Falcons

By JP

September 22, 2005 04:44 PM | Link to this

If it was me, I would blitz the kid all day long. With the eighth man in the box you should neutralize the run game and I think that stops buffalo. I would also get #36 off the field, I won’t even state his name because the guy sucks get him out of there.

By DIRRTYBIRD

September 22, 2005 05:33 PM | Link to this

By Erik

September 22, 2005 06:26 PM | Link to this

Bring up B.Scott and let either him or Demorrio Williams blitz more.

You have to put pressure on the kid…

Falcons Blog

By falconneil

September 22, 2005 06:44 PM | Link to this

sit Brooking, start Ike Reese. He has far outplayed Brooking everytime I’ve seen him.

By grip

September 22, 2005 06:52 PM | Link to this

Well I like all of the before mentioned. I also think we should play more man toward D. Hall side and help Webster out a little. As for the run that’s why we got Hartwell, right? Enough about defense. I think Knapp should open the play book and go deep and stop being sooo predictable. I was at the Seahawk game and I as long as everyone in the stand knew what pay was coming. Now I see why T.O. critizied the offense in San Fran.

By Floyd

September 22, 2005 08:19 PM | Link to this

Sit Brooking and play Reese and Boley. Plain and simple.

By TR

September 22, 2005 08:39 PM | Link to this

It’s time to put the players on the field who produce. This means get Reese in place of Brooking. I don’t know if Keith is hurt…but he’s been hurting the team since the preseason. Falcons get ready…he’s the next big money player to go who’s not producing.

By PSack

September 22, 2005 09:05 PM | Link to this

If I was D Coordinator I would have the defense practice getting up after those offensive linemen knock them on their as@@@s

By Rick

September 22, 2005 09:08 PM | Link to this

I have to smile whenever I read the “Get rid of Brooking” responces. Remember the old saying ” It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” Every year the same dummies write in about how awful Keith Brooking is and every year his PEERS vote him to the Pro-Bowl. You think that just maybe the folks who actually play the game for a living might have a clue as to the quality of his game? Before you say dumb things like that in the future, look up his stats, watch some film and watch how offences run away from his side of the field. Of course you can always fall back on the argument that the other NFL players and coaches are idiots and you got it figured out. After all, everybody knows the people who can really scout NFL talent are the guys working the drive thru at Wendys. Remember Brookings can’t play and oh yeah….need any ketchup with those fries?

By alex

September 22, 2005 09:18 PM | Link to this

i think with mike vick offense really shouldn’t be a factor he is the most explosive player in the league. are problem is defending the pass.we lost Db kevin mathis so that kind of hurts and rossum is hurt. I think the secondary we’ll be beter once we get back rossum ,and jason webster is doing better. he forced a big time fumble in the game last week. because we blitz are DB are playing man to man the whole game will be find against buffalo we just need to block there linebackers so we can run and so vick can have time.

By Bird Man

September 23, 2005 07:40 AM | Link to this

I agree with the Brooking observations he appears to be getting slower, and Ike Reese is a beast, put him in there to shake things up….. The defense needs to make sure that this is a game where the Bills offense doesn’t go off. As we all know the Falcons defense is a bend but don’t break defense. D. Hall may play strong on the outside but we give up too much of a cushion on the defensive back-field. The key to this whole deal is the offense if we go down and get scores on the first two possesions it’ll force Buffalo to abandon the run, or at least throw more….Then as usual the defense will eat the kid for lunch, but we have to jump on them offensively, then let the defense go out and have fun. But if we allow them to run the ball on us and convert 3rd downs the Seattle game wll repeat itself… Let’s be honest the defense is small and built around speed, but why acquire Reese and Hartwell if you’re not going to use them, relieve Brooking of some of his duties, and get stronger inside. As far as his Pro-Bowl selection name three other NFL line-backers besides the one in Philly and Ray Lewis, my thoughts exactly….he’s a familiar name, he’s not worthy of saying he’s the top 3/4 line backers in the league..

