Falcons

By OrlandoFalcon

October 17, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

fire knapp and donatel….please

By mountain_jim

October 17, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Two OC’s fired today, Knapp next?

No chance, unfortunately.

By Singletary

October 17, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Why?

Why do we not operate with an extra running back/TE to clear paths for Dunn or blitzers from Vick? Griffith & McCrary occasionally catch a ball too.

Why do we blame the ultimate competitor with bad/boring play-calling by the OC? Vick IS passing better, and his QB rating would be in the normal range if our WR … were.

Why do we continue to play Roddy White when Ashley Lelie is personally committed to catching anything thrown within two feet of his body. That is what a PRO WR does.

Why do people expect the Defense to play effectively for an entire half when only sitting for 6-8 plays?

Why is the Oline so porous on passing plays when they can clear holes for runners?

It’s gonna be a long season until we get answers to these questions.

By VIckfan

October 17, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

I agree with using Warrwick Dunn as a pass catcher out of the backfield. He used to do a lot of that in Tampa Bay off of screen plays. Also we need to change the offense to more of a spread option offense. This West Coast thing is not working. We need to give Vick the easy throws to the outside, because when he rolls out of the pocket he is a very good passer. I think its obvious Gregg Knapp doesnt know how to use this guy. Calling for Vick to be traded or benched is ridiculous. He is the face of this franchise, I would sell my season tickets in a heartbeat if this happened. Any idiot can figure out vicks strengths and weaknesses throwing the ball. He has a strong arm and he throws well on the run. I hope Mr Blank gets involved and doesnt let Mora and Knapp flush this season down the drain, trying to change Vick.

By Conservative Offense

October 17, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

First we hired a coach and coordinators coming from losing teams. Sunday was coaching, Giants find the weak links ( Webster), Chancey Davis and one arm Kerney and gashed us. And no adjustments were made. It’s sad that Jimmy W who has way more upside than slow 15 yard cushion Webster. Unproven receivers. How in the hell is Vick going to be productive with the receiving turnover and unproven jokes they keep putting out there. It allows doubling of Crumpler, using freaking spys because we don’t adjust and go 4 wide. Frustrating to watch. Crowd. The play calling kills any and all energy in the dome. On both sides of the ball. No aggression. Would it kill the Falcons to just shock the world and come out and pass 10 straight. Try it, no one expects it Knapp. They no your bread and butter and your lineman are not imposing enough to dictate to the more dominent defenses. Knapp. I was thinking that Knapp was trying to sabotage Vicks career to get Schaub in there with that joke of an offense and now I am really convinced its true. Please even the biggest Vick bashers know, this offense is way too predictable. When Schaub gets in and he will because Vick want last with this unbalanced offensive scheme, watch the difference in the play-calling. If Vick is not man enough to demand change than its on him. If he finds this BS acceptable than he’ll sink with it. Need to be a more vocal leader and start acting like a QB. The QB like it or not is the MAN! At every level make no bones about it. You have to be the General and get in guys face. Thats whats lacking with this team if the coachs will not hold guys accountable, your team leaders better. Not saying throw guys under the bus, but I think we Vick supporters or waiting on him to get some fire in his a$$. Stop acting like losing is acceptable. They should strive for perfection, yet Mora is and his team follows loaded with excuses. Its a different style and we supporters accept that. You can win with it, the MAN took us to the NFC championship. PLay with some freaking passion, did you all see the Bears on Monday night. The Falcons once had that but its gone. No confidence and Blanks and McKays inaction at the trade deadline has kinda killed mine as well. I have seen nothing that says this staff can right the ship. It’s up to Vick, Brooking, Dunn, Milloy and the other pro bowlers to make it happen. Get in some faces, this soft stuff ain’t

By gdg73

October 17, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

If they can’t protect Vick under center, put him in the shotgun with Dunn/Norwood on one side and Griffith/Crumpler on the other side with Lelie, Jenkins, and White split out wide. Let Vick do his thing. The key against Pitt. will be quick passes because they will start blitzing once the step off the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson. The receivers must also hold onto the ball when they catch it because the Steelers will lay the wood. The Falcons need to do the same thing on defense and stay aggressive. If we can’t stop the run with our front four, Donatell needs to take Webster out if he doesn’t trust him in man coverage, bring Jimmy Williams in, man up on the corner, and run blitz them to death. I’d rather a quick TD through the air than an 85 play drive which exhausts the defense to no end.

By Allen

October 17, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

All of Atlanta’s problems fall on the shoulders of Greg Knap, Alex Gibbs, and the Wide receivers. Our offensive line cannot pass block to save their lives. Our play calling stinks. There is no immaginatin to our offensive scheme and our wide receivers can’t get open or catch a ball. When is coach Mora going to hold people accountable for their jobs. It’s never ok to loose so why does Mora think that it is.

