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.)
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
121 comments Add your comment
Ivan
August 28th, 2009
10:56 am
Whew! Glad that’s out of the way now. Finally, we’ll be talking about the Falcons…….right?
Jross1981
August 28th, 2009
10:59 am
Yeah, so just purely Falcons now, right???
Pi$$onaDawg
August 28th, 2009
11:03 am
What a great start for Vick. hahaha. I was great when McNabb told the coach it is time to call it quits and get back to normal football. McNabb doing the Cut Throat move to Reid on the sidelines. Priceless. Why cover Vick on the outside? If he isn’t getting the ball he just stood there and didn’t even try to block or run his cover guy away from the play. VICK is still LAZY.
Pi$$onaDawg
August 28th, 2009
11:05 am
I love men
Falcon Fan from Bama
August 28th, 2009
11:10 am
Too much emphasis put on Vick’s return by national media. You guys are trying to spin his return into some type of world changing return. The Worldwide Leader is now trying to bring a wedge between Vick and McNabb. Let the guy catch a break.
The Real Falcon
August 28th, 2009
11:25 am
GO FALCONS!
Bubba
August 28th, 2009
11:33 am
For the love of Pete, can you PLEASE stop writing about Vick?!
FALCONS SORRY
August 28th, 2009
11:33 am
ALL HATERS! MV THE MAN IS BACK! AND HE IS READY FOR ACTION! ALL THE HATERS HAVE DONE ALL THEIR HATE TO BRING DOWN THIS MAN! BUT HE IS STILL STANDING! HE STILL STRONG! AUTHUR BLANKS TRASH IS ANOTHER OWNERS TREASURE! A SUPPER BOWL TREASURE THAT IS! A WISE MAN WON SAID THAT THE LONGEST HARDEST JOURNY BEGIN WITH BUT A SINGLE STEP! THE FIRST OF MANY MANY STEPS RESULTING IN TOUCH DOWNS TO COME! LACE UP YOUR NIKES AND GET READY TO RUN UP DOWN ALL AROUND AND RIGHT OVER THE HATERS AND OTHER NFL TEAM MIKE! # 7 TOOK HIS FIRST STEP BACK LAST NIGHT AND MADE HIS FIRST LITTLE SHOVEL PASS! AFTER WHAT HE WENT THRU HERE IN ATL WHO COULD BLAME HIM FOR NOT TRUSTING HIS WRS! THE EAGELS RECIEVERS DONT DROP EASY PASSES LIKE THEY DO HERE ON THE SORRY FALCONS! EVER BODY LOVES A WINNER AND THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE JUST HIT THE JACK POT! LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM BUT YOU NEVER BE ABLE TO IGNORE HIM! # 7 IN YOUR PROGRAMS AND #1 IN YOUR FANTASY LEAGUE EAGELS FANS! BOOK YOUR PLAIN TICKETS AND YOUR HOTELS FOR MIAMI IN JANUARY NOW AND BEAT THE RUSH THE SAME WAY # 7 WILL ALWAYS BEAT THAT PASS RUSH EAGELS FANS!
Jenni13
August 28th, 2009
11:37 am
I’m not surprised Vick completed the “shovel pass” so well…he’s had a ton of practice shoveling graves for all the dogs he tortured and murdered.
Mark Bradley
August 28th, 2009
11:41 am
Today’s next post, since you asked: 5 reasons to feel confident — yes, confident — about the Falcons.
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 28th, 2009
11:42 am
Vick went 4-4 for 19 yards and 1 yard rushing-with one completion going for 13yards. His fans will now crown him back from the grave. I wonder what they would say if Brett Favre came back, goes 4-4 for 19 yards…they’d say he’s awful.
I thought the 3rd preseason game was supposed to be the most like the real deal before the season opener. If so the Eagles fans shouldn’t be to happy.
Smart move taking the ball out of Mcnabb’s hands, the Eagles offense did not score a Td until after MV7 was off of the field. Andy Reid and Brad Childress have both signed their walking papers gambling on Vick and Favre.
Jamaal=Bust
August 28th, 2009
11:57 am
when is this fabled “SUPPER BOWL”…it’s about lunch time
Jamaal=Bust
August 28th, 2009
11:59 am
also what kind of tickets are “PLAIN” tickets? Do they allow you see the whole game, or just the boring parts in between the plays?
