Vick Pockets a Road Win

Michael Vick says his critics are the inaccurate ones.

Motivated by detractors who derided his recent passing performances, Vick came out throwing strikes Sunday to help the Atlanta Falcons defeat the Miami Dolphins, 17-10.

Working primarily from the pocket, Vick completed 22 of 31 passes for a season-high 228 yards. He threw one touchdown pass and directed four drives of more than 70 yards, and one sure touchdown pass was dropped.

“People say I can’t throw the ball from the pocket. I had to show them,” Vick said. “From here on out, I don’t want to hear that question -- if I can throw from the pocket.”

The Falcons (6-2) remained tied with Carolina atop the NFC South by converting 11 of 17 third-down situations, getting a season-high 27 first downs and keeping the ball for more than 36 minutes.

The Dolphins (3-5) did not convert on any of their nine third-down situations, including their last one: Keion Carpenter made a diving interception after Miami had reached the eight-yard line with less than three minutes left.

“We’re not allowed to be frustrated around here,” Coach Nick Saban said. “But we’re very frustrated.”

Vick made several pinpoint throws on the run and scrambled for 38 yards in eight carries.

“I want people to praise me,” Vick said. “If I’m winning games, don’t criticize me. That’s all I’m saying.”

Dolphin linebacker Zach Thomas said he couldn’t understand the knocks on Vick, who had a total of 211 yards passing in the previous two games.

“Stats are overrated,” Thomas said. “All we talked about all week was Michael Vick -- that tells you how good he is. I don’t know why they’re so hard on him.”