Sports Columnists

By Dirrtybird

September 14, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

Holla!!!!!!!

By e.b.

September 14, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

Boy Mark, I always love reading your articles. Unlike Terrence, you have this refreshing glow that makes it seem like you actually like this team. Something “Terrible” Moore lacks. GO Falcs!!

By e.b.

September 14, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

Boy Mark, I always love reading your articles. Unlike Terrence, you have this refreshing glow that makes it seem like you actually like this team. Something “Terrible” Moore lacks. GO Falcs!!

By Brian

September 14, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this

Great article. I couldn’t agree more. I hope we take a few shots downfield off of play action (maybe on 2nd down where 99.9% of our plays are running plays). Lets see the wheels that Lelie and Roddy have.

Let’s get the fans involved too. If you’re going to the game, GET LOUD. It is frustrating as a season ticket holder to see the Steelers fans or the Redskins fans go nuts in their respective stadiums. 1:00 pm on Sunday is not a date at the symphony. Bring the noise, YELL, SCREAM! 10+ false starts thanks to the fans will help out if Abraham is in street clothes.

GO FALCONS!!!! GO FALCONS FANS!!!

By Brian

September 14, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Great article. I couldn’t agree more. I hope we take a few shots downfield off of play action (maybe on 2nd down where 99.9% of our plays are running plays). Lets see the wheels that Lelie and Roddy have.

Let’s get the fans involved too. If you’re going to the game, GET LOUD. It is frustrating as a season ticket holder to see the Steelers fans or the Redskins fans go nuts in their respective stadiums. 1:00 pm on Sunday is not a date at the symphony. Bring the noise, YELL, SCREAM! 10+ false starts thanks to the fans will help out if Abraham is in street clothes.

GO FALCONS!!!! GO FALCONS FANS!!!

By Brian

September 14, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Great article. I couldn’t agree more. I hope we take a few shots downfield off of play action (maybe on 2nd down where 99.9% of our plays are running plays). Lets see the wheels that Lelie and Roddy have.

Let’s get the fans involved too. If you’re going to the game, GET LOUD. It is frustrating as a season ticket holder to see the Steelers fans or the Redskins fans go nuts in their respective stadiums. 1:00 pm on Sunday is not a date at the symphony. Bring the noise, YELL, SCREAM! 10+ false starts thanks to the fans will help out if Abraham is in street clothes.

GO FALCONS!!!! GO FALCONS FANS!!!

By sugarlee

September 14, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

Please don’t mention Moore in the same breathe as Bradley. The Falcons look like a dangerously good team last week. Just like Mark said, even without Abraham, the defense should still be able to click. It was just awsome to watch that defensive line work like they did during the first half. Then, later in the game, the scene moved to the secondary, ooh weee. Sweet sweet sweet. I can’t help but think how everybody was talking about how tuff the Falcons schedule is. I said it then, and I’ll say it now. Who ever has to play the Falcons. Now that’s who has a tuff schedule.

By FalconFanForever

September 14, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

This was a refreshing article from a paper I have generally considered too harsh on the Falcons in the past. The entire organization is steadily getting better, and Mark Bradley is very perceptive to note the improvement in talent that the Falcon front office has provided this past off-season. I admire you going out on a limb and prediction playoffs when it is so much safer to just sit on the bench. Kudos to Mark Bradley, and its about time the AJC recognizes what the team is doing.

By Ken Strickland

September 14, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

FANS, this is going to be a magical yr. Allow me to make a comparison that will put this season into proper perspective. Last season’s team, with all of its problems, went 8-8 and score an average of 21.9ppg. Of the 8 losses, 4 were last minute 3pt losses. With this yrs DEF, those would have been wins and our record would have been 12-4. We could have beaten GB with this yrs DEF as well, leaving us with a potential record of 13-3. So, we have the DEF we didn’t have last yr, and this yrs’ OFF is quicker, faster and deeper, with better Oline play. We have team balance with depth on both sides of the ball. We will likely lose a few games, but not many. If we can go into the playoffs reasonably healthy, we will play in the SB and we will win. GO FALCONS!!!!!!

By I can't believe it!

September 14, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

Man this is too pleasent and enjoyable! Where are the VICK haters? Where are the Falcons will finish 3 and 13 haters? I no, they will come out in full force after our first loss.

By Big Al

September 14, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

Good analysis, Ken. I loved the talking heads picking us to be mediocre at best.

I am not sure any other team had more offseason personnel improvement than the Falcons. NOBODY gave enough credit to the impact Abe, Milloy and Crocker would have then adding the Wall just made it that much better. And we get Hartwell back.

Oh yeah, and two young receivers having a full year under their belts. Then add the yards per catch leader the past two years as our #3.

Yup Mark, this aint your 8-8 Falcons.

By Terrance

September 14, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

It’s PERSONNAL AND WERE ABOUT TOO BRING THE PAINE … IT’S ALL ABOUT BUSINESS… GO FALCONS !!!

By Chief Thinkumlots

September 14, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

Chief Thinkum Terrence Moore is big turd, he know nothing about football, him ignorant and racist ughhh! Chief Thinkum Terrence Moore is paid too much WAMPUN for job he does, him psycho and full of chit…Chief no trust Terrence Moore… chief thinkum Terrence speak with forked tongue, him need cavity search from NTSA when he fly in big silver bird!!!

By Bill Heller

September 14, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

KUDDOS TO YOU! I admire a journalist who goes out on a limb. I don’t have your confidence, but it should be an entertaining season.

By dustin

September 14, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

how could everyone not think this would be a better team this year after the players we got!! I knew before the preseason we were heading for the playoffs…i think this team is at least a NFC championship type team if we stay healthy! GO Falcons!! a true fan since the 80;s

By yourwishismypleasure

September 15, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

Let me clear something up. Vick completed less than half of his passes and threw for just 140 yards in Atlanta’s victory over Carolina. But you might not know this the way TV broadcasters gushed over Vick’s performance.

I guess Vick is the one NFL superstar quarterback we’re supposed to judge on wins and losses alone. Sorry, I’m not going to do it. Vick is not Trent Dilfer. Vick is supposed to be a better version of Randall Cunningham.

Dilfer won a Super Bowl and received his walking papers. Vick rides the Warrick Dunn bandwagon to a few regular-season victories and gets a $100 million contract. That ain’t right.

By BirdDawg

September 15, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

yourwishisbulls!%$,

Umm, either you are Jason Whitlock, or you just ripped off, word for word, his article on ESPN.com

Moron.

And as I’ve emailed Whitlock, what is the Falcons winning percentage without Vick?

And more importantly, what is Matt Fraud’s winning percentage?

So, Vick rides Dunn’s coattails, yet this team simply cannot win without Mike Vick.

