Sports Columnists

By Marc Lucier

November 14, 2005 11:17 PM | Link to this

I agree that the Falcons need to pick it up, but I refuse to become one of the doom-saying masses. There is plenty good about this team, and it will be enough to guarantee our first back to back winning seasons, and if I’ve judged our resiliency correctly, a nice litttle playoff run. That said, the defense has got to make an appearance. Demorrio, and Rod are the only people pulling their weight consistently. D Hall, you got our attention against Philly, but you havent done a whole lot since. Brooking, you have a pretty big burden switching positions again, but hey, you are the defensive leader…right? Keion, and Brian, you’ve both shown glimpses of your potential….but point blank, do you want to be here next year? On offense, I dont expect Dunn to make a habit of fumbling. The thing that hs me scratching my head is Mike Vick….I cant figure it out, he has back to back 200 yd games, but the offense looks lethargic both times. Maybe its just a matter of sticking to the run game, letting him play, and not worrying about conforming to whatever flavor of the month scheme is in vogue. Overall, the criticism sounds worse than it should, (except for the safeties)and I think we rebound against a very strong Carolina team that we just matchhup with really well.

By D-man

November 15, 2005 12:03 AM | Link to this

I thought it was pretty interesting when Vick lost his cool against a Packer defender…the guy was just making a normal play..falling on Vick after he slipped while making a cut…Vick got up after the play and pushed the defender back in anger and right in front of a ref I might add. The announcers saw it too and were commenting on Vick’s poor reaction to slipping. It reminded me of a child blaming someone else for their own failures…Vick slipped, so it was like he was blaming the defender for his feet slipping out from under him…I think it really showed that Vick is frustrated with this offense. There were plays when he should have run..but stayed in the pocket longer - as if to prove he could make something happen with his arm rather than his legs. The result was sad. Vick needs to be Vick..he doesnt need to fill a certain quota of pass plays to satisfy the critics…just win Vick..anyway you can! It was also like Vick was trying too hard..trying to prove to all of the media that last weeks comments he made about the passing question being answered - really was answered. Unfortunately, his gameplay left more questions than answers. He definitely took a few steps back from the progress seen in the Miami game.

By For Real

November 15, 2005 12:07 AM | Link to this

Everyone can see what the problems are, yet Mora and his staff are believing that it will work itself out. Webster is a bust and will cost this team a playoff spot. The safties are soft, Brooking is playing soft. The D-line is inexperienced aside from Coleman, Kerney is getting a free ride from everyone because he has not shown up very much this year. Brady is good when healthy, but it does not appear he will stay healthy this season. Bottom line, we have to run to keep that sorry defense off the field! The offense is coming along okay. Vick isn’t on defense, for the life of me why everyone keeps blaming him I don’t know. Knapp is the offensive problem but he is trying to incorporate some new wrinkles that will help down the line. Blame the front office who let go of the best preseason secondary performer Buhl. Didn’t act to keep the heart and soul of the D-line, ED JASPER. They also decided that a guy who is better than Kieth B., Chris Draft didn’t meet their prototype. No one counted on K.Mathis getting hurt but that was a huge loss,ie having to stick with freaking Webster. Play Edwards at one of the safety spots, move soft boy Scott back to CB. Check the wires try someone but man Webster is horrible. Has he made one play on the damn ball all year. Come on Mora, all that talk last year, you all won with Dan Reeves talent. Now you are full of this we are young BS, you all choose to be young. Remember all the we are quicker BS. This is a must WIN, no time for favorites, after week nine you are what you appear to be. If changes aren’t made, this thing is going to go south, really fast!

By JimD

November 15, 2005 12:08 AM | Link to this

I lay all the blame at the coaches feet … these guys were not prepared well. They thought Green Bay was a gimme … therefore not a single player did anything that got the attention of the opponent or the crowd! Totally hapless effort in all aspects of the game. An OLD DOG can still BITE! He literally chewed us up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Marc Lucier

November 15, 2005 12:21 AM | Link to this

Pardon, meant rebound against Tampa….eyes on first place….yeah, hard to forget Webster’s D yesterday was lame. The slant worked over and over again, and each time it looked like he was seeing it for the first time. D HAll as well. I’m not sure if Buhl was the answer, but I know what ain’t….

By grip 43

November 15, 2005 12:22 AM | Link to this

I agree with the article. I LOVE the Falcons as a team for as long as I can remember. But with the play I see, and the talent I know they have, is disappointing. I can look at the roster and wonder what they need (Safties because they don’t want to hit nothing going up the middle). Other than that I think they have a good team. I just don’t like the effort. Mora is a good coach but it seems since he shook everythingup last year he is just laying back and not shocking the guys anymore. I think he nees to put fire in them like Parcells and threaten them with losing their jobs. I think that will work.

By grip 43

November 15, 2005 12:30 AM | Link to this

For Real. I feel the same way. You spoke the words out of my mouth. Everything you said is true and I feel the same way.

By dagger001

November 15, 2005 01:02 AM | Link to this

I was horribly disappointed in yesterday’s performance, as well. I am just hoping that this loss will serve as a much-needed slice of “humble pie” to stifle the hubris coming out of Vick after the Miami win. When he was at that press conference, saying how he “didn’t want to hear that question again [about passing from the pocket],” because he was such a great passer, I think he started becoming something he is not, and we saw the results of that mode of thinking yesterday. Michael Vick, you are not Joe Montana—please don’t try to be! You are Mike Vick—run the ball when you can! Why did you insist, over and over and over, upon trying to pass, when you had lanes wide open to turn on your lanes and do what you do best? So what if the fantasy players don’t like your passing numbers? Your style of play wins games, and strikes fear into other teams. Don’t change for them. Please, don’t change again, for I don’t see how another performance like yesterday’s will profit the Falcons AT ALL versus a very hot Carolina team.

By Falcons Fan

November 15, 2005 01:36 AM | Link to this

Vick had to learn what few people want to say:

The West Coast Offense is not a winning system for this personnel, in this NFL today.

