The Daily Hat Trick 2010 NFL Good, Bad, and Ugly Awards

"It's the most...wonderful...time...of the (NFL's) year!!! With the playoffs a-coming and analysts humming; the Super Bowl's near! It's the most wonderful time of the year!"
Too bad I could not find a musical accompaniment. The NFL's regular season is over, the playoffs are upon us. There are four more weeks of National Football League action (plus the Pro Bowl) remaining. The Daily Hat Trick will dive in and give you the in-depth, top-secret analysis of the playoffs later this week. First, I would like to take a moment, before the Associated Press steals my spotlight, and recognize the best, worst, and most hideous of the 2010 regular season in the National Football League.

Good, Bad, and Ugly Awards

The Good - Michael Vick from pariah to premier quarterback. From monster to MVP. From insufferable to inspirational. In three decades of watching this sport, I have never seen a comeback story that measures up to this one. Vick's Philadelphia Eagles team not only has a dog in the hunt, but he, single handedly is responsible for the NFC's top-seeded Bears and Falcons being on the run from said dog. Nobody but nobody wants to face this team and Eagles Coach Andy Reid and Eagles fans have Vick to thank for that (and dogs).

From sporting a "Mean Machine" jersey to this jersey,
which was sent to the Hall of Fame after a
record setting Monday Night Football performance. 3

Honorable mention deserves to go to a few people. Andy Reid for having to step out of his comfort zone (both on the field and in the media) to take the risk of giving Vick the opportunity to excel.... Peyton Manning for succeeding in the equivalent of racing in NASCAR with two bad cylinders and four bald, spare tires and STILL winning the AFC South and reaching the playoffs for a post-merger record tying ninth consecutive season (Dallas Cowboys 1975-1983).... The Detroit Lions for fighting every week, in spite of losing some extremely close games under some very questionable circumstances.


The biggest honorable mention goes to Tom Brady, the probable NFL MVP in 2010. Brady, assuming there are no spycams involved, is having one of the best all-around (decision making, passing, leadership, improving the performance of his teammates, adjusting to adverse changes, etc.) seasons that any quarterback can have. "Wes Welker is coming off a knee injury? No problem. I've got Moss. Randy Moss is traded? No problem, bring Deion Branch back. Deion is washed up and I can't move the offense with him? Watch me. Danny Woodhead is too small? The defense will see me coming from a mile away? I hope they can play with binoculars so they can see us housing it from 50 yards away. "

Perhaps UGG should start making fluffy, furry cleats? 4

The Bad - The Carolina Panthers were not expected to be Super Bowl contenders, but this franchise is expected to be a well prepared challenge for its opponent, no matter who the opponent is, every week. John Fox has been one of the best coaches of his time, which goes back to 2002. So what do the Panthers do? They make Jake Delhomme into the scapegoat for its underachieving and cut him, paying Delhomme $13 million in the process. 1 Whether that was fair or not, they replace him with a completely unproven and untested Matt Moore and rookie Jimmy Clausen, who, all knew going into the season, had a LOT to learn and would not be ready to start effectively in 2010.

And John Fox, the best coach in the team's history? Fired. I think of it as euthanasia.

Fox: FIRED?!? I thought I'd never get to leave! BYE! 5 

There is not too much honorable mention to mention. Many of the NFL stories in 2010 that were "not good" were so "bad" that they were "ugly" (see below). The Houston Texans were bad. Explosive offense...possibly the worst team defense in the history of the National Football league, in spite of the presence of DE Mario Williams and LB Brian Cushing. The expectations after 2009, the first winning season in franchise history, were high and the potential for Toro the Bull to gore Blue the Colt in the AFC South was at its peek, heading into the 2010 season. After Jaxson de Ville (Jaguars) shredded Toro's hopes and dreams on a flukish Hail Mary in Week 10, the Texans became bull jerky.

FAIL! 6

Toro to 2010: "Goodbye and
good riddance! NO MORE TEXANS!" 7





The Ugly - This was the toughest Hat Trick award to decide upon. With so much to choose from - the Minnesota Vikings Favre/Chilly/Moss drama, the Vince Young/Jeff Fisher fiasco in Tennessee, the Dallas Cowboys/Wade Phillips catastrophe, the woeful and disappointing underachieving of the Cincinnati Bengals (in spite of T.O. more than pulling his weight and keeping uncharacteristically quiet) - there was PLENTY of "ugly" to choose from in the NFL in 2010. The only shock is that the Oakland Raiders are nowhere near making this season's list, yet their coach, Tom Cable, may still get the ax.

