By Matthew

December 26, 2005 08:00 PM | Link to this

What I don’t understand, is why he doesn’t channel this anger and aggression in the proper place?

Namely, at the idiot Greg Knapp, his best friend.

Look, the losses on defense gives Ed Donnatel a pass this year. They do. And plus, Ed Donnantel didn’t convince Arthur Blank to spend an obscene ammount of money on Jason Webster, who as a caller to 680theFan stated today, counldn’t cover a homeless person in Atlanta with a wet blanket if he wanted to. No, that sale job went to Mora. Sounds like he and Dan Reeves share something in common: They stink at personel decisions.

No, it is Greg Knapp and his pitiful excuse for playcalling that has causes this team untold victories this and last year.

The man calls plays scared. He calls plays not to lose the game, as oppossed to calling plays to win the game. Always settling for punts and fieldgoals. Never giving Vick a chance to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. No, Greg Knapp is too busy snatching defeat from the jaws of victory with his playcalling.

And it isn’t just playcalling. The man makes abslutely NO adjustments in the game. This is what Alge was aluding to. The defense stops you for a yard loss on 3 & 1, well, let’s run the same play on 4th and 2!! This guy, who’s supposed to be an OC, let’s the defense dictate to him. He never allows Vick to play to his strengths. He calls trick plays at the worst, and most predictable times, that’s why they always fail. And when everyone on earth knows the defense is coming, Knapp has Vick line up under center behind that sieve of a line.

Vick has proven that he can be a good QB when given time. I think more control is given to Vick over the offense, because he can’t be any worse than Greg Knapp. When does anyone ever see Vick change a play to take advantage of a blitz? How many 3rd down draw plays to set up field goals must we as fans live through anymore?

I mean, my God, Greg Knapp has done the impossible! He’s made Dan Reeves look like an offensive risk-taker and genius!

Problem 1-A is the kowtowing to Gibbs about the linemen. These guys suck, and I hope they all know it. Yeah, I could go out their and lay myself infront of a defensive linemen to trip him up in order to open a hole. Seriously, how cheap is that? But when they have to stand up, and not fall down, and actually show some skill, all they do is let everyone by. Matt Lehr sucks to high heaven. All of the rest of the guys are right behind. They have no skill. All they can do is cheapshot the defense to open up lanes for Warrick Dunn. When they have to show skill, they prove they have none.

You get rid of Knapp, and actually draft some talent on the O-line and the secondary, and get the D-Line and Linbackers healthy, this team wins the Super Bowl.

This team will never win the Super Bowl with Greg “Play not to Lose” Knapp calling the plays. Anytime you play the prevent, you’re only preventing yourself from winning. Anytime you allow Knapp to call the plays, he’s basically the offensive version of the prevent defense. When you call these idiotic plays not to lose, you can never win.

Play to win, Falcons! Get rid of the coaches best friend, Rich McKay and Arthur Blank, because Mora will never have the balls to do it himself!

Jeff, what do you think, man? I mean, the guy is terrible. Why hasn’t more been made of it? He was terrible in San Francisco, and the media jumped all over his butt. Why not here?

By tokyofalcon

December 26, 2005 08:02 PM | Link to this

I said it before in another blog after the game that he needs to grow up because it embarasses those of us that support the team away from Atlanta. Excellent column and dead - on accurate. I also love Blank’s take - punishment with a velvet hammer. “I knoiw it’s wrong and you need to know it’s immature and child like too. For now we’ll give you a chance…” but one can see the writing between the lines. Keep this up and you’re gone. Period.

By blq byrd

December 26, 2005 08:03 PM | Link to this

Call me crazy but I don’t have a problem with Mora being angry after having lost such a important game. Yeah I know they say you should be a good sportsman whether you win or lose, personally I have never goten a kick out of losing and the last thing I wanted to do was be reminded by someone that has probably never played a sport in their life to be questioning me and my abilities.

Most journalist are condesending and lack any type of tact when doing news stories because controversy is what they are after in the first place.

Maybe 10 minutes after losing a poorly coached and played game is not enough time. Maybe the combatants shoulg be given more time to digest their terrible defeat.

I’m sure that Mora probably realized the yesterdays defeat lies squarly at the feet of he and his coaches. The play calling just did not make much sense.

I say give them time to blow off steam before you attact them with insulting questions.

By Matthew

December 26, 2005 08:04 PM | Link to this

Meant to say *blanket” of course, not “wet blanket.” Still seething about a so-called Dawg fan over on another blog.

