AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > August > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWR jobs are open, but the candidates haven’t been
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Flowery Branch � We are three weeks and two exhibitions into prep time, and Jim Mora is still waiting for the “wow� factor. There was that one play when DeAngelo Hall reached back and intercepted a pass and everybody said, “Wow!� But Mora isn’t so desperate that he would move his best cover to wide receiver. Not yet, anyway.
Three weeks, two games, and this is the head coach’s assessment of the Falcons’ wide receivers: “I guess you can look at it two ways. You can say, ‘Well, we’re getting better as a group.’ Or you can be pessimistic and say, ‘We’re in trouble. No one has jumped out.’ â€?
The Falcons still have some time until their Sept. 12 opener against the Philadelphia Eagles (who have a “wowâ€? factor — he’s merely loony). But if you’re the Falcons and the primary objective this season is to turn the passing game into some semblance of a threat, things have not gone well.
We won’t go into numbers because exhibition numbers are meaningless. (An Indianapolis quarterback leads the NFL in passing yards, but it’s Travis Brown, not Peyton Manning.)
But it’s noteworthy that the receiver Mora heaped the most praise on Monday was rookie free agent Cole Magner. Magner isn’t even listed on the four-deep depth chart. But he has long blond hair and is nicknamed “Sunshine� after the “Remember the Titans� character. So he has that going for him.
NFL training camps seldom offer much in the way of roster drama. Generally, few spots are available. Coaches spew that “Anybody can win a job� stuff in meetings. But the fact remains that a solid starter can drag his way through camp and nobody will blink because the coaching staff knows what the player’s track record is once the games start counting.
That’s not the case with the Falcons’ wide receivers. The core is unimpressive on paper and has been unspectacular this summer. (The only “wow� Monday was more like an “Oh, jeez.� Peerless Price dropped consecutive balls thrown to him.)
Give Mora credit for his candor. When asked if he had any sense of what he was getting with any of his receivers, he paused and said: “Maybe with Fin [Brian Finneran] and Dez [White]. I mean, I feel comfortable knowing exactly what they are as players.
“With the other three guys we’re focusing on, I can’t say that. You certainly can’t say that about Roddy [White] and Michael [Jenkins], because none of us have really seen them play at this level. “And with Peerless, there’s issues of how’s he responding to being demoted. Has his blocking improved to the point where he’s not a liability on runs but he becomes an asset? It’s kind of funny we’re still saying that about a five- or six-year veteran, but that’s the facts of the matter.�
So for all of the cheering we’ve heard about Price’s work ethic and his “professionalism� since being demoted behind the unproven Jenkins, there’s your cold slap of reality: Conclusions about Price’s attitude remain open-ended, and “liability� just showed up as an adjective following his name.
Roddy White, this year’s No. 1 pick, certainly has displayed more upside than Jenkins, one of last year’s first-rounders. In each exhibition, Mora has seen White get open “seven or eight yards� behind the defense. “But the ball hasn’t gotten to him.� (For the record, the quarterbacks were Matt Schaub and Ty Detmer, not Michael Vick.) But now White has a high ankle sprain that will sideline him for at least a few days and possibly two weeks.
Mora again: “Maybe the guy who’s going to jump out of the pack is injured.�
Why is this starting to look like somebody waiting for the daily lottery numbers to be read?
Mora goes back and forth. One minute, he said, “It’s not a huge concernâ€? because of today’s date. The next minute, he admits, “You don’t want to wait forever… . Somebody, do something.â€?
Nothing against Cole Magner. But it needs to be somebody else.
Permalink | Comments (40) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
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By Robert Sagoes
August 16, 2005 09:15 AM | Link to this
Well now if Cole’s the man, then so be it. As long as we have someone out there to catch the ball and get some yards. Remember #25 Raiders? was he big? was he fast? did he catch balls that came his way? So if Cole’s the man, give him the ball, and demote some of the other one’s enough said..
