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DEL.ICIO.USWill third season be the charm for McKay, Mora?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
When the Falcons assembled for a mini-camp two years ago, it was against a backdrop of uncertainty. Michael Vick had been injured. The prior season unraveled. The owner got angry. The coach got fired.
Then Rich McKay and Jim Mora turned a mess into a team that reached the NFC title game, and suddenly everybody had the answers.
When they assemble for a mini-camp this weekend in Flowery Branch, the Falcons again will report against a backdrop of uncertainty. Raise expectations in year one, only to decompose in year two — that’s what happens.
When there is little track record for success, nobody gets the benefit of the doubt. Just the doubt.
Are the right players being picked? Are the right players being coached the wrong way? Greg Knapp — was he actually recommended by Steve Young? Whose bright idea was Ed Donatell, anyway? And shouldn’t Arthur Blank be more worried about fixing one franchise (Falcons) than putting his stamp on another (Braves)?
One good season fades. One bad season leaves an odor. Welcome to the third mini-camp.
Keith Brooking has been a Falcon for eight seasons. (I’m assuming that will be taken into consideration in the afterlife.) He says what he is suppose to say — that what other people think doesn’t matter. But he admits what other people think also isn’t a secret.
“Some people come up to me, and I know they’re pulling for us, but they’ll say, ‘We’ve got to have a better year. We’re gonna do it this year, aren’t we?’” the linebacker said Wednesday. “There’s a little doubt in their comments, as opposed to last year after going to the NFC championship game and being one game from the Super Bowl. It’s a totally different vibe.”
One good year. One bad year. Arthur Blank didn’t provide generations of Blanks with financial security by going .500.
Year three will break the tie, clarify analysis and possibly determine futures. Did we say, welcome to the third mini-camp?
When he was with Tampa Bay, Rich McKay was known more for his organizational skills than he was for choosing players. It’s why he and personnel chief Tim Ruskell made such a strong pairing. But after one year in Atlanta, Ruskell went to Seattle as general manager — and the Seahawks went to the Super Bowl.
McKay has worked hard this off-season to fix the Falcons’ defense. He traded for end John Abraham, signed safety Lawyer Milloy and drafted cornerback Jimmy Williams. But little has been done to help an offensive line that got Michael Vick buried last season. Not to suggest that defensive improvement wasn’t needed — but where does protecting the franchise’s most important player rank?
Mora could be one of the bright young coaches in the game. Or he could be a one-year wonder. Blank recently gave him a “contract extension,” but logic dictates that was more for appearances than supreme confidence. In reality, all Blank did was guarantee two option years on Mora’s deal. That’s comforting when it comes to mortgage payments, but Mora also knows he can’t miss the playoffs two straight seasons.
In year one, Mora provided the fire the team needed. It was apparent in that first day of mini-camp. In year two, the problem wasn’t fire. It was backdraft. Neither Mora nor the team, whose youth was magnified by injuries, handled adversity well. This mini-camp will set the tone for training camp, which will set the tone for the season, which will define Mora’s growth as a head coach.
Blank has not been an easy man to co-exist with this off-season. He is demanding when he wins, so you can imagine what he’s like when he loses six of eight down the stretch. It would not have been surprising if significant changes were made in Mora’s staff. Instead, there was only the firing of quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson.
Much has been made of Johnson’s replacement, Bill Musgrave. But the reality is that Musgrave is only the fourth most important coach relating to the offense — after Mora, Knapp (play-calling) and line coach Alex Gibbs (blocking schemes). Knapp’s offense has been erratic, and last season he managed the unthinkable — turning Vick into a boring quarterback. He and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell — who can’t point to personnel deficiencies this season — both have a third season to prove themselves.
Brooking said he “likes the doubters. I like people not believing in us.”
Whatever works. But it’s only natural that one good year and one bad isn’t going to comfort the masses. The odor tends to linger.
Permalink | Comments (105) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By New to this
May 10, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
Jeff, I think the big question in this third mini-camp will be: Can Derek Rackley hold onto the starting long-snapper position? I hear Gavin Tarquinio is nipping at his heels.
And what about the battle for 3rd string fullback? Who’s it gonna be: Kevin Dudley or John Pannozzo?
By domeOFpain
May 10, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
Offensive line needs some serious help. No line, no championship.
By big tone
May 10, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this
i think three’s a charm!this is the year of the underachieving atlanta falcons.a year fans have been waiting 40years for a chance at redemption, from the flop against danny white and the cowboys in ‘80. to the embarassment of safety eugene robinson in 98 superbowl which still hurts,2006-2007 campaign is a last hoorah for some with expectations going through the roof.good luck dirty birds!
By larry w.
May 10, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
I can see the logic in why the Falcon brass is devoting the majority of upgrades on the defensive side of the ball. Looking back at last season, a defense even remotely resembling an NFL defense would have gotten us to the playoffs and quite possibly back to back division titles. However, there are some real areas of concern along the offensive line. Lehr stinks and McClure is better suited for guard than center. Weiner gets abused by the better defensive ends. Mike Vick and Warrick Dunn made a lot out of nothing on many occasions last season despite complete blocking break downs. Think how much more proficient our offense would be with quality offensive linemen. My hope is that the O-line will be addressed prior to the start of the season.
By Adel Purvis
May 10, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
There is only one franchise that will continue to torture its spectators for years to come: and that my friend is the Atlanta Falcons. I love the ATL but as my precosious brother-in-law puts it- I have watched the falcons for 18 years and I have never ended the season with a Superbowl victory. In the South we love to watch teams that flirt with superiority only to fall victim to average results.
By BUCKO
May 10, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
The OL is not in a serious need of help we need a QB that can make a split decision. He cannot find his receivers because he is to short play QB. Thats why he is a scrambling QB and his stats will always be around 27th to 29th I’m sick of vick.
By Adel Purvis
May 10, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
There is only one franchise that will continue to torture its spectators for years to come: and that my friend is the Atlanta Falcons. I love the ATL but as my precosious brother-in-law puts it- I have watched the falcons for 18 years and I have never ended the season with a Superbowl victory. In the South we love to watch teams that flirt with superiority only to fall victim to average results.
By DIRRTYBIRD
May 10, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this
Only people who are genuinly intimidated by a player would keep posting article after article about how “bad” they are. Why do you think that other teams fans don’t post articles about how bad Jason Webster or Bryan Scott were? Because they are no real threat. You’re only encouraging the real Falcons fans when you show your fear of our QB.
By hey bucko, you suck-o
May 10, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this
Bucko,
If you’re sick of Vick, get off this blog and log onto the website for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe. Become one of their fans f-ck-face.
By Larry
May 10, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this
Only two things matter in this blog:
Michael Vick is the most inaccurate and fundentally immature QB in the history of the NFL, and only Doug Williams and Randall Cunningham have a lower IQ. Thus, it will take a Baltimore Raven defense and a great running back and offensive line (like doug williams had) in order to circumvent Vick’s obvious weaknesses as an NFL QB.
The author of this story is a fan of Martha Burke and thus is too dumb to take seriously.
By hey bucko, you suck-o
May 10, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, bucko,
first you said you were leaving the blog. Then you say we should have let you go peacefully (I spelled it correctly for you). What I can’t understand is how did you know what was being written about you if you left the blog?
Seems to me, you are in this for the thrill. No matter what you say, or how insulting your posts are, you always want to check to see if someone responed to it.
Tell your mom I said hello and to leave the key under the mat.
By Dominic Hughes
May 10, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this
There has been some tinkering with the O-line, although the changes were forced by Kevin Shaffer’s departure. I’ll take some convincing that Wayne Gandy is an upgrade rather than a make-do move. Jeff’s right - the fans certainly have more questions than answers at this point. But there are some encouraging signs. That Vick is working out in the offseason with his receivers shows a realisation he needs to improve his passing game. A lot. If that happens it might suddenly make Knapp look a whole lot better as an OC. Of course, the O-line has a part to play in that as well. If the defense stays healthy there is no excuse for Donatell and I don’t think he’ll need one. The Falcons should have the most improved defense in the NFL. That combined with an offense that is hopefully more than one-dimensional should take us to the playoffs. Anything less will see some big heads roll.
