Sports Columnists

By dan

December 11, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

That’s what I’ve been saying all along. MV isn’t done. Certainly the coaching change from Reeves to Mora didn’t help, but MV still has a lot left. I think MV has more potential talent than LT, it’s just that LT has realized most of his by now. If we can just get vick into the right system (and i know we’ve been saying this over and over like a broken record, but i’ll say it anyway) there’s no limit to what vick can do on the football field. I dont think it was a bad deal at all. On the contrary, I believe Michael Vick will win Atlanta a superbowl faster than LT does for San Diego. Now, I know there’s gonna be a lot of people who disagree with me, so fire at me. Let me see what you think.

By Mark

December 11, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

This debate is useless Mark Bradley. If the Falcons didn’t trade for Vick, Dan Reeves would have taken a tight-end. So without Vick , the falcons don’t even draft L.T. If i am correct, the sports illustrated draft preview had them taking the Defensive End that starts for the bengals from missouri?

By Roy

December 11, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Ditto dude. MV is still a dc worst nightmare. they have to ganeplan for him. no other player, even LT demands that respect. Our record is 7-6 only because of injuries to key players, Abe, Kerney, Forny, Finn, Ed, Rod. The biggest is Finn. His plays this year and it’s a whole different ballgame. At least he can catch the dang ball.

By D-Man

December 11, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Yes Mark your right this is useless to even right, you should have spent your time writing something on our next year move on and OC, I mean a real one not Gregg Freaging Knapp I am sooooo dam sick of him.

By far Vick gets my Vote hands down, LT is great but he isn’t Vick and you can put your mama on that!!!

By Thedream21479

December 11, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

Excellent article sir! I’m not saying LT is overrated, rather, that was a trade that worked out for both franchises. Last time I checked, LT hasn’t brought the Chargers a Super Bowl ring either!

By EC

December 11, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Vick is the man, just stuck in a bad offensive one dimensional system. Not sure what the brainchild was thinking when they did this. Plus a running back in general peeks between year 3-5. QB’s, heck can sometimes take a little longer. A good trade for both cities, one of the few instances where both teams are win, win!

By surrounded by idiots

December 11, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

Uhhhhhhhhh… I’ll take LT, thank you very much.

Let’s see, how do I count the ways: LT = consistent; MV = inconsistent; LT = multi-dimensional running back; MV = one-dimensional quarter back; LT = classy; MV = Ron Mexico, flipping home team off, etc.

Give me Matt Schaub and LT on this ATL team and we’ll be better than 7-6.

By Robert Lynn

December 11, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

LT’s going to Canton. MV will have to buy a ticket.

By Drexel Gal

December 11, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

I am still trying to determine the differences between Michael Vick and Reggie Ball.

Hmmm … let’s see … two immature quarterbacks whose emotions overshadow their abilities, and who run much better than they throw, and whose passes are meaningful only when caught by world-class receivers.

That’s right. No difference.

That’s my opinion. And, I do not welcome yours.

By kg

December 12, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

Here’s an interesting thought. When SD drafted Phillip Rivers, the Falcons had a deal to trade their third round pick for Drew Brees. The deal was agreed to, but then the Charges backed out. Think there’s a call for Schwab now, what if we had Brees on the bench?

By falconfan

December 12, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Please, please, please stop justifying Vick’s poor statistics/performances by his overall wins. Prior to the start of this season, Vick was 7-13-1 against teams with winning records. That means he wins a little more than 30% of the time against good teams, and unfortunately for us, the playoffs are full of good teams. He’s half way through his career and he has actually declined as a passer. Until he improves at passing the ball, i.e. reading defenses, finding open receivers, and then delivering a catchable ball, we will not win a superbowl. I think at this point even the biggest Vick fans have to start questioning if he will ever improve in this area. It certainly doesn’t seem like it at this point. I hope I’m wrong but I think we’ve got the next Cordele Stewart behind center. I’m going to puke if Schaub goes to Green Bay this offseason. Vick is a great athlete and a mediocre quarterback at best.

By BullDawg Rick

December 12, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

Due to his electrifying speed #7 is a force on ANY play.. The most exciting player in the NFL.. LT is HOF… So is MV!!

By Larry

December 12, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Yes, we were all excited to draft this guy that could run fast and throw a long, tight spiral. Now, after six NFL seasons, we STILL have a guy who can run fast and throw a long, tight spiral—nothing more.

Mike Vick is the best running QB in the history of the NFL and Mike Vick is the worst passing QB in the history of the NFL.

Knowing that a sportswriter—not a sports authority—and many of these bloggers have not the cerebral capacity to debate with me, I’ll not waste my time here expressing all the many reasons Vick has actually regressed as an effective and complete NFL quarterback. I’ll simply ask all of the pea brains to ponder just a few thoughts that perhaps even you can comprehend and consider:

First, shouldn’t Vick’s PASSING game be easier when coupled with the leagues best running game?

Second, If Vick had pedestrian speed, would his other attributes keep him in the NFL?

Third, why is it that Vick can run up until he reaches the red zone when everything gets a little closer and he can’t finish the deal resulting in statistically the worst red zone offense in the game? Could it have anything to do with his inability to pass?

Fourth, how can it be that we have the fewest comebacks in the game and one of the worst 4th quarter PASSING statistics when this is when the great quarterbacks in history are at their best?

Fifth, why is it that the Falcons, for the last three seasons, start strong and finish so poorly? Could it be that once defenses get an early look at our one dimensional QB it becomes easier to shut him, and our offense, down?

Think really hard about these questions above before spitting out your excuses (Knapp, OL, receivers, President Bush) and defense of a QB whose early novelty and uniqueness is the same QB who has neutered his offenses ability to be multidimensional.

Last question for you goobers who think Vick is the answer: Do you think Vick is a leader and motivator?

By Larry

December 12, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

falconfan,

You’re completely over their head. You’ll need to come back to their level.

By Whopper Dawg

December 12, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

I have long been an admirer of the deal San Diego pulled off, that in my mind, swapped the No. 1 for both LT and Brees in that draft. A great deal, I have thought. That being said, I have softened on Vick, (my first reaction was that the Falcons need to trade him before they kill him due to their history of poor coaching), and I now think that Vick is a rare talent that needs a rare coaching talent to optimize what obviously remains a huge potential. However, we do not have a rare coaching talent, but rather a fairly common one. As opposed to a “coach killer”, I would say, coach, heal yourself.

The Whopper

By Brownthrasher

December 12, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

Vick, hands on! Not only has he brought money to the Georgia DOme but the NFL as well. He is still electrifying. Nobody seems to care that he has been playing behind a useliess O-line. Oh, and let’s not mention the first round draft wide receivers who have yet to reach their draft potential. No matter what Vick does, there will still be naysayers. I’m glad that Vick is a Falcon. I love LT but he is NOT MV.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 12, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

I’m one of the biggest Vick supporters out there, but there is no doubt Tomlinson is a better player. Right now Tomlinson is at least the 2nd best player in the league, it’s between him and OT Walter Jones of Seattle for who is the best. Anyone who at this point thinks Vick is a better player is delusional.

But there is a crucial difference between the two. Vick plays quarterback, Tomlinson plays running back. QB is arguably the toughest position, other than cornerback, to find a quality player. Running back, on the other hand, is hands-down the easiest position to find a quality player. All of the elite RBs in this league, including Tomlinson, are beneficiaries of good run-blocking offensive lines and/or effective run-blocking schemes. A good RB behind a bad O-line is mediocre (example: Edgerrin James), a bad RB behind a good O-line is effective (example: Dominic Rhodes). You can go through NFL history and find dozens of very good RBs who were drafted late or undrafted (Terrell Davis, Priest Holmes and Jamal Anderson are three I can think of off the top of my head) and had very successful careers. Right now, out of the top 8 rushers in the NFL, only 3 were first rounders, and 3 were second day picks or undrafted. On the other hand, 8 of the top 10 QBs in the league by completion percentage were first day picks, and 6 of the top 10 QBs by QB rating were picked on the first day. People like pointing to Tony Romo and Tom Brady as examples of late-round or undrafted QBs who have been successful, but these are few and far between compared to the number of late-round successful running backs.

I don’t think I need to get into everything regarding the flawed scheme Vick plays in, the multiple scheme changes Vick has gone through in his career compared to Tomlinson, the fact that Vick is dependent on subpar WRs as opposed to Tomlinson who is dependent on a great offensive line, the neglect the Falcons O-line has received in the draft and free agency compared to the Chargers, etc. because they have been discussed over and over again already. The realists here know the Chargers have done a much better job drafting and developing players on the offensive line than the Falcons, which plays a crucial role in the development of Vick and Tomlinson. The Falcons use 5th round picks on linemen and sign linemen off the scrap heap (read: Matt Lehr); the Chargers use first-day picks on linemen and develop them into good players.

So is Tomlinson a better player than Vick right now? Absolutely. Would I have traded Tomlinson for Vick if I was the Falcons’ GM and I had it to do over again? Absolutely. I’m not going to make the wins and losses argument, because a) a running back’s impact on a team’s record is not that significant compared to the impact of a quarterback, and b) Vick’s record recently hasn’t been stellar either. But I would trade Tomlinson for Vick because he is also a very good player and plays a much more important position. The value of a franchise QB is way higher than a franchise RB, which makes the trade worthwhile. And Vick is far from being a bust — like most other talented NFL QBs, when Vick has time to throw and his receivers get open he is a very good passer. Unfortunately we don’t get to see open receivers and good play-calling from this team very often.

By David

December 12, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

Larry,

First of all, to combat your original argument (and have you labeled these in ascending or descending order?), no, a passing game isn’t necessarily made easier because of a running game. Ask Mike Shannahan of the Denver Broncos (who, even the year they won the Superbowl, WITH John Elway at QB, was 16th in the league in passing, while number one in the league in rushing).

Second, if Vick had pedestrian speed, he wouldn’t be Michael Vick. Just like if Brett Favre had so-so arm strength or Ladanian Tomlinson had “alright” running ability… neither of those guys would be in the NFL. Don’t take a guy’s number one attribute and say, “What if?” If Julius Peppers was 215 and not 280, would he be the best DE in the league?

