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AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > December > 29 > Entry

Jim, meet Achilles


Mark Bradley

From the moment Jim Mora chose to belittle the history of his franchise, you could feel this coming. November had just arrived and the Falcons were 5-2 and riding high and Mora, in seeking to defend his team’s indefensible “policy” of muting its offensive linemen, dismissed the honorable likes of Jeff Van Note and Mike Kenn by saying, in essence, those guys couldn’t have been all that great if they weren’t part of consecutive winning seasons.

Ahem.

Here we are, January fast approaching, and Mora’s team needs to upset Carolina to secure the second consecutive winning season that he made sound like a fait accompli. The man who seemed to have all the answers has been stumped repeatedly in the second half of 2005. Even worse, Mora has been revealed as a bit of a brat.

In the grand scheme, this comeuppance could be good for Young Jim. He was so successful as a rookie head coach that he seemed to lose contact with reality. The cold truth is that there a lot of smart guys coaching NFL teams, and just because you work really hard and consider yourself quite clever doesn’t mean your team is going to win the Super Bowl, or even break .500, every single year.

Almost two months after trashing the Falcons of old, Mora presides over a team that has lost five of seven games and has fallen from the playoff mix. Hubris doesn’t play so well in pro football. The old saw still cuts deep: Pride really does goeth before a fall.

Permalink | Comments (60) | Categories: Mark Bradley, Quick Hit

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By Great Falconi

December 29, 2005 04:28 PM | Link to this

I guess Jim Mora should come out onto the field at the Dome Sunday to the strains of Led Zep’s “Achilles’ Last Stand”.

Mark, I also find the irony in Mora’s comments earlier in the season. I hate to see stuff like that come back to haunt anyone, but especially if it’s haunting a guy who coaches my favorite team. I like to watch Mora’s press conferences on the Falcons’ website and, on Tuesday, I noticed the crumbs on his face from the humble pie that Rich McKay and Arthur Blank crammed down his throat Monday night.

As a Falcon fan, I want the team to win as much as it can, but I don’t expect perfection. Considering the way the Falcons have failed to win against good teams, a win Sunday would give them something positive to take from this season: having a winning season even when the team hasn’t played well. No other Falcon team has done that.

By Mark Bradley

December 29, 2005 04:42 PM | Link to this

Some rock snobs consider “Achilles’ Last Stand” Jimmy Page’s finest moment. Call me boring and conventional, but it’s hard to beat the guitar break in “Stairway to Heaven.”

By C K

December 29, 2005 04:54 PM | Link to this

Mora’s making me wonder if Da birds missed the boat on Lovie Davis… The defense is gone and the offense is stagnant. Da bears on the other hand have the best defense and no where near the talent at QB but they are WINNING> Whats going on here?

By monte

December 29, 2005 04:55 PM | Link to this

Maybe if they play for a tie they can get that consecutive winning season’s monkey off the franchise’s back. (8-7-1)

Maybe that streak was why Mora played for the tie last week?

Where’s Dan Reeves?

By TonyC

December 29, 2005 04:56 PM | Link to this

This has nothing to with the falcons, but C’MON “achillies last stand” is all about the drummer.

P.S. as soon as Mckay gets some beef on the O-line, and Knapp decides to use more than the first 20 pages of the playbook, mora will look “smart” again.

By Brian

December 29, 2005 07:17 PM | Link to this

As a Falcon fan, I am in a dilemma.

I would like to beat Carolina and knock them out of the playoffs. On the other hand, I would like to see the Falcon’s lose just for Mora’s sake, where he can’t fall back on the “two winning seasons in a row” as if he actually thinks he accomplished something by doing that.

Does he really think Falcon’s fans will be satisfied by the “two winning seasons in a row” in lieu of missing the playoffs?

Get real.

By WD

December 29, 2005 07:27 PM | Link to this

Moras dead in the water,he will never look “smart” again, not to me. He has lost the respect of his players and most fans, Ilove the Falcons and will support them but I have no respect for the ” CRY BABY”.

By Larry

December 29, 2005 07:57 PM | Link to this

When you win you get a temporary pass on the immature, bratty stuff. I noticed these personality quirks last season but the success enabled me to ignore my suspicions. The problem is that you have to keep winning to get away with it! When you don’t, like now, your personality weakness are illuminated and you become a much bigger target by the fans and media.

Sunday, a small microscope will be on Mora and his players. They’ll probably lose but had better play hard in doing so.

