Falcons

By Jeff D

November 21, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Steve,

Still no information on why Mora/Knapp don’t allow Vick to audible?

It makes no sense, particularly where Knapp calls the same plays week in and week out.

By Smitty

November 21, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Steve,is there some reason you can’t get Mora to answer that simple question.Good question Jeff D….I think alot of us are wondering why a 6th year QB can’t audible….how about an answer Steve

By Rick

November 21, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

I have noticed in the last 2 days several quotes from various falcon linmen , I thought it was against the rules of the dummy alex gibs for more than one guy to talk to the press. Have the linemen grown up and and said enough to this childish act? History has proven, those who try to muzzle the voices of others are paranoid of what might be said of them. Why else do communist countries control the press and airways? They do not want everyone to know the truth. Kinda makes you go hhhmmmm Alex Gibbs is a tired old dog and pony show that needs to be put to rest.

By Warren

November 21, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Good question Jeff D.

Jeff Schultz seems to be the only person willing to ask Mora the tough questions.

By Birdy

November 21, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Yes Steve. I too join the defacto “online petition” asking you or some other Atlanta journalist to ask Mora why do the Falcons, an NFL franchise, do not allow their QB(s) to audible.

I suppose a good follow-up question is did the 49ers allow Garcia and Young to audible when they were there under the sage tutelage of Greg Knapp.

If you are reticent about asking Mora, maybe you can submit the question anonymously — or say it was from Terrence Moore. Would Shultz do it? Maybe Winklejohn migh be willing?

By TD

November 21, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

I don’t think there is much help for the O-line this year. It was a problem last year and not much was done to improve upon it or even maintain it.

By honest_abe

November 21, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

i think most of you guys are making too big a deal about vick’s limitations when it comes to audibling at the line…… obviously they had the same system when they beat, carolina, tampa, pitt, cincy, and arizona…… the falcons problems are a little deeper than being able to call out an audible…. maybe vick hasnt’ been given free rein of the offense… but the disappointing performance of the falcons stem from poor line play on both sides of the ball, lack of execution and way too many turnovers…

By Warren

November 21, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

The question regarding audibles seems like a legitimate question to me.

After the Browns game, Vick said the Browns defense was calling out our plays before the ball was snapped. Then, after the Ravens game, he was discussing the 17-yard sack and said the Ravens knew the screen was coming. When asked what he can do if the defense knows the play, Vick replied “nothing … that’s it…that’s the play.”

How in the world can any QB be expected to succeed under such circumstances?

By Warren

November 21, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

Honest abe—

maybe the falcons succeeded early on because their opponents didn’t have tape of this “new offense.” Now that they have seen a few games, opponents are better able to gameplan for the Falcons.

A lot of the problems stem from the fact that the Falcons offense is too predictable. If the defense knows the play before the ball is snapped, chances are, the play will fail.

By trottinghome

November 21, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

I THOUGTH KNAPP WAS GOING TO BE FIRED BY NOW? OH BOY

By steve wyche

November 21, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

Hey guys,

Sorry I have not gotten back to you on the audible situation. I have asked coaches and players and the Falcons do allow Michael Vick to audible. The audibles don’t always mean a total change in the play — sometimes they do — but mostly the audibles change the direction of the initial call. It is up to the quarterback and the offensive linemen, as they approach the line of scrimmage, to read the defense and call out changes. Vick does audible, according to center Todd McClure. I will continue to try and get back to you guys and get you as much info as possible. And for those of you, especially those of you who don’t like to use your real names, I ask hard questions. I don’t think there would be anyone with the Falcons or any of my colleagues who would tell you otherwise. I appreciate all of your criticisms and critiques because you are the reason why I do what I do. Keep holding me accountable because that’s the best way to keep me on top of my craft and the best way for me to keep you guys informed.

By Smitty

November 21, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

I think Warren and honest_abe both make good points but I’d still like to know why a 6th year QB isn’t allowed to audible,is this offense really that complicated…please ask the question somebody.

By Smitty

November 21, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

I posted that last blog before I say your response….thanks Steve

By Doc Reem

November 21, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

On 790 the zone one of radio personalities asked Mora is Vick allowed to audible. Mora’s response was yes but only on some plays. I guessing that’s a very small percentage of plays if any at all. Maybe Mora was trying to save face. I can say that I’m a season ticket holder and I’ve watched every home and away game for four years and I’ve never seen Vick audible. These dumb a* coaches need to give us an explanation cause that makes no sense. How could a guy who in his 6th year at QB not be allowed to audible? Let’s have a blog about that….One of you writers needs to find out asap. This coaching staff is killing our chances and it’s really sad. Their gameplans, creativity, and attention to detail are all very very questionable.

By keeping it REAL !

