Falcons

By vickisick

November 16, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

nfl games are won in the turnover battle and in the passing game. today’s defenses are so fast against the run, you have to score through the air. run the ball more once you get ahead to milk the clock. but, running too much early just runs the clock down and you’ll end up settling for field goals. i’m not saying you can’t punch it in on the ground, but rushing stats and time of possession are overrated stats. td’s come in bunches when you have a successful passing attack.

vick can win any game he plays because of his abilities, but he can also lose any game he plays because of turnovers. once he reduces the turnovers, the falcons will start winning again. GO FALCONS

By Doc Hill

November 16, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

“Play with just about anyone”…I don’t know about that Steve. Not with the DE’s we have available for the remainder of the season.

Steve, do you believe that Abraham will come back and really contribute, or will he be like Hartwell: week to weak.

By BIGG DADDY DOGG

November 16, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

WITH NO TURNOVERS( YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST) THE FALCON WIN AGAIN BY PLAYING UP TO THE LEVEL OF THEIR COMPETION!!!!!

By darian

November 16, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Yes, the falcons can win if they can hold on to the ball. Not just vick, but the receivers too. Falcons can win this game on sunday. Give Vick a mess of sticky and the game is in the bank. falcons 28 - ravens 13

By bronson

November 16, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t think I have ever read a more boring blog. Once again stating the obvious. Why not talk about how big of an idiot hartwell is for saying those things about ray lewis 3 days before the game or how Rich McKay now feels about some of his recent acquisitions. Steve, please go read Sekou Smith’s and David O’brien’s blog before you ever post something again. I know you can do better than this crap.

By Big Daddy in Dville

November 16, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

Ya’ll getting off the subject, This is really about getting Mike to put the ball away instead of hanging it out there for some lucky sap to knock it there way, That reciever thing is whole different which I don’t have the time or the effort for.

By Not-A-Blogger

November 16, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

This should read, “With MIKE VICK committing six turnovers the past two games….”

Even the 14 dropped passes were less costly than an NFL quarterback bouncing the ball off his own leg twice (not to mention making such blatantly bad throws for int’s).

Watching the way he carries the ball so close to the ground, I’d guess MV7 would disagree with Herschel’s statement about the football not being heavy.

By keep it REAL

November 16, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

ALC more heat on mora he wust do his job if he want his player to preform at there.

By miskew

November 16, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what the answer is on this issue of holding on to the football. Possibly vick could be given a smaller football for our games, this might take care of it. At some point the genius mora could ask him politely to tuck it in when he runs, but be careful to ask him nicely. The falcons are not out of this thing yet and if our troops can regroup a bit, we will be in the playoffs. Try vick sunday and if it more of the same bozo performance by this team, then put schaub in and see what happens. I am ready to see a change in direction for this team for the better, otherwise i’m off to the golf course the next week.

By Jeff D

November 16, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Steve —

any word on why Knapp/Mora won’t let Vick audible?

By Larry

November 16, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

Marlion Jackson tore his pectoral muscle and is out for the season. This team is falling apart.

Considering Norwood is banged up, is there any chance they add another RB (DeAndra Cobb) before Sunday?

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 17, 2006 05:02 AM | Link to this

14 dropped passes is less damaging than one fumble? This is quite possibly the dumbest statement I have ever heard. 14 dropped passes, including a few in the end zone and many on key 3rd downs, can extend drives and put multiple points on the board. One fumble isn’t guaranteed to lead to any scoring at all for the other team. No doubt Vick needs to protect the ball better, but you have got to be smoking something if you think Ashley Lelie’s dropped TD pass alone wasn’t more damaging last week than Vick’s 4th quarter fumble. If Lelie catches that ball, the score is tied at 17 in the final 2 minutes, and Vick’s fumble never happens because the Falcons are grinding clock getting ready for a Morten Andersen game-winning field goal.

