AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPersonnel changes possible
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First, the injury update…
Defensive end John Abraham (groin) should play in Sunday’s game with Pittsburgh, although he could be limited to passing situations. Coach Jim Mora said Abraham was pulled out of last Sunday’s 27-14 smack down by the Giants because his injured groin had tightened and that Abraham met a preset 20-play limit.
Defensive tackle Rod Coleman had a bone scan on his left foot Monday. Results were inconclusive, but Mora said he did not think it was a serious injury. Defensive end Patrick Kerney’s hamstring will be monitored through the week, but Kerney said he will play vs. the Steelers.
One thing is for sure, the Falcons will need all three of those players to hold up against Pittsburgh. Once all three went out against New York in the second half, the Giants steamrolled the Falcons up front, particularly on the edges. That led to the linebackers and defensive backs getting worn down and the Giants churning out back-breaking drives that led to the victory.
The Falcons’ inability to stop the run for the first time this season also opened the door for the possible insertion of Ed Hartwell at middle linebacker. If that happens, Keith Brooking would move to weakside linebacker. Michael Boley will remain at strongside linebacker, regardless.
Demorrio Williams has played well, but Brooking would provide more size at the weakside spot and could better stand up to fullbacks and tackles. This remains an intriguing scenario. Hartwell, who had dual arthroscopic knee operations, wants to play badly, but getting him back into the lineup could cause some hurt feelings and the possible disruption of chemistry.
Offensively, it might be time for the Falcons to get wide receiver Ashley Lelie more involved. After the loss, Lelie expressed disappointment about his role. He had just one ball thrown his way, and that coming late in the game.
Lelie, after starting the previous two games, came off the bench behind Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. Both starters failed to make catches in key first-half situations, which had to bother Lelie, who has led the NFL in yards per catch the past two seasons.
Of the Falcons’ top three wideouts, Lelie is the only receiver with a legit resume. He’s also in a contract year, a time when many players tend to have big seasons. Atlanta needs to get something out of its anemic passing game and feeding Lelie could be a partial solution.
Comments
By larr
October 16, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
Yes, i would like to no why when the falcon have short down we go long not for a short frist down?
By travus b
October 16, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
First of all i think the falcons need to work on three things. First, Jimmy Williams yall remember him of course he was our first pick n the draft why webster still starting after giants pick on him the whole seconed half. Second, We need to blitz more becase the zone defense is not working. Finally, it time for one of those reciver to step up lelie so crumpler can get single covered.
By nitwit
October 16, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
Ok, so after yesterday it’s the offensive lines fault that Vick didn’t do well.We’ve heard for at least 4 years that Vick didn’t have receivers. That may be true, but they have tried just about everything and everybody to try to make him look the part of a passer. It hasn’t worked.When he runs he is praised about how he can beat you by himself. Well yesterday he had plaenty of chances to beat the Giants but instead he was sacked 7 times. IMO he will not get the job done at QB. He is exciting to watch, but he is a mediocre QB at best.Eli Manning at least was able to overcome his faults to rally his team in the second half.
By Chris
October 16, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Lelie needs to start and play most snaps in every game throughout rest of season. He’s looked good when he’s played, and he can make some huge plays for this team.
By jokurone
October 16, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
It does not matter what WR starts as long as #7 dances around in the backfield and disrupts the timing of the patterns being run by the WR’s. the birds need a true pocker passer (#8 hint, hint) to be successful in the passing aspect of the game.
By TD
October 16, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
Hartwell could disrupt chemistry or hurt feelings? Is this the NFL? I have heard on numerous occasions that Brooking is much stronger on the weakside than the middle. And what a great decision to go with Jenkins and White over Lelie. I thought this was the team that wanted to go with 3 wides to spead the field? The NFL is all about making adjustments and the boneheads who call the plays for the team respond like a deer in headlights during a game. The first play of the game there is a pass completion and the for from then on it was run for a yard and face 2nd and long. Here’s an idea try running the option another thirty times a game and finish 3-13.