It is outmoded.Defenses are TOO FAST to allow a lot of YAC. And most defenses (ours excepted) know to jam the receivers and contest the short throws — secure in the knowledge that most routes will be short so there is no danger of giving up deep passes.

There are reasons why the record without Vick is what it is…

1) Shabby pass protection 2) butter-fingered receivers 3) playcalling that does not attack defenses

Vick found a unique way to win in spite of these problems. “Regular QBs” (i.e. those without 4.3 speed) simply cannot overcome these obstacles. Hence the dismal record when Vick does not play.

Vick thought even he could win consistently here “playing by the book.” Well, now we know better.

Vick: go ahead and be Vick.

This week against the Bucs will be the worst time to get back to the old way. Mora must play Dunn a lot and his speed is nothing to Tampa’s defense, so you’ll have ZERO help on Sunday. If they played TJ we would have a better chance against the Bucs, but since Dunn is the “starter” and Mora sucks up to the players, it will be the guy who cannot break tackles getting stuffed by Booger McFarland.

Good luck trying to do it by yourself Sunday.

By For Real

November 15, 2005 02:11 AM | Link to this

Yeah,because they stick to things by the book, they refuse to stay with whats working. There are times which call for Duckett and this Sunday is one of them. They have to attack up the middle, and find ways to get Crumpler the ball. In the freaking redzone, get Finn and Crump isolated and throw the dang ball. Stop finessing and slam Duckett and Griffith through the whole. They really need to study the Steelers, they run and they run with attitude and you know they are going to run. They use lots of creativity to get the balls to their wideouts and TE’s. We are getting soft as a team, other then Vick who for some crazy reason everyone doggs, no one, not even the dang defense will take on the opposing team. Vick gives up his damn body everyweek and you have safties and linebackers who won’t lay wood on anybody. Hell I’ll take some penalties if we can get an aggressive mentality. Mora and Blank all this coddling freaking millionaires whom they pay well, is starting to show. It’s going to take a bold move like cutting someone to signal to the rest of the team, to start playing like their jobs depended on it. Knapp is trying but damn man, second and long and you run the ball. Sometimes deception doesn’t work, you have to be able to line up and smash it, the same for completing passes. Setting Vick up to get killed with the predictability. The play calling is not keeping teams off balance, honestly we sit in the stands and literally 80% or better guess the next play. You can imagine what the other coordinators are doing. Vicks freaking athleticism saves us most of the time, but the guy is human and can’t take a beating every week trying to compensate for shortcomings. Vick is getting better and when he learns to tune out the haters he’ll create a place in the history books for other QB’s like himself to follow. He has to succeed for others to get a shot and break that bs pocket passer myth. Hell if other QB’s in the past were given a fair shot, their would have long been a non-pocket passing QB win a championship. Vick is upset with all the BS, and his teammates should be as well. hell as a fan, I am upset with the seeming regression as other fans on the post are. It’s not to late if Mora and the Falcon brass stop pretending and start addressing the problems. Webster No.1

By Ed Barrett

November 15, 2005 02:12 AM | Link to this

Our cornerbacks are awful. Playing too soft. We meed some Dion-style corner backs. Why have all this speed if they are not going to use it. I could do a better job and I am almost 60 years old.

By Evolutionary Man

November 15, 2005 04:53 AM | Link to this

While it cannot be denied that I’m totally clueless about most things I really have a hard time understanding what the offense is trying to do.

Jerry Rice must have scored sixty percent of his TD’s against us on the slant. Philly runs it all of the time and Farve reamed us with it. Those teams that run the WCO run a lot of slants except..for us. We never run that play. In addition the only team I see where the QB doesn’t have time to set up, besides us, is the Texans. It happens three, four times a game. No crossing routes, no ruboffs. Then when Duckett gets going they take him out of the game.

By Larry

November 15, 2005 07:30 AM | Link to this

Jeff,

I love your honesty and candor!

What angers me most about this team is the lack of enthusiasm. We are now losing to 1-7 teams in our own back yard.

Sure we may have some personnel and scheme issues, but look at New England’s injuries the past couple of years. With 3rd and 4th stringers they still play hard every down, don’t they?

I’ve seen the Falcons play with maximum effort just three times: The first game against the Eagles, the second half against the Seahawks and against the Vikings. This is 2 1/2 games out of 9 they have played with intensity and resolve.

This effort against the Packers has soured me on this team. I’ve been a season ticket holder for 15 years and I just gave away my four tickets to Sunday’s game against the Bucs. Why? I have no desire to support a team that doesn’t play hard for its fans. The way I figure it, if they play hard and win against the Bucs this will insult me as a fan that they wasted my time and money against Green Bay, or, if they play the Bucs like they have played the past 2-3 games, I’d rather not deal with the traffic.

Personnel shortcomings and questionable play calling I may not like but I can deal with—after all, they are human—but sloppy play and turnovers due to lack of discipline and effort I will not support.

Question for Mora: why is it that a 1-7 team plays harder than a 6-2 team with everything to play for? This is when you earn your money, baby, and you should consider refunding your pay for this and the first half against Seattle.

Should we make the playoffs and are forced to win AT Seattle, Carolina or elsewhere, remember this game.

Good article!

By C.Diddy

November 15, 2005 08:10 AM | Link to this

We lost because we didn’t play TJ Duckett enough. Why can’t the coaches see that. The solution to the problem is one man… TJ DUCKETT !!!!

By HawksW810

November 15, 2005 08:12 AM | Link to this

Look I’m a Vick fan, but Michael needs to grow up, rookie petting is over, Blank pushing the wheel chair, over, time to study his mistakes as well as study study his behavior. Such blown-out frustration carries over to the team he is suppose to be leading, you can’t lead your men when you are stomping and pouting in the corner. Figure out how to make the defense do what you want them to do, rather than cry when they don’t let you do what you want. This teams’ real problem is leadership on the field.

By Brian

November 15, 2005 08:14 AM | Link to this

As you all have said, it is frustrating to feel as though the team did not play hard. Fumbles here, fumbles there are a lack of concentration that WE DEMAND and that they SHOULD GIVE US.

