Falcons

By aqg17

March 5, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

slow is the name of the game with FA this year. we knew this going in, with only 10 million to spend. i would love to see joe horn a falcon. i’m wondering what else we will do to aid the salary cap, who else will get cut and/or restructured.

By falcon lover

March 5, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

I really like the signings. No their not big names but they’re solid guys who will contribute in a BIG way. I am very excited about this season and everything that’s being put into place.

By famucancer

March 5, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I like the Mughelli signing. He’s known as a younger Lorenzo Neal, so that’s a good thing. (now, I pray the comments on this blog are positive and upbeat and evil spirits are directed away from it - amen).

By BlackJacket

March 5, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

We should have taken this tact the last few years. It’s better to dip into Free Agency for your “Meat & Potato” guys. You really need to draft you FRANCHISE players. This year, I’d rather come out with 10-11 drafted players than a big FA splash.

I would love to see: - Joe Horn - Dion Grant - any 320+ lb OG with starting experience - resign Morten Anderson for 1 more year

Draft: - #3 pick, Charles Johnson or Anderson - 2nd round -> Merriweather Safety from Miami - Grubbs from Auburn - Wrotto from GT (6th round) After those guys, we can just go with best player available

By Ken Strickland

March 5, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Mora and friends convincing Blank to sign big names FA’s created our salary cap situation in the 1st place. Look at the money we’ve spent on Hartwell, Reese, and Abraham. Now look at the overall production we’ve gotten from this trio. Our money has definitely been misspent.

By Anakin Joe

March 5, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Anyone know how much cap relief/hit we took when we sent Hartwell packing? Also, any reason why Jason Webster still has a Falcons uniform?

And YES, please sign Joe Horn. Not only will he get in the face of the other receivers, he may even choose to say something to unapproachable QB.

By Keeping it real

March 5, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Falcons were 22nd in defense last year. Keith Brooking is no middle line backer nor is Jordon Beck. pressure is the name of the game and run stoppers. The FA look OK but to win the team must do better. This team was 7-9 last year. At 1800 dollars for tickets we need wins . we lost the last three home game and losing is real old now! we need to win and now! Get the people that will win. Don’t care who as long as they win and now!

By Ryder

March 5, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Good point BlackJacket. I think McKay learned his lesson from the previous two years, and decided to build some much needed depth. Should Atlanta get Joe Horn, I believe that coupled with the return of Finneran will be the boost that Vick needs. After that, draft the huge offensive linemen that Petrino craves.

By Chris J

March 5, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

OKAY We cut hartwell and reese and lehr now get rid of webster, rossum draft yasmon figures from kansas state to replace rossum, move chris crocker to nickel back to replace webster, and sign william james then sign Cosey “southwest dekalb Coleman and put him on that line and and move jimmy Williams to FS trade shaub and the 10th pick and dunn to clevland for the 3rd pick and a swap of 2nd round picks for the 3rd pick in the draft and leap frog the bucs and and draft calvin johnson and watch the falcons soar

Go falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Bill

March 5, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Good job fellas, So far all positive post, The new management is definately on track. Sometimes the best moves that you make are the players that you do not retain. Hopefully the falcons will go defense in the first round and not make the same mistake that the detroit lions did by drafting another receiver. Lets find a diamond in the ruff e.g. marquez colston, steve smith in the later rounds.

By Chris J

March 5, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

oh and i forgot to say when we have the 3rd pick in the 2nd round we draft jarvis moss if hes gone then we go after tim crowder the draft is so deep with ends that we will be like patrick who? if we get crowder or moss

By D-Cider

March 5, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

It think the Falcons overpaid for Mughelli. here is what Mike Preston, writer for the Baltimore Sun had to say about the deal on Saturday. Of course, overpaying is kinda relative considering what O-linemen have been picking up the last couple of days.

Mughelli will become the highest-paid fullback in league history, signing a six-year deal worth $18 million. Mughelli was a fourth-round pick in 2003. He had trouble recognizing defenses, and finally blossomed in the second half of last season. I would stay away from Horn who is 35 and has missed significant playing time the last two years.

By rich carlson

March 5, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

I really hope the the Falcons have enough sense to hold on to Schaub, whatever it takes!!! They could save a lot of money and heartache by trading Mike Vick. Schaub has shown more poise, and much better passing accuracy in the time he’s actually gotten to play.I’m sorry,but aside from rushing a couple of times per game, Vick has been “all foam and no beer”. The money saved would go a long way toward luring an ace receiver,a top rate running back to replace the aged Warrick Dunn,and some monster players to beef up the defense. Maybe,if the team gets more serious about winning, and less about selling tickets to see “Mr.Hype”, Falcons fans might just have a prayer of watching their team in a Superbowl someday

By vickisick

March 5, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

i like what petrino and mckay have done so far. it seems to me that a power rushing attack will compliment vick better than mora’s scheme. use the power rush to wear down the opponent and then let vick run against a tired defense. mora’s scheme was all speed and finesse and never wore down the defense with hard rushing.

i hope mughelli is a lorenzo neal prototype because that’s what ATL has been missing since bob christian and ironhead left. i just hope we didn’t overpay for him.

my two cents on calvin johnson is this: if you look at mckay’s resume of first round selections, they don’t look too good. roddy white, michael jenkins and deangelo hall. d hall is the only decent selection. i’d say that mckay has done an excellent job with later round picks. that being said, i’d like to see ATL either trade up for calvin or trade down for more picks. calvin is as guaranteed a star as you can get.

By Dawgs2007

March 5, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Addition by subtraction at it’s finest! Hartwell and Reese were dead weight. I don’t won’t to trade with Cleveland for the 3rd pick. We can do fine where we are at. As for Schaub…why punish the man by sending him to Cleveland? He deserves better than that craphole. Send him some place where he can be successful.

Calvin Johnson? When was the last time someone with his hype live up to his potential? He did come from Tech :)

By Keeping it real

March 5, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

We need linemen on both sides of the ball. no pro bowlers on offense line nor defense line . We need head hunters . we are to soft on defense. 2005 -8-8 2006- 7-6. 12 th in offensen 22nd on defense Rich Mckay you do the math!!!!

By The Grinch

March 5, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

We’re on the right track so far. Steve, you really think “Pork-chop” is second tier? I thought he was supposed to be pretty good.

By Keeping it real

March 5, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Rich carlson Vick is our QB, that horse is dead . Name a QB that has 20 td passing 2 td running and 1039 in one season. no body else in history the NFL at qb . Just the facts not feeling! we need help on the line on both sides of the ball! Dawg 2007 you are right!

By JMar

March 5, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Pork Chop would make me happy. Joe Horn would not. He just turned down a huge amount of money from the Aints, and he’s 35 - what kind of contract are we supposed to give this guy? Plus I dislike him on a personal level.

By Chris J

March 5, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

i would welcome porkchop and cosey and joe just think how we could get in the saints heads with joe over there if we got joe that would be great it wasnt the money joe didnt want it was how he was treated he said he felt betrayed by the organization the coaching staff and that it was a pride thing

By Kevin

March 5, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

I think Ovie was a good signing just maybe at too high of a price. I agree Joe Horn might be in your face but he is also past his prime. Since we are obviously sticking with Ron Mexico we need to beef up the O-line and protect him.

By Keeping it real

March 5, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

5TH AND 7TH ROUNDER ON THE OFFENSE LINE . #61 IS HISORY . WE NEED MORE CUMPS ON THE LINE TO GO!

By Fred

March 5, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Falcons are getting serious…. http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/03/05/0305lehr.html

By Covington,Ga

March 5, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

I would love for this team to get Laron Landry but Im starting to think that he will not be there when we pick at #10…I really feel like a special player will slip to us at the 10 spot though….Hopefully we can sign Joe Horn…Yeah he has missed a couple of games due to injury but the impact the he would have in the locker room is what we need.

By sensible

March 5, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Yeah, unfortunately the Falcons are married to DOMINIQUE VICK, I want a Super Bowl but DOMINIQUE will just give us a few highlights but no Super Bowls. Watch another boring 6 foot 5 inch QB win the Super Bowl…meanwhile Falcon fans will scream for a wide receiver to make Vick a QB….kinda like giving a blind man a rifle scope hoping it will turn him into a sniper.

By falcondawg

March 5, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

D-Cider, the primary reason for going after Horn is to have someone who will get in the face of the slackers. He should not be expected to play every down at his age even though he will be productive with limited playing time.

By flce

March 5, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

DO WE GET CAP RELIEF FROM HURTWELL AND REESE????? HAT DOES THAT DO TO OUR CAP THIS YEAR AND NEXT YEAR???????????

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 5, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Solid, not flashy, describes these free agents well. I have no beef with the players the Falcons have added; I think Mughelli and Wilkins will be positive additions. I do have a problem with how much they are paying these additions, particularly Mughelli. He’s a nice player, but does he deserve the richest contract for a fullback in NFL history? I don’t think so. $18 million over 6 years is a ton of money for a fullback, even if he improves his ball skills, especially when you consider that the Falcons could have probably kept Justin Griffith for half that amount. I realize Griffith’s not the prototypical “mauling” fullback, but he’s the same height as Lorenzo Neal, and around the same weight as Tony Richardson, both of whom have been highly successful blocking fullbacks in the NFL. Who’s to say the significantly more skilled Griffith couldn’t have put on 10-15 pounds in the offseason to fit Petrino’s offense better? I’m not saying Mughelli won’t succeed here, but I do think Griffith could easily have filled the blocking fullback role at a lower price, and with better receiving and ball-carrying skills on top of that. Not to mention they could have at least auditioned Griffith for the goal-line back role as well and potentially saved themselves a lot of money by using him in a dual role.

I am much more pleased with the cuts the Falcons have made. Getting rid of Hartwell, Reese, and Lehr were all good decisions, and if anything should have happened sooner so that the Falcons would have had a better shot at keeping Kerney. In fact, I’m surprised more cuts haven’t been made… for example, Allen Rossum’s the 4th best return man and the 4th best corner on this team, so why is he still on the roster?

I’m glad Mughelli’s the only ridiculous contract the Falcons gave out this offseason… at least there were no outrageous deals like the Abraham trade last year. Going after lower-priced free agents with some upside like William James and Pork Chop Womack is a good tactic — if they fail, you’re not on the hook for much money, but if they succeed, you have a productive and cheap role player who can greatly help your team. I still hope the Falcons get Joe Horn, because his locker-room presence and experience will be a huge benefit to our young receivers, and at his age I don’t think he will command too much money. I’d like to see the Falcons get him at a reasonable price.

By singletary

March 5, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Please tell me we really aren’t considering a big check for a 35YO wide receiver. That is insane. I don’t care if he is Mr. Lockerroom. He can’t run four different routes and catch the ball on every play… I’d rather keep Ashley Lelie! And pick up Calvin Johnson to keep him away from TB! (I just keep thinking about SB MVP Heinz Ward who also wanted to stay in ATL and we didn’t get him!)

Cleveland isn’t a pit, and their fans are a lot more devoted than ours appear to be. A Shaub trade to them is probably a really good idea. After Calvin, pick up only O& D Linemen from the uber-cornfed big schools.

By Black & Right

March 5, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Dawg2007 You are a nut. Calvin Johnson is the truth and the only reason you hate him is because he went to Tech. I’m a Tech fan and I thought Shockley was a great pick-up. When it comes to rooting for our Falcons, I don’t care if they come from Duluth Tech, As long as they can perform. Falcons make a move for Calvin, Because we Damn sure need a receiver (A good receiver) Forget Joe Horn.

By Black & Right

March 5, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop, I agree you on most of your blogs. You have great knowledge of the game. But I must disagree about Joe Horn. Maybe a good leader in the locker room, but there is noway you give him big time receiver money at his age.

By destin

March 5, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

We have 1 quality starter at defensive end and he can’t stay on the field. So, no matter how bad we need defensive backs and offensive linemen, this has to be our #1 pick in the draft since it isn’t our best bet in free agency. The man we need, and he should be available, is Carriker (6’6”, 295lbs.- and growing). Offensive line - We can afford a quality starter at guard in free agency and then draft depth in later rounds. Defensive backs - Petrino must make the right decision on where to play Jimmy Williams who has the talent to be very good. Then when this is decided, we target safety and corner with our #2 pick and in free agency. Wide Receiver - See where we are with cap money and if quality is still available in free agency, use #3 or #4 pick on WR, hope Petrino can coach-up Jenkins and White, and hope Finn is back to normal.

By e.b.

March 5, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Yeh Steve, answer us this; Why aren’t some vets re-structuring their contracts, so we can sign some guys? Also, how bout some trades? Seems like Denver is one of the only teams that ever trades during Free Agency?

By DUANE SUEDE

March 5, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

I would agree that beating the dead horse.Being tied to Vick is an old subject and is that a bad thing? If you can’t see you have a pro bowl QB that needs some players and a solid scheme. That fits his play;no need to convince common since.The chemistry that is needed from the Owner,GM,and coach.Directly shows itself on the field during the season ie (the Mora reign).Obviously there is a lerning curve for Owners and GM’s.Rich knows how to build a team.He’s no coach and shouldnot take the resposiblity for play on the field.The coach tells him what he needs for a winning team.The NFL is league of scheme, talent and depth.I’m fan enough to watch as each level of this team gets better.FALCONS TO THE SUPERBOWL.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 5, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Black & Right, I would hate to see the Falcons give Joe Horn “big-time receiver money”. I don’t think that at his age, anyone’s going to offer him a long-term big-money contract. The Falcons signed another talented but aging veteran, Lawyer Milloy, last year to a 2-year, $6 million deal. It’s not a perfect comparison because Horn plays a different position, but if they sign Horn to a similar deal, I think it would be reasonable. Regardless of where he signs, I don’t think anyone’s expecting him to be a 1000-yard guy or a #1 receiver anymore, but he definitely can be a reliable route-runner, a good 3rd-down target with sure hands, and a good tutor for the younger receivers on this team. And if the Falcons use Horn in a part-time role, as I’m sure they will, I think he can make it through the season without any serious injuries. But I’m definitely not advocating giving him a big-money long-term deal or signing him with the intent of making him the #1 receiver here.

By Dawgs2006

March 5, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

You people are out of your minds if you think the Falcons are going to trade up to get Calvin Johnson! The Falcons have wasted enough on 1st round wide receivers.

This is the first year in the regime and I do not expect too many drastic moves. We will have a solid draft with safe picks.

There is a lot of work to do with this team to clean up after the mess left by Mora and his Bozos. There will more shipped out next year. After Mr. Vick will gone in 3 years.

The franchise will be building for the future and they have Vick locked into the contract. They will use his services for a couple more years and then ship his butt out here like Hartwell and Lehr.

By This Gets Old

March 5, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

How long before Jamarcus Russell pulls a “Latrell Spreewell” on Greg Knapp?

I don’t like the money given to the FB. Especially with Brooking moving back into the middle we’ve got to get some guys to protect him.

I know that Petrino wants a bigger FB for his offense but we don’t have one player along both lines whom we’ve picked in the first, second or third rounds. Notice I wrote WE’VE picked.

A big FB will help in pass protection and he’s not a rookie who’ll take a year to learn the protections. I still have to wonder why we gave McClure the extension and then hired Petrino.

Seeing what Dockery got I’d try to lock up Forney now. Don’t you think that Seattle wishes they’d gone ahead and kept Hutchinson?

I know that I write this every three months but we who realize that Vick IS an NFL QB stop fighting back against the haters? It only encourages them and then they ruin it for actual Falcon fans.

By gdg73

March 5, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

The front office is proceeding with caution and I like it. There is no need to overpay for these mediocre players like many of these perennial losers are currently doing. McKay is using some common sense.

Now the team does need a veteran receiver and Joe Horn is the guy they need. A decent receiver and some oline pass protection will open up this passing offense up big-time. Even though I like Calvin Johnson, we really don’t need him. He would be nice to have, but the team can still win without him.

At #10, the team should draft Laron Landry or Nelson. We should have 2 second round picks as well. We should go after the best DE available and a HOG to play OG. We should go after Buster Davis in the 3rd, and a corner in the 4th. Depth in the secondary, Oline, and Dline should round out the draft. Tra Battle out of Georgia would make a fine nickle back late in the draft.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 5, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

San Francisco 49ers sign Ashley Lelie, for those of you who may or may not care. Financial terms not disclosed.

By Ken Strickland

March 5, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Anyone questioning the Mughelli acquisition should think about this. Cam Cameron was the Chargers OC, and architech of the dynamic duo, Thomlinson & Oneal. As Miami’s new HC, his 1st FA priority was to go after Mughelli. He intended to pair him with RBrown, and create another dynamic rushing duo. He is the one that made Oneal into a rushing and blocking FB. The Falcons had no choice but to outbid Miami’s $2.75M offer. I’ll bet most people had simular thoughts about Oneal, as a FB overall, until Cameron redefined his role. Looks like Petrino had the same idea in mind.

It seems Petrino is making DEF his top priority, which makes sense. If your DEF is solid, you can still win big with a shaky OFF(see Bears & Ravens). If OFF was the answer, the Colts, and PManning, would have won SB’s yrs ago. They actually had to give up some OFF(EJames)to upgrade their DEF(DT McFarland from TB). Once he came around, their previously pourous run DEF was solidified, and they went on to win the SB.

We can get a quality safety, like Griffin or Merriweather, in the 2nd rd. If your CB’s have excellent cover skills, you don’t need a Probowl caliber FS. We need a DE & DT to round out our DEF upgrades. We need to upgrade our DT because GJackson is a situational player, and is coming off surgery. Babineaux has legal troubles, Shropshire is a disappointment, and TJackson isn’t skilled, or experienced enough yet, to be a starter.

Instead of trading Schaub, our 10th, and next yrs 1st rd pick for the rights to CJohnson. Why not trade Schaub, and next yrs 1st rounder, for a 1st rd pick this yr, and a 2nd next yr. Then use the two 1st rd picks to draft Louisville’s DT Okoye, and one of the top available DE. Draft a FS in the 2nd rd. We could have one tough, young, strong, quick and aggressive DEF. DE-Abraham, rookie, DT-Okoye, Coleman, LB-Brookings, Williams, Boley, CB-Hall, Williams, SS-Malloy, FS-Griffin or Merriweather.

By RDM

March 5, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

A bruiser blocking fullback will help stanch the bleeding until the line can be reworked. And they aren’t rushing to sign Horn, which probably means they DO have a maximum price in mind.

By m1a1mg

March 5, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

No Miami players. Even if we need a FS. Especially one that likes to kick players from the other team when they are defenseless.

Don’t sell the farm to get Johnson. He may turn out to be great, but at what cost?

Vick is the QB. Might as well get used to it.

Apparently a lot of other teams were willing to pay big for a FB. I hope this guy lives up to the hype,

By Ken Strickland

March 5, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Here is the lastest rumor. The Jets are considering trading up for the Lions #2 pick. They’re offering their #25 pick, and a DEF starter, considered to be a LB. Let’s put that in perpective. Cleveland is asking us for Schaub, our #10, and next yrs 1st rd pick for their #3 pick. In other words, the Jets feel they can get a higher pick, #2 instead of #3, by offering a much lower pick, #25 instead of #10. This is why I say we shouldn’t get too carried away trying to tradeup for the rights to one player.

By hitwriter

March 5, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Those of you down on White and Jenkins and high on Horn need to take a look at Horn’s stats on nfl.com. It was his 5th year that he became the respected WR he is today. Till traded to the Saints in 2000 he was very unimpressive with the Chiefs. White and Jenkins may just do the same… with or without Horn’s influence.

By "D" in Houston

March 5, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Who was the 1st QB to lead his team into the frozen tundra called Green bay in the playoffs and win? Aikman? Young? Marino? How about No No and No. Give him his due. He has a different Coach every other year. A diffrent System every year, and a different QB coach every 8 games….The only thing that has been consistent is the “fake” falcon fans constinently bad mouthing the guy. Get off his Nuts! Personally I say get Donte Stallworth, or Joe Horn. I mean would we really have not won more games with a healthy Abraham, Kearney, Webster, Mathis, Finneran, etc…( the list keeps going) No other team in the playoffs had more injuries to starters than us. We had a solid “D” and still do.

By dakid

March 5, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

If Shaub is such a better option,why hasn’t the Falcon’s recieved one offer for him??? When Vick signed the contract, it was market value for what he was giving the falcons. And that fullback is a beast. They had to sign him, Miami was going to offer around 2.8 a year. Cleveland isn’t taking Shaub and our pick for 3rd pick. I wish they would, but they won’t. He doesn’t fit in that weather. Arm strength. I have a big back for the falcon’s that will be cheap. Chris Brown from Tenn. He is injured alot,but wouldn’t have to carry the full load. 6’1 230. 10th pick hope and pray DE from Arkansas falls to them. If not,i wouldn’t draft safety from LSU. To many good safties in draft to draft that high. Nelson, Griffin, Weddle. If they sign Peterson, I for one hope we have seen the last of Rossum.

By Matthew at the SLC

March 5, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Steve,

Here’s the thing I’ve always wondered. How come all of you writers as well as Brooking himself keep on saying his “natural” position is weakside LB? He was a MLB in college, and played inside when the Falcons switched to the 3-4. In fact, he never played outside until dumb Jim Mora Jr. put him there. Here’s the thing… Brooking is way too slow to play outside. I got sick and tired of watching Keith Brooking getting burned by RB after RB on swing passes and screens. Also, Brooking, for all of his accolades, is not a good enough tackler to play outside or weakside. He’s vastly overrated. He needs to be in the middle, where his defeciencies are better masked. Put the faster guys on the outside, at Will and Sam. Keep Brooking’s overrated butt in the middle where he doesn’t have to chase down the play (because he can’t do that) or make an open field tackle (because he can’t do that, either). Keep him in the middle where the play comes to him head on, and all he has to do is wrap up and fall down.

By Keeping it real

March 5, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

I like tech and Calvin Johnson but we need defense. okoye At Dt this kid is the real deal. Get the best defense player in the draft bar non.

By Andy

March 5, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Steve…you need to explain how much room a team gets when it releases a player or when one leaves the team. Kerney choosing the Seahawks over the Falcons must mean some more money for the team??????

By Dawg4Life

March 5, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Now lets put this in perspective. Trade Schaub to the Vikings for this years first and next years fifth round picks. They need a qb that is ready now and it should be a fair deal since Garcia is off the block. Pick up Adrian Peterson if he is on the board because the Browns are looking QB first. He and Norwood will be great together. Move Dunn to receiver. That way he could be around quite a bit longer. Draft Landry with the tenth pick to solidify D along with pick up of James. Hey it was only a year ago that Q. Moses was a top five selection. Pick him up in the second round and put him to work in the weight room. He can improve and he is a great kid. Make one big move and sign Donnie Edwards with a big bonus. He is an ironman. D will be great. Offense will have a good weapon with Dunn at receiver and a stud in Peterson and Norwood at back. The bruiser and slasher. Dunn, Crumpler and Finn do not drop passes.

