Falcons

By Jeff D

December 4, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

It’s great that the players like Coach Mora; but what about Knapp? Yesterday, Mike indicated that he threw the TD to Jenkins because he “overcame coaching” and made his own reads.

It appears that Vick is taking yet another shot at Knapp. What does that say about Vick’s confidence in Knapp? He and other Falcons’ players have, on numerous occasions, hinted that they aren’t happy with Knapp’s play calling.

Is it possible to question Knapp, or at least, question Mora about Knapp’s poor play calling and the Falcons’ lack of confidence in Knapp?

By Brian

December 4, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

As much as I would like them to make the playoffs, I think they are pretenders. They are just too inconsistent.

By T-Town Dawg

December 4, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

PRETENDERS!!!!!!!!

By Jamaaliver

December 4, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Fearless Prediction:

Knapp will be headed out the door come February, the only real question is if Mora will have to fire him or accept his resignation.

Kinda reminds me of Bush and Rumsfeld.

By dirrtybird

December 4, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Steve,

I know you read these blogs. There have been countless requests for an interview or at least an article on Knapp. Vick freely admitted that he over ruled one of Knapp’s calls yesterday, and look what happens. A Touchdown. That’s great the the players like Mora. I don’t think you’ll see them rally around Greg Knapp.

Steve,

Why no article on Gregg Knapp?

By ATLfanboy

December 4, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

This is a team that plays like Holyfield fights. To the level (as they perceive it) of their competition. Maybe now they are starting to realize that in order to be exceptional, you have to be focused and dedicated. It has seemed to me that most of this year the whole team has been expecting their level of talent to carry them. I hope Lawyer Milloy never retires.

By Phalcon Phan

December 4, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

This going to be an exciting month in the NFC. Dal, Atl, NYG, CAR, NO, PHI all have to play one the other 5 teams teams in three of their final four games.

Go Birds!!

By Andy

December 4, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

I feel the Falcons have put themselves in a horrible hole with the 0 for November. They can still make the playoffs because both the Giants and Panthers are as bad as they are. The thing is to really focus on beating the Bucs and getting help, which isn’t the best position to be in. There is hope, especially if we continue to play well running the ball and getting turnovers on D.

As far as Vick changing the play and his quote…sounds like an “audible” to me and no reason to go crazy (like the guy on Profootballtalk.com did with the non-story). I have never seen someone question the Colts OC because Manning changed a play. If anything, if Knapp is still here next year, he needs to add audibles to the offense to give Vick choices.

I also like Mora and it is good the players value his loyalty, BUT he has to quit with the Bill Belichick act with the media with respect to injuries and what not. It sounds so fake. He also has to tell his Dad to keep negative stuff about the team to himself.

By Madden King

December 4, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Finally the Falcons showed heart. After the first two drops in the game and the sack where he got no protection, Vick got into the offenses face for the first time this season and it lit a fire under the players butt to go out and execute said Lelie. I believe the tirade that Vick did and the meeting that Milloy put together is going to save this season and take us to the Superbowl. SUPERBOWL! YES SUPERBOWL, think about it, other than Drew Brees no other QB in the NFC is playing better than Michael Vick. If you add his rushing totals with his passing stats Vick has over 3,000 yards of total offense 16tds and 9ints. Other than Brees no other QB in the NFC can match that, and an espn report confirmed that the Falcons recievers has the most dropped touchdown passes in the league by a team with eight. If you add those eight tds that should have been caught Vick would have 24tds and 9ints on the season and in contention for the MVP. VICK HATERS TAKE THAT! So if the team steps up and help Vick on this important stretch we will be in the playoffs without a doubt and cruise to the Superbowl b/c Grossman sucks, Delhomme sucks if the defense shuts down Smith, Manning is inconsistent, Hasselback is not 100%, Romo is going to slow down b/c the Giants exposed him with multiple zone blitzes that he couldn’t seem to pick up and Garcia is old. BTW did anybody pay attention to that report that Crumpler was cussing out Gregg Knapp on the sidelines of the game telling him to stop being so conservative and play to win. Thats probably why Vick audibled out of that screen play into that TD pass by Jenkins without his permission b/c Vick was playing to win. HOLLA! GO FALCONS! GO VICK!

