AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHarrington not threatened by Leftwich
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington said he disagrees with coach Bobby Petrino’s assessment that he is playing conservatively. He also said he does not view the team’s acquisition of former Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich as a threat.
“No, I don’t. That’s okay,” Harrington said as to whether he agreed with Petrino’s analysis of him playing conservatively. “I feel like I’ve made the throws when they’re there. That’s a part of being a human is disagreeing. but that’s not the sticking point. I’ll try and get better. That’s my response.
“I’m here to do what he wants me to do for this team and that’s what I’ve said from Day 1. My job here is to help this team get better and do what I can do to help this team. If that’s what he would like me to do then I will try and do that.”
As to him possibly feeling threatened by Leftwich, Harrington said, “I don’t worry about things that are out of my control. The thing that I control is how I prepare and how I go out and play. There are times in my career when I may have let something like that distract me, worry about what it means or worry about what could happen.
“Byron is the type of player who can help this team. That’s what the National football League is about, getting wins and bringing in players that can help this team win. It’s not something that distracts me from what I’m supposed to do. We have to win games.”
Leftwich, who was awarded jersey No. 4 - he wore No. 7 in college (Marshall) and during his four-year NFL career - went through his first practice with the team Wednesday and worked as the third quarterback behind Harrington and Chris Redman. As the third quarterback, he worked with the scout team offense. He took extra work throwing the ball after practice to help compensate for the reps he did not get during the nearly two-hour workout, Petrino said.
Petrino said he would not ask Leftwich to learn the entire playbook at this juncture. Instead, Leftwich will be taught the game plan each week.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Dan
September 19, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Well a QB battle may be a good thing. This team looks a little uninspired, or at the very least lacks a belief in their current leader. This team has a defense that deserves to have a comparable offense. Why not let them battle? If the first two weeks are any indication of what we can expect, I say try Leftwich. The defense and the fans deserve better.
By All about the Falcons
September 19, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Maybe now Joey will push a little harder to get the ball out quicker. I think this is a win win for the Falcons.
By IAMWMD2
September 19, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Joey should feel threatened because by the 5th week he will be so far back on the depth chart it’s gonna take Daniel Boone to deliver his mail
By Mike
September 19, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
“I’m here to do what he wants me to do for this team and that’s what I’ve said from Day 1. My job here is to help this team get better and do what I can do to help this team. If that’s what he would like me to do then I will try and do that.” “Byron is the type of player who can help this team. That’s what the National football League is about, getting wins and bringing in players that can help this team win. It’s not something that distracts me from what I’m supposed to do. We have to win games.” - QuarterBack Speak. What else do you expect him to say?
By Jonathan Ganz
September 19, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
IAMWMD2,
What does that even mean, you toad.
By falconsfan
September 19, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
I say give Harrington the ball against Carolina and see how he does. If nothing changes then put Leftwich in against Houston.
By mykhalc
September 19, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Petrino said he would not ask Leftwich to learn the entire playbook at this juncture. Instead, Leftwich will be taught the game plan each week.
doesn’t take a rocket scientist to read this one. this is a smart move by PETRINO. if he feels that LEFTWICH has the game plan for the week (whichever upcomin’ week) under his belt, he’ll see the field QUICKER than we’d have thought…
By Keep it Real
September 19, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Mr. Harrington is a great asset for us at this time. He is giving us his all and keeping a great attitude. Maybe he is a little uncertain on his reads, but who wouldn’t be with all the distractions.
By vickisick
September 19, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
harrington is wrong. he’s saying what he thinks he should say to brush off the criticism. he clearly held onto the ball too long during blitzing downs. if a defense sends 7 players at the qb, 3 seconds is more than enough time to get an attempt off. harrington had at least that much time in all 7 sacks against JAX.
petrino sees what harrington is: gunshy and afraid to make a mistake.
By Peachtree Bart
September 19, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
I hope Harrington and Leftwich will push each other and we’ll get better quarterback play all around. Joey has not played that badly. I think the Falcons would have won the Jags game if Prater would have been where he belongs, in street clothes somewhere. Whatever idiot cut Cundiff in favor of that yo-yo should be called on the carpet. Hell, whatever idiot didn’t sign Andersen to a 10-year deal after last season should suffer that fate, too.
By DAMNTHEYLOUSY
September 19, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Leftwhich is a pretty good QB, too bad he doesn’t have a team to go around him. Petrino needs to coach and not commentate. Commit to harrington and bring him along. If he does not work out, then stick the vet in. We all know that his system will take a year or two before any consistent wins will happen, if any. As stated, Leftwhich is good (and banged up), Harrington is good too, but, Atlanta has marginal receivers, no “O” line, and a good tailback (Dunn). Even if Vick were playing, the “O” line would give him no time (but he could run), Leftwhich would be dead meat, and Harrington (whose used to that in Detroit), would just get chewed and used up. Mr. Blank, please get us an offense line!!