The Vikings, with Dong-gate/Text-gate/Sterger-gate (or whatever sensational label you prefer), the Chilly schism, and trading a second day draft pick to acquire Randy Moss for a MONTH and CUTTING HIM (REALLY??)...seemed to be a run away for the 2010 Hat Trick Ugly award at one point. However, even Grace Jones, Rosie O'Donnell, and Amy Winehouse had to stand, in shock and awe, at the ugliness that became the 2010 Washington Redskins.

NOT UGLY: The first Jenn Sterger photo of 2011. Sterger (right) and who really cares about the name of girl on the left? She's hot.
Who didn't see this photo coming after the word "Sterger" appeared? 8

Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan must have understood that owner Daniel Snyder had a long, time honored tradition of throwing money down the toilet after overpriced, underachieving free agents. But guys with gambling addictions, followers of the Wesely Snipes tax plan, and graduates of the Bernie Madoff School of Investments were sending mail to Redskins Park offering financial advice to Snyder in the wake of the $40 million Albert Haynesworth write-off. To make matters worse, Shanahan attempted to "shame" Haynesworth, for not participating in voluntary offseason mini-camps, by requiring Fat Albert to pass a conditioning test for which Usain Bolt would need to rigorously train. Fat Albert flunked his "conditioning tests" and sat his fat butt on the sidelines since he was not "allowed" to practice. Oh yeah! They sure taught him a lesson!

Ugly 9

Snyder is a known spend thrift. Haynesworth is a known attitude problem. Shanahan, while I think he handled the Haynesworth situation poorly, had a stellar reputation, going into the 2010 season. So while the situation was ugly, it was not superlative. The comic-tragic manner in which Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator, and Mike's son, Kyle Shanahan treated and handled possible future Hall of Fame quarterback Donovan McNabb, whose reputation is that of the consummate team player, leader, and class act, created one of the most unfortunate and ugly situations I have ever seen on an NFL team.

Uglier 10

McNabb was brought over from Philadelphia to help lead the Redskins back into contention. Mike Shanahan and McNabb were never on the same page. The Shanahans insulted the intelligence of McNabb, football fans, and any creature with an IQ greater than that of a walnut by trying...badly...to whitewash McNabb's benching, in favor of Rex Grossman, in the closing minutes of a loss to the Detroit Lions as a "cardiovascular" issue. Fired Vikings coach Brad Childress, who said he cut Randy Moss because he was a "programmatic non-fit", called "B.S." on that move. The Redskins appear to reward McNabb for his professionalism and patience with, what was announced to the media, as a lucrative contract extension, only for the public to find out, within 24 hours, that McNabb signed up for some magic beans and fool's gold. The final insult: McNabb is effectively made inactive (emergency QB) for the final games of the season.

Ugliest 11

A lot of media outlets have had fun, affectionately, comparing Broncos QB Tim Tebow to Jesus Christ because of Tebow's well publicized, strong Christian faith. I am not the strongest person on Bible knowledge, but turning the other cheek, enduring undeserved tribulations, perseverance, standing upright in the face of indignity...many of these themes recur in the Bible and are thought of as Christ-like characteristics. After 2010, maybe the press should give McNabb just a little "Jesus ink" like Tebow. More power to Tebow, for trying to carry out God's mission, but McNabb has certainly endured a missionary-like persecution!

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For sponsorship opportunities, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info

WWJD? 2   

1) Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/04/371139/panthers-cut-delhomme.html
2) Image from profootballweekly.com
3) Image from rootzoo.com
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9) Image from from dragoart.com via rekotrill.com
10) Image from redskins.com

11) Image from lehighvalleylive.com

Peyton Manning vs Tom Brady

Last week, Fox Sports columnist Jason Whitlock wrote an article contending that Tom Brady of the New England Patriots is the best quarterback of his era, not Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning. I have followed Jason Whitlock's work and opinions, both on sports radio and in his writing, for several years. More times than not, I find myself either completely agreeing with him, to the point of cheering along as I read or listen, or completely disagreeing with him, often flavoring my reaction with the utterance of expletives. Regardless of my agreement with Whitlock, or lack thereof, Whitlock's editorials always make me think and offer a different perspective from which I can view a topic.

