Bradley’s Buzz: The (split) verdict on Vick’s signing
The newly local reaction
The Philadelphia papers are, if you’ll pardon the expression, abuzz this morning. John Gonzalez of the Inquirer reports that the Eagles’ press corps was stunned by the news.
“And so now Ron Mexico is an Eagle,” Gonzalez writes. “To say it’s a shocking development is a gross understatement. If anyone in town expected this or knew it was happening, they did a good job keeping it a secret. Vick reportedly flew into town Tuesday night and remained undetected until late last evening. That’s a hard thing to pull off. If his football comeback falls through, he has a terrific career ahead of him as a spy.”
This being Vick, there’s no firm consensus. Phil Sheridan of the Inquirer writes: “The Eagles are taking an enormous risk. All that’s at stake is everything owner Jeff Lurie and head coach Andy Reid have ever said about what the franchise stands for, and they have put all of that in the hands of a man who went to prison for murdering dogs. It just isn’t worth it.”
In the Daily News, Rich Hofmann writes about Eagles coach Andy Reid’s announcement of Vick’s addition: “The coach acknowledged that Vick has been on his mind for months and years. He said that Vick got into trouble at about the same time his sons got into trouble, and that he followed Vick’s story from afar and compared it to what his sons were enduring. It was as open and as human as Reid has ever been at an interview podium, and it was clear that not only was this Reid’s decision, first and foremost – but that his personal life opened him to the possibilities.”
Paul Domowitch of the Daily News calls the signing of Vick “a terrific move” and believes: “He was signed for one reason, one word: Wildcat.”
Back to the Inquirer. Amy Worden handles the animal rights angle and, as you’d expect, not every animal-lover in the City of Brotherly Love was ecstatic. Writes Worden: “News that the Eagles had signed quarterback Michael Vick, a convicted animal abuser, was met with swift outrage last night by members of Philadelphia’s animal-welfare community. Many said they were concerned that the move would cast a pall over a state in which animal advocates – led by Gov. [Ed] Rendell, who has three rescue dogs – have fought to improve conditions for dogs, particularly those who suffer in substandard commercial kennels.”
And now to the national press
The headline in Sporting News Today: “Vick Signing Could Be A Super Move By Philadelphia.” If that sounds like a rave review … well, there’s a reason. From Albert Breer’s story comes this quote by an unnamed AFC personnel man: “It’s a tremendous signing. The consensus in the league is that everyone is willing to forgive him.”
Writing for SI.com, Peter King makes this contention: “When Michael Vick would see visitors during his two-year exile from football … one refrain was clear:He had deep regrets over not working hard enough at the quarterback craft during his six-year NFL career, and if he ever got another chance to play in the NFL, he’d work hard to be a good all-around quarterback, not just an electric one.” That in mind, Vick to Philly makes more sense, King writes, “than Vick to almost anywhere else.”
KIng’s SI.com colleague Don Banks makes a key point, however: “Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Vick struggle in the West Coast offense when he tried playing in Atlanta under ex-Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp? Maybe Andy Reid and Marty Mohrninweg’s version in Philly will be a different story with different results, but the inaccurate Vick and the West Coast didn’t look like much of a match in 2005-2006 (35 TDs/20 INTs/54 percent passing).”
For ESPN.com, Chris Mortensen writes a key to the signing was Donovan McNabb: “As McNabb revealed after Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Patriots, he lobbied the Eagles to sign Vick. That’s stability.” (FYI, McNabb once escorted the younger Vick on a recruiting visit to Syracuse.)
Also from the Worldwide Leader: This discouraging word from Matt Mosley. “Anyone remember what happened the last time the Eagles attempted to make a huge splash? Terrell Owens had the one great year, and then he did his best to wreck the team’s locker room. Maybe I’ll change my mind. But right now, I think the Eagles are asking for trouble.”
And, in an interview with Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc., Mosley solicits this response: “I think Michael Vick might automatically become the No. 1 backup in the league.”
On CBSsports.com, Mike Freeman writes that Vick’s arrival is just one more insult to McNabb: “It constantly seems as if the city of Philadelphia and the Eagles organization can’t wait to ship McNabb’s big butt out of town as quickly as possible. Oh, and that’s what the Vick signing means. If you don’t believe that Vick is McNabb’s heir — sooner rather than later — you’re a fool. McNabb is once again being prepped for pasture.”
