By BirdMahn

April 10, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

If Petrino cuts Shockley, I hope he’s ready for the boos when his new #3 QB homeboy steps onto the fake grass at the Georgia Dome for the first time. After that, if Petrino struggles early the masses will turn on him quickly.

By CMS

April 10, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

The Grady Jackson situation is starting to bother me a little because of the reprecussions behind it. Initially (and hopefully) we can get LaRon Landry at Safety we can be set to have a balanced run stopping and pass defensive unit.

By and large Grady’s big body stopped the run last season…or at least slowed other teams down some. But if we have to address his position with our first pick we give up the flexibility a superior safety can bring. Don’t get me wrong Okoye is going to be good just as Alan Branch, but the safety position is just that critical because you can design so many packages around a capable safety

By Stew

April 10, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Why was WR Brian Finneran, CB Jason Webster, S Chris Crocker, OT Todd Weiner and RB Warrick Dunn not participating?

Can the Falcons fine Grady for not showing?

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

I like Petrino’s moves so far, but cutting Shockley for Redman would be a huge mistake in every conceivable way. I really hope he doesn’t alienate the fan base in order to keep a never-was who’s been throwing passes from his armchair the last four years.

By knowledge

April 10, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Todays Mission: Vick haters here is your new saviour…Joey Harrington. Lets see how creative you guys can be with your arguments for SchaubII. How can you doctors of spin handle this one? I must say that it will be tricky. Only those of high spinactular can acomplish this feat. Use every possible angle you can from, Steve young succeded after being moved from his origanal team to everybody deserves a second(oops, third) chance. Leave no stone unturned, no “T” uncrossed, no bottle unsearched.Good luck, and godspeed. I’ll be reading.

By jeanE

April 10, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know how B. Finn is actually doing? Is he on schedule to be able to participate in training camp in August? Hope Alge will be OK, those knees are a lingering concern, in my mind. I understand why Joey H. is the #2, he has actual big game experience & he can see over the o-line, too!! Will be interesting to see if he gets any playing time…

By Get real UGA fans

April 10, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Already, some of you UGA fans are making idiots out of yourselves with this love for DJ Shockley and how Petrino will get booed, or be an idiot if he cuts Shockley. Not every UGA player is of NFL caliber.

By Chris

April 10, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

The number 2 QB spot should be open for fair competition going into camp as Petrino promised earlier. Shockley should have a shot at it after working hard for this team.

Plus, as was pointed out somewhere else, Shockley has (BY FAR) the biggest potential of all the backup quarterbacks the Falcons have. All the others have already proven they can’t win more games than they lose in actual game action. Shockley has a shot at being a winning quarterback.

By Brian

April 10, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

I have been looking forward to the day when Shockley was the solid number two. I hope Petrino doesn’t screw this up.

By xx

April 10, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

They really need to make Jackson happy, he was the most consistant play maker last year. Forget about the lawsuit throw him a fair market value upgrade and a year pass to Golden Coral and I think you can get this done.

By dawg_gone_truth

April 10, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Harrington will be the starter by week 5 next season and will lead the birds to 4 victories and a 5-11 season. I don’t hate Mike Vick, I don’t know Mike Vick, and as far as his off-field problems who did not do something stupied when he was in his early 20’s? ON the field, he is a bottom tier QB at this point in my opinion. I wish we could trade for David Garrard from Jacksonville or Daunte Culpepper from Miami or just get an also ran for a year or two like Trent Green. As far as big Grady, I say goodbye and draft a big guy who can move.

By mo

April 10, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

I think that bringing in Joey Harrington as the number 2 is a good thing because he has experience in big games. He has NFL experience, and he has a better resume than any other QB under Vick.

That being said, Chris Redman vs. DJ Shockley shouldn’t be that big of a thing. DJ Shockley has better ability with a stronger arm and more mobility. Chris Redman has experience.

If it was me, I would want strong experience at #2 and better abilities at #3.