However, next season—early next season—Mora will be under a high powered microscope by the fans, the media, and much more critical, Arthur Blank. When you finish as poorly as the Falcons did this season it is cause for concern. When you couple a poor finish with the pressure for Mora to both improve and grow up, the microscope is magnified 100 times!

Mark, any studies on the effect of ammonia on the cerebral cortex and its manifestation through behavioral disorders?

By War Eagle

December 29, 2005 08:02 PM | Link to this

After the fast start by the Falcons, defensive coordintors in the league, got more complex with Vick… they put “see you next year’ bandage on him.

By stewart

December 29, 2005 08:40 PM | Link to this

Please, everyone who blogs: read this. From Little League to the pros, you win football games by running the ball and playing defense. The Falcons have the best running game in the NFL. I repeat, the Falcons lead the league in rushing. It’s not Mike Vick, Greg Knapp, or Jim Mora that have failed us, although they’ve contributed, it’s our defense that has failed. Let’s see what happens when we are healthy. D. Hall is a star waiting to happen. We have young talent on the d-line as well as linebacker. If we can improve our O-line in the free agent market, and if McKay again works his draft magic defensivly, we will improve. If you score 27 points on the Bucs, you should win! This is a work in progress and too much credit and blame is directed to the quarterback. If we had the Bears defense we would be winning the division. Improve our defense. Vick and Mora will win a championship.

By ole' limey

December 29, 2005 09:10 PM | Link to this

where’s Dan Reeves? We had one winning season with that guy, and you want him back? Ugghhh!!

By Larry

December 29, 2005 09:31 PM | Link to this

ole’ limey,

One winning season???

Then how did Reeves guide the Falcons to the Super Bowl in 1998 with Chandler as his QB and a playoff victory at Green Bay in 2002 with Vick as his QB with only one winning season?

I’ll always wonder how Reeves would have done had Jamal not blown out his knee the 2nd game of the 1999 season and Vick not Broken his leg in preseason 2003!

I’d bet he’d have more than “one winning season,” ole’limey!

By Larry

December 29, 2005 09:43 PM | Link to this

AND, after the playoffs of 2002 and Vick’s broken leg in 2003, Blank fired Reeves a year after his team went to the playoffs followed by a year that fell below expectation without regard to the major injury of his starting QB and offensive catalyst.

Will Blank fire Mora for an even worse collapse after playing in the NFC championship game last year, or will he been given the benefit of the doubt because of injuries?

Wonder what Reeves is thinking right now—equality, or hypocrisy?

And Reeves coached FOUR Super Bowl teams with two different organizations!

By Mr. C

December 29, 2005 09:44 PM | Link to this

Dan Reeves!!! Hell no. What are we recycling? Sooner or later someone will ask if Chan Gailey can coach the falcons. It looks like Knapp makes Dan Reeves look like a genius. However, fans clamoring for Dan Reeves are myopic. Vick was better in Dan Reeves offense but his play calling was HORRIBLE. All Dan Reeves want are tight ends. You can never get enough of them. All you have to do is go and look at his play calling when the falcons were at the red zone.

By This gets old

December 29, 2005 09:44 PM | Link to this

Stairway to Heaven?

Over the Hills and Far Away is the song!

By Larry

December 29, 2005 09:56 PM | Link to this

Why is “play calling” always the number one culprit of losing?

Could it possibly ever be execution?

By William Kitchens

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

While I don’t think Reeves should come back, Mora did go 11-5 last year with basically Reeves team… he’s 8-7 this year with his team.

Please someone in the press make him answer the Archer question about the punt! Why is he getting a free pass. Make him answer the question!

By Mash

December 29, 2005 11:16 PM | Link to this

Great article Mark. As a true falcon fan, I will understand what a great accomplishment it will be to have two consecutive winning seasons in a row, if indeed we get there.

I mean, this franchise has never done it, and that’s all I expected out of this season, especially after some key injuries.

Speaking of Achilles, hopefully, McKay will have the wherewithall this off-season to go after a decent safety, being that the position has consistently plagued us for the past few years.

I can really care less about the “brat like” arrogance of the coach; however, I have been growing increasing wary of the “thug” like nature of the team since Mora’s been here. At first it was cute, and then even fortunate in the opening game melay which got Trotter tossed, but at this point it has gotten ridiculous.

There’s a definite lack of discipline on the team. I believe it can be righted, but it is a disturbing trend.

By geechee

December 30, 2005 01:45 AM | Link to this

Mora is gone. There are lines you do not cross with men like Arthur Blank. I’m fairly sure Mora has crossed that line.