About this weekend … we need to play hard nosed, slam-it-down-the throat football with Griffith and Duckett, Crumpler and Finneran, let it go deep to Roddy on a few plays, and for the love of everything get Vick out of the pocket and LET HIM DO HIS MAGIC. If we try to finesse our way through the Bucs, we will be looking forward to a Carolina game on New Years day where they are securing home field advantage and we are playing as a spoiler and getting ready for the offseason.

Duckett is the most underrated and underused player on the football team and it will be sad when he goes on to another team.

By FalconW810

November 15, 2005 08:21 AM | Link to this

C Diidy I agree in part, why do you keep a 26o lb. sub 4.5o/40 RB on the bench? Answer: The terrifiying crying from Dunn. I’m a Dunn fan also, but c’mon, you guys know you want to see what TJ can really do.

By PreyDawg

November 15, 2005 08:42 AM | Link to this

I hate to say I told you so…No I dont. I love it. I got on these blogs repeatedly as a 30 year Falcons fan and tried to make logical well thought out points regarding this teams shortcomings. What I got in return (as opposed to logical well thought out counterpoints) was emotional reactions.

Things such as people calling me everything from a wet blanket, to a Vick hater (which I certainly am not) to a racist. My favorite was being told to go pull for another team. I was attending Falcons games and living and dying with this team when many of you couldnt wipe your butt.

So now as Schultz outlines here we have been exposed. This team has been flat for weeks and Mora will not see it. I dont enjoy this. I wish I had been wrong. But I have watched the Pro game too long to be fooled. There was NO way this team was going to pull the “winning ugly” stuff against decent competition.

This team has the capability to go to the big game. But Mora is wrong. The effort and intensity are not there in any facet. I dont know how to fix it but somebody better figure it out fast.

By Mrs. Moore

November 15, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this

I love the Falcons, but that was not a 6-2 Falcons team that I saw Sunday against Green Bay. Why can’t we play hard for 60 minutes every Sunday, not 30. I think that these guys that is not doing their job should be held accountable for their actions. Jim Mora, I know that you love your them when they are just not doing a damn thing right. Mora if you have to bench players for not doing their job, that what needs to happen. I would rather lose with less experienced players than to have the same players out their every week and they’re just not getting it done. Everyone blames Michael Vick, but its not Vick. He exposed his body to brutal hits every week. At least, someone can defend him, because no one else expose themselves to this. Hopefully, this loss was a wake up call for this team.

By clint ellison

November 15, 2005 08:53 AM | Link to this

Shaub at QB and Vick at tailback. You wanna scare the bejeezus out of a defense? Of course it’ll never happen because of egos.

By kudzu

November 15, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this

Well, we have on board some bloggers who are obvious VickLovers- and team haters, who have disrespected most of the Falcon players; and yet in their self-imposed hero worship, they still continue to hold up #7 as the greatest thing EVER to happen to the NFL, not to memtion the Falcons.

Some say that “now” all of a sudden Vick is “playing out of his niche” trying to (God forbid) throw a football, and thus he looks “confused” ahhh; and of course it will be the coaches fault…

and people are suggesting that he just “be Mike Vick”- be the “greatness” that he was intended to be, born to be; and to heck with any coaches or coaching technique, who might actually (require) him having to LEARN how to do something the way that they would like it done…

why do we have coaches if Vick is born with such giftedness…

and the VickLoverPosse is always going to look for someone else to blame…

and here’s the rub, you send out a wrong signal… NO player is bigger than the team. By NOT requiring Vick to learn the Falcon Football Playbook (if he’s even capable), then you say to that one guy, you’re not accountable.

I’m not of the opinion that you take players and “build around them”; rather, I believe you KNOW what you want to accomplish first, develop strategy, scheme, and have an agenda, and goals; then find and develop players who can produce and be effective in their roles, within the team strategy to accomplish these goals. Maybe Falcon coaches don’t know what they want…and along the way to figuring it out, good football skills are being wasted.

I’ve said it all along this Vick/Team relationship will get messy soon enough. But meanwhile, let’s not vindicate Vick and loose sight of his declared statements that “this is his team” What? Those kind of statements are self destructing, regardless of who says them.

Hey Falcon Coaches- Find out what kind of an offense you want to be successful with, then get the players to fill the roles to reach the goals. NO player is an untouchable. :)

By mike j

November 15, 2005 09:13 AM | Link to this

Ok. I am a season ticket hold. A normal guy. So if I see it. If all the fan in Atlanta see it. If all the Radio and Sport reporters see it. Why the heck don’t the coaches seeit? JASON WEBSTER IS GARBAGE. He gets taken to school every game and the dumb coaches let him stay out there. You cut Price which was good but keep this clown. Jim Mora claims to be a great D coach but keeps this clown in the game. Mike Vick had a good game but over the pass 4 years he still hasn’t learned the basic thing in football. CUFF THE DAMN BALL. He think he’s a super star but holds the ball like little kids do. Learn the Art of cuff the ball Mike then you can go on tv and rip the media. Until then, keep your mouth shut until you so the world you can hold on to the ball.

By Duane Harris

November 15, 2005 09:36 AM | Link to this

Man i was so embrassed to watch the rest of the game that i wish i have the directv NFL fan package to switch to another game..

Yeah the only reason yall were soooooo good last season is because most of the players were from the dan reeves era.. and yall dummie in the front office let them go..

didnt yall learn anything after that last trip to the super bowl in miami…

if it aint broke dont fix it!!!

and i cant believe yall let some good people go…..

the defense need to wake up… dont give me that youth bulljive…yall let a 4th stringer run yall over for 3 freaking TD.. and make him the pickup of the week for the fanstay team!!

as for Vick.. man Jim tell Knapp to give up that West Coast bulljive.. we aint even on the West Coast and Vick didnt even go to no freakin USC.. he went to VT for goodness sakes that’s on the east coast last I check..

As for Dunn that was a rare fumble but he got hit really hard from behind but I thought he was already done imo…

WE NEED SOME FREAKIN WR that CAN CATCH THE DANGONE BALL!! SHOOT GET TO ASAP!! HE CAN CATCH A BULLET…

doesnt make any freaking sense to waste a 1st round pick on what should have been a 5th round pick….

