AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA massive reclamation project
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The final two weeks of these Falcons as we know them can best be described as a death march. Players can’t wait to get away from this mess. Coaches know they will probably be let go after Bobby Petrino left them in a lurch. Front office personnel is trying to do its job as normal but everyone knows team owner Arthur Blank has to make some radical changes across the board.
Most notably, he has to hire a coach. Bill Cowher and Bill Parcells said they are out of the picture but, as we’ve learned with coaches jumping ship after saying something else, don’t believe anything until it’s done.
There is little doubt this franchise will be overhauled. To what degree remains to be seen. There are a lot of questions about GM Rich McKay’s future with the team and there are reasons he should be concerned.
He’s steered Blank to two coaches who aren’t here any more for different reasons (isn’t it ironic that the supposed desire to coach in college led to both of their exits?).
His free-agent signings haven’t produced much (Rod Coleman and John Abraham have been good when healthy but Lawyer Milloy and the dispatched Grady Jackson might have been his best moves. Jason Webster, Ike Reese and Ed Hartwell are out of here and it’s hard not to ask why in the heck they signed Joe Horn and Ovie Mughelli if they weren’t going to be used).
McKay’s drafting hasn’t been as bad as some people make it to be but it hasn’t produced any real star players other than D-Hall, Boley and possibly Roddy White.
Point Blank, this team is short on legitimate big-time players and now that it’s rudderless without a coach, some sweeping change has to take place.
Every offensive skill position needs an upgrade. The entire offensive line might need to be replaced. Every level of the defense except for cornerback might need some injection of talent as well.
So many things need to get done. Even players are wondering if there is an end line in sight. Right now, the only one they’re worried about, though, is the season finale against Seattle. By the way, on that note, how do you think former coach Jim Mora and NFL sacks leader Patrick Kerney, both with the Seahawks, are feeling these days?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 17, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Jim Mora should be feeling guilty for helping create the mess that is currently the Falcons. The loss of Vick has only exposed the rest of the team for the garbage it has been for the last few years. Thankfully during that time we had #7 to help mask some of the deficiencies of the team.
By JB
December 17, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
At 3 -13, I’d gut this team…pick the core 20 or so guys who are Good players with good attitudes and send the rest packing through Draft picks or just release them. Fill that team up with 10-12 draft picks ( some from trades) and sign 10-12 GREAT ATTITUDE free agents and a Mike Singletary Type Coach and play away. Yes, we will lose 10 games next year, but start rebuilding this puppy. CLEAN F##### HOUSE.
By Jerry
December 17, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Players need to recognize real fast Mike Vick does not write their pay check and support the team
By Rocket20
December 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Bring in Mike Singletary and all this stuff ends and we become a team.
By terrell barron
December 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
No more wins PLEASE! Can you say Mcfadden?
By Get the Picture
December 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
How about former Washington and Texans GM Charles Casserly? His drafts with the Texans are looking pretty good with time. He does, however, appear to have a reputation for leaking to the press and being overbearing with subordinates. Not sure the Falcons can risk another high-drama guy.
By Bubba, Lower Forty
December 17, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Hi y’all!! I don’t know about you, but I am overwhelmed. Seems like for so long we were on the verge and just needed a nudge or two to get over the hump. Now, Mora is gone, his replacement is gone, the QB is gone and we are struggling to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I still say go after Cowher. Approach him with the resolve that we want a winner, we want team comraderie. Even offer another year off, with an interim coach, of his choice, taking over until he is ready. Guys, we need this. We need direction, stability, organization and a good chewing out when necessary. I am really nervous about going after another assistant coach. There are just so many what if’s involved…
By lilburnfan
December 17, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Where to begin. O line, D Line, Receivers, QB, LB’s…. hmmm, well Morton A can still kick…
I’ve never seen a team so full of holes.
Vick actually hurt the team more then helped. His legs covered up many holes on offense.
Falcons are at least 5 yrs away from contending. We need a GM and coach that see that and build towards that. See Cowboys when they traded Hershel Walker for many draft picks.
A ridiculous season keeps getting worse.
By RAMBLE ON!
December 17, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
D Hall is an idiot with a Big Mouth!!!!!!!!
