Falcons

By MeAndFriday

October 5, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

Positives: Running Game, New Safeties, Run Defense, Pass Defense, Young Players Stepping Up…

Negatives: Passing Game, Injuries, Kicking

That’s it, and we may be past the injury bug and the kicking woes (if MA’s leg stays attached), and if Vick gets more comfortable heaving it up to Lelie and Crumpler returns to form, I think we’ll get through the season with 10 or 11 wins.

In the playoffs, however, we’ll need to pass better.

By JAY

October 5, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

The falcons will be just fine as long as they stay healthy. the New orleans game was fixed and they are now back on track. During the break, they will find a solution with scoring touchdowns and not just fieldgoals. Even though a win is a win, we still want to be entertained. And Vick is what he is, A Steve young who needs a Big time wide receiver. Go Falcons…

By falconfansincebirth

October 5, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

the carolina game proved a lot about the tenacity of this team; however, the saints game was a big let down. hopefully that will keep their heads level and striving to show that that game was a fluke.

a thousand percent improvement in run defense especially linebacking play from demarrio and boley from last year.

it is clear that the drafts over the past 4 years are the best draft classes in franchise history top to bottom. there is a lot of depth on this team now, which will take a little sting out on injuries here and there.

obviously the passing game needs more consistency although it’s not as bad as everyone claims. dropped passes here and there are killing drives. but, the red zone problems are the biggest red flag on this team right now.

go falcons…

By Jay

October 5, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Highlights: Abraham in week 1, Norwood, Dunn, Secondary, Boley, Vick running

Lowlights: DROPS, Crumpler, Roddy White’s regression, wr’s not getting open, Take-a-Knapp remaining our OC

By tmoney in ben hill

October 5, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

since we all know the obvious ones..i’ll go a lil more in depth. lowlights…. freakin playin our cb’s so far off when we know the other teams is tryin to get 6 yards for a 1st down. the special teams lack of fakes early when we weren’t hittin kicks. mora has been alot more consevative than he was 1st year, and early 2nd. not much else to knit pick other than the obvious stuff we already named. in a blow out game, we have to open up the passin game and use it as a passing skeleton of sorts…somethin has to open up now, b4 the playoffs get here.

By Shea Z

October 5, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

1) To quote D. Hall “no one wants to see this defense with Edge and Abraham healthly”

2) Must find ways to turn the stretch option into a pass play. We can’t ride that into the playoffs.

3) Boley is a beast. Where did he come from? If he keeps playing like that Edge can take his time to heal.

4) Dropped passes are not helping Vicks Critics. Expect to see Crumpler have a great 2nd half.

5) This team is the best team I’ve seen in a while, special teams coverage is A+. Fix the redzone problem (maybe more bootlegs and gives to Dunn), hold on to passes, get healthy and were on point.

By Thane

October 5, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

Biggest disapointment: The aliens who abducted Alge Crumpler and replaced him with a man that drops more balls than a crazed veterinarian on free-neuter day.

By u fly

October 5, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

Fist quarter B- as team. Offense c+ Defense B. Offense weak point Coaching and pay calling D+ Passing D- Run Game A-. Defense Run Defense B Pass rush C. special team c-. Coaching c-. Greg Knapp weak link.

By Brian Hunt

October 5, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

I’m going to watch the Giants try to survive the Redskins Sunday. The Giants seem like a team ready to either explode or implode. Something tells me that if they loose Sunday, the fragile chemistry of that team will start to come undone.

By parks

October 5, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

how do you give the run game a A-? easly the best run game in the NFL …we will prob set all sorts of records…A+

By keeping it REAL !

October 5, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

Good first four games. Thing to work on Receiver getting open making cuts on passing routes and holding on to the ball. Greg Knapp coaching and calling good plays.working on pass bocking and #61 on bench when pass blocking.Mora seeing that Knapp perform in his job and real improvment in passing game or hire some who can.This is a MUST DO! defense work on pass rush and run defense!more work on kicking game!And Greg Knapp coaching and pay calling.Offense line work and Greg Knapp coaching and play callingand More steping up to be head coach. and Greg Knapp not knapping at play calling and reciver getting open. and Greg knapp play calling and coaching and mora coaching. Donatell so far so good. And Greg knapp coaching and play calling and offense line work and Greg Knapp play calling and coaching.

