The Falcons were Vick-timized, but mostly they’re just vexed
Michael Vick had his moments, but they weren't key. (AP photo)
“Disappointing and embarrassing,” was how Arthur Blank put it, and such was the overstuffed nature of the day a listener felt moved to ask: Which part? “The performance,” Blank said.
And the the Michael Vick aspect? Blank all but waved that away, saying, “I thought the reaction was mixed. A lot of people are happy to see him back in the NFL, and to see him have success … the reaction certainly was understandable.”
What Vick did Sunday was stimulating but inessential. He scored a touchdown to make it 20-0 and threw for another to make it 34-7. And some Falcons fans indeed cheered his deeds, but it must be noted there were a slew of Eagles fans in the Dome and they’d have saluted Kevin Kolb with much the same gusto.
No matter how it seemed on TV, Vick’s sort of homecoming commanded no consensus. He drew more boos than cheers when he made his first appearance, and even after the two touchdowns this was not — no matter how the national media might portray it — a case of every single Falcons supporter changing sides. The majority came ready to support the home team, but the home team did nothing to hold up its end.
The Falcons were beaten 34-7 in a game with massive playoff ramifications, and they needed a deflected touchdown pass at the final horn to make it that close. Put simply, the 2009 Falcons looked no better than the 1989 Falcons. They looked like a team falling to pieces. Which they pretty much are.
The team that changed five defensive starters over the offseason was forced by injury to change five offensive starters in one week. “We will not make excuses,” Mike Smith said, and a team might well bite the bullet if it’s down a man or two. But down five?
Wasn’t it unrealistic to expect a high-level showing from an offense at half-strength? “Yeah,” said linebacker Michael Peterson, but then he backpedaled. “Not really. Guys have to come in and perform.”
The Falcons, sad to say, have run out of guys. If they get enough men back within the next couple of weeks, the forever-sought second consecutive winning season might still occur. But the playoffs? That ship is steaming out of sight.
What happened Sunday wasn’t a repudiation of the post-Vick design but a grim reminder that an NFL team is only as robust as its health. “Both parties have moved on,” Vick said afterward. “They have a franchise quarterback and they’re putting people around him, and they’re going to continue to make strides. And I’m going to do the same.”
Alas, the franchise quarterback has turf toe. The franchise back has a twice-sprained ankle. At least three starting offensive linemen are injured. The team lost badly Sunday because it lacked the manpower to do any better. Sometimes it’s not who wants it more. Sometimes it’s who has more healthy bodies.
Said Blank: “The team didn’t play up to the level of our expectations. That’s not what Falcons football is about.”
The latest installment of the Michael Vick Experience was a one-shot deal. He won’t be back anytime soon. The Falcons have another game next week, and then the next, and then two more after that. And for all the expressions of embarrassment — Peterson said he was so abashed “it hurts to do this interview” — there wasn’t a real alternative. You need good players to play well. Too many of the Falcons’ good players didn’t play Sunday.
As galling as the score might have been, the game itself was an accurate reflection of relative worth. The Eagles are so stacked they have three quarterbacks better than Chris Redman. The final month can be reduced to this: Either the Falcons get healthy or they keep getting beat. And right now you wouldn’t bet on recuperation.
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212 comments Add your comment
drmondo
December 6th, 2009
7:04 pm
That was an embarrassing game. The offense looked anemic…what’s with all the batted balls and trying to run our scatback Norwood up the middle? Defensively, very little pressure was put on the QB, the CBs played too soft and a FB was outgaining our entire offense at one point.
Then there’s Vick. I’m glad it seems like he’s fixing his life outside of football. I applaud his desire to make up for his mistakes. The lovefest in the stadium, however, was disgusting. He plays for the competition. You do not cheer when the opposition scores! If you want to show him support, cheer when he’s introduced. Cheer him at the end of the game if he comes out to wave to the crowd. People rooting for the guy who singlehandedly nearly destroyed this franchise a couple years ago is pathetic. Do you cheer Petrino if his team plays in Georgia? If Jeff George comes to town with another team, do you root for him?
The Falcons should have had enough team pride to not allow Vick to have his best game of the season against him. THAT’s probably the most depressing thing about this loss. I would have thought that win or lose, at the very least they’d shut down MV. Now they get to hear about it for the next week, on every sports channel and news channel, over and over again. These blogs will be filled with angry fans and the handful of MV trolls.
