AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIntegrity, win or lose
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A black conversion van backed into the Falcons’ indoor practice facility, causing heads – on and off the field – to turn. After about a minute, team owner Arthur Blank, president and general manager Rich McKay and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stepped out.
An already crisp practice got crisper, as players quickly noticed that the teacher, principal and superintendent were in the house.
Goodell, who recently succeeded Paul Tagliabue, watched about the final 30 minutes of practice. When it ended, he briefly met with players and pretty much told them not to make any trouble off the field and to show class when they’re on it.
The message came a day after tailback Warrick Dunn spent a day at school with a student at Gwinnett County Elementary School and two days after players and coaches held a benefit bowling tournament at Discover Mills.
The Falcons have done a pretty good job keeping the off field news positive and even though they’ve lost their past two games, they haven’t acted like fools on the field or in the locker rooms. Blank has done a good job spreading the message to players that they are accountable for representing the team and themselves in a good manner.
Most players, like Dunn, Allen Rossum and Patrick Kerney, are very active in the community and seem to genuinely enjoy it.
I can personally tell you that even in trying times like now, the players and coaches on this team are a respectful lot. Though some of you might not care for how certain guys play, at least you don’t have to hear or read about bad attitude issues or other problems, like a lot of other teams.
Comments
By Falcon Pride Section 343
November 15, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Good Article. As frustrated as it was this past sunday in the Dome or the sunday before that in the den…I’d rather be us than say…the Raiders where they lose and look shameful doing it. Go Falcons!
By CJ2
November 15, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
I would rather they win and act like thugs and punks than lose and act like choir boys.
By darian
November 15, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
I have been so impressed with Warrick Dunn over the years; he is such a credit and good example for our children and the community. He is a class player and how some others on this team could take a hint from him. Especially Deangelo Hall.
By monty
November 15, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
To CJ2
You are classless. THe last thing this franchise needs ro be noted for is for being a bunch of punks like those mindless idiots down at the university of Miami. What a disgrace. Play the game and let the best team win and then shake hamds and realize that it’s only a game. De Angelo Hall is bordering on being a punk, just play the game and let your merits speak for them self.If you are constantly having to promote youself that ought to tell you something.
By chuck
November 15, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
It is always good to hear good news about people. This article covers a positive Falcon’s persona. The community of Atlanta and the NFL is most appreciative of players like Kerney, Rossum, and Dunn. It would be good if Vick and other team-mates would get in on this type of coverage. Good article.
By crackson
November 15, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
That’s all well and good, but the fact of the matter is we still suck on the field and no matter what that is what counts at the end. Regardless there aren’t many teams you can point to that go the opposite way and are constantly bad mouthing each other or not participating in the community so I’m not sure what point you are trying to get across here. Hopefully Blank and McKay were discussing when to fire Mora and Knapp and not how to conduct yourself off the field because if you don’t already know how to do that then you are just plain stupid.
By Dunn is a standup guy, but
November 15, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
D. Hall? R. Coleman? Gimme a break. The press in Atlanta is so softball, players could be committing felonies daily, and it would never be reported.
By retnav
November 15, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
It is sometimes good to hear some positive things about our Falcons. That said I kinda think that some calls were made from Flowery Branch to the AJC. Like “Do want access to this team or not??? Now call off the dogs.” What do you think Steve does that sound about right? I’d much rather have the truth good or bad. This article rings true, but the others this week also ring of truth. So I hope you all keep printing what is right. Because we all know Flowery Branch can not give you access. Your basiclly the only player in town.
By Jack
November 15, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
No question this team has shown consistent quality behavior on and off the field. Much respect to the entire organization!
That said, if we don’t make the playoffs, fire Jilm (That’s right, Jilm) and staff immediately!
By Arthur Blank is a Fool
November 15, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
I want a refund Arthur. This team is a joke. Thanks for building us up just to rip the carpet out from under us. Coach Mora is the worst coach we have has since Campbell. I am ashamed to be a Falcon fan these days. Nobody respects us and Vick is not the answer.
By larry w.
November 15, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
The community involvement by the team is commendable. However, somebody needs to be really really angry at the the way the team has performed over the last two weeks. The players, coaches, G.M., owner, SOMEBODY! There does not seem to be any fire in this team. You would think that after the way last season fell apart, every person in this organization would have come into this season determined not to let that happen again. But here we are, 0 for November after another great start. I am not saying that people within the organization should start throwing each other under the bus, but this so so attitude (which by the way starts with Mora) really sends a distressing signal that I just cannot comprehend.
By Vikingsouth
November 15, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
I really hate it when I’m at a Falcons game and hear Dunn booed when he gets stopped for no gain or doesn’t get the first down. Some people have little appreciation for a great player. He’s one of the true class acts in the game, and I don’t think he gets enough recognition for that, not that he seeks it. A lot of finger pointing has taken place this year with the Falcons but never from him. He’s too far above it.
