Bradley’s Buzz: Michael Vick goes free, but to do what?
Is the Wildcat the wild card in Vick’s future?
As of today, Michael Vick will no longer be in federal custody. The obvious and much-debated question: What’s next? The non-answer: Nobody knows.
In Sporting News Today, Albert Breer breaks down the now-familiar issues and Vinny Iyer lists six NFL teams that might be willing to hire Vick. (San Francisco, Miami, Jacksonville, Washington, Oakland, Seattle.) Two weeks ago Sports Illustrated, in an article by L. Jon Wertheim and Jack McCallum, examined the bigger picture: Hasn’t Vick already paid a higher price than most erring athletes?
But a key question can only be answered by Vick: Is it more important for him to play quarterback as he once played quarterback or to play in the NFL? Because those aren’t necessarily the same things anymore.
Vick’s best chance to find quick NFL employment might be to agree to serve as a designated implementer of the Wildcat formation. (This assumes Roger Goodell clears Vick to play, which the guess here is that he will soon enough.) If nothing else, it would change the loaded dynamics for the team doing the hiring: The club could say, “We know all about Vick’s crimes and his reputation, but we didn’t sign him to be our No. 1 quarterback — he’s here to play a supporting role.”
The Vick I used to know — I haven’t talked with him in more than two years, as you might guess — would have rejected such a notion. He considered himself a pure, if stylized, quarterback. He vented to me in the locker room at Miami in 2005 after one of his finest passing performances, saying:
“I’m not just one thing. I can throw, and I can also run. I’ve got another way of beating you — is that my fault? … People forget I passed for almost 3,000 yards in ‘02 — I was 60 yards short [66, to be precise]. I’ve got in it me, man. But sometimes I come out and I’m not accurate, and that’s on me … People say I can’t throw the ball from the pocket. I’m not trying to prove anything to the world because I know what I can do. … I feel like I answered [the question] today, and I don’t ever want to hear it again.”
Loading ...Indeed, that summer Vick had been featured on cover of Sports Illustrated proclaiming: “I AM a quarterback.” And I understand how deeply this issues matters — or mattered — to him. But I’m wondering if a guy of tarnished reputation in search of a job can make demands. I’m wondering if the best course wouldn’t be to work his way back into the league gradually.
I’m thinking that, for Michael Vick’s next life, being a ‘Cat might be the logical next step. But maybe that’s just me.
Was J-Chill given the big chill by the Hawks?
Here’s a good story by Charles Odum — he’s based in Atlanta — of the Associated Press, in which Josh Childress claims the reason he’s headed back to play in Greece for Olympiakos was because the Hawks played “hardball” with him this summer and he ran out of time to make any sort of sign-and-trade deal with another NBA team. More Childress:
“The Hawks were definitely in my scope. I spent four years there. I’m familiar with the team and the organization. I’m familiar with the city. I still have a home there. I think it just came down to whether or not I felt like negotiations would move forward with them. I really didn’t, just being quite honest …
“I just think there needs to be some kind of agreement where both parties meet in the middle. This idea of hardball is kind of old. I’m not the type of guy that’s gonna bad mouth and do all the other things. I’ve kind of been the kind of guy who wants to move forward and get something done.”
Having said all that, Childress also said he’d be open to returning to the Hawks — they’ll still hold his rights next summer — for the 2010-11 season. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.
And speaking of basketball …
From Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com comes this post from the Peach Jam, a summer camp in Augusta, Ga. Goodman writes that guard Iman Shumpert had issues with Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt last season. “I thought I had all the answers,” Goodman quotes Shumpert as saying. “Last season definitely humbled me because I didn’t adapt to the college game.”
Also this: ““I changed [my free-throw routine to suit Tech's coaches], but I wasn’t happy about it. Coach Hewitt and I battled about stupid stuff.”
From Fran Fraschilla, an ESPN.com Insider, comes this about Shumpert (link requires registration): “If Georgia Tech turns it around, Shumpert will be the key reason why. He should make a huge leap from his freshman to sophomore season.”
The key reason? Maybe not. From Jeff Fox of Slam Online comes a look at the top 10 prospects for the 2010 NBA draft: No. 2 is Derrick Favors of Georgia Tech, behind only John Wall of Kentucky.
Tech hoops coach ignores Bradley!
It appears Paul Hewitt, surely through some oversight, has failed to bookmark this ol’ blog on his computer. According to esteemed former colleague Jeff D’Alessio, who’s now at Sporting News Today, Hewitt’s favorite bookmarks are: FoxSports.com, ESPN.com, SI.com and CNN.com. (Thanks to reader Tony Tate for the tip on this one.)
And now my tip to Mr. Hewitt: It’s http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/. You can even make it your home page!
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243 comments Add your comment
Chris
July 20th, 2009
11:00 am
Mark,
Your guess is that Goodell clears him for this year? I think he’s in no hurry and he wants his pound of flesh..suspends him one year but hope I’m wrong. The wildcat option seems very viable.
What do you think about him being part of a team as a punt and kickoff returner? He makes people miss almost as well as Hester and that’s a part of his abilities most likely to not have suffered much. I doubt he’d enjoy that job but it is a high paying job.
Who Really Cares??
July 20th, 2009
11:03 am
On Vick’s potential future….who cares??
Marcus
July 20th, 2009
11:08 am
Iinteresting. MB. Prepare for the onslaught, if you haven’t already. I was contemplating that same question last week:
If Vick comes back as QB, will a team be willing to put him in as a No. 2, being an injury away from being the starter? Couple that with his absence and the change of QB play since he left, that makes a dicey No. 2.
Add to that, if he signs on as a No. 3 (emergency) QB, I don’t know NFL rules will allow him to be a ‘Wildcat’ because I thought that the rules say that if the No. 3 QB comes into the game, the No. 1 QB cannot return unless there are some extenuating circumstances (can’t remember what).
So, even if he is allowed back in the league, there seems to be other issues/nuances to get him on the field
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
11:11 am
I think Vick will play in the NFL in 2009. Maybe not in September, but by November.
But that is nothin’ but a WAG — a wide-angled guess.
FALCONS SORRY
July 20th, 2009
11:14 am
ATL ESPECIALLY THAT WORTHLESS AUTHUR BLANK THREW AWAY ITS BEST EVER CHANCE AT BEING A CHAMPION WHEN IT TURNED ITS BACK ON VICK! HE WAS THE BEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN TO PRO SPORTS IN THIS WHOLE SORRY STATE AND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HIM TO COME ALONG! WHEN VICK IS HOLDING UP THAT BEAUTIFUL SUPPER BOWL TROPHY FOR NEW ENGLAND OR CAROLINA OR DALLAS OR NEW ORLEANS ALL THE FALCONS FANS WILL BE CRYING AND WISHING HE WAS STILL WEARING THE RED WHITE AND BLACK! MIKE IF BY SOME MIRACLE YOU EVER DECIDE TO GIVE US ANOTHER CHANCE I HOPE WE WILL BE SMART ENOUGH TO NOT LET YOU DOWN AGAIN!
midnite
July 20th, 2009
11:14 am
Surprising that Mike Vick has done absolutely nothing in two years to repair his badly damaged image. Look for the suspension to be lifted for 2010.
Reid Adair
July 20th, 2009
11:16 am
I don’t think Roger Goodell will reinstate Vick for the 2009 season; I think it will be 2010, and then you’re looking at a guy who’s been out of the league for three years.
I also don’t believe IF he comes back that it will be as a true quarterback. I see him being more of a “Wildcat” for special situations, trick plays, etc. But, hey, if that works for him, so be it. He did his time. What he does now is his business.
Mike Vick
July 20th, 2009
11:17 am
Why are you people still talking about me? I’m an ex Falcon, can’t you people run articles on Matty Ice? Is he that irrevelent?
I will be a Patriot and while you guys are waiting for your ritual, draft watching in your mom’s living rooms, I will be playing in the super bowl.
When you guys come to New England, we will destroy you girlie birds and this will be the first time you losers can actually blame me for your pathetic loss.
Enjoy your 2010 draft.
BIGBOY
July 20th, 2009
11:26 am
The guy will be back in the NFL this year for sure.As for Goodell at first I was all pumped thinking this guy was going to clean up the league,crack the whip on the players,get everybody in line.He started out strong and then the Patriotgate exposed him as a phony….sure he’s hard on players but that slap on the wrist he gave NE made me see the guy in a different light.It’s only about the image of the league when it applies to the players not ownership misconduct.As for Vick the guy was an allstar player,he won playoff games as a QB,are you serious?can he play QB?have you seen the stiffs out there starting for about 14 teams right now?Please…Vick will start for somebody this year.Do you really think for instance that Stafford or Sanchez is a better QB right now than Vick?seriously people can chunk that Vick may not be a QB crap.
frankie blacken
July 20th, 2009
11:28 am
The Michael Vick Now Loves All Animals Because He Wants to Go Back to the NFL and Make Millions of Dollars Souvenir Art Tile
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=350229267993&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
Paul H
July 20th, 2009
11:28 am
Dear FALCONS SORRY, everyone knows Vick was the one who turned his back on Blank, the Falcons, their fans and the city of Atlanta. He also turned his back on you.
Glenn
July 20th, 2009
11:32 am
There was a place for Warren Moon when he was 44 years old on an NFL roster . If interested NFL franchises don’t get scared away by the PETA types that are sure to be heard if Michael Vick is back in the NFL , he will have his pick of teams . The quarterback position is a hard one to fill . He might not be a starter out of the gate but Vick will get a shot if franchises can stomach the PR storm . If he comes back to the NFL it will be more than just a 10 play a game wildcat & kick returner guy . There are a handful of teams he could start for tomorrow . That isn’t a validation of Vicks talents even after being in prison . It just shows how weak the qb position is in the NFL .
Tim from EP
July 20th, 2009
11:34 am
Childress thinks the Hawks are playing hardball. What! Why is this dude getting a free pass? If Childress had the wrong image, like Vick, everyone would be talking about how Childress is a whining overpaid athlete and needs to be thankful at whatever contract is thrown at him. Truth of the matter is Childress is a former 1st round pick who average 13 points as a starter in Greece. Flip Murrary average 12 points a game coming off the bench in the NBA. If Childress would have just taken the qualifying offer last season. Aint no telling what type of NBA money he would have gotten as important free-agent sixth man on a NBA playoff team. We all talk about how shrewd of a move it was for him to go over to Greece, but unless he was gonna dominate in Greece, Childress has effectively kill his NBA career, unless he is willing to take less money and worker harder than before.
scott
July 20th, 2009
11:34 am
My WAG is that he plays this year. Maybe even as quarterback, forget the Wildcat thing. America loves to forgive and move on, and MV has paid a significant price. Somebody gets injured and here comes Vick . . . so what if it takes him 2 years to memorize the playbook?
Da Raiders? Da Cowboys? who knows . . .but anything to put ‘em in the seats.
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
11:38 am
Let me be clear about this: Do I think Vick is a real quarterback? Absolutely. But I think easing back into the NFL in a specific role might work better for both him and the franchise that takes a risk and hires him. Being the designated Wildcat would be better, say, than being the emergency quarterback. (Who’s inactive on Sundays unless emergency hits.)
Mac
July 20th, 2009
11:40 am
I know I’m an advocate of not responding to the Vick, bomb-throwing trolls, because that’s what they’re looking for. But, I must admit that I’d really like to see who Falcons Sorry is … just for giggles, because he is so over-the-top in his parody of a real Vick supporter.
Dr. Warren
July 20th, 2009
11:44 am
So Childress actually wanted to play for Atlanta this year? And the Hawks couldn’t get that done? Here’s probably our #3 best player in that Boston series in ‘08. Have him back this year, and with the depth he brings, we’re pushing closer to the #3 seed. That move would have made this summer a grand slam for Sund.