By gdg73

October 17, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

If they can’t protect Vick under center, put him in the shotgun with Dunn/Norwood on one side and Griffith/Crumpler on the other side with Lelie, Jenkins, and White split out wide. Let Vick do his thing. The key against Pitt. will be quick passes because they will start blitzing once the step off the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson. The receivers must also hold onto the ball when they catch it because the Steelers will lay the wood. The Falcons need to do the same thing on defense and stay aggressive. If we can’t stop the run with our front four, Donatell needs to take Webster out if he doesn’t trust him in man coverage, bring Jimmy Williams in, man up on the corner, and run blitz them to death. I’d rather a quick TD through the air than an 85 play drive which exhausts the defense to no end.

By scott

October 17, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Steve, you state that the defense felt humbled (at least they seem to get it), but they spent about 2/3 of the second half on the field because of the ineptitude of the Falcon offense, and I think they just got tired - not to mention that Abraham, Kearney and Coleman were banged up.

I’ve been a vocal supporter of our wide receivers, telling people to be patient, but that patience is now exhausted. Roddy White took a hard shot about 3 weeks ago, and he’s had alligator arms ever since. Jenkins is a mystery - big, tough and makes some difficult catches, but can’t reel in the easier ones. That bomb the MV threw him for a sure TD was verrrrrry catchable. Gotta step it up, and it’s time to get Lelie more involved.

Finally, although folks want to throw the blame right at MV, our line was porous!! If Knapp isn’t going to call some screens, swing passes, draws, or something to negate that pass rush, then we’re in big (and getting bigger) trouble.

By scott

October 17, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Steve, you state that the defense felt humbled (at least they seem to get it), but they spent about 2/3 of the second half on the field because of the ineptitude of the Falcon offense, and I think they just got tired - not to mention that Abraham, Kearney and Coleman were banged up.

I’ve been a vocal supporter of our wide receivers, telling people to be patient, but that patience is now exhausted. Roddy White took a hard shot about 3 weeks ago, and he’s had alligator arms ever since. Jenkins is a mystery - big, tough and makes some difficult catches, but can’t reel in the easier ones. That bomb the MV threw him for a sure TD was verrrrrry catchable. Gotta step it up, and it’s time to get Lelie more involved.

Finally, although folks want to throw the blame right at MV, our line was porous!! If Knapp isn’t going to call some screens, swing passes, draws, or something to negate that pass rush, then we’re in big (and getting bigger) trouble.

By Management is clue less

October 17, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

And Mora and Knapp Get paid for this. What are we the fans to dowe have no input.Let the fan call 2 plays a game. AJC could have five plays to chose from every week .let us do it . Is there any way to bring someone in to help Greg in building a game plan.Please don’t let pride set in get some help some more Eyes, try three new pass play.You got to try to open it up more just try please! Donatell if you don’t attack and put pressure we are in for a long day sunday.Mike will do fine if you let him ! #32,#28,#87,#12 are your go to reciver open it up just open it up!

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

I hope our scheme does some soul searching. We could have got the tackle from AZ to protect vick for a fifth round pick. an yet We do nothing, ask Kerney if that guy can move , he covered our people up one on one all game,its a damn shame when we have to use a 180 pound back to chip block on every damn play. I am really depressed that we did not pull the trigger for moss as well. My heart goes out to Mike Vick and his family. I am season ticket holder and hurts to see and hear mike vick beat up by vick bashers everyday , you cant even have a decent blog with out them. Why do some of you hate a winner so much, i mean how many hall of fame qb have you had here , how many nfc championship appearances has this organization had. How many qb get the national recognition and the respect of his peers as mike vick. He is the most misunderstood person in sports history in my opinion. Mike Vick is only 26 haters , 10 more years at least physically you bastards!!! Deal with the idea that he will be here or beating this team for the next 10 years.

By Dawgs2006

October 17, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

The Ravens fired their OC today and they are in first place. A change was needed and they took care of business. Why can’t Arthur Blank grow some gonads and do something right for a change. Yes, I know he lowered ticket prices and few years ago, but what has he really done since? We are still not performing!

By Jeff

October 17, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

Steve,

Can you or someone else please ask Donatell and/or Mora why they don’t institute the no-huddle offesne?

If they don’t want to scrap this west coast offense (or whatever they want to call it), they could at least add a few wrinkles to keep opposing defenses guessing. It seems as if the no-huddle could be effective, considering our personnel on offense. It could also reduce the number of times defenses blitz.

Also, why do they play “soft defense,” and why don’t they play with more agression and blitz more often? After all, they have a lot of speed on defense. One would think they would use it. I mean, what’s the purpose of bringing in all that speed if you’re only going to play zone, anyway?

By Lance

October 17, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

I think it was Billick that made the decision to fire Fassel. Mora should do the same with Knapp. Only problem is, Mora wouldn’t have anyone to call the plays…he certainly isn’t going to do it.

By Jeff

October 17, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

That should be “can you or someone else please ask Knapp and/or Mora….”