Third, and every team knows this, when you get in the red zone it gets harder to score. Do you realize how simple it is to run a cover 2 when a team only has 15 yards to the end zone and can’t beat you deep? Do you realize how much easier that is knowing that you’re competing against a play-caller who seems more lost than any offensive coordinator ever? Greg Knapp needs to make the adjustments, not Michael Vick. All he can do is call the play that is given to him. If no one’s open, it’s not his fault. Period.

And your last point is the most idiotic at all. Do you really think defenses need the first seven games of a season to realize what to do against Vick? They’ve watched this guy over the last six years and things haven’t changed much. We start strong and finish poorly because of coaching. That’s all there is to it. And if that’s not the case, then when the Chargers finish poorly, and when they can’t win playoff games, is that because of Marty-ball or is that because LT and Drew Brees didn’t get the job done? (I’m really looking forward to hear that answer, since I really don’t think you’ll have one).

Hope I’ve been bright enough to argue with you. I really await your responses, though I think your narrow-mindedness will simply come back with a bunch of garbage and rhetoric.

By tooltime

December 12, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

LT could definitely win his first SB this year. Its highly unlikely that mv will.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 12, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

Larry, none of us have the requisite tolerance for utter stupidity and concealed racism to debate with you. Don’t get it twisted. But since I am bored and have nothing better to do:

1. No. Tomlinson ran for 1645 yards in 2003 on 5.3 yards per carry, the same year Brees has a 67.5 QB rating for the Chargers. Ouch.

2. Yes. Even if, as you say, he can’t read defenses, he still has arguably the NFL’s strongest throwing arm. A strong throwing arm and inability to read defenses still has Kerry Collins and Aaron Brooks in the league.

3. Why is it that this same red zone offense also can’t gain a single yard rushing inside the 10 yard line despite having the #1 rushing offense in the NFL? Could it have anything to do with the undersized offensive line’s inability to block 5 defensive linemen in a goal line package? Could the very fact that they are passing that close to the end zone despite having the #1 rush offense in the NFL be a reflection on the offensive line’s inability to power run block? Could the fact that they have a reliable end zone pass target (Alge Crumpler), yet consistently refuse to use him, have anything to do with it? Obviously, the answers to all these questions is yes, for those of us who are capable of thinking.

4. If you have to pass in the 4th quarter to come back, the other team knows you are passing and doesn’t have to defend your #1 ranked run game anymore. Any offense that is forced to pass in the NFL will be vulnerable to this, especially when their receivers don’t know how to get open against zone coverage. But since we are supposedly talking about comebacks in relation to the 4th quarter, I wonder if you just forgot that Vick has an 85.3 QB rating in the 4th when the scoring margin is plus or minus 7 points, or if you just conveniently neglected to mention that.

5. This is by far the dumbest question out of all of these, because teams have 5 years worth of film to evaluate Vick and the rest of this offense by. The Falcons have started strong and finished poorly mainly because the offensive and defensive lines are undersized and wear down over the course of the season.

And finally, neither I nor you have ever been in the Falcons’ locker room, but neither I nor you have ever heard a single negative comment from a teammate about Vick. So yeah, I’ll go out on a limb and say Vick is a leader and a motivator. Or at least good enough of one to where his teammates don’t have anything to criticize him about.

But you might want to consider one thing, Larry. We all know why you really don’t like Vick. So consider this — LaDainian Tomlinson has an earring and an accent too. Maybe you would rather have seen the Falcons use their first round pick on Justin Smith? Dan Morgan? Steve Hutchinson? Jeff Backus? Adam Archuleta? Todd Heap?

By Ben Gunby

December 12, 2006 03:10 AM | Link to this

What a dumb question. With the money we had tied up to Jamal Anderson, and the organization’s belief he was ready to go (remember, the 2001 season is the year he tore his other ACL), there was no way we would have taken LT and had THAT much money tied up in our running backs. People think that if we had taken that trade that we’d have LT and Drew Brees, which couldn’t be further from the truth. We weren’t going to take a running back with that pick, period.

By nunna yo bizness

December 12, 2006 04:20 AM | Link to this

LT is a great player,so is MV..I would leave it as it is..How many playoff games has LT won? And,who has benefited by having coaches who fit their talents with a better scheme?? LT..Vick has to rely on more that LT does..Vick has a poorer line,he has to throw to recievers that can’t get open,his O.C.stinks..All LT has to do is look up,read his holes and run..Vick will get 1000 yards rushing with a poorer line than LT has.. Im thankful for not only having the most electrifying player in the NFL,and maybe sports period,but a game changer and the only NFL player who can take over a single game himself ever..

All hail Michael Dwayne Vick!!!!

By falcone

December 12, 2006 04:49 AM | Link to this

haven’t the falcons had exciting players in the past and never won anything with them.

the falcons have been better off with vick the last 6 years than with LT.

LT is a great player, a HOFer. VIck may never be a HOFer. BUT VIck was the worthy pick in 2001.

He has recharged this city. That stadium has been sold out now for 6 years. No TV blackouts. Many jerseys sold. The team is no longer a forgotten team except when the national commentators need a cheap lazy joke. They are 38-25-1 with Vick as a starter (for a franchise that have been losers forever). He has won two playoff games, been to the playoffs twice and appeared in the conference championship game. Tomlinson is 0-1 in the playoffs.

LT may be the far greater player from a statistical standpoint BUT that does not mean he would have been a better draft pick. Every system is different. The success of football players is largely tied to the system they play under and their surrounding talent. There is no promise that LT would have been this good if he played for the Falcons.

AS a fan of a team, only one thing should matter: Just win, Baby! VIck has provided us with that - with playoff victories and playoff contetion.

By Dano

December 12, 2006 05:06 AM | Link to this

Hey David,

What about using FBs inside the 10????The Falcons have three of them………

Can the Falcons come through with both O and D when needed?

How about this performance:

Holding a 31-10 lead early in the second half, they had no reason to bite on Peyton Manning’s play-action fakes and, instead, could focus on getting pressure on him while using man-to-man coverage. As a result, Manning was intercepted, sacked, and finished with a passer rating of 61.5 (despite passing for 313 yards). “He was never able to get his feet planted,” Jaguars defensive tackle John Henderson said of Manning. “When we stopped the run and got so far ahead, we were able to get the pressure to him pretty quick.”

Scoring early takes the pressure off the D….when have we done this lately???

We’ll see this week what the Falcons are made of…….

By G-Money

December 12, 2006 06:04 AM | Link to this

Oh,man! Ni9ger yo bizness is out! Somebody get the gas, I’ll get the stake and the matches!!

By Famuan

December 12, 2006 06:32 AM | Link to this

Wow David and Najeh Davenpoop - excellent posts! Watch out, the only comebacks for your posts will be insulting, unintelligent diatribes that will not focus on the actual topic but fault Vick for everything from the grass not being cut at Flowery Branch to the accident currently on the downtown connector. Oh and for all those LT is a future HOFer folks, I believe when they put LT’s shoes in Canton this year, they’ll be displayed beside a pair that’s been there for 4 years already -Yeah, the incomparable Michael Vick’s!

By Famuan

December 12, 2006 06:38 AM | Link to this

Dano!! Are you saying (horror upon horror), dare I think it….that when the QB can’t plant his feet and gets hella pressure - he has a day like the all-mighty Peyton on Sunday?? Is this some sort of aberration? Thanks dude, there are many who only think Vick needs to overcome that type of thing. Well, when you look at it like that, I guess its really a compliment to what they subconsciously think about him.

By Barry

December 12, 2006 07:30 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

That’s what I am talking about Bradley. Speak up for the home team. And tell that to the rest of your compadre’s in the editorial section of the AJC. There is a lot of positive things going on with the Falcons and other sports teams in this city. Let’s talk about that. That is what the consumers and Atlanta sports fans wan tto hear. Speaking of Michael Vick, hey man this guy is not done yet. His is only 25 years old or younger, in a serious leadership role which he iis handling admirably. When Vick breaks out, after all the ups and downs he has gone through in his young career, you know he is not going to have any pity on the league. When the game really comes to him, I can see him doing some real damage to teams with his arms and legs. When the Falcons finish adding the missing pieces to the offense that Vick will run watch out. Those missing pieces may already be with the Falcons. It maybe, just as Vick, not developed yet. Others players on the team are young too. Michael Jenkins, Roddy White, Alge Crumpler, Ashley Lelie. Some have only been in Atlanta for two years. On the offensive and defensive line and backfield this is also true. This team is jelling together in their talent and identity. The time is always right for their continued development. Remember, after the Chicago Bears got Walter Payton, it took 10 years before their organization developed to be one of the best Super Bowl team ever. It take s time. Also, I admire Jim Mora staying the course with what he is doing with the team. Injuries and loses could had made him change the philosophy of the team. However, he is sticking to his plan of playing FAST on OFFENSE and DEFENSE. Thats what he and the FAlcons have to rememember is to play STRONG and FAST exciting footbal. They have the weapons now. I am confident more weapons are on the way. So hang in there with our Falcons and all our other young local sports team. We are going to be a winner. THE FUTURE IS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!This is a SECRET from us ocal Atlanta sports fans. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See you at the DOME. GO FALCONS!!!

Ringold

By fatz

December 12, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

only a bonehead management team would fire a head coach with an offensive background to hire an inexperienced head coach with a defensive background and an orientation to dink and dunk to manage the greatest offensive threat to hit the NFL since Jim Brown. it all goes back to Mr. Blank micromanaging an enterprise he doesn’t fully understand.

By Russ Brock

December 12, 2006 07:52 AM | Link to this

For what we traded to draft the all-time flash in the pan, albeit a flash you can’t count on, we could have not only drafted LT, but gotten Drew Breez as well. Not that the Falcons brass at that time was capable of such wise decision-making, but think about it. Look what Breez and LT are doing for their teams versus what Vick is doing for ours. I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again, Vick will NEVER take the Falcons to a Super Bowl. Never. He will never even get us the unattainable back-to-back winning seasons. The happiest day of my 40 years of Falcons-supporting life will be the day Vick puts on a Falcons jersey for the last time.

By kevin

December 12, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

MV or LT? LT without a doubt. Schaub and LT would be a much better back field that Vick and Dunn. Schaub can run and throw. Vick is not an accurate passer, sure he can run but that has gotten Atlanta nowhere. Consider how many games Vick has started and how many 300 yard games he has had to Schaub. LT is breaking TD records while winning, Vick is winning half his games acting like a third running back.

