AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLosing Finneran a big blow
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Though Brian Finneran was the Falcons’ No. 3 wide receiver, he led the wideouts with 50 receptions last season and was the team’s most clutch third-down weapon.
His loss for the season with a knee injury is a blow to a team with young, unproven wide receivers who will need some guidance from a guy who’s been in the system for years. Finneran also was a strong blocker and a vital special teams player, so the Falcons are going to have to do some adjusting.
The personnel department is looking for free agents, but none might be available that are any better than the lot already on the roster. Jerome Pathon, an eight-year vet, will assume Finneran’s role now, but the coaches seem to be very high on rookie Adam Jennings, a diminutive sixth round draft pick drafted to be a special teams player.
That there is so much conversation and concern about Finneran and his replacement also signals some apprehension about starters Michael Jenkins and Roddy White. Though they finished the season as the starting tandem, they still have to prove their first-round worthiness.
With Finneran not likely to be around to be a security blanket, they have no choice but to step up now.
Comments
By Nikki
July 31, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
The loss of Finn is a huge blow. I can only assume the current batch of WRs sense the urgency to step it up. A lot hinges on the passing game this coming season.
By L.J.
July 31, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Steve, You make some good observations. If Vick is to truly ever evolve as a passer, he needs to have his security blankets stripped from him at times. Now I’m not saying Finn’s injury is a good thing, but with Alge slowly working back into the mix, I am hopeful that all the extra work Vick put in with Roddy and Jenk was not just a “show”.
By L.J.
July 31, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Steve, You make some good observations. If Vick is to truly ever evolve as a passer, he needs to have his security blankets stripped from him at times. Now I’m not saying Finn’s injury is a good thing, but with Alge slowly working back into the mix, I am hopeful that all the extra work Vick put in with Roddy and Jenk was not just a “show”.
By Jeff
July 31, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
Time to trade Duckett for Ashlie Lelie in Denver.
By Jeff
July 31, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
Time to trade Duckett for Ashlie Lelie in Denver.
By seth
July 31, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
With Finn down I think that it is time we “we shuffle up and deal.” by this I mean, trade Duckett to bring in someone like Lellie, this would shift the depth chart down putting Jenkins at the #3. For short yardage we could use Justin Griffin at RB, and Freddy (cough-cough) Mac at FB. How you like them apples?
By Larry
July 31, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
Stop with the “trade Duckett for Lelie” mess!! Lelie makes too much money.
By dirrtybird
July 31, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t get too anxious yet. Let’s see how it turns out. Don’t just dump Duckett off to the first team to offer up a slot receiver. We still need a kicker, Norwood apparently has “fumbilitis”, we’re still looking for a run stuffing DT. If we lost Finn, that is huge, but let’s not overcompensate on a deal just to get another receive. Don’t we already have about 6? We’re a running team anyways. I know everbody wants us to pass, but let’s get real. We run first. Let’s hold tight and see what develops.
By TOM
July 31, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
Trade Vick for a receiver for Matt and a good d lineman
By TOM
July 31, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
Trade Vick for a receiver for Matt and a good d lineman
By TonyG
July 31, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this
why not go pick up az zahir hakim…he can play special teams too. or ricky proehl. he always killed us. and he’s the veteran sort of leader we could use. i just don’t know enough about pathon; but finneran was A LOT more to this team than just a no.3 receiver. IT is a HUUUGE loss. i just hope he’s not out for the whole season. but thats wishful thinking i know
By dave
July 31, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
Proehl … that’s actually not a bad idea. Sure, he is an old slow white guy, but he seems to get the job done in whatever situation he is in.
By Andy
July 31, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
I’m for anyone, Proehl fine—but can proehl leap 10 feet to catch the vick passes? Thats why finn is so important. And yeah! Whats the deal with draft? What did atlanta fans do to him?
