AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFoes exploit Vick’s inconsistency
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The possible returns of linebacker Ed Hartwell and defensive end John Abraham might be reason for some in the Falcons Nation to jump for joy and click their heels, but the reeling Birds (5-5) aren’t going to stop their descent until they fix what’s going wrong offensively.
After amassing a season-low 186 yards in Sunday’s 24-10 loss to Baltimore, players said Tuesday the Falcons have gotten too pass happy and that they need to get back to running the ball. The return of left guard Matt Lehr this week, — he likely will supplant P.J. Alexander — should provide a boost, players said.
Maybe, but opponents have gotten wise to Atlanta’s tendencies, the scheme and to Michael Vick, whom they are daring, with more frequency, to be the guy to beat them. Opponents are loading up and pressing the Falcons with eight defenders not only in running situations, but passing situations.
Teams seem to think that they can win the physical battle up front against the run — the Ravens sure did — and use a spy to stop the leak-out rushes by Vick. They’ve taken the same tack in passing situations.
Team seem so unafraid of Vick in the passing game that they are leaving themselves vulnerable in the secondary by hedging their bets that he’ll make a bad decision (the 17-yard, fourth quarter sack), not be patient enough to get to his second or third option or make a bad throw if he’s faced to make a quick decision under duress (i.e. the misfired pass to tight end Alge Crumpler in the end zone vs. Baltimore).
Not all the blame can go on Vick. The offensive line play and some of the calls and decisions by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp factor into the shortcomings as well. Still, Vick’s inconsistency seems to be the barometer of the team and if he wants to be the leader that he is, he’s got to generate more plays — not necessarily spectacular plays, but some of the basic once that keep the chains moving.
This talk of better execution the past few weeks hasn’t produced results, though, and what is becoming more clear is that owner Arthur Blank is doing more than chatting up folks on the sideline at the end of games.
He’s putting his finger on the pulse of everything up close and personal. If things don’t improve in a lot of areas, it would be hard to believe there won’t be a lot of changes, from the coaching staff on down, during the offseason.
Blank, who seems to sincerely like and believe in coach Jim Mora, has invested a lot of money to give management and coaches what they wanted. However, Blank is a businessman and he’s not going to go through too many down cycles before cutting his losses.
Comments
By Carroll
November 20, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Just starting Schaub would solve almost all of our offensive problems. Period. Vick makes the OC look bad, the head coach look bad, the WR look bad, even makes the defense lok bad by keeping them on the field too much.
By mountain_jim
November 20, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
Here’s hoping Blank forces Mora to replace Knapp at least. I’ve seen enough from Knapp at this point and I bet Blank has too.
If Blank requests and Mora refuses, he goes also.
Unfortunately we are stuck for years with the inferior line that Gibbs desired.
Why did they not tell Koenen to punt it out of bounds after the first long return?
Falcons coaches are sucking bad right now collectively and from Mora’s public comments he would seem to be clueless as to what to change.
By jg
November 20, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Death, Taxes, Abraham/Hartwell NOT returning vs. NO.
By jg
November 20, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Death, Taxes, Abraham/Hartwell NOT returning vs NO.
By Carla
November 20, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
If the OC would call plays with his eyes opened watching the game, Vick wouldn’t look so bad. It was if he had his back turned looking at the Raven’s fans. You run a draw on 4th and 1??? Knapp needs to get a clue. The Falcons need a spark next week, if not, it looks like another .500 or below season.
By mo
November 20, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
So, Steve, Vick is supposed to be able to checkdown and throw to unopen receivers in three seconds, huh?
That’s not Vick’s inconsistency… that O-line inconsistency.
I mean, the Ravens were in the backfield before Vick can set his feet. He made one bad throw, but after getting beaten up by the blitz, can you blame him?
Man, what game are we looking at, if you say that Vick is being inconsistent, yet he’s the one getting beaten up and hurried with no time to do anything.
Sad, Steve… sad that you blame the Falcons bad play on one person. That’s just not fair to anyone.
By Boots
November 20, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
If Tiflon Mike wants to pass, he’s given that opportunity. If Tiflon Mike wants to run, he’s given that opportunity. If Tiflon Mike wantss the chance to audibilize —- given his standing with the franchise —- he’d be given that opportunity. In other words, Tiflon Mike can get whatever he wants. However, what the team needs is not massive coaching changes, but a FIELD GENERAL —- someone on the freakin’ field (USUALLY THE QB) who’s willing to get emotional and get in the face of the O Line and WR’s and shake things up!! What do we have? A pouting Tiflon Mike who retreats to the bench to sit alone or one who is happy to greet other brothers with a big smile on his face after having his asz handed to him! That sucks!
By Jay W
November 20, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
The offensive line is atrocious. But, Falcons management must like what they see, since they just gave Todd Weiner the “protector” of Vick’s blind side an new 5-year, $22 million contract.
A few years ago, Denver used all three of their first day picks on the secondary. It may be time for Atlanta to do the same for the offensive line.
By Apaul404
November 20, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
I’m glad to read that somebody actually watched the game yesterday, our line is terrible, I felt bad for Vick. It was like the longest yard, the o line was seemingly just releasing rushers. That definitely needs to be addressed in the draft, before we bring in another sorry WR. I know it’s hard to be a Falcons fan these day’s but lets hang in there ATL.
By Brian
November 20, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
Can you even read, mo? This is what Steve wrote:
“Not all the blame can go on Vick. The offensive line play and some of the calls and decisions by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp factor into the shortcomings as well.”
Looks like Steve blamed more than just Vick.
By Dawgs2006
November 20, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
I just got home and ran to the computer like a child on Christmas morning waiting to see the gift he has been waiting for. I was hoping to log on and read about Knapp being fired. Oh Well! Arthur Blank is not as smart as I thought he was. My boss would have Sh@#tcanned my arss if I was half as sorry as him.
I have lost all respect for Arthur Blank and there is no hope for this franchise.
I WILL NOT RENEW MY SEASON TICKETS NEXT YEAR. SOME FOOL ON THE WAITING LIST CAN HAVE THEM!
By Mac
November 20, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
It’s too obvious that our offensive line is not built to pass block. On top of that, we have so many fans calling for Schuab at QB. But with this line, how much more effective will Schuab be? Did anyone notice that Balt. is the number one defense in terms of interceptions….and since we didn’t commit any turnovers, I can’t blame this one on Vick. Playcalling and prep are lacking; that’s on the coaches. Injuries hurt, but they are apart of the game. Please stop pointing at Vick after every loss.
By Smitty
November 20, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
I’m sick of the whole Falcons organization from Blank on the sidelines to the sorry excuse of Mora and his staff as coaches and most of all for watching Vick and his fellow players laughing and cutting up after we just lost a game….its like they don’t care if we win or lose….IT MAKES ME SICK…
By jim
November 20, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
A quarterback, any quarterback, should not solely dictate the outcome of a team’s game. The quarterback should be a piece of the puzzle. If he plays well, great. If not, they should still be in the game. The entire Falcons offense right now revolves around Vick. The rest of the team/coaches need to step it up so that his play does not determine his team’s success. Look at the Ravens. They have it all - defense, offense, special teams. They can win with McNair playing poorly. The Falcons pale by comparison. Vick has to be lights out for the Falcons to even have a chance.
