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Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > October > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTime warp: This isn’t Falcons-Packers ‘03
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The last time the Falcons were in Green Bay, Michael Vick outplayed Brett Favre in a playoff game.
It was such a significant moment in their respective careers that Vick is now in prison and Favre is now a New York Jet, and I think we would all agree that Vick got the better of that deal, because one day he’ll be free and Favre will always be an ex-Jet.
The Packers are going through their own transition problems.
They have lost two straight, Aaron Rodgers can’t lift his arm, and the defense looks like the Scarecrow after he was visited by flying apes (lacerated spleen, torn biceps). Also, fans apparently are trying to blow themselves up.
A man from Mukwonago, Wis., was arrested after turning himself into a walking brat roaster. His SUV was running low on gas. So he tried to siphon some from a parked van. It was dark. He couldn’t see well. He had a lighter.
You know where this is going? Boom.
He survived. At least he didn’t burn any brain cells. But he had the same stunned look on his face that Wile E. Coyote did after realizing the Acme dynamite was wired to his big toe. Sort of like how the Packers might look Sunday.
The Falcons are 0-2 on the road and haven’t scored a touchdown. This didn’t figure to be opportunity week.
But Rodgers is doubtful, and the Packers’ defense has been wrecked by injuries. Key matchup: Michael Turner vs. the No. 26 run defense.
Can’t believe I’m doing this. Must be the fumes.
Upset revisited.
Almost Famous
— Georgia: Blacked out.
— Duke at Tech: The Jackets received votes in the AP poll. That puts them ahead of Clemson. The Blue Devils received a vote in the coaches’ poll. That puts them ahead of Tennessee. Can we all just stop and take a picture?
Tech covers 14.
— Florida State at Miami: And you wonder why the ACC has an identity problem. I had to stop to think before deciding which game was more important, FSU-Miami or Tech-Duke. Actually, I’m still not sure.
‘Canes cover 2 1/2.
— Florida at Arkansas: Bobby Petrino has been outscored 101-24 in the past two games, during which time his offense has scored two touchdowns and allowed three (on interception returns). But the good news: After the Florida and Auburn games, the athletics department should be eligible for a government bailout.
Gators cover 241/2.
— South Carolina at Mississippi: The afterglow from beating Wofford and UAB the past two weeks will wear off as soon as Steve Spurrier realizes his team is Mississippi’s homecoming opponent. Assuming the Rebels avoid a post-Florida nosedive:
They win 9-2.
— Kentucky at Alabama: Are they really making ‘Bama play the rest of the season, because I keep getting these e-mails asking if there’s any Cracker Barrels in Miami?
Tide wins but won’t cover the 16 1/2.
— Auburn at Vanderbilt: The Commodores are 4-0. The next thing you know, every school in the SEC is going to fold its athletics department, hire a I-AA coach and make players study. Naaaaah.
Tigers cover 4 on the road.
NFL Five-Pack
— Bengals at Cowboys: Possible matchup of the week: Chris Henry, coming off five arrests and a drug suspension, running routes against Adam “Pacman” Jones. The two haven’t met since the wild-card game between Attica and Leavenworth. I don’t like giving 17 in the NFL, but Cincinnati’s not really in the league.
Dallas covers.
— Redskins at Eagles: Washington hasn’t made the playoffs in the past three election years. I’m not sure what that means, but wouldn’t either ticket take Jim Zorn as a running mate right about now?
Eagles win, but give me the Skins and 5 1/2.
— Colts at Texans: Not sure how much better Indianapolis will be after a week off. But given Peyton Manning (73.1) is sandwiched between Marc Bulger and Gus Frerotte in quarterback rating, there needs to be a market correction or it’s a sign we’re all going down.
Colts cover 3.
— Titans at Ravens: Kerry Collins is 3-0 with one interception and one sack. Now Vince Young is really crying.
Tennessee covers 3.
— Chargers at Dolphins: Ricky Williams was tempted to get high during the bye week. But he said he passed. He also mentioned something about time being relative.
San Diego covers the 6 1/2.
Sub-prime results
(Hey, where’d everybody go? I was just kidding last week, honest!)
— Last week: 5-4 straight up, 3-6 against the line.
— Bottom lines: 30-17 straight up, 21-25-1 against the line.
Permalink | Comments (46) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL, Tech/ACC
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By michaelgee
October 2, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
I pray that Bobby Petrino gets what he has asked for in his date with UF this weekend.
We can only pray that the Petrino led Hogs get the National Exposure that he deserves.
pigsuuuuueeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyy!
May the UF slaughter the hogs!!
