AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > July > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons good enough for playoff bounce
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
If the Falcons weren’t quite as good as they looked in 2004, they weren’t as feeble as they appeared the last half of last season. A lot of informed folks are using that 2-6 finish as cause to dismiss the Falcons’ chances in 2006. This team, which convenes next week for training camp, should not be dismissed. This should be a playoff team.
What happened over those eight deflating games was that some cocky players and their cocky coach couldn’t right themselves after the first sustained reversal of the Mora era. What happened was that the gusher of football luck inherent in the run to the NFC championship went bust overnight. What happened was that the roster’s deepest flaws - inexperience at receiver and along the defensive front, ineptitude at safety - were laid bare at the worst possible time.
And that was all it took for a team that was 6-2 and positioned to be the NFC’s No. 1 or 2 seed to finish a seedy-seeming 8-8. The second and seventh games of the slide had a cruel symmetry to them: Both were against Tampa Bay; both saw the Falcons waste late leads because their safeties couldn’t tackle Cadillac Williams; both were lost in overtime. The first Buc loss came as a punch to the gut; the second arrived with a shrug of resignation. Remember? The Falcons recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff of OT … and Todd Peterson’s 28-yard field goal was blocked not because of a missed assignment but because a low kick found the arm of the one Buc who jumped highest.
Says Rich McKay, the GM: “When that happens, you’re not meant to win.”
But that was last year, and NFL predictions assign too much value to last year. McKay again: “Since free agency came along, the ability to pick games [over the offseason] is almost non-existent.” Teams now have the chance to reconfigure themselves in a hurry, and the Falcons eradicated two failings by landing John Abraham, the Pro Bowl defensive end, and two new safeties in Lawyer Milloy and Chris Crocker. This team should again be able to stop the run, and that’s a very big deal.
These being the Falcons, every discussion must eventually turn to Michael Vick, who wasn’t very effective last season because his knee hurt or because his many critics hurt his feelings or because Greg Knapp is a raging dolt. Vick will be better this season because he’ll have learned from his latest set of tribulations and because Michael Jenkins and Roddy White are no longer so green. “They’re in a lot better position to help,” McKay says. “When Michael got nicked [in Week 4 against Minnesota], all he had [among wideouts] were young guys.”
And surely Jim Mora took something from the disintegration of last season. He was the NFL’s bright young thing in 2004, but by October of ‘05 his self-assurance had grown to outsized proportions. His dismissal of the careers of Mike Kenn and Jeff Van Note - how good could they have been if they never knew consecutive winning seasons? - was the height of chutzpah, and it was only fitting that Jimbo himself failed to stack winning seasons back to back.
Mora has to prove he can handle failure, but he seems smart enough to figure it out. If Knapp and Vick are indeed working at cross-purposes, Mora must intervene on the side of the quarterback. (Completion percentage doesn’t matter. Winning percentage does.) If the team is going through turbulence, a coach prone to tantrums isn’t going to calm any nerves. But to assume the snippy Mora of last season is the Mora we’ll see this autumn is to fall into the trap of memory. Says McKay: “The longer I’m in this, the more I realize that every year is unique unto itself.”
This time a year ago, Mike Holmgren was thought to be on his way out in Seattle, where the 2004 Seahawks had lost eight of their last 14 games. Today Holmgren and his men are coming off a Super Bowl. The 2006 Falcons might not bounce quite that high, but they’re due a bounce.
Comments
By titothebear
July 17, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
The Foulcons are going to get bounced long before any playoffs begin! 3-13.
By nunna yo biznezz
July 17, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
I love the falcons.But,with the O-line so poor in their pass blocking,and MV running around for his life,we will get in around 9 victories,and a playoff berth,and a 1st round defeat..
The O-line will bet the downfall of this offense..And,Vick will be the scapegoat of the team..
