Will the Ewing Theory strike again?Sports Guy Bill Simmons of ESPN Page 2 have had a theory for years that in certain sports situations, a team will play better after its star player either leaves or suffers a major injury. He named it the Ewing Theory, after former New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing, whose teams always seem to play better when he's out injured. Now Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is out for 6-8 weeks and is replaced by Doug Johnson. While the injury is not season ending, it took all the momentum out of the Falcons, and Johnson has only two weeks to get acclimated to the offense and with new receiver Peerless Price. But the situation is perfect for the team to come out strong. On offense, the Falcons have many quality skill players, even without Vick. Doug Johnson is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the game, as SI's Peter King predicted that he will be one of the most sought after players in next year's free agency pool. The Falcons also have a relatively easy schedule to begin the season. In the first six weeks, they are at Dallas, at home against Washington and Tampa Bay, at Carolina, home against Minnesota, and at St. Louis. Though Vick is projected to miss six weeks and be back by the Minnesota game, he could easily miss two more games (Donavon McNabb missed eight weeks with the same injury last year). It is not inconceivable that they could go 5-1 in that stretch. The five games after that are against Philadelphia, the New York Giants, Tennessee, and twice against New Orleans. What will the fans say if Johnson goes 5-1, then Vick loses three of the next five? |
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