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July 2007
Vick makes radio appearance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In case you haven’t seen or heard it yet, Falcons quarterback Michael Vick appeared on V-103 FM today and spoke with host Porsche Foxx about the support he’s received and his possible future with the Falcons.
Here’s a sample of what he said in a taped interview, in which Foxx was asked by Vick’s lawyers not to ask Vick about the federal dogfighting charges he’s facing.
“Hopefully I’ll see y’all again,” Vick said. “It remains to be seen, but that’s what I’m working on.
“I just want to thank all my fans and all my support and all the people that are praying for Mike Vick and are in my corner right now. It’s a crisis situation for me but I’m going to get through it and I feel, by the grace of God, that’s the only way. I believe in the outcome at the end, and that’s why I put my faith in the man upstairs. It pains me not be down there right now because I know so many people want to see me and I want to be there.”
As for his future with the Falcons, Vick said, “Hopefully, under the right circumstances, I think it can work. I know I put the city through a lot, my owner, Arthur Blank, who I love, sincerely; I put him through a lot. It hurts me to put him through this situation.
“A lot of things would have to be worked out for him to put his faith and trust back in me. But if I had the opportunity…if it wouldn’t be a problem I’d like to come back, under the right circumstances.”
As for the team that’s trying to move in without Vick, who’s been banished by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Joey Harrington seems to be handling his new job as the starter relatively well. He’s making the throws and receiving support from coaches and teammates. The question will be how he’ll respond come game time.
It doesn’t appear if anyone has taken a lead in the battle for the backup QB job. Coach Bobby Petrino said D.J. Shockley and Chris Redman have taken turns performing well and performing below standard.
As has been the case the past two training camps, Roddy White has been impressive. The 2005 first-round pick is making tough catches in traffic and looking like a first-rounder should.
Some of the movers so far including tight end Martrez Milner, wide receiver Laurent Robinson and linebacker Orlando Huff.
Are you off to camp?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta, it’s Falcons training camp time again. Starting tomorrow, the Birds head back to the Branch in preparation for the 2007-08 season. Will you be there? If so, why? Be honest: Are you off to see what Camp Petrino is like? Going to check out new starter Joey Harrington? Or, frankly, curious about how the team stacks up without MV7 in the house?
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Vick discussions continue
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I know we planned on discussing offensive position battles this week but the developments following the indictment of Michael Vick on dogfighting charges seems to be a more pressing issue. I’ll try to blog Wednesday about offensive position battles if things aren’t too crazy with the off-field issues hovering over the franchise.
As of today, more meetings and conference calls regarding Vick’s future with the team have been and will be held. A resolution is expected by no later than Wednesday morning - the day players report to camp.
There is no indication as to which way things will play out, although more of the discussion seems to be options that don’t have Vick with the team. Whether a paid leave of absence or a suspension is the most viable option in that scenario is still being discussed.
There’s also been talk of Vick being allowed to return and earn a living while awaiting due process.
About 30 protesters from PETA were at Flowery Branch today with their message being that the Falcons need to part ways with Vick. Threats of lengthy protests of the Falcons and businesses that do business with Falcons if Vick remains with the team were abundant.
There also were a handful of anti-war protesters piggy-backing on the protest. Extra security guards and Flowery Branch police observed the peaceful protests and clearly were sizing up things for when practice starts Thursday.
Some members of the front office seem worn down already about the negativity that this situation has brought on the franchise, although they know they may have to brace themselves for more backlash, regardless of the decision.
We at the AJC are asking bloggers to be mindful what you post. This is a great forum but let’s not abuse it with profanity or offensive comments. We’re all grown enough to debate and discuss this emotional issue in a non-offensive manner.
Thanks ahead of time.
Steve
(Editor’s note: Commenting is now closed for this blog.)
Sizing up position battles on defense
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With training camp starting July 26, let’s look at some position battles. Next Monday, we’ll look at competition on offense. Once camp starts, I’ll be blogging just about every day, so we’ll have some fresh stuff to deal with. I’ll try to check in on these blogs as much as I can to address any questions you might have.
DE. Jamaal Anderson vs. Chauncey Davis. The Falcons didn’t draft Anderson No. 8 overall for him to come off the bench. At the same time, they are going to put the best player on the field and if Anderson isn’t ready to start the season, don’t be shocked if Davis starts and Anderson is weaned into the job, initially as a pass-rusher.
Backup NT. Darrell Shropshire vs. Tommy Jackson vs. Trey Lewis. The main backup is going to have to take a lot of snaps and Jackson emerged over Shropshire late last season. Lewis is trying to make a big leap from small college ball to the pros. Shropshire’s ability to slide to the opposite tackle works in his favor.
Backup MLB. Jordan Beck vs. Tony Taylor. This might seem like somewhat of a surprise since Beck has shown flashes of being ready to play a lot. However, the coaching staff was very impressed during offseason workouts with Taylor, who could slide outside in a pinch. Don’t forget, Taylor’s position coach, Brian VanGorder, also had him at Georgia.
Backup WLB. Orlando Huff vs. Stephen Nicholas. The acquisition of Huff, who’s started plenty of games in the NFL, was a sign that Nicholas’s inexperience is a concern, as is the durability of starter Demorrio Williams’ (torn pectoral muscle).
FS. Chris Crocker vs. Jimmy Williams. Williams might be the future but Crocker is not going to give his position away. Though Crocker was susceptible to the deep ball last season that is a fixable flaw. Williams, who is incredibly gifted and very physical in the running game, is still learning the position. This could be the top battle during the preseason.
RCB. Lewis Sanders vs. Chris Houston. Houston will eventually be the starter. It’s just a matter of when. Sanders is a steady player and he gives the Falcons more depth at the position than they’ve had.
Rookie safety Stone signs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In developments with the Falcons, rookie safety Daren Stone signed a four-year deal over the weekend. Stone, who played at Maine, is an intriguing prospect, because he is off the charts athletically but he needs to refine his game.
The Falcons have him listed as a free safety but he also could be worked at strong safety. He is expected to help on special teams but if he develops quickly enough, he has the size and tools to possible see some spot duty.
It’s been pretty slow otherwise. Players have finished offseason workouts and have gone on vacation, as have coaches, managers and owners.
Not everyone’s away, though. Some of the Falcons’ brass is working to sign more of their draft picks over the next few days.
With the down time, some players have been staging community service events. Cornerback Allen Rossum continues his push to youth fitness in the area and recently held an event through his foundation.
Several other players, including quarterback D.J. Shockley, fullback Ovie Mughelli and Eagles linebacker Takeo Spikes helped at a youth camp in Roswell.
As for the latest with the dogfighting investigation at a property owned by Michael Vick — federal agents searched the Virginia property Friday for a second time — signs are that there won’t be any resolution before training camp begins July 26.
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