By EG
May 10, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
Jeff, this franchise shouldn’t have to make the same mistakes it has made throughout it’s history. The mistakes I’m talking about is the constant firing of coaches, GMs, scouts and personel just because of unrealistic expectations by fans and most of all the media. That includes print. I’ve watched this franchise since it’s opening season and I believe Mr. Blank has the patience to see this team make it’s run to the Super Bowl. I remember Rankin Smith firing Leeman Bennet and Eddie Lebaron because they didn’t win fast enough. Well it took a total of another 5 coaches in 14 years to get to Dan Reeves. He did get us to a Super Bowl. When the team sold he wasn’t too happy with Mr. Blank and we all know what happened with that. We have a good fanchise now. That’s from top to bottom. They will win Jeff. They will win this coming season Jeff. In baseball when the team is on a bad losing streak and the owner comes out in the press and gives his manager a “vote of confidence” we all know that manager is about to get his fanny fired. But if you want to take a look at the past with Mr. Blank then think about what happened when he gave Reeves a three year contract. Maybe that’s his way of saying to Coach Mora, “You have my vote of confidence.” From a fans perspective I say, “No excuses this year.”
By russ
May 10, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
Hey BUCKO,or whatever,anyone who understands football or quarterbacking for that matter,knows it takes more quick decision making to be a mobile quarterback than it does to be a statue in the backfield,thats why Peyton Manning can’t get to the next level. If Vick had a supporting cast like Manning does in indianapolis he would have won the last three superbowls. Although not many changes were made on offense,the third time will be a charm,because we shored up a defense that was absolute butter often at times when the offense seemingly had the game put away. It takes a superior athlete and thinker to improvise when the play breaks down,thats why alot of quarterbacks look good all season but fizzle against superior competition in the playoffs(their inability to improvise an make big plays)something Michael Vick does not suffer from.
By russ
May 10, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this
Hey BUCKO,or whatever,anyone who understands football or quarterbacking for that matter,knows it takes more quick decision making to be a mobile quarterback than it does to be a statue in the backfield,thats why Peyton Manning can’t get to the next level. If Vick had a supporting cast like Manning does in indianapolis he would have won the last three superbowls. Although not many changes were made on offense,the third time will be a charm,because we shored up a defense that was absolute butter often at times when the offense seemingly had the game put away. It takes a superior athlete and thinker to improvise when the play breaks down,thats why alot of quarterbacks look good all season but fizzle against superior competition in the playoffs(their inability to improvise an make big plays)something Michael Vick does not suffer from.
By russ
May 10, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
Hey BUCKO,or whatever,anyone who understands football or quarterbacking for that matter,knows it takes more quick decision making to be a mobile quarterback than it does to be a statue in the backfield,thats why Peyton Manning can’t get to the next level. If Vick had a supporting cast like Manning does in indianapolis he would have won the last three superbowls. Although not many changes were made on offense,the third time will be a charm,because we shored up a defense that was absolute butter often at times when the offense seemingly had the game put away. It takes a superior athlete and thinker to improvise when the play breaks down,thats why alot of quarterbacks look good all season but fizzle against superior competition in the playoffs(their inability to improvise an make big plays)something Michael Vick does not suffer from.
By little ben
May 10, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this
The team was 12th in offense, 22nd in defense. It seems like a pretty simple formula. Improve the defense and we’re in the playoffs.
And lets not kid ourselves. In ‘05 we were NOT built to be a 12-4 team. We were a 10-6 team that ended 8-8 because we blew the two games we had to win. We missed the playoffs last year because we couldn’t close out two wins we had in the bag because our defense let us down — both Tampa Bay games. Our losses to New England, Chicago, Carolina and Seattle were simply a case of losing to better teams.
Not the Bucs, and definitely not Chris Simms! In both games Mike Vick and the offense had the game won, only to see the defense disintigrate in the final minutes.
If that isn’t reason enough to justify the changes we made, (and feel good about them) this off season, then I don’t know what is. Yes, Mike can be manic and maddening, but he’s a winner, and, even more imortantly, a thrill to watch. Even though we are in by far the toughest division in the NFL, I still like our chances. 11-5 is definitely w/n reach. I recall a certain Super Bowl champion that finished 11-5 and and didn’t even win it’s own division.
By larry w.
May 10, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
One area of the team that I will be keeping a close eye on in mini camp, training camp and preseason is the running back position. Warrick will get the lions share of the carries, but T.J. has something to prove after his drop off in the second half last year, and Norwood, with his speed and cut back ability could very well flourish in this system. Will we keep all three, or will someone become expendable? Could develop into a very interesting scenario.
By Mash
May 10, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this
Two seemingly uneventful losses last year killed us: TIm Ruskell and Ed Jasper. The femi-nazi sports writer pointed out the importance of Ruskell in the article. But losing a big, run stopping DT hurt the defense more than anything last year and in all of the “shoring up” of the D this offseason, I have yet to hear a good reason why we haven’t gotten a DT. Hello, run defense is atrocious so we go and get another undersized DE. That’s great for the ol’ pass rush, but any team dumb enough to pass on us when they can run all over us, deserves to get sacked. I love the Falcons, but I don’t expect anything more than a 8-8 or 9-7 season next year. Huh, Carolina is damn good and has only gotten better, what makes any educated fan think we’re going to beat them?
And one other thing, name one team that’s seriously “making a run at a title” that doesn’t have a serviceable place kicker. IT worked out so well for Dallas last year I guess Rich McKay was just dying to try it.
By Time for change
May 10, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
We keep selecting these small offensive linemen because they fit Gibbs scheme. What happens if Gibbs is gone, along with Mora & Knapp, and a new coaching regime comes in and changes the offensive strategy? I’ll tell you what, we would have to make wholesale changes on our offensive line. And here’s something else, I am sick and tired of people saying we had the #1 rushing offense in the league. If Vick was not the quarterback, do you actually think the Falcons, with Warrick Dunn, would be leading the NFL in rushing. Hell, the Seahawks have Alexander and the Chargers have Tomlinson. Also, there is a good chance that that little draw we run with Dunn wouldn’t work either… Listen, I’ve never liked Gibbs style of coaching. I think it is dirty football to go after guys knees. Let’s get some big bodies, smash the ball down the defense throat and use the big receivers to shove the ball up their a*.
By larry w.
May 10, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this
Time for a change makes some valid points!
By Stewart
May 10, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
Well, Time For Change, we do have the #1 rushing offense in the league. Please understand what I’m about to say. If we can stop the other team from running on us, we can win the division. It’s that simple. Vick and the offense have enough tools, and the #1 rushing game in the NFL, to win games. We have to stop the other teams in our division from running the ball. Period.
By Dave
May 10, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
The most positive thing about the Falcons is the owner: Arthur Blank. He will not settle for mediocrity and is willing to do whatever it takes to get this team to the next level. The Smith(former ownership) days are over. This owner will not rest until the Lombardi trophy is presented to him by Commissioner-to-be-named-later.
By BRENTSON BUCKNER
May 10, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this
hey rich mckay will you please sign me?
By This gets old
May 10, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this
If Michael Vick doesn’t HAVE to run with the ball many times does the team REALLY lead the league in rushing?
If Vick is so stupid how has he won playoff games when Peyton Manning hasn’t and Manning no doubt has had a better all round team than Vick ever had?
Football is not, repeat not a cerebral game. Example..they have to constantly say “football” even when talking about the field. Depending upon one guy to save your bacon every game won’t work. Teams know the only guy you have to control on the Falcons is Vick. Even if you have to try and injure him.
