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DEL.ICIO.USType A corner alters Falcons’ D
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Flowery Branch — If you take the stairs up to the second floor of offices at Falcons headquarters, you will find a picture of Ray Nitschke hanging on the general manager’s wall.
The same picture is hanging in the head coach’s office.
And the defensive coordinator’s office.
And the college scouting director’s office.
Didn’t check the cafeteria. But I’m assuming Rich McKay has been grazing at the Ray Nitschke Salad Bar this offseason.
“Arthur [Blank] sent all of us pictures of Nitschke in February,” McKay said Saturday. “We had a meeting after the season, and we felt that one problem we had was teams got more physical with us than we did with them. So this year our focus had to be the defensive side of the ball and bringing some players who had the physical attitude.”
The Falcons didn’t draft another Nitschke on Saturday. To the contrary, they took a smack-talking, head-slapping cornerback from Virginia Tech, Jimmy Williams, who reportedly already has put in an order for a $250,000, customized gold Lamborghini, according to a Hampton Roads newspaper. (Nitschke’s Lamborghini was green.)
But what they have done this offseason is reaffirm what a mess they were last year. They played 16 games, few of them particularly well. When they had passion, it was smothered by mistakes. When they were in position to make a play, they were soft and run over.
They didn’t remind anybody of Nitschke or the old Green Bay Packers, unless we’re talking about today — dead or in their 70s.
So McKay and his staff set out to fix the defense. He traded up 10 spots in the second round to take Williams, who with DeAngelo Hall gives the Falcons two strong and athletic bookend Hokies. (Jason Webster at the very least drops down the depth chart.) This follows the acquisitions of defensive end John Abraham and safeties Lawyer Milloy and Chris Crocker (and the excommunication of safety Bryan Scott).
The Falcons’ defense needed more than a few Botox injections. It needed a personality transplant.
Look around the NFC South. Carolina added wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson to start opposite Steve Smith, and drafted talented rusher DeAngelo Williams out of Memphis. The makeover of the New Orleans Saints includes Reggie Bush and Drew Brees. Tampa Bay strengthened its offensive line, drafting guard Davin Joseph.
The schedule this season also includes games vs. Dallas (Terrell Owens), Arizona (Edgerrin James and Matt Leinart), Detroit (whose offense is not being run by Mike Martz) and Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh (which drafted Ohio State receiver Santonio Holmes).
Shouldn’t there be some sort of consolation for having the league’s 26th-ranked defense against the run?
McKay says, “We got lucky.” He didn’t believe Williams would last as long as he did.
“We needed that big, physical corner, especially when you look in the division and see what you’re gonna have in New Orleans, and with what you already have in Carolina and Tampa. We have to be tough. We have to make it so that other teams don’t want to play against us.”
Williams was upset he wasn’t drafted earlier. He said he even started praying when he didn’t go in the first 12 picks, and left his hotel room in Hampton, Va., when he was still on the board after 22 selections.
But the fact that he dropped wasn’t a huge surprise. Some teams reportedly were turned off at some weight gain and his attitude at the combine (he didn’t participate in most drills). He also was ejected from the Gator Bowl game last year. Coach Frank Beamer also banned him from interviews the entire 2004 season for saying he was going to shut down USC’s Mike Williams.
But none of that fazed McKay — if anything, the draft-day decline kick-started Williams.
“I want to show the other 31 teams and the other eight defensive backs who went before me [they were wrong],” he said. “That’s motivation for me to prove why I was a unanimous All-American.”
That’s a motivated Falcon.
Game film from last year should motivate the rest.
Permalink | Comments (176) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
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By BIGG DADDY DOGG
April 30, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this
clap clap clap excellent job with both picks. I just sent in the rest of my season tickets payment. AAAAAMEN WE WILL BE VERY TOUGH TO BEAT !!!!
By ATLborn
April 30, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this
Great job by R. McKay and the Falcons org. Williams was a steal at 37. We needed a big corner to match up against the likes of big receivers in the NFC South like Keyshawn Johnson. Norwood was a good pick too.
By Superstar
April 30, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this
Awesome…..Great Job! Williams will prove to be the best cornerback in the draft. Even better than Huff. The NFC South are in for a big surprise when they face this revamped d-fense of the Falcons.
By David
April 30, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this
I like what the Falcons did but every time I see Bush’s face I say (&(&(&*(&…
By vick is sick
April 30, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
I think we did great on day 1. We got jimmy a beast and a speedster with 4.3 speed. Our cornerbacks will be solid because jason will not be starting and kevin mathis is rehabing good. But i think we need a fat body at DT to help a little.
By Trophead
April 30, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
Excellent job with the first pick. Jimmy Williams is a great value in the 2nd round. Terrible job with the 3rd round pick. Picking an RB when you need a big DT and help anywhere on the O-line? Ridiculous. The Falcons, unlike the Panthers, don’t realize that you build championship teams starting with a talented, physical O-line and D-line, which is why the Panthers have passed us by in the division. The Falcons will go get pass rushers like Abraham, but they won’t get a run-stuffing DT the way Carolina did, adding Maake Kemoatu in free agency. We’ll get a running back, but we think its enough to trade for a 35 year old offensive tackle to fix our horrible pass protection. Until our coaching staff realizes that they gotta spend high picks and big money on both lines, we’re not going to the Super Bowl.
By james
April 30, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this
They should have taken Max jean Gilles instead of the RB in the 3rd. Hopefully he will be around when we pick in the 5th round but I doubt it.
By Randy
April 30, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this
Wasted draft pick in Williams. He is a cry baby and another Chokie. Didn’t they learn their leasson yet with the palyers from the team that quits and can’t win the big game ? McKay needed to draft offensive lineman, look what the Jets got in the first round for building an offensive line. Norwood came from a losing program and will bring it over to the Falcons. Look at the teams that are rounding up the USC and Texas players, get guys from a winning tradition, not ones that learned how to lose!
By Mike
April 30, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this
Does it really matter how strong the D gets? With the worst QB in the NFL running the offinse even shutting out the other team isn’t enough.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this
Yet again, the Falcons pass on a Bulldog (Jean-Gilles), even when he’s the consesus 3rd best available pick left on the board, for a running back that all of the experts say doesn’t play 100% all of the time. Sounds kinda like a running back they already employ, doesn’t it?
I like Williams, and I like the fact that our defense is going to be top-10 as soon as Webster is moved to Nickle. But how the F are we going to win games if we don’t give Vick the time to throw the F-ing ball!!!?
Gosh darn it! Jean-Gilles was sitting right there! Our interior offensive line (not to mention the exterior as well) is attrocious! Adding his big body would have done some huge good for this team. But instead, we draft another lazy running back.
I’m sorry, but the fact that Williams fell to us is the product of some pretty stupid GM’s picking ahead of us, not McKay being awesome. Yeah, he moved up, but Williams still should have been the first or the second corner drafted.
And WTF is the deal with all of those stiff TE’s getting drafted ahead of Pope? That guy from Notre Dame, or the one from Western Michigan? You’ve got to be kidding me!
I hope Pope and Leinart start winning in Arizona (yeah, like that’s ever going to happen) just to stick it to those fools in the league. Pope is going to be the best TE from this draft. You guys just wait and see.
Come on Falcons! Move up again and draft Jean-Gilles for crying out loud!!!!!!!
By JT
April 30, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this
I like it- a lot. It’s about time that Rich and the boys got someone else to start opposite DeAngelo. Who cares if he’s cocky? As long as that cockiness translates into results on the field, and as long as he keeps himself out of trouble, then no one should be complaining. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: it was the DEFENSE that made us have a horrible season last year. Norwood is a solid football player with all-around ability to help the offense when Warrick is taking a breather. With all of the upgrades on the defensive side of the football and Vick’s steady improvement( yes, I said it), our beloved Falcons look to try and make it to the promised land this year. If you don’t believe they can do it, then stop faking and go root for another team. GO FALCONS!!!!!!
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this
Mike you’re an idiot.
Stay off of this board with your ridiculous and uneducated comments.
Go rejoin your Klan party already in session.
By Brad
April 30, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this
Norwood is a good pick, he can be someone who challenges for playing time in a year or two, when Dunn and/or Duckett is gone. And who cares if he comes from a losing program. I think we have another guy in our backfield from Mississippi State. Anybody forget the best fullback in the NFL (Justin Griffith) played at MSU. While Norwood is waiting to get some play time at halfback, he can return kickoffs so that Rossum can focus strictly on his bread and butter, punt returns, which Rossum will be receiving a lot of punts this year thanks to a stacked defense (they need to go sign Grady Jackson, and then I think they have the best defense in the NFL).
Two top notch defensive ends. The best under tackle in the NFL with Coleman. The best weakside LB in Brooking, a run stuffer at MLB in Hartwell, a hard hitting safety in Milloy, the best cornerback in the NFL Deangelo Hall, and a guy who will challenge Hall to be the best in a few years (don’t forget Hall and Williams have been buddies, playing Corner together since they were what, 11 years old?). Yeah, add Grady Jackson as a run stuffing DT, and we can shut down Chris Simms, Jake Delhomme, and Drew Brees, and we can dominate those guys who are just trying to replicate our best rushing team in the NFL with Deangelo Williams, Cadillac Williams, and Reggie Bush.
We will stop the run on defense, and we will lead the NFL in rushing offense, and that’s how you win championships.
By Coleman
April 30, 2006 02:10 AM | Link to this
Amen BirdDawg.
I’m overjoyed that we got Williams. But in round three a second-rate RB instead of desperately needed help on either the offensive or defensive line?
I’m wondering if McKay has a deal cooking to move Duckett in a trade in exchange for some help on the line. It seems like such a deal would have happened by now, but that’s the only explanation I can conceive of for taking Norwood when we did.
By UGA 72
April 30, 2006 02:40 AM | Link to this
Norwood is just like Duckett, picked way above his ability to produce. He wasn’t a fumbler say the Falcon’s, because he’d hit the ground instead of running over people, and the ground can’t cause fumbles. This was the worst pick since Duckett and I said that then, he was a quitter and so is Norwood.
I agree that Max Jean should have been the pick here. He has some skills, a big body and is coachable. I would have been prouder of Greg Blue than Norwood and he might have been a more productive running back as a Defensive back.
Whether anyone likes it or not the Falcon’s have most of their eggs in Mike Vicks basket, so to speak. Since that is clearly true don’t they understand that the best thing in the world to do is protect that investment? If Max Jean just stood there, he’d offer more protection than the O line did at times last year.
