Sports Columnists

By NASCARfan

September 28, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU BRADLEY!!!

I am sick and tired of everyone ripping the Falcons for what was a great football trade, which should gain us 3 starters for one QB.

The Favre trade was also good, because he was drunken party-boy who never read the playbook or assimiliated to the team. Brett Favre NEEDED to go to Green Bay aKa Boring Capital of the World, because if Brett Favre had stayed in Atlanta, with the Virginia Highlands and Buckhead (and the GOLD CLUB) to tempt him nightly, he most likely would have either died or commited a Dany Heatley at the least.

The issue with the Favre trade is that the Falcons drafted miserably with the pick they got. We drafted beautifully with the picks we got from Houston. That’s the difference.

By Brian

September 28, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

There was no way to foresee what was coming with Vick. The Falcons cannot be faulted for trading Schaub.

By gg

September 28, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

I’ve been saying this all along even when the talking heads on Espn are talking about how bad of a trade this was. I don’t understand how so-called “smart” football berate the Falcons for this. There is a lot to berate them about as mentioned in your column, but this was a smart Football trade.

By Marcus

September 28, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

thank you. Finally a voice of reason. I figured this game and the Seattle game will be the local “What if…” and “sky is falling” rhetoric from some fans and some local writers (Mr. Bradley excluded), if Petrino’s 1st year is less than stellar.

Thing is, some folks would have roasted the Falcons if Schaub stayed, failed to pick up the offense (due to a mismatch of his skill set/prior training in the West Coast Offense and the type of offense Petrino was bringing in) and faced with the prospect of signing him to a FA deal or letting him go, we let him out of ATL with no compensation.

By Gene

September 28, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Vick never demonstrated the slightest leadership ability. He was essentially a sand-lot player who made things up as he went along and blamed others for his own shortcomings. He would never have taken the Falcons to a Superbowl. Arthur Blank and company were well aware of his off-field activities, yet they continued to attempt to build a whole team around this world-class flake. I think that Schaub was traded because his presence and fan support was an irritation to Vick. The Falcons will be paying for this mistake for a long time.

By NASCARfan

September 28, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Okay, Gene, assuming you’re correct, and their’s no arguing the fact that Vick is selfish thug…

How can you argue with the trade knowing what you knew on March 22?

Think about it logically if you have the mental capacity.

How do you cut or trade Vick without commiting salary cap suicide just so you can keep Schaub.

Schuab, who never won a game and who is a QB who’s been playing in the WCO since high school?

Logically argue the points presented, Gene.

It’s not about hindsight. It’s about knowing what you know at the time.

They wouldn’t have traded Schaub without Petrino giving the okay. Just like because of Petrino, MeAngelo Hall is going to be traded sometime between now and the next draft. No more selfish thugs on this team. Little Jimmy Mora liked selfish thugs. Not Petrino.

But I digress.

Gene, it’s easy to say that, but no one knew what was going to transpire. And a true historian looks at things like FACTS and the situations surrounding the events before passing judgment.

It’s the reactionary @$$holes, like yourself, who throw the baby out with the bathwater.

By Burger Brian

September 28, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Great writing Mark! Petrino is an outstanding coach. The Falcons are fortunate to have him. He will have this team winning consistently before half season. Probably not soon enough for playoff opp. There is alot of talent on this team and if they can stay healthy long enough ~ well ~ stranger things have happened my friends ~ cause we have witnessed ‘bout all of ‘em.

By Big Bull

September 28, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Good Lord.. like Favre couldn’t find a bar or someway to get into trouble in GB. Give me a break! The falcons knew corn row vick was just a heartbeat away from screwing up again. Smart guys mess up once,then get their ducks in a row.Dumb guys just keep on and on and get their cornrows.The guys upstairs should have seen it coming.Schaub had the smarts,the size,and the arm to get it done.Every team thats winning when it counts has the guy in that same mold. I’ll have to say however, that Joey looked promising sunday, but then again..He fits the mold too!

By Matt Jennings

September 28, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick was an unreliable and injury-prone quarterback. It was stupid to trade him.

By Creed

September 28, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Why did the morning idiots on 790 know Vick has been “smoking weed for years” and the Falcons put up with it? Or know not about it? Low class qb, low class franchise. Mistake after mistake after mistake. Thank god I’m a Cowboys fan.

By Rick

September 28, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Gene, you are too stupid to contribute here. Go to bed. Brett Farve has said REPEATEDLY that if Atl had not traded him he would have never grown up and become the player he is, He said he was headed for trouble and could not stay out of the clubs. The trade was a wake up call to him. LET IT GO! At the time of the Schaub deal every football talking head said it was a great idea, because it was. We got 2 starters and a 2nd round pick next year for him and he was never going to start here. Who knew Vick was going to go down in sports history as the absolute dumbest SOB to ever lace up cleats.

By genius

September 28, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Gene -

You said it better than anyone else and you are exactly right. Vick was already looking over his shoulder and knew Schaub was a good leader, passer and very intelligent. This was too much of a problem for the Falcon ownership and they made the wrong decision but when you do things for the wrong reason or motive, it always comes back to bite. You are also right on about Blank and the others; there is no way they didn’t know what Vick was doing, at least in some way. They just didn’t want to deal with it and figured it would come out in the wash. Greed will do you in. I wish Schaub well because I know he is a pretty good guy. But don’t give up on JOey and the Falcons; they are not out of it yet.

By Rick

September 28, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Creed, look at Vick, thats how you know he smokes weed, he has that red eyed dumb look. Listen to him talk. Pot heads are very easy to spot. Look for the loser with the bleary eyed look. There is no such thing as a pot head who succeeds at anything, work, relationships, parenting,it just don’t happen.

By Rick

September 28, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Genius, just because you spell it does not mean you are one. You are not, do you really think the falcons traded schaub because they were concerned for Vicks “feelings”? How stupid are you? Do you think McKay gives a rats azz for anyones feeling? Grow up, in the real working world no decisions are based on anyone feelings or worries. They make decisions based on what they feel is going to win games and put butts in the seats and winning games do that even if you qb is purple with green dots.

By Bill

September 28, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

There were observers at least 2 seasons ago warning that Vick had hit a performance ceiling, would never get any better, would never lead the team anywhere, and would just be a career sideshow. The problem was that a naive new owner fell in love with his persona, and his support staff (as is frequently the case) were either afraid to disagree with the boss, or just didn’t know enough about football to disagree. We thought we shed the incapable but interfering owner when the Smiths left—and don’t get me wrong I think that unlike the Smiths Mr. Blank is as admirable person as there is—but he needs to admit he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know, and let football people decide football issues.

Bottom line: Schaub may be another Brady, maybe not—but he had potential for growth that Vick did not. If smart, the Falcons would have traded Vick a couple of years ago when he was still worth something, and gone with a future. No, nobody could have predicted exactly what happened, but it’s not exactly a shock—and the Falcons didn’t have a future with Vick anyway.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 28, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Dear Lord, thank you for granting at least one AJC sports columnist with some basic ability to think. Mark Bradley, your intelligence shown in this column almost cancels out Jeff Schultz’s mind-numbing stupidity. Almost.

By MIKE

September 28, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

You can’t fault themm for not knowing what was about to happen, but you can question why they chose to stick with Vick to begin with. The guy was an average QB, but great athlete. He had numerous off the field issues and wasn’t the leader you expected for the face of the franchise.

By Scoop

September 28, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

I was convinced before March 22, that Vick is a bum and not very smart. And he certainly is not a leader.

