Jeff Schultz

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 25, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

God I’ll be so glad when we don’t have to read or talk or gloat about the downfall of YKW. It’s been old. We have better days ahead for this franchise, better things to talk about concerning the Falcons, and we should all be thankful for that and let that old mess go. Dude messed up real bad, we all know that, so I see no sense in taking joy in it. I’m not defending what he did either for I find it all despicable too, but gheesh enough already. You know by bringing this up in the manner you have that all that is going to happen is this blog becoming a hotbed of racially charged hateful comments for the rest of the day. Thanks…

GO FALCONS!!!

By rob

November 25, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Looking forward to MV.S release. Maybe we can get Oaklands first round pick for him.Or KC. Good to see fans wearing a whole lot of different falcon numbers instead of just one or two . Happy Thanksgiving to all in the Falcons nation. So proud to be one of the flock.

By Vick Supporter2 fan

November 25, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

WOW! Falcons earning fans’ trust and number 1 on the countdown is…………………? PLEASE say it ain’t so.

By Barticus

November 25, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Please no more MV7 in the sports section. Put it in the entertainment section since that is all it really is now. This team is really making a statement so lets focus on this this season and the future. MV7 does not have a future with the Falcons. There are better times ahead. I really like how the Falcons are playing as a team. Coach Smith and his coaches have done a fantastic job. At the beginning of the season, I thought they could take 8 games this year. Barring any let downs, we just might be in double digits. Keep bringing in the beef and lets go smashmouth. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!

By joe white

November 25, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I agree with you vent king, I am really tired of yall still dragging vick. The man has done his time for his crime,let him move on with his life. The Atlanta beat writer’s was not complaining when he was playing for us and they had great stories to write about him. Plus I dont see yall given brett favre any griff when he was a drunk here and a pain killer addict up in green bay. The falcons are in the right direction for once. Lets focus on that and keep building this young team and get rid of keith brooking and get mike peterson who is younger faster and a better cover linebacker than brooking.Mike did coach him last year in jacksonville.I love my dirty birds and san dieago your going down this week.

By The Grinch

November 25, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

I’ve noticed that too about the variety in jersey numbers. It used to just be Vick, Dunn and Brooking (by “used to” I mean the past 5 years or so, regardless of who else was signed or drafted). I am also tired of hearing about Vick and the responses he elicits in this forum, but I understand the need for the extra page hits. It’ll be nice when the time comes that the team can generate those extra hits without him. I think that’s approaching.

On a different note, aren’t we getting close to the end of Waddell’s 5 year plan by now? How can there be a talent deficiency on the Thrashers roster? Ok, how the %$#& does Waddell still have a job might be a better question.

By BillyBob

November 25, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I see comments about next season being so promising. Enjoy this moment! In some ways it is the best season in the franchise history. A Super Bowl appearance and win would be the absolute, but even at the point where we are eliminated that will not take away from witnessing a remarkable turn of events. Finally a team fans can be proud of. Who would have thunk it?

By **Frederick (Bailey) Douglass**

November 25, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Jeffrey, this MV7 stuff is old. The only reason folks on this blog keep it up, is because you guys fan the flames. Well mostly (the other part has to due with race crazy ATL).

Analysis from Sunday’s game (given that you guys sent Orlando to VA and I can’t respond to his post). By the way, when will you guys give Orlando a promotion? Anyway…Ice is the str8 up truth. No magic, no joke. A couple of things were evident from the game:

FBD

By 66Nativefan

November 25, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

It’s nice to have a team with 11 men on both sides again…not just one.

By Orlando

November 25, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

It would be one thing if Vick was some scrub who never led this team anywhere. However, we do have to remember that Vick was the heart of this team, and given a contract that deemed him as such (which is still the reason he’s on Atlanta’s payroll today).

I agree with everyone that it would be nice if they didn’t discuss him as much, but until Micheal Vick is on another team he will always have some presence in the minds of the Atlanta media and fans.

Just got through watching First Take and their discussion on where they think Vick will go. I really hope it’s to Miami, and not Tampa Bay. The thought of having to face him twice a year will be too much for fans to bear, regardless of how far Matt Ryan takes this team.

Personally, I do hope he gets it all together and gets a shot at redemption (just in the AFC, while Matt Ryan leads the Falcons to a Super Bowl title!)