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
11:45 am
Let me also say this: I think there are a handful of team owners who would love to sign Michael Vick but don’t want to be seen making the first move for fear of backlash. Kind of like the boys standing on one side of the room looking across at the girls at a sixth-grade dance.
Paul From Milton
July 20th, 2009
11:45 am
Can you imagine Randy Moss’ reaction if he found out that Mike Vick would be (attempting) to throw to him rather than Tom Brady? Priceless.
It’s funny that Vick has one 300 yard game and he thinks it proves he is a passing QB. Meanwhile, Brady, Manning and Brees throw for 300 as a routine.
Matt Ryan
July 20th, 2009
11:45 am
FALCONS SORRY… you are clueless. I’m here and Vick couldn’t hold my jock. Move on peeps, Vick is gone and the organization is in better hands now.
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
11:49 am
I think, Dr. Warren, Childress was never all that sold on playing for the Hawks. I think he was hoping for a sign-and-trade. But that’s just me speculating.
jeffrey d
July 20th, 2009
11:49 am
ESPN.com had a poll last night that asked if you wanted to see Vick in the NFL this season. I don’t remember the exact numbers, but it was like 65/35 WANTING to see him return.
That was great to see, because you read and hear about PETA and all these other activists never wanting him to play again. I remember reading one quote that said reinstating Vick would tell children that if you’re an athlete it’s okay to do stupid things because they’ll let you play anyway.
This unforgiving attitude really bothers me. People (”activists”) will feel better if someone else’s life is ruined? Please.
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
11:50 am
I look at it this way, Paul: Those good passing games Vick had were an indication of what he might have done in a non-Knapp offense. I remember the one in Miami (referenced above) and the one in Cincinnati the next season in particular. Those were precise, professional performances.
dooley
July 20th, 2009
11:52 am
The nfl is all about winning RIGHT NOW. Mike Vick on any team makes that team better, no matter if you like him or not. Before he was found to be adogfighter any team in the league save for 3 or 4 would have sold their soul to have him. Go Mike Vick!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MV7x
July 20th, 2009
11:53 am
I could go to Canada, eh?
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
11:53 am
Jeffrey, I didn’t see the poll. (After watching the ABC/ESPN coverage of the British Open, I’d had all the Worldwide Leader I could handle for one day.) But I think the mood toward Vick has changed, and it will change even more when/if he speaks publicly again. There is, as we know, a basic human inclination to forgive. (Last I checked, there are religions based on that very principle.)
Homer
July 20th, 2009
11:54 am
FIRE BRADLEY!!!
Glenn
July 20th, 2009
11:55 am
The first two teams that should ask Michael Vick to ” couples skate ” are Pat Bowlen & Ralph Wilson. He could easily start for both those franchises . I never had a sixth grade dance . I did however couples skate to Ambrosia . Good Times .
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
11:56 am
Dooley, I spent the four days before the NFC championship game in Philadelphia around the Eagles, and I well recall Jim Johnson, who’s about the best defensive coordinator in the business, talking about the unique problems Vick posed. I once called him “the scariest man in football” — this was after the Green Bay playoff victory — because defenses were caught between. If you rushed him, he’d run away. If you dropped back, he could beat you throwing. Or he might just run anyway. You never knew.
scott
July 20th, 2009
11:58 am
I am not gonna dispute the fact that Vick can pass with accuracy. He can.
But he can also, on a bad day, throw more interceptions than touchdowns.
He can also fumble with the worst of them, while holding the ball like a loaf of bread. Stale old bread. Drove me nuts while running for 110 yards and a touchdown and yet also coughing up the ball twice in our end of the field while scrambling out of the pocket. He could swing momentum our way quickly for sure. And then give it right back on the next series.
I think he is talented. Crazy talented. But he also has significant flaws as a qwuarterback, chiefly turnovers, and I would never want him back on the Falcons as QB. If he can’t swallow his pride and come back in some lessor role, well . . .that goes to show you why I wouldn’t want him on my team.
I’d take him as a DB! lol
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 20th, 2009
12:00 pm
Signing Vick, I imagine, will be similar to the time the first person ate a raw oyster. No one is clamoring to be first but eventually someone will.
jc_atl
July 20th, 2009
12:01 pm
Unless Vick can be trained to be a drop-back passer his days are numbered even if a team gives him a chance. His frantic play and resorting to the run too quickly mean he will someday get dismembered by a linebacker or defensive back. He’s probably too short, and too set in his ways to be the sort of QB that can ever be consistently successful in the NFL. Thank goodness he gave the Falcons a way out of his contract.
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
12:04 pm
Scott, Vick only had 52 interceptions in 74 NFL games, which wasn’t bad. (Peyton Manning had 58 in his first 48 games.) Fumbles were more the issue, as you noted.
And I always thought Vick was, in many ways, a prisoner of that talent. He could run like nobody else in the league, so that became his default mode. (And led to some of the fumbles.) But he’s older now — he’s 29 — and maybe not quite so fast, and I’m thinking the right coach could instill the fundamental stuff the Falcons never did, the fundamental stuff that would lead to an upgrade in accuracy.
Sounds like I’m undercutting my argument for making him a Wildcat, doesn’t it? Ah, well.
scott
July 20th, 2009
12:06 pm
MV’s career stats from http://www.nfl.com/players/michaelvick/careerstats?id=VIC311467:
71 passing TDs
21 rushing TDs
92 TOTAL TDs
52 INTs
55 Fumbles
107 total turnovers
What else is there to say? O yeah . a career QB rating of 75.7
Please MV, come back to the Falcons, as we could use a good nickel package on defensive 3rd and long situations.
Todd
July 20th, 2009
12:07 pm
All of you nay-sayers please answer this question: What happens with what ever team Mike Vick lands with, if he goes in and shows no real sign og being away from the game? GENERALLY he same arm strength, speed, quickness AND play for play, the best QB on the team; does he make it as the No. 1 QB? Then answer just how stupid Arthur Blank continues to be
No one knows what Mike Vick will do until he steps on the field. Let’s just wait and see. I am not a Director of Player Personnel for an NFL Team, so I will keep my mouht shut and wish the best for Mike Vick. But heck, even PLayer Personel Directors have no clue what he can do. Shame if they do not take a look and see.
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
12:07 pm
I hereby dub Bank Walker the King of Imagery.
scott
July 20th, 2009
12:07 pm
oops i was wrong about total turnovers . . . we did not lose possession of the football on all those fumbles. My bad.
JIm
July 20th, 2009
12:12 pm
The `real Matt Ryan` we all know has more class than to make a statement like that !
Dr. Warren
July 20th, 2009
12:12 pm
I live in China, and the guy who lives next door sometimes kicks his dog around until it yelps helplessly and I come over and force him to stop. The managers in my building laugh when I complain, saying, “it’s only a dog.” A female Chinese surgeon I know also laughs, saying, “You swat a mosquito, don’t you? What’s the difference?” When I explain to Chinese people that one of America’s most famous athletes has gone to jail for abusing and killing dogs, they usually look bemused. Don’t let the headlines about economic growth fool you. Ignorance and cruelty still tinge all aspects of Chinese life, even among those who are considered educated. For me, the fact that Vick–once my favorite athlete–just spent two years in jail is just another testament to the basic humanity of the American system and culture. Vick’s return and redemption should only come with ongoing proof that he now grasps that truth.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 20th, 2009
12:13 pm
Bring on the wenches
steve
July 20th, 2009
12:15 pm
Hmmm…who will go through the potential public relations nightmare over a guy that hasn’t been on a field in two years? Someone may do it, stranger things have happened. I thought he was way overrated as a Falcon. I am glad to see that the falcons have moved on. Ryan is a better quarterback than Mike Vick will ever be. He’s also about a thousand times smarter. Vick just never had the smarts to be a great quarterback, he didn’t have the passing arm either.
reebok
July 20th, 2009
12:17 pm
Don’t forget how much MV’s skills had already eroded before he went to jail…he probably hasn’t improved a lot in the last couple of years. And does ANYBODY really believe that a person as undisciplined and arrogant as Vick can stay out of trouble while he’s on probation? Even if some team wants to bear the backlash of the negative press, and even if MV’s skills have held up enough to make him an asset, he’ll screw it up.
On a different topic, G-Tech hoops will not take a big leap forward this year because Paul Hewitt is still the coach.
dap01
July 20th, 2009
12:19 pm
Chills has an over priced self value, that is proved by the entire NBA not just the Hawks.
He was a fine player but he was able to go outside of the NBA to get more money than he could have in the NBA.
FALCONS SORRY
July 20th, 2009
12:19 pm
I READ LAST WEEK THAT BLANK HAS BEEN MAKING SECRET TRIPS TO SEE VICK AT HIS HOME IN VIRGINIA! THAT’S RIGHT! EVERYBODY KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS! THAT SORRY DEVIL BLANK IS REALIZING HE MESSED UP! BIG TIME! YOU BETTER KISS VICKS FEET BLANK! FOR ALL THE GOOD IT WILL DO YOU! BLANK NEEDS VICK MORE THAN VICK WILL EVER NEED THAT SORRY LOW DOWN BLANK! LET THE COURTSHIP AND FEET KISSING BEGIN! TIME TO TAKE BACK WHAT IS YOURS MIKE!
Darrin "The Vent King"
July 20th, 2009
12:20 pm
I think it was very classy the way Ryan responded to the questions about Vick on SportsCenter today. We are lucky to have that guy playing QB for us. I also wish Vick the best of luck in the future (except when he plays against the Falcons of course!).
GO FALCONS!
scott
July 20th, 2009
12:20 pm
and how many fumbles did Peyton make in those games, Mark? What was his touchdown to turnover ratio?
uh-huh.
And now you know why Peyton’s QB rating is more than DOUBLE what MV’s QB rating is.
Possession of the football is EVERYTHING. Don’t you agree?
Ruggles James
July 20th, 2009
12:20 pm
like a disbarred Lawyer, defrocked priest, convicted CEO and MD’s who have caused their license to be revoked, Mr. Vick squandered his chance and needs to move on. The NFL needs to ramp up its character image. Hell, he can’t even get a Real Estate License or own a gun as a felon, why should he be allowed to pull the NFL down any further. Isn’t part of the attraction of sports to teach responsiblity and consequences to our youth ?
Kim
July 20th, 2009
12:20 pm
He did his time, unlike Bush-Cheney war criminals.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 20th, 2009
12:22 pm
Mark, on your comparison of Vick & Manning, Peyton had over 700 more attempts in his first 4 seasons than Vick so his chances of throwing picks, before he matured as a QB, went way up
scott
July 20th, 2009
12:23 pm
lmao opps again. Peyton’s overall rating is NOT that high. I gotta slow down when I read. But it is 20 points higher than Vick. That is significant.
The Dogfighter Returns
July 20th, 2009
12:25 pm
Dr. warren vick did not spend one day in jail for how he treated his property. Those Chinese folks are smart listen to them.
If only we had their kind of punishment (death penalty) for folks like madoff and corporate executives this would be a great country. Anyone who steals more than $100k should automatically get the electric chair end of story.
The bastards are still milking money off Mr. Vick. Michael Vick should simply set up his own blog and update the world of his attempt to return to the League. That blog alone will generate sufficient hits for him to be financially secure.
scott
July 20th, 2009
12:25 pm
right on, Kim!
And besides the war crime stuff, Vick never shot another guy in the face while drinking beer and then failed to report it until he sobered up, either . . . too bad Vick was not W’s VEEP when the dog-fighting surfaced, or Vick might still be a Falcon!
Tim from EP
July 20th, 2009
12:32 pm
steve
July 20th, 2009
12:15 pm
Hmmm…who will go through the potential public relations nightmare over a guy that hasn’t been on a field in two years? Someone may do it, stranger things have happened. I thought he was way overrated as a Falcon. I am glad to see that the falcons have moved on. Ryan is a better quarterback than Mike Vick will ever be. He’s also about a thousand times smarter. Vick just never had the smarts to be a great quarterback, he didn’t have the passing arm either.
