Falcons

By Scott

October 16, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

NO KIDDING!!! THIS TEAM IS HEARTLESS!!!! THEY ARE NOT EVEN WORTH WATCHING WHEN IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THEY GIVE UP DURING THE GAME EVERY WEEK!!!!

By peppermint

October 16, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

OH NO!!! That means we are stuck like chuck with Joey.

By die hard falcons fan

October 16, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Bottom line, the falcons suck!

Back to wearing my brown paper bags to the game

At least i got a 100% shot of becoming a season ticket holder now since Vick is a ConVickted!

Booo I am so p** I wish Mark Cuban buy the team out from Mr. Doesnt have a clue Blank!

Sorry!!!

If i was the owner - I would fire Petrino, get rid of Dunn and get rid of some baggages that are prone to injuries.

The team mood is worse than Custard’ Last Stand.

Booooooooooooo!

By Mave2124

October 16, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

These guys are trying, but will definitely mail it in after the BYE. We need Brian Brohm or Darren McFadden badly.

Despite jokes by Jimmy Kimmel in the ESPN booth, I felt the fans came out to try to support the team. If that is what they are going to get on offense, it will be a sea of Peyton Manning Jerseys on Turkey Day, that is for sure.

By I WISH MV7 WAS HERE

October 16, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

I WISH MV7 WAS HERE

By mike

October 16, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

MLB Keith Brooking also had arguably his best game of the year.

Are you kidding me???? Brooking his way past his prime — and that’s assuming he had a prime.

By Mark

October 16, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

MLB Keith Brooking also had arguably his best game of the year.

Are you kidding me???? Brooking got tossed around like a rag doll out here. He’s way past his prime — and that’s assuming he had a prime.

By I WISH MV7 WAS HERE

October 16, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

I WISH MV7 WAS HERE!!!!!!!

By KC

October 16, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Everybody jumps on Joey but he is not the droping the passes. How many passes has he thrown this year that the WR’s have just flat out droped? Bret Favre would only have 10 career touchdown passes if he had these WR’s.

By 2 lips too good

October 16, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

I MISS MICHAEL VICK - Please let’s find a way to get him back!!! NO VICK…NO PEACE!!!!!!!

By Leman Bennet

October 16, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

I think the coaching sucks… Hire me back!

By dannotdan

October 16, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

As long as Blank continues to hire weak coaches that he can push around so will this poor excuse of a team.

By 4EverAFalcon

October 16, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I was at the game. From my seats in Section 345, the fans were fired up and really excited to get a win. I consider myself a shareholder in the Falcons that can’t sell his stock. This Team simply GAVE UP. How can losing ONE PLAYER deflate an entire franchise. This is getting sickening…like watching a slow death. Shame on Blank & McKay, and shame on all of us for having any heart or hope left for this pathetic team.

By DHD

October 16, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Why is it that every week I read..”the coaches want to incorporate Norwood in the offense?”

Do it and stop talking about it..please!!

By eerrk

October 16, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

I rather have the Falcons go 0-16 then have a scum bag like Vick on the team.

By Tyger

October 16, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Falcoons have “spit the bit”; its done, its over, its a wrap!

They quit after realizing help wasnt coming. No, #7 wasnt going to come running out of the tunnel to save the day.

I know its far-fetched, but thats the way they play, as though theyre looking over their shoulder for Vick to come save the day.

It seems they play just hard enough to hold the line, then bam, they realize #7 aint coming and the dam busts.

And its no easier, when you know that, with Vick, this team is 4-2.

By com'on

October 16, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

KC, GET IT RIGHT. The reason that the players drop the ball thrown by joey is because joey either throws over their heads, behind them, throw too short. Point is joey can’t throw. joey can’t run (AMEN). joey can’t scramble. joey can’t do JACK!

By ssj100

October 16, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

I feel so sorry for you guys. I am a Lions fan and I had to put up with this talentless clown (JH) for 4 stinkin years!

By win

October 16, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

We need to change the city name. this city teams are jixed some body has work roots on Atlanta!

By A real fan

October 16, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Hey I wish , did you ever think that the reason we are in this spot is because of that liar thug wanna be . He sold this whole city out so he could watch some animals die and smoke weed . Im sure you show as much class in your personal life.Do us a favor and move up to cincinatti.Im sure youll be right at home.

By Kelvin

October 16, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

They are who we thought they were!

By Hotrod

October 16, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Our role the rest of the year is spoiler.

Just take the gloves off and wreck some teams weekend who thinks they are going to get an easy win.

It is going to be a tough year no doubt but the expectations are on the low side to begin with.

Every weekend they must suit up to win.

This Thanksgiving against the Colts, I predict we will be the new Detroit Lions and get an upset win.Detroit would win every now and then on Thanksgiving.

By PoliticalMan

October 16, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

In sports a less talented team can win with execution and effort. It usually requires high sports IQ. The Falcons don’t have it. They lived off of MV for too long. They survived on the incredible play, not consistent execution. The skill players on the Falcons are the worst in the NFL period. None of them could make another team, except maybe Norwood.

By Updater

October 16, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

This just in, DHall just got burned for another TD…..

By OpinionsAreLike

October 16, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

No one expected anything from this team this year and they are living up to what wasn’t expected. There always will be losing franchises and Altanta will be one of them. It will never stop, change owners, change coaches, change players, change general managers, change stadiums, and still they lose. Such is life.

