A Defense of Mr. Michael Vick

Many people are ripping Mike Vick today saying that he is incapable of being a quality NFL quarterback. I still disagree with those people. First of all, Vick has shown that he is capable of being a “passing “ QB. Just look at his stats from weeks 6 & 7 of this year. In week 6 against the Steelers, Vick was 18 of 30 for 232 yds and 4 TD’s. He finished that day with a 96.1 QB rating, which is quality. He also still rushed for 40 yds. Then next week against the Bengals, Vick was 19 of 27 for 291 yards and 3 TD’s and a 142.7 rating which is excellent. Of course many people would say those are the exceptions for Vick and not the norm. That may be true, but the goal of NFL franchises is to win games and ultimately championships. Vick has already led the Falcons to a Conference championship. Also Vick seems to receive the brunt of the blame when Atlanta is struggling. What about their defense? The Saints put 31 points of the board Sunday against this Falcon D. That means even if Vick had thrown 4 touchdowns, his team would have still come up short. Atlanta’s defense is 22nd in league giving up 340 yds a game. They were supposed to be a “rebuilt” defense with new, key additions. Instead the defense has been a disappointment, with new, key additions such as John Abraham only playing in 3 games this year. Finally, with the exception of Alge Crumpler, the Falcons have hands-down the worst receiving corps in the NFL. Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Ashley Lelie, and Adam Jennings could not even start as a third WR for most teams. White, Lelie, and Jenkins are all former first rounders but what many people overlook is that this simply means these players were drafted in the 1st round, not that they actually have 1st round receiver talent. (see Charles Rodgers and Mike Williams). No group of wide-outs has worse hands or are worse route runners in the NFL than Atlanta’s group. If you watched the Falcons game against the Saints this past Sunday you know exactly what I mean. There were at least 5 dropped balls, possibly more. Also one of the drops was a sure TD. Just how bad were the Falcon receivers yesterday? Here is what Joe Horn had to say about them, and he plays for the opposing team!

“This is a league where if you don't do your job, they run your ass off. Those guys better wake up and smell the coffee and start catching the damned football. I can't blame [Vick] for, you know, being upset at them sometimes."

If you know anything about football, then you know how much it helps a quarterback when his receivers get open. So how do receivers beat the coverage? By running precise routes and using proper technique. The Falcons receivers seem to only know how to run 1 routes and even then they cannot be counted on to haul in the deep ball even when it hits them in their hands. As for Vick flipping off the crowd after the loss, he pretty much summed it up himself. Vick said

"First and foremost, I would like to apologize for my inappropriate actions with fans today. I was frustrated and upset at how the game was going for my team, and that frustration came out the wrong way."

He knows he was wrong and many a people have done many a stupid thing in the face of frustration (see Albert Haynesworth and Tyler Brayton). What do think? I am giving Vick too much credit? Would you want him to start for your team? Is the Falcon’s answer to their woes Matt Schaub?

Fan Appreciation? (AHN All Headline News)

Vick makes obscene gesture to home crowd (Fox Sports)