By Lynne

November 17, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop, that makes entirely too much sense. The 57 minutes prior to the fumble in Cleveland’s game does not count to those who only fault Vick for the loss. They need to place 100% blame on him in order to sleep at night.

By This gets old

November 17, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

Know something? There’s always the ” fan for over thirty years” who posts here.

If you truly are then you remember that this franhise has for most of it’s seasons been invisible and pitiful. Just nothing seemed to go their way.

They almost hired Bill Parcells, league stopped it. Very close to hiring Dick Vermeil, he changed his mind. Interviewed Mike Holmgren and passed. Almost moved to JAX.

The butt of jokes nationwide even on TV game shows, players fighting each other on the field, a nightmare.

We never sold out our stadium. Dan Reeves drafted Michael Vick and the Smiths’ paid up.

This guy is the first Atlanta player to have such a high profile in ages. We’re sold out a lot now, right? For good or ill he is the face of our franchise and people who are fantasy challenged couldn’t name more than three of our players.

Arthur Blank hired a defensive coach who unfortunately hasn’t produced, through his hand picked choice as D coordinator, a defense that’s able to consistently stop the opposition.

With all of the openings for head coaches these last three seasons how many times have Knapp and Donatell been asked to interview? You obviously can be a better coordinater than Head Coach but you usually find that out about a guy after he’s been fired.

Now Arthur Blank is not stupid. He paid a steep price for this franchise. He didn’t give Vick the salary he’s paid solely on a whim. Some high profile people on and off the field gave imput.

And even with all of the personell problems over the years Vick has won more than he’s lost and …he sells out the house. Anybody who saw Bill Cowher take off his headset when Vick ran off the field close by in order to complement him should be convinced that our guy can play and play well in this league. Either way we need to stop bashing our team and it’s players so much. We’re better now than we’ve ever been.

By Jerry L

November 17, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Lynne, seems you are a knowledgeable Vick supporter. How bout breaking down his game for me. What you think his strengths are, his faults if any. Would really be interested in what you have to say. You defend him in the AJC blogs, give us some insight.

By D-Man

November 17, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

vick sick is a genius!!

By Not-A-Blogger

November 17, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Najeh -

Guess you weren’t watching, but Vick fumbled the ball with no help from the defense TWO weeks in a row.

IMHO, that along with 4 easy picks, is the primary reason for two losses.

The recievers and the Bird’s defense, along with the coaches’ game-planning contributed. I’m not a Vick-hater, but if you give him credit for outstanding games against Pitt and Cincy, then you gotta place the blame where it belongs for the past two debacles. He played terrible.

By mo

November 17, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

I actually kind of agree with Not-a-Blogger, but in a different way.

In the Pittsburgh and Cincy games, people gave Vick a lot of credit for his passing skills. I don’t see a problem with Vick’s passing skills (probably the first time I have ever said that.)

In truth, a man has to pass the ball, but another person has to catch it. Crumpler had a great day on those days. He made Vick look great. The same goes for the other receivers. And the offensive line. They made Vick look great!

Now the receivers can make Vick look bad if they don’t make a play on the ball. If they wait for the ball to come to them instead of attacking the ball, Vick can have interceptions. However, if Vick throws the ball to the back shoulder in coverage, Vick can make the receiver look bad.

But it’s simple: In the NFL, if it touches your palm, you are to catch that ball. (many people say ‘fingers’, but as an old receiver myself, I will cut them some slack.)

See, overthrows are Vick’s fault. Passes that bounce off of shoulder pads or tips is the receiver’s fault.

Now, another thing… if Vick is sacked after 5 seconds in the backfield, it’s Vick’s fault. Let me qualify that: If Vick can’t find any person to pass the ball to, that means that the receivers’ routes aren’t shaking the DBs off them. Plus, they aren’t finding the holes in the DB’s coverage.

Since the holes aren’t there, most QBs will throw the ball away. If, say, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning played for the Falcons, you will see balls thrown away a whole heck of a lot because the receivers are not open.