Frankly it looks like McKay was thinking about being the Commissioner instead of taking care of the Falcons!
By BBatZTL
April 30, 2006 03:05 AM | Link to this
As a 19 year Falcon season ticket holder (this year will be 20——don’t ask me about the ticket cost increase), I am VERY happy with the draft so far. Three rounds completed, I see the addition of Abrahams, Williams and Norwood…….Let’s give Rich the benefit of the doubt with day 2 still coming. We can still address the O-line there. I am very happy so far. We avereged, what? 28 points a game last year with THAT trash Oline? We HAVE upgraded. At least ourt D will keep people under that 28 spread next year.
By Zach
April 30, 2006 03:08 AM | Link to this
Will all of you uneducated Georgia fans get of Gean Jiles dick and realize that he’s not that good. If he was as great as all of you think then I am sure that one of the other 32 General Manager’s would have picked him. He is seriously over weight and seriously over rated. Norwood will bring the big play back that we have sorely needed over the last three years and another weapon to the backfield. Jimmy “Hitman” Williams was the hardest hitting corner in the draft and will back down to no one. Rich McKay isn’t considered the most respected man in football for being an idiot..
By BBatZTL
April 30, 2006 03:10 AM | Link to this
Sorry about the typos. I have had too many beers celebrating getting our new cornerback in the second round—thereby saving cap money on contracts. He was the stud corner of the draft
By coons fan
April 30, 2006 03:20 AM | Link to this
Mike is not an idiot, just a little off. Mike Vick is one of the best athletes to ever play any sport, but he is not a good passer. This is not my opinion, please look at his passing numbers. He is, however, the best running QB probably ever. Vick will never get better until people quit babying him and telling him its fine just to run around and make plays with his feet. I wish we could cross-breed Schaub’s arm with Vick’s legs…….
By The Grinch
April 30, 2006 03:49 AM | Link to this
We done good. We needed to, considering the schedule (and our divisional opponents’ improvements). May Jason Webster get a job at a convenience store, and our picks realize their potential. That said, we still need a big A** DT, and another on the O-line.
By The Grinch
April 30, 2006 03:55 AM | Link to this
Cross Vick and Schaub? You’d have Michael Jackson. Heee-He.
By Chris
April 30, 2006 04:33 AM | Link to this
Great job. I agree that I probably would’ve taken Jean-Gilles, but I trust Rich McKay and I have faith that he has a plan and it will work. I’ll take Abraham and Williams in the 1st 3 rounds.
By Chris
April 30, 2006 04:33 AM | Link to this
Great job. I agree that I probably would’ve taken Jean-Gilles, but I trust Rich McKay and I have faith that he has a plan and it will work. I’ll take Abraham and Williams in the 1st 2 rounds.
By geechee
April 30, 2006 05:17 AM | Link to this
I’m really not sure what everyone is celebrating. This looks just like every other Falcons draft to me. You know, all those ones that have guaranteed no two seasons in a row with a winning record. Why is everyone so surprised this guy was still available? Here is the book on Jimmy Williams:
“May be a bit of a CB / S ‘tweener…Will miss tackles while going for the knock out hit…Lacks discipline on the field…May not have the instincts to play corner at the next level…Inconsistent and doesn’t always play up to his immense talent…Still developing after only two years of experience at the position…Very confident, bordering on cocky, and tends to give opposing teams bulletin board material.”
Oh, and how about that second pick for Jerious Norwood. A player they probably could have picked up Sunday afternoon or possibly even as a free agent.
I do wish Y’all luck and hope for the best for everyone. I’ll check back with y’all after the Dogs’ season is over and see how happy everyone still is.
By Michael
April 30, 2006 05:36 AM | Link to this
First of all amen Birdawg. Mike keep the ignorant Vick bashing off of here. I want all of the anti-Vicks to poll NFL GM’s and see what they would not give to have Vick. What you said was obscene Mike. Anyway great picks, even though I do hope we pick up a couple of Lineman on both sides of the ball in the later rounds. I cant wait to see our new Defense against our division rivals. Go Falcons!!
By Josh Knight
April 30, 2006 05:51 AM | Link to this
Rich McKay could not have done any better than he did with the draft. Jimmy Williams is the best cornerback in the draft, and that includes Tye Hill. He is the second best defensive back in the draft after Michael Huff. Why, he lasted until the second round is unbelievable. All of the experts had him going in the first round. I did not see one that did not have him going in round one. He will be a very solid cornerback alongside DeAngelo Hall for many years. I also thought the running back that we got in the 3rd round was a great pick. He was the fastest running back in the draft and a very smart player. With Warrick Dunn aging and T.J. Duckett a free agent next year this position had to be addressed. For those that are b*** because Max Gean Gilles did not get picked, need to wake up. The Falcons do not draft fat offensive lineman like Max. Alex Gibbs does not even like drafting offensive lineman that early in the draft. As long as he is consultant a guy like Max will never be with the Falcons. Get over it. Alex Gibbs is known as one of the best offensive line coaches in football. Also, keep in mind that all of the other football teams passed on him too. We do not need a team full of Georgia Bulldogs. I would be glad to get D.J. Shockley and maybe Greg Blue to sit on the bench but that is the extent of it.
By Vince
April 30, 2006 06:08 AM | Link to this
geechee, are you smoking crack? I guess thats why your name is geechee. Jimmy Williams was the top 2 rated CB on every pre-draft publicaton. So he talks smack, he is a 6’2 213lbs corner with 4.4 speed. His senior year most QBs avoided throwing to his side of the field. Team him up with D.Hall, our pass rush and now having a chip on his shoulder because of where he was drafted and the falcons will benefit greatly. The Norwood pick is also solid. Great 1st day draft Mckay. Go Falcons!!!!
By HATinGA
April 30, 2006 07:30 AM | Link to this
I do wish the Falcons would have picked another school besides V-tech to load players from, if you will notice the best teams in the NFL ,PITT,NE,INDY,SEATTLE are quietly confident and do there talking on the field. I think V-tech program would be better served and win more big games by adding Disciplined players thats not giving the other team a reason to step it up a little.
By JC
April 30, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this
I just saw Dan Reeves on NFL Total Access. They asked him, “What did you think was the single best pick of the first round?”. He said the 49ers taking that tight end. I thought I would p** myself. I wonder if he sleeps with a stuffed tight end doll at night?
By Charles
April 30, 2006 07:49 AM | Link to this
Great moves. We are on our way. Keep the injury bug away and we can be in the super bowl. Great job Mckay. Go dirty birds!!!!!!!!!!!
By Scott
April 30, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this
Falcons will be happy with Jimmy Williams. Jimmy has had his problems but he’s going to be a great pro. He’s a high energy guy and he when he gets to jacked up he says some things that make people scratch there head. One of the reasons why he dropped so far is due to a comment from Todd McShay on Scout’s Inc. McShay made the assertion that he had heard that Williams was borderline bipolar. First, there’s no such thing as bipolar. You are or you aren’t and if anyone wants to read about the illness it’s not what Jimmy Williams is. He’s a 22 year old guy who has a lot of physical ability and he has too much youthful energy. He reminds me of a hyperactive kid at times. Teaming him with his former mentor Deangelo Hall is a good match up. Somebody posted the blurb that he lacks discipline on the field and this is correct. He was not tested much is senior year so he started to gamble and make the big play. He got burned by Calvin Johnson once for it but was solid the rest of the time. He will be fine in a pro system because he he listens to coaches. I have met Jimmy twice and he is a great kid. He’s respectful and nice to people especially kids.
The biggest thing about Williams is that he is a great run stopper. He hits hard and that is something that the Falcons need. If you doubt he can hit go watch the 2004 Sugar Bowl versus Auburn. He knocked Brown and Williams flat a couple of times.
He’s a hell of a player.
By eddiem
April 30, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this
Great pick-we need a trash talking hard hitter opposite Hall. Just a thought-with Warrick getting older and TJ not producing, we could have picked Lindale White at 37-it will be interesting to see how Lindale vs Willims compare in performance in the future…..
By Keeping it real
April 30, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
One word now in draft Offense line! Our management has this offense line thing all wrong. They think 5th and 7th round win game. This thinking is very flawed. Coach GiBB is wrong on this thinking. You win the battle up front offense and defense line with power and speed. We need to trade some body to get (A) at lest two people who can start on offense line with power and speed and skills(b) a big body in the middle of the defense with power and speed with skills. People allways look at and want the so call skill people. The linemen is how you control the play that is calledand if the are weak you are going to lose. We play to manny teams with very good d-linemen.Run stoper who do we have?. Pass blocker who do we have? Management think we are going to the big game with this offense line. I am not mckay but I know you win games by having control of the line . We need those kind of players with power size and speed on both lines to win!!!!!!GET IT!!!!
By Ben Sutton
April 30, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
I am a huge Georgia fan, and I understand why Max wasn’t chosen in the 3rd. Yes, he is a good guard and takes up a lot of space. He doesn’t fit the Falcons blocking scheme. They like quick and “fit” o-lineman. Let’s face it, Max is far from that. He will be a solid guard for someone, and they will get a steal when they choose him. Excellent draft, Rich!! I was SCHOCKED that Jennings was the first Georgia boy to go off the board, though.
By falcon guy
April 30, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this
Two excellent picks. Williams is a great value at pick #37. That should help shore up the defense now. Two corners who can shut down most receivers, plus a smart hard hitting safety, plus a pro bowl DE. Sure they would be better if they could add a big butt DT, but so far I thing they’ve got a defense that is hard to attack. With Kerney and Abraham, opposing QB’s won’t have much time to throw, and with Hall and Williams, who’s going to be open that fast? With Hartwell and Beck coming back from injury, the LB depth will be awesome. And I like Jerious Norwood. Obviously anyone above who criticizes this pick has never even seen game film of Norwood. This guy has some serious wiggle and was the fastest RB in the 40 at the combine (Reggie Bush didn’t run there). RB is a need, despite what you idiots are saying. Dunn is getting to that age where RB’s fall off, and Duckett just hasn’t made any improvement. He’s supposed to be the short yardage and goal line back, but he struggled last year to get 1 yard. That makes him expendable. Norwood will add a speed element that they don’t have now. Plus he’s an excellent receiver for a RB. They can still draft a DT Sunday, or revisit signing Grady Jackson.
Good first day McKay!!
By Johnny Jones
April 30, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this
I am so glad that that the other teams passed up William. This kid if he do not get hurt will push for the pro bowl. mark my words. He is big and fast, and with Hall on the other side, look out.
