Falcons

By The Grinch

November 10, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

This is an absolutely perfect time to give Marlion Jackson about 15+ carries. He’s 6’2, 240 and unlike Duckett runs hard. He’s got fresh legs and was the 4th leading rusher in the NFL in pre-season. We don’t have to wear Dunn out Sunday against a bad run defense.

By P

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

Falcons We got Problems!!!

By trottinghome

November 10, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

I bet Marlin gets less than 8 carries and we lose by 7. Hall can’t cover a single bed with a king size sheet.

By trottinghome

November 10, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

I bet Marlion gets less than 8 carries and we lose by 7. Hall can’t cover a single bed with a king size sheet

By larry w.

November 10, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

I would like to see more of a balanced attack on Sunday. Every team we play expects us to run, run, and run some more. We can’t be one dimensional in any aspect of the offense, running or passing. Warrick is not a big guy, and with Jerious already ailing, the last thing we need is for Warrick to get overworked. With all of the weapons at Knapp’s exposal, balancing the run with the pass should be a no brainer.

By dirrtybird

November 10, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

Expect to see Justin Griffith get Norwood’s carries and Marlion Jackson play on special teams.

Show us what you got Jimmy Williams.

By larry w.

November 10, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

That should be disposal, not exposal. Sorry.

By Talons of Fire

November 10, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

The Falcons will be o.k. Every team goes through the injury bug during the season. Us, playing “armchair” coach, is not going to help them win. It’s time for other players to step up that’s why you have a 53 man roster. If they don’t, it could be a short season for the birds and no playoff appearance. I think they will be o.k. though.

By gizmox

November 10, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

Injuries separate the good teams from the rest of the league. Depth at a position is a must for the NFL. All teams deal with injuries, it’s part of the game. The falcons need to keep a run first attack, but throw it enough to keep the oppents on their heels. I am not throwing in the towel. Let’s hope the birds don’t either.

By ATLien Player

November 10, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t like Rossum at nickel back. Please play someone else. I’d rather sign someone off the streets. Rossum game is returning kicks and punts. He’s tooooo short to play the slot! Remember they found LG Alexander on the streets. This is a must win game!!! This is the last freebe of sorts.

By This gets old

November 10, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

This is a bit deeper than just this game, these injuries and into a most critical time for Mora. Defensive coordinator hired three years ago and again a poor defense.

Injuries matter and they don’t… it can’t be the excuse every season because the fans won’t accept that.

The defeat last weak sucked a lot of energy away, you can feel it. It was worse because so many expected it. Deja’ Vu all over again. Beating teams that many expected us to lose to in the long run might prove to be dangerous to the coaching staff.

Three conference losses now make almost every game a must win game. It’s a toss up depending upon the mental state. Can’t we EVER have the kick a$$, no doubt about it team???

By Knute

November 10, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Steve,

With all due respect, I thought Jeff and Mora had decided to pass on this weekend’s game so that the team could have a long weekend and began to heal a little bit. Jeff pointed out a couple of days ago that this team is so beat up that it has no heart for football.

By Greg

November 11, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Injuries are clearly a factor, but that goes for both sides. The Browns don’t have a credible CB healthy. We have at least one in Hall and does anyone think Williams cam be worse than Webster?

Evem with our injuries, you look at the Cleveland’s injuries and we have far more talent on the field. We just have to execute.

By Brian Hunt

November 11, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

The ball control offense is going to go right out the window because Cleveland will score a lot against our defense with no pass rush and a thin secondary. Cleveland’s game plan will be to score early and often to make the Falcons abandon the running game. The Falcons will have to throw the ball to stay in this one.

By Birdy

November 11, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

The Detroit game performance is just another symptom of the coaching staff’s (Mora and coordinators) inability or refusal to maintain accountability.

