Falcons

By rian

October 23, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

I am done trying to figure this team out. They are maddeningly inconsistent. One week we look like champs and the next week we wet the bed. i can tell you this though. We have an extremely talented roster and can beat any team in the league on any given day. By the way as much heat as Knapp took the past three weeks, I think everyone (especially the people on this blog) should have to congratulate Knapp. Its funny how he gets killed a/b everything that is wrong with the offense, but gets no credit for leading the league in rushing (cause Gibbs gets it all).

I will say this Knapp should be commended for sticking to the run. We had almost no rushing yards at the half. But Knapp stuck with it and we ended up running the ball 39 times for 170 something yards. Way to stick with the plan even though it was tough at first.

Also J-Web is looking weak at best.

See you guys in CINCY!!!

By FyreStarrter™ (yeah I know it's been awile...)

October 23, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

I have to say I was PROUD of my Falcons for doing what they have NOT been allowed to do all season. And without our special teams, things would surely have been different. And yes the offciating DID bite MOST of the game, but that is life. As Falcons fans we deal with it.

By Dawgs2006

October 23, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

The Steeler Fans in dome were sickening. I hope those inbred hillbillys enjoyed their ride back to West Virgina. I thought Auburn fans were bad until yesterday. I was witness to several verbal attacks on Falcon fans as well as one Falcon fan having a beer thrown on him and his lady. Low Class! That kind crap should be tolerated in our house. I was pulling for the Steeler in last years playoffs as an underdog. I will forever look foward to their choke jobs in the future.

Way to kick a Falcon team that was down. Yesterday should have been the Falcon’s death knell, but the Steeler found a way to choke on one.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

By TonyG

October 23, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Yea, Koenen’s the man! Good to finally see him get some respect.

By tre

October 23, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

Jason Webster is garbage. He needs to be taken out. Jimmy Williams is bigger, faster, and stronger than Webster. Webster does have more years experience, but he should be passing on his wisdom to Williams, while the offense is on the field. Webster gets picked on, and so will Williams. Only difference is that Williams will get better, and we have already seen Webster’s best years. Roddy White needs to be inactive for a game, and watch Lelie show him how to catch passes in a game. Why is he starting over Lelie?

By Keeping it real

October 23, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

Greg Knapp you did do better and thanks! ED Donatell your team is going down hill and fast ’ You need to pump it up we are 18th in defense we need to be in the top seven . let’s go to work! Key word (pressure) ! Must put a lot of pressure on the Bengel QB to win! must play better on the road!

By Falconsbeliever

October 23, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

It’s no coincidence that Lehr was out, and Vick wasn’t running for his life!!

Knapp finally opened up the playbook, and more importantly, let Vick throw the ball. Let’s just hope Knapp doesn’t revert to his conservative play calling next week.

Lelie should be the number one WR. Jenkins should be number two, and R. White number three.

Also, I like the fact that the defense was much more aggressive. Let’s hope they continue to play that way. Although they weren’t too deceptive, the defense did blitz more. In my opinion, though, they still don’t let D. Hall play enough man coverage. A few of the completions that appeared to be made on him were actually made while he was in zone coverage.

J. Williams should be starting next week. If not, Webster and the Falcons secondary are in for a long day against Cincy.

By This Gets Old

October 23, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

In a strange way, this victory as impressive as it was, could bring MORE pressure on the coaching staff. Now that we can see their potential if they don’t open it up more it could be sayonora samuri. (I don’t know what the means either but you get the drift) I mean we’ve seen the big city how you gonna keep us down on the farm?

The really good:

The tremendous play from Boley and Lelie He’s open all of the time and it’s a matter of time with Roddy White. He just seems wound so tightly now.

Knapp moved the pocket (finally!) and it’d be hard to find a more well designed play than Crump’s first TD. THREE guys were open for the TD. Jenkins (even though he ran that play too close to the middle of the field) and Dunn was on the sideline all alone.

