DETROIT – Michael Vick’s wish is coming true.

Vick grew up watching the Detroit Lions play on Thanksgiving, enjoying their throwback uniforms and Barry Sanders.

Now, he’s looking forward to being on the unique stage with the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday at Detroit.

“I love it that we get an opportunity to play in front of the world,” Vick said. “I dreamed about this my entire life. I never thought I would have the opportunity to play on Thanksgiving, but it is here and I am going to make the most of it and enjoy all four quarters.”

Most viewers will tune in to see the exciting quarterback lead the Falcons (6-4), not to see the lowly Lions (4-6).

Detroit defensive end Kalimba Edwards doesn’t care if Vick puts on a show, with spectacular runs and occasional throws, as long as the home team gets a much-needed win.

“It’s impossible to stop Vick. He’s Superman, so you can’t worry about that,” Edwards said. “But we’re in it to win it, so as long as we win, I really don’t care what he does.”

The Lions used to be tough to beat on Thanksgiving, losing only once between 1994-2000, but the NFL’s worst team since 2001 has lost three of the last four games on the holiday.

With the nation watching, receiver Roy Williams said the Lions have an opportunity to show they’re not an awful team.

“When we play the ball that we can play, I don’t think anybody can stop us,” Williams said. “I don’t care if we’re playing the Colts, Bengals, Patriots or the Falcons. Injuries have prevented us from playing at that level, but we’re finally getting healthier.”

Detroit expects star cornerback Dre’ Bly to play after missing four games because of wrist surgery and hopes linebacker Boss Bailey (ankle) and safety Terrence Holt (back) also return to the lineup.

The Falcons could be without defensive end Brady Smith (toe) for a fourth straight game.

“I’m depending on a miracle for him,” Atlanta coach Jim Mora said.

With two straight losses at home, the Falcons have slipped a game behind co-leaders Carolina and Tampa Bay in the NFC South.

Vick said he’s not bothered by letting some teams get back in the playoff race.

“All we have to do is get into the playoffs,” he said. “You get me into the playoffs, and get this team into the playoffs, and the sky is the limit. Whether we are at home or on the road, it doesn’t matter.”

Atlanta might want to take advantage of playing the Lions because the rest of its schedule includes road games against Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay.

“Every game has become more and more critical,” Mora said.

“It’s become a tight race. We’re 6-4 and there are six teams that are 7-3, and we play a number of them. Every game is critical. I don’t like to use the term must-win until it’s really necessary.”

The Lions started the season with high hopes, saying they should win the NFC North. Since a 3-3 start had them in contention, they have lost three of four and Matt Millen’s fifth year of leading the lackluster franchise looks a lot like his first four years.

The slide, however, has not stopped some players from talking about making it to the postseason.

“It’s not too late,” Bly said. “If we can make a run, who says a 10-6 team can’t get in the playoffs?”

Detroit doesn’t have many advantages over opponents, so coach Steve Mariucci is trying anything he can come up with to get an edge.

Mariucci closed practice to the media Tuesday for the first time in his three seasons with the Lions, trying to keep his starting quarterback a secret.

Joey Harrington has played the last three games, with uneven results, in place of the banged-up Jeff Garcia, who started two games last month.

“I don’t want to give Atlanta anything,” Mariucci said. “I have made my decision, and we are not announcing it until game day.

“If there is a different type of plan on defense for one quarterback or the other, there is only a day and a half to implement the plan. If you are going to plan for both, then there really isn’t that much time, is there?”

Mora said the Falcons are not concerned with Mariucci’s decision.

“It’s not like I’m looking through their papers for Steve to tip his hand,” he said.

AP-ES-11-23-05 1750EST


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