November 21, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

All year I have said our offense was the weak link on offense. This where the rubber meet the road. We have had this scheme for three years has it won games for the Falcons. Gibbs brought this flawed system to Atlanta and it over all is not working. Big player with speed is what is need on offense and defenses line. Management clueless. they don’t get it. Our so called skilled player like the receivers. for three years they can’t catch the ball. you put player in a failed scheme they fail. I ask the fans of Atlanta has the scheme worked for this team? Has Management worked for this team? Player do what coaches and management tell them to do. Mckay, Mora, Knapp, Donatell are the leader of this team.MR . Blank something Big time is wrong. On offense the receivers can’t hold the ball and don’t get open. The offense line is way to small. On defense can’t stop the run and the deep pass. Letting the other team score 30 point a game OLD Man MORA is a coach Killer. This the HOME DEPOT to do list . Bigger offense linemen with speed . Huge defense linemen with speed bar none. And Coaches that can teach receiver to catch the ball and run pure routes.

By DARRICK

November 21, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

It appears someone is not being truthful here, Vick has said on HBO he can’t audible, when asked after games (Ravens, etc) what can he do as the QB when the defense is calling out the play or has set up the right blitz for the called offensive play, his reply is “Nothing”, that is play. This is a flawed mindset for anyone to be in, audibles are not simply for changing protection coverages etc … if a offense is looking to attack a defense (Which all should be) you audible to get a better match than the previous called play sometime, if the defense has exposed itself, a Qb should be able to relay that to the linemen, receivers and backs, and attack the weakness or at least a hot read to receiver, via a quick slant or hitch even a fade route. What about some screen plays to our backs to slow down pass rushers? The Falcons are not a attacking offense, that is one thing I liked about Mike Martz Offense (except when playing Atlanta) they just kept coming at you from all over the field. If Atlanta wants a winner and I sure us fans do and the players, better decisions have to be made, starting in the front office, Coach Hiring, Draft Choices, Free Agency, Playing of Personnel, and mind set. Has any one notice our receives are not very explosive after the catch (When and if they catch it)? I look a Donald Driver, TO, Santana Moss, Hines Ward etc… things guys can catch a quick hitch and take it to the house, not our receivers ….why not? Not since a Tim Dwight wore a Falcons uniform, has a Falcons receiver possessed that kind of burst. I have been a Falcons fan since days of Pat Sullivan, Bob Lee, Scott Hunter and our golden boy Steve Bartkowski, whom if he had not been surrounded by a poor offensive line in the begining of his career could and should have been a more a prolific passer, when Bartkowski was benched by Dan Henning, he was leading the league in passing, Dan Henning ruin the Falcons for years after his depature …Dave Archer, get real.

By falcondawg

November 21, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Steve

By Doc Reem

November 21, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

Ok steve now I see your answer to the audible question but what about changing the protection pakage. Is that allowed also? We don’t pick up blitzes well at all. Changing directions of a play is one thing but thats kind of meaningless if the play is a pass and a blitz is coming. At that point the protection needs to be shifted or changed.

But regardless of who can audible or not or this person will or won’t allow it. It’s not getting done, the Falcons very seldomly pick up blitzes or even point blitzing lb’s out to make sure that they get blocked. I mean seriously even Mark Richt allows college freshmen QB’S to point out blitzers and change the play, surely Knapp-Time can put in protection audibles.

By DT

November 21, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

I have a feeling that the good Falcons team will show up and win this weekends game .

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 21, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

If, as Steve Wyche says, most of Vick’s audibles are to change the direction of the play, it looks like the Falcons have Vick stuck on Madden 2001. I would think even the worst backup in the NFL has the freedom to change the direction a play is going — in fact I would be surprised if Reggie Ball couldn’t tell Tashard Choice to run right instead of left. But the real question is, can Vick audible out of a run play into a short slant or hitch if he sees the defense stacking the line? Can Vick audible out of a 10 yard out-route into a run play if he sees the defense back off and leave 6 in the box? These are the real questions we need to know. If Vick is allowed to make these decisions at the line of scrimmage, apparently he thinks very highly of Greg Knapp because I rarely if ever see him changing a play to that extent.

A lot of people apparently think Schaub should be the starter, and I think they are nuts, but if he really is more experienced in this offense than Vick maybe we should let him call the plays. He can’t be worse than Greg Knapp.

By Doc Reem

November 21, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

I hope so DT…

By SC

November 21, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

Hi Steve,

Great reporting. There are so many external unqualified opinions regarding the Falcons troubles - lots of noise. Jim Mora, I’m sure, doesn’t want to reveal his own analysis to other teams, so we don’t get much info from him. It’s hard to separate out these chicken-or-egg causes of the Falcons problems.

I wonder what the zone-blocking report card will read by the end of the season. Will Alex Gibbs’ philosophy fall out of favor in Flowery Branch? Or is it such an integral part of the offense that removal of zone-blocking unthinkable? Does Flowery Branch consider that zone-blocking has saved the team from an even worse predicament?

Last year, many fans were criticizing the effectiveness of the offensive line. There was talk that an offensive lineman would be a high draft priority. The early wins against Carolina and Tampa Bay seemed to validate the zone-blocking approach promoted by Alex Gibbs. Not so in the following games. Apparently zone-blocking is not so easily used with second-choice or third-choice linemen.