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122 comments Add your comment
Matt Ryan
August 14th, 2009
5:25 pm
Anybody know where I can buy Pro Bowl & 2nd round Playoff tickets?
Thanks!
Playoff Wins
August 14th, 2009
5:27 pm
2004 & Counting
Just An Observation
August 14th, 2009
5:53 pm
I thought Willie B died…..
Mike Vick
August 14th, 2009
6:06 pm
“Hell yeah I killed those mutts & I hope they burn in hell”!
If I knew I could get off this sorry team and win a super bowl, I would have done it a long time ago!
Thanks Artie – can’t wait to crush your small hopes on Dec 6th!
falconexile
August 14th, 2009
6:39 pm
I cant believe anyone was stupid enough to sign vickie just wait for the retaliation
Fair and Balanced
August 14th, 2009
6:59 pm
These same haters on this blog bashing Vick will be sitting on their computers bashing Vick on gamedays…guess where they won’t be? At the Georgia Dome on the inside, as paying customers.
Operators are standing by…but not for the game on Dec 6th!! That one is sold out…wonder why?!?! LOL
Hate on haters!!! You thought Vick was not gonna sign or he’d be a punt returner for the Raiders making minimum wage!! NOT!
Jay
August 14th, 2009
7:09 pm
I think anyone that comes to the game on Dec 6 to protest Micheal Vick should not be allowed in the dome. The city of Atlanta should banned all protesters around the dome and don’t give them no media coverage. People come to watch Football not a side show. Enough have been said and done to this man, and your protesting not going to change any decisions.
Bravesfansince1961
August 14th, 2009
7:44 pm
I’ve never seen so many agent provocateurs in one comment section in such a long time. Also some really bad spelling and grammar. Do you really get so worked up that coherence and literacy flies out the window? Now about Mr. Vick.
I wish him well in his future endeavors. He’ll have to earn his way back into the NFL. Nobody gets a free ride. What many is overlooking is the 2nd year of the contract is a TEAM OPTION year. If he does great; they take the option. He doesn’t; he’s cut and a free agent again. I hope, pray, that Mr. Vick keeps his support team around him and he listens to them. Tony Dungy is a very forthright guy. About Mr. Vick there can be one thing said: he affected a lot of people in Atlanta and the United States. I just wish the passion people are displaying here would go for our football team: You know? The Atlanta Falcons. Now that Mr. Vick has no connections to Atlanta I would hope that our newspaper will report on things Atlanta. I can hope can’t I?
Alan
August 14th, 2009
8:14 pm
This is tha last time I’ll mention Vick. I wish that he would have to go into a pit with a Pit Bull that has been trained as an attack dog at least that way he might really understand what he put those dogs thru.
Good by, stay gone and for god sake don’t disappoint Tony Dungee, a good man, that has helped you get this far.
D up
August 14th, 2009
10:20 pm
I believe we are getting ready to see a young man come into his own. I think he’s going to be better on the field than we remember, I also think Mike Vick could be the future Tony Dungy. Remember a saint is just a sinner who fell down and got back up!!!
tyler
August 14th, 2009
11:44 pm
Alan, Vick would whup that dogs ass. Pit bulls are worthless animals in my opinion that are a danger to human beings, especially children. Had one of his co called pets harmed an innocent child, I would agree the punishment.
At least they were kept in cages where they belong.
stendec
August 15th, 2009
1:30 am
AJC, if you are going to remove my comments concerning justice or race, then you should do the same for these people are complaining that race had anything to do with his sentencing.. bunch of hypocrits!!
SHHHHH my friend. Try not to protest too much. You will invoke wrath of AJC censors. Alas, I realize this from past experience. A certain race (which must remain nameless) can say anything about anything or anybody without fear of rebuttal or censorship. Why? Rebuttal of racist comments from these racists is considered racist. Hmmmm. So a Northerner can assassinate the South in a SOUTHERN newspaper blog knowing any opposition to those views will be deleted by friendly AJC censors. Sad? Yes! Frustrating? Yes! Fair? Hell no! Whoops. “H” word just slipped out. Forgive me censors. This is the way it is now. Will always be. Now back to Falcons. Mike (CENSORED) still (CENSORED) (CENSORED)! Glenn Beck for president. Can I say that? Thank you.