By Soryu
September 19, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
And if the Falcons really were looking for a quality QB to replace DJ—and thus this has nothing to do with Harrington’s play—why did they wait almost three weeks to get Leftwich?
But he releases the ball as slow as Harrington and has the mobility of a piece of lawn art.
Oh and he is about as durable as a piece of china.
I doubt the results will be much different between the two—but I guess you had to do something.
By Rick From PI
September 19, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Joey is obviously more delusional than I thought. Three words for you-MONSTER DOT COM
By fatz
September 19, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
what am i missing- is $3MM/yr just chump change these days in the NFL? well, yeah… i would HOPE that leftwich is a SIGNIFICANT threat to harrington- a threat that spells- DO IT NOW OR YOU ARE DONE…… we get tanked this week and Joey has a tough time, this transition will take on a heightened sense of urgency real quick. BL will be on the field with his wristband with 10 plays whether he’s ready or not, because the fans will be running for the turnstiles by then..(unless the strategy has become to punt the season and go big game fishin on draft day). BTW, Harrington disagreeing with Petrino’s assessment of his play just puts him one step closer to that “here’s a sandwich and a roadmap” day of infamy. with his checkered history and failure to get off the launch pad so far this season- he doesn’t need any opinions of his own- he just needs to produce real fast, with or without a supporting OL cast.
By Jim
September 19, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
I think signing Leftwich was a good move. I don’t understand why it wasn’t done sooner but maybe will get a comment about that from the Falcons. I don’t think however he sould just be handed the starting job. He still needs to earn it on the field. The 0-2 start isn’t just Harrington it’s Petrino on down.
By CAT
September 19, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are more than their quarterback! I think people are losing sight of that. Harrington’s doing everything he can to support a new team, new system, new coaches. I think Leftwich is step forward—maybe just a tiny step—but a step nonetheless.
By T Thomas
September 19, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
I think the Falcons should inquire about D. McNabb availability particulary if he gets benched. Trading a #1 or #2 draft pick for McNabb is worth it.
By T Thomas
September 19, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Falcons should consider the availability of D. McNabb. If the Eagles bench him I’ll doubt it if they will ever start him again. Getting McNabb is worth giving up a second round draft pick.
By Ole Man Bourbon
September 19, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
It would be nice if the line would block better, too. No holes for the RBs, poor protection.
By D-boy
September 19, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
The reason the Falcons didn’t pick up Byron sooner was because if they did that they was responsible for his Jacksonville salary for the whole entire year. By picking him up after the 1st week they could sign him to any salary they negotiated and are able to cut him after week 10 if need be.
By Sims
September 19, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
I honestly don’t think the Falcons played badly on Sunday. With kicker they’re more than likely 1-1. Harrington’s numbers are okay.
Happy as hell that Morten Andersen is back!
By Bird Backer
September 19, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
With as many problems the Falcns have I doubt this signing makes a difference
By Falcon Tradition
September 19, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
AHHHH…..this is refreshing. A little COMPETITION and a solid message to the players……PERFORM or be replaced. THIS IS GREAT…let’s sit back and see what happens.
By **billy g**
September 19, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
Competition is what America is all about. Joey will play better with Byron on the sideline. And, if Joey’s play does not satisfy Bobby, Byron will play.
And, if Byron’s play does not satisfy Bobby, we will draft a QB in the first round.
Pretty standard stuff, really.
By LFP6
September 19, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
I’m suprised that Redman has not been given a chance. Nothing against Lefwich, but Red proved himself in the pre-season. Give the man a chance.
By paul
September 19, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
why everybody making excuses for harrington. the man have had three teams and everytime he run the offense they always look the same. i was feeling everybody when everybody was saying that vick was overrated but now im starting to wonder and believe yall never gave vick a chance cause with vick at qb i never seen atlanta as bad as they are now
By hop
September 19, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
leftwich is not improvement, he has the same problems harrington has that is a very slow delivery. falcons will not make the playoff, thus- they need to look to the future and get a real qb in the draft. winning 5-7 games will not get us top flight qb in the draft.
By Dumbing Down
September 19, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
I’ve written off this season already.
By Dumbing Down
September 19, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
I’ve written off this season already.
By tj
September 19, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
Petrino came here being called an offensive genius. Maybe he needs to look in the mirror and point the finger. Ive heard lots of coaches say they’re not doing a good enough job of coaching but I have not heard him even hint at that. And maybe he could take a lesson from Bobby Cox on how to call out your players in private, not in the press.
By paul
September 19, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
no leftwich was alway injuried but when he was on the field he was a winner
By BUSHWACKER
September 19, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
YES If Philly does not want McNabb we will take him off their hands.
We can trade them Harrington, Leftwich, the other 2 bums on the roster, and what the heck since we still own the rights to him we’ll throw in VICK as well.