Let me contrast wome well known examples: This year, Plaxico Burress, a high-dollar free agent pickup of a year ago by the NY Giants made a tremendous game-winning touchdown reception against 1-on-1 coverage to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime. A clutch play, a huge divisional win. But the next week in the first half against Seattle, Burress had several drive-killing drops. So you know what the Giants staff did? They took Burress out of the game and he sat on the sideline, helmet in hand wanting to go back out on the field — but the staff held firm — Burress was done for the game — at least.

Now what do you think that told the remaining players on the Giants about being professional, about bringing their legitimate game every game? You’d better believe the rest — and Burress of course — got a clear-cut message that if any player plays with the error-proneness of a semi-pro / sandlot hack, then he cannot help the TEAM and that the TEAM is better served to put an UNDERSTUDY in to see if that understudy will at least provide the basics — since the high-dollar “starter” doesn’t seem willing to do it. Think that wasn’t uplifting for the rest of the Giants? How’d they do the second half against Seattle? They stormed back with about 28 points or so after Burress was benched.

Accountability. It not only kicks the slacker in the pants but gives the teammates hope and comfort that the staff is dead-set serious about winning — and a good many guys on the team DO bust their tails trying to win each week.

But here, this staff has continually shown a complete unwillingness to yank an underperformer. This is not high scholl or college ball. These are grown men with responsibilities who must show they are willing to do what it takes to be the professional like that paycheck says they are (or should be).

So we can point to various ridiculous instances like Dez White last year over Finn, Roddy this year over Lelie AND Youngblood, a fantastic rookie Norwood getting 5 carries a game while the dimunitive Dunn is getting worn out. Lehr being an obvious “cut-guy” having a LG spot locked up “just because”, the beaten-up Forney active over Clabo — even though another former starter, Mike Moore, had his career cut short with just such a shoulder injury.

Sooner or later, a man with the business acumen of Arthur Blank will sit down with Jim Mora and explain to him that each and every individual in the Falcons organization — but ESPECIALLY the Head Coach — is there to maximize the TEAM’s performance, first and foremost. If a player puts himself in position to help the team reach those goals by his performance, then allow him to do that. But when he shows there may be better alternatives available, he MUST explore those alternatives.

Take Youngblood for example. Here is an undrafted free agent receiver who caught every pass thrown to him in preseason. That cannot be underestimated when you can throw a ball to a receiver and it results in a catch. A defender could make a play on a ball, or he might not have gotten separation, or he might have misplayed the ball or — and we Falcons fans are well aware of this one — the receiver migh even drop the pass (before or after some contact). Yet none of this happened when the ball was thrown to this guy. And for a FA guy trying to make an NFL roster, those opportunities were “precious” — even though in “preseason” . In other words, for him personally, it was “clutch” time and he executed EACH TIME. He has obviously prepared himself to try to make a real impact for himself in the league.

Yet, in spite of these facts, in spite of his size being big like Vick’s injured favorite target Finneran, and in spite of Shoddy Roddy’s many gaffes and failure to make good or decent plays (forget the “spectacular” play which we will NEVER see from him it seems), we still trot him out there each week — basically doing the opponents a huge favor.

Isn’t it interesting that the lowly-regarded Colston gets playing time (actually precipitated the trading of Stallworth) and it is paying dividends for New Orleans? Isn’t it also interesting that New Orleans just mauled the Falcons earlier this year?

Give Jim Mora and staff the SAME talent on a roster and they will give you LESS results. Some joke that Mora can “Take his’n and lose to your’n, then take your’n and lose to his’n.” It may be funny, but probably not too far from the truth.

I will close with this: Arthur Blank said before the season, “We’ve given them [Mora and staff] all the tools.”

And I believe that he and McKay have indeed. Now let’s see what they are able to do with it.

At this point, if he thinks putting up with the same old mistakes is going to win, then let’s hurry up and get to the end of the season so we can see the rusults of Blank’s “Annual Franchise Review.” An impotent staff that underachieves its resources does not inspire a populace to build stadiums or buy tickets at increased prices. It all interrelates.

Mora & staff need a sense of urgency EACH WEEK. Let’s see if they have it.

By j

November 11, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Excellent post Birdy.

