Falcons

By Sam T

December 18, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

It is frustrating being a Falcons fan right now. They are a team with split personalities.

I am excited that Mora wants to coach college football. I hope he does and soon. I cannot understand how Vick is not further than he is. He has incomparable skills (great arm, quite elusive in the pocket or out) and for at least 3 games this year, he has looked amazing at the QB position. I watched him go through reads against a good Cowboys defense and choose the right WR several times.

My only conclusion is that Mora is a Vick-killer and it is time to go. Good luck Jimbo.

By CK

December 18, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

I’d like to know who you think the falcons would turn to if Mora is fired.

By Michael

December 18, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Cam Cameron (O-coordinator at San Diego) or Ken Wisenhunt (O-Coordinator at Pittsburgh)

By Pigskinmutt

December 18, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Blank is the one calling the shots. He put all his marbles on Vick and is making a lot of marbles with his marketing of Jersey’s and other merchandize. Now he will likely go through another coach and staff and we will have the same problems. A one dimensional team …but the stands will be full with hip hoppers!

By sgmock

December 18, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Mora had to know what he was saying and how it would be construed. I think he knows his job is in jeopardy and he was putting his name in the hat for the University of Washington job if it became available.

By Jeff

December 18, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

why is it that you have to have a replacement coach in mind these days before you fire one? I guess if there were more idiots out there like Mora we’d know who we could replace Mora with due to someone mouthing off to an open microphone about wanting the unavailable job! Regardless of who may replace the dim-wit, fire him for the sake of demonstrating to a town that it deserves a coach who wants to coach THIS team for THIS town.

By retnav

December 18, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

I was listening to Mora do the dance of fools on the radio today, and it sounds like he knows he really stepped in it. I am sure Blank and he have had discussions already about this. Mora knows that these next two games is tied to his future with the Birds. If the Falcons make the playoffs and win one or two there, then I feel all will be forgiven. But I bet Blank will want some changes in his asst coaches (KNAPP).

By mo

December 18, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

CK,

Dan Reeves will be somewhere on the bench, if not head coach. Dan needs an OC, though. You don’t want him calling the plays.

Other people may be Mike Holmgren, who is rumored to be done in Seattle, if he doesn’t retire.

Uh, lets see… Jeff Fisher is a long shot. But I would like to see a senior-level guy at Head Coach and a genius at OC.

By mo

December 18, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

You know, a lot of people are calling out Ken Whisenhunt’s name for Head Coach of the Falcons. While I understand it, I cannot agree, yet. I would like to see a proven NFL head coach at the helm.

Now Ken Whisenhunt at OC would look terrific. And he may get promoted of Head Coach once the older, proven coach is gone in about 3 years.

By Harold Summerville

December 18, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

If I were A. Blank Mora’s @$$ would be anywhere but the Falcon sidelines for the remainder of the season. Give him a headstart on other “wannabes” for the UW coaching job.

By Harold Summerville

December 18, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

If I were A. Blank Mora’s @$$ would be anywhere but the Falcon sidelines for the remainder of the season. Give him a headstart on other “wannabes” for the UW coaching job.

By FalconsFan

December 18, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand the people calling for major changes to this team in the offseason. It seems to me they have had to deal with some serious injury issues and are still in the playoff hunt. Our franchise is now in a position were we are in the hunt for a title every year. I agree we need to get better I just think we are very close and a complete overhaul would be a rash decision.

By vickisick

December 18, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Steve,

How much is it to purchase a full page ad in our sports page that reads?:

Arthur,

“Please give Mike Vick a pocket and let him decide when to run”

By CJ2

December 18, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

As a season ticket holder, I’m not a happy camper and here is why…

THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL MEDIA AND BLOGGERS ON THIS WEBSITE AND ATLANTAFALCONS.COM ARE FIXATED ON THE WRONG THINGS- IS VICK A POCKET PASSER? IS OUR O-LINE EFFECTIVE? DID TO SPIT IN DLOs FACE? SHOULD KNAPP BE FIRED? SHOULD MORA HAVE JOKED/TALKED ABOUT THE UW JOB?

THE ABOVE QUESTIONS ARE MARGINALLY IMPORTANT BUT EVERYONE IS IGNORING THE LARGER PROBLEM. I FEEL LIKE A LONE WOLF ON THIS ISSUE.

FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE FALCONS DEFENSE HAS QUIETLY SUCKED. McKay HAS BUILT A FINESSE DEFENSE THAT WEARS DOWN AS THE SEASON PROGRESSES. ON SATURDAY NIGHT OUR GUYS LOOKED LIKE A FREAKING POP-WARNER TEAM COMPARED TO THE COWBOYS. FURTHER, MORA IS A FORMER DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, SO THE POOR DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE IS INEXECUSABLE.

BLANK SHOULD DO TWO THINGS:

1)FORCE MCKAY TO ADAPT HIS DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY. NO MORE “QUICK TWITCH ONE GAP LINEMAN” NO MORE 260 POUND DEFENSIVE LINEMAN. NO MORE 230 LINEBACKERS. DRAFT FOR SIZE AND SPEED. IF MCKAY WON’T ADAPT, FIRE HIM.

2)FIRE MORA. SIMPLY BECAUSE, AS A FORMER DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, THE FALCONS DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE THE PAST TWO YEARS HAS BEEN COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.

By bmullis

December 18, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Domino was so money when he said alot of people are happy that Blank is getting a comeuppance for axing Reeves.