By Getaway

November 25, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

As Thanksgiving approaches we, as Falcon fans and whatever else we are, have a lot to be thankful for. I’m thrilled by what’s happening and what I feel is going to happen with this team.

I agree with the Vent King. There’s been enough talk about the negativity of the past. Vick has paid or is paying his debt, and that’s all we can ask. Personally, I’m not giving up my Vick jersey even though I may not wear it to a game. When I look at it, just as when I look at Barts’, S.Case’s, J. Anderson’s or T. Mathis’, I’m going to remember the excitement that that player brought to this team when he was at his best.

I don’t think that I’m going to buy anymore jersey’s though. I think that I’m going to stick with team apparel. With so many people to root for, how can you pick just one?

By Deacon

November 25, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

You’re like the poor man’s Wade Boggs.

By michaelgee

November 25, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

If 7 ends up playing for the Soviet Union, the ajc will follow him and put his story ahead of the Falcon news. How could anything be more repulsive than to see the continued allegiance from the ajc for someone who has been convicted of such vile crimes.

ajc will always support and adore the vile 7, long after the last 7 support has evaporated.

By TheJama

November 25, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I wonder what value Vick will bring if we have a chance at trading him? Otherwise, like most true Falcons fans, I readily await the day we finally get to cut him and his salary cap impact!! It has been guerilla warfare up to this point and the organization has done well to bide their time with this issue. When this day comes (and soon), it will be an early Christmas present to all Falcons.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 25, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

I paid $55 for my Vick jersey back in 2002. I’m not gonna stop wearing it just because he killed some dogs. It’s still a perfectly good piece of clothing.

The played-out Raider jokes may still be funny to hacks like Jeff Schultz, but in a league that currently employs players like Gus Frerotte, Sage Rosenfels, Shaun Hill and Marc Bulger as starting quarterbacks, not to mention plenty of other players who are approaching retirement, there will be plenty of demand for someone of Vick’s talent.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 25, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Also, I’m no salary cap expert, but if I’m not mistaken a team would have to take on Vick’s current salary (minus the bonuses) if they trade for him. I don’t see that happening. Chances are Vick gets cut and signs an incentive-based contract with another team as a free agent.

By Rico

November 25, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick has paid his dues. PETA needs to go to hell. Let’s get off of this Vick bashing and start worrying about where our team is at right now. Matt Ryan is the best rookie to ever play, our running game is completely dominant, our defense has stepped up. Hell let’s make the playoffs and surprise a few teams.

The first team I want is those OVER-RATED New York Giants. Behind a mediocre quarterback in which the media continues to hype up because of his last name.

By MightyQuinn

November 25, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Geez, Jeff, can’t we just let sleeping dogs lie? Sorry, I just couldn’t resist!

By bfred

November 25, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Glad to see a reasoned discussion of Vick’s prospects. I assume the jerks will be out later, but thanks for keeping it civil. I don’t think there’s any question that he’ll be back in the NFL, and agree that Atlanta fans would prefer that not happen in the NFC South - not so much out of fear of his ability, more just to avoid as much as possible the reopening of that wound. What will be interesting is whether he still has the old mobility (especially since he’s bulked up) and can re-acclimate to the speed of the game after being out for 2 - 3 years. Not to mention the lingering question from his Falcons days of whether he will ever learn to throw with touch.

Enough of that - seriously, how do you pick one jersey out of the crop of talented and inspiring players we have now? Hard to believe the Falcons have such an embarassment of riches. What a difference a year makes.

By jshall81

November 25, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

I paid $55 for my Vick jersey back in 2002. I’m not gonna stop wearing it just because he killed some dogs. It’s still a perfectly good piece of clothing.

— And this is the problem. After someone has spent over a year in prison and looking at more. Some people still see it as “just killed some dogs”. This is a horrific crime, read what they actually did to these dogs. It is a blatant disregard to life on this earth.

By Brian

November 25, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Gotta love the Curly reference.

By Richard

November 25, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

jshall81,

Vick isn’t in jail for killing dogs. He’s in jail for financing an illegal gambling operation.

(Sort of like Al Capone going to jail for tax evaision instead of a bunch of counts of murder.)