By Boots

November 11, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

* Birdy* A very good post, butfor God sake, I thought I was reading War and Peace.

By playermac

November 11, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

This guy should be the coach. Everything he said is right on the money. Dropping passes will not or should not be Tolerated. When they drop passes its like exploding any mistakes that were made in the game twice over as large. Clutch catches make the game at the point of reception a new game. Guys the Drop passes have to stop, like yesterday!

By drmondo

November 12, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

Has anyone heard whether Crumpler ( or any of the rest of the walking wounded) are playing today?

By dirty byrd

November 12, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

CRUNCH TIME FOLKS FOR ALL NEW PLAYERS AND COACHES THIS GAME SETS TONE FOR REST OF YR FLY ON U DIRTY BIRDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Eric C.

November 12, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

23 pass attempts at half time against one of the worst rush defenses…amazing.

By willysee in n.c.

November 12, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Well considered points birdy,I don’t live in the area so as far as Youngblood I,ve never seen him play.The receivers deserve criticism,but I find it hard to evaluate much of the offence or play calling,truth is Vick is so late with the ball often the ball is thrown flat when it needs loft or is off the wrong shoulder,for two games he played with a deeper understanding of what makes a pro passer.I remember watching D.Wilkins with the hawks nobody was more gifted or worked harder but he just never developed an advanced feel for the game,he would go a few games where he would pass out of double and triple teams and then revert to his old self,you old timers will remember the beautiful loser tag.Vick is still young and he shows signs so the glass is half full!!!

By BLACK N GOLD

November 12, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

YALL SUCK VICK WILL GET YOU ALL A 1ST ROUND PICK HAHHAAHAH WATCH THE SAINTS A TEAM WITH A SMART QB

By ED FROM ELLIJAY

November 12, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

MIKE VICK IS A LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 WHY CAN’T MORA REALIZE THAT HE HAS TWO MUCH BETTER QUARTERBACKS ON THE BENCH. WE WILL NEVER BE WINNERS WITH VICK. HE IS THE WORST , MOST OVERATED QB IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL. HE IS HORROBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ED FROM ELLIJAY

November 12, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

TRADE MIKE VICK ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ED FROM ELLIJAY

November 12, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

2 INTS AND 1 FUMBLE FOR VICK. HE IS TERRIBLE!

By paul02085

November 12, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

VICK SUCKS AND SO DOES THE REST OF THIS WORTHLESS BUNCH. I AM GLAD TO NOT HAVE TO WATCH THIS B****** THE REST OF THE YEAR. OVER AND OUT.

By long time falcon

November 12, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Vick just fumbled this game away. Jim mora call your real estate agent its time to put the house on the market. I want to see arthur evaluate this ORG from top to bottom at seasons end. If I’m blank I fire the entire coaching staff without even blinking. I would also take a long hard look at Mckay and his personnel decisions. Finally, I would begin to prepare for the possibility of life after mike vick. I would give this cat one more damn season to prove that he is a franchise QB that is capable of leading this team to a championship. End of story!

By Jamaaliver

November 12, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Eric C.

You are so correct. CLV has a top ten passing defense and a bottom ten rush defense. We have the number one rushing offense three years running. And yet we seemed to have focused on passing through the first half.

What a huge flaw in game planning.

By Jamaaliver

November 12, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Eric C.

You are so correct. CLV has a top ten passing defense and a bottom ten rush defense. We have the number one rushing offense three years running. And yet we seemed to have focused on passing through the first half.

What a huge flaw in game planning.

By CHADD

November 12, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

THERES URE BILLION$$$$ QB ATL! I GUESS IT WAS THE COACHES FAULT FOR THE FUMBLES AND INTERCEPTIONS???? CANT WAIT TO HEAR THE SPIN ON THIS ONE!