To not take steps to protect that player or any Falcon QB (lets remember the safety against Schaub in the Tampa game) is foolish.
If you have to count on your safeties to make plays in the running game…something is wrong. They are the LAST people who should have to make a tackle. Why did our guys last year have SO MANY chances to fail at that to the point that the team ran tackling drills last season in week ELEVEN??
By uga4ever
May 10, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this
Lets back off the o-line a little bit. No, they aren’t the best or the worst. Every offensive lineman that have left the Falcons have said one thing- Vick is almost impossible to predict. He is the hardest QB in the league to block for. I believe it! Before some of you start claiming that I am racist for saying this, I like Vick a lot. But, I can see the o-line’s point of view. He scrambles to the left, to the right, and it probably is hard to block.
By Paul Hamilton
May 10, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
It’s easy to lay blame on one position or one player, but the falcons didn’t bring the toughness and attitude they had the year before. While safety was one of our big concerns, I saw the linebackers miss quite a few tackles and miss making big plays. I saw our pro bowl corner get burned quite a few times and look lost in a few of the games. The defensive line didn’t have much to brag about either. I like the changes on the defense, but their needs to be improvement from the whole defense. Offensively the play calling needs to center more around Vick’s mobility, and while I know Vick is a winner, he needs to step up and prove that he is serious about improving his passing and team leadership. I do agree with some that this whole idea of a smaller, faster oline is a joke. How about monster guys that are fast and agile on the oline???? I know there are some good ones out there. The falcons let their ego run the show last year and true champions play focused and intense no matter what! Lets hope the falcons have come back to reality after last year and show up hungry to win this year. That will be the biggest thing to watch this year.
By For Real
May 10, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
Good post Paul, hit the nail on the head. Another question is the lack of game planning from week to week. The Falcons every week tried the same crap with little effect. Mora may be over his head going against the likes of Fox and Gruden at this stage of his career. He is also too loyal to players he has history with who aren’t even better than average players, ala Webster, Heard, and thankfully the now departed weak leg kicker Peterson. The guy is young but Vick, Crumpler, Brooking and Dunn deserved more than the bad personnel moves demonstrated by this staff last year riddled with excuses. This is football not the other sports where you have years to groom young talent, young talent in the NFL gets old real quick. Did I mention that Knapps offense is totally wrong for Vicks talents and if the adjustments aren’t made it is going to get ugly. Vick will rebel and this thing is going to get ugly. Plus keeping Schaub on the roster will create unfounded pressure from the local establishment which craves the backup QB thingy. I hope I am wrong, but one things for certain and Vick while he may get too much credit and way too much criticism, since his arrival every year we true Falcon Nation members know that we have a genuine shot to make it to the show every year!
By Rufus T. Shyne
May 10, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
Hemmo Facon fan,
How everbodie is this edenin? Them Facon done fixed up the o line and de closeline and de defence lookded beter than ever has. We now can claim the stuporbowl. It gon be hours. Ol mick vike gon run to de rite and den run to de lef and den he get pooped and loose him feetball hat and the feetball to. Wish we cud use sumbodie whoo know sumthin bout feetball. mick vike dun knows nuthin bout no feetball.
By hop
May 10, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
the offense line has improved considerably since the dan reeves era and yes lead the league in rushing which means someone was doing some blocking.
vick had time to pass but is not confortable in the pocket and has to be on the edge for him to be successful in the passing game.
jeff here you are making excuses for vick. the falcon coaches have told him repeatedly to play his own game and run when he feels the need to do, in other words make a play.
the problem is defenses in the nfl have become faster and that has negated vick’s speed. the panthers and buc’s have proven that .
vick must improve his passing or the falcons are looking at missing the playoffs once again.
it all depends on vick. the defense has improved so it is time for our 43mm dollar man to earn his money!
By Cap
May 10, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this
Um, is it my imagination, or is Michael Vick not the most electrifying quarterback in league history? Let’s lay off of Vick a little shall we. And before we start criticizing mobile quarterbacks, lets look at a little statistic. In the NFL since 1994 when Kordell Stewart got drafted at quarterback ushering in the era of “slash” (equal proficiency at running and passing) quarterbacks, do you know how many QB’d their team to a playoff victory within their first full year of becoming starter? Try ALL OF THEM! If you don’t believe me, check out Stewart-Steelers, McNair-Titans, McNabb-Philly, Plummer-Arizona, Vick-Atlanta, King-Tampa Bay, Brooks-New Orleans, Culpepper-Minnesota, Q. Carter-Dallas; if I have left off anybody forgive me (ya know Roethlisberger is kinda mobile I guess) and sorry I couldn’t name more but despite consistently being the best quarterbacks in the college game the mobile quarterback doesn’t fit the NFL “system”. If all of the best quarterbacks in college are mobile shouldn’t the NFL be changing to fit their skills like the Falcons are doing with Vick? (Remember Peyton Manning fans, Tee Martin was the one who won the National Championship-with essentially the same players I might add; and oh yeah, it was Tee Martin who set the Division I record for most consecutive completed passes and not Manning-I thought Manning was the passer and Martin was the runner?) Yeah, you heard me right, I’m actually comparing Tee Martin to Peyton Manning because Manning is a bum. Vick is exponentially better than Manning. Manning’s wide receivers, running back, tight end, and left tackle are all 1st rounders; hmm 1st round, that’s about the only round Manning can win in during the playoffs. And don’t blame it on the defense. The Colts defense has kept Manning in every playoff game that he has blown for that team. Vick and the Falcons only playoff sin is that they just were not better than the Eagles. If Vick had a pro bowl caliber wide receiver we would have made it to the Super Bowl twice and would have beaten the the Patriots. Atlanta exorcised the Eagles demon last season and got off to a hellified start. So what does the media do? Criticize Vick for not being enough of a passer. So what does Vick do? Goes out and starts putting on passing clinics at will but barely beats the Dolphins and loses the game where he threw for 300 yards! How could the coaches let him do that! Let Vick do his thing and the coaches need to earn their money; instead of coming up with draw plays how about stop getting Vick mutilated out there and tell Roddy White to actually break off his route and not keep running down the field to prove how fast he is and tell Michael Jenkins to catch with his hands and stop letting the ball bounce off his face, chest, neck, breast, and head. If the O-line thinks Vick is to hard to block for then lets get some guys in who want to block. If Vick gets anymore serious about his passing he’ll turn into Billy Volek or better yet his own backup, Matt Schaub-guaranteed for 300 yds. passing, a great QB rating, AND A LOSS!
By Paul
May 10, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this
Cap, I’d like to say I agree with your comments, but there’s no way in hell I’m gonna read that novel you just posted. Geez, dude.
By Cap
May 11, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry that you cannot read the equivalent of three-fourths of a page in Microsoft Word in a matter of two minutes Paul. I guess that is why Georgia consistenly ranks near the bottom of education attainment levels for the 50 states (and the District of Columbia). Remember, knowledge is power. If you won’t take the time to read a long blog entry then you are likely not to read a long legally-binding contract or a long referendum on the ballot the next time you vote. And you also will continue to be a blowhard of a fan that knows little or nothing about the game. Please protect yourself Paul. Break the cycle of ignorance for the sake of the Falcons.
By uga4ever
May 11, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this
Paul, you didn’t miss much. I think Cap was sniffing glue or something before he posted.
By Cap
May 11, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this
Yes uga4ever. I was sniffing glue. And your mother had the tube wedged between her ample bosom. She’s such a tease!
By Cap
May 11, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
And I’m sorry uga4ever. Why would anyone think you were a racist because you said Vick is hard to block for? Do you have a guilty conscious or something?
By Paul
May 11, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this
dude i was just kidding
By Cap
May 11, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this
No harm no foul. It’s all about the Falcs! And UGA, if you 4ever love the dawgs I would think you would want the line to be much improved because I don’t think Shockley is going to fare much better behind it than Vick in the preseason. It’s not everyday a Bulldog gets drafted by Atlanta! Let’s try and keep him in one piece!
