C'mon folks, Panthers-Falcons games heated already

Some readers have told me that a column I wrote this week in which Carolina linebacker Chris Draft criticized Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick is BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL.

In other words, Draft, who played four seasons with Vick and still lives in Atlanta, went too far in saying what he said and I went too far in writing what I wrote.

The contention of the readers is that because I wrote that Vick is not a championship caliber quarterback the Falcons will put the column on their bulletin board and use it for inspiration Sept. 10 when they play the Panthers.

Oh, no.

All Draft said is what many of us have written. His contention is that Vick is a gifted athlete who, despite his speed and arm strength, has yet to achieve the consistency that would make him a great quarterback. His comments were gutsy and accurate.

Draft respects Vick’s skills tremendously, but believes Vick would improve if he listened more to his coaches and less to the folks that keep telling him to keep doing what he’s been doing.

Panthers management did not like the column. They don’t want to see anybody within a 75-mile radius of Charlotte criticize an opponent, and they wouldn’t be thrilled if somebody 76 miles away criticized an opponent, either.

The Falcons are aware of what Draft said, pulling the quotes off Charlotte.com.

So what? You think the Falcons will use the quotes or column to get pumped about the Sept. 10 game at Bank of American Stadium?

First of all, these teams play in the same division, which means they play twice a year, which means they inherently don’t like each other.

Secondly, it’s opening day. After all those two-a-day practices in the unrelenting heat, after all the forced camaraderie and the four preseason games, which are two too many, and the meetings and the injuries and the monotony they finally get to play a game that counts.

And if they need BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL to get excited, they’re comatose, and they’ve already lost.