By Moonlight Mile
October 16, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
The offense kept the defense on the field for the entire 2nd half yesterday. It wouldn’t have mattered who was on the field and it won’t matter next Sunday.
It’s not even a discussion anymore… The Falcons are a one dimensional offense and Vick is a one dimensional player. We have no shot against the big boy defenses of the NFL.
By BirdDawg
October 16, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
How about the offensive line?
How much freaking longer will the poor excuse for an NFL player Matt Lehr going to be on this team?
They should cut his sorry @$$ today!
We will never win anything as long as we have this offensive line and their cheating philosophy.
We will never with Greg Knapp calling the plays.
This coaching staff is failing the team.
Just like at UGA.
By mountain_jim
October 16, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
Any coaching ‘Personnel changes possible’ ?
Because not starting or using Lelie, not using Dunn and Norwood together, and the offensive play-calling and lack of scheme adjustments on offense and defense was shamefull and exposed our co-ordinators as seemingly incapable of critical ingame thinking.
Oh, and is Williams that much worse than Webster? Sheeze.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 16, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
Why not start Lelie? The other two guys don’t want to catch. I mean are the Falcons afraid Lelie will catch too many passes and hurt po wittle Roddy “ten thumbs” White’s feelings. Let’s not start that Bobby Cox mode of staying loyal to players that are not getting it done. You see what they did to the Braves. Their should be a rule against drafting WR’s in the 1st round, at least for the Falcons, they NEVER work out. And one last thing:
LEARN HOW TO CALL A @#$#%^%$% AUDIBLE ALREADY VICK!!!
GET RID OF GREGG KNAPP!!!
DUMP THAT SHOTGUN OPTION CRAP!!
Okay that was three, but you better believe I have about THREE hundered more, but I gotta go.
By Kudzu
October 16, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
My gag reflex kicked in yesterday…
We MUST get over this love affair with Mick Vick, we must, and many of you need to get your head out of the sand.
The guy is not smart. Y’all need to stop defending him and looking to blame everyone else on the team, including coaches.
Everybody that know anything about football, and I mean the basics, will tell you that you play to stop the run against Atlanta and keep Vick in the pocket…it’s simple, he will self-destruct, and you can win the game.
Put Jerry Rice on one side and Marvin Harrison on the other, what difference is it going to make? The QB need to know what he’s doing.
Vick needs to be drug tested, and given an antidote for stupidity.
Just my two cents.
By rian
October 16, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Steve - I saw Mora’s PC and thought that he was gonna flip when “Jeff” (I assume Schultz) called out the confidence in the passing game. Who is your money on in the Schultz vs Mora battle royal. I got the impression Mora does not like answering uniformed questions of columnists who “watched” the game on TV while all of us were there. BTW can you really watch a game on TV or do you just follow the ball. I bet this was the first PC all year Schultz showed up for and how nice of him to pick the one the morning after we get run out of the dome. Hey Schultz if you want to opine about a topic/issue why not show up to see it in person. I bet he has been to no more than 2 practices this year (and I am counting training camp)!!!!!
By the way, based on Jeff’s .
By Don
October 16, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
We suck. Yes, “We”. And it sucks. How embarassing yesterday was. A playoff team? Yeah, right. Pitchers and catchers report when?
By BirdDawg
October 16, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Kudzu, your two cents isn’t worth two bits.
By Jeff
October 16, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
After yesterday’s game, I say put in Hartwell. Pitt is certainly going to come in Sunday and try to run the ball down our throats.
Start Lelie. No discussion needed.
Any chance Greg Knapp can be released?
Steve, can someone please ask Donatell and/or Mora why we never blitz? Why does he continue to run that “soft defense” crap? Didn’t he learn from his mistakes in Green Bay?
By Clay
October 16, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
OUTCOACHED AGAIN
Preparation and execution are the hallmarks of well coached teams. In game adjustments are the coaches responsibilities. Mora and staff don’t seem to believe in or don’t know how to make adjustments.
It seems the players don’t believe in the coaching staff’s plan. The effort level at all positions has lacked intensity since. If players don’t believe in the Mora’s game plan, they aren’t going to risk their careers to injury.