By Matthew at the SLC

March 5, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Dude, you need perspective. No one is going to trade their 1st and 3rd round draft pick this year, especially not a top-10 pick, for a back - up QB who’s never won a single game he’s started or played the majority of. Who’s completion percentage is 52%. Who is basically, the next Doug Johnson or AJ Feely. Come on, dude. Why is it that Falcons fans hold this stiff in such high regard when he’s accomplished NOTHING on the field to earn such high praise? Why are Falcons fans so stupid that they love their Great White Hype so much? These are, I am sure, the same idiot Falcons fans who wanted Doug Johnson and Kurt Kitner, too. Look how that turned out. Yeah. Smart fans. And I know you’re not arguing for that, Dawg4Life, but if you think we could get anything more than a 2nd rounder in a trade for Matt Stiff, then you’re crazy and on drugs. Yes, we can get a 1st and 3rd if they sign him, but no team is going to give up that, unless it’s the Bears, who pick 31st. No top-10 team in the draft is going to give that up for Matt Stiff. Y’all need to get some freaking perspective!!

By Dawg4Life

March 5, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

First off I said first and fifth and I agree with you that he is overrated. However, The Jets were going to give alot for him last year. Currently the Vikings have a good team and need to take a chance. A rookie is a step in the wrong direction. Paying Vick so much was a mistake and now we deal with it. Hell offer our 2009 first pick in the deal.

By Ken Strickland

March 5, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

DAWG4LIFE, don’t you think your suggestions are a little unreasonable? First, the Vikings are rumored to be offering only a high 2nd rd(#36)pick for Schaub. No team has offered anything higher than a 2nd rd pick for him. Secondly, if we draft Peterson, and play him with Noorwood, what do we do with Mughelli, the big FB we just signed to a record contract? I won’t even attempt to addresss the rediculous idea of making Dunn a WR.

By Nic

March 5, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Kerney takes a paycut to play with the Seahawks. Trader.

By Matthew at the SLC

March 5, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

I have been thinking it over I think we should trade Mike Vick, D. Hall, and Norwood for to Cleveland for thier pick plus thier 1st round pick for next year.

We can rebuild in the right way without the Thug element on the team.

By Ken Strickland

March 5, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

MATTHEW AT THE SLC, it’s too bad we can’t trade the tug element on these blogs. If we could, you’d be one of the 1st ones to go.

By Titothebear

March 6, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

tug element

Say what? You talkin’ boats now? What’s a tug element? As for Mathew at the SLC, he wants to trade Vick but refers to Schaub as a stiff, as in unable to do the job. So, who would play quarterback in your vision of the Foulcons’ future? Shockley? He’s no improvement over Vick. He’s another diminutive guy who can not see over his own line, much less the skyscrapers hurtling toward him!

By Matthew at the SLC

March 6, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

That wasn’t me, just some lamea— with a bad sense of humor. That’s what happens on these blogs, the lowest common denominator comes on and blows their idiot horns. Ken, don’t worry, I’m one of the good guys. I know what the word “thug” is the code word for on these blogs between the idiot redneck crowd. It’s just the guy who doesn’t have the balls to put his name where his words are is too much of a p—-y to come on these blogs and say what he really means, so instead he uses words like “thug,” not to mention other people’s handles. Yeah, these idiot rednecks aren’t too bright. I mean, we all know they mean the “n” word when they say thug, but they think they have us all fooled. The only fools here are the one’s who hold that kind of hatred in their hearts. Don’t worry about me, Ken. I’m a good guy… and one with a little perspective to boot.

By The Truth Hurts

March 6, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

So many fantasy GMs, so much ballyhoo and tomfoolery, so little time…Calvin Johnson is incredibly tempting, but fans need to put aside the emotion and remember that this defense, as currently constructed, is unacceptable. The Falcons need to concentrate on both lines—not get carried away with bringing CJ back home, as exciting as that would be.

They should take Landry at 10, if the Vikings don’t take him at 7, or, if he’s gone, along with both of the DEs (Adams and Anderson), take the 19 year old DT from Louisville. Landry could play right away and clocked a 4.35 at the combine, which means he might not be available at 10. If either of the DEs slip, which they won’t, they would have to draft one of the two. DT is probably the least sexy position to draft high, but the 19 year old is apparently really smart and would be a welcome addition from a PR standpoint (something Mr. Blank is very cognizant of, or so we hear). He’s also pretty good, even if none of the UGA fans on this board have heard of any Big East players.

Schaub is the Falcons only trade bait. Trade him now or get nothing for him after the season. Nobody will give more than a 2nd round pick for him (by himself), which isn’t bad, given the many needs the Falcons have.

CJ may score on us in the coming years, sure, but that doesn’t translate into sustained success, which is what this franchise needs to be building toward via the draft and it’s ability to provide depth. With weaknesses at CB, FS, DE, DT, OL and WR, the Falcons need to eschew sexy for smart. Think of it like a marriage—men who marry sexy at the expense of smart wind up 5 or 10 years down the road saying, “I’m bored with this.” The moral of the story: this post is long. Oh, and don’t marry the Hooters girl. Admire them from a distance but don’t stare, you dirty old man. Just think about the joy of having a woman who knows that buffalo wings don’t come from buffaloes.

By The Truth Hurts

March 6, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

So many fantasy GMs, so much ballyhoo and tomfoolery, so little time…Calvin Johnson is incredibly tempting, but fans need to put aside the emotion and remember that this defense, as currently constructed, is unacceptable. The Falcons need to concentrate on both lines—not get carried away with bringing CJ back home, as exciting as that would be.

They should take Landry at 10, if the Vikings don’t take him at 7, or, if he’s gone, along with both of the DEs (Adams and Anderson), take the 19 year old DT from Louisville. Landry could play right away and clocked a 4.35 at the combine, which means he might not be available at 10. If either of the DEs slip, which they won’t, they would have to draft one of the two. DT is probably the least sexy position to draft high, but the 19 year old is apparently really smart and would be a welcome addition from a PR standpoint (something Mr. Blank is very cognizant of, or so we hear). He’s also pretty good, even if none of the UGA fans on this board have heard of any Big East players.

Schaub is the Falcons only trade bait. Trade him now or get nothing for him after the season. Nobody will give more than a 2nd round pick for him (by himself), which isn’t bad, given the many needs the Falcons have.

CJ may score on us in the coming years, sure, but that doesn’t translate into sustained success, which is what this franchise needs to be building toward via the draft and it’s ability to provide depth. With weaknesses at CB, FS, DE, DT, OL and WR, the Falcons need to eschew sexy for smart. Think of it like a marriage—men who marry sexy at the expense of smart wind up 5 or 10 years down the road saying, “I’m bored with this.” The moral of the story: this post is long. Oh, and don’t marry the Hooters girl. Admire them from a distance but don’t stare, you dirty old man. Just think about the joy of having a woman who knows that buffalo wings don’t come from buffaloes.

By The Truth Hurts

March 6, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

So many fantasy GMs, so much ballyhoo and tomfoolery, so little time…Calvin Johnson is incredibly tempting, but fans need to put aside the emotion and remember that this defense, as currently constructed, is unacceptable. The Falcons need to concentrate on both lines—not get carried away with bringing CJ back home, as exciting as that would be.

They should take Landry at 10, if the Vikings don’t take him at 7, or, if he’s gone, along with both of the DEs (Adams and Anderson), take the 19 year old DT from Louisville. Landry could play right away and clocked a 4.35 at the combine, which means he might not be available at 10. If either of the DEs slip, which they won’t, they would have to draft one of the two. DT is probably the least sexy position to draft high, but the 19 year old is apparently really smart and would be a welcome addition from a PR standpoint (something Mr. Blank is very cognizant of, or so we hear). He’s also pretty good, even if none of the UGA fans on this board have heard of any Big East players.

Schaub is the Falcons only trade bait. Trade him now or get nothing for him after the season. Nobody will give more than a 2nd round pick for him (by himself), which isn’t bad, given the many needs the Falcons have.

CJ may score on us in the coming years, sure, but that doesn’t translate into sustained success, which is what this franchise needs to be building toward via the draft and it’s ability to provide depth. With weaknesses at CB, FS, DE, DT, OL and WR, the Falcons need to eschew sexy for smart. Think of it like a marriage—men who marry sexy at the expense of smart wind up 5 or 10 years down the road saying, “I’m bored with this.” The moral of the story: this post is long. Oh, and don’t marry the Hooters girl. Admire them from a distance but don’t stare, you dirty old man. Just think about the joy of having a woman who knows that buffalo wings don’t come from buffaloes.

By Ken Strickland

March 6, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

MATTHEW OF THE SLC, my apologies to you. After I posted my comments I noticed your previous comments, and realized what must have happened. I’ve had the same thing done to me by some of the anal minded morons that monitor these blogs.

By Titothebear

March 6, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

tug element

Say what? You talkin’ boats now? What’s a tug element? As for Mathew at the SLC, he wants to trade Vick but refers to Schaub as a stiff, as in unable to do the job. So, who would play quarterback in your vision of the Foulcons’ future? Shockley? He’s no improvement over Vick. He’s another diminutive guy who can not see over his own line, much less the skyscrapers hurtling toward him!

By Matthew at the SLC

March 6, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this

Thank you for your understanding Ken. You know I would not discuss things in that manner. I am one of the good guys.

Go Lady Dawgs!!!

By Titothebear

March 6, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this

The term ‘thug’ is used in relation to those who are of a criminal bent. I don’t think, it necessarily, has been used to refer to a particular race until it was popularized and glorified in hip-hop culture. Certainly, Adam Jones, known as Pac Man, has conducted himself in a thuggish, questionable manner. He’s been arrested several times recently. Babineaux, if the charges are true, beat an animal to death, his girlfriend’s pet. That would qualify as thuggish. Ron Artest stooped to thuggery with his performance at the Palace at Auburn Hills. He, also, was arrested yesterday for domestic battery upon a female living in his home. The two demonstrations by Mike Vick, the fingering of the fans and the inexplicable attempt at smuggling a bottle safe onto an airliner, qualify as thug-type actions. Mike Tyson, do I really need to go into his history? Ten of the Bengals’ players have collided with law enforcement over the past year. Their racial make-up I’m not certain of. Outside of sports, I know, for a fact, that eighty percent of robberies and violent crimes in Dekalb County are committed by black men. That qualifies as thuggery in my book. The CEO of Dekalb County, a black man, was accused of raping a woman a year or two ago. So far as I know, no charges were brought but the lady, also black, maintains it happened as she said it did. Many blame whites for the association between blacks and the word ‘thug’ but go into a music store and take a look around. Rap stars, at least many of them, declare themselves thugs, gangstas, whatever. It’s in the music and the graphics and photographs proclaim it as well. The link between the word ‘thug’ and blacks was, it seems, a marketing tool. The behavior glorified in Rap, in large part, is outlaw behavior. That marketing, unfortunately, was not seen through by many and they adopted the outlaw philosophy and have lived in that fashion, advocated by their heroes. This is not an indictment of black people however. The majority of Rap music is sold to white people. The message contained in the music has found a home with these kids and, consequently, there are plenty of white thugs. More than plenty! The message that resonates is one of ‘getting over.’ It’s how much you can steal. It’s having the will, and the capacity and capability, to do damage to those who may disagree with you or present an impediment to your ability to get something-usually for nothing. Recently, two young girls, white, and a bank teller, white, were arrested for robbing, and complicity, in the theft of money from a bank in a supermarket. They, as surely as any of the Bengals’ players, are thugs. The NFL, NBA and society-in-general will continue to be plagued by thugs and thuggish behavior until people, decent society, make it absolutely clear that certain types of behavior will be rewarded with banishment and a long time in jail!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 6, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this

Is it not possible for one Falcons blog to run its course without someone starting a sociological discussion and/or invoking one of #7’s many names?

By Matthew at the SLC

March 6, 2007 6:22 AM | Link to this

Once again, not me. Dude, idiot redneck man, get your own life, and leave me mine. Stop acting like a 2 year-old.

By Jim

March 6, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this

Joe Horn is a jerk. If Blank is serious about how his players are perceived on and off the field, he will pass on this clown.

By south will rise

March 6, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

Label me a Ridah, Thug Life

By D-Cider

March 6, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

some team will pay too much for Horn, that is why the Falcons should stay clear, just as the Seahawks overpaid Kerney. although i hated to see him go, almost 20 million in guaranteed money is a bit much.

By vickisick

March 6, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

tito make your posts longer. the last one was too short.

By KRIDDI

March 6, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

how can you not like a guy named pork chop? 10 brownie points if you can tell how he got his nickname. i know, do you? maybe he learned something after all those years of backing up steve hutchison.

calvin johnson will not be a falcon! accept that fact. it pains me to say that, but its true. this team has to many holes to fill to draft him.

our draft should be defense heavy. first round defensive end or defensive tackle. second round much like the first. third round we can go after an ofensive guard or a defensive back. we want, no, we need blue collar, lunch bucket, trench warriors on both sides of the line! remember this, first rounders do not a team make. jessie tuggle was undrafted, jamal anderson was picked in the sixth round, and shannon sharpe was dratfed in the seventh. if our scouting department continues to do a solid job, then we should have a good team!

GO FALCONS

By dakid

March 6, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Tito what would you call a player that is accused of a crime,but doesn’t get convicted??? Some of the cases you have named the players were found to be innocent. Also don’t take a couple stats to skew your argument. There are alot of reason’s that 80% of Dekalb county jail population is black. But that isn’t for the Falcon’s blog. Why are racist of both color’s such cowards?? The flipping of the bird was stupid, but the airport situation,he didn’t do anything wrong. As far as Shaub, again I ask for his backer’s,why haven’t the Falcon’s recieved on offer from anyone in the first round?? The next Brett Favre is what someone said in the Vent on Sunday. You guys are smoking crack that you bought from a “thug”. That kid is ok, but Brett wasn’t a backup for 3years. And I heard the samething about Doug Johnson. The falcon’s could save money by trading the most popular player for the racist, a white backup Qb behind a black Qb with corn row’s.

By D Ellis

March 6, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Joe Horn is what this young group of recievers needs…a in your face, I don’t give a crap what you think, I’m gonna tell you how it is or should be….LIKE OUR NEW COACH!!!! THe young group of WR’s need someone that is a veteran to help them come along. Joe Horn might be a loud mouth….but he still is better than anyone on our roster at that spot.

By gdg73

March 6, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

thug: a brutal ruffian or assasin: GANGSTER, KILLER.

That’s the definition per Noah Webster. This definition fits Lee Harvey Oswald, John Gotti, and the Ice Man more than guys you tabbed in your blog Tito. But by using your twisted logic, Vick fits right in with them. I bet you feel real stupid now.

By johna

March 6, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

First 2 picks of the draft should be for defensive line.

By D Ellis

March 6, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

VICK IS NOT A THUG…..PACMAN JONES IS A STUPID THUG…VICK IS JUST A DUMAS….A HECK OF A QB AND ATHLETE BUT A DUMAS…NOT A THUG….

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 6, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

Buffalo wings don’t come from buffalos’ huh? Boy, you’re right, if I could only find a woman that smart. I agree about the idea of not going sexy, football games are won on the line of scrimmage…boring but true….sort of like the kind of boring 6 foot 5 inch QB’s win Super Bowls.

By CMS

March 6, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

True - trading for a high first round is a long shot because Calvin Johnson is the sexy pick. And we do need to beef up our defense. But I would still try to bargin just to make sure Tampa Bay does not get hime. Simply because I would rather spend draft picks and a back up QB to get him than to have to face him twice a year with the defense we currently have.

By dakid

March 6, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Dominique Vick, your name sake has sucked the last to years. But also his team has too. 6’5 inch Qb’s don’t win the Super Bowls every year. Just not true. The Colts were better than Falcon’s in dang near every facet of team, not just QB. But you guy’s won’t look at that, just Vick. But he has stunk it up for 2 years running. And no Qb should run for a 1000 yards, but doesn’t mean that he isn’t a QB. In that system, that’s what they asked of him.

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 6, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know the last QB who was 6’ or shorter to win the Super Bowl? I think it may go back to the 70’s ?

By Matthew at the SLC

March 6, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

I am a proud UGA student that loves the Falcons. However, I do not care for Thugs and other low-life elements bringing down my beloved Falcons.

Here at UGA we don’t have many Thugs on campus, I do not want them ruining my SLC. I

I do think the Falcons would be better off trading Vick for whatever we could get. I wouldn’t even mind if we traded for Chris Simms.

By CMS

March 6, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Again, Calvin Johnson is the sexy pick, aka the Hooter’s girl. And everybody knows that the Hooter’s girl isn’t neccessarily wife material. But every now and then you will come across the Hooter’s girl who is actually in law school - or better yet is on the verge of graduating law school. That’s CJ.

By Carroll

March 6, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

I like Petrino and the Falcons free agency approach this offseason. In the Free Agency era, the best teams are those that collect a lot of avg to above avg talent….NOT the ones that collect a few high priced stars.

By Derryck

March 6, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Some of you guys think that signing all these players like Joe Horn is going to help! Well, I don’t like him, I never have; but, what you have failed to look at is the coaches who have develpoed players into Pro Bowlers! Hugh Jackson made Stephen Davis a better back than he ever was anywhere else! Chad Johnson, Henry, and the other guy by the name of TJ were nobodies! He developed them! His offense under Steve Spurier was one of the top offenses in the league! They just couldn’t stop anyone defensively! Thats what you have to look at here! The developement of the talented players that we have that we either misused or required to play in a playing the percentages type offense! Wait and see! Hugh Jackson is not going to let Roddy White drop pass after pass, or let people not get open or create seperation! All of these factors played terrible roles in the falcons o last year! They were depending on Vicks legs to create space so that the recievers could get open by defenders committing to Vick to early! The passing game was not good last year, but wait and see! Development is the key to success in pro sports not over payment and big checks!

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 6, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Or the Hooters girl who has turned away from her slutty past and has turned the moral corner, now she’s marriage material and she looks like a Hooters’ girl. Calvin Johnson is the moral ex hooters girl….forget football, I can only think about Hooters’ girls now.

By Artie

March 6, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

You know what? I say just blow up the team and start over.

Let’s be honest. We’re going to take a step back. We’re not going to the Superbowl and probably won’t even sniff the playoffs.

Let’s get rid of all these “big money” players that didn’t pan out and take the cap hit so we can be contenders again in a year or two.

This is going to be a rebuilding year anyway so let’s get serious about it.

No more trading draft picks for over-priced, over-hyped, injury magnets.

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 6, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Offensive linemen and defensive linemen are like the women you meet at church, they may not be much to look at but they’ll be by your side when the going gets tough and they can also cook whereas the Hooters girl will run off with a used car salesman who tips well. We need some linemen.

By vickisick

March 6, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

“People shy away from the 6-1, 6-2 guy;, and that’s a mistake,” Shanahan says. “People think they can’t see over the line. Nobody sees over 6-6 linemen anyway.”

that is a quote from an article on evaluating qb’s. steve young was 6’1” and joe theisman was 6’0”. those are the two that come to mind about shorter superbowl qb’s. poise is the most important attribute, height is a bonus.

By gizmox329

March 6, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Good signings so far. More attention is needed to beef up the O line. Now that Kerney is gone DE will have to be adressed.

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 6, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Well, I will say one thing on Vicks behalf, Steve Young at his tip top prime was the best QB I ever saw…but having said that, Steve Young was much more accurate than Vick and only slightly taller, not much to make that big a deal about.

By Joe

March 6, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

If the Falcons don’t draft Calvin Johnson, they better go after someone to cover him because we’ll be seeing him two times a year with the Bucs.

Nothing against D. Hall but he does not have the skills to cover a Freak like CJ by himself.

Just remember, CJ lit it up with REGGIE BALL throwing it. It would be fun to see him go to the Colts…….

By Ken Strickland

March 6, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

DERRYCK, you make very good points. Develop what you have before going elsewhere. We have 4 young OL that we can develop into what we need, and they are (OG)TClabo, (OG/T)FOmiyale, and (OG/T)QOjinnaka and (OG/C)PJAlexander. We have 4 young WR’s that need further development, and they are MJenkins, Ajennings, JElliot, and RWhite. RWhite is going to be the best of the bunch. He has very good hands, and a body that will allow him to physically overpower most DB’s. His problem has been in the areas of concentration, and catching the ball the way his college coach taught. The trend today is to teach WR’s to cradle the ball, using their bodies. This helps WR’s with poor hands, and those playing in cold climates. Once White makes the adjustment, watch out.

We also need to develop (MLB)JBeck, (CB/FS)JWilliams, (SS)CCrocker, (LB)JLeake, (DE)PCarrington, JMallard, CDavis, and (DT)TJackson, JBabineaux, DShropshire. We are not lacking in young talent, it simply has to be developed. We can’t do like Mora and friends, through them on special teams and expect them to develop into MLB’s, CB’s, OFF/DEF linemen, etc.

By BOBBY

March 6, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Dree Brees is only six feet and if that game was played in N.O. they may have been in the superbowl. All the receivers that have left since Vick has been here have become MIA in the league. P.Price is having a hard time catching on to a team and he was our best receiver. Joe Horn maybe up in age but he catches balls and he gets open. From my understanding it was not about the money with the Saints, it was a problem with the coach. Horn has about 2 years left in him and he would still be the best WR on our team…now that is sad. Get Horn, keep Finneran trade up for C. Johnson and trade “all” the other receivers…..for Tory Holt..maybe - wishlist. Our WR need to do the T. Holt drills, catching 1,000.00 + balls a day…scratch that, they can’t get open…tradem! Of course work on the OL and defense.

By Hasavior

March 6, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Why you guys talking about Mick Vick hieght? Did he have a lot of block down passes? No. did he not have 6’5 and 6’6 defensive ends and linemen chasing all last season? Now lets talk about that Simms quarterback out of Tampa. He is about 6’4 and he had his passes swatted down all season before he got hurt. Its a ongoing problem for him that they had to use instruments in practice to alleviate the freq of batted down passes.

Guys, its not about the hieght, hall of fame quaterbacks can tell you that, its about the delivery, set points, strenght, and footwork.

Let’s talk football guys!!

By RunningCircles

March 6, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

I agree with what some of the posters have said, Michael Vick is our QB, that’s something you HAVE to deal with. He CARRIED Va. Tech to the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. I know college doesn’t always translate to the NFL, but Vick looked EVERY bit as talented during his first few seasons with the Falcons, and can do things that NO other QB can do. He has been to the Pro Bowl THREE times, and SHOULD have gone last year, if the MEDIA didn’t make Vick out to be so awful, and if our WR’s could catch passes that a HIGHSCHOOL WR should catch. Listen, you guys can blast Vick all you want for not fitting in Mora’s system, and say that a Pro Bowl QB should be able to MOLD to any type of system, but that’s just NOT the case with Vick. You guys just watch and see what happens now that the world’s STUPIDEST HC in Mora is back working as an assistant in BEAUTIFUL Seattle, and Vick is working with not only a successful HC, but an OFFENSIVE GURU, that has had success with many DIFFERENT style QB’s INCLUDING Jake Plummer (ASU), Mark Brunell (JAX), and of course the pro-style QB’s he had at Louisville.

