The 'human highlight reel'.
The Defense is greatly improved with the addition of Abrahams.
Dunn and Duckett are back, but, a new weapon in Jerious Norwood may actually make Duckett expendable. Norwood was drafted with the zone/cut blocking in mind, and, is better suited for that scheme.
Pittsburgh is already calling about Duckett, looking to replace Bettis with a younger version.
The receivers are either very young and talented or very experienced and adequate. They are a very tall group.
The knock on Vick has been his accuracy. The idea of his running, also takes away from plays being able to develop. Sure he runs well and makes great plays, yet, even bigger plays are made when the receiver is allowed to run a deep route and hit his mark.
Jenkins: 6' 4" 217 - 3rd year, Finneran: 6' 5" 217 - 8th year, Roddy White: 6' 0" 208 - 2nd year, Jerome Pathon: 6' 0" 195 - 9th year.
I could hit those guys! Not!
Alge Crumpler, 6' 2" 262, is one of the best Tight Ends in football. He's a fantastic outlet for Vick.
Vick has responded to the criticism by saying that he's just not a pocket passer and will run more to take advantage of his physical talent. This could be a reflection of stubborn pride in the face of a difficulties he will not overcome.
Running more will open him up to a higher risk of injury, but, increase the difficulty teams have in defending against him.
Conversely, by saying this, he is setting up his opponents to think this way as well. Each defense that plays him has to designate a spy, and, coach an awareness, that takes away from some of the things they would like to do.
Even though Atlanta has a difficult schedule, I think this will be a special year for Vick.
Carolina will win the division and Tampa Bay will be hard to beat. In fact, Atlanta will probably finish with an 8-8 record, but, will go down battling. With some luck, they could finish 10-6 and in the playoffs. It all depends on Vick.
Is his brother a distraction? Does he harbor any ill will to the press or to the league for not embracing him? Is the negative press getting to him? Does his brother's attitude reflect, in any way, what he might have been holding in?
He came in to the league as a phenomena. A blockbuster deal was made to get him. The fame and money came easily. He has been told he is the best; unique, a redefinition of the position. Where is his head at?
Every player comes up to a point in his career where it can go either way. For the great ones, their decision impacts a lot of people.
This is the year we see if Michael Vick decides to grab destiny or coast through his career, riding his talent into a remarkable, but, mediocre sunset.
Fantasy wise he will always perform, and the running touchdowns really help. But, the rushing yards hardly make up for the lost passing yards the pocket passer will give you.
If Norwood develops the way they want and he should, being chosen specifically for the zone blocking scheme, then that may allow Vick to sit back more and let the plays develop before he takes off. The plan is to protect him, and, help him to be a better player.
5th in '02, injured in '03, climbed back to 16th on '04, then hit 7th in '05.
I originally thought he would do even better this year and had him higher, but, there really is a lot of talent at the quarterback position and the numbers were skewed last year after so many of the greats went down.
The schedule is tough and these division battles will be vicious, if Atlanta has a losing season then it will be because of injury or what is going on in Vick's head.
It's time for the fulfillment of destiny, are you ready to gamble on Vick?