By fshrmnglf
December 17, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
In a game at the old stadium in 1971, I thought I witnessed the low point of the Falcons Franchise, but I now believe that I was wrong. Two Falcon Players engaged in a fight with one another in the offensive huddle during the game. I can’t remember who the players were or even the opponent for that game, but I still remember thinking it can’t get any worse than this. However, under the ownership of Mr. Blank this organization has reached the bottom.
By tp
December 17, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
If I’m Arthur Blank, I look at it this way: whatever change I think needs to be made, I do it this year. Make all the changes now, start with a clean slate, and give the people you put in place 4 or 5 years to right the ship. If that means firing anyone from McKay to the equipment manager, get it over with and move forward.
By IRISHRICK
December 17, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
i think that the owner caused this problem , too much hands on , is this the reason the coach left? get rid of McKay , hell i can coach better that the past coaches ,tuna or chower won’t do it to much interference from the boss, is what the reports that iam reading .
By Mark
December 17, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Maybe we can get Schottenheimer and draft McFadden. This team needs something that will sell to the fans and restore credibility.
This is the worse season ever and it just shows that this city is CURSED as far as sports is concerned.
By frankie
December 17, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
I sort of agree with Bubba. I would go to Cowher and pay him for a consulting fee and allow him to pick the offensive and defensive coaches along with an interim head coach to basically do as Cowher instructs him to do…Then in2009 come in and continue the effort. Tell me there is a coach out there that would not jum at the chance to be Cowhers understudy with other opportunitiesopening up every year… Forget Parcell’s hes over the hill, Schotenheimer i would offer the same deal as cowher except n reverse. Bring him in next year and sign him to three years with the agreement that he get to pick his successor (what he id 65+ ) he ain’t gonna be around to much longer either, so after the 3rd year he becomes the GM and play out the rest of the year with his coaching staff either way you get stability and consistency…. ARE OU READING THIS ARTHUR BLANK….
By Darrin V. Reyes
December 17, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Blank needs to hire the coach, with advice from good football people within and without the organization. McKay needs to be distanced from the process, since he stinks at it.
By Gabriel
December 17, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Bring in Mike Singletary and draft Matt Ryan !!! and the falcons become a very good team !!
By bakerman
December 17, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Back up the truck. Hall, Crumpler, White and any player who supports the felon is guilty of insubordination. We don’t need them.
By Mountain Man
December 17, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Fire every one of those ungrateful prima donnas that held up the criminals picture and be done with them.
By OpinionsAreLike
December 17, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are a crap sandwich. Ever year or so they put that crap in between a couple of different buns, throw on a pickle or two and serve it up as a new item on the menu and Altanta fans stand in line like they are at the varsity and order a couple of them sandwiches and end up saying, “Hey this smells funny”! Just wait until to take a bite!
By Striker
December 17, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
It’s time for McKay to go. He hired Mora who let the players get away with murder and who couldn’t fire his inept best friend from his O coordinator spot. He then one uped himelf and picked an even worse candidate who very well might have been insane (no talking, calling unpracticed plays, telling bold faced lies).
Add to that McKay’s terrible first round/top draft picks. Jenkins is a disaster, Williams can’t even hold down a nickel back job, and Jamaal Anderson is a slow, weak, and passive DE (not a good combo).
It’s time for McKay to leave. It’s time for Blank to step up and do his top duty. We have to get a new GM.
By Poor McKay
December 17, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Why would Blank rely on my brother, Rich, to hire another coach or to make another personnel decision? How much more fuel does this raging fire need? If we’re lucky, maybe the Atlanta Spirit will buy this team. Now that’s funny.
By VICK FAN
December 17, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
Jim Mora, Patrick Kerney and Grady Jackson are glad that they are not with the Falcons and are on play off teams. Mr. Blank only need some one that know talent players and how to use that talent. Clearly GM Rich McKay is not one of those people and Patrino was not that kind of coach. I am sure that Mr. Blank have good players, but he don’t have the people that know how to use them. If a coach is a good coach, he would find a way to win with the people that he have. A team don’t get this bad in a few months. Everyone knew that the Falcons needed offensive players except Rich McKay. We all knew that Patrick Kerney was a great defensive end, except Rich McKay. Everyone knew all this when Vick was playing. Mr. Blank fire your GM, he has not work out, you can see that. And get a good coach that know what he is doing. Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!
