AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGoing back to work
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons resumed practice Monday after not working since last Wednesday, courtesy of the bye-weekend and a generous coaching staff.
Players were spry and seemed eager to get after the next stretch of potentially brutal games against the Giants, Steelers and Bengals.
Defensive end John Abraham (groin) looks good to start against the Giants, and middle linebacker Ed Hartwell (knee operations) said he’s ready to play. (How the Falcons infuse Hartwell into the lineup will be something to watch for this week; the linebacking corps has played so well without him.) Guard Kynan Forney (shoulder) will be monitored as the week progresses.
I spoke with tight end Alge Crumpler today because there seems to be some sentiment brewing that he’s not playing overly Crumpler-like so far. He’s had a few drops, which are uncustomary.
Crumpler, who played in his third straight Pro Bowl last February, said he doesn’t think there is anything wrong and that he has plenty of more games to atone for some of his shortcomings. Coach Jim Mora said because Crumpler is typically so reliable, any drops or missed block will appear far more glaring.
Crumpler did acknowledge that he might just be rounding into form somewhat after being unable to fully work on football-related drills this offseason. The five-year veteran had shoulder and knee operations shortly after last season ended. Though neither injury is causing him problems, he spent far more time rehabilitating from the operations than he did catching passes.
With a team-high 11 catches, Crumpler has just two fewer receptions than he did after four games last season. He has a touchdown catch, just as he did after four games in 2005. Crumpler has had 27 passes thrown his way, which re-confirms he is the team’s top target. Mora said Crumpler could become more of a target with the Falcons’ red-zone woes.
Comments
By mountain_jim
October 9, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
Falcons - improve the passing game - more slants, post routes, screens to Norwood.
Also develop a pass option off the zone read.
The vanilla 3 routes and that’s it passing game is not going to take us to the playoffs.
Wake up Take-A-Knapp!
By ATLien Player
October 9, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
I agree develop a pass off the Zone read option. Play Norwood and Dunn at the same time, one in the Backfield and one in the slot. then read the option for RB keeper, Vick keeper, or quick dump off to the Back in the slot.
Crumpler will pick it up soon. I know he used the bye week to work on his issues.
By redzone
October 9, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see an occasional lineup with Schaub at QB and with Vic and Dunn/Norwood both in the backfield. The option problems that would present a defense would be enormous.
By L.J.
October 9, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
Last season, the glaring problem was the run defense. Unfortunately, you cannot correct the fact that the D-linemen were undersized by practicing.
This year, however, it seems like the issues can be corrected by working on them. I am hopeful that the WR crew will get it together and make some plays.
I know it’s a mistake to look too far ahead, but if you look at Chicago’s remaining schedule, go ahead and pencil them in as the #1 seed in the NFC. The don’t play ANYONE else.
By Vick Mexico
October 9, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
Man, McNabb is a stud!!! What if Vick were that good? What makes McNabb great is his ability to make those around him better. Who are his receivers anyway? Baskett, Brown, Lewis… It certainly doesn’t hurt that he has great offensive coaches.
Will Vick ever be as good as McNabb?
By Falconsbeliever
October 9, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
The game this week is going to be tough. In order to win, we will need to get the ball across the goaline.
When we are at the one or two, please run the ball, and stop with the play-action nonsense. Also, at the goaline, split Crumpler wide and throw hime the fade. We ran that play a few times last season and had some success. Jenkins should also have a chance to make catches in the endzone.
Insert Abraham into the startine lineup against Giants. However, let Harwell come off the bench. I know they say a starter isn’t supposed to lose his job to injury, but Hartwell has been the starter for over a year.
By e.b.
October 9, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
McNabb’s not a stud. He’s a piece-of-crap, who throws more balls at receivers feet, than he does in their hands. Give him time. The Eagles have beaten 3 horrible teams (Texans, 49ers, and Packers). And to answer you question, YOU MORON -NO-I don’t wish Vick was like McNabb. Not even close.