By bfred

November 25, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I think even if you set aside what the crime was (I agree that is was completely barbaric; there’s a good reason it’s a major felony) fans are still completely justified in their anger. A felony is a felony, whether people agree it should be or not, and Vick knew this at the time. He elected to continue committing it, lied to his boss and fans, then left the organization high and dry. I don’t understand how people who support him fail to see the betrayal that so many Falcons fans feel at this treatment. I’m not telling anyone to abandon the guy now that he’s paid his debt, but don’t be so ridiculous as to claim those who do not support him are being unfair in some way.

Also, if you think dog fighting shouldn’t be a crime, petition to change the law. Don’t complain after someone is convicted of it.

By Kevin

November 25, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Great post jshall81… people like Davenpoooooop still don’t seem to get it. Also some one on another blog thinks 7 is still on the payroll. He is property of the team and not getting paid, idiot. Outside of that fact I do believe in another chance, and wish him well.

By Boo Boo

November 25, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

I got an official Falcon game jersey for Christmas, back in the Glanville days. It cost $50 back then. That’s about $250 on today’s dollar standard. It just so happened to have the number “7” on it, which seemed cool when Vick got that number; but no name was on the back. If I still had that jersey (lost it in a hurricane), and if I still went to Falcon games (moved to hurricane alley), I would wear a number 7 jersey, simply because it had a falcon on the sleeve and was Falcon colors. I’m not rich enough to go buy new jersies everytime a player gets traded, suspended for life, or killed in some drive-by shooting.

Its nice to see that Vick’s new “posse” wears uniforms. That’s almost as cute as overweight men in suits with bowties.

By Vick Supporter2 fan

November 25, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Must say I’m pleasantly suprised at the responses about Vick. Just waiting for boxer99 to embarrass our race again. Matt Ryan should do GREAT things for the Falcons in the future and NOBODY gives a crap about Dorsey anymore. Turner is amazing and the coaches need to game plan Norwood and Douglass more consistently. Abraham, Lofton, Coleman, and Milloy are the only ones on defense I hear from EVERY week. We all know BIG Grady does his thing! Keith Brooking won’t be on the team next year for the same amount and Boley messed himself up not signing an extension. After this season his new contract won’t be worth as much. Good for us, need more help on D. Roddy White is explosive, just not great. O-line is over achieving maybe, then again maybe not. Good Overall Team, just not GREAT……YET!

By John

November 25, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

ATLANTA NOW PLAYING FOOTBALL WITH PROFESSIONS NOT THUGS. WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF THE WHOLE TEAM AND COACHING STAFF. THE TEAM PLAY LIKE IT IS FUN DOING THEIR BUSINESS. MR. BLANK STAY IN THE PRESS BOX THE TEAM GOING TO FINE WITHOUT YOUR MANAGEMENT HANDS ON LIKE AT HOME DEPOT. GO FALCONS. GET READY ATLANTA FOR THE NEXT GAME WHICH I CAN NOT WAIT.

By Boo Boo

November 25, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Vick is still under contract to the Atlanta Falcons. Vick’s lawyers argued that Vick’s backruptcy claim should consider his future employment in the NFL, with potential signing bonuses. Vick’s future salaries and bonuses would be the source of funds to repay the debt he suprisingly could not pay, seeing how he squandered millions.

Well, guess what. One of the organizations Vick owes debt to is the Atlanta Falcons, because he owed them back bonus money. The Falcons could put Mike Vick on the practice squad, use him as a tackle dummy, let him pick up garbage around Suwanee, or just put him in a trailer and rent him out as a sideshow to the Circus, with a sign, “See what drugs did to Mikey.”

They most certainly will not cut him. If Mike Vick is worth a dollar, half of that value will need to go to the Falcons as repayment of debt.

By RockSolid

November 25, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

I was ready to put the whole Vick thing(s) behind me until I recently read about him putting family pets in the pit to be mauled by trained fighting dogs. That’s just brutal. Cruel fools like Vick don’t deserve to be reinstated into the NFL.