I loved the Falcons for 30 years. Now I like them, and I like them to loose.

By CK

December 18, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Omly reason I ask is to see if there are any possibilties of improving what we already have. Dan Reeves Are you kidding me? I would have loved to see Parcells instead of Mora but lets not go backwards. I beleive the Falcons tried that before and it didn’t work then either.

By Larry

December 18, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Cowher probably won’t return to Pitt. If that happens, Whisenhunt will be promoted to head coach. If Reeves comes back, Vick won’t be starting over.

What about Mike Martz? He’d do wonders for the offense. I’m not to sure about the defense, though.

Can Abraham and Hartwell be asked to leave, too?

By CK

December 18, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Fire Mora only becuase he has failed to IMPROVE this team. I culd care less about the radio spot which I believe was just a joke. He has not performed his job as head coach and gotten the Falcons playing on a more consistant level… unless you want to remain a 500 ballclub. Knapp certainly needs to go and he need sto take Mora with him.

By Joe T

December 18, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

All I am going to say about Vick & this team is I have noticed a remarkable change in his passing and the focus and tenacity of these receivers over the last three games. You have to remember these receivers are young. They seem to be starting to come into their own. Give Mora, Vick, these receivers and this team the rest of the year and a full season next year. If they don’t make the Super Bowl, give Mora a One-Way Ticket to The Great Northwest!!

By Wes

December 18, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Hey CJ2, last time I checked, our starting nose tackle weighs about 735 lbs and our best linebacker is consistently making probowls.

Not saying we don’t need to work on defense, but I think you’re pointing fingers at the wrong players.

By Andy

December 18, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

I think what Mora did is wrong and he has really messed up this team, because if he does go, it is another offense (no matter how much we all hate the Knapp WCO), defense and ST to learn…I am really down about this coaching staff and McKay, since McKay trusted him over Lovie Smith to coach the team….UGH!

By Eldridge Cleaver

December 18, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing to me how openly racist some of y’all are about Michael Vick. “Oh the hip hoppers will be pack the Dome if Vick is the quarterback.” But then you act like the color of his skin is responsible for inconsistency. He consistently wins. He can throw for three or four touchdowns a game. He is the only qb who can run for 1,000. What else do you want? To do a Michael Jackson dye job on his skin. He is inconsistent because Mora and his bunch are not very good coaches and the receivers suck. Vick is NOT the problem.

By Aveeno

December 18, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

(PIGSKINMUTT) THAT COMMENT YOU MADE WAS ALMOST RACIST.VICK AND HIS GEAR DOSE NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SO CALLED HIP HOPPERS IN THE STANDS, I KNOW WHEN YOU SAY HIP=HOPERS YOU ARE SPEAKING OF THE BLACK FANS IN VICK GEAR AT THE STADIUM, LIKE IT OR NOT QB GEAR IS ALWAYS THE HOTTEST SELLER ON ANY TEAM NO MATTER THE PLAYER BECAUSE HE IS THE MOST VISIBLE PERSON ON THE FIELD JACKASS. THIS IS A BAD YEAR AND VICK IS NOT THE BEST QB IN THE LEAUGE BY FAR,BUT INSTEAD OF TALKING ABOUT THE SO CALLED HIP-HOPPERS IN THE STANDS YOU SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT THAT HORRIBLE DEFENSE THAT COULD NOT STOP A HIGH SCHOOL RUNNING BACK OR WIDE OUT, YOU SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT THAT GUY GREG KNAPP WHO IS THE WORST OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR IN THE HISTORY OF THE TEAM, OR THE DB’S (HALL),(ROSSUM) WHO GET BURNED EVERY GAME. LET’S TALK ABOUT THAT IDIOT (RICH MCKAY) WHO SIGNS WORTHLESS PLAYERS LIKE DANGELO HALL, LAWYER MALLOY,JOHN ABRAHAM,GRADY JACKSON,ASHLEE LELLI,JASON WEBSTER,ROWDY WHITE,AND ED HARTWELL. WE HAD A GOOD TEAM TWO YEARS AGO I THINK WE MADE IT TO THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP, WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED, VICK WAS THE QB THEN ALSO. SO PIGSKINMUTT BEFOR YOU START ON YOUR BULLS* BEING THE TYPICAL WHITE PERSON IN ATLANTA, STEP BACK AND LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE WHILE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT HIP- HOPPERS IN THE STANDS. BYE THE WAY DUMB A* THE FALCONS HAVE SOME OF THE CHEAPIST SEATS IN THE NFL SO THE STANDS WILL STAY FULL OF PEOPLE NOT JUST HIP-HOPPERS, YOU RACIST PIG. IT IS FOOTBALL NOTHING TO DO WITH HIP HOP, BUT IF YOU AND THE REST OF YOUR KIND DON’T LIKE WHAT YOU SEE SHUT THE F* UP AND DON’T WATCH US HIP-HOPPERS. IT IS ALOT OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN ATLANTA, THAT IS WHAT MAKES THIS TOWN SO SEPRATE, I WISH YOU AND EVERYONE WHO FEEL THE WAY YOU DO GET TOGETHER AND JUMP OFF THE TOP OF THE GEORGIA DOME, THEN MAYBE WE CAN BE THE EXAMPLE ON RACIAL HARMONY FOR BIG CITIES,INSTEAD OF BEING THE DISGRACE TO AMERICAN CULTURE LIKE WE ARE TODAY. PEOPLE LIKE (PIGSKINMUTT) MAKE ME SICK AND NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.

