Falcons to take flight without Michael Vick

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 27, 2007 | by ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTA -- This is one of those landmark days, a dividing line that will forever define the history of the Atlanta Falcons.

Never mind that it's only the preseason.

Today, Michael Vick will walk into a federal courtroom in Richmond, Va., to plead guilty to dogfighting charges, which will almost certainly end his Falcons career and could prevent him from playing again in the NFL.

Shortly afterward, the team that built its entire persona around Vick is expected to lay out its plans for moving on without him. Then, to cap the day off, Atlanta fans will get their first look at the sobering reality of having No.13 (Joey Harrington) at quarterback instead of No.7.

But it's impossible to put Vick in the rearview mirror so quickly.

He was a one-of-a-kind player, a strong-armed quarterback doubling as Barry Sanders, a cultural phenomenon who led the Falcons to a historic playoff win at Lambeau Field and took them to the cusp of the Super Bowl.

Vick wore the best-selling jersey in team history. Vick had a line of shoes bearing his name. Vick was largely the reason for 51 straight sellouts in a city that used to be known for empty seats.

Now, he's gone.

In Vick's written plea agreement filed in federal court Friday, he admitted helping kill six to eight pit bulls and supplying money for gambling on the fights. He said he did not personally place any bets or share in any winnings.

With negotiations between prosecutors and defense attorneys out of the way, all that's left is for U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson to accept the plea and decide how much time Vick will spend in prison, and for the NFL to determine the fate of Vick's career. The NFL suspended him indefinitely and without pay Friday after his plea agreement was filed.

If today's proceedings follow the pattern of Vick's three co- defendants, the quarterback's plea hearing will be brief, with the judge setting a sentencing hearing for late fall after a background report is completed.

Roethlisberger is sharp

PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger, effective for only one drive previously in this preseason, passed for 247 yards before halftime to lead three Pittsburgh scoring drives, and the Steelers shook off numerous mistakes to defeat the cross-state Philadelphia Eagles 27- 13 in an exhibition game.

Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker, limited to four carries before now because of a sore knee that sidelined him for two weeks of training camp, ran 18 yards for a score following Roethlisberger's 22-yard completion to Santonio Holmes during a 13- point second quarter for Pittsburgh. Parker also caught three passes for 40 yards.

Donovan McNabb was lifted before halftime after going 5-for-11 for 60 yards.

Jags sign defensive help

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Former first-round draft pick Chris Claiborne signed with Jacksonville, giving the Jaguars some much- needed depth at linebacker after backup Tony Gilbert was lost for the season.

The Jags also signed linebacker Kevis Coley and defensive tackle Joe Anoai.

The team placed Gilbert on injured reserve, three days after he tore a biceps muscle.

Freeney injured in win

INDIANAPOLIS -- Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney bruised his right thigh during the Indianapolis Colts' 37-10 win over Detroit on Saturday night and isn't expected to play Friday at Cincinnati.

Coach Tony Dungy said Sunday that the injury is not serious, and Freeney would probably play if it were a regular-season game.

Ravens make cuts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The brother of Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden and one of their former draft picks Jonathan Orr were among the seven players the Tennessee Titans waived.

Offensive lineman Marques Ogden was released with Orr, a receiver picked out of Wisconsin in the sixth round last year who didn't play in any games as a rookie.