By Andy
August 16, 2005 09:45 AM | Link to this
Good peice Jeff. I think Finn is an up and down guy. He makes a great catch, then drops an easy one. Dez is extremely average. Price is short and not a No. 1 WR. Jenkins hasn’t shown me anything yet. Roddy has the most promise for real. The only problem with that is that rook WRs don’t generally fare well in the regular season, so hope Jenkins and Finn step up, because I think those are the starters until Roddy is ready. My question to you Jeff, how can a WR really show up when the 1st string offense plays about 10-14 plays and maybe has 2-3 bals thrown his way?
By John Manautou
August 16, 2005 10:42 AM | Link to this
I agree Andy, it’s hard to get the “wow” when they are playing a limited playbook and the first string offense is playing 12 snaps a game. When you get into the 3rd and 4th preseason game then you can gauge more to me because the “O” plays more. Of course the coach’s go by film to see the little thigs like the right route ran, the blocking, and the hustle. I am getting sick of all the Peerless stuff. I hope what was written above is more of Schultz views and not Mora giving a bad endorsment.
By Dan
August 16, 2005 11:06 AM | Link to this
You will be pleasantly surprised by Cole Magner’s ability and athleticism when making plays. Cole has the surest hands of any college receiver I have ever seen and Atlanta will end up being very happy that they have Cole on their roster. Don’t slight him in the least, he will outperform almost everyone in Atlanta’s receiving corp when given the opportunity. In college, he made Ohio State DBs (13 catches for 168 yards and a TD) and other BCS schools look ridiculous when trying to cover him. I have complete confidence that Cole will become one of Vick’s more favorite targets in time.
By CD
August 16, 2005 11:06 AM | Link to this
What about moving Bryan Randall to WR like the Raiders did with Ronald Curry?
By Jeff
August 16, 2005 11:36 AM | Link to this
John and Andy. Your point is well taken on the limited number of plays given to each receiver, which is why I avoided statistics. But it’s important to remember that every single snap in practice is caught on tape and evaluations are based on far more than 10 plays in a game. And regarding the above column being based on my opinion: Yes, I’m a columnist and I get paid for my opinons. But I didn’t manufacture Jim’s quotes. I asked questions and he answered. Draw your own conclusions. Thanx JS
By Charlie
August 16, 2005 11:49 AM | Link to this
I’m excited to read about how the Falcons are re-arranging deck chairs on their sinking ship of a receiving corps. The biggest “wow” for me is the fact that they didn’t pursue any of the productive receivers who switched teams this off-season (Randy Moss, Muhsin Muhammad, Kevin Dyson, Santana Moss, Plaxico Burress, Laveranues Coles, David Givens, Rod Gardner, David Boston, David Terrell).
Allen Rossum could line up at WR. Can you call for a fair catch on a 70-yard bomb?
By Falconsbeliever
August 16, 2005 12:42 PM | Link to this
John and Andy, the evaluation is not based on 10-12 plays. Both Jenkins and Price have been in the game with the second string offense. If they can’t produce or “wow” against the second stringers, then what do you expect them to do against opposing teams’ first string defense?
By GTIronman
August 16, 2005 12:56 PM | Link to this
What’s sunshines time in the 40?
By Andy
August 16, 2005 03:45 PM | Link to this
Dan…if Cole was so great, why ws he an undrafted free agent??? There had to be a knock on him. My guess…run blocking. Won’t get on the field unless Alex Gibbs is happy with you. ‘nuff said.
By PreyDawg
August 16, 2005 04:36 PM | Link to this
First of all Andy that last comment is silly. Look and see how many people had heard of Jerry Rice coming out of college. I think he squeaked by.
Second, am I watching different games than you guys? Nobody is talking about the huge percentage of drops White has had. Jeff, ask Mora what was wrong with that Touchdown pass in the corner during the Colts game. No way a #1 round pick should drop that. Going back through the TIVO of the Ravens game I attribute three drops to White. I count a drop as any pass that hits both hands at the same time.