Mark Bradley
August 28th, 2009
11:59 am
I don’t think Andy Reid is in any danger. Brad Childress is a different story.
Ted Striker
August 28th, 2009
12:03 pm
With 3 columns a day throughout the week, there’s time enough for the Falcons AND Vick. But hey, I’m just Ted Striker — what do I know?
On topic, however, here’s the gold in this particular column: “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.”
I read that and I thought — I knew the dynamics had changed but until this very moment I’d never realized what the difference was. Kudos, Mark. Your work remains quality, even in this new-fangled world of quantity.
Gatorzone
August 28th, 2009
12:04 pm
I love Falcons Sorry, who else could come up with such humor. This guy is priceless.
Mark Bradley
August 28th, 2009
12:05 pm
Why, thanks, Ted. Hope you’re feeling well.
Jamaal=Bust
August 28th, 2009
12:07 pm
I agree Mark, Childress is either going to be fired by mid-season with a sub 500 record, or he will be the coach of an amazing team. I for one think it’ll be the sub 500. You can’t seriously put all your eggs int he basket of a broken down QB. Brett is not the QB he was 3 or 4 seasons ago, not even 2 seasons ago. What you saw last season is what you will see this season. Yes, he finally has a running game, but he’s still Brett and still thinks he has the arm he had 5 years ago to fit the ball in between 2 defenders.
As for Vick and the Eagles. I give it one season before McNabb has him booted out. You can;t honestly expect McNabb to allow the Eagles to have another big name QB ont he roster when he had to lobby forever just to get a renewed contract. I bet he wishes he would have become a FA and joined Chicago. It would have saved the Bears some draft picks, but now Philly just an implosion waiting to happen.
Curious
August 28th, 2009
12:09 pm
Can someone explain to me why every black person in the ATL is ecstatic that Vick is back and every white person is disgusted that he got this “second chance”, that none of us would have gotten in our “normal jobs”.
Why is there a racial divide on this, similar to when OJ was found Not Guilty? Why is race even an issue here? I would despise Tom Brady the same way if he did the same haneous acts Vick did.
Ivan
August 28th, 2009
12:09 pm
wow..lol
Plain Tickets??
Supper Bowl??
Journy??
A man won said.
and….Eagel Fans.
Now I see why you keep this guy around. It’s almost like watching Jerry Springer.
athensdawg
August 28th, 2009
12:11 pm
three things I’d like to see the over/under on…
1. Time until there is a QB controversy in Philadelphia instigated by a certain well known backup QB.
2. Time until Limbaugh makes some comment about Donovan McNabb and Vick being on the same team.
3. Time until MV does something else to sabatoge his “comeback.”
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 28th, 2009
12:18 pm
Mark, I disagree with you about Andy Reid not being in danger.
His contract is up in 2010 if this year is a disaster (remember they were just in the NFC Championship game without Vick last year). If this thing goes south Jeff Lurie, who has a history of not signing players with issues, will have egg on his face.
By the way did you see Vick admit to attempting to run to excite the crowd as opposed to handing off the ball to LeSean McCoy and did you see McNabb complain about not having any rhythm and telling Marty Mornhingweg to stop with the Vick experiment? Reid is definitely has put himself in danger.
Ted Striker
August 28th, 2009
12:18 pm
Mark, I’m fine as wine now. (Hey, there might be a correlation).
Luisa
August 28th, 2009
12:20 pm
I’m happy for Mr. Vick. Those who can’t seem to let the past be the past have no life. This man is out there trying to make a living for him and his family and I am sure he is not sitting up late at night worried about what you think of him. He admitted he made mistakes, he served his time and now he has moved on…WHY can’t you?
M Anthony
August 28th, 2009
12:21 pm
Really sad that whatever MV does this hate is going to continue. I guess there is a segment of this society who are just ate up with hating this black QB. A co-worker told me is just the poor ones with all the hate. You dont see Bill Gates running around talking about MV. He is right, if you got anything going you dont worry about this kind of stuff.
Robin Starr
August 28th, 2009
12:25 pm
I “MURDERED” my dog! So what? He was a worthless, dumb, blind mutant. I don’t care what you losers that worship me think.