By RA
July 17, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
B. Smith, Cash, Beck, Hardwell, Mathis, D. Hall… I can continue, but why? What do all of these guys have in common? They were all part of the Falcons defense and they all spent significant time on the DL last year. My question is this. How many people can you lose and still be effective on defense? It is true, our safeties couldn’t stop Cadillac Williams, but the truth of the matter is that whenever someone that big and that strong gets into your secondary, you’re going to have a long day anyway, and why did he get back there. IT WAS BECAUSE THE FIRST TWO LINES OF OUR DEFENSE WAS ON INJURED RESERVE OR PLAYING OUT OF THEIR NATURAL POSITIONS!!! Now, that issue having been addressed, if they had stayed healthy, they would have finished up a lot better than 8-8. But then again, if ifs and buts were candy and nuts we would all have had a happy childhood. Things happen, people get hurt. If we lose most of our defense to injury this year we could very well have a replay of last season, but when thinking in terms of last season, please try to remember that many of the things that happened to last years team entered squarely into the realm of the inexplicable and the unforeseen…
By QB
July 17, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
The defense is muh better and that was the downfall of the falcons. J Abraham, milloy, and J Williams will improve the D. Long as Vick and the offense just has to score 24 and they will win most games with this defense which I feel is better than that of the year they went to the superbowl.
By keeping it REAL !
July 17, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
we do have a offense line problem.#61 and#62 need a up grade. espn, ajc , cbs ,fox all know this offense line is the weak link. most are 5th and 7th rounders. why are they 5th and 7th rounders SKILL Levels they had #1 rushing team, don’t be fool by this .Vick had 700 yard running for his life. They were 28 in passing and if out tight end was not catching the ball we would have been 32nd. I think the receivers will be a lot better this year. The offense line a new 35 year old and most of the rest are want be player. Look at any game tape of our line and tell me you fell good for this team. we need to bring in a proven tackle on the offense line. Gibb has talk management in picking late round picks and they took it hook line and sink. Carolina has power in there front four we need power to run and pass block. Look at the game tape it says it all.
By keeping it REAL !
July 17, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
we do have a offense line problem.#61 and#62 need a up grade. espn, ajc , cbs ,fox all know this offense line is the weak link. most are 5th and 7th rounders. why are they 5th and 7th rounders SKILL Levels they had #1 rushing team, don’t be fool by this .Vick had 700 yard running for his life. They were 28 in passing and if out tight end was not catching the ball we would have been 32nd. I think the receivers will be a lot better this year. The offense line a new 35 year old and most of the rest are want be player. Look at any game tape of our line and tell me you fell good for this team. we need to bring in a proven tackle on the offense line. Gibb has talk management in picking late round picks and they took it hook line and sink. Carolina has power in there front four we need power to run and pass block. Look at the game tape it says it all.
By keeping it REAL !
July 17, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
we do have a offense line problem.#61 and#62 need a up grade. espn, ajc , cbs ,fox all know this offense line is the weak link. most are 5th and 7th rounders. why are they 5th and 7th rounders SKILL Levels they had #1 rushing team, don’t be fool by this .Vick had 700 yard running for his life. They were 28 in passing and if out tight end was not catching the ball we would have been 32nd. I think the receivers will be a lot better this year. The offense line a new 35 year old and most of the rest are want be player. Look at any game tape of our line and tell me you fell good for this team. we need to bring in a proven tackle on the offense line. Gibb has talk management in picking late round picks and they took it hook line and sink. Carolina has power in there front four we need power to run and pass block. Look at the game tape it says it all.
By keeping it REAL !
July 17, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
we do have a offense line problem.#61 and#62 need a up grade. espn, ajc , cbs ,fox all know this offense line is the weak link. most are 5th and 7th rounders. why are they 5th and 7th rounders SKILL Levels they had #1 rushing team, don’t be fool by this .Vick had 700 yard running for his life. They were 28 in passing and if out tight end was not catching the ball we would have been 32nd. I think the receivers will be a lot better this year. The offense line a new 35 year old and most of the rest are want be player. Look at any game tape of our line and tell me you fell good for this team. we need to bring in a proven tackle on the offense line. Gibb has talk management in picking late round picks and they took it hook line and sink. Carolina has power in there front four we need power to run and pass block. Look at the game tape it says it all.