Makes a lot of sense to me, Whitlock, you fat moron.

By This gets old

September 15, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this

You know yourwishismypleasure when you copy something that others wrote, in this case Jason Whitlock, you should credit that person. Otherwise it might be considered stealing their intellectual property.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE JUDGE OUR QB ON? The point of playing the damned games is to see who wins. Eli sure looked pretty on Monday. Did they win or lose?

Vick has the fifth highest winning pct. among active QB’s. When I pay to go to the games I want the Falcons to win. Jeff George threw a pretty ball too but he couldn’t win. I’ll take it as it is now.

By Connie Lingous

September 15, 2006 02:37 AM | Link to this

Mark, any chance you go back to the poofy hair look you sported for so long? It was a great look for you!!

By nunna yo bizznezz

September 15, 2006 03:36 AM | Link to this

I am trying not to get to over excited,just one game into the season..But..Dang yall,isn’t it great(as always)to be a falcons fan????

If this our year to win the super bowl,i want this year to go by nice and slow..I love Football,especially the NFL..

Baseball don’t do it for me..Basketball is ok..Hockey,i like the fights..But football,man..

Falcons..Take your time and win it all this year..If we do..We all will remember this year and treasure it for the rest of our lives…Go Falcons

By Stewart

September 15, 2006 06:35 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are dangerous this year. I’m glad to see some fans on this blog. To everyone who said we would lose this year, or be 8-8, you are not allowed to enjoy this team.

Let’s not get too confident. In the NFL you are never as bad as you look from one Sunday to the next. Tampa Bay can beat us if the establish a running game. But, you know we’re going to run the ball, so..

If the Falcons can stop the run, we’ll win the division.

By truckstop

September 15, 2006 06:58 AM | Link to this

All Ed Hartwell adds to this team is another “body” to rest the “starting” linebackers although I would like to see how he does playing behind G. Jackson. He has zero abilty sheading blockers. I have this feeling he’s not all he’s made out to be.

By larry w.

September 15, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

There are certain posters on these blogs that share a kindred spirit when it comes to supporting and believing in the Falcons. Fred, Ken Strickland, Dirrtybird, William Kitchens, and BirdDawg are just a few of the many regular posters who share insightful opinions and do not post just to rag on the team or instill negative comments. These are the posters who will really enjoy this season because these are the posters who have had to endure all of the off season naysayers after last years disappointing finish. The negative comments still come, but they are getting to be fewer and much farther between.

By JG

September 15, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

Falcons look very good. But fans shouldn’t panic if 1 of the next 2 games is a loss. TB is not nearly as bad as they showed last week and we’ll be playing NO at the worst time imaginable. I’ll take 3-1 heading into the bye right now. I predicted 10-6 before the season but thought week 1 would be a L. So I feel pretty good about our playoff(and division champ) chances… even though it’s only 1 game.

By JG

September 15, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

And regarding Vick: I’ve followed the Falcons intently since I was 5 (1982) and it’s been pretty ugly most seasons. So now they have a 26-yr old QB and they win 62.5% of the games he starts and 2 of 4 playoff games (3 of which were on the road). And he’s only 26! I don’t care if he scrambles from sideline-to-sideline, throws the balls 5 rows into the stands, and does the moonwalk to the bench. As long as 5 out of every 8 games he starts ends in a WIN, he’s a good NFL QB. Go Falcons!

By Falcon4Life

September 15, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

Mark - by far, your best line this year: “This is the NFL, where emotion fades but talent endures.” Totally agree.

By Falcon4Life

September 15, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

So true that Ed Hartwell, Ike Reese, Roddy White — had negligible impact on the 2005 season. Unfortunately, Hartwell and Roddy are turning out to be BIG BUST ! Roddy appears to be a scared punk on the field. He doesn’t have the same determination that other smallish recievers have (i.e. Steve Smith). START Ashley / Sit Roddy, and who cares about Ed “Show Me The Money” Hartless..err Hartwell.

By JG

September 15, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

I’d say the jury’s still out on Roddy as it’s difficult to make an intelligent estimation on a WR’s career after 1 year and 1 game. I believe Steve Smith had 10 catches his rookie year in a slightly more pass-oriented offense than White played in his rookie year. Unfortunately for us, the Panthers didn’t rush the judgment and send him packing. Roddy may indeed never pan out, but I’m not disappointed in him at this stage in his career.

By dirty til I die

September 15, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

I’ve never posted b4 and I may never post again so remember I said this. The best thing to ever happen to Mike Vick is now he truely believes that stats will not define his career, winning will. All he does, and all he gets paid for, is winning. The days of the Prima Donna QB who would rather have 350 yards passing than win the game is over. (Can you say Dan Marino or (Any) Manning)

The Falcons will go to the SuperBowl, and have three Pro Bowlers from the Defense, Milloy, Hall, and Abraham. Everything that happpens between now and then is just filling, so Falcons fans have fun with it.

And for all the Dirty Bird Haters who roll with whatever team is playing the Falcons that week; Your condition has been diagnosed as a rare form of Schizophrenia. All that hate will make you sterile, so keep up the good work and help us improve the gene pool.

By BirdDawg

September 15, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

Falcon4life,

Ummm, dude, were you saying the same things about Jenk last year?

You do realize that the NFL-accepted incubation period for wideouts is 3 years, right? That’s why so many teams really would rather take a reciever in the second or third rounds, because they really can’t help a team right away.

All of them, Javon Walker, Terrel Owens, David Givens, Deion Branch, Chad Johnson, Hines Ward, etc, etc; broke out in their third years.

For some like Terry Glenn and yes, Steve Smith, it took longer, and guys like Randy Moss are once in a generation, so don’t bring him up.

This is Jenk’s breakout year. This is his third year. Give Roddy White a chance, this is only his second year. You have to have patience with wideouts.

And if you don’t, you’re just proving your football ignorance.

By Larry

September 15, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

You guys are so naive.

Vick can do on a football field what no other quarterback has ever been able to do. Likewise, Vick cannot do what almost every NFL QB can do—throw with consistent accuracy the most basic and fundamental passes.

Sunday, we saw Vick scramble and make some exciting plays. We also saw Vick, not just miss, but absolutely horribly overthrow several WIDE OPEN short-mid range receivers while standing in the pocket with plenty of time and perfect protection. He nearly turned the game around for the Panthers when he threw a pass into the belly of Peppers only 5-10 yards away without obstruction of view.

This is his problem and every great defense knows this. Stop the running game of the Falcons by bringing up the linebackers and safeties and blitz Vick constantly. He’ll get a few yards, he’ll do some incredible things, but he’ll never sustain long drives with his accuracy.

