It can’t hurt

Say, you don’t suppose Atlanta Falcons general manager Rich McKay regrets trading away Matt Schaub in the offseason and putting all of his eggs into Michael Vick’s basket.
Right now, the remnants of those eggs are a runny, gooey mess.
Let’s take inventory, shall we?
Schaub is 2-0 as the starter for the Houston Texans.
Vick is suspended indefinitely due to his role in operating a dog fighting operation and the Falcons will soon attempt to recoup $22 million paid to him in bonuses. Risking the future on him was difficult to grasp anyway since there was real question as to whether he would ever develop into a competent passer.
Meanwhile, Joey Harrington is 0-2 as a starter, the team has been outscored 37-10 and, suddenly, the brightest hope for this season involves playing poorly enough to possibly receive a No. 1 draft pick next April.
Oh yeah, almost forgot.
Because of McKay and Co.’s risky decision to let Schaub go, the Falcons are now prepared to pay yet another two-year, $6 million contract in the quest to find a band-aid for the open sore they call quarterback.
Next up: Byron Leftwich, the former Jacksonville Jaguars starter who was released just after preseason.
He won’t get a crack at the job immediately, because there’s a new system and different terminology that requires an adjustment period. But if Harrington doesn’t improve his play this weekend, it won’t be long before Leftwich gets his chance.
So far, Harrington has completed 35 of 52 passes for 399 yards, but has yet to throw a touchdown pass (unless you're including the opposing defense). Two Harrington interceptions have been returned for touchdowns. He’s also proven to be as stiff as the Empire State Building, having been sacked 13 times in two games.
Atlanta coach Bobby Petrino called out Harrington the other day for holding the ball too long. It shouldn't be long before he calls Leftwich’s number.
‘‘As I've said for some time, we've been looking to add a quarterback to the mix since D.J. Shockley's injury in the preseason," Petrino said in a statement released by the Falcons. "Joey Harrington remains our starting quarterback and Chris Redman is still No. 2, but signing Byron Leftwich presented us a unique opportunity to add a veteran with tremendous experience to our quarterback group."
Reading between the lines: He hopes Leftwich will be good to go soon.
Leftwich represents an intriguing acquisition. As the Jags’ starter from 2003-06, he passed for 9,042 yards, 51 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He has, however, missed 15 games the last two years due to recurring ankle problems.
This is what the Falcons have been reduced to: Dumpster-diving for Jacksonville’s cast-offs.
But even a banished starter with a bum ankle can’t be any worse than what we've already seen.