By MV4MVP

December 4, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

First off this team are CONTENDERS, I have thought this all year and I’m sad to see it took a four game losing streak for the team to finally realize their potential, which I thin they finally had. I’m very happy to see the players rallying around Mora, I just hope he gathers the guts to finally fire his idiotic offensive coordinator and finally put someone who ACTUALLY knows how to use Vick. If the Falcons play to their potential don’t be surpirsed to see a wildcard granted to us. If we can make it to the postseason we have a chance of going far into the playoffs, we all know how dangerous Vick is in the playoffs. Here’s to a potential Superbowl run. - Matt P.

By dan

December 4, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

we have got to win against the bucs next week!!! We can’t be overconfident after this win like we did going into the detroit and cleveland games. Tampa Bay SHOULD be an easy win and we have to capitalize.

By Doug

December 4, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

It’s scary aint it? How one win and people can stop screaming Schaub..It’s scary to remember if the Defense can keep the score within distance and give Vick a chance with some weapons with the Game in the Balance…How quick people forget that Vick has been doing this since he was a Contender at Virginia Tech! WOW - Contender!!

By Jeff D

December 4, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

The two wild card seeds will probably come down to the Falcons, Giants and Panthers. The good thing is we control our own destiny. If we win the rest of our games, we are in. We could probably make it with a 9-7 record.

By mountain_jim

December 4, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

another request for an interview or in-depth article about Knapp’s performance and future. He has had plenty of time to show up and imho he has failed.

By Mike L.

December 4, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this

I LOVE IT!!!

This is exaclty what we needed! I am talking about the players rallying behind the coach and finally comitting to stepping up. ANYONE that has ever played sports at a high level kows that this kind of attitude wins games and eventually championships. I am starting to believe again - I am not fully convienced just yet, Lets go to Tampa with the same attitude - every game is a must win from here on.

The difference bw Falcons the last fourgames and yesterday was the attitude … they played with attitude yesterday - we finally saw a couple of better hits on defense, running the ball with convictions and sticking to some passes and catching them even after first couple of drops. I LOVE IT, but we need to play with the same fire for 60 mins for the remanding games an we will make the playoffs.

By honest_abe

December 4, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

con um i mean pret e no……. how in the world is anyone supposed to know if this team is a contender or a pretender? based on the performance this season, one must assume they are pretenders based on the teams inconsistency…….BUT..

if the defense continues to get healthy and the offense can regain that swagger in the running game.. this team has a GREAT shot at 9-7 and possibly 10-6..

we won a game folks.. do we really need to sit in here and whine about knapp? that’s what this team needs at a crucial part of the season.. more reasons to bicker and fuss.. we got a win on the road after a four game slide.. let’s savor it a second before we all start calling for knappy head.

the win yesterday proved the birds still are together.. they don’t have players thinking about the offseason which is what usually the case back in the 90’s around this time of year.. they are still motivated to save this season.. and THAT IS A TREMENDOUS JOB BY MORA TO KEEP THIS TEAM FOCUSED AND TOGETHER.. it’s been a tough year and i respect that fact that he hasnt’ called out anyone to save his behind!

By bill gillispee

December 4, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Let’s face, they beat Washington, nothing else to be said!!!!

By This Gets Old

December 4, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

Give me ONE <1> GREAT team in professional football! Give me one for the last THREE years!

Everybody is in it and when it gets down to Atlanta fans (who should really know how many Falcon teams were out of it by the 4th week of previous seasons) to complain, b*** and moan about this team is goofy.

Nobody, but NOOOOOOOOOBody can afford to put a complete team together. You know why nobody can put a great team together? Why there is global warming? Why we don’t know the truth about Oswald and why the moon landing was a fake??? Why Ted Turner sold the Braves and why Pamela Anderson is a slut (not that I have a problem with sluts) TWO WORDS …..

Michael Vick!

If it wasn’t for Vick we’d be invisible.

By bill gillispee

December 4, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

OH by the way, Brady makes Vick look like a high school QB. The only speed Vick has is in his pocket. Go Brady, I think vick is looking at your films

By This Gets Old

December 4, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

Does anybody know of a Falcon blog where people like the Falcons and their players? These blogs and these topics have run their course.