By van lear

September 28, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

…Folks lets stop talking about the Schaub trade please…anybody who knows football ..knows it was absolutely the right thing to do at the time. Only these idiots who know nothing on here are saying otherwise….Schaub was never going to start in front of Vick because he was not better than Vick…simple and plain. And if any of you have Direct TV and have watched his first three games…you would know that most of the credit goes to their All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson who is now hurt. Schaub threw a couple of short pases that he took to the house. He is not exactly lighting it up with 4 td’s and 3 Interceptions and two fumbles and averaging a little above 200 yds a game. He is adequate and certainly better than Harrington…but, he is no Superstar…so, lets see what he does the rest of the year…..as bad as we are right now ..we should beat them on Sunday

By The Realist

September 28, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Dumb, thug, felon…just a few of the words some people use to let the world know how deeply they hate atheletes of a certain persuasion for the opportunities they have to be young & rich in America. Anywho, as for the trade, like many have said, it was a smart football business move. By the way “genious,” on what bias do you base your assessment of a qb’s intelligence? I think I have a clue…& I’m sure you won’t admit to it…

By David Duke

September 28, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

I didn’t know it would be dogfighting but I knew it would be something. Vick was surrounded by thugs, dressed like a thug, conducted himself like a thug and, guess what, he was a thug. He’s now a convicted felon and he’s facing more charges and is being investigated in relation to a murder in North Carolina. Matt Schaub was traded away to appease Vick. He was appeased just prior to being exposed as a dogfighting scumbag. Matt only got two starts here but he played well enough to have won the starting job from Vick. The thing about Vick was he was very flashy and lots of people, Mark Bradley included, mistake that for substance. It is not! Already Bradley, and others, are bludgeoning Joey Harrington and talking about how well other quarterbacks would fare in Petrino’s system. Given time, Joey Harrington will lead this team to a Super Bowl just exactly as Chris Chandler did under Dan Reeves. The Falcons are fortunate to have him. The Texans are happy to have Schaub. On Sunday we’ll all see why when Matt Schaub absolutely torchess the Falcons’ defense. Mike Vick, well, that thug is under house arrest since testing positive for marijuana while he awaits sentencing on his latest felony conviction. You can read about Schaub and Harrington in the Sports page. News of Vick can be found in the sections that deal with crime. Nice trade Bradley!

By Steve

September 28, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

What fascinates me is the Falcons original willingness to believe in Vick, who under any intensive scrutiny, would appear to be of questionable character. The laundry list of petty offenses, unquestionable connections to marijuana use, etc.. were all on view while he was in college. Its like he was an accident waiting to happen. Any organization with their act together would not bet the farm on a guy like him. I’ve never, and will never, get why they thought they could trust and believe in him in the long run.

By David Duke

September 28, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Dumb, thug,felon aptly describes Vick. it’s all been proven and is a matter of public record. Of course, people like you want to hold onto a racial motivation for those labels. That’s fine! However, you can’t argue with reality. What he did was dumb! He was, and is, a thug ande he’s a convicted felon! So, what point are you trying to make? We all, blacks included, knew he was dumb as dirt and a horrible quarterback. His record over the past two seasons was a losing one and he kept doing stupid things. What is your argument? We were absolutely right about him!

By The Realist

September 28, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

aaaah David Duke…you are hilarious…I actually enjoy counting the number of times you use the word “thug” in your entries…I guess you think that upsets “people like” me & that I’ll start defending Vick…lol…btw, sorry for exposing YOUR “motivation for those labels”…guess that struck a nerve…lol…you might want to seek counselling about your Vick-driven anger…now, anyone want to talk football?

By Julius Bryant

September 28, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

GO FALCONS !!!!!!!!! Now we all know that we all love the falcons because if we didn’t, we would be doing something else with our precious time on a Friday night.

Lets face the fact, known of us can predict the future, at the time of the decisions that were made concerning the trades, draft picks, and hiring and firing of the new coaching staff, we all thought that we now had a team that had the capabilities of being deep in the playoff material. But obviously it didn’t happen which is not the end of the world because I will always stick by my team no matter what. “I can’t leave my wife when she make a mistake or make by choices and I damn sure can’t leave my football team”. Coaches keep coaching, players keep playing and front office continue to make decisions because thats why you’ll get paid the big bucks. Let’s not let the world continue to see the whole city crumble to pieces because of Vick or an 0-3 record, its not the end of the world and one thing for sure the Falcons and the city will Overcome all this drama. Lets support the players,the front office and the coaching staff that we have and stop acting like we are psychic and can predict the future because if we did, we all will be at the nearest corner store on a weekly basis playing the mega millions and by now we all will be filthy rich.
But finally and truly, Lets support our team because I know I will. As a matter of fact my 6 yr old son and I will be there on Sunday to cheer them on as if they were 3-0. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Die Hard Falcon Fan, SFC Bryant (US Army)(Engineers)

By NASCARfan

September 28, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Realist, I hate to shed some reality on your ignorance, but is not Vick proven to be dumb, admited to be a felon, and does not his dog-fighting / sociopathic behavoir make him a THUG?

Dude, you’re a race-card carrying moron is what you are.

The word THUG is Indian. It’s short for Thugee. The thugee were a cult of Kali worshipers in India who exhibited many of the same sociopathic behavior and traits that Vick the THUG has displayed.

Get a life, you ignorant fool. I bet you were one of the people embarrassing yourselves on ESPN the other night.

By Beckster

September 28, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

You folks that think the Schaub trade “was good at the time” are morons.

1. Vick has always been a thug. It was just a matter of time before he got busted doing something. Not to mention the fact that he is a poor quarterback (I didn’t say runner) but he is not an NFL quarterback. Sure, he could lead the team to some mediocre seasons with his legs, but he is not a bona fide Super Bowl bound quarterback, and never would have become one.

2. Assuming Vick did not get arrested and started the season, with him running the ball and getting sacked as much as he does, the probability of him getting hurt is very likely. So trading your number two with no one else in mind is stupid. Especially with someone who has the upside of Schaub. Schaub is a natural leader and anyone who knows a damn thing about football or scouting can see that he is a winner. No, he does not have the most talent. But he has something that winning quarterbacks have and that is poise.

If you watched him play against a very good Colts defense last week you saw that poise. His team followed him and rallied around him. He completed 14 straight passes at one point, and did so by using his intelligence and physical skill. Yes he threw two int. but one of them went through a receivers hands and bounced off his helmet. And he did all of this without his number one receiver or his running back who got hurt early on.

Sorry folks. As a 39 year Georgia resident and life long Falcon fan I have been through some tough times. But I am done. I am tired of the disappointment and stupid decisions by the front office. First it was the Smith Clan, and now it is Blank. Who for some reason felt that a small running back with very little smarts could become a quarterback in the NFL.

By Sane Jane

September 28, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

What Mike Vick did says a lot about his character. What YOU say about the Mike Vick saga says a lot about yours.

So many racists and race-baiters out there…

By David Duke

September 28, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

I use the word thug because it applies and there’s ample documentation to prove it is accurately applied. I couldn’t care less about how you feel about my using it. As for discussing football I don’t see you talking about anything other than what I’ve had to say. Motivation? This town and this nation, and the nation’s prisons, are full of black thugs. I don’t shy away from saying it because it’s true. Truth hurt?

By Texaninlild

September 28, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

I want to thank Vick and the city of Atlanta. First Mike, thanks for coming out of college a year early. Vick would have been a Houston headline this year if he had come out of college a year later. Thanks for giving him a contract so large that in order to not look like a fool, you had to trade away the competition. Believe me, Houston knows all to well about placing too much faith in a first round draft pick. Thanks to Atlanta for leading the country in racist. You have more racist on both sides of the fence than any other paper in the country. You know how to play the race card better than anyone else. How about 4-11 for Atlanta this year? At least you can draft a promising qb next year. You can watch our promising young qb on the opposite side of the field pass his team to victory and think about what could have been.

By NASCARfan

September 28, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Beckster…

Your logic is flawed and simply false on many counts.

You present no solutions to the questions you pose, you only make blanket statements like “Everyone knew Vick was a thug, so this was a bad move.”