I can hardly wait for the “haters” to come and say that we were “lucky” When the other teams create turnovers their D is good. When we do it…..

Man is there anything more frightning than a Donatell defense trying to protect a lead late in a half?

Why isn’t Norwood a part of the passing game?

By Titothebear

October 23, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

It was a great game but the turning point in the game I think was when delhomme threw that horrible pass in the endzone that got picked……………..O wait, wrong team im a retard

By zorro

October 23, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

This is an almost good artical but I can’t help but notice that even YOU, will not just say that Mike Vick had a good game.But if the game was lost then you along with every sports writer in your ATL would have something negative to say about the Q.B. while not one of you are comparing him to , let say by lost and not by color to yesterday’s preformance of any of the Q.B’s that played.It’s so sad to see that if I looked at the game from your viewpoint it would be gloomy . PEACE

By singletary

October 23, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

Titothebear, keep recording….

The fact is we got lucky, but we also had a team that looked a loss in the face and said NO. (Unlike PHI Eagles who have eaten it on a field goal for the last two weeks on a NFC South field goal.) Yes, this game could have gone either way, but in a tricky kicker OT situation… we did okay.

It’s gonna be a rough couple of weeks, but keep MV7 throwing (at least to Lelie and Jenkins) and I think we’ll come out okay!

By Dawgs n' Birds

October 23, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

Knapp should get a high five now, but he could have earned one last week if he had done what us bloggers have benn telling him to do. I have to praise the O-line coach after last week not being able to give Vick 2 seconds, this week they hardley touched him. Whay to go coaches! Sound performance across the board. While every coach to me gets a high five, Ed Dont-a-tell-him-how-to-coach gets the middle finger. You have to come up with some way to throw the Qb off and put someone in there who can cover. To be a super bowl team, we will have to be able to defend both the pass and the run. It seems like we can stop one but not the other. We made Rothlisberger look like a pro-bowler that he is not.

By Steve Wyche

October 23, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Zorro, the main reason that I didn’t blog about Michael Vick having a very good game is because I wrote a pretty lengthy article in this morning’s paper that said as much. In other developments, coach Jim Mora said today that Jason Webster will remain in the starting lineup and that on a lot of the plays where it appeared that he got burned, he was actually supposed to have help from a safety coming from the middle of the field. Though Mora did not come out and say it, he strongly hinted that Lelie will move into the starting lineup.

By Good Riddance to the Steelers

October 23, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

I have to say all you fair weather Falcons fans who sold your tickets to Steeler fans: I hope you choke on one. Good job idiots. You made our home field look like Heinz Field South. It was embarassing, on the way to the game half the MARTA trains were full of Steeler fans. They were chanting and wearing their sickly mustard yellow shirts (not to mention ratty old sweatpants). It was disgusting.

The real Falcons fans stayed true and rooted for our team in the Dome on Sunday. Sure I could have sold my tickets and made some money, but I am a Falcons fan not some fair weather jack-off. It’s no wonder the Braves can never sell out their stadium during the playoff’s…Atlanta fans are the worst group of pathetic losers in the country. When their team is the toast of the town they are in atendance and living it up, but when their team goes through a rough patch everyone jumps ship.

I love all Atlanta sports franshises, and I hate to say it but this city doesn’t deserve a championship team. Those Pittsburgh fans are a bunch of stinkin bums (dirty sweatpants and all), but at least they support their team. Shame on you Atlanta. If you have season tickets to the Falcons this year and the person sitting next to you sold their tickets to a Steeler fan boo them during the next home game. Damn traders, if you are going to sell out your team on a huge game why do you even bother to come at all?

By J Rich

October 23, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

Greg Knapp deserves credit for calling a much better game. This is what I’ve been expecting from Knapp since he came here. These seem to be the type of plays called for Matt Schaub when he’s stepped in for Vick. The offensive line gave Vick plenty of time to set and throw down field. As a result of the line play and the play calling we saw what Vick is capable of doing.