I called for Vick’s head but what is going to happen to me? NOTHING!!!!
I’m not a black quarterback making millions. Nothing happens to “US” people – we are above the law. Sure I **wink** **wink** miss my dog. Are the cameras still rolling?
Anyway, I hate that dog murdering Vick – oops so did I
Anybody want some hot dogs
Robin Starr
August 28th, 2009
12:32 pm
NO CHARGES FILED…..I love America
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=6987340
BRADLEYSORRY
August 28th, 2009
12:36 pm
MARY BRADLEY WE GOT OUR OWN TEAM HERE THE FALCONS IF YOU GONNA BE MISSY VICKS BOY GO TO PHILLY JUST GO ANYWAY FALCONS GOING TO THE SUPPER BOWL THIS TIME NOT YOUR WIFE VICK!
how2fish
August 28th, 2009
12:37 pm
He has a new team and a new chance for a career….its the American way…now on to Falcon coverage please.
BRADLEYSORRY
August 28th, 2009
12:39 pm
For the rest of you guys, sorry. It’s hard to copy greatness like FALCONSORRY. The tears of laghter just keep screwing up the keyboard.
Hey Mark, this IS the AJC, not the Philly-Mike Vick telethon. We can get Vick news elsewhere. If you don’t have anything Falcons to write, then don’t write. On second thought, just don’t write either way.
Jay Prince
August 28th, 2009
12:39 pm
Michael Vick is Philadelphia’s hero. What more can you say.
barbara
August 28th, 2009
12:52 pm
Haters get over it Mr. Vick is back baby.
GT Brill
August 28th, 2009
12:54 pm
Question: I am thinking the starters are going to play a full half tomorrow against the Chargers ? And then barely at all against the Ravens in the final pre-season game ? I want Ryan playing as little as possible against the Ravens. Vick getting carted off the field happened right in front of my section that year in preseason, so I get bad vibes anytime we play the Ravens in a preseason game.
DK
August 28th, 2009
12:56 pm
I’m no Vick hater and think his punishment was way too harsh for the crime. I hated losing him and always wished that he’d return. That said, I’m beginning to believe that losing Mike may be the best thing that ever happened to the Falcons. We wouldn’t have Mike Smith who seems to be the best coach the Falcons have ever had. We probably wouldn’t have had the high draft choices we had in 2008 that helped us so much last year, including Ryan who we would have passed on if we still had Mike. I believe Ryan will probably be considered the best QB pick up since Marino and Elway before all is said and done. Would Petrino have wanted Michael Turner? Who knows?
Mike’s run last night looked bad. Two years older and two years of lost conditioning seems to have taken a toll. I wish him luck, but my focus is on the Falcons. Now that he’s clearly gone and on another team, I hope that we can stop talking so much about him.
All I'm Saying Is...
August 28th, 2009
12:57 pm
MV Bottom Line: Did the crime and did the time….and paid a high price too…finally it has apparently sunk in and now he can get on with salvaging what’s left of his name and career.
LET’S GO FALCONS!
Bad News
August 28th, 2009
12:58 pm
It must be really tough being Matt Ryan. Art Blanks made him the richest rookie in Falcons history, made him the “new face” of the franchise, started a huge marketing campaign, cut Mike Vick. This is his city right?
Lets look into this further.
-He has not sold out a single game without sponsors
-He has not won a playoff game
-He has not made the pro bowl
-There are more Eagles #7 Jerseys in Atlanta than #2 ones
-ESPN is sucking up to Vick like a puppy dog
-NFL Network breaks in with live plays of Vick (only)
-The Commission personally ask the Eagles to sign Vick
-Art Blank Visits Vick just days after leaving prison
-Vick is the last qb to win a playoff game in Atlanta
-The Falcons will not make the playoffs in 2009
-The Falcons have the 4th toughest schedule
I could go on and on, but I think you guys get the picture – he must be under tremendous stress that will only get worst, starting this weekend.
I have even read where some of you guys really think the Falcons can beat the Redskins – very delusional. First of all, in 2008 the Redskins were number 5 in the NFL in total defense. Thats tough enough as it is, but then they add Albert Haynesworth, who is unquestionably the most difficult defender to block 1-on-1.
