Terence Moore

By garry

October 6, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

i know it is only 5 games into the season and we didnt look good at tampa thats for sure but really when have we ever played well in tampa?I agree Coach Smith does remind us of the Reeves years when everyone ran him outta town for being OLD SCHOOL and wasnt up with the times when it came to Mike Vick.Now we go back to old school with Coach Smith hmmm makes ya think dosent it.Super Bowls come to hard working players and coaches that have a plan and talent now maybe we are on our way back.Thank you Terence nice article

By gdg73

October 6, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

I give you heck when you write off the wall stuff, but I’m going to give you props on this one. I was telling a friend the exact same thing last night. This does look like a Dan Reeves team. This team is well coached. I’lldefinitely be 100% on board when he benches Brooking for Nicholas and demotes Grimes and promotes Chevis Jackson. Tell me again, why did we fire Dan Reeves? Smart move Arthur. (sarcasm on)

By panic fan

October 6, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

hey am i dreaming this was the nicest thing you have said about the falcons this year the best part is that its all so very true yes history does repeat so stay true terence no back sliding now that you believe what we already know to be fact 2008 will be a learning curve for everyone even you mr moore thx 4 the positive outlook all fans need this.

By bigeasy830

October 6, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

BY GARRY, I disagree with you on the Dan Reeves Mike Vick thing. I think Dan Reeves old school approach was making Mike Vick into a real NFL QB, to bad Vick lead the charge in running Reeves out of town. I knew I would like Coach Smith when he cut Jimmy Williams and started getting rid of some of the other players that did not produce. I hate Algee left he could definitely help us this year but I understand why. Then during OTAs Coach Smith had the linemen lifting weights. You goatta love that. He knew he needed stronger and more physical players so he made sure he would train them to be that way. Then I heard him say a quote I have used on these blogs myself and that is “Football is a Gladiator sport”. You goota love a coach who takes that approach to a sometimes brutal game. It is what it is, football is not for the faint at heart. I said it before the season that if we won more than 4 games this year it would be because of coaching. If we win 6-8, give that man a raise. If we win 8 or more he is coach of the year for sure. It is still a long season but even in the Tampa game after Ryan settled down we did not look to bad. Coach Smith has had this team prepared to play every game. We lost to two better teams and beat two teams we were suppose to beat and that is the way it is supposed to be in years past we would have found a way to lose that GB game even if they were descimated by injuries. But Coach Smith has had the players ready to play. You gotta love that.

By Grantland Tice

October 6, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

So what took Arthur Blank so long to get it right? Petrino would STILL be here if it were up to Blank. So would that model citizen Mike Vick, except for the little indescretion involving dogs.

One more thing, Artie, stay off the sidelines at the end of the game. You look like an idiot.

By dave

October 6, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Agree with Terrance, I try not to do that more than once a year. This is that once. Looks like we have a coach who knows how to build a team. Need some more parts, but we are heading in the right direction.

By ATLplayer

October 6, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

“I’lldefinitely be 100% on board when he benches Brooking for Nicholas.”
gdg73…Please! how can we get this massage to Coach Smith??? Coach Smith, it’s ok to bench Brooking. He is not that productive player he once was. I see him as a liability. He can not shed blockers anymore. Please start Nicholas at weak side. Maybe play Brooking as our nickel and dime middle linebacker. He is not an every down back anymore.

Question?? How can the coaching staff NOT see Brooking ineffectiveness???

By sbee

October 6, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Dan had two winning seasons in 7 years, with a cumulative record of 49-59-1. I’m not saying this isn’t a fair comparison, but I do think we need to be careful how much praise we think is worthy to heap on a coach who’s history hear is barely mediocre. Falcons fans have cornered the market on revisionist history. Let’s just all be calm and be happy with our future, instead of mindlessly mis-stating our past…

By Billy

October 6, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Definitely so far, so good.