By BAS

October 16, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS LOOK LIKE A MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM NOT EVEN A HIGH SCHOOL TEAM. MAYBE IF THEY DIDN’T TURNED THEIR BACKS ON VICK AND PUT UNDER THE BUS. THE FALCONS WOULDN’T LOOK LIKE THE BAD NEWS FALCONS. BLANK AND THE COMMISSIONER HAVE DOUBLE STANDARDS FOR BLACK ATHLETICS AND THAT’S MY OPINION AND I CAN SAY WHAT I WANT TO SAY!

By John D

October 16, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

ReallY? Now there’s a surprise. Who do we have anyone would want to trade for?

By dEAN

October 16, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

look I have nothing against harrington. the only problem with him is that he does not have the arm strength. defenses are not worried about the deep ball. Look at the end of the half, he wound up and threw from the 50 and his pass made it to the 15. as far as the defense goes, this has been the same problem for the last 2 years. atlanta gets the lead and the defense gives it up on the next possession.

By tp

October 16, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Maybe Brooking had a good game, but when a below average RB like Reuben Droughans runs him over at the 1 to score a TD, you can’t say it’s his best…

By Chris

October 16, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

I think it would just be nice to have the players concentrate a little more. You can’t call the coaches out and question the design of the offense and come out the next week and not give 110% (a.k.a. = dropping multiple passes). There are times I see so much potential in this team and then other times like last night. How on earth can a team start so fast, scoring 10 points in the first quarter, and be limited to a goose egg the last three. That screams lack of effort to me.

By Wink from Lithonia

October 16, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are what they are which is not very good. This team in my opinion in the off season has to plug some holes at WR, OLine & Secondary. They were addressed in the draft pretty good. We added this offensive minded coach in Petrino vs another year with Mora. Again pretty good move. With Vick in this offense I did I assumed playoffs.

Vick helped us lead the league in rushing, but I assumed we would be able to run the ball without him.

I can’t believe the loss of one guy has resulted in this mess of a team. As a fan, I see nothing to be hopeful of in this team. (exception may be Norwood), but the offensive coach can’t find a way to get him on the field.

My summation of this team was provided by one of the advertisements during the game to “UPGRADE YOUR SEAT” and I thought they got to crazy, because this team STINKS regardless where you sit. This was confirmed by my Dad, because he had field level seats, moved back to club level seat, from his points of view they STILL STINK!

By jeanE

October 16, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

It’s so pathetic that I’ve almost stopped caring myself..even when something good happens like Jerious’ awesome run for a TD, I just know it won’t last so I can’t get too excited. This team is predicatably bad & inconsistent week in & out, they find new ways to lose every week. One thing that is FOR SURE, the 0-line must get better. I know we’re stuck with some of them but next year, changes and/or additions must be made or it won’t matter who the QB is or how explosive our running back is. We have a few pieces, Abe, Boley, D. Hall (who isn’t as good as he thinks he is), Norwood, R. White but the others are aging & some are just too old & past their prime, no matter what great guys they are (Dunn, Brooking & Malloy). But it won’t matter if Andre Woodson or whoever is our QB, no line means no time & no game! Get it through your thick head, McKay!

By #8 Pick

October 16, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait to see our #8 pick play this year.

Oh, he has been playing? Sorry, I haven’t noticed…

By KD

October 16, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

I wish MV7 was here too but it’s his own fault that he’s not. This is essentially the same team as last year with the exception of not having Mike and that results are are so drastically different. We have the same leaky OL and the same ball-droppin’ receivers. Like I said before the season started, #7 masked a lot of the weaknesses on this team.

By Ryder

October 16, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

I’m sick of “leaders” such as Warrick Dunn only getting 1 yard a carry and Alge “Captain Complainer” always dropping 3rd down passes. After the Saints game bring in Byron after the bye week and begin to build towards the future.

By ASadFalconFan

October 16, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

just 10 years ago, the Falcons had a winning combination with Chris Chandler, Jamaal Anderson, Jessie Tuggle and Kevin Mathis. Is it so hard to duplicate that again? I would start by getting rid of the entire offensive linemen, they collapse instantly on every snap!!!

By Big Buck

October 16, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

THE FALCON ARE WHAT THEY ARE

That says it all.

By AFnPC

October 16, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

I wish people would just try to understand that it takes time to build a winning program. The Falcons are still stuck with the talent left over from the Jim Moron Jr era. Maybe a little patience would be better than trying to place blame. Think about it, what other NFL team would have a winning record with all of the issues the Falcons have had this year>? The only way we would have had a winning season would be if a hurricane flooded the city and destroyed the dome. Otherwise, just reanalyze your expectations rather than bombarding the coaching staff.

By DOG LOVER

October 16, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

I WISH MV7 WAS HERE ALSO

EVEN THO HE LIED AND HURT MY POOR PUPPY DOGS.

I STILL LOVE HIM . I FORGIVE HIM AFTER SOME PUNISHMENT.

BLANK DONT LET HIM GO!! WE NEED HIM.JUST FOR EXCITMENT. IF WE LOST AT LEAST IT WAS FUN TO LOOSE. HEHE GO MV7 HANG IN DO THE TIME DONT LET TIME DO YOU.

By Madden King

October 16, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

MLB Keith Brooking also had arguably his best game of the season? ARE YOU KIDDING ME, WHAT GAME WAS YOU WATCHING STEVE WYCHE? The play where the Giants was on the one yard line, Kieth “CAN’T TACKLE” Brooking was one on one with no blocker on him against Rouben Drougens and Brooking got his butt ran the F= over on National Television, for those who have HD-T.V. you can see the spit come out of his move when he gets ran over like road kill. Brooking SUCKS and he needs to get cut at the end of the season immediately. FREE MIKE VICK, T.I., JENA 6 AND ALL THE BLACK CELEBS. GETTING CAUGHT UP OVER BULL=$#%.

