Atlanta Metro News

By Rev. Dudley Doright

November 18, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

This team is so bad, the Almighty had to turn his back on this game. As far as the quarterback situation is concerned, Joey may not be a Brady of Manning, but he can keep the team in the game.

In other words, the brother had his chance, now lets give it back to the other flavor.

Looks like it’ll all come back to Shockley if he’s just patient.

By CDS

November 18, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Here comes the excuses for Leftwich. “He just got out of surgery, He has some rust on him, blah blah blah”. Leftwich is nothing more than a backup in this league. Not only is he as fragile as an egg, the guy cannot throw behind that godawful o-line. Suddenly hell freezes over and fans are actually wanting Harrington. Makes sense as he has actually won two straight games.

Petrino is looking to get a top 5 pick. I just hope he doesn’t waste it on a bum like Brian Brohm.

By mike

November 18, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

AT LEAST THEY SCORED WITH HARRINGTON in the game but it was too late

By Hilarious!

November 18, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Bobby Petrino, you are the MAN! Way to kill the momentum with the Colts coming up! Make Redman the starter, maybe we can lose by 50! Wooh!

By peanutgallerian

November 18, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

this is simply a bake-off for next years backup QB. Petrino knows this team can’t run his offense and has to be rebuilt. He’s seen harrington, good and bad, and now he needs to give leftwich the same screening. next year he will either sign a starter through free agency or the draft- or maybe both- and the harrington/leftwich survivor will be sandwiched in as number 2. i frankly don’t see how we can make an investment in a QB who has missed about half his playing time with a bum ankle. not when he has so many flaws to begin with. meanwhile, we suffer through a painful, boring, meaningless season while all this gets sorted out. along with about 3/4 of the NFL fans. the NFL product is pretty ugly, except for a few above-the-clouds teams.

By CDS

November 18, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Falcons vs. Colts shall now be referred to as “The Thanksgiving Day Massacre”.

By S

November 18, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Bird Babe, I’m sorry! I can’t believe That triple decker cheese burger eating bum played like that. Harrington is a bum too, but he’s not that bad!!!!!!!!!!

By David Jr.

November 18, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry bird babe! I never thought I’d say this: GO JOEY!!!!!!!!!!!

By woodie

November 18, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Buffoons

By Darrin "The Vent Queen"

November 18, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

See, I told ya. Left threw for 876 yards and 10 TDs baby! Now that we’ve got a dominant QB, its Super Bowl time!!!!!!! Whoo hoo!!!!

What’s that? It did happen that way?

Well, at least Leftwich completed more than half his passes. Joey is slowey and a dog and a baby and a slug and a horsefly and a sea urchin and a pile of iguana dung. So there, you delusional, stupid people who know nothing about football!!!!!!

By Unbiased_Blogger

November 18, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Harrington, Leftwich, Redman or even Manning - it doesn’t matter. There is only Quarterback that can take this team to the playoffs and I think we all know who.

By Biased Blogger

November 18, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Tom Brady?

By Mack73

November 18, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

No, who could be happay with this mess. The blame goes to the same problems for the last 2 years. Bad OL and dropped balls by receivers. Fix these problems first, then work on QB problem.

By kgod999

November 18, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

man, why cant yall see? the falcons are just sorry. see how they quit after roddy white dropped the pass? even the coaches quit (4th and 1 toss sweep to warrick dunn when you got a 40 million fullback free agent).see how when they didnt convert the 4th and 1, the defense quit and let tampa bay run up the middle like they was making a highlight video.

By d-man

November 18, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Even for the miserable Falcons, this was one of the worst coached, worst played offensive games ever. Early second half, trailing 14-0, the Birds go for it on fourth and one. Why? They hadn’t done anything on offense all day. First mistake was not punting, second mistake was the play call itself. Pitch it to Dunn, who as usual gets hit behind the line, and GAME OVER. Horrible play call. Leftwich should NEVER have started this game - he was not even close to being ready to play. He is a statue back there, and will very soon be injured (again) and out for the year. Next point, why bring Joey in after the game is already lost. May as well leave Leftwich in to get some rust off. I hate to see what happens to these turkeys on Thanksgiving.

By I Agree Unbiased

November 18, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

There IS only on QB qho can lead Atlanta…But they traded him to the Texans.

Oh well.

By Joey Time

November 18, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Look now all the idiots who pushed Petrino (since Week 1) to declare Byron the starter, are eating Crow for Thanksgiving. This includes AJC writers like Bradley and Schultz!! Now they are looking to blame everyone else for Leftwich fumbles and picks today.