By Steve T

November 21, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

Steve, since you like to ask questions we fans want to ask. Please Mora these questions:

1) If you have so many problems putting the ball in the end zone, why don’t you put Eric our 300 pound TE at FB like the 85 bears and the pats? It will be a mismatch if he had to ISO a LB.

2) We recall Justin playing TB quite well in the past. Why not use him in short yardage and goal line situation? If someone did some free, I doubt an arm tackle would bring Justin down.

3) Why don’t we just our best run blocking linemen on the 5 yard line. I do not may the best zone blocking lineman, but the best people moving linemen. Heck we may be able to bring Grady Jackson in if we had to have a TD. Can you picture the our best smash mouth blocking linemen with Fric and Justin in the backfield with Vick.

4) After you got burned Sams the second times, why didn’t you tell the punter to kick the ball out of bounds or away from Sams?

By dirrtybird

November 21, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

SC,

Amen on #4. Every coach in the league but Mora says “kick the ball out of bounds”

Another great example of how Mora and staff are not able to make in game adjustments.

By steve wyche

November 21, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Great stuff guys. I’ll try to follow up on some of these questions but believe me, a lot of these questions get asked — that doesn’t mean they get answered.

The mention of the Falcons screen passing is a great subject. For a team that does not have great pass protection, you would think the screen would be a great counter, but the Falcons don’t screen much and when they do, they don’t screen well. A great example is the designed screen to Alge Crumpler that the Ravens blew up. Crumpler said they had never run that play before, which means Baltimore’s defenders used common sense, made some obvious reads and jumped Crumpler to bust the play.

Also, regarding the offensive line shifts, the OL probably does more audibling with its blocking schemes than Vick does with play calls. The line has to adjust to blitz reads, 3-man fronts instead of 4-man fronts, etc…You will see C Todd McClure throw up hand signals all the time before he snaps the ball to alert the line to adjust.

A lot of times, if there is a breakdown, it simply comes down to a player not winning his battle.

In regards to Vick audibling, I don’t think he can on every play, however, there supposedly are code words when he barks out signals that trigger a play/direction change. You won’t see him going through a ton of hand signals and things like Peyton Manning does.

You guys are great — and a lot of you really know the game. Nice stuff!

By dean

November 21, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

What we all agree on is that mora is not a leader. einstein said the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. What atlanta has been doing is the same thing over and over again. No changes, no adjustments, nothing. Atlanta will continue to sink as long as they have coach who wants to be the players buddy, rather than their leader.

By Trent

November 21, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Blanks do you think you made an $136.000.000 mistake two years too soon. I can give you 136,000,000 reasons why we as season tickets holders are getting feed up with this sliding board season. Blank you need to put the fire under Mora feet before you start to see blue again. That mean an empty dome…..

By Jeff D

November 21, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

Steve,

Thanks a lot for anwering our questions. We really appreciate it when you have time to get involved.

However, as someone else stated, I just don’tunderstand how the coaches expect Vick and the offense to succeed if his audibles are limited to changing the direction of plays.

By Steve T

November 21, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Steve I forgot question number 5. The thing I want to know is why the falcons refuse to pull a lineman to block backside containment when Vick run a boot? I hope the coaching staff knows that we have several flavors of boots.

Since we are suppose to be running the West coast offense, why do we run more boots with a pulling lineman? I recall seeing number 16 with blockers in front of him on the boots. The lineman can make the block this will give Vick a chance to run/throw the ball. The DB will have to play Vick or the WRs. If the DB comes up, Vick hit the WR. If he stays back, he burn them with a run.

Hey tell Mora that time is running out and he needs to roll the dice.

Let us Blitz more on defense and bring pressure on running plays and pass plays.

Let us use Vick’s talents. Let us use Vick on QB sweeps with Eric and Justin in the backfield. They can put some LB and DB on the ground. Vick should be one on one with Free Safety. Then we can come back with the QB sweep pass. White runs a fly and Crumpler runs an out. Eric and Justin leads the way. Vick will still have the option to throw the ball.

Steve, ask them if they ever heard of a throw back pass. Tell them to watch films pf John Elway. Vick has a strong arm like him. Elway would roll to the right and throw back to his left.

“A lot of times, if there is a breakdown, it simply comes down to a player not winning his battle.”

I played on the O-line and I know it is hard to win those battle if the player know where you are trying to run. This is the NFL and you can not give any team an edge. Heck I could whip the falcons line if I knew the play.

By Birdy

November 21, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Thanks for answering some of the questions, Steve.

As someone already said, what little (and imperceptible and therefore “unverifiable”) leeway Vick is given to change the direction of a play pales to insignificance in terms of what you would expect from a “Pro Style” college offense even.

Let’s see Vick do some Manning-esque “funky chicken” out there as he hits Roddy on a quick slant for a 70-yard catch-n-run.

I guess my “followup” questions need to be answered for “enquiring minds”…

“Why so little leeway?”

“Can that really be effective if facing a blitz when a slow-developing pass play is caused?”

“Is this really positioning the Oline, Vick and other offensive players to succeed?”

“Was this same limit placed on Steve Young and Jeff Garcia? If not, WTF the difference?????”