By mark

December 26, 2005 08:12 PM | Link to this

Thank God Jim Mora is an emotional coach on the field and off! The Falcon’s have long needed someone to get emotional about our team. The opportunity to have back to back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history is a perfect example. For too long we’ve accepted the canned answers of “We’re rebuilding” and “I think we can learn a lot from this loss” in post game interviews. Write about how emotional Jim Mora has been this season all you want but don’t taint it as a bad thing. “Nearly inadvertently hitting an official in Chicago..” Did you watch the game? He was disgusted with the call and showed that with a wave of his hand as he walked AWAY! Don’t create stories Mr. Schultz; write them!

By hiltonhead falconfan

December 26, 2005 08:24 PM | Link to this

If Mora is so confident in his schemes and systems and coordinators, he should have no problems answering media questions when things go terribly wrong. That’s part of his job, for which he is well paid. He had a good season last year and it was rare that he got second guessed. This year we are seeing a different side of him in the face of adversity. And, frankly, the average fan on the street could have called better plays in the last several games. Third and short late in overtime Saturday and they throw it deep? With Dunn, Duckett and Crumpler as short yardage, higher percentage options, that didn’t make sense, especially since they didn’t plan to go for it on 4th down.

By tyyosh

December 26, 2005 08:31 PM | Link to this

It seemed like many times this year the team did not play crisp, disciplined football. Is it possible that it starts with the coach’s own control first of himself and then of his team?

By Todd

December 26, 2005 08:32 PM | Link to this

Todd said it last year, Todd said it this year. Mora is a punk. Are punks impulsive, do punks say and do as they want without regard to others, do punks need their a** kicked frequently, do punks ever learn?

Mora is also a thug. HA! Let’s laugh at his complaints that opponents play dirty.

On to the bigger picture:

5 games won by 3 points or less last year.

4 games lost by 3 points or less this year.

Todd said last year was a farce. His coworkers walk the other way when they see him coming now. Todd smiles as he does his endzone strut.

For those fans that had the balls to admit last year was a farce, this post is not intended for you.

By Mr. C

December 26, 2005 08:37 PM | Link to this

Mora’s philosophy is my way or the highway. Go ask Matt Winkeljohn. When the team was winning last year and early this year, you dare not critize him. Winning cures everything. When you start losing, everything gets magnified

I don’t know what Knapp called on 3rd and 2 but the play that was executed was the worst play in the playbook. Even If you punt the ball on 4th down and the game ends in a tie, your season is over. The team had 2 timeouts left. Why not call a timeout and go for it on 4th down. Punting the ball meant that you gave up. The media has every right to ask Mora why he didn’t go for it on 4th down. He doesn’t determine the questions. I think Mora is a moron whose anger will get him fired soon. Even his Dad had to do radio interviews after a game so tell him to stop bi———. If he doesn’t like it, resign or quit.

By doc

December 26, 2005 08:46 PM | Link to this

i really like the coach mora and can get behind him but the little jimmy that shows up at times dipels the notion that coach mora is always in control of his emotions and knows exactly what he is doing at all times with respect to his behavior.that has been the party line touted by of all people as his wife. somewhere there is denial in his makeup that continues even after his apology. either you are in control or not. bellichek is proabably in control, parcells most of the time. coach mora is in control when they win, little jimmy win they lose and this is why he cant see.

what does appear to be true is the owner is in control and will have a say that hopefully allows little jimmy to grow and disappear. sadly, the really good team disintegrated with the coach into a team that felt it could bully its way to the playoffs like it’s little jimmy felt he could do to avoid the question. both were woefullt exposed in the long run. the team was as undisiplined as the coach this year and it cost them in blocks missed, tackles missed, stupid penalties and passes not put on the money or not caught when within reach.

maybe little jimmy will grow up and truly be contrite and take responsibility for the off year performance wise and make corrections so the good of last year and the first part of this season are not lost. that is the real question, were the first 24 games an anomaly of begginers luck or the last 8 what we can expect? mr blank is watching even closer than we are, he is too good of a ceo to allow the operating manager of his organization to get too far away from the game plan.

for you that think that explosions are good in themselves all you have to do is remember how this team has disintegrated over the past few months as mora got testier and more antagonistic with media. not the example to bring to the team. leaders ignore the extraneous outside forces and focus on the internal.

as usual jeff, fine perspective and story.

By doc

December 26, 2005 08:51 PM | Link to this

oh btw big byrd the guy asking the question was a quarterback for the falcons. he has earned his due to ask the question. he has had a perspective that the coach doesnt have, that of a player.

i for one am glad he did ask the question but it will probably be his last because most announcers or homeys avoid the tough questions.