By tre

October 17, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

It is sad that we have to use a running back to block, and Vick still only has 3 seconds to get the ball out of his hands. Our offense is killing our defense. I do not understand how a pro team can look so awful on offense, espcially after a bye week. Greg Knapp has had plenty of time to put an offense together, he has had the same quarterback, and the same players on offense (except receivers, if that is what you want to call them). He has no excuses, and needs to do something else. The Falcons are about to lose the fan base, by getting everyone’s expectations up very high, and then letting us down, when we see reality. I waited all off season, for an awful offensive team, that nullifies our great defensive pickups via draft, or free agency. This is disgusting.

By jerry

October 17, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Fire Off. Cord. and demote the Def. Cord. and put skates on Jimmy M. Where is Dan Reeves when you need him or Pittsburg Offen. Cord. Whisenhunt.

By Mad Fan

October 17, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

I would like to start the bench Mike Vick movement. I have been his supporter through thick and thin. If this is Mike just being Mike; I don’t like it. The passing game has been non-existance this year. Mike Vick has coaches. I think it is time his coaches took control of this problem. I don’t expect Mike not to play again but I would expect his coaches to resolve this problem even if it means giving Mike some time to reflect and the coaches to explore our quaterback options.

By tre

October 17, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

If Alge is double team, and Vick has a spy on him, why can’t our receivers get open? Why is Vick getting sacked

By Wes

October 17, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

Vick could have 15 minutes to throw the ball…he’d still throw it 700 miles per, 3 feet over the receivers head.

By Isn't it ironic!!!!!

October 17, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

It was just announced that Matt Lehr is suspended 4 games for using steroids.

OK, so if he’s this terrible on steriods, he must really suck.

Clabo is bigger and taller. He might even be better. He certainly can’t be any worse.

By BirdDawg

October 17, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Wes, you’re an idiot.

The reason why Mora won’t do the right thing, and I mean right as in right by his players, and right by this team, and right by this fanbase in firing that supreme idiot Greg Knapp, is because they’re best friends.

Mora is going to let Knapp take this team down just like he did last year.

Mora doesn’t have the intestinal fortitude or the moral courage to do what is right in this situation.

And that is why he to needs to be fired.

What Blank needs to do is demand that Greg Knapp be fired, and if Mora says if he goes I go, then yes, Mora needs to be fired, too.

And then, the best thing Atlanta can do is wait until the end of the season and do what they should have done 3 years ago, and hire the right damn man for the job.

3 years ago, Blank made the wrong decision in hiring Mora over Lovie Smith. Mora is smart@$$, and yes he is smart. He wowed the Falcons brass with an impressive interview. His father probably told him how to do it. Unfortunately, the Falcons were so enamored by that interview that they overlooked his horrible resume. His defenses in San Fran sucked.

Lovie Smith always had good defenses in Tampa, and yes, in 2001, when the Rams went to the Super Bowl, people forget they had a top-5 defense. In fact, it was their defense, not their offense, which got them into the Super Bowl in beating the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

So what does Blank need to do? Fire Mora and his sorry staff and in the offseason make a huge contract offer to either Charlie Weiss or even better, Ken Whisenhunt. With Weiss, he’d have to pay 10 million just buy out his Notre Dame contract. With Whisenhunt, he’d have to outbid the Steelers, and that wouldn’t be hard with that penny pinching organization.

Hire Ken Whisenhunt and get an innovative and inventive offensive mind to design an offense for Vick. Not that moron Knapp who is chained to the WCO and wouldn’t know who to be innovative or make adjustments if it bit him in the @$$.

Also, as an added bonus, Ken brings with someone from the Steelers staff to run the defense. Imagine our guys running around playing the multiple-D the Steelers play, not longer a true 3-4. With the multiple-D, you play all kinds of defenses depending what the offense puts on the field. In running downs you run the 4-3, in passing, you run the 3-4. Maybe you mix in the 46.

The thing is, Whisenhunt and his guys who bring INNOVATION to this team.

These coordinators cannot make adjustments. They’re worse then the Georgia staff. I mean, does anyone else see that opposing defenses seem to know exactly what Knapp is going to do? Or that opposing offenses know exactly where and how to beat us.

Ken Whisenhunt is never predictable, and neither is the Steelers defense.

This is what needs to happen.

By HL

October 17, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

NY Times article said Plaxico Burress of Giants said Falcons are worst team they played so far this year. It’s simple for the other team. Just stop the run. Vick is too short to see over the line and throws too hard and inaccurate. The college option play won’t carry you through an NFL season. Give Shaub or Shockey a chance. What happened to the pass rush? Manning had all the time he needed to find open receivers even with 1st string line.

By bmullis

October 17, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

“The Herd” is so right. Vick holds the Falcons hostage with his 10yr/100million contract. He is one dimensional and defenses have adjusted.

The current coaches make Dan Reeves look like Einstien.

Do you now realize how valuable Finneran was and is?