By u fly

October 5, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

Why A- the saints game!

By parks

October 5, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

true but even then we were gainings yards just fell behing early so had to pass ..Tough crowd man

By Ken Strickland

October 5, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

KEEPING IT REAL, there were times when I wanted to put my foot up your anus for contenuously harping about the receivers not running their routes properly. It took me a while to see the light. You know, my mother had the same problem with me because of my stubborness. Just keep on keeping it real my friend. A lot of teams don’t realize their weaknesses until it is too late. Take Carolina last yr, they didn’t realize how impotent their OFF would be without SSmith, until they played Seattle in the conf. title game. Injuries last yr exposed our DEF weaknesses, and this yrs injuries have demonstrated our strengths. Having our kicking and redzone deficiencies exposed early gives us plenty of time to correct them. There are situations, like in NO, that can slow us down, but only injuries can stop us. We are 3-1 despite all of our shortcomings and failures, to date. The Falcons have a lot of work that needs to be done, and plenty of time to get it done. This team has not even scratched the surface of what it is capable of accomplishing. Once our confidence level matches our talent, watch out NFL. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!

By kayjizzle

October 5, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

man, keeping it real really doesn’t like mr. Knapp’s playcalling. Anywho, the way I see it were in pretty good position. The linebacking core hasn’t missed a beat and the secondary is perhaps the most improved of any NFL team. close to elite status. Although, can’t wait until J will grows enough to be able to do his thing. The D-line has held it’s own with the injuries. P. kerney is still underrated. that guy’s a workhorse and the league is still sleeping. Ab should be back for the NY game so I expect good things. morten Anderson. What else can I say. even at 46 this guy kicks better than 90% of the league. I think koney will be fine. give him another year or two to mature. Great Depth overall on defense. Offensively, man where to start. The running game has been on point minus that little hiccup. MV seems more comfortable in his decision making this year but I don’t quite know whether he can bring us back say from 14 points or higher.(was it me or did it looked as if he just gave up trying in the new orleans game. I don’t know could be knit picking) He’s gotta show that comeback resolve this year. No more excuses. Do we have any other recievers than Lelie that wanna play. Mike jenk’s doing his thing but the rod manhas been a complete let down thus far. we don’t have 3 first round recievers for nothing. they gotta step up and prove they wanna be in that position. Alge will be ok he just has to get rid of those droppsies . he’ll be fine. just gotta get back into his groove. the O-line is holding up. but the question is for how long. other than the red zone issue that’s how I see it. BTW Go Soldiers! oh, yeah and Falcons too.

By Madden King

October 5, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

This Defense is just like the Bucs defense of four or five years ago. With the speed that we have at linebacker with Demo, and Boley running 4.4’s and Broking running a 4.6 no wonder our opponents running game is getting shut down because those linebackers are too fast. The passing defense is getting better week to week so I aspect by midseason for our defense to be unstoppable. As far as our offense is concerned I am not worried. Our passing game will become better once Ashley Lelie becomes acclimated and it is only a matter of time before Roddy White gets out of his slump REMEMBER IT USUALLY TAKES RECEIVERS THREE YEARS TOO BREAK OUT LOOK AT MARVIN HARRISON, TERREL OWENS, TORRY HOLT, REGGIE WAYNE, SANTANA MOSS, HINES WARD, STEVE SMITH, PLAXICO BURRESS, AND LAVERNOUS COLES, THEY ALL DIDN’T DO MUCH OF NOTHING UNTIL THERE THIRD YEAR IN THE LEAGUE WHEN THEY WAS ABLE TO UNDERSTAND DEFENSES AND HOW TO RUN THE ROUTE BASED ON WHAT THE DEFENSES ARE DOING.

By e.b.