By Todd

December 26, 2005 09:03 PM | Link to this

Is it me, or do you chose to evaluate somebody on their physical characteristics, whether or not that is the right thing to do?

Mora’s smirk, Mora’s gum chewing, Mora’s know it all attitude, Mora’s general disposition just irk the S out of me.

How many coaches get their a**es handed to them like Kansas City did last year in crushing Atlanta 56-10 go over and playingly grab the opposing coach and put him in a head lock all the while laughing.
Mora did this to Vermeil.

Mora and Vick, smile and cut up in defiance. Both are so stupid as to think their audience doesn’t understand their weak ploys.

By Gene

December 26, 2005 09:32 PM | Link to this

The team and Mora set the stage for the season with the disgraceful behavior with the Eagles early in the season. Teams of Tom Landry and Vince Lombardy were too focused and professional for the high school antics that Mora seems to condone and perpetuate. Penalties, sloppy play and tantrums from the QB and the coach will never bring a championship to Atlanta.

By jason

December 26, 2005 10:29 PM | Link to this

On the one hand I think that Schultz is right. On the other hand I think that Schultz is the kind of guy to hammer a stoic coach an equal amount.

By doc

December 26, 2005 10:38 PM | Link to this

look folks, jeff didnt make this story mora did. please put it where it belongs, check cnnsi or yahoo then come back. this was a national story within moments of the event. put the responsibility where it belongs. interesting that people love to shoot the messenger.

By blq byrd

December 26, 2005 10:53 PM | Link to this

Dork, I mean doc, the “big bird” crack was a good one but if you had read an comprehended my post, you would have noticed that I did not mention any one reporter or segment of reporting. I was generalizing with that statement.

Most people with half a brain have come to take journalist and their style of reporting with a grain of salt. Frankly I too wondered if whether or not the Falcons were trying to play for the tie insted of the win.

I’ve learned over the years , that if someone is upset not to approach them and rub salt in their wounds. Timing is everything.

By doc

December 26, 2005 11:30 PM | Link to this

blq byrd, didnt mean to offend nor rub salt, merely misread. maybe i missed your generalization but maybe mora needed to show a bit of respect to who specifically was asking.

now please, as far as the timing thing, honestly, if you have watched mora over the season, do you think that the reaction would have been much different if it were at two minutes, ten minutes or the next week at a news conference. yeah, that’s what i thought. the one who needs to work on timing is little jimmy.

By Brad

December 26, 2005 11:40 PM | Link to this

Jason, you’re right, you’ve got to remember Mr. Schultz has a problem with Mark Richt, one of the more, if not the most stoic coaches around (it’s hard to tell if UGA wins or loses listening to Coach Richt after a game). Talk about stirring the pot. Gotta have something to write about I suppose. It’s sad though because Schultz’s weekend predictions usually bring a chuckle. Wish he’d stick to that. But that would mean more space for Terrence Moore to fill up and oh well…… I’m glad they started these blogs they’re the perfect antidote for these gem articles.

By Great Falconi

December 27, 2005 12:48 AM | Link to this

I watched Mora’s press conference on the Falcons’ website today. Schultz didn’t take Mora’s comments out of context. Mora seemed rather cocky about the whole situation. I personally would like to see Arthur Blank knock Jim down a few pegs. There are only so many times you can talk about your team’s character and toughness when your team is consistently blowing big games before people will wonder what is in that “ammonia” you’re taking hits off of, Coach. The sad thing is that I like Mora, but I don’t like the whining and complaining. I don’t like how he says “Now, we don’t like to use excuses around here” while giving various excuses as to why the team isn’t playing well. With that kind of doublespeak, he should run for office.

By This gets old

December 27, 2005 02:11 AM | Link to this

Matthew are you still in Oceanside?

By Todd

December 27, 2005 02:22 AM | Link to this

Oceanside? I was born there.