By Fan01

October 17, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

You people are idiots, if the WR’s would catch the ball no one would be complaining at all it is their fault. They are even dropping the passes that are right on the money , like Mora said we have to start making the tough catches if they would’nt drop so many balls. Vick would have about 9 or so TD’s right now.

By honest_abe

October 17, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

you morons that keep calling for mora/knapp to scrap his playbook… think about that for just ONE second pleeeeeease… they work on a system, the plays and an offensive philosophy their whole lives… then they become head coach/offensive coordinator respectively…then they have players around which they implement their system/philosophy.. in certain cases some players have been learning this “system for 2 sometime 3 years.. then they go through training camp, where they go over the philosophy/system once again. going over the finer points. then the falcons lose ONE game… (i will admit they looked horrible in doing so) and you guys are saying scrap the west coast offense…OK SURE..WHY DONT’ THEY DO THAT…SCREW THE REST OF THIS SEASON…JUST START WORKING ON ANOTHER WHOLE PLAYBOOK…LETS MAKE THE NEXT 5 WEEKS A NEW TRAINING CAMP…TREATIN THE UP COMING GAMES AS PRE SEASON…HMM WE SHOULD BE RIGHT ON TRACK BY END OF THE SEASON AND A FREAKING 3-13 RECORD TO SHOW FOR IT…

if only some of you guys knew just how ignorant you really sound… word of advice… go talk to your chickens and pigs…and then go BACK TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND GET A FREAKIN EDUCTATION…YOU IGNORANT DUMBA**ES

By roan st

October 17, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

Honest Abe, know you from the hawks message board and respect your opinion. But we are in year three of this knapp and west coast thing and vick looked like a better passer 4 years ago. In 2002 he threw for almost 3000 yards plus he was a threat to run as well. Now this guy can’t even throw for a buck fifty a game and believe me the giants defense is not the 85 bears because hassleback threw 5 touchdowns against them a few weeks ago. Nobody is calling for the team to overhaul the offensive philosphy in midseason but at least they could add some new wrinkles and get more balls to explosive guys like norwood and lelie. I do believe that knapp’s job is in jeopordy if we lose a few more games and our offense is anemic. The NFL is a copy cat league and with 2 offensive coordinators fired today knapp could be next if doesn’t get this thing fixed in a hurry. In fact I kind of always thought the reason musgrave was brought in was not just to be a QB tutor to vick but also a backup plan if they decided to part with knapp during the season.

By mountain_jim

October 17, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

I agree that Musgrave was brought in as a possible replacement if Knapp did not improve… and I for one am ready to see what he could do

Even with the same scheme and players, I think a more imaginative playcaller and game-planner could make a huge difference.

They had an extra week and Knapp added nothing new, no surprises, no pass option off the zone-read, etc.

He blew his zone-read was by game 2, and nothing new since.

He sucks at fooling or surprising anyone once the season has started. Plain and simple.

By Jeff

October 17, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

Honest Abe,

er…um, it’s called adjusting. No one is asking Mora and/or Knapp to scrap their offense. We are just asking that they adjust to what the defense is doing - be creative. That’s something every nfl head coach/offensive coordinator should be able to do.

If only you knew how ignorant YOU sound….

By 2dead flies+UGApunk stile pink-o Gay's

October 17, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

By Rumor Mill

October 17, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weiss says he has been contacted by 3 NFL teams. Could one of them be the Falcons? Stay tuned.

By 2dead flies+UGApunk stile pink-o Gay's

October 17, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

eSPN THE HERD -REDNECKS

By 680 The Dud

October 17, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Kincade & Matt Schaub were hammering the Atlanta fans for booing and not being loud enough on Sunday. Sound familiar…. Chipper? Those idiots should be taken out back and shot! I spend good money to visit the GA Dome each home game and buy $7 hotdogs, $9 beers, $8 nachos(if you want to call them nachos), and countless other overpriced items. If Matt Schaub thinks the fans are the problem, he is not as bright as I gave him credit for. The booing is primarily directed at Knapp for the same boring play calling week in and week out. Interesting how the paying customers are always the reason for failure in Atlanta- even when they SELL OUT the venue!

By Birdy

October 17, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

Thank you BirdDawg and Greedy. You told it like it is.

The covers are coming off and the seams are showing.

I still cannot believe that anyone incharge of a professional football team with a QB they’ve invested $37 million in CASH would deliberately de-emphasize PASS PROTECTION!!!

Think about that for a second. EVERY team would like to sack the QB as much as possible. Everyone knows that is the best way to shut down a passing game.

So we have poor pass protection by design!!

Somebody has really done the team and its fans a great disservice with this notion that poor pass blockers are the linemen we should target. More and more people are now seeing just how FOOOLISH that is.

You don’t get these seasons back.

By Jack

October 17, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

If anyone thinks the home crowd is out of line NOW - just wait a couple more weeks.

By William Kitchens

October 17, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

Matt Schaub knows half those boos are for Vick and is trying to take the high road.

