On a wild night, the Falcons KO Vick and outslug his team
Michael Vick made three turnovers and left early. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
Traffic congealed on Northside Drive 2 1/2 hours before kickoff Sunday night. Ninety minutes later, the line to enter the Georgia Dome was 10-deep and 10-wide. From the crush of humanity, you’d have thought somebody famous was in town.
Actually, somebody famous was. Michael Vick was once the only compelling reason to watch the Falcons, and now he’s a both ex-Falcon and ex-con. In Philadelphia he has become the polished player he never was here, and on this night Vick would oppose a quarterback who’s the pride of Old Penn Charter School, a quarterback some Atlantans insist will never be as good as No. 7.
The vagaries of professional football had kept Matt Ryan and Vick from gracing the same NFL field. When Vick played here as a reserve in December 2009, Ryan was hurt. When Ryan played in Philly last October, Vick was hurt. But now the moment was at hand, and you could have game-planned a full summer and not concocted a more loaded Week 2 collision.
The Falcons, who some have cast as Super Bowl champs-to-be, entered on a six-game losing streak. Granted, four of those were exhibitions, but the first and last of the six were troubling.
The Falcons had been embarrassed by a hot quarterback wearing green back in January, and on Opening Day in Chicago they’d been bulldozed by Brian Urlacher. They needed this game not just to prove that, almost five years after Vick had last taken a snap as a Falcon, they’d emerged from his considerable shadow; in more pragmatic terms, they needed it to remind themselves they know how to win.
Three minutes into the third quarter, the Falcons were on track to doing both. They led 21-10 largely because Vick kept giving them the ball. (With a former Atlantan working for Philly and a native Philadelphian playing for Atlanta, sometimes it gets confusing.) Perhaps trying to earn his way into the Falcons’ Ring of Honor, Vick fumbled twice near the end of the first half and threw an interception to open the second.
Down 11, the Eagles responded with a quick touchdown — the Eagles are nothing if not quick — and then Ryan threw an interception and then Matt Bosher, who punts for the Falcons, dropped one out-of-bounds at the 20. This, if you’re a punter, is usually a good thing. Trouble was, this punt plopped down on the Falcons’ 20. Soon the visitors led by 10, and that might have been that. Except for one thing.
Vick was gone. He’d been hit on a pass and driven into one of his blockers. He left for the locker room with what was described as a neck injury — as he exited, he responded to boos by pointing to the scoreboard — and suddenly a game gone wrong was winnable again. The Falcons were 10 points in arrears, but they had more than a quarter left and they were facing a quarterback named, appropriately, Kafka.
“A lot of ebbs and flows,” Mike Smith, the Falcons’ coach, would say afterward.
With 4:48 to play, the Falcons were again in front. Ryan had been having an odd game — he had thrown three touchdown passes but had dealt two interceptions and been hurried and harried — but reverted to precise form with his team under duress. His fourth touchdown pass brought the Falcons close, and then Michael Turner galvanized the go-back-ahead surge with a 61-yard burst and a scoring sweep.
A four-point lead with 4:48 remaining wouldn’t have seemed a cushion against Vick, but against Mike Kafka the dynamics were rather different. On such a bizarre night, though, it somehow made sense that we’d be handed a Kafkaesque finish. The Philly sub led his team upfield, and was it possible the fancied Falcons would slip to 0-2 having been beaten by the namesake of a famed existentialist?
Er, no. Jeremy Maclin dropped a fourth-down pass that would have given the Eagles a first down at the Falcons’ 15, and the home side had done the job. It had beaten Michael Vick’s team while battering Michael Vick, and it had won a game that filled an immense need.
“It was perseverance,” Smith said. “You can’t overstate that.”
No, you can’t. Sometimes it matters less how well you play than how hard. This was such a night. The Falcons didn’t look nearly their best, but there’ll be time enough for fine-turning. This was one of those games that had to be won by any means necessary, and it was.
By Mark Bradley
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430 comments Add your comment
DC Dirty Bird
September 19th, 2011
6:15 am
I think this team has the talent to win big in this league but lacks the coordinators to make it happen. We cannot win with BVG as the defensive coordinator. His blitzes are unimaginative and his evaluation of opposing offenses 3rd down tendencies is extremely poor. Can we get more Matt Ryan no huddle in the middle of the game instead of when we’re behind by 10?