The thing that BLOWS my mind the MOST, is how SO MANY fans really BELIEVE that MATT SCHAUB is Joe Montana reincarnated. He’s played in what, 2 games? He’s lost the games he’s started, and has thrown MORE interceptions than TD’s. I think just the fact that SO MANY teams are so high on him, is something we HAVE to take advantage of, by getting the most we can out of him. Otherwise, next season we will just lose him and get NOTHING in return. This is a SPECIAL circumstance, and in this case, if you can basically trade Matt Schaub to get Calvin Johnson, you do it. CJ is a CAN’T MISS prospect. NONE of the WR’s that Detroit or the Falcons have drafted have been in the class of Johnson. In fact, since Randy Moss joined the league, no WR’s have been in this class except for MAYBE Larry Fitzgerald. You just don’t do the things he did in college while DOUBLE TEAMED most of the time, receiving passes from REGGIE BALL, and having every gameplan possible directed HIS way. You also don’t do what he did at the combine. He’s as CAN’T MISS as it gets, and if you don’t try to make it happen, it’s going to be a WASTED OPPORTUNITY next season when Matt Schaub walks away. Michael Vick is our QB, that’s all there is to it. I can’t wait for this season to get underway so that everybody sees what he can do when he’s not LOST in Mora’s offense, and we start WINNING GAMES. The sooner our fanbase realizes that, the better.

By jamaal

March 6, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

No Patrick Kerney, are they crazy? Damn we messed up on this one. We needed him!!

By Ken Strickland

March 6, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

BOBBY, don’t forget Joe Montana, who was the epitome of the west coast OFF QB, and a multiple SB winner. There’s also Joe Thiesmann, also a SB winner. It’s not the size of the player, it’s the size of his talent that’s most important. It’s always an advantage if that talent is packaged in a 6’3”+ frame. But size and height won’t guarantee success. If you look at the record, you’ll find as many 6’4”+ busts, if not more, in the NFL than 6’ busts.

The bigger, taller QB’s are usually given more time and opportunity to succeed, especially as starters. If a shorter QB has simular problems, and takes longer to develop, you hear the same crap you’re hearing about Vick. He can’t see over his OL. Hell, even a 6’5” QB has problems seeing over his OL when it, and half the DEF front 7 are in his face.

For example, PManning is the protypical NFL QB in terms of size, height, and passing ability. But, despite his attributes, it took him 9 yrs to get to, and win, the SB. In the past, the Steelers and Patriots were able get past the Colts OL and pressure Manning. As a results, Manning usually lost those games, because of multiple INT’s, sacks, and/or fumbles. His performance in those gms was usually average, if that. When your OL is overpowered, and the DEF is in your face, size and height won’t stop you from getting sacked, fumbling, throwing INT’s, or just plain getting your butt waxed. Brady and Big Ben weren’t necessarily better QB’s, but their teams had better DEF’s. This yr no teams DEF, especially the Steeler and Patriots, was strong enough to consistently pressure Manning, and we all know the results.

By dredd_one

March 6, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Shout out to Steve Wyche…Do you have an updated picture of the Falcons Salary Cap Room after the recent releases, UFA losses, and hires? I think we were at around $6 Million under before the Kerney, Hartwell, Leslie, Lehr clearouts. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for keeping us up to date!

By Titothebear

March 6, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

dakid,

The statistics I cited came from the Dekalb County District Attorney. If you have an issue with those figures I’m not the person you need to speak with. As for the Schaub situation, as compared with the earlier one with Favre, they aren’t the same. The Falcons were pretty happy to let Favre go and he was happy to go. With Schaub, the Falcons have exercised caution. They turned down a trade to the Jets, last year, for Abraham. They’ve offered him a two million dollar salary this year and, from appearances, it seems they are doing all they can to keep any other team from acquiring him. They know he’s a good quarterback and that he’s a far better passer than Vick. They are trying to keep him because they suspect Vick will not be able to perform as they need him to. Vick, this past season, eclipsed the rushing record for quarterbacks, formerly held by Bobby Douglas. Vick is not a good passer and neither was Douglas. Both, while setting individual rushing records, quarterbacked their teams to losing records. The Falcons know Schaub to be a good passer and they believe he could run their offense efficiently. That’s why they want to hold onto him. After six years, it is quite apparent, to those who will see, that Vick is lacking in passing ability. The Falcons, unfortunately, are tied to him contractually and they are going to continue to try to get value from their huge investment. At the same time, they are holding on to Schaub because they know, in their heart of hearts, Schaub is the guy they need to have taking snaps from center!

By long time falcon

March 6, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Kerney got 20 million in guaranteed money from seattle. The falcons did the right thing by passing on kerney because the seahawks way overpayed for this guy. Kerney is a good player if he has the right people around him. But he is certainly not dominant, nor can he carry a defensive unit. Wish we could have had him back but certainly not at the price seattle paid.

By Titothebear

March 6, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

By gdg73 March 6, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this thug: a brutal ruffian or assasin: GANGSTER, KILLER.

That’s the definition per Noah Webster. This definition fits Lee Harvey Oswald, John Gotti, and the Ice Man more than guys you tabbed in your blog Tito. But by using your twisted logic, Vick fits right in with them. I bet you feel real stupid now.

Noah Webster’s definition doesn’t fit. ‘Thug’, in this age, was defined and popularized by Tupac Shakur and by Suge Knight and by Irv Gotti and his Murder Incorporated. If you don’t know, you better ask somebody! It’s true that John Gotti and Oswald committed criminal acts. ‘Thug Life’ is a way of living and it was defined by Shakur. It’s his example that is being followed, long after his death by shooting. Keep that weak Webster stuff out of here! Vick dresses the part and he’s conducted himself in a manner that coincides, exactly, with the precepts outlined and made specific by Tupac Shakur. Vick is a thug, whether you acknowledge that fact or if you do not!

By Psack

March 6, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

CALVIN JOHNSON—YAH DON’T THE BUCS TO GET CALVIN WE WILL HAVE TO FACE HIM TWICE A YEAR

THIS GUY WILL BE BETTER THAN RANDY MOSS AND HE WILL MAKE US PAY FOR LETTING TAMPA GET HIM…WHAT CORNER BESIDE MAYBE CHAMP BAILEY CAN STOP HIM 4.39 SPEED IF HE LEARNS TO GET PHYSICAL WATCH OUT…..WE CAN’T LOSE WITH HIM

By Joe Bob

March 6, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Falcon Fans! Chew on this. Matt Schaub is way overrated as a back-up. He has had phenominal pre-season games and in regular season games he is no better than Mike Vick completing 52 percent of his passes and he has thrown just as many touchdowns as he has thrown interceptions. Way overrated!! I agree.. Trade him to Cleveland where they cherish him.. Move up to number 3 - take Calvin Johnson if available - if he is not available then go with a bruiser running back! We need to draft the hell out of offensive lineman if we have any chance this season. In Bobby Petrion’s spread’em offense.. Vick will not have any time to throw the ball if we don’t have a huge offensive line with some strength. Defensively - we have got to do something about our weak linebacker corp. I love Brooking (always been a brooking fan)but outside of Brooking.. I like Beck! Demario Williams is lightning fast but not a bruising hitter. We need some bruisers from our linebackers and our Safeties!! If you don’t punish the receivers then they will not be scared to come across the middle. We get burned way to much by crossing patterns for long plays!! Lets get it done Petrino!! Go Falcons

By BOBBY

March 6, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Fellas, don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining about Vick’s height. I am just using Brees as an example as you have others stating that Vick is too short. Vick and Brees are the same height so I don’t see the problem as they both carried their team to only one game removed from the SB.

By Vick=Cashflow

March 6, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

To all of you Vick Haters out there, do you not understand that Vick moves the money meter? 1. Arthur Blank gets half of the gate when the Falcons go on the road and when they play at home, ALL SELLOUT CROWDS, because of #7. 2. Arthur Blank gets money from the Jersey Sales for all of those #7 jersey’s sold ALL over the country. 3. Arthur Blank gets money from higher television ratings which means higher advertising dollars, all because of #7. All that being said, Michael Vick is a CASH COW, the Goose that Lays the GOLDEN EGGS, PERIOD. You don’t get rid of the Goose that lays the Golden Eggs. And nobody wants to watch Matt Fraud play except for these racist rednecks. Get Michael some damn help! This team has so many holes, I can’t count! The O-line is terrible, Peyton Manning wouldn’t make it five games behind that line! Warrick Dunn is TOO small, they can’t even convert a third and short, because of the O-line and his @ss is TOO small! The D-line is pathetic, didn’t Carolina come in here with no QB, and run the wishbone offense the entire game?? And don’t get me started on the receivers. All of you Vick haters need to shut the hell up, he is not a THUG. Last time I checked, it is Matt Fraud that has the arrest record, not Vick!

By Titothebear

March 6, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Cash Ho,

We didn’t hear a thing about any holes when the Falcons were 5-2. The Falcons, of course, wound up with a losing record because Vick can’t pass the football. In seven of the losses, last season, the Falcons averaged ten points. You can’t win scoring ten points a game. Mr. Excitement gained one thousand yards while his team lost nine games. In three games, against the Cowboys, Bengals and Steelers, Vick threw eleven touchdown passes. We didn’t hear about any holes then. in the other thirteen games, Vick threw nine touchdowns. That’s when ignorant homies, such as yourself, start squaelin’ like little girls about how many holes the team has. Matt Schaub is the much better quarterback and he’ll prove that, possibly in Atlanta. By the way, racist boy, Matt Schaub was arrested, tried and found NOT GUILTY! Case closed Boy! You know man, same way it be closed for O.J. The Falcons had the worst, and last, passing offense in the league last season. That’s attributable to no one else but Mr. Cornho.

By SUPER RED BIRD FAN FROM THE ATL

March 6, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

boy, boy, boy, this team lokked solid with a couple of major pieces missing to put us in the super bowl? now there are gapping holes all over the place!!! thanks mora and mckay

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 6, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

By Richie Rich

March 6, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Tito, being a good passing qb doesn’t make you a winning qb all the time, just ask Carson Palmer, Mark Bulger, John Kitna, Ben Roethlisberger, and Brett Favre. All of these qb’s did not make the playoff’s, but put up good numbers in the passing game. I guess not making the playoffs for these qb’s is the TEAM’S FAULT, not like here in THE ATL, where it’s ALL VICK’S FAULT!

By CJ

March 6, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Dominiqa Vickie! Get a clue about football. Vick is the best single player that the Falcons franchise has ever had. He basically carried this team on his back the past couple of years even when we went to the NFC Championship. Petrino said it best in his review of the tape on Vick last year. And that was he was more concerned about the hits that Vick was taking when dropping back to pass. I applaud Vick for the effort that he gives in trying to make up for other players failures. The offensive lineman need to be offensive lineman! The receivers need to be receivers and get seperation & catch the ball! And the defense needs to be a defense! If you think that Vick is the only problem that the Falcons have then obviously your new to football. “Miss Dominiqa Vicki”.

By VICTOR REESE

March 6, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

ATLANTA NEED TO SIGN JOE HORN NOW, NOT LATER, THAT WOULD GIVE US TWO GUYS THAT CAN CATCH. CRUMPLER , HORN .

By dakid

March 6, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Vick hasn’t carried the Falcon’s. But to the people who say we need a passing Qb. If Peyton had the team that Vick had last year, what would his record had been?? Reciever’s for Falcon’s drop passes from anyone. Not just Vick. He has to improve as a passer. No Doubt. But if the Falcon’s believe Shaub is that much better, they would put their franchise in trouble for one player. You guys are smoking. Seriously. It’s not about how much money you make. Ike Reese made less than Williams and Boley. Qb in St.Louis is a great passer, with Great Hall of Fame recievers, and what has he done?? Tito thanks for the civil reply. And DOMINIQUE VICK, if the Falcon’s had a better team, it would be different. They had a terrible play caller the last 3 years. And a system that masked Vick’s passing skills. This year is make or break. But they are holding on to Shaub has nothing to do with how good he is. If he is soooooo good,why hasn’t one team made an offer for him?? Not one team. No one offered him a contract. Wes Walker was tendered and he still recieved a contract.

By Titothebear

March 6, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

I really don’t know why Schaub has not been offered a contract from some other team. i don know the Falcons have done everything they can to deter that from happening. So far, it seems to be working. Schaub’s day will come. It may be somewhere else but it could be in Atlanta if Vick fails. I have little confidence in Vick and it isn’t because he’s not talented. He is! He, however, has never shown the sort of desire that would be commensurate with his talent. He can throw the ball hard and he can throw it long. That’s impressive, to be sure, but it has not translated itself into enough points to win consistently. The job with the Falcons is his. If Schaub ever becomes the Qb of the Falcons it will be because Vick has played his waay out of the line-up. For me, he’s already done that but I don’t make the decisions. The decision is up to Petrino. If Vick falters, I believe he’ll make a change.

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 6, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

LOOK, YOU CAN’T PUT COOL WHIP ON A PILE OF CRAP AND CALL IT SHORTCAKE AND YOU CAN’T BLAME PEERLEES PRICE, RODDY WHITE, MICHAEL JENKINS, DEZ WHITE, MATT LEHR, ALEX GIBBS, JIM MORA, GREG KNAPP, TODD MCLURE, TODD WIENER, KYNEAN FORNEY, AND THE WATER BOY BECAUSE VICK IS A HORRIBLE QB….DID ANYONE HAPPEN TO CATCH THE NAMES OF TOM BRADY’S RECEIVERS THIS LAST YEAR AND THE NUMBERS HE PUT UP? VICK IS THE COACH KILLA, RECEIVER KILLA, LINE KILLA, AND FAN KILLA AFTER ONE MORE YEAR. HAVE WE HAD ONE GREAT RECEIVER SINCE VICK HAS BEEN HERE? AGAIN, I SAY LOOK AT BRADY’S RECEIVERS THIS YEAR.I SAY THE NUMBER 1 RUSHING OFFENSE PROBABLY HAS SOME GOOD LINEMEN AND PASS BLOCKERS ON IT TOO. OF COURSE I’M NOT CURLING UNDER VICKS NUT SACK AT NIGHT FOR WARMTH LIKE MANY ARE.

By crazytalk

March 6, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Dominique, I agree Vick is not a good QB and the name Dominique does have a lot of truth to it, but we have to get real, the Falcons are stuck with him, I don’t like it and it’s obvious you don’t like but we are stuck with him, but hey, there’s always a chance he could get hurt and his career shortened, then we could get the pure passer that everyone craves so much. I’m trying to be positive….lol

By Richie Rich

March 6, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

DOMINIQUE VICK, our offensive line sucks at pass blocking. When Petrino first arrived, he was watching film of our team, and it was reported in this newspaper, that he said it looked like they practice run blocking alot more than they do pass blocking, and that he was going to fix that.

I remember when the Saints came to the Dome, we had just played Baltimore, and during the Falcons-Saints game , one of the announcers was talking about how Drew Brees had only been sacked 11 times so far in the season, and then he made a comment that Vick had been hit 17 times in the previous game against Baltimore. Now if that doesn’t explain how bad our line is, then i don’t know what will.

As far as Brady’s receivers go, i would take that receiving core over ours anyday of the week….And for Brady’s numbers, he also passed it about 30 times a game, how many attempts did vick avg. per game? maybe 17?

By West Coast Hawks

March 6, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

The Falcons had Peerless Price, a pair of busted first round wide receivers, and Ashlie Lelie come through Atlanta. Now I’m reading that Atlanta wants the Falcons to use their first pick on another wide receiver, Calvin Johnson. I don’t think another 1st RND WR is going to solve the Falcon’s offensive woes. The problem isn’t the receivers, its the $130-million QB.

And don’t think PorkChop Womack is gonna be any good either. He was a disappointment in Seattle and is not the starting Guard/Tackle you want in Atlanta, a back-up maybe He’s also injury-prone, something the Falcons are all too familiar with.

By crazytalk

March 6, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

I think we can all admit though that Vick is not a pure passer, this is what many I’ve talked to want, just a QB who is a pure passer..VICK IS NOT THAT AND NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM YOU HAVE TO ADMIT THAT MUCH.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 7, 2007 2:36 AM | Link to this

Who is this Michael Vick everyone seems to be talking about? Steve Wyche’s blog doesn’t seem to mention him anywhere…

By Ken Strickland

March 7, 2007 3:08 AM | Link to this

NEJEH DAVENPOOP, don’t try responding to the obvious wave of recent trash that has invaded the blog. This trash usually blows in with our little resident tinkerbell, and his PMS. The entire focus of their conversation revolves around trashing MVick. They don’t seem to have anything else to offer. You’d be very hard pressed to find a single intelligent, logical comment among them. They are limited in their scope, and seem unable to put forth a single idea that doesn’t involve deep seated personal issues. I guess the best way to justify their existence is to realize an undeniable fact. The most delicious meal ever eaten will eventually produce human waste, which is what they are.

By Keeping it real

March 7, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this

We need a offense line that can block. If they can’t block we don’t need them. we need skill people at offense. we need people who win at blocking. we are so weak at offense line and management is still looking at second class offense linemen. Vick need time to pass and he clearly did have the time to pass. 5th and 7th rounder at starters on the offense line. 4th and 1 so many time last year that we never made should tell management we have a problem at run blocking and for sure pass blocking. We are weak in player skills at offense line and that is just the facts. To hell with a pure passer we just need a pure winner. And the fans in Atlanta that means 11 guys doing there job every game and coaches too. work to be a team, a team on both side of the ball every game that is looking to win!

By The Rabbi

March 7, 2007 3:49 AM | Link to this

Jesus didn’t want us to win because in careful viewing of the league everybody thanks Jesus when they win. So she/he must want certain teams to win and others to lose. How can we possibly fight earth and heaven too?

By This gets old

March 7, 2007 4:22 AM | Link to this

Seattle is closer to a SB than we are. In fact with us having a new coaching staff with several members new to the league you could make an arguement that we’re the weakest team in the division.

That’s Norv Turner’s offense being run in SD. Cam coached it well and it makes sense for them to have a big FB because they have LT. I still wouldn’t pay that much for a FB unless Petrino in fact will involve the FB more than is customary in the NFL.

The names get changed on the blog more than Vick gets called a thug but do you guys remember after the Abe trade last season a Jets guy came to the bb and said that Abe wouldn’t play eight games? I’ll eat the insult that I wrote back.

Like it or not the pressure is on McKay. We have to get guys in the early rounds who can contribute next season.

We’ve got to stop answering the haters. It goes way too far. Everybody who doesn’t like him at QB isn’t racist but enough seemingly are to keep each other company. It’s on every board not just in Atlanta but also on ESPN and SI.

If you absolutely hate Vick you have to find another team. Because no matter who likes it Michael Vick is the quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons. That’s it, decision made. Arguement over. Don’t buy tickets, don’t watch, don’t listen and don’t come back here.

By Bigshelly

March 7, 2007 4:58 AM | Link to this

First of all, I would like to say I’m glad the Falcons let Patrick Kerney go. He was not an impact player like Freeney or Jason Taylor. Patrick was more of a workmen like DE, sure his motor never stop running but his play really didn’t effect the game. For example, Abraham first game against the Panthers. That was an impact player effecting the outcome of the game. Secondly, they do not need to trade draft position to draft C. Johnson. He is a great talent but the Falcons need more than just another wideout. The Falcons need to strenghten the defense and the OL. I would love to see Landry drafted with the tenth pick. Plus, I read Cleveland and Minnesota are thinking about trading a 2nd round pick for Schaub. If the Falcons go through with that proposal from either team that will give the them two high 2nd round picks. They can use those for (DL) Charles Johnson and Marcus Thomas from Florida. Thrid round could be Ben Grubbs if he’s not available I’ll go (Josh Beekman of BC) or (Mansfield Wrotto). Fourth round could be (OL) Manuel Ramirez of Texas Tech or Tim Duckworth if available. Fifth round I’ll go (CB) C.J. Gaddis of Clemson (also can play safety) or Fred Bennett of South Carolina. Sixth round will be (CB) my sleeper pick Travarous Bain of Hampton. Seventh round would be (WR) the position everyone wants Atlanta to trade up to, (Jacoby Jones of Lane College) or Jayson Swain of Tennesee or Yamon Figurs of Kansas State. This is what Atlanta should do or something similar in the draft. Finally, the only thing coach Petrino need to do next season is hold Vick accountable for his play. I guarantee Vick’s performance will resemble the way it was before the Jim Mora Jr. era. With excitement and big plays. Also, with Super Bowl contention.

By D-Man

March 7, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

“That gets old” and “BigShelly” you are absolutely right at your postings!! Please Draft Laron Landry at the tenth pick don’t go WR first we need defense!! DEFENSE!! DEFENSE!! Trade Shaub and get a high second round pick and get more DEFENSE!! DEFENSE!! DEFENSE!! I am ever so tired of our porus secondary, please go ahead and release Jason Webster and Allen Rossum they are taking up cap space to pay the rooks!!

By jeanE

March 7, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

We do NOT need Joe Horn in here, messing the locker room chemistry up & infection everyone with his attitude. This is not a guy you want around. He’s 35, his best years are way in the rearview mirror. I smell an older version of one Peerless Price, and that went well, didn’t it? I know we need receivers but there’s plenty around who are younger, cheaper & better than Joe Horn. Go after that Kevin Curtis from the Rams. Calvin Johnson is a nice thought for the draft-ain’t gonna happen. Yes, it would suck to face him 2 x per yr & watch him burn D. Fall but that’s life. We have way more pressing needs & he’ll be too expensive. I like What Petrino has done thus far, we’ll Miss Pat & Justin Griffith but getting the big guy to pave the way for Warrick & Jerious seems very smart. I’m still hoping Shaubie will stick around for one more year…I LOVE the direction we’re heading to with the o-line, long overdue!! Go Birds.

By tony h

March 7, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

you all are stupid get joe horn

By crazytalk

March 7, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Vick nut huggers are like dumbass women beat by their husband,”how’d you get the black eye honey”? “I fell down”….”what’s goin on with you and your husband?” …”Ah, he’s going through a tough time right now, he’s under a lot of pressure”. “honey, if you ever need a place to stay”….”no, that’s ok, we’re happy together, everything’s gonna be ok”…”His boss at work is unfair to him, and his exwife is a biatch, my mom and dad don’t like him, his own family mistreats him, but I’m gonna be there for him” Get out from the pubic hairs and smell the coffee huggers.

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 7, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

LOL….you’re calling the huggers biatches? And dumb ones at that? LOOK FOLKS, VICK IS GOING THROUGH A TOUGH TIME RIGHT NOW…..LOL….THAT’S TOO FUNNY.

