Falcons

By BJ

August 14, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Joey? Really?

By chad

August 14, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

good choice!!! Joey looked the 2nd bast last week leading the team to a touchdown and field goal. That leaves Ryan to get a long look next week.

By Token Gringo

August 14, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Wow, this game is going to start ugly. Joey was looking for the safety valve all night and did not want to throw down field. He looks skittish and unsure of himself. If Ryan and Shockley look good, I’d go ahead and dump Joey after this game.

By tuggle4life

August 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I like joey sunshine, but I am tired of this either start Ryan or Start Redman either way build some cohesion in the first string offense or we will have a long first half of the season

By Joe

August 14, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Different Coach. Different GM. Different Owner.Same stupid Falcons. Slowey is a career loser with 85 pics and only 79 TD’s. Has the coaching staff not seen enough? Are we again duped by his team work and work ethic. I work really really hard at my job. I am a team player. A general nice guy… that does not make me the CEO nor does it make Slowey a starting QB in the NFL.

Lets get on the Ryan Express or allow Redmond to get his work in…. but enough with the fairy tale hopes that Joey will magically morph into a QB who can feel the rush, throw the ball, or slide up in the pocket.

By Joe

August 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Different Coach. Different GM. Different Owner.Same stupid Falcons. Slowey is a career loser with 85 pics and only 79 TD’s. Has the coaching staff not seen enough? Are we again duped by his team work and work ethic. I work really really hard at my job. I am a team player. A general nice guy… that does not make me the CEO nor does it make Slowey a starting QB in the NFL.

Lets get on the Ryan Express or allow Redmond to get his work in…. but enough with the fairy tale hopes that Joey will magically morph into a QB who can feel the rush, throw the ball, or slide up in the pocket.

By Greg

August 14, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand unless they are trying to showcase Harrington so can latch on with another team. He may be hard worker & great in film study, but he is not a leader/winner. He doesn’t have that “it” factor that quaterbacks must have. I really wish they would reserve these snaps for players that desperately need the experience, considering the youth and new direction on offense. I hope they know what they are doing.

By JJ

August 14, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Even playing field my a**. If they really mean that DJ will be the second one in the game. Otherwise, they’re full of it.

I say start Ryan, make Redman the backup and cut DJ. At least that way he could catch on somewhere else where he would maybe have a fair chance. He’ll NEVER get a fair shot with Ryan here.

By Scotty

August 14, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Where do I start…chad, I guess not counting the fumble, two sacks and no passes longer than 6 yards (the pass to Snelling was just past the line of scrimmage), Joey was great! Token, thanks for steppin in right away with the real Harrington analysis. Here’s my theory; Coach Smith is gonna start Joey so when he chokes worse with the 1st string worse than he did with backups, we got a legitimate reason to cut his sorry behind with the first set of cuts. We need to start Michael Jenkins and Adam Jennings with the same motive. Get em outta here so we can get down to business with a team full of quality players.

By chad

August 14, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

So Scotty…..not making mistakes and taking what the defensse is giving him is worse than forcing the ball down the field and getting an int(redman) or throwing an interception in the endzone to lose the game(shockley) than your right, but last time i checked if you get 6 yds every play you get fist downs and touchdowns and have long drives to keep the defense off the field which means the other team cant score. Maybe you should figure out football. I know joey is not tom brady or payton manning and maybe he shouldnt even start( depending on what Ryan does the rest of preseason) but I think he can help this team being a top pick himself and knowing what the pressure brings at haveing to lead a franchise that has a tradition of losing.

By kd

August 14, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Why are we complaining about who is starting a preseason game? Stop and think about this: 1. Our staff is doing its due diligence on all players. It is obvious that Joey is not going to be our QB during the season, but you have to give him looks to evaluate him as a #2 or #3. Ok, so he has 85 picks and 79 TD’s. Aren’t those #2 and #3 QB numbers? Teams have more than just a #1 QB to evaluate.

2, Has it crossed your mind that as the games go on, the defenses will get more complex? Maybe the staff wants to see Ryan in a game that is more realistic. If anything, keeping him out to see how he does in more of a game situation makes perfect sense.

1. I’m not sure anyone here is qualified to make a judgement on how anyone “looks”. Do you know how each of the Qb’s graded out? If so, how? Do you know what plays were called and what defenses were read? Just because a guy doesn’t complete a pass doesn’t make it a bad play. Why don’t you give the guys that study film and put in game plans a chance to do what they do professionally. Stop and think a little bit.