By geechee

December 30, 2005 02:14 AM | Link to this

“While I don’t think Reeves should come back, Mora did go 11-5 last year with basically Reeves team… he’s 8-7 this year with his team.”

Maybe they should fire everyone, bring in Dan Reeves as GM, let him find the new damn coach, one that matches up with Vick. It is not like they don’t have the core of a great team already, what this team lacks any sort of leadership. Dan Reeves in some capacity could help supply that.

By AtlantaMoved

December 30, 2005 07:41 AM | Link to this

Even more indicative of real problems may be the ridiculous sight of Mora on a cell phone during last Sunday’s game trying to call someone in the front office to find out what happens to the playoff picture if there is a tie. I would think that in the same position the coaching staffs of teams like the Patriots, Bears, and Cowboys would have known the ramifications of a tie and coached to the best result. More than money or self-promotion are required for a good organization.

By ole' limey

December 30, 2005 07:44 AM | Link to this

Oh please Larry, Reeves was as stale as 3 month old bread. You want that stupid hick around -why? He’s a conservative Tom Landry wannabe, and that 2002 season w/ Vick was more of Vick being Vick, than anything to do w/ Reeves. His days were numbered before that season even started.

By e.b.

December 30, 2005 07:55 AM | Link to this

Really guys, you are too much. Bring back Dan Reeves? You know, he had 7 seasons w/ the Falcons, 2 winning seasons, and 5 really bad one’s. That’s a lot of “what if’s”, Larry, isn’t it? Jamal Anderson’s broken leg was the reason the Falcons threw it in the tank in 2000 -huh? This is a young team, can’t stress it enough. Four of their losses were by a Field Goal. Amazing, how you people give up on them so quick. It’s a new system, no regimen, give it time. The offense is in place, the “D” needs work, and Vick needs better protection. This team is a team to be reckoned with next year, if they play their cards right. Carolina & Tampa Bay won’t do a thing in the playoffs this year. Their winning records don’t even matter. Neither team can beat Chicago or Seattle, so it’s a good thing Atlanta didn’t sneak into the playoffs this year. They’re not ready yet. That being said, it should be an interesting off season.

By e.b.

December 30, 2005 08:01 AM | Link to this

AtlantaMoved, evidently you don’t watch the NFL channel, or anything NFL related. Most coaches don’t know about what happens if the game ends in a tie. Turns out, the Falcons would have benefited from a tie rather than a loss, so it wasn’t as silly as it seems.

By e.b.

December 30, 2005 08:12 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark, don’t want to stick up for Mora too much, but doesn’t some of the blame lie within management. I mean, acquiring player’s that can’t tackle can’t be all Mora’s fault. I mean, wasn’t Bryan Scott a decent player like a year ago? Are we seeing the true Bryan Scott, or was that a one shot deal? I know getting players like Jason Webster & Ronnie Heard and the 49er guys is Mora’s fault, but how bout the sorry O-Line that Vick & co. is stuck with? No wonder there’s a “no talking” policy there. There’s not much to talk about. Also, did Mora p** you off? Calling him a brat, and you have to cover his press conferences. Shouldn’t you leave the name calling to Terrence Moore?

By Scott

December 30, 2005 08:14 AM | Link to this

Mora is a good coach. He is young and will make some mistakes. Over the long haul he will win alot more games than he loses.

Sunday will be a huge micro scope game for the Falcons team. Mora needs to not make any mistakes in judgement and get it over with and look to next season.

Anyone that thinks Reeves was a good coach in Atlanta is part of his family.

By shadetree

December 30, 2005 08:26 AM | Link to this

It appears to me there is a lack of dicipline and disrepect for the game.

Duckett gains 5 yards for a first down and gets up to crank his moped. Whats up with that.

Vick runs for no yardage and gets up back to the huddle with a chip on his sholder, like he’s disgusted or something. I wonder if team mates see that.

Getting up from the tackle the players talk trash and run their mouths then proceed to let the other team drive at will.

Atlanta has no leader. It looks to me like the coaches are afraid to critisize Vick because he might go cry in the corner.

By Other Mark

December 30, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this

Stewart - you’re right, running the football wins games in the NFL. But, the reality is that defenses stacked the box to stop our running game and dared Vick to beat them with the pass and we can’t do it. And then, with the offense not sustaining drives, the defense stays on the field way too much. A vicious cycle.