Michael Vick
September 19th, 2011
6:17 am
The African-Americans will support me no matter what…I am the greatest.
k483
September 19th, 2011
6:20 am
Take away the turnovers and the injuries. Do we still win this game? Or are we still depending on big plays?
DC Dirty Bird
September 19th, 2011
6:21 am
LOL at Tyrone. “Tyrone”….really? Terrible use of the word “thug” gave you away.
DC Dirty Bird
September 19th, 2011
6:26 am
We continue to struggle against diverse offenses with speed. Our D-Line isn’t dictating what the offense does to put the DB’s in a better position to get stops. Our O-line has some how digressed without Harvey Dahl. Then again, maybe we’re just seeing more defenses take advantage of Sam Baker.
aldga
September 19th, 2011
6:32 am
Some reporting…what was the final score of the game!?!?!?
Falcon in DC
September 19th, 2011
6:38 am
@BooBoo
Your observation is correct. The hit by Robinson took some of the wind out of the Eagles. Certainly had an impact on that last dropped pass. Watch the replays carefully and you’ll notice Maclin taking his eye off of the ball and looking to the middle of the field. Partly looking for the first down marker, but you’ll also see him bracing up for contact. I’m not advocating illegal or dirty play. I’m just calling it like I saw it.
Falcon in DC
September 19th, 2011
6:42 am
@DC Dirty Bird…..I agree 100% with your comment. Let a good win be just that.
BTW….I’m in Upper Marlboro. I grew up in Atlanta, but have been here several years now. Of course, since Washington is 2 – 0, we’ll have to hear about them going to the superbowl……..good grief!!!
Mike L.
September 19th, 2011
6:48 am
Enter your comments here
Larry
September 19th, 2011
6:53 am
TruthTeller,
Allow me to “tell” you this “truth” – Mike Vick has LOST more playoffs games (three) than Matt Ryan (two), The two than Vick won (against Green Bay and St Louis) were against two of the worst teams in the playoffs and neither of whom were Super Bowl Contender; the two that Ryan lost were against two Super Bowl teams…one that was the best team in the league last season that WON the Super Bowl, the other, St Louis, a Super Bowl team that would have won if not for the last second heroics by the Steelers.
Now you have the whole truth!
Mike L.
September 19th, 2011
6:54 am
Black people should be ashamed of themselves. Ryan is a good dude and does not deserve to be in this city with you clowns cheering for another guy just because he is black. Vick was a .500 QB his last two years and your memories are distorted. He didn’t even try hard earned here and we paid hard money for our tickets.
bvgdoesneedahaircut
September 19th, 2011
6:55 am
Is it just me or Does Brian Van Gorder look like a ’70’s porn star?
Noholdsbarred
September 19th, 2011
6:55 am
Sam Baker an NFL player?????????????? He and the punter???????? Please teach Julio it’s OK to stretch out and dive to make a catch–forget the one-hand stuff. Dunta gets beat so much he gets violent with his helmet. Need some coaches that can COACH defense. WHAT did Koenan do to get replaced with this so-called punter?
meme
September 19th, 2011
6:56 am
Ok what was with the pass plays when you gain more running againt the Eagles…
okthen
September 19th, 2011
6:58 am
hi to Mr. Mustard
dot forget the block by the rookie, what a guy!!!!!
tom
September 19th, 2011
6:58 am
two touchdowns were scored in the area Grimes is responsible for. Did not see him anywhere near the man with the ball. Defense sucked alot. Man catches a pass over the middle in the end zone. No one covering him as he crossed over the middle. Birds were very lucky to win this one.
Georgia
September 19th, 2011
6:58 am
sweet comeback for the Falcons. Huge win and a statement win that Atlanta can be tough enough to go 15 rounds. Eagles looked like they might have had us down but Atlanta changed it in the 4th. The Eagles were gassed and Vick of course was in the locker room. And it wouldnt have mattered if he was there, he doesnt play defense and Matt Ryan lead two 80 yard drives. Eagles’ offensive players are fragile at best..fast yes, but very fragile. And yes S.Baker was embarassing at LT. That has to be fixed somehow.
J. Jones isn’t really a deep threat so much, he is better underneath. Just get the ball in his hands quicker. Falcons should know this if they watched any SEC games the past couple of years.
Michael Vick
September 19th, 2011
6:58 am
Is this blog just for the Vick haters? Why can’t we all just get along?
iwasthere
September 19th, 2011
6:59 am
the refs in all the games were questionable, a lot of missed calls…..