I Hate Peyton Manning Air Freshener

I could not disagree more with Whitlock on his contention that Tom Brady is the better quarterback of his era, the past 10 years. There are several fronts on which Whitlock's argument falls woefully short. The passing numbers do not support Whitlock. The win-loss records of Manning and Brady offer little support to Whitlock, and work against the Brady argument if excluding Super Bowl wins from the evaluation criteria. The physical skills of each quarterback offer no support to Whitlock's position.

Would you really want Brady to have your back in a fight before Peyton Manning? REALLY? 1

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

Whitlock's article contains too much supporting evidence from the 2010 season. For as fine and established a columnist as Whitlock is, this is the kind of fallacy for which my 10th grade English teacher, Ms. Coleman, would have knocked me down a letter grade before bothering to check my spelling and grammar. Peyton Manning has been a starter in the NFL since his rookie year in 1998, after being drafted first overall by former Colts Head Coach, Jim Mora, Sr. Tom Brady has been a starter since hijacking the job from longtime starter and team leader Drew Bledsoe in the early weeks of the 2001 season, following a freak injury caused by a cheap shot from a New York Jets player, in an effort by Bill Belichick to take out the last of the meaningful leadership structure of former Patriots Head Coach Bill Parcells. There are nine other seasons in which both men have recorded meaningful playing time. 

I am sure Brady has a good answer to, "What have you done for me lately?" for Gisele and she is...amply...rewarding his efforts.

Whitlock's first point is low hanging fruit for a 2010 comparison. Peyton Manning has turned the ball over at an alarming rate, more than he has in 9 years and the Colts have little room for error should they expect to be playing in January. If the season ended now, I would vote Brady for MVP. There is not much comparison between the two men this year. In fact, the Chargers' Philip Rivers, Mike Vick of the Eagles, and the Saints' Drew Brees are performing head-and-shoulders above Manning right now. So what? One unquestionably superior season does not a superior career make.

Peyton Manning is no Tom Brady? Jason Whitlock is no Gisele. Sorry, pal, you need to hold the bar higher for Tom than Gisele does. Unlike Gisele, you should not reward Tom for answering the same question.

Whitlock continued on to offer (would would become) Brady and the Patriots torching the vaunted New York Jets defense on Monday Night Football and further evidence of Brady's greatness in comparison to Manning. Again, Brady spun a gem that night. He and his team were also throttled my the sub .500 Cleveland Browns. Big deal.... It is a weak argument, when it is made into a focal point, for comparing two careers.


Leadership 

Whitlock then transitions to comparing intangibles such as toughness and leadership. This argument is more relevant to the topic, but is selective and biased, in my opinion. Whitlock offers Brady's superior playoff record, Brady's leadership in transitioning the team away from a "locker room cancer" like wide receiver Randy Moss, and standing in the pocket and taking a hit as examples of Brady's advantages.

This is far from an apples-to-apples comparison. Brady's record in the playoffs does dwarf that of Manning prior to 2005, during the Patriots' Super Bowl winning years. Manning does not play defense and neither does Brady. The Colts defense, prior to the breakout years of defensive end Dwight Freeney and safety Bob Sanders in 2006, could not be fairly described as "mediocre", let alone "good".

The Patriots won their three Super Bowls in 2001, 2003, and 2004 primarily because of a lights-out defense that had playmakers like Ty Law, Rodney Harrison, Lawyer Milloy, Bryan Cox, Mike Vrabel, Ted Johnson, Willie McGinest and Tedy Bruschi. Did you forget about these guys, Mr. Whitlock? C'mon man! Tom Brady had The Tuck Rule and spy video surveillance of opposing defenses. Credit Brady for effectively managing those games and helping the Patriots win, but Brady was replaceable (as Drew Bledsoe, for example, helped earn the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2001 AFC Championship game in relief of a fragile and injured Brady) during those years and the defensive contributions were irreplaceable. So the Super Bowl argument for Brady vs. Manning falls on deaf ears with me.

Hey Tom! A little credit, please?

Whitlock's argument regarding the Randy Moss situation is also flawed. First of all, Tom Brady ascended, indisputably, to the ranks of the elite because of Randy Moss, in my opinion. Prior to Moss' arrival in 2007, Brady was a super-efficient game manager that snatched anything the opposing defense left on the table, but Brady did not create and MAKE plays, like Manning, and he took very few risks. Enter Randy Moss.