October 5, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

I would say -happily-many of the highlights through the first 4 games are on defense. And that is key. I love how D-Hall is playing, and I love how these guys have been holding down the fort while Abraham has been out. I can’t wait for the game on the 15th. I just thought of something. We have 3 straight home games, starting with last week’s game.

By parks

October 5, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

what no D-Hall or Brooking bashers on here yet? amazing …The talent level is even or prob better than the Bucs of 2002 …The big diff is Monte Kiffin is one of the better D-coord of all-time and Donatell is well average …We have the talent and depth to be a elite D for a while if used right

By larry w.

October 5, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

The negatives of the first four games have been thoroughly examined by our knowledgeable bloggers, so I won’t get into them again except to say that Greg Knapp really does need a wake up call and quickly. What I would like to point out is the play of Grady Jackson. Big Grady has been the difference maker in our run defense. I have noticed that even our young guys like Shrop and Babs have shown improved play since Grady got here. He has made the entire defensive line tons better, and when Abe returns, it’ll just get nastier. In closing, I would like to say that I read these blogs daily. Some bloggers are obvious trolls and I pretty much ignore them. But the majority of our bloggers have proven to be top notch fans who really know what they are talking about. Keep up the good work guys and gals. I really enjoy reading your commentary.

By keeping it REAL !

October 5, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

By Larry W. You are so right man!

By TonyG

October 5, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

The falcons have ONE problem. ONLY ONE!! thats getting in the endzone. It has to change, and there’s no reason or excuse for why it shouldnt. Preseason the defense seemed like it would be good due to the line, but d-hall, milloy,crocker,even webster and mathis, have proved our secondary is a FORCE! the linebackers have been great too! screw hartwell, he never seems to do much anyways. i dont care if he ever comes back. i love boley and demorrio. They are both PLAYMAKERS! just like d-hall. Maybe not always perfect, but they can come up with the big play because of their unbeleivable athletic ability. all we need to do is score touchdowns and we’ll coast into the postseason. heres a tip: PASS the BALL! vick can throw. i’ve seen him do it before. and i dont ever wanna see norwood fully rested ever again. Go birds!

By ncat96

October 5, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

WOW! What a ride for the first quarter of football. I mean the Falcons are #1 in rushing, time of possession, and red zone visits. They are in the top six in total defense, top three in run defense and only gave up one offensive TD. We are 3-1!! Yes, we have some kinks to iron out, but man with a strong defense, a staggering running game and an offense that keeps the defense fresh with long drives, we will be knocking the door this year. It does not take a perfect team to win the big one. Just heart, tenacity, a stingy defense, smash-mouth football and the ability to find a win in any form. Whether it is pretty, ugly, with style, lucky, undisserved, painstaking they all register in the left column. And at the end of the day isn’t the goal is to “Just Win BABY”!

By The Orlando Bed-wetter

October 6, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this

To quote MC Hammer: It’s all good.

By Nunna Yo Biznezz

October 6, 2006 02:47 AM | Link to this

1.The Defense,B..Playcalling..It would be even better if it weren’t the sorry A defensive playcalling that got Donatell fired from Packers in the 1st place.. 2.Offense,C-,the run is fine,but the playcalling sucks..And like the defense,it goes hand in hand with the overall grade..And as for Vick,yes,the passing game needs the WR’s to step up,but..He needs to man up,and audible when he knows the play stink..U need to da a John Elway..When Reeves called a crazy and non effective play,change it..U know whats up because u are on the field..Are u really comfortable with Mr.Knapp,Mike?? I don’t think so..High School,College,Reeves tenure,have u ever had an Off.Co-ordinator that u felt as though was looking out for your best interest?? Not in Knapp..

Coaching:D-..The only reason its not an F is because of Mora’s players have more confidence in him than any other coaches..

Overall: I give this team only the players,an A..Given the defeciences of the coaching staff,they are doing better than u would expect..And i expected a lot..Thanks Guys..I’ll see u in Miami..