By JP

December 12, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this

You van give me LT. I would trade MV right now if I thought I could get something for him. Lt is a one of a kind player, he aint all hype like MV. TRADE MICHAEL VICK PLEASE! I said it. I’m tired of everybody getting the blame but him. He is the problem. Lets see if San Diego whats to do that trade again. I can guarantee they won’t. They’ll be losing something for nothin.

By Tonya

December 12, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

1. How many playoff games has LT won?
2. How many AFC Championship games has LT played in?
3. How many coaches and offenses has LT played under?

Calling all “Mike Vick Haters” and IDIOTS who know NOTHING about NFL football…please answer those 3 questions?

The bottom line is you “haters” love to condemn Mike Vick on a daily basis. If you hate seeing him QB this team and if you hate the way he plays quarterback….PLEASE GO WATCH HOCKEY OR NASCAR!!

Earth to ALL MIKE VICK HATERS, MIKE VICK WILL BE HERE UNTIL “HE” DECIDES TO LEAVE ATLANTA..PERIOD THE END!! The ONLY way Schaub will start is if Mike is injured!!

Oh yeah, how many regular season games has Schaub won to make you think he’s Joe Montana Jr.? LOLOL

By South Georgia

December 12, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

Vick all day.I can’t waite,when all said and done a lot of people are going to eat Crow!!!Mike Vick and Dunn in the backfield is a winning pair..Go Falcons Go..Go Vick Go ..Go Dunn Go..

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

December 12, 2006 08:20 AM | Link to this

Here was the trade

ATL #1 IN 2001— LT ATL #2 IN 2001— Drew Brees ATL#1 IN 2002— Reche Caldwell

for

SD # 1 IN 2001— Michael Vick Tim Dwight

If you look at the big picture I would much rather have LT and Brees raher than Vick, but in 2001 the city of Atlanta and the Falcon fans needed another superstar athlete. It had been almost a decade since our last one in ‘Nique and Vick brought that back. Hindsight being 20/20 I think a backfield of LT and Brees was the way to go.

By Larry

December 12, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

David,

No need to respond as your collective answers were, in fact, questions disguised as answers, thus illuminating your lack of understanding of the needs to be an effective NFL quarterback. At least you have the pride and confidence, unlike “Najeh Davenpoop,” to use the name your mother gave you so you’ve earned some respect.

“Najeh,”

Can’t you exemplify a greater clandestine manifestation of your ignorance and insecurity? Must you always scurry to hide behind the “racism” protection when you can’t articulate effectively?

You’re right about one thing. You see, Vick is burdened with the similar shortcomings that plagued a “white” guy name Jeff George—low intelligence, poor leadership, and an unwillingness to devote himself to becoming an educated quarterback. Personally, I think the better educated Shockley or Schaub each have greater upside than our current starter and six year NFL veteran who hasn’t a clue after the ball’s snapped.

You do have it correct about the tattoos and earrings however. Confident and intelligent “black” men simply do not rely on these to impress the ladies. They rely more on cognitive and spiritual tools—not feminine and Neanderthal piercing of their skin with ink—to bolster their self esteem. Notice any earring on Tiger Woods, Colin Powell, Barak Obama or Martin Luther King? Why do/did they not wear earrings?

Najeh Poop-for-brains, what do you clean your earrings with? Were do you store them? Do you wear great big ones to compensate for other inadequacies? Do you think you look prettier with them on when you are brushing your teeth?

For all men who find it necessary to pierce your ears or color your skin with various images you should know that real men—and real women—think you’re dumb, insecure and immature. They may not have the courage to say it, but they’re thinking it!

By JD

December 12, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

Interesting article Mark…maybe Vick has galvanized this City with the “excitement factor”. Who doesn’t enjoy watching his talents as he scrambles around another busted play. His potential for dramatics is without question. However, a high speed car wreck can also be exciting…the point being he is one person and this is a team sport. Unfortunately this team, the coaches and the entire franchise has failed to show this city any payback for all the flash and therefore any excitement is tantamount to running us all up the proverbial flagpole…and by the way Mark: Credibility of any franchise is gained by consistency and improved play. So far the Falcons only credible factor is M. Vick’s potential flashiness. As a team the Falcons and their Franchise lack intelligent play, fire, coaching, play calling or any consistent credibilty to proceed toward League credibilty, much less remain at the next level to compete with the Bears and Colts of the world. You want some consistent credible truth? Watch the Falcons, with or without Vick, as they again self destruct against Dallas and into the playoff’s IF they somehow slide in the back door.

By reality

December 12, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

Anybody who followed the Falcons in 2001 knows they were prepared to take DE Justin Smith from Missouri (now starting for Cincinnati) with the #5 pick, not LaDanian Tomlinson!

It’s a useless debate!

By bobby

December 12, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

The Falcons may not have won any more games with LT, but would they have blown as many?

By mlr710

December 12, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

Hear the NFL has requested LT’s shoes from Sunday’s game to display in Canton…….Good for the him and the Chargers. Oh yeah, Vick’s shoes have been there for 4 years now….and my guess is he’ll have another pair there before the season is up. No real Falcons fan needs more than .000001 second to answer the question posed by this column, Vick all day, every day. Where was Falconsvision (that would be channel 119)before the Vick era? Where was the Falcons 365 store? When did the Dome start selling out? Who cared to respond to ANY column about the Falcons? Why are all these fans showing up to training camp? ESPN showing Falcon highlights?? NFL Network showing Falcon highlights? Who are the haters kidding? themselves only! Vick IS the reason they bother to even keep up with the team. So please stop the charade.

By Falcons Stink

December 12, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

Hey Falcon fans, I seem to realize that no running QB has ever won tne Super Bowl. Vick has a losing record against winning teams, because he is not a leader. He needs to call out the team when they mess up, but he is to busy being Ron Mexico. By the way it was better when the Falcons were not on TV, I could watch real football games then.

By mlr710

December 12, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

Larry, for heaven’s sakes….could you be more jealous?? Who gave you the right to determine what constitutes a “real man”? I’ve never seen a more Freudian-laced post. That subconscious crush on Vick must be eating you alive.

By Jeff

December 12, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

I am not taking anything away from LT he is a great player on a very good TEAM. But for my money time and time again Mike play his heart out. There is no other player in the NFL can do what he does. If you hit A guy in the hands with the ball it needs to be caught. He done more for the Atlanta Falcons than any other player. He is the MJ of Football and someday we will be chanps.

By SF

December 12, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

Great wide receivers make great quarterbacks.

By Tom Davis

December 12, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

MV has done as much as possible for the Falcon with the teams that we have had. If you want him to be a great QB surround him with super bowl talent and watch him produce. Look at what “Big Ben” had last year. Running backs don’t lead they support the leader, the “QB”. We have a waiting list for season ticket holders, now, give us a consistent winner Mr. Mora and Mr. McKay and Mr. Blanks..UPGRADE THE TALNET.

By RZM

December 12, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

Given the Chargers’ record since 2001, I would imagine that LT and Brees’ record against winning teams is probably not so great either.

By T.P.

December 12, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Mike Vick is the reason I am a season ticket holder. I can’t honestly say I would be a season ticket holder if LT was here. He’s GREAT, but I doubt S.D. has a waiting list of thousands because of him. Maybe if they win a superbowl.

By Brent

December 12, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

Mr. or Ms. “Falcons Stink” is someone holding a gun to your head every Sunday making you watch the Falcons?? Turn the channel Buddy or move!!

By Paul Hamilton

December 12, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Ummm I like Vick, but this is a trick question right? Tomlinson is a machine. He not only runs for touchdowns, he also catches and throws them. Any knowledgeable football fan can pick this with their eyes closed, even Falcons fans. Oh and they said LT was too small and would never make it in this league.

By jerry

December 12, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

I do not watch the Falcons to see the “most exciting player” in the league. I don’t care who the players are. I watch to see them win. If they are not winning, I turn their asses off. Then I avoid being the victim of charlatans. By the way, what the hell would any team that already has a good rushing attack want with a quarterback that is last in the league in passing yardage? To sell tickets and attract viewers maybe? Was Elvis a good actor? Hell no. Did his movies sell tickets? Hell yes.

By doc

December 12, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

you know bradly i have thought the same thing though in reference to your arguments about chris paul vs. marvin thinking that in that situation marvin, though he hasnt come along as quickly as we would like, ala vick, ultimately he will produce no matter who delivers him the ball. that is ultimately the reason point guards dont win the big game because they require someone else whereas true superstars do it themselves to win the big game.

maybe with that line of thinking it doesnt do well to invest so much in the qb as he reqires competency elsewhere to bring the ring whereas a guy like tomlinson just needs the ball in some form. maybe we did make the fatal mistake in getting the equivalent of the point guard in football and not the more important pieces in a cog. it didnt matter whether it was brees or rivers, damien just needed someone to give it to him. maybe you could reconsider your point guard issue with billy and see he might have a bit more insight than you think.

vick certainly has been frustrated without the people he needs because so much is spent on him as the man there is less money cap wise to go around. ultimately his contract chokes him. that is probably the biggest problem vick has they cant afford the big ticket tackle to protect him. can he give it back so they can get some cap space for toher important pieces, who is the more valuable asset for the money spent? ill take tomlinson any day all the way to the superbowl; writers like you dont want to get there i guess, mark.

By doc

December 12, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

you know bradly i have thought the same thing though in reference to your arguments about chris paul vs. marvin thinking that in that situation marvin, though he hasnt come along as quickly as we would like, ala vick, ultimately he will produce no matter who delivers him the ball. that is ultimately the reason point guards dont win the big game because they require someone else whereas true superstars do it themselves to win the big game.

maybe with that line of thinking it doesnt do well to invest so much in the qb as he reqires competency elsewhere to bring the ring whereas a guy like tomlinson just needs the ball in some form. maybe we did make the fatal mistake in getting the equivalent of the point guard in football and not the more important pieces in a cog. it didnt matter whether it was brees or rivers, damien just needed someone to give it to him. maybe you could reconsider your point guard issue with billy and see he might have a bit more insight than you think.

vick certainly has been frustrated without the people he needs because so much is spent on him as the man there is less money cap wise to go around. ultimately his contract chokes him. that is probably the biggest problem vick has they cant afford the big ticket tackle to protect him. can he give it back so they can get some cap space for toher important pieces, who is the more valuable asset for the money spent? ill take tomlinson any day all the way to the superbowl; writers like you dont want to get there i guess, mark.