By mtb

November 25, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

I’m so glad that you are only allowed to do blogs in ATL, because you’re horrible

By STILL LOYAL

November 25, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Im so tired of schultz,bradley,and moore always hating on #7. Everytime u look up someone is always doggin VICK like he is fu!@#$ inmate on death row. Yeah everyone is becoming a believer in Matt Ryan,but that dont mean u kick a person while he is down. I didnt like the comment made by schultz “remember when that meant something around here” he makes it seem as if everyone is unloyal and heartless like he is to a man who is going through some of the worst times in his life. Maybe u should go 2 jail let us do a weekly blog on how we feel about BUBBA takin your man hood on a regular basis. Stop hating cause U couldnt make your high school JV team. KEEP YO HEAD UP #7. LETS GO DIRTY BIRDS

By mtb

November 25, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

John I am going to assume your education is limited because you continue to throw around the term thug like you actually know it means, but then and again I forget it’s Atlanta. While I remain a Fan I couldn’t stay in the state because of people like your and others.

By Al Beeski

November 25, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

The first thing I do on Fridays is read Jeff Schultz’s weekend forecast for his sarcasm & sense of humor.However, Jeff, I try to give you the benefit of the doubt, but like Vent King said you open yourself up to racial overtones & criticism especially after your stupid viewpoint on Obama last week. Let it rest dude, the brother has paid his debt to society, talk about sports which recently you have been doing a subpar job of doing. The only reason you wrote that article is to get some prejudice white people on your side who love to see the black male fail to prosper.

By Knuckle Sandwich

November 25, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Joe White, Favre never electrocuted a puppy. To Hell with Vick. GO FALCONS!

By Eric

November 25, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Can you believe that the Falcons are 5 1/2 UNDERDOGS to the Chargers who are 4-7??? The rest of the country has no respect for our football team. I hope the Falcons players see this.

By SeminoleWarrior

November 25, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Frederick Douglass has a couple of valid points. Why not start Davis a couple of times and see what he can do. It appears that Anderson was an one year SEC wonder and will never come close to that type of production in the NFL. Also, why not give Jackson and DeCoud some time at the SS/FS positions. We need to truly see what we have so that we can position ourselves for the 2009 draft if safety is a need. DeCoud was a darn good FS in college; if he can prove himself now, we will not need to move in that direction in April. I love Lawyer Milloy and his leadership but it is time to sit him, Brooking, and I even think Coleman is suspect as well.

By McRly?

November 25, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Vick was awesome. Vick was the reason I bought season tickets. Vick did some dumb things. Vick did some illegal things. Vick went to Prison. The Falcons were good with Vick. The Falcons sucked without Vick. The Falcons drafted Matt Ryan. The Falcons got good again. The Falcons don’t need Vick anymore. Vick doesn’t need the Falcons anymore if someone else will let him play for them. The AJC used Vick’s name to get webhits. The AJC uses Vick’s name to spark racial tensions between Blacks and Whites. Obama is Black. I am White. I like Obama, Ryan, and the Falcons. I don’t hate Vick. I think Vick should play for another NFL team so I can watch the Falcons defense chase him around the field. That would be fun too. I like pie. Turkeys have a long neck. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

By Green Tea

November 25, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Yeah, seriously…. Give it a rest already. He is doing his time.

“just killed some dogs”?? That’s the stupidest damn thing I’ve ever heard.

By GA.BOY72

November 25, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

I say keep Vick as a backup, he could learn a lot from Matty Ice! Vick also would add a wrinkle in the offense. He would make an incredible “wildcat” because he can throw the rock too!

By SeminoleWarrior

November 25, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Eric, the oddsmaker are seeing what the rest of the league is seeing. Execute a game plan with short, intermediate passes and be effective on us. The safeties and the OLB’s have got to do a much better job or Rivers will make that spread hold up. I think we will hold our own against the running game of the Chargers but we MUST improve against the pass. I’m betting well will get it done. FALCONS 27, Chargers 17. GO FALCONS!!

By FalconFan423

November 25, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Went out to a bar last night to watch MNF with some friends. Vick came up in conversation, a friend of mine tried to argue that what Jamal Lewis did was worst than what Vick did, and then he started to defend Vick and his actions……… I tell you it made me sick to my stomach to call that person my friends last night…… Vick is a barbaric, vicious horrible person. It’s debatable if he deserves a second chance or not. But he he does get a second chance let it be far far FAR away from my team… The Canadian League would probably satisfy me the most…..