McKay here is a chance to make up for your boneheaded moves, call Philly, make the deal!
By fayncbird
September 19, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
ATTENTION ALL ABOUT FALCONS: IT’S LOSE LOSE FOR THE BIRDBRAINS RUNNING THIS TEAM! BOTH HARRINGTON AND LEFTWICH WOULD BE SECOND-STRING (OR WORSE) FOR ANY OTHER NFL TEAM (OR COLLEGE TEAM FOR THAT MATTER). NOT A GOOD DAY TO BE A FALCON FAN! PS: TTHOMAS: MCNABB WOULD RETIRE BEFORE COMING TO THE SOUTH TO PLAY FOOTBALL! WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME ANY ATL FRANCISE ACQUIRED A PLAYER OF COLOR WHO WAS A VITAL PART OF A VERY SUCCESSFUL TEAM?? HASN’T HAPPENED AND WILL NEVER HAPPEN!
By best offence line system
September 19, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
another black QB scapegoat. The media will pour hate all over him AJC sports can’t wait. The haters move from Vick to joey to leftwich. we need to draft andre woodson at QB must. WE NEED A NEW MIDDLE LINE BACKER #56 is old . will Bobby Petrino come on line with his coaching. only 13 point so far. from this offense. Vick Atlanta season ticket holders most of us miss you man! I want you back and fast! #7#7#7 not #13 or #4.
By Soryu
September 19, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
Can someone please answer me this. Why is it every time someone posts a comment defending Vick his or her post seems as if it was written by an illiterate?
By falconmazer
September 19, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
Harrington’s terrible and has been a bust in every city he’s been to—-try Leftwich this week. He’s not that good, but it can’t get any worse. One day the falcons will draft good players.
By Luv 2 Hate Me
September 19, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
I agree with DAMNTHEYLOUSY! Until the flacons beef of the O line. There will be more QB sacks. Byron is a sitting duck. He maybe a little more mobile than Joey but they are in the same boat “No Movement”. Blank brought him in for the money. To pack the seats of the stadium before the first home game. To give some fans hope. The stadium will not be packed until Vick comes back, that’s if the Commish & the Falcons lets him back anytime soon. They might as well lose every game to get a QB and start over fresh if they don’t plain on letting Vick back. Trade away a few folks and get draft picks to beef up the O line for next year. Cut Dunn now because lets face it “He’s Done”.
By haters & peta are happy but not the fans
September 19, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
bushwacher start your count on point in the 4th quater. There are none!
By B-man
September 19, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
Harrington is hitting his peak at “ok”. He’ll never be anything more. In Detroit, for the most part he usually looked “OK”, but never much better than that. And his attitude in this article is all wrong. He has to acknowledge that he sucks before he can start to improve. He thinks he’s doing good enough if you read between the lines. He doens’t have a winner’s mentality. Leftwich might not be any better, but he won’t be any worse.
By CS
September 19, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
I think the Falcons can still win in a weak conference like the NFC. Leftwich is the better QB in Petrino system because he read defenses quicker than Harrington. He understands how to get rid of the ball and Leftwich movtivate players around him. He is a leader and the Falcons need this on the team. Harrington is making Petrino offense out of a joke, and he will not deal with this for long. Redman if giving a chance can lead the falcon to wins himself. Things are not that bad because Harrington is passing at a 98.8 OB rating which is not that bad.The team is 0-2 and this is what the problem is at this time.
By Big Brad CH 99
September 19, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
If 100% healthy, Donovan is one of the best in the league. Donovan is getting older but if you get him and then draft a young guy, he would be a great mentor. He wold be a great mentor for Kentucky’s Andre Woodson imparticular.
By terry mathis
September 19, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
Leftwich is a waste of money.they should have spent that money on a offensive lineman.harringtons numbers are not bad.Petrino needs to be a man and take responsibility for the losses because he is ultimately responsible.Thank god we finally have a QB that can pass the ball.
By trottinghometudd
September 19, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
i agree with IMWMD2
By Tradub1906
September 19, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
It’s about time. Although I agree that my team’s issues lie deeper than the QB position, I sincerely hope that this helps our situation. I remember hearing how tough and no nonsense our coach is, but I see that he is allowing the same things to happen that were going on during the Mora administration. I wanna see players held accountable for their actions. “You practice everyday to be as error-free as possible in game time situations”. If our offense played as well as the defense, we would win games (with or w/o MV7). Good job “D”.
By Singletary
September 19, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
Good move getting Leftwich in.
Great move signing Morten A. We all need to have realistic expectations of his 47YO leg. I mean, if he’s pretty automatic inside the 40, that is great. Outside the 46, let Koenan have at it as it’s a crapshoot anyway. Thus, from 40-45 is the only question mark. Koenen making the KOs will save some wear and tear.
