You Talkin' to Me? Vick supporters bound to be in Atlanta crowd

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Ford, Bob; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Battle of the Birds

I know you hate talking about futbol, Ashley, but maybe you'll join us for a little football discussion today.

Michael Vick returns to his original nest this afternoon when the Eagles fly south to play the Falcons. What kind of reception do you anticipate for the ultra-productive Wildcat weapon? And both teams are banged up. Which injury-riddled roster pulls out the win?

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Ford, Bob; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Battle of the Birds

Thanks for your sympathy, Gonz. No, I don't like talkin' futbol, but I didn't talk it the other day because I was getting my eye carved on. All turned out well. Thanks for asking.

I think there will be more Vick supporters in the crowd than detractors, or at least they'll be more vocal. There's still a lot of love for No. 7 down in the ATL. It's a fascinating touch that Matt Ryan is out for this game. The quarterback of the present and future not there to play against the quarterback of the past.

That being the case, the Eagles really should win this one. I've known Chris Redman since he was setting college records at Louisville, and this is no disrespect to him, but if you can't beat a team QB'd by a guy who was on the street a couple of years ago, you've got no business going to the playoffs. I don't care how banged up your D is.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Ford, Bob; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Battle of the Birds

My sympathy momentarily lapsed after you called me a loser (again), but I'm glad to hear you're doing well. Did they give you an eye patch?

I think Vick is going to get an impressive ovation today. The ATL loved him when he went away to prison, and I bet the ATL still loves him now that he's on the outside.

Even though the Falcons will start a backup QB, the game scares me because they pretty much all do now with the way the Birds have stumbled through the last two weeks. (Note to Andy: Kick it deep.)

From: Ford, Bob

To: Gonzalez, John; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Battle of the Birds

Hope everyone read Mike Jensen's insightful article in Friday's paper on the relationship between Vick and Atlanta. It was great stuff, as always.

Don't see how the Falcons can score many points absent Ryan, and their defense has been giving up tons of points, an average of 28 over the last six games. Been wrong before this season - like every week - but I think this is a big Birds win. Also think you'll see Vick relieve McNabb in the second half for a successful stint that will serve as his "thank you" from the Eagles organization. Thank you for what? I'm not entirely sure of that.

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Ford, Bob; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Battle of the Birds

What's more fun, eye surgery or Talkin? I think you know the answer.

Scary game, yes. But they win, 24-21. And Vick gets six plays for 7 yards.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Ford, Bob; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Battle of the Birds

Six plays for 7 yards would be an offensive explosion for Vick.

I'll take the Local Birds to beat the Dirty Birds. Eagles 24, Falcons 17.

From: Ford, Bob

To: Gonzalez, John; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Battle of the Birds

Make it 31-10, Eagles, and give me two scores for the Eagles' defense as well. If you're not doing anything Saturday night, Gonz, we're bowling with the Bear at Midtown Lanes if they have shoes that fit him and don't hurt his claws.