By popcornular
December 17, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
Get D-Hall and the other ignorant losers out of here, and draft or trade for guys with some class. A sharp eye could tell Vick is a hapless stoner, which probably contributed more to his freefall than has been recognized.
By Rod
December 17, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Only a FOOL would want to draft any of those non-mobile QBs in this draft if the whole offensive line needs replacing. Someone needs to wake these morons up that think we need to draft a QB. We need to start DJ Shockley next year and not waste a draft pick on QB. Where not going to to the Superbowl anytime soon.
By Grampus
December 17, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
We’ve already heard that Blank took a liking to Mike Singletary just like he took a liking to Mora and Petrino. Singletary is probably a great guy, but Blank taking a liking to you is not a substitute for solid head coaching experience. Does who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
By truth
December 17, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
The truth of the matter is that the owner, Blank, cannot be involved with the team other than owning them. He is a business man who only knows the philosophy of catering to the customer. In this case, the customer is Atlanta and Atlanta is predominantly black. This is the reason for the Michael Vick debacle. Unless he gets over this and employes the best people for the job, the franchise is doomed.
By falcondawg
December 17, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
Dan Reeves for GM. Let him find us a coach.
By BosnianBaller
December 17, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
I hope we get mcfadden.It’s time to get rid of dunn,brooking,horn,and mugaheli.I don’t think dunn has much left and brookings salary could give us more money.We are deep at linebacker any way
By D3
December 17, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Completely agree with JB. This has been a god-awful year that thankfully will come to an end. This may sound crazy, but this year could be a blessing in disguise. They have a chance to do it right this time and really rebuild instead of doing patchwork on a team really talentless at its core. Full on clean house and truly rebuild with someone like a Mike Singletary, if they couldn’t get someone like Schottenheimer. Get rid of McKay as the GM, and let him be president at the very least. Take McFadden if he’s there or an OL or DL. No Qb this year is worth a first round pick. Clean house and start the F over.
By falcon fan
December 17, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
Davenpoot, do you even follow the falcons? Blaming this mess on Mora just shows your ignorance of how the falcons are run. MORA WAS A POWERLESS PUPPET OF BLANK AND MCKAY. Hell even the starting QB had more say in matters than jim mora. Quit blaming this guy for personnel decisions he didn’t even make. Blank even played a major role in hiring his assistants and then preceded to give one of them authority in personnel matters. Alex Gibbs had complete autonomy when it came to the offensive line. If gibbs wanted a guy, he got him, regardless of what jim mora thought about the situation. It even happened this year when blank and mckay signed mughelli. Petrino didn’t use the guy at all which should tell anyone with a brain cell that it wasn’t his idea to bring him in here in the first place. Without question the blame for this nightmare rest on the shoulders of blank and mckay alone. I’m especially sick and tired of blank being portrayed in the media as this great business man who keeps getting betrayed by others. Atlanta fans need to take the blinders off and realize this man is the main culprit screwing up this franchise. I think petrino is scum but I do believe him when he said that blank was to meddlesome. Even to the point of objecting to the wording of a team prayer. I never heard him or the falcons PR staff deny that this happened after Petrino leaked it to the media.
By DOG THE MAN
December 17, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
MIKE SINGLETARY WILL YOU PLEASE TAKE RICH AND ARTHUR’s CALL!!!!
By Falcon Fan 101
December 17, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
Looks like D.Hall is infecting a lot of young talent, like Anderson and Houston. Hall says he is a professional, but certainly behaves like an adolescent. Will the true professionals on the Falcon team please stand up? It is amazing these players get away with what they are acting, and playing. Where is Vince Lombardi? Also, I see we really need someone who can pick talent.
By your mom
December 17, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
Mora was Blank’s choice, not McKay’s. McKay wanted to hire Lovie Smith. But thanks for playing.
By Ryder
December 17, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
It’s simple: You have to let go of McKay and bring in another GM. He’s made too many bad choices which has hurt this team.
