ATLANTA, Georgia (AFP) — Former gridiron superstar Michael Vick scored his first touchdowns running and passing since returning to the National Football League after a jail term against his former club here yesterday.

Vick scored on a five-yard run in the third quarter and threw a five-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter for Philadelphia in a 34-7 victory at Atlanta, drawing cheers from the same crowd that had welcomed him with boos.

Vick went to jail for his role in a dogfight ring and has played a limited reserve role as a backup quarterback for the Eagles this season after being released from federal prison for financing the canine gambling operation.

“I’m proud of Michael for going in and doing the things he did and keeping his composure at an emotional time,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said.

Exposed details of animal cruelty by Vick – including slaying of dogs through such methods as beating, drowning and electrocution – have brought an apology and speeches to youth groups by Vick on not doing as he once did.

Hurting Falcons fans who dreamed of a first-ever Super Bowl behind Vick’s run-pass skills took out their anger when he came onto the field, booing him on runs of three and four yards for Philadelphia on the Eagles’ first drive.

But in his first appearance of the second half in place of Eagles starter Donovan McNabb, Vick received the ball on a direct long snap and ran up the middle, diving into the end zone for his first touchdown since last scoring for the Falcons on October 15, 2006.

Vick connected with Brent Celek on a five-yard touchdown pass with 2:29 elapsed in the fourth quarter, completing an emotional return with the best day yet in his comeback, prompting Falcon fans to chant “We want Vick.”

“Everybody felt it and rallied around him,” Reid said. “Fans in general calling out his name at the end there, I’m proud of them for giving him a second chance.”

Reid said he had no special advice for Vick on how to handle the homecoming, telling him, “just go play. You have an opportunity. Take advantage of it, play like you do the other weeks.”

Many spectators wore Vick’s former Falcons jersey or new Eagles jersey, both bearing the number seven.

Former teammates greeted Vick warmly, including hugs from Todd McClure, his former center with the Falcons, and Atlanta receiver Roddy White. Vick served as a captain for the game and was on the field for the opening coin toss.

Falcons coach Mike Smith said his team was not affected by Vick’s return in the blowout loss.

“It had no impact,” he said.