By dennis

March 7, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Bigshelley says that getting rid of Kerney is a good thing, that Abraham is an IMPACT PLAYER. Yeah, his butt made a big impact ON THE BENCH last year. At least Kerney played in almost every game until he got a REAL injury. I hope Kerney gets to the Super Bowl this year with Seattle. Meanwhile, the Falcons so-called fans will still be arguing about Vick, Schaub, etc. just like they do on every blog. If someone posted a question about the Falcons janitorial staff, it would turn into “Vick sucks - Vick is the greatest” blah, blah, blah.

By dakid

March 7, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Okay, again, what would Peyton Manning did with the falcon’s team last year?? Vick does need to improve in passing. No Doubt. He isn’t the sole problem with this team. Everyday no matter the subject,his name is brought up. Joe Horn doesn’t need to come here. He didn’t help the Saints young recievers. Their scheme and coach helped. But if he does, he will be an addition to a weak spot on team. I still think Falcon’s need to try to sign Chris Brown of Titan’s. Big back. The oline helped in the leading league in rushing, but most team’s that lead league in rushing make playoffs. So the team has to be flawed somewhere else. The defense. We need explosive player’s. 2 explosive players on defense. Abraham,who is injured to much. Hall, who needs better technique. Brooking used to be,but wear and tear on his body. And why keep saying Middle isn’t my best position?? A team player wouldn’t complain. Reminds me of Chipper and Left field thing. And in Closing,most of the reciever’s for Brady, were drafted other places to be a good player. Caldwell-3rd round,got good money to play in NE. Gaffney-2nd, drafted before Andre Johnson, supposed to be great reciever. Chad Johnson-2nd, 2nd or 3rd reciever drafted last year. And they had a better scheme.

By CMR'S illigitiment child

March 7, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

why does this have to be a black verses white issue?…Vick has had time to mature, he now has a coach that coaches, out o line gets the job done, you don’t lead the league in rushing if they don’t,why did the colts win the superbowl?…because their defense woke up…defense wins titles, it keeps the offense rested so they can do their job when they get on the field,yes, we HAVE to have someone who can catch the ball, yes we have to have someone who can get open, i saw receivers standing around when Vick was in trouble this year, i don’t think the height of Vick is an issue, since he scrambles so well, so stop with the race thing, it dosn’t matter if Vick is blue and yellow striped, a quarterback has to have hands on the other end of the pass….just my 2 cents worth

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 7, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

WHEN VICK SCRAMBLES AND GETS INJURED AND SCHAUB IS SOMEWHERE ELSE…THE HUGGERS ARE GONNA SAY….”SCHAUB ISN’T DOING ANYTHING WITH HIS NEW TEAM”…I CAN HEAR ‘EM NOW….AGAIN I SAY…..GET OUT FROM THE PUBIC HAIRS, LOOK DEAD SQUARE IN THE FACE OF REALITY AND LOOK AT WHAT THE LAST 41 SUPER BOWL QB’S HAVE BEEN LIKE…WE’RE NOT TRYING TO REINVENT THE WHEEL, WE’RE TRYING TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL…..”HEY HUGGERS, HOW DID YOU GET THAT BLACK EYE?”

By Ken Strickland

March 7, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

THIS GETS OLD, there’s very little that can be added to your comments. Very well stated. It looks like we’ve gotten back on track this morning, and we’re talking intelligent Falcons football. The only thing I disagree with is drafting a safety with our #10 pick. It has been established that our DEF will be a pressing man cover style. JWilliams and DHall, both mentally and physically, excel at that type of coverage. Like DBlye and NClements, they weren’t good fits in zone cover schemes, especially cover 2 zones. That type of DEF requires very good safeties. Donatell tried to run a soft cover 2 zone without the proper safeties or CB’s, and we all saw what happened.

With strong CB’s, which we have, and a man cover scheme, the FS/SS doesn’t have to be as talented as in cover 2 zones. We can get the quality FS needed in the 2nd rd. It’s possible that Nelson, Merriweather, or Griffin will fall into the 2nd rd. Griffin isn’t as talented, or as versatile as the others overall, but he’s considered the best pure FS in the country. We can always trade up a couple of slots, if one falls within our range, like we did last yr with JWilliams.

That #10 pick should be used to draft an OL/DL. This way, we get the maxium upgrade for FS, and OL/DL. We stand a much better chance of finding a starting FS’s, in the 2nd rd of this yrs draft, than a starting OFF/DEF lineman. If we trade Schaub to the Vikings, we would get the #36 overall pick. WE would then have the #36, and #44 picks in the 2nd rd. We could end up drafting 3 starters(OL, DL, FS) with our 1st 3 picks. That would leave us with 7 picks to address our other needs.

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 7, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

It’s not a white/black issue, I’d take a Doug Williams or Stever McNair anyday over DOMINIQUE VICK. I think a quarterback should be strongest at …..NOW I KNOW THIS IS GONNA UPSET SOME PEOPLE…BUT I THINK A QUARTERBACK SHOULD BE BEST AT…NOW DON’T GET MAD PUBIC HAIR HUGGER….I THINK A QB SHOULD DO ONE THING WELL…NOW DON’T CALL ME A RACIST FROM YOUR SWEATY CONFINES OF THE NUT SACK….BUT A QB SHOULD DO THIS ONE THING WELL….. P A S S !!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A CONCEPT.

By destin

March 7, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Ken - I agree with your comments. I will say though that the #1 pick has to be DE. Carriker (with Anderson & Adams gone) is the right pick. The offensive line is critical, but a seasoned, quality “starter” in free agency is more feasible than DE.We ought to get Sean Mahan from the Bucs, a quard who can also play center. Other guard possibilities - Womack,Brown,Coleman,DeMulling

By Matthew at the SLC

March 7, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

You people are out of your minds! I think we should trade for Pac-Man Jones to help Vick. I think Pac-Man would be a good fit here in THUG town.

By DOMINIQUE VICK

March 7, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

WHY DON’T WE BRING IN THE GHOSTS OF LANCE ALWORTH, LYNN SWANN, JERRY RICE AND PAUL WARFIELD….OH, I KNOW WHY, BECAUSE THEN THE HUGGERS COULD STILL BLAME THE O LINE, SO WE COULD BRING IN THE GHOSTS OF ART SHELL, LARRY LITTLE, GENE UPSHAW AND A COUPLE OF OTHER HALL OF FAME LINEMEN….OH, I KNOW WHY, CUZ THEN THE HUGGERS WOULD BLAME THE COACHING, OF COURSE THEN WE COULD BRING IN THE GHOST OF KNUTE ROCKNE AND VINCE LOMBARDI…OH, I KNOW WHY, CUZ THE HUGGERS WOULD SAY ROCKNE WAS A “COLLEGE COACH” WELL WE COULD BRING IN ASSISTANTS LIKE TOM LANDRY AND DON SHULA….OH, I KNOW WHY, CUZ THE HUGGERS WOULD SAY OUR DEFENSE IS THE PROBLEM…….OH, I SEE, NO MATTER WHAT WE DO, IT’S NOT MIKE VICKS FAULT….I UNDERSTAND NOW.

By CMR'S illigitiment child

March 7, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Matthew at the SLC…was making it a black white issue with the great white hope line in his comments, actually, i think its just the opposite….

By datruth

March 7, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

The Falcons need high draft picks on the line of scrimmage instead along the edges….WR, CORNER, DE,football games are won in the trenches….look what Bilichik did with his number 1 a few years ago….he got Wilifork, look at Steelers last year and their picks on d line and o line…look at philly and their picks along lines. Vick is not Johnny Unitas but the Falcons have serious issues besides Vick.

By Matthew at the SLC

March 7, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Dude, people have caught on. They know you’re not me, and vice versa. And I’ve named you. Because you’ve decided to stalk me here (I’m kind of flattered, by the way), I’ve named you the SWB. Single White Blogger, like the crazy Single White Female from the movie. So dude, they know you’re the SWB. But if you must continue, go right ahead. But dude, I don’t like guys, sorry to disapoint you. You really just need to be honest with yourself, and then maybe your life will have meaning and you won’t have to be a blog stalker anymore. Anyway, SWB, have a good day!

By CMR'S illigitiment child

March 7, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

sorry SLC, I didn’t realize you were a little BOY……look at the superbowl record book…the Quarterbacks that have taken their team to the goal…I do understand your frustrations…it will be all better when you become a grown up Boy

By BUSHWACKER

March 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

What a joke, Kerney says he’d have a better chance to win the Super Bowl with Seattle than Denver?? What does that say about his old team’s chances, not much!! Or is it really all about the money??

If that’s what he’slaying for then I don’t want him on my team, he’s too pretty anyway if you know what I mean???

By V. Rice

March 7, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

I am not sure about signing Joe Horn, He’, 35 and has been fragile past two seasons. I say look at bringing in Jerry Rice or Chris Carter to coach/mentor. True icons many of our receivers idolized growing up, but anyone is better than a former OL. I like the addition of Billy “White Shoes” to the coachng staff.

I would like to see some more cuts to free up needed cash (Rossum, Crocker) Move Jimmy to saftey draft OL and CB.

By Ken Strickland

March 7, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

DESTIN, I just used OL/DL as a suggestion. My personal preference would be to draft (DT)Okoye, if available, with the #10 pick. Package our #44 pick, and maybe a future pick, and move into the 1st rd. Draft a DE with that pick, and then use our #36 pick, assuming we trade Schaub to Minn, to take a FS.

It’s already been stated that Petrino intends to upgrade the OL over the next 2yrs. That means we’ll likely start the season with Weiner(LT) & Forney(LG), McClure(C), with Clabo(RG), and likely Gandy(LT). If Clabo and/or Gandy faulter, we could see Omiyale and/or Ojinnaka move up. As far as MLB is concerned, I think Petrino will move Brookings over. Otherwise, we might loose DWilliams. Why should he return to the Falcons as a backup, when he could possibly start elsewhere. Moving Brookings to MLB is the only way Williams will start, and the move also maintains depth at MLB(Beck).

As far as signing JHorn is concerned, I think we should. If you’ve watched any on Louisville’s games, you’d know his WR’s run layered patterns. In other words, short, intermediate, and long routes. You don’t need speed, and/or youth to get open on the short routes. You need technique, experience, knowledge, and the strength to get off the line of scrimmage and get quick seperation. Even at age 35, he can accomplish that. Add the veteran BFinneran to the mix, and you have an outstanding short yardage WR duo. White and Jenkins will stretch the DEF and run the intermediate and long routes. This is going to be an exciting and productive OFF next season. It will be up to our DEF to determine how far we go.

It took PManning, and all of his passing skills and records, his height, size, and Probowl OL & WR’s, 9yrs as a starter to reach the SB. And that didn’t happen until his DEF finally stepped up and met the challange. In fact, PManning had an awful playoff run, and the Colts made it to the SB inspite of Mannings subpar performances. It is an undeniable fact, that neither SB participant would have made to the SB had it not been for their respective DEF’s.

That’s why I say, spend our top 3 picks on DEF upgrades, DT, DE, and FS. Run the OFF as best you can with the OFF resources we have at hand. Then gradually upgrade the OFF over the next 2yrs, and use a dominate DEF to hold the fort. Makes sense to me, how about you?

By Big Pimpin'

March 7, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Honest question, no black vs white, Michael Vick bashing or anything, but why would the Falcons not ask Mike to re-structure his contract to free up some cap money.

Wouldn’t that show the ultimate team player ?

By Ken Strickland

March 7, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

BIG PUMPKIN, been there, done that. How do you think we freed up the money to sign LMalloy and JAbraham last yr? These’s a limit to how much restructuring any one player can do.

By Big Pimpin'

March 7, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Chill Kenny Boy …. Just a question

By Titothebear

March 7, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Big Pimpin’,

Hey Homes. Don’t be fooled by ken Strychnine! His nose is growing again. Vick hasn’t restructured his contract. As everyone can see, Vick is concerned with Vick and that’s about all. Like Strychnine, he wants to give an impression of concern for the betterment of the team. In reality, ‘gettin’ ova’ is all that concerns either.

By Ken Strickland

March 7, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Sorry BIG PUMPKIN, I didn’t intend for my comments to come off the way they may have sounded. There have been several posters voicing your same sentiments. Sorry if my comments came off the wrong way, it wasn’t intentional.

By Paulie55

March 7, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

I admit that I don’t know very much about salary caps, etc., but I can’t help but think that if the Falcons were to re-structure MV7’s $137 million deal, there could be a lot more money to put on the table, for draft picks or FA’s. Am I right?

By Patrick

March 7, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2791102 FALCONS SIGN HORN!

By shannon

March 7, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

ESPN just reported that the falcons signed joe horn!!!

By Chris

March 7, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Now with Joe Horn, the falcons have an emmotional leader plus someone who can keep vick straight (listening to the critics) With Lewis Sanders a very physical CB and Mughelli live at cold pizza stating he told Vick with him back there, Vick won’t worry about being touched kinda makes you think like Man who’s next! Let’s go Falcons, already goin to the Falcons Saints in New Orleans Lets go Birds!!!!!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 7, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Joe Horn signed… hopefully they signed him to something reasonable. Assuming they did, good move.

By tyrell

March 7, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

would david irons be a good 3rd or 4th round pick? a plus is the fact he is from here.

By Titothebear

March 7, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

All right, finally the Foulcons make the move that will send them to the Super Bowl! I’ve always loved Joe Horn’s game…and better yet, he is one HOT mutha! I’ve always wanted to try the interracial thing, and he’s just the right man to make me wet down there! Holla, Mr. Big Horn…HOLLA!

By Ken Strickland

March 7, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

BIG PIMPIN’, looks like I owe you another apology for misprinting your name. For some reason I read it as BIG PUMPKIN, instead of BIG PIMPIN’.

By Ken Strickland

March 8, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

Looks like Petrino is taking steps to prevent some of the stupid mistakes of the past. Now, if a CB is injured, we’ll replace him with another CB, instead of a punt returner. I have read some comments blaming McKay for our FA busts. It seems a large number of Falcon fans aren’t very knowledgable about football matters. The HC determines what position needs to be addressed, and the type of player needed. The GM’s responsibility is to work with the HC in locating a suitable player, and negotiate a trade and/or contract. The same holds true for all of our FA signings, and trades.

With JHorn and Finneran, we now have 2 veteran WR’s that have had success in the league. That should take a lot of pressure off White and Jenkins. The question now is which of the 4 will start. There should be some real competition at that position this camp. For the 1st time, White and Jenkins will compete against veteran WR’s with experience running proper routes, and getting separation.

This is for fans that know very little about how football works on the field, or have never played QB or WR. If a REC runs a good route, and gets good separation, the QB doesn’t have to throw pinpoint passes. If the REC is squared up in a zone, the QB can just throw the ball at the REC’s chest. If he’s moving, the QB doesn’t have to lead him as much, or put as much zip on the ball. Now, if the REC doesn’t run good routes, or get good separation, the QB has to become a defensive passer with pinpoint accuracy. He usually has to put more zip on the ball, and throw it where the DB can’t make a play. Instead of throwing it at the REC’s chest, he has to throw it low, or high, and away from the DB. These types of pinpoint passes are very difficult to throw, and lead to the majority of overthrows and underthrows. These are also the most difficult passes for a REC to catch. If the DB has close coverage, and the REC is running, the QB has to lead him far enough so the DB can’t make a play on the ball, but not out of the reach of the REC.

Michael Vick is not a pinpoint passer, so his REC’s need to run good routes, and get adequate separation. They also have to make the difficult catches that come about when they don’t get adequate separation, which forces the QB to become a defensive passer. The lack of separation, and the difficult passes that have to be thrown as a result, are the reasons our REC’s get few yds after the catch. IGNORANT FANS THAT DON’T KNOW CAN ALWAYS FIND FAULT, AND PLACE BLAME. KNOWLEDGEABLE FANS ALWAYS KNOW THE CAUSE AND/OR THE REASON. You can read the comments and easily decide which category the poster belongs.

By Titothebear

March 8, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

By Titothebear March 7, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this All right, finally the Foulcons make the move that will send them to the Super Bowl! I’ve always loved Joe Horn’s game…and better yet, he is one HOT mutha! I’ve always wanted to try the interracial thing, and he’s just the right man to make me wet down there! Holla, Mr. Big Horn…HOLLA!

This is funny! This has to be the creation of that moron Ken Strychnine. Holla foo!

Joe Horn? He’s been a really good receiver but he’s considerably past his prime and the Saints, recognizing that fact,cut him and his salary from their books. I have to think they knew what they were doing. Atlanta, on the other hand, seems desperate. Perhaps he can contribute but I question how much he can bolster the offense. In order to contribute, he’s going to have to catch a lot of erratic throws from Vick. Horn could be a plus if the Falcons have someone competent delivering the ball. That won’t be Vick!

By Jerry L

March 8, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

Well I see we signed Joe Horn. I hope he can help the team as much as he has hurt us in the past with New Orleans. If he can stay away from injuries I have no doubt that he can. On the other hand if it turns out like the Hartwell experience, he will still be a pain in our a*. Good luck Joe! Go Falcons!

By The Master Debater

March 8, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Let me get this straight:

Patrick Kerney never missed a game in his career until last season, but he’s 30 years old, so some of the geniuses who post here insist that he’s washed up.

On the other hand, Joe Horn is a 35 year old receiver who’s missed 11 games in the last two seasons. But many of the same people who bashed Kerney are saying that Horn is going to make Vick look like a real NFL QB?

Folks, there’s are several reasons that the Saints let Horn go. One of these reasons is that, despite his stats, he’s always been a “me first” type of player.

Oh, well, if nothing else, Horn will give the fans someone else to blame if the team finishes last in the league in passing … again.

By destin

March 8, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

Well, now that any thought of getting CJ is gone, we can focus on aquiring a quality DE with our #1 pick. I’m glad Petrino wants some “meat” on the lines, so I hope Carriker is the pick. I think the Falcons still can manuver enough in free agency to get a starter at OG or DB. This, along with the decision on JWilliams, will determine how we use our other top draft picks. Petrino has already addressed two immediate need areas (Backfield & WR) that we won’t have to use a high pick on.

By mo

March 8, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

I really like this receiving corps. Joe Horn can play, but more importantly, he’s a front-line guy. I hope that he mentors the younger guys. Plus, being Mike Vick’s good friend will only help Mike in his passing game.

See, Coach Petrino has already shown Mike Vick that he will not be his friend. He will be his coach. That’s good. But Mike Vick needs good chemistry with his receivers and now, at least he has some chemistry with Joe Horn. But Joe Horn is there more to mentor. He is still injury prone.

Now, as for Kerney- that’s one of those things. Kerney received more money than he is worth IMO. That’s great for Kerney. And it’s OK for the Falcons, as well. Let’s shore up a good O-line.

Uh, I wish we get a good pass rusher in the draft. Or a good O-lineman (which I didn’t see in the Combine.) If it was me, I would look for an O-lineman in free agency and D-lineman in the draft.

By CMR'S illigitiment child

March 8, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Seems every blog I read, Is getting MV help, help on the line, help on the recievers, help with leadership..If you have the number one rated running game, the line has to be doing a good job, excluding his first year, MV runs hard to get to the sideline, even if it means he missed the first down by a yard. Now let’s talk fumbles, I can understand in the first year as a learning QB, maybe you will fumble, how many times this past season did hold it with one hand MV get the ball taken out of his hands? Also, we can not blame our receivers on all the drops, MV, has still NOT learned how to put touch on a ball. Honestly, I do not think he has what it takes between his ears to take any team to a superbowl, how can he?, he can’t take a team to a winning season. I feel another sad and head hanging season coming as a Falcons fan. It’s time to stop making excuses for this over rated, over paid quarterback, We need a leader, he is not one, on the field or off.

By Eric C.

March 8, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Getting Joe Horn right now makes me wonder why the Falcons didn’t go harder after Muhsin Muhammad after the 2004 season…especially with Price looking like a bust. For the same reasons as Horn, Muhammad would have been a great fit, and he was only 32.

Can anyone tell me if the Falcons pushed for that, and if so, why it never panned out? I’m sure the price was high, but I just remember hoping that somehow he could end up in Falcons uniform.

Kudos to the Bears for a great acquisition…they were near the bottom at that point.

By Target Zero

March 8, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

CMR’s the offense line is a problem . yes the team lead rushing but take Vick number out because most of his run’s were he was running for his life and not a plan run play. They are weak in run and pass blocking. This is this team weak spot. The offense line graded poor check the facts not feeling! This team need linemen on both side of the ball and I hope we get some head hunter in the draft. We get this line thing fixed on both side of the ball we win and big time. Keith Brooking and Jordan Beck are out side line backers not middle line backer. We need good linemen!

By smelling a super bowl

March 8, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

THIS OFFSEASON IS STARTING TO SMELL ROSEY!!!! IF WE CAN NOW GET RANDY MCMICHAEL (UGA VIA MIAMI DOLPHINS) TO COME PLAY FOR HIS HOME TEAM AND GET FLA. SAFETY REGGIE NELSON WITH THE #1 PICK. THEN A PASS RUSHING D.E.. LASTLY GET BUSH OR THE OTHER EX- PERTRINO RB AND WE BE SMELLING SOMETHING SWEET WITH THE INITIALS SUPER BOWL?????

By PIECES ARE MISSING THAT COULD HELP

March 8, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

WHY AREN’T MARLIN JACKSON WR. YOUNGBLOOD STILL ON THE FALCON ROSTER????? MCKAY THESE GUYS HAD SOME UP SIDE

By Falconsbeliever

March 8, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Steve,

Any word on whether the Falcons intend on resigning Chris Cash? Considering they just signed Sanders, I’m sure this hinges on whether J. Williams will be at corner or safety.

Nevertheless, Cash was pretty good when he saw action, and he would solidfy our defensive backfield. He would be a tremendous upgrade over Rossum and Webster.

By CMR'S illigitiment child

March 8, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

target zero I agree with you 100%, my only problem is how many years does it take for MV to become a pro QB?….the money he makes, is a salary paid to impact players, I have just not seen in the years , that he is going to be one, i think I was so high at the beginning of last season, just to be dissapointed yet another year. So again, as fans, we can only hope for the best and expect the worst. I do hope MV will make me eat my words, it will be a sweet dish..lol

By dennis

March 8, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

One thing is for sure - the Falcons will have to build a new stadium since they signed Joe Horn. There is NO WAY THE DOME IS BIG ENOUGH FOR THE “BIG HEADS” of Joe (cellphone) Horn and DeAngelo (Burn me) Hall. Horn should tie both arms behind his back and catch the ball with HIS MOUTH. Talk about a big target! If the Falcons were going to sign a “me first” receiver, they should have gotten T.O. last year. Good luck with this one.