By Dave

October 6, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

From the past several nightmare years (decades?) to the start of a beautiful dream, our Falcons have out-shined most of our highest expectations. Falcons and Turner, #1 in rushing. Abraham, sack leader. Roddy, #3 in receiving yards form a 5 game rookie QB. And only 4 NFC teams with a better record! Yes, it’s a bit premature to expect a playoff birth this year but given this surprising start and seeing how quickly this team is improving, it’s a real possibility. Credit certainly goes to Smith and the entire coaching staff as well Dimitroff’s astute eye for talent. If we can stay relatively injury free this year and continue to progress, anything is possible. In our division, we get Carolina and TB at home and the Saints D is as terrible as their O is strong. Chicago will be another good test but it’s also in the Dome and we’re jacked with confidence and momentum. Even a loss puts us at 3-3 going into the bye and then we get two weeks to recharge and refocus for the final 10 games. Pinch me, am I dreaming? Don’t wake me until February.

By Bob Electra

October 6, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

You’re totally wrong about one thing. Totally.

Jim Mora was NOT the player’s eternal pal Terance. Never. He was tough. He was fair. He cared about his players personally. He never more discipline problems than usual, the usual fines, etc. —he will share the logs with you.

Bad rap on Mora. He never had dinner, drinks, or had anyone over to his home. No socializing with players. Accepted a ride once to an event with Hall.

Let’s stop this nonsense once and for all. He himself cleared the confusion on this mornings, 790 The Zone morning show.

Football is a people business, and he is a modern coach, who got on his players when needed. Because he doesn’t have the personality or demeanor of Lombardi doesn’t matter.

Mora was not the player’s “pal”. Period. He had the most winning record over 3 years of any Atlanta coach. The ultimate measure of good coaches is their win-loss record. He will coach the Seahawks, next year, deservingly so.

By country boy

October 6, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Mr. Moore - While Dan Reeves was a much better coach the Mora or Patrino it is worth reminding all of his achilles heel which was player evaluation and poor drafting. Some of his VERY high draft picks that were unproductive were Reggie Kelly, Travis Claridge and TJ Duckett. I refuse to bring up the name of his major draft blunder that stagnated the Falcons for years.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

October 6, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Wow that’s two positive articles in a row by TM! Now I KNOW things are changing in the Falcon’s favor…hahaha Hell we might just make the playoffs now! Okay, I got carried away with that one but you know what I mean. LOL

GO FALCONS!!!!

By Andy

October 6, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Terence: sitting at a bar and watching the game on Sunday—-I told someone, “this is an actual team…like when Dan Reeves was the coach. I don’t think the Falcons have the players to be an elite team, but I think they will show up play hard and have a clear plan. They haven’t had that since…..oh yeah, Dan Reeves.” Thank you.

By STEELEMAN1

October 6, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

That draft pick that you did not mention, which was Michael Vick put Atlanta in the football business. He filled the seats in the dome to capacity. Go to a game now and the dome is only half filled. GREAT PICK, but Michael made a bad choice. He did not put Atlanta behind. Like someone stated, a series of bad drafts and bad coaches is your cause. I am a season ticket holder and I am still on the Bandwagon. Great choice for a new coach in Mr Smith. He did not give out starting assignments. He made them earn their starting positions.

By kd

October 6, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

While I agree that Brooking isn’t what he used to be, I think the safer question would be how can you see that Nicholas is better than Brooking?

I think that with all that has happened, we should trust this staff and the film evaluation that Brooking is doing more right (setting the edge, protecting gaps) than we could know. Since none of us are privy to film grades and assignments, I think that we ought to give the coaches the benefit of the doubt on this one. Sometimes getting a guy that can get the defense aligned against different formations and who makes fewer mistakes is worth more than the few “big” plays, but more mistakes (Demorrio Williams, anyone?)

By STEELEMAN1

October 6, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

WE NEED TO FILL THE DOME ON SUNDAYS NOW

By michaelgee

October 6, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Must you always dredge up the past, open your blinking eyes TM. This team and organization is completely UNLIKE anything we have ever had here.

I feel sorry for anyone so blind and so negative as TMoore. What a poor pitiful little man.

By gdg73

October 6, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Country Boy, Don’t be so hard on Keith Brooking. He hasn’t stagnated the franchise that much. Afterall, he’s only been here 10 years.

By michaelgee

October 6, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Why does the ajc screen replies? My last six comments were censored by TM, you bum. You slander our Owner, down rate our Coaches and players and this won’t get published either. AJC Censorship in action! Are you THAT unpopular TM? You can make accusations but can’t take the heat from the ajc readership, what a guy.

