Mike Vick's five-yard scurry into the end zone Sunday for his first touchdown in more than three years was painful on several levels for the Atlanta Falcons.
It put his Philadelphia Eagles ahead by three scores and -- with its defense stoning the flaccid Falcons, minus five offensive starters, notably Matt Ryan and Michael Turner -- put this game on ice.
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It forced the Falcons (6-6) into a weekly must-win situation to reach the playoffs for the final four games.
And it reminded Falcon Nation that Vick was the culprit who threw Atlanta for a mighty loss with his dogfighting conviction. The guy who had infected this franchise was back to rub it in.
The sports gods have a cruel sense of humor, eh?
Frumpy Eagles coach Andy Reid looks nothing like a sentimentalist. But he assigned Vick to lead the Eagles' charge onto the field. And he employed Vick more than in any game all season.
Vick is almost assuredly a goner from Philly next year. Reid made sure he would take some memories with him. He even allowed Vick to throw downfield, and the touchdown pass was a bushel of salt in Falcon wounds.
The difference between goodness and greatness is depth. The Falcons aren't great because they cannot plug in hold-the-fort players for their starters.
If most of the missing five aren't back next week, the season will essentially end next Sunday at the Dome -- against the perfect New Orleans Saints.
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