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Sun. Jan 21, 2007

Season's Over, Falcons Still Losing

Most NFL fans are preoccupied with this weekend’s two championship games, and rightfully so. There’s really only four teams that should be in the news these days. But thanks to Michael Vick, the Falcons got some headlines last week, too.

In case you haven’t heard, here’s the gist of what happened at the Miami airport:

Vick, 26, balked when security at the Concourse G checkpoint asked him to surrender his water bottle, which had an Aquafina label. Security regulations prohibit travelers from carrying bottles with more than 3 ounces of liquid through checkpoints.

Eventually, Vick left the bottle behind and went to his gate. But his initial reluctance to do so aroused the suspicion of Transportation Security Administration screener Gertrude Joseph. She pulled the bottle out of a recycle bin and notified her supervisor when she discovered its hidden compartment.

AJC: Vick raises suspicion at Miami airport

The hidden compartment allegedly smelled of marijuana, and contained remnants of a “dark particulate matter.” But before we get to that, let’s back up. The timeline on this is interesting as well.

This happened early Wednesday morning, and in the article “Falcons have tense meeting with Vick, we learn “Vick boarded his AirTran flight after the encounter at the security checkpoint — he endorses the Orlando-based airline — and flew to Atlanta and met with some members of the coaching staff at team headquarters. He was scheduled to meet with Petrino, but the coach had to attend another appointment.“

Another appointment? I haven’t commented on the Falcon’s choice for a new coach, as I truly know little about the guy and have no idea how he will work out. Sort of like three years ago when Blank hired Jim Mora. But Job One for this new coach is how to craft his offense to fit a physically talented but problematic talent in Michael Vick. The QB flies into town to meet him … and the coach stands him up for another appointment? The whole day? OK…

The other interesting part of the timeline is that throughout the day Wednesday, the Falcons knew nothing of this incident in Miami. They found out early Wednesday evening when it finally hit the news. Vick told them nothing.

So on Thursday morning, Coach Petrino finally gets to meet his star QB face to face for the first time, in that “tense meeting“ the article cited. I doubt they shared two words about the new offense he’ll be installing. And neither of them had anything to say to the media (GM McKay was the sole spokesman). To my knowledge they haven’t since, either.

Only the Atlanta Falcons can manage to find a way to keep losing after their season has been over for weeks.

As to the incident itself, you just have to wonder what Vick was thinking. Even if you put aside the issue of marijuana usage itself. You’re the $130 million dollar man. And in a post 9/11 world of air travel, you are foolish enough to try and transport a bottle with a secret compartment that has no smokable marijuana, just enough residue to convict you.

Hello???

And you get a second chance on your foolishness. All you have to do when called on the bottle because of the fluid restrictions is think, “hey, I’m a multi-millionaire. I can buy a case of these bottles when I get to Atlanta. I’ll quickly toss it, no hassle.” But, no.

You just have to wonder what he was thinking. It’s one thing for a regular guy to try that. But it’s another thing when your number 7 jersey is worn by tens if not hundreds of thousands of kids. And, oh yeah, your image and reputation are what earn you all those endorsement dollars on top on the $130 million contract.

That is to say, there’s foolish. And then there’s fooooooo-lish.

It would be one thing if it was an isolated incident. Compared to the charges brought against other pro athletes in recent years, it’s a minor thing. But it’s the latest in a string of minor things for Michael Vick. Poor decisions, on public display. And at some point, the snowball is big enough to start rolling downhill.

I think Michael Vick needs a challenge. Some motivation. I think it may have been wrong to give him a ten year contract, as that not only saddles the Falcon’s with severe salary cap woes should they decide some day to cut him loose, I think it also reduces motivation.

So he’s got the career-long contract. Did he have a coach to boot him down the road when required? Not last year, he had a “player’s coach.” We’ll have to wait and see about this year. And Arthur Blank treats him like the franchise prince as well. But there are times even your star QB needs to be called on the carpet. And it’s overdue.

As the Falcon’s season decayed (again), you didn’t hear Michael Vick take ownership of the offense’s woes. Like a leader would. He gave the finger to the fans. When the questions came at the end about whether he thought Mora should stay, he didn’t stand up for the coach who’d stood up for him, or speak out directly in any way. Like a leader would. He was as non-committal as he could be.

But cut him loose, as many are now suggesting? I don’t know. I’d like to see Coach Petrino say that since they’re installing an new offense, all positions are wide open, QB to long snapper. You can even say Vick is #1 on the depth chart, but the standard for all positions will be production and performance, and the chart will be adjusted as needed. Even per game. Even within games.

And I think the first time Vick has an unproductive day during the early part of the season, you pull him. Somehow, some way, he’s got to figure out he’s not set for life as The Man. He’s got to produce to be The Man. And yeah, I know about the 1,000+ yards rushing, the number of TD’s, the records broken, etc. Those numbers don’t matter. The formula is simple: Produce = Win.

It is quite likely under a new coach who is an alleged offensive wizard, he will produce. His numbers, as well as his perceived threat to score on nearly any play, were better under Dan Reeves’ straight ahead offense. Many of the problems may have been system related. We’ll see.

But I think this year is “it” for Michael Vick. On the field, and off the field. If he stumbles in either area, and/or exits next season still showing more potential than reality, the Falcon’s will have to find a way to eat his massive contract.

And somehow, he needs to know that. Soon. Coach? Are you out there?