOL!
MeMe
September 17th, 2011
8:54 am
At my house, this will be fun. Still LOVE me some Mike Vick, but I’m trying to be LOYAL to the Falcons. If Matt doesn’t THROW the LONG pass, he can forget it. And it they play that SAME PREVENT DEFENSE, the will be 0-2. Hopefully Weems will ATTEMPT to RETURN the ball this time; instead of calling a “fair catch” and letting it go OVER his head. Will Robinson STEP up or look and play *confused” the whole game. Shall I continue? * sigh *