Now throw in the rookie lineman/linebacker Orakpo, who is being regarded as the biggest impact rookie for the season. You guys must be drinking some really “holy juice” with your forecast for a playoff season in 2009.
The only addition on offense was really Tony Gonzalez, but he is not the solution, because this is a “total” team effort. The tight end position was really not the problem, the problem was in the redzone, where the falcons finished 22 out of 32 teams. Ironically, Joe Flacco & the Ravens finished 12 out 32 teams.
Why is this comparison of Ryan & Flacco significant in the redzone? Because in the redzone, the spacing is shorter and the coverage is tighter, with smaller passing lanes. You have to have a strong throwing arm to have success in the redzone and Flacco has way more zip on his passes than Ryan.
I think there is still lots of anger towards Vick, so much so, you guys want Ryan to succeed so bad that you are living in fantasy land, thinking they will beat teams so much more superior that it is suicidal thinking.
That’s just on the offensive side. The defense is an even worst case scenario. The defense has lost all leadership & lost 5 starters, with very little replacement.
There is very little depth, especially at the running back and wide receiver positions. If White or Turner happen to get injured, this team could resemble the 2007 version.
I think you guys need to stop with all the blind hatred to Mike Vick because he is gone and in a much better place, with a brighter future than the Falcons are in right now.
If the Falcons don’t make the playoffs this season, how patient do you think Art Blank will be with Coach Smith, The GM & Ryan? It will be 5 whole seasons since they have won a playoff game.
Mary
August 28th, 2009
1:00 pm
The Atlanta press needs to stop reporting on this dog killer. He’s not part of the local area anymore. Thank God. It’s trash journalism. Focus on local teams and any NATIONAL newsworthy events.
Bat Masterson
August 28th, 2009
1:08 pm
I don’t have any empirical evidence to back it up, but I believe your first paragraph is wildly off the mark.
Bat Masterson
August 28th, 2009
1:09 pm
Whooops that was for : Curious
August 28th, 2009
12:09 pm
Boo Boo
August 28th, 2009
1:10 pm
I watched The Soloist last night on DVD. I liked the part where they were letting-go reporters at the LA Times. But, then I saw how Mike Vick is like the down-and-out, schitzophrenic homeless person from skid row, who was made a star by a newspaper reporter … like Mark Bradley. I cried. Now I understand where you are coming from Mark. When’s the book coming out?
Mac
August 28th, 2009
1:11 pm
You gotta feel good throwing into the hands of a receiver named Baskett, don’t you?
Bad News
August 28th, 2009
1:11 pm
Mary
Do you support Robin Starr (CEO SPCA) in Virgina?
You know, the woman that wanted to crucify Mike Vick for dog killing.
You did hear about her pet being roasted to death and caused kidney failure in her car right?
midnite
August 28th, 2009
1:18 pm
Coach Killer, Team Killer, Dog Killer, and now QB Killer. McNabb will despise Vick by mid-season and Philly implodes. 4/4 19 yds heck John Parker Wilson puts up better numbers.
Trina Hodges
August 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
I hope that when Vick and the Eagles come to town, they stomp all over those country Falcons…beginning with that wimp Matt Ryan. I guess the whites are happy because they have the team back as a plantation with the white masta (Matt Ryan) leading the share croppers.
P.T. Laron
August 28th, 2009
1:25 pm
I agree with a few other posters: Enough with the endless stream of Vick articles and opinions. He is no longer a Falcon, and really hasn’t been one for more than two years. Regardless of whether he is a great quarterback or just a gifted athlete, his departure turned out to be a good thing for the Falcons, so let’s focus on the team and the drama surrounding it as the regulary season nears. And I agree almost everyone deserves a second chance and hopefully Vick won’t mess his up – except for when it is one the field against us.
Atlanta Native
August 28th, 2009
1:28 pm
I am a dog owner and love dogs. Those of you who are still upset with Vick, I ask you this: What do you think about everyone lauding Ted Kennedy? He killed a human! Go picket his funeral and leave Vick alone. Vick sickened me, but I believe he learned his lesson and he showed contrition for what he did – to the dogs and to his employers. Kennedy never showed a bit of regret or contrition about leaving Ms. Kopeckne (sp?) while he sobered up.