By tim

November 21, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

The falcons are not playing well,but the season is not over yet.We as fans should stop blaming people and start pulling for these guys.Yes they have lost three straight games and that the past.If you really are a true falcons fan, you know that things are not going to be great all the time and that life.I still believe the birds can turn this thing around.Go Falcons!

By Will Blog for Food

November 21, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

Shoulda, coulda, woulda:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2670541&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

By Steve T

November 21, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

Tim, the people are not knocking the team but the coaching staff for not giving the players a fighting chance. If the defense are going to know the plays before the ball is snapped, why play offense. We should just punt the ball away.

Every fan in here is asking for and deserve better from the coaching staff. LLLL Mr. Blank would hire most of us on the board and we could win more that 5 games. In fact, we would have beat the lions and browns. Most of would go out there for free just to help this team win.

The things that kill me about this staff is they don’t know how to use there players. We have a 300 pound TE and we are having trouble on the O-line. I think Eric was a guard once. Why don’t we do like the Pats and use him where ever we need him. If it was me, he would play guard, TE, H-back, and FB.

Do you guys recalling Justin playing TB. He was not bad. Again, why not use him in short yardage and goal line situation. Let see, Dun is 180 pounds and Justin is 240. Who would break tackles?

On short yardage, why don’t we have a smash mouth package. Why don’t we find our best lineman and hit people in the mouth and break tackles like Jamal Lewis.

By Steve T

November 21, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

Someone hear us:

ajc.com > Sports > Falcons How to fix the Falcons

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 11/22/06

To: Jim Mora, Falcons coach; Greg Knapp, offensive coordinator From: D. Orlando Ledbetter/ dledbetter@ajc.com Re: Five suggestions for your offense

1. Stop getting cute: The Falcons lead the league in rushing but have only six rushing touchdowns (tied for 20th in the league). On four different short-yardage calls last week against Baltimore: an off-tackle run, a tight end screen, a rollout pass to Alge Crumpler that was off the mark and a fade route to backup tight end Dwayne Blakley.

“We are always searching for ways to use our personnel,” said Mora, of the decision to throw the fade to Blakley. “The thing you don’t want to do is go too far away from your foundation, your core, the things that have helped you have the success that you’ve had.”

Remedy: Flex your muscle. Give the ball to Warrick Dunn or go big and put in double fullbacks with Fred McCrary as the lead blocker and Justin Griffith at halfback. Line it up, knock ‘em back. “We are probably stretching ourselves [in short-yardage situations],” Dunn said.

1. Quicker reads: Against Cincinnati, Michael Vick went through all of his reads before finding Griffith, his checkdown receiver along the sideline. Griffith scored from 8 yards out. Against Baltimore, Vick didn’t recognize blitzes off the edge to get the ball to the hot receiver. He was sacked five times. His lack of consistent reads, in part, explains why he has not thrown a fourth-quarter touchdown pass in the past 16 games (Game 10 last season).

Remedy: Get the ball out quicker. Stop locking in on receivers. Recognize when a pass requires a touch pass and not a rocket launcher.

1. Use an audible: On a rally-killing play against Cleveland, Vick recognized that the Browns knew a quarterback draw was coming. He had run it earlier for a 21-yard gain. Instead of checking out of the play, he ran it. Vick tried to bounce outside and dropped the ball. On a fourth-and-inches against Baltimore, Vick handed off to Dunn and then ran off the field in apparent disgust when he noticed Dunn would not pick up the necessary yardage behind left tackle Wayne Gandy and left guard P.J. Alexander. The Ravens had stacked the left side. If he could have flipped the play to the right side or just take a quarterback sneak, the Falcons had a better chance of picking up the first down.

Remedy: Give Vick some options. If he can recognize that the play isn’t going to work, let him go to something more comfortable.

1. Run the ball: Dunn has not rushed for more than 100 yards since Oct. 15 against the Giants. The Falcons abandoned the run against Detroit (Dunn had season-low 11 carries) and Baltimore (15 carries).

“We have not run the ball as well as we did early,” Mora said.

Dunn believes the Falcons need to stay with the run. “Defenses are going to hit us in the mouth some times, but I think we’ll get the best of them if we can execute,” Dunn said.

Look for more of the West Virginia shotgun spread formation with Dunn and Jerious Norwood flanking Vick.

“We’ll look at everything. [Against Baltimore], we used eight different personnel groups on offense. So we are trying,” Mora said.

Remedy: Patience is the key. “We have to be much more consistent at running it,” Dunn said. “That means, always gaining positive yards. Always, taking what the defense gives you, not looking for the big run all of the time. We have to be much more patient.”

1. Rub out the spy: After the Falcons used Vick on the naked bootleg against Carolina and Tampa Bay, New Orleans left a player — usually linebacker Scott Fujita — on the bootleg side and took the play away. Subsequent teams have followed suit. “People are going to spy on Mike,” Dunn said.

Remedy: Instead of just sending Vick on a naked excursion, the Falcons could pull a guard to take care of the spy and set Vick free.