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 2, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Man that Mike Vick-Brett Farve prison vs Jets joke was awful. Sounded real Kornheiser-like there dude. Anyway, as a Gator fan and Falcon fan I CAN’T WAIT to see my p’oed Gators give Bobby PeStinko another Jurrasic Park-sized foot to butt workover this weekend. I wonder if he has his resignation written already. Maybe the Gators will make him quit by the third quarter…LOL
By jon
October 2, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Let’s be clear about this. You are picking the Birds over Green Bay? Hell I might just tune in to the game.
By stendec
October 3, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
Great propaganda piece on Keith “No Tackle” Brooking. Who wrote this trash? Whoever did would have been wonderful as publicist for Adolph Hitler during the early 1940s as minister of propaganda. What garbage! Good old NT is a liability to the Falcons or any other team. He has not made a meaningful (game-changing) tackle in decades! NT is slow, untalented, soft and, I suspect, senile. So shake his hand, pat his fanny then send him on his way. Get a player in the lineup who is UNAFRAID to tackle! Defense has sucked thus far. Claude Humphrey and John Zook would be ashamed!
By stendec
October 3, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
An aside to last post before sleepy time. Keith Brooking can get the Hell out of Atlanta and take Roddy “Another Drop” White and Kari (Sori Letemin) Lehtonen with him! Good night all. Pleasant dreams.
By Ted Striker
October 3, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
I didn’t have time to research the games last week so I just bet your picks.
I’ve been dining on ramen noodle soup, stir fried ramen, ramen in a blanket, crackers and ramen and now cheesy ramen with well, more ramen.
By Elmo
October 3, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this
Cracker Barrels for Crackers ? Damn it Boy. I’ve got your comedy routine pegged now. You will star in the new “Hee Haw” -The New Ho’Down. I can see you in those “blacked out” overalls talking that funny sh*t in the cornfield…… oops - talking your picks…….in the cornfield.
By falconheart
October 3, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Not to change the subject But does anyone know the status of Trey Lewis ?? I think he is a beast and the D line could really improve with him in..
By bigeasy830
October 3, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
I don’t know why people hate Brooking, he has played out of his position his entire career and has not complained. If Brooking was on the outside in a 3-4 scheme like the old Steelers he would have the sack numbers of Marion or nothing less than old school Greg Lloyd. Brooking is a soldier. ran a 4.5 at the combine and weighed 240. He jas still done a Hall of Fame job in Atlanta but if he played on teams with a more aggressive blitz scheme with him on the outside he would be a Hall of Famer for sure.
By Ted Striker
October 3, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Bigeasy,
Complaints about Keith Brooking come from the ugly underbelly of Atlanta’s fan base. Brooking was a fine player when he came into the league and he’s still a solid part of the Falcons. Sometimes fans just want a scapegoat, and he has seniority.
The bottom line on Brooking is this: If he was as bad as (some) people claim, he’d have been gone years ago. That’s how football works.
By the Donger
October 3, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
There are very few certainties in this life, but two that I can set my watch by are the sun rising in the East, and Shultz picking the Falcons.
I love it though - GO FALCONS!
By hunterj6
October 3, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
The only true sportswriter in atlanta.
By Jeff Schultz
October 3, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
The Donger: I picked Carolina last week. Guess you missed that one. …. Brooking bashers: I’ve always found this interesting. I don’t break down film so it’s hard for me to tell how good he is or bad he is at this stage of his career. But I do know this: He has played for four different coaches here (Reeves-Mora-Petrino-Smith) and all wanted to keep him. Dimitroff blew out several veterans after last season, as you know, but he kept Brooking. Logical conclusion: He must be doing something right.
By PTC DAWG
October 3, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Some funny stuff..”blacked out” LMAO……
Great Friday predictions column, one of the few good things about this paper.
By wes
October 3, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Jeff,
I told you so on Duke last week…AND Alabama.
This week you have 2 wrong: Alabama (AGAIN) and take Vandy at +4.5
See ya’ next week!
By Gholl
October 3, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Enough Brooking bashing, the man is a probowler, has led the team in tackles for most of his career and is a future hall of famer all while playing for 4 different coaches and he is still here.
Shut up!!
By stendec
October 3, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Jeff. Hi fella. Keep up great work. Do me a favor. Monitor Keith Brooking over the next two games, where he is on field, where play goes, how many tackles he initiates and how many opponents glide effortlessly past him. Then, my friend, let me know in blog what you think. Fair enough? God bless. Your eyes will have to convince you if I cannot. PS - I have been Falcon watcher since 1966. Brooking is so far below Jesse “Hammer” Tuggle and Tommy Nobis it is pathetic.
By Ted Striker
October 3, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Sgt. Shultz, my thoughts exactly on Brooking.