By C tha 1

December 12, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

Larry,

You’re really showing your wounds. Plus your crass eloquence comes doesn’t prove your point. More importantly, don’t put all black people in the same box by comparing them to Tiger Woods, Colin Powel, Barack Obama, and MLK Jr., that’s just plain ignorant. If some one were to compare the many white athletes who wear tatoos, earrings, and carry guns to JFK, Pres. Bush, or any conservative guy you can think of, they sound as ridiculous as you. I can’t call you a racist because I don’t know you from Adam. But it seems your world view is scheud and damaged through some of your lived experiences. Therefore, I can’t begin to respect your football analysis.

By C tha 1

December 12, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

Larry,

You’re really showing your wounds. Plus your crass eloquence comes doesn’t prove your point. More importantly, don’t put all black people in the same box by comparing them to Tiger Woods, Colin Powel, Barack Obama, and MLK Jr., that’s just plain ignorant. If some one were to compare the many white athletes who wear tatoos, earrings, and carry guns to JFK, Pres. Bush, or any conservative guy you can think of, they sound as ridiculous as you. I can’t call you a racist because I don’t know you from Adam. But it seems your world view is scheud and damaged through some of your lived experiences. Therefore, I can’t begin to respect your football analysis.

By Amy

December 12, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

Larry,

How do you know what “real women” like? You sound like an ignorant f*..lol

By Ben

December 12, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

Come on! If LaDainian Tomlinson had started off running behind any of the Falcons offensive lines he wouldn’t even be in football today. MV is a great athlete and could be a greater QB if he was with any team that had quality offensive line giving him time to throw the ball. If you noticed when he has time to throw (which are few) he has a great percentage rating. He leads the league as a running QB because he running for his life! I would love to see Vick traded for Tomlinson just to see how long that it would take for Tomlinson to be out of football because of our sorry offensive line.

By ED FR0M ELLIJAY

December 12, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

VICK DOESN’Y EVEN COME CLOSE TO LT. WHAT GAMES HAVE Y’ALL BEEN WATCHING?????

By Joshua Barlowe

December 12, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

You’re forgetting Drew Brees. Did you see what he did to Dallas Sunday night? We could have Brees AND LT. I’d take that swap in a heartbeat.

By Larry

December 12, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

C tha 1,

Sorry, but you failed at masking ignorance with such an obvious poor use of diction, grammar and syntax. You do, however, qualify to interview for an AJC sportswriter position! Is “scheud” a word you’ve invented, slang, or could it be you intended “skewed?” Could this be the reason you hide behind this silly name? Actually, after re-reading your post, I don’t blame you!

Also, your insinuation of racism is so blatantly apparent rendering you to be classified with other inferior intellects that resort to this name calling when no other cognitive abilities can be drawn upon.

For the record, I find equal disdain for the rednecks that mine their noses and spit tobacco on their own feces at NASCAR races, and I promise you, no “wounds” fuel my candor and very precious few on earth live the life of luxury and blessings I awaken to every single morning.

Lastly, you only need to hit the “post” tab once! See I’m not completely cruel to the mentally deficient. Just trying to be helpful!

By Twilb Dawg

December 12, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

WHAT A JOKE!!!! Vick can’t hold LT’s Jock!!!

By rob

December 12, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Your article reflects exactly how I feel. Mike Vick is perfect for Atlanta and Ladanian is perfect for San Diego. Both cities won on that trade, and we both have reaped substantial benefit since they both entered the league.

By rob

December 12, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

Perfect trade for both teams. Atlanta has a franchise QB and a super star. Atlanta is competetive every year. San Diego has this generation’s greatest running back. We both won.

By Larry

December 12, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

Amy,

No worries!

I think we all can quite confidently speculate you wouldn’t qualify as a good pick for a real lady, leaving you as the perfect choice for the guys with earrings and tattoos to put another notch in their belt, leaving you with six kids with six different fathers and a few pair of size 16 pants to squeeze your baboon buttocks into every day.

Got class?

By JSS

December 12, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Larry… Are you sure that you want to use certain words?

CLANDESTINE Main Entry: clan·des·tine Pronunciation: klan-‘des-t&n also -“tIn or -“tEn or ‘klan-d&s- Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French clandestin, from Latin clandestinus, from clam secretly; akin to Latin celare to hide — more at HELL : marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy : SURREPTITIOUS

synonym see SECRET - clan·des·tine·ly adverb - clan·des·tine·ness noun - clan·des·tin·i·ty /”klan-d&-‘sti-n&-tE, -des-‘ti-/ noun

So Larry…

The CIA performs CLANDESTINE actions. Nothing is CLANDESTINE in Davenpoop’s post. He says EXACTLY what he means, and means what he says.

By GTC

December 12, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

Why is MV’s play always excused in every way possible? The Chargers are going to win the Superbowl this year. Did anyone watch their game Sunday?!! MV has done NOTHING! I think that excuses are too often made for him because he is an amazing athlete and an African-American quaterback. He has given us nothing but disappointment and underproduction. He has not lived up to any of the hype.

By Joe

December 12, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

CRACK IS WHACK FOLKS!! Show me some evidence where the Falcons were going to draft L.T. and Brees? If not, crawl back into your holes and smoke some more crack!!

Most of you have a problem with black QB’s PERIOD…unless their on a college team and playing for free. As soon as they leave college to make millions you condemn them. Talk about how they aren’t smart enough to be an NFL QB. Next you will talk about how short Troy Smith is…lol Excuse me, but do O-lineman “grow” when they leave college for the NFL? I bet you all had stomach aches when you saw Vince Young win that game on Sunday..lol

And don’t give me that “race-card crap either…THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!!

Mike Vick with his big diamonds, braids and $100 million contract isn’t going ANYWHERE..SO GET OVER IT!!

By Travis

December 12, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

I’m thankful to Dan Reeves that we have Mike. Tell me, how many playoff wins has LT been a part of? End of story.

By PSack

December 12, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately,

Vick will never get the respect he deserves until he wins us a superbowl. Until then his haters will have an endless supply of statistical ammunition to fire at his performance. While some criticism is rightfully justifiable some of these other comments are just downright embarrasingly “hateful” from people that consider themselves Falcons fans????

By PSack

December 12, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

What in the hell does braids and diamonds have to do with football???

By Larry

December 12, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

JSS,

At least you have the courage to post that which you have no knowledge, but must you cut & paste definitions? Do you have a name?

“Clandestine” is the perfect diction in this instance so couple it with clandestine circumvention of facts and avoidance of truthfulness and perhaps this will clue you in on the understanding. Furthermore, clandestine is not patented by the CIA.

Are you and Poop-for-brains close?

By dirtie birdie

December 12, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

ROB:

great post! you said: Perfect trade for both teams. Atlanta has a franchise QB and a super star. Atlanta is competetive every year. San Diego has this generation’s greatest running back. We both won.

perfect summation.

By mlr710

December 12, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

Seriously Larry, you exhibit more repressed angst than a serial killer. Your desire to be the intellectual superior on a blog about football stars shows….well sadly, it shows that you’re not. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Vick was, is and will be the best thing to ever happen to the Falcons franchise. The trade was great for both parties involved. This column and the passionate responses are proof positive of that. If Vick were not here, the interest in debating anything about the Falcons would not exist. No one would give a rat’s azz, and worse the team would be picking number one in the draft again for the 6th year in a row.

By Lynne

December 12, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

Hmmmm, who is this Larry character that dares to throw out some names as what, examples of intelligent black men that don’t wear earrings?? What does this have to do with measuring intelligence? Whatever it is, Ed Bradley, Wynton Marsalis, Quincy Jones and Dr. Alvin Poussant must have missed the memo because they all wear earrings.

Here’s to Dan Reeves for orchestrating the trade that has provided a person like Larry the forum to freely spew sterotypical rants behind the safety of a blog. Honestly, Vick’s trade did more good than we can imagine.

By bk hawk

December 12, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

* Dan Reeves make the right pick MV, Mr Blanks make the wrong pick firing DR and hiring the brat Mora.* Mora needs to go!

By JSS

December 12, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

Joe,

You hit it on the nail… Let’s go down the list: The Falcons prototype QB’s Bob Lee (one and a half seasons), never took the Falcons to the playoffs… Steve Bartkowski (8 seasons) 3 playoff season - 1 playoff victory/3 playoff losses… Never had a breakthrough playoff performance… Chris Miller (6 seasons) 1 playoff season - 1 playoff victory/1 playoff loss… Shined in the wild card victory over NO, but flopped in Washington divisional playoff game…

Jeff George (3 seasons) 1 playoff season - zero victories What can be said about the walking implusion? He could have been worse people… Two words: RYAN LEAF!!!

Can you tell that you’d want any of these men of Vick? And the people who question his fire, remember what in Green Bay when he willed a horrible team to victory? And I won’t mention the Rams playoff game when he dismantle d that teams… He’s the first Falcon quarterback who has gone into the fetal position when the word playoffs is mentioned…

By Alex

December 12, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Can’t you exemplify a greater clandestine manifestation of your ignorance and insecurity?

No need to respond as your collective answers were, in fact, questions disguised as answers.

Larry, let me help you. What you’re trying to say is:

“I refuse to acknowledge a legitimate argument because I don’t understand the role of rhetorical questions. Instead, I will pompously continue to assert that I am extremely intelligent solely based on the fact that I think I have a well-developed vocabulary. In addition, I will continue to employ my favorite logical strategy, which is also a rhetorical phallacy, of attacking the person rather than the argument by insulting the intelligence of my peers despite the fact that there are no remotely objective or accurate ways to measure cognitive ability in an anonymous online forum. In conclusion, I will continue to display my ethnocentric paranoia and disdain for cultures that differ from my own, using the simple justification of “my methods and culture led me to success (and by success I mean resorting to the use of an internet blog as a almost completely risk-free means of self-gratification), so my way/culture must be the only right way to do it.”

And yes, Larry, I realize that this whole entry was merely an attack on your character and not your argument, but I never meant to engage in your actual debate in the first place. I’m honestly using this forum for the same self-gratifying reasons you are.