I hope they get back some pride in themselves and start playing like an NFL team and not the train wreck they’ve become. We long-time fans are second-guessing the team. Is this just like all the other Falcons teams or can they break the streak? That’s all I’ve really wanted all season. Just give us a winning season.
bandwagon fan
December 6th, 2009
7:04 pm
idiots!!! HE FLICKED ALL U IDIOT MV7 SUPPORTERS IN THE STANDS!!!! idiots! he could care less about u in the stands, hahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahaha. cheer for all loser because u are a loser MV7 fans = dropout losers
ohmy
December 6th, 2009
7:04 pm
as i recall, mike was riding the bench in his second season. he also did not start as a rookie for a team that was still in the midst of having their star indicted for cruelty to animals and their coach quit. there is really no accurate comparison between these two guys.
Driver 8
December 6th, 2009
7:05 pm
Blank is wrong. This is actually what Falcon football has ALWAYS been about. A good season is always followed by disaster.
MB-Tell me again how this is different from the Mora regime? I like CMS and TD as well, but truth be told, getting rid of the entire D without a serious plan to upgrade.
When a sprained toe (turf toe-whatever) means that the team can’t compete, it isn’t really much of a team. If the Falcons had ANYTHING, they could have been within 6 at the half. The 4 stops from the 1 after the Eagles begged them to stick around was beyond sad.
Lotto Tax
December 6th, 2009
7:06 pm
Vick remind me of one of those people that won the lottery and then blew it all.
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:07 pm
Nates money, Vick was 8-8, and 7-9 his last 2 years, we are 6-6. Seems like we are pretty much where we started….That said, you have to take your hats off to teams like the Patriots, Cults and Eagles. It is very hard to win in this league every year. Look at the steelers.
Luck, injuries, and kickers play a big part. So when teams win every year, it really is amazing.
stendec
December 6th, 2009
7:07 pm
I would fire ALL the Falcon coaches for those absolutely unacceptable play calls at the goal line at the end of the half! Is Mike Petrino just an idiot or what? The Eagles stacked 11 damn players inside. Go outside! An elderly woman in a wheelchair would have scored. Sheesh! ++STENDEC++
Sarah
December 6th, 2009
7:07 pm
let’s face itl. the national media only showed the no-class vick cheering fans and not the true falcon fans, or at least I hope that was the case. the way the eagles treated him was so disgusting I was ready to heave. yes, he’s paid his dues and says he’s changed. so give him another chance but treat him like a hero, I THINK NOT.
Claude Humphrey
December 6th, 2009
7:08 pm
When was the last time we even hurried a QB. This is the worst pass rush in NFL history,
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:08 pm
Driver 8, we are 6-6, New Orleans showed today they are beatable, lets see how the season plays out before we call it a diseaster.
TB
December 6th, 2009
7:09 pm
The game that I was at today in the GA Dome was the most embarrassingly bad display of football I’ve ever witnessed. Words fail. Like Vick or hate him, the point is, that it made it worse to be beaten by him. This is the 2nd time in 2 years that he beat the Falcons, although last time it was for a whole season because he went to jail for lying about illegal activity. He destroyed our season that year by putting himself above the team and continually lying, and today he had a coming out party against us. Pathetically embarressing. As for the Falcons, I think the words of Jim Mora sum it up best: “PLAYOFFS!, PLAYOFFS! are you kidding me, PLAYOFFS! I just hope we win another game” Yes this game was that bad and next week will not be pretty. May need to borrow one of those brown bags to put on my head the Saints fans wore for so long. I’m wondering who allowed Bobby Petrino in to camp to draw up this week’s game plan, cause it sure looked like one of his stinkers.
Eagles fans
December 6th, 2009
7:09 pm
Vick will NOT be an Eagle next season.
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:10 pm
Claude, I think the last time we pressured a QB is when you waved at Danny White.
The Dogfighter Returns
December 6th, 2009
7:10 pm
Jay, you can’t pay a backup 10mil a year.
—-
yes you can. where does it say you can’t? ever heard of jamarcus “my belly is in the way ” russell?
falcon5
December 6th, 2009
7:11 pm
Dimitroff is no genius. Mike Smith is an average coach. I’m most disappointed with the coaching today. They provided nothing in terms of offensive ingenuity. It’s time to evaluate Mularkey as to what he really brings to the team. Sean Payton is in another league from him.