That’s retarded logic.

You also state that, and you’re not the only one, that he’s injury prone.

Well, he started every game last year, and has only missed, aside from the lost 2003 season, when he was sacked in the pocket, on average less than one game a year.

What, Beckster, do you expect Vick to be Favre or Manning? Vick has been throughout his career (once again, disregarding the freak injury in 2003) less injury prone, as you say, than Marino, Montana, Aikman, Young, McNabb, Elway, and many, many other QBs.

So please, if you know anything about football, which you’ve already proven you don’t Beckster, tell us how you would have circumnavigated the salary cap to get rid of Vick and keep Schaub knowing what the Falcons knew on March 22.

Beckster = Idiot.

By The Realist

September 28, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan…if name-calling, quoting shallow facts irrelevant to YOUR motive for using the word “thug,” & saying I’m playing the “race card” (lol) keeps you in denial about your hatred…have at it. If you (& your buddy Duke) would note, I haven’t defended Vick. If calling him a “thug” again makes you all feel better, have at it. I’m not arguing your USE of the label, just challenging your MOTIVES behind using it. I pray that YOU & DUKE “get a life” free of your hateful feelings & insecurities. Again, Duke, you are hilarious! I won’t even dignify your last statement with a response. Feel free to show your ignorance though…lol…lol. Anyway, BACK TO THE SUBJECT…the trade had to happen when it did. We got a lot out of the deal. I think in the long run, we’ll be a better team for it.

By NASCARfan

September 28, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Realist, I defended Vick up to the point when I read the 83 page indictment.

I railed against people who were incorrectly using the word THUG to discribe Vick as a thinly-veiled attempt to create a new stand-in for the “n” word.

But once I read that indictment, it proved that those racists had actually blindly stumbled onto the truth although none of them were smart enough to know what the word THUG means.

Vick is a THUG. In every sense of the word.

It doesn’t get any more or less simple than that.

By The Realist

September 28, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Hello? Anybody named NASCARfan reading? I’m not defending or excusing Vick’s actions. My problem is with the fact that the word seems to be reserved for certain people. Get it? Probably not. Should I explain it all again? Why bother…blah, blah, blah…see previous entry! NOW, BACK TO FOOTBALL…we’re better off longterm for the Schaub trade. That’s assuming that at least a few of our draft picks (Anderson?, Blalock?, Houston?) make more than a little bit of impact.

By mountain man

September 28, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Vick is stupid and has always been stupid, and stupid doesn’t make a successful NFL quarterback. The Falcons obviously gave Vick an IQ test before they signed him, found him to be stupid, but signed him anyway.

That’s equally as stupid.

By Griff

September 29, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Very true Mark!!!

By NASCARfan

September 29, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Certain people?

Like felon dog fighters?

Because that’s whom I’m applying the word to.

By David Duke

September 29, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

The trade of Schaub will pay dividends this coming Sunday-for the Texans! trading Schaub was not prudent and it was not necessary. Lol? What are you laughing at? I can see no reason for you to be mirthful. Now get this straight, I’m well aware of what you are saying and I freely admit that the word thug is pejorative and it applies, in today’s world, more to blacks than to any other group of people. It’s not solely applicable to blacks but it does fit a large number of black folks, men and women. So, feel free to dislike it. I don’t care. Mike Vick was surrounded by thugs, dressed like a thug, conducted himself like a thug and was, guess what, a thug himself. It’s proven beyond any doubt and he’ll be going to prison for a long time as punishment for his thuggish endeavors. Matt Schaub should have been the quarterback here even when Thuggodocious was here. He’s going to burn the Falcons and I can’t wait to see it.

By Reagrdless

September 29, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

They did not trade Vick b/c “he” being whatever we want to call him “sold out” the dome every sunday & “had” with a waiting list of us “good folks” without any faults waiting in line to buy tickets. Accept for once that everyone is not perfect b/c they were not raised by your parents!

By jarrodmon

September 29, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

You folks saying noone could have seen Vivk screwing up royally should call Falcons management and ask for a job. They’d hire you on the spot.

Ron Mexico. Water/Weed bottle. Flipping off fans. Blaming teammates for losses. Sulking on the sidelines.

Great guy. Any one of you could become key members of Falcons personnel. Call today!

By Idiots

September 29, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

I personally think no black man has ever broken the law. Even if they admit breaking the law.

C’mon white folks, let’s use the same logic: John Rocker never said those things! He’s a great guy! Why you people hatin’ on him?

By The Realist

September 29, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

NASCARfan, if your ingnorance is such that you missed what I meant by certain people, then read your buddy Duke’s response…at least he got what I was saying…imagine that. Duke, as for your comment on who the word mostly applies to…lol…I won’t dignify that either…enjoy the apparent comfort of your ignorance…oh yeah, as for your use of the word thug this time: 5 times w/ 2 variations…lol…you are hilarious. NOW, EITHER OF YOU CARE TO RESPOND TO MY NON-VICK RELATED OPINIONS ON THE TEAM…WITHOUT MENTIONING THE EX-QB’S NAME? Btw, Schaub just might burn the Falcons Sunday…and not because he’s that good but because the Falcons pass defense is that poor.

By Michael

September 29, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

THIS WAS A BAD TRADE. EVERYONE with a brain knew that Vick was never going to take us to the next level. He wasn’t getting better and Schaub always looked good.

By David Duke

September 29, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Matt Schaub is going to burn the Falcons’ defense. No doubt about that! I think Joey will do well and, hopefully, so will the Falcons. I still don’t see what you are laughing about. I’m not asking you to dignify, verify or testify as to anything. Statistics back up what I said. It is not some sort of fanciful pronouncement. Not all black people are bad and not all white people are good. Frankly, I’m not overly fond of either race. However, the fact is that black people are being brought down into criminality at an alarming rate. The figures are there, look at them!

By mark

September 29, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

It was a bad trade and as usual the Falcons will be like they know how to be pitiful

By Mike S.

September 29, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

Mark, I gotta hand it to you. This is a good column and definitely something that needed to be said.

Mike Vick was the choice on March 22nd, and that was the RIGHT choice. Vick had a hard time with the West Coast Offense because it was something COMPLETELY new to him. People want to pick up on that and say “he has no growth potential” or “hit his talent ceiling”.

WRONG! He won over 60% of his games in Dan Reeves’ offense - the offense he was drafted for BTW.

Petrino felt Vick would flourish in his offense and all early indications showed that to be true.

We got excellent draft picks for Shaub.

Im personally sick of hearing people knock Vick’s ON-THE-FIELD performance because he did not take to the West Coast Offense. People try to say the Falcons “Should have seen this coming” - WHATEVER!!!

The man made plays…PERIOD. Petrino’s offense would give him a better chance of doing so. He put people in the stands.

The Falcons should not be dumped on because they couldnt see the future any better than the rest of us.

By Mike L

September 29, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Thank You Bradley! We should send this to ESPN so they stop ripping us for what was a trade of necessity at the time. I also disagree with the “talking heads” that claim Schaub is out to show the Falcons what they are missing. If anything, Schaub should be grateful to the Falcons for giving him his first NFL opportunity. Plenty of teams passed on him in the 04’ draft, including Houston.

By The Realist

September 29, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Guess what Duke? We actually agree on something. Since you insist on continuing the non-football-related portion of this exchange, I’ll briefly oblige. Black folks are indeed being incarcerated at an alarming rate…but, in spite of media depiction, it’s not because they are committing crimes at a higher rate. Take that for whatever it means to you. I’m done w/ it. AS FOR FOOTBALL…I don’t know about Joey being anything more than functional (at best) but Schaub will likely burn the Falcons. What can I say? We need d-backs!

