Last night I watched what I would probably define as simply the best football game I've ever watched the Atlanta Falcons play in my 33 year lifetime. Rarely has there been a game for which I have enjoyed every minute of the first, second, third, fourth quarters and the halftime show.

A friend of mine at work, knowing how big of a fan I am, assured me he'd be pulling for the Birds Saturday night BUT that he also wanted to see a good, close game. While I understand that (particulary when it comes to matchups between teams not hailing from Georgia) but I wanted no part of that during the Falcons/Rams game, which - despite the Rams 17 points, may have well been decided after Atlanta's dominant opening drive.

A 47-17 playoff-game blowout! Just what Falcons fans have wanted for 50 years. This one was, by far, better than the unexpected win over Green Bay against a Packers team previously unbeaten at Lambeau Field. That one was fun, too, but this game had it all: for the Falcons nearly 300 yards rushing, 2 interceptions, a recovered Rams' fumble or two, only two punts, one field goal, and six (yes, that's 6) touchdowns. And the best part:

Michael Vick is, without any doubt, the most scintillating athlete I've ever seen play the game. And while all of Green Bay may wonder why Atlanta would have ever chosen to give up the man calling the plays for the Packers, I'm ever so pleased the Falcons exported him to the north. If they hadn't, ol' Brett would still be in Fulton County, having played 200 games in a row, probably winning most of them, and - the whole time - remaining firmly and boringly planted in the pocket. I don't know how many other fans would admit this, but I'm happy to have traded six or seven winning seasons for the assurance that Atlanta now has a 25-year old superhuman as its quarterback.