By uga4ever
May 11, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this
yeah, you got me Cap. I had a guilty conscience. Before you start cutting on education.. you might want to look at yourself- hence, “guilty conscious”
By Jay
May 11, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
Our offense will never be able to work under take-a-Knapp. And Knapp will always be here if Mora is. Our running game being #1 is deceptive…we cant run the ball when we want to, unlike Denver and Pittsburgh.
Here’s to Mora getting fired and spring cleaning. Until then, prepare for plenty more low-scoring games and meaningless yards on the ground.
By Cap
May 11, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this
No, I think you might want to look in a dictionary uga4ever. Conscience is an expression of sentient, intelligent thought defined by Princeton University English-Language Library as “motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person’s thoughts and actions”. Consciousness is merely being awake and perhaps self-aware. You are decidedly lacking in both capacities. CURSE YOU FOUL GEORGIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS!!! I hope you are not going around criticizing Vince Young’s Wonderlic score guy!
By uga4ever
May 11, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
conscience is one’s sense of right and wrong… which was what you were trying to say. Conscious is aware of one’s own existence. I
By titothebear
May 11, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this
Hey Crap,
You’re trying to pass off your verbose bunk as knowledge. You are just another crapola laden Foulcons fan trying to filibuster the rest of us into capitulation. You see, we know Vick is awful! Your lengthy mound of dung will not persuade us to get on the bus with that drunken driver. He’s the twenty-eighth best quarterback in the league. His team finished eight and eight and he provided no leadership, a bunch of fumbles and interceptions and pitiably few touchdowns. Now, let me break you off a little knowledge! Vick will be sitting on the pine after game seven next season. That’s where he belongs. Word to yo mammy.
By Knapp-y Head
May 11, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Jay,
How can you call what Knapp runs “offense”? That’s an insult to bad offense everywhere.
You know why Iraq lost the Gulf War? Saddam was using one of Knapp’s playbooks.
By uga4ever
May 11, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this
Also, check out the ethnicity breakdown of the exit exam test scores for Georgia. That will give you a huge reason why our test scores are so bad.
By uga4ever
May 11, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this
titothebear,
I’m finished with your wife. You get sloppy seconds.
By Cap
May 11, 2006 01:57 AM | Link to this
Yes thank you I’m guilty of knowing I exist. Huh? Thanks for using a forum about the Falcons to spout racist ideology or at least make an attempt. First of all, you know nothing about me so lets dispense with the personal digs. Yes I am quite aware of the ethnic breakdown of academic achievement of Georgia public schools. I’m assuming you are somehow implying that blacks or hispanics or something are dragging down aggregate scores of really smart white students. Newsflash, I have looked at educational attainment in Georgia. Everybody regardless of race in Georgia is underachieving in a comparison to almost every other state except for a smattering of Asian students. So if you are so much smarter than “minorities” in Georgia that’s wonderful but you are a heck of a lot dumber than whites throughout the rest of the country. But you know what? I don’t know you and don’t care to know if you are black or white. I do know that my child lives in the school district of a public high school that consistently ranks in the top 3 in all of the United States. The school is 25% black and 50% hispanic. Once again, congratulations Georgia Public Schools!
By titothebear
May 11, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this
Uga4never,
You have no interest in my wife. You know you like laying up with them sweaty mens. Nice try at coming across as macho, but it won’t work. You know you’re sitting there typing your babble while Judy Garland wails in the background. Did you just come here from that crocheting website? You say you like Bulldogs but I don’t believe you mean the University of Georgia Football team, although I’m sure you fantasize about being gang tackled. I bet you just can’t wait to get in that Pride Parade and show off your swish. What is your favorite Village People song? I’m betting it’s YMCA. Do you do all those hand letters while you sing, at the top of your lungs, in that Soprano? I bet you watch Foulcons games on TV just to get a clue as to how the cheerleaders do their makeup. Do you get all prissy when you have on female attire? I’ll bet you do! Go away little wanna be girl. Your mother never should have started dressing you that way.
By Cap
May 11, 2006 02:08 AM | Link to this
Back to Football. Tito you sound like Oswald Bates from “In Living Color”. If you don’t know who that is, ask somebody. Yes, Vick is awful. He had nothing to do with bringing the Dirty Birds from the abyss to a conference contender. By all means lets trade Vick now. We know that passer rating is everything (right Peyton Manning) and Vick did not go to the Pro Bowl. You’re a regular GM Tito. Word to your mammy. Heck, she’s sitting on my lap!
By Cap
May 11, 2006 02:12 AM | Link to this
Hey Tito, has anybody ever told you that you are a little bit too familiar with gay culture and gay fantasies? Why are you sitting around on a football forum with a bunch of guys thinking about that stuff? I think you better start wondering about yourself and less about what uga4ever is doing in front of his computer.
By titothebear
May 11, 2006 02:17 AM | Link to this
Crap,
Well, now we can all rest a lot easier, knowing your child is possibly educable. No, actually, we’re just being nice. We don’t really care and we could not care less about what you think about the educational system here. One thing you seem to have failed to consider is that some of us were educated at universities in other states. Take your attitude of superiority, your repetitive, boring posts and go paralyze some other blog. Why don’t you pick something you have experience with, such as the proper method of feeding Day Lillies?
By titothebear
May 11, 2006 02:26 AM | Link to this
Crap,
It’s more like you’re sitting on your mammy’s lap. As for Vick, you are right about something there he had little to do with any success the Foulcons have had. The team, when it won, performed despite his presence and not because of it. Gay culture? Why don’t you tell us about it? Sounds like you are quite familiar with it. Tell yo mammy I’ll pick her up at ten tomorrow evening!
By Cap
May 11, 2006 03:05 AM | Link to this
Day lillies? In a football blog? Are you serious? And I’m paralyzing the blog? Is there anyone here who wants to talk about the Falcons and their prospects and not talk about flowers? I am verbose. So don’t look at what I’ve written. Then you won’t have to worry about trying to read it then whine about not being able to read it! Hence my critique of education. If the Falcons are so “foul”, why are you here? Go onto a Panthers blog and gay chat with them. Don’t do it here. Let’s get Vick some better blocking and better playmaking wide receivers so he can continue with his PRO BOWL career. And actually the offense is not that bad. If the defense can just return to their 2004 form then the Falcons can return to the playoffs. Yes I will definitely tell my mammy you will pick her up at ten. Will you be driving the little bus or just riding in it?
By curtis fitzgerald
May 11, 2006 05:00 AM | Link to this
STILL PLAYER HATING ON MR. VICK HUH?
get over it all already! M. vick is the quarterback of the falcons future. Not doug johnson(Joke!). Not mat schaaaaaab(double joke! not proven!). If atlant has any chance of winning a superbowl it’s with M. vick at the helm. Bottom line get over it!!! we gave MR. VICK 130 MILLION!!!(proven!). not those jokes!!! PLAYER HATE ALL YOU WANT TOO. The falcons are flightless without NO. 7 at the helm.
GO FALCONS! GO MIKE! GO TO * ALL YA’LL PLAYERS HATERS AND B**s.
By BigBass
May 11, 2006 06:53 AM | Link to this
Vick can’t read defenses, much less a coloring book. He is however, the GREATEST athlete the Falcons have ever had. He needs to be a wing back or something. get the ball in his hands down field. Matt S. should be getting the ball to Vick, not sitting on the bench.
By Steve
May 11, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this
Who cares?
By big kev
May 11, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this
Hey guys ya’ll forgot to mention that we don’t have a true #1 WR yet!!! I mean when your TE is the leading receiver year after year you have a problem. The thing is Vick has hardly no weapons to throw to. You have to have someone to get open to be a threat. And don’t even start me on that punk Peerless Price!!! Until we get some weapons on Offense and a better line Vick will always be stunted,
By Mart
May 11, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this
When the Falcons find a qb come talk to me.