By IceColdATLien
July 17, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
I think Mark is basically right. The Birds definitely addressed their major needs: better safeties and talent on the other side of the d-line from Kerney. Don’t forget that we basically get another free agent since Hartwell is back from injury to help stuff runs up the middle. As far as offense is concerned, who knows? Vick could break out because of his increased experience with the offense…remember he had to learn 4 different offenses in his first five years… any QB would struggle under those circumstances. I think the Falcons are poised to make another serious run in the playoffs. Maybe not the Super Bowl but, then again, who knows?
By IceColdATLien
July 17, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
I think Mark is basically right. The Birds definitely addressed their major needs: better safeties and talent on the other side of the d-line from Kerney. Don’t forget that we basically get another free agent since Hartwell is back from injury to help stuff runs up the middle. As far as offense is concerned, who knows? Vick could break out because of his increased experience with the offense…remember he had to learn 4 different offenses in his first five years… any QB would struggle under those circumstances. I think the Falcons are poised to make another serious run in the playoffs. Maybe not the Super Bowl but, then again, who knows?
By CC
July 17, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it, the Falcons were in a bit of a funk last year. Look at all the injuries, blocked kicks, weird fumbles, and last minute losses. Instead of Freddy Falcon as a mascot they should have had “Slep-Rock” from the Flintstones. Vick will do alot better this season and the dfense has been vastly improved. All we need to do is support this team and they’ll succeed. Last season epitomized what can happen in this league after a stellar year. These guys are gooing to do big things this year. If Vick improves…..look out!!!
By CC
July 17, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it, the Falcons were in a bit of a funk last year. Look at all the injuries, blocked kicks, weird fumbles, and last minute losses. Instead of Freddy Falcon as a mascot they should have had “Slep-Rock” from the Flintstones. Vick will do alot better this season and the defense has been vastly improved. All we need to do is support this team and they’ll succeed. Last season epitomized what can happen in this league after a stellar year. These guys are gooing to do big things this year. If Vick improves…..look out!!!
By gdg73
July 17, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
We will have potentially six new starters on defense this year (Shrop, Abraham, Hartwell, Crocker, Milloy, and Williams). Contrary to last year, these replacements are either seasoned veterans (except Shrop and Williams), can really ball, or both. The Falcons also have good depth on defense too. The offense should be the least of our worries if the offensive line shows improvement in the pass protection phase of the game. Vick will be more like the Vick of old (2002). Knapp I believe will install more deep passes into the game plan as well. If he doesn’t get more creative, his butt will be gone, I can almost guarantee that. Carolina will implode with all of the expectations, and Tampa Bay was not as good as they appeared (Atlanta 2004). The Eagles will rebound in the East. I don’t think Washington was that good as well, neither was N.Y. Eli is a walking turnover a la Brett Favre. Who knows about Dallas. T.O. won’t be a problem unless Bledsoe can’t get him the ball (no mobility = a sack waiting to happen). If history is an indicator, Seattle won’t be back. Look for Arizona to surprise. And honestly, who knows about the NFC North. Overall, I’ll put my money on the Falcons and their revamped defense.
By Insane Falcon
July 17, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
If we can get the D-Line to step up and rank in the top ten against the run, and get Dontell to be more aggressive, then we will definitely make the playoffs. I believe the addition of the QB coach will permit Vick to progress further as a QB, while allowing Knapp to pay attention to the flow of the game. My only concern is the kicking game. We’ve got to get a kicker that can make a field goal from at least 45 yards (outdoors included).
By gdg73
July 17, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
After some thought, I didn’t feel it right to ovelook th NFC north. Look for Green Bay to win that division because of there defense. The defense played well last year and got a real stud in A.J. Hawk, along with Woodson over the offseason. If he is healthy and ready to go, he and Al Harris will form a pretty good tandem.
By gdg73
July 17, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
After some thought, I didn’t feel it right to overlook th NFC north. Look for Green Bay to win that division because of there defense. The defense played well last year and got a real stud in A.J. Hawk, along with Woodson over the offseason. If he is healthy and ready to go, he and Al Harris will form a pretty good tandem.