Bird Babe, you were right all along! Joey Harrington understands this team, and the ONLY way to Win behind this O-Line is, protect the ball, keep things close, make every game a low scoring ugly Defense battle. Falcons D this year is stronger than the O. And besides all that - Joey is a stud!!

By 30Rock

November 18, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

It’s Petrino’s fault. It was a poor decision to make the QB switch at this time. It was about as smart as calling a toss sweep on 4th and short. What’s up with that???

By Boots

November 18, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

I’ve been supportive of this team through all the controversy. However, the decision to start Leftwich AND THE PLAY-CALLING WAS ABSOLUTELY DEPLORABLE.

Maybe the AJC could conduct a contest with the winner becoming the offensive coordinator each week.

This was a terrible game to watch.

By 30Rock

November 18, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

It’s all Petrino’s fault. He ignored the reality of momentum, pulled Harrington for Leftwich and virtually shot himself, the team, the organization and the fans in the proverbial foot. Again, IT’S ALL PETRINO’S FAULT!

By **Fire McKay Now**

November 18, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Before Indy comes to town and shows everyone the real reason behind Tampa’s success (Dungy) they need to fire Mckay. Please, for the first time in the history of this pathetic franchise, spend some money on the offensive line. I don’t care if we had Manning, Brady, Favre, or Elway, without an O-Line those guys are nothing. Do not waste a firt, second, third, or fourth round pick on a QB (please see the name Tom Brady under draft history). Just get some big a@#$ lineman that know how to BLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By j

November 18, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Birdbabe, normally I think your blogs are ridiculous, but for once I agree with you 100%. You tell’em

By j

November 18, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Birdbabe, normally I think your blogs are ridiculous, but for once I agree with you 100%. You tell’em

By tj

November 18, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Let’s all remember, Leftwich can stretch the field and open up the running game. Yeah, right. Petrino makes Jim Mora and Greg Knapp look like geniuses.

By bulletbob

November 18, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Once again guys, no self-respecting football fan would waste time and money on the birds.

By the 4th quarter, most of the crowd started to get the picture and left the scene of the crime.

By Actually

November 18, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Actually, Fire McKay now, when the Eddie Lebaron/Leeman Bennett regime was hired by the Smiths, the first two first-round picks were a couple of offensive tackles, Warren Bryant and Mike Kenn.

And that GM and coach brought this terrible franchise its first taste of respectability. Then they hired that Petrino like Dan Henning and boy was that a complete and utter disaster, much Petrino is going to be.

By Billy

November 18, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

The falcons were going to lose no matter who was at quarterback.Harrington wouldn’t did no better in the game.I wish Mike Vick was playing on the team.The falcons really need him at quarterback.Vick will be back in the NFL in 2009.I can’t wait.The falcons are the same old falcons.lol

By joey harrington

November 18, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

firebobbypetrino.com

By Nick

November 18, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

So, according to one of the fans posting in this comments section, Harrington DIDN’T complete over 50% of his passes today?

This is what you get out of Petrino. Sadly, this issue seems to be more about race, than about winning or drawing new fans in.

By spinks

November 18, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Out with the black,In with the white!

By ATLawk

November 18, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Petrino must be sleeping with Leftwich.

By Thrash

November 18, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

The Falcons store wouldn’t let me use “TURDWICH” as a name on the back of a team jersey.

By ATLawk

November 18, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

All you folks who said that Joey holds the ball too long now realize how much quicker he is than Sandwich. Funny seeing all these fans ditch Sandwich now in favor of Harrington after booing him on MNF against that top notch NYG defense.

By jeff

November 18, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Bobby,if that is the way your going to coach.Go back to college.

By Dave

November 18, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Let’s get one thing straight. It doesn’t matter who the QB is when you trot out such a terrible game plan, commit turnovers, drop passes, draw penalties at crucial times, don’t tackle, blow coverages and look like you did not practice the ENTIRE WEEK! You are going to make a mediocre team like Tampa Bay look like the Patriots. Don’t forget the two wins in a row were against probably the only two teams worse than the Falcons. The fact is this team is not very good and the head coach is not very good. Forget 1st round draft picks. You build a team with talent and a plan. While there is a abundance of talent on this team, the person at the helm does not know how or cannot put it all together. (The talent is not at WR or OL). Arthur Blank is 0-2 in hiring head coaches. You can provide 1st class practice facilities, make the NFL experience memorable for the fans, and all that good stuff but the guy you put in charge is what makes the difference. Joey Harrington is your savior Bird Babe? I told you already, the guy has a wife give it up!!!