2. JJ, you are right about the playing field. Like it or not, there are 50 million reasons Ryan will be the starter. The economics are simple on this one. The only question is whether or not DJ is good enough. I love DJ, but I don’t know that answer and neither does anyone else.

By Scotty

August 14, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I know why they’re startin Harrington. They wanna see him against a quality defense. The Colts got one. Makes perfect sense. We all also know Harrington aint buckin for a starting job, cuz he aint good enuff. So my guess would be him and then follow up with Shock in the first half. Shock’ll come in depending on how bad Joey does with his first couple series. Its comin down to who they gonna cut, Joey or Shock. Ryan and Redmon got jobs in Atlanta for this year. One more thing for all the chads and Harrington fans out there who loved his performance Saturday, take a look at the play-by-play and note Harrington’s so called efficiency. I hope he bought Snelling dinner for keeping him his job for another week. Have I beaten this horse long enuff?

By TheManMike

August 14, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

KD - well said. Be REAL folks!

All 4 QB’s starting a preseason game a peice IS getting a fair shot. I dont understand why i keep reading the same post, over and over and over again - “DJ’s not getting a fair SHOT!” - “DJ needs to go somewhere so he can get a fair SHOT..” - blah blah blah - Open your eyes people, honestly.

I understand being excited about the season, but H.

Go Birds!

By JJ

August 14, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Mike,

So starting the fourth game when none of the other starts play is the same as getting time with the first team? No, it’s not.

Kd, well said. I understand fully the economics of the situation and you are correct, no one knows if DJ can hack it or not. That’s the point. He hasn’t gotten a fair chance to prove one way or another and I personally don’t believe he will this preseason either. We’ll see. I was hoping he would get time with the first teamers in either the second or third games, we’ll see if that happens.

I will also add that while none of us know how good or bad DJ is, the same can be said for Ryan. He also needs to get reps with the first teamers to see what he can or can’t do. I think we all pretty much know what Chris and Joey give us.

My preference would be to have DJ and Matt get all the first have snaps in both the next two games and maybe even into the 3rd qtr. Let Chris and Joey split time in the 4th.

By chad

August 14, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

you know what scotty you are right 5/7 isnt efficent. I would rather have someone go 4/15. Also if you want to take a look back joey had the highest qb rating through week 3 last week (when he got benched). Im not saying joey is the future of the falcons but he is a good option as a back up qb and I think shockley will make a great practice squad qb. So all of you georgia fans that like shockley just because he went to ga go say the same thing in seattle of david greene.

By chad

August 14, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

you know what scotty you are right 5/7 isnt efficent. I would rather have someone go 4/15. Also if you want to take a look back joey had the highest qb rating through week 3 last week (when he got benched). Im not saying joey is the future of the falcons but he is a good option as a back up qb and I think shockley will make a great practice squad qb. So all of you georgia fans that like shockley just because he went to ga go say the same thing in seattle of david greene.

By Bubba from Buckhead

August 14, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

This is the last shot for Joey, if he isn’t successful then he’ll be cut by Monday.

DJ must’ve slept with the coaches daughter from the treatment he’s been getting. I’m not sure why he’s been matched with the 3rd/4th group. He looked better than Redman & Harrington. JJ I agree, cut him now so he can get a real shot. Maybe the coaches like him and they just want to make sure he’s healthy by season start. He could be the starter until Ryan is ready. That’ll be ideal. Two young QBs, one great arm and the other mobile. Both manage the game well. Oh well these are my dreams and hopes.

By Tyger

August 14, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Harrington will expose himself once again as the bum he truly is, afterward, we can see more of Shockley and Ryan - the future of the Falcons.

I think Redman is a blue collar tough guy that deserves to stick around. He can run an offense in a pinch. And you always need a guy like that around.

One thing for sure - one of these guys will get hurt before the 16 games is over. So that second guy better be ready and they better choose the right guy for that second job.

By JJ

August 14, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Chad,

Here’s the deal. Yes, I like DJ because I’m a GA fan and have always liked DJ on and off the field. That said, I don’t want him to play because I like him, I want him to play because I don’t have any idea if he can succeed in the NFL. Maybe he can, maybe he can’t. But I don’t know and neither do you or anyone else. He hasn’t actually had a chance to prove anything yet.