By Johnny Comelately

December 27, 2005 03:03 AM | Link to this

Most of these comments are valid but…

NEEDS: Mr McKay, time for a little out-of-the-box thinking. You said back in the summer that you do not “feel” big LB’s. Well, Sir, what we need is a BIG, fast, arriving-at-the-ballcarrier-with-bad-intentions type. I think we need a little attitudanal types on defense. No more piano players. Another need is a D-lineman of similar ilk…I’m talking…say, why did we not draft Tommy Harris ? I ain’t hatin’…and I DO love Mike Vick BUT…a trade with the Texans and PRESTO, dare I say, REGGIE BUSH. After all, Falcon Fans, Warrick Dunn is getting no faster, no stronger and certainly no younger. I am reluctant to say it but we have a QB that can be developed with time. Now for the really out-of-the-box thinking. Mr McKay…Mr Blank, do you REALLY want to win ? No more Mr Nice Guys. It is time to get down and dirty. If you choose to keep Mike then you have no choice, as I see it , but to go for the GUSTO, yes, I am talkin’ T.O., Baby !!Sign him, pay him, PLACATE him. He is right there in Lithonia. GO GET HIM!!! If it is one thing the Falcons do not have enough of, it is PLAYMAKERS. And since Michael Irvin is retired, T.O. is the next best thing.

And, of course, the O-line…y’all try, I will give you that but, other than Forney, we need replacements. C’mon, Mr McKay. C’mon, Mr Blank. If we can blow it with the “good” guys, what might a little attitude hurt?

By PoliticalMan

December 27, 2005 05:19 AM | Link to this

Good comments here. I really wondered if Mora was the guy when Blank went ga-ga over him. He’s got some maturing to do. All of this palsy-walsy stuff with Vick, Blank, etc has got to go. In the first place it is just shallow and seems really stupid. He needs to tell Blank to keep off the sidelines or put on a headset and call plays.

Play calling and personnel evaluation are weak on the Falcons now. They have got to get past their cheap-shot O-line. Dunn did well, but overall they have got some RB problems. I’ve been saying it for years, Duckett is the biggest dud I’ve yet to see at RB in the NFL. Vick is a real puzzle. He has lost some of his verve from a couple of years ago. But it is quetionable as to whether he can win as a thinking, accurate QB. The Falcons due have a good QB on the bench. He could be a Manning type. When the defense gets well it will be OK. Depth is a problem.

By kudzu

December 27, 2005 07:31 AM | Link to this

Good post “blg byrd”, and I agree with your comments. While I am not sold on Mora just yet, and this Mora/Vick love fest, and this Owner sideline presence; I’m left wondering, how many times have we all watched (reporters), with their stupid subtle bias’ (bait) the person they are interviewing? It happens all the time and as the casual observer of interviews from time to time, you can almost predict what the next idiotic (question) is going to be.

While I believe he could use a little dose of humility, have you ever watched a Bill Parcells interview? I cringe with most every question he’s asked, thinking he is going to implode at any moment, but I also listen to the types of questions and wonder what kind of criteria does it take to be a reporter…I’m thinking, “I could do this” and in the immortal words of John Candy- I could be a cold-hearted cynic, how hard is that?

We all feel the frustration when the Falcons lose a game. When I get done watching a game that I feel the Falcons should have won, I’m pi**ed off for a while, and sadly, my family knows to stay clear for at least 30 minutes. So, imagine being a high profile coach and your team just lost a must game and you’re expected to handle a post game interview?

Reporters, though, like perhaps the ones writing for this sports page, they get the free pass. Who are they accountable to? It’s as if their job is to stir and mix controversy…that’s the goal for main stream media; like it’s their entitlement, their (pass) to say, solicit, impune, whatever it takes to get and produce a STORY; and entice me and others like me, to respond and keep coming back for more…

But I just can’t agree that Mora is teedering on some kind of slow (melt). The man has issues that’s for sure; like at QB, play calling, defense, a hands on owner…to name a few; but the stress of all this (I believe) will make him a better coach. And when you add losing games to the mix; good grief, I get stressed just thinking about how I would respond. He’s young enough though, and I believe he will become a better coach once he learns from and grows from his mistakes and failures; and as long as the self-righteous elite media types don’t beat him to death along the way. He needs some more time…we’ll see.

By Jim

December 27, 2005 08:37 AM | Link to this

I think beginning now, every player, every coach needs to be evaluated as to their performance under fire (this season) not on past performances or salaries … the question is “did you do your job” … then start making changes. Open up every position for competition—guarantee nothing to anyone and you will see a big change in the years to come.

By PreyDawg

December 27, 2005 08:38 AM | Link to this

Jeff,

I won’t lie. In the past you have not been one of my favorite people because you have been patently unfair to Mark Richt.

However, regarding the Falcons you have been dead on the money for about 3 columns in a row now. I cant add anything, you said it well. This 30 year fan only hopes that Blank reads your stuff.

By Jim

December 27, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this

Too many “49ers” came south because they were not in the plans out west. I wonder who will make it “big time” first … the SF 49ers or the Atlanta (49ers)?

