NFL in Review: Five Major Distractions Since 2004

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

This forced the Falcons to go back to square one. Lets face it, the only thing that kept that team together back then was Vick.

The Falcons were able to bounce back with the help of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and free agent running back, Michael Turner.

Even though they did turn things around with the loss of one year, this forced yet another team to draft around the loss of one MVP type player and revamp their game plan.

Although it turned out good for the Falcons, they may have been Super Bowl contenders earlier if Vick had stayed.

1. Plaxico Burress (2008)

Of course, I'm going to end it with Burress, regardless of how deep the Giants went into the playoffs without him. The question you have to ask is, "Would they have made it to the playoffs with him."

Its not like he was having a great season anyway. Through the 10 games he played with the Giants in 2008, he only accumulated 450 yards receiving and four touchdowns.

Most NFL fans would not consider him a distraction throughout the season, it was only until he shot himself in the leg. However, Plaxico did cause controversy early in training camp in 2008. He did not show up because he was upset with his contract.

Not only did he have trouble with the team, he had trouble at home. The police were called twice for domestic disturbance calls in August and September of 2008, which resulted in temporary restraining orders that were both later dismissed by the court.

After finally showing up to training camp and pleading he could not practice because of a "hurt ankle," Burress played in the first three games of the season.

He was suspended for two weeks due to violation of team rules. He was expected to play for the rest of the season until he shot himself accidental in November 2008.

The Giants still made it to the divisional round of the playoffs but ended in a convincing 23-11 loss to the Eagles.

The Giants were 9-2 with Burress starting during the season and were 2-4 without him, including the loss in the playoffs.

Burress has been sued nine times since the start of his NFL career in 2000.

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