AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > September > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USVick’s road to maturity begins
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Orchard Park, N.Y. — Nobody can project when a quarterback matures. In Michael Vick’s case, we see a bottomless well of talent, and there’s a tendency to sit back and think, “OK, he wins. But when will he look like a quarterback?”
If at some point that moment arrives and doesn’t go away, remember Sunday’s game in Buffalo. It was the starting point.
Remember the times he read a defense, saw the blitz coming, stood in the pocket and completed a pass. Remember when he moved his feet, not to run but just enough to elude a pass rush and find an open receiver. Remember him not getting sacked — after being dropped seven times in the first two games.
Remember Thursday. Three days before the Buffalo game, Vick told coach Jim Mora, “You’re going to see a different kind of quarterback this week.” Mora didn’t know how much to make of it at the time, but the significance of the words became apparent almost from the outset Sunday.
“Let’s be honest,” Mora said. “He hears the things that are said about him. He hears: ‘You can’t play from the pocket. You can’t do this, can’t do that.’ While he doesn’t respond to it, he holds it inside. I don’t know if this is sort of an ‘I told you so.’ “
Vick’s final numbers in a 24-16 win over the Bills masked the significance of his performance. Completing 15 of 27 passes for 167 yards is, like, just OK. But on the Falcons’ first two possessions, he completed 6 of 8 attempts, including two touchdowns against a blitz-happy defense. He didn’t get rattled when the Bills twice were penalized for roughing the passer on Atlanta’s first drive, one of which resulted in his helmet getting knocked off.
Then Vick leveled off. On the Falcons’ next three possessions, he went 2 for 9 with an interception. In similar situations in the past, errant passes would continue flying and frustration would take over. Didn’t happen this time.
With the Falcons clinging to a 17-16 lead in the third quarter, Vick stepped up. On third down from the Falcons’ 7, he drilled a 17-yard pass to Brian Finneran. It wasn’t a scoring drive but it voided potentially disastrous field position.
That rescue was followed by another. On their next possession, Vick drove the Falcons 65 yards on nine plays for a touchdown, restoring an eight-point lead. He dug out of a third-and-11 hole again with a 17-yarder to Finneran.
Vick did things we’ve seen before. On the third play of the game, he scrambled 14 yards. On the crucial fourth-quarter touchdown drive, he had a dizzying 27-yard run in which he ran away from defensive end Ryan Denney, considered going out of bounds, then decided to cut back across the field.
Quoting: “The end who was chasing me, I thought he was faster than he actually was. I wasn’t even running full speed because I was still cautious about the hamstring. I saw there were still another 5 or 6 yards I could get. Then I almost rolled my ankle trying to do too much.”
But he also did something we seldom have seen: 5-for-5 passing — and the five completions went to five different receivers: Dwayne Blakely, Finneran, Alge Crumpler, Michael Jenkins and Warrick Dunn.
Vick remembered the words he told Mora during the week. He knew the significance at the time, and he certainly knew what this game meant to him.
“I didn’t know how my hamstring was going to feel,” he said. “I told him I would be a different quarterback. I was gonna keep my poise. I was gonna stay in the pocket. I was gonna make sure that what I was seeing was legit.”
In a strange way, the injury helped Vick.
“I learned a lot,” he said. “I was patient. I was getting guys the ball. It was me understanding the offense and learning what it takes to beat the blitz. I spent more time doing that this week. It was a big game for me. It’s going to help me in the long run.”
Mora said Vick is “developing,” calling him, “a neophyte” in this offense. “But you get glimpses of what he’s capable of.”
It was more than a glimpse Sunday.
Permalink | Comments (39) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
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By dannycardwell
September 25, 2005 08:30 PM | Link to this
good article. it looks like michael is turning the corner. jenkens is maturing as well.
By Falconsbeliever
September 25, 2005 08:39 PM | Link to this
Good game. Vick looked great passing (probably because the WR’s finally made some catches). If the offense continues to play as well as they did today, we will be just fine. Also, I hope this game helps the coaches realize that Finneran should be the starting X WR.
The offensive line also played much better as they didn’t give up a single sack. It think we got a glimpse of what Vick can do if given some time and some help from the WR position.