By nativefacon
July 17, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
Mark what about all the players we let go? Travis Hall, Chris Draft, Jasper Ellis, Matt Stewart, the whole season was was were trying to get younger on defense, When we lost Brady Smith then Ed Hartwell, if we had backsups like Hall and Draft above, life may have not been so bad. Also Cory Hall people realized wasn’t such a bad saftie. Mckay and company butchered the defense from 2004 and they are the ones I blame, if we had a defense like that in 2005, we probaly would have had at least gotten into the playoffs. Mike Vick wasn’t that bad, but every time we would get a lead, the defense would give it away. For this season, I still think the falcons are making a mistake by not picking up Brady Smith at league minimum. If we lose Abraham or Kearny for any amount of time, the front line is right back where they were last year. :(
By War Eagle
July 17, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
I have confidence in the coaching, but QB situation puts a big worry on me. Vick is subject to injury and poor judgement. The running game should be better and defense so-so. I hope they can win big.
By falcon dude
July 17, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
Get some new material bradley that is your own. Len pasquerelli wrote almost this same type article about a week ago. Are you guilty of journalistic plagurism? Len wrote a nice piece last week on how the falcons would have a bounce back season and once again make a return to the playoffs. Your article is eerily similar to the one he wrote last week. Your a sorry bum.
By nativefacon
July 17, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
Saddest thing about the 2005 season, it was a Dejavu of the 1999 season. Except with 2 different owners, You get to the Super Bowl or the NFC championship game and what do you do, butcher the defense, makes a lot of sense when DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
By mountain_jim
July 17, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
Hey if I was writing the article it would be the same story. That does not make it plagarism, just common sense.
If I lived in Vegas I would be putting some $ on the Falcons about now, the odds are far longer than their real chances imho.
I agree McKay lost some experience and toughness going young last year. Is Brady available and healed?
By hunter
July 17, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
the falcons r gonna do it this year…for those that dont think so need to get on the wagon and get excited for this season
By Jay
July 17, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
Our offense will always struggle as long as Falcons brass continue to
Until then you know what to expect…our d-line will make sacks, brooking will continue to be overrated and still make the pro bowl, the offense will score 3 points one game and 24 the next, and Mora will make Blank wonder why he didnt interview anyone else and instead hired a “defense” coach whose units in san fran were never dominant.
10-6.
By titothebear
July 18, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this
Well, now that some more has beens, never will bes and assorted rejects have been brought in to serve on defense, you folks are celebrating a championship and training camp hasn’t started yet. Talk about revisionist history! Many of you dreamers now blame the defense for the debacle of last season, when the defense saved several wins. The real problem with the Foulcons was #7. Vick is a horrible quarterback and he’s not going to be any better this year. Get ready for that 3-13 losers!
By RDM
July 18, 2006 07:16 AM | Link to this
Get over Chris Draft allready. What if we had kept Chris draft et al and THEY had been injured. I would wager that if you were general manager it woudl not have been 8 - 8 but 5 - 11 … .
By t-town dawg
July 18, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this
I’m with you tito. The Birds will not win big with Vick at Qb.
By hop
July 18, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
we have a qb who was near the bottom in passing, who does not have any touch with his passes and is not very accurate. he has major problems reading defenses and most NFL DEFENSES have enough speed to match his running abilities.
the defense will carry the falcons this year and that might be enough to having a good season unless vick continues to turn the ball over, than it is another bad season.
By Falcons Win
July 18, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
Guys the real weakness on the line, just signed a major contract with the browns, Every replay of a game, I have seen on NFL network, one week link stood out to me. Kevin Shaffer was getting wiped by faster DE’s and when he gave up a sack, it didn’t seem to bother him, he would just let the other team just lay all over Vick, and not try to get them off, He had no nasty streak as he had when he took over for Big Bob. I agree that #61 and #62 are weak links, but could #61 be better no that he is used to the system, also could the problem have been the OL coach, Alex Gibbs was not the coach, and the previous coach was not really a OL coach, this new guy I hear is a better OL pass blocking coach, as well as he knows Alex Gibbs scheme. I believe the OL will be better, hopefully the linemen we drafted lastyear will be starting at the beginning of the season.
By Larry
July 18, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
Good article but I think Bradley must be sucking up to the falcons to make up for those dirty things he said about the braves…
By L.D.
