The Bird Babe

By Dennis Green

November 26, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are Exactly who we thought they were!

By It is just hilarious to watch

November 26, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

these clowns implode week after week, year after year, decade after decade. It’s funny. Ha-ha funny.

By chichi

November 26, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Yeah this game wasnt Vicks fault he ran and ran trying to put the team on his back Roddy White is a BUST. Oline sucked fire the whole staff draft Calvin Johnson trust me he will catch 9 out of the 10 balls that are recivers drop.

By marbo

November 26, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

I am a calmer person at this point. I realize that the falcons will not make the playoffs this year. I also realize that mike vick makes mistakes and he takes stupid chances. But i also realize that other than Alge Crumpler, he is do it all by himself. True Schaub might throw more with more accuracy, but damn might vick gives his all on the field and he takes a hell of a lot of hits and those damn receivers refuse to catch the ball. The play calling is atrocious, and the offensive line is even worse. I wish he would go to another team because he will never be a tradional passer but if he is put in a position where an offensive coordinator can design an offense for him he will be unstoppable. I see the potential, i see the flaws, someone is going to take advantage of it all one day and own the league because of it. I know i am going on and on but it helps to heal the hurt. I just think these coaches are not tough enough for this team. They need to get in Mike Vick’s a* and force him to be better. The way that Dan Reeves was doing. He was not in awe of Vick’s skills. Roody white is full of s, Mike Jenkins is full of s, Lelie is full of s*, the offensive line and passing blocking are two separate conversations. I LOVE the Falcons but i cant stand this type of a whooping.

By DEADBIRD

November 26, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Jim Mora and staff have completely lost this team.

Blank, you made a mistake firing Reeves, we forgive you for that. But now is time to rectify that mess by letting this current staff go. You said 8-8 would not be good enough, you’re probably looking at 6-10 at best. This team has quit. I hope you’re as sick of it as I am.

By Chris McAndrew

November 26, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Vick is awful awful awful awful as a passer. He needs to move to running back or receiver as I’ve been saying for many many months. He can’t throw the ball, all he can do is run so what’s the point of him being the quarterback. Also, if he moves to receiver or running back then he could throw the ball on occasion on a handoff.

By Mark

November 26, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Put the fork, they’re done. First thing tomorrow, if Falcons managment has any balls, White should be filing for unemployment. I look at the schedule and I ask myself, “who can they beat?” I’m thinking 5-11 or maybe 6-10. Rich McCay was a genius we had to have, why?

By dean

November 26, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

I never heard of lelie having a problem dropping balls before he came to atlanta. plummer who is more accurate than vick, but the same basic type of quarterback could not make it work.

By KneeJerk

November 26, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Where’s Marion Campbell?

By Jeff D

November 26, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

If we scored TD’s the two times we settled for field goals in the first half, it would have been a different game. Knapp’s red zone play calling stunk in the first half. Knapp should be fired.

Also, we would have had a chance if Roddy White had caught the pass he dropped. That drop was inexcusable. He needs to be demoted, again…I don’t care how much money he makes. Vick, Crumpler and the remainder of the team has absolutely no confidence in Roddy White or Mike Jenkins. They are horrible. And why is Lelie always getting his feet tangled with the DB’s? That seems to happen once a game.

I’m tire of these “high character” guys dropping balls. Let’s fire Knapp and pursue Randy Moss in the offseason.

By ATLien73

November 26, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Good comments Marbo.

I’m just in complete disbelief of what is happening to our Falcons! I seriously feel sorry for the heat that MV is taking when these TERRIBLE receivers continue to drop pass after pass after pass.

While I DO believe that Vick has some improvements to make to be one of the greatest ever, how much more can people criticize this guy, when you see the atrocities-called-wide-receivers that we put on the field week end and week out. Both Knapp AND George Stewart need to go! Again I ask, WHY DO WE HAVE A FORMER OL AS OUR WR COACH AGAIN????

By JM

November 26, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Unless this team rallies and goes 5-0 down the stretch to make the playoffs (which isn’t going to happen), I don’t see how Mora can save his job. Last year’s collapse was bad enough, but this year’s has been even worse. Mora’s players probably like him, considering he makes every excuse for their poor play, but they don’t respect him. If they did, they wouldn’t lay down and die like this two years in a row.

Mora is finished.

By Dan reeves

November 26, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Hoping A.Blank was handing out pink slips down on the sideline after this sitcom of a football game.RODDY WHITE..YOU JUST PLAIN SUCK!!!MY 15 YR OLD SON COULDVE MADE THAT CATCH..MAN YOU SUCK!!

By KneeJerk

November 26, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

NO MORE ex-49ers on this team!

By Tired Falcon Fan

November 26, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

i don’t know where to start…the offensive play calling is horrible…offensive line is horrible, QB play is horrible…the defense gets tired quick…no depth…Dhall is overrated…COACHING IS SUSPECT AT BEST!!!…WE NEED T.J.DUCKETT BACK!!!! AT LEAST WE KNOW WHEN HE COMES IN IT’S A TD!!! RECEIVERS COULDN’T CATCH A COLD IF YOU THREW IT AT THEM!!! MORA IS HORRIBLE!!

By Chris

November 26, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

BB,

I disagree about the comment on the play calling. While it wasn’t revolutionary, they did get back to running the ball alot more and decided to let Vick be Vick and call designed running plays tailored to his ability. Today’s loss was a combo of the whole team giving up. Vick did stink throwing the ball (9 of 24), but as you said he was also let down with some unacceptable drops by the receivers.

This game was over in the fisrt quarter. N.O. came out stretching the field and once they were up 14-0 you could kiss it good night. The Falcons can’t play from behind.