By savannah falcon

October 6, 2006 06:33 AM | Link to this

We need to use Norwood more in our offense. We have to run the ball into the enzone instead of passing the ball. We need to call up Marlon Jackson from the practice squad for the redzone offense. He is 6-2 and 240lbs. We need a bruiser in the redzone. Our receivers are paid to catch the ball. I don’t care if the ball just grazes the finger tips. Catch the ball! That is your job! Promote Lelie to #1 receiver. Our offensive line and defensive line are doing an outstanding job. Our receivers need to block for Vick when he is running with the football. Don’t stand their with your hands on your hips. Block! Michael Jenkins have been doing a good job. Dunn always make us proud. Rotate Dunn and Norwood. Keep fresh legs in the backfield.

By Michael

October 6, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this

I can’t wait for the Falcons too play the Giants next weekend! Y’all about too see that Manning, Shockey, Burris, and Barber is about to face a team. That no-body don’t want give respect. All the so call experts seem too think that we’re a fluke! They don’t even mention Falcons as a “Damn Good Football Team”! Our defense, and Offense, is amongst the in the top in the NFL. But the experts give credit too teams like: Giants, Seahawks, Chargers, Panthers, one dementional Colts, etc…! The Bengals, & Steelers are very good teams people. I like year team better than any team in the NFL! They talk about how deep the Panthers team is! Well after watching the Falcons, I don’t see any weakness on this team!

I tell you people as the season goes on this team is only going too get better! You guys just sit back and watch. The receiver’s are going too get better, once they decide to put Roddy White as the slot receiver where he could provide better production, and make Ashley the number one threat!

By Michael

October 6, 2006 07:59 AM | Link to this

Sorry! About the errors! What I meant too say is; We’re tops in the NFL, in Offensely, and Defensely. And I like this year Falcons team better than any team in the league. Also the Bengals & Steelers aren’t very good teams!

By ATLslimG

October 6, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

General Mgr. A++ Great offseason moves guys. Grady Grady Grady…. makes our linebackers look really goooood. Nice support from our safeties as well. Finally a strong safety who can tackle. Note to David Pollack “You try going over the middle to catch a high throw

By Keeping it real !!!

October 6, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

By Savannah Falcons what offense line have you been looking at. I am at the game the pass blocking is a real joke #61 should never be in on passing plays . Run game is fine +90% ,Pass blocking #35% . Look at each player on our offense line when they pass block. They never tell you how they grade out in a game on psss blocking why? because they are real weak? know the fact!

By singletary

October 6, 2006 08:32 AM | Link to this

Thanks to Larry W and Keeping it REAL. As a Falcons fan from SoGA now living in the DC area, I don’t see extensive high-lights shows (or time to watch more than a one-time TiVo replay.) Here are points for discussion.

1/ Is the reason Knapp is calling no crossing patterns across the middle because our receivers aren’t catching well or because he is protecting against MV interceptions?

2/ I think Vick is throwing so much better this year… even though TE and WR are “challenged.” Within reason, the O should work around one of the top 5 players in the NFL, but imaginative play calling?.

3/ Timing and route patterns with Lelie are running above 50% but Jenkins is all short patterns. R White is not showing me anything in game situations.

4/ We need to develop a PUNCH IN O for the Red Zone that is reliant on the talent we have. I’m not sure (otherwise amazing and truly exciting) “you can’t be JERIOUS” Norwood is your TJ Duckett avatar. But, as the NFL’s lead rushing team, let’s create MASKED READS on what we usually execute and do it well until we figure out play action and screens.

5/ Other than in NOLA, the defense has been amazing to watch. I don’t want to say that their strength means the O doesn’t have to be as good, but…

GO FALCONS, get it done!

By Capitan

October 6, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

The first quarter of the season is looking good considering we won two out of three divisional games. The team is set for a difficult 2nd quarter of the season.

Here are the highlights:

1. The running game is great. The MV7 option should be used sparingly. I like the play but there is no need to go to the well often, especially since I have not seen any passing plays from this formation. If they have passed from this formation then I simply missed it.