I saw Vick make quick and good decisions from the pocket, and when he needed to make a play with his feet he did that as well. I saw A. Lelie making catches from Vick after six games that our other receivers haven’t been able to make in two-to-three seasons. Crump returned to pro-bowler form.

Now what we should expect to see is consistancy from all parts of the offense, game planning, protection and execution.

Also, where are all the comments about Vick being incapable of making plays with his arm.

Our Defense was very average. D Hall was average and J Webster was awful. Donatel has to do a better job disguising the defense and bringing pressure from somewhere if we can’t get it with our front four due to injury

By Nikki

October 23, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

Special teams came up big in that game. Kudos to them all. What a game. Will it be another 4 years before the birds and Steelers slug it out again?

By Jay Black

October 23, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t D.Hall need help from any safeties? Because he’s not sorry that’s why. Webster sucks….end of story.

By kg

October 23, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

Why is Greg Knapp on the sidelines during the game instead of in the booth? How can he call a play if he doesn’t know what the defense is doing or where they defense is breaking down? Knapp did a much better job calling plays, but in certain formations, you already know that the Falcons are going to run and in which direction. I thought they should have tried to go into the end zone on at least two plays before settling for the field goal late in the fourth q. The Falcons had the chance to give up after Pitt got 17 points, but they came back. A very good sign. Great, entertaining game.

By Claude

October 23, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Happy as anyone about the victory, but I’m afraid it’s time to declare Roddy White a bust. Usually with a first round pick, you get flashes of brilliance mixed in with mistakes and bad plays. You just try to coach out the mistakes and bad plays. But with White, you don’t get any flashes, not even a glimmer. It’s sad to watch him flounder around out there.

By Steve

October 23, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

Zorro, what the hell did you say? Try thinking and spelling at the same time. Now that the O-line and Vick put together a complete game at the same time it will be interesting to see how they run their “O” for the rest of the season. Pass or run, run or pass. Should be fun to watch.

By virginia falcon

October 23, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Ha, Ha……I went back and re-read Zorro’s post. It really was some type of ebonics knock off, but I still got the jist of the post. Vick is a great QB, period.
Vick’s strengths: arm strenth, speed and elusiveness, toughness, mobile accuracy. Vick’s weakness: accuracy from the pocket, touch, reading of defensive schemes. The key is put him in situations that play on his strength and minimize his weakness. If it was easy we would all be OC’s.

By 1 + 2 = 4

October 23, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

Don’t give up on White just yet. He will turn it around. With that being said, Lelie should be starting. I only hope that Knapp keeps the same strategy for the rest of the season. FYI: This game reminded me of Vick’s 2nd season.

In reference to the D, as soon as we can cure this sick defense, the team should be in prime position to make a serious playoff run. The success of the Falcons will rest on the shoulders of Donatel and Knapp.

By Wilson

October 23, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

I agree wholeheartedly with singletary. We certainly got lucky, but they also say that you “make your own breaks,” which is what the boys did. I was really proud of the way the boys hung in there. When the Steelers went up 17-7, I was just wondering how badly we’d get our butts handed to us. All in all, wins are always good, and that was certainly an entertaining game, but the defense is really worrying me. Yes, they’re banged up, but there are several nagging-type injuries that aren’t going to go away until February, if you know what I mean. The boys had better get used to it and man up.

By VolsRock

October 23, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

TOTAL EFFORT=GREAT GAME BY BOTH TEAMS! Steelers didn’t expect what they had to face in ATL. Falcons made their breaks … they weren’t just handed to them as some have indicated. Good teams create turnovers! VICK you just played your best game … even looked like fun!

By Nookah

October 23, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

Kudos to you “Good Riddance to Steelers”. You said it like it is. Whether it is the Hawks, Braves, Thrahers or Falcons, these fickle, fair-weather, fragile so-called fans are an embarrassment to the city. If I were a free agent I’d look for another city to play in, one that appreciates it’s franchises and it’s players. Arthur if I were you I’d take my “Blank” check somewhere else; somewhere where you will be appreciated and there are many cities who would welcome you!!!

