Falcons

By L.J.

October 26, 2005 04:43 PM | Link to this

It would be nice to see the offense use short passes (crossing routes) as a part of the “running” game similar to how Philly does it (but not to the same extent). Those are relatively easy passes to complete and will accomplish at least 3 things:

1) It’ll increase Vick’s passing efficiency 2) Allows the big WRs to make plays after the catch 3) Keeps the safeties from crowding the box, which opens up more lanes for Dunn 4) Keeps Vick off his back by getting rid of the ball

Just a thought…

By RB

October 26, 2005 05:05 PM | Link to this

Fire the QB coach and hire Steve Young at whatever salary he wants! (Even Leo M. would be an improvement). The offense will always be inconsistent as long as Vick doesn’t consistently set up before a throw (especially in a crowd). Watch his feet when he throws and you will see 90% of the problem.

Other than that, I agree with L.J., whatever happened to the short slant passes and short curls the West Coast offense is famous for?

By Andy

October 26, 2005 05:05 PM | Link to this

I agree with LJ with respect to the passing game…

1) Add more passes to Dunn and Griffith and take a few away from Alge. As Vick gets into a rythm, the WRs can get involved. Vick throws the ball 24 times a game, so the goal is to have him complete about 19-20 of them as opposed to the 11-14 he does now, then look to who the passes go to.

2) He plays well in the 2 minute offense. Somehow, we got to run that at different points in the game.

3) Add the flea flicker. I love the play. They can add the direct snap to Dunn. No reverses. We aren’t there in the passing game to run those. Still too many defenders around the line of scrimmage for no. 7

4) Decrease the roll outs. These seem to help the run game with fakes more than the pass game, so limit these a little bit and have Vick in the pocket a few more passes a game.

5) With respect to the run game, don’t mess with it. the only thing I’d do is give Dunn a shot on 1st and goal before bringing in Duckett. He deserves it.

6) With respect to personnel, I think our WR group is fine. It would be nice to get Pathon involved, but it is more important to get any WR involved and into a game big time with Vick as QB.

By Greg

October 26, 2005 06:58 PM | Link to this

I think you have to actually design more rollouts, so that Vick can see over the defensive line. He’s fairly short, and his passes are still headed up (or behind) when they get to the reciever. Design rollouts so that he can move to a spot and throw from there with his feet under him.

By jcwfalcon

October 26, 2005 08:10 PM | Link to this

The run game is fine.

The receivers are what they are. Dez Whites demotion was necessary. Roddy and B Finn need to get more looks. Jenkins is OK. Lets see what Pathon has got. Overall you dont really ask this group to WIN the game…just stop trying to lose the game by dropping passes. Had the receivers not dropped so many passes, we MIGHT be undefeated right now. At least they are somewhat of a youthful group…meaning they COULD get better.

Vick needs to put more touch on his passes and stop throwing a bullet on every pass. This is especially necessary until he finds his accuracy once again. A bullet pass in the hands is catchable…a bullet that ends up a step behind the receiver or below his knees would be tough for even the Jerry Rice of old to catch. Those passes would probably be completions if he would just take a little off and focus on getting it where it needs to go rather than on putting as much velocity on the ball as possible. My guess is Vick has this instinct that if he puts as much cannon on the ball as possible that it will be virtually un-interceptable. He has to be learning that this isnt the case because these balls are getting tipped and picked off. It would seem to be a common instinct, especially for a young QB with Vicks armstrength, to try to out muscle the chance of an interception. The QB’s coach has to pick up on this and coach Vick away from it.

Knapp would be better to call more passing plays in which Vick is on the move…rolling out. It is no secret if you look at most of the Vick highlights of his career that most of them that involve him passing the ball have him throwing while on the run, not in the pocket. He just doesnt look comfortable throwing in the pocket…as silly as that sounds. Almost like a 3 step drop gives him too much time to think about it…or makes him try and put all he has into the pass. When he is on the run it seems like all he is thinking about is ‘making it happen’…which he is very capable of doing if he doesnt overthink/overthrow the pass.