2. Passing game is average/fair. The reason is because the run game works well and the coaching staff is too comfortable sticking with it. The wide receivers will come along. Jenkins is progressing as expected, but Roddy has another year before he is consistent. Roddy still needs a little more attitude. Not a confrontational attitude that plays to the juvenile mouthing on the field, but that something that will keep him in the passing game mentally. The kid is not having fun and I think once he relaxs a plays he will be a better player. I think Alge is fine. Most of the balls he dropped it seemed to me that he thought he caught the ball and was about to celebrate!! lol

3. Defense is great!!! We have depth on the D-line and at linebacker. My only problem is with the playcalling. We need to put our cornerbacks on an island sometimes. D Hall got burned the last game and seemed stunned. Well that is part of game. He can’t play zone forever!!! Put him out there so that he will be ready for man coverage when we need him to be!!!

4. Our coaching is suspect. Coach Mora is fine, but the OC & DC leave a lot to be desired sometimes. I would like Knapp to get Roddy involved in the short passing game early to give him some confidence and feel. Our short passing game needs to be either improved or implemented, especially the short slant pass that I see Brett Farve using alot. Plus quick wide receiver screens would open up that deep ball!!!

We can go all the way this year!!! Go Falcons!!!!

By oldschoolfootball

October 6, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

positive: 3-1 (2-1 in division)and Vick is not hurt. Norwood making DJ “the bucket” Duckett trade look great.

negative: offensive line same as years past - can not protect QB; play calling predictable; Brooking still making tackles after being dragged 5 yards down field

By parks

October 6, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

New we would get a Brooking basher sooner or later!

By Madden King

October 6, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

Kieth Brooking is finally playing to his potential this year but he still the third best linebaker on this team. He’s always been an overrated player. He’s not the big hitter like a Jesse Tuggle, Ray Lewis, Lavar Arrington, Joey Porter, and a Takeo Spikes. He’s not a playmaker like a Derrick Brooks, Brian Urlacker, Julian Peterson, Will Witherspoon, Jonathon Vilma, and a Mike Peterson. As much as Atlanta hate to hear this WHEN HAS KEITH BROOKING MADE A BONE CRUSHING LINEBACKER HIT IN A GAME, NEVER, WHEN HAS KIETH BROOKING MADE A GAME CHANGING INT, OR HIT, OR FORCE FUMBLE TO CAUSE THE FALCONS TO WIN A GAME? NEVER. The linbackers I just named has done those things on SEVERAL OCCASTIONS while Kieth Brooking has never done those things once. JESSE “THE HAMMER” TUGGLE WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST LINEBAKER THE FALCONS EVER HAD BECAUSE HE WILL KNOCK THE SOUL OUT OF SOMEBODY AND HE MADE COUNTLESS OF GAME CHANGING PLAYS WHICH OVERRATED KIETH HAS NEVER DONE.

By Madden King

October 6, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

WHEN KIETH BROOKING PUTS A HIT LIKE JESSE TUGGLE PUT A LIGHTS OUT HIT ON THE NIGERIAN NIGHTMARE BACK IN 1989 IN KANSAS CITY WERE HE PUT THAT MAN OUT OF THE GAME, OR A GAME CHANGING PLAY LIKE DERRICK BROOKS HAS DONE SEVERAL TIMES THEN HE WOULD BE AN ELITE LB.

By parks

October 6, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Love how you say finally living to his potential?.. 5 str8 pro bowls …don’t act like he gets tons of publicity outside of atlanta ..He earns his spot …Brooking is not the punishing style of linebacker, neither is Derrick Brooks (the first LB that came to your mind on the playmaker list)

…by the way stats last year, Derrick Brooks 125 tackles 3 sacks 1 pick … Brooking 115 tackles 3.5 sacks and 4 picks ….

Guess you would consider INT’s and sacks game changing plays right? Brooking had more than Brooks

Don’t get me wrong I due think Boley will be a stud, but a little silly that after 1 monster game to consider him better than the most consistent player we have had on D for the past 6-7 years

By Andy

October 6, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Being a Falcons fan in NJ, I have the Direct TV package, so besides the Giants - Skins game, I will watch som of the TO - philly game and NFC south teams (Rooting for Cleveland over Carolina and for the Bucs to upset the Saints). I will then hope the Steelers lose on Sunday night too!