Whoa Steve! I can’t fault you for having your opinions. But to say Vick didn’t have the passing arm is just ridiculous. Vick use to throw 60 yard (in the air bombs) with a flick of his wrist. Please don’t lie and say he didn’t do that.
Its really funny to see some of this comments talk about the inhumanity and cruelty in Vick’s crimes(in which he paid for), but yet its unfathomable to show some humanity against Vick and let him have another chance. All the while the UFC is becoming bigger and bigger each year. I guess its humane to watch two humans willingly beat each other up like savages
If you didn’t like Vick for whatever reasons, just say you don’t like him, but don’t come up with all of these hypocrictial excuses to hide your disdain for the man. And if you do like Vick, don’t over glorify what he did on the field. Vick was a superb athlete with freakish talents who showed flashes of being a one of a kind QB. That’s it folks. Leave at that and lets what he can do with a second chance.
All I'm Saying Is...
July 20th, 2009
12:32 pm
Bradley et.al., answer me this: What would Roger Goodell gain by reinstating Vick for the 2009-2010 season? Avoidance of a lawsuit is the only reason I can think of because while Goodell should reinstate Vick — he paid his price to society and will continually have to deal with what he did — I don’t see any compelling factor motivating Goodell to do so. I would speculate that he lets MV7 stew a year and reinstates him next summer.
At first, I thought the departure of Josh Childress was a dreadful move by the franchise last year because J-Chill is a good guy, a team player, and particularly a bad thing in terms of the credibility hit that the Hawks took given how they had finished the season with the Boston 7 game series blah blah blah. Turns out Flip Murray was a substantial upgrade in terms of on the court performance. So now if J-Chill wants to play another year in Greece then I say more power to you but we are not going to do any sign and trade just because J-Chill wants to come by the NBA. We have to get excellent value in return. So, I say, J-Chill you made your bed and you are going to have to sleep in it until we see a deal we like.
A Realist
July 20th, 2009
12:35 pm
I would like to see the Vegas odds of Vick staying out of trouble for three whole years while on probation. Based on his brother Marcus’ past actions and MV7’s failed drug test while under house arrest, I would not be too surprised at anything that might happen. Only time will tell, but I’d take that bet. Anybody know a good bookie????
scott
July 20th, 2009
12:37 pm
Agree with you, “All I’m Sayin is” on the J-Chill thing. Signing Bibby was critical. Done. Getting Marvin will also be critical. It was a good move to lock down Zaza. Big servicable dudes who can do what he does off the bench are a little rare.
As for J Smooth down the road? Mark I know you are a big fan of Josh, but if we can get a significant upgrade on a trade involving him . . . DO it. We need to continue to build a team, and I just am not convinced that Josh will mature into a consistent, coachable superstar. I hope I’m wrong.
All I'm Saying Is...
July 20th, 2009
12:37 pm
And, for the record, anyone who signs Vick is going to get an outstanding player and there are a bunch of teams that need help at QB.
I would bet on Oakland because Al Davis doesn’t give a crap about what other people think — Just Win Baby!
There is no way the Redskins will sign him primarily because they play in our nation’s political capital and because Jason Campbell is the anti-Vick in terms of public perception.
The best place for him to go would be Buffalo — talk about flying under the radar. And now with T.O. on the team, T.O would get all the attention sucking all the air out of the room and MV could go there and simply say I’m not talking to the press about anything but football.
VICK FOR LIFE*****
July 20th, 2009
12:40 pm
WOW!!! Vick has left atlanta and you—–all!!! are still riding his balls. LIFE GOES ON!!! GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!
The Dogfighter Returns
July 20th, 2009
12:40 pm
vick just needs to set up his own blog and watch the money flow in.
im4ball
July 20th, 2009
12:44 pm
For whomever takes a chance on Vick, they better hope that he spent his time in prison learing how to read defenses and overall gaining some amount of intelligence or at least the humility to listen to those who know more about being a quarterback than he does.
The fact is that while Vick does have the skills and athleticism to be a professional quarterback in the NFL, he does not have the mental ability to read defenses and react then make the right throw to the right receiver.
The only reason Vick ever had a decent season throwing is because Dan Reeves installed an offense similar to those used in college where you dont really have to read much in the defense and you have less options to throw to. In addition, when defenses started shutting down Vick’s running lanes and he had to throw more, he completed less throws.
So, put a couple of years of rust on his intuitive and reaction abilities and then add to it the fact that he is really not smart enough to read complex defenses and you get the result that Vick will never be a decent NFL quarterback.
If I were someone looking to sign Vick, I would determine if he still has his speed and then use him in the slot where he can catch passes, run or even throw a pass once in a while.
larry B
July 20th, 2009
12:46 pm
Where’s Vicks number 1 fanboy Najeh Davenpoop with his 2 cents? He should be here any minute now
Ruggles James
July 20th, 2009
12:47 pm
Gee Kim I must have missed the CHENEY-BUSH trial. Never the less “doing your time” in America is never over if you’ve been convicted of a felony. The only way Mr. Vick, who was operating a criminal enterprise, should be reinstated is if Obama pardons him. Maybe, upon sentence completion, we should give Bernie Ebbers a new corp. to run or release Bernie Madoff and let him have his SEC license back, I bet O.J. would love a job for some team, he did his time, Oh my bad, he’s back in. Reinstatement must work in all venues, not just sports. Remember the equal protection clause.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
July 20th, 2009
12:55 pm
JUST FOR THE RECORD: VICK DIDN’T KILL NO DOGS!!!
http://joecartoon.atom.com/videos/603-michael_vicks_plea
Vick Supporter
July 20th, 2009
12:55 pm
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned!!!
Larry
July 20th, 2009
12:56 pm
“…and I’m thinking the right coach could instill the fundamental stuff the Falcons never did, the fundamental stuff that would lead to an upgrade in accuracy.”
Good grief Mr. Bradley! If by 29 years old and perhaps 15-20 years of throwing a football a man hasn’t developed the fundamentals of throwing accuracy he isn’t going to now! He is what he is, what he has been, and what he will be: a short, fast guy who can throw a long, tight spiral with marginal accuracy (sometimes worse) who has trouble seeing over rushing defensive lineman and tends to think run over pass at the first hint of pressure. He’s actually better–and his throwing accuracy is better–when he’s scrambling and improvising because the “athlete” comes out in him, not the thinking quarterback.
However, this worked well the first few seasons until teams stopped worrying about him consistently driving the field with his arm and they just manned up the receivers and rushed 6-7 guys at him on every down to force him to run and tackle him. He actually became relatively easy to defend his last couple of seasons thus the .500 records and disappearance of the long runs.
Lastly, and someone on here needs to say it, Vick is also a very immature and poorly educated individual with a low aptitude for a sophisticated offense. His only hope is a dumbed down offense allowing him to improvise like backyard football. You’re right, the wild cat–simple and easy decisions! Don’t you remember his final press conference after his plea when millions were watching? He walked up to the podium with his farewell notes written on a napkin with 3rd grade grammar!
Either accept him and embrace him or not–pick one!
mars
July 20th, 2009
12:58 pm
Mark, Mark, Mark! Just couldn’t resist it, huh? What a mess. You’ve even got Falcons Sorry eating out of his supper bowl!
Vick Supporter
July 20th, 2009
12:58 pm
“The only reason Vick ever had a decent season throwing is because Dan Reeves installed an offense similar to those used in college where you dont really have to read much in the defense and you have less options to throw to. In addition, when defenses started shutting down Vick’s running lanes and he had to throw more, he completed less throws.” LMAO!
**im4ball**, isn’t that the same thing that the Falcons did Ryan? You know the truth man
Vick Supporter
July 20th, 2009
1:01 pm
All Vick has to do is win. I can’t wait so it can get shoved in you Falcon “fans” faces.
Vick 09
Najeh Davenpoop
July 20th, 2009
1:09 pm
The offense Vick was forced to run in his last two seasons under Mora and Knapp wasn’t too far off from the Wildcat in the first place — scripted QB movement was such a huge part of that offense already. Not so coincidentally, Vick struggled as a passer in that formation more than he ever did under Dan Reeves’ traditional drop-back-and-pass scheme. I’ve probably posted this a thousand times on the AJC blogs at this point, but if you have to sprint sideways away from your offensive line every other snap, there is no way you are going to be able to set your feet, make accurate throws, and build rhythm with your receivers. And yet that is exactly what Vick had to do in his final seasons. And not so coincidentally, when they did allow him to throw from the pocket, he responded with games like the 3-TD game against Cincinnati.
Maybe he will have to come back as a change-of-pace QB if he wants a roster spot temporarily. But he is still fully capable of being a dynamic passer in the NFL, if he gets to play in a pass-friendly offense. To be honest, he may be better off waiting until some contender’s QB inevitably gets injured, at which point he may get a better shot at a starting spot than he would in training camp and preseason.
MightyQuinn
July 20th, 2009
1:11 pm
Mark! Save us from the white AND black ignorant racist rants and shut this one down!
Najeh Davenpoop
July 20th, 2009
1:12 pm
Dang larry b, I didn’t know I was that popular that people like you wait by their computers anxiously for my opinion…
Tmac
July 20th, 2009
1:12 pm
war criminal? Thats hilarious, scott and kim you idiots… Its shows a lot about your intelligence by voting a socialist into the white house… And oh yeah… Vick sucked as a qb. Thank god for Ryan!
Dog Lover
July 20th, 2009
1:16 pm
I prefer canine to beef – yummy!
Larry
July 20th, 2009
1:16 pm
“But he is still fully capable of being a dynamic passer in the NFL,..”
Najeh,
“Dynamic Passer?” Michael Vick? Wow! Not even the Vick cronies on here who can’t spell and write in all caps say this.
Can he improve? Possible, but doubtful. Can Vick be a dynamic NFL passing QB? Never has–never will!
mackdawg
July 20th, 2009
1:17 pm
Hey, Falcons Sorry!
I tend to agree with your first entry, that is, Mike Vick will be holding up his “SUPPER BOWL” in January, probably asking for seconds.
Meanwhile, in FEBUARY, Matty Ice will be leading his team to a SUPER BOWL!
MORON!
Falcons Ticket Operator
July 20th, 2009
1:18 pm
Meanwhile, as all eyes are on MV…..the Falcons are still trying to peddle tickets. We knew today would be exceptionally slow as far as calls go…but we did think we’d get at least ONE call from a prospective buyer! Hey, just do crank calls! Anything to help us stay AWAKE!!
2 tickets/ 2jerseys just $199…..and no sorry, all of you that call and insist on the jerseys being Vick’s #7 jersey, please please understand, we just can’t! Come on! Don’t be like that! We lose all the potential ticket buyers that way. oh well
Eric Holder
July 20th, 2009
1:20 pm
Cheney, Bush, Rice, Rumsfeld – You will go to trial.
Already in process!
Falcons Minority Owner
July 20th, 2009
1:20 pm
There better be one helluva write-off at the end of the year like Arty told us. I just checked the books he DIDN’T let us see….what happened to the profit margin that used to exist?
im4ball
July 20th, 2009
1:20 pm
Let’s see: Michael Vick “dumb as a bag of rocks” and then there is Matt Ryan; a true quarterback who as a rookie showed more of an aptitude to read defenses, decide the right receiver and then make the right kind of throw; accuratley than Vick ever did and ever will.
Vick is what he is, a very good athlete who is a lot of fun to watch run but not really much fun to watch sit in the pocket and try to figure out what to do which is what a true NFL quarterback must be able to do.
