Versatile Vick Leads Falcons’ Runaway

Michael Vick feigned a pass to escape one defender, got past another by breaking a tackle and tiptoed down the sideline for a 44-yard touchdown on what would be his final play of the day.

He kept right on running, disappearing into the tunnel, probably looking for a television so he could watch what he had just done.

“It’s amazing,” Vick said. “I just get up after some plays and say, ‘Oh, man, I can’t wait to see that one on film.’ ”

In a virtuoso one-man performance, Vick accounted for 297 yards running, passing and receiving to lead the Atlanta Falcons past the Carolina Panthers, 30-0, on Sunday.

Not bad for a guy who was sidelined the Falcons’ previous game because of a shoulder injury. Not bad for a guy who played only three quarters.

Vick had all sorts of plays worthy of a highlight film, saving the best for last. His 44-yard touchdown was the second-longest run by a quarterback in Falcon history, eclipsed only by Bob Berry’s 45-yarder in 1968.

The second-year quarterback completed 16 of 22 passes for 178 yards and ran six times for 91 yards.

“It’s totally different than reading about him or seeing him on film or TV,” Panther safety Mike Minter said. “The guy is quick, fast and strong. I mean, we had him dead-on a couple of times.”

Atlanta (3-3) moved past the Panthers in the NFC South, winning for the third time in four games. Carolina (3-4) lost its fourth consecutive game.

Chris Weinke, starting for the Panthers at quarterback in place of injured Rodney Peete, left in the first half because of a possible concussion.