To go into this season with the corners we have is inexcusable. Dimitroff proved last year was a fluke, and the guys he selected are always hurt (Sam Baker,Jerry-history of injuries)
natesmoney
December 6th, 2009
7:11 pm
falcongal404 – it is way too soon to say ryan is or will be a better qb than vick. based on this season and his college career what we know for sure is ryan is interception prone. now if he can lift the franchise and energize the fan base like vick did, i would be surprised. the fans cheered for vick because deep down inside they know the franchise IS NOT BETTER OFF without vick and with ryan. what everyone will find out soon enough is the falcons need vick more that vick needs the falcons and that ryan at his best is just anotyher avg qb.
stendec
December 6th, 2009
7:11 pm
I do feel a little sorry for Tony Gonzalez. Winner on team of quitters. Poor guy exchanged one such team for another. Oh well. Pay is fine. ++STENDEC++ Looks like run promised by blowhard Roddy “Butterfingers” White will never materalize. Receiver is a damn liar anyway!
The Rock
December 6th, 2009
7:11 pm
Mark,who are the possible free agent cornerbacks and or defensive studs that could be had for the right price at the end of the season?Our defense really do stink!
The Dogfighter Returns
December 6th, 2009
7:11 pm
Vick will NOT be an Eagle next season.
—-
after this game philly will get at least a third round pick for him.
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:13 pm
Why in the world do Vick fans bother everyone? Although he did not practice and study like he should have, and he is an idiot, he did pour his heart out on Sunday.
The Boss
December 6th, 2009
7:13 pm
“Real” , actually those that will be in attendance cheering for the Saints this week will be because they are SAINT fans! If you have been a ticket holder for 8 years as you claim, you would know the away game for them in Atl is a BIG deal…even in a bad year let alone the dream season they are having now. And yes, you are right everyone has the right to cheer for whomever they want, but your NOT a fan if you do that that’s for sure! I guess that means you after y our admittance of your actions today. Maybe its time you give up your season tickets…I for one would rather you not attend.
falcon5
December 6th, 2009
7:14 pm
oh and Mr. Blank whenyou say “This is not falcon football”.
How long have you been in Atlanta? This is EXACTLY what falcon football is. I’ve been going to games for 30+ years. Can you say no back to back winning seasons? cause this team will be lucky to win 8 games. Injuries happen they are not an excuse.
Seriously...
December 6th, 2009
7:15 pm
All this Michael Vick talk is driving me insane. Who cares about whether people were cheering for him or not? What people should really be concerned about is the fact that the Falcons continue to show why they get no respect around the league. Once a loser, always a loser! Forget about Mike Vick. Focus on the fact that this franchise STINKS!
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:15 pm
Man, I have never seen a bigger group of fair weather fans in my life. In the annals of Falcon history, this does not even crack the top 25.
poppa falcon
December 6th, 2009
7:15 pm
Sarah, I understand what your saying……….BUT we just LET this dude score TWICE on us. I could care less about LOYALTY. LOYALTY doesn’t WIN games; it takes GOOD COACHING, players AND guts. WE were missing ALL THREE today.
The Dogfighter Returns
December 6th, 2009
7:15 pm
This is the 2nd time in 2 years that he beat the Falcons, although last time it was for a whole season because he went to jail for lying about illegal activity.
——
dude he went to jail because he committed a crime not because he lied. it was meant to be.
Shaun M.
December 6th, 2009
7:16 pm
If Vick is subpar so is Matt Ryan. He had success last year because of Turner running the ball. What has he done this year besides throw a lot of interceptions? Can he throw a pass over 30yds? I don’t think so with that weak arm. It seems to me he is very overated and everyone is starting to realize it!
Rod
December 6th, 2009
7:16 pm
Why not let DJ Shockley, the former QB of the SEC Champs finish play.
Jamal T
December 6th, 2009
7:17 pm
Vick’s better than any QB on the Atlanta team. The falcons should have kept him after he got out of prison. Blank blew it, and now has Redman running the team, who is terrible. The falcons will be lucky to win 7 games.
d_costa
December 6th, 2009
7:18 pm
For far too long, my problem with the Falcons have been that they never showed a lot of toughness. It’s frustrating to see them always being pushed around. When will they be the bully, instead of the kid being bullied? I personally didn’t expect them to win today, but what was most disheartening was the way they got pushed around & shredded through the air. The secondary sux! I don’t get it? I look at other teams & I see them starting rookies and 2nd year players & their guys are making plays all over the place. Meanwhile, Chris Houston may be the worst starting CB in the NFL & Brent Grimes is a little boy playing with men & has no business being a 2nd stringer, let alone a starter. Brian Van Gorder is not drawing up defensive schemes that produce pressure either. Our D is very young but what we saw today was not encouraging for the future of this franchise.
Vick's the Man
December 6th, 2009
7:19 pm
I am a falcon season ticket holder. I heard more cheers than boos for Mike Vick. Philly put 8 in the box and shut down the dirty birds. Atlanta did not have an answer for the Philly’s defense.
