Vick is Back in Atlanta: Eagles vs Falcons
by Al Simmons
Michael Vick’s going home as the enemy as he and the Philadelphia Eagles visit the 5 point home underdog Atlanta Falcons at 1:00 PM ET at Georgia Dome.
NFL Betting Line:
Philadelphia Eagles -5
Atlanta Falcons +5
O /U 44
Vick played 6 years in Atlanta before his suspension and prison term for dog fighting.
"I don't really know what's going to happen," Vick said. "I know I still enjoy the city. I'll never forget the fans. I'll always be true to them. Who knows? I look forward to going back and being in that stadium. That's going to be like a dream come true, even though I'm on the opposite side."
But don’t expect Vick to be a game changer, the Eagles are still Donovan McNabb’s team.
McNabb went 21 of 35 for 260 yards during a Week 12 come-from-behind victory over the Washington Redskins but with DeSean Jackson out with a concussion McNabb will look for rookie WR Jeremy Maclin and TE Brent Celek.
"We have some guys that can make plays for us and you just want to give them opportunities to do that," McNabb said. "Obviously, (Jackson) is a big-time talent and a guy that has just kind of came into his own this year. We just want to spread it around and give guys opportunities to make plays for us."
On offense Atlanta will be without QB Matt Ryan who is out with a toe injury. This would be the first game Ryan would miss in his NFL career.
Chris Redman will be filling in for Ryan. He played well against Tampa Bay with 243 passing yards and two touchdowns.
"Chris has got a lot of confidence in his ability and when he has had an opportunity to play in this league he has played effectively," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "I don't anticipate there is going to be a significant drop off in the effectiveness of our offense."
The Falcons will need to rely on RB Michael Turner even with a high ankle sprain.
"The team needs me out there. We need everybody out there," Turner said. "If I can go out there and give it some type of effort, I'll suit up and go. I have no regrets about that."
Last 4 Head to Head Matchups
- Oct 26, 2008 PHI 27, @ATL 14
- Dec 31, 2006 PHI 24, @ATL 17
- Sep 12, 2005 PHI 10, ATL 14
- Jan 23, 2005 PHI 27, @ATL 10
My pick: The Eagles will cover. Over.