By you can't be serious

November 18, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one that watched this game? The falcons lost because its 6:15 and Gaines Adams still hasn’t been blocked today. The qb situation is what it is; Joey Harrington is terrible, and Leftwich was worse today. Lets not forget that Joey has been godawful for much of the season. The wins over the last two weeks are just an aside. We beat an awful San Fran team that doesn’t have a quarterback and a Carolina team that has been overrated for 2 years.

Quit your complaining people, this team is bad because your starting qb is under house arrest and the offensive line is awful. Even with Vick this team would have been average because it is poorly constructed, he was an average qb and there is with not enough focus on developing talent close to the line of scrimmage.

Petrino will be fine, he just needs time and starting talent on the O-line.

All that said, Abraham is a BEAST.

By Lynne

November 18, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

For the person who said the Falcons need Schaub, his wins when he finishes a game is the same as Joey’s this season.

By B-Dawg

November 18, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Good Gawd!!!!!!!!!….this team truly sucks!!!

Petrino needs to go back to college because he has no clue how to coach pro players!!!

By Gata Hack

November 18, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe these guys get paid. I am embarrassed, there is always 2010.

By Jackalope

November 18, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

An easier question is what’s right with this team? A rookie college coach with no NFL experience (and quickly heading back to college), a QB made of glass that’s named number one and admits that he hasn’t been healthy since high school? Another who is learning, but has no range? An offensive line that couldn’t block for Georgia Tech? A defense that is hit and miss? Poor receivers? Old running backs?

Tell me? What doesn’t need overhauling here?

By Paul from Milton

November 18, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

The problems on the Falcons offense are so many I just started laughing. I’m ashamed at myself for thinking the Falcons could win this game and get back in the playoff hunt. The problems on this offense go way deeper and way higher than the QB position. At this rate the season will be a success if no player “Sprewells” Petrino.

By Unbiased_Blogger

November 18, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

“BIASED BLOGGER & I AGREE WITH UNBIASED BLOGGER - I love trend setting :) You guys really should drink more Dr. Pepper (be original). Anyway, I’ll start with “biased blogger”, Tom Brady could win without RANDY MOSS, so since Randy is not coming to this lousy team, Tom Brady would have a career ending injury on this sorry team. Now “I AGREE WITH UNBIASED BLOGGER”, there is a reason that Schaub was shipped out like cow manure, and that’s because he stinks :) He is an overpaid, injury prone Harrington. For his whole career he was all of 3 wins? That will really take you to the promise land. As for the other people on here saying stop with the VICK post and saying he will never be back with the Falcons, you are 100% correct! Who in their right mind would want to come back here, but he will come back on another squad and crush the “drop back” passer led Falcons team.

By M. Vick

November 18, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

Looks like I taught my homeboys well. When things go bad and you don’t like your coach there is only one thing to do - quit, like I admitted doing against Carolina. Quit on your team and coaches.

I’m a quitter who didn’t support the coaches who supported me. See how good things worked out?

By Jimbo

November 18, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should refund every fan that was there today. The Falcons failed to put a team on the field worth watching. I’m thinking about getting a lawyer and s—. Another thing, the media I believe it was Moore and Jeff (AJC)put in the paper sign Leftwick Now! Well they did and you see why Del Rio let him go. I agree that Mckay is a BUST at GM. a Damn joke. I love Mr. Blank but he has been taken to the cleaner by McKay, Mora and Vick. I wish he would fire Mckay and hire Dan Reeves as GM. Well, May you all have a HAPPY TURKEY DAY, we still have a lot to be thankful for.

By anotherdamnjack

November 18, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Leftwich gives the Falcons the best chance to win? Ha! Couldn’t prove that by today’s performance. Harrington wins 2 games in a row for Atlanta then you reward him for that feat by benching him and letting Leftwich start and embarrass the Falcons. Not to smart, Bobby! It appears Harrington gives the Falcons the best chance to win!! I believe starting Harrington on Thanksgiving night might be a smart move.