By Singletary

December 18, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

Is it possible that Mora Jr was Macchiavellian enough to assume he was going to be axed and called his buddy in Seattle to do the show in order to put himself first in contention if there is a Huskies coaching change?

I just cannot imagine anyone who is media trained like coaches, QBs and politicians to ever forget the 24/7 media awareness of those in the bubble.

Before he made those comments, I assumed he was staying but would be forced to fire his buddy Knapp if not Donatell. Now, I think Blank has more than cause to fire him now.

Hey, why not Cowher to ATL? It is much closer to his new house in NC, and if he is looking for more money than Rooney is willing to pay, I bet we can pay more.

By Hey andy

December 18, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

McKay was hired AFTER Mora. Thanks for participating though.

By David

December 18, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

My advice to Blank and the Falcons is to hold on to Mora until Jeff Fisher of the Titans get fired and becomes available. Then fire Mora and replace him with Jeff Fisher, who is a great coach who has led the Titans to the Superbowl. Fisher is a good fit for the Falcons and he will now how to utilize Vick to the fullest extent. Fisher had a quarterback named Steve McNair who has comparable skills to Vick and McNair has been a brilliant quarterback in the NFL. Fisher is regarded as one of the best coaches in the league and since the Titans are short on talent, I think Fisher has topped out at what he can accomplish with the Titans. Bring Fisher in and watch the Falcons rise all the way to the top of the standings in the NFL.

By GT

December 18, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blanks is part of the malfunction we see at the dorm. He hogs the stage like some attention staved class nerd that returns to a class reunion with a rented escort and $1000 suit hoping the homecoming queen is eating her heart out. The problem in this case is the feeding of Arthur’s inferiority complex is at the expense of the Atlanta Falcons. Mora can continue his immature behavior which didn’t start or stop in the state of Washington because he patronizes the rich boy and his sand box on the sideline. I noticed Blanks mentor Jones wasn’t the publicity hound of years gone by while in Atlanta for this weekend’s game. Maybe he gets a little itchy being compared to Blanks in their spotlight seeking sideline grazing habits. Though it would be a bit like comparing Don Knotts to Arnold Schwarzenegger

By I am the decider

December 18, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

As long as the new head coach isn’t Marty S. from San Diego,(who will get fired if SD fails to get the Super Bowl) I think there are several good candidates out there. Don’t see Fisher getting fired from Tenn.,though. Wouldn’t go to Denny Green if he gets fired, either. The team needs a coach that doesn’t clown around and is ready to impose some discipline on team.

The defense definitely needs help. Peter King commented on the front four getting run down months ago. The defense runs the same scheme over and over. The team takes no effort to disguise a pass rush and the pass coverage is lame.

By KneeJerk

December 18, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

David, I hate to disagree, but the emergence of Vince Young mat have invigorated Fisher and the Titans. I think Fisher will stay. Someone mentioned Parcells earlier. We can do better. Parcells’ time has passed. Whisenhunt (ex-Falcon and YellowJacket would be awesome, but I think they’re going to give him the keys to Pittsburgh should Cowher leave. If Cowher decides to stay on with the Steelers, KW can be had.

By Your grandmother

December 18, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

Keep holding your breath waiting for Fisher to get fired. He is the Titans’ owners boy and will get an extension. He was in hot water, but now he’s as popular as he was in the Super Bowl year. We’ll have to look elsewhere.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 18, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

Whisenhunt would be a great hire, but I don’t think Pittsburgh would promote him without doing their due diligence and looking at everyone else possible as well. They will probably interview him along with many other people, which will give other teams time to interview him as well. Ultimately I think it will be up to him where he wants to go. To me it comes down to Whisenhunt, Charlie Weis and Ron Rivera (DC, Chicago) as the next Falcons head coach. Cam Cameron and Jim Johnson (DC, Philadelphia) are also good coaches, but may be a little too old to be long term solutions. Prior head coaching experience is not necessarily an indicator of a better coach — look at leading head coach of the year candidate Sean Payton, who has the Saints in possible Super Bowl contention in his first year. The Falcons’ job this offseason is to find the next Sean Payton or Lovie Smith — a bright young coordinator with NFL experience who can design innovative schemes and keep his team in line and playing at 100%.

By Ryder

December 18, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

Najeh, that’s what Blank thought he had in Mora when he was searching for “a bright young coordinator with NFL experience who can design innovative schemes and keep his team in line and playing at 100%”. He was enamored with Jim’s speaking skills, enthusiasm, and a bag full of playbooks. This should be a lesson that you can’t always judge a book by it’s cover AB! I would hire Mike Singletary, he may be inexperienced but at least you know with his pedigree he wouldn’t stand for any of the crap that has plagued this team the past three years. For once an Atlanta franchise would have a coach who can install some discipline. With his character and work ethic I believe he should be given a chance.

I do agree with one blogger that if Whisenhunt (sp?) is available let’s get him. Atlanta has the talent, they just need some discipline.

By kg

December 18, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

My understanding is that if Cowher does not stay in Pitt, he must sit out a year before going to another team. If the Falcons sign him away from Pitt, then the Falcons would have to compensate Pitt.

By JamesP

December 18, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

My first choice as HC would be Fisher. But he’s not going anywhere soon. Just wondering some coaches come out of retirement. Parcells did. Therefore I like to see Ditka as HC. You never know.