By dave

November 25, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Still loyal- Sorry man, but when you look at all those empty seats in the Georgia Dome I can’t help but think that many Falcons fans weren’t fans of the team at all. I think the NEW fans are much better than the OLD fans of the one man show Vick. I like to watch and enjoy a team-not a one trick pony. So who are we loyal to? One quarterback that got into trouble, or a great franchise on the rise with an owner, coach, and players that want to get us a Super Bowl Ring? I’ll take the latter, now that’s loyalty cause my a$$ is still in the stands, while you’re probably at home blogging about everybody hating on Vick…

By Ty

November 25, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

It is amazing to me how all the fans hear have these great ideas of what the atlanta coaches should do, who should start. I have a concept, let them continue to do whatever it is they have been doing, and let us hope that they continue to have positive results. Hey I will admit that I disowned the team when Matty Ice was selected instead of Glenn Dorsey, because I wanted D.J.Shockley to have a shot, or to Draft Josh Johnson in round 3(QB). Dimitroff and Smitty know what they are doing. However, Artie stay of the SIDELINES,,,please….

By Jimmy P.

November 25, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

When it comes to Vick, I feel embarrased. The Falcons can not keep him for Trick plays. Once he is done with prison, and if the Commish will let him back in the NFL, I say we trade him to Oakland, Detriot, Houston or Cinci.

By Boo Boo

November 25, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Dave, man, every game there are 10,000 seats worth of tickets in the hands of scalpers, who have little-to-no interest in sitting inside a dome for three hours, buying $12 beers and $10 hotdogs. All the seats get filled when so much interest has built for the team that 10,000 out-of-towners will travel to Atlanta, willing to overpay for a ticket, in addition to a hotel room and other travel expenses. In this economy, them days are mostly over. I say, put a sign up saying “Free Admission” after the 7:00 mark in the first quarter has passed. Parking and a real-life game for nada. Maybe that would fill up the seats?

By TURTSNAP

November 25, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

While sitting in the Dome Sunday, I too noticed the decline in the number 7 jersey and was pleased by that. I did see one interesting thing though, a man had a white number 7 jersey and had a strip of white cloth sewn over the name.

By Mookie

November 25, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Dear Ty, what’s most amazing is that you spell here “hear” and off “of”. Spell check homegirl, use it!

By I Like Pie

November 25, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

I was hungry for some pie. Pie-that is what i wanted. you make pie? what kind of pie you make? sweet potato pie? I like sweet potato pie.

Happy Thanksgiving fans!

By JSS

November 25, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

The one trick pony…

In the center ring, JEFF SCHULTZ!!!

By mars

November 25, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Still Loyal, huh? No one wants to see bad luck happen to anyone. BUT…. life didn’t just happen to Vick. He engineered his own downfall. It’s not like he “made a mistake”. For YEARS he poured money into an operation he knew was illegal while (what, 5, 6 years?)trying to hide his involvement the whole time. Everyone goes through rough spots in there life, and shouldn’t be “kicked when they are down.” However, those who depended on him (i.e. his teammates, fans, commercial endorsers, team owner, management, sportswriters and announcers, city promoters, not to mention his close friends and family) expressing their feelings of the bitterness of betrayal does not constitute “kicking him when he is down”, but seems more of a deserved reaction to me.

By Hamad Meander

November 25, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Yes, the Falcons are playing well and seem to be a ‘TEAM’. That’s more than we’ve seen in a long time. This ‘TEAM’ is bigger and better than any one player, and we all should be glad for that.

The Michael Vick era is over in Atlanta. Get over it and deal with it. If it’s a ‘black thing’, there are plenty of black football players on this team to cheer for. Would you rather have a black QB or a winning football team? I’m sure winning will win out every time.

Let’s face it - the empty seats in the Georgia Dome might have more to do with the fact that the economy is scary and people are saving money for bad times to come.

By mars

November 25, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Still Loyal, it’s as if he said to himself one day ‘You know, I am tired of being a rich talented athlete. How can I find away to get all of these adoring fans to leave me alone so I can hang with my homeys?’

The Great Muhummad Ali once said “Michael Spinks is Duummbbb! He’s so dumb, they took his drivers license away, and he walked into a tree!” This could be Vick he was talking about.