By Khao$
September 25, 2005 11:30 PM | Link to this
Finneran needs to start!!! For real! Finneran made more plays today than Dez White has during her entire time here. He’s going to drop some passes. But one reason why Vick had such a good game passing is because he trusts Brian. Vick and Finneran connected for some big first downs. Hopefully, Mora and Knapp will recognize what Finn brings to the table.
By Jennifer
September 26, 2005 01:17 AM | Link to this
I hope to god someone got a photo of Blakely clotheslining that dude with his leg on that TD. I want to print that one out….
I’d noticed in all games this season that Vick wasn’t so trigger happy. I knew it would eventually come. Like most people, he does what he needs to do. Whether or not it’s maturity, aging, or injury he does what he needs to do to remain a winning quarterback.
Very happy with offense for once. D was great, too, and always my fave, but I give special props to O.
By eric
September 26, 2005 07:44 AM | Link to this
Yea, good article, and a great win. Just bothers me how people try and compare Vick to other QB’s, or they say “Well, he doesn’t do this”, or they question his arm. These people are plain stupid. You are watching a hybrid QB here. MV is something special, a Michael Jordan-type talent. He is so fun to watch on so many levels, that I would take him over any regular QB, any day of the week.
By Jim
September 26, 2005 07:50 AM | Link to this
Maybe Mike will get some tape of Marcus hanging the Jackets out to dry … from the pocket…and see what folks are saying about the pocket…
Like Namath even ?
Vick’s passing accuracy is way below what it should be… look at the acrobatics Finneran had to peform to make that critical catch.
Nice to win, but time will tell how far he has come. I hope he has learned and will continue to because it is obvious the powers that be are in love with his potential…
Sooner or later that potential has to turn into action…
By Anthony
September 26, 2005 08:31 AM | Link to this
Wow, six post and not one negative one yet. I guess the guys who want to compare Vick’s numbers to McNabb, Manning (both of them), Culepepper, McNair, Orton, Favre, Bledsoe, Brooks, Delhomme, Griese, Hassleback, Pennington, Leftwhich, Collins, etc. haven’t compiled all of the stats from yesterday yet to make their arguments.
Funny how they were a lot quicker last week when the Falcons lost to Seattle? They ran to their computers like their hard drives were giving away free cash after the game last week. And yet early Monday morning and no bashers yet? Hmm, that’s a mistery. I’m sure they’re be on later today…
Good win overall man, good win. Especially with the CB situation looking so bleak early in the game. De-Hall stepped up, gutsy performance (we’ll forgive the fumble my man, we know you were trying to make a play!).
Stopping the run was a problem again, but I think that’s because our safeties were helping a lot in pass coverage (like one of the annoucers aluded to yesterday). Hopefully we can get our guys back on D soon and that will improve.
Overall on O, very impressed. Everybody and their brother was talking about how mad the Bills D was after giving up so many rushing yards to Williams last week. Dunn, Duckett and Vick had a field day with them. First two possesions: 2 TD’s.
Vick’s numbers weren’t as important has how much better he looked in the pockett than the last two weeks. He put points on the board all day and really, what else do you ask of a QB besides getting the W as well? Nice job MV7…
Great win coming off last week! Means nothing yet, let’s keep it going, Go Falcons…
By Steve
September 26, 2005 08:32 AM | Link to this
Just remember, though, Buffalo’s defense isn’t much to talk about, especially against the run. Seattle’s defense was much more aggressive and capable. I just hope Vick doesn’t think it’s going to be that easy every game. Minnesota should be another fun game to watch. What’s going on with our run defense? They don’t seem to be stuffing the run like they used to.
By david d.
September 26, 2005 09:09 AM | Link to this
Jim,shut up!He put that ball up only where Finn could get it,period.How many times has Peyton,Brett,or even Brady put the ball,not right in the receivers hand but right where only he could get it.U think we could have won with schaub in.He is 0-2,and loves to throw in double coverage.Another Doug Johnson,uh,where is DJ..Somewhere uttering the words,”paper or plastic”…
By PreyDawg
September 26, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this
Out of the mouths of babes…
Last weeks game at Seattle had me really down. I wasnt saying it out loud but the mantra “Same old Falcons” kept rolling around in my head. But my 12 year old who is not nearly as jaded as I am kept telling me to keep the faith. Yesterday proves him right. These are not the “same old falcons”.
