AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October
October 2007
Few wins equals few fans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The threat of Sunday’s game vs. the 49ers being blacked out brought a harsh reality home to some of the Falcons players Wednesday: Fan loyalty can’t be taken for granted.
Veteran linebacker Keith Brooking has been through plenty of good and bad times with the franchise and when he was told that approximately 3,000 tickets were still available, he was surprised — sort of.
“This has been frustrating and been a disappointment for everyone,” Brooking said. “Our fans have the right to make whatever decision they want to make on that. When you’re 1-6, it’s all about supply and demand. Simple economics. Obviously, there’s not a lot of demand for our football team right now.”
The Falcons have until 1 p.m. Thursday to sell the remaining tickets or else the game would be blacked out.
Shockley: What if???????
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In speaking with injured second-year Falcons quarterback D.J. Shockley today, he said he couldn’t help but to occasionally think about being Atlanta’s starting quarterback this season with the instability at the position with Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich and Chris Redman.
Shockley is out until next season after tearing his ACL in his left knee in a preseason game at Buffalo. He is projected to be healthy enough to play next season but there is no guarantee he’ll get another shot with Atlanta.
Had Shockley stayed healthy, the first thing he’d have to do would be to beat out Redman for the backup spot, which he failed to do in preseason, although he was threatening prior to getting hurt. Had he been healthy and been the backup, it would have been interesting to see if coach Bobby Petrino would have tabbed him after pulling Harrington.
To boot, would the Falcons have even signed Leftwich if Shockley were on board?
The two things Shockley offers, besides mobility at the position, is leadership and youth. Harrington, Leftwich and Redman will not be the long-term answer for the Falcons. There’s no saying that Shockley would be either. However, in this scenario, Shockley could be a player who could be developed.
D-Hall to be seen and heard only on game days
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch - Last week’s brouhaha over DeAngelo Hall’s criticism of the Falcons cutting nose tackle Grady Jackson is history - at least in the public forum and between coach Bobby Petrino and Hall.
Hall and Petrino met Monday morning to discuss Hall’s remarks, in which he was critical of that decision and others he felt kicked veterans on the team to the curb. Details of Monday’s conversation were kept private, but all indications are that no sanctions will be levied on the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback.
Hall said he would no longer do any interviews other than post-game interviews over the next nine weeks. It’s unknown if Hall’s response was part of a bargain. However, if Hall stays true to his pledge, his play will now do his talking and, for a guy trying to land a big contract, that might not be such a bad thing.
Though Hall drew a lot of attention from his remarks, he wasn’t the only one who expressed concern about veterans being phased out. On Monday, a handful of players privately still said they were uncertain whether they’ll be next on the chopping block because of a perceived youth push.
As far as the reality of things goes, there weren’t any personnel moves to fortify fears, for now. Cornerback Brent Grimes was moved up from the practice squad to the active roster (he took Jackson’s place) but there were no other lineup or depth chart changes.
No immediate fallout after Hall outburst
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There was no apparent fallout from cornerback DeAngelo Hall’s comments about the coaching staff and front office Thursday, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t or won’t be any.
Coach Bobby Petrino and no member of the Falcons’ organization spoke to the media Thursday. Hall, who went through practice, was unavailable. Disciplinary action could be forthcoming but then again, it might not.
There is concern in the building about the mood of players, which, as I alluded to Wednesday, could be helped by more open lines of communication. Though players don’t need to know anything about the decisions being made by the coaching staff or front office, some acknowledgement of the team’s blueprint moving forward could help bridge a widening gap.
On the injury front, OT Todd Weiner continues to step us his rehabilitation but there is no work yet on if he’ll be ready to play Nov. 4 vs. San Francisco. Backup fullback and special teams captain Corey McIntyre returned to practice this week after sitting out Sunday’s loss at New Orleans with a hamstring injury.
There was no update on quarterback Byron Leftwich’s right ankle surgery.
Jackson’s release met with skepticism
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To say that the release of veteran nose tackle Grady Jackson didn’t go over well with some of the Falcons veterans is an understatement.