WEBSTER GOTTA GO.. IT THE END OF THE LINE for him… and Chris Draft??? dang

why yall let that cat goto the Panthers.. yall know who i am talking about ..

switch brooking back to his original position

i tell ya MR BLANK ya may be jade and like to come to the sideline just because ya sign the check.. ya aint the man yet until ya get a SUPER BOWL ring on ya finger…that cant be bought…

make me wonder what would happen if we have kept Brett in town ….. yeah we may not have gotten Vick.. whose care.. Vick sure isnt worth no $100 million dollars…Vick need to stop throwing bullets on every dang gone play.. his WR are some punks…

i just really disappointed in the TEAM overall..havent been this disappointed since Deion Sanders was let go….. and PRime Time was the reason why I became a Falcons fan.. and that speaks volume…..

D-Hall need to study Prime Time and start stepping up….

The road to the super bowl isnt easy

and nobody expect yall to win all the time but to lose at home is unexcuseable esp to a sorry Mash style Green Bay Packers

Jim throw out that WEST COAST Stuff.. cuz ya turning our team into the sorry 49ers..

bottom line the West Coast Offense is so 20th Century.. and everybody and their momma know the WCO by heart… shoot go to a RUN N GUN offense.. that would wreck havoc for the opposing team…..

MR BLANK IF JIM DOESNT TAKE US TO THE PLAYOFF THIS YEAR YA NEED TO GROW SOME BALLS AND FIRE HIM!!! AND REPLACE HIM WITH A COACH WHO KNOW HOW TO COACH AND YA NEED A GM THAT KNOW HOW TO RETAIN VETERANS!

By PSack

November 15, 2005 09:37 AM | Link to this

This team does not have that killer instinct to prepare, go out, kick a weak team in the azz, shower, go home and kiss your wife and kids.

Yes, I think the only close games we should be playing is against other good teams. But losing against the 1-7 Packers at home is ridiculously funny.

That attitude of being dominant is missing and transforms a good Falcons team into an “average” team. Heck we treated the football like it was “dice” We better get this thing fixed or we may not make the playoffs!!

Jim Mora Jr. are you listening??

By Mr. T

November 15, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this

I agree with Mr. Schultz comments, and I think he is dead on the money regarding his assessment of the 6-2 win streak. The Falcons truly haven’t played anyone to prove themselves worthy of being an NFC powerhouse. I think the test has now began. As for the beloved Mr. Vick, I truly think he is a soft excuse for a quaterback. He can’t play hurt like the great ones (McNabbs, McNair, Favre, Aikman). This city has placed this guy above the Mayor. Mr. Vick prove to this city that you are worth $130 million. Let’s be honest, he’s the reason why we lost that game to Seattle. Vick could have stayed in the final minutes of that game if to serve as nothing, but a decoy. He put Schaub in that losing position. I truly think Schaub might make Vick earn that $130 million. He’s truly a better pocket passer and appears to be more intelligent in reading the defenses when finding open receivers. Let’s look at the real heart & soul of the Atlanta Falcons, and that would be Warrick Dunn. Atlanta better wake up and bring Vick back down to a humble state of being.

By mr marcus

November 15, 2005 10:33 AM | Link to this

Your right tho Mc Nabb is playing hurt and that cost his team a win last night. If the coach tells Vick he is not playing that is on the coach not Vick. I didnt know that Vick put Schaub in a losing position against Seattle. Last time i checked Jim Mora was the coach not Vick. Damn now Vick is even being blamed for personel moves. Like one blogger said, Schaub had one good game and barely threw over 50% but i guess in a lot of people eyes he is the better qb. What a joke. The falcons can actually have back to back winning season and turn this terrible franchize into a winning one but people still are not happy. I could see if Vick made that kind of money and the team loses year after year game after game but they dont. We have a winning team stop b*** and complaining. Go support another team s**.

By Randy

November 15, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this

THANK YOU Evolutionary man. I have preached the slant for 30 yrs. Any team with a QB will gain yardage 90% of the time throwing a quick slant!!

Get real For Real, guys like you keep encouraging Michael to run every chance he gets are gonna get him injured, end his career, and have no one to call “haters” because you guys kept pushing his running. As you said, he IS human. He is also kind of small for a RB. YOU and your Vick worshipers say he is a QB. Let him LEARN and play QB. Average career span for an NFL RB is about 5 yrs. Michael is approaching that. Better get Schaub ready, The next knee injury for Vick could be the last.

ALSO, get off of management and coaches. You say they won’t cut rich players not doing their jobs??? Can you say Peerless Price?? Can’t cut the entire defense in one day. (By the way, Peerless caught a long one last night. Maybe it isn’t the receivers???? hmmm.)

The screen is NOT my favorite long yardage play either, BUT everybody in the NFL and college thinks it is the best safe play in that situation. Some teams even make it work.

By Darrin C. Niblack

November 15, 2005 10:57 AM | Link to this

I’m not one to proclaim “the sky is falling” but this loss goes along with things I’ve seen in the past, not just with the Falcons, but other Atlanta franchises and the fans as well. We seemed to get spoiled before the riches, and I don’t know how or why that happens. I felt it during the tailgate party I was at before the game. It was in the air, this lackadasical, ho-hum, un-crunk feeling, like we got this and we don’t. It felt like a Braves game, instead of a Falcon’s game. No sense of urgency at all, like their head was in clouds, especially the defense, but that has been happening on/off all year. Mora needs to smack someone REAL hard in practice this week and get that “crunkness” back in the defense quick because we do NOT want to face Seattle, Dallas, Carolina, or even the Bears playing like this. This Tampa game may be the most important “turning point” game we have all year. I would also like to add that we are NOT going to win the Superbowl playing run defense like we’ve been playing, you can bet on that. Not with our soft spot on defense being the freaking MIDDLE! As much as I love the Falcons, they’ve got to grow up fast and tackle better before I’m ready to proclaim them as Superbowl contenders. They are heading in the right direction, but unfortunately for the Falcons, it may not come soon enough to keep folks from bailing out of the bandwagon, everyone except me of course. And we fans have to be a little more loyal and be that 12th man no matter what. We acted like a set of fans that has won the SB already and resting on our laurels. So let’s pick it up against Tampa. GO FALCONS and learn to freaking tackle!!!!