By David Duke

September 29, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

people made the same arguments when Chris Chandler came here. He was a good bit better than functional or serviceable. He, along with jamal and a good defense, took the team to a Super Bowl. it’s alright if you choose to ignore the statistics. My aim is not to denigrate but to illuminate. Mike Vick is the best illustration ever. This was a young man who hade it made absolutely. he threw it all away to engage in what he knew to be a criminal activity. Why? It wasn’t for money, but rather for street credibility. it’s the saddest, most baffling thing I’ve ever seen. he no longer gets to do what he loves, he’s in the process of losing everything and he’s going to prison. For what? Make any sense to you? You see it throughout our city and nation, young black people throwing their lives away for nothing.

By The Realist

September 29, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

Please hear this…I didn’t disagree w/ the stat of blacks being incarcerated at a higher rate…I just don’t agree w/ those who believe it’s because they commit more crimes. I agree, it is sad to see some young black people throwing their lives away…& no, it doesn’t make sense to me…but it’s also sad to see how society refuses to “illuminate” the fact that their are lots of young black people actually doing something w/ their lives. BACK TO FOOTBALL: Honestly, I’d take Chandler over Harrington anyday. Harrington was run out of Detroit & Miami for a reason…okay, for lots of reasons aka losses & turnovers!

By captain midnight

September 29, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this

It’s just as well they made the trade. The Vick fantanics would have never accepted him as Vick’s replacement anyway. Let’s move om.

By The Grinch

September 29, 2007 4:28 AM | Link to this

Well done, Bradley; I agreed with it then and I still do now. That extra 2nd rounder might net us yet another starter, making four from that trade. Good deal no matter how you look at it. Shaub ain’t all that; he’s good, but not worth four new starters on a team rebuilding towards a new system. Give them a chance.

By William

September 29, 2007 6:24 AM | Link to this

While I admit that I in no way knew or could foretell the fighting dog scenario with Vick, I DID tell everyone within earshot that trading Schaub instead of trading Vick was a dumb idea on the Falcon’s part. In fact, I posted as much on another AJC blog when the rumors were floating around that Schaub was going to be traded. At the time, I was not anti-Vick, but I could see reality. I could see that he had not matured as a game player. I could see that he had not matured into a leader. I could see that he was a self-centered, self-absorbed, look-out-for-number-one kind of guy. I could see that he had no true concept of team play. Was Vick athletic? Yes. Was he a team player? No. I wrote when the rumors of a Schaub trade were swirling that they should trade Vick instead because they would NEVER get as much for them as they could at that very moment. I wrote those very words. (Look them up if you want). However, I thought it would be his selfish game-play, his arrogance, his anti-team behavior, and immature stature that would be his undoing on the field. Instead, it was those same qualities that became his undoing off the field. How prophetic and most fitting. The Falcons should be blamed for the Schaub trade not because of of Schaub’s ability, character, and what he was capable of on the field, but because of Vick’s lack of character and lack of maturity both on and off the field.

By Lee

September 29, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this

Sorry Realist, your arguement that blacks don’t commit more crime is simply wrong.

Department of Justice Crime Statistics

Good stuff there if you care to take off those blinders…

By 40yrFan

September 29, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

Mark: I like your columns - always. But I have to disagree with this one. No. 7 was playing sub .500 ball during the last 30 games. Clubs who pay 130 mil to a player either did or should have known more about his personal character. Count me as one who thinks there were plenty of warning signs. Anyway, Matt was more of a textbook QB, with passing skills. I thought they traded the wrong QB then, still do. Hope you enjoyed Dylan last week.

By bulldog

September 29, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

I don’t have to bother. This guy hit the nail on the head. Read it again @!!!!!!

Vick never demonstrated the slightest leadership ability. He was essentially a sand-lot player who made things up as he went along and blamed others for his own shortcomings. He would never have taken the Falcons to a Superbowl. Arthur Blank and company were well aware of his off-field activities, yet they continued to attempt to build a whole team around this world-class flake. I think that Schaub was traded because his presence and fan support was an irritation to Vick. The Falcons will be paying for this mistake for a long time.

By jbyrde

September 29, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

Did you ever hear the story of “Tortise and the Hare” This is what I think of when comparing Vick to Schaub. Mat Schaub should have been starting for the Falcons after the crowd at the dome was flipped off by yours truley. Yes MV is quite flashly and very impressive as an athletic but Mat Schaub will win the race(SB) before it’s all over and anyone who could not see that sure as h*ll should not be evaulating talent for this football team, whoever is doing it.

By jbyrde

September 29, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this

Did you ever hear the story of “Tortise and the Hare” This is what I think of when comparing Vick to Schaub. Mat Schaub should have been starting for the Falcons after the crowd at the dome was flipped off by yours truley. Yes MV is quite flashly and very impressive as an athletic but Mat Schaub will win the race(SB) before it’s all over and anyone who could not see that sure as h*ll should not be evaulating talent for this football team, whoever is doing it.

By bulldog

September 29, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

Again. The only truthfull view in the blog !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vick never demonstrated the slightest leadership ability. He was essentially a sand-lot player who made things up as he went along and blamed others for his own shortcomings. He would never have taken the Falcons to a Superbowl. Arthur Blank and company were well aware of his off-field activities, yet they continued to attempt to build a whole team around this world-class flake. I think that Schaub was traded because his presence and fan support was an irritation to Vick. The Falcons will be paying for this mistake for a long time.

By D-Cider

September 29, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Lee, the page you pointed to provided rates, not numbers. there IS a difference, at least to those of us who can actually understand statistics. Maybe you need to take the blinders off and go back to school.

By bulldog

September 29, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

We wan’t have to here from any Vickies for awhile. We all know that type wan’t get up until afternoon !!!!!!!!!!

By AnEx-FalconFan

September 29, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

For once I agree with Bradley trading Matt Schaub was the right thing to do at the time. He wasn’t going to beat out Mike Vick. He wasn’t going to inspire throngs of fans to buy season tickets. He wasn’t going to inspire network executives to put the Falcons on prime time TV. Behind the offensive line that the Falcons have I don’t know how effective he would have been. So lets not annoint him as the next Brett Favre. As for his stint with the Texans they have beaten the Chiefs and the Panthers, not exactly the NFL cream of the crop. Having said that I wish Matt the best because he shouldn’t be viewed as a bad guy because Atlanta’s racist fans didn’t want a young Black quarterback with braids.

Seems like the Falcons’ fans would rather lose with a “traditional”, ie White quarterback, that win with a Black one. Funny too that when Vick was the quarterback we “lost” because of him (in much the same way people want to blame Sunday’s loss on DeAngelo Hall). Not the offensive line, not the defense, not the coaching but all the loses were because of Vick. This year the team has been exposed and now everyone sees the things that need to be addressed. I say Vick overcame more of the obstacles than a “traditional” quarterback would have. But that is lost because too many bigots are getting a chance to air out their thinly veiled racism.

By DUBOIS

September 29, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

nascar fan [you are a idiot]

By AnEx-FalconFan

September 29, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Its funny to how some on this board can be extremely racist with references to ALL Blacks as thugs, gangsters, criminals, lazy, lacking in leadership abilities, etc. When someone calls them racists then they cry “race card”. Most of these ignorant country bumpkins don’t even go to the Falcons games. They sit around blaming Black people for anything that goes wrong. They talk about Vick not being a leader but fail to point out that Keith Brooking has not lead the defense in anything either unless you want to count the times that he has failed to make a big play. Brooking and Chipper Jones get more passes than anyone in the city. Bobby Cox can raise H* and get thrown out of more guys than any one in the history of Major League Baseball and beat his wife but his “class” and “leadership” abilities are never questioned by the AJC columnists or the fans. I also don’t recall him ever being called a thug. As for you bulldog, I guess you’re up early because you had to wash your white robe and go buy some gas for the cross-burning later tonight!