By DaMan
April 30, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
IGNORANCE?! Ignorance is bashing a guy for an opinion! Ignorance is saying something as stupidly racist as “go back to your Klan meeting.” So this guy, Mike, is a Klan member because he thinks Vick is a terrible QB? A LOT of people think Vick is a bad QB - watch ESPN! Most of those guys recognize that you can’t win a Championship with a running QB with an inaccurate arm! That doesn’t make them stupid or a Klansman, it’s makes them rational!!!!!!
By mike
April 30, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
The Falcons have gone out and really upgraded their team this season; maybe more than any other team. On defense we get two physical corners, one of which is also a good cover guy, we now have bookend corners and bookend defensive ends with Abraham & Williams respectively. Webster will be a big upgrade at nickleback when he loses his starting spot. We get Hartwell back, which bumps the loinebacking corps back in gear except for Williams who will have to be a backup…on defense we are an entirely new team, but we still need that big butt up the middle! On offense, Norwood will help gradually, but Gandy will help immediately, and the offense will be better because they will let Mike play this year, but we have got to have a kicker…just ask the Tuna how it feels to not have a kicker. No kicker gets you beat in this league! I can honestly say that I am very excitedabout our team this year!
By DaMan
April 30, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
IGNORANCE?! Ignorance is bashing a guy for an opinion! Ignorance is saying something as stupidly racist as “go back to your Klan meeting.” So this guy, Mike, is a Klan member because he thinks Vick is a terrible QB? A LOT of people think Vick is a bad QB - watch ESPN! Most of those guys recognize that you can’t win a Championship with a running QB with an inaccurate arm! That doesn’t make them stupid or a Klansman, it’s makes them rational!!!!!!
By mike
April 30, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
The Falcons have gone out and really upgraded their team this season; maybe more than any other team. On defense we get two physical safeties, one of which is also a good cover guy, we now have bookend corners and bookend defensive ends with Abraham & Williams respectively. Webster will be a big upgrade at nickleback when he loses his starting spot. We get Hartwell back, which bumps the loinebacking corps back in gear except for Williams who will have to be a backup…on defense we are an entirely new team, but we still need that big butt up the middle! On offense, Norwood will help gradually, but Gandy will help immediately, and the offense will be better because they will let Mike play this year, but we have got to have a kicker…just ask the Tuna how it feels to not have a kicker. No kicker gets you beat in this league! I can honestly say that I am very excitedabout our team this year!
By Keeping it real !!!
April 30, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
By falcon guy You know why Duckett ran so poor It’s call a OFFENSE LINE. You Know why VICK has to run for his life It call a OFFENSE LINE. You know why passing number are low it’s call a offense line.I dare you to look at any game film of this offense line and feel good about it. #61 and #62 Just look at any game film on them and tell us it going to be fine.Yes we do need a running back but we NEED some skilled player up front on this line! A running back could have been got next year! we need good linemen NOW!!!!
By The Cutter
April 30, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this
Message to TJ Duckett and Chad* Put the biscuits down, and don’t stop by Wingzone again. Earn ya money. The team needs you, and the fans want to see competition, hard work, desire, and passion for the game. Not a season full of dissappointments and underachievements. As a Lifelong Falcons Fan, I’m sick of this attitude. This is football. Go to Ben Hill, Gresham Park, or Marrietta Youth League Games to get your passion back.
Atlanta Local
By This gets old
April 30, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
Like it or not opposition DT’s and LB’s came right up the middle untouched against our line last season. Defensively we were run over and adding additional safeties means that maybe the tackles will be made seven, eight yards downfield instead of fifteen. If you need a RB next year then take one next year. It’s not a position where guys can’t play right away.
You win with beef up front. We don’t have it so winning will still be iffy. I see the Steelers players as confident and a bit cocky sometimes. However they seem to let their play do the talking. At least we’ll do well with unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
By FalconW810
April 30, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this
JC, that was very funny!
By FalconW810
April 30, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Norwood has been timed at 4.37 in the 40, when was the last time we had a RB with such speed? Plus, dude can catch! C’mon!
By George W.
April 30, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
I like all of the off season moves so far and I admit it surprises me. At the end of last season I saw too many glaring holes, especially on defense. This morning I can say almost all holes are filled not just with warm bodies, but with some of the best in the business. We may finally have a defense to rival or surpass the 98 Falcons, the real reason we went to the Super Bowl that year. As for the offensive line comments above, everyone needs to remember that is the same line that for two years in a row has led the league in rushing yards. They just need to finess the art of delivering the ball to the hot receivers more often. Show you can be rid of the ball quick for a completion and the defensive heat backs off a little. We have the players now. We have a good coach. They have shown that the rebuilding is done and seem to be making a serious Super Bowl bid - This year.
By George W.
April 30, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
I like all of the off season moves so far and I admit it surprises me. At the end of last season I saw too many glaring holes, especially on defense. This morning I can say almost all holes are filled not just with warm bodies, but with some of the best in the business. We may finally have a defense to rival or surpass the 98 Falcons, the real reason we went to the Super Bowl that year. As for the offensive line comments above, everyone needs to remember that is the same line that for two years in a row has led the league in rushing yards. They just need to finess the art of delivering the ball to the hot receivers more often. Show you can be rid of the ball quick for a completion and the defensive heat backs off a little. We have the players now. We have a good coach. They have shown that the rebuilding is done and seem to be making a serious Super Bowl bid - This year.
By seminolefan48
April 30, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
I remember when people were bashing the Falcons for signing Warrick Dunn instead of “RICKY WILLIAMS”. Justin Griffith played for that looser College Mississippi State and he’s turned out to be an excellent fullback. To Geechee, why don’t you do your own game film study on players, instead relying on someone else’s opinion. Talk about trash talkers,I remember when we had Dion Sanders, Andre Rison and Tim McKyer in the same locker room.
By seminolefan48
April 30, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
I remember when people were bashing the Falcons for signing Warrick Dunn instead of “RICKY WILLIAMS”. Justin Griffith played for that looser College Mississippi State and he’s turned out to be an excellent fullback. To Geechee, why don’t you do your own game film study on players, instead relying on someone else’s opinion. Talk about trash talkers,I remember when we had Dion Sanders, Andre Rison and Tim McKyer in the same locker room.
By Mike
April 30, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this
Nice I am a klansmember because the stats year after year after year show that vick is a terrible QB. He is a terrible decision maker, he can’t pass worth anything, he can’t read a defense. I love the excuses you come up with for him. Bad offensive line you say? Was it bad in the pro bowl too were he threw what 2 INT’s in very limited play? You people have been spoon fed and seen to much marketing to beleive Vick is good. All he is good at is selling jerseys to you clowns who beleive the hype. You’ll never win with your best QB on the bench.
By Brian
April 30, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
Keeping it real, first of all, you are hilarious. Everytime I read your posts I literally laugh-out-loud. I agree that the Falcons need to get better offensive linemen, but you can’t call coach Alex Gibbs’s philosopy flawed. His 2 Super Bowl rings (with Denver) prove otherwise.
I don’t understand why everyone wants to ignore the fact that the defense is the primary reason the Falcons didn’t go at least 10-6 last season. Wasn’t that Tampa’s record? And, oh yeah, they made the playoffs because they beat the Falcons in the 4th quarter on last second drives when the defense couldn’t hold the lead.
Sure, the offense needs to be addressed, but the defense was the reason for the 2-6 finish.
Having said all that, I want the Falcons to draft some huge OGs and DTs today. Move up if you have to, but get it done! This will give them depth at positions in which they already have starters.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
Mike, you’re an idiot stats-wanker.
Vick has a 66.7% winning percentage. You know who’s better than him, moron? Two QB’s. TWO!!! And do you know who they are? Of course you don’t. You’re an idiot. They’r Tom Brady and Donovan McNabb. That’s it. Not Manning. Not Pennington. Not Culpepper. Brady. McNabb. And Vick you ignorant SOB.
And I’m sick of you self-satisfied guys saying Jean-Gilles sucks.
You know why I know Jean-Gilles is awesome? Because Philadelphia just drafted him. And no one else drafts better than Philly.
McKay, you had your chance to get an anchor for the middle of your crappy O-Line, and instead, you picked another lazy running back. I thought that when Dan Reeves left, so did the Falcons ability to screw up in the draft. What, are we collecting lazy running backs like Ole’ Dan used to collect tight ends? One should be enough. Duckett is one lazy running back too many.
And Mike, one more thing. How many wins does your precious Matt Fraud have? How many teams has he beaten? And if he is so awesome, why wasn’t he traded to Minnesota, who wanted him? I guess they didn’t figure he was worth a first rounder.
Yeah, Matt Fraud is awesome.
And you, are an ignorant SOB.
By Vince
April 30, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this
Well Mike everytime you speak you prove your ignorance. Although you are entitled to your opinion, it should be based more on facts instead of personal feelings. Mike Vick alone has put two programs on the map. No one was talking about VT before Mike got there and took his team to a National championship game. Although FSU won the game, everyone in the country was talking abotu MIke Vick. Now VT is consistently a top 25 program every year. Before Mike Vick came to the Falcons, were one of the laughing stocks of the NFL. But when Mike Vick became the starter, we started to consitently compete for the playoffs. Remember he is the 1st QB to beat Farve in GB in the playoffs. The same Farve that threw 2 ints that game, but what was his excuse? By the way Vick did not throw an int that game and we won 27-7. Since Vick has been the starter, he has taken the falcons to the playoffs twice, not Chris chandler, Jeff George, Chris Miller, or Bobby Hebert can say that and all considered better passers. So the point is that winning triumps great passing stats. Schaub may be a better passer but he is 0-2 as a starter with 5tds and 4ints. I think we will stick with a winning QB until someone else can prove they can win more games than Vick.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
And WTF!
When did Atlanta trade out of the fourth round? Was it to get Williams?
So we only have 4 picks now?
By MikeVsfriend
April 30, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
Perhaps Mike wants to play QB for the falcons if he thinks Mike Vick is terrible!
By Brian
April 30, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
BirdDawg, Atlanta traded thier 4th round pick to Cleveland for Chris Crocker. I’d say a fair trade-if Crocker turns out to be a good player for them.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
Okay, I had the SI.com draft tracker running, and they stil had the pick for the Falcons. I’ve since switched to ESPN.com, who’s draft tracker is more accurate, and quicker with the picks.
Thanks!