Secondly, I know everyone is in love with Matt Ryan, but this team needs to be a true power running team. Getting McFadden will enable them to have a combo of Norwood-Mcfadden will enable Atlanta to be more creative on offense. As for a QB, I would draft either Chad Henne or Erik Ainge in the later rounds and have them come in under Leftwich/Harrington for a year without much fanfare. This way they won’t be rushed.
Also, spend whatever money you can in free agency on a left tackle as well as another DT to be ready in case Coleman goes down again.
Finally, the coach. You have to get someone who can communicate with the players as well as have true leadership. In Mike Singletary (whom i’ve debated for since Mora was let go) you get both. He will know how to build a championship DEFENSE and is not afraid to kick someone in the butt. I think it will keep most of the DHall types in check.
It will take at least two years for this team to build towards respectability but it can be done.
By AL
December 17, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
If D. Hall is on the team next year then I will not be buying my season tickets.
By Mr C.
December 17, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
You can’t release the whole team. Neither can you release the entire offensive line. This is not college where u can plug in recruits at any position. The Falcons have 9 picks next yr and then maybe 2 or 3 free agents. There is a salary cap in the NFL. U can’t change 5 yrs of mismanagement in 1 yr. Even Rookies normally don’t give u much in their first year. If you look at the Falcons, they had 6 rookies (Blalock, Milner, Robinson, Anderson, Houston, Lewis) playing this yr and they altogether gave the team nothing. Anderson might be a burst. How the hell was he ranked that high in the draft. He’s weak and my grandma can block him.
The culprit in my opinion should by McKay and he should take the fall. A lot of people mentioned the lack of talent at the o-line and defensive line for yrs but McKay kept drafting all those tiny lineman. I think the offensive line needs the most work. You keep Blalock, Forney and maybe Weiner. Draft a top Tackle and get 2 more from free agency.
See if you can trade Hall for multiples picks
Draft a QB and sit him all next yr.
Draft a top safety
Draft a defensive tackle that can occupy the middle.
Maybe then the falcons can win 6 games next year.
By Not Dan Reeves
December 17, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
The Falcon’s big mistake was letting Dan Reeves go. Why was that done? To get someone flashier in here. Neither that or the next flashy coaching move worked.
Also, if we look at free agent signings and draft picks, I would also opine that too many times the team has taken a flashy player instead of finding core players.
My strategy is to trade the #1 next year for as many low #1’s, #2’s, and #3’s as possible. Start building an O-line and get an all purpose RB who can run tough between the tackles. If you find quality at Safety or LB, take it in the draft.
Don’t spend a high #1 on a QB or RB. That’s flashy, but isn’t the way to build a team. A mediocre RB or QB looks pretty good behind a great O-line.
Don’t be fooled in the free agent market. Muhali may be a great player, but they overpaid AND the guy is never on the field. That one is gonna hurt for a while.
By beki
December 17, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
No quarterbacks until we get big,quick offensive linemen! I’m tired of seeing our qbs on the ground and a fat ol staring down at him.I like McFadden a lot but the team desperately needs offensive linemen ———and taller cbs! Oh, and please bench Hall!
By MG
December 17, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
Please find a coach who will demand discipline and respect from his players. Also cut/trade/whatever
21. This guy is pure garbage and gets lit up anytime he plays a big-time WR. Players that don’t need to be here next year…#12, #56, #83,all defensive line except Abraham, and all defensive backs.
By ed
December 17, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
Some of you guys on this blog are big idiots. I am not taking up for Mike Vick, he did the crime so he must do the time. What if Mike Vick was hurt during the 1st game of the season and was out for the entire season. Then you guys will still blame Mike Vick for this terrible season. The point is this, Mike Vick erased or masked a lot of the problems with this football team. The falcons were number one in rushing, and now we are at the bottom of the league in rushing. SOME PEOPLE (you know who you are) wanted a “POCKET PASSER” and now you got one, you should be happy.! We are still near the bottom of the league in passing also, so I whether be great in one thing instead of being at the bottom of the league in both passing and rushing. Harrington has done a honorable job; he is completing over 65% of his passes. But this just proves my point, a QB that cannot move on this team is dead. FALCONS DO NOT WASTE YOU TIME ON A FIRST ROUND QB, GET YOURSELF AN OL and you can take your chance of getting a quality Qb in the second round. Dixon, Woodson, and Booty will be there. I can guarantee one of these guys will be better than a high pick such as Ryan or Brphm. OL is not the sexy pick, but teams with good OLs usually are pretty good teams.