By Alphonso

April 10, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

This blog should only be open to people the can remotely spell!

By long time falcon

April 10, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

By long time falcon

March 17, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Destin, joey harrington is available and he is young. He played pretty well for the dolphins last year and he would be a solid backup if vick were to go down.

By destin

March 18, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

I’m so releived to hear that Joey Harrington could lead us to the SB if Vick goes down.lol

Destin, you still laughing out loud? I just had to throw this in your face. HA-HA! Apparently bobby petrino liked my idea of bringing in joey harrington to be the backup even if you didn’t. This is a good move by the falcons because harrington has plenty of experience and played well last season.

By long time falcon

April 10, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

It looks like to me that redman may just be audtioning for some kind of job as an assistant. He knows Petrino’s offense well but he has been out of football for 4 years. The following excerpt was from pro football weekly-

Chris Redman, who has not played in a regular-season game since he was a Raven in 2003, was signed by the Falcons in March. Redman, who shared one college season with Bobby Petrino at Louisville in 1998, can be a help in the offseason as the new offense is installed. But we hear that Redman won’t be around once things start heating up late in the summer.

By Brandon Ford

April 10, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should trade down in the draft (Steelers are looking to move up) and target Patrick Willis, Ted Ginn, JR, Greg Olsen, or Adam Carriker - unless Okoye or Peterson drops in their laps. Either Griffin, Nelson, or Meriweather will be available in the 2nd round. They can also get a solid Guard in the 2nd (Blalock, Grubbs, or Sears will drop and be available).

By Monkee

April 10, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

I wont say anything because Im an idiot, but think the Falcons Roost is the best place. Did you know we raised enough money to place an ad in the paper so more people knew just how stupid we were?

By Paul Hamilton

April 10, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Has anyone seen that picture of J. Harrington on the front sports page?!? Too funny!!!

By tp

April 10, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

If that petrino guy cut DJ Shockley before preseason, he will get a mouth full from me

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 10, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

I’m not thrilled with the Harrington signing (I would have rather seen them sign Anthony Wright) but I guess Harrington was the 2nd best QB available, so it’s not completely bad. But I’m not at all happy with handing Harrington the #2 job. Harrington is a mediocre NFL QB who hasn’t earned the right to have a spot handed to him based on his prior performance. There should be an open competition between Harrington, Shockley, Kilian and Redman for the #2 and #3 spots, with the two who don’t make it being cut or assigned to the practice squad. Shockley, in particular, deserves the chance to earn the #2 spot, since he’s the backup QB with the most upside on the roster.

Grady Jackson was arguably the best player on the defensive last year, and the Falcons should do whatever they can to replace him. But if they have to let him go, I’d rather see them get an experienced veteran to fill his role. I do think the Falcons should look at DT with a high pick in one of the next two drafts, but I don’t know that a rookie DT would stop the run as effectively as Jackson. At least for next season, the Falcons should try to acquire a veteran run-stuffer.

With the top four picks, I’d like to see the Falcons pick a DE, FS, OT and DT. Obviously I don’t want them to reach for any position, but ideally those are the positions they should pick. I don’t think linebacker is an area on which the Falcons should be using a high pick, considering that they have three productive linebackers (Brooking, Boley, D. Williams) and one guy who has looked good in limited playing time (Beck). Jordan Beck should get a chance to show what he can do in training camp. Hopefully he wins the MLB job and Brooking can move back outside, where he is more effective. On Day 2, the Falcons should probably look at goal-line RB, K, MLB, OL, CB, and DT. Other than a goal-line RB, I don’t think offensive skill-positions should be a target area in the draft.

By TP

April 10, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

This Petrino guy must think we are stupid or something. DJ is much better than those jokers he’s bringging here. I think he better take his behind back to Louisville is he think I’m going to stand for him taken DJ from the #2 spot.