The same goes for Ryan. Though he’s gotten and will continue to get ample opportunity due to his contract. I want both of them to play the majority of the snaps in order to see what they are capable of. We already know what Chris and Joey bring to the table. The same can’t be said about Matt and DJ.

Oh, and David Greene isn’t in Seattle. Last I heard he was in KC.

By Lloydd

August 14, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Why not let Ryan play with the third string and see if he can do better than what DJ did?

By Scotty

August 14, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

where’s the rest of the bloggers? I feel like this is gettin to be a personal battle between me and chad. Please people, dont confuse me with a UGA fan. I support my home teams, my ATL teams. Dont really support Athens athletics. For the record, I will be at Bobby Dodd on the 28th. Go Jackets. Look for me on tech blogs too, baby. Tunnel vision would cause one to believe that just because you threw 5 for 7, you were efficient. Unless you look at the play-by-play and see what that really transpired, you could easily be fooled. Thanks again Mr. Snelling for the 47 yd scamper. Nice work. I’m lovin the backs. Even T. Brown. Shock showed some mobility, which Coach Smith even said he liked that dynamic to open up the playbook a little more. Thats the edge he’s got over Joey H. Completion percentage probably isnt the saving grace when we talk about a battle for 3rd string. Or maybe it is? We’ll just have to see what happens against the Colts. Hey chad do me a favor…hold your breath.

By Keep it Fair

August 14, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

If Joey would have played as bad as Chris Redmen last week, you people would have probably typed your fingers off wanting him cut. Be Fair, he was the one that put up 10 points. He was the QB in when we scored….I don’t care if it was a 6 yard pass or a 60 yard pass, 6 points is 6 points. From what I’ve seen at camp and in the first preseason game, I think Joey or Ryan should start, depending on how stable the Oline is. If its kinda bad, start Joey. You have to admit, he can take a hit and get back up. He doesn’t have constant injuries, which is a big deal. If they cut Joey, kept DJ, can DJ stay health? That is unknown and a huge deal. It is a rebuilding year and I would keep the QB with most game experience to help my rookie. Look back at Joey’s career, Who did he have for a veteran in Detroit, yeah Mike McMann - no real experience and was so bad that they handed it over to Joey after a couple games with no other pieces in place. We can’t let that happen to Matt.

By Chad

August 14, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

To be honest all I want are W’s because being at every falcons home game since 2000 there hasnt been allot to cheer for. I think after seeing ryan last week I like what I saw. I still dont know if hes ready week 1 or even first year but that is what the coaches to think. However there is a reason why team after team and coaching staff after coaching staff wants harrington on their team. I feel I would let him or redman start the season see how it goes and if we tank like last year than we go with ryan. And Scotty it makes since now why you want shockley….yes he would fit coach johnsons high school offense tech will be running this year

By Keep it Fair

August 14, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

If Joey would have played as bad as Chris Redmen last week, you people would have probably typed your fingers off wanting him cut. Be Fair, he was the one that put up 10 points. He was the QB in when we scored….I don’t care if it was a 6 yard pass or a 60 yard pass, 6 points is 6 points. From what I’ve seen at camp and in the first preseason game, I think Joey or Ryan should start, depending on how stable the Oline is. If its kinda bad, start Joey. You have to admit, he can take a hit and get back up. He doesn’t have constant injuries, which is a big deal. If they cut Joey, kept DJ, can DJ stay health? That is unknown and a huge deal. Chris Redman was ok in Petrino’s offense, but not so ok in any other NFL offense he’s played which is probably why he didn’t play for a few years. If he was that good, wouldn’t other teams have contacted him. It is a rebuilding year and I would keep the QB with most game experience to help my rookie. Look back at Joey’s career, Who did he have for a veteran in Detroit, yeah Mike McMann - no real experience and was so bad that they handed it over to Joey after a couple games with no other pieces in place. We can’t let that happen to Matt.

By Chad

August 14, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

To be honest all I want are W’s because being at every falcons home game since 2000 there hasnt been allot to cheer for. I think after seeing ryan last week I like what I saw. I still dont know if hes ready week 1 or even first year but that is what the coaches to think. However there is a reason why team after team and coaching staff after coaching staff wants harrington on their team. I feel I would let him or redman start the season see how it goes and if we tank like last year than we go with ryan. And Scotty it makes since now why you want shockley….yes he would fit coach johnsons high school offense tech will be running this year

By GATORZONE

August 14, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Anyone who watched the game had to notice the following:

JOEY WAS TIMID AND PATHETIC! He should be cut!