By Ripme

December 12, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Mark-Still can’t believe you voted for Mark McGwire BHF. What a great example for my kids.

By cc

December 12, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

If stats are the only thing that get you inducted into the Hall of Fame then Vick’s bust will be there. He should get there because of what he can do, and that’s run, pass, run and pass. You can take this qb rating stat mumbo-jumbo and throw it out of the window. It’s not fair in assessing Vick’s abilities. It doesn’t take into account the fear he puts into opposing defenses when he destroys them with his long runs.

By Larry

December 12, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Lynne,

Thanks for using your name! But seriously, Ed Bradley and Quincy Jones intelligent? Bradley was the “token” on 60 minutes—to appease you know who—who at age 60 decided his insecurities could be masked by a sexy earring. He was a mediocre reporter for God’s sakes! Jones? Never mind! Do you think either of these cuties could hold a meaningful conversation with Colin Powell?

Very, very poor examples!

By JSS

December 12, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Larry,

You poor excuse for a Dan Aykroyd-Jane Curtain skit… You have of our English Department on the floor laughing right now… Thanks for the midday laughter…

Pssst…. Larry is really Jeff George trying to weasel his way back into the league, Golden arm, but head up his a$$ syndrome… Come oback with more pontification, hey genius, any great picks for this week? That Tampa Bay one was delicious ;-)

By GIVE ME LT

December 12, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

LET’S SEE….LT HAS MORE RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS THEN MIKE VICK HAS THROWING AND RUSHING COMBINED.

LET’S SEE…LT HAS MORE TOTAL YARDS THEN MIKE VICK DOES…AND OH YEAH…VICK IS A QUARTERBACK

LET’S SEE…LT IS THE BEST AT HIS POSITION BY FAR IN THE NFL. MIKE VICK ISN’T EVEN THE BEST QB IN HIS OWN DIVISION…MUCH LESS THE NFC OR THE NFL

WHILE VICK HAS SOLD TICKETS, LET’S FACE IT, IF WE HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, LT WOULD BE THE PICK

By Alex

December 12, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

And yes, I meant “fallacy” and not “phallacy,” but that’s probably just as well, because with all Larry’s insecure talk about how “real men” think and act, all he wants to do is measure dicks anyway.

By WM

December 12, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

The problem Vick is facing now is the HYPE. We all anointed him the greatest thing since Gayle Sayers, the next coming of John Elway, the guarantee to win a Super Bowl. What we have gotten is 2 playoff appearances in 6 years. No Super Bowl. People don’t hate on Vick because he is black. They hate on him because he was supposed to deliver, and he hasn’t, and it looks like he won’t. Then he signed 130 bajillion dollar contract. How are the Falcons supposed to nail down the top available Free Agents if there is no money left on the cap? Was it a stupid move by management? Of course, but Mike took the money and in essence he agreed to do it by himself. So you said you could do it, so go do it. If Mike really cared about the Super Bowl as much as he says he does, then he will approach management to restructure his contract and free up enough money to get himself some help. No man is an island.

By blue tom

December 12, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

You dunces don’t have an argument when it comes to Vick’s overall performance. He is not a good passing QB but he is a good running machine. This alone will enable the stadium to be filled all of the time; in Atlanta or anywhere else. This man electrifies the crowds and folks love to see him dazzle and run. That will not and never will enable him to be a good passer, he just cannot do it. Can’t see, can’t read defenses quickly enough and just cannot make adjustments on a dime. But he is here to stay and he has built this franchise to a real money maker for Arthur Blank. Barring injury to Vick, Matt Schaub will be gone next year. That will be good for Matt because he deserves a chance. Green Bay is a likely home. Vick MAY do a good job against Dallas but I have a feeling he is going to be mashed by the Cowboys, especially after their loss to the Saints. Matt Schaub, be ready to step in, I think this will be your time. DJ, you should be ready also. It is going to be a rough night! Falcons 8 and 8, will miss the playoffs. Jim Mora, gone for 2007. You heard it here first!

By cc

December 12, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

I live in the L.A. area and there has been little excitement over the Chargers until recently. If Vick would have landed here that town would have exploded! LT is a great running back, but let’s face it, he’s no Vick. I think people would pay to see Vick before LT, simply because they know Vick brings the element of surprise.

By Ross

December 12, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Are all of you people seriously this bored at your jobs? Or should I assume you super-intellects are at home on your a$$ “searching the net” for a new job? This is a blog about a preference between MV or LT, not a measuring stick to see who can use the biggest words from the pocket sized dictionary you’ve got beside your computer. Anyway, have fun wasting the rest of your day! Go Falcons!!! Go Vick!! and props to LT!! Larry, you might want to think about treating people with a little more respect if you expect any in return.

By Ryder

December 12, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

This is the Big One Elizabeth! I’m comin’ to join ya honey! A columnist actually supporting Michael Vick!

But in all seriousness he’s right! Who knows if LT could have done HALF of the things he’s doing now behind a pourous offensive line? Even if Atlanta had gotten Brees there’s no telling if they would have been able to keep both (remember there was a reason San Diego got Rivers because Brees was such an underacheiver before his job was threatened). It was Brees being humbled that made him into a possible MVP candidate.

As for Michael Vick, he did something no player in Falcons’ history has ever done (including the ‘98 Super Bowl team); make Atlanta relevant and a playoff contender year in and year out. Marketing aside, he has been the one constant on this team that if not for a p** poor front office would have this city in a Super Bowl at least once by now. Michael has meant more to this city than I think LT would have done. I’m glad Atlanta has Vick, and as many haters would disagree, it gives them something to talk about other than “when do the Bulldogs start?”

Oh, one more thing, come talk to me about how much impact LT has when he wins a playoff game!

By Larry

December 12, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Alex,

You almost pulled it off! You almost made me think I had some competition here but I stopped reading after “phallacy.” How disappointing! Here, let me help you, it’s “fallacy.”

Now, return to your like and surrender to the elite lest you yearn to again publicly embarrass yourself.

Too funny!

By Ronny

December 12, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

For anyone to say Vick will take the Falcons to the Super Bowl before Tomlinson and the Chargers make it is way off the mark. I like Vick. But this Charger team is awesome. Rivers is playing well, Tomlinson is the real Super Man and Antonio Gates is the best tight end in the league (yes,better than Crumpler). And Merriman is a true beast on the defense. I don’t see anyone in the league in the same class as the Chargers. They’ll go to the Super Bowl and win.

By Alex

December 12, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

I guess you just missed my 11:42 AM comment didn’t you? Like I said, there’s no way to realistically measure intelligence in this setting. I’m sure you’ve never made a typo or a spelling mistake.

And how have I pubicly embarrassed myself? Are JSS, cc, and bk hawk gonna see me on the street and laugh because I mispelled a word?

As evidenced by your complimenting people when their handles are actual names instead of combinations of letters, you obviously value honesty and accountability. So why don’t you stop lying to us and yourself and admit that you’re no better than the rest of us.

It’s okay Larry, I know your type. I know you secretly wanted to write “surrender to teh 1E37.” If someone here judges you, they’re not going to see you again. Don’t worry.

By Larry

December 12, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

JSS,

English Department? With your grammar that’s analogous to Vick giving a seminar on passing mechanics.

Are you another victim of the Atlanta Public School System of Butt Cracks, Hip Hop and entitlement?

By Rutuger

December 12, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

It’s a well-known fact by anyone who knows anything about pro sports that in retrospect, we royally screwed the pooch by passing up LT for Vick. Sh*t happens.

Do we all wish we could turn back time and take LT instead? OF COURSE! Can we? No—we are stuck with Vick for the near future, thus we are stuck with his excitement as well as his inconsistencies, his nifty runs as well as his dreadful decision making.

Not to mention LT is actually a better passer than Vick is… cheap shot? Perhaps, but I had to take it.

By Lynne

December 12, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Larry, what’s with the “real name” remark? Do you think that user names should be limited to actual names?? Are you not familiar with the concept of the username?? I’m sure you don’t sign any legal documents “Larry”. Please get a grip. Anyway, you played your stupid card with the Ed Bradley, Quincy Jones remarks. Funny you didn’t comment on Dr. Alvin Poussant or Wynton Marsalis. How convenient. BTW, Ed Bradley held a very meaningful conversation with Colin Powell, more than once.

Again, back to the original topic…Vick was the best choice, and he remains that to this day. He’s worth his contract and worth the ticket price.

By regular guy

December 12, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

If the Falcons had ever been able to construct an offensive line that could enable Vick to run at will and pass without being slaughtered, NO ONE would ever be asking the question in the first place. Put Vick in for Peyton, with Peyton’s O-line and receivers, and he is the greatest QB in the history of the game. Nuff said?

By Ryder

December 12, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

Larry,

Cocaine is a h*ll of a drug isn’t it?

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

December 12, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Ok, you know what I cannot research back to find where it specifically states the Falcons where going to draft LT and Brees. More than likely they wouldn’t have, b/c as long suffering fans we know they rarely ever get it right ( Bruce, Pickens, and Reggie Kelly), the point is the opportunity was there to go and get a franchise QB along with a franchise TB in the same draft and the Chargers, not the Falcons had the vision to see that. Like I have said this town at the time needed the star power of MV7, but AGAIN hindsight 20/20 I wish we would have had the GM in place to sit back and draft a great TB AND QB in one draft rather than Vick who is STRUGGLING .

By The real David

December 12, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Mark, you only gave half of the story when you brought this column up. Yes the falcons could have had Tolinson with their pick, but they could also have had Brees by trading up in the second round. That’s what happens when you don’t have good leadership in the organization. They were not good at drafting (two number one picks for tight ends, two consecutive drafts). They thought everyone would slap them on the back for giving two number one picks for Vick. Now lets look at the development of San Diego since that draft. Bad team that has developed into solid playoff team every year. Even with Brees that also drafted Rivers a few years later. Now they look like favorites to go to super bowl. Brees has moved to New Orleans, and they are moving to dominate the South Conference, and Brees could set yardage for quarterbacks (single year). Well we have Vick, aren’t we wonderful.