Anyway, you ARE a good person for remaining loyal. I wonder if Vick would show you the same respect?

By big o

November 25, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Dude, enough already with this vick $##@& Leave him alone. He made a horrible mistake but he has paid dearly and is paying his debt to society. This is America right !!!!

By mars

November 25, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

This WAS America. Have you been following the news lately?

By Ryan

November 25, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Vick didn’t make a “mistake.” He committed multiple phelonies over a 6 year period. He couldn’t throw a screen pass for pete’s sake. He was the most inaccurate passer in the league. He made highlight real plays now and then but he was not a leader. There is no way a team like Tampa would sign him, but that would be great. I would love to face him twice a year (although he will proabably be a 3rd stringer)

By Ryan

November 25, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Vick didn’t make a “mistake.” He committed multiple felonies over a 6 year period. He couldn’t throw a screen pass for pete’s sake. He was the most inaccurate passer in the league. He made highlight real plays now and then but he was not a leader. There is no way a team like Tampa would sign him, but that would be great. I would love to face him twice a year (although he will proabably be a 3rd stringer)

By Eric

November 25, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Really wanted this Vick conversation to go away, but since nobody will stop taking about it this is my take on it. Personally I am not a animal lover, I don’t put a dog over a bear or any other animal. So what Vick did really wasn’t a big deal, the gambling aspect of the situation was more serious to me. On the other hand I am sympathetic to people who are dog lovers, but do we just forget all the good things Michael Vick did for this Atlanta community. The money he pumped into churches and schools, the countless hours he gave for youth programs.

By mars

November 25, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

True, there are those TAX SHELTERS to consider.

By mars

November 25, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

And from what I remember, those hours devoted to youth programs were pretty easy to “count”.

By chipdip

November 25, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I hope VICK never plays in the NFL again….he deserves everything that has happened to him…he’s a big piece of s—t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MATT RYAN IS THE REAL DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MATT RYAN HAS MORE TALENT IN HIS PINKEY THEN RON MEXICO WILL EVERY HAVE.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS REALLY GREAT TO SEE HIM IN HANDCUFFS AND SHACKLES ON TV TODAY!!!!!!!!

By Spader8

November 25, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

I love this team and was never more proud to be an Atlanta Falcons fan on Sunday afternoon in the Dome. I love the way they bounced back after the Denver loss. Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Harry Douglas, John Abraham and Chauncey Davis dominated the Panthers. I do have one request about the AJC’s coverage. After reading Ledbetter’s Michael Vick story. Can we please stop referring to Vick as the Falcons quarterback? Our quarterback is Matt Ryan. I understand Ledbetter may need to qualify the importance of the story in some way, but can he not use “former” in front of Falcons quarterback? Just a thought.

By dan

November 25, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

I’m over the Mike Vick experience. He was a good player from 2002-2004, but after that he really lost his way. I think some of that falls on Mora and Company for how they utilized him( I mean who runs the option in pro football? That’s almost as bad as no one being able to stop the wildcat formation!). But most of it falls on Vick and the people he associated with. Hopefully he will be able to bounce back from this. As for the Falcons this year, the chemistry is great. I’ll hold off on my praises for the current administration until I see a full body of work( I mean even Jim Mora made the playoff’s in his first season). This team needs to get a little better in the secondary, but otherwise they are playing very well. How they do next season will be the real test. Anyone can have a good season every once in a while, but when you are Super Bowl contender year in and year out( like New England) then you can talk about being a great team.

By Barticus

November 25, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

After reading some of the MV7 supporters’ comments, I am going to start a cult. Pls join me for some kool-aid…

By mars

November 25, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

dan, you’ve got to admit…the “Mike Vick Experience” made a great commercial.

By Jay4

November 25, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Schultz you seem to be really struggling lately with content and focus.

You post an article titled “Falcons earning fans’ trust” and then proceed to make 5 of your 10 points either directly or indirectly about mike conVick.

I think that you really are trying to stir the pot again.

By Pete

November 25, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

I just hope Al Davis doesn’t have a COMPLETE mental breakdown before Vick is available for a trade. He is so mentally unbalanced he might give the Falcons TWO first round picks for the felon.

