Seasons and position coaches come and go for the Atlanta Falcons, but the script remains pretty much the same. Specifically: Can [Michael Vick], he of the electric moves and bionic arm, somehow harness all that raw talent and ingenuity -- or have it channeled for him -- and become not only an NFL force of nature but an NFL force of will?

What changed last season is Vick fizzled more than he fizzed. He threw nearly as many interceptions (13) as touchdowns (15). He was the NFL's 25th-rated passer, finishing just behind Josh McCown and just in front of Brooks Bollinger. Worst of all, the Falcons wound up a humdrum 8-8, missed the playoffs and were demolished by the Panthers 44-11 in their 2005 swan song.

Whether good intentions will dovetail with roadrunner speed and favorable karma to produce a season to remember is anyone's guess -- but obstacles loom. There's still the suspicion Vick can't/won't master the nuances of the West Coast offense (new QB coach Bill Musgrave is his latest tutor). Top 2005 wide receiver Brian Finneran (knee) is done for the year. And the Falcons open on the road against the Panthers, no recipe for an upbeat liftoff.