By James Harmon

October 26, 2005 08:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t think we need to do anything to tweak the offense, we just have to progess. Were averaging over 200 yards rushing when Vick plays. That’s tops in the league by 40-50 yards per game. Were a Superbowl win away from having the greatest running attack in NFL history. The passing will get better. Our biggest weakness is Vick’s health. Heck, were undefeated when he plays the whole game and have lost by 3pts in our losses with Matt Shaub. Don’t worry, we are okay.

By Big Al

October 26, 2005 08:49 PM | Link to this

More fades and “jump balls” to Finn. Use the sprint out draw more Start throwing slants and skinny posts. In single covergaes which our guys get a lot…throw quick slants or posts

The run game is fine, just use Duckett a little more.

By Scott

October 26, 2005 08:59 PM | Link to this

SOMEONE SAID PLAY VICK AT WIDE RECEIVER AND LET SCHAUB PLAY QB.

OWNERS DONT SPEND 150 MILLION ON A QB AND THEN SWITCH THEIR POSITIONS.

VICK WOULD NOT ACCEPT IT ANYWAY.

VICK THROW BULLET

NO ONE TO CATCH

VICK THROW EASY

PASSES INTERCEPT

By Erik

October 26, 2005 09:13 PM | Link to this

I think the Falcons need to use more 7 step drops. I know that the WCO is about quick passes but, I think Vick’s to short to be that close to the line on every play.

It’s hard for him to see over lineman, that’s why his passes are always high.

After this year, i get rid of Duckett and make Justin our backup Runningback.

Dunn needs to start getting more carries………

New Falcons Blog

By Nunna yo bzness

October 26, 2005 09:58 PM | Link to this

Are u guys finished playing??U want to know what will make this offense unstoppable!!???Ok.. 1)Break out the pass on 1st down..And the bomb on the 1st play of the game..(errbody know knapp is gonna call run when Vick Plays). 2)Go to a 4 reciever set in the 2 minute offense.When u are in a rushed sense,u don’t think of failing,and u concentrate better.That will be a bonus for the recievers and vick.. 3)Call more screen passes,for Dunn and TJ,and Griffith..that will up the linebackers and safeties to rush which will open all of the middle for Vick to fake a pass and bootleg up the center..Now u have established the Vick threat he was with Reeves..the defense will be on its heels all game. And 4),Fullback up the middle..Justin is an exceptional runner,and how many replays have we seen of a Dunn run that is stuffed but justin is up the field and errbody just lets him go,not even paying attention to him.He could bust a big one or maybe not..But, that will open up the middle for him to fake a fullback handoff,and pitch to dunn. Summary:U want a defense to be on its heels the whole game.Gambling on when to rush,or stay put. P.S.,Hey knapp,why not a little take what they give u playcalling huh??? Thats the Master Plan right there!!Now if u excuse me,I need a drink.Some friends of mine might be going to jail soon,and I don’t know what im gonna do,thank u,and,God Bless America.. GEORGE W.BUSH

By nunna yo bznezz

October 26, 2005 10:04 PM | Link to this

Hell all u need is another Tight End in there.Take out them wide recievers out,hell they can’t block or catch.Hell,i’ve been telling u that for freaking years!!!!!!!!

Dan Reeves

By nunna yo bznezz

October 26, 2005 10:07 PM | Link to this

Defense?????Defense!!!!???? Who plays defense now a days..Look,its like i tell these young fellas,The faster u let them score,the faster u can run the other way for a layup!!Yall don’t know!!

Dominique Wilkens

By jcwfalcon

October 26, 2005 10:14 PM | Link to this

Man. This thing brings out the finest people!

By Andy

October 26, 2005 10:45 PM | Link to this

I don’t like the notion that Vick isn’t great in the pocket. When he runs the 2 minute offense, he usually stays in the pocket and passes quite well. I think somehow they have to get the 2 minute feel in the game so Vick can get in a groove. I fully expect his play to improve after the BYE. The coaches will have time to see what’s up and Vick will get to rest.