Steve keep your wet blanket in the closet. Buffalo is still a playoff team and we were on the road. This is not the time to remind everybody about Buffalo’s D. We won a road game in a very different manner. THAT’S the bottom line.
Vick used multiple receivers
Said receivers made clutch catches
Hall played hurt and played well
The D-line generated enough pressure to protect brand new D-backs
We (yes I said we…dont lecture me. I have lived and died with this team for 30 years and I will refer to them as we if I darn well please) repeatedly picked up the blitz
None of this would have been done by the “same old Falcons”.
By slickshea
September 26, 2005 10:07 AM | Link to this
As soon as I saw Vick throw to Jenkins on a “hot route” to beat the blitz early in the game, I had a good feeling about the game. Good job, team!
By wes
September 26, 2005 10:10 AM | Link to this
The 1st pass of the day to FInneran bounced off his hands. I had that “here we go again” feeling. Then, they started making plays. This was truly one of the best performances by #7 that I can think of.
By Paul Hamilton
September 26, 2005 10:18 AM | Link to this
The comment made by Jim is a joke, “sooner or later that potential has to be turned into action” I dont care if Mike Vick ever becomes a true pocket passer. As Madden pointed out on Monday night football, the key statistic for a quaterback is whether he wins football games. Mike Vick WINS football games. He is like 26-12 for his young career. I think most of us would like him to become more of a pocket passer so he doesnt get killed out there. I think Mike Vick has been putting his potential into ACTION since he got here! Any idiot can see that, if he doesnt fit what you would like to see as our quaterback then go back to the days of chris miller/chandler and cry about it.
By Chris
September 26, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this
Ditto Eric….Falcons are doing a great job. Although there are just a few things they need to shore up, I still believe that if they keep playing the way that they have been…..this team will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs
By Arnie Cooperman
September 26, 2005 10:40 AM | Link to this
Finneran’s sideline catch should be on everyone’s top 10 list. When the TV announcer’s kept saying we got our DBs off the street it made sound as if they were signing homeless persons.
By Matthew
September 26, 2005 10:47 AM | Link to this
All of the Vick Hater…
JUST SHUT THE F—- UP!
Jim, you are an idiot.
Like it was said… if it was Tom Brady (the best QB in the NFL, bar none) putting the ball where only his guy could get it, you’d be praising him.
You know what, we don’t want you as a fan, Jim. You and the rest of your ilk can just jump off of this bandwagon.
I’m sick of the negative vents about Vick.
Guess what, you bunch of idiots?
The guy wins.
He wins football games.
He’s taken us to the playoffs the two year’s he’s started.
He’ll be taking us back this year.
So, go away. We don’t want you here. Go find another team with a white QB to root for, because I think that is the root of this problem.
It’s people like y’all Vick Haters that make it possible for Terence Moore, Super Hypocrite to still draw a paycheck. Or make Jesse Jackson still relevant to some people.
God, I cannot stand ignorant people!
By Don Joiner
September 26, 2005 11:00 AM | Link to this
I hate to be a wet blanket but I put the succes of yesterday on the O-line. They did a great job of picking up blitzes and kicking them outside, which gave Vick the time he needed to see plays develop. Vick responded very well though, and didn’t get the happy feet like he normally does when a blitz is on. He should be able to do much the same against Minnesota. Being able to stay in the pocket will make Vick that much more dangerous when he does decide to run because the field should be much more open for him, as opposed to rolling to one side of the field where he can get boxed in. When he can successfully throw from the pocket and only run when it collapses or when his receivers are covered, he will be the most dangerous player in the game. I hope its sooner than later.
Also- give the D a break. The Bills have four solid receivers and we had to devote more to coverage and outside blitzes to keep them in check. That hurts the run defense since it makes them weaker in the middle. We need to get the secondary healthy in a hurry if we are going to play with the Vikings.