By Dan in Augusta

December 27, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this

Hi Folks,

Mr. Blank needs to approach this Falcon “problem” like he does his Home Depot problems: call for a conference of experts. He has the influence and money to do it. Invite Don Shula, Dan Marino and Fran Tarkenton to evaluate the Falcon’s season, then meet with Mora, Vick and Brooking. These kids could hear it right from the best of football!!!!

Hey OLE’ SLIMEY: go to your closest grocery store and buy a bar of soap. Unwrap it and stick it in your mouth. Then, go stand in the corner until you can be a good little boy. Also, I’m not a NASCAR redneck. I was born and raised in Detroit. We used to slap mouths like yours bloody, so grow up.

By Larry

December 27, 2005 09:18 AM | Link to this

A team will always take on the personality of its coach. Think about the constant personal fouls, unsportsmanlike conduct, fights, up and down effort, and temperament of the Falcons this year.

Now think about these coaches and their respective organizations and see if you agree with the players adopting the discipline and mature leadership of their coaches:

Lombardi—Packers, Landry—Cowboys, Grant—Vikings, Shula—Dolphins, Knoll—Steelers, Walsh—49ers, Gibbs—Redskins, Dungy—Bucs & Colts, Belichick—Patriots.

Mr. Mora will coach next season under a microscope and with a short leash.

So here we go again, either a corner stone year or another coach and learning curve. I hope Mr. Mora can be successful in mastering his emotions. An, accurate and decisive quarterback, two good defensive backs and two or three offensive linemen will go a long way at helping him experience many more positive emotions.

By Other Mark

December 27, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

Mora upset because he is judged by the misdeeds of his father? No son, you are being judged by your own misdeeds - just happens that “like father, like son” applies here. We’ll see how long Blank and McKAy allow this childish behavior to continue.

The earlier poster hit it on the head when he compared this team’s performance to the head coach - hot headed and undisciplined. Even as high-strung as Gruden is, his teams are under control and always performing close to their best.

By Reggie

December 27, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

Be a man Jimmy or go back to being an assistant or maybe a high school coach/PE teacher. If you don’t hold yourself accountable how can you do so with the 53 players and the other coaches in the organization? If you want to blow off some steam, how about getting into your $130,000,000 quarterbacks face and demand that he learn the proper mechanics to deliver an accurate forward pass? You grew up? in this game, you should know someone who can turn him into a professional quarterback. You are stuck with him, there is way too much money invested in him for him to go anywhere else. You can both accept it or you can help each other pack. Daddy WarBlank handed you a $130,000,000 lump of clay, make something of it.

By George Harris

December 27, 2005 10:06 AM | Link to this

the falcons need to draft two pass rushers defensive ends. They do not put enough pressure on oppossing quarterbacks. As for saturday loss, the play calling sucked. Why not run another running play before the blocked field goal, and on third and two they threw a bomb attempt.If coach Mora can”t see the problems and correct these he needs to not be the head coach. GBHarris

By 21298OK

December 27, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

While Mora does act up too much…he has been seeing some of the most ridiculous calls lately…not just judgement calls going the other way - I mean refs that don’t know or follow the rules.

Remember the call in Carolina (Roddy White) where the ref called the play a catch and FUMBLE with the Panthers taking posession - then Mora challenges that White had not had the ball long enough for it to be a fumble (he was hit immediately) and (after the review) the ref says “Play stands as calls, it is an INTERCEPTION, Carolina ball”…no wonder he went nuts - the refs change the call and say the call stands as called.

Roddy White’s TD in TB was another example. The rules are different in the end-zone than they are in the field of play. White catches it, 2 feet in, transfers the ball to his one hand so he can put his other out the cusion his fall, questionable in the field of play-maybe…in the end zone it’s a TD. Mora knew it but the old-guard 50-something refs had to cover for each other again. These guys are getting as bad as the MLB umps and their made up strike zones. The NFL brass should put some pressure on them to straighten out their act.

Hopefully White learned a lesson - keep the ball in both hands tuck and roll.

That being said - Mora is likely getting a rep. with the ref fraternity and won’t get the benefit of the doubt next year on any call.

