News from Philly: Vick named starting pitcher … er, QB
Arthur Blank and Michael Vick before the Eagles beat the Falcons last year. (Photo by M. Bradley)
Philadelphia — Talk about timing. I was planning to stop by the Eagles’ practice facility tomorrow en route to the final game of the Braves-Phillies series. My intention was to speak to Michael Vick about how graciously he has accepted his role as the Eagles’ No. 2 quarterback behind Kevin Kolb. And then …
Ten minutes ago the press box at Citizens Bank Park, which is just across the street from the Eagles’ stadium and down the road from the training complex, went nuts, and it had nothing to do with the Phillies or the Braves. The Eagles just sent out a blast e-mail announcing that coach Andy Reid has named Vick the starting quarterback. (This represents a major reversal on Reid’s part: Even after Vick had led Philly to victory Sunday over Detroit, the coach maintained that Kolb, who missed the game with a concussion, would remain No. 1.)
And I’m thinking: Good for Michael Vick.
Because I’ve never been able to dislike him as a person. Because I’ve always considered him capable of being a first-rate NFL quarterback. And because tomorrow just got a bit more interesting for yours truly.
Oh, and you’ll never guess which team visits Lincoln Financial Field — that’s the stadium across the street — on Oct. 17. Yep. The Atlanta Falcons. Them again.
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219 comments Add your comment
GT Alum
September 21st, 2010
7:43 pm
MB, I was actually looking at the FA OFs after this season, and Werth and Dunn are the only ones who really look like significant upgrades for the Braves. And Dunn’s LH and not much of a defensive asset, so Werth honestly might be the best fit. Makes me think our best chance of improving the OF for next year would be via a trade.
Interesting Move: Philadelphia Eagles Bench Kolb, Make Vick Starter – Opposing Views | NFL Fans Stay Connected
September 21st, 2010
7:46 pm
[...] the NFL Network is reporting that the Philadelphia Eagles have benched Kevin Kolb and bumped …Live from Philly: Michael Vick named starting pitcher … er, QBAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Michael Vick: Vick: This is Kevin Kolb's [...]
GT Alum
September 21st, 2010
7:46 pm
todd grantham -
Actually, Prado’s numbers this year are right about what they were last year. And his numbers in 2008 were slightly better. Any time the guy’s gotten more than 60 ABs in a season, he’s handled himself pretty well.
JASon
September 21st, 2010
7:47 pm
I bought my Vick eagles jersey at the beginning of last season. I think its fitting that this intelligent organization kept him and got rid of McNabb. And look at how they are reaping the benefits. The Eagles want to win. Who would start Kolb ahead of Vick? That is something bobby cox would do- oh we gotta stick with our initial plan, we gotta stay loyal to our guy. No, if your guy is ineffective, you get someone in there who can get the job done!
Anyway, I wear my #7 jersey proud on Sunday, even if I am a falcons fan first. Plus, it is a good looking jersey, unlike the ugly pile of dog turd falcons jersey.
joseph
September 21st, 2010
7:48 pm
VICK DID THE CRIME HE PAID FOR THE CRIME DEARLY NOW I THINK HE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO GET ON WITH HIS LIFE. I WISH HIM ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD, EXCEPT WHEN HE IS PLAYING AGENST THE FALCONS.
Jerome
September 21st, 2010
7:49 pm
Go Braves and Go Vick, except when the Falcons come to town. I hate the Cowgirls, Giants and, Skins. No ill will in Philly except when we went to the NFC Championship and I almost lost my life.
He's Bacccck!!
September 21st, 2010
7:53 pm
Get it right…he’s the “starter” for the Eagles…not just this week!! I guess you missed Andy Reid’s press conference!!
A+A
September 21st, 2010
7:54 pm
I do not think hanging, strangling and electrifying dogs is ‘a cultural thing’. Michael Vick is a merciless, remorseless killer. He’d still be doing this if he hadn’t been stopped.
Eric
September 21st, 2010
7:56 pm
@joseph………
I COULDN’T AGREE WITH YOU MORE!
WE STILL LOVE YOU MIKE!
Tee
September 21st, 2010
7:56 pm
I’m sure the haters are leaping off of tall buildings in Philly and here in the ATL…LMAO
San
September 21st, 2010
7:58 pm
God is GOOD….Congrats MV7! The more they HATE, the more blessings will fall your way!!
o-me
September 21st, 2010
8:04 pm
Vick is so loved by media…keep the BS coming.
carolyn
September 21st, 2010
8:06 pm
UGABugKiller,
I suppose you hate this country also, given that it has and continues to perpetrate the same violence and evil you mention on, and get this, not four legged animals, but human beings. far more than vick could ever, even in a full lifetime. double standars, much????
NOLA
September 21st, 2010
8:08 pm
stil get’s more ink than the hometowm ‘cons. the vick experience is back again.
