04/24/24
August 17, 2003
Vick Breaks Leg. Ludacris furiously writes new lyrics about Doug"izzle Sizzle" Johnson.: Arthur Blank signs up for "Do-It-Yourself Caulking the Fibula clinic" at local Home Depot. We'll always have Madden.
It would be one thing if the game meant anything, but this is just ridiculous. There is no reason that NFL teams need this many preseason games. Now, the Falcons have gone from a Superbowl contender to at team that may struggle to make the playoffs. I hope this doesn't kill the buzz that has been surrounding the Falcons here in Atlanta--it's been a real exciting offseason for us here and I was truly looking forward to an NFL season for the first time in a long time (well since the last time the Redskins were good).
posted by trox at 10:41 AM on August 17, 2003
ARRRRRRGH. There goes any chance of beating my boss in the first weekend of our fantasy football league.
posted by tieguy at 04:31 PM on August 17, 2003
Are the Falcons really considered a Super Bowl contender? Wow. I mean, Vick will certainly improve but I still don't think that that's enough to carry the whole team, not in the NFL with tough competition... What else has Atlanta done besides Peerless Price and new uniforms? I tend to think Vick is slightly overhyped (he's exciting but his actual passing wasn't that special last year) but certainly has the potential to grow into that hype... but is (was) he alone good enough to carry the team? Please, by all means correct me and fill me in, as the Giants are the only team I paid attention to in the offseason...
posted by Bernreuther at 05:32 PM on August 17, 2003
Well, he finished last season with an 81.6 rating, eighteenth in the NFC. 19th in the NFC in yardage (12th in YPA). 20th in TDs. 6th best in INTs per pass. (1.9%) So, not particularly exciting- fairly mediocre QB. [Though, in only his second season.] What's spectacular is that he was also the 28th best running back in the NFL (yardage-wise) and led the league in yards per carry (6.9 ypc, next best was Culpepper at 5.7 ypc). Oh, and 14th in the NFL in rushing touchdowns. And all that with a fairly mediocre line and a reciever corps with only one member in the NFL's top /40/ in yardage for the season (at 35th). So... no, he's not /great/. But he's a lot of fun to watch, and it's rare that you've got an obviously good quarterback who is also a great runner. Having watched him play quite a lot at VT, I think it's safe to say he's got the touch to become a better passer as well, so I expect that facet of his game to only improve. If he stays healthy, which I guess is an open question. :/
posted by tieguy at 08:04 PM on August 17, 2003
It's not often you can say this, but: He should be thankful that his leg broke. At first glance, I though it was his ankle that ruptured, which would have pretty much ended his career right there. But breaking a bone is MUCH "better" than shredding his ankle (bone, muscle, tendons, ligaments). Sure you can come back from that sort of injury, but you are ALWAYS at risk of doing it again. A broken bone (if given the right time and procedure) can heal as strong (if not stronger) than before with no ill side-effects in the long run. But! If he comes back too soon, he'll run the risk of breaking it AGAIN. So hopefully the Falcons go 0-for-everything when he's gone so as to remove ANY pressure to come back ASAP. If they go 4-2, 3-3, or 2-4, he'll feel the pressure to come back sooner than he should.
posted by grum@work at 08:43 PM on August 17, 2003
Too bad - not a huge follower of the NFL - but he is one of those gamebreaker type players and stats don't usually reflect those moments when one guy has to make a difference. He's young enough that he should heal just fine - and I agree with grum - better the leg than the knee or ankle. He'll want to rush back - probably too soon and if the Falcons have any smarts they'll make sure he's absolutely ready before putting him in. That leg is the target of every pass rusher in the league now. Be sure.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:11 PM on August 18, 2003
tieguy: Based on the statistics you posted, I'm not surprised about Vic's running ability. He had no choice! Your receivers suck? Don't trust your offensive line? Run, Forrest, Run! Run for your life!
posted by worldcup2002 at 03:50 PM on August 18, 2003
Luckily for the Falcons, the early season is not when they play their strongest opponents (except for Tampa). Heck, given what I saw last year, Johnson will have as much chance as Vick did against them anyway.
posted by trox at 10:48 AM on August 19, 2003
That sucks.