By Keeping it real !!!
May 11, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
What must the falcons do to go to the next level? On defense we still need a space eater with skill on the D-line. Our linebacker like Hartwell is still not at 100% beck is not at 100% this is key to us winning.If we had a offense line with skill, speed, and meaness and power we could be world beater.People who played the game knows who control the line offense or defense will win most games. We are hurting at offense line .I dont see use winning when we play top defense. The last game of the year carolina 11-44. The offense line got the break beat off them. They could not control the carolina defense line. #61 and #62 we need a up grade look at the tape of this game and you will see.Management seem to take a bline eye to this problem. They seem to think vick skills will counter the bad offense line play. People say they had the #1 run offense last year and they did but that is miss leading . When they played the top defense the were not the best run offense. Saying all that to say this we need a real up grade not a make over . Is the tackel we traded for a up grade or make over time will tell on that .If we go in to next season with #61 and #62 as starter we in deep DO DO. we need skill player up front on offense line not a make over .If they could Pass block Gibbs scheme would work. Let be frank on pass blocking we are hurting big time. we need a fix on offense line not a make over and only skill people who can run and pass block will we make the leap to the next level Please add these thing to the NEED TO DO LIST before the season starts!!!! PLease DO Falcons and then we will GO FALCONS!!
By Falcons Fan
May 11, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this
Vick does not cause all of the instances of unblocked blitzers. Vick does not cause Simeon Rice to beat Shaffer and sack Schaub for a TD. Vick does not cause Lehr to whiff on a cut-block on a QB sweep leading to a loss of 10 yards on 4th and 1 like what happened in Carolina. Vick does not cause Peppers and Witherspoon to beat Weiner in 1.5 seconds routinely. Vick does not cause Booger McFarland and reserve DTs in New Orleans to bull through McClure.
Vick’s mobility, his escapability hides the screw-ups and athletic weakesses of those tasked with protecting him more often than not. But let’s be clear: counting on a QB to make spectacular elusive moves in the backfield all the time is not goint to win a championship.
Next time you watch a football game, Vick detractors, take note of a simple thing:
Look at the separation between Atlanta QBs and their offensive linemen. Then check out the huge gap between Peyton Manning and his nearest defender. Our pass protection is poor and yields ground more than most any other team’s in the league. Would you feel comfortable in a pocket that is collapsing all around you every play?
By Keeping it real !!!
May 11, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this
What must the falcons do to go to the next level? On defense we still need a space eater with skill on the D-line. Our linebacker like Hartwell is still not at 100% beck is not at 100% this is key to us winning.If we had a offense line with skill, speed, and meaness and power we could be world beater.People who played the game knows who control the line offense or defense will win most games. We are hurting at offense line .I dont see use winning when we play top defense. The last game of the year carolina 11-44. The offense line got the break beat off them. They could not control the carolina defense line. #61 and #62 we need a up grade look at the tape of this game and you will see.Management seem to take a bline eye to this problem. They seem to think vick skills will counter the bad offense line play. People say they had the #1 run offense last year and they did but that is miss leading . When they played the top defense the were not the best run offense. Saying all that to say this we need a real up grade not a make over . Is the tackel we traded for a up grade or make over time will tell on that .If we go in to next season with #61 and #62 as starter we in deep DO DO. we need skill player up front on offense line not a make over .If they could Pass block Gibbs scheme would work. Let be frank on pass blocking we are hurting big time. we need a fix on offense line not a make over and only skill people who can run and pass block will we make the leap to the next level Please add these thing to the NEED TO DO LIST before the season starts!!!! PLease DO Falcons and then we will GO FALCONS!!
By Greg
May 11, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this
I could write a book on my relationship with the Falcons. I’m 51 years old and “I” am one of the many that sent in a card (back in 65) to pick the mascot name,”I” remember listning to the radio and rejoycing the pick of Tommy Nobbis. “I” was a member of the Whitehead boys club, and was picked one year to go watch the Falcons work out, and remember the pride in watching ,listning and the smell of the dirt floor wight room at the old (new at the time)Fulton co stadium. “I” remember Jr. Coffee, “I” was the guy sitting there when Dave Hampton was pushed back 3 yards and just missed being the first Falcon to rush for 1000 yards, “I” shook Steve Bartkowskis hand, back in 76, “I”was the one that saw Leman Bennett grab Tom Pridemore by the face mask, when he missed a read in a preseason game back in 80.”I” remember the swamp fox,,,Both tures,,,,,,;Do any of you? Dan Hening was an ofensive genius, but could’t manage his players,,. “I” remember reading where someone said Dan took Junes team to the superbowl,,,. “I“‘m the one that sat in the cold wet November rain, and try’d to count the 1500 fans, that stayed to watch the team get plumeted, “I” saw the tears in Marion Campbell’s eyes when he was leaving through the tunnel for the last time. “I” watched Buddy Curry, replace Tommy,and Jessie replace him,,,,,,,. “I” am the one that walked into Dieon’s house, for the first preseason game that year,,,,and YES,,”I” was dressed in black. “I” have worn a Falcons T shirt or sweat shirt since 1965, “I” have been laught at spit at and once had someone try to rip it off me. “I” have learned one thing over the years,,,, “I” know what a loyal fan is,,, “I” found out (over the years)the true gut feeling of a Falcon win,, NOTHING hurts more than a loss,,,,,but NOTHING feels better than a win. And for all you Falcon niegh sayers that are full of gloom and doom,,,,,,,,,,,,,go to Flowery branch this week end,,,,,watch Brooking holler, watch Vick pop Roddie,in the head when he drops a ball,,,take a good look at Gibbs, yelling at our guards, centers and tackles, rolling in the dirt,,,watch EVERY coach RUN to the drills, Look at Finn teach, and try to better,#1&2,,Knowing he’s #3. You see,,,,,,,,,”I” am also the one that “Blank” will walk up too,,,,,He’ll shake my hand, look me in the eye, and let me know that WE ARE doing OUR best,,,,this will be the year. “I” will be the one that Jim will look back over his shoulder at, and he always says something to lighten the mood,,,,,,,,,,, “I” will tell you one thing, Thats one owner one coach and one team, that “I” am very proud of,,,,when your in Flowery branch,they make sure “you” know it’s “your” team. All you guy’s need to remember one thing,,,,,, if you loose 8 and win 8,,,,if you loose 2 and win 14,, if you loose 14 and win 2,,,,,,,,,,,,for the supper bowl winners and for all that ended in last place,,,,,,,,,,,,there is always next year,,, and it’s here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So if any niegh sayers need a boost of Falcon pride,,,,,,,,,,,,show up at the branch this week end,,,,,, then YOU can tell ME that DJ is’nt full speed, Mike cant throw, Roddy cant catch,,,,,,,,,,”I” have been there,,,,,,,,and “I” can tell you,,,,,, this group plays there hart out,,,, and,Blank,Jim, and every member on this team will welcome us with open arms,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and thats worth 8 & 8 to me. They’ll show you it’s OUR team, ,,,,,,,,,How about a little support???
By Jimbo
May 11, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
little Ben…I agree! After reading all the blogs I think your analysis is correct. I went to almost every game last season and we would have won several more games if the defense played like in year one. It was frustrating to watch opponents drive down the field with little resistance. Defense wins championships. Our defense will be better this season.