Dont take my word for it, look at roger Staubach, Joe Montanna or Peyton Mannning. Intelligent quarerbacks who really can not run well but all they do (did) is win games. And then ask scouts what they look for in quaterbacks: decent athletes with brains or fast guys who cant read a defense? Ever since Matt Ryan succeeded, everyone keeps looking for someone just like him
Najeh Davenpoop
July 20th, 2009
1:20 pm
“I think Vick will play in the NFL in 2009. Maybe not in September, but by November.”
That’s one thing I’m not willing to bet on. I am fully confident Vick can still be a quality NFL QB. But I have zero confidence in Roger Goodell’s ability to be fair. Nothing from him would surprise me, up to and including expelling him from the league permanently.
Vick Supporter
July 20th, 2009
1:22 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
I agree with that. The coaches here felt that since Vick was so fast, that they felt they should keep him on the move, and I feel they ran WAY TOO MANY BOOTLEGS. He would be able to scramble better from the pocket in my opinion. Whenever they put the ball in his hands and gave him full reign, he had very good passing games. People always talk about Ryan having the same team as Vick…..it is personnel wise, but not experience, maturity, and especially coaching wise. I really believe with good coaching Vick could be a top ten QB (in my opinion I felt that he was already) for what he brings to the table. He does more than any QB in the league. He can throw for 250 and run for 100 in the same game. people are going to down him and that’s their right, but the “fans” here will never admit the flaws that upper management had during the Vick Era. These fans look at QB Ratings and percentages and think that makes a good QB. That’s why they are the worse fans in the NFL. Look at Romo for example, the guy has a 94 QB rating and all of the pretty numbers, but can’t win in that December,lol. The fans here will never see that. I don’t wish for Matt “Ice,lol” Ryan to fail, i actually think he’s a good QB, but that’s all he’ll ever be, good. Great post though. Get ready top get attacked by the Falcon “fans”.
Larry
July 20th, 2009
1:23 pm
Najeh,
What evidence can you offer when Mr. Goodell was unfair?
Forbes National Editor
July 20th, 2009
1:23 pm
Free Michael Vick
Michael Vick spent 19 months in prison for financing a dog fighting operation and was released yesterday under home confinement. The 28-year-old must now be totally free to do what he is most capable of doing—quarterbacking an NFL team.
Vick has served his time under the law. He should not have to bend over backwards and do summersaults to prove anything to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Vick should not have to kiss the butt of the Humane Society or assist the animal rights group in any way. He should not have to “donate” any of his future earnings to any causes to repent. The law is the law. Vick broke it and paid the price. It is now time to completely free him.
Michael K. Ozanian is National Editor at Forbes
blogs.forbes.com/sportsmoneyblog/2009/05/free-michael-vick.html
Titans Ticket Operator
July 20th, 2009
1:23 pm
Season tickets —— sold out!
Thanks for supporting your team.
Go Titans!
Atl Resident
July 20th, 2009
1:25 pm
I’m not a big Vick fan but being a former athlete and knowing sports he’ll be back. They probably have to let him back cause if they don’t he might appeal the decision cause are so many other murderers, drug addicts, and convicted felons that have and are still playing in sports. So let’s be real about this and not naive.
Zell Miller
July 20th, 2009
1:25 pm
FREE VICK!!!!!
…oh wait.
Saints Ticket Operator
July 20th, 2009
1:26 pm
We have a problem.
All our season tickets are sold, but our problem is we have 50,000 on the waiting list. This stinks!
Arthur can we please buy 50,000 of your unsold season tickets?
Saints Ticket Operator
July 20th, 2009
1:26 pm
Season tickets sold out in Nawlins too!
Geaux Saints!
Vick Supporter
July 20th, 2009
1:26 pm
im4ball
You are officially disqualified. You just said that Staubach could not run well…..that’s what he was known for when he started. You’re football illiterate
Matty Ice
July 20th, 2009
1:28 pm
Playoff wins & pro bowls are over rated.
It’s all about the qb ratings baby!
I won’t win a single playoff game, but guess what? I don’t care, because I’m still getting paid suckers.
Vick Supporter
July 20th, 2009
1:29 pm
Its starting……………. Redemption is here
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4341223
Former Falcons 365 Employee
July 20th, 2009
1:33 pm
All you virtual supporters of the Falcons can kiss my grits!! You talk all this ying yang about how the Falcons supposedly have such a good team now but you won’t spend a friggin dime on the Falcons!! Heck, Mike Vick was keeping the stores open by his dang self as you can see! Y’all pretend like you dont like MV7, well ya must have loved him because as soon as he was gone so was ALL the Falcons fans! Gone are the Falcons 365 store, gone is the waiting list for tickets – all that’s left is the same on VIRTUAL fans that only exist on the AJC blogs!
im4ball
July 20th, 2009
1:34 pm
In the era of most quarterbacks sitting in the pocket, Stuabach may have been considered a runner. Actually “dodger which is to move out of the pocket and make throws. He was never much of a downfield runner in the nature of Cunningham or Vick. Staubach was more known for his ability to think; which is the point I was making.
The Shadow
July 20th, 2009
1:35 pm
“Falcons Sorry” may be overzealous but still makes a valid point. Blank is NOT to be trusted in any way, shape or form.
Don’t believe it?
Just ask Dan Reeves.
Just ask Rich McKay.
Just ask Blank’s former “girlfriends” who later filed harassment lawsuits against him that he quietly settled out of court.
im4ball
July 20th, 2009
1:36 pm
At ten dollars an hour and millions of dollar in debt one wonders how Vick could ever hire anyone.
Must be a retainer or charity (or someone else is footing the bill)
im4ball
July 20th, 2009
1:37 pm
I sucked at sports!
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
July 20th, 2009
1:38 pm
You infidels call yourselves football fans?
Matty Ice
July 20th, 2009
1:44 pm
Check out my “reading defenses” skills:
http://www.examiner.com/x-1778-Atlanta-Falcons-Examiner~y2009m7d16-week208flashback
im4ball
July 20th, 2009
1:46 pm
actually I played high school and junior college basketball and I am a martial art instructor with a national championship in weapons.
So I would suggest that makes me ok at sports
nice though that all people can when someone expresses their opinion is to make personal attacks.
FreeMikeVick
July 20th, 2009
1:48 pm
Vick will be back and I hope he haunts the Falcons and Blank for what they did to him…..It was just a few dogs people….GET OVER IT!
Large in the Pants
July 20th, 2009
1:54 pm
I can’t wait to see the Falcons (hopefully in the red helmets for one night) playing the Aints on Monday Night Football.
And, as luck would have it: NO TONY CORNHEISER!!!!
billy bob
July 20th, 2009
2:04 pm
More than likely he will smoke blunts and kill dogs. Whassup?
drsoul
July 20th, 2009
2:06 pm
There have been a few quarterbacks, out of the league for a couple of years or more, and ‘written off’, who have returned to be even better..
the guy has paid his dues….PETA needs to shut up…if they are so concerned about the real issue of dogfighting, then go after dogfighting itself… I really do not think that they would make much of an impact to any team that hired Vick, and if they did make noise, it would not last long or have a significant negative dollar value to a team… obviously, there are no PETA members who have made mistakes and needed forgiveness…!!! what a ’saint’ organization… they actually seem to contradict themselves on the Vick issue..
Everyone should have an opportunity to redeem themselves…
Sage of Blueland
July 20th, 2009
2:06 pm
Maybe he’ll make time to watch some ice puckey in Blueland?
Suckers.
Chris Broe
July 20th, 2009
2:13 pm
It’s too easy to defend against the wildcat formation. The way to use Vick is to have him as part of a two-passer backfield where he runs up the middle enough times to give the linebackers pause. A play nobody needs anymore is the draw play, which is the most overused, easy to defend play in football history.
Matty Ice
July 20th, 2009
2:16 pm
I suck!
Former Season Ticket Holder 2
July 20th, 2009
2:18 pm
I was thinking about supporting the falcons again, but it seems like Bradley and others at the AJC are obsessed with Mike Vick. I thought the great Matty Ice was the new “Face of the franchise”.
You have the coach of the year, rookie of the year and one of the best running backs in the league…why don’t we see more articles about them? No wonder Arthur Blank is trying to sell this team….the “golden goose” is GONE!! lol
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
2:21 pm
Yes, I do remember the Vick press conference at the Omni Hotel in Richmond, Va. I was sitting eight feet from him. And the notes weren’t written on a napkin. And he didn’t use third-grade grammar. He was, in my view, eloquent that day.
BTinMD
July 20th, 2009
2:23 pm
Given that he probably didn’t take his studies too seriously while at VT, the NFL may as well let him play football. It’s probably the only legal income he’s qualified to earn aside from fast food or Wal-mart.
BIGBOY
July 20th, 2009
2:28 pm
Wow some of you guys crack me up!I state again have you seen the starting QB’s of half the league?And some of you guys are are still talking that non sense…tell you what… go to NFL.com look up the stats and I’m sure most of you “experts”will be shocked at just how bad the level of play has been the last 3-4 years.I’d take Vick over a whole lot of these bums,he wasn’t injured or anything like that so why exactly would his skills deteriorate all of a sudden?They are still trying to wheel Bret Farve out on the field for christ’s sakes!!
Ironballs
July 20th, 2009
2:29 pm
Well BTinMD, maybe that’s all Bernie Kosar and Lenny Dykstra are actually qualified for RIGHT NOW. Somebody should tell both those men this!
BIGBOY
July 20th, 2009
2:36 pm
I give it to you though Bradley…you like to stir things up from time to time but I will admit you have been pretty fair in your assessments of Mike Vick during his entire tenure with the falcons.On a personal note my sister was killed by a drunk driver in 97 and it makes make my blood boil everytime I see Lenard Little take the field.Yet Vick actually went to prison and lost EVERYTHING and some of these wackos still say it’s not enough!I don’t get it.
Mike Vick
July 20th, 2009
2:39 pm
Why are there so many articles about me f-ing up and Matt Ryan gets all the love from the media? I’m friends with Justin Timberlake. Matt don’t know no Justin Timberlake. He out there on the golf course playing golf while I’m at home doing absolutely nothing. Yeah, I watched the ESPY’s and all. Good for Matt!! But what about me? Compare articles about me to articles about Matt. I’m trying to gets me and all this out of prison talk ain’t doing me no good. I’m broke??!! Man, I gots money, money I got. I’m tired of all this!! I’m MV7 baby!! I’m BACK in it to win it. As soon as Roger says it’s ok that is……….
larry B
July 20th, 2009
2:41 pm
Najeh, you said it yourself…”I’ve probably posted this a thousand times on the AJC blogs at this point”. We get it, you like Vick. Now what about when he sucked under Reeves too or that 11-5 season under Mora, thats not very consistent with your excuses. Not every QB with a so-called weak offensive line runs sideways and throws on the run. They read the defense and get a quick throw off. You and Vick supporter make it sound like hes a great QB but he just can’t overcome oppressive coaching and bad o-lines. That is fanboy excuse making at its finest. And saying Ryan will only ever be “good” after he had the best rookie season in decades? Good Lord
I do disagree with the other Larry that Goodell is fair. Goodell has been extremely unfair in his suspensions and totalitarian-like grip over the league.
T.C
July 20th, 2009
2:42 pm
Why don’t bradley find a article and comment on it on the white sport players? You know,i haven’t heard anything on the famous white swimmer.forgot his name but everyone knows who im talking about.Heard about his drug use for about a week and nobody comment on it nomore and oh boy if he was black he would’ve been lynched.But what happened? he lost not one sponser and his story has been swept under the rug.Bradley,every sports player you target is black, check out your history on your so called reports.I call it sugar coated racism.
Titletown USA
July 20th, 2009
2:51 pm
If Mike Vick was such a horrible QB, how did he get voted to 3 probowls in 5 years??? Don’t try to pretend he wasn’t a good QB, just because you don’t like the way he looks and his style of play…HATERS!!
Jim Mora, Sr.