By Falcon Fan

November 25, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

And WHO said that Vick was the ONLY way to put butts in the seats? Winning is what always makes the difference - regardless.

Good luck Vick (elsewhere)…GO FALCONS!!!

By bfred

November 25, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

By the way, some of you folks need to learn to recognize the trolls and not take every post so seriously. chipdip above is a good example.

By Dixie Dawg

November 25, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Why in the HELL do some of these bloggers want to romance the possibility of bringing Vick back? Rob said at 10:11 this morning about us getting Oaklands first round draft pick for him. Why do we need that garbage here? Vick will be a cancer on any team he plays for. He’s nothing but an overrated thug. Just like Arthur Blank said,That page is turned, that chapter is turned, that book is closed. Give it up, people, Vick is gone and he’s gone forever. Tommy D. Smitty, and MR2 are the future of this franchise now.

By Dixie Dawg

November 25, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

BTW, before I get crucified for over reacting, this is where we can exercise our freedom of speech, so shush it. I know some of these comments are just to provoke, but isn’t that why blogging is so fun? Opinions are just like (you know whats), everybody has one.

By Dixie Dawg

November 25, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

I feel you, Spader8. Vick is not the Falcons QB anymore. I don’t like it when the writers refer to him as “Imprisoned Falcons QB.” He’s no longer a Falcon. Let it die. It’s kind of like being divorced and your ex is this real awful person, and you can’t stand it when someone refers to that person as YOUR ex.

By Famuan

November 26, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz, proving yet again that the AJC Sports Dept needs Mike Vick to make themselves relevant. Thank goodness for the NY Times where real sportswriters work

By dawg fan

November 26, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Give the man a break! He is in prison for two years for DOGFIGHTING for God’s sake! I am not condoning it, I do love dawgs, but damn they ARE just dogs! The damn PETA-loving, liberal media jumped all over this like white on rice and ran with it. The NFL made an example of Vick because they let a guy who murdered ACTUAL PEOPLE go FREE! (RAY LEWIS) RIDICULOUS! Vick is paying his dues. I really hope to see him back in the NFL. All you Vick haters out there, you really need to get you priorities straight.

By Hamad Meander

November 26, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Vick’s career passer rating - 75. League average the last 4 years - 88. What’s that spell? Below average QB.

Oh, by the way, Matt Ryan’s passing rating is 88.1.

By Jack

November 26, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

I recently read how Vick put family pets in pens with pit bulls to be viciously attacked (while he laughed) He should NEVER AGAIN be allowed to play in the NFL !

By Poindexter Speaks

November 27, 2008 5:09 AM | Link to this

The dismissal of the cruelty charges was inconsistent with the federal case that resulted in a nearly two-year sentence.

“That was simply a part of the plea agreement,” Surry County prosecutor Gerald Poindexter said. “I feel that what I did today was approved by more than a majority of the people of Surry County.”

Poindexter didn’t believe the state was too lenient in its prosecution. He leveled charges of overzealous prosecution against the federal government and the United States attorneys office. He said Vick’s celebrity led to the federal case.

“How often have you run into the United States attorney’s office charging people for conspiring to commit a misdemeanor,” Poindexter said. “That’s what was done in this case. What they allegedly did and what they pled guilty to, the substance of it was that up to May 7, 2007, in federal law it was a misdemeanor. But to enhance the seriousness of it, these [four] guys were charged with conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor. That’s kind of unusual.”

“I think quite honestly, you combine Michael Vick, [Surry County Sheriff] Harold Brown and Gerald Poindexter and a lot of the criticism was racist,” Poindexter said. “If you want to read the letters in my office you would come to the same conclusion.” (emphasis mine)

By DaveMcDuffie

December 2, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick wherever you are I sincerely hope you realize what you have done and how many people you let down. I enjoyed watching you play and I am an Atlantan living in LA who says he has paid his debt and I believe he is going to be a factor for whoever picks him up and the Falcons better get something good for him if they have the opportunity. Personally I would keep him. And please people, lets grow up and stay objective! Just because someone has an argument against Vick or does not vote for Obama DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE RACISTS! Usually only racists charge racism! And my first thought watching Ga/ Tech, why don’t the Bulldogs have a defensive coordinator?! GO FALCONS!