AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December
December 2007
In search of a GM, coach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While Falcons players cleaned out their lockers after taking exit physicals, team owner Arthur Blank, interim GM/full-time president Rick McKay and outside consultant Ernie Accorsi, ex-general manager of the New York Giants, began seeking permission to interview candidates for the head coaching and GM jobs.
The Dallas Morning News is reporting that the Falcons will interview Cowboys offensive line coach/assistant head coach Tony Sparano for the head-coaching job. Other names that have surfaced: San Francisco assistant head coach Mike Singletary, Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Smith and Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, among others.
In terms of potential general managers, Green Bay director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie is generating a lot of chatter around league circles as coming to Atlanta. So is Kansas City VP of player personnel Bill Kuharich. A potential sleeper might be emerging as well.
Former Packers GM Ron Wolf, 69, is said to be interested in returning to the front office after retiring in 2001. Wolf has served as an advisor to several teams regarding player and front office personnel. He most recently has been helping Bill Parcells make the transition from coach to football operations chief with the Miami Dolphins. Parcells snubbed the Falcons to work for Miami.
Whether the Falcons would seriously consider Wolf is one thing but it should not be ruled out. Wolf is a highly respected football man who has spawned some highly regarded proteges, including Dallas’s Jeff Ireland, who is expected to bee hired as Miami’s GM, and McKenzie, who is highly regarded among his peers.
A win, but a loss in draft order
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The good news: The Falcons won a game to finish with four wins.
The bad news: The Falcons may have hurt their draft position.
With the New York Jets and St. Louis, each with three wins, playing the late games Sunday, the Falcons nearly assured themselves of losing out on the No. 2 pick.
Come back later to find out where the Falcons will select in the 2008 NFL draft.
No one is suggesting the Falcons should have thrown the game. However, do you think it was better to win this game, maybe get rid of some bad feelings from a dreadful year or get a better draft pick?
The Falcons’ victory Sunday, as it turns out, did not cost them a spot in the draft order. Had the Falcons lost and finished tied with St. Louis at 3-13, the Rams would still have picked second based on strength of schedule.
Another loss, but they didn’t quit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Glendale, Ariz. — Another game, another loss. This time the Falcons lost in overtime, dropping a 30-27 decision to Arizona.
The Falcons dropped to 3-12 on the season, the mercifully ends next week against Seattle at the Georgia Dome. It was the sixth straight loss for the Falcons, who haven’t won since defeating Carolina on Nov. 11.
How ironic that the season ends against the Seahawks, who feature former coach Jim Mora as assistant head coach and former defensive end Patrick Kerney, who has 13.5 sacks this season?
You can say this about the Falcons — they didn’t quit. The scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, but allowed a field goal as time expired to force overtime. They lost when Neil Rackers kicked a 31-yard field goal to win it. The Cardinals won the toss and marched down the field for the game winner.
Another defeat in an already dreadful season.
Falcons’ morale worse than their record
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It will be very interesting to see how the Falcons play Sunday at Arizona.
Players and coaches are definitely distracted with everything that’s going on around them. They’ve eschewed the old cliché of only being able to control what they can control and have dipped into the daily habit of asking who their next coach or GM or what their futures will be.
There are a lot of professionals on this team but for nearly 12 months, they’ve been clobbered with one unexpected event after another. Now the assistant coaches, personnel staff and even president Rich McKay are in limbo, so to say morale is low is an understatement.
Interim coach Emmitt Thomas has done a wonderful job of not putting too much pressure on the players. He knows the temperature of the team and has realized if he pushes too hard now, things could implode even more.
The end of the season can’t come soon enough for so many of people involved with the franchise - and some of its fans.
Falcons, NFC South shut out of Pro Bowl
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s no surprise that the Falcons did not have one player named to the Pro Bowl today, but the entire NFC South was shut out.
Not one player from Tampa Bay, Carolina, Atlanta or New Orleans was chosen for the annual all-star game, which seems stunning on the surface, but it’s hard to argue against the players selected ahead of them.