Knapp’s play calling is telegraphed by formation. He can’t react to what the defense is giving up, because he’s on the sideline not in the booth watching coverage packages.
The O-line CAN’T pass protect. Even out of the shotgun, Vick was under duress. Strahan and crew were in Vick’s face as soon as the ball was snapped. None of the receivers want to catch the ball. Even Crumpler has tanked. And yes Vick’s play has been as mediocre.
Donatell hasn’t figured out how to put pressure on any QB, other than Vick. Why is Webster still starting? He’s burned before the game starts. Do we practice run defense.
All of the players have been winners before. NONE of the coaches have winning credentials. Players are just like anyone else, we all know when the boss doesn’t get it. Who works hard for a boss they don’t believe in?
By Andy
October 16, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this
Some teams have been letting go of D-line men—Like in KC—why not pick up on or two of them and get rid of the subs who were destroyed by the Giants. Trade jenkins or white to anyone—-it would send a message to the one that is left. How about that o-line. Yes they get numbers on the run game—but the pass protection and being able to move the line when the falcons need one tough yard?
By James
October 16, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
I hope the Falcons Coaching Staff and Front Office Personnel read these Comments from there FANS because we arent dumb
I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again. We have a great defense and a shaky offense. 3 great points on making us better.
1. Do you want to know how to incorporate Edge back into the lineup w/o disrupting our front 7??? Make it a front 8 with a 4-4 Defensive lineup. Boley has enough speed and agility to cover most #3 receivers in the game today and so does Demorio. So whenever it’s OBVIOUS that the Offense is running the ball we can run the 4-4 defense which will still be strong against the pass.
2. I love Jason Webster but his time has passed. It’s time to put Williams in the lineup and see what he can do. He has the speed and agressiveness to make a difference. Also lets put rossum in more on nickel and dime coverage. He’ll be able to cover those speedy receivers with his speed. And if he gets an interception it’s off to the races just like Hall.
3. I love Jenkins, and Lelie. I had high hopes for Roddy White after last season but so far he hasn’t showed up to play. It’s time to make Matt Shaub pay-off for us. Trade him to Oakland and get Randy Moss. No matter what you say he’s a Dynamic player who would have an immediate impact on your team. He’ll catch the ball whereever Vick puts it and contray to popular beleif he will not be a cancer to a team. That title belongs only to T.O. (i refuse to mention his full name). Our running game will be ok as long as we block.
That ladies and gentlemen are the 3 quick fixes that will make our team dominat and take us to the promise land.
By bmullis
October 16, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this
“The Hurd” is right. Vick holds the Falcons hostage with his 10 year/100 million contract. All the money goes to a single one dimensional player and opponents have adjusted.
The current coaches make Dan Reeves look brilliant and the injury to Brian Finneran is looming larger than ever.
By Rell
October 16, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
Lelie needs to get a lot of snaps. He catches the deep ball well and I havent seen him drop not one pass Vick has thrown in his direction. I bet he would have got that deep pass Vick threw to Jenkins that went str8 threw his hands…… I like Roddy but Lelie plays the deep ball well, its time to get him in the game…. And I know Vicks’s not the most accurate but his recievers need to start making the hard catchs and help him out. They have two many dropped passes, and that makes Vick look worse. Thats why Vick use to throw to finn and Crump so much because they make the hard catches… Knapp needs to call a more balanced offensive game also or he needs to pack up and leave….And if Mora doesnt show us something this year he needs to be on that plane with Knapp. There is too much talent on that team for us to be playing the way we are.
By DW
October 16, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this
Personnel changes possible? No. Personnel changes required. Start Lelie, make Jenkins number 2 receiver; and Roddy number 3. Activate Hartwell. If he’s ready to play, let him play! Move Brookings back to the outside where he belongs. Jennings can’t do any worse than Webster, get him into the game.
By honest_abe
October 16, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
lelie, lelie, lelie!!!!!! now!