By stendec

September 29, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

I was a sportswriter for over three decades. I have never disagreed with a column more than this one. I pitch THIS out! I would take Favre, in twilight of career, over Harrington or any of the other bums on current Falcon roster! Any idiot could see Vick was a runner masquerading as a QB. He peaked seasons ago. Best years long behind him! Schaub may never be in Favre class but he was best fit for Falcons. PERIOD!

By mike

September 29, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

63 meaningless comments from people whose comments and ideas will have no effect on any team in america whether little league, high school, college or pro. zero comments about breat cancer in the next article. talking about misplaced priorities.

By The Realist

September 29, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Well said AnEx-FalconFan! As for you Lee? You’re a prime example of the danger in people taking certain stats (out of context) & wrapping them in a context that supports their personal prejudices. First of all, in case you didn’t know, homicide is not the only crime…and secondly, as for those particular stats, they are based on arrest rates. Arrest rates are measurable, crime rates cannot be measured…only ASSUMED. Got a clue yet? ANYWAY…if you want to actually take a sec to google some football stats, I’m in.

By Drew

September 29, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Bradley is a dope! Vick is no QB either, never has been one. He runs around the backfield like a chicken in the middle of a dog fight and can’t throw. Schaub should be in Atlanta ready to step in for Farve.

By AnEx-FalconFan

September 29, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

You can see the bigotry every day on these blogs. Racists want to attack Blacks in general but when you show them specific incidents of Whites doing the same if not worse they want to hide behind their White sheets and claim Blacks are the real racists. Blacks hate crime and ignorance as much as Whites, Latinos or anyone else.

By DJ55

September 29, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Alright people….look in my eyes, look deep in my eyes….you are getting sleepier and sleepier…….now when I snap my fingers you will wake up……from that point forward there will be no more race baiting…….no more talk about Vick…..SNAP!

By Eric

September 29, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Atlantans for the unethical treatment and death of animals

AUTDA speaks out: Schaub trade good

“QB lacked immorality”

By lockjaw

September 29, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Results speak volumes. Our QB going to jail, Schaub doing well, and Vick always among the bottom of rankings in the NFL. Does anything else need to be said?

By Chris

September 29, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Schaub must be enjoying the benefit of a line that protects the QB, something the Falcons seem to have lacked for years….make that decades.

By They're Just Dogs

September 29, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Schaub was crap, and will always be crap unless he’s playing in a WCO, then he’ll just be mediocre, like he is right now. You people are gonna realize, dogfighting is the undoing of the FALCONS. M.V. is just going on a hiatus, and he’ll be back, and still rich,( the Falcons won’t get but 3 mil from him) but the Falcons are back to the same ole sorry a** Falcons that they have been forever. By 2010, everyone is gonna be saying, “They’re just dogs.”

By BULLDOG

September 29, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

{Ex-falcon fan}

You are the biggest racist and idiot I have ever encountered !!!!

By Big Ed

September 29, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

This is your typical bait article that only has two prevelent sentences. “The Falcons couldn’t keep him with a fat long-term contract because Vick was already making his $130 million, and Schaub wouldn’t have stayed as a No. 2 because he wanted to start. So, to get anything in return, the Falcons had to move him this spring.” All else is fluff. It wouldn’t have mattered who the quarterback in the two spot was because at $130 million dollars Vick could not be replaced. The economics would not allow it. It would have been stupid not to make the trade because the Falcons got something in return before Schaub’s contract ran out. Bradley has sucked you into a meaningless subject.

By BooBoo

September 29, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Let us not forget … Bret Favre later thanked the Falcons for trading him, because he admitted he had a problem with alcohol and was a party boy in the big city of Atlanta. The trade shook him into awareness that he HAD to straighten out. Who know? But, had the Falcons kept Bret Favre he might have been released a drunk like that Collins boy(Panthers-Giants-etc), with nobody ever remembering his name.

By Kenny

September 29, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Mark,

I have to say, i totally agree with you and you are right, we did not now the Vick status. Matt was not going to continue his career as a backup for no Team. We did got something out of the deal ! r, Kenny

By E Baby

September 29, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

to all you schuab lovers, he won’t win 10 games in Houston this year. He has a good start but it will soon be over. He also has pretty good receivers and an OK defense but he still won’t win 10 games. Won’t even get into playoffs. YOU CAN BET THAT !!!!!!

By Falcon Fan

September 29, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

LETS GO HOUSTON!!!!!!!!! KICK THE FALCONS A* ALONG WITH THE AJC!!!

AJC HAS BEAT UP THE FALCONS MORE THAN ANY TEAM IN THE NFL……..

By Mark

September 29, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Your wrong about Schaub. Schaub is a better quarterback than Vick and always has been. I’d like to see the Falcons go after Charlie Whitehurst. Good speed and mobility and can throw.

By Jonny

September 29, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

True, Vick was never “charged” with anything previous to the dog case, but what other team has to assign a babysitter for its QB? Vick has long been playing with fire and had a personal nanny with a fire hose for year to clean up his infantile messes. He finally got in a jam no amount of money, PR, a personal baby-sitter, a pathetic Daddy Warbucks owner, nothing, could take care of. Vick was innocent of things before because he never got charged, not because he didn’t commit crimes. I think any rationale person with their head out the sand thought that before the dogs.

By Jerald Holcombe

September 29, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

No Bradley, it was not a good football move. First of all, what had Vick done for this franchise? In his tenure here, had we ever had back-to-back winning seasons? Nope! Was he ever one of the best quarterbacks in the game? Nope? Was he paid out the ying yang to be one of the best? Yes he was. If we wanted someone to run the football, we should have drafted someone to run the football. I would have preferred to see Vick traded and gotten a huge return for him such as when Dallas traded Hershel Walker to the Vikings. And look at the cap room we would have had. But nooooo, we had to have a quarterback who couldn’t pass consistantly and one who would look to run first and fumble the ball because he didn’t want to tuck the ball in. The Falcons got what they deserved, and unfortunately, Arthur Blank did as well.

By biggerdaddy

September 29, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

SUPRISED NO ONE HAS EVEN THOUGHT OF GIVING LIL THUG MARCUS VICK A SHOT…WOULDNT THAT BE ANOTHER NAIL IN THE FALCONS COFFIN….

By Mark

September 29, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Vick was a bust from the word go. His glazed over eyes, his thug clothing, his punk possee was the first clue. Then he turns out to be an average QB. Then the obvious happens. I for one was not surprised. A thug is a thug. Don’t see many white QBs acting out this way do you?

And to all you chimps chanting “free Vick”. Good luck with that. The nog is going to jail!!

By John Lovelace

September 29, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Bradley, I wish you and everyone else would stop trying to make excuses for the schaub trade. Vick had so many bad incidents in the past (before the dog fighting charge) that any idiot could see what he was and knew he would’nt change. Everyone knew he was guilty of the water bottle incident. Money got him out of that and all the other stupid things before that! Anyone in their right mind could see that he was not going to change because he thought he was above the law. In so many words he said that himself. Arthur and the rest should have seen that and took steps to dump him then. Winning games is not as important as having respectable players and a leader to win them. Vick only thought about himself. Big deal! He rushed for over a thousand yards. What did it get him? NOTHING? He’s a low life with a talent that most don’t have. Schaub should have been the starter a long time ago, but Harrington looks pretty good. The only reason he did’nt win the last game is because of Halls mouth. THERES ANOTHER ONE!

By Mark

September 29, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait to see Shaub have a breakout game against the hapless falcoons. GO MATT!!!!!

By David Duke

September 29, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

By E Baby September 29, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this to all you schuab lovers, he won’t win 10 games in Houston this year.

So? I doubt he’ll be in prison by the end of the season but Vick will be!

By Navigator

September 29, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

I agree with everyone. The Schaub trade was good, having the human highlight film start was good, and let’s not forget the Vick never gave anyone a reason to think he would be in trouble. Denial is a wonderful thing, and everyone needs some.