By tj

October 17, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

If Musgrave took over for Knapp, probably the first thing he would want to do would be replace rifle arm with Schaub. I don’t think some of ya’ll would like that.

By Michael

October 17, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

HL the last time I checked the last 3 or 5 times that we played the Giants we beat them! And for Burress, too make a comment is just plain foolish. Before the key players on defense went out. The Giants offense was getting dominated! Burress didn’t have a spectacular game. They was down 14 to 3 going into the 4th quarter, And if the damn reciever’s would have made the catches that are suppose to make, this game wouldn’t have been close! Or ended the way that it did. Everybody see that it’s the Coaches who failed this team. Vick can throw every pass that a QB throw, including the that other QB’s can’t! If the defense wouldn’t Tiki gash them, again Burress wouldn’t be talking! True is that the giants is also a one deminsional team. That who Offense goes through him and was frusterated that he couldn’t the ball. Because Manning was having a bad game. The Offensive Coordinator is a joke. Myself, and others has been calling for this guy head since last year! Their’s no-way that a guy like Lelie should be on the damn bench. When White dropped that pass instead of Mora benching him. He just yell at him, samething with Jenkins. With those points, it would have made the score 28 to 0 in the first half and possibly more. For this man to make comments like that is sicking! If and when we play this team again. I grantee will beat that a* like a drum!

By True Fan

October 17, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

William Kitchens

I am really getting sick of you. How in the h*ll do you know what Matt is thinking? Every week you come on this blog with the same pathetic ramblings about Vick, ignoring anything that goes against your bias opinons. I can spot you pathetic UGA fans from a mile away! Go wollow in your own vomit!

By Paul Hamilton

October 17, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

Well the cardinals and ravens fired offensive coordinators today, whats the hold up here in atlanta?

By This gets old

October 17, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

Steve wrote an article back in camp about Norwood being better in the passing game than the Falcons thought. Where’s the evidence of that?

There is no “there” there to be fixed. We know that Vick can pass in the NFL because he’s done it and he’s done it in an offense in which his running was DE-EMPHASIZED.

In the NFL it’s said that offensive and defensive schemes are effective or not effective based upon the staff being able to get the most out of it’s players because the talent level is roughly the same.

Well the Falcons do have talent. The Falcons are not an aggressive team on either side of the ball. Look, we came out of a bye week and we saw really one formation that they haven’t shown previously. They mucked that up.

With all of the speed on the team the opposition should fear having to run with them. They don’t have to because we don’t pressure them. We don’t vary formations and personnel within the formations. There’s never a time when a DC has to call a time out because we’ve over matched them in a personnel matchup.

No Pass interference calls against our WR’s ever. They’re not even getting away with penalties. They’re showing no sign of being fighters, tough guys. Not that they’re not but they don’t play that way.

First Mora season, NFC Championship. Why wasn’t anybody coming after our coordinators for HC jobs?

The last time we played Pittsburgh we tied them in OT (last OT tie) at 37 in Heinz Field. Put up 37pts up on them in a game where they couldn’t contain Vick running or throwing. He kept us in that game where Plaxico ran wild.

Don’t think we’ll put up 30 this week. What’s changed?

By DEADBIRD

October 17, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

Everyone listen to BirdDawg, he is the worlds most intelligent sports blogger. Everything he says including predictions are always right. Don’t believe it? Just ask him. If Matt Schaub and Vickeys roles had been reversed the last 3 years TirdLawg, and Schaub was putting up the passing numbers that your greatness is, you would be slinging Schaub under the bus. You seem prone to calling people idiots on here, you’re the idiot.

By dirty byrd

October 17, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

have read blog for weeks now been watching falcons since 70s seen bad teams for sure what we all have seen is poor coaching of top caliber pro bowl talent on both sides of the ball not players fault its up to coaches to correct these problems in the on going game at hand. these talented players do as they are coached even the drops come from coaching all starts at top then yes we the fans is where it ends good players become great thru there coaches and hard work go figure

By Tha'Hammer

October 17, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

gotta disagree with you deadbird. don’t always agree with birddawg but he nailed it this time. the last time i was this disgusted with the overall play of this team was the last carolina game last year. just insane. what happened at halftime? can’t explain what happened to the defense other than the fact that apparently we don’t know how to blitz. manning had all day to throw and he made us pay. terrible tackling cost us an extra 100 yards. where was the swagger on the defense, coach? the offense is so f’ing predictable it makes me sick. when do we look at making some changes? baltimore is in first place but their offense wasn’t happening. you see what happened there. seems they are willing to do whatever it takes to win a championship. are you listening mr. blank?

