- Feb 12, 2000
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Probably the biggest injury in the NFL in a very long time, Michael Vick was sent to the injured list for at least the next six weeks. I feel that we will not see him for at least 8 weeks. So what does this mean for the Falcons' season?
Doug Johnson will be thrust in the spotlight after proving to be a very capable back-up last year. Does this mean that he can perform as a starter in this league? Not necessarily, but I do feel that he can. There are several starting QBs in this league that do not have the talent that Johnson has or the teammates. Who would I group in this category today?
Jon Kitna, CIN
Kordell Stewart CHI
Patrick Ramsey WAS
Jeff Blake ARI
Whoever Dallas puts on the field
Whoever Carolina puts on the field
Brunell JAX -- probably get several comments on this one
The Falcons will have to refocus their offensive strategy during Vick's absence, but there is talent there to do just that. Peerless Price has not proven himself as a starting receiver yet, but there is no doubting his talent. Brian Finneran is an average/less than average #2, and Alge Crumpler is well above average at the TE slot. The running game will be dangerous against most defenses with the two-punch system of Dunn and Duckett. Johnson is a pocket passer, so he will utilize the running game in ways that ATL had not planned. The offensive line will be CRITICAL to the Falcons early success, and they looked awful against the Ravens. No passing or running lanes were being created for the offense. This will have to be improved for any success to come Atlanta's way.
Atlanta's defense is also in good shape. Big Play Ray will need to step up and earn some respect back for himself to help the corners keep games under control, but overall this unit is very solid.
Lines will be adjusted for the Vick effect and most bettors will more than likely not give the Vickless Falcons any respect. The line on the season opener against Dallas will be interesting. Vick on turf would have been a shoe-in for a Road favorite, but this line may be adjusted back with Atlanta in passing mode.
My eyes will be peeled for an over-adjusted line in the first 3-4 weeks without Vick. It will also be interesting to see what number is hung the first game he is back. All in all, I expect good value for us with the Falcons early on.
Doug Johnson will be thrust in the spotlight after proving to be a very capable back-up last year. Does this mean that he can perform as a starter in this league? Not necessarily, but I do feel that he can. There are several starting QBs in this league that do not have the talent that Johnson has or the teammates. Who would I group in this category today?
Jon Kitna, CIN
Kordell Stewart CHI
Patrick Ramsey WAS
Jeff Blake ARI
Whoever Dallas puts on the field
Whoever Carolina puts on the field
Brunell JAX -- probably get several comments on this one
The Falcons will have to refocus their offensive strategy during Vick's absence, but there is talent there to do just that. Peerless Price has not proven himself as a starting receiver yet, but there is no doubting his talent. Brian Finneran is an average/less than average #2, and Alge Crumpler is well above average at the TE slot. The running game will be dangerous against most defenses with the two-punch system of Dunn and Duckett. Johnson is a pocket passer, so he will utilize the running game in ways that ATL had not planned. The offensive line will be CRITICAL to the Falcons early success, and they looked awful against the Ravens. No passing or running lanes were being created for the offense. This will have to be improved for any success to come Atlanta's way.
Atlanta's defense is also in good shape. Big Play Ray will need to step up and earn some respect back for himself to help the corners keep games under control, but overall this unit is very solid.
Lines will be adjusted for the Vick effect and most bettors will more than likely not give the Vickless Falcons any respect. The line on the season opener against Dallas will be interesting. Vick on turf would have been a shoe-in for a Road favorite, but this line may be adjusted back with Atlanta in passing mode.
My eyes will be peeled for an over-adjusted line in the first 3-4 weeks without Vick. It will also be interesting to see what number is hung the first game he is back. All in all, I expect good value for us with the Falcons early on.
