Bradley’s Buzz: Michael Vick returns with a shovel pass
I laughed at this line from John Gonzalez in the Philadelphia Inquirer: “We’ve been held hostage by the Great Vick Debate for two weeks.” And I thought: “Two whole weeks? Poor dears!”
As you know, Michael Vick is now an Eagle, and he made his first appearance for his new franchise Thursday night. And this spawned the sort of Vick back-and-forth’ing we Atlantans have come to regard as Standard Operating Procedure. The NAACP had promised some sort of rally outside Lincoln Financial Field, but apparently it never really developed. Gonzalez counted more media personnel than supporters and wrote this:
“People are still taking sides and shouting, but it is lame sound and fury signifying that principles don’t really matter as long as the media give you the 15 minutes you desperately crave. Who needs courage or convictions when there are soapboxes to stand on and bullhorns to shout into and spotlights to court?
“It’s all so reflexive now with Vick. Love him. Hate him. Doesn’t matter. Just make sure you’re loud about it and you have a captive audience when the screaming begins.”
The anti-Vick lobby wasn’t at full force, either. So reported the Associated Press in this dispatch on SI.com: “Three protesters held a sign saying, ‘Murderers are not role models,’ with an image of a dog and a bloody paw.”
So the scene wasn’t the carnival we recall from PETA protests at Flowery Branch and outside the courthouse in Richmond, Va. That’s hardly surprising. The threat of mass protests has long been overblown. It would have been a different matter had Vick not served nearly two years in federal custody, but he did. And that changed the dynamics. Most folks now just want to see the man play football. Speaking of which …
Bob Brookover of the Inquirer reports the Eagles deployed Vick on their third snap. He was, Brookover writes, greeted warmly. The key Vick quote:
“I didn’t think it was going to be that positive. I really didn’t know what to expect. I was running out there on the field and I was listening to see what the reaction was going to be and I was very pleased. I really didn’t expect that reaction, but I was very thankful.”
And how did he look? Pretty good, writes Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News. Vick “lined up as the quarterback in the Wildcat formation all five times, completing four of four passes for 19 yards and running once for one yard.” (Vick’s first completion was a shovel pass. His best pass was a laser to Hank Baskett for a 13-yard gain.) Domowitch also quotes Eagles coach Andy Reid thusly:
“We were just trying to get his feet wet and get him used to the speed of the game again. I wanted to get him five to 10 snaps and get him back into the swing of things. I wanted him to work with the first group, and we got that accomplished.”
For the record, Vick lined up at wide receiver on one snap, which was overridden by a penalty. He was done before halftime. And the whole thing, writes Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News, was a bit underwhelming:
“For fans of controversy – real controversy, not just conversation – Michael Vick and his re-entry into football society continues to disappoint. If this keeps up for much longer, we might actually stop talking about Vick and start talking about how lousy his new team has looked this summer.”
(And for those who haven’t yet viewed the video highlights, NFL.com has every play here.)
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121 comments Add your comment
WHAT UP!!!
August 28th, 2009
1:36 pm
Bad News……….why do you keep proving STUPID is still hard to overcome?
Are you just mad that the Falcons are and will forever will be a better team without Vick?
Vick will do to the Eagles what he did to the Falcons……….leave the team in shambles!
I don’t know about anyone else I’m very glad that looser is out of here.
Ivan
August 28th, 2009
1:38 pm
Trina,
Come back to Earth 2009, where we’re watching Falcons football.
kthx
WHAT UP!!!
August 28th, 2009
1:40 pm
BWAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!! You Vick suckers truly think he will do something he never really done and that’s make an NFL team a consistant winner!!!! 19 yards throwing…..typical Vick.
BWAAA HA HA!!!!!!!!
Jake7
August 28th, 2009
1:49 pm
I’m a middle-age white man and a BIG dog lover and I think MV needs a chance to get his life back.I don’t condone what he did….but a lot of times the environment you grow up in….determines the sensitivity you have toward people,animals…etc.
falconexile
August 28th, 2009
1:52 pm
This shows how little class the fans in Philly really have
GT Brill
August 28th, 2009
1:56 pm
There is no one on here that would rather have Vick than Ryan as their QB ??!?!?
There can’t be anyone out there that thinks Vick is a better QB than Ryan ??!?!
Please say it ain’t so.
Here’s Vick in a nutshell…look for Crumpler, if he is covered throw it ten yards over White’s head or take off down field.
bigeasy830
August 28th, 2009
1:56 pm
jeb, you give the Falcons to much credit, they wiil not go 6-10, the will be 4-12 in 2009 because they suck.The only true sell-out the have this year is the Dec. 6th game, the game against Philly. I wonder why, is it that all the people from Philly will travel to Atlanta to see their “Native Son” Matt Ryan or could it be that the only man in Falcons football history to consistently sell out the dome will be returning. Tha Atlanta Falcons suck.You make the call.