By Paul in J-ville

April 10, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

How pathetic of an organization to pick up a wet noodle arm like Joey Harrington. This guy sucked with Detroit who by the way had much better receivers than the birds. Falcons management went back to a time capsule and reinvented the Clampets…I mean the Smiths with this move and then named the future hall of famer 2nd string QB. What a JOKE!

Arthur, you are about to go backwards 2 steps after moving forward one step by letting go of Jim Moron.

Without a doubt DJ Shockley has so much more talent and arm than Joey, Chris, and James that its got to be a conspiracy by the GM. Wake up!

By Fans with $hit for brains and sport writers

April 10, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

UGA fans=75% Rednecks. Falcons Fans =45% UGA Fans 10% jack @sses Fans Rest pure fans. still to many Rednecks want to know it all about and don’t know jack About Football. Falcons fan base is getting better still long way to go not hope less!

By tp

April 10, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Ted, you meant 2 white qbs right.

By falcons

April 10, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Who were you all expecting to come in as a Backup? Marino? It does not matter - Vick goes down turn out the lights. Way more concerned w/ our atrocious D. Plus, we are trying to move to a new offense based on Power formations. 2007 is not likely to turn out well. A solid draft and spome cap relief could make 2008 better. Oh, and Shockley as a “need” for this team - He as started about 12 games in the last 6 years - see him to Europe and see what he is. Who cares that he is Black and UGA - last I looked this is not a guarantee for wins

By Huskdawg

April 10, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

OK, yeah, I’m a blind homer when it comes to the Falcons and the Dawgs, but I’m also a realist. If Harrington beats out Shockley for the 2nd string job then so be it. These coaches know a heck of a lot more than I will ever know. I do know this; Schockley patiently waited his turn behind David Green, and then took the Dawgs to an SEC Championship in his final year, and looked dam good doing it. He can read defenses and make good audibles at the line. I don’t know why Mora and Co. didn’t let Vick audible at all under their reign, and I think that was the downfall of this team. A Quarterback has to be the ultimate leader. I watched a young Matthew Stafford go through growing pains for most of the Dawgs season last year, but also saw him grow as a QB and show some real leadership skills at the end of the season. If a freshman QB can change the play at the line, why can’t a seasoned NFL QB do the same? I like Mike and will always be a Falcons fan, but dam, can we please teach and trust this leader to at least read defenses? We’ve all seen what Vick can do in the Pro Bowl’s when he has a little time to throw(yeah I know the rush is really not there) but he has looked awesome throwing in the past years games. I’m not a Stat guy like some of you, and never will be. I’ll always be a Falcon and a Dawg, and dam proud of it. There are a lot of guys out there like me who read these blogs but are intimidated to post because of some of the repercussions on here. I for one appreciate all of your insights on these blogs and look forward to reading them every day. Some of you get pretty nasty, but hey, that’s part of life. Keep up the good work and know there’s a lot of us out there that keep up with all of the reading and like what you guys have to say. Semper Fi

By Keeping it real

April 10, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Recivers we need to know how they look this year. Defense we need big grady big huge body in the middle we were 22nd in defense lst year we need to be in the top 12 this year. Grady HE PLAYED GOOD LAST YEAR! Want to know how good the new coach is no hype! Is he the real deal? We need to hunt teams and not be hunted this year!

By Huskdawg

April 10, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Hey Keepin it real, just like Steve Harvey said about Sister Odell, you always gone give us something. Me and my boys love your posts and keep on keepin it REAL!!!!

By Jerry

April 10, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Congrads Falcon Fans

You now have at QB

-a guy who thinks he is Barry Sanders

-the biggest bust since Ryan Leaf

-and two scrubs

I can’t wait to read the AJC article saying how much “versatility” this gives the Falcons at QB.

By larry w.