By Bob from Acworth
November 20, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
I told my brother yesterday I would not be surprised if they lost the rest of their games this season and wound up 5-11! And for people like me who want the coaching staff AND Michael Vick gone in the off season. Mr. Blank will more than likely can the coaches but he’ll hold on to the inept one until he is an old man and can’t play anymore. What am I SAYING! Michael Vick CAN’T PLAY NOW!
By Rick
November 20, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
He is blaming the bad play at quarterback on Vick , thats all. The o-line sucks big time, Hartwell needs to be cut now. He is not or ever will be a contributor on defence. Vick has been in the NFL for 6 years, I am tierd of waiting for all this potential to show up. He is just a notch above Ryan Leaf. He got the hype , he got the money he just aint got the talent. Play makers know how to tuck the ball and run, they don’t hold it one hand and look like a idiot in a sand lot game running around. swinging the ball around just begging someone to knock it loose. Mora should have told him the first time he held a ball like that on a run play that he was going to sit the rest of the game. And then stick to it. Do you think a coach would let a rb or reciever do that twice? I do believe the coaching staff will be looking for a job next year. rightly so.
By sultan
November 20, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
didn’t know #7 was from Tifton lol……Teflon maybe what you meant….regardless……we’ve scored 3 TD’s the last few weeks……..all on MV passes…….none rushing…..before that ….he threw 3 and 4 to get us wins…yeah he’s the problem.
By Rick
November 20, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
smitty get a clue, these guys get paid win or lose, they do not care how the game ends, they are collecting checks. They get on tv and talk the bs but the bottom line is not one of those 53 guys gives a rats a## if they win or loose. The checks still clear bank either way.
By Dawg Man
November 20, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
Vick—-a fast runner, but not capable of playing QB at this level. Life’s tough. Plus, the coaching staff is worse than the Reeves’ staff. Bring in some real coaches from successful franchises, not San Francisco.
By Andy
November 20, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Hope? It is this simple, they lose to the Saints, the season is over. There whole season is next week. No playoffs and maybe another 8-8 record or worse if they lose. The pressure for changes will come. I actually think they shouldn’t change anything staff wise (Mora and Co. do get on my nerves a bit, but I’d hate to see Vick have to learn another offense!), but I don’t know if Blank will be as patient as I am. It is so disappointing. I kind of wish we did go with Lovie Smith. Better to lose early and become a strong team than to start off as a strong team and go down more each year.
By Smitty
November 20, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
You know what Rick that may be true but it still does’nt make it right…this is an inferior team with an inferior owner,GM,head coach and staff and a QB that looked better his first year than he does in his 6th….whens the bleeding gonna stop
By rick
November 20, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
this season was over when they lost to the browns and detroit. they got beat by bad teams. it is over.
By Jeff D
November 20, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
Steve —
Have you or anyone else been able to ask Moran and.or Knapp why they don’t let Vick audible?
At the post-game interview he was discussing the play on which he was sacked and stated that he isn’t allowed to audible. Last week, he said Clevand was calling out our plays before the ball was snapped.
It makes no sense to have a QB who isn’t allowed to audible. Could someone please ask the coaching staff why Vick isn’t allowed to audible, particularly where Knapp runs the same plays week in and week out?
By Will Blog for Food
November 20, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
Good article from USA Today, “The Verdict Is In on Michael Vick”:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/zillgitt/2006-11-19-michael-vick_x.htm?csp=34
Just like you tell your girlfriend: Learn It, Live It, Love It (because you really don’t have a choice)…
By Boots
November 20, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
Sultan —- thanks for the spellcheck. I may not be able to spell “teflon”, but I can spell “depressing” and that’s what this collapse is to dedicated, ticket/merchandise buying fans! Whose fault is it? There’s enough blame to go around, but the “excution” and “offensive production” sucks!!!
By Verdict in all right...
November 20, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
Here’s another view from former players on the ESPN site…
Eric Allen: Consistency is what everyone looks for from their quarterback. To get to that point you have to have a lot of confidence not only in yourself, but also in your teammates. Right now I’m not sure (Michael) Vick is confident in his receivers making plays because of the drops and that is hurting his development as a consistent quarterback. When those receivers are getting separation in one-on-one coverage he’s getting them the ball, but a lot of the time they aren’t holding on to it and that’s one big reason the Falcons aren’t playing well.
Joe Theismann: Vick can be a consistent passer in this league and he’s proven that in small doses. He’s still learning the position and learning what offensive coordinator Greg Knapp wants him to do out on the field. Also, this team needs to start relying more on Warrick Dunn in the running game to take some of the pressure off Vick.
Mark Schlereth: Not until he can get a consistent offense around him. Over the past couple weeks I’ve watched his receivers drop almost 20 passes. They are constantly in single coverage and not getting any separation. This is a team that needs new receivers not a new quarterback. If you can’t separate and get open in this league then you should be selling cars on the weekend not playing receiver in the NFL. They have a couple first-round wide receivers and they all play like No. 3 receivers. The American public can bash Vick all they want, but it’s not his fault.
By Smitty
November 20, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this
Just read the USA Today article…Good article…it says it all…NUFF SAID
By Casey Rupp
November 20, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
I have been a fan since 1979. I can remember sitting n the stands at AF County Stadium in disbelief when the Cowboys came back to beat the falcons in ‘81. I feel that was there best team to date. honorable mention goes to the NFC championship team a few years back that stunk it up in Philly.
I am not a falcons basher by any means. I have been sad ween they lost and cheered when they won. The fact is the falcons have been going downhill since that frozen night in Philly.
The faclons have too much talent to go down this way. I don’t know if its coaching,player injuries or what. I don’t place all of the blame on vick. the simple fact is opponents have been “vicks-perienced”. opponents know how to contain him. if the dude doesn’t learn how to throw consistently, then I personally hand Shaub the ball and see what happens. The falcons are 5-5 and going down. You can’t worry about hurting Vicks feelings. Mora should be concerned for his job. Time is drawing nigh and the Falcons are in the twilight of presumed greatness. It’s time to realize it or get the heck out of the way.Go falcons!William Andrews,Billy white shoes and Steve Bartkowski are rooting for you!
By Sloan Cleaver
November 20, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick is a running back playing QB. Until the upper echelon recognizes this, the Falcons don’t stand a chance. They need to get a consultant to confirm this and get them on the right track with Vick lined up in the backfield and someone else calling the signals. The NFL has figured Vick out.
By VABirdDawg
November 20, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
We are a sad buch of guys. Week after week we come here and moan and groan about our team, which has sucked forever, 98 being the lone exception. We overstate the obvious in hopes that someone will read ideas and put them into action. NO ONE but us reads blogs.
The Falcons will more than likely lose 4 of the next 6 games, have ANOTHER crappy draft, pick up another breakable free agent in the offseason and suck yet again next year. I have been a fan for 30 years and will always hope for a different outcome. At least my DAWGS will beat tech this weekend to give my football season some good news.
By VABirdDawg
November 20, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
We are a sad buch of guys. Week after week we come here and moan and groan about our team, which has sucked forever, 98 being the lone exception. We overstate the obvious in hopes that someone will read ideas and put them into action. NO ONE but us reads blogs.