BY the way, the bigotry (I will not use the word racism if I can avoid it, as it has been rendered meaningless as of late) is rather disgusting. Blacks who hate whites for being white and whites who hate blacks for being black are generally ignorant under achievers who contribute little to society, are themselves failures in the eyes of their peers or themselves and need a scapegoat to look down on to make them feel better about their sad, empty little lives.
Dean
August 28th, 2009
1:28 pm
The past is the past. All I care about is Sept. 12 thru Jan. 3, 2010. And beyond.
jeb
August 28th, 2009
1:29 pm
You have stated “He Still Looks The Same And You Are Still Writing About The Same.” MICHAEL VICK..MAKE THOSE HATERS YOUR MOTIVATORS….MICHAEL VICK….
Dink
August 28th, 2009
1:33 pm
Mark:
Off the subject but here’s a prediction that I thought would make you smile. As Keith Jackson likes to say, Whoa Nellie!
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/pgStory?contentId=9984450>1=39002#sport=CFB%20Season%20Previews&photo=9984906
jeb
August 28th, 2009
1:34 pm
MICHAEL VICK IS NO LONGER IN THE ATLANTA AND YOU STILL HAVE NOT SOLD OUT THE DOME…GO BUY THE TICKETS TO THE FALCONS 6-10 SEASON THIS YEAR..
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.
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 28th, 2009
3:03 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.
-Most true fans love the Falcons and have moved on from Mike Vick.
- 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.
-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.
YUP!!
August 28th, 2009
3:17 pm
LET ME SAY THIS AS CLEAR AS I CAN…………..BWAA HA HA!!
Oh and Vick sucks…….along with Bigsleezy830 and Bad News.
BWAA HA HA!!!!! 4/4 19 yards 1 yard rushing!!!!! BWAAA HA HA!!!
Life coach
August 28th, 2009
3:32 pm
Vick is sick! Just another NFL thug with a felony conviction. Hell, the NFL would play Charles Manson if he could throw, catch or run with a football. NFL; National Felons League.
Jennifer B.
August 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
SO GLAD VICK IS BACK!!! LOVED HIM WHEN HE WORE #7 IN GEORGIA, AND STILL LOVE HIM WEARING #7 IN PHILLY. SECURED 4 TICKETS FOR THE DECEMBER 6, GAME THE DAY AFTER VICK SIGNED WITH PHILLY. WILL BE GIVING A COUPLE OF VICK JERSEYS FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. All you haters who pretend to care so much about the welfare of those dogs, what about the welfare of humans fighting humans in the ring? Some fighters have gone done for the count, and stayed down(death blow). Just listen to the speech or the lack of, of many of the greats. Yet you jump at the opportuity to keep attacking the brother about his actions with his dogs. Actions for which he was punished. Your compassion seem as phony as a $3.00 bill. Your shouts of protests are a manifestation of deep-seated emotions that has nothing to do with the welfare of Vick’s dogs.
Mark Bradley
August 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
I thought Vick looked OK last night. Having been away from the NFL since Dec. 31, 2006, I didn’t expect a Vick-in-Minnesota game. He did what he needed to do.
What's Important
August 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
Jennifer B – I think that boxing is horrific. However the boxers choose to go in the ring, the dogs don’t get to make that choice. Also the dogs didn’t get paid millions, win or lose. If they lost, they were hung, shot or electrocuted. You can’t excuse a terrible act by talking about another terrible act. They are both awful.
Robin (CEO SCPA) Starr....AKA Dog Protector & Killer
August 28th, 2009
4:53 pm
I didn’t kill my dog, I just took him out of his misery, but why does my car smell like old hot dogs?
Screw Vick
August 28th, 2009
5:29 pm
Hey Jennifer, Your analogy sucks. Also Vick only was punished because he got caught. If not, he would still be electrocuting dogs to this day.
If you decide to back someone that shows zero emotion and compassion for living creatures, then that’s your business. Hopefully in your next pitiful life, you will return as a “training dog” in the dogfighting ring.
YUP!!
August 28th, 2009
5:33 pm
What are some of you people gonna do with your Dec. 6th tickets after Philly releases Vick? After last night everyone knows he will not last that long. It was hard for me to watch the game because it wasn’t Philly football at all. It won’t last. Bank on it!!
bigeasy830
August 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
There are plenty of tickets available for all falcons home game except the one on Dec. 6th. Go to the Falcons official website and see for yourself. HAHAHAHAHA. Falcons suck and so do you you liar. HAHAHAHAHAHAH.
