Will Michael Vick Distract the Atlanta Falcons?

For the second time in a matter of months, the Virginia property owned by Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback was searched by federal authorities. With preseason camp less than three weeks away, one has to wonder how much of a distraction this ordeal surrounding Michael Vick will be for the Falcons under new coach, Bobby Petrino.

The Atlanta Falcons finished a disappointing season 7-9 last year and Coach Jim Mora, Jr., was let go in favor of Coach Petrino. While not the best passer in the league, Michael Vick has proven himself to be one of the most electric, and gifted athletes in the NFL. With his quick release and equally quick feet, the quarterback from Virginia Tech has become a fan favorite and marketing bonanza for the Atlanta Falcons. But all that marketing has gone out the window with the suspicions of him running an illegal dogfighting racket out of one of his properties in Virginia. Even though he has yet to be formally charged, it appears the government's case is getting stronger by the day with informants telling of how Vick was involved in the dogfighting.

If the Vick situation gets resolved without him having to miss games, which seems unlikely, look for the Falcons to benefit from the offensive style favored by Bobby Petrino. Having led a high scoring attack at the University of Louisville, he will push Vick to become a more effective passer while using his feet to keep defenses off balanced allowing the Falcons offense to run more effectively with star running back Warrick Dunn. If on the other hand, the Vick situation gets real ugly for the Falcons, watch for them to panic, knowing that they traded away their second best quarterback, Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans earlier this offseason.

Owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Blank who co-founded Home Depot is not known as an owner who allows players to get involved in things that will tarnish the image of the Falcons. He has ridded himself of players who brought shame and embarrassment on the organization. And do not think he will treat Michael Vick any differently because of his star status. It is believed that Arthur Blank has already spoken to Vick about what is going on and even brought in NFL Commission Roger Goodell to talk to Michael Vick.

Besides the investigation the changes in the offense may be equally challenging for the Vick. With everything going on in Virginia, you have to wonder how much real time he has been able to spend with Coach Petrino to get the terminology and routes down before the team reports for training camp around the 20^th of July. From the moment Arthur Blank hired Bobby Petrino away from Louisville his national championship aspirations, Petrino has been staunch about making Michael Vick a better quarterback and putting the ball in his hands more to make plays and spread the ball around.

Some would argue that Vick's best asset is his feet. And his second best asset is his vision. His arm is down the line. And what this season may prove is that Vick while a super athlete does not have the skills to play quarterback in an NFL dominated by strong armed quarterbacks who can throw the football sixty yards on one knee. If Vick is able to learn the playbook and make the plays and avoid any criminal charges, the Falcons will be a team to be reckoned with.

If Vick is not able to go, the Falcons have an insurance policy in the game of Joey Harrington who started a few games last season for Miami after a lackluster time in Detroit. Harrington may be the prototype quarterback for a Petrino led offense so do not be surprised if he thrives if and when he gets his chance in games this season. We know for certain that he will. With the way that Vick plays the game, him knicking a shoulder or rolling an ankle will eventually happen. And if the Falcons are struggling when the move is made, watch for Harrington to thrive in a simple that is more read and throw than anything else.

This season is Michael's Vick last real chance to star in this league. More than just an athlete, Vick will be asked to quarterback this Atlanta Falcon team. And no one is certain he is ready or able to do something of such magnitude. Gone are the days of improvising and undisciplined game planning. Petrino will have a plan for the Falcons offensive attack. And the football will roll Vick's way for him to do with it what he can. All of Michael's mistakes, from the sex suit to the airport water bottle fiasco in Miami, Vick's poor decision making has cost him credibility and respect in the locker room. The first game of the season happens in a little less than two months and in that time Vick will have to prove that not only is he ready to play but that he is capable of playing. If he is not, watch for the Falcons to waive goodbye to the face of the franchise, and one of the game's most dynamic players.