By JB

December 18, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Ditka is the opposite of Mora which might not be a bad idea. One sure thing is Defense will get you to the Super Bowl (Ravens)Ditka will have the Right Defensive coach

By gdg73

December 18, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

If Mora doesn’t take Rossum off the field, he should be fired immediately. It would be nice to see him bench some of the defensive players in order to get their attention (Brooking, Hartwell, Rossum, and Crocker). He needs to order Donatell to get more aggressive with the defensive playcalling as well. On offense, if Dunn is not effective, bench him and run Griffith or Norwood. Also, let Vick wing it. Let’s turn the guy loose and stay creative with the playcalling for 4 STRAIGHT QUARTERS!!!!!!

By JB

December 18, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Also It seems that coaches who retire and and go to the booth get that coaching itch again.Jerry Jones sold Parcells on knowing he will spend what he has to for the talent. Blank is the same kind of owner.That makes a Big difference

By Navigator

December 18, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

Early in his career Vick was more effective than he now, because defenses are better prepared. That’s not the reason the Falcons lose though, it’s the defense. Remember, Baltimore won the superbowl with a wooden indian for a quarterback. He was so bad, they fired him the next year. So the answer is not look for a retread head coach, but instead go after the best defensive coordinator available. That could really change the base of the team, and take the pressure of MV to win the ball game.

By DrJay

December 18, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

I was very upset at the remarks that Jim Mora made but after watching the Monday press conference, I am convinced that he just screwed up and it wasn’t intentional. I would have to agree with Joe T. I think Art Blank should give the coaches and players one more season. When you really analyze what has happened, this team has had a plethora of injuries and even a suspension to guard Matt Lehr.

I think the answer for all the fans is to be patient and be thankful that we are at least in the hunt every year since Vick has been the QB. Keep in mind that he didn’t play in 2001, playoffs in 2002, broke leg in 2003, NFC championship game in 2004, 8 win season in 2005 with a porous run defense, and in the hunt in 2006.

Let’s cheer our home team on to victory in these last 2 games, and maybe good things will happen in the playoffs.

38-26-1 with Vick as qb. 9-20 during the same period without Vick as qb.

Let’s be patient and see what Mora and his staff can do when the Falcons get healthy.

Go Falcons!!!

By BirdDawg

December 18, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

What you have to do is bring in an offensive minded head coach.

There are only two names that need to be on Arthur’s list: Ken Whisenhunt and Cam Cameron.

Then, whomever you hire, impress upon them that the defensive coordinator they hire must be aggressive and not passive. No more of this bend don’t break crap.

The next thing is, do not force this new HC to carry over Alex Gibbs and his cheating philosophy. Screw Aelx Gibbs. It’s because of Alex Gibbs that Michael Vick has to run for his life every snap.

Second thing is, Arthur needs to approach Vick and ask him to defer some money. The same goes for the most overrated player in the NFL, Keith Brooking.

Then, take that freaking money, and go sign a center and two guards who actually have some freaking skill to work in a normal NFL blocking scheme, which is going to keep Vick upright.

Ken Whisenhunt or Cam Cameron.

No more crappy defensive coordinators. Bring in someone who can design the MICHAEL VICK OFFENSE.

Don’t bother resigning Lelie. Remember, we get the White Boy back next year, so the recieving corps will be better no matter what.

Then, tender Matt Fraud for the most ammount, then line up to take either the Minnesota Vikings draft picks, or even better, the Houston Texans draft picks. Those two teams are in dire need of a decent QB, and because Matt Fraud has yet to really be exposed as The Next Doug Johnson, even though he’s never won a damn thing, and will be willing to pay the price of a 1st round and 3rd round draft pick to sign Matt Fraud to a contract.

So that gives us 2 1st rounders, a 2nd rounder, and 3 3rd rounders, plus the bottom rounds.

Now, we can do a couple of things. The right thing would to be to draft O-Lineman and D-Lineman and secondary help, which is what I would do.

Or, the Falcons could pull a Detroit, and make a HUGE mistake, and try to move up to draft Calvin Johnson.

The same Calvin Johnson who has never shown up in a big game for the Bugs. The same Calvin Johnson who has continuely shunned the spotlight.

If Rich McKay does this, he will be considered more of a dumb@$$ than Matt Millen. Yeah, all of those Lions recievers, Charles Johnson, Mike Williams, and Roy Williams were can’t miss superstars at the college level, too.

But the NFL is littered with 1st round reciever failures. But guys like Steve Smith, Colston, Horn, Chad Johnson, Marvin Harrison, Jerry Rice… they all were drafted low, or not at all.

Better to find a reciever in a lower round.

No, the Falcons need to draft for the future and depth, because even though the team is being thoroughly coached-down by this inept coaching staff, they have the talent to win the Super Bowl. They are built to win now.

So the draft must be for the future. Future on the O-Line. Future on the D-Line. Future in the Secondary.

And this is what the Falcons need to do.

Do these things: fire the dumb@$$ coach and his dumb@$$ BFF and dumb@$$ DC; hire Ken Whisenhunt or Cam Cameron; suggest a defensive scheme which is aggressive and dominating; get rid of the cheap-shot, cheating teacher Alex Gibbs and his crappy O-line techniques; get some interior lineman who have actual talent; let Minnesota or Houston take Matt Fraud off of our hands for the price of a 1st and 3rd rounder; use the picks to draft guys in the O-line, D-line, and Secondary; DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE MOVE UP TO DRAFT THAT BIG GAME INVISIBLE RECIEVER, CALVIN JOHNSON; and watch as our talented team challenges for the Super Bowl next year.