July 20th, 2009
2:51 pm
PLAYOFFS…..Matt Ryan……..PLAYOFFS…..Matt Ryan….PLAYOFFS
PLAYOFFS?
PLAYOFFS?
Marie
July 20th, 2009
2:51 pm
Just a few points:
Mark, I agree with Vick was suberp the day he made his apology. All of these armchair critics who love to scrutinize everything this man does are just plain pathetic. The man spoke from his heart with just a few notes written on a piece of a notepad paper provided by the Omni hotel, not a napkin. And that’s more than we can say for our commander in chief who has to READ EVERYTHING for a freakin teleprompter.
For all this nonesense about PETA protesting Vick — it ain’t gonna happen. For one, PETA has been neutralized by the release of data a few months ago that they kill more domesticated animals in one day than Vick has in his lifetime. Secondly, Vick’s NFLPA paid for lawyer Billy Martin took PETA’s sting away by having him sign on with the American Humane Society as a spokesman against dogfighting. Wayne Parcell the president of AHS has already said that he believes Vick must be given another chance in the NFL. And while PETA spokespersons are still talking a little trash, the fact is PETA receives funds from the AHS and when Wayne tells them to hush their fuss — they will comply.
Roger Goddell will reinstate Michael Vick this year. The Falcons and MV have an agreement that he will repay them 6.5 million bucks. There is zero chance of the Falcons ever recovering one penny of that amount unless Vick he plays again in the NFL; and the longer he sits out it will become nearly impossible for him to return to the league. I doubt if Goddell will further injure the “poster victim of the NFL” (Arthur Blank) be preventing him from recouping some funds from Vick. Especially since the dopey owner made it impossible to get anything from the team which eventually signs Vicks by announcing there was no way Vick would ever play for the Falcons.
Finally, I think the Patriots will sign Vick because (a) they need a back up quarterback and (b) it will add fuel to the legend that the Patriots organization and Bill Belicheat are the best NFL organization in the HISTORY of the game. I can read the stories now in ESPN, SI and other sports media of how the dynamic trio of Tom Brady, Bill Belicheat, and Bob Krafty have turned this delinquent around, making him into a great passing QB and a great person.
Personally, I would love to see him go to the 49ers with Mike Singletary so the three rejected Mikes (Singletary, Vick, and Crabtree) can combine to form a winning tandem and put the mighty 49ers back on top of the NFC.
Mike Vick
July 20th, 2009
2:53 pm
Man, even my birth certificate has MV7 on it!! C’mon Roger, let me back in baby!! I want to have Matt Ryan type articles!! Sell outs are over-rated. My 3 co-defendants sold me out and look what it got me. I’m MV7 baby!! You here me knocking? Then let me in!!
The Dogfighter Returns
July 20th, 2009
2:53 pm
When Mark needs to justify to his boss why he shouldn’t be canned he writes an article about MV7.
Surely there must be something else more interesting to write about.
Dennis Green
July 20th, 2009
2:54 pm
Matty Ice winning a playoff game was who we thought he was!
it's me again
July 20th, 2009
2:59 pm
Matt Ryan is not just my quarterback – he’s a stud. I love him!
Matt Ryan
July 20th, 2009
3:03 pm
Dude, where is my car? You guys rock! I suck but who cares? I’m going to go hang out with my bud Michael Phelps, if he can get caught on camera doping it up and gets off scott free, it must be good to be us.
America rock on!
Lt Frank Drebin
July 20th, 2009
3:06 pm
FALCONS SORRY,
I agree with you that Vick will win the “SUPPER BOWL”
We should see him in line at the Golden Corral real soon.
Marie
July 20th, 2009
3:10 pm
Let me begin by saying I have nothing against Matty Ice, Matthew Ryan, Matt Ryan, the stud, or whatever you prefer to call him. But please give me a break on how great this kid is after just one season. If he proves to be the next Tom Brady — good for him and great for the Falcons.
But I seem to remember about 4 years ago all the gushing articles, blogs, and accolades for another young athelete in the ATL. He’s a natural, he’s a stud, this kid has everything, he is so poised, and on and on and on the compliments went. I am talking of none else than one Jeff Franceour. Where is he now? He’s hitting about .250 for the NY Mets.
Again if Matty Ice proves to be a great QB wonderful. But right now we don’t know if he is the real deal or just another flash in the pan.
Darrin "The Vent King"
July 20th, 2009
3:26 pm
Enter your comments here
mars
July 20th, 2009
3:32 pm
OH MY GOD give this man a job and shut this rabble up! I want to see him play so these whiners will go crawl back in their cribs, and I want to see him play to see just what will happen! If he’s successful, well then GREAT! I wish him well and may he retire and old man. If he fails miserably, well then GREAT! May he go away and live in obscurity like other potential losers who blew their chance to be something special! Is there any INTERESTING football news out there?
mars
July 20th, 2009
3:32 pm
“…retire AN old man”, that is.
SAR
July 20th, 2009
3:46 pm
I have never seen anyone wearing a Falcons number 7 jersey that didn’t look like a convicted felon, including Vick!
mars
July 20th, 2009
3:50 pm
I’m complaining about too much talk about Mike Vick on a Mike Vick blog – I’m so confused.
Ooops – I’m doing it too. Darn!
Beautiful Monte
July 20th, 2009
3:51 pm
Well, some things never change: Bradley is still showing “great affection” for the conVICKted felon who soiled No. 7 for the Falcons.
Despite all the evidence to the contrary, Bradley considers Vick a “real” NFL QB. Even more hysterical is Bradley’s claim that Vick’s speech is “eloquent”.
Bradley, if your hero is all that, how do you account for the Falcons’ mediocre record and AWFUL passing stats during the last two years of the Vick Error? Even with the threat of a superior running game, the man was a sub-par passer, but I expect you’ll channel your inner Terrence Moore and blame it all on The Man.
Please, Bradley, if/when Vick signs with another NFL franchise, do us all a favor and get a job with the rag that covers his new team. Of course, with the newspaper industry dying a slow and much-deserved death, there may not be any openings at said rag, but I’m sure Vick will find a place for you in his entourage. Maybe you can walk his dogs for him.
Paddy
July 20th, 2009
3:53 pm
falcon sorry….get some new material. Nobody bought your line. Try something new and interesting. You are spitting into the wind in this town about MV.
SAR
July 20th, 2009
3:54 pm
Then again my family members are ex cons.
Nevermind – I’m stupid!
Beautiful Monte
July 20th, 2009
3:59 pm
Winning playoff games, going to multiple pro bowls don’t count.
As long as you have 90 qb rating and be 1 & done in the playoffs is all good.
Okay, I’m just mad that he made all that money and I am broke and bitter.
jamesr1991
July 20th, 2009
4:41 pm
What’s the big deal about being out of the league for two seasons? Didn’t Chris Redman miss the 2005 and 2006 season before being brought here by Bobby Petrino. Why is his two years off the field different from Vick’s? Sounds like a bunch of you folks are just ignorant about what it takes to play QB.
I wish Mike Vick the best is his come back. Everyone deserves a second chance. GET OVER IT!!!!
Flyin' Falcon
July 20th, 2009
4:42 pm
He may be free today, but he still is a piece of human garbage that needs to be tossed, or better yet body slammed into the trash. Here’s to hoping if he ever gets back into the NFL he suffers a career ending injury on his first play. Go Falcons.
Flyin' Falcon
July 20th, 2009
4:45 pm
jamesr1991 – How did Chris Redman do when he came back? Sounds like YOU are the ignorant one…Dumba$$…
Mike Vick
July 20th, 2009
4:48 pm
Forget about Matt Ryan’s car, where is MY car? I ain’t playing man, for real, where’s my car? Matt Ryan got his endorsments and contract. Mine’s invalid!! Are you kidding me? Your boy actually got an invalid contract on the reals!! And now ya’ll trying to take my car? Man, where’s the justice. O.J. got off cause that little tiny glove didn’t fit!! Quit taking all my $h#t!! I’m trying to turn a new leaf. I want Matt Ryan type articles, you heards me??!!
Mike Vick
July 20th, 2009
4:58 pm
Oh snap!! Looks like I got a chance after all. I’m gonna take Brady’s job and his girl. Then I’m gonna give her back to him straight ruined!!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/198442-vick-now-available-to-any-team-looking-for-qb-downgradesatire
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans
July 20th, 2009
5:06 pm
It’s sad so many black fans make excuses for a guy so dumb. Ryan Leaf had the same opportunity and white fans aren’t lining up to scream for him to get back into the league he’s just a dummy that squandered an opportunity like Vick. Jason Campbell, Tavaris Jackson, Donovan McNabb are all black successful and decent citizens and people as well. Here are typical Vick excuses:
It was the offensive line
It was the wide receivers dropping the ball
It was the play calling
He was playing with a bunch of guys with no talent.
All excuses for why the Falcons were so erratic. How about- because the quarterback wanted to run at the first sign of trouble, he was fighting dogs and dumb as hell. Anybody remember that Terence Mathis had to call plays in the huddle Vick’s first season because this number 1 draft pick was unprepared!!
How about that in all of this greatness, Mike Vick has more turnovers than touchdowns 92tds to 98 turnovers (55 fumbles -9 recoveries =46 fumbles + 52 picks=98 Vick fans!) That’s why the Falcons were inconsistent, BECAUSE HE WAS!!!!
Mike Vick was sacked 46 times and his offensive line is terrible Meanwhile Warrick Dunn Rushes for 1100 yards)-Ben Roethlisberger gets sacked 46 times-and WINS THE SUPER BOWL-why because he’s a 62 percent passer!
Losers support this loser and that’s why he has failed because no one who likes him will tell him the truth- all of the people who like him simply worship him. Too bad so many people are so enthusiastic about a guy who is black and runs fast. People should demand more from all people. Our President is Black that didn’t happen without millions of white people voting for him.
This is not about race, it is about being stupid and getting caught!
Maker of the ESPY award
July 20th, 2009
5:12 pm
I would like to give out an ESPY award to MV7 if for no other reason than to feep his @$$ out of my office. It’s like evey time he comes in he just got done jogging or something. Walking in spraying sweat every where. I’m like d@mn dude, you got that package man this ain’t good for nobody! I just want to give him the award so he can disappear faster than his career.
todd
July 20th, 2009
5:15 pm
i haven’t cared about this guy for 2 years. i didn’t care when he reported to jail. i didn’t care when tony dungee visited him. i didn’t care when he got out. and i didn’t care when he reported to his $10 an hour construction job. hes not a member of the falcons anymore. how about you guys write a damn story about the falcons? this is why you guys can’t sell any newspapers and why your company will eventually go bankrupt. i already know vicks story. give us some insight on the damn atlanta falcons!
Maker of the ESPY award
July 20th, 2009
5:30 pm
I would like to take back that ESPY award upon finding out that Terrance Mathis had to call plays in the huddle for a #1 overall draft pick QB. I had forgotten about that because I just dismissed it for the simple fact that he could run fast. Besides, he has no highlights the last two years anyways so……….
Common Sense
July 20th, 2009
5:38 pm
Let me preface this by saying that Mike Vick is deserving of his fall from grace. He has no one to blame but himself and one can only hope that he has learned from serving his debt to society.
Every time I here these comments about weather or not he can “still play quarterback”; “maybe he be a running back or punt returner”; “he’s been out of the league for two years”; or “the quarterback position has changed in the last two years” I laugh at the absurdity.
Was he injured while in prison? Did he blow out a knee or a rotator cuff? If not he is only 29 years old with the same rocket arm (accuracy not withstanding) and the same rocket speed. So in all likelihood, with respect to his return physically, there is only a question of him getting in football shape and re-gaining his timing.
So why would he need to change positions, especially when you look around the league at the current crop of quarterbacks?
If I remember correctly, the Vikings just signed Sage Rosenfels to a free agent contract this off season.
