Cincinnati Bengals = Georgia Bulldogs North

Twenty-three former University of Georgia football players are on the active rosters of NFL teams.  The Cincinnati Bengals have the most former Bulldogs, with 6 players on their roster.  Those players are: (1) Geno Atkins, defensive tackle; (2) Clint Boling, guard; (3) Orson Charles, tight end; (4) Robert Geathers, defensive end; (5) A.J. Green, wide receiver; and (6) Dennis Roland, tackle.  In addition to the six listed above, the Bengals also drafted David Pollack in with their first pick in the 2008 NFL draft.  He retired from football after suffering a career ending neck injury.

 

There seems to be a pipeline between the Queen City and Georgia.  Hopefully, many more UGA players will have an opportunity to play for the Bengals and other NFL teams.

Entertaining Super Bowl

I was indifferent to this year's Super Bowl, but this year's game was very entertaining.  The Giants and Patriots did not disappoint.  Congratulations to the New York Football Giants on an impressive 21-17 come from behind victory over the New England Patriots.  According to Dr. Smiles, Madonna (and crew) even did a great job with the halftime show.  The WWE should consider bringing back their Super Bowl halftime wrestling event, Rock versus Mick Foley was fun back in the day.

Many would say that Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the Manning Family, but once again, Eli Manning made a case as to why this honor should go to him.  What trumps - Peyton's league best stats and one Super Bowl championship or Eli's two Super Bowl championship?

The Tebow Enigma

I never liked Tim Tebow as a college football player because he played for Florida, and his Gators beat UGA 3 out of 4 years.  He helped UF win 2 national titles and he won the Heisman.  I was so happy to see him turn pro, even if everyone, including myself, thought his prospect would be slim.

As an individual, I always thought Tebow came across as honest, hardworking, and most importantly, a leader.  He appeared to lead his Florida team by example, and seemed to encourage them to be better.  He accepted responsibilities and shared credit with his teammates.  Moreover, Tebow seemed genuine in his beliefs.

I am surprised there is so much widespread hate on Tebow.  He is an everyman, someone who was told that he could not be successful at the next level, but when given an opportunity, despite the hate and objections of others, his hard work and preparation has paid off and he is revitalizing the Denver Broncos.  You would think this would be a story everyone would support.

Why We Cheer

Every since the NFL released the Atlanta Falcons’ 2011-2012 schedule, people have talked about the September 18^th game against the Philadelphia Eagles and the return of Michael Vick.  As soon as tickets went on sale the game against the Eagles, they sold out.  I looked at tickets, but I refused to pay $80.00 for nosebleed seats.

I am the first to admit that I am a Michael Vick fan.  His electrifying play made me a Falcons fan, made their games appointment television, and made them a relevant team.  Many fans of the Birds share this same narrative and that is why they still cheer Vick and want to see him succeed although he is not with Atlanta.  He sparked my interest and sparked their interest in the NFL.

The media may criticize us for cheering for Vick and challenging our loyalty to the Birds, but we do not deserve this criticism because Vick played an important part in Atlanta’s football history.  He led us to the playoffs, won playoff games, and made us a regular on Sportscenter highlights.  Add in the fact that except for the 1998 season (and some of the Deion Sanders years), the Falcons were irrelevant before Vick and irrelevant until Matt Ryan arrived.

Messrs. Franchise

Earlier today the Philadelphia Eagles placed an exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Michael Vick which means that Vick will be paid approximately $16 million next year, the average of the five highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Vick is coming off one of his best statistical seasons of his career, finishing with 3,018 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 9 rushing touchdowns, 62.6% completion, and a passing rating of 100.2. Additionally, Vick was named the 2010 Associated Press' Comeback Player of the Year.

Vick wasn't the only big-time quarterback to receive the franchise tag today as the Indianapolis Colts placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Peyton Manning which means that Manning could be paid $23 million, the average of the five highest-paid quarterbacks in the league or 120% of his previous year's salary, whichever is greater.

I admittedly have no clue whether it's a positive or negative for a NFL team to place a franchise tag on a player. Initially, it seems like it would be a positive for a team to agree to pay its "top" player at a position, the average of the five highest-paid players at a position. However, I can see how it could be a negative, if you're the best player in your position and feel that you should be the highest paid player at your position.

Super Super Bowl Options

According to ESPN News, approximately 400 fans were forced to give up their seats at Super Bowl XLV because there weren't enough. As a result, the displaced fans were forced to watch the big game on monitors or use standing-room platforms. The fans were given free NFL merchandise and food to compensate them for their trouble. Additionally, they were allowed on the field after the game. (I'm not sure whether they were allowed on the field during the trophy presentation or whether it was after).