Redman looked fair at best, but did not get a real shot, only 2 series.

Ryan looked nervous at first, then in total command of the offense!

Shockley (as much as I hate to admit it) looked good playing with inferior receivers. He laid a perfect pass over a CB right into Weems hands that should have been a td, but Weems dropped it.

Give the man his due, he should play with the starters this game, and not Harrington.

We all know what Joey brings to the table. It has been the same his whole career! He gets shell shocked and always looks to dump the ball off. He also leaves his recievers hung out to dry by leading them too much and waiting too late to throw the ball. He sets them up to be hammered!

By welikebaseball2

August 14, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Chad, I’d like to think your backup would give you confidence that he can lead your team should your starting QB go down. DJ has never had the chance to lead the team but I do seem to recall Harrington getting a shot at it last year & failing miserably. Injuries to starting QB’s happen all the time & I cram to understand how you can be at peace knowing that you’re one snap away from having Joey Harrington as your starting QB (see his career stats please…not his part of a season or 1 pre-season game stats). I’m not saying say DJ can do it…I’m just saying I’d like to see if he can. If he succeeds, start your money man (Ryan) & let DJ back him up. If not, send him to the practice squad, but at least make an informed decision.

By AGTfan

August 14, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

JJ Here’s the deal. The Falcons don’t cut DJ as a favor to him and to UGA fans. If the Falcons cut him his NFL time is OVER. No one else is going to give him a look. You can complain all you want about him not getting a fair shot, but he’s getting more shot here than he’ll ever get anywhere else.

I like DJ. I think he can make this team as a 3rd string QB or maybe only practice squad QB, but he has the potential to SOMEDAY be a starting NFL QB. This is his only shot.

By GATORZONE

August 14, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

GTFan, maybe you did not notice that Leftwich just signed on with the Steelers.

I HATE UGA, but if DJ is cut I think someone else would pick him up.

By Roger Rodgers

August 14, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

I hope Joey Harrington earns the No. 2 spot, just to spite all the irrational haters. He didn’t play that badly last year. People point to Detroit and Miami, two totally sucky teams that got even worse after he left. Brett Farve would have floundered with the teams Harrington has been cursed to play on. So anyway, I appreciate that he doesn’t suck, works hard and has class. And I hope that translates into him earning the No. 2 spot. Rail on haters, it’s not you who will make the decision. I hope Harrington earns the spot so you all can choke on it.

By tj

August 14, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

i just got free tickets from the radio, does anyone want them ???

By NOGATORZONE

August 14, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

What do Byron Leftwich and D.J. Shockley have in common? Byron is a former No. 1 pick and former starter with a winning record. How to the two compare? They don’t. D.J. will not get a shot anywhere else. This is his last shot.

By ss

August 14, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

There is really only one thing that we know for certain about the current QB situation: Ryan will be the starter by some point in the season. Otherwise the staff has to determine not only which of the other three guys to keep, but also what is the pecking order for opening day. I think it’s reasonable to say Redman makes the team because of his 90 passer rating and decent performances against decent competition in the last four games of 2007. As for Joey and DJ, we know what Joey can (and can’t) do, but the coaches need to see it in their system during a game. They have said all along that everyone would get a chance, and the fact that they are following through with the promise will give them credibility with this team (unlike the last coaching staff). I’m betting Ryan starts game 3 which is the only truly relevant preseason game anyway. I’m also betting that the Falcons scour the first waiver list for another veteran QB to add to this roster that would allow them to put Shock on the practice squad.

By This Gets Old

August 14, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Harrington has a $1 million contract and you’re not going to pay that to a guy who’s never going to see the field.

In addition they already know what Harrington can do and DJ is still coming back from a significant injury.

By Scotty

August 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Hey yall, whats with all the hostility? Yo chad, are we friends again? Good. Harrington still sucks. DJ Shockley aint gonna start. He’s a good, versitile QB who possesses unique qualities. He can run. Most QB’s cant. if youre a Falcons fan, pay attention. If Shock stays on the Birds roster, even if hes 3rd string, he will see action. Coach Smith will throw him in every now and then to utilize his talent. He already hinted around to it. If he goes, he’ll get picked up by someone else. This start for the H-man is his last chance. If he plays in typical Joey fashion, hes outta here. So he better eat his Wheaties. And if Coach says all the QB’s get a start, I believe him. I think he’s at least gonna be a man of his word in his 1st season. The regular season hasnt even started yet. Shock’s got 3 more games man. UGA fans need to chill out. He’s not in college anymore. I dont hear anybody crying about Keith Zinger not gettin a chance…boo hoo. Bring your A game no matter who else is on the field and you got a spot come Sept 7th. Hey, 7 is the number of our 5th QB.