By Andy

October 17, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Steve,

Please report on the story/rumor on Profootballtalk.com about the DC getting in the OC’s face and the OC’s reaction was to blame Vick…scary stuff…want to know more…

I do think the problem is with the WRs, OC and Vick. The pocket needs to move and the passing game needs some no huddle. Hope they figure it out fast because I’d hate to see a promising season go down the tubes…

By Greedy Blows

October 17, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

This Falcon coaching staff has a habit of underutilizing exceptional talent while overutilizing marginal talent. Duckett was the puzzling one as to why the Falcons did not use him more. Guess we will never know. Looks like they are taking the same approach with Norwood. At the same time, they continue to play Roddy & Jenkins while leaving an accomplished WR(Lelie) on the bench. Didn’t we pick up Lelie to spread the offense? Maybe we can look forward to him catching a long one in 2009. This coaching staff treats personnel moves with the same lack of urgency they do with halftime adjustments.

I took my 10 year old nephew to the game on Sunday even though he knows little about football. We played a game where I told him to guess each offensive play(pass or run) for both teams. He nailed the Falcons playcalling to the tune of about 80% and the Giants to less than 25%. He went on to ask why the Falcons don’t make Vick a RB or WR. This is a 10 year old kid who barely follows football and he pegged our issues in one afternoon. Imagine how easy the DC’s for opposing teams have it.

By Greedy Nuthugger

October 17, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this

5 years ago, the GA Dome wanted Vick to play and broke out in an applause the moment Chris Chandler got hurt. I fear we are back in that spot again. I am hardpressed to think that there wouldn’t be at least a muted applause if Vick got injured Sunday and Schaub came in. Hard to believe things have evolved back to this point again. I believe that giving Schaub a few starts is the only way we will ever know if Vick is the problem. If not, the smokescreen will continue.

By Flafalcon

October 17, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

I agree Raven’s and Card’s pulled the plug on the OC why not us. I’ve been watching the same $#!t for the last 3 years now and I’m sick of it. I live in Fl. and pull for the Falcon’s faithfully and have to put up with a lot of $#!t for it. Please give me a team I can be proud of. I wear Falcon shirt’s from the 1st day of camp to the last game win or loose. Come on let’s get it together. Catch the dang ball and put some presure on the dang QB he had all day to pass the ball. GO FALCON’S

By uno

October 18, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this

As long as Vick is attempting to pass himself off as a QB (just a bit outside!), the Falcons will always have a bad head coach, a bad OC, a bad offensive line, bad wide receivers, etc, etc…that is, according to the Vick apologists who refuse to wake up and point the finger at the one place it belongs. Oh yeah, I forgot one other thing…the Falcons will also win exactly zero Super Bowl championships with Vick behind center. Give up this failed experiment, play Shockley, play Schaub, make a trade, draft someone, do whatever it takes to give this team a chance. Because right now the Falcons have none.

By the way, wasn’t Vick’s sixth year as a pro supposed to be the magical time when everything clicked for him? (Nevermind that Matt Leinart is already better than Vick 2 starts into his career!) Isn’t that what you all were telling me last year? Well, guess what? Vick still doesn’t get it!

By UNO

October 18, 2006 05:11 AM | Link to this

Leinart Better than Vick please. What has he won? He barely threw a ball more than 15 yards and his arm strength looked very weak. Arizona had to limit there game plan, couldn’t attack down field and it cost them. Leinart fumbled and gave up a touchdown they blame it on the line. If Vick does it its all him! Granted he does hold it like a loft of bread sometimes but it comes with the territory. Schaub gets the benefit of better play calling and multiple receiving targets. If the Falcons came out with a aggressive game plan, different formations, no huddle, dual back sets and Vick can’t get the job done I’ll agree. But like the true Falcon fans on the blog know, we’ve seen it. Vick was on his way to top levels under Dan Reeves. Everyone thought the grass would be greener. But then again, with all the proven coachs out there, no one expected to get stuck with Jim Mora Jr. This thing may finally implode on Sunday, because the Steelers are legit and have great coaching on both sides of the ball. Wisenhunt maybe the best at getting the most of all his weapons available and get the ball to them in creative ways. And on defense they attack, attack, attack not sit back and get carved up, they dictate to the opposing offense. The Falcons are a fineses team and it is painfully obvious that Mora has brought that 80’s west coast BS to Atlanta. Its sad that we took one step forward when we hired him, and now we are two steps back!

By Nikki

October 18, 2006 05:40 AM | Link to this

Dunn and Norwood ARE options in the passing game. How about Vick just gets rid of the ball quicker?! As bad as the Arizona OL is, Matt Leinhart was getting rid of the ball very quickly. He’s a rook. What’s up, Vick?!

By AFinPC

October 18, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

Can the Falcons PLEASE jump on the bandwagon with the Cards and Ravens and FIRE GREG KNAPP!!! If Mora won’t do it then FIRE hime TOO!!! I wish Donald Trump would buy the franchise, he’d have no problem with it!!

By coastal jim

October 18, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

Why is the receivers coach getting a pass?? With all we’ve invested in the wide receiver position over the last couple of years, how is it possible that these guys NEVER get any separation, and when they do, they can’t catch the frikkin’ ball??