By Ron

October 6, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Gee you think the might be doing better because they have a real QB and not some thug running the team like Vick? Where are all those pathetic Vick supporters now? And by the way, after OJ was found guilt last week he claimed racism. Who’s surprised? What a loser.

By Ryder

October 6, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Bob Electra, you must be related to Mora in some shape or fashion. Mora was NOT ready to be an NFL coach. He sucked up to players and refused to discipline the guys when they got out of line. He sucked up to Greg Knapp and his poor play calling. Not allowing your franchise QB to audible basically hamstrings him. Not to mention he had his dad’s temper when dealing with the media.

Perhaps he will become a good coach, but he wasn’t ready back then.

Now Smith on the other hand, he is earning the respect of his players by coming out and immediately establishing an identity for this franchise. They have a QB in Ryan that has the respect of the huddle. Will it mean they will automatically be successful right off the bat? No, they will have some bumps. However unlike Mora there’s a system and confidence in the team that they will right the ship when things go south.

By Flustered Fan

October 6, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

If only the Braves would do what the Falcons organization did and get new personnel. Oh, that’s right, the Falcons have REAL ownership, not out of town tax write-off loving idiots!!!

By preston

October 6, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

LOL……..Bob Electra sounds like Jim Mora Sr. if you ask me…lol.

By Kilpatrick

October 6, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Dear Bob Electra:

I don’t quite understand your man crush on Jim Mora. He was a smarmy little butt-kisser who wanted more than anything to be “one of the boys.”

I wouldn’t believe anything he said on 790 the Zone. I feel sorry for Seahawk fans.

By Jamaaliver

October 6, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Does no one remember how inept and predictable Reeves was as a playcaller and HC. I remember one game, TJ Duckett had run well, but had only 3 rushing attempts the whole game. Asked afterwards why TJ was so limited, Reeves candidly replied, He forgot Duckett was on the sidelines.

Anybody remember the season after the Super Bowl?Is it really a good thing to be reminiscent of good ol Coach Reeves?

By richbrave

October 6, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

TMo:

Got to be pleased with not only SMITH and staff, but BLANK’s decisions as well.

By richbrave

October 6, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

And further. You can’t quote a better authority than EMMITT ‘HOF’ THOMAS. What a quality coach. I could say the same for TERRY ROBISKI as well. The REDSKINS experience was great with them both, although I thought both THOMAS and ROBISKI were unfairly treated by the WASHINGTON club at the end of each of their tenures here.

By TM Hater

October 6, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

* This is the same man that TM hated a few months ago. TM just say that you are sorry and we might forgive you, at least until next week when its Mr. Hyde’s turn to write an article*

By michaelgee

October 6, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

fwiw, we don’t need Dan Reeves Ghost nor Vick’s Ghost for this team to advance and prosper.

We have a solid Owneraship, Management, Coaching Staff, Leadership, and the single BEST first year Team I have ebver seen in the NFL.

Matt Ryan has the TRUE Leadership Skills to lead us to the Super Bowl and Win it within 3 seasons.

By Ron Roberts

October 6, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

QUESTION: How’s Jim Mora’s current team doing, compared to his former?

Ironic, it is, that a franchise finally moving in the right direction does so some eight years after kicking it’s finest coach to the curb after his last season went asunder because the prized QB the organization embraced was lost for the season.

It was under Dan Reeves that Mike Vick had his finest highlights, and that’s no mistake.

It was under Dan Reeves that the Atlanta Falcons hoisted a trophy of any kind; and that’s no coincidence.

It was under Dan Reeves that the Atlanta Falcons went from three wins-to-seven wins-to-Super Bowl from 1996-98; that, too, was no coincidence.

Ironic, then, that this team has seemingly righted itself with a head coach that reminds many of us Falcons fans (and the media, too, apparently) of one Dan Reeves.

Somewhere in Americus, an old football guy with an “aww-shucks” demeanor has to be enjoying a smile, at least on the inside. G’ahead, Dan; chuckle. You deserve it!

By falcon

October 6, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

I didn’t like the game plan for TB. Here we are rushing the heck out of the ball, then we go to Tampa and pass, pass pass. We should have committed ourselves to the run game and stuck with it.

Then there was the gaffe near the end of the 1st half vs. Detroit where we put it up when we should have run the ball and the clock and took the big lead into the locker room. Those are my only complaints with Coach Smith thus far. I think he’s doing a great job in his 1st year.