Wondering
September 19th, 2011
7:01 am
How long do you people think any NFL QB can run around like Vick does before someone knocks him out or causes him serious injury?
GT
September 19th, 2011
7:02 am
Matt won’t be around for a whole season if that offensive line doesn’t figure out what time it is. I actually think Philly wore themselves out that last quarter. It is one thing to bull rush straight on and another exhausting thing to jump around then bull rust all the way to the quarterback every play. Second week in a row the defensive line has eaten up the Falcons.
Paddy
September 19th, 2011
7:06 am
By pointing at the score board, Vick stays true to form. Somethings never change, no matter what the circumstances!
Sam
September 19th, 2011
7:07 am
The falcons need to release Bosher the first thing this morning and find a new punter. Sam baker got manhandled last night. Our o line looks bad without mcclure
Strange Murphy
September 19th, 2011
7:08 am
Michael Vick! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
GT
September 19th, 2011
7:08 am
On Jones remember how long it took White to be one of the best receivers in football. Have faith Jones will be even better once he learns how to concentrate and all those dirty little tricks that they allow in the NFL and not college. Next to the quarterback the receiver is the hardest positon on the field to learn and when you run a 4.3 and are 6′4″ 230 lbs, quick learning may not be your cup of tea.
Tim Parker
September 19th, 2011
7:09 am
This was a horribly officiated game! Philly’s O-line was not being called for BLATANT holds and hands to the face. There was one play were Abraham was almost decapitated and the officials didn’t call it. Not to mention the helmet-to-helmet on Ryan from Cullen Jenkins. Fork Vick, I’m glad dog-killer got knocked out of the game.
pit
September 19th, 2011
7:14 am
this game was a dogfight for sure
dcb
September 19th, 2011
7:15 am
Great game for the fans. Hate to see all the “hate” comments above, tho’. Not a Vick fan but give him his due – he’s going to be the key cog in a lot of the Eagles wins this year – and I say that with “tongue in cheek” Hopefully this game is what the Falcons need to being the team we all expect and hope they will be this year. But boy does the offensive line look porous and in need of shoring up on pass blocking. How about Turner, Jones, White, and Gonzales though. Onward and upwards!
Samuel
September 19th, 2011
7:15 am
WE miss Harvey Dahl and Tod Mclure, The rookie lineman and Sam baker are horrible. Matt Ryan will not play a full season with this offensive line.
Ron Mexico
September 19th, 2011
7:16 am
@Michal Vick – I know you hate it when I pop out of the closet every now and then, cause I remind you and the general public of the person you are deep down inside. Lazy, complacent, a druggie, and a criminal. Once you are out of the NFL you can embrace me again as your true self. See you soon.
Rich T
September 19th, 2011
7:19 am
I was one of the few Mike Vick supporters prior to the dogfighting ring was exposed. I was also one of the few people on here saying we should draft Matt Ryan. Although my sudden disdain for Vick upon learning of the dogfighting has subsided and he has done his time, I pull for Vick to make the best of his comeback as a person and a player, but I will never pull for him against the Falcons.
With that said, can we now turn the play calling over to Ryan? I don’t have any stats readily available, but from all observations it sure seems they click a lot better when they run the no-huddle and also when he audibles at the line. Maybe it’s time for the staff to put more trust in his hands and see how powerful this offense can be.
John Galt
September 19th, 2011
7:26 am
This win represents the entire Vick/Ryan relationship. Ryan will never be as flashy and flamboyant as Vick- and Vick will never win it all.
We’ll stick with Matty Ice- Go Falcons!
Tim Parker
September 19th, 2011
7:27 am
Rich T….You bring up a great point. Ryan was poised and systematic – true “Matty Ice.” Atlanta is his town and the Falcons his team.
Tim Parker
September 19th, 2011
7:29 am
The look on Lurie’s face said it all, ” I paid $100 million dollars for this!?!”
Garrie
September 19th, 2011
7:31 am
A win is a win, but it wasn’t pretty. The no huddle offense was effective, why not use it more.
Lying Hypocrite Liberal
September 19th, 2011
7:32 am
vick the dog killer sucks Philly you wasted a bunch of money…..its all downhill from here LOL
Judy Wilson
September 19th, 2011
7:36 am
Okay the falcons won but they didn’t beat Vick he got hurt so a Rookie QB was in the game. So dont get to cocky about the win .