By Brian
April 30, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
This one is better (and much quicker): http://www.nfl.com/draft/drafttracker/round/round4
The ESPN tracker times out sometimes, though some of that might have been because of the higher traffic from yesterday.
By The Cutter
April 30, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
Good Job McKay
Message to Falcons Fans It’s really strange a guy with the same first name as Vick is talking so much trash. Anyway Mike has a good point, but just like you all mentioned we do need a solid OL. Yes for some strange reason it seems as if the O-line blocks well for Schaub and breaks totally down when Vick is back there. That’s a coaching issue that should be addressed. You can’t be so critical on a guy that we all knew going in, needed time to develop. Mike be patient and practice silence
The thing that still gives me nightmares is the play late in our season of 2004 when the Falcons played Tampa Bay in the Dome(thank God I was watching at home). Derrick Brooks came clear through Keynan Forney and Todd McClure for a clean sack on Mike. I’ve watched that play many times and I see two mistakes and one huge blunder occured during that play. 1.Keynan attempted a very weak cut block, missed McFarland. 2.This miss block opened a Grand Canyon like whole for Derrick Brooks to get a clean shot on Vick. 3. All this could’ve been avoided if Vick made his pre-snap read and audible out of that play or made a adjustment to the protection. 4. Poor Warrick tried to come to Vick’s rescue, instead he found himself in the way and DB just took them all out. These are the types of plays, if you are a longtime Falcon fan get use to dealing with. I just like to see the players make better decisions, be aggressive, and show passion for the game. Go home if you’re here for a paycheck. Should’ve played baseball if you just want money. I don’t think the line is that bad, they do need to make better decisions and they should be looking to take Derrick Brooks head off for attempting to blitz you up the middle. That play was an example of total disrespect for the line when the OLB blitzes you up the middle.
Now put some meat on them bones. We need more DT’s and OL.
By OldTimer
April 30, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
No way McKay could pass up on Williams. Duckett phoned it in last year, that’s why the RB pick. Duckett’s out.
By p
April 30, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
kid sounds like an idiot if he’s spending $250k on a car. probably going to talk and spend himself into obscurity.
we still have two subpar health-wise, constantly-hurt LBers and teams are still going to run the ball down our throat.
i’m happy to see mckay concentrate on defense. we need all the help we can get
By Rick Nole
April 30, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
Great Job by the Front Office. No team in the league will be able to pass against this Defense when Williams fully develops in this league, and to think that D. Hall has not even reached its peak.
Before its all said and done, the Birds will have 2 or 3 Superbowl wins during this Michael Vick era.
How bout them NOLES BABY and the ACC representing in the First round. Guess the NFL thinks the ACC is a power conference.
By Ben Sutton
April 30, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this
Da Man: Good point on JT’s IGNORANCE. I guess Randy Jackson and Darren Woodson on ESPN need to go to their KLAN meeting too. You know, since they don’t think Mike can take us to the Super Bowl…they must be racist. Ignorance is bliss, JT.
By Fred
April 30, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
Seems to me like the Falcons want to have the two down set on offensive again in 2006. If they keep #61 Lehr on offensive that, is all they get, two downs. He lets the defensive lineman run right by him untouched. Get a good left offensive guard in the draft (McKay has already let many go by without drafting them) and give the Falcons four downs like all the other teams the Falcons play in 2006 and we have a good team. McKay blew this years draft for not getting a replacement for Lehr vs Norwood. He will be another Justin Griffin from MSU, a non starter, backup that no one has heard of. He will be a good third team running back, not someone to draft in the high rounds!
By Observer37
April 30, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
There are reasons Williams lasted so long. While there is no real doubt about his overall talent and ability, there are lots of reasons to be concerned about his maturity, dependability and concept of team. Watching him during his stay at Virginia Tech produced the extremes of emotions. Amazement at a game changing play that few could execute. Disbelief at an incredibly dumb gamble or emotional reaction that came at a critical point in the game and turned the momentum toward VT’s opponent. Beamer and the VT coaching staff were never able to eliminate the latter and the team suffered. The Falcons gambled. Other teams weren’t willing to take the chance; or didn’t think they had too. It could turn out to be one of the best ever Falcon picks if the coaching staff can harness the talent in a team concept. Or it could turn out to be a real bust. Time will tell.
By Hairydawg
April 30, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
I agree with most of you. McKay and the Birds have drafted well so far. And all the defensive free agents and Abraham will make OUR D much better. The V-Tech corner and M-State running were fine pick-ups. Norwood was the only “great” player on M-State’s team.
By Mike
April 30, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
I have asked before and no one can show me where this 66.7 winning percentage stat comes from please link it. Vick is ranked 25 out of 34 in QB rating which is terrible and ranked 29 out of 34 in completion percentage. This is not the numbers of a top tier QB. A QB’s job is to be a leader which Vick is NOT this isn’t something you can teach you either have it or you don’t and he isn’t a leader. If he was the o-line wouldn’t play so much harder when scwuab was on the field. Vick can’t read a defense or pass worth a crap. He can run or used to unfortunatly now that we have seen a spy defense can stop him it’s over. So you guys have a QB that can run sometimes. Thats great. Thats kind of like in basketball brining in a 5 foot 4 center that can’t rebound or block shots but can shoot 3’s… Sometimes.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
Fred, you’re absolutely right!
Jean-Gilles would have been perfect right there.
And I’m tired of Alex Gibbs cheap-shot system of offensive line play. Yeah, you run for a million yards, but those cheap-shot tactics don’t work when you have to stand up and go mano a mano with the D-Line in pass protection.
Jean-Gilles would have brought a little nastiness to the line, and God-forbid, a little talent, two things that are lacking on the Falcons offensive line.
If I were Michael Vick, I’d be so P’Oed that once again, the Falcons have done nothing to shore up my protection, and will once again be running scared because after my first step, I’ve got a tackle and an end in my face.
By Brian
April 30, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
Quinn Ojinnaka’s profile
By Fred
April 30, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
Max Jean-Gilles would have been a Great pick vs Norwood. Charles Spencer (Pitt), Robb Sims (Ohio State)were passed on by the Falcons (biggg mistake). Will Allen (Texas), Robert Cleary (UCLA), Fred Matua (USC), Tyler McMeans (Miami, Fla), Dan Stevenson (Notre Dame), Matt Lenz (Michigan), Brian Barthelm (Virginia) are still obtainable. Lets see if McKay is thinking about winning or being a commissioner. Two offensive down vs four. Lehr needs to be gone.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Man, Mike, not only are you ignorant, you’re an idiot, too.
Do I have to explain 5th grade math to you?
You take the number of wins in his starts, divided by the number of his starts.
When you do that, you have the third best winning percentage of all QBs in the league today, moron. So I guess winning games at that clip has nothing to do with being a leader. I guess in your world, it’s better to look pretty a lose (like Matt Fraud does) than win. Winning is the only thing that matters, Klansman.
Oh, and I have some stats for you.
QB #1
Completion percentage: 49.3% QB Rating: 68.8 WINNING PERCENTAGE: 0%
QB #2
Completion percentage: 54.1% QB Rating: 75.8 WINNING PERCENTAGE: 66%
Now, Mike, you ridiculous moron, who is the better QB?
If you were to go by stats alone, you’d be very surprised by your pick.
I say, throw stats out of the window (even if they prove my argument), and go by winning percentage. Vick wins games. And he will continue to win games, while Matt Fraud becomes yet another in a long line of Doug Johnsons.
By Rufus T. Shyne
April 30, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
Hemmo Facon Fan,
I seed a pitcher of tha femmo the Facon tooked and he got his name embroidered on his back. That will come in handy if he found in a ally or sumtnin wit no ID. Do the Facon have a feetball hat big nuff fo his punkin haid? He gon bes real good. He gon talk them receivers to death. He gon to disrupt they celebration in the in zone after they put up them scos. He gon fit in perfect.
By Titothebear
April 30, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
Hey Canine Birdbrain,
The Foulcons will go 0-7 to start the season! Vick is the twenty-eighth best quarterback in the league and falling. Schaub is the much better quarterback and he’ll have the starting job after game seven. You are an imbecile!
By maumau
April 30, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this
[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7279844/did/10569818/page/4/]
For those with itty bitty math skills, someone has done the work for you. Here’s the link to the article giving you the Vick to McNabb to Brady relation on winning percentage. (Jeez, some people…)
By The Cutter
April 30, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
Ummmmm, Did someone leave the back door open. We got some Louisiana fans around here.
By maumau
April 30, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
Vick vs McNabb vs Brady
By FalconW810
April 30, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
While this city stays in it’s backward ways, the world will pass you by, leaving you in your ignorant dust, a dam shame in 2006.
By Ben T. Wood
April 30, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
You know what BirdDawg? You are the moron… you are the red neck… you are the ignorant smuck that doesn’t have enough brains to recognize that Vick doesn’t have enough brains for the position… his legs are fine and so is his arm… it is his BRAIN STUPID….
Get it you Vick sucking dawg????
Guess why Steve Young is silent on Vick these days idiot? Because he who has brains (Steve Young) can recognize that Vick HAS NO BRAIN !!!
NFL QB’s without brains are losers… quote all the stats you want to quote… winning th big games are what makes agreat QB… like hitting HR’s to win games not to pad stats… and Vick hasn’t won a big game in two years…
Period…
BTW… you chose a great name moron… bark for us now and firm it up!!
Ben T. Wood
By titothebear
April 30, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
maumau,
here’s some math for you. Brady-3 Superbowl wins. McNabb-0 Superbowl wins. Vick-0 Superbowl appearances. Don’t try comparing those two losers to Brady! There is no comparison!
By Jamie
April 30, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
Four black players selected before a white man. They must be racist, lol. It gets a little redundant and outdated to hear. Birddawg: it is people like you who keep racism alive. For all of America, thank you. No one is racist when they critisize Mike Vick. Anybody in his position is going to get critisized and applauded. It goes with the territory. Bobby Cox gets it every year. People are not getting on Vick because of his color… I promise. So leave that Racist sh#$ alone.
By Ben T. Wood
April 30, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Brady=Brain Vick=No Brain
Now idiot Vick sucking dogs… what is so hard about that?
It is simple… it is a NO BRAINER so even you should get it…
Ben T. Wood
By maumau
April 30, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Tito, that was an answer for someone who questioned the information. They needed an answer and I provided it for them. The question was not who’s better that whom. Everyone has to bow to Brady because he has the rings. The question was to show some proof that Vick is #3 in winning percentage among active QBs…and VOILA!!! There it is. Thanks so much for your response and have a great day!