I really like the play of the OL. Baker was a steal and looks like the real deal. Lofton has looked good at LB. We are a few bodies away from having a stone cold defense. Need a couple more DL’s, another LB, 1 CB and a S.

We are making good progress. We look like we have a plan. Congrats to Mr. Blank. I think you got it right this time.

By Bo

October 6, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

TM good call…Falcons are heading in the right direction. Love it…Go Falcons!!!!!

By TheJama

October 6, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

I am not going to get on this blog and complain about the firing of Reeves. Arthur Blank already knows that was the first of his many many mistakes as a new owner in the NFL. OK, so it only took him 5 years to figure it out but better late than never.

Dan Reeves coached teams never quit, always played tough, and always knew the value of winning the battles in the trenches. Does anyone remember the “Bomb Squad?” You know, that defensive line that had 53 sacks in 1998?

It’s to early to talk next years draft but if TD can hit on a couple more we will be very very good next year.

Go Coach Smitty and staff!!!!

By Fred

October 6, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Hey, I think I remember ole Terrance throwing Dan Reeves under the bus back in 2003.

Oh thats right, he is a journalist and is not held accountable for what he said in the past.

By Terence Moore

October 6, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Andy,

You mentioned something important. No, these Falcons don’t have the “elite” players that Reeves had during that Super Bowl run in 1998 or or along the way to that Green Bay Miracle in the playoffs a few years later.

But, as you pointed out, Smith’s assistant coaches have a “clear” plan for the first time since Dan Reeves’ assistant coaches.

That, in itself, gives Falcons players an incentive to play hard — or else. That’s because Smith has made it known that deviating from his “clear” plan is unacceptable.

Reeves was the same way.

By Len

October 6, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

This next week is a big indicator, win or lose, they need to play hard. If they lay an egg and don’t look ready to play, I am afraid it will be the Same old Falcons.

I do like Smitty, he seems like he was a steal. I think Dimetriff is really plugged into the league and knows were to find talent. You just get the feeling that both D and Smitty get a lot of respect from insiders in the league.

There we some that said Smitty was Del Rios yes man, but after seeing Jacksonville play this year, I think he is missed a lot more than everyone thought. Dimitroff knew something when he hired him.

Reaves? Well, he got the Falcons to the Superbowl with Chris Chandler at QB. Not only was the best coaching job in Falcon history, it was the best job in NFL history.

By Trainwreck

October 6, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Keith Brooking had 8 tackles against the Packers

No they were not all 15 yards downfield.

Does anyone else see a problem with our Safety (milloy) leading the team in tackles? that is a lot of completed passes, although Milloy is pretty good at coming up and stopping the run.

As far as Mike Smith being like Dan Reeves, I’m too young to remember what he was like. I was 9 that SuperBowl year and did not know much about coaching strategy so… If U guys say so!

By row3

October 6, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

I was unsure of the Vangorder hire at first, even for a Geogia fan I thought he lacked experience to be the Man. Coach Smitty knew what he was doing, I’m very pleased with the way the defense has played with the talent we have. Just one draft away from being a powerhouse in the NFC.

By brandon

October 7, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

Arthur Blank has finally gotten it right. Maybe it was the owner that needed the learning curve to realize what the NFL is all about.

By BooYah

October 7, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this

Dear Terrence Moore’s Ghost-writer,

Great column! I hope he uses you again, soon.

By Terrible Truth

October 7, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Omigosh, I agree with everything Bigot Terence Moore writes in a column? I gotta lay down.

By William Byrd

October 7, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

You are right Terrence Moore. The Falcons are heading in the right direction under new coach Mike Smith. I never liked the decision to hire Coach Petrino because he wasn’t an NFL veteran coach, and had a reputation as a gypsy college coach. GM Thomas Ditroff is already doing an excellent job with the draft decisions and the signing of this year all-pro running back Michael Turner, and rookie of the year quarterback Matt Ryan. Receiver Roddy White and defensive end John Abraham will make all-pro. Once defensive end Jamal Anderson develops, the Falcons will become a force on the defensive side. Coach Petrino leaving in the middle of the night for Arkansas was a blessing. Incidentally, I always cheer against the Arkansas Razaorbacks.