By Larry

October 26, 2005 10:55 PM | Link to this

Bring back Dan Reeves.

Vick was much more effective under that regime, and won just as many games.

By Jeff

October 26, 2005 11:01 PM | Link to this

The height may not be as much of a problem as some seem to think. After all, there are several QB’s six feet and under like Drew Brees, Jeff Garcia, etc.

By russ

October 27, 2005 12:00 AM | Link to this

If it wasn’t broke you shouldn’t have tried to fix it. Vick was progressing wonderfully as a first year starter he was comparable to where Eli manning is now as a second year player,only he was alot more spectacular as a playmaker.Remember that amazing comeback against the steelers in Pittsburg ? The one where Vick converted on 3rd and 20 yards or more 3 times in the 4th quarter ? Or the 286 yard passing performance he put on the heralded phildelphia secondary in a playoff loss ? Not to mention a beautifully balanced (running and Passing) play-off win at Green bay.By the way,the 1st ever play-off loss at Lambeau for the packers. How soon we forget!! Two years ago on a talk show,Dan Reeves was very correct when he stated “this new offense will set Vick back 3 years.” Funny coming from a guy (who by the way is responsible for Vick and Crump)we thought didn’t know jack about quarterbacks.The main thing we need to do is be patient while Vick adapts to such a drastic change and be grateful he’s talented enough to win ugly in the mean time.What a luxury to have.

By joe

October 27, 2005 07:52 AM | Link to this

First of all, NEVER mention Vick and Manning in the same sentance. Ever.

The problem is, Vick was given a $100 contract, and no longer works on his game. End of story.

And by the way, you can be sure he’ll show up against Green Bay and Miami, and be injured and not play in both Tampa and Carolina games.

By coastal jim

October 27, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this

On behalf of all right-thinking Falcon fans, I would like to apologize for joe’s lunacy. Let’s let Eli win ONE road game before we vault him into Canton. Also, the only thing that matters is wins and losses. Let’s just see who goes further in the playoffs, the FALCONS or the giants. Anybody want the giants? Anyone?

By Jason

October 27, 2005 10:11 AM | Link to this

I agree. Vick was much better under Reeves. He was progressing nicely.

At this point, I’m doubting Vick can be as effective with this “west coast” system.

Vick (during his second year)was a lot better than Eli currently is. This is evidenced by the fact that Vick was winning home and road games with much less talent at his disposal. Eli won’t make the playoffs this year.

By tony

October 27, 2005 10:33 AM | Link to this

I would throw the ball to Roddy a minimum of 8 times per game…3 of them being on deep routes. The problem is that Vick can’t hit his open WR’s so he’ll just run the ball.

By johna

October 27, 2005 10:38 AM | Link to this

Scheme’s mean nothing if you don’t have the personel to run it. Vick needs to be in a vertical passing game to be an effective passer that is why he does so well in the 2 minute drill. Scrap the modified West Coast and go to the Atlantic Coast and go vertical!

By Greg

October 27, 2005 10:53 AM | Link to this

Wow, who knew Dan Reeves had so many fans? Seriously, Dan Reeves?

By Jon

October 27, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Aight — Here we go. 5 man front + Crump @ TE. Finneran and Jenkins at WR, Schaub (middle), Vick (left), Dunn (right): all in shotgun formation.

Who gets the snap? Good question.

By Brian Hunt

October 27, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this

The running game is perfect. The pass game needs more half field reads with multiple hi-lo combination routes on one side of the field to simplify things for Vick and allow him to get comfortable early. The screen pass needs to become a bigger part of the offense. Why are they so inconsistent with that play? Probably because they don’t work on it or call it much during games.