By Mike of Alpharetta

December 27, 2005 10:29 AM | Link to this

No doubt that last year we took advantage of our breaks and won the close games, while this year the percentages have caught up with us. If we win even half of the 4 games lost by 3 points or less, we win our division. That said, I think the Mora explosion this past weekend showed the cumulative frustration of a season gone sour. That worst part of this is that the entire team has become a reflection of the Coach. Mora is prone to emotional outbursts, and his team is as well. How many times have we been called for “unsportsmanlike conduct, unnecessary roughness,” etc. There were too many stupid penalties this year resulting in a punkish attitude, rather than the focused, workmanlike attitude you see from the Patriots or other consistent winners. Hopefully, both our team and our coach will grow and mature from this experience, and become confident enough to become a good and/or great team. If Mora doesn’t lead the way, his team will think their attitude and punkish ways on the field are okay. No, we don’t want to take crap from other teams, but we need to get even by beating the opponent on the next play, not in-between.

Lets go Falcons! Next year will be better. Lets get some help on the O-line, and the D-line, and get the play calling straightened out. Knapp still does not seem to know how to best use Vick’s enormous potential. The pass on 3rd and 2 was a terrible call, and the punt afterwards was necessitated by that call. Why not get the 1st down, then go downfield? Why did we take a knee with 30 seconds left in the game when our QB has the strongest arm in the league? We had to win! We had time for a few long throws, and who knows what might have happened?

Mike needs to work on his accuracy during the offseason. Steve Young got better with age, and became a very accurate passer. So too can Vick.

Hokie Falcon

By Nobis Business But Mine

December 27, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this

When your QB carries the ball like a loaf of bread and fumbles away the game, you probably are going to be a jumble of nerves. When your QB misses his tight end high and away in the last, crucial drive, you are probably going to release some emotion. Mora is a young coach. Unfortunately, his fortunes are tied to an incredibly talented but likewise incredibly immature and out of synch QB who seems to be developing ego out of proportion to his on the field accomplishment. Now, why would Mora be upset?

By Robert

December 27, 2005 10:42 AM | Link to this

Every team has injuries. There is no excuse for losing 5 out of 7 games. The problem has to be the coaches failure to coach up the players on hand! Jim Mora has to stop blowing up and start growing up! The first step to doing this is to evaluate your coordinators based on the season and not his personal relationship with them!!!

By Wondering

December 27, 2005 11:10 AM | Link to this

I think it’s funny that the big and bad Falcons players love taking out their frustration by attacking, physically and verbally, the opposing kicker. must be some big men to attack the smallest guy on the field.

By Paul

December 27, 2005 11:16 AM | Link to this

I agree with Mr. C. There is no excuse for punting on 4th and 2. That decision reflected a concession of the entire season. Mora still hasn’t owned up to it yet. And I’m also tired of the “next year” crap. We started out 6-2. There shouldn’t BE any talk of “next year.”

By Sal

December 27, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this

PLEASE FIRE GREG KNAPP. I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE. YOU HAVE MICHAEL VICK GUYS, USE HIM. GO BACK AND WATCH THE 2002 SEASON.

By Sal

December 27, 2005 11:29 AM | Link to this

One more thing, I actually like seeing Mora blow up on the sideline or get mad in a post game presser. Would you rather watch Vick go over and laugh it up with Urlacher or Simeon Rice after another brutal loss? I wouldn’t. Thanks for helping vent my frustration coach. Know fire Knapp.

By carman563

December 27, 2005 11:32 AM | Link to this

silly,silly falcons, need 2 yards, throw for 30, and miss, i know a high school team that can call plays better than that, when will it ever end, jim and mike need a course in, growing up, with nascar out of season, all we got is the falcons in late december, and people wonder why, the jaguars are becoming atlanta favorites . oh well, as the braves fans say, wait till next year, sad, sad, sad

By falcon guy

December 27, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this

I heard a quote the other day regarding Mike Vick from Jon Gruden. He said something to the effect,”I’d change my entire offensive scheme if I had Mike Vick.” So why are the Falcons trying to fit Vick into an offense? They should be trying to innovate an offensive scheme to take advantage of his skills. I like the stretch runs that allow the Falcons to run with Dunn or have Vick keep it for a run or pass option. That works. But they need more plays that do more. They rarely throw deep posts or deep crossing routes, like St.Louis. Why not? They’ve got two really fast WR’s who’ve shown an ability to make tough catches. Get them out there deep and running around like the Rams. Maybe they can hire Mike Martz as the OC. That’d be very interesting. The mad offensive scientist with the most exciting athlete in the NFL. As long as Martz isn’t making all the head coach decisions they would be fine. It got the Rams to the SB twice.

By J D Vaughn

December 27, 2005 11:56 AM | Link to this

Depending on the erratic play of a quarterback that thinks he simply can turn it up a notch (and cannot) will not work and it would cause a meltdown with Job. Quit depending on Vick to come through, he is not Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, Steve Young or Tom Brady. He never will be. Trade him, get a dozen high draft choices (Like Dallas did for Herschel) and build around Matt or someone that can grow into a Brady or Montana. Counting on Vick would make the Pope meltdown. Use him to build a dynasty by trading him, now!