By Greg
May 11, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
I could write a book on my relationship with the Falcons. I’m 51 years old and “I” am one of the many that sent in a card (back in 65) to pick the mascot name,”I” remember listning to the radio and rejoycing the pick of Tommy Nobbis. “I” was a member of the Whitehead boys club, and was picked one year to go watch the Falcons work out, and remember the pride in watching ,listning and the smell of the dirt floor wight room at the old (new at the time)Fulton co stadium. “I” remember Jr. Coffee, “I” was the guy sitting there when Dave Hampton was pushed back 3 yards and just missed being the first Falcon to rush for 1000 yards, “I” shook Steve Bartkowskis hand, back in 76, “I”was the one that saw Leman Bennett grab Tom Pridemore by the face mask, when he missed a read in a preseason game back in 80.”I” remember the swamp fox,,,Both tures,,,,,,;Do any of you? Dan Hening was an ofensive genius, but could’t manage his players,,. “I” remember reading where someone said Dan took Junes team to the superbowl,,,. “I“‘m the one that sat in the cold wet November rain, and try’d to count the 1500 fans, that stayed to watch the team get plumeted, “I” saw the tears in Marion Campbell’s eyes when he was leaving through the tunnel for the last time. “I” watched Buddy Curry, replace Tommy,and Jessie replace him,,,,,,,. “I” am the one that walked into Dieon’s house, for the first preseason game that year,,,,and YES,,”I” was dressed in black. “I” have worn a Falcons T shirt or sweat shirt since 1965, “I” have been laught at spit at and once had someone try to rip it off me. “I” have learned one thing over the years,,,, “I” know what a loyal fan is,,, “I” found out (over the years)the true gut feeling of a Falcon win,, NOTHING hurts more than a loss,,,,,but NOTHING feels better than a win. And for all you Falcon niegh sayers that are full of gloom and doom,,,,,,,,,,,,,go to Flowery branch this week end,,,,,watch Brooking holler, watch Vick pop Roddie,in the head when he drops a ball,,,take a good look at Gibbs, yelling at our guards, centers and tackles, rolling in the dirt,,,watch EVERY coach RUN to the drills, Look at Finn teach, and try to better,#1&2,,Knowing he’s #3. You see,,,,,,,,,”I” am also the one that “Blank” will walk up too,,,,,He’ll shake my hand, look me in the eye, and let me know that WE ARE doing OUR best,,,,this will be the year. “I” will be the one that Jim will look back over his shoulder at, and he always says something to lighten the mood,,,,,,,,,,, “I” will tell you one thing, Thats one owner one coach and one team, that “I” am very proud of,,,,when your in Flowery branch,they make sure “you” know it’s “your” team. All you guy’s need to remember one thing,,,,,, if you loose 8 and win 8,,,,if you loose 2 and win 14,, if you loose 14 and win 2,,,,,,,,,,,,for the supper bowl winners and for all that ended in last place,,,,,,,,,,,,there is always next year,,, and it’s here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So if any niegh sayers need a boost of Falcon pride,,,,,,,,,,,,show up at the branch this week end,,,,,, then YOU can tell ME that DJ is’nt full speed, Mike cant throw, Roddy cant catch,,,,,,,,,,”I” have been there,,,,,,,,and “I” can tell you,,,,,, this group plays there hart out,,,, and,Blank,Jim, and every member on this team will welcome us with open arms,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and thats worth 8 & 8 to me. They’ll show you it’s OUR team, ,,,,,,,,,How about a little support???
By Jimbo
May 11, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this
little Ben…I agree! After reading all the blogs I think your analysis is correct. I went to almost every game last season and we would have won several more games if the defense played like in year one. It was frustrating to watch opponents drive down the field with little resistance. Defense wins championships. Our defense will be better this season.
By Jonathan
May 11, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this
I have worked with QBs in studying game film (doesn’t matter that it is high school ball) and can tell you right now that any QB who stays in the pocket, gets pressure up in his face (even at 3 to 4 sec.), and cannot improvise looks like a fool.
Also is doesn’t matter if you can disscet a defense, because when you have big ol’ D-lineman up in your face and you have unproven WRs attempting the catch the football, all of that dissection won’t mean s**.
By the way, the reason Vick looks more comfortable outside of the pocket than inside is the fact that he doesn’t have so much pressure up in his face. He is used to having pressure inside so much that when he doesn’t have pressure inside the pocket, he becomes indecisive.
Something else, the reason Schaub looked so spectacular against the Patriots Pass Defense was based on two things: 1)The D-line was without Richard Seymour (yes he is that vital), 2) the Patriots Pass D ranked from 29th to 31st all season. Last time I checked, they lost to the Broncos because they couldn’t stop the run (and their Pass D continued its awful play) and the Bronco’s D forced Brady to make mistakes.
By Mark
May 11, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this
Greg… you couldn’t be any more correct. people on this blog claim to be falcons fans, but bash everybody in the organization at every chance, especially vick. thanks to you all, every blog turns into vick bashing and racial issues. thank you for ruining each and every blog with your ignorance.
point is, no matter how ugly vick looks when he plays, he gets us wins and keeps us in the games. he is the reason we are the #1 rushing offense in the league, not by him running himself, but by him just touching the ball on those fake bootlegs, he basically takes the DE and OLB out of the play. i think we will have one of the top defenses in the league if we can get a big DT, but we all know that. didn’t the falcons get big ted washington from Oakland?? we need to make a move now for a good OL and re vamp the line. if we can have a somewhat decent ol, we will go to the superbowl. again, vick is not the reason for the falcons’ lack of success, or why we haven’t been winning the games we should (tampa bay).
GO DIRTY BIRDS
By Mark
May 11, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Greg… you couldn’t be any more correct. people on this blog claim to be falcons fans, but bash everybody in the organization at every chance, especially vick. thanks to you all, every blog turns into vick bashing and racial issues. thank you for ruining each and every blog with your ignorance.
point is, no matter how ugly vick looks when he plays, he gets us wins and keeps us in the games. he is the reason we are the #1 rushing offense in the league, not by him running himself, but by him just touching the ball on those fake bootlegs, he basically takes the DE and OLB out of the play. i think we will have one of the top defenses in the league if we can get a big DT, but we all know that. didn’t the falcons get big ted washington from Oakland?? we need to make a move now for a good OL and re vamp the line. if we can have a somewhat decent ol, we will go to the superbowl. again, vick is not the reason for the falcons’ lack of success, or why we haven’t been winning the games we should (tampa bay).
GO DIRTY BIRDS
By Jonathan
May 11, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
I have worked with QBs in studying game film (doesn’t matter that it is high school ball) and can tell you right now that any QB who stays in the pocket, gets pressure up in his face (even at 3 to 4 sec.), and cannot improvise looks like a fool.
Also is doesn’t matter if you can disscet a defense, because when you have big ol’ D-lineman up in your face and you have unproven WRs attempting the catch the football, all of that dissection won’t mean s**.
By the way, the reason Vick looks more comfortable outside of the pocket than inside is the fact that he doesn’t have so much pressure up in his face. He is used to having pressure inside so much that when he doesn’t have pressure inside the pocket, he becomes indecisive.
Something else, the reason Schaub looked so spectacular against the Patriots Pass Defense was based on two things: 1)The D-line was without Richard Seymour (yes he is that vital), 2) the Patriots Pass D ranked from 29th to 31st all season. Last time I checked, they lost to the Broncos because they couldn’t stop the run (and their Pass D continued its awful play) and the Bronco’s D forced Brady to make mistakes.
By Steve
May 11, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
Who cares?
By Bobby
May 11, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
If the Falcons would immitate the offense that Rich Rodrigez has at West Virginia, they would roll over their division easily. It’s all about scheme, and a spread offense would make Mike a weapon, not a liability standing back there in some ridiculous pocket that collapses around him- and, their smaller, quicker line would flourish as well.
By Carrington
May 11, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
The Falcons will be fine if or when Mike V decides to let the naysayers be just that. He needs to stop trying to prove to people that he can sit in the pocket and throw the ball. Just be Mike Vick, and everything will be fine.
He is a playmaker, and some of his plays may not be pretty, but they get results. win games now….and to do that -he needs to get his run yards up to like 650 -750. This wil open up more pass lanes for him.
