No Matter the New Coach, Vick Looks Ready

The Atlanta Falcons received a lift from the return of Michael Vick and gave their next coach plenty of hope for the future.

Just who that will be remains to be seen.

Vick threw two touchdown passes, including a 44-yard play to Peerless Price on Atlanta’s first flea-flicker of the season, and the Falcons held off the Jacksonville Jaguars, 21-14, Sunday. Atlanta (5-11) improved to 3-1 since Vick returned to the starting lineup, including victories over Carolina and Tampa Bay. After breaking his leg in an exhibition game, he sat out the first 10 games, then played sparingly in a loss to the Houston Texans. Vick finished by completing 12 of 22 passes for 180 yards and one interception, and ran seven times for 29 yards.

“Changes are inevitable,” he said. “Guys know that and accept that. We may look a little different, but I don’t think we’ll be too different.”

Dan Reeves was fired as coach after the Falcons beat the Panthers, and Wade Phillips led the team for the final three games. “There is a great core group here that can win,” Phillips said. “I really believe that. I think they believe that now too.”

Team owner Arthur Blank has said Phillips would be considered for the job, and the Falcons received permission Sunday to interview San Francisco defensive coordinator Jim Mora. They also are expected to seek permission to talk to New England defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. Louisiana State Coach Nick Saban and St. Louis Ram defensive coordinator Lovie Smith are candidates too.

Fred Taylor rushed for 121 yards for the Jaguars (5-11), who lost for the second time in their final five games and went winless on the road for the first time in franchise history. Rookie Byron Leftwich completed 19 of 32 passes for 167 yards.