By This gets old
October 16, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this
I thought that this game would be a test of the coaching staff and it was. Here’s all I think that needs to be said. The Falcons run FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR a “trips right” formation (3 WR bunched on the strong side) bringing extra defenders to that side and THEN, THEN run a screen pass into the strength of the defense that they created by the use of that formation.
And forgodsakes go back to the regular running formations. And catch the damned ball!!
By Highly dissappointed
October 16, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this
It’s Monday afternoon and I still have a headache from last night. To put it simply we suck across the board and I am not exagerating. This team is unable to make any type of adjustment. The Giants many times gave away when they were going to blitz, but did we audible out of the play. Of course not we just took the sack. No second half adjustments. Vick looks like he doesn’t know what he’s doing out there. Come on, 18 sacks or whatever the number is in 5 games. Jenkins and White look horrible. Why are we not starting Lelie are lost going through the motions. Nobody can get seperation and make the tough catches. We need to forget that college option crap. Teams are expecting it now. If this is another 8-8 year I say get rid of Mora, Donatell, and Greg Knap. They are just not cutting it. I’m too sick to keep typing.
By Rob in Atlanta
October 16, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
I’m about to give up on Vick. Prove me wrong against the Steelers!!
By tyrell
October 16, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
Vick hasnt been that great lately! and im a huge vick fan but want i dont understand is how did go from being better passer under reeves and bad under mora.is it the player or coach? lelie is a proven starter,why isnt he starting? Jason Webster isnt no better than jimmy williams,so shouldnt u put in youth and potental verses old and washed up.Come one everybody Blank has to admit he messed up when he hired mora.Mora’s defense in san fran was ok nothing special but yet he got the falcons job over other qualified coaches.the answer is clear,get rid of mora and knapp and get a coach who can utilize his players talents.
By MARC
October 16, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
WHAT IS THIS PEERLESS PRICE PART II? ARE WE SERIOUSLY GOING TO WAIT ABOUT 3 YEARS BEFORE THE TEAM FIGURES OUT THE WR’S ARE STINKING UP THE TEAM? I WAS ONE THAT DEFENDED RODDY & MIKE JENKINS, BUT NOW THEY HAVE GOT TO GO!!!!!!!!!! EVERYONE IS ON VICK, BUT WHAT IS HE SUPPOSE TO DO, HE TRIED THROWING THE BALL AND THEY DON’T CATCH, I WOULD NOT THROW BACK TO THOSE TWO EITHER!!!!!!! JIMMY WILLIAMS NEEDS TO BE IN THE GAME BAD, JASON WEBSTER JUST CAN’T GET IT DONE. AND LAST THING FOR ALL THAT SAID BRIAN FINNERAN WAS SORRY, WELLLLL YOU SEE WHAT HE IS FOR THIS TEAM NOW, SO JUST APPRECIATE HIM ON HIS RETURN NEXT SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!this text will be bolded
By P
October 16, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this
I am done with all the negativity on these blogs. Mike Vick is the QB for now so deal with it . Hopefully the coaching staff make all the needed adjustments . We got them superbowl champs on sunday, Go Falcons get us a win . Its a long season and we are 3 and 2 not 0 and 3 .
By wes williamson
October 16, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this
falcons got out coached in the second half .what do you do king arthur? if we dont win this week goodbye playoffs.
By Lamar
October 16, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
Ok you blame #7 but what about a big throw for a touch down that was dropped by Mike Jenkins, That’s points that where lost, also momentum.
By Jazzy-ez realamius
October 16, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this
Why is it, that any foulcoon forum is replete with grammar school dropouts?
What difference does it make talking about personnel changes? King Arthur gave Ron a big contract, and the foulcoons are stuck with him.
The Falcon, and Atlanta curse is very much alive and well.