By dirrtybird

December 4, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this

Andy,

An audible happens at the line of scrimmage, not in the huddle.

By brad in KY

December 4, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

if you actually read all the posts you’ll notice that there are many that are supportive of the falcons.

By PW

December 4, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

Would any of you who happen to read this take a minute out to remember CSM Donovan Watts, 505PIR 82nd Airborne who was killed in Iraq two days before Thanksgiving.

He was an Atlantan and his CO called him “the finest paratrooper I have ever known.”

He was black and I mention it for this reason. There are people in this nation who are true heroes and to whom all of this petty racial bickering is an insult.

Can you step down a minute from all of the hatred? Just one day, please? You should be ashamed of yourselves.

http://iraq.pigstye.net/article.php/WattsDonovanE

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 4, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Because the Falcons are in the NFC, they are contenders. But don’t get it twisted, the performance against the Redskins isn’t gonna get it done against better teams like Dallas who still remain on the schedule. The Falcons are capable of being contenders, if they continue to improve and play with passion like they did earlier on in the year. But they better not think all problems have been solved after their unimpressive win on Sunday.

The nice thing is, we are playing Tampa next week, and like Washington they also start a rookie QB who has a hard time handling the blitz. If Donatell puts the pressure on Gradkowski like he did on Campbell in the 2nd half, the Falcons should roll pretty easily against Tampa Bay. A win next week would be huge, because the Falcons have a cupcake game while the Giants and Panthers square off against each other — this would give the Falcons an ideal chance to improve their conference record and put themselves in better position to win a tiebreaker for a playoff spot.

By brad in KY

December 4, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Nothing racist has appeared on this thread. What are you talking about?

If you’re suggesting that any criticism of Vick is racially motivated then I’d suggest that you’re deeply mistaken. But, supposing for a second that all criticism of Vick is racially motivated, it’s still a red herring. Suppose a racist gives an argument that Vick is a bad QB because his completion percentage is so slow. The racial motivation of the argument actually has no bearing on the truth value of the premises. The question is: are the premises true and does the conclusion follow.

That being said, there are clearly some people on these blogs who intentionally attempt to incite everyone with inflammatory rhetoric. My suggestion is to simply IGNORE them. They’re called trolls and all they want is to get you to respond to their comments in order to thwart dialogue on the blog. It’s simply no use trotting out the names of those who died in combat, etc in order to convince them of how offensive they are. They WANT to be offensive and to tell them how offensive they are is to motivate them to be more offensive.

By PW

December 4, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Know why nothing racists has appeared on this thread? Honestly? BECAUSE WE GOT HERE FIRST.

I agree totally with ignoring it but if you think that post was about the trolls, then you got it wrong.

I’ll take it as my fault for not stating it more clearly. It’s NOT about them that’s why I didn’t mention them.

And, a big and, if they don’t come and start it up anyway, I’ll buy you a big steak brother.

By Greg

December 4, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

Anyone notice Mora kissing Vick’s Helmet before the game. No telling where that helmet has been.

By Steve T

December 4, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

Yesterday, Mike indicated that he threw the TD to Jenkins because he “overcame coaching” and made his own reads.

Now for all, y’all who said that Vick could not read a defense, who do y’all like him now. I was giving Knapp credit for calling a great game, and it turns out that Vick may have been changing plays. It is about dayum time. He should have done that back in Nov.

It seems like the players are taking over. The defense blitzed a lot and the offense play great ball. I think Mr. Blank and Mckay needs to have a talk with the Mora and then the players about the other coaches. Heck Mora may need to let the players take over and win some games.

Now, we just need to get some size on the O-line and some WRs who can catch. The defense could use another Grady Jackson and some shut down corners.

By hooper

December 4, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

Knapp is the weak link on this team. That is the absolute truth. If you dissect any loss this season (and some of the wins) you will find that the weak link is the offensive play calling.

By keeping it REAL !

December 4, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

The football gods say the cowboys win the nfc. The same gods said carolina would win. Atlanta stop deep pass on defense and bring pressure in first quater and block and catch the ball. we win!

By This Gets Old

December 4, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

Well all of my posts back MV but that was out of line. I’m not saying that it wasn’t true but it was out of line.