By Learn From the Past

September 29, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley,

Are you crazy, this is the same organization that stuck by Chris Miller and cut a young Brett Farve! Schaub isn’t the running back that Vick was (who was electrifying), but he appears to be the better quarterback.

Ex Falcon Fan, what on earth? Why do you feel that this MV thing has anything to do with race? MV is clearly a low class thug, look at who he hangs out with, the actions he takes, the double birds he flips, the marajuana he takes even while being indicted! Not a class act like a Karl Malone, Steve Smith, but certainly fits in with Allen Iverson. If he was white, he would receive the same treatment.

By Mark Bradley

September 29, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

So Vick never did anything for this franchise? Let’s review: Three Pro Bowls; two playoff victories; a winning record as a starting quarterback; a division title in 2004. I understand perceptions can and will vary, but these are facts.

By KrisG

September 29, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

DeAnglelo Hall is a thug, in the football sense, but no so much as Scott Case. That’s a compliment for players in the secondary, it means he plays a little dirty. As far as the personal insults, the word “punk” might fit better, he’s selfish and constantly cries for attention. I have no problem with the criticism, though I’m not so ready as you guys to throw him out. But I think it’s been obvious for so long that the word “thug” is too often applied to any and every black athlete that makes a misstep, and short of Bill Romanowski, never to a Kyle Turley or Jeremy Shockey, both of whom are worse than DeAngelo Hall. Essentially, Warrick Dunn is one traffic incident away from the “thug” label.

By DaNooch

September 29, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

You ignorant fools. This is exactly the situation the Falcons should have been prepared for. In pro sports you lose players all the time for all sorts of reasons. You idiots who wanted to trade Schaub are the same ones who wanted to trade Favre and Saltalamacchia. Why can’t you get this through your stupid heads? Players are not trading cards to swap around. Players get hurt. Players become free agents. Players lose their level of play. Players have attitude, drug, legal, whatever problems. How many times do you have to see teams lose players before this starts to sink in. That’s why you have 3 quarterbacks. That’s why you have 45 players on a football team instead of 22. You imbeciles.

By TexansFan

September 29, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

I read people claiming the ‘fact’ before the Schuab trade is that Schuab would never be good enough to replace Vick. I agree Vick had a marketable appeal for Atlanta and put people in the seats, but we should examine Vick’s record more accurately. Over 7 years and 2 coaches, the Falcons had a 47-48 record with Vick averaging a 75.7 rating and 53.8 comp percentage and 2 playoff appearances. Vick brought some excitement to a stale franchise in his first few seasons, but he has not lived up to expectations.

The Falcons have failed to have repeated winning seaons, and as the team leader, qb, and highest paid player Vick has the lionshare of responsibility. During the past two seasons with Vick starting, the Falcons did not break .500 (05,06). A pro bowl is an individual award and says nothing for what Vick did for the Falcons. Two playoff victories and one division title over 7 years for $130 million is not impressive - other qbs have done better for less money. McNabb’s salary averaged $9.3 million/yr vs. Vick at $13 million/yr.

In 2007 the Falcons overlooked these facts and believed that a college coach could transform a 7 year veteran qb to fit into a passing offense though Vick has consistently shown he his depends primarily on his rushing ability. Schuab had shown an ability to read the defense and pass in the pocket, and the Falcons could have chosen to test both qb’s in Petrino’s offense. Maybe the Falcons would have not drafted a couple lineman if they held Schuab for one more season, but they also should have recognized their starting qb was not improving over time. In addition, you can search news articles prior to the conviction and read about fan pressure to test Schaub at starting qb.

This is not a new argument formed in retrospect after learning about Vick’s dogfighting enterprise. Atlanta fans have been disenchanted with Vick for over a year.

By tk

September 29, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Whatever. The team still sucks and for the most part, always has.

By TexansFan

September 29, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

I read people claiming the ‘fact’ before the Schaub trade is that Schaub would never be good enough to replace Vick. I agree Vick had a marketable appeal for Atlanta and put people in the seats, but we should examine Vick’s record more accurately. Over 7 years and 2 coaches, the Falcons had a 47-48 record with Vick averaging a 75.7 rating and 53.8 comp percentage and 2 playoff appearances. Vick brought some excitement to a stale franchise in his first few seasons, but he has not lived up to expectations.

The Falcons have failed to have repeated winning seaons, and as the team leader, qb, and highest paid player Vick has the lionshare of responsibility. During the past two seasons with Vick starting, the Falcons did not break .500 (05,06). A pro bowl is an individual award and says nothing for what Vick did for the Falcons. Two playoff victories and one division title over 7 years for $130 million is not impressive - other qbs have done better for less money. McNabb’s salary averaged $9.3 million/yr vs. Vick at $13 million/yr.

In 2007 the Falcons overlooked these facts and believed that a college coach could transform a 7 year veteran qb to fit into a passing offense though Vick has consistently shown he his depends primarily on his rushing ability. Schaub had shown an ability to read the defense and pass in the pocket, and the Falcons could have chosen to test both qb’s in Petrino’s offense. Maybe the Falcons would have not drafted a couple lineman if they held Schaub for one more season, but they also should have recognized their starting qb was not improving over time. In addition, you can search news articles prior to the conviction and read about fan pressure to test Schaub at starting qb.

This is not a new argument formed in retrospect after learning about Vick’s dogfighting enterprise. Atlanta fans have been disenchanted with Vick for over a year.

By tk

September 29, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Whatever. The team still sucks and for the most part, always has.

By John Lovelace

September 29, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

To the fake MarK Bradley: Oh yeah, he did do something for this franchise! He took it back 41 years, and HE went to the Pro-Bowl, So what! Vick was all for himself! BIG Question: Did he win a Super Bowl? NO! Did he ruin this franchise and make them the laughing stock of the NFL? YES! I wonder if they give bonuses for that. Get off of it! We have a good quarterback and maybe he will make something happen. Oh yeah, It really does’nt matter what that piece of trash did because he is HISTORY! BAD HISTORY!

By Not a Chance

September 29, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

As a long time Falcon fan let me first say trading Schaub for the extra pics and moving up was a great move and will pay huge dividends down the road…period. There are a few truly knowledgeable fans on this blog so I would like to post my 12 reasons as to why the Falcons are 0-3 so far this season 1) Original problem was trading up to draft MV7 then compounded by giving him a $130 million contract 2) MV7 was, is and will always be known as mediocre quarterback with excellent running skills. Now updated to include the following: Thug, Convicted Felon, Worlds Dumbest Athlete, Animal Abuser, no matter what the color of their skin 3) No one knew that MV7 would self implode this quickly. Anyone with 2 eyes and any intelligence could see he would self destruct but this year. 4) Petrino’s system is still new to most if not all the players on the roster. 5) Our offensive line play has been poor too inconsistent at best and has shown limited improvement in both running and pass protection. 6) Running game has been inconsistent, Warrick Dunn is well errr….DONE! . He has not shown the explosiveness and the ability to hit the right hole. Where is the bruising FB we gave $18 million to for 6 years 7) My mother can outplay Keith Brooking, he is always making plays about 4 to 8 yards down field and out of position. 8) Our choice in punters after preseason was questionable at best. Should have brought in Morten Andersen into training camp and he would have won the job outright. 9) Our defensive secondary has been horrid and has been burnt on passing plays and ha shown no ability to stop the run or make tackles at the line of scrimmages. Not only can they not cover receivers but also continue to show they cannot support the run or make tackles after the receiver makes the catch. 10) Special teams play has been horrendous in all phases and this has been impacted by all the new faces and change in coaching as well as assignments and a new playbook. 11) Stupid and ill advised penalties during key situations during the game. De Angelo Hall is another prime example of hype rather than grit, coverage skills and intelligence 12) Less than stellar drafting of players by Rich Mc Kay and the falcons brain thrust. Seems they have a knack for drafting players from Virginia Tech with questionable, skills, intelligence, moral fiber and the ability to function in every day society as well as paying too much money to free agents that never live up to their salaries, hype, reputation, and the ability to stay healthy.