By seth
July 31, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
Proehl? Come on the guy is 38 years old… maybe Az Hakim
By Joey
July 31, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
On a team with a sub-par quarter back like the Falcons, losing a dependable first down reciever like Finneran is a severe blow. Now we might have Vick complete 200 passes, and Crumpler catch 195 of them. Finneran kept us in more drives than any other player, including Vick. The defense better pack it’s Red Bull because they are going to be on the field A LOT. Finneran is a class act that will be missed on the field, but I am sure we will see him off the field doing the hospital visits talking to kids who need a role model. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. For that matter, a nicer owner.
By Paul Hamilton
July 31, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
Ummm I may be mistaken but I thought the Denver Broncos were already overloaded in the running back position. I know they have tatum bell and ron dayne. Why would they trade a reciever for another running back??? Our 1st round picks Jenkins and White need to step up or lets trade one of those guys for a proven reciever.
By smoovcc
July 31, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
Finn defnitely will be missed but that’s what the NFL is all about, adjusting to different scenerios. SI’s Peter King is such a fake, he really hates Vick and has never said one positive thing about the kid. If you read his articles it’s easy to see what he’s about, put it like this, good thing this isn’t 1985 because Vick would be playing flanker or WR. The guy prefers things to be the way they were in the past. I strongly dislike the guy.
By Ryder
July 31, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
Perhaps this will help in the long run, especially for Vick now that he has to learn to throw to people other than Finneran & Crumpler. Proehl may be a bit long in the tooth but he is more dependable than the all flash no substance Hakim, who only got his name known because of playing alongside Holt & Bruce. I think Proehl would be able to stretch the defense and make the all important catch on 3rd down to move the chains.
By michael
July 31, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this
I don’t wish injury to know one, but this might be just what the team needs! Joey Porter wants out of the Raiders organization. And teams is going to be getting rid of some good recievers! But I say lets give Pathon, and the kid Jennings a try!
By keeping it REAL !
July 31, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
Mckay let’s see if your A game is on and see what you can do now ! We still need some offense linemen a kicker run stopper and now we need a tall reciver with skills. Mackay it’s show time this why they pay you the big buck’s and now it’s time for you to perform show me what you are working with manager!!
By los72
July 31, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
Time have finally come for DEREK LEE, he will be the best fit prospect to sure up our receiving corp. Vick need support from a bigger receiver at 6’5 he will be the big game changer. We have a finish product in our football family why not give him the chance. VOTE FOR “DEREK LEE GEORGIA FORCE”
By Darrin C. Niblack
July 31, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
Man, what a difference a couple of years make. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate Finn’s work as a Falcon, but all of you acting like the sky is falling is funny to me. I distinctly remember everyone here in the ATL wanting Finn’s head on a platter just a couple of season’s ago and now everyone act like we’re doomed without him. Yes, Finn’s injury is a blow to our already shaky passing game, but just like Finn got a chance in this league and with this team, now someone else will. All the things I’m hearing about Roddy’s catching ability or lack of hands, I heard said about Finn, now everyone is on Finn’s jock like he was THE MAN. This isn’t a knock on Finn because he and Vick definetly had a connection out on that field (plus Finn can lay some good blocks), but to all these folks here who can’t believe in anything or anyone for more than 15 minutes. One minute Finn sucks, next minute we can’t make the playoffs without him? WHAT? First you love Vick, now you hate him. No wonder our teams here are cursed. I will miss Finn just as much as anyone else, but da#$%it, it ain’t over yet! GO FALCONS!!!
By Darrin C. Niblack
July 31, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
Man, what a difference a couple of years make. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate Finn’s work as a Falcon, but all of you acting like the sky is falling is funny to me. I distinctly remember everyone here in the ATL wanting Finn’s head on a platter just a couple of season’s ago and now everyone act like we’re doomed without him. Yes, Finn’s injury is a blow to our already shaky passing game, but just like Finn got a chance in this league and with this team, now someone else will. All the things I’m hearing about Roddy’s catching ability or lack of hands, I heard said about Finn, now everyone is on Finn’s jock like he was THE MAN. This isn’t a knock on Finn because he and Vick definetly had a connection out on that field (plus Finn can lay some good blocks), but to all these folks here who can’t believe in anything or anyone for more than 15 minutes. One minute Finn sucks, next minute we can’t make the playoffs without him? WHAT? First you love Vick, now you hate him. No wonder our teams here are cursed. I will miss Finn just as much as anyone else, but da#$%it, it ain’t over yet! GO FALCONS!!!