Mr. C - Dan Reeves DID like tight ends - and that got us Alge Crumpler. Wouldn’t we rather have a couple of guys like that than more of the Dez White’s and Peerless Price’s of the NFL. Reeves was opening his offense to accommodate Vick and didn’t get the opportunity due to the broken leg. Even when Vick came back late that season, his maneuvering was limited and then Dan got fired. Not a fair shot!

By the professor

December 30, 2005 08:40 AM | Link to this

TJ’s cranking really p** me off too. He acted like he had performed a Cadillac feat. When he starts doing that, the I can buy into his crank routine.

By Gene

December 30, 2005 08:40 AM | Link to this

Mora and Vick have a relationship that reminds me of the obnoxious coach of the Pee Wee football team with his son at quarterback.

By Enzo Vullo

December 30, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this

Mora is not the head coach that will lead this team to a super bowl. His coaching skills are average at best, but his leadership skills are pathetic. Being a cheerleader may work in college. At the professional level the top coaches maintain a steady demeanor under tough situations. Mora implodes. Just when the team needs a strong hand the most, he handles adversity with tantrums.

By True Fan

December 30, 2005 08:50 AM | Link to this

Let me start by saying I am a second generation Falcon fan. I have been there when we win AND when we loose.

I think that once our D gets healthier and more mature we will be OK. If you have noticed, it has been the defense that has failed in the late minutes of games. One thing I believe is that its defense that wins games. If you noticed the first time we played TB, they got in the head of our Defense and broke their will to the point it appeared they didn’t want to play anymore. That’s what we have to do in order to win. Our defense has to make the other team not want to play them, but want to pack up and go home.

Can we accomplish this? YES Can we accomplish this with the current personnel on Defense? YES and NO.

Get some Safeties in here that want to hit people and not fall down when someone with the ball is coming their way. Get Kerney and Coleman some help so they won’t be double-teamed a lot.

As for the Offense, consistency at WR would help and better pass protection. The run game is solid.

If we can accomplish the things above I believe Atlanta will be a TEAM that Defenses will have to truly prepare for not just prepare for Vick

Thoughts comments?

P.S. Reeves is too predicable and refer to players as toys.

By Cy Coannalisis

December 30, 2005 09:02 AM | Link to this

It all starts at the top. The “top” being Arthur Blank. The Falcons will continue their manic-depressive ways until he learns that his role is to supply the money and leave the full-time management and motivation of the team to the football professionals. Ted Turner eventually figured out that owning a professional sports team isn’t about yourself or filling time slots on your local third-rate television station. When Blank comes to the realization that it isn’t about being an owner, or the same as pushing paint and motivating sales sales clerks, then maybe things will level out for the Falcons as well. That’s not to say he has to be invisible, but being there for the team doesn’t mean being on the field with them or being the “face” of the team for the cameras. Rather, it means getting the best, giving them your support, giving them a goal (hopefully winning it all), then letting them do their jobs. Fans are only interested in an owner when he fails to do those four little things.

By Roger Beaver

December 30, 2005 09:04 AM | Link to this

Interestingly enough, a local radio call-in sports show identified the Falcons weakness early in the season, stating the “0-line” was undersized and not physical enough week end, and week out to protect Vick, and had Jimmy Mora addres it. (Dukes, Rude) Mora stated the O-line was fine and attributed the run success to it, which in part we agree, and stating the o-line was fine, to which most of us disagree…With that said running the ball into designated “gaps” created by a concentrated effort of a select few blockers led to this success, but what of a pass play that calls for protection of the QB?

Running the ball did not appear to be a short coming of the team again this year, protecting the QB most definately was. See Vick’s sore back-side everytime he is flat on his back, “star gazing.” Regardless…”beef up the o-line” Jim, give Schaffer some time in the weight room if you are going to keep him, improve the “QB” protection, maintain the run, and next year should be fine.

Getting E. Hartwell, Rossum, and Smith et. al.,back for 2006 will help as well!

ps…if Mora claims he was not playing for a tie in the TB game, why did he put the ball on 4th down with less than 200 seconds remaining??? Actions speak louder that “cries.”

RDB, Canton

By Cindy

December 30, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this

I am a huge Falcon fan but I have lost all respect for Mora. He has embarrassed the Falcons with his constant “tantrums” and is a laughing stock on blogs across the country. How can the team play disciplined football when they are coached by an emotional 2 year old?

By Dr.Truth

December 30, 2005 09:34 AM | Link to this

Yeah, yeah, yeah…but back to the main point of Mark’s comments…

Everyone with a rock-n-roll brain cell still floating around in their head knows the guitar break in Heartbreaker is the shiz. It’s the riff that MADE ME pick-up a guitar in the first place. Can you dig it?