By brewerfaninATL

November 15, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this

You know, I have to admit, I did NOT give my beloved Packers a chance to win this game. True, we had been in every game up to this point, but I figured our luck would end against a team that has had our number for years. WOW…OK I’ll go eat my crow right now! Being at the game like I was, I was totally amazed at how the Falcons fans all took off as soon as it became 26-17 with about 10 mins. left. Unreal, come on Falcons fans, why give up on your team with that much time left in the game. I mean, you were one recovered on-side kick away from potentially tying the game. At least Packer fans stay until the final whistle, win or lose, close game or rout. That’s why the Packers have such a loyal following, so take notes Falcons fans!

By Michael H.

November 15, 2005 11:10 AM | Link to this

Why should we care?

By Randy

November 15, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this

Gosh Michael H. That hurt. We’re Fans, duh.

By Marc Lucier

November 15, 2005 11:48 AM | Link to this

Jeez, falcfans, try and weather the storm….it aint THAT bad, and it has been way worse in my short time here in the ATL.(96-to present)We are still 6-3, and trust me, Buc fans, and Panther fans have plenty of questions for their teams as well. Ease up… it ain’t like you had money on the game….did you?

By Marc Lucier

November 15, 2005 11:52 AM | Link to this

BTW Michael, we should care because we have no titles.

By Chuck

November 15, 2005 12:09 PM | Link to this

Falcons Corners and safties SUCK!!!! DeAngelo Hall gets beat constantly. He sucks!!!!

Falcons lack intensity!!!!

We need a stable QB who can through the ball at anytime. Vick is overrated and NOT a QB. You had ONE good game standing in the pocket throwing the ball and you don’ ever want to hear reporters ask yo that question again???? PLEASE!!!! We need a Peyton or Eli Manning….. A REAL QB who can through the ball or a regular basis. Vick is HOT & COLD. you never know what you’re going to get from him.

By Randy

November 15, 2005 12:16 PM | Link to this

One final note. (No applause please)

In previous blogs, Michael was compared to Steve Young as a running QB, hwo had won SuperBowls. Now There are those saying that the Birds should abandon the west coast offense because it doesn’t work with Michael’s “talents.” What offense do you think Steve Young ran, the wing T?????

Hmmm. I repeat, with feeling, Maybe quarterback doesn’t work with Michael’s talents.

By joefalcon

November 15, 2005 12:22 PM | Link to this

What has happened to our special teams. Did we ever start outside of the 20 yard line this week?

By ELIJAH

November 15, 2005 12:58 PM | Link to this

THE FALCON NEED TO WIN THE UP COMING GAME AGIAN THE BUC TO, STAY IN THE HURT WITH TAMPA AN CAROLINA .I BEEN A FALCON FAN 4 ALONG TIME,AN THIS WERE THE 1ST GAME I SEEM LIVING.WHAT A DISAPPOINTED 2 SEE THE FALCON GOING ,DOWN LIKE THAT…VICK NEED 2 PLAY LIKE VICK NOT LIKE THE MEDIA WANT HIM 2 PLAY,PLAY 2 WIN…GO FALCON;S ELIJAH,REIDSVILLE,GA

By For Real

November 15, 2005 01:12 PM | Link to this

Randy, you must really be Jeff George or Chris Miller one of those great Falcon Pocket passers. Man I probally am a Vick rusher and happy as hell ATLANTA has a bonafide superstar. Willing to break the freaking mode. Yet we don’t have the coaches with that mindset who are willing to commit to change. Vick is different, I for one could care less if he only throws for 75 yards a game as long as we get the W! Shoot man, this guy is worth the price of admission and any of you who claim to be Falcon fans want to give up your seats I know plenty of takers.

The problem is the soft mentality that has set in and Greg Knapp. They really should hire Dan Reaves as a consultant because they were developing Vick with a good mix of run and pass. They really need to go back and look at some of the things he was running with Vick. As for worrying about getting injured, thats the NFL. Can happen to anyone on any play. It’s up to Vick to learn to protect himself when he leaves the pocket and be conscious of the cheap shots, because there gonna come. The Panthers are the King of cheap shots and get away with it because of that BS low demeanor crap.

The ball is in Mora’s court, everyone sees the problem. Time to be a coach and not buddies with certain players and coaches. If he stays that way his tenure will be very short. Vick has raised the stakes, people actually care if they are losing, man for years no one even debated it, I love it we have some passion from both sides for a change. Will force the coachs and front office to listen, unlike years past!

By For real

November 15, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this

Thats VICK Worshiper! I must admit, I am willing to lead the Flock!

By Mr. T

November 15, 2005 01:32 PM | Link to this

I tell you what “For Real” since you are such a Vick supporter. Let’s trade him for a number 1 or 2 pick which will probably be his brother Marcus. Now, that will make more sense. His brother is more decisive and accurate. He’s already developed patience for the pocket.

By For Real

November 15, 2005 01:38 PM | Link to this

I would like to put you and a few others in your so valued pocket and let Rod Coleman have his way. I think I speak for volumes of Falcon fans when I say leave us alone, go find you a team with your treasured pocket passer. Who is this anyway, Tony Grazzioni?

By falfan4life

November 15, 2005 01:40 PM | Link to this

Honestly no Vick = 0 Wins 9 Losses!

Where is the Defense? I just knew we would have at least 3 or 4 interceptions and also quite a few QuarterBack Sacks! Dan Reeves Offense was perfect for Vick, he put up his best numbers ever! The Defense is playing too relaxed, the corners aren’t aggressive, the line backers are non-existent!