In this case, Vick has value. Vick can take a 4 second play, and turn it into a 7 second play. What that does is give the receivers more time to make a play and get open. They receiver can abandon the route assignment and get open. It’s much like basketball, then.

But, that creativity has a downside. Vick will get turnovers if the defense plays him right. See, Vick is constantly looking downfield. He’s looking for his receivers to get open. Because of that, Vick is susceptible to sacks on his blind side.

Also, he’s looking for gaps in the coverage. He tries to rifle it in, which gives him some very unexcusable interceptions (He needs to cut that out!)

But what’s being more exposed is this: Vick is looking to pass the ball until he crosses the line of scrimmage. So he will not tuk the ball until he crosses the line of scrimmage. The reason why is if a receiver gets open, he wants to pass it on a good throw. But the downside is, if you hit the left arm, Vick will put it on the carpet.

My point is this: pick your poison. If you want Schaub in the game, for instance, he will do OK, but without a good O-line blocking for him, you will see a lot of sacks and passes thrown out of bounds. You will not, however, see any fumbles. But his passing percentage will not be even as good as Vick, nor will the score. In short, we’ll lose safely.

But with Vick, you’ll see not as many three and outs due to his legs. You will see longer offensive plays, but you will see turnovers. He will, however, keep you in the game and perhaps win it.

My suggestion to Coach Mora is this: Play Schaub this week and give Vick some rest. He needs it. He’s tired. In the second half, though, put Vick in. See, you’ll probably be down by 10 points by the half. When Vick comes in, he’ll put up 17-24 points in one half. And you’ll win.

By vick_is_sick

November 17, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

This gets old makes some good points about our franchise. when i was a kid, if i wasn’t at the game on sunday i’d not be watching it because it would be blacked out. now, we don’t have that problem because of vick and arthur blank’s success as an owner. he did a good job marketing this team early when he took over.

onto the team on the field…Jeff D, I am also interested in why vick doesn’t audible more. in today’s game, it is a requirement that a team can adjust at the line. the audible scheme must improve for the falcons to be successful. as i said in a previous post, i think knapp doesn’t give vick enough freedom. why? who knows…i would like to think vick has the mental presence to see a blitz coming our a defensive scheme set up. i don’t think he is a manning or a brady, but he needs to read defenses and be able to adjust. give him more audible freedom please.

By WHAT????

November 17, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Quote the pud:

**By keep it REAL

November 16, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

ALC more heat on mora he wust do his job if he want his player to preform at there.**

WTF is this? Please. I understand some linguistic abuse by the general public, but Boo Radley could do better writing with his foot.

By Bear

November 17, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

Steve,

I thought Jeff and Mora had already arranged to send in the forfeit for this game. This is a team with no heart for football. I’ve grown tired of watching Larry, Moe, and Curly. When Mora can think of another script other than having Moe smite Curly on the head whilst Larry dithers, then I might be persuaded to return to the games. In the interim, I plan to do something interesting with my Sundays, like read Robert Wilson’s latest novel. I will return either when Mora is replaced or when Mora finds a script compelling enough to pull me away from Scott Turow’s latest novel.

By Mike L.

November 18, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

Well …

it looks like Jeff is missing the point in the Falcons v. Ravens game. The Falcons need to do exactly what they’re good at - running the football. this will eliminate the turnovers and … if you look at Ravens defensive stats, they were pretty bad against the run last week when they faced the Titans … without Ray Lewis they struggled to stop the run and allowed 162 yards on the ground. Something Atlanta can feed of off. Even if it doesnt work in the beginning stick with it and play field position - make the Ravens earn every inch of the field - make them go for long drives 80 - 90 yards every time if they want to score.

Jeff Schltz is too busy trashing everything about the Falcons and is too caught up in his bashiing to see the opportunities that present themselevs in this game. Atlanta has a good chance to win if they eliminate the turnouvers and control the clock with the running game.