By Ry

October 18, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

coastal jim,

It is not the receivers coach’s fault that they cannot get open and catch the ball, it is the receivers. Lelie is the only legitimate NFL receiver on the team and Mora will not even start him. When he is in the game, he actually can get open AND catch the ball.

By honest_abe

October 18, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

roan, i’m with you 100% … i just went off on the people that say we need to scrap the whole playbook and go to something else…i just think it’s kind of late to change your entire offensive philosophy at this point in the season…. i remember vick under reeves in 02…he was fairly profient in the passing game…as reeve’s like to move the pocket around and pass the ball downfield….BUT, he had reliable receivers!! (shawn jefferson, brian finn) guys that could actually catch the ball……..i know the current scheme looks redundant..and it seems that at times we are just banging our heads on a brick wall… but guys the problem has less to do with scheme than it does with EXECUTION! understand that most of the time when the falcons pass it’s on third down… and most of the time our WR’s drop the ball… drive killing drops have been the falcons MO…

you see i’m not exactly thrilled by the way the falcons are playing right now….but let’s understand this….. in mora’s first year…vick had a pretty good year..led the falcons to the nfc championship game and the only thing everyone was still talking about was mike vicks inability to throw the ball from the pocket……SOOOOOOO the next year…mike vick primarily stays in the pocket (a nagging injury had something to do with this as well) he actually has some decent games throwing the ball…but the team implodes and the next thing you know…everyone is screaming for the OLD mike vick..the one that improvises…and creates, and runs around……fast forward to this year… he’s back to his old self…and now people this time around are pointing at the system…… bottom line… the falcons this year implemented the option…to play to vicks strength…they move the pocket around on bootlegs and rollouts… but it all boils down to execution fellas. if the line ain’t blocking and the wr’s aint’ catching…you have an inept offense…and that is where the falcons problems lie…. dropped balls are contagious… i.e. the georgia bulldogs…it’s has affected that program for a number of years now…and now it’s with the falcons…for the past few years… alge has dropped passes this year, which can’t be good for mike vick’s psyche as he doesn’t feel comfortable throwing to ANYONE… but ya i hear ya.. it would’ve been nice to see some kind of innovation or adjustment in the giants game… bleh..knapp bores me…but i think if the falcons execute they’ll be fine

By honest_abe

October 18, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

jeff, i know a good counselor that can help you with that stuttering problem you seem to have… and i wanted to thank you for reprenting the whole blog and knowing exactly what EVERYONE is talking about… dude, i wasn’t even talking to you… so why don’t you go pick your battles somewhere else.. moron.

By VolsRock

October 18, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

Did it ever occur to one and all that the reason the gameplan doesn’t change is because our QB can’t read a defense and audible … what makes you think he can remember anything other than what he practiced for the particular game he’s in? All QBs must look at the defense and recognize what is about to happen … if the called play will be stopped, then change it at the line of scrimmage to one you think will go!!!! Vick just can’t do that … I’m sorry but it’s the truth, and no I’m not a racist because I don’t care who the QB is, he has to do this!

By Greedy

October 18, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Vick bashers its old and your time is running out , if you can read through the hidden meaning. Our time is here , so accept it and keep watching the game at home on your 19” tv. I pay to go see every game real close and i believe i see whats going , poor routes , poor protection , and no adjustments being made on defense. Why the hell are we 10 yards off, any team can throw a slant or out at that distance. I took my kid to the to you dman savages and he asked me why we dont blitz like on madden.

By Jay

October 18, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Falcons drop 5 levels in recent “Ranks”. “The Falcons came into Sunday’s game with the Giants boasting the league’s No. 1 rushing defense, holding opponents to less than 70 yards rushing per game. Sixty minutes later, they’d given up 259 yards on the ground, and found themselves bruised and battered. Michael Vick tore off another dazzling touchdown run on Sunday, and Warrick Dunn ripped a big one for touchdown. BUT THE PASSING GAME HAS BEEN NON-EXISTENT. Every body in the NFL, everybody in Georgia, the world, except the Falcons, has noticed this minor tidbit…please somebody tell them!

By Management is clue less

October 18, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

vols rock This is only what YOU think, YOU don’t know that. If he did audible our line and receiver it would not make and different they can’t block or catch. This is a zone blocking team they would not know what to do if he can and audible. What we do know Greg Knapp play are not working. Our receiver run very poor routes and drop the ball, the offense line can not pass block! Vick has some problem but if Greg Knapp Knapp and Jim Mora was a coach we would not be talking about this . They are clue less. T.O. has Greg Right on the money clue less!

By Dale

October 18, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

Dr. Z’s latest power rankings are available on sportsillustrated.cnn.com. The Falcons are ranked 17. In discussing the Falcons, Dr. Z expresses his disbelief in the Falcons and Donatell’s refusal to blitz. For those of you who haven’t seen it, he states:

“Never, never, never will I understand how you can keep rushing four, and only four, small people who are gradually getting worn out, cannot possibly apply pressure by themselves and are equally vulnerable to anything that comes their way, by themselves without a single bit of help from, ssshhhh, blitzers. I mean is there some sort of city ordinance against blitzing? Is it considered a terrorist tactic in Atlanta?”

