Falcons

By Greg

November 19, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure “continue to spiral” is accurate, when they won their last two games.

The fact is, this is not a good team, with a lot of holes and a lot of injuries. With luck, they’ll win 5 games. That’s about right, given their talent and injuries.

And who cares about how Petrino treats Harrington and Leftwich? Ultimately, one of them’s going to be grooming Brohm, Woodson or Ryan anyway. Neither is the future of the franchise. We’ll have to wait until April to see who that might be.

By Brian O'Brien

November 19, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Petrino appears to be in over his head. If I were Falcons’ management I would be very wary of giving him too much control over personnel decisions, i;e bringing in “his” type of players to fit “his” scheme. I am not convinced he will be here long enough.

By Rick

November 19, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

If Atlanta’s receivers would catch the fing ball Harrington would be one of the league leaders. I have never seen a bunch of supposedly “professional” receivers drop so many passes. Give Harrington a break. He can’t throw AND receive.

By 14Falcons

November 19, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

BINGO!

I am sure that the numbskull that decided to play the wicked wich of the left broke the spirit of many of the players at yesterday’s fiasco unfurled.

By JBird

November 19, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know if the Falcons v Colts game on NFL Network will be simulcast on local television?

By Ron Roberts

November 19, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Good grief; while I admit, going from “player’s coach” to a more “X’s and O’s hard-nosed coach” was needed, this has gone on long enough. This particular guy isn’t getting the job done, and his facial expressions on game days tell the tale.

It’s time to admit Petrino was the wrong guy for the job, free him up to pursue Michigan or LSU or Auburn or Texas A&M (two of these are a definite, the others would probably come open as well), and would allow us to move on, as well.

Seriously, let’s get a head coach who knows how to communicate with players and utilize the parts he has with the scheme that works best with THOSE parts - instead of forcing his scheme on a group of players whose skills and builds aren’t suited for it.

Let’s be real, here. What impact free agents are going to want to come play here under the iron fist of Petrino, especially given his handling of the QB situation?

Cut bait. Keep Zimmer as the defensive coordinator, and start talking to Pete Carrol or an up-and-coming coordinator or see if Marty Schottenheimer’s interested in coaching again. Hell, see if Dan Reeves is around. He took a similarly disheveled franchise and got ‘em to a Super Bowl within three seasons.

Remember that?

By Falcon Crest

November 19, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Here is my solution. First, I was a total supporter of Petrino, but that is over. He has lost the support and confidence of his team and the fans. The last is not important to the Powers-that-be, but it is a fact. So, bring in Rich Brooks as the coach and draft Andre Woodson. He can probably be had with a 2 or 3 pick. Use the rest to rebuild the o-line. If they use a top pick for a QB and don’t rebuild the line, they are p!ssin in the wind.

By KrisG

November 19, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Rick, the same could be said for Byron Leftwich. And last year, people swore that it was Vick and not the receivers. Brian O’Brien is right… and I’m a little disturbed that Atlanta fans are currently embracing the posterboy for subpar quarterbacking as their future.

Leftwich is not much better, and I knew that before yesterday… but DON’T start investing in this guy who has a wretched track record for losing.

PS- And that O-Line Harrington fans are about to mention has always been bad, too.

By discombobulated

November 19, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

This is the worst I have ever seen from the team and the coaching. I have been a season ticket holder since they opened the Dome; so I know the ups and downs. Even when the team was not on TV the Dome never felt or looked this way. I watched my 4 prime seats go from $330 per seat to $990 per seat. Now I can’t even give them away as no one wants to be in there to see this team.

You are talking about the team in limbo, the fans are in limbo and it does not appear there will be any relief from this disaster.

I doubt if I will buy season tickets to the Falcons anymore… Not many will…

By falcondawg

November 19, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

You are so right, Brian. Petrino can’t handle personel issues or play calling (a pitch out on fourth and inches). He obviously has a college coach mentality. Maybe he will grow as a result of this year’s debacle, but I have little hope.

By DJA

November 19, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

I believe it is time to start Chris Redman. He cannot do any worse than the other two QBs and he knows and has had success under Patrino’s “system” and might be able to make it work. The defense did a good job for most of the game and you could not blame them for running out of steam since the offense kept giving the ball back. It takes the wind out of you when that happens. START REDMAN. Who knows something good could come out of it…..and like I said - he could not do any worse.