By Unbiased_Blogger

November 18, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Can anyone tell me what Atlanta’s record with Harrington? It seems you guys have a memory lapse. 2-Wrongs don’t make a right. MV7 to the rescue!!! Oh wait - only losers like Harrington or Schaub would play here :)

By preston

November 18, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

You people are crazy….I can not believe what I am reading….Joey Harrington has played sinced day one, and the falcons were not, and are not going anywhere with him…Leftwich looked bad today, but I think that if Petrino is going with him, then should let him play….I think Petrino made himself look foolish by taking Leftwich out…..its not like Harrington was going to rally the team back, like some of you people were hoping. Harrington does have rythm with this team, and I believe Byron has to play thru to get his……Petrino stick with your guns…..either Harrington or Leftwich, and STICK WITH HIM!!!!!!!!

By KrisG

November 18, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

First of all, I would have started Joey. So let’s get that out of the way. I think he earned the right to the job.

Now, I DO think Leftwich is more talented, but because he’s the kind of guy who’s not healthy more than 20 minutes at a time, he is perpetually rusty. So yes, he’s a better leader, yes, he’s a better passer. But the consistency is not there with the players around him. SO, I go with Joey, the healthier of two evils. That being said, the fact that Atlanta fans are reduced to chanting for Joey Harrington… Joey. Harrington. Our saviour. Wow. How horrific is that?

I mean, Detroit was happy he’s gone. Miami at 0-10 doesn’t lament losing him. Here he’s 3-4, only because the other guy started two. He’s a proven loser. Likeable, sure. But less than mediocre. Forgetting the puzzling way Atlanta fans point out the problems with the line, or receivers, when they were reticent to do the same for Dogfighter, or Leftwich, even though the problems are largely the same. Forget the obvious signs of a pattern there.

We just chanted for JOEY. Even the commentators were dumbfounded. Not Porter. Not Bishop. Not even Fatone. Joey Harrington. Wow. I mean, WOW.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 18, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Aren’t you the same one who thought Vick needed to go? How’s that working out for you, Bird Babe?

All the BS excuses you pulled out of your a* for your boyfriend Harrington the last few weeks can be applied equally to Leftwich as well, especially since he was playing against one of the best defenses in the league. Bottom line is neither one of these QBs is any good. If this team is going to win in the future, it’s going to be with either Michael Vick or Brian Brohm. Harrington and Leftwich both suck, get over it.

By dmr

November 18, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

O-LINE O-LINE O-LINE

With a bad one, it doesn’t matter who is QB or RB.

Hey Petrino, draft some talent for the O-line, so in 2009 the team will be a contender!

By Unbiased_Blogger

November 18, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

CHRIS G - The city of Atlanta is what it is. I left this state a long time ago, because it’s as backwards as a 3 dollar bill. They will never win because of their ignorance. When I served in the Navy I was ashamed to tell people I was from Georgia and that was nearly 30-years ago. My point was proven, because 30 years later and the story remains the same - a city divided by race, and they wonder why they are title-less.

By Max

November 18, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

For those still pining away for M.Vick, remember he put himself and his own penny ante gambling interests ahead of the team and his multi-million dollar pro career. Essentially, he fought the law and the law won-that’s why he’s not here anymore. Good riddance. Besides that, Petrino is a “college coach” who doesn’t know what he is doing in the pros. I guess the entire team will be running the stadium steps at daybreak. (Except for Leftwich, of course- he’ll be having breakfast and mimosas with Bobby somewhere.)

By A. Blank

November 18, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Cry all you want you panzies! The bottom line is you continue to come to my games and watch my team. You like how I tease you with a little hope then snatch it from your icy grips! It doesn’t matter who I put out on the field you will continue to pay to see us, continue to buy our jerseys and decals, and continue to Support anything I put on the field, So screw you! I’ll do what I want because none of you are going to stop me! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

By ATLplayer

November 18, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

AJC…Please assign someone else for this fan blog. This blog should seal the deal; it’s so ridiculous! Get someone that at least can make sense of this Falcons mess instead of calling fans haters. AJC….PLEASE!

By Suzan

November 18, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Booby P-U-trino is the problem. He stinks to high heaven and hasn’t a clue as to how to win football games. Starting that fat fugitive from a Cigar Store proves it beyond any doubt!

By FalconFaninMI

November 18, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Well, I was half right… last week I said Byron would start the game but Joey would finish it. However, I assumed that Byron would simply get injured yet again. I didn’t realize that he would play himself out of the game.

By Jacksonville resident

November 18, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Dear Atlanta Fans: Now you know why we were SO GLAD to see Leftwich leave Jax. He can’t scramble, makes poor decisions and generally plays down to his lowest level of expectations. Good luck!!

