Vick to be Atlanta's backup QB at Houston

[Dante]

By GEORGE HENRY, Associated Press Writer
November 27, 2003


AP - Nov 12, 2:57 pm EST
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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -- Michael Vick will be in uniform for the first time this season Sunday, standing by as the Atlanta Falcons' backup quarterback at Houston.

The Pro Bowl QB, sidelined since breaking his right leg in preseason, practiced for the second straight day on Thursday.

During a two-hour workout, Vick rolled out on pass plays after working exclusively in the pocket Wednesday. He also stopped, started and took cuts.

``It felt pretty good,'' Vick said. ``I'll just keep taking it day by day and see how it feels tomorrow. I am making progress.''

Doug Johnson will start Sunday when the Falcons (2-9) visit Houston (4-7), but Vick will be available.

``He will definitely be the No. 2 quarterback unless there are any setbacks tomorrow,'' coach Dan Reeves said. ``He was able to move around and scramble. I was surprised by how well he looked, especially compared to where he was last week.''

The team has a two-hour workout scheduled Friday morning.

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Vick practiced Wednesday for the first time since spraining his right ankle in a walkthrough Nov. 12.

In three days of practice two weeks ago, Vick worked exclusively with the scout team, but he took snaps for the first time Wednesday with the first- and second-team offense.

Now that he can move out of the pocket and elude tackles, Vick doesn't feel so vulnerable. He hesitated to return until he could make sudden moves to his right without feeling too much pain.

Most of the soreness is in his Achilles' tendon, but he hasn't been hindered on pass plays.

``I've still been in the film room and paying attention to the game plans,'' Vick said. ``I didn't lose sight of what got me to where I am now in the passing game. The passing game really isn't a problem right now. Making the reads and everything, I'm comfortable with, so that's why I look pretty sharp.''

Atlanta advanced to the second round of the playoffs last year as Vick ran for 777 yards and set four NFL records for rushing by a quarterback. He threw 16 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.

But this season, Falcons QBs Johnson and Kurt Kittner have combined for the league's worst interception ratio: one every 18.1 attempts.

 

[Alejocruz+]

This season is already lost for the falcons, risking your only good player to re injury? it's not worth it, sit him, get a high pick in the draft, and plan for next season

 

[Glaken]

Just finished watching the local news here in Atlanta an as Dante stated Vick will be suited up. Being as competitive as he seems to be I don't see him sitting out the whole game.

So, I feel with the Falcon's improved defense since they went to the 3-4 alignment and the possibility of Vick playing this would be one of my stronger plays getting +3.5.

 

[Alejocruz+]

But he's not gonna play ,is he? he's just the # 2 QB, you still have Doug Johnson as the starting QB, and my money ain't going to a non fully recovered Vick either, and that's only if he plays.
Even if he is healthy don't you think the rust will be too much to shake off in just one game?

 

[Glaken]

Hey There DonB,

I'm gona look at the game again so give me an hour. I agree for the most part but still feel that Vick's presence is a spark and that his legs are worth some decent feild position. I think he might see around 20-25 plays. I'll post an answer again later.

 

[HacheMan]

If he plays one more snap this year Atlanta's Gm's/coaches are idiots. Play for a high pick in next years draft.......

 

[Glaken]

I still see this as an Atlanta straigt up win by 7-10 and depending on turnovers it could get ugly.

Carr is a ? this week.
Vick is an appearance for sure.
Warrick Dunn is out so T.J. Duckett starts.
Atlanta will lead in TOP.
Long day for Houston front five.

 

[TEASERGURU]

I agree with Don B. Sit the man out, and wait until 04.

 

[Alejocruz+]

Do you see that the fact that Dunn is out as a good thing for Atlanta? Or did i misunderstood your post?
I though you were listing the things that would make Atlanta a good pick

 

[Glaken]

Having Dunn out is not a good thing; although Duckett is no slouch. He has seven touchdowns in five starts and is averaging over 4 yards per carry.

Houston is giving up 4.4 yards per carry this year against the run and 8.5 per pass attempt.They allowed 140 yards on the ground last week in New England. Duckett will possibly get 20 or more carries for the first time in his career, plus I think Dantzler (a former Clemson option QB) will get a few chances.

Check out the articles and sites below. I got the numbers and info from them. I agree with the Sports Network that if Vick does not play it should be close to the Hou 23 Atl 17 score they are predicting. BUT, I think Vick is too competitive to sit, he wants to play and if it is only 15-20 snaps I still think he creatyes points which will lead to an Atlanta cover and probably a win.

http://www.nonstopsports.com/getReport_NSS.php?size=595&sport=pftball&type=preview&name=week13_ATL_HOU_PREVIEW

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/gameday/004/095/

 

[Glaken]

Hey There I wanted to bump this,

Does anyone have any further input on this game versus Vick playing or not and the potential outcome.

I still think Atlanta will cover but now I am waffling a little?

 

[GreenDoberman]

Im leaning on Texans in game, and can't see why in the world Vick would set foot on the field.

 

[Glaken]

OK sometimes we need another perspective on it all. I was just talking with my mom who is a huge Falcons fan (season tix and all); I was telling her about this thread and she said that if Vick is the back-up and Johnson gets hammered who do we think will play? Vick or Kitchner?

If Johnson sucks? Who will go in next? Vick or Kitchner?

In all fairness we are both FSU Alumni.

But she is right!! Vick will PLAY !

 

[Glaken]

I haven't penciled this one yet with the Big Score contest but am leaning towards Atlanta.

Any Thoughts?

 

[Alejocruz+]

I think the main reason to have Vick on the sidelines in uniform is to pump up the team and maybe give them a spoark much needed, but if Vick was healthy enough to play they'll put him right away, as i said before, he is still rusty, and reading the training reports, he still doesn't have the movility.
I'll put it this way, I'll take the bet, only if on the readback they tell that it's NA if Vick doesn'y play at least one half

 

[Glaken]

Maybe some Vick in the second half?

 

[Glaken]

Michael Vick is warming up !!!!!

 

[PatrickMcIrish]

So far Johnson still in the game right? I see no reason to risk playing Vick here. You are out of the play-offs and on the road. Give him another week to heal and then roll him out in front of the home town fans maybe a couple of series next week for season ticket purposes. No need to try and risk it all to beat Houston today IMO.

 

[Glaken]

I agree McIrish, BUT Vick is a major competitor and obviously wants to play and now finally he is in the game!

 

[PatrickMcIrish]

I am sure Vick wants to play, just not sure it's the smart thing for the team. Either way I feel bad for the Houston bettors now.

If you bet Atlanta Glacken good luck with the play. This clearly gives you an improved chance now.