Falcons

By Andy

October 19, 2005 04:17 PM | Link to this

It is kind of true. I wasn’t a big Dunn fan early on, but he really fits in this offense really well. I think he should get the credit he is due. MNF is a great place to start, but he has to know with Vick, he will always be a part of the DVD package. As much as he wants 25 carries a game, I think it is better for the team and to help him stay fresh for the playoffs if he takes the number he does now.

As far as Cobb, I’d like to see him play ST and return kicks because Rossy has been just OK on runs that count since coming back from injury.

Steve, keep up the better blogs!

By Steve Wyche

October 19, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this

Andy,

I’m trying to provide a little more insight. I’m glad several bloggers offered up suggestions over the past few weeks. That’s allowed me to try and give you more of what you want. Thanks for checking in. I’ll try to revisit the blog later but I’ve got some work to do.

By Khao$

October 19, 2005 05:47 PM | Link to this

Steve, you’ve been doing a good job man. A good, FREE job at that! Keep it up dogg! Anyway, Dunn is being slighted by the national media. Shoot, he’s been slighted by Atlanta fans! While I’ll admit I was a proponent for giving Duckett a few more carries to help mix it up, I strongly disagreed with those who booed Warrick. Last year, people got mad whenever his runs would get snuffed out. Nobody wanted to admit that if the passing game was a bit better, teams couldn’t key in on Warrick as much. I was glad to here Peter King from CNNSI say that he is underrated. John Madden said the same on MNF when we played the Eagles. If I had to rate our offensive talent in terms of being consistent at this stage of the season, I think that it’s fair to say Dunn would be number 1. He leads the NFC in rushing!!! Second would be Alge. He does what he’s suppose to do. Finneran would be third. He’d be higher than Alge had they used him last Sunday. Forth would be Vick. My point is, if you think about our offense, Dunn has been the most likely candidate to produce results this season. Keep it up Warrick…

By larry w.

October 19, 2005 06:29 PM | Link to this

I agree with Andy. I think the number of carries that Warrick is getting now is about what he should get. I think it’s smart to limit the amount of pounding that Warrick’s body receives during the regular season so that he will be at peak performance level during the post season. I would also like to see Justin Griffith get a few more touches. I think he can contribute much more than just being a blocking back. One other thing concerning Warrick, I would like to see him used in passing situations a little more down field as opposed to the traditional screen passes. That would really create match up problems and give the enemy D.C.s one more threat to defend. It could really open up our offense.

By eric

October 19, 2005 07:55 PM | Link to this

how can u not be a fan of this guy? Look at his longevity in the league. For his size, the size of his heart is even bigger. He’s a rare gem amongst j******* millionaires who constantly put themselves before their team. Nothing fancing about Warrick…pure warrior. Without this guy, this team would flounder in a bad way.

By DbleD23

October 19, 2005 09:24 PM | Link to this

Talking Football Only Warrick Dunn is one of the most selfish teammates a player could ever have. He’s always talking that ‘this is not a one man team’ crap but he can’t do anything to back that up. He is so jealous of Vick its ridiculous. WHen he realizes that nobody pays their money to see HIM play then maybe he could concentrate on not tucking like a girl when he’s about to be hit. For anyone that actually GOES to the games, you notice how the crowd cheers when T.J. comes in?, I’m screaming the loudest! Dunn has been in the league all these years and is still begging for recognition for himself, after so long, he has to notice not many people give a rats badooky about him ON THE FIELD, off the field, he’s a great human being.

By L.J.

October 19, 2005 09:37 PM | Link to this

D23, nobody gives a rats badooky about your stupid a@@ blog entry either

By Timothy

October 19, 2005 10:50 PM | Link to this

Steve..this is awesome…i take back what i said…your a helluva guy…one other thing id like but dont know how feasible it is…but we used to have O-notes and D-notes after each game…basically a perspective of the writers take of the offense and defense and special teams …not a must have…know your busy…just a suggestion…but keep up the good work….thanks….in regards to Dunn…we are at a catch 22 with Dunn and his age…i wouldnt be opposed to trading Dunn after this breakout season for some serious value…but i think we might run into that shaun alexander, edgerrin james situation…but then again he’s never been really seriously injured…just imagine the players we could pick up on defense…or the receivers we could get…we are going to have to trade somebody of value to pick up an established receiver…this picking up a rookie receiver every draft honestly hasnt panned out…i could see a larry fitzgerald swap in the future.