By Trophead
April 30, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Wow. Great job Falcons’ brass. Let’s see, last year we burn our 5th round pick on a projected undrafted free agent tackle who has raw athletic ability but has poor technique and came from a relatively small football program. This year, we burn our 5th round pick on a projected undrafted free agent tackle who has raw athletic ability but has poor technique and came from a relatively small football program. Seriously, has McKay bought a blunt for everyone on this board or something? We had the #1 rushing offense in the league last year, we had terrible pass protection, our puny undersized defensive line kept getting pushed 5 yards off the line of scrimmage by bigger O-linemen, and we went and got a RUNNING BACK in the 3rd round. Imagine all the players who could have been Falcons instead. Darnell Bing, Max Jean-Gilles, Gabe Watson, Babatunde Oshinowo… all of whom would have been much more useful to the Falcons than a FREAKIN RUNNING BACK. Not only that, a running back who’s stock was inflated because of his combine workouts.
Oh, and do you want me to list the more talented, more proven players we passed up on with our 5th round pick to select Quinn Ojinnaka? Here we go, let me just list a few:
Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas — Big strong guy who can move around and has blocked for another mobile QB (Vince Young)
Dawan Landry/Greg Blue, S, GT/UGA — 2 local safeties who would be good values in the 5th round to develop to take over for Milloy when he retires
AJ Nicholson, LB, FSU — I know we don’t need a LB, but this guy had a 1st round grade from a lot of scouts. A much better value than a guy WHO DOESN’T EVEN HAVE A SCOUTING REPORT ON YAHOO.COM, unlike the guys who were projected to actually get drafted.
Y’all might say, 5th round pick, it doesn’t matter. IT DOES MATTER. The 2nd day of the draft is where you get special teams standouts and potential starters who are cheap as hell. The 2nd day is what gets guys like Dexter Jackson (Super Bowl MVP for Tampa), or Dan Koppen (starting center for New England), who can give you quality starts for cheap and lighten the load on your salary cap. Out of 3 picks so far the Falcons have made 1 good pick (Jimmy Williams), which actually would have been better if they picked Winston Justice anyway. I’m really disappointed in this draft so far. Watch us pick Marcus Vick in round 7.
By titothebear
April 30, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
Birdbraincanine,
Is the football, itself, racist? It often leaves Vick’s hand and winds up in the hands of the opposing team. Does the ball have it in for Vick because of his color? Does the pigskin have a bias that we need to know about? Let’s have the N.A. A. C. P. investigate this gridiron trachery. Let’s blame the errancy of Vick’s passing on the on the thing being passed, the football, and let’s not blame Stuporman.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
You ignorant SOB’s make me laugh.
And welcome back to the discussion, Susan.
I see you’re using a pen name to write your incoheirant blogs now. The silly little Foulcons reference gives you away though.
And whoa, looks like Mr. Wood is a dumb as a block of his namesake. Where do you people come from? From what back hill or cave have you climbed out of?
You people are so blinded by hate and ignorance that you want a guy with no wins to start over the third best QB in the league when it comes to leading his teams to wins.
So, now we know that you’re not only hateful and ignorant, you’re just some pretty stupid fans, with absolutely no football knowledge, as well.
I weep for the world, and I hope to God that none of you guys have procreated. You are the reason that some advocate spaying and neutiring certain people, as opposed to animals. In fact, you lack of IQ and deductive reasoning ability place you squarely behind dogs and cats.
To put it in a language you amoebas can understand:
You’s sum stoopid sons’a’b@#%&es!
By Trophead
April 30, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, and quit hating on Duckett. He got drafted by a coach (Reeves) who planned to use him in a straight ahead, north-south running scheme, the kind that fits him. Not the finesse, zone-blocking crap we use now. Our current scheme is fine for Dunn, who is a cutback-style runner anyway, but it doesn’t fit Duckett at all. I won’t be surprised at all when Pittsburgh trades for him and he rushes for 1000 yards with them, because unlike us they actually put a priority on spending high picks and big money on the offensive line.
And for the usual, ignorant group of Vick-haters, go compare the stats from Vick’s career so far to the stats from John Elway’s first 6 years in the league. In particular look at the completion percentage and TD to INT ratios. I think you’ll be a little surprised.
By maumau
April 30, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
If the football is racist, it must not like white people. Reason? Lets see how many QB’s threw more pics than Vick last year: 8. And all of them except Aaron Brooks was white. Brett Favre, Drew Bledsoe, Eli Manning, Jake Delhomme, Drew Brees…wait. What is this? TOM BRADY THREW MORE PICS THAN VICK LAST YEAR???? Yeah. Its racism. (smirk)
Oh, here’s the link before ya’ll start trippin’ about where the numbers came from. INTs
By titothebear
April 30, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
Birdslop,
You’re an embarassment to any race. Get lost! Vick is as lousy a quarterback as I’ve ever seen. His stats are horrible and his team’s record was atrocious this past season. It will get a lot worse in 2006! As for Duckett, does he still play pro football? haven’t seen him in a long time. Get a life! More importantly, get a brain!
By Ashy Larry
April 30, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
It is impossible to prove that Schaub is more accurate than Vick, because no factual evidence exists to support it. There is not a single stat that indicates that Schaub is more accurate than Vick. Knowing that Vick has a better arm, wins more games, and obviously has more mobility, there is nothing to support the claim that the Falcons would be better off with Schaub at QB. Someone named Uno, who seemed much more intelligent than Ben Wood or Tito, already tried his/her hardest to prove me wrong, and failed miserably. Based on the stupidity of posts by Ben Wood and Tito, I would be surprised if they can come up with a better argument. Seeing as how there are no facts to support their opinion, chances are they have some personal agenda against Vick, which may or may not be racially motivated. As sad as it is that racism exists, there is a chance that BirdDawg is at least half right.
By Deano
April 30, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
BirdDawg: what a hypocrit! Learn how to spell and type before you start insulting someone’s intelligence. You make yourself look like a fool.
By maumau
April 30, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
Ummm…h-y-p-o-c-r-i-t-e. Hypocrite. (Akeelah and the Bee, man. Akeelah and the Bee)
By AR
April 30, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Williams was a steal, rookie of the year in 06. The best part of this whole ordeal is that we falcons fans get to see Reggie Bush at least once a year and I am looking forward to it……
By AR
April 30, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Williams was a steal, rookie of the year in 06. The best part of this whole ordeal is that we falcons fans get to see Reggie Bush at least once a year and I am looking forward to it……
By Trophead
April 30, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Falcons’ 6th round pick:
Adam Jennings, WR, Fresno State.
Yes, that’s right, we still haven’t drafted any defensive tackles to shore up the run defense, but we have added a WR to a group that already has 2 first round picks and Brian Finneran who just signed an extension.
Great.
I am so happy.
EVEN if we wanted a WR, we couldn’t get Devin Aromashodu, who played in a tougher conference, has better size, and was projected to go higher?
This is ridiculous. The Falcons get a D so far from me.
Cardinals and Eagles have had the best drafts so far.
By Draft Professor
April 30, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
I kept wondering who was going to pick Williams. I had him as the #1 CB and figured the Rams or Raiders were gonna get him. When I saw the Falcons flash at 37 I knew who the pick was. Yeah, he’s got a mouth but I figure he’ll back it up. He’s big enough to make these WRs think about catching the ball. Something that didn’t happen last year.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Larry, you’re the man!
Deano, seems like you’ve stuck your foot in it, and by it, I mean you’re mouth.
And Susan, I mean, Tito and Ben “Dumb As” Wood need a foot deposited somewhere a little south of their mouths. Though, I nice gag would do them some good as well.
Hatred and ingnorance and a total lack of football understanding is what I have to read everytime that there is a Falcons Blog.
Damn, you people are stupid!
You Vick Haters are a really, really obvious Carlos Mencia joke waiting to happen. Like, “That’s like going to a NASCAR race and finding a white woman without a black eye,” or, “That’s like going to LA and finding a latina who isn’t pregant.”
I got it!
“That’s like going onto the Falcons Blog on ajc.com and finding the Michael Vick hater who isn’t igorant, a racist, stupid, or some combination of all three traits!”
By maumau
April 30, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t give us a D…but I have to agree on the questionable 6th round choice. Of course, maybe they’re seeing something we aren’t since their around this info 24/7. But this cat from Fresno St. over Devin? Questionable. I’m seeing about a B- right now as far as the draft itself but an A for total off season aquisitions.
By Draft Professor
April 30, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Good draft so far. Can’t wait for the season.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Jennings will be a returner.
And I know he played in a puss conference, but he played very well in the almost upset against USC, so he’s a good pick, but not our most dire need.
This is how the draft should have played out so far:
2nd round: Williams
3rd round: Jean-Gilles
5th round: Scott, from Texas, the OT
6th round: DL help
7th round: DL help
A draft like that would have added depth, like McKay said he was going to do, and would have produced two future offensive line starters.
A shame McKay lost his mind and started to channel Dan Reeves, “Uhh, you can never have too many tight ends, uhh, I mean, running backs.”
By Trophead
April 30, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Really the most disappointing thing for me was picking the workout wonder RB Norwood, when Leon Washington or even PJ Daniels are better football players to me. I understand the “best player available” philosophy, but you have to come into the draft without any major team needs to be able to use that philosophy. Teams like Pittsburgh and New England are able to do that because they never have gaping holes anywhere on the team. The Falcons still have a gaping hole at offensive line and we still need a defensive tackle who can stuff the run. When you have gaping holes like the Falcons, you have to draft at least partly based on need. With all the players we could have had (Bing, Jean-Gilles, Gabe Watson) taking an RB, especially a workout wonder, is inexcusable. The reason I give them a D so far is because the 3rd, 5th and 6th round picks get an F, and the Jimmy Williams pick gets an A- (only Winston Justice would have been a better pick) from me. I’m looking forward to seeing Williams on the field, but the picks after him were Reevesesque.
But I completely agree that the moves we made before the draft get an A. We were able to keep Schaub and still get 2 top players for the defense, plus a solid young guy in Crocker too. I have no regrets about that.
By Clyde
April 30, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
We were suppose to have a good year last year but look what happened. The point is Vick still can’t throw the ball. Point blank. Put 9 in the box and dare him to pass.
By Randy
April 30, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Recruit McKays counterpart at Philadelphia. He is better at reviewing college talent for the NFL draft. Philly gets an A in the draft, Falcons D-. Keep a look out for two Vicks playing for the Falcons 7th round about to open.