By Kevin
October 16, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
You can tell the true Falcon fans froms the band wagoners. Look, Vick has not had decent protection since he has been here, that is obvious with high # of sacks EVERY YEAR, and he is the most elusive QB in the game, that is very telling, also who do we have on our team that gets open, besides crumpler, and who have we had since Dre Rison and Mike Haynes that actually gets open, AND catches the ball, Could we use Randy Moss, ABSOLUTELY, we are a running team and what better to add to your O than a field stretching deep threat to catch the 3 of 10 passes we throw per drive. We need him and we can get him but just wont and it is a shame because he is waisting away in Oakland actually I would take Robert Gallery too. Jimmy Williams and Edge Hartwell need to be starting, and Gregg Knapp is OK but the receivers dont get open and the line does not block, what can Gregg Knapp do about that. The funny thing is I do not like Knapp but nobodys offense will work if the line does not block and the receivers do not catch.
By Jazzy-ez realamius
October 16, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
Kevin, your gibberish and run-on sentences give me a headache. Are you familiar with the concept of a paragraph?
When did you get thrown out of school? 7th grade? 6th?
By P Diddy
October 16, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
Michael Vick simply isn’t this bad a quarterback. While he did make some mistakes with his fumbles, his O-Line failed him and his receivers have failed him all season long. I’m usually never one to say that someone should lose their job, but Roddy White has got to go. He’s killing us with his drops. Yes Michael Jenkins also made critical drops yesterday, but at least he’s shown flashes. #84 hasn’t shopwn anything. If I were the Falcons brass, I’d trade Schaub for Randy Moss, release Roddy White and start Lelie.
By 2dead flies+UGA=0
October 16, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
AJC put up how this offense line grades out. We have a run mode offense. Management build it that way. The scheme is build to run and passing is just a add on in this scheme. player do what they are taught to do. This all they have been working on. Greg Knapp has nothing else.we are talking about football and how sorry our coaches are not some UGA fan to tell the blogger about grammar. you sorry Pink-o sissy UGA fans are just like your team want-a- be’s winner meat heads! UT 51 redneck 33!
By Ol' Birdy
October 16, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Only a staff of FOOLS would have had Lelie on the bench Sunday in favor of Roddy White. In fact, were Youngblood to have played like Roddy has this year, he’d be on the streets. Only his #1 draft “status” has him in the league. But it should not warrant him starting or even being activated at this point. Reserve that for guys who actually make plays.
What we need now are guys who will catch the football. And on this roster, they are Lelie and Youngblood.
By robdawg06
October 16, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
Da Bears losing is making Da Bookies $$$ tonight !
I totally agree. Roddy White & Michael Jenkins should be released. Vick throws passes right off their finger tips. Tiki Barber ran behind the tight ends all game and even I knew it was coming over and over. It seems the Falcons defense might plug that hole after the 11th time ??? Vick & Dunn are the only Falcons game ready. The rest of the team is a mess.
By 2dead flies+UGA=0
October 16, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this
If any body need changing It the operator of this team It is Greg Knapp he is not the man for this JOB! Mr. Blank Jim Mora is a Bull$hiter not a prime time coach.Every QB the falcons have had is the problem ,let our so fan tell it.This is a run mode team build this way by Management.When we get behind we can’t come back It was build this way By Management. Management made price the scapegoat . Vick some of our fan want you to be the next scapegoat and he is not the real hard core problem. Management and our coaches ARE The Problem. Zone blocking or cut blocking is build to run block only. Denver run this scheme . There QB has gotten killed even with Elway he had to run for his life. They had receiver that could catch the ball we don’t. Management on offense clueless!
By Greedy
October 16, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
Giants brought #69 in for pass blocking help all night. They had 6 offensive linemen in the game to pass block. We should have did that for Vick. Folks this is a game of adjustments not one did we put the rookie tackle in for extra protection. How does lelie have 2 back to back games with a 40 yard catches and we dont call a vertical pass for him. Bad play calling. our wr suck
By mountain_jim
October 16, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
any truth to this rumour?:
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
“FRACAS AT FLOWERY BRANCH
We’re hearing that there was a huge blowup in Falcon-land after Sunday’s loss to the Giants, and that the problems spilled over into Monday.