By falconneil

September 23, 2005 07:42 AM | Link to this

Hey Rick, do some research. the Pro Bowl is voted on by players AND fans. That’s right, fans. Fans who just know the big names, and vote them in every year, no matter how well or badly they are playing. Every year a few players will make the roster who have no business being there. I suggest you actually watch the game and see how Brooking (no s on the end of his name by the way) makes most of his tackles 8 yards downfield, rarely making a play of note at or over the line of scrimmage. He is fast but has poor instincts. Watch the first Seattle TD again: it was completely Brooking’s fault. He took a bad angle and missed the tackle at the 5. Typical. And you’re probably a Georgia Tech fan, no?

By JP

September 23, 2005 09:04 AM | Link to this

I’m not going to say that Brooking can’t help the defense, but he can’t cover me on a pass route. He does some things good but he needs to be more instinctive. 36 did put a nice hit on somebody last week but for him to be a DB he can’t cover anybody either. He stealin money, get him off my defense, give me #30 and Buhl or somethin. Blitz all day long and we win.

By falcon guy

September 23, 2005 09:14 AM | Link to this

The reason they had just 2 sacks was because the Falcons neutralized Patrick Kerney by putting him on the right end and letting him get swallowed up by Walter Jones. They should have put Davis on the right end and give him some linebacker help to his side in case of runs and kept Kerney on the left end against a lessor tackle. I don’t think Brooking should be benched, but he does need to step it up. His name has rarely been called this season for making big plays and I’ve seen a lot of the #56 on his back chasing the ball instead of in front of it making a tackle.

I think the more important starter for this weekend is not the DE’s or LB’s, or even Vick. It’s Brian Finneran starting at flanker in place of Dez White. Possibly the happiest I’ve ever been to see a player injured. 1st half of the Seattle game with Dez White playing, 0 points. 2nd half with Finn playing, 18 points. Finn caught 5 times as many balls in that game as Dez has in both games. There is a familiarity and chemistry there between Vick and Finn. Not sure why the Falcons continue to start Dez over Finn. I can see not throwing Roddy out there because of his inexperience, but Finn makes them a better team. I think Finn starts the rest of the season after this Sunday’s game, unless Roddy makes a quantum leap forward.

By Bird Man

September 23, 2005 09:35 AM | Link to this

Good comment concerning Finn, Falcon Guy.. I have a love hate relationship with Finn, he’ll drop two and then catch a big one. There seems to be the desire to propel one of the younger guys into the role of top reciever instead of making it take place naturally. Finn is the most experienced receiver we have, and yet he’s being overlooked. Maybe he is not as fast or has fallen out of favor with Mora, but I too think he is the key to opening things up. They play him more in the red zone for the fade and jump ball but he should be developed into a posseion receiver. Back to the otherside of the ball, the defense at least during last years run, was able to tee-off on folks after the offense had built a lead. I must say also that there is an obvious difference in intensity at home and on the road. We had some key victories on the road last year at Denver and I think San Diego, but didn’t even get off the bus in KC. What’s with the Jekyll/Hyde home/road defense. To get to the next level if we don’t have home field throughout we’ll need to step it up.

By The Other Foot

September 23, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe the racism on this blog. Brooking is four time Pro-Bowler, four time team leader in tackles and all the haters see is the color of his skin.

By falcon guy

September 23, 2005 10:34 AM | Link to this

Birdman, I think the key with Finn is that Vick will throw the ball his way. I don’t recall him dropping 2 then catching a big one. He usually catches the ball. 2 years ago when Vick was out, Finn also had a broken hand, so maybe you’re remembering him dropping passes then. But when he’s got two good hands, I’d take him over plenty of receivers in the NFL (obviously not the top tier ones, but he’s as good as any mid level talent). Run the ball with Dunn/Duckett, throw to Crump and Finn to get 1st downs and throw a bomb once in a while to Jenkins. I don’t see any reason that this offense can’t get better and more balanced. I’d spend some time in practice having Vick in a constricted pocket and make him step into his throws with people in his face. And I’d also spend some time with Vick throwing deep balls to Jenkins to get that down better. They’ve had too many opportunities gone awry with that tandem with either an overthrown ball or Jenkins drop. The best way to get better is thru repetition.