Several players either declined comment or would not speak on the record but the gist of most of what they said privately was that the move validated tight end Alge Crumpler’s claim of a phasing out of the veterans.
Some players did speak, though, and one, cornerback DeAngelo Hall, went off.
Hall said it’s clear that the veteran players are being pushed aside. He claimed that Jackson’s release was “asinine,” and that it’s difficult to play hard for a team when everyone but the players isn’t completely on board. Some of his comments are online at AJC.com.
Hall said that if Jackson’s release was solely for football reasons, as coach Bobby Petrino said, then the whole roster should be released since the 1-6 record proves nobody is doing their jobs well enough.
Tailback Warrick Dunn said players are now wondering who’s next on the chopping block.
What’s bothersome to some players is clearly a lack of communication. Some of them wanted to hear from the coaching staff why Jackson was released but they were not told. Others would like to know if a veteran purge is underway.
Ownership, management and coaches don’t have to explain themselves about anything. They are in charge and they expect players to perform as professionals as long as they are getting paid handsomely to do so. Petrino said he did not expect any negative backlash over Jackson’s release. Petrino has shown not to be bothered much by how players feel about him, either.
The rawness of emotion will probably wear off during the bye week but there is a connection that seemingly has been severed - not among players - that could make the final nine games for a team already among the NFL’s worst, a rough ride.
Anderson slow out the gate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons first-round draft pick Jamaal Anderson was selected to generate pass pressure and garner sacks. After seven games, he’s posted the big donut in terms of taking the quarterback down. He’s been solid against the run, which is what teams want from their left defensive end, but that’s not all they want if they’re going to spend the No. 8 overall pick on him.
Coaches said they’ve been pleased with Anderson’s progress and the sacks will come. He’s been the one getting most of the double teams to that side because defensive tackle Rod Coleman has been out with a knee injury for most of the season and not been close to his best since he returned two weeks ago.
The learning curve for rookie defensive ends clearly is steep. Mario Williams, the No. 1 overall pick by Houston last season, is a prime example. He took him a year to get going.
Five defensive ends were selected in the first round this April. Only three - Gaines Adams, Anthony Spencer and Jarvis Moss - have a sack. None has more than one. Adam Carriker was moved from DE to nose tackle by the Rams and he doesn’t have a sack.
Anderson still has nine games to make progress. At some point he’s got to start having more of an impact but based on the overall development of rookie ends he’s about on track.
Leftwich out but not done
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It looks like Joey Harrington will return as the Falcons starting quarterback for the next few weeks as Byron Leftwich’s right ankle injury appears to be serious, but not severe enough to keep him out for the season.
Coach Bobby Petrino didn’t divulge the nature of Leftwich’s injury but said he hopes Leftwich will return. If it is a high ankle sprain, Leftwich likely would be out for at least two weeks. The Falcons have a bye this week so that might not be too prolonged. However, high ankle sprains are tricky and can sideline athletes for months.
Where the Falcons stand when Leftwich heals might also affect his return. If Atlanta keeps losing and Leftwich is able to come back with three games left, Petrino might have to make a decision whether to risk Leftwich’s health at the expense of some potential wins that won’t get them into the playoffs. If the Falcons somehow turn things around under Harrington, then Petrino would probably stick with the hot hand.
The news doesn’t look as good for left tackle Renardo Foster. Again, Petrino didn’t disclose his injury but he indicated that the Louisville rookie is done for the season. This is a blow because this is the second injury to happen at this position. Quinn Ojinnaka appears to be the player who will step in. If Todd Weiner could return soon from the scope on his left knee, he could resume his starting right tackle job and Tyson Clabo, who has played well, could move over to left tackle.
As far as the mood of the team, players did not seem overly distraught by the loss to the Saints and seemed to be eagerly awaiting the bye week. Besides the losing and the bad karma, some players have said it feels like they’ve already played a season or two with everything they’ve had to endure, including the Michael Vick drama.
Houston, defense to be tested
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons appear to be ready to start rookie Chris Houston at right cornerback Sunday at New Orleans, moving him ahead of veteran Lewis Sanders. The move was imminent; the timing is interesting.