By We Ain't Marshall

November 18, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

It’s great to see two weeks of at least some consistency blown to bits by Petrino’s decision to start Leftfoot. By the size of his head we might need to check him for the clear and the cream. Hey…at least it got more ribs cookin’ in the parking lot.

By birdfan

November 18, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Petrino is dumb as a post. The fans who think the birds need an o-line are right. You don’t need a great QB (or even a great RB) if you have a great o-line. Vick just covered for it because every play was a “screen run.” Let the o-line through and run around them… Draft the best available o-lineman and hope Dennis Dixon’s injury will drop him to the second round. He can cover up assignment mistakes just like Vick did — maybe better.

By birdfan

November 18, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

ooh — sorry my son got hold of the keyboard during that loonng wait for it to post… please, somebody from ajc make the extra posts go away — I can’t!

By d-man

November 18, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Greg Knapp looks like a freakin’ genius now. I think we have the dump-off pass to Dunn down pat now. It’s good for 2 yards every stinkin’ time. I guess they are saving Norwood for the Super Bowl since he is only used for kickoff returns. Better to give it to Dunn and get hit at the line of scrimmage, right? I really feel sorry for the fans who actually pay to see these clowns - they should get a refund and a Wal-Mart gift card for pain and suffering! My apologies to John Abraham. I had critcized him before for not playing, but he is about the only source of pride this team has. By the way, is Jamaal Anderson playing this year. Just wondered - I haven’t heard his name called since he got drafted. Payton and the boys must be licking their chops now - the turkeys will be playing in the Dome on Thanksgiving.

By Lee

November 18, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Wow. This is truly amazing. I didn’t think there was anybody who watched or went to a Falcons game, much less got upset about it.

Hey A. Blank, I went into a Home Depot store the other day - it was looking sorta ratty. Probably need to focus a little on that instead of trying to babysit multi-millionaire football players.

By Carl

November 18, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

The Falcons need an experienced NFL head coach and a QB. Let Petrino rejoin the college ranks.

By stendec

November 18, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

HI BIRD BABE. Hey, Peabrain Petrino, PLAY REDMAN! Go to Harrington next then Dunn after that. Make Leftover thumb it back to Florida! How are these Birds? The following applies to ALL except Andersen and Norwood: QUITTERS! LOSERS! CRAP! TALENTLESS! HOPELESS! CLUELESS! GARBAGE! SCUM! TRASH! OXYGEN WASTES! And those are their GOOD points. By the way, thanks DeA++hole Hall for setting the tone by getting beat by a mile on the first Buc score. Sheesh, you looked worse than a DAMN rookie! Shut down, my A++! Thankfully, your overrated A++ will be be out of Atlanta after this season. Great non-effort guys! Especially at home with division life on line. Picked fine time to mail one in. Oh, I forgot, that is what you guys do! If Peyton Manning wants to he can put triple digits on the scoreboard! Go to Hell!

By Cruzin

November 18, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

The best chance to win at QB was sticking with Joey. The team looks more confused than ever. The coach is confused and acts like a novice college coach. Now who gets the nod on Thanksgiving Day, Leftwich or Joey? Either way, the team is doomed…

By Suzan

November 18, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Booby P-U-trino is going to have to look at tape before he decides whether to start Harrington or Fat Albert. Wow? I wouldn’t think anyone would re-watch Ham Sammiche’s performance on purpose. Wretched! harringto played a little more than one quarter and threw for 139 yards and a touchdown. Fatso threw for 106 and royally messed up. P-U-trino is a dunce in way over his head. Get this bum out of here! He makes Mora look cerebral by comparison.

By BlackBeard The Pewter Pirate

November 18, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

The Bucs took everything that your team very desperately threw at them ans spit it right back at the “Foul-Clowns”.

By Navigator

November 18, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Some of you freaks still whisper MVicks name (not directly, ex: you know who). Well I tell you who the last good quarterback was for the Falcons, and that Chris Chandler. He took the Falcons to a record 14-2 regular season and to the super bowl. Stop mentioning the freak indirectly, and he never got the team close to the superbowl.

By Suzan

November 18, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

In a few days Mike, dog killer, Vick will be sentenced and I’m betting he gets three years in prison. I sure hope so. You people who continually bring him up need to get a life! he won’t play in the NFL again.