By True Falcon

August 14, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

People, people, people…

Shockley does not compare to (first-rounder) Leftwich. He was a SEVENTH round QB pick. Those guys don’t get consideration for starting jobs. If they make a team at all it’s as a backup and, if all the stars align, they get a chance to play in a real NFL game years down the line. Sure, a few pan out, but there’s at least 100 Tony Graziani’s for every Tom Brady. There is no “fair chance” owed him. Ryan was taken in the first round to be the starter. I believe he starts Game One.

By WHITEMENCANJUMP

August 14, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Hey chad,i know your not taking of for a Q.b who has no excuse being given thousands of chances with more than one franchise to proove himself talking about knowing football.I can’t understand why people don’t see the coaches bad decision going for it on 4th and 12 instead of kicking a field goal to tie the game,giving your team another chance to win in O.T. if shockley wouldn’t of converted on 4th down,the game would of been a loss anyway.why is no one blaming the coaches decision?you go for it on 4th and 12 with 3rd and 4th stringer lineman?thats ridiculous.but noooooooo!blame the Q.B..

By welikebaseball2

August 14, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Roger Rodgers, are you serious? Are you really blaming Joey’s horrid career numbers on the teams? Are you saying that Joey’s career winning percentage, passer rating, & td/int ratio is not reflective of his ineptitude? Man, if we’re blaming career failures on teams, let’s bring back Jason Webster to hold down one of the CB spots & call it a day?

By Roger Rodgers

August 14, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Are you saying a quarterback can make a horrid team good my himself? Surely you’re not. I said Brett Farve would not have had better results with those teams. And he wouldn’t. Harrington has thrown, what six more INTs than TDs on teams that could not break even with Joe Montana at QB? What I am saying is that out of Redman (insurance salesman) and D.J. Shockley (seventh round pick), Harrington would likely be the better backup QB. That’s all I said. Are you serious? Surely not.

By T.C

August 14, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

AGTfan,now how can you possibly know that this is shockleys only shot and no one else is looking at him?if you knew or had all that info,you wouldn’t possibly be commenting on this blog.You would be in a locker room with a camera asking questions.Stop believing your own lies and hype,because thats exactly what it is.

By Jon

August 14, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

My main problem with this decision is what it does to the momentum that the team was building. I heard ticket sales were strong after the first game, and if Ryan or Shockley were starting, there would truly be a buzz on Saturday. I was thinking Joey would start the fourth game when Smith made the announcement about everyone starting. But I do agree, this is out of respect to Joey and he may be cut after this game. It allows him to show off in front of other teams.

By Dalastdon

August 14, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Hey all this talk about who’s gonna start a preseason game? Look here folks I’ll break it down quick. Harrington starts against a good Colts defense. Joey does what Joey does (3 and out) then a first down on the second series and then he gets sacked. Ryan comes in and has a decent game. DJ comes in makes a few things happen in the 2nd half and Redman looks bad with 3rd stringers. Look guys Harrington is a good backup for a sorry team (which we still are), but if we looking towards the future you cut Joey save a little cash. Start Redman and DJ gets the 3 QB spot. Next year Ryan starts and DJ gets to fight for the 2nd string job instead of 3rd. Just look at what’s happening in Baltimore with T. Smith.
Come on does it really matter we only gonna win 4 games this year anyway.

By ss

August 14, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

People need to keep in mind that D.J. has not played a lot of high-level football. He had basically one year of college, and about the only thing since that is a little preseason action. Has anyone else but me thought about the possibility that he could be converted to a utility sparkplug player in Mularkey’s system like Hines Ward (although he developed into a top tier receiver) or Antwan Randle El? Steve Wyche, is there any thought within the organization of something like this happening if Shockley’s knee is sound?