The issue arose shortly after the 27-14 loss to the Giants, when defensive coordinator Ed Donatell got in offensive coordinator Greg Knapp’s face regarding the inability of the offense to sustain drives, which resulted in the defense being on the field for too long.
Word is that Donatell blamed several injuries sustained by his troops on the poor play of the offense, because the defensive players were exhausted late in the game.
We’re also told that, on Monday, owner Arthur Blank summoned Donatell and Knapp to his office, and that Blank wouldn’t allow head coach Jim Mora inside the room until Blank had a chance to talk with them. After the four men met, Knapp was angry — and word is that Knapp is openly blaming the performance of the offense on the limited passing skills of quarterback Michael Vick.
Stay tuned, folks. This one could get very ugly, and the Falcons have a big decision to make, especially since backup Matt Schaub will be eligible for restricted free agency after the season.”
By Joe
October 16, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
Jim Mora please read. I have been a fan for over 25 years and I don’t think we’ll ever win the big game. We have one of the smallest O-lines in the league and we have one of the smallet backs in the league. Don’t get me wrong I like Dunn, but he only make big plays or no plays. Too often we find ourselves in too many long yardage situation that doesn’t help Vick or the O-line. We need to get the back off the practice squad that had great success during preseason. If we can find ourselves in more in 2nd and 6 or 3rd and 2 it well help our passing game. To often we’re in 2nd and 9 or 3rd and 8 this is not a good spot to be in with a small O-line.
By Ol' Birdy
October 16, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
Giants brought #69 in for pass blocking help all night. They had 6 offensive linemen in the game to pass block. We should have did that for Vick. Folks this is a game of adjustments not one did we put the rookie tackle in for extra protection. How does lelie have 2 back to back games with a 40 yard catches and we dont call a vertical pass for him. Bad play calling. our wr suck
Greedy, plain and simple: The Giants hired competent, qualified men to coordinate their team. The Falcons did not — getting a disgraced Defensive Coordinator and the HC and OC from a sinking San Fran ship.
You hire p**-poor, unqualified leaders and you get this kind of foolishness. Pure and simple.
By SRF
October 17, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
Pretty simple - a player shows promise in college but can’t make it in the pre-season, he gets cut. The same goes for coaches. If they can’t make it, then it is time for them to get cut too. It is time to trim change the coaching staff, trade for a coach to be named later.
By Bob Darling
October 17, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Vick is a tremendous athlete, some say the fastest man in the NFL. However he does not seem to be getting it done as a quarterback. Maybe Matt Shaub should be the QB (A true pocket passer)with Vick in the backfield. Vick could run, receive, and even throw the ball(as an option play) as needed. Are his talents being properly utilized ?
By billy stover
October 17, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
same old michael vick,he will never be a tom brady or steve mcnair,please put an accurate passer in to play. Bench him.
By E.Hill
October 17, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
Our team got outcoached by the Giants on Sunday. I think this Sunday will show we are a team to be reckoned with. Hats off to the New York Giants. They were well prepared, exposing or weakness. Real professionals know how to bonnce back and correct their weaknesses. Falcons coaching staff are you listening? Falcon Players are you listening? O.F.Cordinator please use some creativity in your play calling. Defensive and Offensive, if you can’t play with a little pain, man, give up your spot on the roster, point blank.
By Levi
October 17, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Blame Vick for the passing woes all you want, but you know recievers have to adjust their routes even with a pocket-passer.
Also Vick can’t magically block everyone coming after him while trying to get away and either throw it away, draw the defense in and pass, or run to gain yardage.
Lastly, problems first begin with coaching and not with players; sure you can have a disruptive (T.O.) or seemingly medicore player (i’m guessing most of you want to put Vick here), but coaching can overcome that. IMO Vick has everything needed to be a passer, so far its the inability to adjust at halftime, the fact that Alex Gibbs has too much influence with OL selection, and that Mora doesn’t have the guts to tell Knapp to either figure out how to use the players we have or he will be fired and someone who can use the players effectively will come in. In all honesty I wish we had hired Mike Martz last year.