NOLA
September 21st, 2010
8:10 pm
those dogs were his property, nothing more nothing less just like furniture and by law what he did was only a misdemeanor.
vick served time for gambling, which sends most of your kids to college (hope scholarship).
Sg
September 21st, 2010
8:11 pm
Boy, you just get the feeling watching this game that the Braves aren’t anywhere close to the level of the Phillies. They have better pitching and twice the hitting of the Braves. Oh yeah, then throw in our shaky defense…
Jamie
September 21st, 2010
8:12 pm
Did the Werth homer land yet?
Heath
September 21st, 2010
8:13 pm
I’ll bet Ryan wishes he had killed some dogs so these guys would all be big supporters of his.
NOLA
September 21st, 2010
8:14 pm
Heath
September 21st, 2010
8:13 pm
I’ll bet Ryan wishes he had killed some dogs so these guys would all be big supporters of his.
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Ryan is a sissy, the saints will beat him to a pulp like they did to kurt warner and grandpa favre.
Heath
September 21st, 2010
8:16 pm
But even if they do, if he goes out and kills some dogs, lots of these folks will suddenly become his biggest fans. “Bunch of haters! I support Ryan!”
Ted Striker
September 21st, 2010
8:20 pm
1) Vick has played lights out
2) He’s been solid in the locker room
3) He’s kept his nose clean off the field
I’ve never heard anyone who’s met him say he’s not a likable guy. I’d rather have him as my QB than the vaunted Brett Favre for a lot of reasons.
Turtsnap
September 21st, 2010
8:24 pm
Werth a FA at end of year, maybe the Braves will go after him.
shelby Jenkins
September 21st, 2010
8:26 pm
I like Vick, and I like Ryan. Two different type of QB’s. Vick has proven he is capable of leading a team to the NFC Championship game, Ryan has not,…yet. Who I don’t like is Roddy White. When was the last time you heard this in regards to Roddy White:” What a great clutch catch with the game on the line!!!”
Najeh Davenpoop
September 21st, 2010
8:27 pm
“Boy, you just get the feeling watching this game that the Braves aren’t anywhere close to the level of the Phillies. They have better pitching and twice the hitting of the Braves. Oh yeah, then throw in our shaky defense…”
I agree. I hate to say it, but the Braves team of June and July looks like a real mirage now. This current Braves team is no different from the .500 teams of the last three seasons. I got suckered in by the solid pitching and late-inning magic of the summer, but it seems to have run out.
Ted Striker
September 21st, 2010
8:32 pm
Still don’t follow why some people try to fabricate an issue of “Falcon Matt Ryan versus Falcon Michael Vick.” Different times, different teams. Different situations, different realities.
Trying to put Ryan and Vick at odds is like trying to put Teddy Roosevelt at odds with George Washington.
Vick Supporter
September 21st, 2010
8:32 pm
Vick you did it man!!!!!
Vick Supporter
September 21st, 2010
8:33 pm
Eagles vs Falcons. I cannot wait until he crushes the falcons
BravesAreDone
September 21st, 2010
8:34 pm
People make mistakes, yes his was a big one, but he deserves forgiveness and another shot at success!
JT
September 21st, 2010
8:39 pm
Are any of you jerks watching the Braves game?
MB, can you write another column and start a Braves blog for goodness sake.
SavFan
September 21st, 2010
8:42 pm
Charlie Manuel sent his three aces to face the Braves in this series. Bobby Cox counters with two rookie pitchers to start this series and a lineup that can’t hit quality starters. He is going to manage the Braves out of the playoff race. It is time for him to take his “everything will work itself out “attitude to the farm. I can’t wait until the 7th inning for a relief pitcher to come in the game so they can score some runs
Chuck
September 21st, 2010
8:43 pm
Soon the Eagles can discover the joys of Vickdom: the stunting ballhog, the moody inconsistency, the surly contempt for fans… and the difficulties of reworking your whole playbook when your 1000-yd. rushing quarterback goes out with a leg injury. There are some massive DLs out there, and 30-yr-old bones break easier than 20-yr-old ones do.
Bill
September 21st, 2010
8:43 pm
Aw great, when did Vick Supporter get out of the joint?
Tell me VS, what are you going to do in 5-6 years when Vick retires (or breaks his leg again, or gets thrown back in jail)?
It’s gonna happen, prepare yourself…
Are you going to light a candle in front of one of the 400+ photos you keep of him in your apartment? Sounds like it’s ALL you live for!!