By Suzan

November 18, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Learn to spell bake, freak. Vick is going to prison and that is a certainty! He’ll get three years, if not more. laugh that off. As for Kearney, he did nothing wrong at all!

By tosha

November 18, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

PayBack is a B***. The way the Atlanta Falcons Organization and NFL treated him is wrong. He is a first time offender. They could have spoke up for him,even though none of them condone nothing he’s done.Animals have a right but not the right to take a man career away.Blank is just stupid.

By Coach

November 18, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

When teams like the Falcons which have a rookie free agent at left offensive tackle, why in the world would any team start Leftwich at QB. Pass rushers because of the nature of their job, (particularaly speed rushers) run low to the ground. Ordinaraly they make contact with the QB at waist high up to the numbers when sacking the QB. Since most QBs release the football up near their ear, they can at least control the football. Since Leftwich releases the ball down near his waist, you would have thought the coaching staff would have done one of two things. Moving Leftwich�s launch point, farther away from the attacked point of the right defensive end (Leftwich�s blink side). Roll him to his right, or at least put a tight end or a back help protect Leftwich�s extremely low release point. Leftwich because of his slow low release is an automatic turnover opportunity. You can bet the Buck defensive line coach and his right defensive end knew they were being presented a unique opportunity and against a rookie free agent pass blocker. The Falcon coaching staff decision to start Leftwich should have anticipated this and built counters into their game plan. The Falcons or any other football team can not win with that kind of liability built into their offense.

I am telling you right now, that had Harrington started we might have gotten beat, but at least we would have a chance.. I thought our defensive guys played their guts out, this kind of decision on offense is not fair to them. Is their any chance that the decision has been make to challenge for the first pick in next year�s draft, that would explain the decision to start Leftwich and yet not adjust the game plan to give him a chance to succeed.

By Suzan

November 18, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

First time offender? he engaaged in a clandestine, organized, criminal activity for six years. He, personally, cruelly murdered several animals and buried them on his property. He deserves to go to prison and that’s where he’ll be soon. As for Mr. Blank, it was not he who suspended Vick. It was Commisioner Goodell who dropped the hammer on his pin head. Mr. Blank is not stupid and that’s why he’s going to get twenty million of the dollars he squandered on this untalented bozo back. Vick is through in the NFL. Get over it!

By stendec

November 19, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

Right Suzan. Vick is past history. My only interest in thug is money return to Falcons. Murderer deserves to rot in jail then fry in Hell!

By E

November 19, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

This team has already surpassed the amount of wins myself and others believed they would get so whats the outcry for? The Falcons are as flawed as an NFL team can get, top to bottom. See the 49ers of the West Coast to draw comparison. Horrible draft picks. Anderson may be having a worse season then the infamous Bruce pick out of Auburn. Be interesting to compare their impact as 10 ten draft pick in what was percieved to be a deep draft. Can’t even mention Roddy, Jenkins, get this Jordon Beck, what have these cats been bringing in over the last four years. Give Petrino a break, this team is null and void of talent. D-Hall selfish but was asked to be a playmaker on the other-side and punt returning and turned it down. Dunn has a secret touches clause in his contract that hamstings BP. Brookings slow non-impact having self is the designated untouchable centerpiece on defense, now thats a problem. Dunn, Crumpler, Horn your veteran playmakers are washed up. Crump can’t move until Tuesday afternoons after playing a few downs on Sundays and you expect Petrino to design plays to get him the ball. I could go on and on, not to mention that if the Falcons had suspended Vick internally after the dog charges cropped up, this never would have been federally investigated. 4 gm suspension tops as originally proposed and suggested when first suspected. Anyhow, get real with your expectations. How silly the ATL must look actually cheering to get a bonafide loser into the game. Pure Rock Bottom. What a joke this franchise is and will be, until Blank bolts for L.A. where he can really get some camera facetime on the sidelines!

By D-Town

November 19, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this

Good night! Toss sweep on 4th and 1? Didn’t Petrino learn anything from the last time he tried a cutesy play in short yardage?

If you can’t trust your line to hold their ground so your 6’5” quarterback can get a yard, then just punt the damn ball and go home.

By Nunna Yo BIznezz

November 19, 2007 6:00 AM | Link to this

Suzan get over it sweety..Vick will be back,and get as little as 6 months in prison because of good behaviour, he will return,and I hope he goes to a city who does not mind having a black QB who will take them to the Super Bowl..And with a coach that knows how to embrace his talent and design an offense around his talents..