By savannah falcon

October 6, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

To keeping it real….I’m at every home game. When you look at what we had before, we are looking real good. We might want to use Schaab in the red zone. The taller qb might confused the defense.

By Madden King

October 6, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

Parks, when I talk about game changing plays I don’t talk about yearly stats, I talk about PLAYS MADE IN CRUCIAL SITUATIONS. For examble that block kick that Boley did in the NO game before halftime last year thats a game changing play cause those seven points scored by Demo led to us winning the game. Derrick Brooks made countless of game changing in the 4th Qr with 2 minutes left that caused his team to win the game ala last year against the Falcons, Brooks forced the fumble out of Vicks hands with less than a 1:40 left in the game to cause the Bucs to win the game. Brooking has never made plays like that in crucial situations. None of his sacks or INT’S changed the game. Brooking had a INT against the Bucs in that same game last year but it did nothing to change the game, Brooks force fumble did.

By parks

October 6, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

I understand that..you say that Brooking has NEVER made a game changing play which is not correct ..I am not arguing that the players you mentioned are not great players …but to say that in Brooking’s entire career none of his forced fumbles,INT’s or Sacks did not have a direct impact on the score is simply not true

The Boley play was like you said on special team’s but that makes him a better LB’er?

So by your theory if Beck forces a fumble at the end of a game on a kickoff return is he then a better LB’er than Brook?

If Brooking makes a int in the endzone in the first quarter saving a touchdown and the game ends with us winning by 6 is that any diff?

By Vick Mexico

October 6, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

From Yahoo Sports…

Not to beat a one-dimensional horse, but the Falcons’ current dominance in the running game is going to become a problem. Maybe not now or through Week 17, but when the playoffs come around, someone is going to solve the option attack that has lit up opponents to the ridiculous tune of 234.2 yards per game. Yes, for the third straight year, the Falcons are leading the league in rushing. And for the third straight year, they are trolling the depths of the league in passing offense (31st overall), after finishing 27th and 30th the last two seasons.

We can celebrate the Falcons’ vaunted defensive aggression all we want. Certainly that and the running game should be enough to vault Atlanta into the playoffs once again. But the single-dimension offense promises to be the franchise’s postseason undoing yet again, just like it was in the 2004 playoffs. It should be remembered that Atlanta destroyed St. Louis en route to the NFC championship game, rolling up 327 rushing yards. Then the Falcons encountered a defense that had one goal: hem in quarterback Michael Vick and the running game, and force the Falcons to throw the ball. The result? Atlanta rushed for 99 yards, and Vick completed 11 of 24 passes with one interception and no touchdowns. Oh, and the Falcons lost 27-10.

And yet, somehow, this postseason might be different? Not likely. Not with two of the league’s best rushing defenses, Chicago and Seattle, expected to stand in the way. And not with the Falcons already showing in the loss to New Orleans that when they fall behind and need to move via a passing attack, the results aren’t pretty. Perhaps the answer is a quarterback rotation with Matt Schaub. It sounds unconventional and far-fetched, but so is winning a Super Bowl while relying on the option attack.

By parks

October 6, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Vick Mexico, every single team in the league tries to due exactly what the Saints did…every team tries to make the Falcons just pass the ball …I would not exactly consider the Saints as a upper tier run D….they got ahead early ..We had drops that killed drives …I understand where you are going with this and we due have to improve the passing game to go where we want to go …If you had to place your bank acct on one defense to keep a team under 100 yards right now against any team would you pick New orleans or Carolina …imo majority would take Carolina …we ran all day on the Kittens

again though pls remember that Schaub is 0-3 as a starter , and ahs a lower career passer rating and comp % than Vick …I like Schuab but we will not play better with him

My point is this, Vick will cont to improve and Crunpler will remeber that he is elite..If the WR develop we will have just as good a shot as anyone in the NFC at the Super Bowl imo