By Talons of Fire

November 18, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

I think that the team’s psyche is in the crapper. The Falcon players know that the Falcon Nation is extremely unhappy with their performance the past two games (and counting). Many of them know that being a pro athlete in Atlanta puts you on a shorter leash than in many cities. Couple that with the Falcons penchant for underperforming each year and you have a recipe for continued failure. In my opinion, which is what the blogs really are afterall, many of the players don’t feel as if the team CAN win anymore. Injuries and the like only exacerbates the problem. No Swagger coming on to the field. No fire, no killer instinct. I haven’t given up on the Falcons and I never will. However, from what I’m seeing and what’s most troubling, is that they seem to have given up on themselves. Yes, the coaching staff is the equivalent of a three ring circus absent the ring master, but they can’t correct the lack of confidence and heart that the players seem to be exhibiting since the tragedy in Detroit. The players need to WANT to win. Not because of Mora, but in spite of him.

By larry w.

November 18, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Talons of Fire, Your post is very well stated and I agree with some of what you are saying. But NFL coaches have a responsibility to get their team mentally and physically prepared to play a game. If we can see the lack of confidence in the team, shouldn’t the coaches see this also? A big part of the problem is the preparation of the team, which I believe directly contributes to the lack of confidence. The same plays over and over becomes very predictable to the opponent. The players know this more than anyone. When the players stop believing in the schemes the coaches are installing, they will lack confidence in executing those schemes. Yes, I agree that the players lack confidence, but I believe that they are lacking confidence in the overall game planning as opposed to lacking confidence in themselves.

By Gary

November 18, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Beside the deal with really pitiful coaching, it really does not matter if the quarterback is Dan Marino, if the CATCHERS DO NOT CATCH THE BALL. I have seen at least 6-8 dropped passes in each of the last two games. It is not Michael Vicks fault that these PRO RECEIVERS do not have the desire or intensity or concentration to help their team. After this season, there has to be a housecleaning starting with Jim Mora and his crew. Get rid of Roddy White who only plays when feels like playing and any other receivers who do not play with 100% fire.

By Talons of Fire

November 18, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks Larry W. I appreciate the props. Perhaps you’re right. In any case, a major change needs to come over the team. I understand clearly that there is no panacea that will make all of the birds’ problems go away. Nonetheless, things like protecting the football and holding on to passes should be very correctable. Correct those two, and the Falcons can do great things. Take care. I’m off to watch the OSU/Michigan game. Hope it lives up to the hype. GO BUCKEYES! I’m not from Ohio, by the way. I just like Ohio State.

By KRao

November 19, 2006 03:05 AM | Link to this

this is what andy nesbitt had to say about the falcons… “Atlanta at Baltimore: If you lose back-to-back games to the Lions and the Browns, as the Falcons have done, you should be forced to sit out for two weeks and forfeit your games. And let your wives date other men for a few days. Ravens 28, Falcons 14.” ouch…i wish our team would read this. this guy just attacked y’alls manhood. hope our boys pull it through…gonna be a tough one.

By Talons of Fire

November 19, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

Who cares what nesbitt had to say about the Falcons. His words hold no credence. As fars as his commebt: “And let your wives date other men for a few days.” He need s to tread lightly when commmenting on wives. In any event, nesbitt’s commments are not going to have one iota of influence on the outcome of the game. The Ravens, like every other team in the NFL, are beatable. Yes, it could be tough, but if the players step up and the DC and OC get their heads out of their behinds, we can win this game. THE FALCONS MUST STOP BEING SO PREDICTABLE IN THEIR PLAY CALLING!

By Talons of Fire

November 19, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Who cares what nesbitt says. His words hold no credence The Ravens can be beat. If the OC and DC get their heads out of their collective butts, we can win. Run some reverses or screens or something. More Play action passes. More bump and run coverage on D instead of that break but don’t bend sissy coverage they install every game. And please stop letting Rossum cover tight ends for Christ sakes! More importantly, CATCH PASSES AND HOLD ON TO THE BALL! Go Falcons!