Just remember this phrase rendered in sarcasm (I think from “Jeff” on this list and “Steve” didn’t get it:) “There are lots of good kickers out there, we can just pick one up in the draft or free agency.” Prater is proof of the fact that kicking is a skill and a psychological focus. Morten’s proven he’s got the gift.
Is anyone else digging A. Harris’ play? He rocks!
By dave
September 19, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
I look for Leftwich to start in three weeks, get hurt in eight weeks, and Joey Harrington performing well off the bench. Perhaps that’s his role. I stole this from ESPN: “Leftwich is a fierce competitor, a guy with a reputation for playing hurt, and he apparently was less than 100 percent physically for much longer than anyone knew … The fourth-year veteran, one of the league’s best players to deal with and a candid guy whose emotions are usually dangling from his sleeve …”
dave
By terrell barron
September 19, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
About time,Rich. What were you waiting on? Anybody but Joey.
By K-dog
September 19, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this
We have some true Atlanta Fans right,yell right. Leftwich will perform better than harrington and “Bobby”, do the right thing for the team and the “Fans”.I am a season ticket holder and i love the falcons but, we want a winning team not to go to the dome and lose every sunday. Seats will be empty!
By Rick from Pi
September 19, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
I agree with T Thomas …Bring on McNabb!!!!
By zorro
September 19, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Did I hear somebody say trade No1 No2 for Donovan mcnabb, What the @Z* are you thinking. Mcnabb is coming to his end, he hardly finishes out a season anynore and is injury prone, not to boot he has not looked that great all year. Falcons it’s time for a young traditional pocket passer, forget the running quarterback, because history has shown, they don’t win superbowls PERIOD. Blank if you noticed this past weekend there was a kid from boston college, who ripped tech apart and he is going NO1 in the 2008 draft. Matt Ryan is a stud and who ever gets him we’ll get there moneys worth and not have to worry about doing DUMB STUFF in the offseason to dismantle a team, way to go VICK!!!!!
By I HATE THE FALCONS
September 19, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
Just to let everyone know, first thing, I HATE the Atlanta Falcons.
With that being said, hiring Byron Leftwich to replace Joey Harrington is like hiring Curly to replace Shemp (or vice versa).
During Week 2 of the NFL season, Tony Romo was 14 of 29 with 186 yards. His Dallas Cowboys beat the Miami Dolphins 37 to 20. Joey Harrington was 12 of 20 with 200 yards. The Atlanta Falcons lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 13 to 7. The Falcons had 86 rushing yards; the Cowboys: 166 yards.
Clearly, Vick opened up the running game, winning games, but that burden should NOT be on the quarterback - the RUNNING backs should be running the ball. In the end, the problems lie in the laps of the ownership, management, and coaches. They haven’t built or coached a football team that can win, and, quite frankly, considering how I HATE the Falcons, I’m happy!
By Batman
September 19, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
Can we all just say it , admit to it and know it to be true…. We miss VICK… He screwed up but we miss him. We’re used to Mike and Schab, Harrington can’t measure up to either, We as fans have been screwed in the game. We went back to 99 in 2 a 3 month period. Leftwich gave Jacksonville some good seasons Hopefully He can hold it down until we show Mike some mercy, and realize our bolt of lightning is gone. And even when he wasn’t winning He was fun to watch!!!! We’re boring again. I love the Falcons ever since Steve Bartkowski Lyn Cain, Wallace Francis William Andrews years. But we’re boring again. U never knew what Mike was gonna do.
By chichi
September 19, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
Thier both just keeping the seat warm for Andre Woodson
By Submariner683
September 19, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
A lot of people have posted that this is the right move, just too late. Everybody is asking why the GM didn’t make this move already. I believe the reason was the staff and GM had high hopes that the Falcons would be competitive with Harrington after his Cincinnati pre-season start. I figure they figured, why spend the money right now until we know? Well, now they know.
Leftwich wasn’t coming to Atlanta for league minimum and without the opportunity to start. So I believe the franchise tried to save money if they could and also possibly not create a QB controversy along with all the madness going on with the Vick hoopla. And that would be contradictory to the message they were trying to give Harrington after Vick was officially disbanded that he is the guy.
Was it the smart move? I don’t think so, because although I had hopes, I did not feel that Harrington had it in him.
By Chaos
September 19, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
What is everyone thinking? Do anyone think that a team with a new coach, New QB, New Play Book is supposed to win it all the first year? JH is playing ok considering the circumstances, he is holding the ball too long but it takes time to react instinctively in any system. People the Falcons are starting from scratch, the best we can hope for is to be competitive in Coach P’s first year. Please Mr. Blank stay the course, stand strong and build the type of organization that you envisioned from the start. It can still be done. May the football gods bless our Falcons!
By DJ
September 19, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Who Cares?? About how Joey feels.