By BirdDawg

November 21, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

Steve,

I know you ask tough questions. I respect you at this paper more than I respect any other writer. I don’t do the Braves, but I know those bloggers love Dave O’B, but for me, you’re always doing all you can to let us know what you can.

But when I asked for tough questions, I asked for really tough questions. Questions I know that Rich and the Rich Man would never answer, like why they hired a petulant, immature child to coach their team instead of Lovie Smith.

But the audible thing is just retarded, Steve. He’s allowed to change the direction of the play?

THAT IS THE DUMBEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD!!!

For that, and that alone, Greg Knapp should be fired.

Arthur Blank needs to hold his de facto son, Jimmy accountable for his immaturity, and he needs to hold Jimmy’s best friend accountable for making Vick worse as a fourth year starter than he was a first year starter.

I am sick and tired of watching the Jimmy Mora show. And you know what, his Dad can stuff it. He couldn’t win with Peyton Manning (then again, neither can Dungy or Fat Phil). He sucks almost as much as his son does.

But we fans are sick of Jim Mora’s antics. We are tired of his immaturity. We are tired of his unprofessionalism. We are tired of the same old crap from Greg Knapp, and I can guarantee you that the players are as well, even if they won’t say so.

And you better tell Rich and the Rich Man that they will be held accountable (in their wallets) for their mistake in hiring this clown and his clown best friend to coach this team instead of Lovie Smith.

The Smiths were the Bidwells of their day, but for some reason, I can’t for the life of me see them hiring a guy who coached bad defenses that were soft in San Fran over a guy who coached great defenses who hit you in the mouth in Tampa and St. Louis to be their head coach.

That decision was truly horrible, and not just from the defensive side. If Lovie came this way, the Falcons would be running the multiple offense the Rams ran, and would be killing people. He would have made sure his OC took advantage of Vick’s skills, instead of providing job security for his hack best friend.

Steve, I know you can’t ask these questions, but the one thing I wonder the most is: Why did no one pay attention to the San Fran fans and media who said they were happy to be rid of Mora and Knapp?

But you can ask these questions, Steve:

1) Why isn’t Vick allowed to audible?

2) Why do the Falcons insist on surrounding their 130 million dollar investment with the most untalented o-line in the NFL?

That zone-blocking, cheating crap needs to go. San Diego, Chicago, Indy, St. Louis, Carolina… they all have huge lines that can both run and pass block because the don’t cheat.

They actually learn real techniques that aren’t cheap shot tactics.

You need to tell Rich and the Rich Man that their customers are tired of this cheap-shot team. We’re tired of of their immature, childish, petulant Head Coach. We’re tired of them surrounding the most exciting player in the NFL with an offensive line that is truly OFFENSIVE. We’re tired of the most predictable and worst OC in football handcuffing the most exciting man in football and actually making him a WORSE QB. And we’re tired of seeing nothing done to correct ANY defenciencies.

You let them know, Steve, that it’s over. Now they start getting hit where it hurts. In their wallets.

Things better change. And Mora better be gone. We, the fans, and the guys on the team deserve an adult to coach them. As I’ve said before, I wouldn’t have wanted that petulant child to coach my son’s pee wee team back when he played pee wee.

By mo

November 21, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Can someone get the real scoop on the audible situation? I’m hearing from the coaches that Vick CAN audible. I’m hearing from Vick that he CAN’T.

If Vick CAN audible, can someone write Vick a note and put it on his locker or something?

See, these kinds of communication issues are telling of the fact that the Offensive Coordinator and the QB are not on the same page. This uncoordination by this coordinator is proof positive of incompetence.

By mo

November 21, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

By the way, this is the most intelligent and truly productive thread since I have been reading blogs about the Falcons! I truly appreciate this thread!

By Jeff D

November 21, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

Blank has to see what every sportwriter and fan sees - that Knapp is no good for Vick and the Falcons offense. Thus, I think Blank is ready to fire Knapp. However, because we are still in the playoff race, I don’t think he’ll do it just yet. He will fire Knapp as soon as we are out of the playoff race!!

By Falconsbeliever

November 21, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

I just read Orlando Ledbetter’s article on “How to Fix the Falcons.” He had some pretty good ideas.

It’s really sad that the local paper has to give the coach and OC of an NFL team suggestions on how to best utilize their players.

Fire Gregg Knapp!!

By Birdy

November 21, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Bravo, Steve T., BirdDawg and Steve Wyche. Well done and well said.

Shouldn’t a coaching staff be a little bit embarrassed that they applied for Head coach and Coordinator jobs when they cannot even teach their teams to audible into a quick-hitting draw play when they see crazy CB blitzes coming?

Will anyone hire these guys when they are through here? Is that something they can be proud of in their record, “We ran a high school offense with no audibles and 3 rushing plays. We never pulled a guard and never threw more than 2 passes of greater than 20 yards in 80% of our games.”

Can we at least see the offense fail at doing audibles instead of just restricting it without proof that it cannot work? Do they just so admire Peyton so much that they think only someone just like Peyton can / should audible? You’d have to believe anybody can change a pass play to a run play — especially since we have only 3 running plays to begin with! So what could possibly be so difficult about that?