By John

November 19, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank promised when he purchased this Franchise,that it would be competitive. So much for that promise. Your first mistake was firing Dan Reeves and then hiring these last two clowns. Even a High School Coach would know not to start a Guy at Quarterback after coming off an injury and not having played in three-weeks,not to mention Joey had two great games back to back with wins as a result. Thanks alot Arthur Blankhead

By Jason

November 19, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

I believe that Petrino has a good mind to do things but I saw a lot of the receiving core in the same area of each other. That spells disaster if you have 3 defenders in the same area. Maybe he needs to simplify the offense some.

By DB

November 19, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Look Atlanta, I thought like every other Falcons fan, we had a real team that would compete each and every game. I thought we had a good chance this year. As it turns out we will be rebuilding and I will say this….we will be losing for a very long time.

By Old Falcon Fan

November 19, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Have been a Falcon fan since Day 1. I have lived through all the years of being laughed at by other fans. But this lost to Tampa Bay was the straw that broke this fans heart. Pertino is NOT a NFL caliber coach. He should have pulled Leftwich out during the Second Quarter. It is ashame that Joey did more in ONE quarter than Leftwich did in 3 quarters and scored a TD to prevent a shutout. FIND A REAL NFL COACH. WILL I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 33 YEARS TO SEE THE FALONS IN A SUPER BOWL OR WILL I DIE WAITING

By Big Bull

November 19, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Petrino is a bigger idiot than I thought.With any kind of momentum going into sundays game, He should have stuck with Harrington. If He had faltered, then He could have put Leftankle in. In other words..Bobby has the midas touch in reverse! What does He have to lose putting Redman in? The seasons shot anyway.

By Chris

November 19, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

This is not a team issue.. this is a coaching issue. This guy needs to go back to college. I’m not a pro but can recognize that Byron did not have it and wasn’t prepared. His release is slow and timing is off. But Patrino stuck with him. A bad decision on Patrino’s part. He will be allowed to stick with this team for another year or two, tearing the team apart to match his “so called” style. We will loose players like Alge, Deangelo and Dunn. LEt’s start guessing who the new coach will be in two years.

By jc

November 19, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

I think Patrino has really made this team a laughing joke around the league. Harrington deserved better from this man and now Leftwich is seeing this side of a man who took 2 grown men and turned this into a pop warner who’s a better QB crap. Harrington has been there and has given 100% and to have Patrino bring in someone who really has no playing time this year because the one time he is in there of course he get’s hurt which has been the case most of his career. The players were getting used to Joey and you could see the differnce with the players in the last 2 games so why would Patrino not start Harrington and if he did not look good then bring in Leftwich that would have been the right thing to do. I have lost all respect for this coach and really have lost it for Aurther Blank…you guys should really be ashamed and not only does Harrington and the players need an apology but the fans also deserve one cause finally we were getting excited about this season.

By The Grinch

November 19, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

I agree with Greg. Petrino’s evaluating which of these two is less useless for next season. He’s working on next season and the year after, making sure there are no “controversies” to get in the way of the master plan. And yes, I think he has one, and I think when he gets the right players in here it will work. Petrino may be an a*, but he isn’t stupid. If he’s here long enough we’ll have winning football here again. Maybe even two years in a row at some point.

By Burger Brian

November 19, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

The defense played Exceptionally well in this game! It is clear ~ Petrino has been given a wink and nod “pass” for this season. Art and Rich expect to “fix this thing” with a top draft pick and a few free agent signings. If anyone thinks the three of them aren’t in lock step on this ~ well ~ it wasn’t so long ago that Art took out a full page ad apologizing for an embarrasing loss.

The fans are so frustrated because that any one of us could have called a better offensive game. Petrino is NOT THIS INCOMPETENT! Atleast I really dont think so.

I think the “gravity” of the Vick situation emboldened the management to “throw” this season.

Look ~ the true fans are REALLY hurst by this ~ but dont think for a minute that many of this VETERAN players that are in the “twilight” of their carrers aren’t being hurt on many levels by this BS.

I imagine that Art is already planning the “mother of all” marketing plans to get you to FORGET this season!

I suggest you organize a good Poker game on Thanksgiving. The colts can play the “stringers” and cruise on this one.

It sucks!

By JOHN

November 19, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

THIS COACH IS AN IDIOT! A COMPLETE IDIOT! WHY WOULD YOU RUN A SWEEP ON 4TH AND 1 WHEN YOU HAVE THE HIGHEST PAID FULLBACK THAT WEIGHS OVER 250LBS , IM FINISHED! NO MORE SEASON TICKETS AND BRING THE SMITHS BACK, IT’S OBVIOUS KING AURTHER CANT RUN AN NFL TEAM

By terrell barron

November 19, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Petrino to Michigan.