By Norm
August 16, 2005 07:53 PM | Link to this
Ok..here comes the obviouls question. Not sure if it’s been discussed, but I’m sure it has. I’m a Falconite misplaced in PA about an hour from Philly. The Eagles are hurting big time at the receiver position, not sure If Reid can take T.O. back after everything thats gone down, and the Philly fans are not interested in him at this point.
Since T.O. is in Atlanta all the time. What are the pros and cons of a T.O. for P. Price swap. Falcons get the star receiver, and a big mental case. Eagles get rid of a “huge” problem, and get something they don’t have now…a receiver.
Blank has shown his willingness to pay…and T.O. is looking for the money.
By PreyDawg
August 16, 2005 09:59 PM | Link to this
Norm, TO is poison period. T.O. would be the worst possible thing to do to this team. Dont quote me his numbers. If he catches 500 touchdowns in one year he is not worth the destruction he WILL render to a team. I posted the other day we must run from him as fast as possible.
By Birdbrain
August 16, 2005 11:30 PM | Link to this
We have a better chance of prying Lynn Swann out of his TV gig than getting T.O. to come to Atlanta. First of all he doesn’t pass the “Falcon Filter” test and second we don’t have the cap space, and third we have 3 first round draft picks tied up in our WR’er corps, it would reveal too much “egg on the faces” of the management to bring in the poison that is T.O.
By Damon
August 17, 2005 01:39 AM | Link to this
When Michael Vick actually learns the passing portion of being a quarterback, you will see good receivers emerge.
By Dominic Hughes
August 17, 2005 01:44 AM | Link to this
I like what I’ve heard about Magner. The guy gets open and catches passes. Two big plusses we seem to be missing among most of our WR crew. Who cares that he runs a slow 40 time? If speed was everything, Carl Lewis would have been the greatest WR of all time. Speed’s good if you have the other skills but nothing without them. If this guy Magner continues to get open and catch everything thrown his way, I saw we give him a roster spot.
By Chris
August 17, 2005 02:58 AM | Link to this
TO Preydawg.
Jerry Rice was a first round draft pick out of college, pick #16. To bring him into the discussion about Cole being an undrafted free agent is brain-dead.
By PreyDawg
August 17, 2005 12:49 PM | Link to this
I’ll look that up. I thought he was much lower than that.
Maybe I had miy facts wrong there. Let me make my point another way. Has there ever been a low round draft choice or undrafted free agent that became an all pro.
Yeah. Only about five times a season in the NFL. So the original point of contention that nobody had “heard” of Manger so there for he could not be any good is invalid.
I thought I had heard that Rice was a draft day sleeper. Thats what I get for going on hear say. Bet if I wanted to spend the time I could find some hall of famers that were not drafted though.
By Dan
August 17, 2005 03:10 PM | Link to this
Andy, if your looking for a knock on Cole, I would say his forty times were just average for a receiver, but he also ran one of the fastest three cone drills of anyone in the nation if memory serves me. So use that data however you choose.
Also, the BGSU offense has been questioned by some scouts as to whether the players are really that talented or if its the system. Time will tell which one it is, since some BG players are finally starting to infiltrate the NFL.
Finally, Cole numbers took a hit this past season with Charles Sharon (> 1000 yards) and Steve Sanders (> 900 yards) getting more cathces. It could be anyone of these factors, a combination, or something not listed here. Either way, I hold to my conviction that Atlanta would be wise and lucky to hold on to him.
By John Manautou
August 17, 2005 06:30 PM | Link to this
The bottom line is to me, if you are catching the passes, blocking in the running game, and always hustling, let them play no matter what round and money that is involved.
I still believe Jenkins is going to do well. I just hope we didn’t reach for a tall fast reciever because the league is falling in love with them.
By GTIronman
August 17, 2005 08:22 PM | Link to this
Jeff - Glad to see someone’s actually asking questions and reporting what was said. I might actually go back to buying the AJC if the rest of the paper’s staff quits making up the news.