By The Suedefalcon
December 17, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
Falconfan if you believe that Jim Mora is not resposible for his actions .Then Vick must not be resposible for his…Even a passive decision or a nondecision is effecting the end result.The Atlanta Falcons…Arthur,McKay,Jim and now Petrino..A new owner making some mistakes maybe relying to much on his GM.GM making some mistakes thinking that the coach he just hired could coach.Giving him players that he is requesting.To play in a scheme that he is coming up for this team. So know we have learned that having coordinator background and a father was a fair coach at best.Doesnot make a good head coach.We have learned there is a reason why college coaches don’t do well in the NFL.Coaching impressionable young men who have little money.Most coming from single family settings and no father .Versus motivating grown multi-millionaires to buy into a system you have prescribe for them .Is a grand task on top of all this happening on one big reality series on testosterone. The Taylor/Smiths did two things right.Hired Dan Reeves and sold the team to someone else.Blank has done a couple of things right.But righting this massive ship is an under taking that isnot going to happen overnight. You bring in the right coach that the veteran players repect.Will go a long way to the fix.The veterans will keep the younger players in line.Time and Patience…………
By ja
December 17, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
I am not sure there is a professional football player on either side of the ball. Norwood, maybe, but Dunn gets his carries. They say you can go from 3-13 to 13-3 in one year, but NOT this bunch.
By Gene
December 17, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
I concur that all of those players who want to show support and sympathy for Mike Vick should show it in another city for another team. That seems to be the general feeling of Falcons’ fans, and for once, Arthur Blank should listen to the public. The team could not be any worse than it is, so why put up with gangstas.
By charlieinforysth
December 17, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
When are the Falcon players finally going to realize the biggest culprit in this whole season is Michael Vick? Stop saying he needs to be freed. He is the reason we are 3-11. Pertrino is a bunch of BS but if MK is here maybe in this lousy NFC we are contending for a playoff stop. There is lot of blame to go around but the number one blame is VICK!
By Big Bull
December 17, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
If Arthur Blank doesn’t cut that bunch of exhibitionists; Then He has no credibility!! If the league officials can see the arrogance then surely He can. They were an embarrassment to the fans (those who have class) and should have been to Mr. Blank. He needs a Lombardi type coach. One the players love, but are scared s——less of.
By Bill Cowher
December 17, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
I don’t want anything to do with your team because the owner is an idiot, the GM doesn’t have a clue, the traffic sucks and if this blog is any indication, the fans are a bunch of idiotic rednecks who couldn’t get a job at a McDonalds in Pittsburgh. Oh, and the writers for the worthless, fishwrapper of a paper should all be fired. that about covers it. Peace and Merry Christmas!
By could be a NFL GM
December 17, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t take a PhD to see what needs to be done:
Hire Mike Singletary
Cut/trade: D Hall, A Crumpler and R. White. You know what’s interesting? These clowns are “Pro Bowl” players and the Falcons are still 3-10. Whatever “benefit” they might bring on the field is trumped by their whining and “off the field” nonsense.
Re-Build the O-Line via the draft and free agency. QBs and RBs get the big $$$, but they can’t do much without “hogs”. The game of football is won/lost on the line of scrimmage. Forget about Ryan and McFadden, trade down for multiple picks and augment veteran free agent o-line moves with draft picks.
McKay seems like a nice guy, but he needs to go. His personnel moves (player and coaches) have been mediocre.
By JSS
December 17, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
To Art Blank,
Give Coach Emmett Thomas a big Xmas/Hanukka bonus for taking on your band of misfits for 3 games then give him whatever he wants as far as job/retirement.
Next hire a younger displinary HC coach - Mike Singletary will do. No proven coach will come here. Remove McKay from having any final sayso in player selection. Hire a real football man (one who has played and/or coached) to be GM. Then step aside.
