Jump to content
[[Template core/front/custom/_customHeader is throwing an error. This theme may be out of date. Run the support tool in the AdminCP to restore the default theme.]]

Mike Vick - "Screw it"


Chavez
 Share

Recommended Posts

Vick done trying to conform

 

Where does Michael Vick fit?

 

That's the problem we've always had with him and that he has had with himself. Playing a position defined by confining standards, he is a misfit. It's easy to understand the quandary. The most honored quarterbacks possess special passing skills practiced mostly from within the comfort of a protected pocket. And here he is, blessed more with the gifts of a rare running back than with the qualities of a pure passer, stuck trying to carve out success in a league that does not necessarily have room for the unconventional.

 

He knows he is special, always has. He entertains like no other player, accumulates memorable moments like few others, worries defenses as only rare athletes can. In his fourth season, he led the Falcons to within one game of the Super Bowl. It all seemed so promising in 2004; just wait, we all thought, until he learns to pass more efficiently, stay in the pocket more, become more patient.

 

All that was so wrong. He will never be a prototypical passer or excel at being patient, nor is he a man built to remain anchored.

 

He knew all of that, too, but he would look at the lists of best quarterbacks and his name never seemed to be around the top. He heard what was being said. You can't win consistently with a quarterback who runs this much. You certainly can't win on those days when the rushing game is controlled and he's forced to pass. And you'll see. He won't last if he keeps exposing himself like this in the open field as an inviting lure for ravenous defenders.

 

So he listened and decided to heed. Last season, he tried to be more like the Mannings and Bradys and Palmers of the NFL world. The runs were still there, of course, but in his mind, he could only be like them if he embraced the pocket more enthusiastically and refused to bolt from pressure so quickly. How about that day against the Dolphins: 22-of-31, 228 yards, a 102.6 passer rating -- good enough for him to tell the world: Who says I can't be a pocket passer?

 

"I don't know what the hell I was thinking, to be honest," says Vick about his mind-set a year ago. He knows all too well the results of this image-reshaping. Two injuries (knee, hamstring) and an 8-8 season in which the Falcons lost six of their last eight -- including an embarrassing final-game loss to the Panthers in which he admits he didn't push himself. He made his third Pro Bowl, but it was a hollow achievement.

 

"It was something I wanted to do," he says about his attempted style remake. "I mean, I knew people were saying that the only way you are going to be perceived as a (great) quarterback is by staying in the pocket. I run a 4.2, a 4.3 40. Why would I feed into that? I am sick of people trying to tell me how to play my game. Saying this is right or this is wrong and saying, 'You need to do this or that' to be a complete quarterback. Whatever you want to say, whatever you want to think, whatever theory you have, I got mine. And that is to be me."

 

Being Michael Vick this season has meant conducting an offense in many ways so anti-NFL that sometimes you have to double-check to make sure you're at a pro game. After four weeks -- the Falcons were off last Sunday -- Vick sat at No. 5 among rushing leaders, ahead of such elite running backs as LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson and Edgerrin James. He already has gone over 100 yards twice, extending his NFL record for quarterbacks to seven 100-yard career rushing games. And he has begun running, of all things, a version of a college -- college! -- option play. And here are the Falcons at 3-1, legitimate title contenders again, comfortably committed to chasing a Super Bowl without a conventional quarterback.

 

"What you see now is going to be Mike Vick until the day I retire, to the day I am out of the league," he says. "All the stuff I worried about? It is gone. It is gone. Never to return. I can't try to be something I can't be."

 

If we needed a sign from the Falcons' organization that everyone has finally, and forever, bought into the concept of Vick's being unshackled as a running quarterback, it came early in the second quarter against the Bucs in Week 2. Vick set up in the shotgun with Warrick Dunn to his side. Vick got the ball, took a step down the line with Dunn moving next to him and, sensing the defenders closing from the outside, handed the ball to his halfback. Dunn cut through a huge hole in the middle and gained 13 yards.

 

It was the first of eight snaps in which the Falcons would run plays from this scheme, now seen so frequently in college spread offenses. Vick would either hand off, fake and keep the ball, fake and pass it or bootleg it to the weak side. Almost every time, the scheme gouged the Bucs. This was Vince Young at Texas. But Vick in the NFL?

 

"We had to go to college to get the concept because it wasn't there in the NFL," says Falcons coordinator Greg Knapp. Last winter, Knapp was watching Georgia and West Virginia in the Sugar Bowl and noticed how the quarterbacks were used out of the shotgun. "We can do that," he thought. Discussions with coaches from Ohio State and Florida solidified his belief. "We were doing the same stuff already but from behind the center," he says. "But we were calling what Mike should do and sometimes we'd say, 'Gee, I wish we had run the naked instead of handing the ball off.' Now we've empowered Mike with that decision making based on how he reads the defense."

 

The Falcons had employed this scheme a bit in the opener against Carolina. But the Bucs weren't prepared for an accelerated use of the package. It helped shatter what had been the No. 1 defense in the league last season. Vick rushed for 127 yards, Dunn had 134, and the Falcons finished with a team-record 306.