By maumau
April 30, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Don’t think we needed to draft ALOT of OL for “the future”. Outside of Gandy, no other starting lineman has hit the 10 year mark (Todd Weiner going into 9th yr). RB however is a different story. Dunn, 31 yrs of age going into 10th yr. Duckett…well, we all know. Plus, last year of his contract. Next on the list? Deandre Cobb. So yeah, we needed a RB for the future. And 6’0” 200lbs running 4.3 is not a bad future. Would’ve like to see a DL vs the WR we picked in the 6th. Lets see if we can get a big body project in the final round.
By BirdDawg
April 30, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
Randy, they’re not going to draft Marcus.
Yet another ignorant thought pervading many Falcons fans.
If they are going to draft a QB, it’s going to be Shockley, whom they’ve worked out, and whom they like as an organization.
By Ashy Larry
April 30, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
We were having a good year last year until our undersized defensive front got worn down and couldn’t stand up to bigger linemen in the 2nd half of the season. We scored over 20 points in 4 of our losses. The offense, including Vick, was not the problem last year. If we can get Brentson Buckner or Grady Jackson to stuff the run on the D-line, we will be just fine. Even as it is, after looking at the schedule, I’m putting us down for a 10-6 season, most likely winning a wild-card spot.
By DaMan
April 30, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
This was my first day reading & contributing to this blog, and it will likely be my last. Too many of the idiots posting here are ignoranct - I can’t even conceive how it makes a person racist to think Mike Vick is not a good QB. In fact, just the opposite is true - it makes YOU racist to support him just becuase of his color. Aside from that BS, I don’t like Vick and never have. I don’t know if Shaub is much better, but the Falcons obviously think highly of him based on what they have been asking in trade. If you like Vick, fine. But don’t take the debate to the gutter by making it about race.
By MBATL
April 30, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
I can’t get a grip on the Jennings pick. They guy had 22 catches with a pass-happy team - 4th on his team. Best game was 56 yards, against HAWAII. Not among leaders in punt returns; tied for 33rd in KO returns. Anybody heard our rationale for this selection, which like the No. 5 picks, just seems bizarre to me.
(I could understand, if not agree with, a receiver who would primarily take over return duties, cause I don’t really want D Hall back there… but Adam Jennings?)
By Randy
April 30, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
BirdDawg… I hope you are right, Shockley would be a great choice and add value to the draft. But the way McKay is thinking in this draft, by his past choices, in his state of mind he may go with another Vick. He blew any chance at getting the commisioners job with this pathetic draft he has made.
By MBATL
April 30, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Given that we don’t seem too interested in drafting real prospects, for real needs, in the later rounds, a selection of Vick as kick returner and 3rd string QB might just have some merit. If he “acted right” and showed any promise, we’d have some good draft bait in the backup QB dept.
By MBATL
April 30, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
that’s ‘trade bait’…
By maumau
April 30, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
What I don’t understand “DaMan” is what is it that makes Falcon fans not like Vick? Outside of Chandler getting to the Superbowl (and that was on the legs of Jamal Anderson) he’s gotten this team further than any other QB in the history of this franchise. We’ve already seen his winning percentage is the 3rd best of active QBs (behind Brady and McNabb). He’s gotten us to TWO playoffs, one NFC title game and this will be his 4th year (not counting the broken ankle year) starting. He’s setting records for QBs. He has brought an excitement and swagger to this team that hasn’t been here SINCE the original “Dirty Birdz”. 10,000 season tix waiting list? NO Falcon has EVER done that. Prime time exposure with multiple Monday Night and ESPN games? At his best, he was 64 yds short of passing for 3000 in 2002…which was the same year he ran for almost 800 (777). That was also the year he led us to the playoffs and beat (as well as outperformed) Green Bay…IN GREEN BAY (a feat performed by NO other QB in the history of the playoffs). So, you tell me. What is it that causes Falcon “fans” (cough, cough) to dislike…nay, HATE Micheal Vick so much? And those who are supporting Vick with actually FACTS AND FIGURES are the ones taking this debate into the gutter? What convo are YOU reading?
“You’re welcome to come, you’re welcome to stay…but any disrespect, we will make ya a$$ fly away.”-GoodieMob
By chichi
April 30, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
good draft jennings will be rossums replacement max jean doesnt fit our system just face it georgia fans. I the falcons will proably add grady jackson if the rams to grab him up after he failed his physical but ive read that he went back and cleared a few things up and hes still on the teams radar well see.
By Jamie
April 30, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
“That’s like finding a black man in Atlanta without a criminal record” “That’s like going to a black neighborhood looking for intelligence” “That’s like going to government assistance building looking for a white person”
It doesn’t happen… keep the jokes coming Birdawg
By Adam
April 30, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this
The Falcons already made it known going in that they weren’t gonna draft a QB.
It’s funny how much local writers, not to mention fans, have freaked out over last season. The Falcons were a bit overhyped going into the season, and then injuries decimated the left side of the defense - exposing an already-weak secondary. They were about as good as their record. Schultz needs to relax.
Jennings was a good pick - the big anomaly last season was Atlanta’s weak special teams efforts; he’ll help quite a bit.
By maumau
April 30, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
Okay Bulldog fans. Ya happy now?
By Ashy Larry
April 30, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
Sure enough, Shockley is the pick in the 7th round. I guess its not a bad pick. Doesn’t make up for the terrible 3rd and 6th round picks though.
By Draft Professor
April 30, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
OK Dog fans, DJ is a Falcon.
By Adam
April 30, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
well, never mind. they took Shockley… hopefully now all the Dawgs fans can be happy.
By Brian
April 30, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
D.J. Shockley to the Falcons! Is the the first time they took at Georgia Bulldog in the draft?
By Ashy Larry
April 30, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this
Mike Golic and Chris Mortensen are giving some pretty good analysis right now. They mention the Va Tech one-read system which didn’t help develop Vick’s passing skills. They mention Vick’s lack of confidence in his receivers compared to his legs. They also mention the fact that Vick’s passing stats haven’t improved a whole lot while in the NFL. All of these are valid points. But notice how they don’t say anything indicating that he can’t become a better passer. This is the biggest difference between fair analysis and ignorant hating. The Vick-haters on this blog don’t take into account the big picture before posting their blind hate. The fact is, as much as some of these ignorant so-called fans want to see Schaub start, Vick is not even a year older than Schaub, and has been more accurate than Schaub until this point in his career. Vick has plenty of time to improve on his passing.
By Jamie
April 30, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Why did we draft Shockley when we have an identical 3rd string QB like Bryan Randall?
By dirrtybird
April 30, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
Because we’re getting rid of Schaub next year, and Shockley is better than Randall.
By Michael
April 30, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
All the Vick bashing is hilarious. Yes he can become a better passer, he’s 25 years old. We are young at receiver, and we are still adjusting to Knapp’s new system. Michael Vick is a winner. Bottom line. Nevertheless, we have had the number one rushing attack in the league two straight years. The reason we missed the playoffs last year was DEFENSE. We have addressed that this off-season, and we have added depth on defense. While I was skeptical of the 5th and 6th round picks, I love the Shockley pick.
By Richard
April 30, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
Marcus Vick—-to Oakland as Mr. Irrelevant. That would be quite a way to cap the draft.
By geechee
April 30, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
I simply have to toot my own horn here since the only person who gets attacked more than me on Schultz’ blog is Schultz himself. This was part of my post from Schultz’ 4/24 column:
They can then pickup DJ Shockley in third, fourth, or maybe even fifth round. DJ could basically run almost the same offense as Vick if Vick goes down whereas if Schaub comes in the O has to adjust to a different style which never works.
Hey Vince, a geechee is somebody that was born in Savannah but, I see you know as little about the state of Georgia as you do about football.
By geechee
April 30, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
Oh and by the way Vince that was not my opinion of Jimmy Williams. I was quoting it from one of the draft prospect rating services that the pros use. Maybe they don’t know what they are talking about it here but they sure know more than you ever will.
By FalconW810
April 30, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
Adam Jennings is the fastest player in this entire draft, he is fearless, will go over the middle, catches the difficult throws and has a lot of heart, at 5’10”, 175 lbs running a flat 4.3/40, are you kidding me, you do not think this is worth a 7th rd pick? We also added the fastest RB in the draft, hey nobody knows untill the season starts what anybody in the draft will do, one thing is certain, we’ve drafted some players with talents you cannot obtain from coaching.
By Mike
April 30, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Birdbrain,
Whats funny is there is no stat for winning percentage thats why I asked. They have never calculated winning pct for a QB that stat is a TEAM stat. 3rd best in the league is plain funny QB’s are ranked by the QB rating and like I said earlier he is 25th out of 34 in the league as a QB. Thats where he sits according to the NFL which actually matters. Your little ranking of 3rd is simply wishfull thinking and baseless.
Please continue to call me a racist each time you do it just make you sound more ignorant and more like one yourself.
By Coleman
April 30, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
I like our first and last picks. The middle three (especially RB & WR) are headscratchers.
If you factor in the acquistion of Abraham & Cash, I’d give this draft a B minus. If we’d taken just one more offensive lineman or defensive tackle, it might have been an B plus.
You’ve got to think that McKay has a trade for a run-stopping fire hydrant up his sleeve. Otherwise (despite all the awesome new talent) we’re still going to have some problems on defense. Even Ray Lewis himself says he can’t stop the run without help up front. And as good as Hartwell may be when he’s healthy, he ain’t no Ray Lewis.
By Ben T. Wood
April 30, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
You know what sportsfans….??
the ratings of this draft will not be known until all the picks from all the teams have played a season … bottom line… and no empty headed big mouthed blog smucks are any more of an authority than the talking heads on ESPN or the “draft services”…
What a joke… now all you vick lovers go hook your pressure washers up and buttom your double wides down before the thunderstoms hit tonight so you’ll be ready for the week…
And Bird Dog…. don’t forget your butt draggin’ britches and your gold tooth overlays… we want you lookin’ good for your AA meetin’ …. ya hear?
By Coleman
April 30, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
Yo Ben T. Wood,
We’re just trying to talk some football here. If you’re not interested in Falcons fans analyzing this draft to death, why are you reading the blog?
By geechee
April 30, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
Hey Ben T, you yokel, the word is schmuck not smuck. Good luck on the GED test.
By Vince
April 30, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this
Well geechee, you were right for once in your life, I guess every dog has his day. I am a Falcons fan thru and thru. I support this team not individuals. Sorry I mistook the comment for yours. By the way I could care less what a geechee is. GO FALCONS!!!