Wasn’t this division supposed to be one of the best in the NFL just a few years ago?
About the only players who could have a gripe from the NFC South about being snubbed are New Orleans WR Marques Colston, Carolina MLB Jon Beason and Tampa Bay MLB Barrett Ruud.
Beason (118) and Ruud (108) are among the top 11 tacklers in the league, however, it’s hard to argue against the selection of Seattle’s Lofa Tatupu and San Francisco rookie Patrick Willis. Tatupu is 20th in tackles, but he has 4 interceptions and plays for the NFC West champion.
Colston is third in the NFC with 1,092 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, but he was beaten out by Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt, Terrell Owens and Donald Driver.
Former Falcons DE Patrick Kerney, who leads the NFL with 13.5 sacks, was named a starter for the NFL.
Dallas had the most players selected with 10. New England was next, with 8.
A 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?
Fourteen down, two to go
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tampa — Same old story for the Falcons. Minus Bobby Petrino, the Falcons were beaten soundly by Tampa Bay, 37-3, Sunday. The Falcons were haunted by turnovers — two interceptions and two fumbles. They were haunted by penalties — costly pass interference and personal foul calls. They were haunted by big plays — an interception return and a kickoff return for touchdowns. Two games left before this season like no other is over. The only question left is will they get the No. 2 overall draft pick.
Worst Falcons’ season ever?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor’s note: Comments for this blog will be approved according to ajc.com posting guidelines.
Now that Bobby Petrino has resigned as Falcons coach, where should the team look for a successor?
The Bird Babe has her choice: Bill Cowher.
What do you think about him? Anyone else? Would ANYONE want to coach the Falcons now? Ideally, should it be someone with pro experience? Or should they go the college route again?
And is this the worst Falcons season ever? What does Arthur Blank have to do to win back your trust as a fan and/or ticket holder?
What’s the rallying point now?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What now?
There are three games left to this woeful season and, based on Monday night’s less-than-heartfelt effort in a 34-14 loss to the Saints, it’s impossible not to wonder if the Falcons (3-10) are even going to finish the season with dignity.
They have given up an average of 31 points the past four games while scoring no more than two touchdowns a game.
And that’s the execution part of things.
Typically, this is the time of the season where players the team wants to retain are being evaluated. However, the coaching staff has probably seen enough. Not helping things, the players who probably won’t be back know it.
Where’s the motivation?
Coach Bobby Petrino said after Monday’s game that he hopes there is something to rally around? About the only driving force is the highest draft pick possible.
Some players - Roddy White, DeAngelo Hall, Alge Crumpler — tried to rally around Michael Vick but all that got was some extra attention and possibly an NFL fine, at least for Hall and White. Hall’s poster of Vick and White’s “Free Mike Vick undershirt could be viewed as props or possible uniform violations, which the NFL frowns upon.
This team has had to deal with a lot this year. Finishing out the season might be the toughest part.
Vick hurts Falcons now and later
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On the day his team plays its next to least home game and makes its final 2007 appearance on Monday Night Football, former quarterback Michael Vick, wore a black and white striped prison suit, stood in front of a judge and received a 23-month prison sentence.
His role as the main financier of a Virginia-based dogfighting ring, a failed drug test after reaching a plea deal on dogfighting charges, and lying to authorities wrought the nearly two-year incarceration. Vick lying to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and to Falcons owner Arthur Blank months earlier also factored into his indefinite suspension from pro football.
While this sordid chapter reaches closer to conclusion, the team Vick left behind will try to work through another distraction tonight against the New Orleans Saints.
The feel-good story of Chris Redman starting in Vick’s place will be a nice story line, but the tone has already been set by this morning’s events. Players will be distracted. Maybe not when they step on the field, but all day, a guy most of them knew as a competitive teammate received punishment none of them expected.