I think if they’re going to continue starting Vick, then run him like they did today. Its the only way you’ll get consistent production out of him.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 26, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Five dropped passes, including one which surely would have been a TD and 2 which would have kept drives alive on 3rd down. Cut all 3 starting receivers. Now. Start Youngblood and Jennings at WR for the rest of the year. Look at Vick’s stats, and add 5 completions, a TD, and about 80-90 yards passing to it and they are quite respectable, especially when you combine them with 160 yards rushing. In fact, who is our WRs coach? It is not that hard to get 3 first-round picks to grow hands.

Mora, Knapp, and Donatell should have been fired after last season. Throughout this season they have showed us how awful they are at developing players, making in-game adjustments, play-calling, pretty much everything a coach is supposed to do. On both the long TDs the Saints had, Donatell rushed 3-4 guys and played zone. If he had watched any film of this year’s defense, he would know that nearly every big play the Falcons gave up in the passing game came when there was no blitz and they played zone. There is no excuse for Arthur Blank to keep employing this sorry excuse for a coaching staff.

I am not going to blame the O-line for the pressure on Vick; if Knapp won’t even let Vick audible into a quick throw or change the protection, you can’t blame the line for not picking up the right blitzer. The Saints consistently rushed 5-6 guys on every play, and the Falcons could do nothing to adjust to that. Considering the circumstances, the line actually played pretty well.

FIRE MORA, KNAPP AND DONATELL. THEY ARE THE WORST COACHING STAFF IN THE NFL.

By drmondo

November 26, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

It’s time to sit some WRs and OL, fire a coordinator or two and start DEMANDING results. If Mora wants to keep his job he’d better start lighting a fire underneath some people. Its time to send a message to the team, owner and fans. Knapp has to be canned, sit White and anybody else who gave such a half-a**ed effort…I haven’t seen the Falcons play with such a lack of commitment since David Archer.

By jwpave

November 26, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Injuries or no injuries, the coaching and preparation on this team is horrible! It is a shame that even with a good owner who has a passion for winning, we are still the same old sorry Atlanta franchise.

I think the entire coaching staff needs to be turned over and find a staff that will accept Vick is not a pocket passer and create opportunities for him.

I have always said and will say it again, the Atlanta sports franchises have always been pathetic from the top down and I have to laugh when we call the Braves a failure - BS, they are the only franchise in the town that is respected in the sports arenas.

I look forward to another stress free holiday season without caring about this sorry Falcons team because they are done. Let’s get ready for another high draft pick and draft another can’t miss receiver.

By dan reeves

November 26, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

hoping A.Blank was handing out pink slips down on the sidelines.Man what a sitcom of a football game.roddy white,YOU SUCK..U SACK OF S**.MY 12 YR OLD SON COULDVE MADE THAT CATCH.MAN YOU SUCK BAD!!

By Larry

November 26, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

This team is poorly coached and poorly led. Yes, Vick had several spectacular runs, but we saw first hand—again—the difference between a running QB who can pass a little and a true, NFL QB whose PASSING skills compliments his running game. When this team gets behind, there’s no hop with Vick at QB.

But, Vick is what he is and at least he trys. Greater fault lies in the coaching. The big plays allowed are the direct result of poor preparation.

By Brian

November 26, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

When is Blank going to fire Mora? Hell, Blank needs to sell the team. This is pathetic. He has done nothing with this team . He bought the Falcons with Mike Vick already here and had the chance to build a powerhouse. Instead he hires the defensive coordinator from a team whose defense is mediocre to be the head coach. Blank wants a head coach who will not stand up to him when he chats it up with coach during the game. Blank sucks as an owner.

By mj

November 26, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Hey Blank, we the fans want to see what you are made of. Enough is enough! Call Marcus, he would tell you not to put up with this crap!!

By Elijah Thompson

November 26, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

It was truly sad to watch today. Vick was running for his damn life. That damn Roddy White… Jenkins…. Lelie…, all f(**ing suck, how the hell they ever get drafted? Vick really need to get in these guys faces. I still believe Vick can be a passer wit the right coaching and personnel. The coaching staff gots to go. Mike Vick, hang in there. Damn weak a* recievers!!!!!!!!!

By doctor

November 26, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Vick should be a running back.

MOVE VICK NOW.

By Boots

November 26, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

I’m assuming the conspiracy theory has been put to rest. This team will underperform, regardless of who coaches. There is an absense of leadership on the field —- someone to show some emotion and get in the face of those who are underachieving! The Field General is the quarterback. MV7 put on a show running up and down the middle of the field. Quite a rushing show by the quarterback, but one touchdown doesn’t win many NFL games.

By Tom

November 26, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Being the Thanksgiving weekend the only good thing I can says is I’m thankful for High School football. The High school kids never quit and always play for pride. Once you get your money in the Pro’s I guess there is no need for doing the best you can. Alge Crumpler is the only consistant Pro on this team ALL the others are just living the life and not performing on the field.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 26, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Dean, the Broncos traded Lelie after they had demoted him in training camp. After going through last year with Lelie as their #2 receiver, they were so desperate about their receiver situation that they traded a 2nd round pick for Javon Walker, who was just coming off ACL surgery. Lelie was b*** and whining all through training camp after his demotion, and what do you know, the Falcons were perfectly happy to trade for him. They should have known they were getting an inconsistent, drop-prone, soft WR who is unwilling to go over the middle and can’t run routes properly.

By falcondawg

November 26, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

I, personally, don’t want to see our current staff draft anymore players. It seems that everyone they bring in is a bust or permanently injured (Milloy, Webster, White, Jenkins, Abraham, Hartwell,etc). Like you, Marbo, I love the Falcons and whuppings like this are so depressing.

Finally, thanks, Bird Babe, for keeping this space real for us fans who want to talk Falcons and not show our ignorance on it.

