Buchsbaum on Vick

[Vinny]

I was doing my usual NFL stroll around the net and ran across this page from pfw. Pretty good stuff.Beamer: Vick needs to improve
Virginia Tech QB Michael Vick needs to improve before making the jump to the NFL, Hokies head coach Frank Beamer said Tuesday. But it’s unknown when Vick will make that jump.

"I don’t want to speak for Michael, but I think the decision is going to mean more than just pure dollars," Beamer said. "I think in our conversation, he understands that he needs to continue to improve as a quarterback before he’s ready to use his talents at the next level."

Rumors have circulated for months that Vick, a redshirt sophomore, is leaning toward leaving No. 2 Virginia Tech after the season to enter the 2001 NFL draft. Vick was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy last season.

"I don’t believe that. I absolutely don’t believe that," Beamer said of the rumors. "I think you can speculate, it makes great writing … but I don’t think they know what Michael Vick is thinking at all."

PFW: Do you agree with Beamer?

Buchsbaum: Totally. His mechanics are off. He hasn’t seen enough defenses yet. He relies too much on his athletic ability for the NFL. He’s way too reckless with his body, and there’s no way his body is going to last a full NFL season playing the way he plays. He’s gotta learn to play more with his head and less with his legs, and he’s just a sophomore. He hasn’t played enough football.

PFW: If he were to come out, where would he go?

Buchsbaum: I don’t know. He could go in the top of the draft if someone feels that his potential is so great. But he could also end up going at the top of the draft and never realize his potential. I feel the longer he stays in college, the greater chance he has of realizing his full potential.

PFW: So more than making a financial mistake, Vick could make a career mistake by coming out early.

Buchsbaum: Exactly. What I’m saying is, he’ll get a lot of up-front money if he comes out. But is he willing to risk all that up-front money for the possibility of sacrificing his career or having a phenomenal Hall of Fame-type career?archive.profootballweekly (http://archive.profootballweekly.com/content/archives/features_2000/spin_101800.asp)

[WWJD]

I think Michael Vick is fun to watch. If he stays healthy and gets good coaching his upside is tremendous.

[kbourda]

What's the point? Vick is a much better player right now in his career. I'm sure that article was written in mid 2001 to early 2002. So much has changed in Vick's game. I would like to think that Mr. Buchsbaum were alive today he would have a much different opinion on Vick.

[WWJD]

I imagine Vinny was just throwing the topic of Vick out there for discussion.

No doubt Vick is a much better player now.

I missed who the Falcons drafted so I don't know if they improved the team at all but I imagine the fans there are looking forward to Vick playing a full year.

Although you know he's so reckless with his running and all. I wonder if the coaches tell him to just play as he wants to or they are trying to get him to quit running so much.

[Bull Pen 1]

I don't see what everyone sees about Vick. I personally think his days are numbered in the NFL.

He needs to grow up and learn how to be a qb and not a running back.

[texasguy346]

I think Vick is still an outstanding player, and I agree with the majority of what Buchsbaum said. However, alot of the same things could have been said about Brett Farve. He had an outstanding arm, and he relied on that more than playing with his head. Farve became more heady in his play once he got older and wiser about the ways of the NFL. Vick shouldn't totally abandon his abilities and try to be more of a pocket QB. He should use his abilities to gain any advantage while he still can. The maturity and smart play will come in time.

[WWJD]

To me that's the fun part of watching Vick play Bull Pen. He's not a pocket passer and he's an outstanding runner so there is always an opportunity for a big play when he's in the game.

I will say though that he, for his health, might want to shore up his passing.

Still I think he's one of those really special players that is fun to watch and he's got a ton of talent for such a young man.

[WWJD]

I bet the Texans are glad they didn't have to make that choice Elite. I guess it could have happened but I'm a big believer that things happen for a reason and I think Michael is where he is suppose to be as well as David.

They are both 2 outstanding players though!

[LiveForTheGame]

Vick is personally my favorite QB in the NFL. However, it's not because of his abilities to pull the ball down and run, it's because he has improved so much as a passer. In the national championship game against FSU all he did was run. In the playoff game against the packers, at Lambeau (spelling), he beat them with his passing ability. He still needs to learn WHEN to run and further improve his passing skills, but the man can play. On the radio a while back they were talking about how he was getting some help from a Hall of Fame QB just like him...Stever Young. I think we'll see some improvement with Vick this year...new coach and more learning.

[SBTexans08]

Once Vick's legs aren't Vick like...you who still wonder "what if the Texans would have picked up Vick" will know why Carr was a better choice.

Vick has improved with his passing but he still needs to learn to keep running as a last resort.

[J-Man]

Vick is probably the most dynamic athlete in the NFL right now, but no body can claim he is the best QB. Vick is getting better every single game that he plays and could eventually be a top QB if he stays injury free.

I am not a Vick bandwagon guy by any means...BUT...his athletic ability and field presence make up for his noticable lack of polish as a QB. I don't believe Vick can carry the Falcons to a Bowl...but we have witnessed him carry his team (pretty much by himself) deep into the playoffs. If he progresses in his position he COULD very well be remembered as the guy who revolutionized the QB position.

[WWJD]

The best QB in the NFL is Tom Brady.

[TheOgre]

Vick is definitely a talent. Unfortunately the Falcons D went from average to atrocious over the past two years. I think the key to them progressing far into the playoffs (at least making it to the Championship Game) will depend upon Mora's ability to remold the defense.

Look at McNabb. His skillset is not that different than Vicks. He is definitely not as athletic as Vick, but he does have a lot of athletism. The primary reason the Eagles have made it to three consecutive NFC Championship Games, though, is the defense, not McNabb.

[Porky]

Buchsbaum: Totally. His mechanics are off. He hasn’t seen enough defenses yet. He relies too much on his athletic ability for the NFL. He’s way too reckless with his body, and there’s no way his body is going to last a full NFL season playing the way he plays. He’s gotta learn to play more with his head and less with his legs, and he’s just a sophomore. He hasn’t played enough football.

WOW. Talk about hitting the nail on the head. Joel was the best talent evaulator on the planet. He is sorely missed. PFW used to be a must read because of Joel's insites. He is totally right on Vick. IF Vick is to ever realize his potential, he must do exactly what Mr. Buschbaum stated, and that is start using his head. He is still probably my favorite athelte to watch, but he is far from the best QB. It will be interesting to see if he learns his lesson after last year.