NFL

Vick, Falcons resuscitate fading playoff hopes

ATLANTA - Michael Vick and the Falcons served notice that they are still dangerous, and not yet out of the playoff race.

Vick ran for two touchdowns and passed for one before a late hit knocked him out of the game with bruised ribs, and Atlanta beat the New Orleans Saints 36-17.

If they could play all their games on Monday night, the Falcons might be a lock for more than just a postseason berth: Atlanta is 3-0 in the prime-time slot this season.

Vick improved to 5-0 in his starts against the Saints, who have lost eight of nine. Vick had scoring runs of 2 and 17 yards, and he threw a 54-yard touchdown to rookie Roddy White on a flea-flicker play.

But in the fourth quarter, Vick was slow to get up after taking a hit from linebacker Ronald McKinnon, who drew a penalty. Vick stayed in for two plays before calling timeout with 9:21 left and slowly walking off the field.

Vick was walking under his own power as he was escorted to the locker room. There was no word on the severity of the injury.

"Mike doesn't miss games. He'll do whatever it takes to get ready to go," coach Jim Mora said.

The Falcons had lost three of four to fall behind the NFC's top six teams. The Falcons would lose tiebreakers with two other 8-5 teams, Dallas and Minnesota.

With games left against Chicago, Tampa Bay and Carolina, the Falcons still face a tough climb to make the playoffs, but they regained some confidence.

Vick passed for 231 yards with a touchdown and an interception and rushed for 38 yards in his fourth career game with two rushing touchdowns.

[Last modified December 13, 2005, 01:31:15]