Falcons will be 4-12 in 2009
“Back To Life, Back To Reality.
Bad News
August 28th, 2009
2:03 pm
The only difference in that laser Vick threw last night was if it was a Falcon receiver it would be a drop, but the Philly receivers made the catch.
“WHATUP”
How long should Atlanta Fans wait before the city gets a well over-due playoff win?
How long before you hold Ryan responsible for not leading his team deep into the playoffs?
Just curious.
I already know the answer, but thought I’d give you the benefit of doubt (little doubt).
midnite
August 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
The king and his triumphant return: 4/4 19 yds. big rushing numbers too. Anyone with half a brain knew Vick was in decline at the end of 2006. Talk about diminishing returns, Vick is finished, old, fat, and still dumb.
Denver Bird
August 28th, 2009
2:05 pm
I would pay $50 just to see what “FALCONS SORRY” looks like….
and I would charge him $100 to learn how to spell, use correct grammar and formulate sentences correctly…
Bad News
August 28th, 2009
2:06 pm
BigEasy
It amazes me that these blinded, Ryan worshippers can accept mediocracy from their quarterback.
It also amazes me that why would a normal person appear on a blog about a person they don’t like or respect?
What does that say for their sanity? Makes no sense.
BeScared
August 28th, 2009
2:07 pm
To: Curious and Ivan
And to all of the Haters keys Mick Vick’s ace!!! How to you spell racist?
SPCA
August 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
We are having a dog roasting party – get em while they are hot!
BeScared
August 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
OOOoops!!! CORRECTION
To: Curious and Ivan
And to all of the Haters keys Mick Vick’s ace!!! How Do you spell racist?
bigeasy830
August 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
GT Brill, here is Vick in a nutshell, 3 time probowler, lead team to NFC Championship game, the most exciting player in the league when he played here in Atlanta, sold out the GA Dome and Stadiums on the road. Best selling Jersey of any player in the NFL. Winning record as QB and won play-off games.
Matt Ryan in a nutshell, hand ball to Michael Turner and say run baby run, then after the defense concentrates on stopping Turner, throws weak passes with his noodle arm to wide open receivers, then by the end of season after the defense makes adjustments, his interception rate sky rockets and passer rating plumets. Then, he is one and done in the play-offs after throwin 2 INTs, but the Matt Ryan’s bootlicking supporters blame Lawyer Malloy and Keith Brookings for the game, those 2 were the real leaders of the 2008 team. Now when the Falcons suck in 2009, who will you blame this year, maybe Roddy since he held out, or anyone but your “Idol” Matt Ryan. Matt Ryan sucks and so do the Falcons. One other thing last night proved that more people support giving MV7 a second chance than was reported by these lame, liberal, news media people and the teams that need a QB and passed on him will regret it. i thought it was very classy of the peiople of Philly to show support for their new player because they want to win a Super Bowl and MV7 can help get them over the hump. Damn publicity, as Herm Edwards put it, “We Play To Win The Game”.
Flacons will be 4-12 in 2009.
“Back To Life, Back To Reality”
What's Important
August 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
Bad News, Matt Ryan has only played (and been in the league) one year you fool, give him time. If you want to love Vick go ahead, but why the senseless bashing of Matt Ryan. He didn’t take Vick’s job, Vick was already gone. If the only way you can build Vick up is to tear somebody else down, then Vick must not be much.
midnite
August 28th, 2009
2:10 pm
Can you help me find a half brain? I hate black people so much.
What's Important
August 28th, 2009
2:10 pm
BeScared, if the only response you to have to something is that everybody is racist, you don’t have a response.
BeScared
August 28th, 2009
2:11 pm
WATCH OUT DENVER BIRD…..keys Mick Vick’s ace!!! How Do you spell racist?
BeScared
August 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
WHAT’S IMPORTANT……SMACK SMACK SMACK…….keys Mick Vick’s ace!!! How Do you spell racist?
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
@bigeasy830-uh the Falcons have already sold out the first two games of the season Miami and Carolina. Yet another example of a Dumb Vick Fan.
BeScared
August 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
what’s up…..WHAT’S IMPORTANT
Hater Hater ………..VICK IS BACK……Quack Quack…..
Bad News
August 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
What’s Important
2002 was Vick’s second season. In that season the following transpired:
-Vick was only 21 years old
-Falcons made the playoffs
-Vick became 1st player in playoffs to win in Lambeau
-Vick made the pro bowl
-Vick finished 2nd in MVP voting
So based on your comments, this will be Ryan’s 2nd season, so how much more time does he need?