By Madden King

October 6, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

If Brooking makes that play in the enzone to prevent a touchdown that is a game changing play but he has never made a play like that ever in his career, NEVER. Now if Beck forces a fumble on kickoff towards the end of the game to win the game does that make him a better LB than Brooking no, but he has made a game changing play which Brooking has never done. Parks ask me this NAME ME A TIME THAT BROOKING HAS MADE A GAME CHANGING SACK, FORCE FUMBLE, INT, A TACKLE BEHIND THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE ON 3RD AND INCHES OR 4TH AND INCHES WITHOUT HELP FROM HIS TEAMMATES IT IS JUST HIM AND THE RUNNING BACK MAN TO MAN AND HE PLANTS THE RUNNING BACK RIGHT WHERE HE STANDS ALA JESSE TUGGLE, IF YOU CAN NAME ME A TIME GET BACK TO ME.

By parks

October 6, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

vick mexico. didn’t pay attention to the from yahoo part ….didn’t mean to direct towards you

By TDub

October 6, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Just heard on the 1st and 15 ESPN podcast that with Stroud, Wiley and Jones out, “groin pulls are contagious in Jacksonville.” Finally, someone realizes that there’s absolutely nothing to do in Jacksonville except pull your groin.

By Conservative Offense

October 6, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

The offense is way to conservative and predictable. Sure they do different formations but run the same plays out of them. Vick is most often called upon to throw in obvious pass situations, leading to a lower chance of actually completing the pass. And lets be real, once the Falcons have a lead, we are hard pressed to see even one attempt called. In essence, Knapp and Mora are not allowing Vick to develope in this area, lack of trust, or just simply riding his legs to regular season victories. If the Falcons would just become less predictable it would really open things up in the pasing game. Not to bring up old memories, but remeber how Dan Reeves opened up every game almost with some trickery. Seems like Finn was open every game and Vick would lay it up perfectly, only for Finn to drop it sometimes. Vick is more accurate than it seems, its really just his touch that needs worked on. Throws everything on a line, which our receivers can’t hold on and can and do lead to INT’s. Vick gets to throw fewer passes in 3 games than most QB’s do in one, and that’s hard to develope consistency. Plus our receivers just don’t seem aggresive, except Lelie and Crump. Crump will be back, took a lot of time off and hasn’t regained his explosion yet but he will. Blakely should get more chances to instead of that Beverly crap, creating a dual tight-end threat like the Pats, with a real tight end. Not a freaking guard posing as one. Come on do temas reallly have to worry about Beverly, thats one more spy they dedicate to Vick. With all those spys our backs should be open for more quick hitters as well. Out success in the running game is hindering our passing game because the coachs fall in love with it to much. Plus we lack that aggresive coach who will take the knock out punch when teams are down. We simply keep running and refuse to trust Vick to make decisions. Vick takes the company line but I would be like TO and explode with some of that conservative play-calling. Maybe Lelie or Crumpler will do it but we have too many company guys on the roster. Until they do and ride the fasad of 10 win seasons without real playoff grit, the Falcons will not take the next step. Everyone is not crazy and Mora does not know more than all of us, this Knapp sh is a real problem. Hire a freaking consultant or something because he has shown he is not willing to change. It’s going to cut our playoff chances short, this offensive potential and Vick’s career short!

By Vick Mexico

October 6, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

Just think how dominant we would be if we could just move from 31st in passing to 21st. We could be unstoppable.

Vick is not the achilles in the pass game, although accuracy is an issue at times. Young receivers are the issue. I wonder if our two young receivers are a better talent than Colston of the Saints or if Colston is just better coached?

It just appears that Roddy and Jenks are not going to be the players we thought. Or just maybe their skills don’t fit the system. It is a mystery.

By Keeping it real !!!

October 6, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

(Bloggers) Give me a grade on Greg Knapp. Is it me or are we in troblem!