Milman
August 15th, 2009
5:17 am
Vick is a thug, a bum, a gang-banger and now an unremorseful felon, his posse were a bunch of crooks who will follow him to Philly. As to Vick, you can take the guy out of the hood but you can’t take the hood out of the guy! Vick was also not a team player and still isn’t but he always tooted his own horn and called his own number over others for his own glory or more often failure on the field. I say good riddance and lets never hear or see his name in the Atlanta media again, Vick was not good for the Falcons and he will not be good for the Eagles!
Falcons Obit
August 15th, 2009
7:41 am
Milman, go play in traffic.
Guess what haters! Vick’s contract also has bonus clauses worth up to $3 million for 2009!! Ooooooo…that should REALLY sting ya! You wanted him to be a punt returner making minimum wage with the Raiders! NOT! Instead he’s with one of the best teams in the league, backing up a top 3 QB that he has a long friendship with, and the potential to make $4 million this season alone.
And all it will take is ONE highlight…and you’ll see Nike execs right back in Joel Segal’s office! LOL
Fed up
August 15th, 2009
10:45 am
Flick your Vick, I was there when Vick Flicked off the Fans so back at you Mr. Vick and I hope those Passionate Fans really treat like they know how
BigSherm7
August 15th, 2009
11:32 am
The Lord Jesus Christ forgave me for my years of prodigal behavior . . .who am I to not forgive Michael Vick, a young man who, since his youth, has been told how wonderful he is, was handed millions of dollars without the wisdom on how to spend it, and was engulfed in such an atmosphere of arrogance as to beg description . . . he is now a broken man, which is just how our Lord prefers it . . .I believe that if he stays straight and narrow he will win a Super Bowl . . .anybody got tickets to the Dec. 6th matchup with the Falcons???????
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
1:10 pm
Animal Lover!!!! Mike Vick hater!!! Are you a Vegan? Cause if you’re not, you have absoulutley no reason to judge this man.
EX: If you have eaten ANYTHING that had a mother, you cannot talk. That includes Chickens, Cows and Turkeys…..
mars
August 15th, 2009
2:29 pm
SUPPER BOWL!?! EAGELS!?! NO REASON!!!???!!! MORON! MORON! MORON!
On a side note to pollywannacracker. You are a loser, a moron, a bigot and a racists. You should be ashamed for using Jesus name in such a context. If you had levelled similar comments against Muslims, there would be a ‘fatwa’ on your fat @$$!
Bad News
August 15th, 2009
2:41 pm
For all you guys that hate Mike Vick, I advise you not to turn your television to ESPN or THE NFL NETWORK because they are all over Mike Vick’s jock!
Sorry Matt Ice fans, oh I did see a thumb nail of Matty on the ESPN website, oh sorry that was in the archives
Anyway, please don’t turn on your television unless you want to see exclusive Vick continuing coverage. Not bad for a so called glorified running back.
See you in the superbowl….oh that’s right you guys have to watch it with Matty Ice in his grandmas living room.
Go Eagles!
Falconsince78
August 16th, 2009
11:12 am
Lemme tell yall somthing here. Micheal Vick is NOT better than Matt Ryan. This man has not played NFL football for 2 plus YEARS. He will make some plays, but what kind of liability are we looking at here? For those of you thinking Ryan is nothing without Turner, look at the Raider game, the Ram game, the Saints game here, among one or two others. Mike Vick throws WAY too hard for a receiver to catch a ball. We got the better end of the deal. I dread December 6 because of the moron posters in here. I’m worried 60 Minutes will make Arthur Blank out to be the bad guy here. MICHAEL VICK ALMOST RUINED THIS FRANCHISE YET YOU PEOPLE WORSHIP HIM? I lost all respect for him b/c of the lies to Arthur and Comm. Goodell.
We will survive the Eagle game and win. Super Bowl bound!
Falconsince78
August 16th, 2009
11:13 am
Heck I even supported him when he shot the finger at the fans b/c of the fans mentality here in Atl. It’s tasteless.
gapeach
August 16th, 2009
12:05 pm
Animal lover!!!Vick Hater!!!, you’re amazing. A man lost his job and more millions than you or I will probably ever make. He went to jail for a year and a half, and you don’t think he’s been punished enough? Seriously??? I hope that the people in your life are more forgiving of you than you are of Michael Vick. Yes, he was wrong and should have been punished. Let the man work so that he can finish paying his debt to his creditors and take care of his family. If he doesn’t, you’ll be the first in line to call him a dead-beat dad. I have a feeling Vick can win with you either way. I think there’s something inherently wrong with people who appear to care more about animals than they do people. Love animals, but love mankind, too.