Option 1A if Vick misses any playing time is Joey Harrington. Signed to be Michael Vick's backup in the offseason, Harrington has spent the summer learning Bobby Petrino's system. We have serious doubts whether Harrington is a good fit. Two losing teams have given up on Harrington in recent years because he's afraid to take a hit and is unwilling to throw down the field. He started out respectably in Miami before an ugly collapse down the stretch.

Now Harrington is expected to take over an offense predicted on multiple formations and vertical passing. Throw in a below-average receiver group, a new offensive line, and you have a recipe for ineptitude.

That's why it makes sense for the Falcons to at least consider signing Culpepper this week. He's a total gamble, but Harrington is like playing the slots: throwing money away.

The problem for Culpepper is timing. The Jaguars, believed to be the most interested team in Culpepper, may push to sign him immediatley. The Falcons owner Arthur Blank and GM Rich McKay are reportedly in Europe, although probably not for long. Atlanta may not want to sign another quarterback until they get an indication from Commisioner Roger Goodell about what the league office will do about Vick. Can they act before Vick is even formally charged? Will Goodell take Vick's face-to-face promises about his non-involvement in his Virginia house into account?

The NFL must have prepared for this day. They know an organization's season hangs in the balance and training camp starts next week. No matter the outcome, a swift decision would do the Falcons a favor.