By seminolefan48
April 30, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
I was going to give the Falcons a “C” in the draft. But, when they drafted Shockley I dropped it to an “F”.
By seminolefan48
April 30, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
I was going to give the Falcons a “C” in the draft. But, when they drafted Shockley I dropped it to an “F”.
By D. Bell
April 30, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
I think Shockley will do all right. And for those confused about the RB picked. He had the fastest 40 at the combine. Of everyone. Not just RBs. Dunn is 31 years old, which is getting close to over-the-hill for someone at his position. And unless he has a great season (don’t hold your breath), Duckett will be gone when his contract expires next season. The Birds need someone to groom to take over in a few years.
Anyone consider the idea of putting Shockley in the backfield, sort of like an option? A runningback that can throw the football too? That might make some DBs a little nervous.
By seminolefan48
April 30, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
I was going to give the Falcons a “C” in the draft. But, when they drafted Shockley I dropped it to an “F”.
By seminolefan48
April 30, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
To D. Bell: If teams like Tampa, Panthers, Chicago etc. DON”T FEAR VICK what makes you think they’d get nervous seeing Shockley in the back field.
By seminolefan48
April 30, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this
To D. Bell: If teams like Tampa, Panthers, Chicago etc. DON”T FEAR VICK what makes you think they’d get nervous seeing Shockley in the back field.
By seminolefan48
April 30, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this
To D. Bell: If teams like Tampa, Panthers, Chicago etc. DON”T FEAR VICK what makes you think they’d get nervous seeing Shockley in the back field.
By seminolefan48
April 30, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this
To D. Bell: If teams like Tampa, Panthers, Chicago etc. DON”T FEAR VICK what makes you think they’d get nervous seeing Shockley in the back field.
By geechee
April 30, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this
Vince, I never said that you cared what geechee meant. I was just pointing out that it does not mean crack smoker as you claimed. Why do you choose a column on the Falcon’s draft to simply make personal attacks on people you have never met? That just shows your ignorance and thus nullifies all your other comments.
By Coleman
April 30, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this
Picking Shockley in the late rounds makes perfect sense. QB’s (even backups) take time to learn the system and develop. Shockley has a playing style similar to Vick’s, and Schaub is history for us after this season. In the seventh round your linemen are basically going to be practice squad material, so burning a seventh round pick on a future backup QB is not a big risk.
It’s drafting Norwood I have a problem with. Running backs don’t take as long to develop. No doubt we’ll lose Duckett before the ‘07 season. But given the Falcons’ more immediate needs on the both interior lines, couldn’t drafting a running back have waited another year?
Who knows, this Norwood guy might just prove to be a solid performer in the coming seasons. McKay has a history of middle and late-round steals. But unless McKay has a trade brewing involving Duckett, that round three pick looks like a wasted opportunity.
And if you do pick a running back with your limited draft choices, why pick yet ANOTHER wide receiver instead of going for the depth McKay said we needed on both sides of the line?
Our defense looks amazing on paper right now, but we saw last year what a couple of key injuries can do to a defense. As good as our new secondary looks to be, we don’t want those guys to be the ones making tackles on running backs nine yards downfield.
And I concur with all the bloggers who are getting a little tired of Gibbs’ gimmicky zone-blocking, marginally-legal cut-blocking schemes. I’d just love to see a wall of beef protecting our franchise QB.
By Fred
April 30, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this
The Pittsburgh Post gazette is reporting that the Steelers are looking at trading for TJ Duckett. Although this was probably looked at as being a trade during the draft, nothing became of it. Maybe the Falcons will look to the Steelers to provide one of their offensive lineman to replace the whole they still have in the line in #61, Lehr. Just keeping my fingers crossed to get rid of the weakest spot Atlanta has after the draft.
By fan1974
April 30, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
If Tampa, Carolina, and Chicago do not fear Vick, why do they have their best players spying Vick (except Carolina - they used Thomas Davis). And how can someone give a team an F grade for drafting one player. At first I was confused on the middle picks (tackle and receiver). But I trust in what the football guys of the falcons are doing. Think about it, Tim Ruskert now the GM at Seattle; Vikings wanted Ray Anderson; rumors that Ronnie Hill is on the short list for the Houston GM job if they let go of their current GM. These guys are Falcon personnel. On top of that, Rick McKay is being talked about as a commissioner.
By Coleman
April 30, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this
I hear you Fred. I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed.
By Ryan
April 30, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
Quarterback rating is one of the WORST contrived stats I have ever seen< It drastically overrates completion percentage beyond all measure, seems to think a pass for a touchdown is a special kind of touchdown, and it is based and centered around league averages from . .what. .1967?
In other words, I would look at every single other stat in existance before I woudl give QB rating a first look.
By Ben Sutton
April 30, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
“I can’t have no better teammates, no better owner, no better coaches and no better family.” Williams on going to the Falcons, AJC. Sounds like an intelligent and high class guy that we are picking up
By Insane Falcon
April 30, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
Why must people tear others down? Is it to make themselves feel better? The kids that the Falcons drafted have not uttered one word to warrant individuals getting on blogs and downing them as people. Who cares how a young man sounds. He is not running for office.
By geechee
April 30, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
You are quite correct Coleman, Norwood might very well be an awesome back in the NFL. Nobody was really dumping on him as much as just questioning the pick at that point. There are more holes to fill than at RB.
By jag_uno aka Jamon
April 30, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait until the first game of the season when we see Mr. Williams shut down BIG Keyshaun Johnson. We already know when D. Hall starts he can hold down Steve Smith, if I was a betting man I wouldn’t bet on D. Hall missing that tackle again. This is going to be a great DB tandem for many years to come. I also like the Norwood pick. We know T.J. will not be back next year and Warrick will be gone after the 2007 season. Then we can see what an explosive 4.33 looks like in this system. Tatum Bell ran a 4.36 and he produces big plays in this system. You can also argue that Norwood is a better cut-back and overall runner that Tatum Bell. He is tall and can catch the ball very well out of the backfield. The kid is going to be a great runner for ATL. The second day on the other hand was terrible. Where do I start; I know why we drafted Adam Jennings. He was the best special team player left on the board. I figured we were going to draft a pure special team player b/c of Allen’s drop in production. If I was Rich I would of picked Jeremy Bloom w/ the 5th instead. Then I would have picked C, Greg Eslinger w/ the 6th pick and G, Mark Setterstrom w/ the 7th. Both of these players played in the zone-blocking scheme at Minnesota. I know all of you Georgia fans out there were happy b/c we picked Shockley, but deep down you know this pick was made to simply get you Bulldog fans off their back. Now I hope you people will stop criticizing the Falcon organization for not having enough Georgia players on the team. We could have used that pick on a valuable lineman like Setterstrom. We can still sign some good undrafted free agents like: WR - Hank Baskett, Dallas Baker, Anthony Mix and WR/CB William Buchanon, DT- Kwakou Robinson, Brandon McKinney, CB - Charles Gordon, and K - Josh Huston.
By Ben Sutton
April 30, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this
“I can’t have no better teammates, no better owner, no better coaches and no better family.” Williams on going to the Falcons, AJC. Sounds like an intelligent and high class guy that we are picking up
By coleman
April 30, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this
I don’t mind Williams’ grammar. The guy can play, and he sounds happy to be a Falcon.
Let him split infinitives, dangle participles and use all the double negatives he wants. He’s gonna shut down some good receivers.
By Native Son
April 30, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
Good draft.Now,what day do we draft an Offensive,and Defensive Co-ordinator.
By coleman
April 30, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
Maybe we can throw Knapp in when we trade Duckett.
By Skydawg
April 30, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this
All who doubt DJ Shockly pick I’ll say this just as I did before the start of last year for UGA. DJ is going to be a great addition to this team. And I’m not saying he’s going to replace Vick. But in regards to what teams might fear in Shockley when they don’t fear Vick? It will be many things. First and foremost how about the best Pass Efficiency rating in the SEC last year with only 1 season as a starter. DJ is a very smart player, a coaches son, a very good reader of defenses and made good reads on a multiple progression offense. Let alone that he’s been coached by one of the best QB coaches in college football for the past 5 yrs. DJ will do just fine. I believe Randall will be on the outside looking in. And after this season, Shockley will be Vick’s #2. I said it here first.
By geechee
April 30, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this
jag_uno, all Birds fans hope you are right but your comment about Shockley will cause many to not take you seriously. The Falcons in their whole existence have done nothing at all, ever, just to appease Dogs’fans except one. They chose their team colors red/black/white on day one of the team’s creation just to sell tickets. The appeasement stopped at that point. If anything they would have taken Hines Ward when they clearly had the chance to, but, they did not. Taking DJ with a throw away draft pick made perfect sense because his playing style is very close to Vick’s and he is an awesome athlete.
By russ
April 30, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing how all you sheet-wearers come out of the woodwork to bash Mike Vick anytime anything is written about the falcons. The truth is You can’t understand how an ultra dynamic black quarterback is leading your beloved falcons,the truth is he’s better and smarter than any other quarterback that’s ever been on their roster(check wins in regular season and playoffs,check pro bowls)and as Dan Reeves mentioned in an interview earlier this week,he warned Arthur Blank that firing him would set Vick back 3 years,seems like it was true.The truth is we didn’t have an offensive problem last year (we lost at least three games when had 30 points)Iknow you would like to see Matt Schaub as the starter,he has shown signs to be a decent quarterback,but given the chance to be a full time starter he would probablay wind up like Doug Johnson and kelly Holcomd,write it down when its all said and done Vick will have no equal !! It must be hard to dissolve seeing The black athlete Dominate the game that was intended to not have them participate.
By titothebear
April 30, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
russ,
Last time I checked, Chris Chandler holds the record for wins by a Foulcons QB, in a season, with fourteen. He’s the only Foulcons Quarterback ever to take them to a Superbowl. Vick’s stats are horrible because he is a no-talent, over-hyped loser who quarterbacked his team to an eight and eight record in 2005. If not for the defense, the record would have been 5-11. Now I don’t wear sheets or togas or anything as exotic as that. I don’t like Vick based on his performance, which is abysmal. Peddle that racist garbage all you want but we all know it’s a diversionary tactic to deflect attention away from his inabilities as a quarterback. So save that for some of your feeble minded friends who don’t know any better. In 2006, Vick’s stats will be far worse and the team will have a far worse record. There’s nothing dynamic about eight and eight! There’s nothing dynamic about losing the last three games. Nothing dynamic about throwing fifteen touchdowns and thirteen interceptions. He’s as good as he’s going to get. He stinks! So do you, Sucka!