July 18, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
Mark needs to edit his column to reflect the fact that the Falcons don’t have a kicker. That’s right, they left a hole there instead of signing someone competent(kinda like how the Hawks approach the center and point guard positions). Given the fact that the Falcons were one bad kick away from back to back winning seasons for the 1st time, you’d think this might be a priority. Guess they know what they’re doing…..sort of.
By Gunner
July 18, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this
Is Hartwell 100% back??? I don’t know how long it takes to be totally back from an Achilles. Any experience out there? If he’s totally back we go to the Playoffs,IMHO.
By Brian
July 18, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
I think most reasonable folks who follow football would agree with Mark’s assessment. The Falcons were probably a little better than their 8-8 record last year. They’ve made major improvements on defense while the offense is basically the same (it’s a reach to think that Jenkins or White are going to suddenly turn into stud WRs). The NFC South is a very tough division, and the Falcons opponents there have made upgrades as well, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have expections of a 10-12 win season.
By Falconfalcons
July 18, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
Come on people. That’s what’s wrong with this town. Too much negativity. I have been a Falcons fan since 1966 and have seen the BAD and the little flashes of good over the years. We finally have a good owner, GM and coach. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be patient. We will win and win soon. We will be Super Bowl Champions by 2008, if not sooner. Give them time and support and we as fans will be rewarded. I do agree however that the O-Line needs work but you can’t fix all areas in one year. We do have a salary cap you know. To support this team all you have to do is remember the Clampett’s being the owners and Henning, Campbell, Jones, etc. being the coach. Also would you rather go back to David Archer, Bob Berry, Jeff George, etc. as Quarterback?
By Shiney
July 18, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this
NO WAY THE FLACONS MAYKE THE PALYOFS WITH VICK AS QB CUZ HE CANT THROUGH THE BALL WERTH A DANG ASLO GREGG NAPP NEDS 2 B FIRED 4 HIS PREDIKTIBLE PALY CALLING WHY DUS HE ALAYS RUN THE BALL ON FRIST DOWN EVERY DEFENCE NO THAT AND R REDDY 4 HIM MR BLANKS IF U R READING THIS PLEEZ DO SUMTIN BOUT MICHELE VICK AND GREGG NAPP NOW
By Bundle of Joy
July 18, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
I have a question for the pathetic jock-sniffers who worship at Vick’s throne (and who blame all of the offensive problems on the line):
If the line is so bad, how come McKay and company didn’t perform a COMPLETE overhaul on the line during the off-season?
Bonus question No. 1: If the line is so bad, how did the team manage to lead the NFL in rushing in 2005?
Bonus question No. 2: if the line is so bad, how come 14 teams allowed MORE sacks than the Falcons in 2005?
Bonus question No. 3: does anyone else think that Cafar … oops, I mean BirdDawg … is an arrogant, condescending, egomanical, pompous, self-righteous wingbag?
By James
July 18, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
You guys can huff and puff and blow smoke all you want. The Falcons will never go to the Big Show with Vick. He throws passes like he plays golf —- and the franchise has mortaged their future with him.
By mountain_jim
July 18, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
Lol at Shiney.
I predict Vick shuts up Bundle of Joy (and similar of his ilk) with jock firmly up his sniffer this year… Vick was good enough last year for a winning season - defense let us down.
By miked
July 18, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this
Shiney forget what Bradley said proof read next time before you send out a blog. Now the Falcons should be ok this if we can keep Vick up right. Our defense should be better and our offense should improve. Real fans support good or bad.
By CookDogg
July 18, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
Falcons will be better for several reasons. None more evident than the improved safety tandem of Milloy and Crocker. Also, the heathly return of Ed Hartwell and others. John Abraham will add a deminsion t the defense that is was missing last year.
Offense:
I believe Vick will be better this year now that he has put that whole herpes case behind him and now he could just focus on football.However, he must play the position and find the open man. I am not a believer in the young reciever myth. Throw the damn ball period. Other than Givens can any name (2) recievers who had at least 25 catches from Tom Brady last year? Get my point……. I don’t want to hear about young recievers throw the damn ball. Brady had his best year last year and not one of his recievers made the Pro Bowl. I love Mike Vick but he has to play the position and “Throw the damn ball” :-)
P.S. DJ Schockley passed for 2700 hundred yards last year and missed (1) games and only had (1) experienced reciever to throw to but hey when you throw the damn ball and stop running you can make plays w/ your arm.