Where’s Adalius Thomas when you need him? I’ll take Matty Ice over the dog killer ANY day !
mustang65
September 21st, 2010
8:45 pm
TWO YEARS AGO,WE HAD A PRAYER VIGIL FOR MIKE. WE KNEW THAT IF WE BELIEVED IN MANKIND BEING A FORGIVING PEOPLE, HE WOULD RISE OUT OF THE DIFFICULT SITUATION THAT HE WAS IN. TO THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO CONDEMN HIM FOR A YOUNG AND FOOLISH MISTAKE IN HIS PERSONAL LIFE, WE ARE GOING TO PRAY FOR YOU AND THAT THE MEAN-SPIRITED STATEMENTS WILL BECOME A FAINT VOICE IN THE WIND.GOOD LUCK MIKE!
crabapplejoe
September 21st, 2010
8:49 pm
@Chuck: Great post….this is good news for the Falcons and the other teams the Eagles play this year. Reid has now created a locker room division and the city will be divided as well. Kolb, should demand an immediate trade rather than suffering through the “Schaub treatment”….think of where Schaub’s career would be if he didn’t have to ride the bench because of the “Michael Vick experience”….I’m just glad that “experience” has moved on to another town.
mikeDW
September 21st, 2010
8:51 pm
kept his nose clean? I’ve never had anyone shot at one of my birthday parties. Someone’s an idiot.
Nevertheless, I picked him up for my fantasy team.
Go Vick.
Go Falcons.
Go Ryan.
Truth-Serum
September 21st, 2010
8:53 pm
Thats my folk. GO VICK!!!
HOW IN THE …. DID YOU START A GUY NAME KOLB OVER A ALL PRO ANY WAY.
Truth-Serum
September 21st, 2010
8:54 pm
*AN ALL PRO
elaine
September 21st, 2010
8:55 pm
Vick, (Seven) I don’t think you know how blessed you are. I am from Georgia and have prayed for you as if you were my son. At Christmas, I would purchase my son and nephews your jersey. Our family refer to you as “Seven”. God’s number of completion. You are gifted with the total package. You brought them so much joy. Now, hold your head up and walk in victory. Play ball son!
NOLA
September 21st, 2010
8:56 pm
Bill
September 21st, 2010
8:43 pm
Aw great, when did Vick Supporter get out of the joint?
Tell me VS, what are you going to do in 5-6 years when Vick retires (or breaks his leg again, or gets thrown back in jail)?
It’s gonna happen, prepare yourself…
Are you going to light a candle in front of one of the 400+ photos you keep of him in your apartment? Sounds like it’s ALL you live for!!
Where’s Adalius Thomas when you need him? I’ll take Matty Ice over the dog killer ANY day !
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by that time taylor martinez will be lighting it up in the league.
mikeDW
September 21st, 2010
8:57 pm
God Vick supporters are stupid. I like him for his talents, but I understand that he’s a flawed human being…Jesus Christ, what the F is wrong with you people?
indigo
September 21st, 2010
8:58 pm
Enjoy Vick’s play now, or enjoy criticizing it now. Because if Mike is Mike, he will not last three games without a season ending injury. His play is exciting, but QB running and scrambling is a QB going down in the NFL. So all this discussion wil lbe moot soon.
woodie
September 21st, 2010
8:58 pm
As a person Vick is a scumbag. As a football player he is fast and has a strong arm but not much beyond that.
GT81MGB
September 21st, 2010
9:04 pm
Braves look like the Bad News Bears. Solid baseball in this series and they’d be contending.
Steve
September 21st, 2010
9:04 pm
SMART McCann! Moron.
Charlie Manuel's Colon
September 21st, 2010
9:05 pm
Any updates on whether Vick was named starting dog-killer?
Meanwhile, if the Braves lose another game, I’m going to EXPLODE!!!
Danielle
September 21st, 2010
9:14 pm
Go! Mr. Vick is an awesome football player and I love him. He is talented and ‘ol so handsome.
NOLA
September 21st, 2010
9:14 pm
mikeDW
September 21st, 2010
8:57 pm
God Vick supporters are stupid. I like him for his talents, but I understand that he’s a flawed human being…Jesus Christ, what the F is wrong with you people?
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do you know any human being who is not flawed?
waynester
September 21st, 2010
9:21 pm
Wow– some of ya’ll have defective memories. You conveniently forget that there were numerous incidents in which Vick brought shame upon himself and the Falcons–not just financing a gambling organization, contrary to the rules of all professional sports. To say it’s a cultural thang is to denigrate the very culture to which you errantly refer. For the guy who described this as a “youthful mistake”–the man was 28 for goodness sake. For those of you who expended your efforts praying for his soul, more power to ya’–but you’re wasting your efforts coming on here trying to rewrite/reinterpret history. This franchise gave him everything he ever dreamed of and he flipped it off….
Truth-Serum
September 21st, 2010
9:26 pm
Vick Supporter… Cyber fist bump to you ! Toast to Vick! Toast to the haters!!!!
Truth-Serum
September 21st, 2010
9:28 pm
NOLA when you measure flawed human beings you probably rank well below Hitler so go wash your mouth out.