By pat

November 19, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Go back to college Petrino! We have no offensive line what-so-ever, decent defense, one ok quaterback, and one has been, who never really was. Compound the situation with abismal coaching and Viola! We are a laughing stock! Thanks! We all no we have a weak team but they can be coached to play a dignified game for pete’s sake!

By badhatharry

November 19, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Remind me again why the Falcons pasted on Ken Whisenhunt.

By Bill

November 19, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

I agree that the spirit has been broken, beyond repair. The mature, classy leaders of this team deserved better than they got from this coach.Losing games is bad enough, but losing the repsect of your classy veterans is so much worse.

By Wink from Lithonia

November 19, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

This is a joke, especially at the top positions in management to coach. This guy will never win on the pro level. Petrino has ruin all the positive momentum that Aurther Blank has created. Go thing he has a waiting list with over 90,000 names on it. My seats are available for anyone who wants them. I just knew Petrino would develope a plan to overcome the loss of Vick, but he does not have a clue. On 4th & 1 he calls a toss sweep, can’t make decision on quarterbacks, kickers, who should be on practice squard, secondary, can’t even evaluate former players from his beloved system. My guess is he will start Redmond against Indy; since he should have more mobility than Harrington & Leftwich. Go you lucky Louisville Cardinals!!!

By MACK73

November 19, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

You know the Falcons are horrible when people waste time arguing who’s best between Leftwich and Harrington. They both suck. It doesn’t matter who plays, Falcons still lose with bad OL and WR. It’s sad this team has come to this. I hope the Thursday game is blacked out so the rest of the world won’t get to witness this travesty.

By bk hawk

November 19, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

McKay is the main one to fire. Name one good thing he has done? Hire Dan Reeves as the GM and give him complete control on draft, trades and Coach for three years and you’ll be in play-off.

By CoachPaulHewitt

November 19, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

I think hiring a Big East Coach from a Basketball School was rolling the dice a little too much for me. Let’s cut our losses and move on. He’s NOT the real deal. Flash in the pan….college coaches rarely translate to successful NFL Coaches…hopefully Blank has learned his lesson.

By the real truth

November 19, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait for the idiot Petrino to be in the SEC. He’ll bring his team to a new low. Even if he ends up at Ole Miss.

By hop

November 19, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

i thought the smith’s were bad owner’s,until authur blank showed up. he has spent the money like a drunk sailor and he has nothing to show for it.

the mismangement of vick, the bad coaching decisions,player drafting and development points to one of the worse directed franchise in all of sports.

that goodness we have SEC football to enjoy without fretting about these clowns.

By GA Native

November 19, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Well thank you so much for the sharp stick in the eye Aurthor. Don’t know what is worse your empty pathetic promises or the poor fans that support you and what’s left of the team after they have been Petrinoized right up the A**.

I’m so over it, too many years, too many embarrassments, too many broken promises with nothing to show except for losses to show for my money and hope.

I watched this team as kid, I followed them many years in the Air Force and just wanted to come home to something respectable, too much to ask for, right Bobby, right Aurthor, right Michael.

I would rather watch the Niners than this joke.

By Del

November 19, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Objective observation…BL is a great guy but he has been injury prone, he is by his own description a pocket QB. Problem is he’s a stationary pocket passing QB with a slow release? BL has never been known in his career for exceptional accuracy.That has been evident in his brief game appearances with the Falcons.Opposing defenses know that if you can put enough pressure on him and rattle him, he pretty much falls apart. Given all these known’s and with a weak Falcon’s team and a particularly weak O line why than did Petrino call him the starting QB ahead of Harrington before he even had a track record as the teams starting QB.I think you can trace that question back to blank headed team management. Petrino is just a figure head coach and the only one Blank and Mckay could get who would commit to being Vick’s wet nurse. Petrino doesn’t know how to communicate with professional level players and like Spurrier, Sabin, Davis and others who have failed, he will be gone from the NFL. Probably back to college coaching but even there, Petrino is no Paterno.

By Dookie Boys

November 19, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should be sued for impersonating an NFL team. LA could use an NFL team, let us start a-new. It usually takes an expansion team 3 or so years to get established and out of the gate. Look at the Thrashers. The Falcons never took flight. They suck, always have, always will, and I’m a die-hard hometown fan. Geesh…what a crappy team.

By GT Guy

November 19, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

I gave up my season tickets two seasons ago. Haven’t looked back, either. Turns out I haven’t had a reason to.

Go Jackets!