William wallace
September 19th, 2011
7:38 am
Well they pulled another rabbit out of there hat last night I believe there are better lineman in high school than Sam baker he belongs on the bench after his performance last night
Tvshooter
September 19th, 2011
7:41 am
Don’t make excuses that Vick got knocked out of the game for the Eagles losing. Matt Ryan played his ass off, and so do the rest of the Falcons. Kafka being in the game didn’t hurt the Eagles-he made some great plays. Our defense stepped up and pressured Maclin, and our offense went in and got the points.
If Abraham didn’t have those 2 penalties, you’d be taking at least 4 points off the board as they both occured on 3rd and long, giving the Eagles 1st downs.
Dunta Robinson needs to get a serious come to jesus meeting this week…he’s not just risking the other player’s health with those kind of hits, he’s also setting himself up for a life out of football, and a career as a wheelchair athlete.
But finally-as the sign the lady held up said…it’s
dean
September 19th, 2011
7:42 am
Coach Smith needs to “process” the O-line’s bee hinds come Tuesday morning. They’re lucky Ryan is still alive this morning. A win is a win though.
Tvshooter
September 19th, 2011
7:44 am
As the sign said “IT’S MATT RYAN’S HOUSE NOW!!!!!”
Although a good part of the mortgage is handled by Tony G. He had a stellar night, bailing out the offense with his ability to make the play. He’s always aware of where he is on the field, and what he has to do to make the play happen.
johnnywad
September 19th, 2011
7:44 am
Somebody wins,somebody loses.Big deal.Mike Vick is freak.He needs a pit bull up his ass.
Buck
September 19th, 2011
7:49 am
Why Dunta Robinson is a starter on an NFL team is beyond me! Why is the Falcon secondary so weak year after year after year! Nice win, but some serious issues that need to be dealt with on both sides of the ball.
TOO BAD
September 19th, 2011
7:49 am
Too bad our defense didn’t break Vick’s neck or his legs…..he is and always will be a punk thug who is not wothy of respect. He should not have been allowed to set foot in the state of Georgia or in the city of Atlanta……Burn in Helll Michael Vick!
Van Gorder still sucks
September 19th, 2011
7:53 am
Great win by the Falcons. But our D coordinator might be the worst in the league. And our defense is still pathetic other than our defensive ends and Grimey. For all the talk about Lofton and Weatherspoon, I just never see either LB make any big plays. All of their tackles are 20 yards downfield and they never seem to have tackles for losses. The D as a whole just looks way to soft, and when they blitz they always overrun the play. It hit me last night that its all about the scheme they play- and the O coordinator from Philly was outscheming Van Goober all night. It took a Jeremy Maclin drop to win the game. But we’lll take it.
FalconFan
September 19th, 2011
7:56 am
The thing is, Matt Ryan got murdered last night, no protection from Sam Baker at all and what did he do, lead the Falcons on not 1 but 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter. The Falcons dominated the clock in the 4th quarter and proved once and for all a fragile QB like Vick, he willingness to STILL after all these years hold that ball in one outstretched hand and run (one fumble), and Matt Ryan getting back up off the floor time and time and time again and lead a team back to victory. Anyone and I mean ANYONE who says this isn’t RYAN’s house now is living in a fairy tale. He is now 21-2 at home and 32-14 overall as a starter with going on his 4th winning season in a row! When Ryan started calliing his own plays at the line and running the hurry up, he OWNED the game in the 4th quarter. Vick or no Vick in the 4th quarter, doesn’t matter. Vick can’t play defense. Great show and for all of those who are counting, Ryan 1- Vick 0.
DonMobile
September 19th, 2011
7:57 am
Great win for the Falcons, but there appear to be two major problems for this team:
1) The defense is not good enough for the Falcons to be a Super Bowl- calibre team, and
2) Matt Ryan needs to be a great quarterback in the same class as Manning, Brady, or Brees for this team to win big. He’s not right now!
Pound Sand
September 19th, 2011
7:58 am
Like any great football game, it comes down to dedication, perseverance, strength of character and the willingness to stay in until the end to get the job done. One QB has these qualities the other does not. Enough said.
What
September 19th, 2011
8:04 am
Congratulations Falcons
Get Ryan more protection, it’s hard to quarterback when your running backwards.
What’s up with the passing ball with 11 seconds left in the half and your in the lead? Are you trying to loose?
Too Bad Too Bad
September 19th, 2011
8:05 am
You make a punk thug comment calling someone else a thug? Its people like you that make Vick look good.