By daniel davis

November 26, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Feel the same way. No way did I expect this dismal showing. The questionable play calling and inexcusable dropped passes have taken their toll, and then some. Whatever hope that’s left is straining. By the by, is calvin johnson entering the draft?

By Imsickofthis

November 26, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

This team begin to go into the crapper the day Blank gave the big contract to Vick. This town cuts him (Vick) way to much slack. But, if I’m the billionaire owner of a football team, someone loses their job tonight, be it a player or a coach, after this embarrassment.

By Raleigh Dog

November 26, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Watch for Vick to be in big trouble for flipping off the crowd,not once but at least twice. He’s got no class. No character.

By Mohamed

November 26, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

The last play of the first half convinced me that the coaching staff is not up to the standard and ambition of Mr. Blank and the fans. We falcons fans have past those times and should never be reminded of them. Coach Mora and your coaching team, YOU ARE FIRED!

By Sam T

November 26, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

That did it for me. I will not give the Falcons another dollar or watch any more of them until a major change is made. Either Mora and staff have to go (except DeCamillis) or Vick does. I believe that Mora is a Vick-killer. The Falcons are dead to me.

By DAN REEVES

November 26, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Hoping A Blank was handing out pink slips down on the sidelines.what a sitcom of a football game.roddy white,U SUCK MAN..MY 12 YR OLD SON COULDVE MADE THAT CATCH.U ARE HORRIBLE.MAN WHAT A BUST U TURNED OUT TO BE ALONG WITH . JENKINS AND LELIE.

By Andy

November 26, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

I am not sure if anyone noticed but there was a reciever who dropped a pass….what was his name…oh yeah …the entire wide recieveing core. The drop by white was the game. Period. Yes we suck in the red zone. Yes we will bring back duckett for next year. Hope Finneran will be back to actually catch balls. That alone will improve the red zone. The secondary has to begin with coaching. The d-line when it got preasure the saints went 3 and out. The falcons lost last week on sprecial teams—this week on two plays by the saints(and lack of defense) and one by white. The falcons decision to either fish or cut bait with white will be interesting. I am so angry and disappointed—-the falcons….another year huh?

By Ron Roberts

November 26, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

You could see, when Mora hit his knees, he had no answres for what ails this team.

That being said, it’s time to cut our loses and let him go. Then his dad can say whatever he wants to on the radio without repurcssions.

I mean, look, it’s not like the Saints are that much better than this team; they’re just better coached, better schemed, and better focused.

And let’s be honest… none of these supposed first round wide recievers were eye-popping draft picks, and Rich McKay’s not really done anything (short of throwing away those picks)to address this malady.

And I’m not a big Vick supporter, but you have to ask yourself… if he can get the ball TO their hands (right before they drop ‘em), then how is he the problem? The guy flat-out ran his @ss off, and we still lost. He threw the ball where only Ashley Lelie could catch it..only where Mike Jenkins could catch it… only where Roddy White could catch it… what more do these guys want?

Save for the hail mary, and the late drives in the 4th, the defense should signs of returning to decency, actually. But those guys have to learn that every play needs 100% focus and discipline.

Discipline. This team lacks that in every phase of the game. The Saints addressed that problem when they let their “player-favorite” coach go last season, and it’s not too early to do it now in Atlanta, either. I’m sure they like the guy, but 5-6 won’t cut it.

The losses to Detroit and Cleveland were unforgivable, together. Lose one, you shrug it off as “trap game;” you lose both, back-to-back, and you have to question coaching and leadership.

Time to address the personnel positions and head coach, too. The further from Dan Reeves’ finger prints we are, the worse this team gets. Any correlation?

By falcondawg

November 26, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

C’mon KneeJerk, let’s not have a kneejerk reaction to this situation!!

By bk hawk

November 26, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

++Time for Blanks to step up and fire Mora and co. Talks cheap and don’t win games, Mora got to go. Make the call Dan Reeves will respond and give him control to clean house. Vick had his best year under Reeves. Have some balls and do it man. I love the Falcons but I can’t take no more of this crap.**

By Titothebear

November 26, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Bird Babe,

You seem a bit disconsolate. The crybabies will be out in ful force to join you. Was this game a “fix” too? it sure was, in that it fixed any playoff hopes the Foulcons may have had. Already, Vick apologists, including Bird Babe, are talking about his magnificent effort. True, he gained a lot of yards running, but it’s points that go on the scoreboard and the Foulcons scoring was remarkable in its paucity. Vick is not a quarterback! He wouldn’t be a very good running back either. He’s an experiment which has failed miserably. Time to replace him with someone who can put up points through the air. Brees, has passed for about two thousand yards in the last five games and the Saints are playing very well. The Foulcons are on their way to well deserved ignominy. Of the last nineteen games the Foulcons have lost twelve. Vick has quarterbacked each and every one of those pastings. Time to put in a real quarterback and start playing like a real NFL team. Bring on the excuses CRYBABIES! Let’s hear how it’s not Vick’s fault for twelve losses in nineteen games.

By DL

November 26, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

I am thankful that this loss didn’t p** me off today. I’ve accepted the fact that our Falcons are cooked. Yes they have no heart and the coaches are garbage. Mora is an idiot, he reminds me of the Braves. No fire, just smoke and mirrors. He truly is clueless out there. Reeves looked as if he was going to pop an artery out there, I wonder if Mora gives a damn. As many fans out there we hope Mr.Blank can eliminate this staff right now! Bring back Reeves.

By just call me Mr.