Basically it will take about 5 or 6 games for this team to know the new system start and start winning a few games. Petrino is a good coach who can given the time and the right personnel can make this team a consistent winner. As far as the play of Harrington, it has not been as brutal as many of you seem to believe. Is he a top shelf starter and bona fide superstar, the answer is a resounding “NO”. He can however be an effective starter than can win you games if given the protection. The key thing to remember here is that this is a new system and new systems take time to be implemented and for the player to understand that system. Any of the quarterbacks on our current roster are an upgrade from what we have and would have received had MV7 not got busted and simply be forever know as the dumbest person on the face of this earth and setting back the African American community.

By DaNooch

September 29, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

You ignorant fools. This is exactly the situation the Falcons should have been prepared for. In pro sports you lose players all the time for all sorts of reasons. You idiots who wanted to trade Schaub are the same ones who wanted to trade Favre and Saltalamacchia. Why can’t you get this through your stupid heads? Players are not trading cards to swap around. Players get hurt. Players become free agents. Players lose their level of play. Players have attitude, drug, legal, whatever problems. How many times do you have to see teams lose players before this starts to sink in. That’s why you have 3 quarterbacks. That’s why you have 45 players on a football team instead of 22. You imbeciles.

By GeezGuys

September 29, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Three pro bowls, division championship, blah, blah blah. Who cares? Michael Vick has done more harm now for this franchise than any other player, including the long-forgotten dummy who robbed a pizza delivery guy. Vick was only out for Vick. He didn’t do crap for Atlanta.

Stacked up in all those facts, you should have included: Vick showed terrible ability to do anything but run with the football. He had an assigned baby-sitter. He had previous repeated incidents proving he couldn’t stay out of trouble.

Blank reminds me of one of parents who always blame their kid’s troubles on “the wrong crowd”. Anybody with half a brain could see Vick wasn’t going to stop being an idiot. Blank just thought enough money and influence could keep his Pet Pink Pony out of too much trouble.

Thank God Vick finally ran into people who couldn’t be bought off for an autograph or money.

So… A highlight-reel QB with tendency to get in trouble and who runs the ball a lot, doesn’t have a good backup waiting? Stupid trade—-any way you slice it.

By Learn From the Past

September 29, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley,

Thank you for your response, and those are facts, but the damage that Vick has done to the league, team and city are beyond refute. Also, most of the accomplishments you cited (other than pro-bowl appearances) were team accomplishments. Mr. Vick was well compensated for his personal achievements, and if we would have had almost any other quarterback that came with his price tag, wouldn’t we have had similiar, if not better results during the same time frame?

KrisG

Let’s see, electrocuting, drowning, bludgening dogs, drugs, obscene jestures to the fans that pay your salary…thug doesn’t apply?

It’s not about race, it’s socioeconomics, name the players that fit the thug image, and they come from urban blighted areas, as a society, we need to reach out and make a difference for kids growing up in difficult circumstances. We can’t expect that just because a kid can do something in the athletic arena that they are instantly worthy of the hero status they seem to be readily given, but at the same time, stop whining about the use of the term thug when it clearly applies.

Seems to me that there have been regular incidents in Buckhead and other various Atlanta bars, within the past two years that involved young confused pro atheltes that have become thugs. I loved watching MV play, but he’s a thug, and not what you want as the face of your franchise.

By David Duke

September 29, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Upon Further Review: Mike Vick admitted quitting in a game against the Panthers in 2005. In 2005 and again in 2006, the Falcons started well and looked like a playoff team. In each of those years the second halves of the seasons were dismal and filled with many more losses than victories. In 2006 Vick was able to put up an average of ten points in seven of the Falcons’ nine defeats. In the second game against the Panthers the Falcons scored three points. Also, during the season, after one of two miserable showings against the Saints, Vick gave a double barreled middle finger salute to the fans. The passing attack last season, of the Falcons, came in in absolute last place in the league. Vick gained over a thousand yards rushing but that didn’t translate into more victories. Mark, the litany you left is factual. So is this!

By Grampus

September 29, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Who the hell can say how Favre or Schaub would have performed as the Falcon’s starting QB. They might have sucked. Who knows? Who cares? Never happened never will. Same goes for the Petrino era with Vick. This is past getting old. Let’s talk reality for a change.

By The Realist

September 29, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Okay, here’s a challenge: Can anyone make an argument for Harrington being anything more than a looser (see career win-loss record) or Schaub being anything more than unproven (see…oh yeah, he doesn’t even have a full season of stats) WITHOUT mentioning Vick? Probably not, you’ll probably come back w/ something else about Vick…

By Oscar

September 29, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

JUST SHUT THE HELL UP YOU FOOTBALL NERDS, LET THIS PLAY OUT BY ITSELF AND 10 WEEKS FROM NOW YALL MAY ARGUE AGAIN… IGNORANCE IS KILLING

By Navigator

September 29, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Well since I last blogg’d it’s obvious that denial no longer covers your affection. I really can’t believe that so many of you folks are still talking about Vick and Schaub. One will be in prison for years, and out of football even longer, and the other plays for another team. Does our three quarterbacks now not create any interest, at all. Two are cast offs from other teams, and one didn’t even play football last year. I think the situation now is much more interesting than old new rehashed.

By David Duke

September 29, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I notice that Realist keeps admonishing us about talking about Vick but meanwhile, he keeps talking about Vick. Joey is a good quarterback and he’s proving that. Matt is going to be a great quarterback. Stand by for a demonstration of both statements!

By Rob

September 29, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

You know dawg gone well that Schaub was the go-to guy for Atlanta… Vick had not gotten it done since he got to the Falcons and yall knew he wasn’t gonna do any damage in the NFL but run around… Vick just set the Falcons back 5 years…

By Rob Lo

September 29, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Once the Falcons lost Vick for the season, few expected Atlanta to compete and no one is surprised by its 0-3 start. Heck, They wouldn’t have done much more with Vick in the line-up also. The Falcons, will have trouble with the Texans’ young offense, meaning Schaub should leave Atlanta once again a winner.

By The Realist

September 29, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Aaah, Duke…seems like in TRYING (you still mentioned his name old buddy…lol) to meet the challenge, you were indeed able to come up w/ a convincing & fact-filled argument for Schaub & Harrington…lol. “Joey is a good quarterback & he’s proving that”? Is that the best you got? Point made. I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor though. Oh that’s right, I forgot that your bias blinds you to LOSSES & PICKS. Btw, if you’ll notice, there was none of the aforementioned “admonishment” in this reply…lol. We’ll see how the season plays out…don’t you worry, I’ll stand by…meanwhile, I’ll carry on w/ the non-dillusional, knowledgeable football fans.

By John Lovelace

September 29, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

I hope that you all realize that you are wasting your time saying anything about Vick, schaub, favre or anyone else that no one gives a damn. People who read this column don’t know who you are, they don’t care who you are, they could care less about your opinion. The Falcons are going to go on doing whatever it is that they do and you can’t change that! If you don’t like them, then don’t watch the game. You won’t be missed! Vick is history and the Falcons are now. If you can’t watch football and enjoy it, then leave Atlanta! You are making yourself miserable. I can’t imagine the life that some of you go through!

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Atlanta fans, 2 weeks ago, you’re were saying how much Harrington sucks and that you didn’t realize how much Vick brought to the team and the many holes he covered up for this sorry a* team. You people are dumb yourselves, and you talk about Vick. You f*** don’t even know who to cheer for. If we can win without Vick, why are we 0-3? You say Vick sucks so bad, explain why we’re getting our asses kicked all over the field?!?!?