Jenkins has dropped some balls but he’s having a really good season. Blocking is important to the team and he sticks his nose in there and if you check back to any of these “explosive” plays, the explosive (called) running plays frequently feature a MJ block somewhere along the way.

He follows the play downfield more than any other Falcon on offense or defense. I don’t mean in a Keith Brooking dive over the pile after the play is over way, but in a way to keep plays alive.

Vick above anyone should realize that you need your players to help you make plays. No fan of Knapp but Vick has to remember that nobody on the team ever calls him out either.

By Paul

December 4, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

If he changed the play yesterday then why hasn’t he changed all of the other messed up calls?

You take the sugar you take the vinegar. Granted he’s the most stand up guy on the team.

By keeping it REAL !

December 4, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

Did you guys see how Vick held the ball when he ran with it. Keep it up Vick!

By kg

December 4, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

I think Vick is one of the most exciting players in the league. He sells tickets and makes national aports writers take notice. That said, I think Arthur Blank made a rookie mistake by signing MV to a long term deal. It takes away all your flexibility under the salary cap. Does anybody in the Falcons organization have the gonads to tell Blank to stay out of it? I don’t think so.

By Steve T

December 4, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

The contracts are not set in stone. Vick can have his contract redone. I am sure he will do it if they were to get his some better linemen and WRs.

By J-MAN

December 4, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

The Falcons can look like a true Beast one weak and a pop warner team the next. We need to no matter if we win the next 4 or loose the next 4 go on a head and get rid of Knapp and Donatell and go after the bears D-cordinator if he ain’t been offered a head coaching job and go after Seattle O-Cordinator because he is a better West coast coach than knapp and we wouldn’t be making Vick run a new system, 3rd in 5 years. Then trade Schaub and our 1st rounder to move up to try to get Calvin Johnson or Dwayne Jarrett because those guys have hands and we need to get guys with hand to make our offense more consistant, what good is 4-3 speed if you drop the rock— RODDY WHITE—( that ball was right in your numbers and you drop it why do you even call yourself a pro. I could even catch that ball and I have a broken 3rd Metecarpel - thats the finger Vick uses to salute the fans with by the way but mabye he can give you a salute too.

By keeping it REAL !

December 4, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

BY KG don’t let him stay all the way out . to get better the team player all can redo there contacts to get better player. The people who know football have no respect for the coaches mckay is another story. The media people who cover football have no respect for this team till they win.We need a team with a killer defense. Pass defense and the deep pass is killing us. Mckay is the only solid football person we have. get some people like warren Moon, Deon sanders ,sarigusa (spell wrong) to coaches. We need another huge tackel on defense and some offense lineman that has size Our reciver still don’t come back to the ball and that coaching! That why we need Mr. Blank to bring the pay so we get the best. Fans have you forgoten about the smith family who owned this team. This why MR. Blank has to stay in tune with this team. And untill we can get pure football stock in coaching he has to stay in tune with the coaches! When we get that kind of staff he may set down!

By mavid

December 4, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

pretenders…

By Larry

December 4, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

I have one question. Can someone please provide an answer?

Opposing defenses blitz Vick quite often. Why don’t we call any draw plays?

By DON'T TRIP

December 4, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

PRETENDERS!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 4, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

Larry, we do call draw plays. Those shotgun runs the Falcons run are all draw plays based on Vick reading the defensive end and either handing off or keeping the ball accordingly.

The running game doesn’t need more draw plays, it needs a different blocking scheme so that we are not constantly stuffed on short-yardage situations.

By SC

December 4, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

If the receivers keep catching the ball, then the Falcons have a shot at a playoff berth.

How about Mike’s creativity on that TD pass to Jenkins? Get the man some genuine audibles!

By dan

December 5, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this

Panthers lost tonight and there’s a four way tie for the wild card spot at 6-6. If we capitalize against Tampa Bay like we should we’ll be in good shape. Go Vick!!! Go Falcons!!!

By will c

December 5, 2006 02:16 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are contenders only if we continue to win. I believe 9-7 will be good enough to make the wild card. Carolina lost tonight so they are tied at 6-6 with us, Eagles, and Giants. I’m in support of the firing of both coordinators and keeping Mora as the head coach. We need to bring in someone familar with St. Louis passing offense, the one that Kurt Warner used to amass great numbers and win the superbowl. The defense will be alright once everyone gets healthy again.

