AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 19
Friday, September 19, 2008
Round IV: VanGorder vs. Gailey
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons’ defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder gets to match wits with old rival Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey for the fourth time.
VanGorder was Georgia’s defensive coordinator/linebackers coach from 2001 to 2004 as Georgia posted a 42-10 record over that period.
Gailey was Georgia Tech’s head coach from 2002 to 2007 and never beat Georgia in six tries, including three losses - 2002, 2003 and 2004 — with VanGorder calling the Bulldogs defensive signals.
VanGorder’s defense stifled Georgia Tech in a 51-7 rout in 2002. The Bulldogs stopped Gailey again 34-17 in 2003 and 19-13 in 2004.
In K.C., Gailey’s unit is off to a slow start. They have scored just 18 points in two games and are set to start their third quarterback in three games. Brodie Croyle started the opener. Damon Huard started last week and the Falcons will see Tyler Thigpen.
Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star pointed out in this week’s NFL writers notes exchange that this has happened only three times in a non-strike season since the NFL and AFL merged for the 1970 season.
The 1976 Rams used Pat Haden, Ron Jaworski and James Harris. The 1988 Browns used Bernie Kosar, Gary Danielson and Mike Pagel. The 1997 Jaguars used Mark Brunell, Rob Johnson and Steve Matthews.
All three of those teams went on to a successful season (Rams 10-3-1, Browns 10-6, Jaguars 11-5). So maybe the Chiefs are set to make a big turnaround.
Against Oakland last week, Gailey was up to his old tricks from his Pittsburgh days. He slipped former Virginia quarterback Marques Hagans, a wide receiver, in as a Kordell “Slash” Stewart styled running quarterback for about five plays.
In VanGorder’s first season as a NFL coordinator, the Falcons have a young defense that’s having trouble getting off the field on third downs. With a rookie middle linebacker and young cornerbacks, they are still developing a personality.
Will VanGorder’s days of dominance over Gailey’s offenses continue? Are the Falcons getting a break by facing Tyler Thigpen, the Chiefs third-string quarterback from Coastal Carolina? Will Gailey’s superior NFL experience give the Chiefs an edge over VanGorder’s unit?