Advice to new regime: Trade MeHa21 & Cripler83 for picks. Since there are no #1 QBs in this draft, take DMAC #1, OLs/DLs, find a headhunting MLB like Singletary was.
By cb
December 17, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
The quickest fix would be to hire Casserly or Reeves as GM, Singletary or Schottenheimer as coach, cut or release Dunn, Brookings, and replace (via draft or free agency) all of our offensive linemen with the exception of Blalock, Forney, Weiner, Clabo, and Datish (give him a shot). Make it a PRIORITY in the draft to select OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE LINEMEN. Allow D.J. Shockley to take the majority of the snaps in preseason. Coax Corey Dillon out of retirement and let Norwood continue to be the change of pace back (I thought that he could be a feature back but he is too injury prone).If we can get a combination of any of the GM’s and head coaches listed above D. Hall would not be a problem.
By savannah dawg
December 17, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
MARTY! MARTY! MARTY!
By bill
December 17, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
You make many valid points Steve. I just can’t believe that Rich McKay should be that concerned. The “Matt Millen Halo” has moved over and engulfed him for the forseeable future.
By hci
December 17, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
Send MeAngelo packing today!!! Cut 85% of the other players. Get rid of McKay before in the morning. Let’s start fresh Arthur,,,display some of that leadership and commitment you keep speaking of. Take a bold step forward and turn this thing around by signing players who aren’t thugs and a disgrace to the community!!! I don’t ever intend on buying another Falcon’s ticket until I see the Ownership take positive corrective action in regards to this disgraceful bunch of so-called professional football playhers.
By Ryder
December 17, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
I heard a rumor that Dallas may be looking to get McFadden and is willing to make a monster trade with Miami involving the draft picks to get him. According to sources, they are willing to possibly trade up Julius Jones/ Marion Barber and their two first round picks & their second round pick for the first overall pick. Atlanta may want to jump on that offer is they wind up with the number two overall pick.
If that is true Atlanta solves their RB issue and can draft a lower round QB (like Andre Woodson) and can use the other two picks to build that offensive line. It saves a lot of money in free agency to work on the defense and they don’t have to dump all of their money into one player.
By Dog hanger
December 17, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Steve talks about overhauling the entire team. Starting over, basically. Forty one years of Atlanta Falcon football, and it faces starting over. Atlanta has the NFL record for 10 loss seasons. No back-to-back winning seasons ever.
Like an expansion team with the old draft rules, it must draft a new QB, new OL, etc. Start at square one.
Just take a look at what the Jacksonville Jaguars have done since their inception (1995!). Six times in the playoffs. Five seasons with over 10 wins. Four times with back-to-back winning seasons. That’s just in 12 seasons, not FORTY ONE SEAONS.
To be a Falcon fan, to wear their jerseys, to buy their tickets, is to embrace losing. A Falcon fan is a LOSER. To couple being a Falcon fan (or player) with being a Mike Vick fan, makes you the biggest LOSER in an universe of losers.
By Lynne
December 17, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Oh….DHall is the new whipping boy for middle-aged out of shape white men these days?? Oh..okay..just checking.
By Mark
December 17, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
how come no one is blaming joey harrington for this loss?
we need an offensive line and then ya’ll can start talkin’…
By maddawg
December 17, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
this team is not as lacking as everyone wants to say because of the play on the field.a real leader at head coach along with a qb and shoring up the o-line and things will be fine.the defense wouldn’t be so bad if they weren’t on the field all the time! bring in marty shott for 5 years and let him groom his replacement and we’ll be in great shape in 2 years. i guarantee it!! san diego was as much of a laughing stock as we are when he got there. can any of you remember that???
By More lame nonsense
December 17, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
Wyche you don’t know what you’re talking about.The idea that CB is the one area of no concern shows you don’t get it anymore than Blank does.Punks like D Hall being coddled are the real rot on this team.What they need most of all is strong leadership concentrated in a HC.Oh yea,if you can’t learn the definition of ironic why use the word ?
By Jim H.