The potential explosiveness of the Saints passing game and the efficiency of quarterback Drew Brees could spell bad news for a relative newcomer, especially on the road. However, Brees has hardly been the Brees of last season, when he lit up defenses weekly by spreading the ball around often and efficiently.
Brees has thrown nine interceptions and just three touchdowns and New Orleans is averaging 15.8 points a game - the Falcons are averaging two points less. Brees has only been sacked four times but he has been under pressure a lot.
With defensive tackles Rod Coleman and Jonathan Babineaux healthier (both had knee injuries) and John Abraham back to form, Atlanta could have a chance to hurry Brees into some bad throws. It would help of first round draft pick Jamaal Anderson would make his presence felt as well.
The Saints got their first win at Seattle last week and there is a feeling they could be ready to take off. The Falcons defense wasn’t seriously tested until Monday night and it allowed 31 points in a 21-point loss. This could prove to be a true test for Houston and the rest of the defense as Atlanta tries to desperately get a much-needed NFC South win against a team that swept it last season.
Joey speaks and he’s not happy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Joey Harrington waited a day to address being demoted in favor of Byron Leftwich, but on Thursday, he spoke his mind - and he’s not happy.
“Is it tough? Yeah. It’s awful,” Harrington said Thursday, in a locker room hallway. “It’s terrible. Every week I sit here and I pour every ounce of effort I have into this team. And to be sitting here at 1-5 and to be replaced is a difficult thing to deal with. But it’s something I’ve dealt with before.
“It’s not going to change my confidence in myself and most of all it’s not going to change my commitment to this team.”
He went on.
“If I was to create a stink and throw the towel in I wouldn’t be doing my job for this team and I might miss an opportunity to get back on the field,” Harrington said. “The reality is you’re one play from being in there. I saw that this weekend.”
After taking 20 of the 21 sacks allowed - the second most in the NFL - Harrington realizes that he could be back as the starter at any time.
I’ve got a lot more Joey in an article that will be online soon and in the morning paper.
As far as the team moving forward with Leftwich, receivers said they are having to get used to catching a much harder pass. Coach Bobby Petrino also said that the Falcons could throw more downfield passes because that plays to Leftwich’s strength.
In another note, Jimmy Williams seems to have made enough progress to get back onto the field. Williams has been taking more snaps at free safety in nickel packages because of his ability to play the ball when it’s in the air, Petrino said.
QB change: Leftwich is in, Harrington demoted
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons coach Bobby Petrino pulled the plug on quarterback Joey Harrington, hoping that former Jacksonville starter Byron Leftwich can ignite a stagnant offense that ranks among the NFL’s worst. Petrino notified each player separately Wednesday morning — Harrington first.
Petrino said the change is permanent and wasn’t solely made for the sake of change. He said he thinks Leftwich has a firm enough grasp of the offense to succeed. Petrino also mentioned that the coaching staff was not overly pleased with the inability of the offense to fully capitalize on turnovers.
The Falcons have forced eight turnovers the past two weeks, one of which, a fumble recovery by DeAngelo Hall, was returned for a touchdown. The only points scored off those turnovers were two field goals at Tennesssee.
Several players seemed to welcome the move to Leftwich. They said the offensive woes weren’t solely Harrington’s fault, but something had to be done to get things going.
Wide receiver Joe Horn might have summed up the move best.
“We have to do our jobs first before Byron can be successful,” Horn said. “Everyone has to join in and beat the man in front of him. If that doesn’t happen, if we drop balls and the line doesn’t block, what’s the need to have Byron starting anyway?”
The Falcons are what they are
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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.
Forney: Time for OL to man up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons guard Kynan Forney said the offensive line is still smarting from a bad performance last week vs. Tennessee. The unit seemed to be making progress the previous two weeks, he said, and then things broke down.
Most of the mistakes were related to technique but there were some mental breakdowns. He also said there is no way the line can allow Joey Harrington to take a similar type beating Monday vs. the Giants. He added that the guys up front weren’t the only ones responsible for allowing pass pressure.