By mrm

October 16, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

I guess alot of people see now that the only reason vick was not staying in the pocket is because there is no pocket behind the falcons line and he wasn’t just running for yards he was running for his life.

By Deja VooDoo

October 16, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

An inspired bunch of cry-babies that fall way short of professional. They had the opportunity to stand up like men, but blew it. Not all of course, but enough to derail this crazy train. I wish MV were here? You’re kidding right? You’re dippin into the Kool Aid? We got our one win, time to play for draft choices that McKay will most likely screw up. This team is years and another head coach away from getting back to 500 and it ain’t Petrino’s fault. It starts with MV7 and keeps on goin…

By Renee'

October 16, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

There is a lot of issues going on in the Falcon’s org. I think they need to air out whats really on their minds. Vick is not the problem anymore…so forget that!!!! Deal w/the problem @ hand. Get rid of Dunn he is washed up; Use Redman instead of Joey and use Leftwich during practice to get familiar w/the starters and he won’t over throw to them during game time!!! When the season is over, Shop for a better line!!!! **(By: A concerned season tkt holder).

By That's Right!!

October 16, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

MV7 just know you were the man!!!! Contrary to what everybody else think - MV7 is highly missed and played good football!!! Blank, Petrino and Goodell, C’mon now….we all have made a mistake before and for Mike - it was a terrible one but damn give the man a 2nd chance.

By Renee'

October 16, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

There is a lot of issues going on in the Falcon’s org. I think they need to air out whats really on their minds. Vick is not the problem anymore…so forget that!!!! Deal w/the problem @ hand. Get rid of Dunn he is washed up; Use Redman instead of Joey and use Leftwich during practice to get familiar w/the starters and he won’t over throw to them during game time!!! When the season is over, Shop for a better line!!!! **(By: A concerned season tkt holder).

By PM

October 16, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

One thing that puzzled me was hearing the ESPN commentators refer to the Falcons’ defense as being a “bright spot” on an otherwise dismal team.

Bright spot?

The team is 1-5, which means they’ve been outscored five of the six times they’ve stepped on the field this year. How exactly is that a “bright spot?” I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, DeAngelo Hall is one of the most overrated DBs in the league and their run defense is as porous as a cheap paper towel. I miss MV7.

By Choir Boy

October 16, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

The Quarterback is horrible. The receivers are horrible. The running game is horrible. Defense is horrible. Every one is horrible even the GM. I wish Vick didn’t have dogs.

By boots

October 16, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

I am a huge football fan - both college and the NFL. I could care less about the Falcons this year. No heart, not prospects of a win, and the team seems less bothered by that than I am. Mr. Blank, I know #7 screwed up the year, but you have to move on and address the issues. This season is a loss, and I do not know one person who is interested in following this team. I never see any Falcons’ shirts, flags or jerseys in public, and I honestly think you have a huge problem on your hands. To put it in a language you might understand, this is not just a fixer-upper, it is an extreme makeover.

By Steve

October 16, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

The Falcons won’t be part of any trades before today’s 4 p.m. deadline, according to a team official.

That means, what’s here is what’s here and coaches and players have to figure out how to make something out of these ingredients. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be changes but it doesn’t mean there will be, either.

Coach Bobby Petrino said after Monday night’s 31-10 whuppin’ by the Giants that he would once again evaluate the video before determining if any personnel moves would be made, most notably at quarterback.

Joey Harrington wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t good, as was the case for most of his teammates, especially those who didn’t protect him very well or dropped six passes that could have extended drives.

Byron Leftwich might be called upon to replace Harrington and provide a spark, but the coaching staff felt so little of his game readiness after he missed 1 ½ practices with a mildly sprained right ankle that he was relegated to No. 3 status for the game.

Whether a change at quarterback would make much of a difference has to be something the coaching staff is contemplating.

The offensive line continues to get physically dominated, which has ruined any chance of establishing a running game. That forces the Falcons to pass so defenses bring pressure, which disrupts Harrington and…so on and so on.

Some blame could be passed along to new tackles Renardo Foster and Tyson Clabo but the breakdowns along the line vs. New York were pretty similar to the flaws that surfaced in Game 1 and have rarely subsided.

The coaching staff might also be trying to figure out (again) how to incorporate Jerious Norwood more into the offense. Norwood had just six carries, one of which he took 67 yards for Atlanta’s lone touchdown. With the offense being so anemic, the chances of a big play could increase with the most explosive game-breaker on offense getting his hands on the ball more often.

Defensively, the Falcons had their worst game of the season. The Giants pretty much ran when they wanted to and threw when they wanted to. There wasn’t much resistance in the running game and Eli Manning had pretty much all the time he needed to throw, even under a barrage of blitzes.

DeAngelo Hall made some good plays in the second half to partially offset giving up his share of completions (including a TD) in the first half. OLB Michael Boley also continued to shine, recording another interception while making as many plays as he could (the Giants found OLB Demorrio Williams and ran at him). MLB Keith Brooking also had arguably his best game of the year.

The mood in the locker room after the game was vastly different from the week before, when players were seething after falling to Tennessee. Things were very matter-of-fact, with players giving off signals that they simply weren’t up to the task of beating a better, more physically imposing team.

If that were the case, you live with that. However, if they simply weren’t bothered by losing another game at home to a fan base that seems to be trying hard to keep the faith, then there are some real problems.

By Old school Al

October 16, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Bobby - or is it “Boobie” - Petrino is a joke. He is just another college guy (See: Spurrier, Steve and Erickson, Dennis for reference) who parlayed blowing out the likes of Syracuse and Conneticut in a halcyon pro payday. Give him credit for one thing: he left Louisville BEFORE Rutgers, Cincinnati, and USF upped the competitive ante in the Big East!