Last year, teams did not fear his running, so they just sat in zones, thus giving the D-lines even more time to get to him. Add to that the horrible pass blocking, and M. Vick sitting in the pocket to prove something…well, you all saw the results.
His career may not last long, but I think he will get a Super bowl or two.
By Greg
May 11, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
Thanks Mike,,,,,,The Smith family did all it could,,,,they did’nt bring in any real football minds till jr went and got Reeves, but then again,,,,Rankin sat in his office chewing a cigar watching over Life of Ga. insurance co. Blank, formed a family, made sure he put the best people around him, and held them acountable,, they not only use words like: win & pride,,,, but now they speak of caricature, and family, off feild presants. Dont get me wrong,,,,,,,,,,I loved the dirt floor work out room,,, but look what Blanks tryed to do,,,,,and to sit here day after day and rear what some of thes (so call’ed) fans have to say just proves the fact that they are NO fans at all. Know one has been a fan longer than I, its mathmaticly impossable for anyone to think such. Know fan hurts more after loss,, ,,,,,,,on the same hand “KNOW ONE” feels beter after a win,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and thats what all the niegh sayers miss out on. Anyone that picks apart the Falcons, after a loss,,can’t enjoy a win as much as me. In fact,,,,,,,,,,anyone thats not at Flowery Branch this week end has no write to write in this blog and tell me “we need an o’line or our wide outs are no-names, TJ does’nt try,Vick needs to do this Vick needs to do that. Dont get me wrong,,,,,,,,I’ve got a life,,,,,but to go watch these guys,,,,the way they not only play but also the way they “support us” makes me very proud to have a owner coach & staff, and team like the Falcons. There is way too much up side to this team to sit here and read trash talk from your own so called fan bace. And to any one that dose’nt like my view,,,,, I’ll buy you a buck’s jearsey and point you south on 75.
By Greg
May 11, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
Thanks Mike,,,,,,The Smith family did all it could,,,,they did’nt bring in any real football minds till jr went and got Reeves, but then again,,,,Rankin sat in his office chewing a cigar watching over Life of Ga. insurance co. Blank, formed a family, made sure he put the best people around him, and held them acountable,, they not only use words like: win & pride,,,, but now they speak of caricature, and family, off feild presants. Dont get me wrong,,,,,,,,,,I loved the dirt floor work out room,,, but look what Blanks tryed to do,,,,,and to sit here day after day and rear what some of thes (so call’ed) fans have to say just proves the fact that they are NO fans at all. Know one has been a fan longer than I, its mathmaticly impossable for anyone to think such. Know fan hurts more after loss,, ,,,,,,,on the same hand “KNOW ONE” feels beter after a win,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and thats what all the niegh sayers miss out on. Anyone that picks apart the Falcons, after a loss,,can’t enjoy a win as much as me. In fact,,,,,,,,,,anyone thats not at Flowery Branch this week end has no write to write in this blog and tell me “we need an o’line or our wide outs are no-names, TJ does’nt try,Vick needs to do this Vick needs to do that. Dont get me wrong,,,,,,,,I’ve got a life,,,,,but to go watch these guys,,,,the way they not only play but also the way they “support us” makes me very proud to have a owner coach & staff, and team like the Falcons. There is way too much up side to this team to sit here and read trash talk from your own so called fan bace. And to any one that dose’nt like my view,,,,, I’ll buy you a buck’s jearsey and point you south on 75.
By workbt
May 11, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
In five more years we will still be reading about Michael Vick being the greatest athlete in football and we will still be blaming his failure on someone else. Get over it. The guy is talented as hell, but he is also overconfident and lazy, and those don’t add up to a successful career.
By Smooth
May 11, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
This is my first time reading a blog and first time posting a comment. Gosh, is this about football or race? I’m a season ticket holder and I live in Alabama. I’ll continue to attend the games because I believe the team is heading in the right direction. I want to see a sustained effort. I’d like to have a shot at a championship year after year. I beliieve th Falcons are headed in that direction. VICK HATERS…as much money as he is being paid he WILL be the quarterback and should be. Haters should focus their negative energy somewhere else. Become a fan of another team or take up another hobby. Peace….
By Zack
May 11, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
Stop commenting on the offensive line. Defense wins championships. If offenses were more important, Payton Manning and Dan Marino would five Super Bowl rings each!
By AR
May 11, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
I WILL SAY IT UNTIL I AM BLUE IN THE FACE. THE FALCONS “THINK THEY ARE GOOD”. THESE GUYS ARE OK BUT THEY ARE NOT A GOOD TEAM. THEY NEED TO THINK LIKE A WORKMANS TEAM “IE” THE STEELERS…..PITTSBURGH PLAY HARD EVERY YEAR NO MATTER WHAT…..THE FALCONS HAVE A DECENT YEAR AND THE ATTITUDE BECOMES “WE ARE A GOOD TEAM” WELL THAT IS WHAT THEIR PROBLEM IS……..PLEASE GUYS, JUST PLAY AND PLAY LIKE YOU GIVE A DAMM EVERY YEAR AND THEN MAYBE YOU WILL BE A GOOD TEAM…. I WANT TO BE A FAN BUT ONLY IF YOU ACT LIKE YOU WANT TO BE GOOD TEAM AND NOT THINK YOU ARE GOOD!!!
By workbt
May 11, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
To Smooth: What does race have to do with it? I also thought Jeff George was lazy and over hyped, race has nothing to do with it in my mind, maybe the race problem is yours.
By AR
May 11, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
I WILL SAY IT UNTIL I AM BLUE IN THE FACE. THE FALCONS “THINK THEY ARE GOOD”. THESE GUYS ARE OK BUT THEY ARE NOT A GOOD TEAM. THEY NEED TO THINK LIKE A WORKMANS TEAM “IE” THE STEELERS…..PITTSBURGH PLAY HARD EVERY YEAR NO MATTER WHAT…..THE FALCONS HAVE A DECENT YEAR AND THE ATTITUDE BECOMES “WE ARE A GOOD TEAM” WELL THAT IS WHAT THEIR PROBLEM IS……..PLEASE GUYS, JUST PLAY AND PLAY LIKE YOU GIVE A DAMM EVERY YEAR AND THEN MAYBE YOU WILL BE A GOOD TEAM…. I WANT TO BE A FAN BUT ONLY IF YOU ACT LIKE YOU WANT TO BE GOOD TEAM AND NOT THINK YOU ARE GOOD!!!
By workbt
May 11, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
To Smooth: What does race have to do with it? I also thought Jeff George was lazy and over hyped, race has nothing to do with it in my mind, maybe the race problem is yours.
By carman563
May 11, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
THE FALCONS CANT SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES, THE PROBLEM IS SO SIMLE TO REMEDY, MY 11 YEAR OLD GRANDSON FIGURED IT OUT, AFTER THEY OVERHAUL THEIR DEFENSE, # 1, GET RID OF KNAPP, # 2, PUT VICK AT RUNNING BACK AND SCHAUB AT QB, AND WATCH THE FALCONS TURN AROUND, BUT BLANK AND MORA WOULD NEVER DO THAT, ITS TOO SIMPLE , AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO ADMIT, THEY WERE WRONG !
By KB
May 11, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this
The Falcons will make the playoffs this year. One needs to let Mr. Mckay and Mr. Mora alone. They have put a good looking product on the field and been in more playoffs that previous administration before them (excluding the Dan Reeves era.) There are a few things Mr. McKay and Mr. Mora needs to fix: 1) Make sure M. Vick is progressing as a quarterback not just in the regular season, but also in the off season 2)Fix the offensive line 3)Continue to put players in the right spot where they can succeed.
By Ryder
May 11, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
Good points Smooth…you’ll come to find out who are the truly intelligent (those who post with credible information) and those who are just on this blog to incite drama (tito, Steve, and other Vick Haters). Much of it comes from a desire to see their QBs have a certain look.