SAGE ROSENFELS are you kidding me!!!!
And it doesn’t end there. You can look at a number of teams in this league where Michael Vick would be an UPGRADE at the quarterback position.
Jacksonville, San Francisco, Seattle, Texas, Kansas City, St. Louis, Oakland, Denver, Tampa Bay, Buffalo, Carolina … Oh, and Minnesota with Brett Favre.
And if you compare upside v. upside you can add Miami, Cleveland and Tennessee to this mix. In fact it is easier to list the teams that have a definitively better quarterback than those that don’t.
So please people, check your biased attitudes and prejudices at the door and accept the fact that he has value as a quarterback in the N.F.L. We need not waste our time discussing his possible options at another position or another league.
And for those of you who refuse to concede the moral high ground. Please remember that Mike Vicks position was helped considerably when Donte Stallworth paid a debt of 24 days that was deemed acceptable by our society for vehicular homicide with the mitigating circumstances of being impaired by alcohol.
stendec
July 20th, 2009
5:45 pm
Choose another post name Common Sense! You are completely devoid of any. Common sense that is! From Falcon watcher since their inception.
stendec
July 20th, 2009
5:48 pm
Mark. By the by. Hope you and yours are doing well. God bless. Forgive my forgetfulness. Been Falcon watcher since 1960s. Enough to make even staunchest fan jittery. Know what I mean?
Flyin' Falcon
July 20th, 2009
6:07 pm
Okay, fine I am just mad that I am a broke retard!
Please forgive me, just upset I found a Mike Vick photo in my wife’s purse.
Bigeasy830
July 20th, 2009
6:10 pm
Roger Goodell is an overseer. I hope the new league is a success so he can’t continue to demand that certain players beg him to come back while Matt Jones sniffed all the cocaine he wanted served his little suspension and came right back to the league like nothing ever happened. All the high profile cases seem to involve one type of player and the hateful like to call them names like “thug”. I wrote in one of these blogs about 2 years ago that you people don’t know what a thug is. A millionaire can’t be a thug. A person that generates millions of dollars can’t be a thug. But, to make the NFL more marketable to a certain segment of the population, Arthur Blank and Roger Goodell and some of the other owners will worry more about image than the product on the field. The Falcons had a great year last year and good for them. From that stand point, Blank did the right thing by cutting Vick, his 72 million QB produced last season. But how Blank initially handled the situation by throwing MV7 under the bus during that first press conference sickened me. The way Blank tricked the black fans to buy those season tickets by pretending he would let the legal system take it course before making a decision then showed his true colors sickened me. It has always been bigger than MV7 to me. Redemption, as “Vick Supporter” continues to chant is up to MV7 and his actions as a human being. But I don’t care if MV7 makes amends or not. I don’t care if he plays in the NFL or not. I don’t care how much money he squandered or is hiding from his creditors. What I do care about is the fact that the league I loved had an 0-16 team last which is indicative of the product as a whole in the league. That gladiator sport has been watered down to broaden a fan base but is losing its core fans. The NFL is to busy trying to market a face of the franchise or star of the league. Roger Goodell, pay attention to your labor situation that will arise in the next year or so and the product on the field.
Bring on the UFL and hopefully old school slobber knocking football.
Falcons 4-12 in 2009
2008 was a “Dream Season”
2009 ” Back To Life, Back To Reality”
Fresh For 2009, YOU, SUCKERS!!!!!!!!
Ticket Operator
July 20th, 2009
6:12 pm
Sorry Mr. Blank, I figure out why we had a waiting list for season tickets during the 2002-2006 seasons. Why can’t Matty Ice convince Atlanta fans to spend their money.
Mr. Blank I understand your urgency because you just are losing too much money. Mr. Blank I’m sorry everybody found out you went to visit Mike Vick’s home in Virginia.
Matt Ryan
July 20th, 2009
6:15 pm
Artie what is this I’m hearing you went to visit Mike Vick? I thought I was the new face. You promised me that you would “buy” me a playoff win, like you did with that easy schedule last year.
I even won an ESPY – oh wait you bought that too.
Mike Vick
July 20th, 2009
6:29 pm
Hey Arthur, man you can come by anytime. You still my dawg! And sorry about the wet spot on the couch. Earlier I was eating a sandwhich while watching shark week. It’s just mayo, man. LOL, I could tell as soon as you sat in it you was thinking something. I don’t know what it was, but you had a look as if you had just lost everything. I know the feeling yo!!
Matt Ryan Fan Club
July 20th, 2009
6:33 pm
http://www.talk-sports.net/ahl/sucks.aspx/Matt_Ryan
Matt Ryan
July 20th, 2009
6:42 pm
Hey dude my name is Matty;
Better than Vick, you must be smoking a fatty.
I’m so stupid I spent 5 years;
No playoff wins, I’m full of tears.
Not a winner, I am a joke;
In the clutch, I’m just a choke.
Art is mad but he doesn’t understand;
It takes more than blue eyes to fill the stands.
Mike Vick
July 20th, 2009
6:53 pm
Matty Freakin Ice!! Yo that white boy is rhyme tight. I ain’t even gonna lie, I can’t gets down like that. But check it out, if anybody got a lady and you wanna take her out for a romantic dinner. Holla at your boy. My vocals are something serious. I will straight lace a Bobby Brown track in a heartbeat. Won’t nobody be humping around but you!!
Najeh Davenpoop
July 20th, 2009
8:39 pm
“Not every QB with a so-called weak offensive line runs sideways and throws on the run. They read the defense and get a quick throw off. ”
If the offensive coordinator draws up a play that requires the QB to run sideways and throw, there’s not much the QB can do about it (especially when he’s inexplicably not allowed to audible). Vick wasn’t running bootlegs to get away from pressure; he was doing it because the play called for him to do so.
“You and Vick supporter make it sound like hes a great QB but he just can’t overcome oppressive coaching and bad o-lines. That is fanboy excuse making at its finest. And saying Ryan will only ever be “good” after he had the best rookie season in decades? Good Lord”"
Me and Vick Supporter are not the same person. I never said anything about Ryan, good or bad, in any of my posts on this topic. This article is about Vick, not about Ryan.
As for the O-line and the WRs, they suffered just as much during the Mora regime as Vick. Just like it’s impossible for a QB to set his feet and make accurate passes when he’s running sideways away from his O-line, it’s impossible for an O-line to block consistently when they have no idea where their QB is, and it’s a lot harder for a WR to consistently make catches when he has to think about when the ball is going to get to him. Knapp’s scheme made it tough for all of these people, not just Vick. The only player who benefited from Knapp’s scheme was Warrick Dunn, who got to run through wide open holes created by the threat of Vick running the bootleg.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 20th, 2009
8:53 pm
“Najeh,
What evidence can you offer when Mr. Goodell was unfair?”
Matt Jones is the most commonly cited example, which bleacher report talks about better than me, in addition to other examples listed on that page.
Fred
July 20th, 2009
9:30 pm
Najeh, you can add the non-suspensions of Nick Kazur for getting caught with drugs (pled out, wore a wire for the Feds), James Harrison (pled to a lesser domestic abuse charge, not the first time..but Dan Rooney did say he hit his wife for a really good reason)..yeah, add those to the list of Goodell’s “fairness”.
Melissa
July 20th, 2009
9:40 pm
let him clean dog poop forever and ever!!!!!!
Melissa
July 20th, 2009
9:41 pm
Let him clean dog poop for ever and ever and ever!!!!!!!!!!
Bigeasy830
July 20th, 2009
9:51 pm
Great post as usual Najeh, thanks for that link as well that is a great article. I agree with the writer of that article 100%. Remember Odell Thurmond was suspended for a year for supposedly getting in a fight in his hometown but the charges were later dropped but Goodell still suspended him. Some of the blogges of that article pointed out the collective bargaining agreement of the NFL nd its players that is about to run out. Goodell better get on top of that and the poor quality of coaches and and players in the league that would allow a team to go 0-16. We all felt like some of the players were thinking they were above the law by their attitudes and actions, but you can’t circumvent the law to bring about justice. You must give a person “Due Process”, and they should be considered innocent until proven guilty. Simple concepts that many americans have died to preserve that Roger Goodell over look when it comes to a certain type of NFL player.
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
10:04 pm
Vick was never one-and-done in the playoffs. Just sayin’.
And that was a funny line: “Winning playoff games and going to multiple Pro Bowls don’t count.” I laughed out loud.
Zell Miller
July 20th, 2009
10:08 pm
I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL!!!!
Bigeasy830
July 20th, 2009
10:18 pm
By Marie,
You are OK by me. I can tell you are a real football fan. You know your stuff. No one can argue that Matt Ryan had a great season for a rookie last year, I repeat for a ROOKIE, a season like that for a VET is only considered a good season. but many Falcon fans over look his performance the last 4 games of the season and his playoff performance. One season those not make a career, I have wrote that many times. Watching all the film in the world do not help his arm strength. The last four games and the play-offs, the opposing defense played press coverage on the WRs, Matt Ryan no longer had wide open receivers to throw to and he struggled. The opposing defenses quit trying to pressure him thus leaving the receivers wide open, they only sent the front 3 or 4 and played press coverage with the corners with LBs dropping back and the safety playing over the top. Matt Ryan could not get the ball in the tighter window and when he tried it was picked off. Let’s see if the Falcons can adjust to that this season because that is exactly what all the copy cat D-coordinators will do to him. They copied it from Monty Kiffin, Eventhough the Falcons beat Tampa in that game Monty exposed Matt Ryan.
it's not you.....
July 20th, 2009
10:25 pm
Stop blaming Knapp for Vicks QB problems. The Falcons did everything they could to try and help Vick. That includes you Mr.Bradley, stop making excuses. Watch the videos, when the NFL figured Vick out he was done!
If Vick came out with a scrach and sniff jock Mr. Bradley would be first in line to buy one.
it's not you.....
July 20th, 2009
10:26 pm
Bigsleezy830……once again you proved you know nothing about Mat Ryan.
it's not you.....
July 20th, 2009
10:31 pm
Vick never took the Falcons to back to back winning season. Just say’n Mr.Bradley.
Man some of ya’ll think Vick really did something for the Falcons!!
Big deal Vick rushed for over 1000 in one season. Alot of runningbacks do that and it don’t make people queever with joy.
Mark Bradley
July 20th, 2009
10:38 pm
So now I’m a Vick lover. Wasn’t I supposed to be a Vick hater?
Melissa
July 20th, 2009
10:41 pm
I’m just jealous I am broke and have to clean toilets for a living. Please forgive me.
it's not you.....
July 20th, 2009
10:46 pm
What was I thinking when I stated he was figured out. I forgot 2006 was his last season and that was the season he had his higest td totals and set the record for most yards rushing by a qb.
Forgive me – I’m stupid.
Bad News
July 20th, 2009
10:49 pm
It must be really difficult to hand the ball off 379 times. Matty Ice must be exhausted!
it's not you.....
July 20th, 2009
10:50 pm
I don’t care if you love or hate Vick.
it's not you.....
July 20th, 2009
10:52 pm
WOW……he rushed for over 1000 yards in 2006. Big deal what was the Falcons record? Did they go to the playoffs?
Dog Lover
July 20th, 2009
10:56 pm
I wonder which breed of dog taste more like beef.
Bigeasy830
July 20th, 2009
10:57 pm
it’s not you….
I know what you know about Matt Ryan and that is he had one good season. I also know that no QB has ever taken the Falcons to back to back winning season as the Falcons have never had back to back winning seasons, and that includes Matt Ryan. I also know that Matt Ryan threw 4 interceptions in his last 3 regular season games and 2 in the play-offs against Arizona. I know the great ones play great down the stretch and in the play-offs. Until Matt Ryan does that then he is what he is and that is a QB that had a great rookie season but by most vets standards he had a good season. Joe Flacco on the other hand won 2 play-off games and got better as the season progressed. I also know that your assessment of Matt Ryan and expectations are similar to those that many ATL fans had about Francour, as Marie pointed out earlier. So lets see how the 2009 season unravels, huh. Will you be happy with another play-offs one and done. You like most of the Falcons fans on these blogs probably will. You Falcon fans settle for mediocrity.