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By savannah falcon

December 5, 2006 06:30 AM | Link to this

I can only focus on one game at a time. We can no longer assume a guarantee win anymore. Lets don’t think about playoffs. Just win one game at a time. Tampa has our number. Tampa may be having a bad season, but don’t count them out. We have to play them like there is no tomorrow. Have you guys seen how big the Cowboys are? The Cowboys have 17 players 6-5 and taller weighing over 300 lbs. The tallest guy is 6-8! Our guys are too small! I hope we focus on big offensive and defensive lineman in the draft.

By UGA Fan

December 5, 2006 07:08 AM | Link to this

Here is a real question,

How long until W. Dunn is replaced by a younger, stronger, faster, and bigger option in Jerious Norwood?

Dunn has done a decent job while at Atlanta, but the obvious future is Norwood.

Dunn seems to fall at the first hint on being hit. He says he is playing “smart”. I would like to see a running back slam it into the middle and give some bruises to the defense and then streak around the outside and break off a long one. To be honest Atlanta cant afford not to play their best players.

Norwood in ‘07

By Political Foreskin

December 5, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this

Fire Mora, and we go to the superbowl.

Mora doesn’t understand what football is.

He vogues cool next to the cheerleaders, but that’s all.

Fire Mora.

By CQ

December 5, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this

To all the Vick haters out there with tickets, if you want to sell the tickets to the Dallas game because he offended you with giving the finger orhe is to thuggish for you and your kids to watch- I will be happy to get those tickets off your hands for $40.

That game will be rockin if the Falcons go and take care of Tampa like they should.

By CQ

December 5, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

We need Jimmy Williams starting at corner. Rossum needs to concentrate on special teams. The special teams play has really been down with him playing at corner.

By 49er Fan

December 5, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

My team season is over, but since I live in the ATL I do support them.

Knapp needs to let Vick take a bigger role in calling plays. If Vick sees a defense in a certain defense he should be able to change the play. If the defense is in a blitz he has to be able to call a draw, screen, or slant.

Having a QB that can’t audible is like telling someone they have to drive on 285 and not take short cutts, no matter how bad the traffic is.

By vick_is_sick

December 5, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

a comment about opposing defenses blitzing alot:

i support this team, although i still think they are pretenders based on this…

the constant blitz pressure is designed to bullrush the run and pressure vick in the pocket…obviously a quick rb or wr screen would be the perfect call, but i’ve not seen that once. they attempted a rediculous te screen to alge against the ravens, but it was a garbage playcall b/c it took too long to develop. they need quick rb screens on a hot read to the same side as the blitz.

until this scheme can audible at the line, it will be average. and, until vick gets a big time center and two big time guards that are there to PASS BLOCK (fk the cut block scheme), this team will continue to be inconsistent due to inconsistent pass blocking.

By 49er Fan

December 5, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

The offensive line is the problem on the team, sure the receivers have problems but those can be worked out. The offensive line needs size. We saw that with the 4th and an inch play on Sunday.

If Vick has time to throw and Norwood and Dunn had good blocking they would be lethal. Imagin Norwood hitting the holes with a big offensive line.

By Wes

December 5, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

They are no more pretenders or contenders than any of the other 6-6 teams.

To me, this is the race to 10-6. If the birds win out they are in, that is a very daunting task considering Parcells is left on the schedule. Will see.

By chichi

December 5, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

Its gonna be a dogfight the Falcons are in the thick of it after last night we still got a chance

By ironfeet

December 5, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

I don’t like Knapp, but I think he could be a more effective playcaller if he called plays from the booth instead of on the field. He could survey the field from up high, see what the defense is attepting to do and call the appropriate play against it. That might work since he doesn’t have audibles built into his scheme. Just a thought…

By mo

December 5, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

There may be a possibility that someone here can reach the playoffs with an 8-8 record, the way this race is going.

The bottom line is that if you win out, you are guaranteed a playoff berth, if your the Falcons. We are only playing NFC teams, and we can really do damage if we win out.

My concern is the Carolina Panthers. the Philly D-backs blasted the Delhomme tip-off that was kind of well-known when he’s in the red zone. Now the Panthers are going to do something about it.