By Chandler
September 26, 2005 11:13 AM | Link to this
Matthew I totaly agree with you! Jim what is wrong with you!? Do you watch any football at all? Do you think other QBs place the ball right in the receivers hands? Oh I get it, never let a little thing like the facts get in the way of your argument. Did you even watch the V tech game? Special teams and defense the likes that Tech has never seen won that game. Next time Watch the game not just highlights and scores.(What an Idiot!!!!)
By Mojo
September 26, 2005 11:13 AM | Link to this
So where are all the people at that just a few days ago were talking about a QB controversy in Atlanta?? Vick simply brings something to the table that no other current QB in the league does…the ability to single-handedly take over a game and win it. Nobody, including Manning and Brady mean more and do more for their teams….but I know, I know a few weeks from now, Vick will have a poor game becasue of our O line and all you little crickets will come out of the woodwork taking shots at Vick. Who cares what you think, Vick is not only the most exciting, but the best overall QB in the league. You naysayers will shut your trap in 2- 3 years once our receivers gel, our O line is in place, and Vick truly understands an offense he is still learning.
By JeanE
September 26, 2005 11:17 AM | Link to this
Awesome game!! Everyone played a part and Finneran proved he should be the starter!! Go Falcons!!
By degrillmouse
September 26, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this
Why are you people down on the best head coach the Falcon’s have ever had. With out Jim and his coaching staff, we would still be the same old Falcon’s
By Traceman
September 26, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this
Great win yesterday against a good team on the road! Terrific, well-balanced performance by the ENTIRE offense. Terrific job by the O-line and backs of picking up the blitz and blocking in the running game. It is amazing how poised Vick looks when actually gets time to throw. He made some terrific reads yesterday and I think he is really starting to make progress in that part of his game.
As for those who posted that Buffalo’s D is not that good, what the heck are you guys watching? Buffalo has had one of the best defenses in the entire league for SEVERAL years and they are still VERY good, particularly at home. Comparing Seattle’s D to them is a joke. We simply played with much more urgency and with more poise against Buffalo and it showed. Carnell Williams and Tampa are running on EVERYONE right now and we were the best running team in the league last year. Just because we (and Tampa) ran the ball successfully against Buffalo does not mean that most teams will. I think you guys who think their D is not that good will realize just how good their D is by the end of the season when they are in the top 10 in total D.
By eric
September 26, 2005 12:21 PM | Link to this
Yea, I feel the Falcs are definitely one of the NFC’s top teams. The Eagles got away with one yesterday. Janikowski for the raiders missed 2 FG’s, and the Eagles surely didn’t blow away the Raiders. Our first win against Philly was no fluke, and more than anything, when we awoke last week against Seattle, it was just a little too late…which is ashame. I watched Mora’s press conference, and he’s not happy with the run defense either. Here’s hoping they get that fixed.
By Nicholas Irwin
September 26, 2005 12:45 PM | Link to this
Anybody who legitimately thought there was a QB controversy is a complete idiot. I will say Vick never should’ve come in on that final drive against Seattle. It was unfair to Schaub (who then got thrust into a 4th and long) and to the rest of the team. However, that in no way means that the next week when Vick is healthy enough to play there is a damn QB controversy. Anyone who would rather have Schaub in than Vick under normal circumstances has absolutely no grasp of what the hell they’re talking about.
I am so freaking sick of hearing about Vick’s numbers. First of all, given that the Falcons have such a run-centric offense, Vick’s passing numbers aren’t going to be as high. Second, given that Vick himself runs on a bunch of plays that were initially supposed to be passing plays, that brings the numbers down too. Third, Vick’s receivers have on occasion been known to drop up to and including 100 yards worth of passes. And fourth, who gives a s**!?!? Last I checked, the only thing that matters is that he wins games. Sometimes John Madden comes up with a good point in the midst of all his incoherent psycho babble, and that was one of those times. To be honest, Vick played like crap against Philadelphia, and you know what? I couldn’t care less! Why? Because we won the damn game! That’s the justification everyone seems to use for continuing to talk about the most overrated QB in the game today Brett Favre despite his crappy play. Why the hell does that not carry over to Vick, when he wins more than even the geriatric Favre does?