What happened to Jennifer? Does she no longer blog now that it’s free? Come back Jen, your friends miss you. :)

By xxx

October 27, 2005 01:24 PM | Link to this

David Fleming is a writer at ESPN says the folloing about Vick: “Jim Mora answers all the Vick critiques by pointing to his winning percentage, but there are times when I think No. 7 has regressed. Not as a passer, but as a quarterback. He rolls out with no intention of passing. He throws every ball the same speed, without touch, which caused tipped balls and interceptions that kept the Jets in the game. By my count, this led Vick to be exposed to the possibility of a major injury seven times Monday night. Most teams like that number to be somewhere between zero and one.” Point - Is anyone helping Vick with his mechanics and ball velocity?

By Peter

October 27, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this

Ole Jake up in Carolina is a pocket passer. How many times has Vick lost to him?? None. Farve is great, 1-1 vs Vick and Vick’s loss was in his second start in the season opener.

In 2002 how’d he [Vick] manage to put up 30+ points in a lot of those games. 37 vs. the great Steelers defense.

Last season what happened after the game in Denver? Shanahan comes over to Vick and says, “You’re something else”

Rookie WR’s seem to come in and make contributions to other offenses around the league. What’s behind Atlanta’s failure in that area.

Vick certainly seems to get the ball to Crumpler. Does it have anything to do with the fact that he knows 1)Crumpler will read the defense correctly and 2) Crumpler will actually catch the damn ball?

Reeves used the fullback as an offensive weapon. Justin isn’t an equal to Christian? How the hell would we know?

The Falcons are attempting to serve two masters. One is Gibbs and one is Knapp. It’s not meshing.

Everybody says Vick needs to be a “pocket passer” Where’s the pocket? There’s not one QB among playoff calibre teams that frequently “jumped” right from the line of scrimmage. He’s always under pressure.

I’m getting so damn tired of the critics that I almost hope he leaves so that we can make the “I’d rather lose with a pocket passer than win with Vick” people happy.

It’s a cow town and I’m sick of it.

By Wesley

October 27, 2005 02:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah let’s overall the offense. We only played to the NFC title game last year in the first year of new offense.

We are 16-7 so far since this offense has been installed.

Our starting QB is only 5-1 as a starter this year.

But his completion % and QB rating are down…and we can’t have that. We need to be perfect in every aspect. Wins don’t matter, passing stats are what win games.

By Doug

October 27, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

First of all if I am the current Falcons OC, then someone should fire me because I stink. How come this team can not score more consistantly and then when I am leading I stop attacking. What the heck is wrong with me? I think my decisions are seriously affecting the defense because there are way too many 3 and outs. Maybe I should rent some 49er tapes and see how a real west coast offense was run, because I really don’t have a clue right now.

By John

October 27, 2005 04:09 PM | Link to this

One thing seems clear: People either love or hate a successful running quarterback. The excuse is not mobility either, when Donte Culpepper scrambled for a big gain on the right sideline I heard one of the commentators say “It dosen’t seem fair when your quarterback can run like that.” When Brett favre picks up yards on the ground he is “smart” and “fearless”, but when one of the new generation of quarterbacks does what he does he is considered “athletic” or “one diminsional”. The true fans of the game don’t really care about the color of a mans’ skin, but yet the content of his game. There are a is a small segment of the football community in Atlanta who refuses to show support to young running quarterbacks. You pestimistic want ta be offensive coordinators are doing youself and most likely your kids a disservice, because I know your kids love to see a quarterback escape a ‘coverage sack’ when all the receivers are covered down field and then run half the distance of the field in less than 5 seconds… Man, how can you not jump up off of the couch for that?… he should have thrown the ball away?…that’s not what the quarterback position is for?

By nunna yo bznezz

October 27, 2005 06:57 PM | Link to this

Peter,Is your last name Brady??????????

Wesley,is your last name Durham???????