By Yad

November 19, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Jamaal Lewis scores to put the Ravens up 17-6.

WILL SOMEONE TEACH THIS TEAM HOW TO F*ING TACKLE!

By Rod Johnson

November 19, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

This team is toast this year… and it isn’t all about the injuries. The offense is just about useless half (or more than half) of the time. Clean out the coaching staff and start from scratch. Maybe in a couple of years, then…

By trottinghome

November 19, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

KNAPP WILL BE FIRED AFTER THIS GAME

By trottinghome

November 19, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

KNAPP WILL BE FIRED AFTER THIS GAME

By robert

November 19, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

This team has no heart …

By Ty

November 19, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

How many terrible plays must be called before Mora gets fired? He calls for runs when we should pass, and he calls for passes when we should run. The red zone is systematically mismanaged. I just don’t get it.

By robert

November 19, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Thankfully, I’ve quit caring also. That is the sad part about this bunch. The Falcons have always been a losing franchise, but at least I cared and was excited about every game for 36 years. Now, I couldn’t care less. I will start caring when Blank gets a new coaching staff, a real quarterback and a defense that can play through injuries.

By robert

November 19, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Just imagine … we could have had Drew Brees and LaDanian Tomlinson … instead we trade a very good quarterback and a Hall of Fame running back for a quarterback who cannot even complete a pass.

By Phat Phalcon

November 19, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Robert I’m with you on the coaching but lay off the injured players. Which injury would you play through? Kerney’s torn pec, Abe or Webster’s torn groin? Maybe Hartwell’s knee surgery or Mathis’ broken neck? I don’t think anyone’s laying out. What kills me is that it’s always something. For two weeks it was turnovers. Today we don’t turn it over but put the young defense in poor position by giving up kick returns. Too many different breakdowns to blame it on anyone but the Head Coach who’s responsible to organize it all.

By Carroll

November 19, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

From now on, at the dome they oughtta blair the tune “bring out the clowns” when the ‘coons (and their coaching staff) come onto the field.

By Jack

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

This is the last time the Falcons will see a .500 record until next Sept. Arthur if you let this continue you will DESERVE an empty dome.

By robert

November 19, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this

OK … maybe I was little tough on the defense and the injuries. However, I saw a game last night with Wake Forest’s freshman fullback playing with a torn ACL. I am frustrated that we sign two high-priced free agents, and they’ve played about 10 games between them. Hartwell over two years; Abraham in half a year. I don’t advocate firing people, but something has to be done …

By Phat Phalcon

November 19, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

Robert I’m with you on the coaching but lay off the injured players. Which injury would you play through? Kerney’s torn pec, Abe or Webster’s torn groin? Maybe Hartwell’s knee surgery or Mathis’ broken neck? I don’t think anyone’s laying out. What kills me is that it’s always something. For two weeks it was turnovers. Today we don’t turn it over but put the young defense in poor position by giving up kick returns. Too many different breakdowns to blame it on anyone but the Head Coach who’s responsible to organize it all.

By Roy

November 19, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

Vick stinks when are going to play a real QB!

By Roy

November 19, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Mora when are you to play a real QB, are you scared of Mr. Blank. If you don’t take us to the playoffs your going to lose you job anyway, grow a backbone and start someone else.The offence stinks!

By mo

November 20, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

Trevor Pryce, Baltimore Ravens Defensive End Quote-

“Our focus was to get out of this game with a win to be 8-2,” Pryce said. “But I know this, for me personally, I never want to play Michael Vick again. He’s as special a football player as I’ve seen on any level. I’d rather play Peyton Manning several times than play him again, and you can quote me on that. So Mike Vick, thank you, goodbye, and I don’t ever want to see you again.”

‘Nuff Said…