By Management is clue less
October 17, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this
If Vick and his money was gone and we got new player what would Greg z-Knapp do with them. Management build this offense line and that’s a big problem .But if they could block the receiver could not get open and would drop the ball. Greg get norwood open or Dunn. Run more SlANTS , run play ground play it is better than what you are doing now. You call you self a coach. We need a upgrade. Let musgrove or some body else more you call some plays some body make a move. The receiver routes are very poor. All this money to watch this clown call play. every week we should have two new passing plays , this is the PRO’s eight to ten yard deep!
By morris
October 17, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
Two offensive coordinators were axed today! Knapp has had three years with vick in our offense yet we rank dead last in most passing categories. Why not follow what other teams with underperforming offenses are doing and get rid of this clown. Hell we have Musgrave who has been a damn good QB coach in this league for a long time. He couldn’t be any worse and he has plenty of experience as both a player and coach. How about a change arthur?
By Rick
October 17, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
how in the heck can the falcons Organization (Rich Mckay) say “we are done dealing for the year”? If you are trying to win a Super Bowl and you have the opportunity to get better by trade, how do you not do this? Package Roddy White and Jekins for Moss and even possibly Porter. I like the boldness of the Ravens releasing their Offensive Coordinator, only because if they felt something was not working make a move …Billick has called the plays before, not saying it is the right move or that he is a great play caller. The Falcons are headed to feast or famine very fast with mentallity that is in place right now. This is not the offense for the QB they have, the defense needs to be more aggresive, stat don’t mean anything when you are winning but when you are struggling they are highlighted. I’m getting the feeling I had when Dan Henning was hired and Falcons playes were cut left and right, when they had just learned how to win, not saying that this team has but keeping players around who are making plays “CONSISTANTLY” makes me wnder if you are committed to win right now. For whatever reason ROddy and Kenkins are not making plays two and three years running, correct the mistake and get someone in here who is. You have players asking to come to your team ie Moss and Owens …not your best two away from the field but playmakers still the same. I am not overly concerned with what a player gets involved with away from the game ….and why should we be? We are all accountable for ourselves, all I am saying get the best players you can in order to win, if that is the intent. If Jimmy Williams can’t play why did you draft him? He has to be better than Webster, who is too small, slow, and not a solid tackler and even more unable to strip the ball from a eceiver attempting to make a catch. I am starting think Vick was right …it is something about this lost that is totally worst than other in the past, because I am in Washington DC posting this and it is my posting after win or lost by the Falcons.
By Jack
October 17, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Mora is venturing onto some thin ice - he can do the “i know better than you” act when he earns it again - IF he earns it again. He needs another ammonia capsule to clear his head and then quit being the player’s buddy - “I really like our guys” well isn’t that great Little Mary Sunshine. Can we trade with Miami for Nick Saban - McKay’s original choice - until King Arthur got hit with Cupid’s arrow.
By Rick
October 17, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
Mora should learned his lesson last year when criticized previous Falcons teams by not having back to back winning seasons, while the Falcons were sitting at 6-2, all know what soon followed …another Falcons era plagued with same suit. Admit you have a problem (Offensive Scheme) and try to fix it by any and all means. we do not need you to be pompous, we need and want a winner with you or without you.
By wes
October 17, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
its gonna be okay . but face it were along way from a superbowl.
By Mike L.
October 17, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
Steve - why is the offense trying to outsmart themselves. things were working decently last year. now we turned into a college offense that tunrs the ball over 5-6 times a game. there is a reason why so many good teams are keeping it simple - you cannot afford to turn the ball over in the NFL!!!
Defensivley - with all the talent on the team - if we dont make something happen Ed has to go. Explain this to me - yes we have a good pass rush (when all are healthy) - but we never ever blitz … if the teams are having problems blocking our front four an additional blitzer every once in a while would take their offensive blocking scheme apart and get a free shot at the QB!!! can we not learn from the best defenses in the league … what do they do in key situation (steelers for example) - all out blitz!!!! i hope the Falcons defensive staff learns something this upcoming weekend, because their are about to witness up and personal what pressuring the QB is all about when the Steelers come after Vick.