Yes it's me......
July 20th, 2009
10:59 pm
I recall watching games where Matt had to help Turner and Turner helping Matt. It’s called a team. They do those kind of things. But I also understand that player fans have no clue how to be team fans.
I’ve said this 100 times, if Matt proves not to be getting the job done then TD needs to get us another QB. It’s about team and wins and losses. Not about Ryan or Turner.
Bad News
July 20th, 2009
11:02 pm
Vick vs Ryan
Here is the debate, not that there is much of one (Ryan is a future bust):
Vick won his 1st playoff game in his 2nd season (1st as starter), if Matt Ryan does not win at least 1 playoff game this season and this is his 2nd season, does that still make him the better qb?
If the answer is anything other than no, that means you value image more than playoff wins.
Yes it's me......
July 20th, 2009
11:03 pm
Bigeasy830…..good street name…does your teeth roll back when you see a quarter? Have you seen Flacco’s stats in the playoffs? He was not even close as to why they won 2 playoff games.
And for the record, the Falcon fans but up with mediocrity from 2001-2006.
Yes it's me......
July 20th, 2009
11:08 pm
Peyton struggled alot in playoff games I guess he sucks too.
Bigeasy830
July 21st, 2009
12:00 am
Falcco’s most important stat 2 play-off wins, 0 INTs in those 2 wins. He did not turn the ball over until they lost in the AFC championship. Matt Ryan 0 wins 2 INTs including 1 pick 6 and a safety. Peyton Manning had the reputation of not being able to win the big game until the Colts won the Super Bowl. Most fans won’t consider a player great until that player plays great in great moments. Until then Matt Ryan had a good season, and only his jock sniffers consider him great.
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans
July 21st, 2009
12:01 am
With Mike Vick, Roddy White looked bad, Michael Jenkins looked bad
With Matt Ryan-Roddy White is a pro bowler and set the single season record for yards, Michael Jenkins gets a contract extension.
Maybe Vick will be a better person which is more important than running around on a football field, but nobody runs a 4.3 forever and completing only half of your passes makes you a bad quarterback.
Mike Vick could make plays improvising which made it hard for him to be defended. But he couldn’t pass consistently and had too many problems-Flicking the bird, smoking weed, fighting dogs, showing poor leadership.
“Mike Vick won games”-What!!!!
2001 1-1
2002 8-6-1
2003 3-1 Broken Leg
2004 11-4 Matt Schaub lost a game
2005 8-7
2006 7-9
You call that winning? The number 1 overall pick is supposed to win games so why are people acting like he is God for helping the team become relevant. BY THE WAY MIKE VICK COMMITTED 98 TURNOVERS AS A FALCON!! And you wonder why the team didn’t win in the 4th quaters of games with the guy?
I wonder what Vick fans would say if Matt Ryan smoked weed, flipped birds, ran gambling rings, admited to quiting on the team after a game and put up seasons like this? Oh he is white so they would say he should be fired.
preacher-stapleton
July 21st, 2009
1:55 am
I’m a real preacher, and I like sports. But some things I’m reading about blacks and white so let me say this to blacks and whites. Let all bitterness, and wrath, anger, and evil speaking should be put away from you with all malice. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,even as God has forgiven you. As Jesus said,” He without sin cast the first stone”. So likewise you should forgive one another. May God Bless each and every one of your minds and hearts.
Falcons Ticket Operator
July 21st, 2009
7:23 am
All you virtual Falcon fans are funny! You love talking on a blog about how you luuuuuuuv the Falcons…but all lines are open…..season tickets still available! You’ll get jerseys and caps if you act now! Its almost time for training camp and the Falcons cant unload these tickets! My how times have changed. Virtual fans arent really fans at all!
What!!!
July 21st, 2009
8:52 am
Falcons ticket operator………take your goverment check you get every month and go watch the Saints in a sold out dome to see Brees throw the ball all over the field and still not make the playoffs. That pisses me off my taxes that supply your check is going to support a loosing team……I DEMAND A REFUND!!!
Edd
July 21st, 2009
9:15 am
Mike Vick was the most exciting football player ever in Atlanta and probably the NFL. He will be back and the team that gets him will pack the stadium ( $$$) and will love Mike Vick. The other 31 teams, ? Hope they all have a good defensive coordinator.
What!!!
July 21st, 2009
9:57 am
Edd……………you make me giggle!!!
jamesr1991
July 21st, 2009
10:24 am
Okay, fine I am just mad that I am a broke retard!
Please forgive me, just upset my wife found a Mike Vick photo in my purse.
Edd
July 21st, 2009
10:50 am
What ……. You suffer from Vick envy and only pull for the teams that win. That’s what losers do. Go pet a puppy and leave sports alone..
mars
July 21st, 2009
11:08 am
Who is this p#$$> boy pirating blog names and making catty comments? No cajones and cowardly. Continue to hide behind others blog names, my p#$$> friend.
T-Bone
July 21st, 2009
11:15 am
M Vick served his debt to society and deserves to be free. But that does NOT give him the right to go back to the NFL. He killed innocent dogs repeatedly (which included illegal gambling on these dog fights), and for thsi he has served his sentence. But he also lied to Arthur Blank and Roger Goodell about his involvement and only admitted his involvement after the evidence against him was too great to continue denying it. You tell me any other job in this country where you could lie like that to your bosses about such heinous crimes and be welcomed back. Vick deserves the right to earn a living, but he does NOT deserve the right to go back to the NFL.
Mike Vick
July 21st, 2009
11:29 am
WOW!! Somebody actually suffers from MV7 envy? That makes me giggle too!! I need a new fan base!!
mars
July 21st, 2009
11:36 am
No catty comments from the spineless blog pirate? You can still use other bloggers names, it’s much easier to be brave and make offensive comments that way. You remain anonymous and empowered! What a wuss.
What!!!
July 21st, 2009
11:41 am
Wow….giggle giggle….Vick…giggle giggle….lost his bracelet…giggle giggle….and still has no JOB!!! BWAA HA HA!!!!
What!!!
July 21st, 2009
11:44 am
So your real name is MARS?! Idiot!!
My real name is Steve Smith and I live in Dalton,Ga.
hello.....
July 21st, 2009
11:45 am
Enter your comments here
T-Bone
July 21st, 2009
11:59 am
Looks like mars is the spineless wussy blogger…
T-Bone
July 21st, 2009
12:01 pm
BTW mars – My name is Tremain Bonham and I live in Savannah
T.C
July 21st, 2009
12:10 pm
We all know the real reason white people hate mv7.its because he’s black.Ya see,generational curses are real.well what do you mean black guy? Well if most of the white folk who comment on this blog go back and check there family history,they would find out that they had a family member back in the early 1900’s commited murder murdering blacks.A lot of you will also find out that your family have links with the kkk.What they call it white power.So if a person have a murderer in there family,generationally its linked to hatred.So my fellow americans,when you see a comment war between two Q.B one just happens to be black.thats when you read hatred comments mainly because a man went to jail for dog fighting.Kill a human you will be forgiven,but if you kill the whitemans dog and just happen to be black,you will recieve the burning cross with the spray paint.
U heard it here...
July 21st, 2009
12:13 pm
Bigeasy830 said it best. “I know the great ones play great down the stretch and in the playoffs”
Mike Vick record down the stretch:
2005: 2-6 last 8 games (no playoffs)
2006: 2-7 last 9 games (no playoffs)
No Greatness here. Nope.
Sosbe
July 21st, 2009
12:33 pm
Was Dan Marino a ” great” QB, HE didn’t win a Super Bowl. Jim Kelly, and list goes on and on .. And I don’t think any of you won a Super Bowl either by the way. He killed some dogs, so what . If you don’t want to watch Vick play football there is a button on your remote to switch the channel back to the animal planet OR DISCOVERY channel where they kill all kind of animals. lol.
T.C
July 21st, 2009
12:37 pm
Thats amazing how a black guy (mv7) can get under people skin just because somebody else likes him or his game.Seems to me even the name of mv7 strikes a nerve of the fellow white folk.They don’t like him so they don’t want nobody else to.A question was asked,well what have he done to you? nothen,but he killed those poor dogs. ok but,what did he do to you? nothen,but when he was in the game he ran a lot and did’nt throw.ok but,what did he do to you? nothen,its just that people always talking about how good he was but TO ME he didn’t do anything.look at his stats.ok but,what did he do to you? well it was SAID that he smoked weed and changed his name to ron mexico.ok but,what did he do to you? well i didn’t like the way he played the game.ok but,what did he do to you? that question is for people in general who don’t like him and don’t want you to support him just because they don’t like him.Sounds like hatred to me,thats why AJC target him for the topic of a discussion.Its crazy how a man can be hated for being black and fighting dogs.
Bitter White Man
July 21st, 2009
12:44 pm
43 Year football franchise
5 years with a black qb
38 years with a white qb
2 championship appearances (1 black)
3 division titles (1 black)
1 runner up mvp (black qb)
3 pro bowl qb (black qb)
Last playoff winner (black qb)
Last pro bowl qb (black qb)
Highest salary (black qb)
I am one bitter white guy!
U heard it here...
July 21st, 2009
12:49 pm
Vick bank rolled an illegal enterprise across state lines, went to prison and ruined his career. So what. And please tell me how in the hell I’m supposed to watch Vick play football, LOL.
Vick Supporter
July 21st, 2009
12:50 pm
The comeback is starting………..
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Anacx.B0rA6zZwk19mvwmxVDubYF?slug=cr-vickfuture072009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Who's bitter?
July 21st, 2009
12:52 pm
Name every Super Bowl champion QB and then tell me who’s bitter.
Chris Chandler
July 21st, 2009
1:06 pm
Hey bitter white man, don’t forget about the only Super Bowl appearance for this franchise. Who caused that distraction the night before the big game again?
Bad News
July 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
Bitter white man do you speak for most white men in Atlanta or the whole U.S.?
Are you bitter because the franchise is 43 years old and the only black qb that only played 5 years is second on the 43 year history in total wins?
IDC
July 21st, 2009
1:30 pm
Mark, did Mike Vick make the playoffs his first year as a starter? Just curious.
IDC
July 21st, 2009
1:37 pm
T.C. How can people hate Matt Ryan simply because he isn’t Mike Vick? The guy has done nothing but win ballgames. He didn’t even replace Mike Vick since Vick had already been out of the game for a year. Love Mike Vick if you want, but you don’t have to trash Matt Ryan. The two have nothing to do with each other. It appears that any quarterback who isn’t black will face the same treatment. Now that’s racism.
Stat Checker
July 21st, 2009
1:38 pm
ESPY “Best NFL player awards” list:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_NFL_Player_ESPY_Award
Stat Checker
July 21st, 2009
1:43 pm
NFL records and milestones
In 2006, Vick became the only quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards during the regular season.
In 2006, Vick set the NFL record for most yards per carry in a season, at 8.4.
When Vick and RB Jerious Norwood both ran for over 100 yards in Week 4 of the 2006 season, the Falcons became the only NFL team to ever record two games in a franchise’s history where both the quarterback and a running back on the same team surpassed the 100-yard mark in the same game. (Vick and Warrick Dunn both eclipsed 100 yards in Week 2 of the same season.)
Vick (1,039 yards) and Dunn (1,140) became the first QB/RB tandem in NFL history to each go over the 1,000-yard rushing mark in the same season. They also became the fourth set of teammates in league history to each have 1,000 or more yards. The last set of teammates to accomplish the feat were Cleveland RBs Kevin Mack (1,104 yards) and Earnest Byner (1,002) in 1985. Brandon Jacobs (1,089) and Derrick Ward (1,025) of the 2008 New York Giants have since accomplished this feat as well.