The Falcons will more than likely lose 4 of the next 6 games, have ANOTHER crappy draft, pick up another breakable free agent in the offseason and suck yet again next year. I have been a fan for 30 years and will always hope for a different outcome. At least my DAWGS will beat tech this weekend to give my football season some good news.
By 56birddog
November 20, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
Coaching staff sucks, Vick sucks, O-line sucks. The O-line is not to blame for all the pressure. Vick running around and not knowing what the hell is going on! Knapp & Donatell would be bought out of there contracts. Shaub need to start b/c he knows how to get rid of the ball. I bench vick and cut him at the end of year. All he cares about is the $$$.
By Paul Hamilton
November 20, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
Well I won’t argue with the fact that our offensive line is getting abused along the line of scrimmage, and our receivers are quite inept at making the plays, but what p** me off about Vick is the fact that he doesn’t protect the football when he runs. I was a big defender of Vick for the last 6 years, but when you don’t have enough sense to tuck the ball with 350 pound lineman chasing your a*….well what can I say. Get a clue Mike. And then our coach says he is not going to ask him to change because he makes a lot of big plays running the ball. Mora is a biotch. Mike has contributed greatly to a few losses with this running style, and if he can’t run and protect the ball at the same time then I’m done supporting the guy. This team is a mess, injuries and all.
By CJ
November 20, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
In most football towns, we would have ourselves a real live quaterback controversy. But with a 1st time head coach and a “franchise QB”, we have ineptitude in the greatest proportions. Mora needs to realize he’s the head coach and stop placing “Michael” on some freakin pedestal to “do what Mike does”. Roddy White dropped passes, missed blocks and ran the wrong routes. Bryan Scott missed coverages and proved he couldn’t knock anyone down anyone. White was benched and Scott was cut. Vick needs to experience one or both.
By Smart Guy
November 20, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick is not the Falcons problems. This is a average team at best. The Falcons talk a good game but they are simply not that good and until we here in Atlanta realize this we continue to be disappointed in them. Vick needs to quit listening to people criticize and priase him. If Mike simply play ball and continue to practice hard he will be fine. The coaches need to work with the players they have, injuries have killed us. Hartwell is the only bust on this team, other than that we are ok. This team is 2 to 3 years away from being good, we must be patient with this team, 7-9 or 8-8 is not bad for this team.
By Gumbo
November 20, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
I jumped OFF the Mora bandwagon yesterday. Not because of the loss - not because we were ill-prepared again - not because we never seem to be able to counter an opponent’s move.
Why?
Becasue of the total disrespect, our beloved Coach showed in the post-game press conference. I’m sure he doesn’t like them, but hey,you get paid millions to spend 10 miuntes in front of the media after the game; suck it up!
Apparently, there was a TV in the Press Room. Coach Jim was obviously more interested in watching the highlights of other games as opposed to thinking about and answering questions from the press. Not surprising, since he had been beaten for the third straight week by a team with inferior talent.
Whats a matter, Jimmy? Don’t have any answers? Or, is it that we fans don’t deserve 10 minutes of your precious time? If your concentration level is the same during the week as it was yesterday in the post-game PC, I think we have our answer as to why your team consistently underperforms.
Arthur, as a someone who has been in a very competitive corporate environment for more than 20 years, I have won and I have lost.
As you well know, you learn a lot more about a person in defeat than in victory. I URGE you to go back and watch yesterday’s press conference and you’ll have a good idea where this franchise is headed.
By the way, Jimmy, If you pulled that condescending crap on me, you’d be on the street today. Spoon-fed prima donnas are a dime a dozen.
By TD
November 20, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
I remember years ago, when Steve Bartowski (another #1 overall pick by the Falcons) developed what was known as “happy feet” He had almost no mobility and he developed a tendency not to plant his feet because he knew someone was going to get to him and plant him in the ground. I think the same thing might be happening to Vick, since the Falcons refuse to address the O-line in the draft, in trades or in free agency, he has to hurry, scramble or whatever. Heck, they have to resort to signing players other teams cut! you build a team out from the lines and the Falcons haven’t figured this out. I would love to see Vick leave and go win a Super Bowl with another team so the Falcons can continue with long history of losing and the bloggers on the website and start bashing the next QB, coach or whatever.
By Mike L.
November 20, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
Steve,
obviously the Falcons lost the game against the Ravens (well, the past three games) on offense . I give credit to the Defense and Ed Donatell for coming out the way that did and stopping the Ravens and the Browns in the first half. eventually - if the offense cannot put together one drive to take some time off the clock and give the defense a rest, the defense, especially due to injuries, will get tired and start leaking in places. why in the world do we have 4 TEs on the roster instead of additional defensive players to make up for shortcomings because of the injuries. If the offense cannot control the clock why not keep more defensive players on hand to keep them fresher throughout the game.
seondly, there seems to be increased talk around the league about the abvoius bad coaching the Falcons are experiencing (offensive coaching). is there any sign from the management that changes might be made before the end of the season? we have competent coaches (Musgrave) that can step in and run the offense. I dont think they can do much worse at this point - who makes such decisions anyways, Mckay, Blank, Mora?
By Danny
November 20, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
Looking great for two weeks and then looking bad for three weeks can mean only two things. Key players get injured and coaching can not overcome the injuries by coming up with a plan to use with the players they have. It is almost like the coaches have quit until all of the wounded return.
By BirdDawg
November 20, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
Steve,
It’s time for you to sit down with the powerbrokers on this team and ask some pretty tough f-ing questions. We the fans demand it from them, and from you!
1) Why aren’t the QB’s allowed to audible? This one fact alone costs the Falcons every game they play, and Greg Knapp is a moron to think that QB’s don’t need to audible in the NFL.
2) Ask McKay and Blank what the hell was in those notebooks which made them decide to hire an immature, petulant, child with MIDDLING defenses in San Fran that were soft, soft, soft instead of the mature, confident, and talented Lovie Smith, whose defenses were always awesome, and whose defenses always hit people in the mouth.
3) And most importantly, Steve, you need to ask Arthur Blank if he would treat all of his 130 million dollar investments the way in which he treats Vick, meaning, surround them with ABSOLUTE CRAP!!! This cheating, cut-blocking crap needs to go. Jamie Dukes has been saying it for months, that why invest in a QB only to surround him with the most untalented and worst O-Line in football?
Guess what, the Giants have a huge offensive line which can protect the QB AND run block, and they can do so WITHOUT the cheating methods the Falcons use.
So you let Rich and the Rich Man know that those of us who make them money are sick and tired of watching Greg Knapp destroy Vick’s talent like he tried to do to TO. We’re tired of Jim Mora and his petulant immaturity. He’s no coach of men. I wouldn’t have wanted him to coach my son’s pee wee or high school team. He sucks and needs to go. And you need to tell them that we are sick and tired of seeing them surround their 130 million dollar diamond with the worst offensive line in football who can cheat with the best of them, but when they need to man up, prove that they are men and pass protect, they prove just how crappy they are.
You need to tell them Steve, and then bring us back the answers. You were supposed to find out about the audible business last week but didn’t.
Don’t let us down, Steve! Don’t be a Carter Strickland. We have faith in you!!!
By e.b.