By Greg from Marietta

October 16, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

I never thought I’d be saying this but if the mantle fits I suppose that we as a sports city must wear it. With the Falcons performance so far this season, the Braves disappointing finish, the Thrashers losing streak, and the history of the Hawks it looks like we do qualify for the title of “LOSER’S VILLE”.

By Jeremiah

October 16, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

How can anyone expect Joey to complete passes with the OL/WR problems that the team has? Granted, there have been QBs who have managed to work magic in such situations,but you do not have to have a Hall of Fame QB in order to win a football game.

Joey had no OL in Detroit, he had no OL in Miami, and he has no OL in Atlanta.

Fix the OL, fix the WRs, then judged Joey.

By Rod

October 16, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Norwood is soooooo much better at this point than Dunn. Why does Dunn continue to get so many carries? Push him aside and get Norwood 20-25 carries a game!

By Since when...

October 16, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t get it. Since when were the Falcons such a good team that being 1-5 is a SHOCK!? Did I miss something these past years when we never had two winning seasons in a row? You make it sound like we were GOOD. We weren’t. We were crapticular then, just as well.

By DaNooch

October 16, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

What in the hell do you think Leftwich or Vick or any other QB would do on this team? It doesn’t matter who throws the ball if the receivers drop it. What , does he have to gift wrap it with a gift card that says would you please catch the ball if it’s not too much trouble?

If Crumpler or Jenkins or White played for any other football team, from little league on up, they would have been cut a LONG TIME AGO!

Why do they still have a job? Why are Laurent Robinson and Jerious Norwood sitting on the bench?

Petrino obviously doesn’t have a clue. He’s the biggest problem the team has. He doesn’t seem to be making any changes, even though the team gets steadily worse. A fool could see that Dunn is not the player that Norwood is.

By mike

October 16, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

I dont get all the personnel attacks.Calling players heartless is over the line.We are in transition.These guys bust thier hump and somebody calls them heartless?I dont think we are good this year but people shouldnt kick them when they are down.

By dave

October 16, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

I still believe.

dave

By kenp

October 16, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

How stupid is the management of this team; primarily Mr. Blank and Mr. Mckay? The only success the falcons have had in recent memory was when they hired a proven; experienced head coach with a track record of winning in the NFL. This franchise can not take chances with NFL assistants and college coaches. Until they do this they will not win consistently. Please fire Petrino now and hire Marty Schottenheimer!

By Ted

October 16, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

I have seen guys open every game and either drop the ball, or the QB not have time to throw it or under or over throw it.

I think its player issues and once the coachs get a had on it look out, I have never seen so many guys open or a offfencive scheme that has so many guys open for nobody to be catching the ball.

Its just going to take sometime. Remember we built a team around vick and now we have a stick, no mobility at all. toward the end of the game we needed 4 yards and harrington had 20 yards infront of him he could have run but he throws into triple coverage. Its not one person but its damn sure not the coachs.

By Cairo

October 16, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

If this arguably #56’s best game of the season then his sorry azz needs to be benched. Dude it WASHED up. He needs to be moved to defensive tackle.

By William

October 16, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Steve:

Were you watching the same game I was watching? Brooking having the best game of the year. Well the rest of the year was the same as years past. He leads the league in tackles 15 yards past the line. I saw him several times get blasted out of the play.

We need more than one paper in Atlanta so papers can state the facts.

At what point is Rick McKay going to get the blame? We do not address the o-line or d-line for years and it clearly shows.

Petrino is stuck with a raw deal.

Let D’bigmouth Hall go. Trade him to Seattle for the monster tackle. I heard he wants 10 mil for 6 years. Teams love seeing him on the field. At least Chris Houston gives it 110%

I am also tired of the vets complaining. Shut up and block, tackle or catch

By jack

October 16, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Maybe I’m biased but I thought ESPN’s coverage of the game was horrid last night. Not that the game was exciting but do I have to see a stonned Jimmy Kimmel (which was kind of funny) and hear about the Mannings for the entire 3rd quarter. Give it a rest Kornhieser. Yet I digress…

Let me remind all the Falcon fans out there that we are fans of the Atlanta Falcons. Besides a few strong years here and there, we have always struggled. Bad luck, bad coaches and bad teams! And this years unit maybe as bad as the worst Falcon teams of old.

And I honestly don’t think we ever had one chance to change that this season. No one person is to blame. Well maybe one person could be to blame but that poor guy has enough on his plate right now.

We changed coaching staffs and hired a rookie NFL head coach, again, after last season. I think a cause for concern on it’s own merrits.

Then we lose our most explosive player who also happens to be our star quarterback to jail. According to mush- mouth Kornhieser, Vick represents 15% of our salary cap, which we can’t use on other players until the team acutally takes physical pocession of the cash. So we are playing with approx. 85% of our salary level, which screws us. Really screws us.

Add those two blows with the fact that McKay hasn’t delivered on his reputation yet and as much as I hate to say it, we will be one of the three worst teams in the league.

But I am hopeful and confident that we will recoup some of the Vick $ and that Mckay, Blank and Petrino will give us the best team we’ve ever had in the near future.

Of course none of this disguises the fact that our team, which doesn’t feel, play or look like a team, gave a sad, half-hearted effort last evening. I think we lowly Falcon fans wouldn’t mind the losses so much if this team just played with more passion, hustle, desire and effort.

I knew we would suck but I thought all the players would at least play hard. That lack of effort is what scares me!

BTW Jim Rome just ripped the Georgia Bulldog program for our celebration after the Vandy game.