Earned his second consecutive and third overall Pro Bowl nod in 2005 as he passed for 2,412 yards and 16 touchdowns in addition to leading all NFL quarterbacks with 597 rushing yards and six scores.
Named to the second Pro Bowl of his career after leading the Falcons to their third division title in team history and breaking numerous NFL and team records in 2004.
Set an NFL postseason record for a quarterback with 119 rushing yards in the 2004 NFC Divisional Playoff win against the Rams.
Became the first quarterback to ever throw for more than 250 yards and rush for over 100 yards in the same game at the Broncos (October 31, 2004).
Named to the 2002 Pro Bowl, becoming the seventh quarterback to be voted to the NFL All-Star game in his first year as a starter since 1970, joining Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins (1983), Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers (1992), Kurt Warner of the St. Louis Rams (1999), Daunte Culpepper of the Minnesota Vikings (2000), Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles (2000), and Tom Brady of the New England Patriots (2001). This group would later include Marc Bulger of the St. Louis Rams (2003), Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers (2006), Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys (2006), and Derek Anderson of the Cleveland Browns (2007).
Top overall NFL draft choice in 2001 after a celebrated college career at Virginia Tech. Was the fourth Falcons #1 overall pick in club history (Tommy Nobis in 1966, Steve Bartkowski in 1975, Aundray Bruce in 1988)
Stat Checker
July 21st, 2009
1:46 pm
IDC
2002 Was Vick’s 1st season as a starter and not only did he make the playoffs, that was also the same year he became the 1st qb to beat Brett Favre at Lambeau Field.
That was also the season he received the ESPY for the best NFL player for 2002.
T-Bone
July 21st, 2009
1:53 pm
T.C. You make me ashamed to be a black man. You are, without a doubt, the dumbest person to ever respond to a column in this newspaper. Take your racist comments and go far far away.
T-Bone
July 21st, 2009
1:55 pm
T.C. – Hitler never did anything to me either. What’s your (idiotic) point?
IDC
July 21st, 2009
1:59 pm
Stat Checker: Mike Vick actually started two games in the 2001 season and played in eight. It wasn’t his rookie year.
IDC
July 21st, 2009
2:20 pm
Stat Checker: He was not the first quarterback to beat Brett Favre at Lambeau Field. He was the first quarterback to beat Bret Favre in a playoff game at Lambeau Field.
Stat Checker
July 21st, 2009
2:56 pm
IDC
If you only start 2 games, you are not responsible for the other 14 games you did not start. Therefore, 2002 was his 1st year enterring the season as the projected starter.
Also, the statement about beating Favre first in Lambeau was in fact in the playoffs, and based on the subject was about playoffs, didn’t know I had to explain it slowly for you.
Which brings a question: Which do you value more important, being the first to win in Lambeau in the playoffs or regular season?
Stat Checker
July 21st, 2009
3:01 pm
2008 REDZONE Averages:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/redzone.htm
Matt Ryan and the Falocns finished near the bottom at number 24 out of 32 teams.
IDC
July 21st, 2009
3:16 pm
Stat Checker: I don’t value one above the other, the one you win in the regular season might be the one that gets you in the playoffs. But if you are going to use a name that would imply that you are an informed source, stick to the facts. My point is that a quarterback that has the opportunity observe for a full season, has a full season to read and digest the playbook, the opportunity to play in eight games and start two games before he is the “projected starter” would certainly seem to have an advantage over a quarterback who starts the first game of his rookie season.
IDC
July 21st, 2009
3:31 pm
Stat Checker: 24 out of 32 in 2008. That’s a stat. What does it mean? Where were the Falcons in 2005 and 2006. If we are comparing records, give us something to compare it too. 24 out of 32 might be terrible for the Falcons, or it might be the best they have done in years, can’t tell by the information you have provided.
Vick Supporter
July 21st, 2009
3:44 pm
Tom Shaw is going to turn #7 into a f-ing beast. You people just don’t understand what Vick is going to do when he steps on that field. I GURANTEE YOU, IF THE WHITE MAN DON’T RUN HIM OFF, HE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. Hopefully they can realize that he’s paid his debt and he shouldn’t be punished for life.
Do it Mike Vick.
Shove it all in their faces. The Great Mike Vick Has Returned.
It's like this...
July 21st, 2009
3:45 pm
Vick’s 2002 season was amazing. It was indeed his 1st yr as a starter and after it was all said and done, the Falcons became THE SHOW. Deny it if you want to, but you would be in the minority. Vick did a lot for the Falcons and ultimately chose his own path which led to his demise. Vick could have been great, but wasn’t. However he doesn’t suck as a QB. Maybe as a person, but not as a QB. He doesn’t play for the Falcons anymore so I could care less if he plays in the NFL again, but if he does and succeeds after hopefully changing his life around how could you not root for “true” redemption. On the flip side, all this talk of Matt Ryan sucking is just as big of a joke as saying Vick sucked. What Ryan did last year was incredible given the situation he walked into. He’s doing alright and could care less what the haters think. I’m glad he has haters because it lets me know he’s doing something right. I hope he continues to prosper and if GOD blesses Vick then who’s to argue? Anyways continue hating………. GO Vick and GO Ryan!!! Oh no he didn’t
Vick Supporter
July 21st, 2009
3:46 pm
Check out this article from Tom Shaw
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Anacx.B0rA6zZwk19mvwmxVDubYF?slug=cr-vickfuture072009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
If you people don’t know who he is, you don’t know football.
Vick 09.
hello.....
July 21st, 2009
4:21 pm
Here’s a Vick record……He is the only Falcons QB to take it up the rear while in prison.
Hey…..maybe Preparation H will sign him as a spokesperson? Just a thought. BWAA HA HA!!!!
hello.....
July 21st, 2009
4:33 pm
You guys may know me by my other names such as:
what!!!
it’s me again
and many more, but you surely remember my content is always about “taking it up the rear”. I’m mad because Mike Vick is talented, successful, rich and “NOT GAY”. I really want him to break me in.
Ooops did I say that?
hello.....
July 21st, 2009
4:36 pm
Hello…..why are “YOU” always commenting about “TAKING IT UP THE REAR?”
Vick can’t help it, all black men are that way.
IDC
July 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
Since he is in bankruptcy, Michael Vick will have to get permission from the bankruptcy court before he can enter into a contract with Tom Shaw.
Stat Checker
July 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
IDC
Do you know anything about football? If you did, you would read more inside the numbers. Okay let me try and break it down for you.
“Redzone”. It’s called redzone for a reason. Redzone is where clutch football is played and where you separate the men from the boys. If you have a weakness, inside of the redzone you will be exposed.
Great running backs, receivers and blocking can only get you so far. In the redzone, the coverage is tighter and if you have a weak arm, you are not going to score touchdowns passing at a high rate. That is why Matt Ryan ranked number 24 out of 32 teams, because his arm strength is not superior enough to zip the ball between the corners and safeties.
He had one of the lowest redzone averages of all teams in the playoffs, which proves that Mike Turner did the bulk of the producing. In fact, the most rushes in a single season was 417 and turner was not far off, with 379 – that’s a lot of running, which meant the coaches were not really sold on Matt Ryan’s decision making, especially in the clutch.
Hopefully now you know more about the significance of the redzone. Comparing a former player to “your” present qb is looking into the past.
IDC
July 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
I completely understand what red zone means and its significance. My question is this: is 24 out of 32 in 2008 better or worse than the red zone stats for the Atlanta Falcons in 2005 and 2006. You have thrown out a bare stat as it relates to the Falcons, only that in 2008 it was 24th of 32 in red zone. What was the stat for the Atlanta Falcons in the red zone for 2005 and 2006. This whole blog has been about comparing a present player to one in the past. That is the only reason you are throwing out these random stats that show Matt Ryan in a bad light.
Not African American, so I'm innocent
July 21st, 2009
4:57 pm
Another golden boy brought up on charges:
Who wants to bet the good ole Roger Goodell gives him a slap on the wrist?
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/
Apparently big Ben (Steelers qb) has a sexual assaut charge pending.
Not African American, so I'm innocent
July 21st, 2009
5:04 pm
IDC
Matt Ryan is the current leader of the team. If you like his 24 out of 32 enjoy. There are 43 years of comparison, but what’s the point. You have the present qb to debate whether or not those other 23 qbs that had higher redzone ratings were better. By the way, Joe Flacco, who was also a rookie, was number 12 out of 32 teams – compare that!
Yes it's me......
July 21st, 2009
5:51 pm
Tom Shaw is saying all the things we Falcon fans heard about Vick since he came to Atlanta. However, at the end of the season I would say “just wait til next year. Vick will be alot better.” Well I’m not falling for it again.
Yes it's me.....
July 21st, 2009
7:00 pm
Call me stupid but even though Matty Ice finished 24 out of 32 in redzone success and Joe Flacco finished 12 out of 32, Matty Ice is still better. It’s not his fault the defense is tougher in the redzone.
So call me stupid – everybody else does!
VICK SUPPORTER 2
July 21st, 2009
8:28 pm
HE’S BAAAAAACK
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4346486
ESPN: Goodell could let Vick attend an NFL training camp | Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
9:43 pm
[...] mentioned in Monday’s post and subsequent comments, I think there’s a market for Vick. Not necessarily as a starting [...]
Vick Supporter
July 21st, 2009
10:39 pm
Big Rape…I Mean Ben Roethlisburger
And dogfighting is worse? That just goes to show that all races get in trouble. The golden boy just got exposed.;)
Vick Supporter
July 21st, 2009
10:43 pm
Its starting…….
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d81167c72/Around-the-league
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans
July 22nd, 2009
6:48 pm
Stat Checker-The stats mean nothing when you lose. The team won 8 games and 7 games Vick’s last two years.Blame the team if you want I blame his 98 turnovers as a Falcon!
Vick Supporter-Big Ben has been accused of rape, so was Nick Anderson (former magic player) and the Duke Lacrosse Team.
Funny how Vick who had dogs buried in his front yard while yelling i’m innocent and was guilty as hell deserves due process and Big Ben is now guilty on an accusation.
All World
July 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
Can any of you bloggers name ten NFL quarterbacks that have played in more all star games in last five years than Vick? More playoffs? More NFL South Championships while Vick played for Falcons? If Farve is better, he didn’t show it last time he lost to Vick in the cold, in Green Bay, in the playoffs. Name ten QBs that have more NFL records than Vick. If you count total yards and dropped passes, and not just pass completions, Vick will have better numbers than most. I’d love to see Vick quarterback the Jascksonville Jaguars!
Vick’s back: Wonder what kind of money he can command? – Oh, Plaxico
July 27th, 2009
5:17 pm
[...] Vick was never an accurate quarterback. His completition percantage has failed to top 57 percent in any year of his career, and his rating has climbed above a modest 80 only once. As such, speculation of his running the Wildcat formation, executed to perfection on occasion last year by Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown, runs rampant. [...]
Albert {atterson
July 27th, 2009
10:06 pm
Michael Vick will sign with the Carolina Panthers and will play against the falcons and BEAT THEM!!
Albert Patterson
July 27th, 2009
10:07 pm
Enter your comments here
john
August 1st, 2009
10:02 pm
to T.C. – him being black has nothing to do with it. People that think like you are the ones that think the NFL and its loyal fans should welcome him back with open arms. Too bad… he’s a horrible person and has no business being reinstated back in the NFL. His crimes were heinous. And the only reason he is being reinstated is probably because he is black.
Michael Vick's Mama
November 11th, 2009
3:17 pm
Yalls better lay off my sugga plum, I knock yall into next Tuesday then back into the weekend then three weeks ahead ya little knuckle heads!