November 26, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

You keep telling

By Big Keith

November 26, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

FIRE THE WHOLE COACHING STAFF!!! NOW!!! Promote one of the other nobodys to head coach to finish out the season and put the REAL COACHES in the league on notice that we are in the market for their services. This game clearly showed that the problem with the Falcons is COACHING!! Vick couldnt even take a five step drop without having 3 opposing players in his face, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and now its contagious Ashley Lelie, OH MY GOD, CATCH THE GOD-D@&!? BALL!!! Softzone kills the defense again until the second half, arm tackling, poor coverage, blown coverage, need I say more. The job of the coaching staff is to prepare his players for every eventuallity and to make adjustments to gain an advantage and put them in the best position to win games, that is not being done. No Defensive turnovers in I dont know how many games. what the fu*! GET RID OF THIS INEPT COACHING STAFF OF FRIENDS, the plethora of washed-up ex-49ers and childhood friends of Jim Mora from back when he grew up in Washington State. NO MORE SMOKE AND MIRRORS, NO MORE MAGIC NOTEBOOKS, NO MORE JIM MORA JR or SR AND STAFF. ARTHUR BLANK PUT THEM ON THE 1ST THING SMOKIN OUTTA HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Jim Mora

November 26, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

It’s Arthur’s fault! If he’d get off the sidelines & out of my face maybe I could coach the team & keep it with in 14!

By Patrick

November 26, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

This team is an utter disgrace. The entire coaching staff needs to be fired.

By Elijah Thompson

November 26, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

WHOEVER SAID D HALL IS OVERRATED WAS RIGHT. HE AINT’T WORTH A F*** EITHER. WHEN IS HE GONNA START GETTING SOME OF THE BLAME. HE GOT HIS A* ROASTED ALL DAY.

By Boo

November 26, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

Unbelievably pitiful. Been a Falcons fan since 1975. Unbelievably pitiful.

By slim

November 26, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

You can definitely stick a fork in them. The sad thing is that there are so many areas of deficiency, it’s hard to know where to get started.

By Phat Phalcon

November 26, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

I was at the game today and am thoroughly disgusted. Just in case they print it my son and little brother had their picture taken by an AJC photographer holding up a sign asking Mr. Blank if they can coach the team. My son is the one in the Dunn jersey wearing eyeblack with 440 written on it. He did this because Reggie Bush put his area code on his in college. In case you’re wondering 440 is the outer Cleveland, OH area. I grew up here and transferred to Cleveland 4 years ago. I came down for Thanksgiving and used an extra vacation day so I could travel Monday instead of Sunday just so I could go to the game. I also went to the game at Detroit as it is only three hours away. My dad has had season tickets since I was a kid and I have paid for the NFL TV package and travelled to several cities to see games live. What, Mr. Blank, will you do to satisfy me and all the other irate customers?? You are in danger of losing us Mr. Blank.

By 64ghs

November 26, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

In all my years I’ved watch the falcons I’ve never been so disappointed in my life. This is an old rivialry I don’t care what the record is, you go out fired up and beat the hell out of the saints. You don’t drop passes,miss field goals, miss tackles, oh yeah and you don’t run 3 pass plays in a row near the goal line. Blank wake up and fire Knapp now!!! Throw Mora in there to while your at it.

By Michael

November 26, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

For all y’all punks who get on these blogs every week and dog, blame, your QB who’s doing everything in his power too win games! You need to be a shame of yourselfs! This coaching staff hast got to go! Knapp and his mess! Donatell and his mess! As well as Mora! Older Mora called Vick a coach killer! Please! His staff is a talent, and really the killers of his son coaching career! Blank you just lost your fan base! By letting top notch reciever’s go to Dallas & Oakland! This s** about chracter doesn’t get you nothing but dropped passes, and poor route running, your QB sacked! And team called a laughing stock! If you jerks get on these blogs today with all your racial tones, insults, etc!!!! The AJC should ban your E-Mail address everytime preventing from logging on too their web site! And them turned in to the Law Enforcement for a possibility for hate crimes!

By BirdDawg

November 26, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

RICH MAN!!!

I’ve had it with this coaching staff!!!

This is all your fault!!!

You should have hired Lovie Smith, a mature adult instead of that petulant child Jimmy Mora!!!

You should have fired Greg Knapp last year!!!

All the blame for this team falls at YOUR feet!!!

By Eric C.

November 26, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Bird Babe,

There were 2 plays that REALLY decided this game…the ridiculous TD at the end of the first half…and the drop by Roddy White inside the 10 on 3rd down. After Roddy’s drop, the Saints took control. Take away those 2 mistakes and the game is completely different.

Sure, there were other problems… especially with the red zone offense…but the fact is that the defense did a good job after the first quick scores…and the Falcons really controlled the ball well, up until Roddy’s miscue, and had ZERO turnovers.

Those 2 HUGE mistakes above are the difference between winning and losing in the NFL.

With all that said. The Panthers and 49ers losses today were huge. The Falcons WILL go to the playoffs by winning the last five games including a win over Carolina and a win over Philly…you have to move forward and take what you can get at this point.

By ustabebird

November 26, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Put a fork in ‘em folks, they’re done. Now we go into the (for the falcons) triennial (or so) exercise of finger-pointing, coach-firing, etc., etc. Sorry, Mr. Blank. You were a rookie owner, though very experienced and successful businessman, who hired a guy (Mora) who was more big-company corporate politician than real NFL coach. You hired him because he had his team all picked out and his plan in place. I bet he even gave you a PowerPoint presentation. Well, we’ll find out how much you learned. My bet: not much. See ya, Falcons!

By Fuzzy

November 26, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

They are not utilizing Vick’s skills. Get Schaub and vick in the same backfield. Vick is a runner, not a passer. Schaub is a passer. Combine the two and look out. It’s a different concept, but nothing else is working. Try something radically new—but what do I know?

