Dear Michael Vick,

Consider this letter your official “Welcome Back” to society. A lot happened while you were away. America proudly elected its first black president. China wowed the world with a stirring Olympics Opening ceremonies. John Edwards became the most noteworthy politician since Bill Clinton to get busted for cheating on his wife, while Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens and Manny Ramirez became the latest baseball superstars to get busted for cheating on the game.

ER went off the air, something called Twitter took over the internet and the world’s economy pretty much went to pot. In fact, your filing for bankruptcy now seems more chic than disgraceful.

But what I’m really writing to tell you about, Michael, is your former team. There’s no easy way to say this, but the Atlanta Falcons got good right after you went behind bars. Like, really good. You may recall that when the judge sentenced you to 23 months back in December ’07, the Falcons were 3-10 and had just been abandoned by a clown of a coach named Bobby Petrino. It was a disaster. America had never pitied a billionaire like they did Arthur Blank.

But right after the ’07 season mercifully expired, Atlanta’s fortunes changed. Team president Rich McKay relinquished player personnel duties to newly-hired GM Thomas Dimitroff, a product of the Patriots front office. Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith was hired as the new head coach. With Blank’s blessing, Dimitroff and Smith paired up and reshaped the roster.

A lot of your friends were let go, and some unlikely veterans stepped up in their place. You remember how in 2001 the Chargers didn’t think they could sign you, so they traded away the No. 1 pick and drafted LaDainian Tomlinson at No. 5? Well, the guy who backed up Tomlinson for a few years––Michael Turner is his name––wound up coming to Atlanta. Turns out, Turner’s a star. With the power of T.J. Duckett and vision of Warrick Dunn, the man rushed for 1,699 yards last season.

It wasn’t just Turner, though. The west coast offense was scrapped––I know! After all that hoopla and scrutiny about you and that system!––by the team’s shrewd new play-caller, Mike Mularkey. The young offensive line gelled. Wide receivers Roddy White and Michael Jenkins finally learned to catch. White, in fact, is probably one of the five best receivers in the game now.

The defense still ranked 24^th in yards, though it gave up the 11^th fewest points. In the end, this Falcons teams went 11-5 and reached the postseason. Everyone was so pleasantly surprised that hardly a peep of disparagement was uttered when the Falcons laid an egg in the Wild Card round at Arizona.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking, Michael. You’re probably thinking, That’s nice, but our ’04 Falcons team went 11-5 and actually reached the NFC Championship. That’s true,

, and no one will deny that 2004 was an entertaining season for this club. But that team also won just eight games the following year. Many are convinced that this current Falcons group will be the one that erases this franchise’s dubious blot of having never posted consecutive winning records. It’s plausible––after all, this team, on paper, is even better than a year ago. Many of the key contributors are just now reaching their prime. Dimitroff traded a second-round pick to acquire future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez. He drafted at least three, and likely four, soon-to-be starters on defense: tackle Jerry Peria (first round), safety William Moore (second), cornerback Chris Owens (third) and end Lawrence Sidbury (fourth). Given how this club erupted last year, it’s even possible the words “Super” and “Bowl” will be tossed around in ’09.

Anyway, just thought you’d like to know what went on while you were away. Best of luck with getting back into football. And good luck with the protestors! I’m sure prison wasn’t fun, but I can’t think of a worse hell than having to kiss PETA’s butt. Just grin and bear it! Take care, Michael.

Sincerely,

Your old pal.

P.S. I need to be completely honest with you…I had put this letter in the mailbox before guilt compelled me to retrieve it. I didn’t have the heart to tell you, Michael, but there’s another reason your former team got better after you left: The Falcons found a franchise quarterback. His name’s Matt Ryan and, I’m not going to lie: he’s special.

Offense

Matt Ryan is a superstar in the making. By superstar, think Manning, Brady, Roethlisberger (and maybe Warner and Brees). Last year’s No. 3 overall pick is coming off an MVP-caliber season in which he instantly emerged as a respected voice in the huddle and leader under pressure. Ryan has superior mechanics and is athletic enough to hurt defenses outside the pocket. His most impressive trait, maybe aside from orchestrating the two-minute offense, is his poise in a messy pocket.

Of course, the playoff loss at Arizona revealed how far from perfect the 24-year-old remains. Indeed, Ryan must more profoundly diversify his

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