November 20, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
Yea, I disagree Steve. I don’t think the problem is “Vick’s inconsitency”. I believe that may be one of the problems. BUT, the problems are as follows (not in any particular order). The O-Line stinks. This by far has so much to do with how effective Vick is. Yeah, they had 2 good games in a row. But they are a God awful mess. If this team wants to go anywhere, they need to invest serious $$$ in the O-Line. Vick has taken so much unnecessary punishment this season, it’s squeamish to watch him back there. He gets the ball snapped, next think you know he’s getting sacked. HORRIBLE O-Line!!! Now, the defense is depleted -this we know. But the Falcons, even when healthy are an undersized group. They need bigger more aggressive pass rushers. This obviously can’t be fixed overnight, and they have to work with what they got. Lastly, this coaching staff is a mess. I think we will all agree. Sometimes it’s Donatell’s fault, most of the time it’s Knapp’s fault. But it all comes down to the head coach, and I think there’s going to be some changes in the off season. As much as we all make fun of Blank, he has too much money invested, and he won’t put up with this crap.
By morris
November 20, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
Gumbo, I agree with you that the press conference was terrible. However, my take on Mora wasn’t that he was being condescending, rather he is just that dumb. He looks like a deer in headlights and in my opinion he has lost this team. These players no longer respect their clown of a head coach. His press conferences show me that he simply doesn’t have the right answers because he is in over his head. It is time for the falcons to make a change. The next time we hire a coach, Mckay needs to do the interviewing and blank needs to stay home. Blank needs to hold himself accountable for hiring this guy to begin with.
By Greg
November 20, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
Blame the Line or Blame the QB How much money does the average Falcon Lineman make and how much does Vick make. A good line can make any QB look good. The Money that Vicks makes should make the line look good. Vicks is a below average passer with exception running ability. Runs when he should be passing to often. Looks good but few results. Look at the stats.
By morris
November 20, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
BirdDawg, don’t blame Mckay for hiring this stupid moron of a coach we have. This is all on blank. Lovie smith is a disciple of tony dungy and coached in tampa. Mckay hired dungy and was a big fan of the guy, it was the glazer family who stepped in and later fired dungy, much to the chagrin of mcKay. You see where I am going with this. If mcKay would have had complete autonomy in the hiring process there is no question in my mind he would have hired lovie smith. It was blank who for some reason got all lathered up over mora and his notebooks. Blank is as respondsible for this fiasco as anyone in the organization.
By BirdDawg
November 20, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this
Greg, that logic is just retarded. Manning and Brady and McNabb make a hell of a lot of money but have awesome O-Lines.
You’re just a blame Vick no matter what moron.
Can’t see the forest for the trees because of you’re own illogical hatred of Vick.
By mountain_jim
November 20, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
Anyone notice that Charlotte, who always starts slow and finishes well, is back in first place?
Charlotte is built from the lines out - and over the season their superior line strength starts to win out.
We use 6th rounders and undrafteds on the OL who can’t pass block for crap and Knapp a’int creative enough to work around this problem that Gibbs has caused.
By DEADBIRD
November 20, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this
BirdDawg, Vick is never going to get it and neither are you. Your preachings on these posts liken you to BuLLdawg. Looks like we finally got rid of him, don’t think we’ll ever get that lucky with you.
Now, put your Vickey underoos on and off to bed. BTW…. GO SCHAUB!!! HaHaHa!
By Boots
November 20, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
Folks, I do declare that MV7 is the Ronald Regan of the NFL —- made of teflon so that nothing bad sticks to him.
By Larry
November 20, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
There those lovers, “BirdDawg” and “e.b.,” go again! We have the worst passing QB in the NFL and they think he’s super bowl bound. You two must share the same computer—and other things—because you always seem to follow one another on a blog. Hmm!
BirdDawg, the reason Vick is not allowed to audible is simple. He wouldn’t know what to call! ANd he wouldn’t know what to call because he hasn’t clue what the defense is doing!
Now you and e.b. crawl back in the bed together, go to sleep, and leave the football talk to real men—men who like real women!
By BirdDawg
November 20, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
Larry, you moron, you do realize that your gay man-crush Matt Schaub is not allowed to audible either, right?
Hey Larry, what would your klan brothers say if they knew you had a gay man-crush on Matt Fraud?
Maybe it’s me, but I don’t think they’d like it too much.
Good luck with all that, Larry, or as you’re known down at The Toolbox: Mary.
By Steve T
November 20, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
Steve, you and the player that said that the falcons have gotten too happy with running the ball do not have a clue. In fact, you answered your own question. “Maybe, but opponents have gotten wise to Atlanta’s tendencies, the scheme ” “Teams seem to think that they can win the physical battle up front against the run”
Let me take you to football 101. If a play goes to the opposite side, defenses are taught contain the backs side. This is even taught to pee-wees. Why I am bring this up, because the falcons like to run bootlegs. Like the PA guy stated it was stupid to run a reverse when the teams will have someone on backside contain.
The article you need to write is how dumb the coaches we have. If you fail to realize that the coaching staff is not too bright let us look at some of the play calls. 1) You have 4th and inches, why motion to the left and try and run to the left. I do not care if Leher was there, the Raven had more men than the falcons can block. Again the PA guy was all over this.
2) The reverse play. Need I say more.
3) The plays that sealed the falcons fate. Kicking to PK Sams. If the man beat you twice, why would you keeping kicking to him. Heck, even high school coaches you have told the punter to keep the ball out of bounds.
Now I can go to the Lions game. I want you to go count the number of times Roy Williams ran a slant. I guess that was Vick fault.
Bottom Line until we get some better coaches we will not win. Hey, I am willing to bet you I can do a better job than Mora. Hey Blank, you can keep Mora and let me make the play calling and I will promise you I will win the rest of the games for you.
How? First of all, the shotgun option was be used with a twist. When he goes to the gun, they will expect run. I will fake to Dun and throw a pass. I will take Dun out in the red zone and put Big Eric at FB and Justin at TB. Dun can not break tackles. On the goal line you have a back to break tackles.
There is way too much talent on this team for us to be losing. Tell Blank to give me a call.
By Steve T
November 20, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
Sorry folks, Matt is scared to play behind that line. Folks we need to get a new OC. The defense knows what is coming. Vick is at his best when the defense doesn’t know the pass play.
By mo
November 20, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
Brian,
Of course I can read… even between the lines…
Still, Vick’s inconsistency seems to be the barometer of the team and if he wants to be the leader that he is, he’s got to generate more plays — not necessarily spectacular plays, but some of the basic once that keep the chains moving.
Uh, that’s blaming Vick primarily and making his play the fault of the loss…
By mo
November 20, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this
Trevor Pryce, DE for the Ravens
“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.”
By willysee in n.c.