Renardo Foster and Tyson Clabo, who will fill in for injured tackles Wayne Gandy (torn ACL left knee, injured reserve) and Todd Weiner (arthroscopic surgery, left knee, out 2-6 weeks), will need help, but not as much in the physical sense as you would think.
Forney said both players should be OK, especially in the running game, but it will be crucial for them not to get caught up in the enormity of things if a few mistakes are made. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when that happens and then everything falls apart.
On the injury front, several players missed or were held out of practice today including backup quarterback Byron Leftwich (sprained right ankle). Leftwich injured his ankle at practice Thursday and declared the injury to be a mild sprain. A team official said that because the team gained an extra day of practice because of a Monday night game, Leftwich was held out as a precaution.
Even so, that is another day of work with front line players that Leftwich missed, cutting into the time he’d hoped to gain with the starters should he be called upon to play.
Leftwich tweaks ankle but says he’s fine
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons quarterback Byron Leftwich has endured four years of ankle problems, which ultimately led to his demise in Jacksonville. So guess how things appeared when he limped around the locker room after missing part of practice with his ankle wrapped up?
Here he goes again.
No alarm went off, though.
It was Leftwich’s right ankle that he “mildly” sprained, not his problematic left ankle. Leftwich said he didn’t think the tweak was serious and that he’d be okay to resume practice Friday. But at least for a day, he didn’t get as many reps as he wanted with the first offense.
Playing to his favor is an additional day to heal and get practice time because of Atlanta’s Monday night game vs. the New York Giants at The Dome.
Joey Harrington is still the starter and more and more players seem to be shouldering the blame for the offensive woes to dispel thoughts that Harrington is to blame. Though no players have publicly cast support for either guy, there does seem to be more people talking about how well Harrington has dealt with everything thing that has gone on and how he has played above expectations, based on his past.
Another OT down, Weiner has surgery
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The locker room Wednesday was sane and calm, as the emotions of Sunday’s 20-13 loss to Tennessee subsided, according to my fellow beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter, who covered for me today as I was busy taking required training courses at the AJC. I’m actually blogging during a break.
D-Led also reports that right tackle Todd Weiner had arthroscopic left knee surgery today and will be out 2-6 weeks. Tyson Clabo will fill in for Weiner. That means the Falcons will have two new tackles this week vs. the Giants and for the foreseeable future. Rookie Renardo Foster takes over for LT Wayne Gandy, who was placed on IR after tearing his ACL.
Foster has done fairly well and Clabo was a solid run blocker when he started at both guard spots for much of last season. How well he handles the pressure the Giants bring could determine how long Joey Harrington remains in the starting lineup.
Sorry for the short blog, but I’ve got to do more training.
What are your thought on the Falcons’ prospects of beating the Giants now?
Loss of Gandy hampers ground game
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The news that veteran left tackle Wayne Gandy (torn ACL) is out for the season - his career could possibly be over - is not good news for the Falcons. Undrafted rookie Renardo Foster will take over for Gandy, meaning the left side of Atlanta’s offensive line would boast two rookies.
Though left guard Justin Blalock figures to be an anchor for several years, he’s going through some growing pains right now. Foster, meanwhile, has done okay in the spot duty he’s had filling in for Gandy and Todd Weiner, but now that teams have the opportunity to game-plan for two rookies, things could get a lot more complicated.
The Falcons might have to use a lot more two tight-end sets or offset backfields to add protection to the left, making things more predictable than they’ve been.
In terms of the running game, something has to give. Atlanta’s offensive line has been physically bested almost every game as the Falcons have yet to amass 100 rushing yards in any contest.
On top of that, Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood have taken more direct hits than they have in the past few years, which would only seem to coincide with the change from a one-cut, zone-blocking scheme to a straight-ahead scheme.
With the inability to do much personnel wise at this point, the Falcons might have to make a decision to either continue to try and force things in the running game or re-incorporate some of the old zone-blocking scheme to drum up some yards on the ground.