By Garet Hartshorn

November 26, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

I watched the falcons for years. I tell this I will nolonger buy tickets or waste another weekend on this team. I have loved football all my life but the Falcons have destroyed my interest. I agree Mike Vick could be great, but the system he works with is counter productive and does not aid Mike win the game. I urge others to voice thier opinion to the owner. Accountablity is useless unless a plan to succeed is forward. I am perhaps uniquely qualified to force this opinion, because I am part of the Ford Atlanta Assembly plant salaried employee, the 2005 winner of the Harbour Award.

By Rich

November 26, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

This team has quit, and all the rah, rah stuff from Mora makes me sick. The coaching staff has no heart and that translates to the entire team, this team is pathetic. It’s time to call out some people and stop patting these professional (and I use that loosely) on the back and starting holding them accountable. I’m not a Vick fan but I believe the guy plays his heart out and the rest of this team is just going through the motions.
Deanglo Hall talks about he’s all pro, all world or whatever it is he calls himself but over the last few weeks he’s proven to be nothing more than an average (if that) corner back. Mr. Blank fired Dan Reeves a hall of famer in the middle of the season I hope he’ll extended that same courtesy to Jim Mora Jr.

By Vikingsouth

November 26, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

It occured to me watching the game from home today (having sold my tickets) That one of the most glaring problems facing the Falcons is overinvolvement by Arthur Blank. If it’s true that Blank wants to evaluate the whole team from top to bottom, including himself, that’s a good sign. Think about it- he decided to overpay for Peerless Price, Keith Brooking, and other free agents, which put the Falcons in a salary bind. Then he named 20 different people to various titles in the organization, some of whom obviously don’t know their roles. To top that off, he gets emotionally involved with the players, which is a big no-no. How can you profess to be so concerned with guys you may have to let go just like that? You can’t. Don’t go ove to Greg Knapp and pat him on the knee like you did today, either. Yoy’re going to have to fire him. To me, Blank suffers from “Ted Turner Syndrome”, where he wants to sticks his fingers in every pie and look over everyone’s shoulder every five minutes. Arthur, just get out of the way, hire a good GM and coach, and let them do their job.

By bmparham

November 26, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS NEED TO GET RID OF RODDY WHITE, MIKE JENKINS , AND LELIE MONDAY MORNING, OTHER WIDE RECEIVER MAKE OUTSTANDING CATCHES BUT THE ATLANTA FALCON RECEIVER CATCH A COLD OUTSIDE IN THE SNOW NAKE. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE COACH, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MIKE VICK., BUT THE PLAY CALLING , PLEASE. I AM A WOMAN AND I LOVE THE FALCON BUT COULD CALL PLAYING BETTER THAN THAT. 1ST AND GOAL YOU RUN THE BALL NO PASS

By Voice of Reason

November 26, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Bird Babe Nails It! Atta girl, you sure know what is going on.

We all do. Why doesn’t everyone else on the coaching staff and management?

If the Falcons are to salvage anything this season, they must play with intensity. Mike Vick looks like he has already mailed it in. Like he has done everything and no one else has done anything. What a joke. If he could see the pass receivers running the routes, he would not have to run as much. Taking two sacks today, one in the red zone was just plain dumb.

Mora has to have the guts to change things up a little bit. Now.

1. Bench Roddy White, Mike Vick, Mike Jenkins, Warrick Dunn.

2. Fire Greg Knapp

3. Mora needs to stop being a buddy to these players. It only makes them under perform. Did you see the kiss on the helment of Mike Vick before the game? What in the world was that?

4. End the games at least trying to get a score. Running the ball out at the end, for crying out loud what an embarassment.

This is lousy watching a team that won’t even try to play for 60 minutes. Finish the Drill

Wasted Beautiful Sunday Afternoon, with only myself to blame for watching these underperformers. If I were a fan with tickets I would not show up for sure. I have watched these Falcons for years (since 66) and have watched management fire the only two coaches worth their weight (Bennett and Reeves), true football men not fancy smancy new wave buddy coaches. I would not coddle this bunch of freeloaders. Its time to run some gut checks in this locker room!

Sick of losing.

By Phil

November 26, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

If you are a true fan last season you could tell White could not catch every pass that touch his hand he drop or he bobbled the pass before he drop the ball. He is the worst in NFL HISTORY ALONG WITH HIS BROTHER JENKINS LIELEI FALLS DOWN ON EVERY LONG PASS HAVE ANYONE NOTICE THAT. MORA, KNAPP, AND THE REST OF THIS CREW NEED TO B LINE IT OUT OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA THEY ARE THE WORST EVER.

By Lynne

November 26, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

BirdBabe, Thank you for not tolerating the racial insults that have infected the blogs for the last few days.

Its clear that the 2004 season was really a result of a team put together by Reeves, and Mora & Co simply reaped some fast rewards.

By Mack

November 26, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

As Per Usual, The Falcoons Stunk Up The Joint! NO GAME!! This Sorry A* #21 Gave Up 2 Touchdowns Today Along With Crocker! Vick Does Not Have The Mentality To Get Rid Of The Ball Rather Than Taking The Sack!! The “D” Gives Up The Long Ball Again & Again..Not Much Of A Rush Untill 2nd Half..Offense SUCKS Big Time Week After Week..How In The Hell Can We Lead The League In The Running Game???? Take Away Vicks Runs & We Got To Be DEAD LAST!!I Really Believe The RECEIVERS Are Betting On The Other Team..Thats Why They Keep Droping The Ball!! Wonder How Many Falcons Could Suite Up For A Contending Club??? Maybe 3 Tops..Im Sick Of This Suck A* Franchise..Blank On The Sidelines Offering Condolences, Mora Kissing Mikie On The Helment..What A Bunch Of Crapola!! Flowery Branch For Address..Gimme A Break!! Falcons SUCK, Have Always SUCKED, Will Continue To SUCK!!!!!!!!!!