Many Falcons fans have been expressing the same concerns for the past two years.

Steve, can you or someone else please ask Mora why they continue to play “soft defense.” It just makes no sense.

By Management is clue less

October 18, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

If this team is not at least 10-6 Mora and No play calling OC should be Gone!

By David

October 18, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

For those folks out there who think that Matt Schaub is not good enough to be the starting QB for the Falcons, I want to remind you of a gentlemen who was languishing on the Falcons bench many years ago who was toiling in obscurity. Most NFL fans did not even know his name as he was practicing his backup duties in Suwanee. After Bret Farve continued to throw interceptions every time he would get his chance, and while he thought he could start somewhere else—the Falcons brass finally got tired of dealing with Farve and traded him to the Green Bay Packers for almost nothing. At Green Bay for the last almost 20 years, all former Atlanta backup Frave did was become the THIRD greatest quarterback statistically in the history of the NFL. Not bad for someone who was considered a nobody. And now history has repeated itself with Matt Schaub waiting in the wings. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that Schaub is one of the best talents to come into the league in decades…and he is just chomping at the bit waiting to get his chance to start. The only difference I see in Schaub versus Farve is that I feel that Schaub has considerably more upside potential than Farve ever had. What I see in Matt Schaub is someone, who when given the chance, will break all of Dan Marino’s records and Peyton Manning’s records if he will ever be given a chance to start. That’s the potential I see in Matt Schaub and I just hope that the Falcons will see the diamond in the rough that they have in Matt Schaub and give him a chance to the be the great hall-of-famer that he is destined to become.

By Management is clue less

October 18, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

David let it go man . you said it right YOU feel! vick not the problem! Problem=Greg Knapp . You don’t feel 300+ pounder on you . You don’t feel Offense line who are just turnstiles and don’t block so he can read the defense.You run for your life the hold game. Don’t fool your self and it seem you have that if Mr. Schaub was the better Qb, he would be playing in Atlanta Ga. . We want to get something for Mr. Schaub when we trade him. The offense line we have now would get Killed and fast.Is it your blue eyes that see him better? Keep it real with me David!

By mike

October 18, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

Okay, I hardly ever get on this thing, but a precedent was set yesterday with the firing of two offensive coordinators. I have never really liked Knapp at all, in fact Dan Reaves had a much better offense than Greg Knapp has ever thought about having. I am not a Dan Reaves fan either, but the facts are the facts. Mike Vick is doing the same thing time after time and the offense is very predictable. We will never be a real threat with Knapp as the coordinator, and I am not sold on our head coach either…he is too childish at times. Lokk at the best coaches in the league & what they do…we have an incredible athlete at quarterback, but not a quarterback in the traditional sense, but he is having to over-use certain plays and not use others. Our red zone problems go right to play calling. Knapp does not even give Dunn a chance to do anything down inside the 20’s…he just dismisses him all together. It is horrible! Blank should fire him, but Blank will wait till next year, but I know he is gone! Donatell has don a much better job with what he has to work with & last week withstanding has done a good job!

By Ken Strickland

October 19, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

VOLSROCK, you should never rely on ignorance as a foundation for forming an opinion. It was stated tonight on NFL Live that the Falcon coaches don’t allow their QBs to audible. If the OC calls a running play, and the DEF puts 8-9 defenders in the block, the QB can’t change to a pass. If the OC calls a 3rd and 10 pass play, and the DEF puts 8-9 defenders in the block, our QBs aren’t allowed to audible to a screen, swing, slant pass, etc. So tell me VOLSROCK, what good does it do to read the DEF if you can’t change to a play that addresses what you have read? Exactly who are you to question anyone intelligence? DAVID, your opinions on Shaub and Farve are so far out in left field that they don’t merit an intelligent response.

By greg

October 20, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

Its over!!!!!! Vick blew-up on HBO, Knapp blew-up last Sunday,Blanks pulling his hair out. We have NO D-line left, our O-line has sucked since 1999, Hartwell will be like a deer in the head lights, 3 out of 4 receivers are saying, (please dont throw to me, please dont throw to me), and now Dunns complaints start. I would say 7/8 of the Falcons fans agree with Vicks, and Dunns comments,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Knapp,,,your OUT. Ed Donatell, should have been in Greg Naps face, after the way the play calling went on Sunday,,,,,,and Jimbo, Im so sick of hearing you tell “me” that there is a lot of football left. Get a grip Jimbo,,,,be a man about it,,,,,,,dont wait for Art to send you packing,,,, leave and take your circus side show with you,,,,,,,,,,,,,or do the right thing “NOW”,,,,,,,,,fire Nap!!!!