Did Arthur Blank hire the most unqualified HC and coordinators he could find? Was Mora’s snow job and stacks of binders THAT convincing? Are you reporters who see his act on a daily basis also so bamboozled? (That one I already know the answer to: H* NO!)

How long must this farce go on? Get rid of coaches who would dare try to lead an NFL team but are not advanced enough to have their team with an audible package.

Exactly how dumb are these “Coaches”?

By This gets old

November 21, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

Guys the audible thing is simple, watch the tapes not only from this season but others. The Falcons, as a team have no sense of urgency, there is no up tempo to them.

Frequently the play doesn’t get to the QB on time. Look at all of the TO’s on offense. This is with the offensive coordinator down on the damned field!

Look back to last year with the cell phone down on the field. You go into a game that can take you into the playoffs and you don’t know what has to happen for your team to make it?

Vick hasn’t been responsible for any blocked kicks but everything is his fault! If I’m his agent, better yet if I’m Vick I want out.

By Peter

November 22, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

Things Mora writes down on his notepad during the game:

Remember only one amonia cap per series.

Don’t forget to waste time out on improbable challenge to play that everyone can see won’t stand up.

Remind myself I’m outdoors. Better chance to meet alien spacecraft. Ask aliens for play calls.

During game jump up and down like cheerleader, better yet become cheerleader.

The opposition is so big they belong in the NFL, not on the field with us.

If I hire hitman for Knapp will I be able to stand up to tortuous questioning from Columbo?

Ask Dick Cheney to take dad hunting.

In the middle east they cut the hands off of thieves. What do they do with recievers who drop passes?

Halftime adjustment: Finish Sudoku puzzle with assistant coaches and come up with BS excuse for Arthur. Remember to compliment his mustache again.

Gregg and me-ee sittin in a tree-ee k i-ss-i

Wonder what coachin’ them games up in Canada is like?

Thank you Chancellor Shala..Shiel..Shashie…forget it. I’m happy to come to coach at such a fine institution as the University of Miami and we’re going to have one hell of a team when when our first recruiting class gets off of parole.

By willysee in n.c.

November 22, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this

In the late 90s I lived in western Colorado and watched a lot of Alex Gibbs coached Oline play. It is border line ridiculous to say his methods are unsound.Some of you experts must know the birds have been first in rushing the last two seasons and were on pace to shatter the team season record by about 600 yards after the Bengals game.The Oline is the hardest thing in pro ball to get and keep in sync. Key players were injured and I think in making changes to suit Vick after the HBO interview and M.V. reverting to old form has wiped out many hours of work by the Oline players and coaching staff.Everybody thought it was a great move when knapp was hired, as I recall the west coast offense the thinking went would free Vicks’ unique talents.Was papa Mora correct in calling Vick a coach killer? I just don’t know the answer yet,but it is clear M.V. offers both options with his athleticism and limitations by not consistently playing like a veteran NFL QB.

By Why a Pass?

November 22, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this

The offensive woes are aparent, but why a pass for this unaggressive defense. Sure there are injuries, but most of the guys hurt either haven’t been here are were not performing that well anyhow. Kerney, maybe but Carrington feels in well. The Ravens played conservative due to our lack luster offense, but did you notice any scheming to try to force them to pass. No stacking the box, no safty blitz. A willingness to die a slow death. Wasn’t Mora hired because of his supposed defensive prowess. Sometimes the defense has to be agressive, try to create turnovers. Heck, part of the offensive problem was the defense allowed two long drives that took up most of the second half. But it simply points back to coaching, you would think Mora would at least have one of the units clicking but the whole team seems to be non-believers in the systems and riding out the string.

By willysee in n.c.

November 22, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

WHY A PASS Abraham was a hugh loss, but good teams compensate losers look for excuses!

By Time to Rally

November 22, 2006 04:26 AM | Link to this

Ok, its time to stop the moaning fans and players. Time to really make a push. Falcons have been eratic but nevertheless are in prime position to sieze the division and a playoff spot. It starts Sunday with the Saints. Win Sunday and it could be a spring board to a helluva run to close the season. If the fans come out jacked Sunday and the players follow suit we can make like old times and beat the Aints. Gotta really just forget these loses, start Sunday like its a new season, because it really is. Basically we are at 0-0. Make a 6-0 run and all the negative crap will be forgotten about. learn from the mistakes, we know now what we do well and what we don’t. Compensate on defense with aggresive schemes in the right spots. Run the dang ball down the opponents throats and stop worrying about Vicks passing stats. The success we had turned out to be our detriment because the Falcons listened to the media and stopped doing what they do. Heck, the media still won’t believe in Vick even if he does make it to Miami. Forget them, do for Atlanta, come on Vick I know you are better than Grossman and freaking Eli and Romo. They have elevated these guys ahead of you after brief flashes which shows you the bias. Stop letting that crap get to your head man, and run. Run your but off because that is what makes you special. Heck man, there are a ton of stiffs who can throw the football, but none of them, none can run like you can. If you play with that fire, your team will follow,and this city will catch fire. Make it happen man, as an old Atlanta DJ use to say, let your haters be your Motivators!!