It really is that simple.

This team… these players are being coached down. Good coaching is the difference betweeen going getting into the playoffs (Tony Dungey) to actually doing something when you get there (Bill Belichick).

And here is the thing no one is talking about, and Steve, shame on you and Orlando for not ever bringing this up… The Falcons have to be the most undisciplined team in the league. Too many players talking too much crap, and the coaches let them get away with it. The Coach should be your best friend, he should be the guy you’d go through hell for and the guy you respect, but not the guy you hang out with.

And that to me, has been Little Jimmy Mora’s biggest failure as head coach. He’s a cheerleading idiot who has no control of this team. He does not hold his players accountable for their behavior. Hwo many times have we seen that idiot MeAngelo Hall get a personal foul penalty the last 3 years?

What about that idiot Ed “I Suck” Hartwell last night?

I think the Falcons have gotten at least one personal foul penalty in every game Mora has been the coach.

And that is unacceptable.

Honestly, if I were Arthur Blank, I would have fired this petulant, spoiled-brat Little Jimmy Mora on Friday.

It would have served that dumb@$$ right.

By BirdDawg

December 18, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

That should say… the Coach SHOULD NOT be your best friend.

By Danny

December 18, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

So BirdDawg,

How do you really feel about Mora? LOL!!!

Dude, you hit the nail on the head (again, and again).

By bryan

December 18, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

The lame a$$ excuse that the falcons had injuries and should be given a pass is bs. There are other teams in the league that suffered injuries too.

By DrJay

December 18, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Bryan, Please name any team that is a division leader or clinched the playoffs already that have had 12+ major injuries during the season.

I will wait for your response.

By mike

December 18, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Hey Andy

Mckay did hire Mora. Check your facts. Mckay was hired before the end of Reeves last season but after Reeves was fired. This is from McKay’s bio on the Atlanta Falcon website.

“McKay’s first major task in the retooling of the Falcons involved hiring the right head coach and he did that when he and Blank selected former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Jim Mora to become Atlanta’s head coach.”

By Steve T

December 18, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

I do not think Mora is the problem. Well, he is part of the problem. He needs to put his foot in the OC/DC hindparts. He needs to find a good DC. The defense play great because they mix the defense up. The cowboys had no idea what defense they were running. They blitz Romo the first half. The second half, they did not blitz Romo. Romo was taking a coffee break in the pocket.

The DC was fired from Philly and Green bay was this type of play. We need a DC that is not afraid to gamble and mix it up on defense.

The OC needs his __ whipped. I know Dunn is a good, but I do not think he is the man to get the yardage on 3rd and 1, 3rd and 2, etc. We have Justin who is a bigger back and he is capable of breaking tackle. Why don’t he line Justin up at TB and line Eric or Fred at FB. This is short yardage and there is not fair dodging.

Hey Steve, tell Mr. Blank that Steve T and Ken Strickland can do a better job with his team than the current staff.

By Boots

December 18, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

I certainly hope that Mr. Blank is not a happy camper. I hope he is thoroughly Pi_ _ed off like those of us who pay the price of a ticket, exorbitant parking, overpriced beer, hotdogs and merchandise. Mr. Blank, you are selling an inferior product.
**You’re peeing on our shoes and trying to convince us it’s raining. Cut to the chase. Do what you’ve got to do to enhance the value of our investment in your organization. Your mission: INCREASE STAKEHOLDER VALUE! Clean house if you must, but this year to year rip-off has got to stop!

By kenny d

December 18, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

gotta love the luke:

http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/shared-blogs/ajc/luckovich/entries/2006/12/18/disappearing_fo.html

By BirdDawg

December 18, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Wow, a Luckovich cartoon that doesn’t tell us all conservatives are the devil and only the pinko-socialist way is right?

Count me shocked.

By Ken Strickland

December 18, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the plug STEVE T, and you aren’t far from the truth. We only have to do(4)things to dramatically improve our OFF, without making any additional changes. (1)utilize all of our OFF weapons. Use our FB in the rushing OFF, and use our RB’s as REC’s in our passing OFF. (2)Make our play selection more imaginitive and less predictable. (3)install a complete audible package for our QB’s and allow them to use it without restrictions. (4)allow Vick to pass more from the pocket and send our RB’s into the flat, instead of Vick(too many bootlegs).

On DEF, DHall & DWilliams would be my CB, and they would play man coverage at least 80% of the time. I’d make them jams the REC’s hard, to disrupt their initial routes. At no time would I rush fewer than 5 defenders. When rushing the QB, have you noticed how GJackson bull rushes his man into the backfield. I’d have Grady force his man toward the QB’s passing hand, forcing him to slide to his left(assume he’s (R)handed). Then I’d blitz a safety or LB behind Grady, but to his(R), to catch the QB as he slides to his(L).

As a coach you have to pay attention to what you have, assess what you have, and then take maxium advantage of that talent. The Falcons have the talent to win a SB, on both sides of the line of scrimmage. They just don’t have the coaching talent, overall, to utilize it.

By Tator Tot

December 18, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Some of you white fans are what we call “honkies.” By “we,” I mean 59-year-old white guys who are tired of the racist crap directed at Vick and black fans. Vick is a unique talent and needs unique, out-of-the-box coaching. Instead, he is getting third-rate Yuppie coaching from guys who are not capable of drawing up original schemes. Sadly, no first-rate coach will work for an owner who prowls the sidelines like a dog peeing on the shrubs.