Stats on Cole and some interesting notes on White: The actual playing side of things. There was an eyebrow raised, or lowered here at Roddy White’s cone drill time, but no praise for his 41 vertical. Which matters more? Or does his 4.45 40 matter when paired with his stellar season and good hands and nearly 20 YPC. Is he a player? How about a guy like Cole Magner, who ran about a 4.57 and a vertical of about 32 but had by far the quickest cone drill of any WR, with only Courtney Roby coming close? What does it all mean? GT - It means he can get open. Also: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=8127
By Jeff
August 17, 2005 08:58 PM | Link to this
Did anyone see Cold Pizza this morning? Woody Paige predicted that T.O. would be playing for the Falcons on Spetember 12. Pretty funny, huh?
By Carter
August 18, 2005 02:06 AM | Link to this
I had the opportunity to coach football at Colony High School When Cole Magner was the quarterback. I can tell you from watching him for three years that the kid just does what it takes to win. The Falcons are getting a steal with this kid.
By Jeff
August 18, 2005 10:00 AM | Link to this
People, please. This guy is Terrance Edwards revisited. Let’s see him against a first string defense before we anoint him the next Jerry Rice.
By marc lucier
August 18, 2005 03:16 PM | Link to this
Well, its official. Cole Magner is a Falcon. I just made his character on Madden 06 last night. He made a great catch going over the middle to bail out Vick. Niiiice! Good hands, and agility, decent hops, good, not great speed. And the hair!!!!! Oh how I love the hair! Sunshine, you are a brother’s best friend! Son, you BETTER make the team.
By michael
August 18, 2005 04:20 PM | Link to this
enjoyed the column jeff. lets call a spade a spade. i went to training camp last week and cole magner and roddy white are the only two WRs that stood out. i hate having to say that, but when you see it in person its obvious. the secondary had the toughest time covering those two receivers and they see them everyday. in case anyone’s wondering, peerless also drops balls in practice.
By marc lucier
August 18, 2005 04:55 PM | Link to this
Since we’re on the really important stuff, who has Cole’s stats from NCAA 2005? I’m looking to port them over to Madden ‘06 for a bit of authenticity. He was WR #21 for Bowling Green. Man….he better make the team. First dropped pass, and I’m slappin somebody.
By William Kitchens
August 18, 2005 05:11 PM | Link to this
Jessie Tuggle
Undrafted free agent 5 time pro bowler…
nuff said bout Rookie Undrafted Free Agents
Make the team Cole!
By chris deighan
August 19, 2005 08:27 AM | Link to this
This is good stuff Jeff, but there’s a factor most everyone isn’t considering: Vick doesn’t throw the ball.
Before the NFC championship game, Vick said the Falcons were going to “take their shots downfield” but they never did!
With Vick’s arm, you’ve got to — maybe two or three times a game in long-yardage situations — just go to max protection, send one or two receivers deep and chuck it downfield.
This isn’t a Vick bash. I guarantee no one appreciates Mike’s unique talents more than I. Still, you can’t find a playmaker at receiver until you give him the chance to make plays.
By PreyDawg
August 19, 2005 04:52 PM | Link to this
Great example William! There was one right under my nose and I missed it.
By Dave
August 20, 2005 10:51 PM | Link to this
As an allaround player, Cole is every bit as good as Omar Jacobs (qb, BG). BG could have thrown the ball to Cole on every play, but they prefer to be unpredictable. They threw to six receivers on a regular basis.
If another team had shown interest in Cole, I’m sure the Falcons would have drafted him. Why draft him when no one else is that interested? It would be easier (and cheaper) to sign him as a FO.
Just think of him as an undrafted 6th round draft pick. Does that help?