And Babe,i hope Joey does start on thanksgiving,so when the falcons lose we will see how u spin the loss off of your boyfriend and on the team..No one is speaking on the 4 man rush that seemed to push the linemen into the QB today,and the many drops of the recievers.. But,Ohhhhhh Babe!! U will point all of this out when U post up on Thursday evening..Oh,wait,if it does happen,i bet u will not have a post on here after the game because u will not throw your “girlfriend” joette under the bus and tell the truth!!

By FatAlbert

November 19, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this

hey..hey..hey. Told ya I could play a complete game without getting hurt. Maybe if the line could give me 8 or 9 seconds to get the ball out I can complete some passes down field.

By LARRY W. HILTON

November 19, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

To all the Atlanta Falcon fans that really have a problem supporting an Afro-American quarterback:losing is very comfortable with you, and you hate the thought of someone different being the source of your boastfulness. Remember, Harrington is the reason for Leftwich being here. He is 2-6, as your starter, and even your owner loves to boast about that. That’s really your problem. He would do well to hire a consultant to oversee draft selections, maybe Mark Richt, who knows football talent when he sees it. This team resides in the midst of the SEC, and the ACC. Atlanta should have a winning team every year. But where did you find the spineless players on this team? They are a disgrace to the game itself. Petrino inherited this bunch, and should be credited for having patience with them. There are enough ex-college players living in Atlanta that would beat this team everyday. Hold an open camp and you’ll find out. Leftwich should be praised for coming back as soon as he did to try to help this team. Your front office people don’t have a clue about winning football. You start a 10-year running back with a bad back every game. You have never known what an offensive line should look like. This would have been the Year of the” Vick”, had he not self-destructed, and the ATL would be very happy. But still too, someone failed him as well. Get use to losing, save your wasted meaningless emotions.

By Suzan

November 19, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

Leftwich could have helped the team more by staying injured.

By Suzan

November 19, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Vick will get a sentence of three years and he’ll have to serve ninety percent of that, even if his behavior is excellent.

By Tiwas

November 19, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

There’s too much criticism of Arthur Blank. How many owners of sports franchises are sports people, other than a general fan with more money? Mr. Blank is an investor and Atlanta should thank him for purchasing the Falcons and keeping them here in Atlanta. He did what he thought was best by hiring a supposedly “football” sportsman as his General Manager but he should have hired the elder. Dan Reeves is a football sportsman with more than 50 years of football experience. Because he is more of a senior he may not want the job but he could be a great mentor for a new face. The O Line is atrocious. Too much money for performance rendered. Big and agile is better for todays game. Look at Dallas, always big men historically. Draft for the O line. Trade or do free agency for a QB, use D-Hall if you have to. He looked like a rookie yesterday. Hire another GM. Draft big for DL. Draft for Safety. Lawyer Milloy is getting frustratred holding the DB’s together. A new coach is going to be needed because the current gentleman is going back to college.

By Happy in Tampa

November 19, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

Thanks for getting Rich McKay out of Tampa…only now are the Bucs getting back on their feet after that guy was running the show. Dungy, not McKay made the Bucs great. Truly, I feel bad for Atlanta b/c its alot more fun to beat you guys when you are least somewhat competitive……

By Matt

November 19, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

To the self proclaimed “best corner in the league” Mr. Hall…….maybe you need to change your name to the proclaimed “best piece of toast in the league” because that is what you have been all season. The touchdown for Galloway is proof enough.

By demondh

November 19, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

leftwich was set up todd weiner was back in the starting lineup and he suck!!! ultimate setup u idiots never pay attention to who is blocking!!!

By scbird

November 19, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Michigan, please hire Petrino!

It’s about time Blank hires an experienced Coach(Marty, Mike Martz,etc) and a GM that knows how to run a football team.

By falcon stink

November 19, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

if vick does 3 years for some damn dogs this country is f******* up

By Get over it

November 19, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

As far as Falcons are concerned, we don’t need to Draft a QB, the last QB that went 14-2 and took us to superbowl was not a number one draft pick. Dan Reeves got him from Houston. Reeves also inherited a pathetic team and took us to the super bowl the second year! Coaching and leadership wins games not draft picks. The one thing this organization don’t have is coaching and leadership, on-the-field, off-the-field or any where near Flowery Branch.

Get leadership on and off the field until then everything is rubbish and there no substitute or quick fix.