Frankly, the arguments being used now by Vick-haters or bordering on self-parody. First, the odious Skip Bayless of ESPN claims the long pass play to Jenkins in the Eagles game wasn’t a good play after all because it was thrown into double coverage. First of all, it was an absolutely perfect pass that neither defender had any chance at all of getting. Also, if you want to get the ball to your best receiver, you’re generally probably gonna have to be able to string it through double coverage a lot. In fact, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady (who are by the way the only two QBs in this league who I would even think about taking over Michael Vick) made this throw all the time and I don’t see him talking about how they’re not good quarterbacks because they loft the ball perfectly over double coverage. What a damn joke! And now Jim starts complaining about how the ball to Finneran was actually overthrown and how this is proof that Vick isn’t a good quarterback. Just stop it, for the love of God.
By falcon guy
September 26, 2005 01:05 PM | Link to this
Great game, great effort, gutsy. Vick was efficient and finally was able to trust ALL of the receivers on the field. Jenkins is coming around, but Finneran is what made this game go. Can we finally put to bed the questions about which WR’s should be starting? The announcers kept making mention of Dez White being injured as if that meant something. It did mean something, but the opposite of what they were implying. Instead of it being a minus, it was a plus, cause the coaches were forced to use Finneran. (Not sure why they resist it so much.) Keep it going guys.
By Truckstop
September 26, 2005 01:21 PM | Link to this
My two cents. Vick still has only adequate wide receivers to throw to and that includes Finneran (he dropped TWO passes Sunday - the Falcons’ first pass play of the game and one over the middle late in the third quarter that bounced off hands deep in Buffalo territory that Crumpler had to butt heads with a Bills d-back to keep it from being intercepted). Inspite of this, Mike gives everybody associated with the Falcons team (the defense, offensive line, coaches, fan, etc.) confidense that if we can just get the ball in his hands one more time, he’ll find a way to make it pay off (even with the hamstrain, we all felt he could pull the Seattle game out). I’m telling you THE MAN’S A WINNER and even the nay sayers (as much as they hate it) have to admit it.
By either way...
September 26, 2005 01:34 PM | Link to this
Cafaro is an idiot.
By geechee
September 26, 2005 01:56 PM | Link to this
I didn’t get to see the game way out here but reading about it afterward, I had the exact same thought; that getting hurt may have changed him. They told him he had to change after the injury. Getting hurt may have made it finally sink in
By SA
September 26, 2005 02:42 PM | Link to this
It’s great to see the balanced air attack the Falcons displayed. The ball was spread across the field very efficiently. No more of the one weapon offense. Maybe it’s a good thing that Peerless left and others are now seen as options in the offense. Michael is showing that the student is becoming the teacher. Keep doing your thing Mike. Looks like Mike and Marcus are taking the ‘05 football season by storm.
By hey matthew.....
September 26, 2005 02:43 PM | Link to this
well said, well said.
By aja1st
September 26, 2005 04:58 PM | Link to this
Great job Matthew, well said. It turns my stomach to read or HEAR what Terrence Moore says about the Falcons and the Falcons organization. It’s a shame that every word or article that is produced isn’t of any positive substance, just negative comments or negativity. Tiz’ aiight Terrence, one day, you may very well write an article on be on channel 2 saying something 1/2 positive about the Falcons Organization(like the grief really matters to you)
By GT
September 26, 2005 06:30 PM | Link to this
I think his little brother is making him compete a little harder. People are starting to say the little brother is better. If he is I don’t want to play against him next year or the next. You won’t be cool in the NFL unless you have a brother playing quarterback. And they’re all good.
By Dale in ATL
September 26, 2005 08:19 PM | Link to this
I heard Dan Reeves say on his morning radio show a few weeks ago that Vick was a different passer in practice. He said that he was more relaxed and his passes had more “touch.” According to Reeves, Vick would rarely throw the fastball and he could thread the needle with a gentle accuracy.
I knew that this meant when the game “slowed down” more for hime that he would overthrow less and throw passes at a more catchable speed. He was relaxed in the Pro Bowl and had a great game. He had more moments of being “relaxed” on Sunday as well.
Our receivers are GOOD. They will look even better when the passes in the games are more like the passes in practice. Like Jeff says in the article, those days are coming.
GO BIRDS!!!