By Get a Grip
April 30, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
Who cares what color he is “russ”? It seems like people like you are the only ones bringing up the race issue. He is measured by his performance on the field not the color of his skin. Let’s face it, his numbers aren’t great. He has had the #1 rushing attack in the league for 2 years, or they might be even worse. This will be the year to see how Mike does. He doesn’t have any excuses. You never hear Mike complaining that his critics are on him because of the color of his skin. So please leave that issue alone. Personally, I just want to see my Falcons win. If it was a race issue, then people would be attacking the whole team there buddy.
By Rufus T. Shyne
April 30, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
hemmo Facon Fan,
Wat differents do it make about the coler of a man skin? Turddog an russie is makin it out like theirs ratial imtoerants up in here. I knows that aint korect. Under our feetball hats we is all the saim. Lurn to dibtinguish betweens hate and fax russie and turddog. Life hole lots bedder that way.
By "D" in Houson
April 30, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
Williams? Great pick! The rest? GIVE ME A FREAKIN LINEMAN! OFFENSE OR DEFENSE! This was one of the deepest “O” lineman drafts in a long time, and we come away with 1 to show? Cmon’ give me some rope so I can hang myself! Frustrating! Pick up Nate Clements, and get Grady Jackson and then I might calm down. At least our defense would be scary!
By geechee
April 30, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
I really don’t want to get pulled into this whole Vick thing but the Falcons have set themselves up for defeat. Anyone that truly knows anything about football from Madden on down has agreed that Vick is not only a very special and gifted QB but, that he is also a whole new genre of QB. The team needed to hire a coach that was able to exploit his talents but in their own particular wisdom, they instead hired a defensive coach as head coach. Mora was not only to immature to be a head coach, he really has not made the Falcons a defensive team either.
By Peewee
April 30, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
Norwood was a great pick,TJ Duckett will be traded for off. line or Def. tackle help. Free agents will fill the other holes. GREAT JOB McKAY.
By titothebear
April 30, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this
Vick is special and he should be in Special Ed.
By Someone not in the SEC
April 30, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this
UGA posters might be the stupidest people ever. The Falcons could make every pick a UGA grad, er - I’ll rephrase that given the scholastic reputation of that school - a former UGA player and you’d whine we didn’t take the student manager too. Just go back to watching your Buck Belue tapes and listening to the “Greatest Calls of Larry Munson Vol. 1” while the rest of us actual think a bit about how the NFL actually works. I’m only sad I can’t post this with stick figures since it means most of you won’t be able to read it. I just think it’s a positive sign you can all get the internet in your trailers - I mean you didn’t even go to the damn school did you?
By geechee
April 30, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
NO, “Someone” you are the stupidest person because you have totally misread everyone’s post or simply can not understand English. You have twisted everyone’s words to be exactly what you wanted it to be so that you could make your ignorant post. Nobody is saying that the Falcons should have drafted all Dogs’ players. You however have twisted it to be so. You are also one of the few people in the country who will not accept what kind of a player someone like Hines Ward is or Jake Scott was and understand that it was a mistake by the Falcons to have not drafted either one when they clearly had the chance to do so. You are also one of the few people who does not realize how good and how cheap a draft pick it was to take Shockley so late in the draft. You are also one of the few people that have not realized that the Falcons have never ever, had back to back winning seasons in their history. You are also one of the few people in the America that does not understand, that alone says everything that needs to be said about the way the Falcons have drafted throughout their whole history. Before you call someone else stupid, you should go look in the mirror and take a good look at true stupidity.
By titothebear
April 30, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this
Drafting Shockley is just about right. We need another quarterback, with nappy hair, who can’t see over all ‘em mens in front of him. Great choice! If Vick goes out, Shockley can come in and do every bit as well as Braidboy. 3-13 coming right on up!
By geechee
May 1, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
tito, David Duke just phoned and said to tell you that he needs his sheet and hood back by midnight.
By Trophead
May 1, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this
Please stop looking at the Shockley pick based on what college he went to. I’m a Tech fan and I think he was a very good QB, and picking him in the 7th round where pretty much everyone who went after him has “scrub” written all over him is fine. In the 7th round you just hope to find a guy who will make the team, and Shockley is more likely to make the team than most of the guys who went after him.
Coleman’s post earlier pretty much said everything I wanted to say. Having a nice o-line scheme doesn’t cancel out the fact that the actual players on the line suck. The scheme only makes them good run blockers. As far as pass blocking goes, these guys are playing like the 7th round picks that they are. The elite teams in the league throw high draft picks and big money at offensive linemen. As long as the Falcons continue to ignore this fact, Vick will continue to run for his life, he will never develop proper fundamentals, and the Falcons will never be an elite team.
I hate the Norwood pick not only because we already have a backup RB who is not being used properly (Duckett), but because Norwood wasn’t even the best RB available. I would say PJ Daniels and Leon Washington will both be more successful in the NFL. Norwood’s upright style of running, combined with the fact that he’s not a power back, just means he will be injury prone in the NFL. Not only that, there were quality players on both lines who were available who we passed on at that point. Ridiculous pick.
If it’s true that the Steelers want to trade for Duckett, it only proves my point that the Falcons don’t know how to use Duckett properly. Although Jeff Schultz doesn’t think so, Duckett is far from being a bust. He excelled in Dan Reeves’ offense because it was designed for north-south runners like Duckett. This zone-blocking crap limits the RBs you can choose from, and only lets you pick from cutback runners like Dunn or Norwood. Duckett’s style doesn’t fit with the o-line scheme at all. I am completely confident that Duckett on the Steelers, running behind an big, old-school offensive line that is actually talented unlike ours, will easily gain 1000+ yards in a season.
And although Jimmy Williams will be a great player, I think we are gonna regret passing up Winston Justice.
By titothebear
May 1, 2006 12:51 AM | Link to this
Geechee,
Nothing racist about what I said. Shockley’s head is nappy, Vick’s is nappier and neither are tall enough to see downfield. You keep the sheet to cover the remains of the Foulcons 3-13 season. Whiler you’re at it, make a nice chalk outline for it too.
By Hy Anenzede
May 1, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this
Here is a good link that goes into detail about the draftees.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2006/ojinnaka_quinn
This particular one is for Quinn Ojinnaka. Navigate to the others from it.
By geechee
May 1, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this
Excellent post Trophead
By BirdDawg
May 1, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this
Wow, Susan, I mean Tito, you just get more ignorant with every word you write.
You now have not one drpp of good character left in your body. Pretty soon, you’ll be hitting negative character.
And to all of y’all who think I’m black, well, let’s just say my dad would be mighty surprised if that were true. He might have to have a talk with my mom. I’m so white that I don’t even have enough rythem to do the “Electric Slide.”
And no, I’m no bleeding heart.
I just call ‘em like I see ‘em.
And like I’ve said before, you people who do nothign but hate Vick have absolutely no logical reason to do so. If you did, you’d state it. You just yammer on and on about stats while the man does nothing but win. He leads the team you profess to love the third best winning percentage in the NFL when HE starts the game. Yeah, it’s a team game, but HE, not Matt Fraud aka The Next Doug Johnson, has that distinction.
So, with no logic behind your pitfully hateful arguments, I have to put 2 and 2 together, and I come to my conclusions that yes, race has to have something to do with it. Because all that should matter is winning football games, right? Not how you do it, or how pretty your stats are, just that you f-ing win!
Roethlisburger will be remembered for winning a Super Bowl, not for how ugly he looked doing it, or the fact that his QB rating was 22.
You people, you Vick Haters are hateful, ignorant thugs. There is no place for you on the bandwagon for MY team, and geechee’s team, and Ashy Larry’s team. We don’t want you. The Falcons don’t want you. Go take your money and your stupidity and go pray at the alter of Manning.
And I guarantee that Michael Vick will win a Super Bowl before either of those choke artists.
Frickin’ Losers.
By jag_uno aka Jamon
May 1, 2006 02:39 AM | Link to this
Trophead I don’t get U. U say that Norwood was not the best RB on the board, but yet you name players who don’t fit our system. P.J Daniels is a smaller, slower T.J Duckett. Leon is kind of a Warrick Dunn type. He is a little bigger, weight wise, but we are looking to shy away from shorter backs. Norwood is 5-11 ½ and was the fastest RB in the draft. I like Norwood as a RB in our system. Does that mean I liked the pick at the time, not really. Don’t get me wrong I like the pick now b/c of Norwood’s projection in this system. Clinton Portis, This is who Norwood reminds me of. Clinton is 5-11 205lbs and runs a 40 in 4.32 sec; also bench pressed 225lbs 11 times. Norwood is 5-11 ½ 203lbs and runs a 40 in 4.33 sec, also bench pressed 225lbs 18 times. Rich said they were targeting Norwood from the beginning, so I’m pretty sure Rich and I am on the same page. Like I said before, when they first made the pick I was frustrated b/c they could have drafted BIG Gabe Watson. After looking at Norwood’s highlights and doing some extensive research, I am now a big fan of this pick. Let me talk a little more about T.J. Rich knows T.J doesn’t fit our system, why do U think he is going to trade him before next season. Rich didn’t draft T.J. You R right T.J was productive in Dan Reeves’ system. That’s why he was drafted. If we had the zone-blocking scheme then, I guarantee U we would have went in a different direction. Rick recognizes his potential, that’s the main reason he lasted this long. Don’t worry, T.J is going to get plenty of carries this year and I won’t be surprised if he had 900 + yards. You can then start arguing about how T.J should be the #1 back, but it will also be bitter sweet. U will then realize the reason T.J got those carries. Rich is a smart man. He’s going to feed that Pig and get him nice and fat; only to turn around and sell him to the highest bidder.
By UGA 72
May 1, 2006 03:56 AM | Link to this
No question Norwood is fast, he had to be with no offensive line and running for your life will give you wings ask Mike Vick about that. The difference is Vick is a Warrior, not necessarily smart but balls the size of grapefruits. Norwood has never, never demonstrated that kind of courage. I hope I’m wrong and he is a world beater, but there were quality O & D linemen much higher rated, beside Max Jean. Drafting a Running back in the 3rd round isn’t usually a good thing, and I fear we will continue that pattern. Norwood = Nogood but as a Falcon fan I sincerely hope I’m wrong. I think the Williams kid was the steal of the draft!