By Scotty

August 14, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Fellas, we gotta trust Mike Smith with this move. We know ha aint competing for the #1 spot. There IS alterior motive. Bottom line. He knows it too. Lets just chill til he lays an egg about 7:40 Saturday nite and next weeks blogs can be Harrington free. And shortly thereafter, so can our Falcons. Lets just keep our hopes up that this coaching staff can turn our home team around and be optimistic. Besides, #2 is our man. We just gotta be a little patient. R.I.P. #7. Youve officially been replaced.

By Roger Rodgers

August 14, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

In actuality, all of this is just something to talk about. Likely all but Ryan will be gone after this season anyway.

By WHITEMENCANJUMP

August 14, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

To all of you fans/people who think harrington is a good backup Q.B or even start repeat after me.HARRINTON SUCKS! HARRINGTON SUCKS!HARRINGTON SUCKS!HARRINGTON SUCKS!HARRINGTON SUCKS!COME ON SAY IT!HARRINGTON SUCKS! HARRINGTON SUCKS!Oh,and another thing.just because you(who ever you are)don’t like the GA bulldawgs ROOOf!roof!don’t make harrinton a better Q.B.Its the truth,IF He’s a ryan leaf and not a brady then thats what it is.Please don’t try to talk a sorry player into being good.its like some of you all believe in your own lies,because thats what your doing.

By welikebaseball2

August 14, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Roger Rodgers…what? Just because the teams were “horrid” (as you say) doesn’t mean that Joey wasn’t equally “horrid.” Ever think that he’s part of the reason they were “horrid?” And for the record, it is possible that a good QB can in fact make a bad team at least average. I guess we’ll call it a truce. If you’re okay with the Falcons being a snap away from Joey Harrington leading the team you’re surely entitled to the insanity of the idea. By the way, what’s your excuse for his losing record & shameful numbers with the Falcons last year? Let me guess, it was the “horrid” team’s fault…

By RealPro

August 14, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Wow, just IMAGINE if Joey Harrington had choked & thrown that endzone Pick like DJ Shockley last week. Hahaha… check out these haters and fantasy kiddies. Every NFL team has this crowd of jerks who think they know squat about players.

Joey Harrington should be starting in Week1 vs Detroit. Harrington is the most experienced Vet QB on this roster. Harrington has been among the BEST players on three of the worst NFL teams. Harrington threw for nearly 400 yards in a game last season, behind arguably the worst O-Line in football!

Morons. Has Joey Harrington even ONCE in his career, gotten protection behind a halfway decent Line??? Wasn’t Detroit worse off the year after he left? Yes. Wasn’t Miami worse off? Yes. Everyone around the NFL knows - Joey Harrington is a quality veteran QB - everyone except for these “fantasy” league dorks. Joey is a Team guy, players like him, QB coach Bill Musgrave and QC Mike Mularkey both support him. Harrington gives us the BEST chance vs his old team Detroit, and should START Week1.

By whitey

August 14, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Hey scottie,don’t be to sure about something being official.He could be a ryan leaf,one little series don’t promise you nothing.He could break a leg OR LOOSE a eye LOL.Try throwing a football with one eye LOLOLOLOL!!!!! SPEAKING OF R.I.P

By whitey

August 14, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Hey scottie,don’t be to sure about something being official.He could be a ryan leaf,one little series don’t promise you nothing.He could break a leg OR LOOSE a eye LOL.Try throwing a football with one eye LOLOLOLOL!!!!! SPEAKING OF R.I.P

By Joe

August 14, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Like I said earlier … I have seen enough of Slowey… will someone ring me up on Saturday after he leaves the game so I can watch the players with some potential to help this pitiful franchise?

By Dalastdon

August 14, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Harrington doesn’t suck he just isn’t a starter QB. The guy is ok if he has time jto throw the ball, which we all know he nor #7 ever had here in Atlanta. I mean he’s a decent backup,for a good team with a good Offensive Line. If he really sucked why is he still in the league. (not that’s really the question) However, I think we paying Ryan all that money we might as well play the kid. Let him learn under fire and if he’s as good as they want us to believe then he can prove it. Then give all those other reps to DJ so we can see what he has to offer. If you ask me the real fight for a backup role should be Redman vs Harrington. We know what they can do they’ve had their chances……DJ brings something to the table neither one of them has.

By Dalastdon

August 14, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Thanks real pro I like the way you think! I don’t think as much of Harrington as you but you make valid points. We didn’t know how horrible the line was until #7 was gone! Now I dare somebody to say I’m wrong about that! That line sucked!