Get a Rope

By Tiredoflosing

October 16, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Well, I was there……I am trying to support the team, but I have to say the consensus around me was that the Falcons suck and they don’t care. I never leave early but I made the mass exodus at the beginning of the 4th quarter along with 10,000 plus more fans. It was an embarassing night when there were as many New York fans as falcons fans. I give up, BUT I won;t keep giving my money to the Falcons if this is the best they can come up with. I’ll support another sport and another team.

By Ted

October 16, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

As I said, watch the replays, tell me how many drop balls, tell me how many open guys we had, watch the blocking, Now keep saying its the coachs. I tape each game even if Im at the game and watch the whole game to see if its coaching, and I will make a personal attack to the other readers who says its the coachs, then maybe you / all of you who says its the coachs needs to sit in on the little league games and try to understand more of the game before trying the pros.

Let me say this if harrington would give one pump fake then go deep we have guys breaking open everywhere, but wait if we do that we drop the ball, lets toss the ball short, wait that wont work we drop those balls to, ok lets run it wait that dont work we cant block long enough to open a whole.

And I can assure everyone who has doubt of the coachs, watch the replay of the game and you will see that 75% is lack of execution, blocking/drop balls/not seeing the open receivers/ 20% is just getting out played. And Im not going to give the coaching 5% of the problem because 2 of the games I didnot see anything the coachs could have done to make it any better than what we had to work with.

By stupidisastupidoes

October 16, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Wyche, I just don’t understand you, are you blind? Do you understand football positions? D. Williams and M. Boley are outside linebackers they rush the passers and blow up activity to the outside on the corners. Brooking is chasing to the outside making tackles outside of his assignment. That is why D. Williams looks like he is being ran at. The perfect example is when R. Droughns runs it in for a touchdown in the 2nd half and Brooking meets him in the hole and just sprawls away like a bike getting hit by a truck. MLB=Stuffing the run up the middle and holding your assignment. Williams and Boley look bad because Brooking doesn’t realize he is playing MLB. Lawyer Milloy needs to be replaced also. Wyche take up something else besides NFL football reporting. Because you obviously no very little about the sport.

By joe

October 16, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

You people are so slow and stupid…OBVIOUSLY this is charma for the way you southern rednecks did Vick…you people hang deer heads in your living room and hunt animals for fun and have the audacity to ridicule Vick for fighting some damm doggs??? WOW. Idiots.

By Pastor

October 16, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Bring Back Michael Vick Now. Many people on this blog talk like they have never done anything wrong. Once He serve his punishment. He deserve another chance. Believe me at the rate we’re going; Vick will look good after Decemeber.

By Matt the Brave

October 16, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

*NOO! Don’t blow the first pick! LOSE! *

I seriously want the Falcons to get the #1 pick so they can trade down two spots in the 1st round and get another couple of pics later in the draft. The Falcons need to rebuild from the bottom up. Yeah, it’s going to be like having a new franchise, but we need that now. We need to get rid of the dark stain that Vick left us with. Time to rebuild everything. Start anew.

Ok, I’m just kiddin’. Falcons need to start winning games!!!

By Luv 2 Hate Me

October 16, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Until the falcons beef up the O-line they will continue to lose. The difference between Vick and Joey is V7 ran when the pressure was on him. Joey is what he is ” Pocket QB”. The same problem Vick had just carried over to Joey. No O-line! Vick made it look easy by running. Either trash the O-line with a new cast or get a mobile QB to aviod the BLITZ!

Now for the people who said vick would never be a pocket QB. He never had the time in the pocket to become that type of QB because why…..The OLINE equals what people “No PROTECTION”. Now V7 didn’t look so bad a QB (LOL)….We need a good Defensive couch as head couch. Start with the fixing the both lines. Get a QB & RB in the draft. Use trades and free agency to beef up the Oline.

By SimpleDog

October 16, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Who are these morons wishing we had Vick back? I’m sure I could guess. Probably the same ones wanting Leftwich to play. Big mistake. If he were so great, he would not have sat on his arse until we signed him. No one else would.

The problems are becoming glaringly obvious…even to the idiots in the crowd. Our offensive line is weak at best, and should not be collecting an NFL paycheck. Our defense has too many weaknesses to list them all, but a few of the major ones would be inconsistent line play, limited linebacking abilities, 2 has-been safeties, and one self promoted loud mouth who has managed to convince the talking heads that he’s a “shut down” corner…Bull$#!+. He intercepted an underthrown pass while his man was behind him…again. Among many other times that he was regularly beaten.

Joey Harrington is not the problem people….it’s those around him. Even if you had MV, he would be running for his life on every play. Dog fighting may have saved his life…playing QB for the Falcons right now is an occupational hazard that OSHA should investigate.

By Pleasewin

October 16, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

i am a die hard fan.Why in the world is Dunn still out on the field. Put Norwood in. This is sad. Throw some deep balls do anything to get a W. ITs not like we werent gunna for 3 adn out anyways atleast look like you are trying. WE NEED MV7. God help this pitifull Falcons team. What a Scuky season if we loose to The Saints, i am gunna call it a yr and sell my vick jerseys.

By 1eyedJack

October 16, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

If nothing else, it’s time for guys to start playing for their jobs. Time to see who wants to be here next year and who does not. If Petrino plans (and wants) to be here next year he needs to identify who he can count on and jettison the rest. Get rid of the attitudes and the ME players who are only worried about their Pro Bowl status. Football is definitly a team game and we need to find guys who can play as a team.

By Clay

October 16, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness the Falcons didn’t trade for anyone. Let’s be honest here - they’ve lost their starting QB, both starting offensive tackles, had the starting defensive tackle out, and had numerous other injuries and infirmaties. This team is not competing because they don’t have any talent left.

