AJC > Sports > Falcons > Training Camp Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCoach is cornered
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino staged his obligatory post-practice press conference a few minutes ago.
He had to field questions from the three dozen or so media members crammed inside the press room; eight camera crews included.
With a forced smile, Petrino deftly deflected questions about a possible suspension or even potential action QB Mike Vick might face.
As far as Vick’s on-the-job performance goes, Petrino had no complaints.
“He’s worked very hard,” Petrino said. What Petrino said he’s looking for from Vick is “consistency”; not building up to one terrific practice as he did in a previous mini-camp, but nailing his tasks in every practice.
To summarize the swirl of speculation around Vick, Petrino said: “It’s motivated him more.”
(I think it bears mentioning here that no one bothered to ask a single question about Joey Harrington, the QB recently acquired to serve as Vick’s backup. It’s as if he doesn’t register on anyone’s radar, yet.)
Petrino also had complimentary things to say about several other players - rookies and veterans alike - after the first practice.
He likes, for instance, the looks of former UGA tight end, Martrez Milner. Petrino mentioned, “the size, the ability to run block…Today he showed no problems with his hands at all.”
Other rookies on Petrino’s early pat-on-the-back list: DE Jamaal Anderson, “the body, the movement”; CB Chris Houston, “speed and quickness”; OG Justin Blalock, “very smart”; and WR Laurent Robinson, “I think he helps us as far as a deep threat goes.”
Veteran wideout Joe Horn continues to impress Petrino as well.
“I like his leadership and his toughness,” Petrino said. “I have to keep my eye on him to make sure he doesn’t take too many reps. He’s that kind of competitor.”
Comments
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By RONNIE
May 11, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
What going on with the Atlanta Falcons.Wider Receiver, I see that they got Receiver, Joe Horn,and Free Agent Fred Gibson, So do you think they will make a diffent for the team. I think they can.
By NASDAQ
May 11, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Ronnie, I think that they really can. Vick has never had a reciever of the same caliber of Joe Horn. I’m anxious to see the offense this year behind an adequate offensive line with some size. Every year people wait for Vick’s “break out” year but I never thought that he would be able to have one unless we put some meat on the o-line. I think all of the REAL falcon fans are in for something special this year.
By ATLplayer
May 11, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Petrino is the right man for the job. I didn’t like it at first but the more I hear the more I like NOW! Best of all I’m a big-o-line guy. This year we will convert 3rd and half an inch. Vick will get through this so the HATERS will have to hate on.
By Brydogg
May 11, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Cut Webster - Check Run Norwood More - Yet to be determined Coach Not the Best Friend of Players - Thank God.
This could turn out to be a good year. Maybe for once these conversations could revolve around football and not race.
By VICK HAS HERPES
May 11, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
What are you people going to do when the Falcons finish the season with a record of 6-10?
In three years, when Vick is on his 4th coach, are you idiots still going to be talking about how “great” he is?
Actually, in three years Vick will be out of football because he’s taken so many hits. The reason he’s been sacked so often - not the offensive line, but because he’s a poor quarterback. Vick doesn’t have the ability to read a defense and make an accurate pass. All he can do is “scramble”, and that not only looses games, but also shortens a career.
By kew
May 11, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
I’m glad that a coach of the Falcons is talking to the media instead a friend (Mora) of the Falcons. Now it feels like a coach/player relationship instead of a friend/friend relationship. You know, the way professional football is suppose to be.
By Jim Osterman
May 11, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
We have three dogs and the only thing they fight is a daily losing battle against napping.
I think I can find another team to root for this fall. I say that using the sternest possible words, in Falconspeak.
By Stewart
May 11, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
The fact that Vick just unloaded his Virginia home at half the assessed value tells a very interesting story. He’s either guilty or an idiot.
By Falcon
May 11, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Vick’s house sale was a smart choice. I don’t think it automatically speaks to his guilt - it’s not as if the cops hadn’t spent 3 weeks there gathering evidence already. If he was putting his relatives and other freinds up there, maybe this was job 1 in unloading the baggage surrounding him. It must be nice though to leave 400K on the table for the sake of expediency! Of course this is a minimum of.005 of his already pocketed earnings from Football alone so It would be like an above average earning family leaving $250.
By AG in Jvlle
May 11, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Wow, this Vick has herpes guy really hates Mike. How many other people in Atlanta have herpes? Also, I read in the blog that the home that Patrick Kerney resided - had a rape!!!! That went unnoticed in the national media. Yet, Vick has herpes in national news. Think about it you idiots, Mike goes to a clinic to get tested??? For that fat $130 million, don’t you think he has a PRIVATE doctor?
By will50
May 11, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Vick, sells his house, already some pundits find a problem with that..Really, no matter what Vick does, it is /wasn’t the right thing to do or he looks guilty. The guy can’t win… now wonder he gave the fan a “finger”. Everytime he tries to do the right thing, someone is going to complain about it. Mike, “shoot them the other finger” and say to h.ll with it…go live your life, your own way.