Delhomme, though, can be rattled in that pocket. I hope that we can cover Steve Smith when we play them.

Now the Bucs are only scary because they don’t care. They are playing spoiler and they do not want the Falcons to go to the playoffs. If we blitz Gradkowski, though, he will fold. His receiver aren’t catching the ball.

Philly scares me most of all. I do not see us beating the Cowboys, but I think we could take that hit and still make that 6th spot at 9-7. But Philly looks good without McNabb. Garcia is pretty mobile and we are not very good at containing mobile QBs on defense. Garcia is prone to mistakes, but I think he will run on us to keep those chains moving. Plus, their front four can blow up our O-line and be in the backfield. Oh, and they hate Atlanta’s guts.

So, unfortunately I realistically see an 8-8 season here. If we can somehow beat either Dallas and/or Philly, and don’t make stupid mistakes against Tampa and Carolina, we’ll make the playoffs. If not, it will be curtains.

By Larry

December 5, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Najeh,

Those shotgun runs the Falcons run are not draw plays, they are options, based on Vick reading the defensive end. I think there’s a difference.

By D-Man

December 5, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

I can now honestly say, I’ve read a good blog mainly of fans supporting there team. I can’t wait to read the blog about Greg Knapp which would be a great blog!!

By foxy brown

December 5, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

This was very intelligent reading. Now lets continue to support our team. GO FALCONS!!GO FALCONS GO.WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU!!!!!!

By Charles

December 5, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

So the Falcons beat a bad Washington Redskins team and everyone is thinking Superbowl. You fans are as bad as the Falcons. Up one week and down the next. The Falcons have to win out and they need to do it against some tough opponents.

Everyone is so concenred with Dallas and don’t get me wrong Dallas is a very good team, but I am very concerned with the last game of the season. Atlanta has to travel to freezing cold Philly and play the Eagles in what will be a very tough atmosphere. The Eagles victory last night over the Panthers showed two important things 1. that they are not going to roll over and die and 2. that Jeff Garcia can still throw the ball effectively.

Can the Falcons go 4-0 and go deep into the playoff’s…yes, but they have a lot of business to take care of before people should start with the Superbowl crap.

By ICEMAN

December 5, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

If you guys keep insisting on kissing the Falcons behind, then why should they ever improve on anything. Growth and necessary adjustments must take place.

By Ken Strickland

December 5, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Winning the next 4 games will depend on our DEF. They must not give up pts early and put the OFF in catchup mode. Fortunately, against Wash, the DEF held Wash scoreless after their 1st 2 scoring drives. This allowed our OFF to stick with their game plan, running the football, and wear them down.

Our, so called, undersized OLine has made the Falcon the NFL rushing leader again, by a wide margin. The OLine can get the job done if they are put in a position to do so. All Knapp needs to do is, (1)use formations that will spread the DEF (2)use Dunn, Norwood, McCrary and Griffin as REC treats, instead of blockers (3)mix playcalling so it won’t be so predictable, and keep the DEF off balance. (4)use quick slants and out patterns, which were very successful against WASH. (5)take advantage of the speed, quickness and agility of our RB’s by throwing some swing passes. These 5 things will make it more difficult and risky for DEF’s to commit to allout blitzes. It will also put tremendous pressure on opposing LB’s and force them out of the box to cover our RB’s. It will also take them out of blitzing situations.

On DEF, just keep pressure on the QB and tighten up on outside coverage. Even when blitzing, Donatell plays our DB’s soft, making us vulnerable to quick timing patterns, especially slants and posts.

Bottomline, if we play consistent and aggressive OFF/DEF for 4qtrs, we can win the remaining 4 games, period. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!

By CQ

December 5, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

The offensive line is not as good as most people think. If you deduct Mike Vicks almost 900 yards rushing the Falcons run game will be average if that. Vick makes up for the undersized line.

By monty

December 5, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

CQ, I’ve been saying the same thing all season. THE falcons are only an avg. rushing team without Vicks numbers. THe thing is, Vick’s runs usually come when pass protection breaks down and he decides to take off. You can’t give the O-line credit for those improvised runs. The very fact that Vick has to run says more about the O-line than the total rushing numbers. ATL is a team that has trouble running the ball in from the goal line and on 4th and inches. the O-line has to keep stepping up.