By Timothy

October 19, 2005 10:51 PM | Link to this

on the flip side dunn is a great guy…great back and he does fit the offense perfectly and he’s coming into his prime…how could we really trade part of the dvd?

By Jennifer

October 19, 2005 11:03 PM | Link to this

dbldwhoever…..are you crazy? Lookit, there ain’t nuthin wrong with tootin your own horn when no one else will do it. All he’s doing is reminding all the people who only focus on his character that, hey, he can also play a little football.

I want to know who here thinks Duckett does a better job blocking for Vick than Dunn?

I want to know who here doesn’t see how really really really good his is as a back.

Far as I’m concerned, Dunn is a freakin debutante. The sportscasters are starting to notice him this year. How can you not? He’s 30 going on 22….

And what’s with this idiot comment on Dunn acting the pansy and taking a dive? I know where you got that, on that comment he made in the media that he knows when the play is over and he credits that with his LACK OF INJURIES. I call that smart, especially since it hasn’t stopped him from eating the field.

Just go away. Don’t pick on my Warrick Dunn…..

By Andy

October 19, 2005 11:17 PM | Link to this

Thanks for responding Steve…this definitely what we are used to. Awesome.

With respect to Dunn, I’d love to see him out wide, but I think getting Vick to trust his WRs is most important. Vick throws about 20-25 times or so a game and he completes about 15 with most going to Alge, Finn and RBs. If we were to add Dunn to the mix, that would be even less passes for WRs. We need Jenkins, Roddy, Dez and Pathon to become parts of the offense teams plan for. Right now, they plan for Alge and Finn in the passing game.

By Jamill2U

October 20, 2005 02:56 AM | Link to this

You are right on the money about Dunn. I must admit to being a bit skeptical about a small back carring the load but Warrick is proving to be a very special player and is having an All-Pro season so far. One last thing, his rushing total ranks second in the conference…Shaun Alexander and the Seahawks moved to the NFC.

By lawdog85

October 20, 2005 04:00 AM | Link to this

Warrick Dunn is a Diamond of a back! One we can’t afford too lose!!!

By Steve Wyche

October 20, 2005 07:33 AM | Link to this

Hey guys, thanks for all the responses. I made a mistake in that Warrick Dunn is the SECOND leading rusher in the NFC, behind conference and league leader Shaun Alexander. That’s my bad, sorry for the bad info, but I still don’t think it takes away from what Warrick has done.

By Leapyk

October 20, 2005 08:08 AM | Link to this

Warrick Dunn is the best back we have Mr.260lb TJ Duckett runs like a girl he gets bottled up on the line more than warrick does. So if anybody needs to go it needs to be TJ I really thought we had something in him he should be blowing linebackers up. If only TJ could run like Warrick we would be almost unstoppable. Mad ups to Dunn and one day maybe TJ will get there.

By Lee Sunset

October 20, 2005 08:51 AM | Link to this

Mike Ditka said on ESPN radio the other day that “Warrick Dunn is one of the most underrated players in the NFL.” I spoke with Warrick at his Wash ‘n Wear annual fund-raiser Monday night (remember, he won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award last year, confirming he’s the cream of the crop as a player and person) and asked him why he always plays so well against the Saints - simple answer: “I just get out there and work as hard as I can.”

By dray

October 20, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this

What’s a trip about Dez White’s pathetic play is it almost makes us not notice that neither of our 1st round pick WRs (Jenkins, RWhite) has emerged as a “go to” receiver for Vick. Finneran is not only a candidate to replace DWhite, but in reality by default he has become the ONLY receiver to establish any chemistry with Vick. Vick knows that he can put it up for Finneran, even make a bad throw, and there’s a chance that Finny will haul it in. Much like Alge. As for the topic of today’s discussion — Dunn is ‘da bomb!!!! He also is an FSU grad, like me, so that makes me like him more. I need him and Deion to invest in my next movie, maybe we can make it a football flick! Drayton Jamison, Big Ain’t Bad.

By paul02085

October 20, 2005 09:38 AM | Link to this

Warrick is the most valuable player on the Falcons. End of story.