By JSS

December 12, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

I must admit that I had to come back from lunch early just to see what Larry would come up with this time…

No you silly boy, that would be the Latin School (the same one that Ben Franklin, RW Emerson, and Thoreau) and I matriculated and graduated from U of M. That is MICHIGAN by the way… Ha ha!!! Class of 88…

On a serious point, in the American Masters series of documentaries Colin Powell said the following: “When Quincy Jones calls I said Where and When Sir!” This was in reference to QJ’s Hip-Hop and political summit for African-American leadership in 1992. Larry, if ren’t part of the solution , then you’re part of problem… Larry, the Sunni insurgent of AJC blogs…

How surreptitious was that? Was it done stealthy enough for you to follow?

By Larry

December 12, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

Alex,

You’re right! I am not better than anyone else, just smarter than 99.9946 % of the human race as a documented 141 IQ statistically validates (Einstein’s was 146, for those who’ve been educated in the Atlanta Public School System). And, believe me, Alex, I could employ a vocabulary that would render my conversations here impossible.

Shoot, if I can teach Neuro, Spinal and Cardiothoracic surgery via an anterior, posterior, or laparoscopic access to residents on cadavers and in animal labs I believe I can clearly see that Vick’s elbow- forward, baseball-like throwing motion resulting in inaccuracy on timing and precision routes, and his SIXTH YEAR inability at reading and predicting defensive alignments and tendencies, are the primary reason for our ineffective passing game.

This is really simple stuff folks! Vick is one of the greatest athletes to ever play in the game but he simply does not have the necessary tools to compliment his running ability with passing skills. Stats do not lie! He is truly the worst passing QB in the NFL!

By Joe

December 12, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Not to change the subject, but why not put Allen Rossum in the backfield? He’s horrible at corner and hasn’t done anything on special teams!!

By Cap

December 12, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

If the Chargers had such vision, how come they had to draft Brees three years after Ryan Leaf. The Chargers almost ran Brees out of town, he became the comeback player of the year, and then they got him hurt and let him go anyway. Last year and the beginning of this year, Tomlinson was platooning carries with Michael Turner. Yeah Chargers, great vision. If tomlinson would have come to Atlanta he would have become Byron Hanspard. Real Falcons fans, remember him? Remember what the Falcons did to that guy? And before we say the Chargers will win the super bowl, the Chargers under Tomlinson had to kinda suck to get the draft picks to build a contender. Since they have been in the league, The Falcons have had a higher winning percentage than the Chargers. Sorry Vick hasn’t been able to lead this piece of crap franchise to Super Bowl victory but when you hilbillies and uncle toms run him out of town you will be indulged by the Falcons return to 1980s and 1990s quality.

By JSS

December 12, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Heath Schuler… I mean Larry, shouldn’t you be getting ready for the Congressional orientation instead of blogging on the AJC site?

To Congressman-elect Schuler, I apologize for slandering your name in such a foul way…

By Cap

December 12, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

And if LaDanian Tomlinson was playing with this offensive line he would likely end up like Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood. So when the O-line finally gets Vick’s head popped off all of you Vick haters will have your greatest dreams realized. MATT SCHAUB WITH NO MOBILITY, NO RUN SUPPORT, NO BLOCKING, AND RECEIVERS THAT CAN’T CATCH!!! Sounds like a winning formula for the future to me! Hey Atlanta, good luck attracting free agents!

By JSS

December 12, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

Great post Cap, a welcome change from Larry the bio-mechanics rhetoric teacher… Larry is analgulous to Bill Frist diagnosising Terri Schiavo via videotape in the Senate well. He was wrong too!!!

By Alex

December 12, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

Wow. Larry. Thank-you very much for that. Your glorification of statistics like the IQ explains your racism, ethnocentrism, and belief in social darwinism so much! Why don’t you use that intelligence quotient and learn some about sociology before you make all of these cheap jabs at people who went through the Atlanta Public School system. You obviously must have a verifiably high degree of intelligence if you feel the need to assert it on an ajc.com sports blog about Michael Vick on a Tuesday morning.

Could there maybe be just a twinge of jealousy of Michael Vick? I mean there he is, dumb as a stump, an instantly recognizable mega-celebrity making over $10 million per year or whatever it is while you are here, with an intelligence quotient that’s superior to 99.9946% of the human race, making inane assertions during a weekday with a bunch of regular Joes. It seems like society just isn’t fair. I mean look at the facts: economics says Michael Vick is being paid so much not because his career role is vital to the advancement and survival of society, but because he possesses a rare innate talent - running/athletic/football ability - so special that it’s only found in a TINY percent of the population.

You meanwhile, a super-duper surgeon/educator/whatever-those-big-words-meant whose career role IS vital to the advancement of society, are getting paid a FRACTION of what he does, DESPITE the fact that you ALSO possess an innate talent - IQ - unrivaled by only a tiny percentage of the population. PLUS, (presumably) you’re white, meaning YOU should have an additional ADVANTAGE over Michael Vick in terms of your acceptance by society. That explains why you come HERE - the need to feel accepted and feel like you really do have a valuable ability.

So here you go: your IQ is quite impressive, and I’m sure higher than mine. I would go into how tests like SAT and IQ are biased, but you wouldn’t believe me, and besides, I’m white just like you… and probably have a lot more in common with you than you would like to think.

By KB

December 12, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

People, you must look at the overall view of both teams and the overall condition of both teams at that time. Vick gave this team recognition on the national scene. The young LT (the real LT, Lawrence Taylor, changed the game defensively, so get it straight all of you who are under 30) made San Diego revelant as well, but not to the degree M. Vick did. Point in case, was not M. Vick on the cover of John Madden football game a few years ago?

LaDainian Tomlinson could be on his way to Canton. Unfortunately, he didn’t have to pick up an entire franchise on his back like M. Vick does.

Please don’t get me wrong. If I could have LaDainian Tomlinson and Drew Brees for Mike and Mike only, I would take LaDainian Tomlinson and Drew Brees. But we can not go in the past and change history and that time we could only pick one or the other.

In short, both franchies won in that draft. But if you ask me who is the better, the answer to that question lies in what I needed at that time. Atlanta needed a savior and a spark to a downtrodden city. We got that and then some.

By ICEMAN

December 12, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

Larry,

You are what I call an “Intelligent Idiot”. You’re the guy that knows where to find the scripture, but doesn’t know how to live it. Your insane Q does not qualify you with the ability to accurately diagnose Vick’s ability to perform at the QB position. Vick will demonstrate his dominance in both passing and running.

The Iceman has spoken.

By JSS

December 12, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Alex,

I don’t consume alcohol or caffeine, but the first round is on me come Super Bowl Sunday regardless of whose playing in the game, just name the place…

Should we invite Bill Frist/George Will? Or do you think if he stooped down to the common man that he’d go all Michael Richards on everyone out in public?

By Lynne

December 12, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

Poor Larry, all that “book knowledge”, but the self esteem of a flat-chested 13-yr-old girl. Stats don’t lie? Oh goodness, how many DEs and LBs rely on stats when they play the game? You think Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher base their play on stats? Wow.

Again people, Vick’s star power saved a pitiful excuse for a franchise! The Falcons now have a cable channel, two retail stores in Lenox and Perimeter Mall, rabid tailgating, segments on national media outlets…..in short, Vick gives you a REASON to care about the Falcons.

By Not-A-Blogger

December 12, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Hey, Larry the Gasbag.

Split your infinitive at 11:53, stupid.

By Cap

December 12, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Please do not mention Peyton Manning. Has anyone yet to notice how passing yardage has ZERO correlation to winning or losing? Why do you haters vilify Vick for playing on a team as bad as the Falcons? Every year Manning sucks in his groupies and they tout him as going down as the best ever QB. Meanwhile Vick starts off strong until opposing defenses realize he is the only player on the Falcons even worth bothering to defend. The Falcons go on a slide until Vick (like Barry Sanders) modifies his game to keep defenses off balance but this is never enough to elevate the woeful Falcons above upper mediocrity but always enough to keep the Falcons above .500 and picking midway through the first round. Meanwhile, Manning is on cloud nine for the first three quarters of the season after being surrounded by a fairly talented team until the smashmouth teams (that can just run the ball to keep him off the field and on defense put safties in his face to easily rattle him rather than dropping them every down into coverage) slap the Colts around and they make an early exit from the playoffs. If you have been watching football for at least 10 years, Manning, McNabb, Vick, Palmer, and now Rivers are all doing what they were drafted to do. Make horrible teams mediocre. (Heck, most of the QBs drafted in the 1st round over the past 10 years have been busts). But none of these quarterbacks have been able to win the Super Bowl yet because the teams that have been winning the Super Bowl have been putting solid (but not even great) teams around fairly pedestrian QBs. In order to become above mediocre like the Chargers and Saints you need to be bad for a long time to accumulate a lot of draft picks and for heaven’s sake KNOW HOW TO PUT TOGETHER AN OFFENSIVE LINE. Just look at the Seahawks, they were on the cusp of being perennial Super Bowl contenders (their division alone guarantees a playoff spot) but they got rid of Steve Hutchinson then proceeded to get their star running back and Pro Bowl QB hurt and this year they’ll be lucky to make it out of the first round.

By Alex

December 12, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

yeah, he missed a comma at 12:05 too, but I let it go. Give the guy a break - he needs it.

By K

December 12, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Bradley’s article didn’t mention that it wasn’t Vick or Tomlinson, it basically was Vick for Tomlinson and Brees. I’d take Tomlinson and Brees for Vick, now or then. Also, we gave up Tim Dwight. Not much, but at least he could catch the ball.

By Cap

December 12, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

And can we please stop infusing this whole “Intelligence Quotient” factor into the discussion of QBs and of football players in general. Nobody goes to watch smart guys play football just like you don’t want to see the cheerleaders from Yale. Dan Marino’s Wonderlic score was reputedly lower than Michael Vick’s (or Marcus Vick’s for that matter) and if you watch “Inside the NFL” you know he is not the sharpest pencil in the box. It did not seem to hinder his personal achievement in the NFL or in Ace Ventura in the least. So very much like passing yardage, apparent “IQ” has no correlation on the success of the football player. If that was the case, Jason Garrett would be the all-time leading passer and that Fitzpatrick kid from Harvard would be the league’s leading passer.

By Cap

December 12, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

OK, you got me, being dumb absolutely killed Ryan Leaf’s career.

By ICEMAN

December 12, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Cap,

Why don’t you just say “Im a Vick fan”, and leave it at that.