In addition to the above-referenced "perks", the NFL offered a choice of:

1. A payment $2,400.00 - three times the face value of the ticket - and one free ticket to next season's Super Bowl in New York. The fan is allowed to sell their ticket on the secondary ticket market; or
   
2. One free ticket to a future Super Bowl game of the fan's choice, round-trip airfare, and hotel accommodations. The fan can wait until after the conference championship games each season before he/she makes their decision; however, the ticket is personal to them and he/she cannot resale it.
   

Both of these options are great, especially when you factor in that they still got to attend and watch Super Bowl XLV in the new Texas Stadium. Plus they got free food, merchandise, and may have been on the field during the trophy celebration. The whole thing is like a buy one get one free sale. If it was me, I'd take option 2 because of the flexibility. You have the option to either wait until your favorite team makes it to the big bowl or you can wait until you find a match up you like.

Videogame or Reality

Michael Vick's performance on Monday night against the Washington Redskins was reminiscent of a performance you may have had and/or watched while playing Madden back in the day. Vick was unstoppable the year he graced the cover of the video game. Last night, the Washington Redskins' defense must have felt they were trapped in Madden as Vick went 20 of 28 for 333 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also rushed for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns. Vick is the first player in the history of the NFL to post such numbers in a single game.

Vick's redemption season has been tremendous as he's gone 96 of 153 for 1,350 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's also rushed 341 yards and 4 touchdowns. Even more remarkable is Vick hasn't committed any turnovers - no interceptions or lost fumbles - and he has a NFL leading passer rating of 115.1.

As a Vick fan, I'm happy to see Vick starting to realize his potential. He entered the league with so much promise, but seemed to squander his talents with off the field issues (drugs and alcohol) and inconsistent play on the field (lack of touch, vision, and awareness). Throw in going to jail and it seemed more likely than not that Vick was destined to be another number one draft pick flop, but to his credit, Vick seemed to self reflect on his past transgression and lack of effort and has taken the necessary steps to improve his life on and off the field.

Nike Air Diamond Turfs

I guarantee I was the first kid at Salem High School with the white, black, and red Diamond Turfs. As a 9th grader, I stepped into high school with so much "swag" you couldn't tell me anything.

Prime Time in Prime Time

It's only fitting that the Atlanta Falcons would induct Deion "Prime Time" Sanders into the Atlanta Falcons' Ring of Honor during tonight's prime time Thursday night game against the Baltimore Ravens. As a Dirty Bird from 1989 through 1993, teams simply didn't throw to his side of the field. He had 24 interceptions and averaged more than 20 yards each season as a kickoff returner.

Deion was my favorite Falcon player as a kid because he was a shutdown corner and he was simply entertaining to watch - from his signature high step after an interception to his Nike Air Diamond Turf shoes (pictured above).

I really hated to see the Birds let Deion go in 1993, but in some respects it worked out for the better as "Neon Deion" was able to win Super Bowls with San Francisco and Dallas. Hopefully tonight's ceremony will be precursor to a 2011 Hall of Fame induction.

Michael Vick 2.0

I realize the Jacksonville Jaguars are terrible team, but Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles continue to play outstanding football. I watched almost every Falcons game over a four season period, and Vick rarely put up numbers like he already has in Philly. Maybe it's a combination of age, better teammates, and determination / he has something to prove, but Vick appears to be a better quarterback at age 30 than he was during his "hay day" in Atlanta. He finished 17 of 31 f0r 291 yards, 3 touchdowns, 40 yards rushing and 1 touchdown.

On the Road to Redemption

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Eagles named Michael Vick their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. Although Vick's road to redemption is far from being complete, he is definitely moving in the right direction. Since Vick has been back, he's not only said the right things, he's actually done the right things and stayed out of trouble. Vick's shown humility and has displayed a work ethic previously unseen during his time with the Atlanta Falcons.

The fruits of changed demeanor and work ethic have paid off, as he's played lights out during the first two games of the season. Vick has thrown for 3 touchdowns, no interceptions, 459 passing yards, and 140 rushing yards. He has shown patience in the pocket and he has shown touch on his laser passes; traits Vick often lacked in Atlanta.

As a Vick fan, I'm elated to see him back in the league as a starting quarterback. His style of play is so exciting because every offensive play has the potential to be a highlight. My only disappointment is he's not playing for the Falcons anymore.

Vick Signs with Eagles

Late Thursday evening the Philadelphia Eagles shocked the world when they announced the signing of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. The signing ignited instant controversy as Vick is a recently released convicted felon who admitted to not only bankrolling a dog-fighting operation but also taking part in the brutal murder of several dogs. Many animal rights organizations and general lovers of animals are appalled by the signing, citing their belief that Vick is not worth of a second chance due to the brutality of his actions while others are in support of giving Vick a shot at redeeming his reputation.