December 17, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
I guess the only point of hope is that things can turn around quickly in the NFL these days, and there is a fine line between success and failure. Teams fortunes can change quick — either for the good or bad. Look at Tampa Bay. What were they, 4-12 last year and division winners this year. I don’t agree with Mr Wyche that the Falcons talent is quite as bad as he claims either. You gotta remember the ton of injuries they had. This isn’t the same team that came out of camp. The main thing is that Mr. Blank better make damn sure he hires the right coach this time — to get this thing back on track (He shoulda never fired Dan Reeves). I agree it might be time for McKay to go.
I’m a Atlanta area native and have been with them since I started paying attention to NFL foot ball in the ’70s. All us old time fans can do is hope they get it right some day (before we die). The best inspiration is the Braves. They mostly sucked for about 25 years too, before they finally got the right people in the front office and turned things around.
By Martin
December 17, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
The Birds should trade for Brady Quinn.. He’s expendable with the emergence of Derek Anderson.
By SL
December 17, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
OPINIONS ARE LIKE…GREAT blog man. You provided me the best laugh I have had all day. Thanks I needed that. By the way, sad thing is, it was true as well!
By WHAT??
December 17, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Why is everyone so hot on Mike Singletary???? He is an unproven asst. coach at best. Please do some research before posting….the one coach they better keep is Mike Zimmer….look at Zimmer’s background compared to Singletary and tell me who’s more qualified to coach this team
By Dumbing Down
December 17, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
MeAngelo is the new cancer. Gutless organiztion won’t do a thing. This snake-bitten franchise still has not hit bottom. Blank is clueless. No leadership worth a darn has surfaced. Bottom line… you can blame Vick for so long…
By Atlanta Pigeons Fan
December 17, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
You know where the Michael Vick situation really, really hurt? His salary took up so much money that we couldn’t afford to keep Kearny, etc. Untill the money is returned, Falcons can’t do anything with the free agents. No money.
By War Eagle
December 17, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
I am not a deep Falcons fan, but they are part of Georgia and I wish them the best. Here is the realization about NFL TODAY: Proven QB are slim,leadership in front office limited.Top QB draft picks 2-3 years out, GM, very few out who could be interested in the Falcons coup, believe it or not money is not the issue with top GM.Movements of Falcons ownership is not acceptable with top brass in NFL. . There is a tendency of nasty character on this team and heavy trades need to be made. problems are many and the only person who can lead fans to a better tomorrow is Arthur Blank, personally my doubts he can satisfy fans and franchise objectives..
By Navigator
December 17, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
I heard the pathetic outcry from this disgusting bunch that they would be so much better without their runaway coach. The players said they had the best practice of the season, and the Offensive coordinator said he would open up the offense. You see, you can’t let the inmates run the business, or you wind up with what happened Sunday. Look at each player, and make a decision whether you would start a team with that player. Trade the remaining if you can, cut them if they continue to be a problem. Blank, you need to sell this team, because although our previous owners were inept, you’ve taken it to a whole new level.
By Billy Ray
December 17, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
The Falcons deserved every minute of that beat down by the Bucs yesterday!
I was there and Atlanta has a bunch of THUGS.
Great Job Rich McKay…LMAO
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 17, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
You people are all mad because of “LOYAL” players. Unlike most of you, there is life after football. HALL/CRUMPLER/WHITE & “GOOD FANS” - I’m proud of you. Oh yeah, can anyone tell me who is the all-time Falcons leader in victories?
By Juno1977
December 17, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Here is who needs to go. Defense—Brookings- he’s been with the team along time but if you watch the games…he’s terrible. He’s always around the play but he never makes the play, if he does it’s 5 yards down field. The safties need to be upgraded Milloy is good so is crocker their just not the long time answer. Linebackers- Boley stays, Brookings goes(he sucks), and williams needs to be upgraded.
Offense— The line is good if they stay healthy…well that is if Gandy doesn’t come back. Look for a receiver in the draft. Get a Vetran QB and get a RUNNING BACK—CUT DUNN, CUT DUNN, CUT DUNN. Get one in the draft or pick up someone like Fargas from the Raiders. Get Norwood more touches.
By tom
December 17, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
Get DeAngelo Hall and Roddy White out of town - these two thugs are sickening!
By change in the redneck media tone
December 17, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
we need a culture change in this team and management and some in fan base and our sorry media, paper and raido.