By BirdDawg

December 18, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

Hey Tator…

Even us 46 year-old white guys hate the ‘Necks on this board with an intense passion.

Ignorance is as ignorance does. And yes, ignorance is worse than stupidity. Because people choose to remain ignorant. People can’t help if they’ve been born stupid.

By Cap

December 19, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Draft. Draft. Draft. Tampa Bay and New England used to be the laughing stocks of the NFL. Their recent drafts have been less than spectacular. But there is a lag time to the success and fruition of draft classes. On the front end of the free agency era in the early-to-mid 1990s, New England was horrible. Certainly they drafted high, but the picks were spectacular. Their drafts from 92-96 were exceedingly productive. They did draft superstars, and sure Bledsoe and Glenn were nice, but they were not pivotal to the dynastic success. But when the era of free agency hit hard in the late 90s and teams such as Dallas and Pittsburgh lost all of their superstars, the Patriots had accumulated this cheap nucleus of solid players. Tampa Bay, also historically woeful. But their drafts of 95, 96, 97, and 98 would produce dividends. If Rich McKay was patient, Tampa Bay could have been a dynasty rather than just have one championship. But during this critical time, Atlanta drafted horribly. As a result, the solid cornerstone of cheap but effective players in their very early thirties having like 7 to 10 years of experience with the same team simply do not exist. All of the pivotal players for the Falcons Super Bowl were free agent castoffs or beloved members of the team that were able to stick it out like Jessie Tuggle, Chuck Smith, and Bob Whitfield. Vick (and Crumpler) were great picks in 2001 and Griffith was a solid pick in 2003 but outside of that the drafting in Atlanta was atrocious. All of the solid players drafted in the late 90s are all gone except Brooking and Kerney. They should be the core of the team right now. Now the past three drafts have produced some contributors. These picks need time to mesh together without letting the best pick ups leave due to free agency. So the haters need to slow their roll. The Falcons have a long history of bad drafts to overcome before they can be considered Super Bowl contenders. Vick gave Atlanta some instant success just like McNabb in Philly and Young is doing in Tennessee. But a solid core must be built around Vick so we can take advantage of his prime in his late 20s and early 30s.

By Muhammid Mexico

December 19, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

Birddowg, you’re such a transparent dolt. Where did you get the names, Whisenhunt and Cameron? From Buck’s radio show today, that’s where. You’re pathetic. You have a few brain-dead groupies here, and you’re a big-shot, you think.

Fire ALL the coaches? Brilliant!!! Vick will quickly pick up a new scheme. He usually does!

“Suggest” a defensive scheme which is aggressive and dominating? Wow, you really are a deep thinker!

You’ve really got it figured out. It’s amazing you’re still working at jiffylube, and not Falcon GM.

By Ken Strickland

December 19, 2006 02:02 AM | Link to this

TATOR TOT & BIRDDAWG, your comments are welcomed and very much appreciated. IGNORANCE AND STUPIDITY EQUALS RACISM, AND NEITHER OF THEM COMES IN COLORS. PEACE.

By This gets old

December 19, 2006 03:30 AM | Link to this

BirdDawg:

Some of us here have “known” you for years. You don’t have to justify yourself to us. We know you’re no racist. ‘Nuff said

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 19, 2006 03:51 AM | Link to this

Ryder, the difference between potential hires like Whisenhunt or Rivera as opposed to Mora is that Mora never had real success as a coordinator before coming here. His 49ers defense was ranked 15th in the league, and he has brought similar mediocrity to Atlanta as well. The names I listed have coached top-10 units in the NFL and have proven that they are creative and have what it takes to be good coaches in this league.

By spud

December 19, 2006 05:39 AM | Link to this

will someone tell me what coach that you guys have talked about coming to the falcons would put up with arthur blank? He is the major problem it is going to take a coach that wants total control. it is going to take a coach that will tell arthur to KEEP AWAY stay out of meetings, stay away from the the complex on draft day and stay away from the sidelines. two questions will arthur hire a coach who wants total control( this means mckay is gone) what coach out there who is a control person wants to come to the ATL?

By Ron Roberts

December 19, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Ken Whisenhunt would be an awesome choice as head coach for the Falcons. Talk ahout uniting present with past!

By CQ

December 19, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this

I think the faalcons needs a defensive minded coach. The offense is not the weak point on the team. They had problems scoring this year but its the defense that all the money was spent on in the off season.

Alot of these denfensive players need to be cut and Mora is not the type of guy that will cut his friends.

By billy stover

December 19, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

to me, mors is just to buddy buddy with the player. he needs to get in their face like cowher of the steelers. he is no more of a coach than his dad was.Is there any way we could get arthur blanks e-mail address. georgiadawgg

By ICEMAN

December 19, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

I can sum up the answer to the Falcons woes with two words: Jimmy Johnson.

By Charlie

December 19, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

Aveeno,

Hip Hoppers can pack the seats any time as far as I’m concerned. As long as they are ATL fans.

Hip Hop gets a bad “rap”. There are two kinds. Some of that nasty stuff that degrades women and others…and some is just plain old good dance music…and soulful mix of dance, R&B and funk. I like the stuff that actually has some musical merit to it. A lot of rap doesn’t have that…who cares about somebody’s pimp’s and ho’s and how much $$ they have? That doesn’t impress me. But good music is good music…Check Mary J…it’s killa!

So check it..the Billboards show HH is selling baby! On to football…let the HH fill the stands…the money is as good as anyones. The dress is a style…not a representation of a thug mentality.