By Jacob Wood

November 26, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Vick won’t ever be Peyton Manning, but if you give him HALF of the drops this year and he’s got a few hundred more yards and at least a few more wins. Even with all the injuries on defense, which can’t be avoided, our receivers are KILLING us. The coaches do make interesting decisions, but no amount of savvy play calling is gonna make up for five drops! All three of those WR’s are worthless, and it’s killing us.

By just call me Mr.

November 26, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

You keep telling me how Vick is the problem and i’ll keep telling you how you know nothing about football!This guy is busting his a#$.These recievers suck and the OC sucks,thus you lose.Why is it that Donatell does not figure out he needs to blitz until the second half of every game and Knapp forgets thath this is big boy football and you have to run the football inside the ten.Give me a break!!!!

By e.b.

November 26, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

I think that anyone that questions heart is foolish. Anyone that questions his skill, is an even bigger fool. I think anyone with any kind of football knowledge, will realize that Vick CANNOT do it all. I see no-one step up today. I saw more dropped passes, and the one that capped it -Roddy White’s drop, was mind boggling. This team has no identity, the O-Line continues to be a mess, and Vick more times than not, is simply running for his life. The season is over, 4 dreadful losses in a row, and especially to a team like the Saints. The Falcons had no momentum, no anger. If they can’t get hyped up for the Katrina Bowl rematch, than they can’t get hyped for anything. Here’s some things to look for in off season. Fire Mora & or Greg Knapp. Get some REAL O-Linemen. You know, like some veterans that have been there before. Get some real receivers. You know, the kind that don’t drop passes. And while you’re at it, they might want to pick up a few guys to help Abraham & Kerney. Just some thoughts.

By Still-A-Fan

November 26, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

Vick is like Michael Jordan in his prime playing for the Atlanta HAWKS. He cant do everything. Stop blaming him for everything. Most of it is his Offensive line and receivers. They all suck really bad. Mora needs to be fired and the team needs to be rebuilt. Its over for this year. Time to look ahead.

By "Ric The Greek"

November 26, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me??? This 4 games stretch has been absolutely unbelievable. Vick is a special talent whose skills are not being utilized by the coaches in place. Let’s get rid of Donatell and Knapp. San Fran got wise and sent them packing. We should now do the same. In addition, Roddy White has proven he’s not worthy of the first round pick we wasted on him. Let’s terminate his contract effective immediately and move on. If Michael Jenkins doesn’t improve during the remaining games, let’s do the same with him. Fianlly, since much was invested in Vick, why not invest the same to keep the kid protected. He was running again for his life today and if this continues, he will not finish the season. This has been a very disappointing season to this point.

By Jason

November 26, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

I’m at the point now that I get violently angry when I see other receivers around the league make a tough catch. Our guys can’t even make a routine catch. Roddy White can’t even catch a ball when he’s STANDING STILL!

After that play, the game was over. It killed the team. I’m not going to buy this lack of heart argument, that’s a cop out. Tell Vick he didn’t have any heart today, he took a beating. On at least two plays (the White drop was one), he stared down a blitz, took a nasty hit, and delivered a catchable ball that was dropped.

I do agree with the criticism of Knapp, his play calling has been pretty awful for the last month or so. Donatell is kind of handcuffed with the injuries on the defensive side of the ball. When we’re starting Rossum at corner, we’re going to have problems.

By This gets Old!!!

November 26, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

Nobody has been in awe of Vick’s skills. If there’s no time to even set up in that free fire zone that we call a pocket there’s no passing game possible.

Excepting Vick’s running the run game is dead. No rythmn in the passing game again but the big problem is not dropped passes….the big problem is NOBODY KNOWS HOW TO GET OPEN and even if they did they’re not running real patterns.

Look at the 3rd and 5+ plays and the Falcons run really, one of two plays. The “go” route or the shorter route (our line can’t block long enough for a crossing pattern)

But this is the true idiocy…ON PASSING DOWNS WE RUN FROM THE “I” AND IF YOU HAVE A SPY (usually in the middle) and if the ends have to play contain then there’s no where to go with the ball.

But the killer about dropped passes is this. It breaks up any momentum you have. You can’t keep the opposition offense out there and tired if you’re always dropping passes or more often in the Falcons case not getting open.

By Thomas

November 26, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are heading in the WRONG direction…7-12 in the last 19 games. Michael Vick is not the answer. He has no clue in the offense that is being run. The receivers are pityful. The offensive line is, well a joke. Our defense….what defense. There needs to be a major overhaul from the top down. As a 22 year season ticket holder I will not renew my season tickets next year. I’m tired of paying premium dollars and getting chump change in return…

Arthur, it’s time to drop back ten and PUNT!!

By JM

November 26, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

Exactly right, Lynne. Mora benefited in 2004 from having Reeves’ team, and we were pretty lucky that year if you think about it. The NFC was really week, especially the NFC South. Heck, we weren’t even that good. We only outscored our opponents by like 10 points that year. We were able to stay healthy, win some close games and catch some breaks and Mora looked like a genius. But you really find out what a coach is made of when he faces adversity, and Mora appears absolutely helpless when things start to go south.

By Brian

November 26, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts was right when he said “…but you have to ask yourself… if he can get the ball TO their hands (right before they drop ‘em), then how is he the problem?”

I say Vick is not the problem

By DAN REEVES

November 26, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

LAFFING MY A* OFF..ALL U SEASON TICKET HOLDERS.Y’ALL ENJOY THE REST OF THE SEASON..

By ThanksDAN

November 26, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Today proved without a doubt who got the best of the draft…Brees and LT for VICK. Laughable. Brees is much better of a QB and LT is a better running back. Thanks Dan….well at least you didn’t trade the pick for a Tight End.