As for Vick’s future, who knows? He might return to the NFL but not with the Falcons. They won’t say it, but there have been way too many hurt feelings for him to ever wear the uniform again. Some team might give him a shot when he’s out but nobody knows if he will even want to play football anymore. He says he does now but things could change.
Regarding the Falcons, they are still on the hook for $20 million in salary cap space over the next two seasons for signing Vick to that 10-year, $130 million in 2004. The NFL won’t give them any type of exemption because of these unforeseen circumstances. That’s why Atlanta is suing to get that money back.
Even if Atlanta wins the grievance, there’s no telling if Vick will cut it a check. And, by rule, there will be no salary-cap credit unless a check from a player is received.
Vick’s absence has hamstrung the Falcons already and his cap charges over the next few years could hamstring them even more.
Bush questionable, big plays still a concern
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons spend a lot of time discussing the allowance of “explosive plays,” which are plays where the opposition gains more than 15 yards. The emphasis on limiting such big hits has been driven home even more this week because the Falcons have been outscored 90-36 over the past three games, in large part because they’ve been tagged for several huge gains in their previous three games, all losses.
Atlanta could be catching somewhat of a break in that regard for its game against New Orleans Monday night. Saints TB Reggie Bush did not practice Friday and ESPN is reporting that he could have a torn knee ligament that could end his season. Bush has been listed as questionable by Saints coach Sean Peyton.
Though Bush’s absence could eliminate a major threat, the Saints can still strike with some big plays, particularly through the air. Falcons coach Bobby Petrino said Friday that Atlanta needs to get quick and heavy pressure on quarterback Drew Brees so he will make shorter throws. He added that coverage must be tight and disciplined.
The Falcons also need to keep tabs on wide receiver Devery Henderson. Henderson, while rather non-descript, has burned the Falcons the past three times they’ve played, scoring twice on passes and once on a reverse.
Petrino added that the offense has to be able to counter some of the other team’s scores. Atlanta is second only to San Francisco in scoring (171 points) and next to last in offensive touchdowns (15).
In an attempt to get more points, backup tailback Jerious Norwood is going to get more touches, Petrino said, in the passing and running games. The offensive line could be tweaked some too. Right guard Kynan Forney is back in the starting lineup after missing the past two games with a sinus infection and a non-injury related deactivation, respectively.
D’Anthony Batiste, who replaced Forney, is taking some reps at left guard, which has been held down by rookie Justin Blalock all season. Blalock has struggled and he could be hitting the rookie wall. There is no word on who will start vs. the Saints.
On the injury front, RT Tyson Clabo (left ankle) returned to practice today and he should be ready for Monday night. Backup FS Antoine Harris (left knee) made progress but he might not be ready to play against the Saints. Lewis Sanders would be part of the nickel defense package if Harris is out. Jimmy Williams could be inactive for the second straight game.
It’s official, Redman’s in
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As expected, the Falcons named Chris Redman the starting quarterback for Monday’s game with the Saints. Coach Bobby Petrino said the positive manner in which Redman’s teammates responded when Redman played the fourth quarter in Sunday’s 28-16 loss at St. Louis factored heavily into his decision.
Redman, meanwhile, said he’s ready and grateful for the chance. He was out of football since 2003 and a year ago he was selling insurance. He said he figured his only route to football was via the arena league, where he spent two days (Austin Wranglers) before Petrino, his former offensive coordinator at Louisville called.
Players seemed indifferent about the switch, seeing as though it’s the fifth overall change and third different quarterback they’ve had this season.
It will be interesting to see how Redman responds. Sunday, he was facing a defense that was playing mostly prevent because it held a 21-3 lead when he came in. Monday, he’s going to be blitzed from every angle and shown coverages he hasn’t seen in quite some time.
In other developments, right guard Kynan Forney was working with the starting offense a game after in which he was inactive for non-injury related issues. He also missed the Thanksgiving loss to Indianapolis with a sinus infection.