By mountain_jim
July 18, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
And to respond to Bundle of self-righteous-windbag’s bonus questions:
They replaced the turnstyle LT with a proven pass-blocker - that should help
1) Vick helped team lead in rushing. That and Gibb’s proven cut-blocking schemes.
2) Because Vick has the elusiveness to dodge many would-be-sacks. Any other QB with this line would have twice as many.
3)No more so than Bundle based on this blog.
By Shiney
July 18, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
HEY DONT MAYKE FUN OF ME I M A GEORGIA GRADGUATE AND PRUD OFF IT U R MAD CUZ I EXPOSE VICK 4 BEING A LUOSY QB AND THAT I NO NAPP IS 2 PREDIKTABLE FLACONS ARE A GOD TEAM BUTT WITH VICK AND NAPP THEY NOT GO TO SUPERBOWEL
By mountain_jim
July 18, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this
hey miked I think you miss Shiney’s eloquence and (tongue firmly in cheek) point - that some of the haters here appear to be illiterate ranting trolls.
By D
July 18, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
just waiting one more season to see if Vick is the Kordell Stewart that I think he is, but I love the Falcons so much, I hope I’m wrong.
By Joe
July 18, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
I think all you so called VICK BASHER’S are actually Vick Fans;you always have a comparison to other QB and a personal oppinion why he’s this or that. You spend a lot of time tracking Vick’s career to be a basher.
By titothebear
July 18, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this
Have any of you geniuses taken a good look at the schedule? There are three games on it the Foulcons stand a good chance of winning. They, possibly, could beat Detroit, Cleveland and Philadelphia. However, if the Eagles have improved at all the Foulcons could lose that one too. As for the rest of the schedule, the Foulcons are looking at nothing but losses. The first seven games look like a seven game Foulcons losing streak. Get ready Foulcons fans, you’ll soon be yearning for the good old days of the June Jones Foulcons.
By aceman678@hotmail.com
July 18, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
People need to get over the whole “our offensive line is fine because we led the league in rushing”. Fact is…when we need to line up and run the ball, can we? No. Tough defensive teams expose our run game for what it is (philly, carolina, tampa, chicago). And we better lead the league when we have three running backs, with two of them on the field at the same time (Vick and Dunn). Any team that has Vick would be near the top of the league as well.
If you watch all the games the last five years like I have (couldnt before because all the blackouts) you know that Vick is often running for his life trying to find time. Our pass blocking is atrocious…a decent line would get Vick to that magical 60%.
By david
July 18, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
By D I believe your right,Vick is another Kordell Stewart.Remember when Kordell was the badest QB at his peak! Vick is a carbine copy except for being a lefty.
By FalconsFan
July 18, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
CookDogg.
Would you say Vick should throw the ball ?
I know what you mean by spreading it around but that aint his style. I think Falcons may be in trouble. Vick stinky again.
By harris
July 18, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
The saints upgraded a little it in the offseason also with getting reggie bush and drew brees- also adrian mcpherson at backup quarterback. So that should be a very interesting game that monday night back at the newly renovated superdome. I don’t think anybody in the NFC SOOTH will be pushovers this year. Let’s play football.
By Tony C.
July 18, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
Vegas has the falcons at 40-1
By Keeping it real
July 18, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
WE will have a Good defense this year thank’s (MCkay) . We have most of the skilled player on offense Thanks (MCkay).We have no kicker (bad deal MCkay)! We have a very weak offense line #61 and #62, what are you thinking about this very poor on you part (MCkay)!!!!!!!!!
By DIRRTYBIRD
July 18, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
David,
What is a “Carbine” copy? What was Kordell’s W-L record? How many rushing records does Kordell Stewart hold? How many playoff games did Kordell Stewart win? I know you didn’t mean “carbon” copy, so what is “carbine”? Thanks.