A cadre of people who stick by their team through thick and thin are called “fans”. Of course some people in Atlanta will never know what sticking by a team means. Perhaps all our teams should play in yellow for that’s how coward we are!!! You waggonists!!! (I wonder who else plays in yellow?)

For all of us faithful who turned out……NUFF RESPECT!!!!

GO HAWKS!! GO THRASHERS!! GO BRAVES!! GO FALCONS!! (Easy nuh Vick!!!)

By Jen

October 23, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I was wondering if anyone was going to give Koenen some love for that hand flick tackle, making Holmes tangle up his legs.

But, I’ve seen him stand his ground before. He’s not a pansy.

How about Vick’s competion to himself? Who else has that kind of coolness on the field to not only recover such a torpedo-like deflection but to take it around and make it positive?

Or that tackle when he just flicked it over to Griffith (was that Griffy he tossed it to on his way down? I might not be remembering correctly).

Lots of little flashes of the talent this team has. Just need someone to bring it all together. Not saying Mora can’t do it….jury still out on that.

Lastly, I made the same comment on the name the headline blog but it looked more like they were playing some version of Horse than actual football. First to get to 41 wins the game!

Yeehaaaw! Giddyap!

By anthony

October 24, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Vick, for reminding us that you can be everything we expect of you. Now just work on finding another receiver you trust and things can continue to shine. Also, tell your coaches and staff that OL Tyson Walter is available on waiver and he can at least get out and make the cut block your coaches are so fond of.

By e.b.

October 24, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

Big win, big game. We need Abraham & Coleman back for Cincy, and I agree, can Webster -but Mora won’t, and has already said he won’t.

By RAMON

October 24, 2006 03:02 AM | Link to this

It’s funny to read this blog after 24 hours and not see one person say Vick needs to be benched for Schaub, thats hilarious. Quite frankly, I think if you go back and watch game footage for the last season and half, you will see 50% of the interceptions Vick is credited for, came after a Falcon tipped the ball. People often says Vick doesnt have touch and he throws to hard, yet in the late 90s everyone said ‘WHAT A GUN FAVRE HAS’ and never said he need to take any off. at the end of the day if you practice with Vick on a daily basis, after 365 days you should be able to catch WHATEVER he throws if it hits your hand.

Defensively, I believe the Falcons should do away with so many zone plays, if you have a secondary full of playmakers let them make plays..And i dont know about everyone else, but I hope the Falcon’s have the young defensive linemen on the bench signed for years to come, b/c as we see every week, DEPTH in the NFL is what it takes to win championships, and honestly in some ways I’m glad Webster is still starting, b/c once you put Williams in, you CAN’T take him out no matter how much he messes up, the pysche of a young player should ALWAYS be handled with critical care.

I truly believe Atlanta has the best special teams unit in the league. And Dunn is the most underrated player in the league, behind Keith Brooking. Brooking doesnt get NEARLY enough respect and compliments as he should. If you ever notice, you hardly EVER see Brooking get beat in coverage or zone. One thing is certain, Jesse Tuggle did a GREAT job passing on his wisdom to Brooking,and i have a great feeling Dunn will do the same with Norwood, although i must admit it would be so pretty to see Adrian Peterson take a handoff from Vick, lol…

By Jerry

October 24, 2006 06:42 AM | Link to this

Mid-season is approaching and Abraham continues to be on the sidelines 90% of the time. Maybe it’s time to de-activate him for the rest of the season and play his back-up or sign someone to fill his spot and then adjust the defense accordly. That will give Abraham a chance to get well while we shop him around the league.

By Jerry

October 24, 2006 06:44 AM | Link to this

Another remedy for Abraham would be for Brookings to loan him some heart. Brookings has a lot to spare.