November 20, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
Finally a reporter sees that Vick is limiting the playbook with his inability to consistently take the heat in the pocket and locate the open receiver. I’ve never seen a better athlete at any position in the NFL,but that is not the measure of a QB. I was sure Dan Mareno was the best ever then he faced Montana in the superbowl and my view of the position chanded forever. Montana simply mastered every nuance needed to take advantage of every thing the opposition allowed and then some!Vick is still a young guy and he shows signs as we saw against the Bengals, but most weeks he looks like a second year starter at best. I can think of 130 million reasons Vick isn’t going anywhere so that leaves the coaching staff, my guess is
By Madden King
November 20, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
See Racist Falcons Fans I told you to be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it. You racist fans said that you all don’t want Vick starting anymore, well that might just come true within the next 2 years actually. Word is that Arthur Blank doesn’t like how the fans are criticising Vick and the team based on that the Falcons has won more games in a 6 year span than any 6 year span in team history. For those who don’t know the last 6 years Vick has been the starter, and Blank is highly considering moving the team to L.A. As much as that pains me to even think that it might be the best thing for Vick. For one there will be no more racist Vick Fans critisizing him anymore b/c L.A. is the most diverse city in America. The hispanics, blacks, and the CELEBRETIES will take him with open arms and a big heart, hell Vick might bring the gangs over there together by Vick being from the hood and relating what they are going through. Blank will make more money b/c he will be able to triple the ticket prices and still sell out every game and Vick presence will bring all the celebreties from Chris Rock, George Clooney, to Will Smith to the games to watch him play. If not the white celebreties the black and hispanic celebreties will defenitely show up to support him. The Jim Mora regime will be gone Vick will have a real coach probably Jeff Fisher or Ken Wisenhunt and Matt Schaub will be somewhere else so Vick doesn’t have to worry about that QB controversy in a new town. Blank is smarter than what I thought. So racist Falcon fans, you better get your attitudes in check b/c if you don’t this city will lose Vick, Schaub, and the team to another city. And win Vick wins that Super Bowl for L.A. I will go in redneck country and laugh in yalls faces for being stupid. I will still be a Falcons fan and Vick fan. HOLLA! BLANK DON’T LET THE TEAM GO, IF YOU DO I UNDERSTAND THOUGH! GO FALCONS!
Oh for those trying to figure out if the Falcons move to L.A. then they would be in the NFC west and St.Louis will move to the NFC south.
By willysee in n.c.
November 20, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
Vick has the composure and skill level of a second year player at best, this is the sad truth.Maybe another system will help but let’s face it this college offence was but in as cover for his limitations,M.V. is as good an athlete as I’ve seen in the NFL at any position, but QB especially at this level is about a lot more than physical prowess.We saw the potential against the Bengals,but in his sixth season potential is a negative word.130 million says he is here to stay, so fairwell to Knapp and maybe Mora, hopefully a fresh start will make a lasting differance.
By willysee in n.c.
November 20, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this
Maddenking If you think L.A. fans would be more patient with M.V. I’ll sell you some beach front land in college park!
By TonyG
November 20, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
Mora has got to go. This team is too talented to be playing like this. A good coach doesn’t let this happen. And Mora has no IDEA what to do. The blame should fall on him because he can be blamed for everything. It is HIS team! and they stink right now.
By terrell
November 20, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
I just seen Mora Postgame PC.The man is not bright at all.He just told everybody and opposing teams what they are going to do alot of in the shotgun formation.This is the main reason why the birds are getting cook every week.They don’t have a chance because teams already know what they are going to do.If anyone agree with me I would like to see your opinion on this blog.Now I can see why the falcons lost three straight games.Mora Shouldn’t be coaching a professional team and not even recreactional team.
By This gets old
November 20, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this
We have two guys from the practice squad starting on the OL. That stupid, dumb a$$ call on 4th/1 on our side of the field had to boggle the minds of the players.
Our WR’s can’t beat one on one coverage. Why is Norwood never in the slot? The Falcons are very basic in their formations and it’s not because Vick isn’t smart enough to play at this level.
Stopping the offense is relatively easy if you’re big AND fast (an unknown concept in Atlanta) If I’m not afraid of your wide outs then I can put two men on Vick. Nobody and I mean nobody else on the offense is a must stop guy.
For all of those who want Vick out of Atlanta, I’d bet his agent wants that about now too.
By Steve T
November 20, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
Hey T, you just hit the nail on the head. Mora is not very bright. The west coast offense is suppose to take advantage of the QB’s skills and the falcons are not doing that. There are some roll out passes and you can look at this link: http://users2.ev1.net/~jamrtm/Playbooklist.htm
The dash pass would work: You drop Vick back five yards and let him dash out to the left or right. This will drop the defense into to rush Vick. When he dash out the O-line that angle block the defense.
By Steve T
November 20, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
I wish I could place all the people behind the center and let them play QB. I want to get sacked 5 times and they you can come and talk football.
By singletary
November 21, 2006 05:41 AM | Link to this
Did anyone else see the NFL Matchup Show on ESPN before the Ravens game? They did an analysis of the last two games showing how we were beaten by the TEs on each team. Yep, then we were hurt by Heap and the Sp Teams…
I hope the coaches have a “spy” watching that show and these blogs for ideas…
By Mdonnels34
November 21, 2006 05:50 AM | Link to this
It’s pretty plain to see that the Falcons problems are not just MV7, there are several reasons this team fails to perform and the reasons are as follows; Bad Coaching, lack of character by players, coaches not holding players responsible for bad decisions, players hanging out at night until 2am in the morning before game day, poor play calling, undersized players, no direction as a team, need I gone on!! This franchise won’t change until they change their philosophy, we all know that if we didn’t perform on our regular job we wouldn’t be working long, NFL players need to spend at least 6 months on a real job to understand you have to be committed to a vision to enjoy any kind of success, and this team lacks vision. Remember, “without a vision the people perish!!”
By Covington,Ga
November 21, 2006 06:10 AM | Link to this
Its crazy how everybody puts all the blame on Vick…Sometimes I feel like people want be happy until he grabs the ball and take off flying in the air…Everysince Abe went out this team havent had a pass rush even when Kerney was in…Kerney is not a pass rusher…he is better of playing DT.We need some pass rushers to get pressure on the QB and our secondary has been horrible this year…This secondary and pass rush really need improving.
By Boots
November 21, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this
To put things in their proper perspective, Dunn is quoted as saying, It’s not the play calling, it’s the lack of execution!”
Now, whose responsibility is it to execute the plays that are called? Vick has to become a Field General instead of a petulent child. He’s got to spark some enthusiasm —- get the team fired up on the field. That’s what a franchise quarterback does!
By RR
November 21, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
WOW……..Six games left we are already planing the off season. I am so tired of things not changing with this team. For years I blamed the Smith’s, my appoliges to them. It must be the air in ATL. Like the Cardinals.. ATL will ALWAYS be LOSERS.
By monty
November 21, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
I’ve been saying in these blogs for 3 weeks now that it’s not Vick’s fault. It’s the offensive line that makes this team go. We have not been able to run the ball and we have become one dimensional. But, that said, Atl has tried to run the ball and has been getting stuffed at the line of scrimmage . FInally in todays headlines the truth I’ve been preaching comes out.”We’ve got to get back to being able to run the ball.” Well, Duh! If ,and that is a big if, I don’t think our line is that great. But if we can run the ball you will see a return of the throwing game. Nobody wins in this league if they can’t run no matter who QBs.
By mo
November 21, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this
Boots,
It’s the responsibility of every player to execute the plays called. In Dunn’s case, it’s the O-line. Vick’s job, as far as Dunn is concerned, is to get the snap cleanly and give him a good hand-off.
If Dunn is telling you all that it’s the lack of execution, he is challenging the O-line.