Petrino said Forney’s replacement, D’Anthony Batiste, was working some at left guard, where rookie Justin Blalock has started all season.
Injury wide, right tackle Tyson Clabo has a left ankle injury but Petrino said he expects Clabo to be ready by Monday. Petrino said nickel back Antoine Harris probably is out of Monday’s game with a left knee injury, meaning Lewis Sanders would step in as the nickel back in nickel packages.
No word on Redman, but he looks like the guy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons have been off the past two days, so there has been no official word as to whether Chris Redman will be named the starting quarterback. However, all indications are pointing that way.
This could be another interesting development in the quarterback stakes because if Redman gets his chance and performs well, he could be a player the Falcons bring back next season - maybe not as the starter, but as a backup who could help any new quarterbacks learn the system.
I was going through some game stuff from the St. Louis loss and there was one noticeable change once Redman came into the game: the involvement of the tight ends in the passing game.
Since Redman gets rid of the ball quickly, there isn’t the need to keep one, if not both tight ends in protection. Of tight end Alge Crumpler’s season-high seven receptions against the Rams, four came in the fourth quarter. For a good portion of the game, Crumpler and/or Dwayne Blakley were used in protection because Joey Harrington took a longer time to get rid of the ball, leaving him susceptible to pressure.
If Redman is the guy Monday night against the Saints, it will be interesting to see if he can carry over his short-term success into a full game in which the opposing team has had time to game plan for him. Keep in mind, the only tape St. Louis had on Redman was from 2003, in which he played in just two games and threw a total of 13 passes.
He completed 16 (of 24) vs. St. Louis.
Redman could be the next option
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons coach Bobby Petrino didn’t want to comment on who the team’s starting quarterback will be when it plays host to the Saints Monday night because players were given the day off following their 28-16 loss at St. Louis Sunday.
Even so, it seems as if is will be hard for Petrino not to give Chris Redman a shot after Redman played well in the fourth quarter of Atlanta’s ninth loss in 12 games. Besides getting rid of the ball quickly and being accurate, players seemed to rally around Redman, something that they have rarely, if ever done with Joey Harrington.
That, in itself, would seem reason enough to play Redman. Petrino has given Harrington multiple chances to secure the starting job and has ended up replacing him or starting someone else, repeatedly.
Harrington has not been awful but Atlanta’s offense is mundane and unproductive. As for Byron Leftwich, his immobility seems to be his biggest drawback. Petrino would like to play him but with a shaky, injury-racked offensive line, Leftwich hardly stands a chance.
On the issue of the offensive line, Petrino’s deactivation of longtime starting right guard Kynan Forney vs. the Rams was interesting. Petrino did not want to explain why he had Forney watch the game in street clothes, but it wasn’t health related. So sitting a seven-year starter for non-health related reasons could mean that Petrino has no further use for Forney and is giving D’Anthony Batiste a shot. Petrino said Monday that Batiste played hard and competitively and was solid in pass protection.
Forney wasn’t the only player to be moved down the depth chart Sunday. Second-year safety Jimmy Williams was deactivated for Antoine Harris. Williams has struggled to do what is needed to get on the field defensively and his spotty special teams play resulted in coaches putting someone else on the field.
Whether Williams gets motivated and is on the field next week remains to be seen but Petrino has given guys 12 games to prove themselves, so he’s seen enough.
No chance to finish .500
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
St. Louis — Another poor performance by the Falcons Sunday, although they made it interesting, culminated in a loss to St. Louis. The three-win Falcons fell behind quickly and couldn’t beat the Rams, who got their third win. How bad was it? The Falcons turned to backup quarterback Chris Redman in the fourth quarter. Redman replaced a struggling and banged up Joey Harrington. He lead the Falcons on two scoring drives but came up short on a third. With the loss, the Falcons can not finish with a record over .500. With four games remaining, the best the Falcons can do is 7-9 — the same record that got Jim Mora fired after last season. Think that will happen? Games remain against New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Arizona and Seattle.
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