By El Guapo
July 31, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
The RSS feed for this blog is not working
By Bruce
August 1, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
Please do not post if you are stupid. Trade Vick? Pulease! Finn’s loss IS significant, however I believe we have a couple of guys that can step up - and neither one is Pathon. I am looking at Jennings and Magner. Much has been said about Jennings who has good hands and runs like a cat. However, nothing has been said about Magner. He has size, and simply makes plays. He catches anything thrown in his zipcode.
By Bruce
August 1, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
Please do not post if you are stupid. Trade Vick? Pulease! Finn’s loss IS significant, however I believe we have a couple of guys that can step up - and neither one is Pathon. I am looking at Jennings and Magner. Much has been said about Jennings who has good hands and runs like a cat. However, nothing has been said about Magner. He has size, and simply makes plays. He catches anything thrown in his zipcode.
By CURTIS
August 1, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
I WAS THERE. JIMMY WILLIAMS NEEDS TO TONE IT DOWN A BIT. I NOW YOU WANT TO BE AGGRESSIVE,BUT DO THAT AGAINST SOME ONE WHO HAS NO SHOT IN HELL OF MAKING THE TEAM. SOMEONE ON THE OFFENSE SHOULD HAVE COME IN AND GIVING HIM A SHOT TO THE HEAD. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO FINN, STAY STRONG, THERE’S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR. NOW LET’S USE DUCKETT FOR BAIT.
By CURTIS
August 1, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this
I WAS THERE. JIMMY WILLIAMS NEEDS TO TONE IT DOWN A BIT. BE AGGRESSIVE AGAINST SOME OF THE GUYS THAT HAVE NO SHOT IN THE HELL OF MAKING THE TEAM. PRAYERS GO OUT TO FINN, STAY STRONG & GET HEALTHY FOR NEXT YEAR. THIS SHIP HASN’T SUNK, BUT LET’S SEE HOW WE CAN GET ASHLIE LELIE. GOT BAIT(DUCKETT)
By PreyDawg
August 1, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
What about SUNSHINE???!!! Cole Magner looked GREAT in preseason last year and nobody has even MENTIONED the guy. He has INCREDIBLE hands.
By E. Hill
August 1, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
check this out, i post rearly, but last i checked this is football and that means toughness, especially mentally. Finn’s lost is that, a lost,not a problem. Man, i hope this team is stronger and tougher mentally than some of these bloggers. I wish i could strap on my helmet and take out some of these bloggers that count us out because of one player, its a team game, a mans game!!!!!!!!!!
By THL
August 1, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
It’s just time for these other guys to step up and earn that money. Finns catches can be replaced by existing personnel and maybe some free agent help if available. If the Falcons trade Duckett, they need to get more than a 3rd receiver for him. If he’s moved, I’d rather see some beef/depth for the offensive or defensive line. Maybe even some help in the secondary, but not for a third reciever when we have guys who have enough upside to fill in nicely.
By THL
August 1, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
It’s just time for these other guys to step up and earn that money. Finns catches can be replaced by existing personnel and maybe some free agent help if available. If the Falcons trade Duckett, they need to get more than a 3rd receiver for him. If he’s moved, I’d rather see some beef/depth for the offensive or defensive line. Maybe even some help in the secondary, but not for a third reciever when we have guys who have enough upside to fill in nicely.