By singletary

November 22, 2006 05:08 AM | Link to this

An interesting op=ed piece from SI, listing D Hall as a top CB. After watching ESPN’S MatchUP where they showed a series of TE’s eating ATL corner’s lunches…

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jeffrichadiha/11/21/shutdown.cbs/index.html?eref=sinfl

By vick_is_sick

November 22, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this

to answer everyone’s questions about vick’s ability to audible…chris dimino interviewed mora monday after the ravens thrashing, and mora eluded to audibles as “on some plays” he can audible.

as a falcan fanatic that watches every game over and over (except for the last one), vick does audible. but, it is only on the play action/dunn off tackle play. i.e. their bread and butter play. which is as predictable as the sun coming up when it’s coming. watching it from my couch i can tell you when that play is coming.

however, what all of us are saying in this blog which is the most objective blog we’ve had yet is this:

all nfl qb’s must be able to audible at every snap. the fact that mora says most nfl qb’s don’t have the ability to audible on every play may be true, but if it is, so what! your qb would be better if he could…a qb that can read a defense and audible is better than one who can’t or won’t.

By CQ

November 22, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

Not being able to audible explains alot of the crap that the Falcons do on Sundays. If a QB in the NFL can’t audible how can he play a good game with the speed of todays defenses???????

One or two audible plays does not count as an audible system MORA.

By Talons of Fire

November 22, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

If it is true that Vick can’t audible, this puts every defense that the Falcons play against at a decided advantage. You can be an expert at reading defenses, but if you can’t change the play it means nothing. If Vick can’t audible, it’s an affront to Vick and the entire Falcons offense. It suggests that being able to audible has no significant impact on the fabric of the game. That suggestion is replete with fallacy. As I’ve mentioned before, the Falcons coaches, whether cognizant of it or not, do not put the team in the best position to win. It’s like being in a high stakes card game and everyone else knows that the cards are marked except you. INSANE!

By Ken Strickland

November 22, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

This is for those who insist that Vick can’t pass, or that he is the cause of the teams problems. If teams thought Vick could’t pass they’d just sit in a zone, on passing downs, and wait for him to throw interceptions. DC’s know that with Vick’s arm, and given enough time, he can pass most teams off the field. This is why teams use 6-8 man blitz packages against him. They also know his passing proficiency is directly related to the Falcons’ poorly constructed passing scheme and, except for Crumpler, below avg REC’s.

The following is a list of facts known by DC’s throughout the league. (1)man coverage can be used against our REC’s because they are not good enough to consistently get open (2)the Falcons poor pass blocking scheme allows teams to overpower the Oline with 6-8 man blitz packages (3)DC’s know that the Falcons use its RB’s as blockers instead of receivers(the complete opposite of the WCoast OFF used everywhere else) (4)DEF’s don’t have to worry about the Falcons using their FB as an OFF weapon, except for blocking. (5)DEF’s don’t have to worry about the Falcons using screens or swing passes to its backs (6)DB’s don’t have to worry about the Falcons throwing quick slants or 5-7yd outs, especially on 1st and 2nd downs (7)DEF’s don’t have to worry about the Falcons blocking the DE or providing protection for Vick on bootlegs (8)once a DEF formation is called, they don’t have to worry about the OFF changing to a play(audible)that could successfully attack that particular formation (9)Teams know they don’t have to change their gameplan, because the Falcons don’t/can’t make gametime adj (10)DC’s know the Falcons have no confidence in the OLine in redzone and short yardage situations (11)Teams know if you stop MVick, you stop the Falcons cold and the OFF has litte or nothing in place to offset DEF’s concentration on stopping Vick.

By terrell

November 22, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Im no offensive coordinator and Greg Knapp is just straight crap.Everyone is right about the falcons can not audible.All the teams know that the birds don’t audible,so they put up a 7 or 8 men front and fake the blitz.Afterward,the falcons small,weak,pittiful o-line just give up.Mike Vick see this alot and im quessing he is thinking what in the hell im going to do.Now with protection and audibles,Mike Vick can set his feet and makes plays like any other quarterback.Last but not laest,Vick need an OC that is going to allow him to use his skills.Coaching staff have no confidence in the team.

By Steve T

November 22, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks Ken. Are you a coach or player because you sound like you read a scouting report on the Falcons. You are right about if Vick could not pass, teams would just sit in a zone and let him throw picks. Hey if he throw ints all day you could score on some picks.

Again, we do not use the FB. Justin is a LLLLL of a back. We should use him a lot more. Against a blitz a quick dive by the FB could turn in a TD. Most teams would not expect the FB to get the ball and he could be by everyone before they knew he had the ball.

By Ken Strickland

November 22, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

Thanks STEVE T. I am not a player or a coach, but I have a very good grasp of pro football. I tape the games and analyze why the OFF or DEF failed in key situations. This team could go to the SB with the OFF talent it has, except for a REC upgrade. The run blocking scheme has worked in Denver for decades and it can work here. The problem with this OFF is coaching staffs poor implementation of the OFF.