By Chrizzo

December 12, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

This blog is a joke. Commanding someone’s attention means nothing. Is he winning a whole lot of games while getting that attention? How many playoff games have we been to lately? Better yet, how many Super Bowls have we been to, or won? Isn’t that the point of the season? You could say the same for LT, but at least he is the best at his position. Is Vick the best QB in the league? Yeah, maybe in peewee league ball. I could care less that Vick sells tickets or is exciting to watch. That doesn’t win games. Sure, lots of fans show up for the games, only to be flipped off, but they get to see Vick fumble without being touched in back to back weeks. They get to see Vick throw picks in the redzone instead of throwing the ball away like a real QB would do. I’m so sick of people saying Vick is so great. He’s not that good and never will be. He peaked that week years ago when he beat Green Bay in the playoffs. That was the Super Bowl for Vick. The fact that you say drafting Vick over LT was a smart move is just silly. Meanwhile, you enjoy yet another mediocre season from the Falcons, while LT and the 11-2 Chargers head to the Super Bowl. Boy, I sure am I glad I get to watch that human turnover machine….errrr……I mean Vick every week. He’s a winner. Please…….

By doc6mt

December 12, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

larry,

mv7 has played this game and been highly successful on all levels,i.e. high school, college and pro. just as your 141 iq has afforded you some success in your choosen profession, mv7 has also achieved fame, success and wealth in his profession. you see for all your eloquent jargon, you’ve never been the signal caller on an nfl team. your iq hasn’t afforded you such an opportunity and never will. your’re just like the rest of us monday morning,fantasy footballing, got my opinion of why mv7 isn’t a accurate passer fanactic. be honest with yourself, he’s working on sunday on the big stage,making lots of money,being seen around the world, doing just what most men would love to do. stop drinking the vick hater-aide and get greater joy from your marvelous sucessful life and the 141 iq.

By Ross

December 12, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Larry,

I don’t want to say your full of it, but for some strange reason, I doubt you are a brain, spinal and heart surgeon! Maybe you should pick one or the other and then somebody might believe all your BS!

By RZM

December 12, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Wow, I didn’t know it was possible to be an expert on brain, spine, and heart surgeon. Good show Larry.

Also, Terry “C_T” Bradshaw had a notoriously low Wonderlic score as well. There was a study done not long ago trying to correlate claimed cognitive ability with NFL success of draft picks. It said that there was very little.

By 6 years in a row

December 12, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

I love Atlanta. Reason being if you don’t like Mike Vick and your white your a racist no matter what. I am tired of seeing that crap. I don’t like Micheal Vick but it is not beacuse I don’t like black people. I think the guy is the most over-rated QB in the NFL. He is probably the best athlete in the game. He has serious talant just not as a quarterback. Maybe it is because he has no one to throw the ball to. But last I checked Crumpler was still an all-pro TE. If Vick was so great then he would not need a wonderful WR. I mean what do we need to get Jerry Rice to suit up for the falcons. I know that Norwood is the real deal and will be for years to come if he stays healthy. But for my money I would have taken LT and tried harder to get Brees. LT in the backfield with Brees passing the ball to Crump. I mean other then the rook down in New Orleans who is Brees having his success throwing to Devry Henderson? I mean come on Henderson is good but is lelie that much worse? Matt Shaub is going to be just like Brett Farve. The falcons are just the same as the Braves. Keep the over rated talant (i.e. Chipper Jones, Mike Vick) and let the good talant leave town to have success in another city (i.e. Andruw Jones, Matt Shaub).

By ICEMAN

December 12, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

6 years in a row,

You need serious counseling. I know a good Doctor.

By tonio

December 12, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

I think this blog is focused on the wrong player. I think we need to be asking why is Keith Brooking still playing. He Sucks!!!!

By Chrizzo

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

6 Years, I agreed with everything you said until you mentioned Chipper. You cannot compare the two simply because Chipper is good at his own position. Chipper has won an MVP and put up great numbers consistantly, even last year when he was hurt. Vick healthy still can’t put up good numbers consistantly and doesn’t win consistantly like Chipper does either. You may think Chipper is overpaid, but at least he gets things done on the field. Vick does nothing.

By LW

December 12, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

While I don’t disagree that the Falcons “did alright” for themselves, I think you folks who would take MV over LT have lost your minds. LT was a star and a top 3 NFL running back in SD even before Drew Brees finally developed into an NFL caliber QB. LT is the reason Phillip Rivers is playing more like the current, steady edition of Drew Brees and less like the current, inconsistent edition of MV. And I don’t want to hear any complaints about the Falcons receivers in this comparison as both MV and Phillip Rivers throw to a dominating TE and a group of otherwise average receivers. The addition of LT with the Falcons line play would have turned Matt Schaub into an NFL All-Pro. The Chargers definitely got the best of that trade! MV has special talents that make it tough (but not impossible) on opposing defenses to gameplan, but so did Randall Cunningham. LT is even harder on Defenses and is rarely stopped. LT is a HOFer and could end up as the greatest multi-threat rb ever to play the game.

By tim

December 12, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

I would pick Micheal Vick.Vick is a good quarterback but so happen to be on the wrong team and system.LT is a good runningback,who is running behind one of the best offensive line in the league.You can get a rookie running back with a great offensive line and he would look like one of the best.Vick is in his sixth year with the falcons.Vick can do so many things with the ball in his hands than any other quarterbacks.Vick only real problem is that he is on the wrong team and system.Im saying if you know football, the falcons have a great quarterback and holding him back from greatness.I also think that Vick will win a SuperBowl but not with the Falcons.

By genius3

December 12, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

If Vick is so great how come we don’t have no super bowl from him. I guess and i done figured that he is an overpaid athalete and we ain’t never gonna win no super bowl. Shucks, yaw, I don’t care how many of them jerseys that he sells, I want to win some games and go to the playoffs and to the super bowl. Ain’t that why we went and got him? He ain’t doing us no good except for entertainment. He is a good runner but he is not winning for us; we need to win and git to the superbowl. The genious has spoken.

By David

December 12, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Vick or Tomlinson: That’s an easy pick. It’s Vick all the way. LT is fabulous, and on the surface it looks like LT would be the unanimous choice. But Michael Vick has talents the likes of which the NFL has never seen. Vick has the potential to throw for 4000 yards and rush for 1000 yards in a single season. No single player in the history of the league has ever possessed that ability. As soon as that potential comes to fruition, fans across the league will be saying that Vick is the greatest player in the history of the NFL. So let’s just be patient with Vick, let him mature to be the larger than life player that we all expect him to become.

By tj

December 12, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Vick is in his sixth year. If you like an ocassional highlight run and mediocre QB play you got the right one, for the duration. Give me LT and an NFL QB ( Schaub will do ) and I think this team can score more than one offensive touchdown against these weak teams. With that and all the other talent that’s been brought in you would see more than break even every year. Arthur says that is not good enough, but until he understands “it is what it is ” that’s what he’s going get.

By BoltManSD#1

December 12, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

why are we having this discussion? LT and Vick should not even be discussed in the same sentence. LT is the man, he can carry a team on his back, he has no ups and downs, no downside to him. Vick, is not a quarterback, hes an athlete, who likes to run, nothing special. He cant throw worth a lick, he couldnt complete a pass down field to an open reciever if his life depended on it. Mark my words, Vick will NEVER be a winner in this league. Vince Young, on the other, thats the real deal for a mobile quarterback, not only can he run, but he can complete a pass. Too bad Vick is only good at avoiding 300lb lineman. I think ive said enough, look forward to being in Miami, when LT & company take it all.

By David

December 12, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

If Matt Schaub were the starting quarterback for the Falcons I would say that LT would have been the better pick. Vick is a faster and more gifted runner than LT, but LT has a better offensive line than Vick which makes him appear to be a better runner than Vick. On the other hand, Vick is a quarterback who runs as good or better than just about all of the running backs in the league. So what you have with Vick is actually a two-dimensional player, which gives him the ability impact a game more than anyone else in pro football today.

By David

December 12, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

Folks, I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball or be a football expert, but I know greatness when I see it. The Great Michael Vick is not the highest paid player in the league for nothing. The amazing Vick is the highest paid player in the league because of his extraordinary talents and abilities which are still evolving and untapped at this point. Vick has not reached his full potential yet in the same game, but I am one who believes that he will reach it and it will happen this year by the time the season ends. We’ve already seen Vick reach his potential as a passer in earlier games this year when the Falcons played Pittsburgh and Cincinnati (Vick had 7 passing TDs in those two games) and we’ve already seen Vick’s greatness as a runner many times in his career. What the world in anxiously waiting to see is for Vick to have a game where he is equally dangerous as a runner and a passer in the same game. For example, Vick might throw for 300 yards as a passer AND rush for 100 yards as a runner ine one and the same game. I don’t think there is another quarterback in the league that is capable of that type of performance. When the Falcons win the superbowl later this year, Vick’s talents will be showcased for the world to see. I believe that when the final gun goes off in the Superbowl this year and when that game is over, the Falcons will walk away from it as World Champions. Michael Vick is a winner and he’ll prove it this year in the Superbowl.

By terrell

December 12, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradiey,You couldn’t think of nothing else to write about then this BS.You need to write about issues going on now,rather that pass BS.A writer with brains knows who everyone would pick at this moment.Now,if it was 2001 NFL Draft,I think 65% of the people would pick Vick and LT gets 35%.I know you goimg to do better next thing because this is straight BS.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 12, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

Larry, you are truly pathetic. I clearly and unequivocally refute every so-called argument you attempt to make, and all you can respond with is a weak attempt at insulting my online screen name. I don’t give away my real name because a) my real name is unique enough to where people can identify who I really am, unlike your name which you share with thousands of other people in metro Atlanta, and b) anyone with an IQ higher than the average rock knows not to give away personal information on the Internet. It is amazing that you can write 3 paragraphs in response to me, and yet you can’t refute a single argument I make. For all your posturing about your IQ, spelling and grammar skills, etc. you are still unable to carry on a basic argument over a relatively simple topic of discussion. It’s not like we are discussing the war on terrorism or global warming here — making an intelligent argument comparing one football player to another is not that difficult. There are actually ways to make intelligent arguments against Vick, as demonstrated by many people on these blogs and elsewhere. Unfortunately, you are incapable of that, which is why you resort to semi-racist blustering about tattoos, earrings, cornrows, accent, and musical preferences instead.