By Soryu

October 7, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Dan Reeves? Better hope not. He did okay in Denver because of someone who wore #7—and his Super Bowl record in Denver? 0-3. Each one getting worse than the last. The last one a 55-10 beat down that was over by the first quarter. Then of course was the one before that which made Doug Williams look like a Hall of Fame quarterback—35 points in a single quarter. Before SB XXXIII, Elway was asked about all the come from behind victories he had in his career. Elway replied by saying if Dan Reeves had not been the coach, those come from behind efforts would not have been required.

Reeves left both the Giants and the Falcons with losing records.

By bali

October 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

thanks for sucha good article on the falcons and coach smith and his coaching staff. It is really nice to see professional football being played in Atlanta again.

By Carroll

October 7, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

With all due respect, Dan Reeves’ tenure here was an almost complete embarrasment in terms of on-the-field production. And it was even marred by its own foolish antics by the players. I will forever hold dear to that magical Superbowl run of 1998—even if we someday actually win it all, I can’t imagine that anything would be more special than that season—but let’s just be realistic. You see, this is the problem with nostalgia—you tend to only remember the good things. But I refuse to let myself fall into that trap. Firing Dan Reeves was absolutely the right thing to do. Period.

By Knuckn Futz

October 7, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Where did the OJ comment come from Ron? What does that have to do with this?

We know where your head at! I get tired of reading some of the garbage that some commenters post! You know who you are, and it’s not just Ron!

Good reading! (the article)

GO FALCONS!!!

By Debilah

October 7, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

gdg-what do you have against Grimes? He is working hard to get to be the best. Leave him alone. Can you do what he is doing?

By Craig

October 7, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Curtis Lofton has 31 tackles, Keith Brooking has 30 and Michael Boley has 21. I just don’t think ineffective is the right word. If you want to say he doesn’t dominate, then that is OK, but you all said that before, like when we needed to get one that could like Takeo Spikes. Spikes was signed by the 49ers after being released by the Eagles and traded by the Bills, so thankfully we didn’t make that move.

By the way, I’m sure the Reeves pick mentioned before is not Michael Vick. Outside of possibly Nathan Davis, I’m sure it HAS to be selecting Jammi German, who at the time had been out of football for 3 years, instead of Hines Ward. That one still gets me to this day.

By Bobby Dowell

October 7, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Nice article Terrence. Top to bottom we finally have a real professional team.

By Barry

October 7, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

“ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” These Falcons are playing with “ONE HEARTBEAT!!! The team is playing together on all levels. The offense, the defense, the special teams, and even the FANS are in tuned to the way the Falcons are playing and are part of their “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”

Now, I do not know who the team’s coach might remind you of and I really do not care, but what I do know is that he is doing a damn good job. It also looks like he is not stressed doing it. It looks like he as having fun teaching and coaching his players. And I am confident all of his coaching staff is doing the same. Watching the process of these Falcons turning into something great is “a sight for sore eyes”. And I am loving every game. One game at a time. And in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” We as fans are behind this team and this coach. We are “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”: The team and the sports community. This Mike Smith style of caoching and his alone. Let it be. I love what he and his staff are doing. Let’s not label it. Let’s enjoy it. This is our coach and our team. This is “ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!! Get on board and enjoy the ride.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By Len

October 7, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Reeves favorite comment was, you are never as bad or as good as you think you are. He participated in 9 superbowls as a player, assistant and coach. No matter what you say, he had a fantastic ride.

That takes more than luck.

By Vick Supporter

October 7, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

The worst thisngs to happen to the great mike vick while he was here was he showed his ability to run, which everyone fell in love with, then complained about later, and losing Dan Reeves as a coach. Vick needed that strong, father figure type of a coach, not some homeboy like Mora

By GilGarrido

October 7, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Yes, so far so good, but similar positive things were said or written about Mora during his first season. Get back to me in a couple of years.

By Chayse

October 7, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

If I remember correctly you wrote an article in July about how the Falcons “blew it” by drafting Matt Ryan and not taking Glenn Dorsey. All that I ask is for you to admit you were wrong.

By John

October 7, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Good job as always Mr. Moore.

Does anyone else notice that when Terence Moore writes what people want to hear, they hardly ever post a bunch of foolishness on these blogs? But as soon as he or any other AJC sports writer puts something out there that’s not what they want to hear, then the insults start flying.