Tom Brady Patriots / Eli Manning Giants Super Bowl XLII 42 Dueling T-shirt (X-Large)

Brady throws for 50 touchdowns, Moss only caught 23 of them. I think having Moss as an option flipped the switch "on" for Brady having the confidence to stretch the field and the ability to recognize when he can do it. So making Moss into a boogie man (which had far more to do with the front office than the locker room) is weak. I also think it is an unfair comparison to Manning. When did Manning ever have to get in front of an embarrassing situation with a teammate? He didn't! So...who really is the better "leader" if this is the standard by which one is judged?

A "Man's" Man!!!!

Whitlock offers an example how Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger fought off Baltimore Ravens superfreak linebacker Terrell Suggs with one hand and played against the Ravens with a broken nose. In contrast, he claims that Manning nervously throws the ball into coverage and goes through greater lengths to avoid contact than Brady.

First of all, the object is to NOT get hit and possibly hurt, jeopardizing your team's season. Getting your nose broken is tough. It is also stupid if you have a means of defending yourself. Tom Brady knows all too well the consequences of taking a hit, as he missed (nearly) the entire 2008 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. That season, the Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time in six years.

Man's man: dumb 4

Second, Tom Brady has five tanks for an offensive line. He always has. Some of those tanks may have a bronze bust in Canton, Ohio one day. So he has not had much to get "nervous" about, nor has he had to absorb many hits. Manning has had good support up front, too (though not so much in 2010). So this is a non issue.

Man's man: smart 5

Last, Whitlock offers that Peyton Manning has always had a higher interception percentage than Brady. There are lies, damned lies, and statistics, when those statistics are manipulated to cloud reality. Manning's career interception rate is under 3% and he has taken far more risks into coverage downfield (with far more success) than Brady. So if Brady is a few tenths of a minuscule percentage lower than Manning for throwing picks, so what? If it is 100 degrees outside in Mississippi and 99 degrees in Louisiana, does it matter where you are? IT'S HOT!


Man's man or Bieber-Man? 6



C'mon man!!!! 7

Step Your Game Up, Jason!

Let me, again, reiterate that I like Jason Whitlock's work. He is an asset to sports writing. His opinions, such as this one, always cause me to think and react. That is a measure of an effective member of the media. However, his suggestion that Tom Brady is the better quarterback of this era in the National Football League is highly debatable and poorly supported in his article. His argument hinged on intangibles. I do not believe that he proved his point, certainly not enough to sway an opinion in an opposite direction. Beyond intangibles, there are statistics. Other than Super Bowl victories, I challenge anyone to come up with a viable statistical argument supporting the notion that Brady has been superior to Manning over the course of his career. This round of Manning vs Brady goes to Manning. And this round of sparring opinions goes to The Daily Hat Trick!

Don't forget to vote in today's fan poll!

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In Memoriam

It is the holiday season once again. At The Daily Hat Trick, we like to remember those who are no longer with us in the sporting world. It seems fitting that we remember these beloved elements of the National Football League that passed on in 2010. In memoriam....

"Hey y'all! Watch this!" 1

Brett Favre’s career (1991-2010) – Let us remember the Ol’ Gunslinger for his boyish enthusiasm, rocket arm, dramatic comebacks, and his role in resurrecting two storied NFL franchises – The Green Bay Packers and, late in his career, the Minnesota Vikings. Let us overlook, from our departed brother, the three consecutive seasons ending in interceptions on his final pass. Let us overlook the dong shots he sent to 25 year old Jets sideline reporter and Playboy Bunny Jenn Sterger in 2008, when he was 39 years old. For Brett clearly had ambitions to be a Chippendale’s model after football, but apparently he is a little short…or long…we’d have to ask Jenn.

This has nothing to do with anything. I just wanted an excuse to put one more picture of Jenn Sterger's sexy self on The Daily Hat Trick. This story has been the gift that keeps on giving on so many levels. Like herpes, only looking forward to the outbreaks.... 2

Brad Childress’ Head Coaching Career (2006-2010) – Let us remember the dozens of gems in the soundbite department that Coach Chilly gave us. Regrettably, Chilly was a “Programmatic Non-Fit” and effectively signed his pink slip when he approved the pink slip of Randy Moss. Let us not remember Childress being punked by Brett Favre when he asked Favre to come out of the game and Favre showed Chilly who was in charge. Let us not remember the sycophantic manner in which Chilly flew down to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to go “dillo” hunting with Favre and picked Favre up from the airport in lieu of a taxi service. Let us not remember the three weeks he coached Randy Moss and had what little coaching manhood he had remaining extracted. In fact, let us just not remember this coaching tenure at all!