By RealityisME

November 26, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

“”AFTER WHITE DROPPED THE BALL NEW ORLEANS SCORED 10 POINTS, SO LET’S NOT MAKE THAT A GAME CHANGING PLAY. NEW ORLEANS DROVE IT DOWN ATL’S THROAT ON THE NEXT DRIVE TO SCORE 3, THEN 7.”“

By RealityisME

November 26, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

AFTER WHITE DROPPED THE BALL NEW ORLEANS SCORED 10 POINTS, SO LET’S NOT MAKE THAT A GAME CHANGING PLAY. NEW ORLEANS DROVE IT DOWN ATL’S THROAT ON THE NEXT DRIVE TO SCORE 3, THEN 7.

By Big Play Ray

November 26, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

I thought BIG PLAY RAY was the worst DB in Falcons histroy, well D. HALL makes him look good. DID ANYONE SEE HIM TRYING TO PAD HIS STATS at the end of the half trying to get a interception instead of knocking down the ball. Nah, STAT MAN wanted a pick to put in his STAT BOOK. STAT MAN 21 need to be ambushed at the stadium and ticketed for impersonating a football player. The receivers are the worst in PRO BALL, please cut White 84, he must go. Good game Mike Vick, the rest of your team is horrible. HEY STAT MAN 21 go back to VT and get your degree your gonna need it soon.

By ugly

November 26, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

Fire Mora and crew NOW! Don’t wait. Do something with Vick (who shot birds at the crowd) besides play him. He can’t pass. Everything about this team is dreadful. Just dreadful.

By bill

November 26, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

My heart goes out to you season ticket holders. It is painful enough to watch on tv. I can’t imagine what it must be like to spend that kind of money, not to mention the time commuting for these results week after week.

By Yari

November 26, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

Playoffs? Dont talk about playoffs! Playoffs?

By lionel

November 26, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Don’t jump on Vick, he did all he could. It is time to can this coaching staff. We are not out of this thing yet so Arthur make a move and get this team rolling again. Bring in Bobby Ross!

By joe

November 26, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

to the coaching staff for the falcons, i hope you enjoyed your stay in atlanta because by seasons end look for the unemployment line! the offense stinks, the defense sucks! the wide recievers ugh! don’t even do the simple thing and that is CATCH THE FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!! you guys are 6 and 10 at best. history is going to repeat itself here, we had brett favre and traded him, now we have matt schaub and he will surely be gone after this season! he will be a star QB for a different team. Dan Reeves was right when he said that the falcons are going in the wrong direction when he was fired! Lovie Smith is the coach we should’ve hired! mike vick will never win us the superbowl! how many running quarterbacks have won the superbowl? i have season tickets for sale

By neck

November 26, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Who gives a rats a* if you’re the “TOP RATED RUSHING TEAM” in the league, if you keep having mediocre winning records???? Screw #1 rushing, GIVE ME A BALANCED ATTACK!

We’ve got this fascination with Mike Vick that, I’m afraid, we will never get over with. Maybe it’s his swagger, his strut, or whatever, but we’ve got the “deer in the headlights” look regarding Mike.

How many other teams have good “regular” QBs that are solid strong armed passers, that get the job done.

Until we get over our fascination with Mike, we’ll never have a good balanced team.

By Jack Walsh

November 26, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

It’s plain and simple. This season is over. Even if we were to “somehow” make it into the playoffs, we wouldn’t stand a chance to go anywhere. Fire the coaching staff now, and I mean NOWWWWWWWWW !!!!!

Give them the rest of this season to put their package in place, and try again next year.

Get rid of Roddy White,,, nothing but a salary drain. He has made 1 memorable catch this entire season.

Seriously look at the possiblity of Shaub at QB and have a running back trio of Vick, Dunn and Norwood. We sure couldn’t do any worse than we are now.

It’s just sad really,,, what a waste of talent.

By DAN REEVES JR.

November 26, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc2pAtAA85I&mode=related&search=

By craig

November 26, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Mr. Mora JR sold Mr. Arthur Blank a bill of goods in his job interview. Mr. Blank being such an astute businessman should have known better.

FIRE MORA!!!!!!!

BENCH M. VICK….

Give SCHAUB a chance!!!!!

By So, Vick is an athlete

November 26, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

So, Mike Vick is a great athlete…so the f#(k what?!?

Hey, why not sign Roman Sebrle, the decathlon gold medalist from the 2004 Olympics? He’s a BETTER athlete than Mike Vick, therefore a better quarterback.

Right?

This is just f#(king ridiculous, to continue to let a talentless QUARTERBACK to continue to play the game. Sure, Vick is an athlete, but he’s no QUARTERBACK, and, last time I checked, that was the position he was playing out on the field.

Well, I guess I’m just a racist, huh?

By Joe

November 26, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

The Falcons need to sit down and wonder if they want to be a team or a bunch of superstars. The hail mary was a joke. If Hall would have simple knocked the ball down instead of trying to get the interception (fame), we would have been in a better position in the 2nd half.

By Rob Rodgers

November 26, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

been a falcon fan since ‘67 and i could justify terrible teams by thinking they are still a new team. but now, after making fans really hopeful, they stink again. it appears that as a team, individuals may differ, but as a team, they do not have enough pride as professionals to live up to the sales pitch they themselves participated in. It sucks and it has for too long. I don’t live in Atlanta anymore and cannot attend games so I ask the fans who can go, make your opinion heard with your feet and stay away from the ball park…if their performance is poor, so should the attendance be. Nothing personal, just business.