By van
August 1, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t Brian Finerran has a twin brother Brad. They should throw him in and see. jk
By TAJ
August 1, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
My first reaction was to go out and sign a WR but at some point you just have to go with what you got. We’ve spent #1 picks in 04 and 05 and now they’ve got to produce. Sure, we can go out and get Ricky Proehl but what does that do to the guys that need to step it up. This gives them the chance to go out and do something this season to make us say next year, “Brian who?”. Let’s move on and get the talent that we have on the field and get them to produce and not go out and sign some high dollar FA that’s out there now.
By TAJ
August 1, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
My first reaction was to go out and sign a WR but at some point you just have to go with what you got. We’ve spent #1 picks in 04 and 05 and now they’ve got to produce. Sure, we can go out and get Ricky Proehl but what does that do to the guys that need to step it up. This gives them the chance to go out and do something this season to make us say next year, “Brian who?”. Let’s move on and get the talent that we have on the field and get them to produce and not go out and sign some high dollar FA that’s out there now.
By DIRRTYBIRD
August 1, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else heard anything about Vick getting hurt in practice today? Why isn’t the ajc on top of breaking stories for their hometown teams?
By L.J.
August 1, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
Dirtybird,
The AJC blog writer reported the story in “real time”. The other sources you read actually got their info from the AJC. So chalk one up for the hometown paper (for once).
Steve, the Chargers just released Rashaun Woods (former first rounder from Oklahoma State 6-2, 202). Obviously he has some issues given that he’s been cut or traded by 2 teams already, but given the FA WRs on the market, would he be viable?
By DIRRTYBIRD
August 1, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this
LJ,
Fair enough. Thanks for the confirm. It must be nothing because no one is on this story.
By mike
August 2, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
What would be an even bigger blow is NOT losing Vick to injury. If he can tear his ACL now. We might have a chance.
By Brian
August 2, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wyche, is cornerback Chris Cash still with the team? Has he recovered from his broken arm? He performed well in his few opportunites. He could provide some quality depth at CB.
By Martha
August 2, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this
I agree Brian Finneran is a big blow, however I agree that it is time for the rest of the wideout’s to step up and show what they are made off. You do not need to get rid of Vick, he just needs to mature a little bit, he needs to understand that if no one is open, he either needs to throw the ball out of bounds or run with it , if he can rather then backing up and having to go 35 yards on first down…….
By BirdDawg
August 2, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
I’m inclined to agree with some of the other bloggers that while I feel for Brian, because he is such a classy guy, this situation might be beneficial to the developement of Michael Vick.
I love Vick, and have defended him vigorously, and will continue to do so. But I am not blinded to his true faults, and the biggest of those is that he always looks to the middle of the field towards Crump and towards Finn in the slot.
He needs now to look outwards towards the sidelines, when Jenk and Roddy will be.
If he can progress to do this, and I have all faith in Musgrave that he will teach him (because I have none in Knapp), then the Falcons will fly high.
Although, to be honest, it’s hard for me to get up for the NFL. I mean, with the best QB competition in 20 some odd years happening in Athens this month, there just isn’t enough time in the day to devote to both teams, and while I love both, only one has my heart.
So Steve, keep on writing the good stuff. You are a great blogger, and I’d wish you give the terrible Carter Strickland over on the UGA blog some pointers. He’s lost, and his thinly-veiled contempt of the SEC is wearing, well, thin.
And what’s with this crap about me being John Kincaid?
Where the hell did that come from?
By BirdDawg
August 2, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
I’m inclined to agree with some of the other bloggers that while I feel for Brian, because he is such a classy guy, this situation might be beneficial to the developement of Michael Vick.
I love Vick, and have defended him vigorously, and will continue to do so. But I am not blinded to his true faults, and the biggest of those is that he always looks to the middle of the field towards Crump and towards Finn in the slot.
He needs now to look outwards towards the sidelines, when Jenk and Roddy will be.
If he can progress to do this, and I have all faith in Musgrave that he will teach him (because I have none in Knapp), then the Falcons will fly high.
Although, to be honest, it’s hard for me to get up for the NFL. I mean, with the best QB competition in 20 some odd years happening in Athens this month, there just isn’t enough time in the day to devote to both teams, and while I love both, only one has my heart.