J-Rock might get more of the rock
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Much of the focus with the Falcons this week has centered around improving the running game, for the Tennessee Titans — and beyond.
Today, coach Bobby Petrino and running backs coach Ollie Wilson said backup tailback Jerious Norwood has to start getting more carries.
Norwood has averaged just more than 7 carries a game, which have resulted in 124 total yards (4.3 yards per carry). Norwood also has eight receptions and has been returning kickoffs since Week 2 vs. Jacksonville.
Whether the desire to get Norwood more carries leads to a reduction of totes for starter Warrick Dunn is unknown. The flow of the game will dictate that.
The coaching staff does seem to recognize that the success of the passing game is going to lead opponents not stacking the box with eight players, which could open space for Norwood to re-emerge as Atlanta’s most dangerous game-breaking threat.
Coleman returns, playing status iffy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons defensive tackle Rod Coleman returned to practice Wednesday after missing nearly a month following knee surgery. Whether he will be ready for Sunday’s game at Tennessee remains to be seen. Coach Bobby Petrino said the coaching and medical staffs would wait to see how Coleman’s knee responds to the increased workload and how he adapts overall physically after being off since the Sept. 7 procedure.
Coleman said he fractured his right kneecap. The team, on Wednesday did not confirm or deny the damage but reiterated the surgical procedure was arthroscopic. After Coleman’s surgery Sept. 7, the team said the procedure was to repair damage and remove abrasive debris.
The nature of the injury notwithstanding, the 2005 Pro Bowler appears to be on course to return within the next few weeks. How effective he would be is a big question. Coleman’s knee surgery happened on the same leg on which he suffered ruptured quadriceps in a Jet Ski in April.
Coleman may have the highest pain tolerance on the team but his ability to anchor himself, get penetration and generate any type of burst to rush the quarterback could be somewhat marginalized by the injuries. Even so, the Falcons would are eager for his return because even at less than full strength, Coleman could help bolster the defensive line and provide some depth at a position that grew thin, quickly.
Coleman’s backup, Jonathan Babineaux, is still recovering from a stretched ligament in his right knee and might not be able to play against the Titans. Rookie Trey Lewis played fairly well in Atlanta’s 10-point victory over Houston Sunday and likely will start at Tennessee.
In other developments, backup tight end Dwayne Blakley (pectoral injury) returned to practice after missing the past two weeks. Petrino did not give a specific reason as to why deep snapper Boone Stutz was released and Mike Schneck, who went through practice Wednesday, was signed.
Rewards doled out; Hall did not request trade
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As a reward for getting the first win of the season, Falcons coach Bobby Petrino got the game ball and players got Monday off from all team-related activities, which usually consist of running, film study and meetings.
I’m not overstating this when I say that victory lifted a tremendous burden off nearly everyone with this franchise. I’m with these people at team headquarters nearly every day and I knew things were bad during the whole Michael Vick saga, DeAngelo Hall saga and all the other things that materialized. But I didn’t realize how bad things were until I saw how at ease everyone was after Sunday’s win over Houston.
Even team owner Arthur Blank looked refreshed as we spoke for a few minutes before he met with team officials Monday.
A few points of interest: I spoke with two team officials about an internet report that said cornerback DeAngelo Hall requested to be traded. Those team officials, who are the types who would be in the know, said that Hall did not ask or demand to be traded.
Despite everything that happened last week involving Hall, including his admission that he and some members of the coaching staff don’t have a great relationship, Hall is playing very well and team officials believe he gives them the best chance to win. As irreparable as things may seem on the surface between Hall and the Falcons, things appear to be reconciled for now.
On the injury front, Petrino said there were no new injuries. He did not have any updates on previously injured players — TE Dwayne Blakley, DTs Rod Coleman and Jonathan Babineaux. Of the three, Blakley could stand the best shot at returning for Sunday’s game at Tennessee.
High praise was doled out for the defense by Petrino, namely for linebacker Michael Boley and safety Lawyer Milloy. Boley had nine tackles, three on either third or fourth down, and ranks second in the NFL in tackles with 28.
Services »