By Don't blame the coach

November 26, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

It isn’t mora’s fault. There is only so much the coach can do, the better question is who keeps drafting these first rounds busts. I’m not talking about Delo, he has SUCKED this year but it doesn’t take much of a brain to draft top 10…..but later in the draft, its bust after bust after bust for this franchise, roddy white, who scouted this kid? What Jerry Rice plays for a small school 20 years ago and people think every small town kid can play under the bright lights. He has stage fright every time he gets out there.

All our big time FA acquisitions are questionable. Hartwell-Bust. Abraham-all those surgery’s, and all that money? We have the highest payroll in the ENTIRE NFL, an aging RB, our defensive line is so bad we have the fatests most out of shape player possibly in the entire league out there and he is actually the best guy on the line lately.

Kearney before he went out has always been one dimensional a work our warrior that comes up big in meaningless games and disappears in big ones, but jesus these WR’s, they are atricous.

I don’t blame Mora, I do think they need to make some changes at coordinator positions, but the coach shouldn’t take the fall here. We just don’t have play makers, we are good on paper but we are bad in the trenches, and roddy white is just horrendous. I lived in Denver and Lelie was known to not go over the middle there, but in order to do well in the NFL you have to draft well and not overpay for players, the falcons haven’t done either well. Expensive free agents, bad high round draft choices…….no money this offseason.

I’d trade every WR we have and Schaub for that WR from GT. If they don’t get something for Schaub after how Rivers and Romo have done, then i give up.

By Gordon

November 26, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

I’m glad I’m not a Falcons fan. It’s bad enough being a Tech fan. If I was both, I think I would kill myself.

By AJ

November 26, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

I wonder of the younger Mora still thinks his dad was wrong? I also wonder if the younger Mora still believes he would pick Vick over any other player of all time if given one choice of who he would pick to start a team with?

By Miller

November 26, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Come on this is bad , when you have guys drop balls all day , when you QB is the leading Rusher on the day… I love the falcons but thing have to change… to me when your team can’t score more that 14 points in the last 4 games someone as to go… that just the NFL… this Season can be saved but the team is going to have to step up an make plays & not just quit….

By mr-glass

November 26, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

“… disgrace to us blacks…”? Who talks or even writes like that? Anyway…

I like to keep a pretty positive outlook but we are through the looking glass here, people.

I know alot of folks are calling for Vick’s head, but the way I see it, we got to the NFC championship game with Vick at QB.

I think our underachieving WR corps. is a bigger problem. Roddy White should be cut to make a statement. That drop may have ended our season.

By Jim Mora

November 26, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Some people say that there’s an owner to blame, but I know….da da da da da Hell it might be my fault! Arthur, once again, get back in your box and out of my ear!

By Team Quit!

November 26, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

From Mora on down to Roddy White, this team flat quit today. To not go for it on 4th down with 4 minutes left in the game pretty much said “we give up”. In addition, it was a slap in the face of the remaining fans for the Falcons to run out the final 2 minutes without a pass play. Here’s a message for the coaches: KEEP TRYING UNTIL THE CLOCK READS ZERO! You owe it to the fans, players, and owner to keep trying to score. This team is a total mess and Blank has his work cut out for getting the fans back onboard.

By Titothebear

November 26, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

Mr. Hartshorn,

You are uniquely qualified to represent the fan base of the Foulcons. Would you please convey to Mr. Blank our desires for a thorough house cleaning? Please ask him to dismiss all the coaches and to rid himself of Vick. We need real coaches and a real quarterback. Congratulations on that Harbour Award. Very impressive!

By Phat Phalcon

November 26, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

BTW I mentioned it on the other blog but, no kidding, DAN REEVES WAS ON THE SIDELINE WITH BLANK before the game. Don’t know what it means but I found it curious.

By richard c davis

November 26, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

The falcons are a terrible football team. Until they get rid of that worthless vick, fire the entire coaching staff, they will always be what they are now. Mediocre at best.

By reddawg67

November 26, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick is not a passing QB. He will never take Atlanta to a league championship. He is the greatest QB to ever run up and down the field….but how many points did he score doing that today? Answer = ZERO

Vick shows no emotion on or off the field. He has collected his millions which are tucked away in the bank.

Mora should have been in White’s face after that dropped pass. The coaching staff is worthless….they need to go! As for Arthur Blank….he wipes Vick’s nose and gives him a little pat on the head. That says it all!

By William Andrews

November 26, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Trade Vick!!! He is not what this team needs and can succeed somewhere else with a fresh start. Didnt the Saints do that this year and isnt it working? Its not all Vicks fault though. Mora is more interested in being “down” with the players and not a coach figure. The players should respect the coach but also fear him. Mora is jsut another one of the guys with no guidance. Bring back the Gritz Blitz days because this sucks!!

By Paul

November 26, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

So Peyton Manning would be “Peyton Manning” with these WR’s and OL?? What’s Tom Brady’s year been like since losing WR’s and OLmen?

Vick’s not a pocket passer??? What FREAKIN’ POCKET?????????

If Schaub is so great why won’t anybody really offer something for him, huh??? He hasn’t even played and there’s a reason so shut it down.

By singletary

November 26, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Let’s rename the WR’s on our team. They are WIDE, but not wide receivers. WIDE stands for Will Impecably Drop Everything.

Vick ran for his life. He was not getting even three seconds to go through his reads.

By Fred

November 26, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

It’s unfortunate the way the season has gone with such high hopes and so much work upgrading both the defense and offense. Mike Vick is just one person who leads a team. He can’t win by himself. Personally, I do not think the coaching staff i.e. Mora, Knapp and Donatell are the coaches to take the Falcons to the next level. I only hope Mr. Blank protects his investment by making some critical changes soon.

By PUPDADDY

November 26, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

With Mike Vick under center Atlanta will never be any good. Want to trade for our back up QB (New Orleans).