And my boy Doug,I know who u are,Mr.Johnson.. Peter,U were bringing it,especially on your last paragraph…

Wesley,stats wins????Here is a stat for u Wesley,”Crack Kills”,what the hell????Anyway…

Doug(I know u are Gregg Knapp for real),Yes..Break in Joe Montana’s house,and get those 49er tapes.. I truly believe that,u may have a point..1

By nunna yo bznezz

October 27, 2005 06:59 PM | Link to this

P.S…Wesley Im a moran..I did not realize u were being sarcastic,my bad…

By Jeff

October 27, 2005 07:02 PM | Link to this

Here’s what Jason Whitlock said about Vick

Monday night I couldn’t decide which was more embarrassing: Michael Vick’s performance or Jim Mora’s coaching.

Never has a team that produces four sacks, an interception, a 155-yard rusher and a 20-0 second-quarter lead been as unimpressive as the Falcons were against the Jets.

Don’t get me wrong. I liked everything about the Falcons except Vick and Mora. Vick simply cannot pass, and I couldn’t figure out late in the third quarter and throughout the fourth why Mora was allowing Vick to attempt to throw the football.

The Jets could’ve easily rallied and won that game, thanks to Vick’s Frerotte-like passing. If Vick ever plays quarterback in a Super Bowl, I’ll be shocked.

The solution to Atlanta’s No. 1 receiver problem spells his name M-I-C-H-A-E-L V-I-C-K.

link is http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=whitlock/051027

By Miles

October 27, 2005 07:31 PM | Link to this

Yea I thought Mora’s playcalling was a little sketchy late in the game but so far we are 17-8 with him as the head coach including the playoffs so im not going to rip him, especially since we still won the game by a fair margin. At the moment, a lot of the blame does have to fall on Vick with regards to the anemic passing attack because he is the QB and the leader of the offense. We know that Vick is quite possibly never going to have a 60% completion percentage because he doesnt have enough accuracy and the main reason why he always passes to Crumpler is because he is a big target to hit. However, if he puts enough touch on the ball by getting his footwork sorted out and properly going through his reads then he will be an annual 3000 yard passer. The deep pass to Jenkins in the Philly game in week 1 was a perfect example of what Vick is capable of he goes through all of his motions. In that play he had a great fake handoff, good protection, great pocket presence, good footwork and great mechanics and the pass landed perfectly into Jenkins hands in stride between two pro bowl defenders. Vick just needs to get consistent and if he accomplishes that then our team is as good as any in the NFL.

By Greg

October 27, 2005 08:06 PM | Link to this

You have to wonder if everyone would be happier with Schaub back there. I bet the Patriots were happier.

By cp

October 28, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this

I have to agree wit Peter. If Vick was traded or just plain out released as some of these so called fans want then they would have to find somebody else to complain about and rag on.The falcons are actually being talked about as being a Super Bowl caliber team but you wouldnt think so if u read half of these idiotic comments that some people come up with. Maybe the Falcons should start losing 10 or 11 games a year to show some of these fake a* fans what it was like before we had a winner.

By Big D

November 1, 2005 12:13 AM | Link to this

well, as far as the offense is concerned there’s not much you can do, the problem is with the personnel, at this point you have to wait till the off season to make trades and cut people, this offense would be fine if the receivers would just help vick out and CATCH THE BALL, the running game is fine although I would consider trading Duckett, for a big man he tips through the hole a little to much, Dunn is smaller but he actually runs harder than TJ. Also, we the fans need to see what Roddy White is made of, so far he hasn’t had the chance to prove himself. the main problem in the offense is the recievers they have to be more aggressive and they must COME BACK TO THE BALL and stop waiting on the ball, if crumpler can catch vick’s passes then the other recievers should be able to catch them also, no excuse…THE RECIEVERS ARE JUST TOO PASSIVE THEY NEED TO STEP IT UP AND GET ON VICK’S LEVEL, but what do you expect out of a group of average guys…

By Keeping it real

November 1, 2005 10:45 AM | Link to this

Run some trick plays . the run game is fine passing got to get to 250 yards a game revicere must come back to ball when vick in Troblem must have better safety valve to dump pass off to. pass to vick in red zone. let vick and company run pass plays before game so they can get in zink.This is needed to be done one hour before game- must!!!!!