This organization is headed in the right direction. They are adding veterans on defense to assist with their young stars such as Hall and soon Jimmy Williams. Though the O-line is a huge question mark, I look for Atlanta to plug in the final holes for a playoff run this year.
By Ryder
May 11, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
Good points Smooth…you’ll come to find out who are the truly intelligent (those who post with credible information) and those who are just on this blog to incite drama (tito, Steve, and other Vick Haters). Much of it comes from a desire to see their QBs have a certain look.
This organization is headed in the right direction. They are adding veterans on defense to assist with their young stars such as Hall and soon Jimmy Williams. Though the O-line is a huge question mark, I look for Atlanta to plug in the final holes for a playoff run this year.
By Scorpio
May 11, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
Every season the Falcons have made the playoffs is because they have had a good defense. Last year the offense was able to score even with the o line they had but was unable to hold leads, defense. I think the moves to improve on defense makes sense.
Prior to last season when Vick played his game, the Falcons went to the Playoff, the defense was good too, but when you try to change the nature of something it always goes bad, Vick does not need to become a drop back passer he needs to be who he is and thats Mike Vick.
By Steve W
May 11, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
Carman, the only thing simple around here is YOU.
By dlmod
May 11, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
The defense was hurt last year. That hurt our offense and exposed it, leaving real doubt about Vick ever being a pocket passer. ( He is not 6-4) The Defense will keep us in games longer and probably win a few. If Vick stays in the pocket trying to hit 5 yard hitches and slants we will be looking for a new OC next year. Let Vick and the boys run and let the ball go deep at least 10 times per game and he will complete 30% for scores (he has a big arm I just haven’t seen much of it.(maybe twice a game) That should keep the secondary back,so we can run… dlmod
By Sloan
May 11, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
Hey Schultz, did you hear? The Falcons are not inviting a woman to training camp again this year!
By Jake
May 11, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
The problems with the Atlanta offense boils down to one person Greg Knapp. Knapp thinks he can develop an O-line (light and mobile) like Denver used to defeat -oddly enough- Atlanta in Super Bowl XXXIII. Unfortunately Knapp’s play calling is unimaginative and a far cry from what Shanahan, Rick Dennison and former OC- Gary Kubiak possessed.
Going from the NFC Championship game to missing the playoffs is inexcusable when all Mora and Knapp said they needed to do was tinker with the O-line and get a speedy wideout with hands. Mora needed to step away and fire his buddy from SF. If the offense struggles this year both could be on their way out and Terrell Owens words will ring louder than the cathedral at Notre Dame.
By Tyger
May 11, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
So many things went wrong with the Falcons that its too hard to pinpoint one area. However, you must acknowldge first, the diminished impact of Mora. An unproven legacy that was silver spooned into the top job. He’s proven nothing, except that he’s immature.
The fact is the majority of the players that went to the NFC Championship were Dan Reeves’ players. Mora was just a glorified cheerleader. The offense he brought didnt improve things nor did the defense, his speciality.
Injuries are the x-factor in all team sports, but good mgt. prepares for them, because they happen every year. Thats why you dont trade Schaub. Bad mgt. uses injuries as an excuse.
Recognizing the depth issue, the Falcons have added some players, but still need backup help at safety, receiver and the offensive line.
Blank has opened the checkbook, now its time to evaluate Mora more closely. Your dad got you here, but its up to you now.
By Chad
May 11, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
Hey Larry, it is obvious that you are a prejudice redneck by your comments. You probably live in the mountains screwing your mother and sister, you half bred indigent! Isn’t it ironic that you called out three black qbs for having a low IQ, but not any of the idiot whiteboys that have stunk up the league?(Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler, Chris Weinke, Doug Johnson, Kyle Orton, Shane Matthews, and the list goes on!!) Face it, black qbs are here to stay and they will eventually take over like blacks have in every other skill position on the field! Think of any sport’s best player except male tennis and you will find a black person! Don’t you just love it!!
By CJ
May 11, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Falcons are going nowhere this year. Until they abandon the West Coast Offense they will always be stuck in neutral. Vick is not a pocket passer, (passes sailed all year, plus he throws to hard)never has been and never will be. Shot gun, rolling out the majority of the time, throw on the run and let him run, run, run. The defense, if they stay healthy will improve and I do mean improve.
By sugarlee
May 11, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
You guys are a trip. I guess winning the super bowl is everything to most of you. That would be something. But to me, the falcons have a great opportunity to be a great team despite all the things that can happen in the world of football. If any team in the NFL can make it through the season with out injuries, then that will be the team to beat. The O line went bad because of injuries. The Defense went bad because of injuries. Dan Reeves lost his job because of injuries. Everything is based on the injury report. Injuries to the right people will upset your season. So the only thing that matters in the end is what kind of injuries the falcons will have. When injuries occur, look out. Somebody will be out of a job. And it won’t be because they didn’t play well or coach well. It will be because an injury has occurred and changed some things. Stay healthy and some good football will be in store.
By "D" in Houston
May 11, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah…….Greg for president…… “I” only remember being 6 years old crying my eyes out when Danny White beat us with little over a 1 minute in the NFC Championship in 1980! “I” also remember, creaming all over myself when Anderson missed the field goal in Minnesota, and left the door open for us to march to our 1st Super Bowl apperance…..That’s what it is all about. I live all the way in Houston, but still get up early to watch my Birds beat DEM SAINTS!!!!! ha ha ha!
By L. T.
May 11, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this
The new blueprint for the WCO is Seattle”s same type of o-line that we have but BIGGER, STRONGER, and MOBILE. Walter beat kerney up so bad until it took him six games to make a sack., and then faded…..Brooking you mean I missed a tackle never did show the entire season. This team will not win a SuperBowl with those two…..Please Complete the Defensives Makeover…Greatness will be our Reward
By titothebear
May 11, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
“D” in Houston,
I wish you had creamed on me instead.
By geechee
May 11, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
Nice column, of course it also opened up this Pandora’s Box of responses, but you are used to that by now.
By leo Schultz
May 11, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
This is a great article Jeff especially since I am a great football fan. I hear you are from California and I read the Atlanta Journal often. I also live in Ventura,California. Although I am somewhat complimentary today, I am also direct as being from Hoboken, New Jersey, we beleive in telling it straight and to the point, so you may get some criticism from me from time to time. Have a great day. Lee Aarons.
By DbleD23
May 11, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
As long as this team is full of the Brian Finnerans, keith Brookings, and Warrick Dunns, it will never be successful. these ‘goody two-shoes’ players can never play a big role on a championship team.
By titothebear
May 11, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this
The Foulcons will be 3-13 next season and they’ll lose their first seven games. Vick, the twenty-eighth best QB last season, will fall through the floorboards and all you losers will be cryin’ and still makin’ excuses. Get used to homeys. Vick is a sorry quarterback on a sorry team in a sorry town with pitiful fans. Word to yo mammy, boy.
By titothebear
May 11, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
The Foulcons will be 3-13 next season and they’ll lose their first seven games. Vick, the twenty-eighth best QB last season, will fall through the floorboards and all you losers will be cryin’ and still makin’ excuses. Get used to it homeys. Vick is a sorry quarterback on a sorry team in a sorry town with pitiful fans. Word to yo mammy, boy.
By "D" in Houston
May 11, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
Sometime I have these exotic dreams of being a football player, rolling around on the ground with some sweaty mens. The only problem with football is you have to keep your helmet on at all times. If I was at the bottom of a pile I know I’d love to dehelmetize myself. A former Falcon player just came out, if you know what I mean. Power to you my brother!
By e.b.
May 12, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Bucko -YOU IDIOT, Vick is 6’0”, tall enough. GET LOST.
By e.b.
May 12, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this
Hey Bucko -YOU IDIOT, Vick is 6’0”, tall enough. GET LOST.