By tim
November 15, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
class act on the field? like D. Hall hitting qbs in the head? I am quickly becoming a falcons fan no more…
By Cairo
November 15, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
CJ2,
I am inclined to agree that we are TOO SOFT and nice as a football team. I have said they need to rethink this Falcon Filter and think about getting some REAL football players in here. Talking about D. Hall all you want he is the only one on the defense that puts up a real fight and mean literally sometimes. If the other 10 got the same nasty or mean streak maybe they will get tire of getting their A*******es handed to them week and week out. Save the silly comments for a fan who is not p** off about our team. At least we know our owner has pull to bring in the Commissioner of the NFL, maybe now our team will see how desperate we are for a win.
By Rideordie
November 15, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
If the league has soo much respect for the Falcons, why didnt they give us that stupid no-safety call!!
By Phat Phalcon
November 15, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
We didn’t want the safety. You’re still down by 9 at that point and they kick from the 20 instead of the back of the end zone with a 10 yd. drop. We got our only TD after Rossum returned it to the 12 which wouldn’t have happened after a free kick. Mora challenging that play is an example of a poor decision. With that timeout we could’ve saved a minute at the end of the game. Then who knows?
By Phat Phalcon
November 15, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
We didn’t want the safety. You’re still down by 9 at that point and they kick from the 20 instead of the back of the end zone with a 10 yd. drop. We got our only TD after Rossum returned it to the 12 which wouldn’t have happened after a free kick. Mora challenging that play is an example of a poor decision. With that timeout we could’ve saved a minute at the end of the game. Then who knows?
By Randy
November 15, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
The Falcons have a guy that puts himself ahead of his team, coaches and the city of Atlanta. Is this off field attitude acceptable ? Evidently it is, he is still on the team. It is funny that Roger Goodall comes to Atlanta the day Lehr is allowed back on the team after his four week suspension. Does anyone think this is a coincidence ? I don’t think so. His visit was in response to the cheating that Lehr thought he could get away with. And he is still on the team ??
By Tim
November 15, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this
True Randy. Lehr has no “Integrity” the title of this Blog does not apply to him. Hard to believe he is still on the team. What a joke.
By Boots
November 15, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
Some of you guys don’t know the difference between being a tough football player and a mindless punk/thug that ends up costing unnecessary penalties —- and always at the most inopportune time!
By Rell
November 15, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
Yea im with CJ2, id rather have a team thats out there punching guys in the mouth than a team thats laying down on sundays… And its so funny to me how u guys call them thugs just because players get into a little trouble, they are human!!… What? Are people in ur family flawless or something? No one is perfect…People get real… Anyway our team is soft, we need some a$$ kickes out there…I like D. Hall at least hes trying to take someones head off out there. If ya like this team you mike as well dress them in pink on sunday….
By Attention Lehr-bashers
November 15, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
All these guys are taking something. Steroids, HGH, amphetamines. Grow up. News flash idiots: No Santa Claus, no easter bunny, no tooth fairy.
By dirty byrd
November 15, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this
we all know we got great players on this team they shine on and off field special group of folks . but yea like any nfl team WE GOT PROBLEMS 2 OK GOOD TO HAVE COMMISH COME DOWN RAH RAH now lets get back to winning some come sunday. mora seems very weak natured to me not tough type coach we need, way 2 passive, players coach my buddy type guy. WHAT THIS TEAM NEEDS IS A HARD NOSE SOME ONE TO KICK SCREAM TAKE NAMES LATER WIN TODAY NOT NEXT WEEK OR THE MORA LINE WE ARE WORKING ON IT BLA BLA BLA players know whats up this yr lets all hope he (mora) has not lost players respect and honor for coaches.
By e.b.
November 15, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this
Yeh, Falcons don’t make playoffs, definitely fire Mora & Co.
By Kudzu
November 16, 2006 06:52 AM | Link to this
It’s a crying shame and disgrace that your “boy” Vick can not be characterised as a player who is a “leader in the community”.
He’s too busy lining up the posse party. Oh, he likes the community, he likes going out and (being seen). He’s a taker you see, not a giver.
And this is the “leader” of the Falcons, crap, it’s no wonder. Dunn is all we got…
By RB
November 16, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
Any one thought of using D J Shockley at wide out?
By Jerry L
November 16, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
Kudzu, I was thinking the same thing, glad you said it for me. Vick should use Dunn as a role model, in fact it would be a good idea for the entire team. When Vick becomes the qb that Dunn is a running back he will be with the elite.
By Jerry L
November 16, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
Shockley at wide out, I don’t know. I hope Shockley don’t stay at Atlanta and rot like he did at UGA. I think Green Bay could use another good Atlanta subtitute.
By Maddenqueen
November 16, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
brian finneran is the biggest thug on the team. he is committing armed robbery this year. he signs that contract during the offseason and then he is too much of a wuss to ever play for us this season. we might as well change his last name from finneran to hurtwell. what a thug finneran is
By Andy
November 16, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
D. Hall? What has he ever done to get in trouble with the law. He may run his mouth a bit much, but that isn’t a crime.
I actually want to see have a pick six on Sunday vs McNair.