By Ameriking82

March 8, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Honestly, how can one say the signing of Joe Horn to a 3 year contract a bad one? And I still hear the Vick hating from fans who want WHO? EXACTLY fans don’t know who they want as QB, all I keep hearing is how Vick is so inconsistent so erratic in passing, stupids, you watch the game on television, maybe you need to go to the games and keep your eyes on the receivers as they run boo boo routes and don’t get any seperation at the line, Anyways, p** me off Now we can concentrate on drafting a Defensive lineman with our #1 pick and Reggie Nelson is a little iffy especially at #1 he’s a safety not that big who has great awareness but speed is his issue, running a 4.5 at the columbine. Why isn’t anyone talking about Revis outta Pitt he’s a sleeper and should consider this pick for round 2!

By Michael Jackson

March 8, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Boi Boi Boi, whenever a player is at a slump, us ATLiens just downplay the whole situation. Maybe if US REAL FANS weren’t so tuff on MV7 and whatever dollar amount he’s making so what hell he’s getting money okay, he got money because of 2001, and 2002 years he put ATL on the map after who Chris Miller and the lucky year we defeated the 15 1 Vikings and I say lucky because Gary Anderson if you can recall missed a 45 yarder and went like 20+ consecutively without a miss! Look Critics already talk about oh MV7 your no QB and her you go CMR how many years will it take to be a pro QB? Honestly Guy what is your definition of a pro QB, my intelligence permits me to say, you know nothing about QB’s! If Anything a QB controls the rock, hand offs passes RUNS DUH, he can have the ability to do anything to move the football, a QB is not define as someone who can throw the ball successfully because it all doesn’t weigh in on the quarterback, sometimes but in Vicks Case is the M F Receivers who can’t get the proper Seperation without seperation and proper route running, which only comes from exp the window is so small to throw into successfully, think back to the receivers vick has had over the years McCord, Peerless Price, Finneran is still here but my point is he has only had ONE legit receiver to throw to, now he has Joe, Brian and Michael plus Roddy if we need him in the 4 receiver slot C’mon stay on the band wagon and and don’t jump on when everythings good Once a Falcon always a Falcon its called dedication baby try it!

By To Dennis

March 8, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty sure you SUCK! That was like what 2003 when the celebrating rule wasn’t in affect and everyone did something to out due the next, and yeah D Hall got BURNT THIS YEAR cause he worryin about Allen Rossum gettin toasted all the time, dude blame players, nope can’t do that we did right got rid of the bum a$$ coaching staff, I mean guys we had A MORA lol! And think, hell Ashley Lelie is a me only player hell we grabbed him only to watch him do terrible crying because the falcons won’t concentrate me as their number one recieve wah wah crybaby, that’s why he’s in the bay he says so San Fran can make him their primary. Ha Ha talk football, not past events Lets talk about the positives and not be so big to point out the negative I’m sorry dennis you approaching football like a chick, to emotional to what’s real THEY CAN PLAY FOOTBALL!

By Ken Strickland

March 8, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

to all intelligent Falcon fans, read my March 7, 10:43PM post, then read the subsequent posts. See if you recognize the posters that fall directly into the IGNORANT FAN catagory. Some even go as far as to state obvious lies to further their ignorance.

For example: “I DO NOT THINK HE HAS WHAT IT TAKES BETWEEN HIS EARS TO TAKE ANY TEAM TO A SUPERBOWL, HOW CAN HE?, HE CAN’T TAKE A TEAM TO A WINNING SEASON”. Now, the phrase that puts the writer into proper perspective is, “I DO NOT THINK”. It says it all, it’s self descriptive.

The FACTS are: the Falcons have had(1)one losing season in Vicks 4yrs as a starter. He’s made 2 playoffs(02 & 04)under 2 HC’s, using 2 completely different OFF systems. Under Dan Reeves(02), the Falcons gave the Packers their 1st ever home playoff defeat. Under Jim Mora(04), the Falcons won the NFCS title, and played the Eagles in the Divisional title game. That loss prevented us from playing in the Superbowl. These are UNDENIABLE, INDISPUTABLE FACTS. But some of our, so called, fans refuse to let actual football FACTS, or REALITY, factor into their personal agendas. They use football as a pretense to mask personal issues that have little, if anything, to do with football.

KNOWING, AND ACCEPTING, THE FACTS OF THE MATTER REALLY PUTS EVERYTHING INTO PERSPECTIVE, DOESN’T IT. IT LETS YOU IDENTIFY THE PERSON(S) THAT’S REALLY HAVING PROBLEMS BETWEEN THE EARS.

By J. Mora III

March 8, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

I have a question for the pathetic jock sniffers who worship at Vick’s throne:

What was your savior’s record over the last TWO seasons?

Bonus question: where did your savior rank in the 2006 passing stats?

Bonus question No. 2: isn’t being the winningest QB in Falcon history kind of like being the world’s tallest midget?

By Stupid

March 8, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

What savior, the only savior I know is jesus christ, lol you sick dude, a QB does not win a football game the question you should be askin is what is his TD Int Ratio, hey way better than over 70% of the QB’s today and honestly just think, they gave Peyton Manning the MVP but he is such this great QB, do you remember what he has done the past couple of years, kinda remind you of Jim Kelly huh and if you watched the super bowl, ha Dominic Rhodes shouldv’e got the MVP. Rhodes anchored that team in the super bowl Peyton what 1 TD 1 Int, Rhodes over 100 yrs rushing on 20 attempts against DA BEARS D QB position is so overated you dummy’s treat it like a pitcher in baseball or something. My pin point, the falcons TEAM was why they were the way they were the past 2 years and DUMMY I have to refer to you this way cause you are showing your brilliance its like you want to go fish for trout at a community lake, how can you expect superior when we’ve always been considered AN EASY VICTORY yea he is the winningest QB in Falcon History, Deal with it or just choose another squad dude!

By Ken Strickland

March 8, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

CMR, I was also disappointed in Vick’s overall performance last yr. However, I have enough football intelligence, and intelligence overall, to know he’s not totally to blame. Let’s evaluate our former OC, GKnapp, and see if his performance had any negative affect on Vick and our overall OFF problems. (1)His play selection was conservative and predictable, rushing approximately 80% on 1st/2nd dn, except against the Steelers and Bengals. (2)On 3rd/4th and short, he consistently, and unsuccessfully, ran Dunn to the right, using deep handoffs, while refusing to employ special short ydg plays, formations, or personell. (3)He refused to effectively utilize Norwood, the NFL’s fastest player. Look how the Saints used Bush, then look at the results. (4)He handicapped his own OFF, by refusing to use his RB’s as REC’s, or allowing his QB to audible. (5)He made Vick the only NFL QB that virtually had no on field control over his OFF. (6)Once Knapp called a play, Vick wasn’t allowed to change the play, the formation, nor the alignment, only the direction of the play, and so on.

A number of players were complaining privately about Knapp. MVick, who isn’t suppose to have leadership qualities, publicly challenged Knapp’s conservative, predictable approach before the Steeler game. He was especially critical of the lack of passing opportunites, and Knapp’s run on 1st and 2nd dn mentality. He mentioned how DEF players would often call out the play once the OFF lined up.

I won’t even attempt to go into the DEF’s problems under Donatell. Although, I do know some of you have shown yourselves to be stupid enough to blame Vick for their lack of performance as well. But I will mention a very critical problem with our HC, and OC/DC. They were total incapable of making game time adjustments to their game plan. They were even limited in their ability to make adjustments from game to game.

ANYONE THAT HOLDS MVICK SOLELY RESPONSIBE FOR THE FALCONS FAILURES, IS NOT INTERESTED IN ADDRESSING FOOTBALL ISSUES. EITHER YOU INSIST ON IGNORING, OR YOU’RE JUST TOO STUPID TO UNDERSTAND, THAT HAVING A WINNING, OR LOSING TEAM, ISN’T BASED ON A SINGLE PLAYER, OR SINGLE FACTOR ALONE. IT TAKES AN ENTIRE ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH BOTH, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. ANYONE THAT DOESN’T UNDERSTAND, OR REFUSES TO ACCEPT, THESE FACTS SHOULD FIND ANOTHER TEAM, CITY, AND/OR FORUM TO DEPOSIT YOUR IGNORANCE. YOUR NARROWMINDED, ISSUE DRIVEN MENTALITIES, GIVE THE OUTSIDE IMPRESSION THAT SERIOUS FALCON FANS ARE IGNORANT, STUPID AND UNINFORMED, AND THAT’S FAR FROM THE TRUTH. GOOD LUCK IN YOUR ENDLESS SEARCH FOR ACCEPTANCE.

By Scooter

March 8, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

I just got back in town last night and today found out we cut Matt Lehr on Monday. I think it was a good move. He is to small for Petrino’s offensive line. Why has no one mentioned this. I am interested to hear what some of you have to say on the subject.

By Titothebear

March 8, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

These are UNDENIABLE, INDISPUTABLE FACTS.

Ken Strychnine left out a few that are undeniable. The Foulcons, over the past two seasons are 15-17. He didn’t mention that the Foulcons’ passing offense was 32nd in the league last season, did he? Probably an oversight. Did he mention that the Foulcons averaged scoring eighteen points per game? No, he did not. Did he point out that in seven of their losses, the Foulcons averaged ten points? Did he mention that Vick, in three of the teams games, threw eleven touchdown passes and only threw nine in the other thirteen? When Ken talks about the failure of Vick to advance to the Superbowl, against the Eagles in the NFC title game, he neglected to tell you the Eagles killed them! It wasn’t even close.

These are UNDENIABLE, INDISPUTABLE FACTS. But some of our, so called, fans refuse to let actual football FACTS, or REALITY, factor into their personal agendas. They use football as a pretense to mask personal issues that have little, if anything, to do with football.

So true Ken! And you should know! If Vick’s complexion were porcelain, you would have been screaming for his replacement long ago. His decisions, on and off the field, reflect an intelligence that would not be described as acute or keen. Against Carolina, second meeting, he could not find a way to put up more than three points. he couldn’t engineer enough scoring drives to beat Cleveland or Detroit on consecutive Sundays. Off the field he gave the finger to fans, several times, and he tried, for some inexplicable reason, to smuggle a bottle safe, which contained nothing, onto an airliner. His intellect will not be mistaken for that of Einstein. Nor will yours. These are UNDENIABLE, INDISPUTABLE FACTS.

By The Man with the Plan

March 8, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Manning is a Super Bowl champion. He’s also the Super Bowl MVP, and the former MVP of the NFL.

Vick can’t even lead his team to the playoffs. Or back-to-back winning seasons, for that matter.

Those are the facts. Deal with them.

P.S. If you knew ANYTHING about football, you’d realize that the main reason that Rhodes (and Addai) ran for so many yards in the Super Bowl was because the Bears were more worried about Manning burning them through the air.

Of course, nobody who plays the Falcons has to worry about Vick hurting them with HIS arm.

By Titothebear

March 8, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

These are UNDENIABLE, INDISPUTABLE FACTS.

Ken Strychnine left out a few that are undeniable. The Foulcons, over the past two seasons are 15-17. He didn’t mention that the Foulcons’ passing offense was 32nd in the league last season, did he? Probably an oversight. Did he mention that the Foulcons averaged scoring eighteen points per game? No, he did not. Did he point out that in seven of their losses, the Foulcons averaged ten points? Did he mention that Vick, in three of the teams games, threw eleven touchdown passes and only threw nine in the other thirteen? When Ken talks about the failure of Vick to advance to the Superbowl, against the Eagles in the NFC title game, he neglected to tell you the Eagles killed them! It wasn’t even close.

These are UNDENIABLE, INDISPUTABLE FACTS. But some of our, so called, fans refuse to let actual football FACTS, or REALITY, factor into their personal agendas. They use football as a pretense to mask personal issues that have little, if anything, to do with football.

So true Ken! And you should know! If Vick’s complexion were porcelain, you would have been screaming for his replacement long ago. His decisions, on and off the field, reflect an intelligence that would not be described as acute or keen. Against Carolina, second meeting, he could not find a way to put up more than three points. he couldn’t engineer enough scoring drives to beat Cleveland or Detroit on consecutive Sundays. Off the field he gave the finger to fans, several times, and he tried, for some inexplicable reason, to smuggle a bottle safe, which contained nothing, onto an airliner. His intellect will not be mistaken for that of Einstein. Nor will yours. These are UNDENIABLE, INDISPUTABLE FACTS.

By Scooter

March 8, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Also, what do you guys make out of the new CB (Lewis Sanders) we signed from Houston? Will he start at corner and move J Williams to safety, or simply compete with Williams at starting CB?

One thing I know McKay likes to do every year in free agency is sign someone for every position of need. Then once the draft rolls around we can sign the most talented athlete available. So far I think he is doing a good and the best he can with the small amount of cap space we have. Although, right now it seems an entire OL is needed as well as a DE and S.

By EternalOptimist

March 8, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Losing Patrick Kearney was an enormous pain. We can recover from losing Patrick Kearney if Keith Brooking, Lawyer Malloy, John Abraham and Rod Coleman play like pro bowlers. In addition, the Joe Horn signing was by far the GREATEST acquisition in the history of the franchise. Joe Horn is a perennial pro bowler and one of the top 3 wideouts in the game. Vick will have great targets to throw to this year with Algae Crumpler, Joe Horn, Roddy White, Mike Jenkins and Brian Finnerin. Im expecting no less than a superbowl appearance from the Falcons.

By To The Man With the plan

March 8, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Manning Manning Manning, that is all AMERICA talk’s about,lets talk about the coaching staff that Manning has and c’mon, the Bears didn’t have to WORRY WHY WORRY YOU HAVE THE NATIONS BEST D If I knew something about football ha ha you people kill me So in other words Manning gets the MVP because the bears are TOO SCARED he’s going to throw all over them lol and who cares it took him long enough to beat TOM BRADY THE BEST QB IN THE LEAGUES PRESENT DAY OUTRIGHT. AGAIN HOW CAN A QB HAVE MAJORITY OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TAKING A TEAM TO THE SUPER BOWL, I HAVEN’T HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THE COACHING STAFF AUTHUR BLANK HAD DISMISSED, THE FACT THAT F%$%$ MANNING GETS TO AUDIBLE EVERY DAMN PLAY AND VICK CAN ONLY SWITCH THE DIRECTION OF A RUN PLAY, AND DAWG PLEASE, DO YOU KNOW WHO PLAYS CB FOR THE BEARS, YOUR STATEMENTS ARE WEAK P.S. here is a stat for you aight Mr. Man with the Plan Manning in Super Bowl 41 25/38 247 1 1 For God’s sake, he still threw the ball 38 TIMES Now ask yourself honestly with that defense I don’t care if you playing zone like donatell all day, Urlacher Briggs Johnson Brown Ogunleye ha you try to run on that D! P.S.S I’LL GIVE YOU A PLAN TICKET TO INDY SO YOU CAN KISS MANNINGS BALLS JUST LIKE THE REST OF AMERICA OVERRATED CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP OVERRATED!!!!!! AND JUST THINK THEY TRY TO BOAST LIL BRO AND OH YEAH HE STINKS AND NOW ITS COACH CAUGHLINS FAULT HA HA HA INDY IS DONE!

By Steve T

March 8, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Ken, you stated that Mike is not a pin point passer. We do not know how good he could be if he could plant his feet and follow through. We have a clue from the two games when he had time in the pocket. He could be very good.

I remmeber his first game when the packers thought that they could just sit back and let him throw. He was 10 for 10 on his first series. We know he can be very good when given time.

By Scooter

March 8, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

I just got back in town last night and today found out we cut Matt Lehr on Monday. I think it was a good move. He is to small for Petrino’s offensive line. Why has no one mentioned this. I am interested to hear what some of you have to say on the subject. Also, what do you guys make out of the new CB (Lewis Sanders) we signed from Houston? Will he start at corner and move J Williams to safety, or simply compete with Williams at starting CB?

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 8, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

I like having Joe Horn on the team, but 4 years, $19 million, with $7.5 million guaranteed? Wow. Horn will probably retire or be cut before that contract is over, but still, paying him until age 39 is pretty ridiculous. I’m still looking forward to seeing him on the Falcons, but I was definitely hoping the Falcons could get him a little cheaper.

By Keeping it real

March 8, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

When are we going to sign some meat and potato guy like linemen on both sides of the ball. we need skilled people on offense line. our offense line is a joke. And we want Vick to perform behind this line. This line has all ways suxed. The defense line need help too. Coleman was hurt last year and so was Abe. we need pressure on the run and pass. The lineman never got across the line to put pressure on run or pass. The defense has to get deep across the offense line to control the play and we have not penetrated on run or pass play and this must be fixed to win. Keith Brooking nor Jordan Beck are middle line backer we now need one that can play the middle!Brooking plays good on the out side line backer and Beck too!

By SC

March 8, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Joe Horn said everything that I as a Falcons fan wanted to hear. This guy has a career in motivational speaking waiting for him if he wants it.

As for recent ratiocinative void Ken, I think Decartes said it best when he postulated, scribendo ephemeras ergo non cogito.

By long time falcon

March 8, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Davenpoop, Joe horn’s overall contract is really just a lot of fluff. He will get the guaranteed 7.5 million in the first two years. The contract is heavily back loaded which basically means he will be cut after two seasons. So in reality he is singning a two year contract worth 7.5 million. Since the falcons will pay all the guaranteed money in the first two years there would be no salary cap ramifications for cutting him two seasons from now.

By Ken Strickland

March 8, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

My last comments were not intended as a focus on the Falcons problems, or failures, over the last 2yrs. The focus was on the MULTIPLE, OR VARIOUS CAUSES of those problems, or failures. Only someone of moderate intelligence, limited cognizant reasoning ability, and/or comprehension, would misinterpret. If you read the March 8, 3:50PM post, by Titothebear, you’ll see what I mean.

For those slow on the uptake(Tito), I’ll repeat my overall meaning. HAVING A WINNING, OR A LOSING TEAM, IS NOT BASED ON A SINGLE PLAYER, OR FACTOR, ALONE. IT TAKES AN ENTIRE ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH BOTH, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. It’s rather obvious that Tito, and others, are being limited by personal issues deeply embedded in their fragile psyche. He, and idiots like him, hold Vick, and Vick alone, responsible for the entire teams failures. Intelligent, knowledgeable, and informed fans realize that Vick, in reality, is no more than a small part of our overall problems, and faiilures.

PManning, a prototypical QB, and a prolific record setting passer, has led one of the most prolific OFF in NFL history, over the last 9yrs. Yet it took him all of 9yrs, as a starter, to reach his 1st SB. Look how quickly the Bears QB reached his 1st SB. Would you call him a prolific passer, a dynamic leader, or prototypical QB? Chicago fans were begging LSmith to replace him, much like you fools are doing with Vick. LSmith kept the faith, and look where they ended up. WOW!!! The above example should inform anyone unemcumbered by ignorance, stupidity and/or personal bias, that a QB doesn’t have to be a prolific passer, or dynamic leader, to lead a team to the SB. Many other factors have to be in place. Those of you that can’t grasp that are perpetually operating on the premise that IGNORANCE IS BLISS. I must remind you that it only works for the IGNORANT.

By Scooter

March 8, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Ken, you would be better off ignoring certain posts and responding to other posts. Say maybe the March 8, 5:38.

By Titothebear

March 8, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

KNOWING, AND ACCEPTING, THE FACTS OF THE MATTER REALLY PUTS EVERYTHING INTO PERSPECTIVE, DOESN’T IT. IT LETS YOU IDENTIFY THE PERSON(S) THAT’S REALLY HAVING PROBLEMS BETWEEN THE EARS.

Ken Strychnine, quit pontificating! You aren’t intellectually qualified and you are not the Pope. Your excoriation of me, and others who highlight Vick’s many failures, is very telling. You are guilty of the sins you point your nasty finger at us for. You are fixated on the defense of Vick! When the team was 5-2 you bombarded us with praises for Vick. You talked about his winning percentage and proclaimed him the winningest quarterback in Atlanta Foulcons’ history. When the losing started, and lasted, you began talking about holes in the team. You talked about a porous defense and you maligned the coaching staff to no end. Hypocrite, yo’ve got to take the crunchy with the smooth. Vick presided over the worst passing offense in the NFL this past season. The team averaged eighteen points per game this past season. For seven of their losses the Foulcons averaged ten points per. After the season took on the look of the Titantic after contact with an iceberg, you talked non-stop about the coaching, the receivers, the defense, special teams, every aspect of the team but quarterback. Whenever anyone mentions Schaub you always fire off some racist garbage but you camouflage it with some bogus arguments about mobility or something equally ridiculous. Here’s the truth, your boy is a failure, much as you are! Vick gained one thousand yards and that didn’t help the team at all. He quarterbacked the worst passing offense in the league. He threw behind, over and under receivers all season. That’s nothing new! He’s a failure and you are a liar! You try to conceal your racist nature but it comes out! Your defense of Vick is based upon the color of his skin. Hey, get a clue! Vick is no Warren Moon or Doug Williams. He’s a runner who has brought his team down because he is no good at passing. We all see his deficiencies and yours! These are UNDENIABLE, INDISPUTABLE FACTS.

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

SCOOTER, welcome back. And you are correct, I am through wasting logic on these infantiles. Now, to answer your questions. Yes, I believe Sanders will be considered a starter, after all, he has starting experience. He also allows us to move JWilliams to FS, and draft a backup FS in the lower rds instead of burning 1st or 2nd rd pick on a starter. Matt Lehr was a very good run blocker, but had serious issues with pass blocking. Couple that with his steroid issues, and his cap room became more valuable than he was. Pertrino’s top priority is protecting the QB, especially up the middle.

STEVE T, the truth is, MVick is not a pinpoint passer, but that’s not to say he can’t, or won’t be. Being a pinpoint passer is directly related to the quality of a QB’s pass protection, and the overall confidence he has in that protecion, along with his REC’s. Chris Chandler was the Falcons QB, and a pinpoint passer, our SB yr. The following yr, we lost our top OL, (C) Robbie Tobeck to FA, our top WR, Tony Martin was cut, and our top our most valuable player, Jamal Anderson was injured. As a result of those losses, Chandler became anything but a pinpoint passer. He became a concussion waiting to happen, and the team collasped. Even PManning starts throwing INT’s when he’s pressured. That’s one of the reasons it took him 9yrs to reach his 1st SB. Teams like the Patriots, and Steelers were able to pressure him enough to affect his accuracy.

Football isn’t rocket science, but I guess to some of these dumba$$es it is. For any QB to be successful he has to be in the right situation, or system, and have the proper supporting elements in place. Petrino was hired to provide MVick, and the Falcons, with those elements. Vick has demonstrated he can be a very good passer given proper support. Just ask the Steeler and Bengal players and coaches. When Petrino gets his system in place, and the proper talent to implement that system, watch out Falcon fans, and HATERS.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 9, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this

Long time falcon, you are probably right. I doubt he’s going to stay a Falcon until his contract is up, and NFL contracts in general are a lot of fluff and don’t get paid to their full amount. Still, I didn’t think his price tag would be that high. But there’s no question I’m happy with the addition of Horn from a purely on-field perspective.