By dirty byrd
October 17, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this
have watched with great antisipation of break out yr just dont think the coaches on staff know how to use the talent at hand we have pro bowl players that dont even get used we have fastest guy in nfl sitting on the side watching our qb go to the ground 3sec after ball snapped in shot gun what if they had vick and schaub go out to huddle at same time do you think there def cord has game plan for vick, norwood, schaub lelie crumpler dunn all on the field so what play do they call,who gets ball,who throws who catches 1st things 1st we got to block up frt no matter who we put on the field got 2 many good folks to lose from poor coachs that have no clue what to do or how to get production from so many very fast and talented players keep hope my fellow falcon fans there is a way just dont feel this set of coaches know where to find it with that lets just pray for no injuries to our players till yes god will provide a answer to this awfull mess we have at this stage in our 2006 wish.
By CQ
October 18, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this
I agree the lost on Sunday was very much a coaching loss. The Falcons coaching staff got out coached. If you remember the Falcons had a 14-3 lead. Then the defensive play calling got very relaxed. They never stacked the box to stop the run. Eli Manning was not going to throw at D.Hall, and they should have doubled covered J. Websters man.
By David
October 18, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the blame for the Falcons troubles falls squarely on the shoulders of Jim Mora. Mora should take some of the blame, but not all of it. That is because Mora is not going out there on Sunday and putting pads on and executing plays—-it is his players who are supposed to do that. The players are giving a lackadaisical effort and Mora should share in the blame for not motivating his players enough to be ready on Sunday. But passes that Roddy White, Algae Crumpler and other receivers dropped had nothing to do with Mora. I think Mora, Blank and Rich McKay should all be held responsible for the Falcons anemic start so far this year. Rich McKay was exposed by Bob Whitfield a couple of days ago for being the punk that he is; and Blank is foolish for giving Michael Vick a “blank” check making Vick the highest player in the league. Mora is a moron for not selecting the correct talent pool to play on Sunday. There were a number of players on the bench who should have been starting in the game. The most glaring mistake that Mora keeps making is his inability to demote Michael Vick to the backup quarterback, and promoting Matt Shaub to the starter. Matt Shaub deserves the starting quarterback position because he has earned it first of all, and secondly because he is someone who has vastly superior passing skills to Michael Vick. Sure Michael is a better runner, and Micahel looks good running like a deer or a gazelle all Sunday afternoon. But if you need Micahel Vick to be a running fool, then continue to start him, but start him at the tailback position, and slide Schaub under center where he belongs. I hope that Mora makes the right decision this Sunday because if he doesn’t, the results will continue to be the same—-the Falcons will pile up a whole heap of L’s at the QB position. Insert Schaub into the starting quarterback position and watch the wins start piling up!
By alabama crabdangle
October 20, 2006 03:13 AM | Link to this
i’m just as confused as everyone else is about the wc offense that we run. knapp calls it a “hybrid west coast style” whats so hybrid about it. all we do is run the ball. run,run,run, all game long. no trick plays, no deep passes, no short crossing routes,no setup screen passes, so tell me again greg knapp, why do you call the same plays every game? i’m not a coach in the nfl but i know when you line up to run the ball and when you line up for the dumb option play. you are just to predictable. maybe its time for a history lesson for you. review tape of bill walsh’s west coast system and look at how joe montana and steve young shredded defenses then. hey just an idea. i really hope you can redeem yourself sunday, if we lose i hope arthur blank fires you, you have pro bowlers at QB,RB,TE, and two WR’s that are 1st round picks, all of this talent and we are dead last in passing. pathetic!
By Jerry
October 20, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
I saw the Chris Carter interview of Mike Vick. He confirmed that none of the problems with the Falcons have any thing to do with him. I thought the offense had been built around Vick’s ability to run the ball. Now he says he is a very good passer amd should be chunking the ball 40 times a game and that he thinks he is right up there with McNabb, the Mannings and Brady. After watching the interview I am beginning to believe that there is an I in team.