Alternate Plan Is a Success for Falcons

This is what the Atlanta Falcons had in mind when they drafted Michael Vick.

Chris Chandler hooked up with Jamal Anderson for a 94-yard touchdown pass play, then gave way to the rookie Vick for a two-yard scoring run that gave the Falcons a 24-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

“We both played great,” said Vick, the top pick in the NFL draft. “Even though we substituted in and out, we continued to go forward. The team is comfortable with that. Me and Chris are too.”

Actually, Chandler is still a bit wary of the two-quarterback arrangement, even though it didn’t show Sunday. He completed 11 of 14 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns.

“It’s just a situation I’ve never dealt with before,” Chandler said. “To be in the game, then come out for a series. To be in the game, then come out for one play. It’s understandable at the goal line with Michael’s running ability, but I’d rather stay in there.”

Vick completed both his passes for 27 yards and ran three times for 23 yards. Anderson, in addition to his touchdown catch, rushed for 98 yards in 25 carries.

The Falcons (1-1) averaged 8.2 yards in 46 plays and converted eight of 11 third-down plays.

That offset another solid performance by another rookie quarterback. Chris Weinke, impressive in Carolina’s season-opening victory over Minnesota, completed 27 of 41 passes for 276 yards and ran for his second touchdown in two games.

The Panthers (1-1) got inside the 20 three other times, but had to settle for short field goals by John Kasay.

“We just stalled out,” said receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who had 10 catches for 132 yards. “You have to answer a team that scores points and you have to answer with touchdowns.”