By parks

October 6, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

OK here goes my best attempt to remember every single game he played in since he was drafted ..one I can remeber was the panthers game in 04 when he had over 10 tackles and caused two fumbles which gave us a chance to win the game at the end which we did …also seem to remeber we would have lost a game that year when Eli Manning got his first started if Brook did not make the int at the end of the game …there have been many more but sorry don’t have them all stored in my brain .

my argument is this, you say that Boley &D-Williams are a better LB’er than Brook .Based on what? b/c of a a special teams play?…Brooking has had 200 tackles twice in a season ….I’m sure all of them had no impact at all in crucial situations..

again I think both Boley and Williams will be studs but imo Brook is the best LB’er we have untill proven otherwise imo …lets see at the end of the season not after 4 games

By parks

October 6, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

Greg knapp D- ….still holding hope that this “west coast” passing game will eventually click

By Vick Mexico

October 6, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Looking at remainder of schedule, I think the Birds go 9-7 this year. The losses I have are against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Washington, Tampa Bay, and Philly, plus the loss already to the Saints. Wins are the three we already have plus against NY, Det, Cleve, NO, Dallas, Carolina.

Talks amongst yourselves…

By Michael

October 6, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

Their better because they don’t get beat! I mean the proof is in the pudding. The year that Vick, went down and we were the laughing stock of the nfl who was the linebacker in the middle? Brooking! And who last year was the linebacker in the middle last year when teams ran all over us? Brooking! Madden King is right. He’s way overrated! He shouldn’t be even meantion in the class as those linebackers. Last year Williams led the team in tackles, but Brooking went too the Pro Bowl! Why? I’ve been watching the play of this for last couple of years, and I tell you some is padding this guys stats! Proof this year they say that he leading the team in tackles! Where? The last game against the Cardinals D. Williams had 10 tackles, and boley is all over the field. All he does is run and jump on the play after the is over. Runing backs run completely over & through him. He can’t keep up with backs and tight ends. He over runs gaps, and plays!!!! But for some strange reason the guy get credit plays that he just simply is not making!!!!!!!!!

By parks

October 6, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

LMAO! your right one huge conspiracy by NFL.com..Wow this year they are not running over us why? its called we have a space eating DT Brooking is still in the middle ,…When Saragusa and Sam adams left Baltimore everybody said Ray lewis lost a step …Now they have Ngata and now he’s great again! some of yall are funny

By dirtybird54

October 8, 2006 06:37 AM | Link to this

Highlights; Overall defense, especially Boley, D.Hall, and Abraham,even for just one game. Lows;It is NOT Vick’s fault that the passing game stinks. He needs help from recievers!! Run more precise routes and stop dropping passes.

By drmondo

October 8, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

The defense has been great and the running game has as well. While I agree the redzone is a problem I have faith it will be fixed by Sunday. I also want to point out that the GM and coaching deserve some accolades too. In the preseason, our run defense was weak. ATL pulled the trigger on Grady Jackson and now they’re scary against the run. Our kicking game was a mess. The team brought in Mort to kick AND tutor Koenen. They worked on blocking and now the kicking game is reliable. Based on this, I think the coaches will figure out how to fix the red zone and passing issues. Keep up the good work Falcons! Keep flying under the radar right to the Superbowl!! (Please, no call girls this time)…

By Perry Rosenbaum

October 10, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Bush returns a punt for 63 yards and the media treats is as the “second coming”. Norwood sets a new rushing record and I have to hunt to find a “still photo”. Give this young rookie a break. Even though he is learning from a great running back, Dunn, it just might be possible he could make a diffenence when we get the ball in the Red Zone. For once we have the talent and the chemistry is there for a great team.

By Perry Rosenbaum

October 10, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Bush returns a punt for a touchdown and the media treats it as if it was the “second coming”. Norwood sets a new team rushing record and I have to hunt for a still photo. This young rookie needs a break. He is learning from a great running back, Dunn, but I believe he could make a difference when we get the ball in the Red Zone. For once we have the talent and team chemistry for a great team.

By Perry Rosenbaum

October 10, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Bush returns a punt for a touchdown and the media treats it as if it was the “second coming”. Norwood sets a new team rushing record and I have to hunt for a still photo. This young rookie needs a break. He is learning from a great running back, Dunn, but I believe he could make a difference when we get the ball in the Red Zone. For once we have the talent and team chemistry for a great team.