Our defense, running game, special teams—and Vick’s occasional heroics—may in fact get us in the playoffs, but Vick’s poor passing skills and fundamentals will prove to be the limiting factor again just as it was against the Eagles defense in 2002 and 2004.

Face it—he’s a fast guy who can throw a long, tight spiral, and he’s pure entertainment when he’s running, but he simply is not a very accurate passer and this will prove to be his—and the Falcons—Achilles heel.

By BirdDawg

September 15, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

Larry,

You’re an idiot.

If that were true, than the Falcons should be able to play A-OK without him right?

I mean, Matt Fraud should be able to win every game he starts, right?

WRONG!!!

You are just like Jason Whitlock, Larry. You’re a joke. You don’t want to realize that Vick doesn’t have to fit into your narrow vision of what a QB has to be in order to win. You’re prejudiced against him, not because of his race (although you might be, I don’t know), but because he wins games, but not the way you want him to win them.

That is such an idiotic position to take, Larry. How about this? You take the win as a win. And the fact that this team cannot win without him should be a stat that is plastered over every board in which there are idiots like you who say that the Falcons would be better off without him.

Because anyone with a brain and the ability to navigate to the NFL.com website can see that when Vick doesn’t start, the Falcons lose!

God, people like you are so stupid! What’s that old saying, you’d spite yourself to… no, that’s not it. I can’t remember what it is, but basically, what it means is, that you’re a big, fat stinking hypocrite Larry.

Just shut the hell up and get the hell off our boards, moron.

By Rev. Dudley Doright

September 15, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Bless you Larry! You’re insight is a welcome balance to the apocalyptic bloggers who think Vick in the messiah and that these newly acquired hirelings are going to bring in the millenia. Vick’s 62% winning —- I’d be preaching to an empty house or be fired if only 62% of my sermons got the job done.Only in athletic endeavors is mediocrity applauded.

Blessings on you brother and remember: Blessed is he who expecteth nothing, for he shall not be disappointed!

By Cairo

September 15, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

LARRY,

Vick will NEVER SUSTAIN a drive, huh? TIME OF POSSESSION 36:28 Atlanta 23:32 Carolina. What game were u watching? No other quarterback in FALCONS history can boost of what he has accomplished. I guess you were satisifed with the Jeff George, Bobby Herbert, Chrystal Chandelier, Chris Miller, Doug Johnson, Kirt Kitner, Tony G by the way they seem to be a little lighter than number 7. Is this the real problem??? Get a grip… This team wins with number 7 at the helm, period! The entertainment is worth my season tickets and the suspense of knowing at ANY moment he can do what he does the way GOD made him not Larry the jerk off. LOL!!!

By vincent vega

September 15, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

OK, I’ve been a Falcons fan for 30 years, and while I love Michael Vick as much as the next fan, I can’t help but agree with Larry’s assessment. Why is that some posters, when responding to anything critical of their team, have to resort to calling the critic an “idiot”? There have been idiotic posts on this board, but this is not one.

I thought Larry went out of his way to point out the great things Vick brings to the table. Then he pointed out his shortcomings. Larry is correct in pointing out that when the run is shut down, games sometimes have to be won through the air, and Vick’s passing accuracy is certainly fair game for criticism. Likewise, I’m still not sure if Vick has the mentality necessary to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly. If he can make some gains in this area, I expect the accuracy question will take care of itself.

Hopefully this is the year he’ll prove the doubters wrong, but until it happens, lets at least admit to ourselves that Vick has room for improvement.

So, go ahead haters…call me an idiot.

By Ironfeet

September 15, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Vick kept the chains moving and did not turn the ball over. That’s about all you can ask from your QB. I believe he understands this and will be a better QB because of this. Also, the almost INT that Peppers dropped seemed to be one of those breaks that good teams have a knack of getting during possible championship runs. Just a thought…

By Barry

September 15, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Hey Yall:

SHHHHHHH Again. This thing that is happening with the Falcons is a metamorphasism of great things to come. Let not holler playoff and Super Bowl too much. Let us just sit back and enjoy the coming of age of great Falcon football. Not just for this year but for years to come. They are getting deep in talent and our fan base is getting deep too. What is happening is for the long haul. I can actually see the vision of McKay and Mora. These two football minded young individuals are about to reach their peek in administration, vision and implentation of a great profesional football program. Kudos to Arthur Blank for giving them what they need to be sucessful. Again, SHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Ringold

By JG

September 15, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Great job changing the subject, Barry. Now all the gloom-and-doomers can get off of Vick’s lack of accuracy and now focus on Mora being stupid or McKay being a one-hit wonder. Just wait, it’s coming at any time now…
Go Falcons! Go Mora/McKay/Vick/Brooking/Dunn/Kerney/Abraham/Schaub/Hall/McClure etc, etc.!!!

By Dirrtybird

September 15, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

A few wins seems to knock a lot of the haters off of this board. Even the haters are fair weather. A few more wins and most of this “Vick can’t play QB” will be shown for the nonsense that it is. This is a different style of football. 252 yards rushing against one of the most celebrated defenses in the league. This could be one of the best running teams ever. Vick only needs to complete a few more passes per game and limit his turnovers. Haters seem to just neglect the real effect of our run game. Everybody knows we’re going to run, yet we still lead the league. This year will be no different. Did I mention that Vick passed for 2 TD’s last week? Can we talk about Time of Possession? Vick at QB opens up the game. Watch as the season develops, so will the playbook. Teams will start stacking the box again, and that’s when you’ll see Vick going over the top. Let them stop the run first, then let’s spread the field. You can’t show it all off in one game. No need to, when you run for 252. Just a thought.

By Larry

September 15, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg,

Because of your limited cerebral capacity resulting in limited cognitive output I’ll refrain from temptation to join you in calling others “stupid” and “idiot.” This would be cruel to engage in an intellectual battle with an unarmed opponent. Besides, I have faith and trust that those of genuine, warranted confidence who have heard from you in this past realize your shortcomings and immaturity.

By the way, in regards to your argument about the few receivers you mentioned that didn’t develop until their 3rd year, why did you fail to include the stats of, say, just to name a couple, Jerry Rice and Randy Moss in their first year?

And to help you comprehend my earlier comment, I’ll “dumb down” my explanation for you just a tad. I didn’t say Vick doesn’t help his team win—of course he does. What I said is that his inaccuracy puts a ceiling on his championship potential because at some point, deep into the playoffs, he’ll have to hit some key passes to sustain a drive or mount a comeback. If you have a fundamentally sound, and very fast defense, they’ll force him to beat them with his arm. He has yet to prove he is accurate enough to hit timing patterns from the pocket.