Here’s what you do for the year - continue to develop the young players like J. Williams, Houston, and J. Anderson, and try to win some games. Continue to implement Petrino’s offense and have it clicking by the end of the year.

DRAFT TIME - do not draft a QB!!!! Spend the pick on immediate talent like McFadden or a defensive tackle that can play right now. Build depth through the draft and do not trade picks away.

SPEND MONEY - when you get the 19 million back from Vick, spend it on the best talent that is out there. That’s enough cash to bring in veteran help on both lines. Spend it there.

SAVE MONEY - do not try to sign the hot skill position guy. Build from the lines out.

By Ripdog

October 16, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Why would I pay my hard earned money to see athletes with no heart?

By Pete

October 16, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to get the impression that Petrino is more of a video/film technician than a successful side line coach on game day. His No. 1 love in this game is watching film. Good for him. We’re 1-5, soon to be 1-6. Will it ever end ??

By Allstott

October 16, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

The offensive line did fine at run blocking when Norwood was in the game. As long as we insist on using a washed up back (Dunn) who was never more than mediocre in the first place our running game will suffer. Dunn’s a decrepit version of Reggie Bush…neither should be a starter at RB in the NFL.

By ryan

October 16, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

By win

October 16, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

We need to change the city name. this city teams are jixed some body has work roots on Atlanta!

win:

every city that has losing teams thinks there teams are jinxed. I live in toronto…We havent had a hockey title in 41 years, baseball in like 15, raptors in never…we dont even have an nfl team…(hence that is why i love the falcons)… we (falcons now) need brohm now..and if you look at the bright side, as bad as we are, we will get a top 3 draft pick.

By JohnGTFan

October 16, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

AGAIN, here we go with defending Brooking!! SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME! He hit the hole perfectly in the 1st when the Giants were at the one…and completely got demolished. That’s sick. A MLB should not be getting run over like that. And i’m also tired of hearing this coaching staff say “they’re going to try to figure a way to get Norwood more touches”. This is ignorant. Here’s how you do it. GIVE HIM THE D*MN BALL! Start him! Play him 2 series, Dunn 1, then give him 2 - 3 more series, Dunn 1. Not that hard.

By JohnGTFan

October 16, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Also, would idiots please stop asking for MV7. There is no such thing anymore.

By A1ANDONLY

October 16, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

SINCE I MOVED TO ATLANTA, I’VE BEEN A HARD-CORE FALCONS FAN. I READ THESE BLOGS EVERYDAY AND SOME OF YOU PEOPLE SOUND RIDICULOUS. THE FALCONS HAVE GREAT POTENTIAL BUT THEIR HEART IS NOT IN THE GAME. SORRY TO SAY IT BUT BOBBY PETRINO DIDN’T COME HERE TO COACH HARRINGTON. HORN DIDN’T COME HERE TO CATCH PASSES FROM HARRINGTON. A LOT OF PLAYERS CAME HERE TO PLAY WITH VICK. YES… THE MAN MADE A MISTAKE. THE LIFE OF A BLACK MALE IS LESS THAN A DOGS IN THIS COUNTRY? MANY OTHERS PLAYER HAVE MADE MISTAKES WORSE THEM HIM AND HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPROTUNITY TO PLAY AGAIN.(FOR EXAMPLE KERNEY…) THIS STATE AND COUNTRY IS VERY HYPOCRITICAL. DOING FOR SOME AND NOT FOR OTHERS. (JENA 6, DUKE LACROSS TEAM, 7 FL. DRILL SERGANTS, POLICE BURTALLITY, PHIL SPECTOR. PRESIDENT BUSH AND HIS WHOLE ADMINISTRATION (THE WAR IN IRAQ, VETOING THE CHILDCARE BILL, PARDONING LIARS). THIS ISN’T POST WWII ANYMORE. THIS COUNTRY IS FALLING. WE SEE WHAT REALLY GOING ON.

FROM AN EDUCATED AMERICAN CITIZEN

By Dave

October 16, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

There is so much wrong w/this team that it is going to take years to make it a winner again. Even with the parity within the league the Falcons are weak in EVERY area. The linebacking corps that was supposed to be the strength of the defense can’t stop the run. With the exception of Boley there are no bright spots on this team. It all starts at the top. A. Blank wants to win but unfortunately he hitched his wagon to a loser in Mckay. It’s clear it was Dungy who laid the foundation in Tampa Bay.

By Najeh Davenpoop

October 16, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Not surprising that the Falcons didn’t make a trade. The most valuable assets this team owns are draft picks, which this team needs desperately so that they can rebuild as soon as possible.

At this point the Falcons should be looking to develop their young players and get them as much playing time as possible. Get Norwood and Laurent Robinson on the field more. Play Jimmy Williams at safety over Chris Crocker full time so at least you can determine if he actually has talent or if he actually sucks. Play Chris Houston full time at the #2 corner position. Same goes for Stephen Nicholas (when he becomes healthy again) and Trey Lewis.

At QB, it doesn’t really matter who you play between Harrington and Leftwich — both are average QBs who are going to struggle with this supporting cast. From a player development standpoint, you want to play the QB who will be most willing to spread the ball around and keep the offense on the field, giving the O-line and the younger offensive players more time to develop. Right now it seems like Harrington’s the guy who fits that description more than Leftwich.

By the ritz blitz

October 16, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Blank, McKay, and Petrino get what they deserve…enough said

By Najeh Davenpoop

October 16, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, and I’m still waiting for the guy who brutally murdered the 844-pound shark to be federally indicted for animal cruelty and for PETA to protest him. Unlike dogs, mako sharks are considered “vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Unfortunately, sharks are apparently not furry and cuddly enough to receive federal protection under animal cruelty statutes. Bring back Vick.