So Steve, keep on writing the good stuff. You are a great blogger, and I’d wish you give the terrible Carter Strickland over on the UGA blog some pointers. He’s lost, and his thinly-veiled contempt of the SEC is wearing, well, thin.
And what’s with this crap about me being John Kincaid?
Where the hell did that come from?
By bucko
August 2, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
For all you vick lovers don’t get so worried about Vick. He does not want to give a 100 percent. It is hot in Atlanta and the drills and heat are getting to him. Just his way of getting out of practicing.
By los72
August 2, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this
We are looking in the wrong direction to solve our receiving core. Once again “DEREK LEE” the problem solver. The guy is hungry lets give him the chance to make our farm system a success why not pull the trigger now while in training camp. Please Terrance Moore go into your bag of tricks and bring it to the attention of Rich Mckay. Lets stay away from the free agent market and use our backyard for the future success deploy “DEREK LEE” and I promise we will be heading into the right direction
By Sue D Nym
August 2, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
Anybody know anything about the Arena league wide reciever the Falcons were supposed to sign? He dominated the league, albeit Arena League, but he was getting some impressive press clippings.
By Jim O
August 3, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this
Steve, I don’t understand the comments made by the Falcons in your article -
but Mora said any player the Falcons bring in — if they do bring a player in — would not replace or even compete with Michael Jenkins and Roddy White, the team’s starting wide receivers.
WHY??? Why not have competition? Why not put the best players on the field? If they bring in somebody who is better than Jenkins or White, WHY sit him on the bench? There must be something I don’t understand here. Most players have no loyalty to their teams - going free agency to the highest bidder - Keith was an exception, and there are probably others.
Even bringing in an undrafted rookie rather than a Porter, if he performs better, START HIM! Maybe this is why the Falcons have never had back to back winning seasons, and they trade backup players who aren’t given the opportunity in Atlanta like ‘ole GB Brett’.
By Jim O
August 3, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this
Steve, I don’t understand the comments made by the Falcons in your article -
but Mora said any player the Falcons bring in — if they do bring a player in — would not replace or even compete with Michael Jenkins and Roddy White, the team’s starting wide receivers.
WHY??? Why not have competition? Why not put the best players on the field? If they bring in somebody who is better than Jenkins or White, WHY sit him on the bench? There must be something I don’t understand here. Most players have no loyalty to their teams - going free agency to the highest bidder - Keith was an exception, and there are probably others.
Even bringing in an undrafted rookie rather than a Porter, if he performs better, START HIM! Maybe this is why the Falcons have never had back to back winning seasons, and they trade backup players who aren’t given the opportunity in Atlanta like ‘ole GB Brett’.
By Jim O
August 3, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
A follow-up for all of you puppy fans (from a Falcon/Tech fan). In the article about the tackle switching from FSU to Georgia, it was very interesting to hear this young man say:
Greenlee is the 13th commitment of the 2007 class. He is the fourth offensive lineman to commit to Georgia.
“Coming in as a freshman first thing you want is to play,” he said. “And you want a coach who is going to play the best five. I think that weighed in a lot.”
He has his head screwed on straight - maybe he can give some sound advice to Mora!
By BMULLIS
August 3, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this
Best wishes on the surgery Finn. This fan will really miss seeing 86 and the fade to the end zone play.
Get well and get ready and come back stronger.
By seminolefan48
August 6, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
The Falcons have NO money to sign anyone with. We’ll have to live with the receivers we’ve got and hope they’ll step up to the plate. Best of luck Brian see you back in 2007. Seaon ticket holders on this blog let’s get to the game early this Friday night and make a lot of noise. Let’s make an attempt to get to all the games early this season. And when our defense is on the field make it impossible for the opposing team (offense) to even hear a snap count. Let’s make our Dome a place no team wants to come to because of the crowd noise. We can make a difference with the 12th man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO FALCONS