April 10, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

My question is, why isn’t Beck even being considered for the MLB spot? Is he that bad? From the limited amount of playing time that he has had in Pre-season games, he looked pretty good to me. He moved well from side line to side line and he was constantly at the spot of the tackle. He appeared to be quick off of the block, and showed very good versatility. Keith Brooking has been used at MLB before with less than sterling results. He is definitely much better suited for the WLB. I don’t know what it is about Beck that is making him the forgotten man in the LB rotation, but hopefully he will come out and have a strong camp and preseason and open some eyes!

By Keeping it real

April 10, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

By Husdawg go to (you tube) and type in I miss robert. and crack up!

By destin

April 10, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Hey long time falcon- I’m still laughing. It seems everyone agrees that Harrington couldn’t take us to the playoffs. Unless DJ completely blows it in training camp - he should be #3. Davenpoop - I’m with ya when you say the falcons shouldn’t draft an offensive skill player except a power back AND not until the 4th round. Somebody brought up an interesting point the other day - who will be the #4 WR (Finn or Roddy) - and does this mean they will be expected to log considerable time on special teams?

By Keeping it real

April 10, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Beck is a bust we need a middle Line backer that is mean. Falcons need to go to a small small and get a head hunter at middle line backer that will play a full season! T- bag I miss Robert!

By Huskdawg

April 10, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Larry, u make a good point. Beck is a head hunter. I like Brooking, but he is not the answer in the middle(yes you techies, I have always liked Brooking). We need a big time run stopper at MLB and I don’t know who that’s going to be. Hartwell has been a bust so I don’t know what our new regeim is going to do. I’ve read all of your draft choices and the possibilties and have no idea how this team will choose. Please, please, please; choose the right way. Don’t make us make a stupid choice! Thanks Guys!!!!!

By Titothebear

April 10, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have signed Joey Harrington to compete for the job of backing up Vick. Harrington is widely viewed as a flop and failure as a quarterback in the NFL. In five years he’s thrown for 12,478 yards. In six years, Vick has thrown for 11,505. Harrington has thrown 72 touchdown passes in five years, while Vick has thrown 71 in six. If Harrington is a flop, what is Vick? Last season, Harrington played in eleven games and Vick played in sixteen. Vick threw for a little more than one hundred yards more than Harrington during 2006. If Harrington makes the team, it will be a continuation of the policy that sticks the more talented player on the bench while the unworthy incumbent stinks up the joint.

By Keeping it real

April 10, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

I miss Grady I miss Grady no chicken is safe. I miss Grady Jackson!One more time I miss grady I miss Grady I miss Grady Jackson say it one more time! I went to the chicken house the other day and I saw Grady Jackson eaten chick-en.I miss Grady I miss Grady I miss Grady Jackson say it one more time!

By falcon

April 10, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

Bear - What about the 1,000 yards rushing and need for Defenses to change their scheme to account? Harrington is a backup. Vick is superior. Here’s a question for you - If Harrington were black would your views be the same?

By Huskdawg

April 10, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Tito and Keepin it Real, I’ve followed u guys on both blogs. Great insights. Now if both blogs have an expiration date, then I can deal with that. I’ll check with you on that obversation.

By Fans with $hit for brains

April 10, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

By Falcon don’t waste your time trying to reason with the Gaybear! No matter what the Gaybear says Vick is the QB of this 2007 Falcons team Fact! Hate on Hate on!

By Go Dawgs

April 10, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Now when everyone gets tired of Vick fumbling they can put Joey in to throw interceptions. The only real QB on the team has to compete for a spot on the roster now…We need to make sure I “D” is deep next year, because they are going to spend a lot of time on the field.