By mountain_jim

October 16, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

I wish I could have seen what MV7 could have done in this offense.

I was ready to give Joey every chance, but he showed his noodle arm in this game and can’t hit a deep ball at all.

Crump and Horn’s drops tell me they have already started mailing it in - Crump should have kept his mouth shut if he can’t or won’t do his job.

By Art in Tenn

October 16, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Amazing, it only took 3 posts for steam to come outta my ears.

first, what exactly does p** stand for? is pee really a bad word?

secondly, “baggages”… brilliant, simply brilliant.

thirdly, and maybe the most vile… “Custard’ Last Stand”. get it right, respect the dead. its CUSTER’S last stand. reading that post made me proud to be a product of the tennessee public education system.

its a little ironic that several years ago we fired a guy who will be a hall of famer (dan reeves) because the team was not put together well enough to withstand a MV injury. so, fast forward… MV isnt here and again, the team isnt put together well enough to withstand MV’s dog-torture fetish. does this mean Blank fires his man McKay? this IS the same guy who drafted Jenkins, Williams, and White (who, while a little better, still drops too many passes). not to mention MeAngelo, who again last night decided it was all about him and was jawing with the opposition and coaching staff.

the team should be gutted from the personel dept to the roster and coaching staff. hue “i make the protection schemes that make fans holla” jackson proved he couldnt scheme to protect the qb while with fun n gun steve in washington. get a staff that youre gonna give time to grow (a COMPETENT staff…) and remake the roster with the kind of players they want for their schemes.

coaches we have passed over… Lovie Smith, Ken Wisenhunt. coaches we hired… Jim Mora, Bobby Petrino. hmmmmmm….

By maddoxh

October 16, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Its obvious the season is over. So how about starting Leftwich (we know what he was hired for). Rotate Dunn, Horn, Sanders, Morten Anderson and Brooking with backups. Lets take this opportunity to get a jump on next season and get these young guys some first-hand experence.

By Jay Black

October 16, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Did anybody see Brooking get run the hell over at the 2 yard line. It was like Super Tecmo bowl!!! He just bounced right off that 3rd tier running back!!

By Max

October 16, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

Let’s Face The Facts!! The D. Backs Cannot Pass Protect!! Why In The Hell Can We NOT Play Man Coverage?? I Don’t Think Our Current Stable Of 1st Team Players Would Be Playing 1st Team Anywhere Else!! Heads Have To Roll..I Mention Hall,Maloy,Crumpler,Horn,Dunn,And A Host Of Others..If You Cant “Man-Up” & Do Your Job..Keep Your MOUTH Out Of The Press..Its Time For YOU To Get Out Of Town!! I Think YOU Know Who YOU Are!!!! Petrino, You & Your Stupid A* Staff Could NOT Make An Adjustment If Your Name Was Ajustment!! You Dont Have The Least Idea About Moving The Pocket..Just Keep Him In Pocket & Let Him Get Killed..Yeah Right!! WHEN Will Chris Redman Get A Chance???? You Have The Audacity To Put Leftwich In Who Has Next To NO Chance..Has NOT Survived A Mini Camp..How In The Hell Does He Play In Front Of Redman????

The Falcons Suck..They Have Always Sucked And They Are Pre Ordained To Continue Sucking!!

By Wait Til Next Year, I Mean, The Following Year, I Mean Next Decade

October 16, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Just one fan’s perspective:

Contrary to popular opinion, the problems currently being experienced by the Falcons are not the fault of a few. Blame can be spread in all directions.

Let’s start with Arthur Blank. Say what you want about the Smith family, they provided affordable entertainment for Atlantans for many years. In addition they kept the pro football in Atlanta when almost anyone else would have folded their tents and moved the team to Jacksonville.

Arthur Blank is a businessman. He knew that Michael Vick was his ticket to building on his already handsome financial empire, and he took advantage of all of us.

There were many red flags with Michael Vick, and they were all ignored. He signed him to a massive contract - financially strapping the organization for years to come.

He fired the best Falcons coach of the last 20 years (maybe of all time) in Dan Reeves, because he wanted his own man in the job.

Jim Mora, Jr. fooled us all. You can’t tell me you didn’t like him during his first couple of years. Rumor has it that Jim Mora Jr. was Arthur Blank’s pick, not Rich McKay’s.

I don’t know why we have drafted so many Virginia Tech players. Maybe it was because management thought it might give Michael Vick more stability.

Michael Vick is a sensational athlete. He made phenomenal plays that will probably never be duplicated. For years I said that quarterback was where he could help the Falcons most, but he never could pick up offenses that were simplified for him, that were customized for him.

Now, we have conflicts between DeAngelo Hall and the coaching staff and Alge Crumpler and the coaching staff and fans that want Joey Harrington out of here.

I have never been a fan of DeAngelo, but I liked Alge until he shot his mouth off after last week’s game. As for Joey Harrington, here comes the race card again. Some people just always want the backup quarterback to play because they would rather have the unknown in there than the known, but I am convinced that many of the people who continue to protest Michael Vick’s absence and talk about his innocence would have nary a word to say about either if he were white.

As far as Byron Leftwich is concerned, I loved him when he was a college quarterback. Who can forget his teammates carting him on and off the field when he was at Marshall? Very inspiring. His professional career got off to a pretty good start in Jacksonville until David Garrard took over. David Garrard is a better quarterback than Byron Leftwich now.

Leftwich says he’s here for a reason. I think you have to be blind not to know what that reason is.