Ever notice how some of his worst passes happen when he’s standing still in the pocket, and many with good protection? Don’t you find this puzzling? I know why because I played the position and was an outstanding passer (and a very slow runner.) Vick is terrible at timing routes because his footwork and baseball-like throwing motion is not conducive to accuracy. The most accurate passers—Brady, Montana, Aiken, Marino, for example—never bring the ball very far past their head just before delivery. This motion is conducive to accuracy. On the other hand, Vick is at his best when he’s scrambling, spots a guy open, and then throws a bullet to the vicinity of a guy standing still or barely moving. This will work some of the time but not all of the time and thus the inconsistency and unpredictability.

Now, does this help you BirdDawg?

Can you show the world you are capable of intelligent debate without being such a bratty little name-calling child?

By Larry

September 15, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg,

Because of your limited cerebral capacity resulting in limited cognitive output I’ll refrain from temptation to join you in calling others “stupid” and “idiot.” This would be cruel to engage in an intellectual battle with an unarmed opponent. Besides, I have faith and trust that those of genuine, warranted confidence who have heard from you in this past realize your shortcomings and immaturity.

By the way, in regards to your argument about the few receivers you mentioned that didn’t develop until their 3rd year, why did you fail to include the stats of, say, just to name a couple, Jerry Rice and Randy Moss in their first year?

And to help you comprehend my earlier comment, I’ll “dumb down” my explanation for you just a tad. I didn’t say Vick doesn’t help his team win—of course he does. What I said is that his inaccuracy puts a ceiling on his championship potential because at some point, deep into the playoffs, he’ll have to hit some key passes to sustain a drive or mount a comeback. If you have a fundamentally sound, and very fast defense, they’ll force him to beat them with his arm. He has yet to prove he is accurate enough to hit timing patterns from the pocket.

Ever notice how some of his worst passes happen when he’s standing still in the pocket, and many with good protection? Don’t you find this puzzling? I know why because I played the position and was an outstanding passer (and a very slow runner.) Vick is terrible at timing routes because his footwork and baseball-like throwing motion is not conducive to accuracy. The most accurate passers—Brady, Montana, Aiken, Marino, for example—never bring the ball very far past their head just before delivery. This motion is conducive to accuracy. On the other hand, Vick is at his best when he’s scrambling, spots a guy open, and then throws a bullet to the vicinity of a guy standing still or barely moving. This will work some of the time but not all of the time and thus the inconsistency and unpredictability.

Now, does this help you BirdDawg?

Can you show the world you are capable of intelligent debate without being such a bratty little name-calling child?

By JG

September 15, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Larry, I do believe you started you’re comment with ‘you guys are so naive’… referring to folks who support Vick. Though I don’t agree with BirdDawg bashing folks who bring-up Vick’s shortcomings, I think you stooped to his level with your post. I welcome debates about the pros/cons of Michael Vick, but don’t act like you were doing it intelligently.

By BirdDawg

September 15, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

Blah, Blah, Blah… YAWN!

Larry, you had me at blah, blah, blah.

Your stance on Michael Vick is prejudiced to the box you think all QBs should fit in.

Your stance on Michael Vick is predicated on stats. Peyton Manning has some pretty stats, and has done the same with a more talented team that Michael Vick has done with a far less talented team.

Translation, Larry (I’m dumbing this down to your 3rd grade intelligence level): Michael Vick has the ability to pull his teammates up and put them on his back, Peyton Manning does not. In fact, Peyton Manning is a liability in big games. But any SEC fan could tell you that. Vick has shown that he can do great things in big games going back to the 2000 Sugar Bowl, or like in Green Bay in 2002 and against the Rams 2 years ago.

Your stance on Michael Vick is wrong.

It is biased to the old school way of thinking.

And like your argument Larry, you are just irrelevant here.

Go away.

By Larry

September 15, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

JG,

The “naive” comment was more sarcasm than vicious name calling and was directed to no one in particular. But, you’re probably right, I could have made my point without this. I hope I didn’t completely “stoop to his level” by employing the term “naive.”

Thanks for the feedback.

Larry

By JG

September 15, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

No problem, and as a Falcons and, therefore, Vick supporter let me say that out of 32 starting QBs he’s probably the 30th most accurate(surely he’s better than Culpepper/Brooks). But objectively, I would rate him as maybe the 9th best all around signal-caller. Certainly not the best, but Falcons’ fans should be excited to have him… and Schaub too!! Our QB position is a strength, IMHO.

By Larry

September 15, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg,

Any comment about those first year receivers?

Secondly, you mentioned only two “big games,” one of which was, frankly, an above average Green Bay team in Green Bay, but with a very unseasonably moderate temperature for a game in January. How would you rate Vick’s performance against Philly in the 2002 and 2004 playoffs? Or the Chicago, second Tampa game or either of the two Carolina games last season?

Vick’s game is not the novelty it was in 2002 and now entering his 6th NFL season his passing skills haven’t immproved a lick. Why? I’ve already explained this.

You’re a wierd guy man! You bring up “stats” or “manning” when no one mentions this. You seem to be unstable and manufacture things out of nowhere. I envision you as a short, unattractive litle guy who women never desire. Am I right?

My argument is about one thing—passing accuracy BirdDawg,

Any comment about those first year receivers?

Secondly, you mentioned only two “big games,” one of which was, frankly, an above average Green Bay team in Green Bay, but with a very unseasonably moderate temperature for a game in January. How would you rate Vick’s performance against Philly in the 2002 and 2004 playoffs? Or the Chicago, second Tampa game or either of the two Carolina games last season?

Vick’s game is not the novelty it was in 2002 and now entering his 6th NFL season his passing skills haven’t improved a lick. Why? I’ve already explained this.

You’re a weird guy man! You bring up “stats” or “manning” when no one mentions this. You seem to be unstable and manufacture things out of nowhere. I envision you as a short, unattractive little guy who women never desire. Am I right? You need a hug?

My argument is about one thing—passing accuracy

By Dirrtybird

September 15, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

Vick had a passer rating of 96 in his first game. Seems pretty good to me. Much better than Delhomme’s. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. That’s the scary part. Atlanta is not trying to be the #1 passing team in the league. We don’t need to. We have quite possibly one of the best running teams ever in the NFL. Don’t neglect that Larry. All we need is average passing to keep the defense backed up. We don’t need to break any passing yardage records. We’re already doing that on the ground and eating up the clock while we’re doing it. See last weeks run yardage total and time of possession total for proof. Recognize Larry. This is a different type of football team. One that just beat the Super Bowl favorites.

By lee sunset

September 15, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Falcons coulda/shoulda scored 35+ points last week. They do that, keep the time of possession in the positive, and then continue to terrorize opponents’ QB’s - it’s gonna be a fun year.
p.s. More postings from Chief Thinkumlots. Very insightful. p.s.s. How many first downs did Vick pass and/or run for last Sunday?