JD

By Other Mark

December 27, 2005 11:56 AM | Link to this

Those of us old enough remember Don Shula as being the very best at adapting his offense to suit his players - his teams in Baltimore with Unitas were vastly different than his teams in Miami with Griese. Then when Dan came along he changed the offense again. And defensively, he did the same things.

Mora is a one-dimensional coach from the west coast that believes that the West Coast Offense is the crown jewel. But if that is the case, then get a QB that is suited to it and quit tying Vick’s hands (and feet) in this pathetic offense.

I don’t really like Vick, but for all of his flaws, they are actually worse in this scheme. A few times Saturday they actually opened up and let him throw downfield and he looked terrific. Then we go back to the little dinks and he overthrows everything.

Either use him or pull a Jimmy Johnson and trade him for a ton of talent. We’ve got more holes than Mora can fill anytime soon -particularly with $130 million tied-up in one player. With Dunn out Sunday, I see 8-8 on the horizon and another two years of “the streak.”

By Mike Nash

December 27, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this

Note to Mora :

Don’t be an a** of a coach like your father was ….. it’s pathetic.

By Randy

December 27, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this

Best collection of blogs I have seen. JD, you are on the nose. But really people, Mora’s blow-ups, melt-downs ot whatever are the most exciting thing about the Falcons the last half of this season. Vick can’t run like he used to and can’t pass accurately, we get ahead and then go to the “prevent” D. Maybe we could have some professional “rasslin” to spice things up???

By Ironfeet01

December 27, 2005 01:21 PM | Link to this

Please stop blaming Vick for all our problems. The issue with this team is a lack of discipline and that starts with the coaching staff. Especially Jim Mora. he is not stable enough to run a football team. Mr. Blank should have done more homework and hired a veteran coach that can get the best out of his football team. Mora has not shown me enough to think we can win a SB with him in the near future. He needs to man up and fire Knapp. Donnatel too. Other wise we are looking at the second coming of Mora Sr. You know, the guy that had Peyton Manning and couldn’t get over the hump.

By Stephen from Fayetteville

December 27, 2005 02:41 PM | Link to this

Remember the last time the Falcons had a QB whose skills didn’t fit the coach’s offensive scheme? The coach was Jerry Glanville, and the QB was Brett Farve. We traded him to Green Bay, and look how that decision turned out.

By Thomas

December 27, 2005 02:44 PM | Link to this

Mora is a poor coach and often acts like an idiot. Vick will be a middling also ran QB as long as Mora is the head coach. Lovey Smith was head and shoulders above Mora but Blank the head of the NFL diversity committee passes on him?

Screaming at a ref when he has given you plenty of opportunity to save face and walk away and Mora goads him into throwing the flag? When Bobby Cox gets tossed, he does not cost the Braves runs and he still manages from behind the scenes. Mora cost the Falcons 15 yards in a game of field position that was still winnable.

Coaches should not give up 15 yards on the field. That is the definition of idiot.

By Great Falconi

December 27, 2005 03:05 PM | Link to this

I agree with falcon guy about looking into Mike Martz as a new offensive coordinator. He knows offense as well as anyone in the NFL and is adaptable enough to come up with a successful offensive package for a player like Mike Vick. Greg Knapp has tried his best. His best just isn’t good enough. Besides, what better way is there for Martz to enhance his reputation as a coach then to make Vick a successful passer? If he does that, he’ll get a great head coaching job in a year or two…and if he doesn’t, he’s an easy guy to hate. It’s a win-win for Falcon fans!

By Dr. Rick

December 27, 2005 03:28 PM | Link to this

Can understand your frustration with missing the playoffs, esp. after 6-2 start. This team is not headed for the cellar next year, I fully expect they will contend for a division title. But please answer this, if you can: What was Coach Mora doing talking on the cell phone during OT? Who cares about what a tie would mean…play to WIN! He should have been coaching!!! Shortly thereafter, the Gulf Warrior defense stopped Atlanta on 3rd & 2 and the rest is hx. The difference between the two teams in this game is that the Pewter Pirates have HEART. Thanks for playing. Good luck, Atlanta, in your quest to post your first ever consecutive winning seasons.