By Mr. T

November 15, 2005 01:48 PM | Link to this

I’m a Cowboys fan. Need I say more? You don’t want to play us right now. Our defense will cripple Vick. Just be careful what you ask for. I’ve been a Cowboy’s fan since the days of the great ones such as Starbauch, Dorsett, Newhause, Pearson, Hill, Walls, Ed Too Tall Jones. You know, “Americas Team”. By the way, did you see that game last night? Now, that’s how a team plays, and that’s how a coach should manage. In closing, they have us pick to win the NFC this year. See you at the championship. Oops, I mean I hope you’ll support us as we represent the NFC this year.

By RA

November 15, 2005 01:57 PM | Link to this

You know,there are you things that you say to the media to provide the appearance of a united front, and then there are things that you say to the team when the doors are closed, the media is out of earshot and no one can hear them scream.

Folks, regardless of what Mora said to the media, on Monday morning, an embarrassed group of birds got their tail feathers ripped out and handed back to them. Now, I haven’t seen that much of Jim Mora as a head coach, but if has one iota of his daddy in him, the Falcons got a “get up off your #%?! speach that they’ll never forget. Now, I may be wrong, but I think that the team we see next Sunday will be fairly different from the one that showed up (or didn’t show up) on Sunday.

By Randy

November 15, 2005 02:00 PM | Link to this

Jeff George, the man with an ego to match Michael Vick’s talent. And Chris Miller, the only man in football more fragile than Steve Bartkowski.

No, I don’t want them back. I agree, Michael is th most exciting man in the NFL right now. I want to keep him that way for a long time. It is becoming too predictable that if his primary receiver is covered, he will take off. If I’m defensive coordinatop, I zone cover receivers, put a spy on Michael, and he’s done. (Tampa Bay and Philly have done this with success in the past.)

One or two great years then career-ending injury isn’t good for the home team. The surprise run would be safer and much more effective against everybody. (See draw…doesn’t work EVERY third and long)

By Eric B

November 15, 2005 02:16 PM | Link to this

AS more and more teams are becoming, “Vick Proof,” that being, double the primary receiver, and know that Vick will run, the Falcons find themselves relying on a defense, that is totally unreliable. Vick needs a coach who will guide him to balance his passing skills with his running skills. Vick looks to “dazzle” on every play, and quite frankly, that has just about played out. The only positive for this Falcon team is the running game. As I stated before, I have been a Falcon fan since 1968. The 98 team was the best ever thus far. This present team is not as good as last year’s and wouldn’t make my top 10 falcon team of all time. SO, FOR THE RECORD! The Falcon’s won’t win a Super Bowl with Mike Vick. The will be exciting, but no ring here. Hopefully, I will see a Super Bowl in Atlanta before I die. Man, I’ve been waiting a long time!

By e.b.

November 15, 2005 02:17 PM | Link to this

Chuck, Vick is NOT overrated. If anything, the media buzz about him is so high, that people’s expectations of him, are sometimes greater than he can give. He’s a young kid, 3 starting seasons as the QB. It takes time to gel. They need to put good people around Vick. The problem is not Vick, and if you knew anything about football, you would recognize the problem with this team is defense. Vick’s putting up points, the D aren’t making stops.

By Randy

November 15, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this

Me too, Eric, Me too.

By Robert Sams

November 15, 2005 02:24 PM | Link to this

Eric B. I agree! This team won’t win. No D, no ring! Vick needs to improve his ‘pocketalizational” skills. Look 1,2,or 3 receivers if necessary before spliting. Also, he needs one of those old time coaches, like a Bill Parcells, or, remember Norm Van Brooklin? Somebody who acts like his Coach and not his friend. Know what I mean?

By Levi

November 15, 2005 02:27 PM | Link to this

I swear to God I am so close to giving up on the Falcons because of all the b&%$#@!. I guarantee if you put a “real QB” with our offensive line that would be killed every game and end up in David Carr’s situation. Hell we might as well trade Vick to somewhere like Detroit;this way Vick has a chance to go to a city where he can prosper and be appreciated, the Falcons will be using a “real QB”, and the Falcons will go back to their “winning ways”…Oh wait I forgot we have never had back to back winning seasons and we will probably end up b!@#$%^ when Schaub turns into Bartkowski riding the winning/losing rollercoaster of life.

By dirty dave in Hollywood

November 15, 2005 02:33 PM | Link to this

jeff,

If you only knew how to play or understand football, I would say you might be right, but actually after reading your daily effort today …..I have to disagree with you.

The Falcons were pressing……do you know what that means…….it means that the players are over compensating……..which translates into six fumbles, and vick looking very uncomfortable or frustrated. Vick should look at this game as a learing experience. He now knows to shut up, and just play football. And Favre is still the KING!

The defense is so maligned right now, and you really don’t give that fact any credence. Rod coleman was doubled all day. right next to him, and behind him were four rookies, and second year guy, and missing is the pro bowl mlb, a pro bowler in mathis, the pro bowl mlb’s backup(j. beck). too many components are missing this year to criticise and expect a big group of rookies to excell.

You totally missed the point Sunday. The packers are the second worst team by record. But they have lost five games by single digits. They too have a rash of injuries. But, even in the nfl, anyone can win. And Sunday, it was time for the pack to win a game and not blow a lead(which they done all year).

The falcons are extremely thin on depth right now, and they are probably looking at a wild card berth at best.

The vick vs, favre matchup showed me one thing: favre is the best pocket qb in the game, and was putting on a clinic for vick to watch. vick is 0-2 vs. gb in the reagular season. 1-0 in the playoffs. favre got this one.

I will take the W in the playoffs, anyday. It’s just one game. Tampa lost to the Jets on the raod, and are they whining. No, in the NFL you just move on to the next game and prepare.

Jeff just relax, go back to writing funny stuff, cuz when you write about something with critical remarks, you wind up leaving yourself exposed. step back, take a good look at the situation, I mean come on, you mention that the falcons don’t look the same or play the same way since the opener on Monday night. check the roster, check who started, campare that to sunday’s game.