By Hasavior

September 15, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

DirtyBird,

I like how you flow. it is obvious that people dislike or hate what is out of normal box of standards. Old Football head fans are conditioned of seeing that tall white male throwing and taking credit for every play on the offensive side of the ball. Visually it hurts their conditioned minds when they see a 6’0 multi faceted player at the quaterback position - pass/run/option.

The only balck quarterback whom old head football fan gave a nod to was doug williams and he was the epitamy of a pocket pass quarterback. Those old heads gave randall cunningham hell when he played. As a matter of fact, i truly believe that charlie ward would have been the first mike vick out of florida state to hit the NFL scene, but the NFL could not afford nor partake in the changing of the quarterback position.

There was another good balck quaterback that wad blackballed, fair lightskinned brother. it was highly publicized in the media - i think it was the detroit lions who cut hit unexpectantly.

the falcons are looking at total offense on the run and pass. i think that not going after T.O was a good move, not because of the playe problem thing, but just that he demands the ball in the air, rather than run first -it would have been a potential conflict of interest in the long run.

By JG

September 15, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Threw for 8 first downs… ran for 3 more.

By Edd Anderson

September 15, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

To sum it all up. Falcons 30 Bucs 13. 2-0 going into week #3. Bucs score late in the fourth against backups.

By Larry

September 15, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Hasavior,

I think BirdDawg has a few names just perfect for you!

Stop playing the “victim” card. It doesn’t hold water anymore as both “blacks” and “whites” more than ever know that to get anything, and truly appreciate it, you’ve just got to earn it!

By michael

September 15, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

Dirty Bird why waste time trying to argue your point wiht these guys? Larry brought up the Tampa games last year? Vick passed, for 300 & 306 yards those games. And games with Green bay, Miami for over 200+ yds. Last year was the first time that Carolina beat the Falcons twice since Vick been the starting QB! As for Peyton Manning he didn’t start being a good QB, until his 6th or 7th year in league. Ya’ see people don’t throw those stats out there! If I’m lying ask Mora senior? When he talked about his team when about making the playoffs! In the preseason everyone was talking about Carson Palmer? His stat line wasn’t impressive? And god let’s not talk about Troy Aikeman 1st two seasons? 1 and 15! Terry Bradshaw was concider too stupid to play the position by his own Coach! Byron Leftwich is also being critize by the he throw the ball & the he runs the offense! Look at Drew Bledsoe, Chris Simms, Hasselback, Delhomme, Brunnel etc.. their stat line wasn’t great! And they made bad decisons, over throwing reciever’s, under throwing, interceptions and so on. But with Vick, he can’t make mistakes! Even though he win games, take the team too the playoffs, break records, take the team to the NFC Championship game etc… With all these accomplishments he being critized for his passing stats! Eventhough he had too learn a new offense. So please brother stop trying to prove your point! You simply cannot win! You see even though the best teams play for the Super Bowl, which require winning. Even if he wins games, he is being consider as if he is loser. And that’s very, very sad and unfair!

By truckstop

September 15, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

In 1985, the Bears won the Super Bowl with a tenacious defense a great rushing attack (Walter Peyton) and one of the NFL’s worse passers (Jim McMahan). The name of the game is moving the chains however you can and that’s what Vick does. Oh yeah, he wins too!!! Manning passes for 400 yards and loses. And to the one who said “Vick is supposed to be a better version of Randall Cunningham”. Who says? All Vick has to be is Vick…like it or not!!!!

By Dirrtybird

September 15, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

Michael,

Winning is exactly what we’re going to be doing. Welcome aboard. The truth should be obvious but some people need to be slapped in the face with it. It’s a pure pleasure of mine, and proving the haters wrong could never be considered a waste of time. You’ll see them come along less and less as the Falcons continue to win. Those that continue to be haters, will be gobbled up and shamed. See Tito. Even he is backpeddling on his pre season predictions. It won’t be long before Larry is quite embarrassed on here as well.

By Dirrtybird

September 15, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

Michael,

Winning is exactly what we’re going to be doing. Welcome aboard. The truth should be obvious but some people need to be slapped in the face with it. It’s a pure pleasure of mine, and proving the haters wrong could never be considered a waste of time. You’ll see them come along less and less as the Falcons continue to win. Those that continue to be haters, will be gobbled up and shamed. See Tito. Even he is backpeddling on his pre season predictions. It won’t be long before Larry is quite embarrassed on here as well.

By Ron G

September 15, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

What i don’t understand, please someone explain!! Why is when BRET FARVE has bad mechanics, lack of better words poor passing choices, and throws the same bullets at his receivers just 5 yards away, he’s called a gunslanger, plays with passion, and every other heroic name out there. But when VICK does anything close to that, he’s called a poor passer, can’t read the D, a horrible quaterback, i just dont understand. But I guess he gets a pass for having a superior D and receivers who could catch those 100 mphs balls during their championship days. Someone please explain!?

By Straight$$$$Homie

September 15, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Hello Larry, I’m struggling to wrap my little mind around your amazing intellect. Wow!! You’re like professor or something. Keeping that in mind, along with your insults of my fellow Falcon fans, I was unaware that CLAY AIKEN was ever a QB in the NFL. Perhaps you ment Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboy QB Troy Aikman? Either way, you’re typical of alot of fans who are frustrated former players who couldn’t make the grade, so they become analysts, commentators, or in your case serial bloggers. So, do us all a favor. Send me your email address and I’ll wire you the funds for some counseling to assist you in overcoming your bout with “inadequate QB skills dysfunction” . Not everybody is fleet-a-foot, it’s okay. Just don’t sweat those who are. I know that I’m nowhere as smart as you and probably misspelled several words, but I’m sure you get the point. RELAX and find another blog, please :)

By Straight$$$$Homie

September 15, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Ron G, Does that really have to be explained? Look at all the passes FOX and Terry Bradshaw have given Jake Plummer. I think Madden would have Favre’s baby. Unfortunately, white QB’s get a pass and minority QB’s are dumb in the eyes of the public. Here’s my favorite example of how screwed up this QB evaluation process is. Coming out of FSU Charlie Ward ran the exact same offense that Jim Kelly and the Bills took to 4 Super Bowls and did so in an exceptional manner. Yet because he had possible basketball aspirations, NFL execs balked at drafting him early. Before the draft, Ward declared that if chosen in the 1st round, he’d forget basketball. We all know how that ended. For years, the running joke was that the best QB in New York was playing PG for the Knicks…..

By BirdDawg

September 15, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

Homie,

Spoken like a true Falcons fan. Don’t worry, once we get to the Super Bowl this year, guys like Larry, the haters, the prejudiced guys… they’ll all be gone.

Keep the faith! Vick can take us there!