I fall under the latter group because I believe Michael Vick should be granted an opportunity to make amends for his past wrongs and should be able to find his redemption playing football, especially since his indiscretions didn’t involve playing football. I possibly would agree with a lifetime ban if Vick did something involving his sport like gambling on games or committed an unsanctioned act of violence during a game, but in Vick’s case, his actions occurred off the field.

I acknowledge that Vick committed terrible acts of violence against animals and was rightfully punished – lost of fortune and fame; bankruptcy, and most importantly – lost of respect, but at some point a person should be given a second chance to make up for their mistakes.

I have lots of respect for the Philadelphia Eagles’ organization for giving Vick a second chance and not succumbing to potential public backlash. From a football standpoint, this is an excellent move for the Eagles who lack a quality backup quarterback. They’re getting a hungry Vick for a bargain basement price who wants to prove that he’s still the man at the quarterback position plus Vick will get to learn under the watchful eye of Coach Andy Reid, who helped develop quarterback Donovan McNabb, who shares a similar skill-set to Vick.

Hopefully, Vick will take advantage of his second chance by putting in extra time on the practice field to improve his skills. I hope he’ll cut loose his posse and make sound decisions and hopefully he and the Eagles will find success. The Atlanta Falcons are still my team, but at least for now, I will be pulling for Michael Vick and the Eagles.

Vick is Free to Move

Late last week the Atlanta Falcons released former quarterback Michael Vick. As a result, the Birds take a $7.1 million salary cap hit but forever free them from the Michael Vick experience. The release allows both Vick and the Falcons an opportunity to move on with their respective lives. Vick can now seek reemployment elsewhere, while Atlanta is free from any and all controversy surrounding Michael Vick. The team did the right thing in cutting him because it was pretty evident that he’d never play for the team again and as long as he’s suspended, no NFL team wants to gamble on a trade for him, especially considering his high salary and baggage.

Vick benefits from the release because now he’s not under contract, so if he wants to play in the Canadian Football League, join the upstart United States Football League, or play the waiting game for an opportunity at NFL reinstatement, he can do so without worrying that the Falcons would prohibit his actions.

Mutual Users

Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the Humane Society started that his organization will provide Michael Vick with a platform to speak out against dog-fighting. Pacelle stated, “We’re using Mike Vick. We’re both using each other. We have an agenda to eradicate dog-fighting in America. He can be a valuable instrument in that. If he can demonstrate that he’s a changed person, good for him.”

Hopefully, both Vick and the Humane Society will find the relationship mutually beneficial. Vick needs a forum to show that he’s a changed man, while the Humane Society needs a spokesman that connects with individuals who may consider dog-fighting.

Journey to Redemption

Late last night Atlanta Falcons’ player Michael Vick was released from federal prison after serving nineteen (19) months. Earlier today Vick returned home to Hampton, Virginia were he’ll spend two (2) under house arrest. Now that Vick is released he will start his long journey to redemption. His journey will be difficult due to the horrific nature of his offense and the fact that his victims were animals.

Vick’s first goal should be to surround himself with quality people who are committed to seeing him succeed in life on and off the football field. More importantly, Vick has to make sure that he disassociates with all family and friends that are or may be involved in criminal activity because any mishap could land him back in jail and quash any and all hopes at football redemption.

Vick should immerse himself in all things football. Before contacting any teams he needs to already be in playing condition. The body is wonderful thing, so I believe that someone with his athletic ability will bounce back within a month’s time. Once in shape, he needs to hire a reputable “quarterback coach” that will work with him on his playing mechanics – footwork, throwing motion, and release. I believe that if he improves his mechanics, then he’ll improve his accuracy and touch. If Vick’s not physically training, then he should be studying game film to acclimate to current team trends. This will help him improve his defensive reads and help him see the different offenses teams run.

Once Vick’s improved his physical fitness, practiced his mechanics, and analyzed game film, he’ll need to start the long and difficult process of being reinstated to the NFL. He’ll have to schedule a meeting with the league commissioner and plead his case and maybe reinstatement will be sooner than later. Hopefully, the NFL won’t crack under outside pressure from PETA and others. Next Vick will need to contact Arthur Blank and simply say, “I’m sorry for the trouble I cause – either pay me to stay home or release me.” Blank will no the later.

After being released, Vick will need to find a team willing to take him and his baggage. The team that takes him needs to have a strong owner and coach who is willing to take the initial media backlash because there will be pushback. Vick should resist the temptation to jump at the first team that offers a contract. Rather, he should see if he can find a team that suits his talents and put him in the best position to be successful.

As a Vick fan I hope his journey to redemption is successful.