(People think that Vick is the only one that has to execute plays. Vick is just one player… not the entire team!)
Oh, and it is not Vick’ job to fire up a group of professional football players to do their jobs. It’s like you all want Vick to run all around the bench, screaming at people. Uh, this is not Pop Warner. Professionals should come to the stadium ready to play. These are adult millionaires that shouldn’t need someone screaming at them. If they need a cheerleader, turn those big guys around and let them look at the group of cheerleaders directly behind them!
A Field General is someone who calls the right play and audibles the right play when the defense is stacked against the original one. Vick doesn’t have that authority, so he is a player like every other player on that team. Knapp is the field general.
By STEVE WYCHE IS A HACK
November 21, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
STEVE STOP CUTTING AND PASTING YOUR BULLSH!T ARTICLES FROM ESPN ARTICLES. THATS RIGHT GIVE THE REDNECKS WHAT THEY WANT BOY… VICKS HEAD ON A PLATTER. THE ONLY INCONSISTENCY FOR VICK IS THE DAMN RECIEVERS AND OFFENSIVE LINE. THE FUMBLES ARE ALL HIS FAULT,BUT NOT THE SACK YOU HACK!
By DONT FIRE KNAPP
November 21, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
KNAPP DID NOT DROP ALL THOSE BALLS NOR GIVE UP CRTICAL SACKS. FIRE THE GM, THE DUMBA* OFFENSILVE LINE GURU AND PROBABLY THE SCOUTING DEPARTMENT. WE SHOULD ALSO FIRE WHOEVER ELSE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OUR FIRST ROUND BUST AND FREE AGENTS, STARTING WITH WEBSTER! KNAPP IS NOT PERFECT, BUT HE’S NOT THE BLAME.
By Najeh Davenpoop
November 21, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
Foes exploit the fact that the Falcons are one of the most predictable and idiotic play-calling teams in the league. In the first half, Vick completed about 70% of his passes for a QB rating of 111.1, because Knapp called plays where he drops back in the pocket and throws like a regular QB. In the 2nd half, Vick completed about 13% of his passes because Knapp kept calling plays where Vick was designed to run out of the pocket before throwing.
Sometimes I think maybe Blank needs to pump some more money into these coaches’ salaries, because apparently they can’t afford tape players to watch film. It is pretty obvious all year that when they call plays for Vick to stay in the pocket and he gets time, he makes accurate throws. When they call plays that are designed for him to run out of the pocket and throw, he makes inaccurate throws and usually has pressure in his face.
Against Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, the majority of the play-calls had Vick in the pocket and the offensive line gave him time. He responded with 2 of his best passing games of his career.
It’s hard to blame the offensive line also, because on these designed run/pass gimmick crap plays that Knapp frequently calls, it is much harder for the O-line to block because the D-linemen see Vick sprinting out of the pocket and attack the O-line at an angle. It is harder to block a guy coming at you at an angle than when he is coming straight at you. Once again, the Falcons are getting outcoached week in and week out.
I don’t know how many of you actually remember the offense under Dan Reeves, but one key difference between that offense and this one was the COMPLETE LACK OF DESIGNED RUNS. Any time Vick ran the ball was entirely improvisation. This offense needs to get a clue from that one — Vick’s instincts can tell him when to run. The coordinator doesn’t need to be making that decision for him.
Vick threw for nearly 3000 yards and a 2 to 1 TD/INT ratio in his first year as a starter under Reeves, who never called any gimmick sprint-out plays, who kept Vick in the pocket until Vick decided he needed to scramble, and who regularly called pass plays that utilized Vick’s cannon arm. No, Reeves wasn’t a great offensive coach, but he wasn’t a complete idiot like Knapp either. Knapp’s schemes have Vick under too much pressure, overthinking and not trusting his instincts, and worst of all Vick has lost his crunch-time ability he used to have due to his lack of confidence. Knapp is killing Vick’s career and he absolutely has to go.
By Jeff D
November 21, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
Najeh -
Although I agree that Knapp sucks, Dan Reeves’ did have several designed runs for Vick. Reeves’ offense also “moved the pocket.”
By Slinky
November 21, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
Yep I agree the Falcons need some more talent. With the highest payroll in the league, where should they cut:
2006 Salaries Rk Player Salary (US$) 1 Michael Vick $23,102,750 2 DeAngelo Hall $8,455,220 3 John Abraham $6,666,000 4 Alge Crumpler $6,004,510 5 Wayne Gandy $5,252,090 6 Warrick Dunn $5,003,410 7 Rod Coleman $4,751,100 8 Patrick Kerney $4,700,000 9 Edgerton Hartwell $4,043,300 10 Keith Brooking $3,450,000 11 Todd Weiner $3,204,510 12 Lawyer Milloy $2,754,510 13 Allen Rossum $2,669,070 14 Brady Smith $2,504,840 15 Michael Jenkins $2,294,620 16 Kevin Mathis $1,417,090 17 Kynan Forney $1,412,730 18 Jonathan Babineaux $1,380,000 19 Ike Reese $1,369,510 20 Eric Beverly $1,304,950 21 Jason Webster $1,205,390 22 Brian Finneran $1,104,950 23 Roddy White $1,075,000 24 Matt Lehr $1,045,390 25 Todd Peterson $794,950 26 Ty Detmer $791,650 27 Todd McClure $754,950 28 Jordan Beck $695,000 29 Fred McCrary $694,950 30 Grady Jackson $669,290 31 Lance Schulters $665,000 32 Ashley Lelie $575,000 33 Ronnie Heard $568,630 34 Jerome Pathon $547,647 35 Keion Carpenter $543,630 36 Chauncey Davis $529,500 37 Omare Lowe $455,000 38 Justin Griffith $386,160 39 Austin King $386,160 40 Chris Crocker $385,500 41 Frank Omiyale $385,000 42 Artie Ulmer $352,059 43 Michael Boley $349,200 44 Dwayne Blakley $311,160 45 Matt Schaub $311,160 46 Demorrio Williams $311,160 47 Chad Lavalais $307,860 48 Derrick Johnson $290,500 49 Darrell Shropshire $263,000 50 DeAndra Cobb $246,203 51 Michael Koenen $233,500 52 Ben Claxton $230,000 53 Erik Flowers $230,000 54 Leigh Torrence $203,512 55 Chris Cash $183,529 56 John Leake $181,153
By scott
November 21, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
I actually think McKay and Blank have done a creditable job in compiling talent. Unfortunately, much of the key players have missed/will miss most of the season due to injuries. But all teams go thru that. This is where the coaches come into play - finding ways to get wins when you’re banged up. A lot of people have been banging on Donatell, and notwithstanding my previous comment, I’m tending to give him a little leeway. IF he had Abraham, Kerney, Hartwell, Mathis, a healthy Coleman, etc. you’d see a much more aggressive style. IF Hartwell IS ready to go, then as opposed to taking Demorrio Williams off the field, I’d rather see them put Boley at a stand-up DE, or even switch to a 3-4 defense. The competition might just end up as confused as we would be!
Now, I’m not going to give any leeway to Knapp - incredibly pedestrian play-calling. BUT…
I’ve been a staunch Vick-supporter from the beginning…I’m now ready to agree with all those people who say we’ll never win a Super Bowl with MV at QB. He’s been in the league 6 years, and he has barely improved. He’s a complete mystery - has more physical talent than any QB in the history of the game, but is absolutely inconsistent.