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Now introducing David Duke!!!! THE RACIST!!!

By DaNooch

September 29, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

If you football challenged nerds want to know why the Falcons are 0-3 this year, all you have to do is watch the games. If that doesn’t help you, then just look at the stats. The Falcons are 25th out of 32 in rushing defense and 24th out of 32 in rushing offense. For you who don’t know much about football, you have to run the ball and stop the run to win in any league.

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

No Vick = Losing Season

By Hines Ward

September 29, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

How about Jaime German over me in the 1998 draft? I wont even discuss Aundray Bruce in 1989. Bradley is right, this was a great trade compared to these.

By Hines Ward

September 29, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

How about Jaime German over me in the 1998 draft? I wont even discuss Aundray Bruce in 1989. Bradley is right, this was a great trade compared to these.

By David Duke

September 29, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

I know Joey’s stats and those of Matt Schaub. There’s no need for a re-capitulation of them. Joey is getting better with each outing. last Sunday he threw for more yards than the previous quarterback had ever thrown for in any one game. Delusional fans continue to lol whan ain’t nothin’ funny. Laugh it up but you are guffawing alone!

By ronny

September 29, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

The Falcon’s knew more about Vick than they are willing to admit in public, they just had too much money tied up in him and, as any parent with a bad kid, kept hopeing he would change.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By The Realist

September 29, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Duke! Aaah Duke! For a minute I thought you were actually going to make a case for the current qb without mentioning “the previous qb.” Oh well…how about we pick this back up if Harrington EVER has a winning season as an NFL starting qb okay?

By Truth's-in-there-somewhere

September 29, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Mark Bradley actually said something about Vick that wasn’t laced with blatent personal biases/issues. If anyone noticed, he chimed in on this oh-so-peaceful blogging earlier…and I quote…”So Vick never did anything for this franchise? Let’s review: Three Pro Bowls; two playoff victories; a winning record as a starting quarterback; a division title in 2004. I understand perceptions can and will vary, but these are facts.”

By noneya

September 29, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Thank you Bradley. You are the only AJC columnist with any sense. Hindsight is always 20/20.

By GritzBlitz

September 29, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Mark, this is the best article I’ve read thus far re: the Schaub trade. Thanks for clarifying valuable info -those so-called NFL experts don’t have a clue when they criticize the Falcons for this trade. Excellent job!

By Old Physics Teacher

September 29, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

You are correct - given the facts at the time. The problem is that Vick should never have been drafted in the first place. He’s a hybrid. He’s too short to play quarterback, and he’s too light and easily damaged to play halfback. He’s the worst of both worlds. He couldn’t, or can’t, understand what is required of a quarterback in the NFL. He can throw a football the length of the field, but he’s too inaccurate to throw downfield. How many passes has our tight end position caught this year; how many passes have the wide outs caught this year? Vick looked to run first and then throw second. He never looked any further downfield than 15 yards. As bad as Harrington is, at least he’s a quarterback that can throw downfield and force the linebackers deeper so our running game has a semblance of a chance.
Granted, we would be winning with Vick. The real problem is that we couldn’t, and wouldn’t, win the big one with him, because the big boys shut Vick down. Hopefully we have learned from our mistakes.

By Brett

September 29, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

I was never a fan of Mike Vick. Once he got past the first 2 seasons every team learned how to defence his run tactics, while passing was never a threat. Once he would have lost his speed, which was not to far off, he would have been useless. I never thought they gave Schaub a serious chance

By bulldog

September 29, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

David Duke is no racist ! he just wan’t take your negroe S!!!… Blacks are way more racist than whites !!!!

By bulldog

September 29, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

David Duke is no racist ! he just wan’t take your negroe S!!!… Blacks are way more racist than whites !!!!

By rucrazy

September 29, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

David Duke, i have read the comments of you and Realist going back and forth for on this blog, and I just wanted to make a comment that has nothing to do with football, especially after you decided to speak as if you were an authority on blacks and crime. Yes, it is disappointing at the what can be seen as the deterioration of our youth. Notice I said youth (as in all), because i see young people of all races that are not living up to their potential. However I would like to throw out a fact, that maybe you were not aware of. Since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, over half of those sentenced to death is represented by whites. Which means, blacks may be going to jail at an increasing rate, but apparently it’s the whites that are doing the heinous SH**. But I am not here to debate on who does the most or the worst crimes, black, white, purple or yellow. I am just trying to understand why it appears to be impossible, to discuss Mike Vick, without calling him a THUG. Yes, he did something incredibly stupid, but does that make him a THUG. You listed one of the traits as being how he dressed. Me personally, I never saw him dressed any way other then how other young men in his age range dresses. And in most instances (that I witnessed), his attire was appropiate for whatever appearance he was making or personal outing he was attending. Maybe, you meant his braids. LOL.. you should have just said that. But then that would mak you sound like a racist. Then again maybe you were stalking him and was able to witness the way he was dressed at all times. In case you didn’t know stalking will get you that criminal record, you were commenting on earlier. Anyway enough of you and your ignorance, didnt mean to digress to your level. But I did want to make one last comment, surely you are not using the name David Duke as your alias based on David Duke the white supremacist, if so that explains it all. Which leads me to add another fact, your IDOL plea-bargained on a Federal case to avoid longer jail time, bet you didnt know he and Mike Vick had anything in common. Did you? Now can we get back to some football.

By Lazarus

September 30, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

To me, Mike Vick looked like his cousin Aaron Brooks. Looks like he’ll have fewer NFL years though.

• On March 22 2007, there was no clue Mike Vick is selfish thug. -

Uhhhh, right! In 2004, two men were arrested in Virginia for distributing marijuana. The truck they were driving was registered to Michael Vick. On October 10, 2004, Vick and the other members of his party including employee Quanis Phillips were at Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport on their way to board an AirTran afternoon flight to Newport News, Virginia. While they were passing through a security checkpoint with Vick, a security camera caught Phillips and Todd Harris picking up an expensive-appearing watch (either a Rolex or a fake) which belonged to Alvin Spencer, a security screener.[21] After watching the theft on a video tape, Spencer filed a police report. In March 2005 a woman named Sonya Elliott filed a civil lawsuit against Vick alleging she contracted genital herpes from Vick, in the autumn of 2002, and that he failed to inform her that he had the disease. “Ron Mexico” settled out of court. And finally, November 26, 2006 - After a Falcons loss to the New Orleans Saints (who were “thrilled” 2002-2006 by his cousin, QB Aaron Brooks) in the Georgia Dome in apparent reaction to fans booing, Vick made an obscene gesture at fans, holding up two middle fingers. Nobody would have I mean, look at his fine brother. Another “self-styled” QB (best suited for the option) playing at Virginia Tech, like his big (house) brother. That he was a criminal suspended a year before starting all of 2005 at VT and was booted out of university for “unsportsmanlike play” shouldn’t have turned any heads. Nope, no Bad Newz in any of this!

Thanks to Wikipedia for the info easy to get.

By Dumbing Down

September 30, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this

No WAY!

Vick was too stupid. He stil did not know the plays and could not read the defences to the coaches satisfaction after several years…. one of the reasons why he was not allowed to call audibles. Vick’s “Ron Mexico” and “flipping off” the fans were also signs he needed to go. Many of us fans saw this and how NFL teams (who spends literally millions of dollars) started working on Vick and shutting him down. A great athlete and QB who was FORCED (by NFL Defenses) into a QB rushing record, was a lasting impression.

WRONG ASSESSMENT BRADLEY BY YOU AND THE FALCONS!

Is AUNDRAY BRUCE listening?

By erica

September 30, 2007 3:42 AM | Link to this

arthur blank not only created a vick monster, he also put his stinky foot in his mouth now. i am glad he is losing money from vick, i am glad his team is losing big time. neuter michael vick, his gang, and all animal abuser!!!!!!!!!