Pi$$onaDawg
August 28th, 2009
2:17 pm
Mike Vick just pee in the cup every week and prove your not a lazy pothead. Ricky Williams needs to do the same. I will think MV7 has changed when he can/will PROVE he has changed.
BeScared
August 28th, 2009
2:18 pm
Hey…..Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
Watch out now!!!!! SMACK SMACK SMACK…….keys Mick Vick’s ace!!! How Do you spell racist?
This is your mama speaking. Oops, got to finish cooking my Meth.
Robin Starr
August 28th, 2009
2:19 pm
I murdered my pet dog – will I be charged? HELL NO
You know why **wink** **wink**
midnite
August 28th, 2009
2:19 pm
The Vick lovers are touchy today. That dismal performance put you idol worshippors in a snit. 4/4 19 yds. Vick should have chosen the UFL.
What's Important
August 28th, 2009
2:21 pm
Bad News, what is your point? That was Vick’s second season. As far as I know Matt Ryan hasn’t played his second season yet, that is still to be done. For all any of us know he might take us to the Super Bowl or we might go 16-0, but none of it has happened yet.
GT Brill
August 28th, 2009
2:21 pm
2008 Associated Press Rookie Of The Year
Ryan was chosen by Atlanta as the centerpiece of its rebuilding effort following a dismal 2007 that saw quarterback Michael Vick incarcerated for dogfighting and coach Bobby Petrino leave after 13 games for Arkansas. A starter almost from the first snap he took during the preseason, Ryan was brilliant in leading the Falcons to the playoffs with an 11-5 mark a year after going 4-12.
Ryan ranked 11th in passer rating at 87.7 and had 16 touchdowns to go with 11 interceptions. But it wasn’t the numbers as much as his command of the huddle and his cool under pressure that impressed his teammates, opponents — and the voters.
Ryan collected 44 votes, far in front of Titans running back Chris Johnson with three. Broncos tackle Ryan Clady had two votes and Bears running back Matt Forte got one.
Robin Starr "Fan"
August 28th, 2009
2:22 pm
I think Robin Starr is being unfairly scrutinized. It’s her dog and she can do to them whatever she wants. Afterall, they are just stupid dogs. She should have roasted more of those flea spreading waste of time.
Samuel L. Jackson
August 28th, 2009
2:23 pm
Hell yea I killed that dog & I HOPE HE BURNS IN HELL!
Bad News
August 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
Here is my hero:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=290103022
MightyQuinn
August 28th, 2009
2:29 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I still can’t help but believe FALCONS SORRY is just someone out there yanking our chains. I’ve seen where people have corrected him on “SUPPER BOWL” so many times that I can’t believe he hasn’t gotten it. The other day he spelled Kryptonite correctly yet can’t spell the biggest sporting event in the universe? And is a football fan? Really?
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 28th, 2009
2:29 pm
@midnite-you are right. They are touchy. You should read the headlines in Philly:
“Vick’s debut falls short of hype” “Tame Debut for Vick” and “Should Vick Play Next Week?”
Not the thoughts the dummies that love him here share.
bigeasy830
August 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here, I just checked on-line on the Falcons official website, there are plenty of tickets available for those 2 games but none available for the Dec. 6th game. You are a perfect example of a lying, sorry, no good, hypocrite that diguises himself as a football fan or even a Falcons fan. Most true falcons fan still love the Falcons and still support Michael Vick. I know many and they were just as excited that Vick signed and they will have the opportunity to see him play this year. You on the other hand…..well you are what you are. Did you buy your ticket to those first 2 games. HAHAHAHAHA, those games will mysteriously sell out just before the deadline for a black-out just like last season. But after the team start to tank even the sponsors will abandon the Falcons.
The Falcons will be 4-12 in 2009
“Back To Life, Back To Reality”
What's Important
August 28th, 2009
2:31 pm
Bad News, again, what’s your point?
Bad News
August 28th, 2009
2:31 pm
What’s Important
Good try but you missed the important question.
At the end of this season and Ryan doesn’t @ age 24 (Vick 21):
-Make the playoffs
-Win a playoff game
-Make the pro bowl
-Finish 2nd or better in MVP voting
How much more time does he need, considering it only took Vick 2 years.
That Dude
August 28th, 2009
2:32 pm
Mark I love the fact that weather you agree or disagree with someone’s post you have the “Stones” to repsond. Welcome back MV7, you’ll be fine
What's Important
August 28th, 2009
2:36 pm
Bad News, can’t you count. Matt Ryan has played one year. You don’t know what he will do in his second. You argument makes no sense until he completes his second year. You state random facts that mean nothing. Any what the hell has Mike Vick’s age go to do with it?