Bird Dawg, I agree with many of your points. Najeh, I like your posts too.

Fisher will not be available. Ditka doesn’t want to coach again. Parcells IS NOT washed up…the man is a GREAT coach. Ken W. would be a good choice for OC but don’t think he will be available either (Pit will keep him). Cowher will not retire. Blank won’t bring Reeves back. M. Martz would be good for the OC but not HC. Jack Del Rio would be a good choice for HC if we could steal him from Jax.

Peace.

By tnbird

December 19, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Are there any REAL Falcon Fans out there? All I see is whinning. We need to fix our defense, get our OL to protect our QB, receivers to catch the ball and go out and win the last 2 games . Then go kick butts in the playoffs. All this other stuff is crap and should be discussed if we fail. But right now we have a Superbowl to win, because there are no dominate teams out there. All of them are flawed. * GO FALCONS*

By Craig

December 19, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

To CJ2…Defense is the problem…but, about your point #1…what is Blank’s defensive philosophy? The DC needs to be replaced before the OC does. But yes, I am for both of them leaving.

By mo

December 19, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

Ron Rivera, huh?

Now that would be interesting. Another defensive-minded coach, but if you put him together with an good OC, Hmmm. That may be interesting.

Speaking of interesting, Seattle may be looking for another Head Coach next year. I heard that Mike Holmgren may retire at the end of the year. Mora may be crazy like a fox and is vying for the Seahawks job.

By ICEMAN

December 19, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

mo,

I can’t believe you haven’t found the racial element here! Come on mo, don’t let me down. We should have a black Head Coach here right?

By Anthony In Atlanta

December 19, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

While it’s true this team has many deficiencies, one of the most glaring deficiencies is DeAngelo Hall’s knack for giving up big plays.

TO is a classless jerk. But he schooled Hall all game last Saturday. So Mr. Blank, while you need to address many issues with this team after the season, one thing you can do immediately is tell Hall to shut the fcuk up and just play ball to his potential.

No more, “I’m better than Deion or Champ Bailey diatribes”. Until his level matches that of his mouth, Hall should only be seen, not heard.

By Flyt

December 19, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

How about a HUGE VOTE FOR MIKE MARTZ and his offensive brilliance for Head coach. I really like Mora, but you can’t like disloyalty to the best owner around - Blank!

By Tee

December 19, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

Arthur, Please call Jimmy Johnson!! Offer him a 2 year contract for $5 mill per year!!

We need some discipline!! Jimmy has 2 rings so the players will definitely respect what he says.

When you have players calling the coach by his “first name”…THAT’S A PROBLEM!!

By Brian B

December 19, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Lets go after a Big Name coach to get this team on track. The coach of the Jets and NO are doing excellent jobs their 1st seasons. But we need a seasoned coach. My vote, lets go after Bill Parcels or Mike Dikita. Both guys would change this tema around fast

By billy g

December 19, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Johnson?! You gotta be kidding. JJ was a terrific evaluator of talent, but a lousy to mediocre coach. He rode the talent he had in Dallas (much like the pin head that followed him), but when he came to Miami, he floundered. That was no surprise.

JJ is a far better GM than a HC.

By fanatic

December 19, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Jim mora needs to be fired, gregg knapp needs to be fired. the team needs to go out and get some bookend offensive linemen to protect vick. allen rossum needs to be released he can’t cover nobody. D hall needs to shut up and stop somebody.

By honest_abe

December 19, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

what i’ve never understood was why do people bash matt schaub? if you are a mike vick defender that’s cool. defend a player who you like and who you have faith in. but what did matt schaub do to deserve a verbal licking? some folks on this board live purely on assaulting other professionals. they bring absolutely nothing productive to the table instead they just bash anything and everything. it get sooooooo old.

By GTIronman

December 19, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

Keep Mora, hire a Defensive coordinator, and get Ralph Friedgen from Maryland as OC.

By JimmyB

December 19, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

Honest_Abe. Maybe we could get you to pull out the old Merck plays. I bet you could take Knapp on Madden 06.

By Coach

December 19, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

Jim comment this past week and his dad’s comment a couple of weeks ago can’t possible work to Jim’s favor. However, I think he has a team playing hard - I think the players belief in Jim is sincere. Jim is not coaching an overly talented football team - particularly without Kerney, Abraham, Webster and Mathis. With the possible exception of Colemen none of Jim’s big men on both side of the ball are game dominators. The teams which play late into January generally control both Lines of scrimmages - We just have not aquired that kind of player. Game dominators give the linebacking core great play definition - Jack Lambert was an all pro playing behind Mean Joe, Brooking is a probably a better linebacker than Jack was, but he does not get the play definition that Jack did.

By Titothebear

December 19, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

i expect Mora will be fired. Three years from now, all you football geniuses will be talking about firing Mora’s replacement. A proven coach to take us over the hump is what youll be crying out for. Truth is Foulcons are bad and always will be. Forty years of futility out of forty-one. Prety hard to argue with that. It doesn’t matter whom Blank brings in. The Foulcons will continue to be what they’ve always been-BAD!

By Titothebear

December 19, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

i expect Mora will be fired. Three years from now, all you football geniuses will be talking about firing Mora’s replacement. A proven coach to take us over the hump is what youll be crying out for. Truth is Foulcons are bad and always will be. Forty years of futility out of forty-one. Prety hard to argue with that. It doesn’t matter whom Blank brings in. The Foulcons will continue to be what they’ve always been-BAD!