By welikebaseball2

August 14, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

RealPro, you know the funny thing about stats is how they can be taken out of context to support even the silliest of arguments. Here’s one: “Harrington threw for nearly 400 yards in a game last season.” LOL. LOL. LOL. I’m glad you found ONE good game he played last season. Whenever you get a chance, I’d love to hear his win-loss record as the starting QB last year or his td-int ratio. Thanks!

By Blake

August 14, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Everyone needs to wake up here. Looks like the plan is to have Ryan playing with the first team every week of the pre-season. Shockley will start with the first team next week and Ryan will be second (again playing with the first unit). The last pre-season game would likely feature Ryan starting for the entire first half. Smith only said that every quarterback would play with the first string, he never said who would play the most with them. I’m guessing the plan all along was to start Ryan on week one of the regular season.

By Ben Hill Griffith

August 14, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

But apparently white men can’t think rationally. Repeat after me: Go take a nap. Go take a nap. Go take a nap …

By The Real (and former) Falcon4Life

August 14, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

I told you all that as soon as Coach Smith said “Every QB will get a chance to start” that DJ would start the last preseason game. That way he will “get his chance” against the best defense of the preseason who will play their starters for the whole 1st half. Let Redmond, Joey and Ryan start against the guys that will be bagging your groceries by kickoff time on the 1st week of NFL action. Dj’s still going to look good with the 1st team offense but I hope he gets cut. I’m sure Tampa Bay would give him a shot.

By Ease Up

August 14, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

As Blake points out, the plan is to have every QB play with the first team, not necessarily start. DJ will get his look.

And as Steve points out, the Falcons can keep DJ on the practice squad, which is not a bad assignment for a focused team player who might be shopping himself around later, because in that case he would get to learn every opponent’s offense so that the 1st string defense can practice against it. And as we’ve all painfully learned - you never know when you’ll get your shot - Falcons started 5 QB’s during the regular season in the last two years.

As for Harrington - he is the veteran QB on the team. His willingness to come back to the team for a lot less money this off-season proves his commitment as a team player. Yeah, it’s no fun watching the reads and then the check down pass, but at least he makes the reads. Ease up.

By jeanE

August 14, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Go Joey, go Joey, go Joey! He better make it good b/c he’ll only get about 2/3 series before they yank him for Ryan just like Redman last week…I think Shockley is headed for the practice squad. I feel for him, I really do but he’s very raw. I know for a fact Joey can run an offense, no matter what people scream about him, he can be efficient & he’s tough which I REALLY respect. I know what despite what is being said, in the Falcons’ coaches minds, the $72 million dollar man is “the guy” but if he gets injured, they better have some veteran backups!! I still look at Ryan & seethe….

By PittViper

August 14, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

I Don’t Care To See Joey Harrington At All. What New Trick Has He Learned? Let’s Move Forward. Dump Him Now. Redman > Ryan > Shockley is the right rotation.

By Quit hiding

August 14, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Joe is most likely the blogger formerly know as Darrin “The Vent King” which, of course, he wasn’t.

By jeanE

August 14, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Chad, totally agree with you, my man!!! And bottom line, like him or not, Joey led them to 10 points…yes, Snelling was fabulous but Joey got him the ball, no guarantee that wouldn’ve played out that way with the other QB’s…it beats me why people are so down with Joey, no he’s not flashy or awesome but he’s tough & he’s not a loser, he’s competing to the the backup & I think he’d be great!!!!!!!!!

By Rod

August 14, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

So they want to let Shockley start against the best defense in the NFL, the Ravens. I am so sick of these sorry falcons. They make me sick! Shockley was caring the 4th team on his back last week and still almost score. TD and Smith are fooling the fans into think Ryan is so good by putting him fail safe situations while putting Shock in very difficult situations.

By James

August 14, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Well, remember last years Giants game. Before he took that beating Joey Harrington heaved a 1st quarter TD to Roddy. DO IT again Joey. Ya know, after all the crap he took in Motown, and the bad situation in Miami (look at THEM now!) -last year under Bobby The Quitter was maybe the worst- Redman is Bobbys guy and, had some good games. But Chris has got nowhere near the experience OR talent as Harrington. Folks he was picked #3 (just like Ryan) for a reason. I would like to see what Joey can do behind a halfway decent O-Line and it appears we could have one, thanks to Coach Boudreau and Sam Baker. Lets get behind Joey, and support him while Ryan gets coached up a few games - IMO there is still a lot of good football in Joey Harrington - and between Smith, Mularkey, and Roddy White we should play the veteran a few games. Give our $72m rookie time to learn fa cryin out loud.