By trade Vick for CalvinJohnsn!

March 9, 2007 6:23 AM | Link to this

Adding horn sucks and i guess means that now well probably have to face CJ twice a year when the bucks draft him! We should of kept lelie…his low #’s werent his fault….only gotta look at the man throwing the passes for that! Go Falcons! Oyea if were loosing next year in the 4th quarter and running out of time….PLEASE put in schuab!!

By larry w.

March 9, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

I think we’ll all be pleasantly surprised at how well Vick and Horn will work together. Horn is no spring chicken anymore, but he is a crafty veteran that knows the intricacies of the game. He’ll not only help our young receivers develop, but I believe that he will also help Vick develop to his full potential. Horn knows how to get open, and that is something that our receivers had a lot of problems with last year. As long as he can stay healthy, I believe Horn will prove to be well worth the money he is being paid.

By Target Zero

March 9, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

By trade Vick for Calvin Johnson . Don’t you need a new team. Vick is the starter and it look like your feeling are going to be hurt. know you are a vick hater and that’s cool to but for you on good get a new team because Vick will do fine this year watch and see. But you know Vick need haters like you to make him better and I thank all the haters for you support. 11-5 and please keep right on hateing on make him it only makers him better thanks!

By Dan

March 9, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Horn is a nice solid reciever on the down side of his career. I have to give him credit though his cell phone stunt snookered people into thinking he is an elite player. First of all there isn’t a reciever in the league worth that kind of cash, they simply don’t have that kind of on field impact Blank paid him 3-4 times what he is worth and sacrificed the ability to shore up other more critical positions pure foolishness

By Eternal Optimist

March 9, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Hey Eternal Optimist impersonator, although I didn’t really have a problem with your comments (except the Joe Horn being a top 3 wideout thing) please don’t use my handle. That’s already copyrighted partner so ease off. Personally I don’t know how much of an impact on the field Joe will make. I mean he’s way past his prime and he’s not really a speedster so I see him as being a smaller possession reciever, like Finneran. The Falcons need to make sure we hold onto Demorrio Williams and Boley. There the future of our defense. Two fast athletic linebackers. Brookings has gotten old and slow. When forced to play the middle lb he was getting manhandled though he did make alot of tackles (10 yds down field)

By Titothebear

March 9, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Ken Strychnine: I am through wasting logic on these infantiles. What Ken means here is that he can’t argue with what’s been said, so he’s pretending it hasn’t been said at all.

Football isn’t rocket science, but I guess to some of these dumba$$es it is. For any QB to be successful he has to be in the right situation, or system, and have the proper supporting elements in place. Petrino was hired to provide MVick, and the Falcons, with those elements. Vick has demonstrated he can be a very good passer given proper support. Just ask the Steeler and Bengal players and coaches.

You might also want to interview the Saints, Browns, Ravens, Lions, Giants, Eagles, Cowboys and Panthers players as to the greatness of Vick. They all shut him down when they needed to! Ken talks about Vick needing to be in the proper system but you didn’t hear this line of garbage when the Foulcons were 5-2! Another really bad year, with Vick, awaits. More Ken Strychnine lies will be forthcoming here. Ken is the Pravda of this blog. He mixes truth, half-truth and outright lies and throws them out for consumption. He’s a joke but he’s not really funny!

By Whiteshoes

March 9, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Just a few questions?

Why is Webster still on the Falcons roster?

Is Allen Rossum a better CB than Jimmy Williams?

Why did Ed Hartwell make more money than me last year?

Why are we giving Joe Horn 8 million guaranteed money? Why couldn’t Joe Horn beat out some kid name Copper last year for playing time?

Why are we giving 3mil a year to a fullback?

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

SCOOTER, if he can pass the physical, look for us to consider sign William James, formerly William Peterson. He’s a CB that played 3gms with Philly last yr. Before suffering a back injury, he was considered one of the better press cover CB’s in the NFL. He will likely accept a 1yr contract to prove he is healthy.

A lot of fans have wondered why Mora/Donatell refused to replace CB JWebster with JWilliams. This FA signing period has provided me with the answer. It appears the cover 2 zone is becoming the DEF of choice around the NFL. The DEF places emphasis on having fast, athletic, versatile, hard hitting safeties. It doesn’t seem to favor quick, fast, athletic CB’s with press cover skills. It actually works against those attributes. That’s why we’re seeing top cover CB’s like NClements and DBlye become available. These teams are switching to the cover 2 zone.

Last yr, we didn’t possess the type of safeties needed to play the cover 2 zone. Our 2 top CB’s have excellent press cover skills, which the cover 2 zone DEF seems to neutralize. That’s why DHall struggled, and JWilliams wasn’t utilized. At the beginning of the 05 season, Mora/Donatell played a lot of man cover DEF. Remember how DHall pressed TO in the opener against Philly? He earned his way into the Probowl that yr using his outstanding cover skills. Last yr, Mora and Donatell went exclusively to their version of the cover 2 zone, the soft cover 2 zone. That move alone ended up neutalizing the talents of our best CB’s, and gave our safeties responsibilities they weren’t equipped to handle.

What competent HC/OC would install a DEF that works against the talents of their best players? These 2 ignorant morons drafted DHall and JWilliams because of their cover skills. Then installed a DEF that neutralized those very skills. Then they traded for a FS, CCrocker, and signed a FA SS, LMallory, that didn’t have cover 2 skills. And, over an entire 16gm season, these 2 morons refused to adjust the DEF to take advantage of their best players talents. Any wonder why we finished near the bottom in pass DEF.

We had simular problems on OFF. They drafted RB JNorwood, the NFL’s fastest player. Then refused to use him as a receiving option against LB’s, and underutilized him as a runner as well. We had JGriffin, the most versatile FB in the NFL, who’s rushing skills rivaled that of some NFL HB’s. They refused to use him as a runner, or as an effective pass REC as well. What competent coach would consistently, and unsuccessfully run WDunn, a 180lb+ HB, on 3rd/4th and short, instead of a 230lb+ FB with HB skills?

This information is part of a series of presentations I’ve made. It’s designed to inform intelligent, knowledgeable Falcon fans of the VARIOUS, MANY, MULTIPLE, causes of the teams many failures. THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MORONS, IDIOTS, ANAL RETENTIVES, AND/OR INDIVIDUALS WHOS PERSONAL ISSUES RENDER THEM INCAPABLE OF RECOGNIZING THE FORREST FOR THE TREES.

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Well Scooter, I’ve had an epipany. I know I’ve spoken slanderously about several of the bloggers who dislike Vick and the Falcons and for that i am truly sorry. I’ve questioned intlligence, motivation and racial sensitivity. I apologize to all of you I may have hurt with my vituperations. Truthfully, I’m the one with hatred in my heart for those of different ethnicities, particularly whites. I apologize for my hypocrisy. I’ve also questioned the sexual orientation of those who have disagreed with me. That was petty and I apologize for that misconduct. Now, it is time for me to reveal my most closely held secret, I am gay! I guess i have accused others in order to divert attention away from myself. I follow football so closely because I just love the way thjose tight uniforms outline every detail of those sweaty mens. i hope you all can forgive me and accept me for the homosexual, football loving, windbag I am.

By Titothebear

March 9, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MORONS, IDIOTS, ANAL RETENTIVES, AND/OR INDIVIDUALS WHOS PERSONAL ISSUES RENDER THEM INCAPABLE OF RECOGNIZING THE FORREST FOR THE TREES.

Thanks for the caps Chump. You appear to be a moron when you spell incorrectly. Correct spellings- whos is whose, forrest is actually forest.

There’s more: simular problems- similar is the corrct spelling. who’s rushing skills-whose rushing skills. Do you make these presentations at Retirement homes and places of incarceration? Only a captive audience would sit through such dullness.

By Chris

March 9, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

I like signing Joe Horn as a football player, leader and mentor to our young receivers.

But $4.75 mil a year through the time a guy is 39? Not so sure about tying up that much salary to a receiver in the twilight of his career. Makes me nervous.

I like Horn, but I feel the nearly-$5 mil could have been better spent, such as on a new DE, LB or S. The focus of the team has definitely shifted from D to O. I hope Bobby boy makes it work. We should be seeing some (hopefully) interesting shootouts in the coming seasons.

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

SCOOTER, it looks like William James, formerly William Peterson, has been taken off the market. He resigned with Philly.

Whenever I use the words, IDIOT, MORON, STUPID, ANAL RETENTIVE, NARROWMINDED, or the like, has anyone noticed how quickly our little resident tinkerbell always responds? I guess a dog always knows the scent of his/her master, even if the dog is a poodle.

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

I apologize for my latest intolerant remarks. Sometimes, I feel so lugubrious when I consider what a fraud I am. I pretend to have a vast knowledge of football and, really, I know very little. I pretend to be heterosexual and I’m gay as a goat. I hope all of you, especially you my sweet Scooter, will find forgiveness for me in your hearts. We still on for tonight Scoot?

By Chris

March 9, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

You said “lugubrious.” Did you have to look that one up first?

By Oddjob

March 9, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Good pickup! Hopefully Horn will teach Vick how to time a throw…..Wait a sec, my wife says he,s not a qb coach…….NEVER MIND!!!

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

No, I didn’t. Well, maybe I did. I’m such a liar sometimes, I just don’t remember. Yes, alright, I looked it up. Please don’t hate me for trying to become literate.

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

No, I didn’t. Well, maybe I did. I’m such a liar sometimes, I just don’t remember. Yes, alright, I looked it up. Please don’t hate me for trying to become literate.

By The Armpit of the AJC

March 9, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

This just has to be the most vile, disgusting web site. how the ajc allows this to continue I do not know.

Najeh and Mr. Strickland, god bless you. I fought that fight from August until January. After that last game, I quit. I’ll be back in August.

I just can’t allow myself to wade in this horrific cesspool.

The AJC should be ashamed of itself. Wyche, you need to claim some ownership over your blog as well. You don’t have to be as hardcore as DOB, but don’t you think you should perhaps take more responsibility for what people are permitted to write on here under your byline?

The racist garbage on this site just makes me want to puke. So much hatred. So much ignorance.

I think the AJC needs to adopt a rule requiring proof that you have hit puberty before being allowed to post on here.

Remeber this: the whole world can read this. Someday when they do the Mike Vick story on ESPN classic (it might be good or might be a story of wasted talent, who knows?), they will highlight much of what is said on here for the racial hatred he had to ensure as a black starting QB. It will be just like all those hateful letters the Hammer used to get. If it is this bad for Vick now, in such a public forum for all to see, imagine how horrific it was for Aaron to have to deal with cowards mailing countless letters of hate to Aaron.

By titothebear

March 9, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

I became so upset at Ken Strickland’s remarks, I had to do something to calm my nerves. So, I started reading my favorite gay novel, and came across a passage I have read at least a hundred times. But this time it spoke to me like no other time before. It said, “the truth will set you free”, so I’ve decided to follow the advice in my favorite Dianna Ross song, “I’m coming out”.

Therefore, I have decided to announce to all that I am gay. I also want to admit that the animosity I have shown towards Ken Strickland and Michael Vick was just a pretense. Ken, you were right when you said the name Vick reminded me of my favorite indulgement, except it’s spelled with a D. You all know how I love to play with peoples names. When I played with Ken’s last name, Strickland, I came up with Strick, which rhymes with, well, you know.

I also admit I’ve loved Matt Schaub every since he and his two friends brutally assaulted that man outside that club. Just the thought of having that thug QB in my bed, with me being his receiver, I start getting sooooo Hoottttt, oh my god, I’am have another big one, holla big Schaub, holla.

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

THE ARMPIT OF THE AJC, the reason I continue posting on these sites is the knowledge people like you read these comments. Unfortunately, there is an audience out there that embraces the garbage posted by some of these culturally deprived individuals. I’ll admit, I periodically allow myself to get side tracked, but I really love talking football. I hope you continue to follow our comments. Otherwise, I agree with you completely.

By the way, I hope you know I have a stalker that’s posting under my name. I’m certain there is no need for me to identify the culprit.

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

I really got sidetracked when I wrote that last post, under the screen name of another poster. I’m so sorry! it’s just part of my illness, I suppose. I talk about Vick all the time. He so scrumptious! Would all of you please adress me as His Gayness from now on? I want to be the Queen of Football. Thank you for your understanding and your indulgence. Now, back to football. I think Horn, in those tights, is going to be an intgeresting addition to our team. He will catch a lot of passes and I’m going to throw some his way too. How about that new fullback? He is one hunk of blocker, isn’t he? I have to go now. I’m all sweaty just thinking about all the first downs we’re going to make.

By Scooter

March 9, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

lol… rub my eyes… Who is this guy?

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

SCOOTER, it’s our little resident tinkerbell, titothebear. Just ignore his/her childish behavior. At least he/she can no longer lay claim to any form of intellectual superiority. Only an attention deprived child would exhibit this level of behavior.

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Scooter, I am so sorry I slandered Titothebear in that fashion. He’s a very nice and intelligent man. I’m having trouble with my thoughts. i can’t think of anything but Mike Vick and you, my little Scooter.

By Titothebear

March 9, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

Ken Strychnine,

just tuned in. I accept your apology and I applaud your “coming out.” I think your new-found honesty will served you well. Will the Falcons have a float in the big “Pride” parade? If so, I know you’ll be up there with your backfield in motion. Take care and congratulations on your self-discovery and disclosure. Remember, you are somebody!

By Titothebear

March 10, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Oh, I’m so sorry Kenny boy, I didn’t mean any animosity toward you. No, really, I just can’t help myself sometimes…maybe it’s the “flamer” in me! Seriously, maybe I can call you sometime and we can start our own little gay dialogue? How’s that sound to you? OOOOOOOOH, I’m getting horny just thinking about it…excuse me while I spend a little extra time with my little buddy here. Just do me one teeny-weeny favor first, don’t tell my mommy that I stay up past 9:00 every evening because I’d hate our coming-together after hours on the internet. Please, oh pretty please Kenny! ‘Til next time…toodles, you studmuffin you!

By Ken Strickland

March 10, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Oh, i don’t know why I write such awful things, assailing the character, and sexual identity, of Mr. thebear. I’m just so enraptured with him. To heck with football! all I can think of is Titothebear and Vick and Johnny Mathis. Talk about an African Queen! Reminder to all: Please address me as His Gayness. I’m just on fire thinking about piling on and other penalties I should be whistled for. Whoooo, I’m telling you, these keys on my computer are smokin’. I may have to hose this thing down if I get any hotter. Oh Lawd, somebody dump a barrel of Gatorade on my po ole punkin head!

By Ken Strickland

March 10, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Oh, i don’t know why I write such awful things, assailing the character, and sexual identity, of Mr. thebear. I’m just so enraptured with him. To heck with football! all I can think of is Titothebear and Vick and Johnny Mathis. Talk about an African Queen! Reminder to all: Please address me as His Gayness. I’m just on fire thinking about piling on and other penalties I should be whistled for. Whoooo, I’m telling you, these keys on my computer are smokin’. I may have to hose this thing down if I get any hotter. Oh Lawd, somebody dump a barrel of Gatorade on my po ole punkin head!

By Ken Strickland

March 10, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Congradulations Titothebear, you seem to have successfully driven everyone interested in discussing football from this blog. You have got to realize your behavior is not what one would classify as rational. You seem to thrive on character assassination.

You are an internet stalker that posts sick comments under different monikers, as well as the names of others. You have been a disruptive presence on these blogs, and have offered nothing of value. Your extensive vocabulary, rapier whit, and your ability to express yourself are impressive. But when your behavior, and psychological issues are factored in, you become living proof that there really is a thin line between genius and insanity.

By SC

March 10, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Hi Steve Wyche. That Nate Clements deal is just amazing. I have heard that the Falcons cap room will actually grow worse over the next couple of seasons. I’m looking at bit far into the future, but if the Seahawks have cap room after 2008(?), is Deangelo Hall going to get signed by Seattle as a UFA? I hope D and Zimmer build a good working relationship this year.

By Titothebear

March 10, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Ken Strychnine, you are like a kid who starts a fight and, after getting popped a couple times, starts wanting to talk rather than fight. If you don’t want people posting under your name, then quit writing garbage and attributing it to others. If you don’t want any crude remarks made about you, then quit making them about others. Stop accusing others of doing things you initiated. Ever hear the old saying, “if you don’t start no sit, there won’t be any?” Word!

By Ken Strickland

March 10, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

SC, you’ve asked a very interesting question. I’d like to know if those future cap projections include the possible future loss of Gandy, Dunn, Schaub, Brookings, Webster and Rossum. With more teams switching to the cover 2 zone DEF, DHall’s value as a top press cover CB will diminish(see Clements & Blye). I guarantee last yrs experience with Donatell’s soft cover 2 zone experiment, left a bad taste in his mouth. He might not be as eager as you think to give up the money and the opportunity the Falcons might offer.

By bryan

March 10, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

I read an article at nfl.com that adrian peterson could end up sliding and if he does do you guys think the falcons should draft him?

By Ken Strickland

March 10, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

BRYAN, I must have read that same article, or one simular to it. The answer is no, unless we intend to use him as trade bait. There will very likely be a team drafting below us that would want, or need, him more than the Falcons. We could trade him for a player we need, like a DE, OT/OG, FS, and pick up an additional pick, or two.

Since we have 2 proven, quality RB’s already, it wouldn’t be a sound move. We need a FS/CB, DE, and OLinemen, and Petrino doesn’t have his preferred OL in place. We don’t have the cap space to build through FA, so we must use the draft. Remember, OL’s don’t need good RB’s as much as RB’s need good OL’s. Just ask the Cardinals Edgrin James, he found out 1st hand. Also, building a strong DEF can make up for a weak OFF. The Ravens, Buccaneers, and Bears, all former SB paticipants and/or winners, have proven that.

By The Armpit of the AJC

March 10, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Ken, I too let myself get sidetracked all too often when i was posting about 5 to 10 times a day on here during the season.

It became too tiring to deal with.

Between the racists and the impostors and the juveniles who post on here, it is no longer worth it to me.

I am not using my real identity now because I do not want it jacked for the evil purposes of losers and racists and teenagers.

As bad and as vile as this Falcons blog proved itself to be during the regular season, it appears to have only become far worse since the season - since most good football bloggers are no longer regularly engaging in the football conversation.

TITO, please grow up!

You seem to have the intellect to be far better than you act like.

Just grow up already!

You seem to have the intellect of a 40 year old but the psychological and emotional makeup of a psychologically and emotionally imbalanced 8 year old.

Are you sure you are a man, Tito?

Men do not act this way.

This sort of behavior is more typical of a woman scorned.

Tito, go pick up a ball and go to the park.

We promise we will let you play this time as opposed to all of the other times you were forced to watch.

Will that alleviate some of your anger?

By Ken Strickland

March 10, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

THE ARMPIT OF THE AJC, nice to hear from you again. Although my name was used, I had nothing to do with the gay bashing and character assassination stuff. There were actually some good football discussions until all of that crap started. I really do get frustrated with uninformed posters. Especially the ones relying on ignorance and stupidity to perpetuate personal agendas.

But I can’t allow these people to drive me from something I enjoy, and know a lot about. You see, Rosa Parks wasn’t the 1st Black person ever ordered to the back of the bus. She likely wasn’t the 1st to refuse, but she was the 1st to do it successfully. Like Rosa, I am not going to allow ignorance, stupidity, and anal mindedness, drive me away from something I enjoy.

BRYAN asked a question about who we should draft. I would draft a DT, like Petrino’s own Okoye. A lot of experts say we need to replace DE Kerney. The truth is, we replaced him by committee last yr, after his injury. CDavis replaced Abraham, Carrington and Mallard combined to replace Kerney. Those 2 equaled, or exceeded, Kerney’s overall 05 production while playing part time.

Our major DL problem is at DT, not DE. Shropshire went from starter to 3rd on the depth chart behind rookie FA TJackson. Babineaux is in some serious legal trouble, and GJackson is coming off surgery. GJackson is now little more than a situational player, with limited lateral movement, stamina, and pass rushing ability. He’s better suited to play NT in a 3/4 DEF. What do you guys think?

By Titothebear

March 10, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

Ken Strychnine, you are no Rosa Parks. To even mention her name in relation to your weak-minded posts and petty attacks is sacrilege. Rosa Parks was a brave individual of great integrity and substance. You are not a person of integrity and you display no particular bravery. All you display is a big mouth and a duplicitous nature. You are no Rosa Parks. Armpit, your name says it all. Don’t bother with giving advice. You aren’t equipped to do so. Now, back to the Foulcons. All these moves, signing re-treads speaks to me of desperation. It looks as though every flim-flam man of an agent is coming through, selling Mr. Blank some poor, old, washed-up excuse for a football player. The Foulcons are headed backwards and it’s exactly what you pea-brainede fans deserve. 258 wins and 374 losses in the history of the franchise!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 10, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Raiders sign Justin Griffith to 3 year, $3.8 million contract.

Anyone really think Ovie Mughelli is 3 years and $14.2 million better than Griffith?

By Titothebear

March 10, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

In a word, no! Griffith is a good player, with a lot of talent that was not utilized here. I wish him well in his career.

By Steve T

March 11, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

You people do not know basketball and how to be a GM. The Hawks have some nice players in place and I think that you should be able to see that now. Josh Smith has really improved, and I expect Marvin Williams to show that same kind of improvement next year.

People are talking that Billy do not know how to be a GM. Let play this what if game. What if you were a top FA canter or PG? In the past, would you have signed with the Hawks? I do not think so because most people want to win a ring.

Now, let us look at the Hawks after the past three games. Now you can look at the team and say they have some players on that team. They are not selfish and may be if I sign, we could win it all. If you were a center, you could think, I can help by rebounding and blocking shots. I can help when we have a lead and need some points

By SC

March 11, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

Hi Ken Strickland. It is a very interesting and perhaps reassuring point you raise regarding DHall and Cover 2. Why would D want to change to another team with cover 2 unless for example Denver converts to its scheme and Champ Bailey is backing D as an FS in his later years? (hehe)

So Steve Wyche, Ken addresses the larger issue: Over the next few years, Atlanta is in a precarious position with regards to the salary cap and a number of well regarded players face the possibilty of ‘being dropped’ from the team in that time period.

The personnel strategy of the Baltimore and Ozzie Newsome is an interesting one to acknowledge. The Ravens almost always attempt to recoup a compensatory pick from their UFAs and at the same time the Ravens avoid UFAs so as to always recoup a net gain in draft picks.

So how does Rich McKay regard the Ravens draft strategy? I know that you as the Falcon’s beat reporter would not/should not directly reveal pending draft strategy.

I have another question about the draft which might be a little bit over the top, but since draft picks are valued according to the Jimmy Johnson chart exponentially with respect to draft order, why don’t more teams try to trade at least one pick in the draft for one next year in an earlier round? In a sense, a draft pick is kind of like a zero-coupon bond. It would not surprise me has Rich McKay has already contemplated this in one of his classes at Princeton …

By SC

March 11, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

Yes, I need a copy editor.