By michael
November 16, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this
I have a question? Why can’t black QB’s that in the NFL can’t have bad games? There the most havily critized players in the world! When they have bad games, they get booed, they get replaced, they have too play other positions! Other than QB! I say this because I watching ESPN Cold Pizza this morning. And the topic was can Vick deliver! And they stated that Vick loss the games with the Lions, & Browns! Vick loss the game! What about reciever’s dropping passes, Secondary giving way too many passing yardage, in effective pass rush, can’t stop the run, Bad play calling on both side of the football, Not adjusting too opposing teams, Not having your team prepared, Using wrong players in games who should’ve been replaced 2yrs ago! Not utilizing the talents of the personnel effectively! And I can go on and on! Skip Bayless stated that Vick should be changed too a reciever, but that not going too happen because of his Lebron fan base here in Atlanta! And that Matt Schuab should be QB! Can some one tell me how many games, have Schuab won? They don’t even mention that we got a horrible Coaching staff! It’s seems too me that the local media has it right! Coaching is the problem with this team! From the schme to the play calling! Also I’ve yet too see anyone on this coaching staff, take responsibility for this team short commings, when it’s clearly their fault! If they bench Vick in favor of Schuab the fans need boycott every game from here on after. Just like back in the before Vick got here, This team was the laughing stock of the NFL! One of, if not the worst team in NFL history! When Vick got here. This team every year has chance too go the playoffs every year! That boys & girls is winner! Instead of a laughing stock!
By Jerry L
November 16, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this
Micheal, I think last week they were on Rex Grossman, I think he is white.
By michael
November 16, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this
Did anyone of them mention that he needed to used as a reciever, running back, or defensive back? No! I don’t think so! All Black QB’s go through this from fans, media, ex players, etc!!! When Bret Frave was here in Atlanta, he was horrible, and his first few years in Green Bay again he was horrible! Did you here anybody say that he change position? And what about Mr. Manning! He didn’t start too improve his game until about year 7 & 8 of his career! No call to change position! The with Steve Young he was a running QB, as well aas Elway, Tarkenton, my point is at the begining of these guys career. At no time has anyone call for these guys to be replaced or change positions! Only the Black QB especially when they have bad games!
By JarretJohnson
November 18, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
Wow. Michael. How enlightening. I didn’t realize that Brett Favre got a chance to throw more than 5 passes in clean-up duty for Chris Miller. As far as that 7th or 8th year figure thrown out. Mr Manning through his fifth year got 27TD passes - verses 15 for Mr Vick. Then in his 6th year won Co-MVP with a Mr Steve McNair. Who just completed his 9th year of his career. But, in comparison - led his former team the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXIX (29) during his fifth year. And as a side note - nobody in Baltimore seems to be calling for Kyle Boller to come off the bench, though he is a white quarterback. McNair was also a running QB and led his team to the Super Bowl - after his fifth year. If the Falcons are going to wait around for year 7 and 8 they could be in trouble. This is year 6 for Mr Vick and he was a first round pick for the Falcons. The clock is ticking.
By michael
November 19, 2006 03:18 AM | Link to this
Okay Mr. Johnson, again I say has anyone asked or mention that Boller or Manning to change position? As far your comment on McNair! He went through the same thing when he came in the league! They said he run the ball too much! As well McNabb, I could go on and on! I have a just one thing to ask you Sir! Was Kyle Boller better than Kordell Steward? And if you include Vick rushing TD’s he would be around 20! Also that same year that Manning threw for 27 TD’s, Vick took he team too the NFC Championship game, just one game shy of the Superbowl! Something you white guys fell to mention! You people so quick too throw out a damn passing stat. But for some strange reason you think that more important than winning! But you fell too mention, about Favre first years in Green Bay! Manning was the reason that Mora Sr. was fired! Again you fell too mention that fact as well! Young was running QB his first years as the starter, with a hell alot of talent around him, but for strange reason you guys didn’t call him too change position!
By JarretJohnson
November 19, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
First off: I’m not white. Second: I enjoy watching those “running quarterbacks”. I’m old school and am currently enjoying watching a local highschool use a single wing formation along with a wingback formation through the majority of their games. But, with the athletism on NFL defenses - it does not promote consistency.
By gg
November 19, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
it’s time to ditch mora and his gang of losers. this team is just a stupid bunch of thug a* big mouth b*** that can’t win s**.
By Phil
November 19, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
Mora must go he does’nt have a clue on game preparation he Knapp and Dumb A* DUMMA TELL all SHOULD be fired right Now we’re going to lose the rest Of our games again this season so why not bring anyoine in just to finish out the season and get this VIRUS out the City of Atlanta.
By Jerry L
November 22, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
Yeah let Vick call his own plays. If that is his problem lets by all mean let him audible. That’s all you hear on the blog that Vick is smarter than all the coaches. Put up or shut up!
By Jerry L
November 22, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
For anyone comparing Vick to Manning. Vick has lost more games this season than Manning has lost in the last 3. Give Manning a little credit and don’t mention Vick’s name along with Peyton Manning.
By Ron
November 27, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this
I think I will take the number 7 Falcons jersey off the Christmas list for my nephew. Does anyone know where I can find an old school number 10 Steve Bartkowski jersey in a youth size?