By Darrin

September 15, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

Good read. I just don’t get why no one outside of Falconland saw this coming. I mean, I know we all may suffer from some sort of “homeritis” concerning our own team, but come on. I’m hearing all these writers/analysts talk about what a great off-season we had, but DURING the off-season when I would read/see these same writers, nowhere was there hardly any praise for the additions the Falcons made. Nothing big on Norwood. Big Abe got a little mentioned but it always ended “he isn’t much help against the run” or “he missed 9 games a couple of seasons ago”. Everyone thought we were wasting time pursuing Grady “Get in my belly!” Jackson. We were fools trading T.J. for Lelie. Mora’s on the hot seat. Vick “better” make it happen this season or, uhh-hh, I don’t what the h@#% they finished that with ‘cause I usually hit the mental mute button as soon as they start that dumb azz statement. It was like we hadn’t done squat and we were the worst team in the league last year. We were 8-8, not 2-14, but writers everywhere, because of this franchhise’s history I suppose, ripped the Falcons like they were the Lions or something. So what we haven’t had back to back winning seasons. It only takes ONE to win it all. I guess stat freaks and beat writers have to have some type of hard data to put their accountant degrees to some use with. Anyway, I guess my point is, until we win it all, or put some type of winning seasons together, folks are going to turn their noses up to the Birds on regular, because our past has made it second nature to them. They did it to the Bucs to a degree, until they won it all and substained some sort of winning consistency, but I still don’t like it and can’t wait ‘til all the hardwork pays off and the Falcons get that Lombardi trophy. They are too deep and talented not to. After and until that, I will never be concerned whether the media types give us the respect due us, because we will have taken it! GO FALCONS!

By James

September 15, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

Race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race,race, race, race, race, race!!!!!!

Damn! I get so freakin’ tired of having the race card dealt evertime someone doesn’t like what’s being said about a player.

Black players and , indeed most athletes, make millions of dollars —- based on ability not race. Therefore, to critique their play is altogether fitting and doesn’t have a damn thing to do with the color of their skin. This is 2006 not 1956 of Gawd’s sake.

By Larry

September 15, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

Straight$$$$Homie,

Is a misspelled name the best you got? Funny, I didn’t even realize it until you brought it to my attention. I guess I was focusing on the more important things.

More importantly, I’ll be watching those birds from my very prime, field level seats on Sunday while you’re adjusting the aluminum foil wrapped around your coat hanger to get better reception.

Head on down to Church’s Chicken now for your Friday night gluttony. You’re way out of your league with me.

By 40 years and counting

September 15, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

Lets wait and see guys.Dont forget about vick quitting on us last year in chicago because it was to cold.If he had the heart of brady we would be stamping our ticket to the superbowl already.What is mora gonna do about brook this week,I hope we dont have to watch that chump get run all over again this week.

By Straight$$$$Homie

September 15, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

Larry, The best I got. What a joke? While you’re watching from your verrrry expensive seats, I’ll be a touch busy providing the security and freedom for this great country of ours as a 23 yr veteran of the United States Air Force. I could provide you with my resume’ and accomplishments, but there’s simply no need. Everyone on here already knows what your all about. Your “ghettoish” description of my homelife is childish and fried chicken reference is deplorable. To bad you wouldn’t or couldn’t discuss your shortcomings. I could say something crass like “I’d leave that up to your to do while I’m killin’ it tonight”, but alas that would be unsporting of me. Your wit amuses me but the fact you actually believe your own BS concerns me. Finally, James, please pull your head out of wherever it is you have it? It is what it is! Face it….

By No Vick QB

September 15, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

Vick needs to be moved to a WR or RB if the birds are ever going to be successful. He has proven he lacks the leadership skills to win against the odds. Whenever the Falcons fall behind he’s the first one to mail it in. Being a QB is as much about leadership as it is physical skills.

By michael

September 15, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks! Dirty Bird, Birddawg, and all other Falcon fans, for believing in this team. Everyone is talking about Reggie Bush, Williams, and Maroney! But I think that Falcons may have gotten the best RB in the draft in Norwood! This was a great accqusition for the Birds. I see big thing from this guy. As for Heartwell? give him time people! I really would like too see what that kid Beck can do with the first team defense! This team is really talented accross the board, and going too have special season this year, and years too come! Just sit back watch guys. All those so call analyst is going too eat those words, just watch! I’am predicting that we will not lose a game until after the by week! Even though people got us losing this week end! Tampa is not going beat us! I think our most difficult game might be Arizona!

By Straight$$$$Homie

September 15, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

Hey NVQ, A swing & a huge whiff ;) NEXT!!!

By James

September 15, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Straight: What percentage of athletes are black. Most football players. Most basketball players. A growing percentage of baseball players. I’m frustrated. If I criticize the play, motivation or efficiency of an athlete today —- 2006 —- the chances are he will be black. Statistically based. Not racially based. And, my criticism has nothing to do with skin color, but my OPINION of his skill and performance. Don’t shove that racist crap in my direction.

By No Vick QB

September 15, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

Vick admitted to mailing it in against the Panthers last year. Watch what happens the next time the Falcons fall behind - if he’s forced to throw the ball the game is over. He gets sacked and the entire game falls apart. Look at the sniping on this board - he can’t even unify the fans after a great win.

By Straight$$$$Homie

September 15, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

James, Nothing personal, honest… However, even if your OPINION is as you say, it is just that, YOUR opinion. Unfortunately, there are countless people within our society who think that way. To assert otherwise is, perhaps naive. Many of us critique players for whatever reason. I simply decry the double standard used when judging minority athletes, that is MY perception. If I offended you with my statement, I apologize wholeheartedly. I should’ve been more specific and said “sand”. That would have been more appropriate for the point I was trying to make. My bad! A side note. Individuals of Latin American descent now outnumber others in baseball.

By Straight$$$$Homie

September 15, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

NVQ, You must at least hit the ball if you have any hope in ever scoring!! As Dan Patrick says, ” the whiff” #2…

By kharma

September 15, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Write it down - the Falcons WILL NOT win a game if they are down more then three points in the fourth quarter. Vick has freak show running skills but just average leadership.

By James

September 15, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

Apology accepted. When a person buys on as a fan, the team becomes the important thing. And, like when you’re in the army or on the police force or a fireman, the team success takes precedence over any particular difference that may exist in another venue. Now, when one accepts multiplied millions of dollars to perform a task for the team, the very fact that he is receiving such a hefty compensation opens him up for criticism when expectations are not met or improvement is needed. And, race is not a factor. At least, not with me. I’m only concerned about individual contributions to the team effort and when the individual, in my opinion, is not measuring up to the compensation he is receiving, he is fotter for critique, regardless of race.