By **NATIVE SON**

March 11, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

To “D in Houston“.Excellent prognostication,except for the D thing.Yeah,we had some injuries on D,but in short,our DBs,and safeties were too short.Every body kept throwing over the top,and across the middle of that stupid cover three.You sound like a fan from H-town,and I could’nt have said it better myself.Peace.

By ibdope

March 11, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Ken Strickland and Mike Vick suck!

By Ken Strickland

March 11, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Human nature is a funny thing. Without referencing a single person by name, a certain group of individuals will respond like bees to honey if you use key words like IGNORANT, STUPID, MORON, ANAL RETENTIVE, or IDIOT. They might not know much else, but they instinctively know that they are being referenced.

These blogs can also reveal a great deal about individual thought patterns, both positive and negative. It is very interesting to observe the various levels of maturity used to express certain ideas and/or ideals. In some cases, there seems to be a total absence of maturity. I guess it takes all kinds.

By Keeping it real

March 11, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Vick will be running for his life again this year. we will still have poor performers at offense line . No money to get the best at offense line. we must draft to get defense player to win this year. Management fail when they sign the very weak offense linemen to a extension . This was a huge flaw by management!!!!

By Robert

March 11, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

The thing is if Vick, really want to win, and know that he really need protection up front why hasn’t he stepped up and have his contract redone to give the team some needed cap relief. So step up man and help your team…

By Keeping it real

March 11, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

By Robert Vick had that done last year he did step up. Management has step down by signing the sub par offense line to contract extension. They are and have set Vick up to fail. we have 4th and 7th rounder and they sign a 35 year old lineman last year!They need to step it up by hiring and drafting the best player band for the buck!!

By someonewithsomesense

March 11, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Please, Please Mr. Blank. Stop signing all of these Robbins and get us some BatMans!!

By Keeping it real

March 11, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Management need to be more focus in what that are doing. They need to get more bang for the buck. If they make a trade get a low round the next year for player draft pick the next year too. We need management to step it up. They have hurt the team by not thinking 360 degree on team players needs in key spot. Mr Blank this is a real flaw in management skills that needs a real time fix!

By Ken Strickland

March 11, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

KEEPING IT REAL, don’t be so quick to condemn our OL. Weiner, McClure, Forney formed three fifths of Dan Reeves power blocking OL in 02. Don’t forget, they allowed Vick to pass for just under 3000yds, his 1st yr as a starter, and WDunn to gained 1000yds. That team made the playoffs, and defeated the Packers, in GB. KShaffer was the starting OT. He’s been replaced by WGandy, which was considered a significant upgrade. RGaza was the other OG, who has been replaced by MLehr. MLehr is gone, and that position will definitely be upgraded.

Spreading the OFF, throwing to our RB’s, and being unpredictable in play selection, will make a tremendous difference. Petrino’s spread OFF will force teams to play more zone, which will reduce all out blitzes. Also, having a power blocking FB will make a big difference. Petrino intends to use the FB as a runner and pass rec. The unpredictability and versatility of Petrino’s spread OFF will limit the DEF’s aggressiveness. That takes pressure off our OL, which takes pressure off our QB. You are so fixated on what the OL didn’t do last yr, until you completely ignore what they did do. Over the last 3yrs our so called undersized OL went toe to toe with the biggest and strongest DL’s in the NFL. All 3yrs, we led the NFL in rushing, and by a wide margin. Not one other team, even those with big, strong, power blocking OL’s, could come close to matching that feat.

NFL rules will not allow a team to renegotiate a players contract more than once in a predetermined period of time. Vick renegotiated his contract last yr to allow the Falcons to sign JAbraham and LMalloy. When it comes to renegotiating contracts, I wonder why MVick is the only player mentioned? Not once has anyone recommended renegotiating KBrookings, or WDunn’s large contracts.

By Titothebear

March 12, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Sister Rosa Parks,

The Foulcons were 15-17 over the two previous seasons. Rushing titles don’t really mean all that much when you don’t make the playoffs, do they? Take a seat, ath the back of the bus, and be quiet!

By Ken Strickland

March 12, 2007 3:46 AM | Link to this

TITOTHEBEAR, exactly how old are you cronologically? When assessing your overall responses, you are always adversarial, negative, usually petty and childish, and always narrowly focused. You are obviously intelligent, witty, and you possess a broad vocabulary. But like a deprived adolesent child, you resort to negative behavior to get attention.

I’ve also noticed whenever you are embarrassed, or feel someone has gotten the better of you, you launch into a retaliatory tirade. You start posting vile, degrading, insensitive comments, and under various names. You actually end up playing what amounts to a very childish game with yourself. You get so carried away with these childish endeavors, you often double and triple post your comments. You need to review the bulk of your comments, then review the comments of others, and realize you are the only person exhibiting these negative behavioral traits.

You use uncommon words in an obvious attempt to keep your head above intellectual waters. You obviously have very little, if any, mental apitude, or physical ability for sports. Yet you frequent sports blogs trying to convince yourself, and others, that you are somehow intellectually superior. You try to perpetuate your goal through the degradation of others. Let’s face it TITO, no one reading your comments has an ounce of respect you, or your opinions. It’s also obvious you view me as your biggest challenge, and you have an unhealthy obsession towards me. Get help my friend, so you can finally see what it’s like to be normal.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TITO, IF YOU WANT TO SINK A BATTLESHIP, YOU HAVE TO BE ARMED WITH MORE THAT JUST SPITBALLS.

By Titothebear

March 12, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

C-h-r-o-n-o-l-o-g-i-c-a-l

You are no challenge. Nice to see you drop the Rosa Parks comparison though. As for opinions, of my opinions, I could not care less. You make pronouncements like you’re a Malcolm X until you get something going and then you revert to emulating Martin Luther King. You are the very essence of duplicity. As for being obsessed with you, please! You’re constantly making comments to me. I’m just responding to your idiot drivel. Your posts, such as your latest, are meant to incite. So, drop the phony allegations. People who read your gas-bag leavings know that you are a pontificating moron without portfolio. The Foulcons are in bad enough shape without the added burden of fans like you!

By Target Zero

March 12, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Can management GET IT RIGHT! sent Mr. blank has been owner what has the Management done to get this team to the super bowl. We talk about the player but look at the key player on this management team. The money has been there and thanks MR.Blank Rich Mckay and the rest of his team has to do a better job. Look at the free agents and draft. I give them a C- for the last four years. For this team to win they must do a better job with player and contracts. The name of this game is winning and get the best player and the best bang for the buck. Clearly they have not step up with free agents ,they stay hurt to much have more draft choice in lower rounds ( like 2nd and 3th rounders) for next year. This is a skill to and they have not masters it. Mckay seem to know football but we need his skills to show up on the field. We the fan in Atlanta know how to lose with the best of teams . we need a ten year run in the (W) callum. Wish this team the best in the draft because we need it bad! Please draft defense player . and next year we must get offense line men draft or free agents. I for one is tired of hearing ESPN dogged Atlanta Falcons out . Time to win and now!

By Allbtme

March 12, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Can we get a new blog already…..

By Huskdawg

March 12, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Allbtme, I’m with ya. This crap is gettin old. This site was SO much better when you had to pay for it. I really wish they’d bring it back. It’s gone from sports to just downright hatred and personal insults. Freakin awful!

By MuscleFlexer

March 12, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

The Joe Horn signing is absolutely solid. Forget that Horn is 35 years old, because Horn plays the position as though he is 25. Horn gets tremendous separation on his running routes and he is so good at it that it appears that Horn is open on every single play. If Michael Vick can get Horn the ball I see the Falcons becoming s super power in the NFL. In addition, the great wide receivers can always play until they are in their 40s. Jerry Rice is a perfect example of that. Jerry was the greatest, yet he hung on until his 40s. The Falcons will undoubtedly get at LEAST five good years out of Horn. If the Falcons are unable to win the Superbowl in the next five years they probably will never win it. I am expecting to win the next two superbowls back-to-back. Anything after that is up for grabs.

By Red and Black

March 12, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

F the sorry a* Falcons I just read the blog for titothebear and Ken Strickland. Hey Ken you do sound like you are using words you have no idea what they mean. Just Sayin’

By Red and Black

March 12, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

F the sorry a* Falcons I just read the blog for titothebear and Ken Strickland. Hey Ken you do sound like you are using words you have no idea what they mean. Just Sayin’

By Titothebear

March 13, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

The Dallas Cowboys began play in the NFL in 1960. That first year the Cowboys did not win a game, finishing 0-11-1. Since that time, the Cowboys have appeared in the playoffs 28 times. They’ve won their division championship 18 times and have been conference champions 10 times. They’ve been to eight Superbowls and they’ve won five of those games. Overall, the Cowboys, since 1960, have won one hundred more games than they’ve lost. The Falcons first season of play was 1966. They’ve appeared in one Superbowl, which they did not win. Overall, the Falcons have accumulated 116 more losses than wins. The difference between the histories of the two teams, it seems to me, stems from management and continuity issues. The Cowboys instituted a system and hired a coach and stayed with him during good and bad times. They made the playoffs for the first time in 1966. That feat was matched every year through 1983. The first Superbowl victory for the Cowboys came in 1971. The first Superbowl win for the Falcons has not yet arrived and there are no signs that it is imminent. The Falcons have lost some pretty good players this offseason, there’s been a coaching change and there has been controversy surrounding, at least, two players. It’s hard to characterize what is going on with the Falcons as rebuilding. Nothing of great substance was ever built to begin with. The Falcons have had their chances though. Many years ago, they let Leeman Bennett go because the team, under his leadership, had reached” a plateau.” They got off the plateau shortly after firing him. They had another chance with Dan Reeves several years ago. His first year the Falcons were 1-7 at the mid-point of the season. They went on to finish 7-9. The next year was the Superbowl year for the Falcons and they won fourteen games in the regular season, playing inspired football. That should have been a turning point for the franchise but when bad times re-appeared Reeves was let go. Mora, riding talent Reeves molded, went 11-5 his first year and went deep into the playoffs. After that, overall, it’s been back to losing with considerable regularity. Now comes Mr. Petrino. Unlike Mora who had no discernible plan, Bobby Petrino has convinced Mr. Blank that he has a vision of the Falcons as a winning franchise and he knows how to make it reality. If he does indeed have a plan it will be refreshing. It will also be novel for this franchise. To get to where he wants to take the Falons will take years and there will be many obstacles to overcome. Following the Cowboys example, even now, would be a good thing for the Falcons to try. Next season will, probably, be a trying one with many setbacks. The Falcons, like the Cowboys before them, must stick to the program and stick with their coach. Hiring coaches, and then firing them when the going gets rough has not worked. It never will! From 1960-65, Tom Landry’s Cowboys won twenty games. They lost forty-five.

By Ken Strickland

March 13, 2007 4:29 AM | Link to this

TITO, I will be damned. You have finally brought something positive, factual, and of value to the blog. Good work. I must add, if an organization intends on sticking with a coach, it has to be the right coach. Mora, and friends, weren’t the calibur of coaches you want to stick with, but Reeves, maybe. Reeves got himself fired because he wanted too much power and control. That’s also what got him fired at Denver.

Remember, when we went to the SB Reeves was the GM, HC, and the OC/DC. As the GM, Reeves made some critical errors in judgement, regarding personell decisions, that cost the team tremendously. He released both safeties, Robinson and White, plus a starting CB. He let our best OL, RTobeck(C), become a FA, and cut his best WR, TMartin. He let DE Archembeau become a FA, and cut our other DE, CSmith. After JAnderson went down, Reeves the coach, couldn’t coach the team through the injuries and his bad decisions.

Owner ABlank stepped in and told Reeves he had to stop wearing so many hats. Reeves was supposed to get help by hiring an OC and DC. He only hired a DC, WPhillips. After another disappointing season, ABlank forced Reeves to give up being the GM, and hired McKay. Reeves was now reduced to HC/OC. After making Vick the starting QB in 02, the team had a very successful season. After Vick broke his leg in 03, the team faultered to a 2-10 record. After Vick’s return the team went 3-1. ABlank immediately realized Vick, not Reeves, was the difference in the Falcons winning and losing. Even before Vick, Jamal Anderson was the difference maker, so Reeves was fired.

But I have to say, if Reeves had not been fired, he would have done a much better job than Mora did his 3yrs. Dan Reeves got fired for his constant struggle for control more than anything else. Don’t be too quick to count Petrino and his staff out.

By Titothebear

March 13, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Selecting the right coach is, as we all know, imperative. There were many times in the early sixties, I would think, when Cowboys’ management considered letting Tom Landry go. They did not act upon those thoughts however. They exercised faith in him and in their own decision to hire him in the first place. Their faith was rewarded with what has now become the Cowboys’ tradition of winning. Reeves grew up in that tradition. He was a player, player/coach and coach under Landry. His penchant for control was something he acquired from Coach Landry. Being in, absolute, control worked for Landry and, truthfully, it worked for Reeves too. His teams went to Superbowls. His record, overall, is something he can be quite proud of. The undoing of the Falcons didn’t start with Mike Vick’s broken leg. Rather, it started the day they released Cornelius Bennet!

By Ken Strickland

March 13, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

I have a question. There are still teams hurting for a quality RB, and APeterson is the class of the draft. It is conceivable that he could fall to our #10 pick, unless someone trades ahead of us and takes him. How many of you would consider trading down. I know Buffalo, at #12, needs a quality RB after trading Mcgahee. I would offer our #10 and #107 picks(4th rd pick), in return, for their #12, and #43 pick(2nd rd).

If we could trade Schaub to the Vikings for their #36 pick, and a 2nd next yr, we’d have 3 high 2nd rd picks. We could pluck at least 3 starters out of the draft with those picks. A FS, a DE/DT, and an OT/OG. What do you think?

By SchaubCheerleader

March 13, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Dont ever think about trading Schaub for anybody. Schaub is our insurance policy in the event Mike Vick has another meltdown. In the case of Vick continuing his mediocre play at quarterback, Vick will most assuredly be benched in favor of Schaub so again Schaub is our insurance policy to safeguard against Vick meldowns or Vicks continued hapless play at the QB position. As soon as Vick falters this season, Vick will be pulled so that Schaub can be rolled out to launch his impending hall-of-fame career that will most certainly take place once Schaub gets a fair chance to showcase his illustrious skills. SCHAUB WILL THRIVE IN PETRINOS SYSTEM ONCE SCHAUBS CAREER GETS LAUNCHED AS SOON AS SCHAUB TAKES THE STARTING JOB AWAY FROM VICK THIS SEASON.

By Titothebear

March 13, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

What is the goal? is it to give up a very good quarterback because you don’t like something about him? Is the goal to build the best team possible and get in position to challenge for a league title? That’s what it should be about! Making lame deals that yield next to nothing is something the Falcons are accomplished at. Now is the time to think and act in ways that are new and productive! In 1989 the Cowboys realized that holding onto one popular player, Herschel Walker, could not resurrect their football legacy. At the height of his NFL career, the Cowboys traded his rights to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a total of five players (LB Jesse Solomon, DB Issiac Holt, RB Darrin Nelson, LB David Howard, DE Alex Stewart) and six draft picks (which led to Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, Kevin Smith, and Darren Woodson). The rational thing for the Falcons to do, if building a winning team really is of paramount interest to them, is to trade Mike Vick and get as much as they can for him. In 1989 the Cowboys went 1-15 without Walker. Not good but they’d gone 3-13 with him in 1988 and they were building something. In 1991 the Cowboys returned to the playoffs. They went on to win Superbowls in 1992, 1993 and in 1995 too. Like the Cowboys of 1989, the Falcons have numerous holes to be filled. One way, the quickest way, to get players to build for the future would be to trade Vick for maximum value. Over the past two seasons the Falcons have a losing record and that’s with Vick!

By #1FalconsFan

March 14, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Tito, I see where you’re going with the Cowboys’ time line, but we’re talking major apples and oranges here. Back in the 60’s, owners gave coaches way more leeway, plus there was NO SALARY CAP and FREE AGENCY back then…it was all home-grown talent picked from the draft. Shoot, it was even that way in the late 80’s when they made the Herschel trade. Not only that, but they were able to sucker the Minnesota Vikings into the unthinkable 9 or 11 player/draft pick trade that not only sent the Cowboys into a dynasty, but crippled the Vikings for the next decade…needless to say, Vikings GM Mike Lynn (I think that was his name) didn’t last long after that trade! Today, coaches are given 3 years to produce or they’re gone and that is because owners are under salary cap rules and pay outrageous signing bonuses for free-agents. Not only that, they’re mostly interested in lining up their own pockets (i.e. Bidwell, Al Davis, Snyder, etc.) instead of putting a great product on the field. Gosh, I miss the old days!

By Titothebear

March 14, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Things are different today, no doubt! However, trades of considerable magnitude can still be made. Remember, Mike Vick was traded here from San Diego and it was a tremendous trade-for the Chargers! Atlanta traded wide receiver Tim Dwight, the fastest man on the Falcons, and draft picks to secure the draft rights to Vick. Those draft picks became LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Reche Caldwell and Tay Cody. The Chargers, led by Tomlinson’s great performance this past season, won fourteen games. The Falcons, led by Vick, finished with seven wins, nine losses. Vick, if he has the value many believe, could bring the sort of volume and quality in players the Falcons desperately need. Right now, still at this late date, there is considerable talk about the potential he has to be a great quarterback. The time to deal him is right now! If he is found incapable of executing Petrino’s offensive scheme he will have little or no value on the trade market. Also, as of now, the Falcons have no leeway under the salary cap to make any meaningful additions to the team. Moving Vick would give them discretionary cap space. Back in 1988 the Cowboys had a woeful team and Herscel Walker was the star of that team. What good is a star on a 3-13 team? They found a trading partner, Herschel left and the Cowboys wound up 1-15 in 1989. The suffering was intense but it didn’t last forever. They returned to the playoffs in 1991 and they won the Superbowl in 1992. The Cowboys were “the team” of the 1990’s and it was because of that trade. The Falcons of today are in worse shape, talent-wise, than they were at the end of the season. They were a losing team and, now, they’ve lost some of the better talent on that team. The quickest and most reasonable way to replenish would be to make a significant deal. Many throw out Schaub’s name as possible trade bait but he would not command the sort of return that Vick would. If Vick is as exciting and as enticing as many claim, he’s the one guy the Falcons could trade and build a first class team from. Of course, in getting draft choices there’s always a danger. The cowboys knew who to draft and so did the Chargers. Do the Falcons? I doubt it! I think that is the impediment to making a deal. They’re afraid they’d screw it up and they probably would. As for coaches, three years is not necessarily the cut-off point. Holmgren, Gruden, Dungy and Cowher,who recently left the Steelers of his own volition, have all gone over that line. Losing coaches, and Marty Schottenheimer, who went 14-2, get fired. Petrino seems to have a plan but he doesn’t have the personnel to execute it. Trading Vick is the only way he can get the players to make it work!

By Titothebear

March 14, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Things are different today, no doubt! However, trades of considerable magnitude can still be made. Remember, Mike Vick was traded here from San Diego and it was a tremendous trade-for the Chargers! Atlanta traded wide receiver Tim Dwight, the fastest man on the Falcons, and draft picks to secure the draft rights to Vick. Those draft picks became LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Reche Caldwell and Tay Cody. The Chargers, led by Tomlinson’s great performance this past season, won fourteen games. The Falcons, led by Vick, finished with seven wins, nine losses. Vick, if he has the value many believe, could bring the sort of volume and quality in players the Falcons desperately need. Right now, still at this late date, there is considerable talk about the potential he has to be a great quarterback. The time to deal him is right now! If he is found incapable of executing Petrino’s offensive scheme he will have little or no value on the trade market. Also, as of now, the Falcons have no leeway under the salary cap to make any meaningful additions to the team. Moving Vick would give them discretionary cap space. Back in 1988 the Cowboys had a woeful team and Herscel Walker was the star of that team. What good is a star on a 3-13 team? They found a trading partner, Herschel left and the Cowboys wound up 1-15 in 1989. The suffering was intense but it didn’t last forever. They returned to the playoffs in 1991 and they won the Superbowl in 1992. The Cowboys were “the team” of the 1990’s and it was because of that trade. The Falcons of today are in worse shape, talent-wise, than they were at the end of the season. They were a losing team and, now, they’ve lost some of the better talent on that team. The quickest and most reasonable way to replenish would be to make a significant deal. Many throw out Schaub’s name as possible trade bait but he would not command the sort of return that Vick would. If Vick is as exciting and as enticing as many claim, he’s the one guy the Falcons could trade and build a first class team from. Of course, in getting draft choices there’s always a danger. The cowboys knew who to draft and so did the Chargers. Do the Falcons? I doubt it! I think that is the impediment to making a deal. They’re afraid they’d screw it up and they probably would. As for coaches, three years is not necessarily the cut-off point. Holmgren, Gruden, Dungy and Cowher,who recently left the Steelers of his own volition, have all gone over that line. Losing coaches, and Marty Schottenheimer, who went 14-2, get fired. Petrino seems to have a plan but he doesn’t have the personnel to execute it. Trading Vick is the only way he can get the players to make it work!

By Titothebear

March 14, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Things are different today, no doubt! However, trades of considerable magnitude can still be made. Remember, Mike Vick was traded here from San Diego and it was a tremendous trade-for the Chargers! Atlanta traded wide receiver Tim Dwight, the fastest man on the Falcons, and draft picks to secure the draft rights to Vick. Those draft picks became LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Reche Caldwell and Tay Cody. The Chargers, led by Tomlinson’s great performance this past season, won fourteen games. The Falcons, led by Vick, finished with seven wins, nine losses. Vick, if he has the value many believe, could bring the sort of volume and quality in players the Falcons desperately need. Right now, still at this late date, there is considerable talk about the potential he has to be a great quarterback. The time to deal him is right now! If he is found incapable of executing Petrino’s offensive scheme he will have little or no value on the trade market. Also, as of now, the Falcons have no leeway under the salary cap to make any meaningful additions to the team. Moving Vick would give them discretionary cap space. Back in 1988 the Cowboys had a woeful team and Herscel Walker was the star of that team. What good is a star on a 3-13 team? They found a trading partner, Herschel left and the Cowboys wound up 1-15 in 1989. The suffering was intense but it didn’t last forever. They returned to the playoffs in 1991 and they won the Superbowl in 1992. The Cowboys were “the team” of the 1990’s and it was because of that trade. The Falcons of today are in worse shape, talent-wise, than they were at the end of the season. They were a losing team and, now, they’ve lost some of the better talent on that team. The quickest and most reasonable way to replenish would be to make a significant deal. Many throw out Schaub’s name as possible trade bait but he would not command the sort of return that Vick would. If Vick is as exciting and as enticing as many claim, he’s the one guy the Falcons could trade and build a first class team from. Of course, in getting draft choices there’s always a danger. The cowboys knew who to draft and so did the Chargers. Do the Falcons? I doubt it! I think that is the impediment to making a deal. They’re afraid they’d screw it up and they probably would. As for coaches, three years is not necessarily the cut-off point. Holmgren, Gruden, Dungy and Cowher,who recently left the Steelers of his own volition, have all gone over that line. Losing coaches, and Marty Schottenheimer, who went 14-2, get fired. Petrino seems to have a plan but he doesn’t have the personnel to execute it. Trading Vick is the only way he can get the players to make it work!