Stick to writing about soccer moms, becuase you certainly have no effin clue about the NFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Robert Sams

November 15, 2005 02:41 PM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate Mike Vick. I help finance his 100 million contract. I’m the one buying the tickets. I’m the one buying his jersey. But when you let a 1 & 7 team come into my house, take the women and children, then I gona get a little peeeed…. expecially when I can think of many formal Falcon players who would be worth much more than Vick in todays dollars. Take that 73 team for example. The defense was outstanding. The offense played hard game in and game out. 100 million dollars for one guy? Bring home a ring or something will ya!

By Sportfan

November 15, 2005 02:47 PM | Link to this

It appears that a number of other fans agreed with my remarks yesterday. Vick is an excellent athelete but an average quarterback. If he continues to run everyother play then he won’t finish the season, either another broken leg or broken neck. Scramble then throw the damn ball don’t get hit every play. Good luck Michael.

By Mark Barnette

November 15, 2005 02:52 PM | Link to this

The Falcons, in fact all the teams around there - Bulldogs, Braves, etc. - just don’t have that “killer instinct”. You see it in other teams, ones that go for another touchdown when they’re winning 50-0. Perhaps it’s something in the water, maybe it’s some outmoded belief in “being a good sport”, who knows? One thing is clear these coaches can’t seem to get their players to understand that to be great you have to beat the teams you are supposed to beat. It may be easy to get up for a challenge, but it takes serious work to kick the weaker teams. It comes down to motivation and the coaches aren’t getting it done. If Jim Mora thinks his team is focused then perhaps he should watch the game on TV; he’d benefit from the better camera angles.

By e.b.

November 15, 2005 03:04 PM | Link to this

No Eric B., you’re WRONG. Can’t pin this on Vick. It’s the playcalling. Knapp tries to get too fancy with his playcalling. When Vick is looking for receivers, too many time the pocket collapses. It is not his fault, if he takes a sack, or tries to “dazzle” as you put it. They will win a Superbowl, and you SHOULD support them, not hate them. Your whole take on this thing is wrong.

By Robert Sams

November 15, 2005 03:07 PM | Link to this

Sportsfan is right. We have all been “Victimized” (subject to deception or fraud). As a Quarterback, Vick is a fraud! Maybe they should invent a new position: Quarterrunner. hehehhehe Almost time to turn my attention over to the Hawks. Opps! They not doing much better either…

By e.b.

November 15, 2005 03:09 PM | Link to this

THIS ISN’T ON VICK guys. It’s the defense. Start pinning blame where blame is do. The Falcons played great smashmouth defense opening nite against the Eagles, and haven’t matched that intensity since. That’s the real problem.

By e.b.

November 15, 2005 03:50 PM | Link to this

Hey Sams, you guys amaze me. In Philly, they support they’re overrated QB, and they have every right, because they are losing and he makes dumb plays. The Falcons are 6-3, and you d******* pile on Vick, like he’s accountable for a suspect defense. Learn something about football before you make lame comments. Maybe you should support the Hawks, but you probably s** on them as well.

By Brendan

November 15, 2005 03:54 PM | Link to this

The Falcons aren’t necessarily as good as everybody thinks. Neither are they a lower echelon team. Right now, they’ve got to put this game behind them and focus on trying to secure “Dome field advantage” in the playoffs. True tests lie ahead for Atlanta. They could have made things a little “easier” on themselves with a win over the Packers, but it’s not like they cannot right the ship.

If the Falcons roll the Panthers and take the Bucs, the mettle of the team will not be questioned. IF they get rolled, then we’ll know how “fortunate” this Falcons team has been in the early part of the season.

By Eric B.

November 15, 2005 03:54 PM | Link to this

e.b., I’m glad that you think this present squad will will a Superbowl. I hope so. Believe you me, I have seen many a Falcon Game. And based on my experience as a 37 year fan vet, this team is not that great. Nice uniforms and all, but, nothing special bout this team. Vicks time with my Falcons will come and go before you know it.

By e.b.

November 15, 2005 04:00 PM | Link to this

I completely disagree with you. The problems lie with the defense. let me ask you a question. Opening night , we played with a defensive intensity like I have seen since. That is not on Vick. Why keep harping on # 7? He can only do so much. The kid needs help from his O-Line, he needs receiver’s to get open, and most of all, the defense needs that agressive nastiness back. They had it for a good portion last year, and they had it opening night. That is the problem with this team.

By Mach

November 15, 2005 04:33 PM | Link to this

Vick showed his critics he can win games with his arm. Great!! He doesn’t need to make a habit of trying to prove people wrong. Vick threw for over 200 yards against GB. Great!! We still lost the game (not to mention 1st place in the division). But I’m not worried about the offense. It’s the defense that concerns me. Samkon Gado (who???) made a name for himself Sunday. And Favre and Donald Driver gave us plenty of reasons to doubt our secondary yet again (as if we didn’t have any already). Question: Are we READY for Tampa Bay’s ground game? Are we READY for Steve Smith (#89)and Carolina? If we play like we did Sunday against the remainder of our schedule, the team can come to my house and watch the playoffs with me.

By jabbari19

November 15, 2005 04:37 PM | Link to this

Its weird how we let fans of other teams come on our blog and rip our home team and we join in.Either southern hospitality is that strong or we are the most cowardly,unloyal fans in America.And these people hate Vick so much,they take the time to come to another team’s blog and comment,or do they care so much.Why go out of your way and spread your negative comments about a team you dont support.And for the ones that say that Vick is not a “thinking”QB,it takes more of a thought process to decide whether to use your running advantage as opposed to passing,than just standing there in the pocket knowing that you only have one option and that is to pass because YOU CANT RUN.Everytime he touches the ball he is faced with a dilemma,either use his superior talent running,or pass the ball because he can do both.”pocketpassers” are not faced with this dilemma,it’s like a gift and a curse.So he IS thinking much more than the average QB on every play.

By Robert Sams,

November 15, 2005 04:44 PM | Link to this

e.b., you are a true fan. A real Captain. Going down on a sinking ship…….Been there, done that, more times than you will ever know, with the Atlanta Falcons. I’m talking Jr. Coffey, Cannonball Butler here. I’ve even had a 1st cousin play for the Falcons in the late 70s. I have lived and died with this team so much, that I know a Falcon Fraud when I see one coming, and I’m telling you, I see one coming, so they might be 6and 3 now, but come talk to me come Janurary 06. Keep hope alive!