By vick_is_sick

December 5, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

a pass blocking o line would benefit vick so much more than this alex gibbs garbage cut block scheme. are the coaches that bind to include vick’s rushing totals with the rushing stats? (in terms of rushing success)

if vick dropped back to pass 40 times a game, wouldn’t that give him the opportunity to throw and run at the same time? look at it like a point guard in basketball. when he has the ball in “triple threat” position, he can shoot, run or pass. that is what vick has when he drops back to pass. why not model your offense after steve young’s success? pass pass pass and run when all outlets are covered. if ATL would start sending rb’s in the flats and actually pass to the flats, as soon as LB’s cover it, vick takes off up the middle. ARTHUR BLANK, I’ll consult for you for a measily 50k a year!

By blue tom

December 5, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

The great thing is that you play the game on the field and not on paper. With all of the parity in the NFL, the falcons have just as good a chance at winning all of their remaining games as anyone. With Jimmy Williams coming back and Deangelo Hall playing, plus the greatest of all time, Michael Vick at the helm, there is no way that we can lose any of these games. The falcons have finally returned to their championship form. You can mark it down, we will win all of these games by 20 points or more; we control our own destiny. Michael Vick proved that he is a genius the other day when he changed the play and threw for a touchdown. (and you thought he couldn’t even read) Jim Mora is an absolute genius as well; there is not a greater coach in the NFL than Mora. (other than his dad) I don’t know what all of you fans are worried about; there is no inconsistency on this team. They are going to the superbowl and will win by 18. They will beat Dallas 40 - 13. Go Ron Mexico! Win or lose, you can always be happy with the other team!

By OpinionsAreLike

December 6, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop: Cupcake game? There aren’t any cupcake games in the NFL. Remember we lost two “cupcake” games already to the Lions and Browns. Falcons beat the horrible Skins and everyone is talking super bowl. It ain’t going to happen.

By OpinionsAreLike

December 6, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

By blue tom: What are you smoking? Going to Super Bowl and win by 18. You are delusional, go see a shrink!

By Jeffhef

December 6, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this

It’s real simple, Vick, Dunn, Crumpler, Griffith and Norwood are contenders, the rest of the offense are pretenders. Right now the Falcons are just good enough to get our hopes up. They appear to be an 8-8 or 9-7 team. It’s not a hoax that’s what they are. Even if they sneak into the playoffs, w/ so many key injuries on D, and no apparent receivers they are in trouble.

By Titothebear

December 6, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

Playoffs? The Foulcons aren’t going to any playoofs. They’ll do well to finish 7-9. They don’t have the players to get them into the playoffs. The receivers aren’t very goo, the quarterback is less than not very good and the defense is atrocious. They beat, the eve less capable, Redskins but so what? Lots of teams have done that. The Foulcons will lose to Philly, the Cowboys and they could quite possibly be beaten by both the Bucs and Panthers. Nothing about the Foulcons makes me think playoffs. Look for a firing in four weeks.

By Tonya

December 6, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

GREG KNAPP SUCKS AND NEEDS TO GO!! I love the falcons but I don’t think they are consistent enough to go far in the playoffs. This coaching staff isn’t smart enough to get this team over the hump!!

By ctim

December 6, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it till it changes, the Falcons will not be a Super Bowl team (and what other objective is there, just a winning record or the playoffs?) with Jim Mora and his mediocre coordinators as coaches. Mora has never been to a Super Bowl, his daddy never went, his coordinators didn’t either, and none of them have a clue how to get a team there. Biggest difference between New Orleans and Atlanta? Sean Payton coached under Bill Parcells, Andy Reid, and Jim Fassell. ALL three coached in the Super Bowl. You think he knows a few things about how to get a team there? Hint, check the record 8-4, including a sweep against the Falcons. One of the all time biggest blunders of this franchise (boy have there been a few) was not hiring Lovie Smith. We had the right guy in Flowery Branch, and we let him get away. P.S. where are all the Mike Vick haters now?

By Arielle

December 8, 2006 06:53 AM | Link to this

Definitely contenders !! Go Falcons !!