By Titothebear

March 14, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Things are different today, no doubt! However, trades of considerable magnitude can still be made. Remember, Mike Vick was traded here from San Diego and it was a tremendous trade-for the Chargers! Atlanta traded wide receiver Tim Dwight, the fastest man on the Falcons, and draft picks to secure the draft rights to Vick. Those draft picks became LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Reche Caldwell and Tay Cody. The Chargers, led by Tomlinson’s great performance this past season, won fourteen games. The Falcons, led by Vick, finished with seven wins, nine losses. Vick, if he has the value many believe, could bring the sort of volume and quality in players the Falcons desperately need. Right now, still at this late date, there is considerable talk about the potential he has to be a great quarterback. The time to deal him is right now! If he is found incapable of executing Petrino’s offensive scheme he will have little or no value on the trade market. Also, as of now, the Falcons have no leeway under the salary cap to make any meaningful additions to the team. Moving Vick would give them discretionary cap space. Back in 1988 the Cowboys had a woeful team and Herscel Walker was the star of that team. What good is a star on a 3-13 team? They found a trading partner, Herschel left and the Cowboys wound up 1-15 in 1989. The suffering was intense but it didn’t last forever. They returned to the playoffs in 1991 and they won the Superbowl in 1992. The Cowboys were “the team” of the 1990’s and it was because of that trade. The Falcons of today are in worse shape, talent-wise, than they were at the end of the season. They were a losing team and, now, they’ve lost some of the better talent on that team. The quickest and most reasonable way to replenish would be to make a significant deal. Many throw out Schaub’s name as possible trade bait but he would not command the sort of return that Vick would. If Vick is as exciting and as enticing as many claim, he’s the one guy the Falcons could trade and build a first class team from. Of course, in getting draft choices there’s always a danger. The cowboys knew who to draft and so did the Chargers. Do the Falcons? I doubt it! I think that is the impediment to making a deal. They’re afraid they’d screw it up and they probably would. As for coaches, three years is not necessarily the cut-off point. Holmgren, Gruden, Dungy and Cowher,who recently left the Steelers of his own volition, have all gone over that line. Losing coaches, and Marty Schottenheimer, who went 14-2, get fired. Petrino seems to have a plan but he doesn’t have the personnel to execute it. Trading Vick is the only way he can get the players to make it work!

By #1Falcons Fan

March 14, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Well, the reason those coaches have stuck around or did stick around is because they all have won Super Bowls. But, let’s face it, the days of coaching one team for over 25 years (such as Noll, Landry, and Shula) are over. Coaches just get burned out or they want to be the coach/GM. The reason? The salary cap, signing bonuses, and the fact that the majority of all professional athletes are spoiled rotten drive coaches nuts. Back in the 60’s, players played hard and produced FOR a long-term contract and the money came later. Nowadays, the players want the money up front and when they get it, they MIGHT play hard enough to try to earn it…the majority don’t or get injured, which in turn can cripple franchises for at least 5 years. Now, I’m not on the football field or in the GM’s office, but I would be willing to bet you that is the main reason why coaches get “burned out.” Parcells is a prime example (think T.O.) Is this entirely the players’ fault for this? Of course not, that’s just the way the NFL is today. But, when a team doesn’t perform on the field with all these high priced free agents or draft picks, who pays for it in the end? The coach, and that is a shame…most of the time. Sure, Dungy, Gruden, and Holmgren have coached over 5 years with the same club, but ALL of them were on the verge of getting canned, or got an ultimatum to get to the playoffs or else. Even Cowher was almost out the door many times because he couldn’t “win the big one” until the 2005 season. I see what you are saying, and yes, there are exceptions to the rule, but NO coach is safe in today’s NFL. If the NFL were this way in the 60’s, there is no way Tom Landry gets even the chance to reap the rewards of the Cowboys’ success in the 1970’s.

As for the Falcons and Vick, I believe THIS year is make-or-break for #7. Let him try to learn Petrino’s system. He’s supposedly going to be given the chance to audible at the line of scrimmage, which he NEVER was under Knapp, and I think that will be huge for him..or it should. Hopefully, too, Vick will be held accountable for his actions by Petrino and his staff. There were too many instances where Mora let the inmates run the asylum and that, I believe, killed any trust the players had in Mora and his system. Has Vick made dumb mistakes on and off the field? Absolutely he has, but let’s see what he can do with Petrino and his system this year before we make him out to be the complete failure you say he is.

By Titothebear

March 14, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Mora’s system worked alright when the team was 5-2 this past year. It also was OK when the Falcons were at 6-2 the previous year. The credit for the good starts went to Vick, but the poor finishes were blamed on-you name it, everything but Vick’s performance. The fact remains that the Falcons, last season, were last in passing offense. Most of that failure belongs to Vick! Vick may be somewhat more coherent in the coming season. I believe he’s been in rehabilitation, since the bottle incident, for dependency upon marijuana. I don’t know it for a fact but I strongly suspect that to be the case. If he performs well I won’t have a problem in giving him credit due. However, if he’s as bad as he’s been over the last several years, it’s time to move on!

By #1FalconsFan

March 14, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

That’s the way it is in the NFL…the QB always gets the credit when a team does well, as was the case for Vick and the Falcons. But, trust me, he has taken his fair share of blame for the Mishaps as well. Maybe not all on this blog, but on ESPN (especially Salisbury), the local news channels, newspapers, everything. But, that’s life as QB in the NFL today, a team will only go as far as their QB takes them…isn’t that the saying? Take a look at this past Super Bowl, for instance. Much of the media blamed Chicago’s loss due to Rex Grossman, when, in reality, it was the Bears’ defense that let them down. Was Grossman partly to blame? Sure, but to put all the blame on him is assinine, esp. when their defense gave Manning all day to pick them apart, and let them run up the gut all night long. See, that’s life as a QB in the NFL these days. Vick is no different! Trust me, if Vick fails in Petrino’s system this year, I’ll be first in line to picket for a change.

By Titothebear

March 14, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Your points are well-stated and accurate in my opinion. It seems to me Vick has been the recipient of loads of understanding. Most other quarterbacks would have been benched for performing as he has over the past two seasons. I assume the money the Falcons have tied up in him is the determining factor. I understand wanting to get the most out of an investment but sometimes you have to take a loss and go forward. I have little faith that he will be able to play up to expectations. Last season, over three games, he threw eleven touchdown passes. In the other thirteen, he threw nine. That sort of inconsistency is what he’s always delivered. He’s capable of really passing brilliantly but only on occasion. The team, itself, now has more holes than at the end of last season. To build through the draft, without making a major trade, will take many years. Those who believe the addition of Joe Horn will, somehow, elevate the Falcons to playoff caliber are really not dealing with reality. The Falcons, without a major infusion of talent, will not be able to reach seven wins this year.

By Titothebear

March 14, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Rex Grossman has been a target for derision all this past season. people said he didn’t gain enough yardage through the air and he didn’t throw enough touchdown passes. The statistics show that Rex Grossman threw three more touchdowns than Vick and gained 719 more yards through the air than Mike did. Yet, Grossman is perceived, by some, to be a lesser quarterback than vick. Well, try this on, Grossman did well enough to take his team to a Superbowl appearance. Vick’s team went 7-9 and, along with Vick, disappeared. I don’t think Rex Grossman is a great quarterback but statistics and team record indicate he’s better than Vick.

By #1FalconsFan

March 15, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

I read you, Tito. Grossman DID lead his team to the Super Bowl, but some may surmise it was their defense that led them there. I’ve always been a firm beleiver that it takes a whole TEAM to get them there. Yes, the QB play is a huge proponent, but without good defense and special teams, it just won’t happen. Plus, there has to be a little luck involved, such as no injuries, a bounce here or a bounce there, etc. IMO, I thought the Bears screwed themselves in ‘05 when they put Grossman in for Kyle Orton. I thought they had a good rhythm going with Orton there. Was he the next Brett Favre? Probably not, but I thought he did what he was supposed to do just enough so they could win games…and they did, they were 9-2 (I believe) and cruising at the time. They changed to Grossman and he clearly looked rusty and they payed dearly in the loss to Carolina. Fast forward to 2006 and he had a better feel of the offense because he was healthy all year for a change. Yes, he was awful at times, but remember, this was his first FULL season as QB…and he helped lead the Bears to the Super Bowl…BUT, most everyone will agree that their bread-and-butter was their defense…oh yeah, Devin Hester saved their butts a few times as well! So, yes, QB play is huge, but ALL aspects of the team must perform. We’ll see how this all translates for Petrino, Vick, and the Falcons. And, no, I don’t think Joe Horn will be the savior on this team, but, I think they mainly brought him in to help teach White, Jenkins, etc. some of the tricks of the trade. Sometimes it takes a veteran player like Horn to get a young player going. Plus, hopefully Finneran will be healthy and ready to go as well. Vick really trusts him, as well as Crumpler, to get him out of tough situations. Only time will tell!

By Titothebear

March 15, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

My point, in bringing up Grossman’s statistics for comparison with those of Vick, was to question why one, Vick, is seen as a star while the other, Grossman, is seen as a weak link. Grossman, in his first full year, passed for more touchdowns than Vick has in any of his six seasons. He passed for seven hundred yards more than Vick. That’s substantial! Vick’s performance mirrors the one of 2005. They are virtually identical. You are absolutely correct when you say all aspects of the team figure into won/loss records. If you look back at the Falcons of 2004, the year they played Philadelphia for the conference championship, you’ll see that Vick played better this year than he did then. All the talk of bad receivers, leaky defenses, inept coaching and whatever else excuses was not heard then. Vick’s level of performance at that time was not satisfactory and it has not deviated from that standard. Over seven of their losses, this past season, the Falcons average offensive scoring output was ten points. That has to be the responsibility of the quarterback. The Falcons led the league in rushing offense but finished 32nd in passing offense. That too, falls upon the shoulders of the quarterback. You’ve mentioned Crumpler and Finneran. Alge was active and on the field last season. Finneran was out with injury but he was on the field for every game of the 2005 season that saw the Falcons lose as many as they won. As for Joe Horn, the Saints knew what they were doing when they cut him. He’s had some great years but his career is in its twilight. The Falcons tied up a great deal of money in a guy that, in my opinion, will not help them all that much. It will take tremendous effort and more than a spot of luck for the Falcons to reach 7-9 this season.

By Titothebear

March 15, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

My point, in bringing up Grossman’s statistics for comparison with those of Vick, was to question why one, Vick, is seen as a star while the other, Grossman, is seen as a weak link. Grossman, in his first full year, passed for more touchdowns than Vick has in any of his six seasons. He passed for seven hundred yards more than Vick. That’s substantial! Vick’s performance mirrors the one of 2005. They are virtually identical. You are absolutely correct when you say all aspects of the team figure into won/loss records. If you look back at the Falcons of 2004, the year they played Philadelphia for the conference championship, you’ll see that Vick played better this year than he did then. All the talk of bad receivers, leaky defenses, inept coaching and whatever else excuses was not heard then. Vick’s level of performance at that time was not satisfactory and it has not deviated from that standard. Over seven of their losses, this past season, the Falcons average offensive scoring output was ten points. That has to be the responsibility of the quarterback. The Falcons led the league in rushing offense but finished 32nd in passing offense. That too, falls upon the shoulders of the quarterback. You’ve mentioned Crumpler and Finneran. Alge was active and on the field last season. Finneran was out with injury but he was on the field for every game of the 2005 season that saw the Falcons lose as many as they won. As for Joe Horn, the Saints knew what they were doing when they cut him. He’s had some great years but his career is in its twilight. The Falcons tied up a great deal of money in a guy that, in my opinion, will not help them all that much. It will take tremendous effort and more than a spot of luck for the Falcons to reach 7-9 this season.

By JIMMY

March 16, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

I HATE TO SAY THIS , BUT I THINK WE TRADE SHAUB TO CLEVEND FOR THERE #1 DRAFT PICK FOR THE 2007 DRAFT. THAT WAY WE CAN GET OUR PICK OUT OF THE TOP THREE PLAYERS IN THE DRAFT (RUSSELL, QUIN, AND JOHNSON). EVEN IF OAKLAND PICK JOHNSON THEY NEED A QB, SO THEY WOULD HAVE TO MAKE A HARD DECISION. THE LIONS NEED A QB ALSO, THEY WOULD HAVE THE SAME DECION TO MAKE ALSO LIKE THE RAIDERS. IF JOHNSON FALL TO THE #3 PICK WE CAN GET HIM OR GET A GREAT QB. WE WILL STILL HAVE THE # 10 PICK TO WHERE AS WE CAN PICK UP LANDRY. I THINK THAT WOULD WORK OUT IN OUR BEST INTREST. I AM BEGGING ARUTHUR BLANK , AND RICH MCKAY TO PLEASE MAKE THAT HAPPEN IF POSSIBLE.

By realism

March 16, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Yes Rex Grossman is a better QB than Mike Vick and it proves that it’s not racism in the criticism of Mike Vick. Has anyone been more criticized than Rex Grossman? I don’t think so, but according to Vick nut lickers around here Vick is better than everyone but maybe joe montana. You can’t talk to some people. Atlanta fans want a hip hop, dread wearing, baggy pants fool at QB fine. But dont’ tell me Snoop Dogg is a great QB, I aint buyin’ it.

By GoldenRichards

March 16, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Rex Grossman is very gross at the qb position. Grossman is probably the worst qb to ever play in the NFL while Vick is undoubtedly the best ever to play at the quarterback position. Its a real stupid comparison comparing Vick to Grossman because Grossman sucks and will always suck at the qb position. Vicks skills are misdirected however they will improve dramatically with Bobby Petrino to extract everything from Vick. Vick will end up running a whole lot less, while throwing much more than he ever has. Vick will finish this season rushing for about 500 yards, while passing for about 3500 yards. Look for Vick to finish in the top 5 in passing for all quarbacks in the NFL this year.

By Titothebear

March 16, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Vick had his best year, in terms of touchdown passes, this past season. He threw twenty. Grossman, in his first full year, without injury, threw twenty-three. He also passed for 3100 yards, while Vick passed for 2400. Vick is the most over rated quarterback in the history of the NFL. Grossman’s team went to the Superbowl and Vick’s went into the toiletbowl. 7-9 won’t get you to the playoffs moron. By the way, this was Vick’s best year! I’d take Grossman over Vick anyday. Vick will fail mightily in Petrino’s system just as he’s failed in all the other coaches’ systems. He’s failed under two systems and has killed the careers of two guys. This will be number three.

By BROTHAMAN

March 16, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

VICK IS SICK YO’, DA MAN IS DOPE, DON’T BE DOGGIN’ MY MAN FOOLS, I’M TIED OF THE REDNEKCS HOMEY. WHITE MEN ARE JUST JEALOUS OF A BROTHA WITH MONEY YO. VICK WILL BE IN THE HALL OF FAME AND GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE GREATEST QB OF ALL TIME…….KNOW WHAT I’M TALKIN’ BOUT.

By Titothebear

March 16, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Did you say something?

By BROTHAMAN

March 16, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

down with the white man oppression, we shall overcome my brother.

By Titothebear

March 17, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

Deep in my heart, I do believe-you’ve had too much MD20/20.

By Tired of the madness

March 18, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

T!t if you’re not careful you’re going to end up with a stroke or heart attack worrying about Mike Vick. Your criticisms have gone way beyond obsession. You keep repeating the same things over and over. For what purpose? What, exactly, is your agenda? No one is saying that Vick can’t or shouldn’t be criticized, but dayum! 99% of your blogs are about how bad Vick is as a QB and how bad the falcons suck no matter what the topic is. Don’t you think that you’ve more than made your point? It’s very clear that you don’t like Vick nor the Falcons. That’s fine. You have every right to feel this way. It seems a bit neurotic to keep posting about how much you dislike them. I’m certain there isn’t a person who’ve been on the falcons blog that doesn’t know how you feel about Vick and the team. Here’s a little secret for you. Vick is the Falcons QB for the foreseeable future. If that changes, it won’t because of anything you’ve done or said here. You can’t honestly believe that Blank, McKay or Petrino make their decisions based on blog comments. It gets old seeing your rants and raves. By the way, any “attacks” you post as a result of my comments will be totally meaningless.

By Titothebear

March 18, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Petrino is saddled with Vick, for now, but that can, and probably will, change. Now as for you Tied, I appreciate your kind concern but I don’t really need it. A s for attacks meaning nothing, your comments here aren’t well thought out and lack persuasive power. I’m going to continue to write about the worst quarterback in the NFL, Mike Vick. Did you realize, Tied, that Vick threw three less touchdowns than Rex Grosssman last season? He also threw for seven hundred fewer yards than Grossman! Keep reading Tied!

By Dining with Delamort

March 18, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Review

This was an assignment I relished. I’m a big fan of the Falcons and of Mike vick. When my editor gave me my orders I was very enthusiastic about dining in Mike’s new eatery. The Golden Chitterling is a nice, cozy affair with a smoky ambiance without the smoke. It is quite charming except for the loud Rap music being played over the sound system.

My dining experience commenced with my waiter, Dequishas, bringing me a fine bottle of wine. He twisted the cap off and poured a glass of pungent, tasty Mogen David, vintage Wednesday. Quite good. He then brought my appetizer. Now, I’m not really that big on pig’s feet but these were particularly briney. You might want to try the pig ears instead. The snouts might be of interest to you as well. They looked absolutely delicious. My entree arrived about the time I had gnawed the last little bit of gristle off the last pig foot. It looked scrumptious. Breaded and deep fried, these were chitterlings to remember. They were everything a chitterling should be-fried to a crisp and chewy beyond belief. It took me about an hour to devour the entire platter of rodent innards. Umm Umm! Tasty. Dessert was red vevet cake and it was sweet! It was not up to the standards of Pic-a-Dilly but it was sweet.
All-in-all, my dining experience was quite good. If you have a longing for some down home “chitluns”, then Mike Vick’s Golden Chitterling is the place to go. Also, check out the menu. They have freshly road killed possum and armadillo on the half-shell. Salivating yet? Me too!
A word to the safety conscious among you, it is very dark in the parking lot. So, take a flash light with you and it wouldn’t hurt to pack your nine as well. Bon appetit!

By Tired of the madness

March 18, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

T!t my comments were apparently thought out and persuasive enough to elicit a response from you. Were they not? I’m sure you will continue to write. It seems to be what gives you a reason to live. If that’s the case, continue to write. It’s not worth dying over. Since your comments are always mired in redundancy, we pretty much know what you’re going to say before you say it. “Vick is the worse QB that ever lived and the Foulcons suck.” It’s not Quantum Physics. My point is…. if you have such a fervent disdain for Vick and the Falcons, why waste precious time and energy commenting about them? A “reasonable” (forget prudent) person would not spend so much time focused on something that they fine so reprehensible and abhorrent.

By Titothebear

March 18, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Tied,

You really are tied! Yes, I’ll continue to comment on Vick and the Falcons. Somebody has to tell the truth to you poor, addled boobs. Vick is terrible and the Foulcons are edging close to four hundred defeats in their ignominious history. Vick can take you to that promised land. The restaurant sounds interesting though. I”ve never had chitterlings. You?

By Eternal Optimist

March 19, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

C’mon Tittybear! Comparing Rex and Vick, your hating is fastly approaching desperation. Grossman played behind arguably the best defense/special teams in the league, so opportunities were abundant. I like Grossman. He isn’t as bad as folks make him out to be. The guy is young and inexperienced, but he has heart and I respect that. But saying he’s a better QB right now you’re crazy dude. Look at the pass attempts. Look at Vicks rushing yards, look at the Bears O-line. I hate making excuses for Vick, but if your gonna bash the brother use some legit points.

By Titothebear

March 19, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Getting to a Superbowl has a feeling of authenticity for me. Grossman did that! Going 15-17, likewise, has a certain taste of reality. That’s what the Foulcons record, over the past two seasons, amounted to. Grossman threw for three more touchdowns and seven hundred more yards than did vick this past season. You and others make excuses for Vick. The thousand yards rushing didn’t contribute much when it comes to points scored and games won. The passing attack of the Foulcons was last in the league, not very productive. Make all the excuses you want but the facts are what the facts are. They are incontrovertible! Mike Vick did not do as well, in 2006, as Rex Grossman. Argue with stats and argue that going 7-9 is better than getting to a Superbowl if you feel compelled but don’t expect to be taken seriously! Seven hundred yards and three more touchdowns is legitimate. By the way, this was Vick’s finest year of six. It was Grossman’s first full year, uninterrupted by injury. Many of your ilk blame the O-line, the D-line, the clothes line and every other thing but Vick. It’s Vick’s fault. The O-line and the D-line worked well enough when the Foulcons were 5-2 and fools like you were squeaking out nonsense about going to a Superbowl. When the going got tough, Vick collapsed and you lap-dogs started trying to find excuses. For seven of the Foulcons’ nine defeats, Vick led the team to an average of ten points scored. That failure falls sauarely upon the narrow shouldrs of “Shawty”. Better recognize!

By LanceAllworth

March 19, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Vick is potentially sound in that he has ENORMOUS upside potential and that is undeniable. Vick has the potential to throw for 3000 yards while rushing for over 1000. Vick is the ONLY quarterback ever to be that serious a DOUBLE THREAT of rushing like a running back and passing like a gifted quarterback. Currently Vick is a much better runner than he is a passer. Hopefully under Bobby Petrinos system Vick will dramatically improve his passing skills and appreciably improve in the passing department. VICK IS THE ONLY QUARTERBACK IN LEAGUE HISTORY WHO HAS THE ABILITY TO THROW FOR OVER 3000 YARDS WHILE RUSHING FOR 1000 YARDS AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS BECAUSE VICK IS THE ONLY QUARTERBACK TO EVER RUSH FOR 1000 YARDS IN A SEASON. So dont worry, be happy about your starting quarterback because Vick has the potential to be great, REALLY great!.

By Titothebear

March 19, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Potential, unfulfilled, amounts to nothing. Vick has shown flashes of brilliance and long glimpses of utter ineptitude. The game against Dallas was Vick’s career in microcosm. he threw four touchdown passes in the first half, scoring 28 points, and couldn’t do well enough to put up a single point in the second. He had three really good games, four fair ones and nine bad ones last season. He’s not the player you’re making him out to be. He will always be known for his potenttial and not for his accomplishments!