By stunna2

November 15, 2005 05:02 PM | Link to this

Vick had one good game in the pocket and people still were not satisfied (wasnt his first good game from just the pocket). Matt Schaub had one good game from da pocket and people are making him the next Brett Favre. I dont get the argument. How is it when Mike does it that its not enough but when Schaub did it then he is the next coming of a future hall of famer. If your going to try and make valid points back them up because they are not holding any weight with me. And if those falcon teams in the 70’s and 80’s were so great then why didnt they have back to back winning seasond? EXACTLY

By Packer-Backer

November 15, 2005 06:17 PM | Link to this

I moved from Wisconsin to Atlanta, Ga three years ago. I attended my first game at the dome and had a great time, not only because we won… but because of our wonderful Packer fans coming all the way down from Green Bay to cheer on their 1-7 Packers… Now 2-7. YES… Through thick and thin, Packer fans are at the game win or lose. We don’t leave the stadium, when there is a such thing as a 2-point conversion. I don’t want to bash the fans of Atlanta…But you all have to be in the game… through the good times and as well as the bad… Go Pack Go!

By Robert Sams

November 15, 2005 06:22 PM | Link to this

Bottom line is this: When I was a boy, the Falcons stole my heart. Been a Falcon fan ever since. Now that I am a man, I am more critical of my team, cause they have broken this heart so many times before. I just hope they hurry up and win a Super Bowl. Time is running out for me. Soon I will be collecting a pension, and still, I got nothing to show for being a life long fan. Every year its ZERO! Hey Atlanta Falcons! You guys owe me!

By Packer-Backer

November 15, 2005 06:30 PM | Link to this

Robert Sams- It’s time you let the dark side go… and join the force… the Green and Gold won’t let you down.

By Scott

November 15, 2005 06:54 PM | Link to this

thought it was pretty interesting when Vick lost his cool against a Packer defender…the guy was just making a normal play..falling on Vick after he slipped while making a cut…Vick got up after the play and pushed the defender back in anger and right in front of a ref I might add. The announcers saw it too and were commenting on Vick’s poor reaction to slipping. It reminded me of a child blaming someone else for their own failures…Vick slipped, so it was like he was blaming the defender for his feet slipping out from under him…I think it really showed that Vick is frustrated with this offense. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dman - Vick didnt react to the play like you are talking about. I watched and for several plays the 300 lb lineman were falling on Vick right at the whistle. They were doing it on purpose to hurt him, and that is why Vick reacted that way. Its part of football but there is a fine line playing your lineman position and personal fouls. That weight falling on you after a play can break ribs. When Vick complained to the ref they stopped doing it.

By War Eagle

November 15, 2005 08:12 PM | Link to this

To play on the next level, being consistant in every situation, is the name of the game…Vick has never showed me this, all the years as a Falcon.He is a super athlete, but lacks a knockout punch on certain game days.

By mike

November 15, 2005 08:16 PM | Link to this

Trade Vick and sign TO and you win next year. If you put your hopes on Vick you are in A LOT of trouble.

By L. T.

November 15, 2005 08:36 PM | Link to this

This is the Wake-Up Call relying on the same defensives stars that could not hold a lead in six games. that’s right Doug Johnson, in six games performed well enough to lead in six games at halftime which Brooking, Kerney, Brady Smith, Carpenter, Mathis,and Scott allowed Thru mediocure play ( Johnson did his Job) as I watched these players loss lead after lead. This defense has not been Upgraded although this years Rookies are very good on defense, let them play an outstanding team reflects its middle linebacker name -um 1. Cincy 2. Washington 3. Philly 4. Tampa Bay 5. Da Bears 6. New England do I need to name more…..K.C. just figured it out… Got It Yet!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s not Vick… Defense Wins Champships…..Offense Wins Games.

By L. T.

November 15, 2005 08:46 PM | Link to this

This is the Wake-Up Call relying on the same defensives stars that could not hold a lead in six games. that’s right Doug Johnson, in six games performed well enough to lead in six games at halftime which Brooking, Kerney, Brady Smith, Carpenter, Mathis,and Scott allowed Thru mediocure play ( Johnson did his Job) as I watched these players loss lead after lead. This defense has not been Upgraded although this years Rookies are very good on defense, let them play an outstanding team reflects its middle linebacker name -um 1. Cincy 2. Washington 3. Philly 4. Tampa Bay 5. Da Bears 6. New England do I need to name more…..K.C. just figured it out… Got It Yet!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s not Vick… Defense Wins Champships…..Offense Win Games.

By BillyBob

November 15, 2005 10:33 PM | Link to this

Look at it this way. 3 wins and we have a winning season. 4 wins and we make the playoffs 5 wins… don’t kid yourself, it ain’t gonna happen! If the birds got luck beyond your wildest dreams and made the super bowl they would get an a* wooping you would never forget. I think we break even at 8 and 8.

billy bob

By matthew

November 15, 2005 10:35 PM | Link to this

Wow, some zero who happens to be a Packers fan has found his way to the Falcons message board. I guess at 2-7, the Packers don’t even bother with a message board for loser like you who support them.

By e.b.

November 15, 2005 10:46 PM | Link to this

Hey wareagle, give Vick time. My God you people are impatient. I’ve been a Falcons fan for 16 years. This sit eh first time EVER we have had 4 nationally televised games. Vick is 25 , a mere pup, still learning Mora’s system, etc. Only his 3rd season as QB. You guys need to relax, and face reality. It’s not going to be a cakewalk every year/

By maRKUS

November 15, 2005 11:06 PM | Link to this

I’ve got an idea. For all you Falcons fans like Billy Bob and others-who feel the season is over-Why don’t you stop posting messages here, so us fans who still have faith can come here and feel positive about our team.

By Willie

November 15, 2005 11:56 PM | Link to this

HA HA HA HA that was a great come back FOR REAL.