dude, what do you do?? keep a record of where everyone on this board stands from week to week on particular players?? your mind is a freaking steel trap!
He is the Michael Jordan of football. I'm pretty sure pgabriel wasn't referring to him as that because of the titles they've won or the team's success, but because he's simply the most exciting player in the game and one of the most in the last decade. People watch the Falcons because Vick will most likely have at least one badass play that no other QB in the league produces on a consistent basis. I think it's a valid comparison. Is he overrated? Sure he is, but that's the reason why. I'd bet any amount of money that no one in their right mind starts a thread like this in two years. This is only Vick's 4th year.
Are you comparing the Falcons defense last year as opposed to this year? If there's evidence that Vick's prescence allows his defense to perform better, then you have a case. Otherwise, look at the following stats. Falcons offense in 2004: 308 yards Falcons offense in 2003: 272 yards Falcons defense in 2004(through 3 games): 293 yards allowed Falcons defense in 2004(through 3 games): 381 yards allowed In addition, the Falcons QB for most of last year was Doug freaking Johnson. Put in a league average QB in place of Doug Johnson should get you an extra 30 yards per game.
Interesting someone brought up McNabb. I remember the same argument last year--just look at his passing rating, the guy is not good, hyped because he is black, bla, bla, bla. And I hate the Iggles more than any team now, but I called that BS right away. McNabb has been the Iggles offense for many years and his traditional QB numbers have little bearing on his impact on the game. The same MCNabb with among the worst ratings last year, as the best ratings this year--but it is the same player in a different situation. Doesn't mean he wasn't damn tough when his ratings were poor. Peyton deserves all the hype he gets. If anyone has been overhyped it is Farve. Great talent who has put on spectacular performances, but always a knack for a bonehead play for more than you would expect for a guy most considered among the best ever. One more to discuss. John Elway. Under-hyped as a young player. Elway was the best, most dominating player of his time, maybe of any player of the last 20 years. This includes Joe Montana, who had a Ferrari to drive versus Elways re-conditioned Pontiac Grand Prix Sport, but little doubt in my mind who really was the better player (Elway). However Elway was over-hyped as an older player. Wasn't even the best player or most important player in his own backfield, yet people thought he was still a god. Goes to show what being on a good team and some superbowls will do for you. eer when he wasn't the most important player in his backfield.
Yeah and last year's playoff team(s) can become this year's laughing stock(s). Remember when the Bears went 13-3 a few years ago and now look at them. I'm not saying the Rams will do poorly this year but just because you had a good team the year before does not give you a good team this year and vice versa.
You can use all 4 years if you want I guess, but considering he's only had two years of games under his belt, with half a year being mop-up duty, and another half a year coming off last year's injury and his dismal start to the season this year ... I'd say that's not too great of a barometer of his talent or what his career may be like. His 2002 season is what impresses most, esp considering it was more like a rookie season for him. Other than against tampa bay(which was pretty dominant that year) he maintained poise throughout the year. I do not think that year was a fluke, and I do not think that is his ceiling either, but we'll have to wait and see on that. I do think he takes off too early at times, but to be fair ... his oline isn't that good, his wrs aren't all that great, and he does have amazing feet. I think the injury factor is overblown. I'm not saying you said this, but I've seen people label him as injury-prone already, and imo, it's way too early to jump to that conclusion in a league where injuries are a major part of the game. Is he a top 5 qb in the league right now? ... I don't think so, probly somewhere close to the top 10, if not in it. But I don't think it's such a huge jump to think he just may be the future at that position, based on his 2002 season and his obvious raw physical talent. Btw, he really needs to lose the spandex body suit in those ads he's been in. Ugh!
Crisco -- i agree with everything you just said. i don't think he's necessarily more physically injury-prone than anyone else. but i think his style of play, at the NFL level, is likely to lead him to more injuries than other players.
And he deserves the hype based on that alone. The league is only marketing one of its most marketable players. Who right now in sports is currently more marketable than Michael Vick? Not just football, all of sports? He seems to be a good guy. His teams win when he plays. And oh yeah, he does some of the most amazing things on a football field we've ever seen. He's running ability is Barry Sanders like, except he's a QB. And when people talk about him, that's exactly what they talk about. His running ability and his affect on his team's performance.
Vick can already run no doubt about that. It's just whether or not he wants to develop as a QB/passer. my 2 cents: Vick with no further development: a Kordell Stewart with more bells and whistles Vick with further development: dare I say...Steve Young?
1. McNabb, Donovan 2. Culpepper, Daunte 3. Manning, Peyton 4. Brooks, Aaron 5. Favre, Brett 6. Bulger, Marc 7. Testaverde, Vinny 8. Plummer, Jake 9. Harrington, Joey 10. Carr, David 11. Brady, Tom 12. Vick, Michael Opinions are great, but fantasy football numbers are what really counts...
To whomever cited winning percentage as positive trait for Vick I have two words for you. Jay. Fielder.
There is a major oversite on the compariosn--Jay Fielder had a great defense and excellent offensive weapons around him. Put Miami of the last couple of years with a healthy Vick--they might be the best team in the league.
Actually, I thought about that too, I'd ride the Vick experience for a few bucks. Looked fun. One thing that bothers me. "We've never seen a QB like this before". Please. I called them McNair, Young, McNabb, Cunningham. Been there nad done that. And Ironically, winning percentage, good for all of them. Vick will become part of their group someday too. He's just a kid.