By brent
July 18, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
The only football question that counts: How ‘bout them Dogs?
By jimmy
July 18, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Ronny Mexico had an itchy case of herpes last year, but he should be healed up and ready to take us to the promised land!
By D
July 18, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
the only stat that counts is winning percentage. and if you trade Vick tomorrow, I won’t follow his career. when Kordell was ‘Slash’, playing from many positions, he confused and broke-down defenses with a team effort, but he was never a true NFL quarterback. I hope Mike Vick proves me wrong. but it seems to me, he would be an even better slash, and he’s great for the highlight films (in flashes), but great NFL QB’s know how not to run, and when they do, they know where the first down marker is.
By Stephen
July 18, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
How does this happen every year? How do people like Shiney make comments on this site? Way to represent, smart guy. Why do we do this every year? People are disappointed in the fact that we could be a 10-12 win team, and make the playoffs? We didn’t make the playoffs last year. Why have expecations? Haven’t we learned that expectations just kill the fan base, as well as the team? Look at the Seahawks 2 years ago…look at US last year! People knock the fact that the defense was porous last season is because of injuries? The line is fine, we still led the league in rushing. Vick being hurt, and having 2 infants as wideouts didn’t help, either. Now, Roddy White seems poised to be a stud, and Mike Jenkins looks like he’s going to breakout. It’s going to be a fun year, regardless…that’s the important thing. I don’t even live in Atl anymore, but I’m still on the waiting list for season tickets…I love that team, and the direction it’s heading in.
By jessica6969
July 18, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
titothebear,
why are you misbehaving on this blog? don’t you have a crochet seminar to attend? And what do you have against President Fox down in Mexico?
By jessica6969
July 18, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Oh and titobear,
why are you so pro-liberal on the mclaughlin group blogs, but always making racially insensitive comments here? Yes, we all know that YOU are “Rufus T Shyne”
By BLEED RED AND BLACK
July 18, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it amazing how the Falcon Haters come out of the woodworks? What really gets me is how these so called “fans” seem to know what the Falcons needs are and don’t have a clue…for example the bum who seems to think the Faclons need to upgrade at LB come now children who has he been watching?If our LB core remains health(whole team for that matter)and is allowed to play their natural position, we’ll be among the top in the league. As for the Vick Bashers, team is spelled T-E-A-M not V-I-C-K! Most of the anti-Falcon alums favorite team was probably at home(and had a worse record than the D-Birds) in February also.
By gary
July 18, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this
As long as Mr. Vick is playing qb, the Falcons will not have a championship season. The Falcons would be better served by having Mr. Vick play another offensive position, so as to take advantage of his great athletic abilities and to get some return on the absurd amount of money paid to him. After it is all said and done, DJ will have a better pro career as a qb, than Mr. Vick. DJ throws the ball with touch, sees the field, and runs very well with the ball. Two of the aforementioned abilities Mr. Vick does not possess.
By mountain_jim
July 18, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
So gary - year before last, with Vick leading with little for receiving talent but a much better defense, the Falcons got to the NFC championship game, but you can assure us that Vick at QB will never have ‘a championship season’.
Go root for some other team then, you obviously disagree with the Falcons coaches, ownership, and most fans.
Your are a hater and no fan of this team or franchise. Your english is better but your clueless Vick haterhood is exactly what shiney was satirizing above.
By Tony.H
July 18, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t agree with you more brotha!
By gary
July 18, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes.
By Tony.H
July 18, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
In the words of tommy from the show martin.Gary you stupid. You are if you think Vick is not the answer m.jim and bleed red and black said it best, stop hat’in on vick start fussing at knapp who can’t call a good play if his life depended on it. the falcons are going to win the superbowl and mike vick is going to win mvp for the superbowl and the season. roddy White is going to be big. and vick is going to throw for3,300yd and run for 1,000yd remember that ant jr said this. SHODA!
By gary
July 18, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
OK, Mr. jr.ant, I’ll remember what you said . At the same time, remember that you heard Gary say “DJ will outVick Mr. Vick”.