Falcons 4-12 in 2009
“Back To Life, Back To Reality”
WHAT UP!!!
August 28th, 2009
8:39 pm
So bigeasy830…………by ur name r u saying you can take BIG ones EASY 830 times a day?
Stop being so jealous of the Falcons finally having a GREAT TEAM.
You’re just sad because DEEP DOWN you know you are 100% wrong and just trying to ignore that fact that you are a dumb bag of sh**!!!
Tired of Dumb Vick Fans and Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 29th, 2009
12:26 am
@bigeasy830- It’s simple, we’ll count the blackouts. By the way MV7 4-4 for 19 yards. Mcnabb has already started chirping. Philly fans started chanting “we want Vick” Great qb controversy already. Just made the Eagles the worst team in the NFC East.
Vick has been reduced to playing a few plays a game and running gimmicks. The Philly fans will turn and that team will implode.
honest_abe
August 29th, 2009
6:13 am
damn bad news… you’re making vick defenders look bad. hey if you want to stick up for #7 go right ahead, ain’t nobody stoppin ya. but why the attacks on matt ryan? seems like you’re a redskins fan so no beef there..
stop looking at colors my friend. matt ryan is the most promising young qb in the league. period.
mike vick peaked early and never got better. he spend the last two years in prison… last time i checked rotting away in prison doesn’t speed up your 40 time. as for that one long pass of 13 yards. it wasn’t accurate. the reciever had to adjust and make a nice catch. check the stats. people can’t run after catching balls from vick because they have to contort, dive and pray to have a chance to come down with one of his passes.
and bad news stop making up words. the hell is mediocracy?
YUP!!
August 29th, 2009
10:21 am
PREACH IT HONEST ADE!!!!!
Nicole Webster
August 29th, 2009
2:13 pm
Michael Vick has been given his second chance. But I am more concerned with the second chance that were given to the dogs that survived going through all the torture.
There is a new Documentary, VICKtory to the Underdog that was released by Brandon Bond and Atlanta Pitbull Rescue. It shows the growth of several Michael Vick dogs, as well as many other abused and rescued pitbulls. Here is a link to it. http://strangleholdmerch.com/vicktory-to-the-underdog-p-191.html
There is a preview of the film, also available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH545Ux7rM4
Floridadawg
August 30th, 2009
5:18 am
There is one thing more disgusting than Vick. His fans. 84% of the black population with no empathy for animals. I will NEVER see you the same. EVER.
Michael Vick Eagles
August 31st, 2009
1:32 pm
[...] Vick sounded sincere and remorseful when the Eagles introduced him at … Bradley's Buzz: Michael Vick returns with a shovel passAs you know, Michael Vick is now an Eagle, and he made his first appearance for his new franchise [...]
Mike Vick
August 31st, 2009
1:47 pm
[...] Hards on here talking all reckless like Mike Vick owes them an apology. Grow up! … Bradley's Buzz: Michael Vick returns with a shovel passAnd here Michael Vick goes again. Looks about the same, doesn't he? (AP photo) I laughed at this [...]
Philadelphia Daily News
August 31st, 2009
11:52 pm
[...] Daily News. Tierney hopes to shed much of the outstanding $400 million debt through … Bradley's Buzz: Michael Vick returns with a shovel passPretty good, writes Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News. Vick “lined up as the [...]
GaCracker
September 1st, 2009
10:23 am
Hey Mike – I wish you all the best – break a leg!
Jenni13
September 2nd, 2009
5:50 pm
All of you people who are trying to make a joke out of the Starr tragedy are sick, sad individuals. There is a HUGE difference between not knowing that your blind and deaf dog was placed by your husband into the back seat of your car and repeated, ritualistic torture of dogs (including anal electrocution, hanging, drowning and beating)… all while laughing and whooping it up with your equally sick and twisted ghetto thug buddies. Vick is a heartless, sick scumbag who doesn’t deserve a “second chance” at a privileged life and job as a hero in the NFL. Sure, he is entitled to make a living. How about shoveling crap at the zoo or making license plates?That would be much more appropriate.