Redskins Gear Up for Vick, Falcons
By Rich Campbell
Special to Redskins.com
September 1, 2004
Despite a disappointing 5-11 campaign in 2003 and a head coaching change this offseason, optimism swirls around the Atlanta Falcons: Michael Vick is healthy again.
The Falcons' 24-year old superstar quarterback broke his right fibula during a preseason game last August and missed the first 11 games of the season. Atlanta went 2-9 during that stretch and ultimately missed the playoffs after winning a wild card game at Green Bay in 2002.
Vick returned for the final five contests last season and led the Falcons to three wins in their last four games. Heading into this season with a clean bill of health, Vick provides Atlanta with renewed optimism while he attempts to solidify his reputation as one of football's most exciting players.
"I don't know of a more gifted athlete," Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs said. "I saw him play one game in college and I watched him on film. I thought he was probably the best college player I had ever seen. Everyone talks about how well he runs, but when he throws the ball, it's just a flick of the wrist. He can get rid of it in a hurry.
"I have seen him go to his right and throw 15-yard out routes accurately. I think that anybody who looks at him would have to say he is one of the most gifted athletes in a world where there are a lot of gifted athletes."
Laveranues Coles hauls in a touchdown during last year's 33-31 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. (AP Photo)
The Falcons certainly missed Vick's presence in a 33-31 home loss to the Redskins in Week 2 last season. Washington exploited Atlanta's woeful defense for its highest point total in two seasons, as Patrick Ramsey threw for a career-high 356 yards and two touchdowns while Laveranues Coles set career highs with 11 catches for 180 receiving yards.
Atlanta took a 17-0 first-quarter lead after a fumble by Ramsey deep in Redskins' territory led to a touchdown run by Duckett.
After the Falcons missed a field goal that would have extended their lead, running back Ladell Betts got the Redskins on the scoreboard with a 13-yard touchdown scamper. Then, after Ifeanyi Ohalete returned an interception to the Falcons' one-yard line on the Falcons' next series, Rock Cartwright plowed into the end zone to make the score 17-14.
The Falcons scored another touchdown before a field goal by Redskins kicker John Hall made the score 24-17 at halftime. On the opening drive of the second half, the Redskins marched 76 yards in 10 plays to tie the game on a 21-yard touchdown catch by Rod Gardner.
With the game tied 24-24 late in the third quarter, the Redskins' defense stepped up. Linebacker Jessie Armstead blitzed and sacked Falcons quarterback Doug Johnson in the end zone for a safety.
The two points provided the eventual winning margin. Coles caught a touchdown pass on the next drive and the Redskins held on for the victory.
With Vick back in the lineup this year, opposing defenses must prepare for an offense that has a dynamic element.
Vick took the NFL by storm during his first year as a starter in 2002. He threw for 16 touchdowns and 2,936 yards and also ran for 777 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to becoming just the sixth quarterback in league history to make the Pro Bowl in his first season as a starter.
Vick's leg fracture left everyone but his opponents disappointed.
This season, the former Virginia Tech star seems to command the spotlight in Atlanta once again. Of particular focus is how well he will perform in the West Coast offense implemented by new head coach Jim Mora. "It's refreshing to see a guy with so much talent," Mora has said of Vick. "He just turned 24, he's just a youngster, but he really embraces the fact that he's got a chance here to be something special. He's seizing the moment. Let's keep our fingers crossed, but I think things are going to go well for Mike."
Defensively, the Falcons had the NFL's worst pass defense last season. They addressed the secondary by drafting cornerback DeAngelo Hall out of Virginia Tech with the eighth overall pick. But earlier this week, it was announced that Hall would miss 6-10 weeks due to a slightly fractured hip.
Atlanta improved its defense by acquiring several free agents: defensive tackle Rod Coleman started 12 games for Oakland last season and recorded 5.5 sacks and forced two fumbles; cornerback Aaron Beasley started 16 games for the New York Jets last year and had three interceptions along with a forced fumble; cornerback Jason Webster had 71 solo tackles and one interception return for a touchdown with San Francisco in 2002 before a leg injury forced him to miss most of last season.
Three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Brooking will anchor Atlanta's defense once again. Brooking led the Falcons' in 2003 by recording more than 200 tackles for the second consecutive season.
On offense, Atlanta selected Ohio State wide receiver Michael Jenkins with their second first-round pick (29th overall) last April Jenkins set an Ohio State record with 2,898 career receiving yards and ranks third on the all-time Buckeye list with 165 receptions.
At 6-4, 220 pounds, Jenkins should help complement wideout Peerless Price. Price was a highly-touted free agent acquisition last offseason who underachieved in 2003 in Vick's absence.
The Falcons' running attack offers a rare combination of power and finesse with T.J. Duckett and Warrick Dunn. Duckett, a power runner at 254 pounds, carried for 779 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The quicker, shiftier Dunn ran for 672 yards and three touchdowns and also ranked third on the team with 37 receptions for 336 yards.
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