By Madden King
October 9, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
SUPER WINNING QB BIG BEN WHO HAD A 23 QB RATING IN THE SUPER BOWL IS NOW 0-3 ON THE SEASON. HE HAS 0 TOUCHDOWNS AND 9 INTERCEPTIONS, IS COMPLETING LESS THAN 60% OF HIS PASSES, AND IS OVERTHROWING HIS RECEIVERS. NOW FALCONS FANS ASK ME THIS, WHY IS THAT NO ONE IS CALLING FOR BIG BEN TO BE BENCHED? OH I GOT IT BECASUSE HE WON A SUPERBOWL WITH A 23 QB RATING, OR IS IT BECAUSE HIS BACKUP, A BLACK QB IS 1-0 AND NO ONE WANTS TO BELEIVE THAT CHARLIE BATCH IS BETTER THAN BIG BEN. NOW I KNOW ONE THING, THAT VICK HAS NEVER HAD A THREE GAME STRETCH WHERE HE IS O-3 AND HAS 0 TOUCHDOWNS AND 9 INTERCEPTIONS AND FALCONS FANS WANT A QB WHO IS 0-4 LIFETIME WHO HAD ONE GOOD GAME AGAINST THE PATRIOTS TO START OVER A QB WHO’S NEVER HAD A LOSING SEASON, HIS WORST SEASON WAS 8-8 AND THE OTHER SEASONS HE STARTED HE WENT 9-6-1 AND 11-5. NOW AFTER LOOKING ASSESING THE SITUATION IT IS EITHER ONE OF TWO THINGS, THAT FALCONS FANS ARE THE DUMBEST FANS ON THE FACE OF THIS EARTH TO WANT TO START A 0-4 QB OVER A QB WHO IS 35-20-1 AND HAS TAKEN THE FALCONS TO THE PLAYOFFS 2 OUT OF THE 3 FULL YEARS HE STARTED, OR THERE IS SOME REAL RACISM GOING ON WITH THE MEDIA AND FANS WHO BELIEVE THAT VICK SHOULD BE BENCHED FOR SCHAUB, BUT THE SAME MEDIA AND FANS SAID THAT THERE IS NO NEED FOR BIG BEN TO BENCHED FOR A 1-0 BLACK QB IN CHARLIE BATCH WHO IS PROVEN UNLIKE SCHAUB AND TOOK THE SORRY LIONS TO THE PLAYOFFS YEARS AGO WHICH NOT MANY QB’S HAVE EVER DONE.
By mavid
October 9, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this
sorry e.b. but this season mcnabb is quite clearly a stud (at least so far)
while i hate the eagles, anyone can see that mcnabb is making some great passes (i’d STILL rather have vick tho)
anyways tho, these next 3 games will be very indicative of how good we actually are… i’d be extremely happy with 2-1 (but if we can go 3-0, then watch out NFL!)
Our defense could be downright scary with hartwell and abraham back.
Go Falcons!
By kg
October 9, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
To Madden King and anyone else who uses all caps: if you want people to read your post, don’t use all caps. It makes it difficult to read.
By ROCKNOTS
October 9, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
Will Roddy White please stand up? He’s a big guy with alot of speed. The balls arent perfect passes, but he has to understand this is the NFL. If he would atleast fight for the balls thrown in his direction, he would be having a much better season. He looks timid to say the least. I’ve seen too many passes taken away after the reception is made. These NFL DB’s are going to give you a problem all the way through the play. Toughen up & fight for whats yours or Ashley “I have a rep for being soft”, will continue to get the high fives when he makes the explosive plays that Roddy was brought in for. We havent had decent receiver production since the T Mathis era.
By parks
October 9, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
pls stop using caps every time you post …makes people not want to read it by the way in a madden game
parks 47 madden king 7
By Andy
October 9, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
man this game with the NY is scary—we could blow them out OR they could blow us out—Eli can throw a deep ball, really really well. I hope we can sack him 8 times like philly did—BUT WIN!!!! I am a die hard falcons fan….but man did the gaints look good Sunday. Thank god for the bye week get ready for the next 4 games. How much does it suck that bush ran that punt back—-would’nt that have been great for the falcons if Tampa had beat them now they are 3 and 0 in the division. Good luck birs on Sunday!!!
By Espnnn
October 9, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this
Chicago Bears are the best team in the nfl. They will crush the falcons, matter of fact the eagles are going to beat the falcons. They don’t have that 1998 feeling and they need a quarterback, yes Matt Shaub. If McNabb had Vicks receivers, the eagles would be undefeated right now It just shows how good of quarterback he is,hell even Rex Grossman is now is clicking with his recievers and they are winning. Teams are going to figure out the Run-Vick-Run offense and that will be the falcons downfall. These next four games they will go 1-3 and just bearly beat Detroit after they get throught those tuff four. Go Bears
By parks
October 9, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
also vick mexico I believe that Mcnabb’s career passer rating in his first 5 years was 79..don’t think Vick will ever Pass for 4000 yards but I due believe his #’s will get a lot better in this system
By singletary
October 9, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
The Giants were playing the DeadSkins on their home turf. Give me a break. The second coming of Joe Gibbs… isn’t.