The 49ers west coast OFF reinvented the FB & TE positions as weapons, especially in the passing OFF. Dan Reeves drafted JGriffin because he was a good runner, had very good hands, and was an excellent blocker. Mora & Knapp have decided to ignore 2 of his attributes and use him exclusively as a blocker.

All teams, when playing the Falcons, make their RDE maintain outside containment in case of a Vick bootleg. They also have a spy, usually a LB, which means there are usually 2 DEF player assigned to contain Vick. Suppose the Falcons ran a bootleg, except this time they rolled the HB or FB with Vick. The back could either block the DE or spy, or fake a block and become a down field safety valve REC. This would put tremendous pressure on the DE or spy to either go after Vick or cover the back. And if Vick gets the ball to either Norwood or Dunn in the open field, it is lights out.

We allow DEF’s to stack their LB and Safeties at the line of scrimmage. Our OFF system doesn’t put any pressure on their LB’s to cover our backs outside the formation. DC should be terrified of letting Dunn or Norwood, and even Griffin, get outside the formation and go one on one against their LB’s. The minute a DEF crowds the line to blitz, on passing downs, the OFF should go to a hot read. (1)They should go to a split backfield, which makes it easier for the backs to receive an outlet pass in the flat. It also means the QB has an outlet on either side. Teams will have to account for these 2 backs with either a LB or safeties.

With a DE & LB spying Vick, possibly a LB and safety covering the backs out of the backfield, and 2 CB’s and a FS covering our REC’s, that leaves 4, no more than 5, defenders rushing the passer. Even our OLine should be able to handle that.

By Steve T

November 23, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this

I think we found a person to fix the falcons: Ken Strickland! This guy is a student of the game.

By Steve T

November 23, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this

By Ken Strickland

November 22, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

Thanks STEVE T. I am not a player or a coach, but I have a very good grasp of pro football. I tape the games and analyze why the OFF or DEF failed in key situations. This team could go to the SB with the OFF talent it has, except for a REC upgrade. The run blocking scheme has worked in Denver for decades and it can work here. The problem with this OFF is coaching staffs poor implementation of the OFF.

The 49ers west coast OFF reinvented the FB & TE positions as weapons, especially in the passing OFF. Dan Reeves drafted JGriffin because he was a good runner, had very good hands, and was an excellent blocker. Mora & Knapp have decided to ignore 2 of his attributes and use him exclusively as a blocker.

All teams, when playing the Falcons, make their RDE maintain outside containment in case of a Vick bootleg. They also have a spy, usually a LB, which means there are usually 2 DEF player assigned to contain Vick. Suppose the Falcons ran a bootleg, except this time they rolled the HB or FB with Vick. The back could either block the DE or spy, or fake a block and become a down field safety valve REC. This would put tremendous pressure on the DE or spy to either go after Vick or cover the back. And if Vick gets the ball to either Norwood or Dunn in the open field, it is lights out.

We allow DEF’s to stack their LB and Safeties at the line of scrimmage. Our OFF system doesn’t put any pressure on their LB’s to cover our backs outside the formation. DC should be terrified of letting Dunn or Norwood, and even Griffin, get outside the formation and go one on one against their LB’s. The minute a DEF crowds the line to blitz, on passing downs, the OFF should go to a hot read. (1)They should go to a split backfield, which makes it easier for the backs to receive an outlet pass in the flat. It also means the QB has an outlet on either side. Teams will have to account for these 2 backs with either a LB or safeties.

With a DE & LB spying Vick, possibly a LB and safety covering the backs out of the backfield, and 2 CB’s and a FS covering our REC’s, that leaves 4, no more than 5, defenders rushing the passer. Even our OLine should be able to handle that.

By Steve T

November 23, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this

I think we found a person to fix the falcons: Ken Strickland! This guy is a student of the game.

By Dwight

November 24, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Folks,

Ken has hit the nail on the head!!!!! Creating this type of pressure on oppossing offenses would eventually open up vertical passing routes downfield!!!

At that point you have an attacking offense that other teams would truly fear.

By Dwight

November 24, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

ATL Offense Under Reeves: 1. Drive Blocking in the run game. 2. Establish the run. 3. Use FB and TE as outlets. 4. Vertical routes downfield, when the box is loaded with run defenders. 5. Five and seven step drops for the QB.

ATL Offense Under Mora: 1. Zone Blocking in the run game. 2. Establish the run. 3. Limited use of FB as an outlet. 4. Three step and five step drops for the QB. I GUESS THAT’S WHAT OUR TEAM IS TRYING TO DO.

CAN ANYONE PROVIDE GREATER INSIGHT?

By Dale L.

November 29, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

If Arthur Blank has any _,he will follow the NFL’S lead and fine and suspend Michael Vick for such shocking behavior in front of the fans,which include many children. This type behavior is totally unacceptable under any circumstances,especially by a ” franchise ” marquee player ,who has worn out his welcome with me.. Is it too late to trade him ??