By PittViper

August 14, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Joey Harrington a winner?!!! You kidding me? Career passer rating of 69.4. Only 1 year of 6 year career with more TD’s than INT’s. (79-85). EVERY team he’s played for has benched him at some point in favor of the reserve QB FOR SEVERAL GAMES! He was 23-43 as a starter before last season and he did nothing to improve that. My sources are NFL.com, ESPN.com, and Wikipedia.org. For anyone saying Joey’s a winner, what’s your proof and PLEASE provide sources!

By bigeasy830

August 14, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

I think DJ is the odd man out. I believe Joey has tricked the coaching staff to believe that he can tutor Matt Ryan. DJ will get his chance with another team soon enough. I am rooting for you DJ. The Falcons will take a cap hit if they cut Redman or Harrington, but not much of a hit if they cut the 7th round pick, then if they cut him they can then sign him to the practice squad. But, hopefully another team will sign DJ and he can get a real chance to QB a team in the next year or so. I do not believe he will start against the Ravens, they will definitely have the season opener starter in there for that.

By PittViper

August 14, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

“Bob Gibson is the luckiest pitcher in baseball. He is always pitching when the other team doesn’t score any runs.” * - Tim McCarver…. I say this cause it’s kinda like JOEY HARRINGTON… He’s the unluckiest QB in football. He’s always QB’ing when the other team is getting INT’s. *LMBO

By James

August 14, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Hey numbnuts - are you talking about GOLF or the Team sport of Football? “Winning” is a TEAM statistic, idiot… Every single player on the Falcons, Dolphins, and Lions have the SAME win loss stats as Joey Harrington. By your stupid logic then, EVERY man who played on ANY of those teams (including the Falcons) is just a “loser”?? Grow up and learn something about football. Good grief.

By Jon

August 14, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Those talking about the Ravens and that tough defense playing a quarter with DJ haven’t watched many preseason games. The fourth game is the game the starters play the least, and we may see DJ play an entire three quarters (the opening day starter may not play at all). I’m just glad that game isn’t at Dome like the 4th preseason game was last year. We may actually get two decents games over next 8 days

By welikebaseball2

August 14, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

James, are you telling us that the innumerable commentators & analysts are idiots for considering the number of wins (or losses) a starting QB has led his team to? I mean, baseball is a team sport also…so it’s wrong to consider a pitcher’s win-loss record? Are you saying there’s no validity in evaluating a player’s ability to put a team on his shoulders & lead them to victory? Every heard of players being refered to as proven winners? That applies to all “team sports.”

By welikebaseball2

August 14, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Only on a Falcons blog can you find “fans of the game” (& I use that term very loosely) making excuses for Joey Harrington’s career failures. I can only hope that if any Lions or Dolphins fans read any of this, they realize that not all of us are so clueless/blinded/biased.

By Jimmy

August 14, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Let’s call a spade a spade. Joey QB looked ok, but he’s just a backup QB to begin with. To the person who said that he shouldnt have been given credit for Snellings 47 yd gain on that screen pass is akin to saying that Joe Montanta shouldnt be given any credit for any of the hundreds of 15 yd slants that Jerry Rice turned into 50+ TD runs. The better talent you have playing around you, the better you’ll look. Use common sense people.

By Joe

August 14, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

By Quit hiding

August 14, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Joe is most likely the blogger formerly know as Darrin “The Vent King” which, of course, he wasn’t.

HIding from what loser… I have no clue who Darrin is .. nor have I ever posted in the vent….I come with the facts…. Joey is a loser who through a 7 year “career” throws more pics than touchdowns….

Whatever dude…. enough is enough… a loser is a loser… and you walk like a duck.

By Karen

August 14, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

I’d rather lose with Harrington or Shockley than win with ignorant, worthless, sub-human trash like Mike Vick.

By sparky

August 14, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

all you joey haters we all know that he is not the starter, so you can keep your mouths shut and stop whining. But he is the best backup that we have. he has more experience than Redman (NOT REDMOND OR REDMON LIKE TOO MANY OF YOU LOSERS PUT), and more skill than Shockley (NOT SHOCKEY!) Go Joey.

By Tron5000

August 15, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Joey has the skills to do it,and may surprise most of you.