I’ll leave it to you to worry about the Giants & Steelers. I’m much more worried about the “Bangles” in their own cold, windy stadium. Then, the Falcons have to travel to DC Balt two weeks in a row. Again, not worried about DC, but Balt D has a rep for being a run stuffer.
And enough already with McNabb. He’s good, but that was a grudge match against the over exposed TO. (Do you think ESPN could run a GameDay show that doesn’t start with 18 minutes of regurgitated As The TO Turns?)
I’d also like to hear more ideas for more offense and patterns. Maybe someone on the coaching staff actually reads our blather and can synthesize s-c-r-e-e-n-s and c-r-o-s-s-i-n-g p-a-t-t-e-r-n-s. I mean, I’m not asking for the 700-play Redskin (potato) offensive handbook, but just run+.
By Boots
October 9, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
Madden King: When a person types is all caps that is usually interpreted as you are yelling! And, nobody want’s to be yelled at.
Secondly, Madden King, can you write more than a sentence or two without introducing the “race” issue into the conversation?
Regarding the Falcons: the next three games will determine the season for the Birds. If they can win offensively by busting the Red Zone, they’ll be able to use that as a foundation for kicking their offense into high gear. It’d be a real confidence builder!
By Espnnnn is a clown dick
October 9, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
Dude, you are so freakin stupid.
By Madden King
October 9, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this
Naw Parks never that. I’m the Madden King for a reason and the reason is that I haven’t loss in two years. I know it is hard to believe but it is true and what makes it so amazing is that I don’t even play it 12 to 13 hours out of a day like some game freaks just 2 to 3.
By parks
October 9, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this
lol..you prob right ..don’t play it that much anymore anyway
By e.b.
October 9, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this
Hey mavid, I don’t base my opinions on “fantasy football’ fodder. I couldn’t care less who is a “stud”. All I know is, that a QB who throws as much as McNabb doesn’t, isn’t going to go very far. The Eagles have plenty of flaws to go around, including a Running Back who can’t even run the ball out of the backfield. So, because McNabb puts up big numbers, doesn’t impress me. The Eagles won yesterday, thanks to Bledsoe’s 3 INT’s. NOT because of McNabb’s passing game.
By e.b.
October 9, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t even respond to some idiot who uses the name “Vick Mexico”. He’s clearly a Vick basher.
By keeping it REAL !
October 9, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
Does Knapp know what to work on. one and far most is getting receiver open and the skill to get open. Where Knapp has gone wrong is showing the the receiver the skill to get open. Vick can throw the ball but the skill to get open is not in knapp pro game weak routes. What a waste of good player on a clue less coach. I gave you two years to see what you could do , time to cut our losses. Mora is just like the Pink elephant GOP they will not cut the cancer out and then you lose. Mora open your eyes and see the light!
By Greedy
October 9, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know if it is salary cap possible to trade for randy moss. We could trade roddy white and a third round pick in 08. Abraham is going to dominate on sunday. we will win in the dome!! I am worried about plexicos height. They must play rookie db william some because they will try jason webster.
By keeping it REAL !
October 9, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
Mora show some leadership. GREG Knapp TEACHING SKILLS OF GETTING RECIVERS OPEN IS THE REAL PROBLEM HERE. We want to go to the super bowl.HE CAN’T ADJUST A GAME PLAN NOR HAVE A PASSING GAME THAT CAN WORK WEEK IN AND WEEK OUT!MORA DO THE MATH!!!!!!!!!!!
By kg
October 9, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
Falcons would never trade for Moss - does not fit the “Falcon Type” - not a model citizen. I would think that Knapp would jump all over the Receivers coach to do the teaching. Sure seems like someone is not doing their job.
By zorro
October 10, 2006 02:36 AM | Link to this
Just put Norwood and Dunn on the field at the same time.Bring in Youngblood, Ashely, Jenkins and run 15 plays at some point use the no huddle call plays from the line do some dubble reverse’s, the ole flea flicker, two other teams have used it why not us.JUST do something anything would be better than second guessing h*#!! take the blame stand up and be counted for something come on Mr. Knapp we’ll counting on you RICH has done his part and now it’s time for you and coach Mora do what you get paid for, Winning. This sunday is gonna be the battle of the little men and our man is gonna get HIS(100)or more yards.