 

"After playing him twice a year for five years, we thought we had a pretty good game plan for him," says Bucs linebackers coach Joe Barry. "But he exposed us. He is just a dangerous, dangerous human being. They caught us off-guard, using that option read. You throw that in -- and they are a great running team anyway -- and it just makes them so difficult to defense."

 

Part of the defensive uncertainty came about because of how Vick played in 2005. "I think he got so caught up in having to prove to people he was an NFL quarterback, that he could drop back and throw it," says Barry. "You could see times when he would start to take off and then stop and say, 'No, I want to throw it to prove people wrong.' But against us, he said, 'Screw it. If I drop back and my first and second reads aren't there, I am out of here.' That is when he is scary. We'd have them in third-and-10, and he would take off like a freakin' jet and make the first down."

 

Vick now is much less stubborn in his decision making at the end of runs, and that is reducing the injury risk and eliminating what general manager Rich McKay calls "the angst we once had over how much he ran. He knows now how to end the journey, unlike before." On almost every one of his 38 carries this season, Vick has run out of bounds or fallen to avoid an open-field tackle. "I used to run into guys deliberately," he says. "I had two sore shoulders all of 2002 because of that. At times when I was supposed to be getting out of bounds, I was trying to cut it back inside and break a long run. I was greedy. I paid the price for it, and I learned. I want to make plays. But I have learned sometimes you accept what you got, go back to the huddle and do it again."

 

Now coach Jim Mora tells him before every game, "Do what you do. If that means run every down, then do it. Run when you feel like running it and hock it when you feel like hocking it." Hocking it? "Pass it; just let it go; don't hesitate," says Mora. "Be Michael Vick."

 

But to be Michael Vick, Super Bowl winner, that passing part still needs to grow. "You score points and win championships by being able to throw the ball," says Sporting News and FOX analyst Brian Baldinger. "In the playoffs, against good defenses, he has to be able to show he can pass."

 

It will never be a normal passing attack with Vick. So many of his throws now come off rollouts, where he has more room to run if necessary. That brings an unevenness to what the Falcons do. His passing options are limited on movement plays to one part of the field, which makes his attempts easier to defend. And his completion percentage is hindered by other factors: his inconsistent accuracy, too many drops and an emphasis on throwing it away more frequently to avoid hits and big losses. He has attempted to improve. In the offseason, he trained and studied more strenuously, working with new quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, who quickly won Vick's confidence. The Falcons say his route anticipation, quickness of release and desire to go deeper into reads all are more impressive.

 

Still, Atlanta's passing production isn't good enough. Vick doesn't need to be the next Dan Marino; he just has to be more dependable. He has completed 50 percent of his attempts (the Falcons would like it to be 55) with a woeful 69.8 passer rating. The passing deficiencies have been particularly glaring in the red zone, where the Falcons have scored only three touchdowns in 17 opportunities. It hasn't helped that their field-goal kicking was so atrocious they signed old man Morten Andersen.

 

The Falcons spent a good chunk of owner Arthur Blank's money in the offseason to upgrade their defense, which has put them in position to make a championship run. But with opponents crowding the line to stop the No. 1 rushing offense, Vick has to take advantage of play-action and deep-throw opportunities to make them back off and respect the passing game. Then maybe we'll finally see whether young receivers Roddy White and Michael Jenkins were worthy first-round picks.

 

For Mora, it's simple: Don't judge Vick as you do other quarterbacks. "Change is hard for people to accept," he says. "Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, they are the prototypical quarterbacks, and that is how it is supposed to be done. But that doesn't mean it can't be done another way. There always will be criticism of Michael because he is different, and it won't stop until he wins a Super Bowl. That will validate who he is and what he does."

 

The difference in Vick extends off the field, too. At 26, he has matured and is much more at ease, more outgoing than he has been; he can laugh at himself behind nice deadpan humor.

 

But like most superior athletes, there is an edge to his personality and more than a touch of defensiveness, even if expressed in a soft-spoken way. He certainly is a contrast to the button-down look of Manning, Brady and Donovan McNabb. He dresses in hip-hop fashion, with long T-shirts, low-hanging baggy shorts, sunglasses and a medallion around his neck, hair in cornrows and pigtails. Atlanta is the center of hip-hop music, and Vick counts among his friends the biggest stars in that industry.

 

Whether his look hinders his ability to gain endorsements and proper recognition for his talents concerns some within the Falcons' organization. Given his electrifying playing style and his popularity among fans, it makes no sense that in the latest SportsBusiness Daily survey of most marketable NFL players, Vick was ranked ninth, behind even Terrell Owens (eighth).

 

"If you don't fit, the way I feel, I am not accepted," Vick says. "I look at it, a lot of the commercials with other players, little things I pick up on, things I am not included in ... I don't know. I think I have revolutionized the position already and now there are going to be other Mike Vicks after me. At least I hope they let them in the league. Don't get me wrong. I love the NFL; I appreciate being a part of it. I want to play a long time. I just wish people would back off Mike Vick a bit."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 61
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

What real NFL coach says "I want Vick as my guy" with enthusiasm. It just seems like some wacko experiment. But to Vick's credit, he is unique and he is posting some good rushing numbers. My real concern is how streaky the numbers are. Is a running QB as stoppable as a statue QB? Defenses should adjust sooner or later.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good for him, but once he loses a step he might seem lost.