By Lionel

December 27, 2005 04:09 PM | Link to this

Gregg Knapp - doesn’t he look like Gomer Pyle? Calls plays like Goober!! Anyone remeber D. Hall’s interception just before halftime? He returned it inside the twenty and Gomer settled for a field goal! Gutless play calling has been the curse of this team all year.

Defense-Please!! When Chris Simms can walk up and down the field on you in 2 games that is shameful.

By James

December 27, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this

Being angry is not the problem, channeling your anger properly is. Take Parcells. When his team is doing good what does he do. He acts angry berates thems pushes them etc… When the team struggles he is a lot more warm and fuzzy almost supportive. Mora is not a great coach not even a good coach. He was a very good coordinator that might grow into a good head coach if he can grow into the job.

Reeves was a great coach for Atlanta and underappreciated. He displayed class (as his mentor Tom Landry always did) and was a credit to the organization. This town does not have a reputation of being a great football town and never will until it stops measuring success by having two winning seasons in a row! Try having 20 winning seasons in row like the Dallas Cowboys… The Falcons should have never fired Dan Reeves.. he would have led the Falcons to the promised land if he would have stayed.

You have made your bed and you are getting eaten up by the bedbugs!

By D.S.

December 27, 2005 04:43 PM | Link to this

I’ve been over Jr.s’ smugness now for sometime. What has he got to be so darned smug about? Yes he had a good year in 04, does that give him the right to treat reporters like dirt? No. Not by a long shot. His press Q&A sessions are a joke. He never gives direct answers, he’ld rather belittle the reporter.
God forbid he have to explain why he called such a BS play on 3rd and 2 with the whole season on the line! Even crying Tom Coughlin is accountable after a game. Be a head coach in the league 20 years, acquire a winning percentage, then you can be smug, cute, condescending and rude. Until then try a little humble pie. ‘Represent’ for “crying” out loud! Oh and stay off the cell phone while you are supposed to be coaching the game.

By Todd

December 27, 2005 05:23 PM | Link to this

Have you clowns learned anything about a coach doing very well their first year in terms of it being a predictor of the future. It tells you nothing about the new coach as demonstrated time and time again. LOL, especially his ability to handle losses.

WHERE IS JENNIFER!!! Girl, you got exposed.

By Gumbo

December 27, 2005 08:12 PM | Link to this

IT’S SIMPLE!

We could not stop the run and Vick did not improve as an NFL QB. Might have regressed.

Nuff said!

By Hugh G. Rection

December 27, 2005 08:13 PM | Link to this

My guess is Blank quietly told Mora he had enrolled him in anger management therapy, quite possibly to include a full chemical workup on his brain, to see if he is truly unbalanced chemically, i.e. deranged, in the event that he should needsmeds to perform adequately.

By DEADBIRD

December 27, 2005 08:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t know Jim Mora, but if I were around him very much I would probably want to give him one of those Moe to Curly slaps across the head. He needs to sit his inconsistent Billionaire QB down this week and let everyone see what an authentic West Coast QB can do. We need to find out if Schaub is up to the task, and at the same time see if this pathectic offense works. GO SCHAUB!!

By geechee

December 27, 2005 09:23 PM | Link to this

If Mora needs an example to follow, the finest one in the country he could find is just up the road in the Classic City.

By Dave

December 27, 2005 10:58 PM | Link to this

Matthew…Good posting. Way to start this Blog. I agree, I think # 61 Lehr is a joke for a lineman. Where did they get this guy ? He is a starter and the third string (King) came in and made a big impact. King did much better. They definately need a Left guard in the draft or promote King. Lehr needs to stay out this week if they want to win.

By Willie

December 27, 2005 11:11 PM | Link to this

YA YA YA, everybody has all the answers. Believe me guy, if you had all the answers…you would not be sitting there posting on these blogs. Their is nothing wrong with spectulation, but you guys know it all. That’s right Jeff Schultz, you will not get an invitation! If I were Mr Blank, you would get the cold shoulder PERIOD!

Haters! and you know who you are, please get a life. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired of you people wasting space. You get a kick out of p** off Falcons fans, because your sorry team is worst than the Falcons.

By Johnny Comelately

December 27, 2005 11:58 PM | Link to this

Thomas is right-on with his comments! The vast majority of Falcons Fans(and some of the media)perceived Lovie Smith to be the obvious choice as next coach. He is a defensive coach and had worked in Tampa with Mr McKay. Face it, the players got a breath-of-fresh-air experience last year and went for it. No major injuries to major players helps a lot. But I’ll bet Coach Reeves doesn’t seem like such a bad coach to Mike about now. Say and think what you will but Reeves let Vick be Vick…and he hasn’t been since.