By savannah falcon

October 24, 2006 07:04 AM | Link to this

We need to replace Webster with Williams. We need to blitz more often. Thank you Davis! We need to put fear into Cincy quarterback. We need to let Lehr remain suspended an additional 4 games. It show us that we really don’t need him anymore. Use Norwood on offense. Stop taking him out of the game after a 50 yard run. Bench White and start Lelie. Let Vick call his own plays. Most of the good qbs are calling thier own plays. Send Moore from AJC to write articles for the ENQUIRE. He should be more successful in spreading gosssip.

By rian

October 24, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

Knapp did nothing different than he has done all other games. Exact same strategy. Our run pass ratio (39 runs 30 passes) was exactly the same as against the Giants. We ran the spread option 4 times (we have averaged 5 a game). It was all execution by the players. The line pass blocked. Vick made accurate throws. Receivers got seperation and made catches. Stick with the plan Knapp and all will work out in the end!

By Hasavior

October 24, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

Savannah Falcon, why always talking about replacing somebody. Every blog you make -sit him down, play him, fire that player, let so and so start. What is up with that?How are you ever going to develop a cohesive group of players when changes are made every week, in your eyesight. Obviously, they have a gameplan that we do not have insight on. They are 2 games over .500. Most teams who were expected to win cant say that. if any change that need to take place, it would be Lelie and the players subing in for hurt players at this point. other than that, you maintain your current players and create momentum from this game moving forward.

By Mac

October 24, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this

Webster is the weak link on the Falcons defense…..no doubr about it. Mora can point fingers at the safety all day, but Webster is being beaten for the 15-20 yards in front of him constantly. Therefore, when a team needs a long 3rd down conversion…..it is a guarantee. QUESTION for Mora……if you are so supportive of Webster…….then why in the hell did we use our 1st round draft pick to get another cornerback Williams from V-Tech?? Then we only use him on special teams……hmmmmm Was he drafted to replace Hall?? Then again…..since Hall is always in front of the camera making predictions and running his d-mn mouth…….maybe that would be nice….

Give Hall a microphone……..and he is ALL WORLD

By Mac

October 24, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this

Runs lazy routes; lack of hustle; will not dive for one pass; 1st round draft pick; main concern is making that NFL paper to buy his bling-bling and his next ride…….who is this?? RODDY WHITE!! A bust if I have ever seen one……Yes we had hopes of another Jerry Rice coming out of a small college……..but this guy obviously came straight from the recreation league to the NFL. Who was he playing against in college?? What impressed the Falcons so much that they invested a 1st round pick into a kid who should be selling peanuts in the stands! As a matter of fact Jenkins should be on the other aisle selling Cokes and cotton candy. As for the excuses that they need a few years to develop…….PLEASE!! The rookie Jennings in Green Bay is making plays! Making plays in his first year…….not taking Sunday’s off like White and Jenkins. We need to give some of those kids we use only on special teams who are hungry an opportunity……….like #81

By Hasavior

October 24, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

The thing that p** me off with the defense is that cover 2 zone they play when teams can march down the field throwing underneath and in the pockets of the zone. it just gives teams a good rythym in the passing game and allow recievers to scope holes and creep in the pockets. In some occasions yes, but most of the time they have the personell to play man 1 and alow the fress safety to float on deep balls.

Webster was exposed that game because too much of a cushion was allowed between the player playing the cover 2, hence pockets are formed, wasn not able to collapse and knock the balls loose or knock passes down. On a cover 2 zone, no player is supposed to get behind the defense, webster was supposed to check on the off side help from the safety before turing and locatng the ball.

Leave hall alone, he leads the team with interceptions, and ties with someone else as the league leader. Let him have his funa nd mark. Its definitely not hurting the team. That’s minor stuff. His ethic on the field is never questioned.