By Mike
August 21, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this
Jeff:
Nothing against you Jeff. But it will be Cole Magner. You need to ask some Falcons if they want Magner and you’ll find they see a diamond in the rough. Vick praises Magner. Hall flat out wants Magner. Warrick Dunn cheers Magner. On the sidelines, the players chant to throw the ball to Magner. Why? Because he’s caught EVERYTHING thrown his way. Hey, Jeff…see the winner in Magner…others already have. If given the chance, Cole Magner will be the Steve Largent of the Atlanta Falcons.
By kendall
August 22, 2005 08:03 AM | Link to this
Give Derrick TINSLEY a CHANCE !!!!!
By Micah
August 23, 2005 12:40 AM | Link to this
Jessie Tuggle came out of Valdosta State. Terrell Owens played at UT-Chattanooga. But for every Tuggle and Owens there are 100 busts from those leagues and same type teams. Magner has impressed in the preseason but it’s preseason and this is Magner. Let’s think a little before we compare the guy to Jerry Rice or Steve Largent.
By Mike
August 23, 2005 10:20 AM | Link to this
Having watched both Magner and Largent play one can’t help but see the similarities…Drew Pearson of Dallas Cowboy fame paved the way (undrafted free agent)for Largent out of Tulsa. Why wasn’t Pearson drafted? New coach with a passing offense and a school without a passing tradition so their WR’s were untested in the NFL. Once Drew showed the way, Largent’s stock went up for the draft.
BGSU also had a new coach and passing offense without a passing tradition—so Cole is blazing a trail much like Drew did. Think a little and learn alot…Cole will surprise folks. Heck, he’s already suprised them now he’ll convert the skeptics. Look back in five years and we’ll see solid NFL performance.
By kevin moser
August 24, 2005 09:24 AM | Link to this
are the eagles going to trade corey simon to the falcons for peerless price?
By Nate
August 25, 2005 03:07 PM | Link to this
If Jerry Rice is truly going to be a 4’th, even 3’rd receiver with Denver, I think the Falcons should see what it would take to get him. Even if he didn’t produce that much on the field think of what he would add to our group of receivers! Listen to what the Braves say about Julio Franco and all that he adds to their team. Jerry Rice would add expreience, knowledge, leadership, stability, and credibility to our group of receivers. Football is largely a mental game. Think of the confidence and mental edge we could gain from having the greatest receiver of all time on our team!
By Nate
August 25, 2005 03:08 PM | Link to this
Jerry Rice
By Nate
August 25, 2005 03:17 PM | Link to this
If Jerry Rice is truly only going to be a 4’th, even 3’rd receiver for Denver, I think our Falcons should see what it would take to get him. Even if his numbers weren’t staggering on the field, think of what he could add to this team! Listen to what the Braves say about Julio Franco and the ways he has impacted that team. Jerry Rice would add experience, knowledge, stability, and credibility to our receiving core. What’s the real difference between Peerless Price and Marvin Harrison? It’s not their physical abilities. 1- Harrison gets a hell of a lot more balls thrown his way. 2- Harrison has a mental edge. Jerry Rice would bring condidence to our receivers. He would help them gain that mental edge they need. In addition, I think it would be a great think for Mr. Vick as well. We don’t need more athleticism or ability in our wide receivers. We need confidence, toughness, and that mental edge. Jerry Rice would be a great addition to this team. I believe that one move would put our Falcons over the top and into the Super Bowl. Nate from Salt Lake City, Utah
By WILLIE
August 25, 2005 07:43 PM | Link to this
MAGNER, ON EVERY OPPORTUNITY SO FAR, HAS SHOWN THE ABILITY TO DELIVER WHAT THE FALCONS WANT AND NEED IN THEIR PASSING GAME. IT WOULD BE BAD JUDGEMENT ON MORA PART NOT TO KEEP HIM ON THE TEAM. AFTER ALL THEY ARE PAYING A NUMBER GUYS, VERY WELL, BASED ON POTENTIAL, WHO HOLD ROSTER SPOTS AND ARE NOT DELIVERING. THIS WILL COST THEM NOTHING IN COMPARISON SO THE RETURN WILL BE GREATER.