By Straight$$$$Homie

September 15, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

James, Thank you. I agree 100% with what you said. You see everbody, talking it out does work. Take it easy James, nice chatting with you…

By James

September 15, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

Straight: We are pitiful! It’s 10 o’clock on a Friday night and we’re sitting here talking trash about something we have absolutely no control over or any real idea about what’s going on or will happen with this season. I move that we adjourn. Personally, I’m going to pour about two fingers of Jim Beam and go downstairs and snuggle with my wife of 45 years. Good luck to you and me… hope ;we score tonight… and throughout the season!

By Cap

September 15, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

James, what exactly is “measuring up to the compensation”? Are you worth your salary? Does a migrant worker that picks the food you eat on your dinner table making ten times less than you think you make too much? Is that criticism justifiable? Is Vick worth $200,000 a touchdown run? A touchdown throw? A scramble that picks up a first down? A game the Falcons win in which he starts? Michael Vick did not create the concept of capitalism. If Arthur Blank wants to pay him $60 million to be a good luck charm and the Falcons win, well let Vick take the money. I often wonder if people actually watch football games or get their information from pundits on ESPN. I have been watching Vick since they first put a camera on him as a redshirt freshman at Virginia Tech vs. James Madison. That game he flipped over somebody into the end zone for a touchdown and mildly sprained his ankle. Now for those who just started watching Vick when he got to the pros, you all are clutching your pearls asking why he can’t be a pocket passer like Peyton, you know, 6’5” 230 lbs., completely immobile yet somehow the benchmark of quarterback perfection. I have no delusions of how dangerous his style of play is; I’ve personally never seen him play anyway else and be successful. For those of us who are truly Vick fans, we watched him take a perennially also-ran Virginia Tech program with very little talent to becoming a national powerhouse with a high-risk style of play. We knew that Vick could get hurt at any moment but without him Virginia Tech would go back to playing patsy for the likes of Pitt and West Virginia. Still he took a team with no nationally-ranked recruits to the Sugar Bowl to face Bobby Bowden’s powerhouse team and held them for three quarters until Bobby decided to insert his mobile quarterback (Marcus “the Rooster” Outzen) to convert a critical fourth down. Michael Vick has done the same EXACT thing for the Falcons in the NFL. Not against the Big East. Against the best football players out there. He consistently leads the NFL in yards per carry. I don’t care if his QB rating is 70, his completion percentage is 44, or he’s running the wishbone like Tommie Frazier for Nebraska, if it makes the Falcons anything more than the bumbling franchise that was sorry enough to draft him number 1 (actually #3) then I’m happy. I live in Miami amongst a populace that waited 17 years for Dan Marino and all of his touchdown passes, 4000 yard seasons, and high completion percentage to lead them to the promise land. And it never did. If you want TD passes there’s a dome in Indianapolis with another underachieving golden boy already in place. If you want a ball-control offense that can keep the defense rested with an effective (if not prolific) passer, stick with Vick. Talking about fodder for criticism about pay, Manning makes a lot more money than Vick and no one seems to expect him to take the Colts on his shoulders because when he screws up they always deflect blame to his defense (which always happens to have the NFL’s sack leader, a high ranking interception leader, or some other statistical stalwart but they give up a lot of yards because they are always on the field). So as I close with every note of Vick bashing and Manning worship, remember it was Tee Martin that won that championship for Tennessee (with the same talent) not Peyton Manning.

By Cap

September 15, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

James, what exactly is “measuring up to the compensation”? Are you worth your salary? Does a migrant worker that picks the food you eat on your dinner table making ten times less than you think you make too much? Is that criticism justifiable? Is Vick worth $200,000 a touchdown run? A touchdown throw? A scramble that picks up a first down? A game the Falcons win in which he starts? Michael Vick did not create the concept of capitalism. If Arthur Blank wants to pay him $60 million to be a good luck charm and the Falcons win, well let Vick take the money. I often wonder if people actually watch football games or get their information from pundits on ESPN. I have been watching Vick since they first put a camera on him as a redshirt freshman at Virginia Tech vs. James Madison. That game he flipped over somebody into the end zone for a touchdown and mildly sprained his ankle. Now for those who just started watching Vick when he got to the pros, you all are clutching your pearls asking why he can’t be a pocket passer like Peyton, you know, 6’5” 230 lbs., completely immobile yet somehow the benchmark of quarterback perfection. I have no delusions of how dangerous his style of play is; I’ve personally never seen him play anyway else and be successful. For those of us who are truly Vick fans, we watched him take a perennially also-ran Virginia Tech program with very little talent to becoming a national powerhouse with a high-risk style of play. We knew that Vick could get hurt at any moment but without him Virginia Tech would go back to playing patsy for the likes of Pitt and West Virginia. Still he took a team with no nationally-ranked recruits to the Sugar Bowl to face Bobby Bowden’s powerhouse team and held them for three quarters until Bobby decided to insert his mobile quarterback (Marcus “the Rooster” Outzen) to convert a critical fourth down. Michael Vick has done the same EXACT thing for the Falcons in the NFL. Not against the Big East. Against the best football players out there. He consistently leads the NFL in yards per carry. I don’t care if his QB rating is 70, his completion percentage is 44, or he’s running the wishbone like Tommie Frazier for Nebraska, if it makes the Falcons anything more than the bumbling franchise that was sorry enough to draft him number 1 (actually #3) then I’m happy. I live in Miami amongst a populace that waited 17 years for Dan Marino and all of his touchdown passes, 4000 yard seasons, and high completion percentage to lead them to the promise land. And it never did. If you want TD passes there’s a dome in Indianapolis with another underachieving golden boy already in place. If you want a ball-control offense that can keep the defense rested with an effective (if not prolific) passer, stick with Vick. Talking about fodder for criticism about pay, Manning makes a lot more money than Vick and no one seems to expect him to take the Colts on his shoulders because when he screws up they always deflect blame to his defense (which always happens to have the NFL’s sack leader, a high ranking interception leader, or some other statistical stalwart but they give up a lot of yards because they are always on the field). So as I close with every note of Vick bashing and Manning worship, remember it was Tee Martin that won that championship for Tennessee (with the same talent) not Peyton Manning.