By Mac

October 24, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

HAll……All of his interceptions are mostly tipped passes……….PLEASE!! The guy has talent……..but he hasn’t accomplished one thing…….he is more talk than anything. I would have more respect for him if he would allow his game to speak for him……….rather than his antics in from the camera…….but it’s okay……..because all it will take is one serious injury (and I am not wishing that on him) which will put things in perspective….and then he will be thankful for his GOD given talent…….and shut the H-LL up! It will be at that moment when his career is in question………where he will become HUMBLE…….and then realize that all of this can be taken away at even given moment. He is just another T.O. in the making

By Hasavior

October 24, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

Mac, i disagree. Hall talk just as much as Lawyer Milloy, Steve Smith and other promiment players through out the league. His antics are no different from them. to be honet Milloy is the sh*t starter on the team anyway, way way worse than Hall. What hall has is confidence brewing, he stood up to challenges and he has the trak record to prove it. he should be granted the pass as other other have to express and have that swaggar. Its all good for now. hwne he starts blowing coverages -he knows when to shut up. He did not do all that boasting and what not when they were being torna a new buttock in the Pitts game, he was dissapointed on defensive assignements and regoiced with the team during plays. every player is allowed that process.

By CQ

October 24, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

I heard the John Abraham was out for the season. This guy is damaged goods from the JETS.

By mo

October 24, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

The most important game in Vick and Knapp’s career here in Atlanta is the Cincinnati game coming up. Let me tell you why:

If Vick looks uncomfortable in the pocket or makes some throwing errors, people will look at the Steelers game as a fluke. You will come back in this blog and see posts calling for Vick to be a running back or wide receiver and Schaub will become very popular again. And Knapp will be on the bubble and his job will be threatened.

Now, if Vick comes out looking the same or better than in the Steelers game, even if he has a bad game in the next contest, it will still dispel the opinion of his quarterback competency. He will be seen as a quarterback that had a bad day, instead of a running back playing out of position. And people will look less at Knapp and more on Vick and the receivers. In other words, the game at Cincy will be critical to the team’s psyche and the direction going forth this year.

By the way, how many people will look negatively at Mora and Co. if you see either Roddy White or Jason Webster trot out as starters?

By Hasavior

October 24, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Good post mo, i think the momentum must continue from this point forward. it just opens up the game and space the field out to draw new plays in the huddle or upstairs in the box.

We all know now that he can throw and have skills behind it, now its up to the coaching staff to complement this house it and implement it day in and out. ever since the Pitts game, we have not heard any slap back about Mick Vick such this at Qb, he’s a rb, he cant throw, us is not accurate, he is not intellegent, not a pocket passer all of that junk. So now eall know what he can do and we see the double and tripple threat every time he posses the ball. I kind of see Mike Vick as Magic johnson. Just come into the league and change the position and the whole entire flow of the game. of course Mike did not come into a team already built to win like Rostlesburger, but his no Micheal Vick and vice versa.

By Falcons Fan

October 24, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Abraham = Damaged goods from the Jets

Surgery on his groin for the fourth time.

Out 3-4 weeks.

Falcons paid what to get him.

Vick - Nice game, lets do it again at Cincy.

By Hasavior

October 24, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

He will return for the warm up Washington game prior to the next divisional games against Tampa and Carolina. We did well defensively against New Orleans who will have their breakdown prio to meeting us. We will catch them in a slump. We will have to score more to keep thier confidence down. Abe be good for dallas, carolina, eagles, then play-off games, wich should be applicable after the Baltimore game.That game will tell us the extent of the season will go.

By Jeff

October 24, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Abraham is out yet again. McKay has to shoulder the blame for this one. There have been two questionable free agent acquisitions during the past two years - Hartwell and Abraham. Neither can stay on the field. At least with Hartwell, he didn’t have a history of injuries. Abraham, on the other hand, did. Clearly, the Falcons failed to perform due diligence.

By CQ

October 24, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

I think Jason Webster has got blackmail photos on coach mora because he still is going to start Webster this week. I dont understand.