Those who blaming everything and everyone else for MV problem, all of you are ignorant and racist and have no interest in sports or the game of football. All you want to do is make your absurd points.

I am neither white or black, I am blue and I hope MV gets 5 years in prison and no early release. You can’t even herd cows without character and MV have none and will never have any even after spending 3 years in prison.

Mr. Blank, I know you care so fix it.

By Meezy

November 19, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Birdbabe,

Either you’re blind, or you were born 3 weeks ago when Joey and the falcons won 2 games in a row. I guess you’ve forgotten the rest of his career or fail to see that he’s the reason we were 3-6 at the start of the game.

By jeanE

November 19, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Joey is so awesome, great attitude, gutsy, knows how to win behind that pathetic o-line…Petrino, I am beyond words. You are so arrogant, why would you mess with success & the team’s chemistry? To prove to yourself you’re right about naming Leftwich the starter?? Are you happy now? It’s too late, that was a very winnable game. Now, whoever the starter is against the Colts is going to be pummeled. Go ahead, start Byron. We’ll see how long he lasts. 1 series? Can we take bets to see how long it takes before he’s either yanked for performance and/or injury? Arthur, I beseech you, you are losing this city, Petrino should be let go & McKay as well. Bring in Bill Cowher but you wont’ because he’s too authoritative & wouldn’t stand for your interfering. That’s why we’ll never have a successful coach here. I love this team but it’s just absolutely pathetic, I can’t believe we’re back to the loser days or yore.

By jeanE

November 19, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Joey is so awesome, great attitude, gutsy, knows how to win behind that pathetic o-line…Petrino, I am beyond words. You are so arrogant, why would you mess with success & the team’s chemistry? To prove to yourself you’re right about naming Leftwich the starter?? Are you happy now? It’s too late, that was a very winnable game. Now, whoever the starter is against the Colts is going to be pummeled. Go ahead, start Byron. We’ll see how long he lasts. 1 series? Can we take bets to see how long it takes before he’s either yanked for performance and/or injury? Arthur, I beseech you, you are losing this city, Petrino should be let go & McKay as well. Bring in Bill Cowher but you wont’ because he’s too authoritative & wouldn’t stand for your interfering. That’s why we’ll never have a successful coach here. I love this team but it’s just absolutely pathetic, I can’t believe we’re back to the loser days or yore.

By Billy

November 19, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

The falcons is a waste of money.Suzan,you dog smelling crackers are crazy.You need to go do what you do best and it is not football.

By T-Money

November 19, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your ATLANTA FALCONS!…crap.

Leftwich stunk so bad febreze couldn’t cover it up. He made Harrington look like a stud. Watching the game on TV, I thought I was watch a High School playoff game. I had to check the calendar to make sure it was, indeed, the Falcons.

What we need to do, like so many have said, is fire Petrino, fire McKay, fire Leftwich, and bring in the best O-Line we can find. Behind a good O-Line, almost any QB could look good (forgetting anyone who’s last name is Leaf).

I have season tickets, and I’ll upgrade next season, but I don’t expect anything at this point.

By jp

November 19, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

I dont agree with Bird Babe per se but truthfully, I would have started Mr. Harrington too (sorry, cant see myself calling a grown man Joey unless he was a very close relative).
My reasoning would have been because of Byron’s late arrival to the falcons and then having the setback as far as his injury goes. Now, Leftwich has the advantage in both height and arm strength. He also has leadership capabilities. In an overall perspective, I could see why Petrino would lean toward Leftwich as being his starter but Joey should have started this game and possibly the Indy’s game to give Leftwich more play learning time and healing time.

As for Vick, he did this to himself but as a spiritual man, I wish him the best in or out of prison. I also hope that he can reinvent himself in the NFL one day with or without the Falcons.

Note to ownership: Vick, Micheal, Convick or whatever you wish to address him as, has done a miraculous job in the past in making us believe this team was better offensively than what they are/were. If our receivers were more consistant during his tenure, then our expectations of this team would have been off the chart. Since he is no longer here and we can now see the flaws that were covered up, lets not waste time. Let’s do like Cleveland and draft a lineman early. Come to think of it, I do believe they are in contentions for the playoff (they won yesterday). Let’s address our d line as well. The game of football is won in the trenches. After we address those two issues, we can go for bell’s and whistles like a reliable qb. Repeat after me………Brady was a late round draft pick! If it is only about selling tickets then McFadden - Dixon combo may work.

By MV7

November 19, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

ATLANTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!