A footnote. Sometimes a player isn’t that good and stays in the league longer than he should. Sometimes he gets a 2nd chance, a 3rd chance, maybe a 4th, maybe even more. (Paging Jeff George, Paging Jeff George)
But here’s the caveat. The shelf life of an underperforming or mediocre player is extended via another city, another roster, another team. A player doesn’t start for the same team, like Brooking has unless he’s a gamer.
p.s. Do any of you guys know how hard it is to type and shoot tequila at 10:15 in the morning? It’s ain’t easy.
By stendec
October 3, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Just an aside. Believe in Brooking? I would rather Believe in Blueland. That was/is just as big a bust! Enjoy the day all.
By JSS
October 3, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
The * LOSER NO TALENT HACK* actually raises his head from being stoned long enough to say that he actually is not capable of seeing that Brookings has not been playing up to his contract since 2004. I will tell you why he is here. It is simple, he kept his mouth closed shut, that is why he is here… Hall imploded, Crumpler told the unfiltered truth and was run out of town because of it, and when Dunn did the same, it was adios NFL Man of the Year… So Schultz, please tell us why Todd Weiner is still on the roster? He survived the same 4 coaches as well. He also makes than Korney did, and is certainly less talented. You’re a TRAVESTY!!!
By Dana
October 3, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Gators cover 241/2.
Hey Jeff, do you mean 24 1/2 or did you really not mean for this to be a typo and be 241/2, which is 120 1/2 points? Combine a PO’ed UF with an Arkansas team that some AAAAA high schools in Georgia can beat and I say Gators cover either.
By Pete
October 3, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
First, I would give anything to see the Falcons win in GB on Sun. Don’t hold your breath. EVERY time the Falcons have a chance to show the world how wrong the world is about them, they fold. For some reason they are like a child trying to make it in an adult world. For 43 years they dug themselves into a hole so very deep it’s virtually impossible to get out. It NEVER changes.
By Jeff Schultz
October 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
PTC: Thanks ….. Stendec: I hear ya. Trust me, I see him making tackles seven yards down field like everybody else. I’m just saying that different coaches and GMs have elected to keep him. The clincher was Dimitroff holding onto him when he let so many go. And JSS: As much as you want to turn this into a race issue: The Falcons didn’t cut Lawyer Milloy. I do believe he is African American, and Lawyer spoke out more than anybody else after the Petrino mess. On Warrick: Everybody loved him, trust me on that. The last thing Arthur Blank wants is to lose a great ambassador like him. That was a pure football decision — the was going to use more of a power back (Michael Turner) in this offense. Even Warrick has said that. On Alge: For what it’s worth, I would’ve kept him. On D-Hall: That decision was a combination of economics and the fact he’s a bad guy in the locker room and a “me” guy, which has been borne out in Oakland. … By the way, JSS: It’s Brooking, Brookings. …. And who is Korney? … Sincerely yours, The TRAVESTY
By JMar
October 3, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Hey Jeff - Titans are AT Baltimore, not the other way around. Not sure if that changes your pick (it sure changed mine).
By You heard it here first
October 3, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Anybody that wants to blame brooking for the Falconss problems don’t know anything about football.Those little corners can’t stop anybody.If it takes 11 players on each side of the ball how in the world can the Falcons beat the packers? and any body else when they only have about 8 players that are really good NFL players We need a few more qulaity players before we can expect to win.
By Jeff Schultz
October 3, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
JMar: Thanks, I’ll get that changed online. Doesn’t change my pick (if I lose, I blame the darts). JS
By Keith Brookings
October 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Hey guys, I know I’ve lost a step or two, but I get the majority of my tackles by diving on the pile or getting there on the tail end of the play, our official defensive stat keeper is my nephew and he would NEVER pad my stats!
Nonetheless I know I haven’t made the probowl in years and I know most of my tackles are coming 6 or 7 yards off the line of scrimmage!
None of the NFL analysts consider me a threat or even that good of a player but I still give 100% on every play it’s just that my 100% is a decent linebackers 70%.
I’m going to the gym!
By Zach
October 3, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
JSS you’re an idiot if you think that the team we put on the field today is worse because we let go of those players. DHall couldn’t even cover his own money if you paid him more to do it, Alge, although one of my favorite players, put on at least 30lbs and was not playing anywhere near his potential. Warrick was on the downside of his career, which is why he is backing up for EARNEST GRAHAM in Tampa. Forney’s toughness was put to the test in training camp and he gave up. Not a player I want on my team. Lastly, the point you’re making about Brook, trust me everyone sees that. You’re not some football genius for seeing that he can do anything.
If you’re going to be a hateful idiot at least come up with some decent points to make you look vindictive.
By Zach
October 3, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
JSS you’re an idiot if you think that the team we put on the field today is worse because we let go of those players. DHall couldn’t even cover his own money if you paid him more to do it, Alge, although one of my favorite players, put on at least 30lbs and was not playing anywhere near his potential. Warrick was on the downside of his career, which is why he is backing up for EARNEST GRAHAM in Tampa. Forney’s toughness was put to the test in training camp and he gave up. Not a player I want on my team. Lastly, the point you’re making about Brook, trust me everyone sees that. You’re not some football genius for seeing that he can’t do anything.