By JACK

April 10, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

SOONER OR LATER THE FALCONS ARE GOING TO HIRE A COACH THAT WILL GIVE A YOUNG VERY TALENTED Q.B. A OPPERTUNITY TO SHOW THAT HE NOT ONLY CAN PLAY IN THE N.F.L. BUT MAYBBE EVEN BECOMES A SUPER STAR I JUST HATE TO SEE D.J. SHOCKLEY WASTE ANOTHER YEAR OF HIS POTENEAL WITH A COACH WHO REFUSES TO OPEN UP THE COMPENTION FOR AT LEAST THE 3RD STRING Q.B. JOB. WORD OF ADVICE FOR D.J. GET OUT OF ATLANTA AS FAST AS YOU CAN

By falcon

April 10, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Sad but true Dawg. Unfortunately they will be spending lots of time on the field because they can’t stop anyone. That opening drive week 15 against Carolina where they ran a QB’less high school offense confirms this.

By falcon

April 10, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

You answer your own criticism .. Prior to Vick I would sit in GA Dome late season in the midst of another 3 win campaign with 5k people in the 4th quarter. Should Vick’s progression been further along - certainly.

The Vick deal has absolutely handcuffed the franchise. All the more reason you will never see Harrington.

If you really believe Harrington is nearly the player of Vick than there will be little that can be said to convince you otherwise. Despite this fact, you are clearly mistaken.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 11, 2007 3:29 AM | Link to this

Matthew at the SLC, when did you decide to change your name from BirdDawg?

By Eternal Optimist

April 11, 2007 6:05 AM | Link to this

Petrino just made the first move that I don’t agree with. Maybe he didn’t have a choice, but Brooking at middle LB is not the answer. He is too small, and not strong enough to plug up the middle. In fact Brooking should be backing up Demorrio on the weakside. Also, Petrino better not sabotage my boy Shockley. Though he may not be ready for the #2 spot right now I think he deserves a spot on this team and should at least remain the #3 QB. Oh, yeah I really think Vick is gonna shine this year and prove alot of critics wrong. Just my thoughts…..

By #1FalconsFan

April 11, 2007 7:03 AM | Link to this

Matthew, don’t bother with Tito, it’s pretty apparent that all he wants to do is rile people up with his thesaurus-laced verbiage…which fools no one, BTW! What Tito fails to point out in his Vick-Harrington comparisons is wins and losses. How many wins and playoff wins did Harrington produce with the Lions? That’s what I thought! Vick took his team to the 2004 NFC Championship game before losing to a loaded Eagles team. What did Harrington do for Detroit? Oh, set it back for about another 10 years. Fact is, Vick can beat you with his arm and legs whereas Harrington couldn’t beat out a one-legged Culpepper or Cleo Lemon…CLEO LEMON of all people!!!!!! Oh yeah, but according to Tito, Harrington has more career TD’s and yards, whoop-de-damn-do, what does it all mean, really?! Gee, I also believe that Lynn Dickey had more passing yards and TD’s than Vick too, I guess that means he was better than Vick too!

By gary

April 11, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

I sure hope DJ gets a shot somewhere else, as it truly seems that the Falcons are not going to give him one. If petrino is as good as they say at coaching the QB position, then DJ learn what you can from him and take that knowledge with you and move on. Good luck to you and thanks for representing the human race in a classy fashion.

By Kojak

April 11, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Davenpoop for Brains, I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one who figured out Matty’s true identity.

It’s been rather obvious for quite some time that she is the same arrogant, condescending, egomaniacal, pompous, self-righteous windbag who used to call herself BirdDawg.

Before that, she was known as Cafaro.

And before that, Liberace.

What are you gonna call yourself next, Matty?

By Chris

April 11, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

How about trading Grady Jackson for Kris Jenkins, switching 1st round picks and having the Panthers give up another 1st day pick? This move would bring in a better, younger player that actually cares about football. The Falcons could still get another impact player in the draft like Carricker, Anderson, or Nelson wiht the 1st pick. They could then get an OL in the 2nd along with a DE or FS depending on the 1st pick.

By Boomerango

April 11, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Two things. Hey Petrino, Shockley: All-SEC, great arm, good runner, smart, great leader, great guy, man fans like. Redman: played for you one year, has not played at all for anyone else since.

Second, Harrington is 1,000 times better than Schaub. Good pickup.