Yes sir, Mr. Favre, sir! (What...a...loser). 3

Vince Young’s Reputation (2005-2010) – Let us remember Vince Young for the thrilling performance that he gave us in the 2006 Rose Bowl, in which Reggie Bush never played, according to the NCAA. Let us remember the excitement and enthusiasm, and optimism that Young brought back to the Tennessee Titans in his rookie season. Let us remember the inspirational rejuvenation of Young’s career in 2009, in which the Titans nearly came back from the dead to reach the AFC Playoffs. Let us not remember Young’s suicide watch. Let us not remember Young cold cocking the heckling jerk at the, um, gentlemen’s club. Let us not remember Young’s souvenir toss of his helmet and shoulder pads into the stands nor his child-like profanity laden tantrum at Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher, the longest tenured and possibly the most respected coach by players, coaches, fans, and owners in the National Football League.

5

Randy Moss’ Renewed Reputation (2007-2010) – Let us remember the record setting 2007 season in which Moss proved that he was still among the best and helped the Patriots, if not led the Patriots, to an 18-0 start. Let us remember the awe inspiring moments, such as his one hand snag of a long bomb as he escaped the seemingly inescapable Revis Island. Let us not remember the “look at me” shenanigans in a week 1 presser that led to his trade back to the Minnesota Vikings. Let us not remember how Moss insulted hard working caterers at a team meal. Let us not remember how he instructed Vikings owner Zigy Wilf to fire Brad Childress and how Wilf obliged only after Moss was released. Actually, that was kind of funny; let us remember that bit. And let us pray that he does not cause Titans coach Jeff Fisher to turn to drink. I sure would.

REALLY, Randy? REALLY? 4

Jared Allen’s Mullet (1982-2010) Let us remember the mullet of Jared Allen. If the expression of Sampson, “My strength is in my hair,” has any transference to the gridiron, then Jared Allen is in the Mullet Hall of Fame. This organic, full, uber-lock of Southern trailer park goodness had become the trademark of one of the fiercest pass rushers in the National Football League. Intimidating offensive tackles…body slamming fullbacks…Allen and his mullet instilled terror into the heart of the enemy with a mayonnaise smeared slathering of ferocious pass rushing and impenetrable run stoppage.


Mr. Allen recently proposed to the smoking hot Ms. Amy Johnson. Ms. Johnson had a lower tolerance for the mullet than many of Mr. Allen’s typical fans. Because he loved Ms. Johnson and greatly desired the hotness and goodness of her love for all-time, Allen capitulated to the will of his beautiful fiancé, said, “Uncle,” and parted, sorrowfully, with his sweet mullet.

7

Let us not remember the remarkable 21st century fashion faux pas. Let us not remember the one way ticket Mr. Allen purchased on the way to Whipsville. Let us not remember our fundamental weaknesses as men for the endearing smile and alluring hotness of babes like Ms. Amy Johnson (exhale). Mr. Allen’s Mullet, in memoriam….

Mike Vick’s Scarlett Letter (2007-2010) – This letter is not an “A”, but a “D” and we all know what for. Let us remember the sports media gold that Mike Vick gave us by founding Bad Newz Kennels and subsequently getting busted for dog fighting, giving any hack with a TV news desk, microphone or pen the lowest of low hanging fruit for endless punchlines involving the word “dog”.

Actually, let us not remember that. Let us remember how Mr. Vick served his two years in the federal penitentiary, was released to a halfway house, and performed manual labor for a $10 per hour so paltry that Wal-Mart greeters were sending donations to help Mr. Vick get back on his feet. Let us remember how he humbled himself to accepting the role of third string quarterback in Philadelphia and earning 10% of his pre-conviction salary, only after the endorsements of two of the highest character people in football, Tony Dungy and Donovan McNabb. Let us remember how Mr. Vick proved that he was the best quarterback on the Eagles roster but remained a leader and concerned teammate amid the absurd speculation that he would remain behind Kevin Kolb on the depth chart. Let us remember this MVP caliber season Mr. Vick is producing, should he remain healthy. And let us all remember the record breaking performance in which Mr. Vick accounted for 6 touchdowns on Monday Night Football.