By Bird Man

September 23, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this

I’d have to agree, maybe they are focused on the other stuff, but hopefully there’s a natural progression to things each week a facet of the game will become more easier for the team. As, far as the other comment goes about Brooking from, The Other Foot, Jerry Rice was once an All Pro, multiple times Pr-Bowl receiver, but when it’s time to go it’s time to go. You can’t deny that he seems to be a step or two slower. Forget the crap this is a competitive sport, I hate it when folks romanticize about stuff, he hurt us bad in the Philly game and what do you think other teams are going to do, if he is forced into coverage he will get bunred. What do you think the Giants will do against us, they’ll make sure Brooking has to pick up Barber out of the backfield and he will get burned. It’s about effectiveness, if he is not getting the job done, moves have to be made. Unlike yesterday people act as if Vick, (I have to watch myself on here the word VIck is like a cuss word on here) is not getting the job done. Who would argue with Ike Reese getting a shot to improve the defense. There is no room for sentimental favorites in sports, either you get the job done or you don’t. I thought the object of the game was to win…. I like Brooking but they have to make the necessary moves to ensure the team gets better, move him over or hide him in the defense where he can’t be exposed as a weak link. If he is isolated its big trouble…

By KneeJerk

September 23, 2005 03:13 PM | Link to this

Why the Brooking bashing and nothing about Hartwell? Brooking has more tackles and assists. For all we know Hartwell:Ray Lewis as Price:Moulds. Brooking gets voted to the Pro Bowl based on his name? How did he get a recognizable name? Yes, he was a 1st rounder but that was 7 years ago.

By Great Falconi

September 23, 2005 03:30 PM | Link to this

Steve, a lot of people have been ripping your blogs, but I think you found the right formula today.

By larry w.

September 23, 2005 05:03 PM | Link to this

Hey, The Other Foot. No one mentioned skin color but YOU!! All I’ve read is how Brooking is not getting the job done on the field. Is it okay to criticize Vick, Duckett, Price, Dez, and Jenkins but lay off of Brooking? No one plays at an all pro level forever. If there are players on the team who can do better, they should be on the field.

By falconneil

September 24, 2005 08:10 AM | Link to this

because brooking has been largely getting by on rep for years. Hartwell has been here for 2 games. Brooking remins me of another ex-falcon LB: Ron George. remember him? Real real fast, but no instincts at all. Occasionally he’d guess at the right hole and make a great play in the backfield, but most of the time he was making tackles from behind, 6 yards downfield.

By dirrtybird

September 25, 2005 01:26 PM | Link to this

How Shocking! The first two plays of the game are handoffs to W. Dunn. Grow some balls Knapp! Mix up the play calling!

By Jennifer

September 25, 2005 05:38 PM | Link to this

Brooking….hmm….you guys forget about leadership on the line, reading offense, etc. Recall Brooking is one of the best at that. There’s more to a player than just his brute athleticism. They have to have smarts.

By falconneil

September 25, 2005 08:25 PM | Link to this

Another sub-par game from Brooking and Hartwell. I think our best 2 LBs are Williams and Reese.

By Gumbo

September 26, 2005 12:52 PM | Link to this

Gutty win yesterday - Got to agree with falconneil at least partly. I have really been disappointed with Hartwell so far. He talks a great game, but Alexander and Magahee have eaten us alive up the middle the last 2 weeks.

I agree that we got to get Reese on the field somewhere/somehow.

By E-Rud

September 28, 2005 09:34 AM | Link to this

I agree with alot of the comments made about the offense and defense. Knapp need to open up the offense more because I get tired of looking at the same boring offense which the local recreation football teams run weekly. This offense can not be the WEST-Coast offense of the past. I Think the coaches know that there is a lot of weakness on the team and they are trying to make us think that the team is that good. Brooking needs to be replaced by Reese due to the fact that he can not feel the holes and every tackle is made 15 yards down field. I don’t know why everybody is waiting on the injuried players to come back because they are garbage and should not be in the NFL.

By Keeping it real !!!

September 28, 2005 03:30 PM | Link to this

Brooking I love you man but you have lost speed man bring in the young gun linebacker. Mr hartwell you need to step it up to run stopper? no let down on every play .play hard do your job we will win.Pass D is ok run D you guys need to step up Tampa is on the way. Brin I hope you start. Vick hurt your leg every week maybe you will look good every week!!