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Atlanta Falcons: The Michael Vick Series Part II

By Eric Robinson

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of a Atlanta Falcons helmet on the field prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of a Atlanta Falcons helmet on the field prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Preseason games. Established players are not too fond of them. Younger players who are searching for footing and identity within the league view preseason games as a prime opportunity to put on a good showing and make positive impressions.

However, in the second preseason game of the 2003 season for the Atlanta Falcons, a supposed bright and up-and-coming season was derailed. Derailed with a fractured right fibula to the leg of Michael Vick. With that injury, the fan base, coaching staff, and front office witnessed the fracturing of a hopeful season.

One that was built off a 2002 season in which Vick guided the Falcons to a 9-6-1 season and a playoff victory in legendary Lambeau Field.

The Lost Season 

What a coincidence. The devastating injury to Vick occurred four days after the release of Madden 2004. Vick on the cover of the video game continued to feed the alleged “Madden Curse”. What was supposed to be quite an honor turned out to be an ironic twist.

What came of that 2003 season was almost a reenactment of the 2000 season in which Atlanta ended the season in last place of the NFC West. With Vick out of action until late November, the Falcons found themselves during the 2003 season at 2-10 behind lopsided losses to the St. Louis Rams (36-0), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (31-10), and the New Orleans Saints (45-17).

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So the Falcons had to lean on quarterbacks Doug Johnson and Kurt Kittner over the course of those 12 games and the results were hard to fathom. Vick being out of the lineup also placed a notable cramp on the running game as Atlanta only totaled six games during the first 12 weeks of the season in which the team was held under 100 combined rushing yards, compared to just three games during the entire 2002 season.

The Falcons were 30th in offensive first downs, 31st passing yards, 28th in passing touchdowns, and 29th in total offense in 2003. As you can tell, the absence of Vick paid a heavy price.

Coincidentally, once he returned as a starter, the Falcons closed the season going 3-1 over the last four weeks of the season. Of course, the curious notion was firmly placed as what if Vick played the entire season? What if the extremely talented Vick never got hurt in a meaningless preseason game? What if Vick was able to capitalize on a playoff appearance in his first season as a starter in 2002?

Welcome Back 

Vick welcomed the 2004 season with open arms as did the Falcons.

However, the off-the-field potholes displayed themselves as well on the road ahead for Vick. Entourages have been known to assist in the crumbling of an athlete’s career. In early 2004, a couple of Vick’s friends were pulled over by Virginia police and busted with marijuana distribution. The vehicle that was being driven was registered to Vick. A mishap that so happened to have his name attached.

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As did a security incident at Atlanta’s Hartfield International Airport in which a couple of members of his entourage were spotted on airport cameras stealing jewelry while walking through security checkpoints. Again, Vick’s name was attached to an incident that involved his entourage. Something that was definitely a risk for a quarterback on the verge of taking over the league and in the early stages of increasing his celebrity status as a talented quarterback.

As far as on the field goes, the 2004 season picked up where his 2002 season left off.

Only something was different on the sidelines for the Atlanta Falcons. Out was Dan Reeves as head coach and in was Jim Mora Jr. Many thought that the hiring of the young Mora would have the Falcons in a mini-rebuilding mode. Instead, the healthy Vick returned and steered the Falcons to an 11-4 record by tossing for 2,313 yards, 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and rushing for 902 yards and three touchdowns.

Once again, the Falcons found themselves in the NFL playoffs. Demolishing the St. Louis Rams in the NFC divisional playoff Game by a score of 47-17 in which Vick ran for 119 yards while also passing for two touchdowns. The very next week, the Falcons ran into the Eagles on the road once again in the playoffs, this time in the NFC Championship, and fell short 27-10.

The momentum was still fresh for the young Vick. His talent was scary, his speed was rare, and his future looked as bright as ever. The 2003 season was a complete bust without him and the 2004 season was complete 180 and benefited from his game-changing ability on the field.

Turn the pages to 2005, and the story completely changed for Vick and the Falcons.

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