By paul02085

November 12, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Now we know why the Falcons keep talking about being a “running team”. Knapp knows Vick will blow the game if he lets him and it doesnt matter how crappy the opposition is. Vick can still blow it. Please get rid of this overpaid bum. He is just another Kordell Stewart but left handed. PS-Lelie sucks too. OVER AND OUT FOR REAL THIS TIME>

By morris

November 12, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

Well we can’t blame this one on our defense they held their own today. Mike vick was just absolutely terrible against a pretty bad defense. I have always been a vick supporter but my patience has ran out with this guy. Its starting to look like he will never be a consistent franchise caliber QB. Mr. Blank needs to come up with a contigency plan.

By TTCO

November 12, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

No no you guys Vick is the greatest QB in the NFL if you dont believe me just wait for the dumb A$$ bloggers to come on line LOL. That was the 5th worst game I have seen a supposed pro QB have and Vick had the first 4 also! I think he is rated 25th of all Quarterbacks so far this season and some folks think that he is the best in the NFL? What can you say simple minds produce simple thoughts! If the Falcons are going to do anything at all this year the coaches need to eat crow and bench his sorry butt now! I am by no means saying this because Vick is black he is just NOT a QB. If you want to see a real QB who is black check out Mcnabb.

By Keith

November 12, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Ok Guys. Enough of this bull crap !!!!! I am sick and tired of every bottom of the barrell team in the NFL kickin our butts!!!! I think Authur Blank need to take a strong look at the ENTIRE organization, from Mora on down. The drop passes has gotten to the point where we the fans expect ALL of the receivers to drop the ball instead of catch it. THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM. THE RECEIVERS ARE BEING PAID MILLIONS TO CATCH THE BALL. And when they drop the ball (which is all the time) it’s like, “oh well, where’s the party tonight”. I’m sick of this TRASH.LET’S MAKE THE CHANGES NOW !!!!! And this comes from 17 year season ticket holder and a 20 20year Falcon fan !!

By TTCO

November 12, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Willysee in nc, Vick is not young anymore that is no longer an excuse he is in his 4th season playing and 5th in the pros and he still runs around out there looking like he is very confused! Yes something is half full but its not the glass its his head! He looks good at times but most of the time he acts as if he is on drugs or is just plain dumb.

By CHADD

November 12, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

TTCO HE WAS PROBABLY THINKING ABOUT GOING TO THAT AWARDS THING AT THE FOX TONIGHT ??

By slick

November 12, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

Vick sucks

By Birdy

November 12, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

Interesting that the coaches decided to deactivate Shropshire and activate #99 Jackson. Then the Dline goes out and have one of its better games in a long while.

And in spite of all the excuses for Webster, now that he is injured and out, the understudies did not yield as many 3rd down conversions as Webster normally does.

Now if the coaches take a real critical look at some of the other positions, giving some understudies a chance at WR, & RB more fires will be lit, and more strong performances gotten.

Babying these guys, annoiting them starters is not the way. They thrive on competition, on proving themselves their entire lives until they’ve “made it” to the NFL. The coaches must use the depth chart to re-ignite that competitive fire throughout the season. That’s what the better coaches do.

By Nikki

November 13, 2006 06:56 AM | Link to this

Well, so much for that offensive strategy.

By uno

November 13, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

So which is the real Vick? The one that has sucked for 6 yrs or the one that lucked into two decent games? Honestly, is there even any doubt at this point? The guy isn’t smart enough to line up behind center, much less read NFL defenses. Not only is a completely incompetent as a QB, he also lacks heart and class in my opinion, and he is a total choke-artist. I love the way he throws his offensive lineman under the bus for one holding penalty all the final drive. A good QB can overcome adversity but then no one ever accused Vick of being a good QB…at least no one outside of this blog. Vick wants all of the credit when things go well and none of the blame when he sucks. And Blanke gambled the franchise on this guy???? It’s going to be a long 10 yrs or whatever. Wonder how many coaching staffs will have to take the ax for Vick until the front office finallly wakes up and realized you can’t build a championship team around a no-class creation of the media hype machine?

By mike e

November 19, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

I would let Mr. V.D. Ron Mexico return punts and kickoffs , and put him at wideout but you have to have an IQ higher than 9 to be an NFL Quarterback.