If you’re going to be a hateful idiot at least come up with some decent points to make you look vindictive.
By Herschel Talker
October 3, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Jeff:
LaShanah Tovah!
Herschel
By Roge
October 3, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Jeff, looking at the results of your previous picks you need to give up predictions and possibly start a political page.
By Ryder
October 3, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
How do you think Ryan is going to perform against that secondary? They are still pretty tough and the offense seems to go into “play it safe” mode when they get to the red zone.
Nice comment on Jim Zorn. I can see the ‘Skins pulling off the upset though.
By Working Really Is Bad
October 3, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Hasnt all the ajc reported so far picked the Falcons to win every game. We should be undefeated so far! Sadly think were on our way to 2-14
By The BIG Boss Man
October 3, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
As far as I can tell, the clowns who spend so much time criticizing Brooking are the same ones who continue to defend the conVICKted felon who used to wear No. 7 for the Falcons.
In other words, they’re a bunch of losers who are angry because they made the mistake of hitching their wagons to The Great Black Hope. (But don’t worry, folks. Y’all still have O.J.!)
By the same token, the people who are complaining about the release of Barnacle Crumpler are the same ones who complained about the release of Andruw Jones.
Fat Andy just had one of the worst seasons in the history of major league baseball, and Barnacle has FIVE catches and ZERO touchdowns with the Titans.
In other words: Fat Andy and Barnacle are both WASHED UP.
By van brocklin
October 3, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
FALCONS WILL WIN!
By KneeJerk
October 3, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Brooking would have a lot fewer naysayers if he went to the school in Athens. The guy’s been to many ProBowls, has played out of position most of his career. He ALWAYS puts the team first, keeps his mouth shut and his nose clean, and he’s played his entire life in the state of Georgia. I don’t get the hatred.
By Music City Bowl Invitation Committee
October 3, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Barnacle Crumpler, I like that. I shall use it on others.
By AUtiger
October 3, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
The birds will win the first road game this season IF the recievers don’t drop 6 passes that could go for 1st downs.(carolina game).
MT will burn the Packers and Matty Ice wins his first game on the road!
By Dr. Warren
October 3, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Jeff, how about being a bit more sensitive to the burn victim?
By Fred
October 3, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
” I keep getting these e-mails asking if there’s any Cracker Barrels in Miami?”
I thought the only questions you got were from those wanting to know about gay bars in Atlanta.
By Fred
October 3, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
You may not know about Cracker Barrels in Miami, but I’m sure you know a lot of good gay bars in Atlanta.
By Fred
October 3, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
You may not know about Cracker Barrels in Miami, but I’m sure you know a lot of good gay bars in Atlanta.
By JSS
October 4, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
I’ll put my two typos up against your 80 per column any day of the week…
How does saying “Hall imploded” and “B-r-o-o-k-i-n-g kept his mouth closed shut” intend turning a matter into a racial issue? It doesn’t, go look into the mirror… Oh, I apologize, it broke a long time ago!!!
Zach, by your point of contention, Dunn was on the downward slide, (clearing my throat), then what in the hell is B-R-O-O-K-I-N-G on then? I said get rid of Weiner, Brooking, Horn, Milner, Hall (not because he was a bad guy but because he had value in the market place), and Finneran. They stuck behind Finns and his cap number was awful, but Crumpler was fat because of the knee. I actually watch the Titans, they aren’t featuring their tights yet… He’ll be just fine as they expand their run first passing game with Kerry Collins as they move towards the playoffs. Only playoffs you’ll be watching are the ones that other teams will be playing till 2012… That’s how long it is going to take for the rest of the NFC to get weak again… Enjoy beating the KC and Detroit’s of the world…
Keep writing (I mean pecking) there Mr. Travesty… The next round of job cuts at Cox Multimedia are on the way!!! Viva de depresion!!!
By Eric C.
October 4, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this
Keith Brooking is that one link we have to the magical superbowl run of 1998…gotta hang on to him folks!
By Johno
October 4, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Keith Brooking has missed a game since he was drafted by us. I think he has had a great career with the Falcons. I wish all football players played with the heart and class Keith does. He has never dishonered his team or the fans like some players have. He has always been a good example.This is very important to kids watching the game. If anyone has been a dissapointment it is Anderson from Arkansas. Still does not have a sack. Seems like he he just goes through the motions. Yes we still have a problem with our ends dropping balls. I thing they should not wear gloves until they quit dropping so many balls. Go Falcons. Hope to see you in the playoffs.
By Anita M
October 5, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
How many sacks does DE Jamal Anderson have? He appears to be struggling.