My personal favorite memory of the 2010 season, thus far. 6

1) Image from howtowatchsports.com
2) Image from blackbirdnation.com
3) Image from theklowntimes.net
4) Image from http://api.ning.com
5) Image from liquida.com
6) Image from sportsillustrated.cnn.com
7) Image from backseatfan.com

Where is Mike Vick and What Have You Done with Him?

The football gods grace us with dozens of intriguing headlines and stories every season. There is no story about a single player in the National Football League that has fascinated me more than the career resurrection of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Vick. Many people in sports media throw around emotionally loaded terms, either for dramatic effect, to feed the hype machine which drives public interest in sports, or to illustrate points to children, intoxicated persons, and those with limited vocabularies. However, I cannot think of a more fitting term for what has happened to Vick's career than to describe it as a, "resurrection".

Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick 2

Merriam-Webster.com describes resurrection as, "the state of one risen from the dead." "Dead" may be the only word that could accurately describe Vick's career in 2007. In the span of a few months, Vick went from being one of the most exciting players in the NFL to a convicted felon and federal inmate after entering a guilty plea on dogfighting charges. He became a punchline, often for anything and everything that could be paired with the word "dog". He was out of football for two seasons (in his prime), lost up to $100 million in assets and future earnings, based on estimates in multiple media outlets, and his reputation was ruined. The conventional wisdom was that, even though Vick was still a young man, having not practiced and played at a position like quarterback in the NFL, his skills may have eroded to a point where his playing career, at the quarterback position, was not salvageable. Vick was a mediocre passer prior to his legal troubles, and two years in prison will not help improve one's game-condition throwing skills.


Since his release from prison, his story has been remarkable. The Philadelphia Eagles rolled the dice and signed Vick to a one year contract with a club option year. He played situationally in 2009, as Donovan McNabb's backup. In 2010, Vick assumed the reigns at quarterback in Week 1 after starter Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion. Vick's performance, particularly as a passer, was remarkable and the rest of the story has written itself similarly to a Hollywood script. 


To date, Vick is the NFL's top rated passer with a 108.7 rating 1, ahead of Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady, and everyone else. The Philadelphia Eagles have a 7-3 record, and are in first place in the NFC East. Vick's name has been mentioned repeatedly as a front runner for Most Valuable Player, particularly since his record setting performance at FedEx Field against the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football (333 yards and 4 touchdowns passing with no interceptions, 80 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing). He has not thrown an interception during the 2010 season, almost unbelievable by any standard after seven starts.

3

The aforementioned on the field success is jaw dropping. What I find most surprising is the degree of growth, maturity, and leadership that Vick has demonstrated during the 2010 season. As stated previously, Kevin Kolb was the Eagles' starting quarterback when the season began. As Vick's performance garnered the attention of the sporting world, many in sports media began to question whether there was an inevitable quarterback controversy in Philadelphia once Kolb was healthy enough to play. Vick towed the company line and played the role of selfless leader and concerned teammate. Through every interview I witnessed, Vick's focus was on the good of his team. Vick has also acknowledged, directly and indirectly, how he made mistakes in his life, has wanted to change, has changed, and that he is grateful to Eagles' coaching and management for giving him an opportunity to resume his playing career. 


In my opinion, this series of personal acknowledgements reflects a greater degree of intestinal fortitude than changing one's work ethic as a quarterback, which Vick has also done with a substantial degree of success. To begin realizing God-given potential that one has always had by changing one's work habits is admirable, but to transform into a better person is far more difficult. To do so, a person must rework his inner framework because he values the need to change his life. 

4

Granted, Vick may have the best handlers in the publicity business, may have been trained to handle the media well, and could be saying the right things while feeling something different in his heart. However, Vick has not focused on one aspect of his personal/professional  life and improved it. Had he done that, deficiencies in the more neglected areas of his personal/professional life would be conspicuous. It appears to me that Vick has made an effort to complete a total transformation of his life, improving all areas of his life.


So, again, I ask the football gods, "Where is Mike Vick and what have you done with him?"     


1) Source: nfl.com 
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3) Image from mkrob.com
4) Image from jeffwinbush.files.wordpress.com