By BirdDawg

December 20, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this

Muhammid Mexico or whatever…

Dude, I’ve been talking about Whisenhunt since last year.

And as far as Cameron goes, the performance of the Chargers’ offense this year speaks for itself.

And as much as I love Buck, that man hasn’t had an original opinion about the Falcons, Braves, or Dawgs since he’s been on the radio.

In fact, he’s as much of a blind homer as some of the guys on the Dawg Blog. I was surprised Jim Mora could do anything to get Buck to throw him under the bus.

‘Cause God knows Bobby Cox could murder Buck’s dog, and Buck would still be in love with everything Bobby Cox does.

By Ott Rooni

December 20, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

Are you really so stupid to think that Cowher would leave the Steelers and take a job with the Falcons? Aside from the sheer insanity o that, the man has a new mansion in Raleigh, NC. The only HC position he would take is with the Redskins. Probably in 2008 after Gibbs retires. He could accept Carolina, too, but Fox doesn’t seem to be in imminent danger of getting fired. And, Whisenhunt wouldn’t take the Falcons job, either. Not when he can be head of coach of a REAL football team, with classy owners and magnificent tradition. You know, the kind whose season ticket holders do NOT sell their seats to the fans of the other teams. Greedy, stupid Falcon-rats supporters. No wonder the players hate the dumb fans.

By ICEMAN

December 20, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

titothebear,

Where’ve you been man? I’ve been fighting off all of these idiots. You don’t seem the same. What gives?

By mo

December 20, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Whisenhunt can coach me anytime.

By REDBONE

December 20, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

I THINK ITS TIME FOR MORA TO GO, FIRST OF ALL HE HAS NOT DONE A GOOD JOB COACHING OR LACK THEREOF. HE STANDS ON THE SIDELINES LOOKING LIKE HE HAS NO IDEA WHY HE’S THERE AND ON TOP OF ALL THAT HE DOES NOT DICIPLINE HIS PLAYERS. THAT TEAM HAS NO DICIPLINE WHATSOEVER, IF YOU WANT TO WIN GAMES YOU HAVE TO BE FOCUSED AND DICIPLINED. OTHER TEAMS IN THE NFL PLAY WELL BECAUSE THEY HAVE REAL COACHING AND THE COACH’ WILL JACK THEM UP IF THEY DON’T PLAY TO THEIR POTENTIAL. WE HAVE A TEAM THAT COULD BE CHAMPIONS IF THEY ONLY HAD A COACHING STAFF, AND NOT ONE OF THE GOOD OLD BOYS TRYING TO BE EVERYBODY’S FRIEND. I LOVE MY FALCONS, BUT I’M TIRED OF BUYING SEASON TICKETS YEAR AFTER YEAR TO WATCH THEM LOSE. MORA HAS TO GO.

By michael

December 21, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Mike Martz is a perfect fix for the Falcons! Trade “mickey” Mora & Knapp for Martz! A real by one get one free special!

By JJ Falcon for Life

December 21, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Hey I’ve got a great idea. I don’t know why some of our resident blogging geniuses haven’t thought of this before! Let’s send Matt Schaub to the Raiders in a straight-up trade for Randy Moss. It would get our current receivers wide open just to be on the same field with him. Sure he’s not the terror he was in ‘98, but he’s way better than what we’ve got and with him leading the way maybe our youngsters will be too scared to drop the ball!

By jjame32

December 23, 2006 07:05 AM | Link to this

we just need to blitz more now that our recievers are catching the ball thats our only weakness defense 3 and 10 we go to a 3 man line qbs have all day against us

By jonny297

December 25, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this

By David

December 27, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Listen JJ Falcon for Life: Ive got an even better trade for the Falcons to the Raiders. How about trading Mike Vick straight-up for Randy Moss and promoting Schaub to the starting quarterback position on the Falcons. Don’t let Schaub get away because that is equivalent to when the Falcons let Brett Farve get away many years ago and we all know where Brett Farve will end up—Hall-Of-Fame. Get rid of Vick since we can’t use his skills anymore, now that we have found out he is a loser and is headed for a 7-9 season. Get Randy Moss in here for Vick and watch the Falcons make it to the Superbowl. You had the right team to trade with, but the wrong player for us to give up. We need to give up Vick and NOT Schaub since Schaub will become a Hall-Of-Famer if given a starting quarterbacking job in the NFL.

By MILLCREEK MAN

January 1, 2007 05:28 PM | Link to this

AMEN,MORA JR IS GONE , AMEN….. I AM SO HAPPY.WE NOW NEED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROCESS….. THIS TEAM IS WAY TOO TALENTED TO FINISH 7-9. GET US A COACH THAT STRESSES DEFENSE, AND BRING ON THE 07 SEASON…………………

By MILLCREEK MAN

January 1, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this

HEY AVEENO ,WHY DONT YOU SHUT THE F@*K UP…EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO AN OPINION, THERE ARE HIP HOP THUGS IN THE STANDS , I SAY TRADE VICK , (SHAUBB IS TOO GOOD TO LET GO)GET THE BEST PLAYER OR PLAYERS IN RETURN, AND LETS MOVE ON. AND AS FOR YOU IDIOTIC COMMENTS REGARDING RICH McCAY, ALL THOSE PLAYERS YOU MENTIONED WERE GOOD AQUISITIONS……..LIVIN LARGE IN “B” TOWN….. HOLLA