By bob
October 10, 2006 02:50 AM | Link to this
madden king you sound like you just came from a tavern brawl, who are you mad at, sounds a little racy, get with the team and support all members. vick is top notch and so is schaub get a life man.
By marbo
October 10, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this
Note to Vick Mexico:
McNabb has been playing in the same system, with the same coaches, and running the same plays for about eight years now. So lets just give this thing some time to truly develop and not be so hasty.
By lee sunset
October 10, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
Follow-up to Marbo… Potential comparison involving Vick, McNabb, and Randall Cunnigham (nothing racial here, folks - just a coincidence). Just after Andy Reid started coaching Eagles and they drafted McNabb, Eagles powers that be decided they would put in West Coast O and were pretty sure Cunningham would not be able to grasp it (he didn’t and/or couldn’t). Thus McNabb was brought in (and they suffered losing season) and they realized “It takes about 5 years to really grasp West Coast Offense.” So, fine for McNabb and Eagles now but what happened to Cunningham? He faded away, went to deal with his tile company in Las Vegas, but then re-emerged with Vikings and we know the rest… almost took them to the Super Bowl (Mort kicks the winning field goal for Falcons in most awesome game ever). Point is Cunningham was able to thrive in a different system from West Coast O (he did have Randy Moss in his rookie season and Cris Carter). But it begs to ask… is it the system or the QB?
By I'm The Best At Madden
October 10, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
I only play Madden for an hour each day but I’m really good. And after I’m done, I masturbate.
By Hasavior
October 10, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
Randall Cunningham was black balled out off the league after and during his stint in Philly. Randalll was before his time and was always measured up against the sub conscious pshyche of a white male behind center. It was easier on the eyes - remember this is the 80’s man! Racial amd political tensions were a huge thing in Philly and NY just up north period. This is when majority of the positions were starting to emerge the star black athlete on a mass marketing appeal. The star black athlete were ethier on defense or on offense catching and running balls. Never in a keyt role as quaterback or coach to say the least. You have to judge the evironment or element of the game. After Cunningham, you had another merging mobile and athletic quarterback in the draft - Charlie Ward. The NBA was not prepared and not willing for that type of change at the Qb position. that is why he went Pro ball. they wanted him to draft him other than quarterback.
By lee sunset
October 10, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
But Randall Cunningham was replaced with another black QB, Donovan McNabb. And then he was replaced in Minnesota by another black QB, Daunte Culpepper…
By kg
October 10, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
What about Warren Moon, started in Houston in 1984, Cunningham was not drafted until 1985. Then you have Doug Williams who was the Super Bowl MVP for the Redskins in 1988. Williams was a first round draft pick in 1978. The little bit that I know about owners, gm’s and coaches is that they only care about one thing - winning. They don’t care if you’re white, black, green or red.
By dirtybird54
October 10, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
Really looking forward to seeing big Abe lining up at DE. Could do without Hartwell just yet; don’t want to hurt LB chemistry. Big matchup I see is Plaxico vs our db’s. Too much height, and Manning looks like he’s getting into a groove. Having Abe might be the difference maker.
By lee sunset
October 10, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
Amen. So it boils down to… (as marbo said above and I agree with) Do Falcon fans have enough patience to let Vick learn the West Coast Offense? Do they have enough patience to let Mora and co. stay if they don’t make playoffs this year or go far enough? If they’re gone next year that means new coach, new system, etc. Reason Eagles have done so well in recent history (aside from TO distraction) is good ownership (which we have) and consistency in coaching. They’re $15M under the cap with no name receivers (i.e. when Stallworth isn’t healthy). It’s the system, consistency, etc. Rest of the season will determine a lot…
By Greedy
October 10, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Vick is still very very young, he has only been in this system 2 years and only played one full year before the west coast thing. Vick has at least 11 years physically left. i dont think he will lose his arm strength(lol) so give it time or he will be winning with somebody else. I moved here to watch vick play every sunday , if he goes, so does the crowds that pile into the dome to watch him. Remember elway won the big one very late in his career.He will develop , you non-fans kill me with all the vick bashing. Before the 98 cinderella parade , when did this city ever have a buzz about contended for anything , so please shut up with all girly vick bashing , you guys must be pawns at your jobs , because you have no clue about developing talent and how long it takes to get a finished product. It takes a team to win a superbowl, if hero’s win the whole thing , please tell me why that damn Manning hasn’t won the whole thing 3times or more. I am waiting for your answers , so that i can destroy them with facts!!
By parks
October 10, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
very few people see the big picture Greedy, don’t waste your breathe ..
good post though