Over 50% of Falcons season ticket holders are African-American. Also, there was no other quarterback available.

Personally, I like Joey Harrington. I have also liked him since he was in college at Oregon State. I do not think he is as bad as a lot of people seem to think he is now. He is just once again stuck on a bad team.

I do not think quarterback is the problem.

We have complained for years that we didn’t have people who could catch and didn’t have people who could block.

Well, if we didn’t have people who could block, how did we lead the league in rushing so many times. Oh, that’s right I forgot - Michael Vick is the reason. Heck. We could have just put Michael Vick out there by himself and done just as well as if he had anybody blocking for him.

Okay, what about Warrick Dunn. Did he suddenly forget how to run the ball or do you think maybe, just maybe he benefited from a cut-blocking scheme utilizing under-sized offensive linemen, and if he benefited from a such a scheme, what about Michael Vick. Oh wait, sorry. I forgot. That’s blasphemous. Michael Vick didn’t need any help. In fact the offensive linemen got in his way. Heck he could have rushed for over 2,000 yards if everybody would just get off of his case and let him do his thing.

So, we change from a cut-blocking scheme to a power-blocking scheme. We don’t have the personnel for a power-blocking scheme. Don’t you think there’d be a little fall off in production? But wait; if MV7 were here, we wouldn’t have these problems. What about the fact that he broke the law? Well, he didn’t murder a human being, and even if he had killed someone, I would still be in his corner, because he’s Michael Vick - a persecuted black man who happens to be the most exciting football player in NFL history.

Like I said earlier, I wonder how many of these folks continuing to blindly support Michael Vick would continue to do so if he were a white man. If he were white (let’s say Tom Brady or Peyton Manning), these same people would be calling for him to be executed for his crimes. There wouldn’t be any rallies.

I was never a Michael Vick fan, but I have much more animosity toward those who continue to blindly call for him to be exonerated of everything he has done than I have toward Michael Vick. In fact I have nothing against Michael Vick. I am much more upset that Arthur Blank raised ticket prices 200% and signed Michael Vick to one of the richest contracts in sports history before he led the Falcons to even participate in one Super Bowl than I am with Michael Vick.

I feel bad for Michael Vick. I think he has led a life of never having been held responsible for anything he has ever done wrong. Everyone comes to his defense because of his athletic ability. I feel bad for him. It would take a very strong person to come up in the background that he came up in and not feel bulletproof. Shoot. I came up in a much better environment than he did, but I could clearly see how I might feel bulletproof too if every time I did something wrong, somebody else took care of it for me.

So, I feel badly for Michael and I hope he gets his life together.

As far as the Falcons are concerned, what made me maddest watching last night’s game was when they just quit playing. I have watched a lot of bad Falcons football over the years, but the display at the end of last night’s game when players were just going through the motions on national TV was just downright embarrassing.

Keith Brooking - above average player (not great as some on this board have suggested and certainly now awful as many more have suggested). Michael Boley - a superstar in the making Alge Crumpler - just needs to shut up and play DeAngelo Hall - needs to be playing for another team next year Bobby Petrino - no worries, he’ll be headed back to college after this season; it’s obvious his bags are already packed Joey Harrington - unfortunately destined to be second string very soon. Byron Leftwich - will be the starter after the bye week, results will not change. Roddy White - leading receiver for the Falcons this year Warrick Dunn - will continue to start Offensive Line - will continue to struggle Jerious Norwood - team will continue to say they need to get him the ball more through the end of the season, but he will still have only half the carries of Dunn Rich McKay - will get Brian Brohm gift-wrapped, but Petrino won’t be here to coach him. He will be another bust. Arthur Blank - will raise ticket prices ONLY 5% for next season. Atlanta Falcons fans - many will be wearing bags over their heads at the next home game.

By Chris

October 16, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

If you people have even half a brain, you’ll lay off Petrino. The people saying he needs to go and a college coach can’t cut it in the NFL need to have their heads examined.

Jimmy Johnson left Miami and came to the Cowboys in 1989. His record that season? 1-15. Next year, 7-9. Year after that, 11-5 and a Super Bowl.

A coach needs time to get the players that fit his system. The players need time to adjust to a new philosophy. This doesn’t happen overnight. It usually takes 2-3 years for everything to come together.

Now, if the Falcons don’t make the playoffs next year or in 2009, we can talk about firing Petrino. However, as long as we win more games next year that we do this year, that will be a step in the right direction.

Just cut out the nonsense. Give him time to get some beefy OL, a QB (Matt Ryan?) who can run his system, and a big RB to pound out 1-2 yards when needed. Grow up, people.

By By Jamaal Anderson

October 16, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Sorry people this is not the Jamaal that was the tailback and took the Falcons to the Superbowl….This is the other one maybe you have heard about me……My nickname is THIEF since I am currently stealing from the Falcons….Why is everybody complaining about Rich Mckay I love him he is the best thing that ever happened to me and Michael Jenkins and all the other loser draft picks on our team……Thanks Rich for taking the chance on me and buy the way I am going to be late to practice today because I need to go and Cash my CHECK…..hehehe…..Come on people lets start calling the Falcons or emailing them…..The chant goes….FIRE RICHEY RICH HE IS A BROWNNOSER THAT HAS HIS NOSE SO FAR UP ARTHUR BLANKS A$$ THAT HE CANNOT EVALUATE TALENT TO SAVE HIS LIFE…..

By Bill

October 16, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

turstile offensive line, dropped passes by crappy receivers, defense getting pushed aroun. Hmm must be Vicks, It sure was when he was here

By jack

October 16, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

All political agendas please post your comments to the Nation/World section.