 

I, for one, wish him luck because it'll open the doors for others like Young can also hopefully achieve.

 

 

I agree with you as long as Young can learn to run a 4.2. There are no comparisons to Vick. Young will HAVE to learn to run a complete offense.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Michael Vick is the most overrated turd in the NFL. His style will NEVER fit in the NFL. If you're a QB, you need to learn how to pass instead of run. That's what Running Backs are for. If I was RB on Vicks team I would ask for a trade. Think of it this way - remember when you played football as a kid and there was always 1 player who would "ball hog" his way thru the entire game? Never passed it, always ran it? That's Vick! He is too immersed in himself to concentrate on other members of his team. The "Michael Vick Experience" is a bust. The Falcons should trade him for a REAL QB. Everybody ooooo's and ahhhhh's whenever he runs, but what he is really trying to do is take the focus of the fact that he can't pass for crap. Don't fall for it. I would much rather see my QB stand in the pocket and throw it away than watch my QB embarrass my team by running all the time. 'Nuff said!

Edited by tosberg34
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Michael Vick is the most overrated turd in the NFL. His style will NEVER fit in the NFL. If you're a QB, you need to learn how to pass instead of run. That's what Running Backs are for. If I was RB on Vicks team I would ask for a trade. Think of it this way - remember when you played football as a kid and there was always 1 player who would "ball hog" his way thru the entire game? Never passed it, always ran it? That's Vick! He is too immersed in himself to concentrate on other members of his team. The "Michael Vick Experience" is a bust. The Falcons should trade him for a REAL QB. Everybody ooooo's and ahhhhh's whenever he runs, but what he is really trying to do is take the focus of the fact that he can't pass for crap. Don't fall for it. I would much rather see my QB stand in the pocket and throw it away than watch my QB embarrass my team by running all the time. 'Nuff said!

 

 

It's worked so far hasn't it? I don't think it is a "bust" since he WINS GAMES. I don't know about you, but I think that is kind of important. How does he "embarass" his team by make 3 or 4 guys miss, run out of the pocket and scramble for yardage? You're right, positive yards is embarassing! Why would the RB's want to be traded? they have ran for 250+ 3 games this year, and it isn't all Vick. If anyone wants to be trade it should be the WRs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's worked so far hasn't it? I don't think it is a "bust" since he WINS GAMES. I don't know about you, but I think that is kind of important. How does he "embarass" his team by make 3 or 4 guys miss, run out of the pocket and scramble for yardage? You're right, positive yards is embarassing! Why would the RB's want to be traded? they have ran for 250+ 3 games this year, and it isn't all Vick. If anyone wants to be trade it should be the WRs.

 

 

It's not his receivers, it's him. He can't throw, hence he always has to run. I can see you're one of the ones who has been fooled by the MVE (Michael Vick Experience). I'm sorry for that. Maybe someday you'll realize. Until then, you'll continue to look foolish defending him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's not his receivers, it's him. He can't throw, hence he always has to run. I can see you're one of the ones who has been fooled by the MVE (Michael Vick Experience). I'm sorry for that. Maybe someday you'll realize. Until then, you'll continue to look foolish defending him.

 

 

 

...You aren't good at reading comprehension.

 

 

I never said he was a passer, and I never said it was the WRs fault not getting the ball. Why would a WR want to be traded if he couldn't get open, they should want to be traded since Vick doesn't throw it much. You don't have to read in depth on my post to figure out what I said.

Edited by CD6405
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It pains me to see you so brainwashed. My heart goes out to your family. Hopefully you'll be able to kick the drug you call "Michael Vick" that is so obviously ruining your logic and reasoning abilities. Have you tried MVA (Michael Vick Anonymous)?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It pains me to see you so brainwashed. My heart goes out to your family. Hopefully you'll be able to kick the drug you call "Michael Vick" that is so obviously ruining your logic and reasoning abilities. Have you tried MVA (Michael Vick Anonymous)?

 

 

I don't even know what you're talking about anymore? Vick wins games, therefore Atlanta wins games. Wins = successful. I guess I'm brainwashed because I think winning is good?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't even know what you're talking about anymore? Vick wins games, therefore Atlanta wins games. Wins = successful. I guess I'm brainwashed because I think winning is good?

 

 

You can't understand the "real" world around you because your mind is so polluted with Michael Vick greatness ideas. Everyone else knows what I'm talking about. The cult of Michael Vick has overtaken all of your thoughts and now controls you. You have believed in the myth for so long that it has now become your reality. That's why you don't understand because you are really not a part of the real world. Help is available if you can just reach out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Huddle is chalk full of smart people :D

 

 

Can you now see what I mean? No one has any idea what you just posted here and how this relates to any of the previous posts. YOU are the one who can't be understood because of the MV pollution. Watching you post here is like watching a plane crash into a train wreck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information