And as far as the Falcons and Mora…I’m through with them until next year.

By Maria

December 30, 2005 09:50 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with Stewart - everyone has to remember that the Falcons LEAD THE LEAGUE IN RUSHING and the team’s offensive numbers are up compared to last year. The team is sending three offensive players to the Pro Bowl. The Falcons have lost some tough games this year, but making any kind of coaching change is absurd. (A change on the O-Line, however, wouldn’t’ be a bad idead.) Arthur Blank is smart - he’s knows that Jim Mora and his staff have a work in progress. Honestly Falcons fans, would you rather have John York (49ers) as your team owner? Next year will be better - have faith.

By Mark Bradley

December 30, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

“Heartbreaker” is indeed a great song, and there’s a little throwaway gem called “Livin’ Lovin’ Maid” tacked onto it.

By Rico the Pool Boy

December 30, 2005 10:01 AM | Link to this

Many long time fans of Atlanta sports teams think fondly on past teams & players despite the relative lack of team successes. Atlanta icons like Dale Murphy & Dominique Wilkins, who might frustrate us at times with their performances were players to root for because they had genuine endearing qualities. That is, they had an appreciation for the fans, an outward respect for the game they played, and they were just downright likable.

The Falcons head coach and marquee player, to me, are just not likable. Their actions on & off the field, lack of humility, expectation of entitlement, and self centered attitudes don’t madden me as much as really depress me… because I’d really like to be a passionate fan of the team. I get the impression that Vick has been surrounded by “yes men” his entire life. He and his coach bristle at the merest question that doesn’t begin and end with a puckered smooch of their rear ends.

Atlanta fans can tolerate losing. Hell, it’s a prerequisite. Just give us a little humility and some occasional self deprecation.

At best, the team has a perception problem. At worse, it has a deficit of core values. I’m hopeful it’s the former.

By John

December 30, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this

I don’t give a hoot about back to back winning seasons. What trophy do you get for that? What I do care about is even remotely doing ANYTHING that could help TAMPA BAY. I say lay down and let Carolina have this one. What good would it do us to win. DO NOT HELP TAMPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By PHIL DAVIS

December 30, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this

I was there for the first Falcons game, so you will understand me when I say that the current team is sort of like my sex life——great when it’s up (!) and kinda dull the rest of the time… but I still have hopes for massive improvement! My optimism comes, I guess, from having gone to FSU long before the Bowden Era and seen what can happen….

By Other Mark

December 30, 2005 11:42 AM | Link to this

To Phil Davis - I recall those days. Tech used to play FSU for homecoming because it was an easy win. Then Bowden left West Virginia, Dodd left Tech — and the world turned upside down!

By Paul

December 30, 2005 12:00 PM | Link to this

Monte, Mora doesn’t play for ties, remember? As he stated, that is what “losers” do. Oh wait, that’s exatly what he did against Tampa. hmmmm

By Paul

December 30, 2005 12:10 PM | Link to this

Hey, why let the punting stop in Tampa? I say we punt on every down Sunday. Then we can just leave it up to our D to try and preserve the 0-0 tie. That way we can have a “winning” season.

By Falcons Fan

December 30, 2005 12:25 PM | Link to this

We never would have been in this mess if McKay had simply hired Lovie Smith as he obviously planned too before being snookered by expert interviewer Mora.

The fact they share similar childhoods (dads being NFL coaches) probably factored into it as well. But it sure would be nice to have a coach who knows the Bucs D and its weaknesses — and smith coached there before coordinating the Rams defenses that once led the league and won championships (something Moras cannot lay claim to).

Every time Mora blows up, or says something that showes he isn’t used to success, that he has little appreciation for the effort it takes to build things, I am reminded of the classy Smith and his agressive Bears.

It is what it is now. I just hope he gains some humility and light a fire under his coordinators that you have to play to win to be successful longterm in this league. There are no risk-free championships.

By BeFrank

December 30, 2005 12:28 PM | Link to this

Honestly,

I’m pulling for a Falcon’s loss. The way I see it they can’t get into the playoffs no matter how badly they beat Carolina. The moral victory is worth less than moving up in the draft. At this point (at the risk of sounding pessimistic) I hope the Falcons play really well BUT I hope they lose. By the way, an 8-8 season punctuates the need to change and improve a whole lot more than 9-7. An 8-8 season may actually inspire Mora to strive to never taste losing again.