By Tony.H
July 18, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
gary i’m glad that you like dj shockley but if he is going to start somewhere it’s not going to be in atlanta when vick is there. i love dj but going to over take mike vick. but he will take matt schaubs job next year. Shoda!
By gary
July 18, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
I,m not saying DJ will take Mr. Vick’s position (he should). What I am saying is that, in my opinion, DJ is a better QUARTERBACK than Mr. Vick,and when both their careers are over, DJ will have the more successful career.
By Tony.H
July 18, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
i do think that dj is a good quarterback and will eventually start somewhere but i just tink that mike is going to be the michael jordan of football. but i respect your opinion it’s better than the people who say schaub will be better.but if mike doesn’t quit turnover that ball dj might be better
By gary
July 18, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
I don’t see anyone ever being the “MJ” of football. Too many moving parts (11 vs.5) on a football team.
By Tony.H
July 18, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
I mean in terms of championships when you retire people will say man i don’t think there will ever be another cat like him. you may not agree with me but being the best football player ever. that what i mean i know mike as a friend and i know his drive to be the best and i think he will accoplish it.
By gary
July 18, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
Cool. Since your friends, tell Mr. Vick, that I wish him well. Enjoyed the exchage of opinions. Talk to you another time.
By DIRRTYBIRD
July 18, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
Gary,
What year did you graduate from UGA? Nothing says “I’ll be better than Vick” like being a backup for 3 years of college and having one year as a starter. I like the new kid, but c’mon he hasn’t even made the team yet.
By Tony.H
July 18, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
i will tell him the next time i see him ,might be next week. forgive me for calling you stupid you seem like a cool dude with just a diffrences of opinions about mike (don’t worry i won’t tell him that you said that him won’t go to the superbowl) i’ll say it to motivate him to win a ring.#7 is coming out this season with evengence.
By DIRRTYBIRD
July 18, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
Gary,
What year did you graduate from UGA? Nothing says “I’ll be better than Vick” like being a backup for 3 years of college and having one year as a starter. I like the new kid, but c’mon he hasn’t even made the team yet.
By DIRRTYBIRD
July 18, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this
Gary,
What year did you graduate from UGA? Nothing says “I’ll be better than Vick” like being a backup for 3 years of college and having one year as a starter. I like the new kid, but c’mon he hasn’t even made the team yet.
By Chad
July 18, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this
I see that some still haven’t mastered the idea of comments not appearing immediately…
By DIRRTYBIRD
July 18, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
Chad,
It’s more like this site would be better hosted by 10 year olds, and it posts multiple times from a server error. First time on the blog? The ajc is a pretty sorry excuse for a news website but unfortunately they cover the Falcons so we’re stuck here.
By mountain_jim
July 18, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
everytime I post the return page is an error, then I go back and reenter from the page I came from.
That’s definitely some ajc software problems and refreshing that error page probably adds another post though I have not tested that.
Hey Tony H - cool that he’s a friend. He has alot of fans out here who have seen enough of his greatness already to believe he will master this offense and see the fruits of improved receiver talent and reps in the passing game.
Folks who blame last year’s results on him just were not paying attention, apparently.
By titothebear
July 18, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
Jessica,
Actually, I’ve never met Mr. Shyne. I do find his comments quite interesting and I do agree with most of the things he has to say. He seems to be quite a character with an acute intellect. Most of all, I like his down home plain spoken way of illuminating things. He’s very atute in his observations.
The crochet seminar was last week and it was wonderful. I bought some new needles there and i can’t wait to get into the new yarn I bought there too. Would you like me to make something for you? Perhaps a nice hat? President Fox, of Mexico. is a nice guy ,so far as I know. I don’t have anything but admiration for him. Mister Shyne and I hold many of the same opinions, so perhaps that is why you assume we are the same person. We are not! As for Mr. Shyne’s race, I’m not certain which one can lay claim to this great American. Do you read the McLaughlin Group? Are you on the boards there? Take care. Please watch this space for more excitement.
By DirtyBird Luvr in Iraq
July 19, 2006 03:59 AM | Link to this
Thank all of you for the updates (positive/negative comments) on my beloved Falcons! It’s crazy over here, but I rejoice whenever I log on to read your comments. I feel closer to home.