By D-man
September 26, 2005 08:42 PM | Link to this
Yeah, if Vick’s hamstring had not have acted up against Seattle we would be 3-0 right now…he was definitely primed for the comeback. Seattle just dodged a bullet, thats all. I am very impressed by Vicks command of the game..he is getting better…BUT he still runs with the football like its a loaf of bread. I know he is aware of it, but when he runs, his instincts take over and he forgets…I was scared crap-less during that 3rd down run he had in the 4th quarter against the Bills. He is just too scary when he is running with the ball. But still, I take the bad with the good and since he is just so freak’n good when he is running, I just have to sigh and move on. I want to send major props to Rod Coleman (the BEAST)for game MVP. He owned the Bill’s quarterback..that kid had no idea what was going on..when Coleman would reach him, he made that boy pay..everytime. I really think the QB got so scared when he saw a white jersey that he would not have been able to hit a 20 ft target in the end zone. He expected every play to get slammed and it showed!
By Shiney
September 27, 2005 08:47 AM | Link to this
WHAT WILL HELP VICKS IS THE FLACONS NED 2 TRAYED 4 T.O. FROM THE EAGELS HE SEZ HE WANTS 2 PLAY WITH VICK HE HAVE A HOME IN THE ATL SO HE CAN GIT 2 THE GAMES ON TIME AND HE NO COACH NAPP WHO CAN KEEP HIM IN CONTROL
MR BLANKS PLESE SIGH TO NOW!
By Da Truth: AdrianF
September 27, 2005 09:35 AM | Link to this
I must say…I was very impressed with Vick’s patience in the pocket. I was equally impressed with the blocking of the O-line. However, if I had a game ball to give to anyone I’d give it to Coach Knapp. Great game plan! He finally used the talent on this team the right way. He consistantly put Vick in position to make plays in the passing game by calling more pass plays. Vick proved that if given the opportunity enough to pass that not only can he do it but he can do it very well. I’ve said many times to my co-workers that if everyone wants Vick to become this good/great passing QB then the coaches are going to have to trust him more in the passing game by calling at least 25-30 passes per game. Vick passed 27 times last week. Result…Win! Once Knapp does this consistantly, Vick will definitely be unstoppable and so will our running game.
On another note…Finneran should be the starter opposite of Jenkins. Finneran made more plays Sunday than I’ve ever seen Dez White make. I know Finneran is slow and he does drop some easy passes, but Vick obviously trust him and looks for him in the passing game. Therefore he should start.
The new rookie Roddy White looks like a bust. The reason I say this is because if you read his comments last week he said he felt healthy and ready to go for the first time since he first sprained his ankle. But if you saw him in the game this past Sunday he looked to be making excuses by his actions on the field. What I mean by this is every time a ball was thrown in his direction he started a little limp as if to say “my ankle still hurts so I couldn’t have gotten to that ball to make the catch”. He just doesn’t seem to give that 100% needed on every play that he’s in the game to be a quality player in this league. I may be passing judgement a little too early. If that’s the case then so be it but until I see different, that’ll be how I see it. Go Falcons!!! Keep Passing!!!
By Woodman
September 27, 2005 11:06 AM | Link to this
Heard Vick say after the game that he “learned a lot” playing this game. Excellent. Don’t just play, figure things out and put them into practice in a live situation. Jordan was a great talent who developed to the point that he made everyone around him a force to be reckoned with. What happened when he retired to play baseball? They fell apart. Who is considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time? DUH. I think this week we saw the start of Vick’s development into the kind of football player that MJ became in basketball. Is he the greatest ever now? Maybe not, but in 5 years….
By JayP
September 28, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this
Vick is starting to trust his receivers and look up field when in the pocket. He always did that on rollouts, when his feet could bail him out. Noticed him looking to second and third receivers. He will evolve into a modern Steve Young, just wait!!
By Matthew
September 28, 2005 01:36 PM | Link to this
Shiney,
Is that ebonics or redneckese?
Either way, your butchering of the English language plus your wanting of that lockeroom cancer TO here in proves one solitary point.
You are an idiot.
Stay away, go away… learn some grammar.
And please, go root for Philly, a football team stupid enough to employ the selfish TO.
You don’t win in the NFL with guys like him.
You win with a team effort.
Like the Pats do.