Pros: fast, quick, elusive (yet he gets sacked numerous times/game - yeah, I know the OL sucks), game-changer. And I think throws as good a ball as anyone in the league. BUT, cons: short, throws side-armed, and let’s be politically incorrect here, not smart. There’s a reason Knapp won’t let him audible.
Vick’s biggest problem as a passer is that he can’t see the field because he’s under 6’. As a result, he can’t “go thru his reads and progressions” - he actually has to wait until he sees a receiver open in one of the few passing lanes he has in front of him. THEN he throws the ball, and that is obviously too late. That’s why has has to throw it so hard (good thing he can), and why passes not right on target get dropped. Other passing game problems come into play: poor OL technique, WR’s who don’t run crisp routes. Watch Peyton Manning throw to a spot BEFORE Marvin Harrison even make his cut, and you’ll see the differences in style/ability.
So, I’ve come to the conclusion that unless Knapp can scheme a passing offense which allows MV to see the field better/quicker (ala a moving pocket, etc.) he’s NEVER gonna be consistent, and an inconsistent QB will not win a Super Bowl.
The Falcons were a great running team until they put MV in the shotgun so he could hopefully see the field a little better/quicker, but that took Justin Griffith out of the line-up, and reduced our running plays to that little option play with Dunn (that only worked for one game). GO BACK TO WHAT YOU DID EARLY IN THE SEASON.
6 years!! Gonna have to make a decision on how/whether to use MV! Schaub is 6’5”, strong-armed, and knows/can play the west coast offense the way Knapp wants to run it…MV can’t. What we’re doing now isn’t working.
By mo
November 21, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
Slinky,
I disagree. The Falcons are chocked full of talent. We have Pro-bowlers at RB, TE, QB, DE, and CB. We are big on paper.
Our problem is the lack of execution. We are beat up on our O-line and our D-line needs patching up. Our DEs are hurt. And our WRs aren’t making plays.
And let me say something about our WRs. These guys aren’t bad WRs. Roddy White has done well the last two games. Michael Jenkins can catch the ball. Crumpler is All-pro. Lelie is good.
It’s not Vick. Vick has passed the ball to where only the WRs can make a play. He is lengthening the play with his feet. He’s doing his job.
But here’s the problem with the Falcons:
The O-line is not protecting Vick nor opening up lanes for Dunn.
The D-backs are playing soft zone and they have no playmakers on the other side of D-Hall.
So, what changes should be made? Let’s go with the same game plan that we went with when we won.
Let’s abandon the college option, except for when we need a gimmick. Let’s run a traditional running game and smash-mouth football.
Let’s pass more on 1st down. We should look to pass more. We should have a 60-40 pass-to-run percentage. We need to open up the offense and run more slants.
We need to pick up the blitz better. We need Norwood to learn more about picking up blitz packages so he can be on the field more in passing situations.
We need more touches from Norwood. Norwood need to be more involved in the offense. We need him AND Dunn on the field at the same time.
We need to utilize Vick’s speed by running some designed QB sweeps. Have you notice that Vick can beat MOST people to the corner?
We need some trick plays that exploits the defense’s overpursuit.
By Najeh Davenpoop
November 21, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
If Reeves’ offense moved the pocket, they did it so rarely that the defense was caught off guard. Knapp runs moving pocket plays 3 or 4 times a game, to the point where defenses probably game-plan for it and recognize it instantly when the ball is snapped, allowing for them to easily defend against it.
John Elway got picked #1 overall in 1983 and didn’t win a Super Bowl until 1997. I think it is a little premature to be saying whether Vick will ever win a Super Bowl.
To get rid of Vick because Schaub fits Greg Knapp’s scheme better is like… like… trading Brett Favre because Jerry Glanville likes Chris Miller better. You don’t let go of the talented player because the mediocre coach can’t do his job properly.
By Najeh Davenpoop
November 21, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
And Mo is right, this team has more than enough talent to be a legit Super Bowl contender. Not a lot of teams in the league can claim to have 4 standout D-linemen, 2 hard-hitting safeties, a shutdown corner, 3 versatile linebackers, a dynamic tight end, a Michael Vick, and a dependable RB like Warrick Dunn. Rich McKay has done a good job overall finding talented players for this coaching staff to develop — the problem is that this coaching staff doesn’t know how to develop players. If there is one thing you can fault McKay for it is his willingness to trade draft picks — the Price trade, the trade up for Jenkins, the Abraham trade and the trade up for Jimmy Williams so far have not panned out. But overall McKay has done a good job.
This is why despite the abysmal coaching job this staff has done, this team is still in contention for a playoff spot. If this team had average talent it would be 2-8 right now. The blame rests solely on the shoulders of Jim Moron, Greg Crapp, and the rest of the coaching staff for doing a horrible job of getting players prepared, making adjustments to opponents’ schemes, adjusting to loss of personnel, and implementing schemes that take advantage of their players’ strengths.
By mo
November 21, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
I agree that the moving pocket is not the only bullet in the gun for a smaller quarterback.
I am reminded of game film of some of the great smaller QBs… Joe Theismann, Otto Graham, Pat Haden, and Fran Tarkenton. They were all great scramblers that made openings with their legs, looked downfield, and throw strikes. Vick has shown that he has the ability to do just that.
Now to further Najeh’s point, John Elway (not a small QB) had the exact same knock on his career 6 seasons in that Vick has now. Denver fans wanted to trade him for a “real QB.” They didn’t like his style. They thought he wasn’t accurate… that he was too inconsistent. Read some old press on Elway… it’s almost like a mirror image, only without all of the racist crap Vick has to go through.
But he did win more than one ring. And he did it with his skills, but also with a great line, great receivers, and a guy named TD that made Elway’s name football royalty.
Do not think for one minute that Vick doesn’t have the same talent or future awaiting him
By e.b.
November 21, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
I just grimace when you people continuously want to put the blame on Mike Vick. Where were you when he passed for 7 TDs during those 2 games? All of a sudden, sh— hits the fan, and you balme Vick!! Hey folks, he got sacked 5 times on Sunday, 7 times against the Giants. The blame is on the O-Line, and the lack of talent surrounding Vick, and finally -the horrible coaching staff, who if they don’t right this ship, will be out of here at years end. PERIOD. NOT VICK!
By e.b.
November 21, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this
Lousy argument, Scott. Vick’s been a starter for 4 years. he sat on the bench for 1 year, and he was injured practically one whole season.
By harpo
November 22, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this
Vick is not a mystery to me. He is a good runner and is very quick. He is NOT a quarterback. He is not tall enough in this league to see what is going on; it is very apparent he can not read defenses quickly enough nor does he know how to audible or adjust. He seems confused most of the time, even when he is sitting on the bench (where he belongs for a game or two). But what does Arthur do? He is paying him skyrocket money and somewhere there has to be a return. Vick has had some good games (Green Bay a few years ago) but long term, it is not in the cards if it hasn’t happened by now. He is starting on the downhill tread and that is becoming more obvious each week. Even if he turns up a half decent game this week or one out of every three, it is the same old thing. More inconsistency. All the falcons can do now is have vick and dunn run the ball 95% of the time and hope the O line can do the job for them. The defense has been out to lunch for most of the year so you can’t rely on them either. It is hard to believe teams were duped with players like ryan leaf, don mcnabb, eli manning and michael vick, but it just goes to show what happens when there are so many greedy owners and teams; it all comes back to bite you. Someone is determined to make these quarterbacks superstars at any cost. It will cost a lot. San Diego appears to be the team with the most savvy; they end up with LT and Phillip Rivers when it looked like they were duds. Goes to show you what we all know. I am ready for the Peach Bowl!