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:19 pm
The fact is, there are 3 levels of teams in the NFL. Elite teams, terrible teams, and the rest. For the “rest” it comes down to injuries, kickers, and good old fashion luck to win in the NFL. We are not, nor ever have been, and elite team. Not even when you know who was QB.
pilgrim
December 6th, 2009
7:20 pm
Eagles’ front was too quick for Redman and the game got out of hand. Simple enough.
Glad to see there are still some real Falcons fans remaining.
Feel bad for Gonzales – his remaining seasons are too valuable to waste.
Seriously...
December 6th, 2009
7:20 pm
I do feel a little sorry for Tony Gonzalez. Winner on team of quitters. Poor guy exchanged one such team for another.
————————————–
I couldn’t agree more. I am a first time season ticket holder this year and I am seriously considering not renewing my tickets. It’s the same crap every year. I know we have injuries, and I know the team is young, but at what point do the excuses stop? I remember when McNabb missed 2/3 of the season a few years back due to injury and the Eagles still found a way to make the playoffs. We are the L.A. Clippers of the NFL.
falcon5
December 6th, 2009
7:20 pm
Most of our backups couldn’t play for any other team. that is bad talent evaluation-period!
one of dem mike vick lovers
December 6th, 2009
7:21 pm
Team Co-Captain, Quarteback, averaging 4+ yards a carry on the ground, 100% pass competion TD rushing and TD passing………………..YES!!!!! Oops no turn overs no sacks……………………….GO MV7!!!! By the way the Dome will always be PRIMETIME’s (No. 21) House.
poppa falcon
December 6th, 2009
7:21 pm
For all the current VICK bashing, keep in mind that we made him look GOOD TODAY. REAL good, in fact. I wish my team showed as much pride in themselves as I do them. Our performance was pitiful;, and we BETTER do something about it quick b4 the Saints get here next week.
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:21 pm
Shaun, Matt Ryan is 17-10 as a starter. You are what your recored says.
ohmy
December 6th, 2009
7:21 pm
seriously mr charlie…I still have nightmares of Danny White and still do not accept that we lost that game…this does not come close to past levels of futlity
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:22 pm
One of them Vick lovers,,,LOL
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:24 pm
The dome is Prime Times house, don’t ever forget that.
J-Bro
December 6th, 2009
7:24 pm
The Dogfighter Returns = Just anothother MV7 sycophant. Keep drinking the Kool Aid!
Peace out!
JSS
December 6th, 2009
7:28 pm
OK, some are you toeing the line, and many you are crossing over it!!! I’m not trying to be GOD or some moderator… Mark Bradley asked each side to keep it clean… Talk to each other, not at each other… Now you can rain epitaphs down on me
Real
December 6th, 2009
7:29 pm
“The Boss”,not everyone who is in atlanta a falcons fan 1st,you have people who been living in atlanta all their life but like the falcons.but like to cheer for their other team if they come to town just for 1game.its only 1game i understand all games but it is only 1 game,so just get over it.and im not the owner of the season tickets,so i cant give them up lol
The Dogfighter Returns
December 6th, 2009
7:29 pm
The Dogfighter Returns = Just anothother MV7 sycophant. Keep drinking the Kool Aid!
Peace out!
—–
run to mommy like you have done all your life. run forrest run. run forrest.
GeorgiaYankeesFan
December 6th, 2009
7:30 pm
whoa! let me get this straight, the Falcons, who were without their franchise starting QB and incredible RB, lost to a top-tier NFC team. The sky isn’t falling people, you’ll get healthy and fight another day if not this year then next. Sure the season seems lost but this team is in the best health it has ever been in with some outstanding football people at the helm. Last season’s improvement was a bit of a mirage because the Falcons had one of the easiest schedules in the league, this year things got tougher and things that went your way didn’t this year. You don’t rebuild a franchise in a year or two, it takes some time but you seriously have some outstanding football people in the organization who will continue to improve this team. Besides did you seriously believe you could somehow match the Vikings, Eagles, Saints, Cowboys, Giants, Cards in the playoffs this season. These are teams that have better depth, etc. The Falcons have the personnel to become an elite team but it takes more than one season to do it, give it a little time.
MARTIN
December 6th, 2009
7:31 pm
The saints are coming
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:33 pm
Mark, rank this loss in the perspective of Falcon history. This ain’t anything.
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:34 pm
As we saw today, the Saints are beatable. That said, we need a better effort than we saw today. Hopefully Ryan will be back.
Mr Charlie
December 6th, 2009
7:34 pm
Bring back Chris Chandler.