By Mac

October 24, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

Hasavior,

D. Hall has no room to boast…what has he accomplished! What has he done to make him one of the elite players in the game? NOTHING! His accomplishments of making it to the Pro-Bowl was his main concern last year…not the team! I think it is okay to have swagger……but you let your game speak for you……not your big A- Mouth! I make a prediction….D. Hall will be your next T.O. This is how those team “monsters” are created……give them air time to parade their ignorance…..eventually it will come back to haunt the entire team. D. Hall will be the next T.O. of this League…..and soon Mora will be dealing with the same problems as the coaches in Philly and San Fran with T.O.

By Singletary

October 24, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

Way to go, Jen. You reminded me of my favorite play, where Vick out-juked Palomalu (!) and made a successful PASS!

Did anyone else notice any similarities with how the Giants played the Cowboys and us? They were just swarming on D. It also reminded me of the NOLA game, so the coaches better re-watch some film on those. I think the Bengals are actually a better team than they have played in the past few weeks.

I’m assuming Mora is keeping Webster in because of his two interceptions, but I do not understand why the OC will not elevate Lelie. I’d worry a lot more about a WR who has proven he can catch a ball than possible damage to White’s self-confidence. This is PRO football, not Pop Warner. We want Lelie.

By CQ

October 24, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

D. Hall is one of the top 5 corners in the league. Every corner has a bad game even Champ Bailey. The Falcons need that type of attitude in the secondary. We can’t have a bunch of Jason Websters on the field. The man is leading the league in INT’s and the best tackling corner we have. This week he has to “man up” and go against one of the top receivers in the game.

Webster is about 5’10 and he will be going up against a man thats 6’3 and very athletic, he will get burned if the Falcons can’t get pass pressure. We want Jimmy Williams!!!!!!!!!!!

By Hasavior

October 24, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

Mac, considering T.O. is a problem ia mot going to agree 100% with that. Does he have som baggage, yes. problems no. Every player in the league has a certain amount of problems or issues that they have to contend with off and on the field. T.O is just that anomoli (sp) that stands out in a system that is conservative. Eagles is a very conservative team with its contracts financials advertizement accolades accomplishments and all that. T.O., the player is an outcast compared to the extremities of the Eagles organization. YET, he is a player that has to be delt with in special way, but a problem ….nah. Both parties did not handle the situation correctly that fested into a public problem.

By Mike L.

October 24, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

To all of us - the Falcons Fans …

I would like to dicsuss one issue here. We are always complaining about the team, the coaches, the play calling, the sports writers - and the job they do/don’t do … lets look at ourselves … the fans …

what kind of a support do we offer to the team?

I was disgusted by what i was in the Dome this past two weeks - Giants and Steelers. The fact that more people are cheering for the visiting team than the home team is just wrong. It is easy to talk about others and the job they do/should be doing … how about looking at ourselves and figuring out a way how to help our team - the Falcons - better and creating a really hostile environment for the visiting teams (and their fans?) do you think something like this would happen at the Eagles home game?

I’m disgusted. but I am challenging every single fan of the Falcons to be inside the Dome ten minutes before the start of the game, support our team from beginning to the end (even if we’re losing), and create the most hostile environment in the NFL for the opposing teams (for the fans as well)!!!! I’ll be there … i hope many respond to this challenge and join me.

By Mac

October 24, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

D.Hall is overrated……….

A decent player…….who has been the recepient of “SEVERAL TIPPED INTERCEPTIONS”……..He has been beaten…..and out ran by a receiver with “ONE SHOE” Hinds Ward….I think the kid has potential…….but right now his mouth is overshadowing his potential…..He m ust be related to ARESNION HALL…….because it’s obvious he wants the SPOTLIGHT

By CQ

October 24, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

Mike L,

I agree falcons fans come through the gates right at kick off or during the middle of the first quarter. We have a problem of wanting to be cute at the game, sitt pretty in the stands, not mess up our shirt or shoes, not to mention the hair.