If you are unclear as to what “Najeh Davenpoop” refers to, you might want to do a quick Google search to find out.

It doesn’t take a whole hell of a lot of intelligence to play any position in football, including QB. Football instincts and intelligence are two very different things. That’s why the Wonderlic test is such a poor judge of who will be a good NFL QB.

And as for your implications about me, no I’m not black, no I don’t have tattoos, and no I don’t wear earrings. But I also don’t idiotically judge other people based on these attributes either. Nice try, buddy. Thanks for playing, and better luck next time.

By Eddie

December 12, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

The truth is LT will go down as one of the best of all time. While MV will go down as a guy who didn’t live up to his potential becasue of terrible coaching. MV has not been allowed until recently to play his game, which is running to setup the pass. Atlanta fans get a grip on reality MV is good, but not an elite QB unlike LT who is an elite RB.

By JJ

December 12, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

Mark, I realize this is a Falcons op-ed, but just wanted to let you know I’m looking forward to your next “Paul Hewitt is God” column. It has been a while since you’ve come up with one. Hop to it.

By jerry

December 12, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Picture this: Blank is driving a cart. Vick is a carrot in front of the horse. Guess who the horse is, including its a*. Vick lovers!!!!!

By Cap

December 12, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

Like every week I have to remind everyone that the only lock to go to the Pro Bowl at QB for the NFC is Drew Brees. I thought Romo was a lock because of the hype surrounding the Cowboys winning but he really hasn’t looked that good over the past few games and of course lost on Sunday night. The only other QBs with higher QB ratings in the NFC on winning teams are Eli Manning and Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck was essentially out of it due to earlier injuries but the loss to Arizona has completely taken him out of the running for the Pro Bowl. Vick now controls his own destiny; even if Eli and the Giants play well Vick will still get into the Pro Bowl with good showings in his final three games and particularly when he sets the QB single season rushing record. Hence, the Falcons have horrible personnel yet Vick continues to be a perennial Pro Bowl QB. And even with all of his drops Vick has likely stuck with Alge Crumpler enough this season that he may go to the Pro Bowl as well (perhaps backing up Shockey), almost undeservedly. What exactly are you Vick haters looking for?

By Famuan

December 12, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

Cap you’re right about Vick going to the Pro Bowl, but wrong about the reason. Vick’s going, regardless of ratings and stats, regardless of the rest of this season (btw, voting has ended). He’s going for the same reason he went last year, and the year before that and for many years to come. The players and coaches…..I repeat…the players and coaches..the actual NFL players and actual NFL coaches….the guys who take the field against the Falcons, the coaches that gameplan against the Falcons. The guys that voted him the player they would most like to watch, guys like Julius Peppers, Trevor Pryce, Adalius Thomas, etc. THEY WILL VOTE IN MICHAEL VICK. The couch coaches and rabid “experts” on these blogs can say what they want, but the very guys that take the field to stop Vick, keep right on sending him to Hawaii. People bring up stats like that means anything to Troy Polamalu…think he was dwelling on Vick’s stats before that game? Do you think the Ravens defense doesn’t respect that the only QB they haven’t gotten a turnover from is Vick? Didn’t Peppers say flat out on 790am last year that Vick was the best QB he has faced? These “I know more than the players” fans are so funny…they have the audacity to look all bewildered and befuddled when Vick gets selected…as if the players and coaches “don’t know what they’re doing.”

By The real David

December 12, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Everybody is jumping around with, Vick’s a great athlete (you bet he is), Vick could wind a superbowl on another team (maybe, but you can’t prove that). What you can prove is the Falcons were not a horrible team when Vick came here. Just couple of years from the superbowl. Someone made a great statement about San Diego. They were horrible before Tomlinson and Brees got there. They got a GOOD COACHING STAFF, and the team turned around. When Brees was developing (off and own), that same coaching staff hedged there bet, but also drafting Rivers. Two years ago, San Diego made the playoffs (12-4). Last year San Diego had problems because Brees was injured and Rivers was too green. Look at this year, Rivers has grown into a winner, and many consider San Diego the best AFC team. LT is carrying his team (leader in touchdowns) with a first year quarterback. Brees moved to a bad New Orleans team, and with a rookie running back, has led his team to first place in NFC South. Remember San Diego was horrible and New Orleans was horrible, and the two players Atlanta passed on are leading there teams to Division Championships. Stop making excuses for Vick, unless you also say that if hurt his leg, and couldn’t run around, he would not be a top quarterback on anybody’s team. Brees don’t have to utilize 60 yard runs, he throws 60 yard touch downs, and still manages to complete over 60% of his passes. On ESPN tonight, the discussion was who would win the MVP Brees or Tomlinson. Get out of homer mode and remember, the reason for playing is not highlights on the NFL shows, but win championships. I think San Diefo and New Orleans are moving far ahead of Atlanta.

By Dano

December 12, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

I like MV7, but I am also a realist…for those like DAVID that think he is the GREATEST, I feel sorry for you. MV7 isn’t the same QB that got that huge contract (for whatever reason.) He has two TDs with all his rushing yardage BECAUSE HE RUNS FOR THE SIDELINES!!!!! He is not stupid, he doesn’t want to get hurt……he has a good team, with lousy coaches. Can he achieve greatness???? Only time will tell…….but right now he is not the superstar many of you think he is……

By Moses

December 12, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

I dont understand how people just dont see that it’s not just Vick’s fault. His team from the players to coaches to management to the medical staff, hell even the damn water boys are all just p**-poor! AND the O-Line is on a WHOLE other level of hot garbage! A one legged blind man could get through that line…luckily Vick can run! A team makes a QB lets look at Ben in Pitt, great season last year, SB champs, getting praises left and right, now look at this year his team is HOT TRASH and BENNY boi looks like a straight BUM! You put him with the falcons talent, im gawking just thinking about it. Vick is the only thing from keeping this team from nose diving to the bottom fan base wise, financially, and on the field! Also, by no means am i comparing him to any greats…BUT it took Elway his whole career to get his SB’s…..why…cus he finally got the TEAM to do so! AND quit comparing QB’s to RB’s…there is no way to do so thats the dumbest thing! PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL….even you Larry..lol.

By Dano

December 12, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Moses,

You got a short memory or defective reasoning……Remember Big Ben had a motorcycle accident, then had his appendix removed????? Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was not pleased with his performance against the Jaguars in his first complete game since winning Super Bowl XL. Roethlisberger completed 17 of 32 passes for 141 yards.

“I went out there and did not play very well,” said Roethlisberger. “Not only did I let my offense down, but I let my defense down as well.”

Roethlisberger played the game after running a fever during the day. He also played just 15 days after an emergency appendectomy.

We got the TEAM…we need the coaching!!!!

By Dave

December 12, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

Uh oh everyone … Larry has left the building. He must be in surgery somewhere. Perhaps he is flipping through the dictionary to find some more really big words.

Alex said it best: “You obviously must have a verifiably high degree of intelligence if you feel the need to assert it on an ajc.com sports blog about Michael Vick on a Tuesday morning.”

That is one sad little man full of hate and feelings of inadequacy.

By Chris

December 12, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

“new consensus- better to have landed L. Tomlinson” What new consensus, the AJC? LT thrives because he is in a system that knows how to utilize his talents. Vick doesn’t have that benefit.

By Alex

December 13, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Now that Larry’s gone, I will actually address the issue in quesion:

I have to agree with Mark Bradley on this one. Even though a $130 million contract may have been a tad extravagant to say the least, I think drafting MV7 #1 was the best move for the Falcons franchise. The days of “Chris”tal Chandelier were numbered and we NEEDED a quarterback.

Michael Vick has become the face of the frachise. He sells tickets all by himself. Like someone (I can’t remember who) said earlier: he has caused Atlanta to at least be a part of the playoff conversation on a consistent basis. Whether you’re on a his bandwagon or not, you cannot deny that Michael Vick has forever changed the way we see and evaluate quarterbacks - all while playing in the Georgia Dome with a Falcons logo on his chest. With our offensive line and coaches, who knows what kind of success LT would have here.

I don’t care what everyone has to say about his ability to throw the precision pass or read defenses. This quote pretty much says it all: “It’s not in the playbook. But it should be.” - Michael Vick

By durham fan

December 13, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

I’m a bit confused about a couple of comments by Larry and Najeh Davenpoop early on in this posting.

While I agree with Najeh that NONE of Larry’s points hold water (and his condescending attitude makes me sick), I didn’t see anything racial about the post. True, Larry comes across as an arrogant nard, and he’s not even able to validate that arrogance by making strong points. So while I have no respect for Larry whatsoever (based on his post), I can’t say that I saw any sort of racial undertones….

Did I miss something in this post, or has Larry made other, more racially charged posts before now? I’m not trying to defend someone if, indeed, they are posting racist comments. Mostly I want to see where I missed it, or if Najeh’s response was jumping the gun a little. Thanks…

PS- hindsight is a great thing for debates like this. But at the time of the draft, MV was the right choice. We needed an electrifying player (especially a QB for the future) with the potential to make the Falcons a consistent force. Obviously, that hasn’t panned out yet….But there’s still time for MV to learn and to realize his potential. Sorry for taking up so much space.

By durham fan

December 13, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

never mind my previous question about Larry…I just read his absurd response to Najeh about Larry’s read on how the “confident, intelligent black man” physically appears and carries himself.

What can I say? Someone said to Larry that he’s a moron. There’s really no better way to put it. You don’t need a string of big words to express the obvious. Sorry for missing what should have been plain as day to me.

PS- in response to Larry’s following comment to Najeh, “Can’t you exemplify a greater clandestine manifestation of your ignorance and insecurity?”…… Stringing out a sentence like this doesn’t make you sound intelligent; quite the opposite. Either you’ve finally started using the “New Word a Day” calendar your parole officer got you for your birthday last year, or you got some good use out of an online Thesaurus. Regardless, even a MENSA conversation doesn’t have words like this strung together in such a fashion…….moron.

By Madden King

December 13, 2006 02:45 AM | Link to this

Vick haters I have one question. How many playoff games has L.T. won in 6 years? 0.000000. How many playoff games has Vick won in 6 years? 2. I rest my case. HOLLA! GO FALCONS! GO VICK! GO L.T.!