By mo
November 22, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
Harpo-
I hope you have fun at the Peach Bowl. I hope you can follow the game, because your football logic is terrible.
McNabb has “Duped” coaches??? C’mon! Didn’t Philly play a Super Bowl a couple of years ago? Isn’t McNabb’s winning percentage one of the best in the league right now?
Also, you are actually going to compare, and put in the same sentence even, Eli Manning and Ryan Leaf???
Eli Manning is still very young. He will be just as good as his big brother, believe me. McNabb has already proven himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in this league. Mike Vick is one if the scariest players that opposing defenses will ever go up against. And Ryan Leaf quit on his team and his career coming fresh out of the gate…
Harpo, you can be upset, but let’s not go crazy here. In business, you pay your premiere players because they are the ones that gives you a great return on investment. Vick is worth that money because without him, the Dome would not be full. There would be no prime-time games, and there’s no story here in Atlanta. No “Wow” factor.
Vick is exciting and he will help win games that no other QB in this league could help win. But he’s like a Barry Sanders- exciting, great, but without an O-line, a great player on a bad team.
But can you imagine Barry Sanders playing for Denver?
By harpo
November 22, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
Mo - You are correct on most of this; point well-taken. I do think something needs to change for the falcons. Doesn’t matter how many people vick has helped put in the stadium; sooner or later those fans are going to get fed up this losing that is going on and they will revolt. Makes one feel sorry for Vick because he can’t do any more than he is doing. Maybe we caould all chip in with a collection for him.
By rastis
November 22, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
McNabb a premier quarterback in the league? You’ve got to be kidding. Have the fans out there gone brain dead? He can’t even stay healthy long enough to play. Eli Manning will never be better than his brother; just another overpaid and coaxed athlete.
By A man looking for logic
November 23, 2006 03:35 AM | Link to this
Someone give me an answer. when was the last time we had a pro bowl receiver? When was the last time one of our receivers were even mentioned as a pro bowl candidate? But you blame the QB. You blame the QB because his receivers couldn’t catch a cold naked and wet in the arctic tundra. You blame the QB who in the pro bowl through to receivers with no problem. Someone please help me.
By A man looking for logic
November 23, 2006 03:39 AM | Link to this
Someone give me an answer. when was the last time we had a pro bowl receiver? When was the last time one of our receivers were even mentioned as a pro bowl candidate? But you blame the QB. You blame the QB because his receivers couldn’t catch a cold naked and wet in the arctic tundra. You blame the QB who in the pro bowl through to receivers with no problem. Someone please help me.
By midniterider
November 23, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
Here it is the Falcons are not a good football team thats the bottom line. Vick is a 130 milliom joke of a qb but he is smart he got Blank to pay him all that money hes smileing all the way to the bank
By NawdyDawg
November 23, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
I agree with you BOOTS! Vick needs to take control out on the field. If the play that was originally called has some unfavorable matchups, which is almost always the case, he should be allowed to audible into something else the way Peyton Manning and other quarterbacks do. As a matter of fact, I think he has ALWAYS had the potential to be better than any QB that has played the game but at times in this offense he doesn’t seem to be quite comfortable. I am not pointing fingers at anybody, but the fact of the matter is that this offense needs to revamped!!!!!
By NawdyDawg
November 23, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
I say the Falcons need to suck it all up, pin their ears back and play with allout abandon come Sunday against N.O. Some ol’fashion “bust you in the face” football is what needs to be played from here on in to be able to have any type of run for at least the playoffs. Throw all the X’s and 0’s out the window, line up and put a hat on somebody!!!! I am from the ol school of doing things on the gridiron!!! By the way thanks everyone for keeping RACE out of this blog. Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!
By midniterider
November 24, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this
Im glad to see blank getting a litle hot cant hurt if vick dont come out well i would like to see matt in the game and as much as i like dunn morword is a much better running back play him
By Jerry L
November 25, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
TD, I don’t think it’s time to be comparing Vick to the best quarterback, Steve Bartkowski, the Falcons have ever had.
By Jerry L
November 25, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
It could be that Vick is just not tall enough to be become a great qb.
By Rivercitysmitty
November 26, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
MVick may be one hell of a runner, but he aint no NFL QB. Sure hell make great plays one game and people will say hes the greatest thing since sliced bread, but the next week hell have everyone going “What was he thinking?” His inability to pick up a secondary receiver or make decisions while under pressure reminds me exactly like his cousin who we finally dumped in the offseason. It must run in the family.
By Xplayer
November 26, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
Vick can run no doubt. He will get his yards, he will get his records, and the falcons will lose every year! how many yard did drew have in the first half O! He just put up 20 points on the board. Somebody break that gold@igger’s back so we can get a real QB!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By David
November 27, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
We all know that Mick Vick is one hell of a runner. In fact, truth be told, Micahel Vick will someday LEAD THE LEAGUE in rushing ahead of LT, Priest Homes and every other top running back in the league. That is just all well and good. But the Falcons will NEVER GET ANYWHERE with Michael Vick as their quarterback because he is a very selfish individual who cares about noone but himself. Vick thinks he is probably the second or third best throwing quarterback in the league behind Peyton Manning, but the TRUTH is that he is one if the worst, if not the worst passing quarterbacks in the league. Vick also may think he be the most accurate and best passing quarterback because he is paid the most money. But the only reason why Vick is paid so much money is because Vick was OVERHYPED BY THE MEDIA. The media made Michael Vick seem like he was the second coming of Christ. But in reality, Vick was the second coming of a thug or a hood rat in cleats. Why did I say that? Look at how Vick acted as he was walking off the field in Sunday’s game against New Orleans as those angry fans were taunting him. Vick gave them the finger and flipped off the bird to those fans. What the world saw the the REAL MICHAEL VICK WHO IS NO MORE THAN A THUG AND A HOOD RAT. Vick refuses to prepare himself to make use of his talent and become one of the best quarterbacks in the league. My advice is to trade Vick as soon as possible, fire Jim Mora, promote Matt Schaub to the starting quarterback and hire a decent coach with NFL experience who is a proven winner. I will never watch the Falcons again as long as Jim Mora and Michael Vick are with the Falcons.
By Falcon Falcon
November 27, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Do people actually watch the came? Everyone should be able to see that the problem is the on-line not providing enough time. And the recievers dropping the ball and not getting separation 50% of the time. Vick has had to buy extra time most of the time. If you provide most QBs with enough time and receivers that will catch the ball then your passing problem is solved. The Falcons offensive line has been part of the problem for years. When Vick it made the O-Line look a little better but we need to focus improving the O-Line and WR getting Separation and catching. With the time Vick buys it seems like it should be easy for Recievers to get open.