This is football, who cares about what you are wearing and how good you look. real fans cheer, make noise so that the offense cannot hear a thing, get to the game early, harass the other fans (to a certain extent).

By Jeff

October 24, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

A link to a good article regarding Vick and the Falcons is below:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=smith_michael&id=2637081

By rianringsrud

October 24, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

MIKE L - I completely agree. The “Falcons Fan” to my left (2 seats) and the ones in front (4 seats) of me (if you can call them fans) sold their tickets to Steelers fans. I had puke towels in my face all day. When Koneen’s kick went through the uprights I did not even get to see it b/c I had one of the Steelers fans in a headlock and was busy verbally defending my team.

Everyone should note people in their surrounding seats who consistently sell their tickets and call them out when you see them at the game. Complain to the Falcons ticket office. Do something. We have to get these fake fans out of the Dome for good. There are 30,000 people waitning to get in and hopefully some of them would actually show up for games.

I will say this though, I was glad all the Steelers fans were there when it was over cause it sure was fun talking smack on the way out of the Domne and seeing their sad little faces when they realized their playoff hopes are 1-2 losses from being crushed.

By Tom

October 24, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

First off, that was a great game to watch. I am a Falcons fan and always have been, but that does not keep the team from driving me CRAZY. I have not heard too much about this, except from the San Jose Mercury of all papers; text to be linked but what happened to the COACHING STAFF at the end of regulation? It seemed that when the Falcons made it over the 50 yard line into Steelers territory, they stop playing offensive football. With 30 seconds and 2 timeouts, they chose NOT to try and move the ball closer into field goal range. WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY. I sat there watching, thinking WHAT THE HELL?

As mentioned, I really enjoyed the game and am just a fan…and think the Falcons got lucky, but will take it. I guess I just want to hear what was going on at the end that they decided to make it a 56 yard attempt and no move closer.

By Ken Strickland

October 24, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

The last game revealed that Knapp’s conservative, predictable play calling, running 85-90% on 1st & 2nd downs, was the cause of our OFF problems. It also revealed that Donatell is the cause of our DEF problems. We played zone the entire 1st half and Big Ben lit us up for 268yrs. After the half, the DEF went to straight man coverage, blitzed the LB’s, and we dominated. We got so much pressure, Big Ben was knocked out of the game. When Batch came in, Donatell went back to his conservative zone and we got burned again.

Falcon Fans may ask, why is Donatell so conservative and afraid to take risks. Remember, before the Falcons hired him he was the former DC of the Packers. Both Donatell and his Packers DEF were highly regarded. But a big play, against his DEF, elimated the Packers from a possible trip to the SB. Donatell was blamed for the loss and was immediately fired. Since a big play cost him his job and reputation, he is obviously terrified of his DEF giving up the big play. He’d rather give up chucks of yds between the 20yd lines than give a the big play.

Under Mora, the Falcons have used high picks on CB’s with strong cover skills(Hall, Williams). Top cover CB’s are always agressive, take chances and usually have little or no experience in zone coverages. Donatell’s preference for soft zone coverage exposes their weaknesses and neutralizes their strengths. JWilliams is far superior to JWebster as a cover CB, but he obviously hasn’t satisfied Donatell with his zone cover skills.

The other reason Donatell plays the CB’s soft is he doesn’t feel confident that his front 7 can stop the run. Playing the CB’s back allows them to read and support the run before the REC gets past them. This DEF will never play up to its talent and potential as long as Donatell is the DC.

By Falcons Fan

October 24, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

With 30 seconds and 2 timeouts, they chose NOT to try and move the ball closer into field goal range. WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY. I sat there watching, thinking WHAT THE HELL …………………………….

They did this to avoid a fumble or misplay.

They were close enough for Andersen at that point, closer would not have helped.

If he had missed the FG they get another kick on fourth down.