By Falcons Fan

December 30, 2005 12:38 PM | Link to this

Should have hired Lovie Smith and we wouldn’t be in this mess right now. End of discussion.

By Falcons Fan

December 30, 2005 12:39 PM | Link to this

Should have just hired Lovie Smith when they had the chance and they wouldn’t be in this mess right now. End of discussion.

By e.b.

December 30, 2005 12:54 PM | Link to this

Hey shadetree, if the Duckett thing bothers you, then what do you think when other NFL players make a catch or a good run, and they get up and point “first down”, or give some kind of gesture, etc.? I mean c’mon, it’s the new era. Self-celebratory actions are not uncommon. How ‘bout when Jeremiah Trotter makes one tackle, and goes into the backfield and acts like he axing down a tree…and his team is 6-9; Isn’t that kinda strange? Or the other guy on the Eagles, Dhani Jones, strumming an air guitar after making one lousy tackle, still on a 6-9 team? I mean, sure it’s stupid, but as long as the camera shows this stuff, we’re stuck with it.

And I think Mora not going for it on 4th & 2 was wise. Both teams were playing good “D” during the OT, but the difference was Tampa got a good punt return. I had more trouble w/ Mora (or Knapp) throwing the ball on 3rd & 2 in the 4th Quarter, then running for the 1st down.

By monte

December 30, 2005 01:21 PM | Link to this

I’m glad I got a rise out of your guys by mentioning Dan Reeves. For the record I never said they should hire him, I just asked where he was.

Luckily the Mr. C’s (Is that you Cafaro?) are too easy to goad into stupid posts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and get a life Cafaro.

By Other Mark

December 30, 2005 01:24 PM | Link to this

e.b. - you’re missing the point. When Mora punted on 4th and 2, he was saying that he could stop Tampa and get the TIE. Yet when he talked to the media he said he wasn’t playing for a tie, cause that’s what losers do. He ABSOLUTELY was playing for the tie and the long punt return ruined it.

Had we tied, our playoff chances would still be alive, but they would completely depend on what other teams do this weekend - just like last week. We could never control our own destiny.

Mora’s problem is that he can’t come clean and explain why he punted — even though we all know why he punted.

By e.b.

December 30, 2005 02:44 PM | Link to this

Other Mark, I see what you’re saying, but even if we won the last 2 games, we would still need help from other teams. Especially since Redskins won & Dallas won, that sure hurt our chances.

By e.b.

December 30, 2005 02:50 PM | Link to this

FalconsFan -Lovie Smith? Last year that team was 5-11, and this year only their defense shines. They win games shutting teams down (like they did against the Birds). They have no offense, and I’m pretty certain this will prove futile in the playoffs.

By Coach Reeves

December 30, 2005 04:10 PM | Link to this

Thanks guys for thinking of me, however I will be on the sidelines next year in Houston with Reggie Bush as my running back..Nice of you to remember all the wins/losses during my time in Atlanta…nice place but wouldn’t want to coach there again…got my work cut out here in Houston…hope to play the Dirty Birds in the near future so I can give you some more fodder to talk about….until then give my best to Arthur, Mike and Jim…Happy New Year enjoy watching the playoffs!

By Mad Marv

December 30, 2005 04:34 PM | Link to this

Winning is all about DEFENSE. The Bears: great defense, mediocre at best on offense, Record= 11-4, clinched division, 1st round bye. Need I say more?

By geechee

December 30, 2005 04:41 PM | Link to this

Mark, I’m seeinmg a whole new side of you I didn’t know existed with the music knowledge. Happy New Year to you.

By Coach Reeves

December 30, 2005 04:47 PM | Link to this

and by the way…i am looking for a good tight end…do you think crumpler would like to play in houston??

By Mad Marv

December 30, 2005 04:51 PM | Link to this

What’s all the BS about punting instead of going for on 4th and 2 from your own 30 yard line. Any coach in their right mind would’t go for it in that situation.

By mike in charlotte

December 30, 2005 08:49 PM | Link to this

I think Lovie Smith is a fine coach. However, at this point what has he done that Mora hasn’t? let’s see last year the falcons won the division and were the second seed in the playoffs. This year the Bears have done the same thing. Unless the Bears win the NFC champ game they will have accomplished no more then the Mora led Falcons did last year.

By mike in charlotte

December 30, 2005 08:52 PM | Link to this

Also Ten Years Gone is the definitive Led Zep song.

 

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