By Deano

October 20, 2005 09:42 AM | Link to this

You guys that always whine about receivers crack me up. Don’t you understand how this offence operates. It does not matter how good of a receiver you think you are getting if he is not a good blocker he is not going to be valuable to this team. Vick is never going to throw the ball like a stereotypical QB, its simply is not going to happen he does not play ball like that. And that is not a bad thing that’s something to embrace and marvel at. I love the way the falcons play offence. It’s fun to watch. They are unique, no one else could be successful in this type offence. Vick and Dunn are special talents and it’s great the way Mora has shaped this offence to let their gifts flourish. Someone mentioned trading Dunn after this season, that may not a bad idea considering how long he’s been in the league and his value may be at it’s highest at the end of the season. But don’t think receivers, think safety (a Rodney Harrison type) and corners and maybe a nose guard (a Warren Sapp type)a good run stopper/pass rusher. D players is what this team needs the most.

By Brian Hunt

October 20, 2005 10:09 AM | Link to this

I’ve always liked Mr. Dunn, but I was initially skeptical of his performance as an every down back in the Falcon offense. That all changed last year after the second game against the Panthers when he stonewalled Julius Peppers to give Vick time to pass! That was a block that few backs make. I bought his Jersey the next day. I hope this season continues to be his best ever. He deserves it.

By dray

October 20, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this

Deano: I don’t disagree with you, in fact I too find the Falcons offense the most unique and fun to watch in the league. Vick is very effective at QB, and his wins (and stellar 4th quarter play) is what matters most, similarly to the pre-Super Bowl winning John Elway, who was always a great QB, but only got respect after winning the biggest game. With that said, my point on the WRs is that there is no real rhythm and chemistry between Vick and anyone other than Finny and Alge. I am not sure why he doesn’t throw to JGriffith more, because they seem to have chemistry too. But with Jenkins, RWhite, and DWhite, who all seem to play as much or more than Finny, there seems to be a chemistry problem. Vick either fires them the ball too hard OR sometimes he lofts it too soft, but to me it seems that he is doing something different because he doesn’t have CONFIDENCE that he can just make an ordinary throw — and rightfully so because DWhite drops more passes than he catches, MJenkins doesn’t seem to go after the ball, and RWhite is unproven (so far — done nothing!). So his timing and passes seem off when he throws to these guys, and this is an area where if we improve — the Falcons will be even MORE fun to watch.

By arareblend

October 20, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this

I have been a major fan of WD’s since his FSU days. I recall Bobby Bowden feeling bad that Dunn’s run at the Heisman was hurt by FSU’s dominance and Dunn not having great stats as he watched the 2nd and 3rd teams run up the score. Having said all of that, the only possible event that I would consider trading him would be for a chance to get Reggie Bush. IMHO Warrick epitomizes the type of athlete I believe the Falcons are trying to field (world class on/off the field). I would love to see Warrick retire a Falcon and have his jersey flying high from the rafters in the Dome.

By John Reid

October 20, 2005 12:38 PM | Link to this

While MV7 is the leader of the team, it is without question that Warrick is the heart of the team. He exemplifies character and a toughness that has made him so successful on and off the field. He’s a joy to watch, and he’ll shine even more on MNF as Atlanta snuffs out Vinny and the New York M-E-S-S Mess Mess Mess.

My only complaint is that I wish they would throw the ball to Dunn more. Until the WRs (Jenkins & White) prove they are able to stretch the field in the passing game, our best option may be to use Warrick similar to how Philly uses Westbrook.

By johna

October 20, 2005 03:04 PM | Link to this

Dunn is by far the most consistant offensive player the Falcons have. The offensive line after all these years is finally getting it together. I agree that they need a way to pass him the ball in the flats and watch him go. I remember when he was with Tampa they ran that play on the Falcons it was very well executed. The only thing stopping Dunn is the coaching staff.

By Jennifer

October 20, 2005 03:40 PM | Link to this

Brian H,

I know exactly that block on Peppers you’re talking about. There was more than one during that game where Dunn shut Peppers down. Once he hit him and Peppers just about somersaulted over Dunn into a pile-o-player.

I’ve been talking him up and down forever. I, too, hope he retires a Falcon.