By Cap

September 15, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

James, what exactly is “measuring up to the compensation”? Are you worth your salary? Does a migrant worker that picks the food you eat on your dinner table making ten times less than you think you make too much? Is that criticism justifiable? Is Vick worth $200,000 a touchdown run? A touchdown throw? A scramble that picks up a first down? A game the Falcons win in which he starts? Michael Vick did not create the concept of capitalism. If Arthur Blank wants to pay him $60 million to be a good luck charm and the Falcons win, well let Vick take the money. I often wonder if people actually watch football games or get their information from pundits on ESPN. I have been watching Vick since they first put a camera on him as a redshirt freshman at Virginia Tech vs. James Madison. That game he flipped over somebody into the end zone for a touchdown and mildly sprained his ankle. Now for those who just started watching Vick when he got to the pros, you all are clutching your pearls asking why he can’t be a pocket passer like Peyton, you know, 6’5” 230 lbs., completely immobile yet somehow the benchmark of quarterback perfection. I have no delusions of how dangerous his style of play is; I’ve personally never seen him play anyway else and be successful. For those of us who are truly Vick fans, we watched him take a perennially also-ran Virginia Tech program with very little talent to becoming a national powerhouse with a high-risk style of play. We knew that Vick could get hurt at any moment but without him Virginia Tech would go back to playing patsy for the likes of Pitt and West Virginia. Still he took a team with no nationally-ranked recruits to the Sugar Bowl to face Bobby Bowden’s powerhouse team and held them for three quarters until Bobby decided to insert his mobile quarterback (Marcus “the Rooster” Outzen) to convert a critical fourth down. Michael Vick has done the same EXACT thing for the Falcons in the NFL. Not against the Big East. Against the best football players out there. He consistently leads the NFL in yards per carry. I don’t care if his QB rating is 70, his completion percentage is 44, or he’s running the wishbone like Tommie Frazier for Nebraska, if it makes the Falcons anything more than the bumbling franchise that was sorry enough to draft him number 1 (actually #3) then I’m happy. I live in Miami amongst a populace that waited 17 years for Dan Marino and all of his touchdown passes, 4000 yard seasons, and high completion percentage to lead them to the promise land. And it never did. If you want TD passes there’s a dome in Indianapolis with another underachieving golden boy already in place. If you want a ball-control offense that can keep the defense rested with an effective (if not prolific) passer, stick with Vick. Talking about fodder for criticism about pay, Manning makes a lot more money than Vick and no one seems to expect him to take the Colts on his shoulders because when he screws up they always deflect blame to his defense (which always happens to have the NFL’s sack leader, a high ranking interception leader, or some other statistical stalwart but they give up a lot of yards because they are always on the field). So as I close with every note of Vick bashing and Manning worship, remember it was Tee Martin that won that championship for Tennessee (with the same talent) not Peyton Manning.

By Cap

September 15, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

James, what exactly is “measuring up to the compensation”? Are you worth your salary? Does a migrant worker that picks the food you eat on your dinner table making ten times less than you think you make too much? Is that criticism justifiable? Is Vick worth $200,000 a touchdown run? A touchdown throw? A scramble that picks up a first down? A game the Falcons win in which he starts? Michael Vick did not create the concept of capitalism. If Arthur Blank wants to pay him $60 million to be a good luck charm and the Falcons win, well let Vick take the money. I often wonder if people actually watch football games or get their information from pundits on ESPN. I have been watching Vick since they first put a camera on him as a redshirt freshman at Virginia Tech vs. James Madison. That game he flipped over somebody into the end zone for a touchdown and mildly sprained his ankle. Now for those who just started watching Vick when he got to the pros, you all are clutching your pearls asking why he can’t be a pocket passer like Peyton, you know, 6’5” 230 lbs., completely immobile yet somehow the benchmark of quarterback perfection. I have no delusions of how dangerous his style of play is; I’ve personally never seen him play anyway else and be successful. For those of us who are truly Vick fans, we watched him take a perennially also-ran Virginia Tech program with very little talent to becoming a national powerhouse with a high-risk style of play. We knew that Vick could get hurt at any moment but without him Virginia Tech would go back to playing patsy for the likes of Pitt and West Virginia. Still he took a team with no nationally-ranked recruits to the Sugar Bowl to face Bobby Bowden’s powerhouse team and held them for three quarters until Bobby decided to insert his mobile quarterback (Marcus “the Rooster” Outzen) to convert a critical fourth down. Michael Vick has done the same EXACT thing for the Falcons in the NFL. Not against the Big East. Against the best football players out there. He consistently leads the NFL in yards per carry. I don’t care if his QB rating is 70, his completion percentage is 44, or he’s running the wishbone like Tommie Frazier for Nebraska, if it makes the Falcons anything more than the bumbling franchise that was sorry enough to draft him number 1 (actually #3) then I’m happy. I live in Miami amongst a populace that waited 17 years for Dan Marino and all of his touchdown passes, 4000 yard seasons, and high completion percentage to lead them to the promise land. And it never did. If you want TD passes there’s a dome in Indianapolis with another underachieving golden boy already in place. If you want a ball-control offense that can keep the defense rested with an effective (if not prolific) passer, stick with Vick. Talking about fodder for criticism about pay, Manning makes a lot more money than Vick and no one seems to expect him to take the Colts on his shoulders because when he screws up they always deflect blame to his defense (which always happens to have the NFL’s sack leader, a high ranking interception leader, or some other statistical stalwart but they give up a lot of yards because they are always on the field). So as I close with every note of Vick bashing and Manning worship, remember it was Tee Martin that won that championship for Tennessee (with the same talent) not Peyton Manning.

By 40 years and counting

September 15, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

You guys are right.Its gonna take some time before vick gets some recognition like Tom Brady.After all brady is probably the best qb of all time.The falcons are definantly laying the foundation just like the pats.If we could get half the rep that team gets we would be doing allright.Instead of the atl being known for loserville maybe we could get some sort of respect.

By James

September 15, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Cap, Saw your post as I was on my way to have prayer meeting with Rev. Beam. So you live in Miami. I lived in Pembroke Pines and Weston for 18 years. Left in 2001. South Florida, with all it’s problems, is still a fabulous place to live. I still have connections there and look forward to visits every few months. You’re absolutely right. Vick is a fabulous athlete. And, you’re right regarding the subjective nature between the compensation of a player and my appreciation of his contribution. It’s my opinion! The world may disagree. It’s my opinion and even in the midst of a world of homers, I have the right to my opinion. Of course, opinions are like A_ _ holes —- everybody has one. But, nevertheless, I have a right to my opinion —- which is that Vick is a very gifted athlete, an agile runner who will not be able to take the franchise to the next level. If you disagree, fine. If I’m wrong, fine —- it’s just my opinion.

By Boots

September 15, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Vick is ALL HAT AND NO CATTLE! And, we’ll have to wait until January to see who shows up.

By matt

September 16, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived here 11 years now. The funniest thing aboutAtlanta Fans (Georgia and Falcon Fans), the team wins a game and they are “going all the way”. Hmmmm…..in my lifetime (42 years), the Falcons have been in, hmmmmmm…one SUPER BOWL and got their butts handed to them on a platter and Georgia won a title, hmmmm…..25 years AGO. You people are the most entertaining fans in America b/c you think so highly of average teams. Yes, people…the Falcons are AVERAGE.