More than any thing the media must do more than throw this city pro team under the buss. Players coaches and fans read all the hate that is poured out every day in the media, if want the same keep doing the same. The power to be must want things to be like it is.
All you hear is fire , fire, . A culture change is need in the fan base meida and marketing. And most of it is based on some kind of hate.
Face the facts. Blank hate will kill your cash in this town. sponsor like to win and the kind of culture we have now kills every thing.
Frist who buys tickets you have to market to those fans frist. winner bring sponser . They just want to make money. Draft some linemen on both sides of the ball and running back and middle backer. Drafting a QB frist is pure nuts. we have no one to protect him now.The real skill people this team need is great linemen on both sides of the ball. Our Gm is clueless in drafting linemen!
No pro bowler on the offense line in the last 5 years. The people with records worse than the falcons are drafting linemen in 2008, they get it!
By falcodawg
December 17, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Mc fadden will never be there with there pick and thank god for that.As great of a player Mc fadden MIGHT be,it will just be a bandage on the disease known as the ATLANTA FALCONS
By BCS Slave
December 17, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
I agree with those who say we should trade our #1 for at two lower first round picks. Trade DHall, Crump and Brooking for picks and/or players. I would even consider trading Norwood and Roddy White if we could get good young players or high picks. Of course, all this is worthless unless we have a good GM and coach who can choose those players. We need O-Line and D-Line players…the foundation of a team. QB and RB are needs, but until our line looks decent, we’ll be risking too much to draft for them.
By boots
December 17, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
An experienced coach is not going to sign on with a team that is four or five years away from be competitive.
This situation is going to require the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job.
In other words, this is a rebuilding project of Biblical proportions.
I’m not sure that Jesus could win with this motley crew.
By JimD
December 17, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Not Dan Reeves you make a good point about drafting the flashy picks. Trading down for more picks would be preferable. We need bodies, good bodies at that. There are so many needs that this next draft can be the starting point.
For those wanting Dan Reeves as GM, please remember those woeful drafts he presided over. How many TEs did he draft first round? Like 10 or 12 yrs or something?
He was a great coach and should have not been fired. But he was, we can’t undo the past. For now, we need a coach who can commit to a passionate 5 or 6 years minimum. It may take that long to resurrect this thing
By BUM
December 17, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
MY TWO CENTS:
FOOTBALL ISSUES
(1) FIRE RICH McKAY
*(2) CUT DeANGELO HALL, ALGIE CRUMPLER, RODDY WHITE, CHRIS HOUSTON AND JOE HORN *IMMEDIATELY **
(3) BAN ARTHUR BLANK FROM THE SIDELINES
(4) BAN ARTHUR BLANK FROM THE FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
(5) HIRE A GENERAL MANAGER WHO IS COMPETENT, EXPERIENCED, YOUNG and COMMITTED TO WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH SMASH MOUTH DEFENSE AND A GRIND ‘EM OUT RUNNING GAME.
(6) ALLOW GENERAL MANAGER TO HIRE COACH AND STAFF WITH UNIFIED VISION AND PHILOSOPHY
**(7) BUILD A TEAM THAT OTHER TEAMS ARE AFRAID TO PLAY (DOMINANT OFFENSIVE LINE AND BRUTALLY PHYSICAL DEFENSE).
MARKETING / BUSINESS ISSUES
(8) CUT ALL 2008 REGULAR SEASON TICKET PRICES BY AT LEAST 50%
(9) MAKE ALL TICKETS TO ALL 2008 PRE-SEASON GAMES FIVE DOLLARS OR LESS
(10) CHANGE THE UNIFORM TO SOMETHING SIMPLE, LEAN AND CLEAN. GET RID OF THESE USFL/XFL DESIGNED EYE SORES! RED HELMETS, OLD SCHOOL BLACK BIRD, BLACK JERSEYS (HOME), WHITE JERSEYS (ROAD), WHITE PANTS (BOTH). GET RID OF ALTERNATE JERSEYS, MULTIPLE UNIFORM COMBOS AND THAT RIDICULOUS MINOR LEAGUE LOGO (THAT NO OTHER TEAM IN THE NFL WOULD BE CAUGHT DEAD WITH)