Bad News
August 28th, 2009
2:36 pm
“Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here”
You just got busted for “lying” by “BigEasy”…… you just lost the little credibility that you had.
Typical Ryan fan
Dave
August 28th, 2009
2:39 pm
Vick needs an open field to be really dangerous and I don’t think he’ll get that room very often as defenses will game plan for him accordingly. He’s still sharp and I think he’ll use up defensive resources making those around him better. His real value is in drawing a lot of attention. Having said that, I hope he falls flat because he’s a Falcon no more. GT Brill, nice summary.
What's Important
August 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
The Dude: Mark is “blog em and leave em” kind of guy.
bigeasy830
August 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
GT Brill,
Vick in a nutshell, 3 pro bowls, only QB in league history to rush for a thousand yards, Lead team to NFC Championship game, winning record and was never one and done in the play-offs, Most exciting player in the league when he played for the Falcons, their was a waiting list for season tickets when he was a Falcon, sold out the Ga Dome and stadiums on the road, #1 selling Jersey in the NFL.
Matt Ryan in a nutshell
Hand the ball to Michael Turner then scream like a little girl, “run Michael run”. Then, after the defenses concentrate on stopping Turner he is able to float weak passes to wide open receivers. After the defenses make adjustments late in the season, his interception rate skyrockets and his passer rating plumets. He was one and done in the play-offs after throwing 2 INTs that is the deciding factor in the game, but Ryan’s bootlicking supporters blame the true leaders of the team, Lawyer Malloy and Keith Brooking, for the game. Matt Ryan suck and so do the Falcons
Falcons will be 4-12 in 2009
“Back To Life, Back To Reality”
What's Important
August 28th, 2009
2:47 pm
BigEasy830 – Shut up.
GT Brill
August 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
Oh well, I brought this on myself.
They say “don’t wrestle with the pig, you just get all muddy and the pig likes it”.
DK
August 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
Hey Bad News,
I got some bad news for you. You want to compare Ryan and Vick huh? Let’s look at what we know.
Vick’s 1st Season Ryans 1st Season
8 Games Played 16 Games Played
2 Games Started 16 Games Started
50 Completions 265 Completions
113 Attempts 434 Attempts
44.2% Completion Ratio 61.1% Completion Ratio
785 Yards Passing 3,440 Yards Passing
6.9 Yards per Attempt 7.9 Yards per Attempt
2 Touchdowns 16 Touchdowns
3 Interceptions 11 Interceptions
21 Sacks 17 Sacks
62.7 Passer Rating 87.7 Passer Rating
31 Rushing Attempts 55 Rushing Attempts
289 Yards Rushing 104 Yards Rushing
9.3 Yards per Attempt 1.9 Yards per Attempt
1 Rushing TD 1 Rushing TD
6 Fumbles 6 Fumbles
5 Fumbles Lost 1 Lost
No Playoffs Made Playoffs
Not Off. ROTY for 2002 Off. ROTY for 2008
Not in Pro Bowl Not in Pro Bowl
Whose career is off to a better start?
I’ll bet you a thousand dollars that the Falcons will finish this season ahead of the Eagles. Put your money where your mouth is. That ought to give you a hell of a big place to put it.
bigeasy830
August 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
Vick in the play-offs, NFC championship game, was never one and done in the play-offs. Matt Ryan, well……..
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 28th, 2009
2:58 pm
@bigeasy830- let me help you with your inaccuracies:
-All you have to do is go to the ticket office at the Dome to find out about sellouts.
-The first two games have already been announced as sellouts.
- If you went online to buy/ to check, you were directed to a Ticketmaster site that releases tickets at different times so that they can charge different prices for the tickets. Clearly the Eagles game will be a hot ticket-watch how many mysteriously become available the week before the game.
-Most true fans love the Falcons and have moved on from Mike Vick.
-And as for sponsors, in a bad economy WITHOUT Mike Vick the Falcons just added Air Tran!- The same airline that your dumb MV7 used to fly to Virginia to fight dogs and said had no flights to DC which is why he missed his lunch with congress.
-Your “back to life back to reality” movement needs to be directed at MV7 when he causes a qb controversy and get the coach fired in Philly and still can’t throw as evidenced last night.
What's Important
August 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
GT Brill and DK: Don’t waste your time. Bad News and BigEast830 apparently can’t understand something unless it is written in braille on the head of a hammer.
midnite
August 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Vick will never shake that run first mentality. Now he can’t run, too old and slow. We all know he can’t pass 4/4 19 yds. One yard rushing is a joke, much like Vick. Stick a fork in him, he’s done. One year in Philly and he can hang up the jumper cables, er…uh cleats.