AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > July > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNeed for better receivers is critical
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Flowery Branch — It says something about the Falcons that Brian Finneran became, over the past four seasons, their best wide receiver. Finneran is a good player and a fine fellow to be sure, but on how many of the NFL’s 31 other teams would he have been the go-to guy on third-and-8?
It says something about recent Falcons history that Finneran’s knee injury is being treated as a Major Blow. As Jim Mora said Monday, “It’s hard to underestimate what Finn did for us. A lot of his catches were significant catches, and now somebody [else] has to make those catches.”
And that’s the greater point. For the Falcons ever to throw the ball half as well as they run it, they must develop better receivers than Brian Finneran. This franchise has devoted a disproportionate allotment of resources — trading for Peerless Price, signing Dez White, burning first-round picks on Michael Jenkins and Roddy White in consecutive seasons — to upgrading the position, and to date the Falcons haven’t been able to improve on an undrafted free agent from Villanova.
That may have been about to change anyway, but with Finneran’s loss it has to change now. This was already being targeted as the season of arrival for Jenkins and Roddy White, but we’ve been expecting a No. 1 receiver to emerge since Michael Vick was a rookie, and nobody has. Price was a dud. Dez White left no imprint. Jenkins and Roddy White weren’t ready. As a result, every third-and-8 became the same old song: Look first to Alge Crumpler, and then throw it high for Finn.
“It’s going to be hard to replace [Finneran],” Vick said. “You just don’t find good receivers, natural receivers, possession receivers.”
The Falcons haven’t so far, but hopes remain high for Jenkins and Roddy White. Much has been made of their heightened rapport with Vick, who had clearly come to prefer Finneran among the wideouts he worked with professionally. “We’ve been working hard in the offseason,” Jenkins said. “With Finn being out, it gives us a chance to pick it up even more.”
More than an opportunity, bigger seasons from the two No. 1s have been rendered mandatory. Said Mora: “It has to accelerate things. … It puts the onus on younger guys to step up. It’s a lot more definitive that they have to make an immediate impact.”
It’s hard to know where the blame for the Falcons’ continuing inability to throw the ball downfield rests. On Greg Knapp for trying to plug Vick into an ill-suited scheme? On Vick for being inaccurate? On the receivers for their inability to get open? Whatever the cause, the effect has been apparent: The Falcons could run but they couldn’t throw. They had the NFL’s sixth-worst passing offense last season, and their most productive wideout — Finneran, who had 50 receptions — didn’t crack the league’s top 30 in catches.
A team with two first-round picks at one position shouldn’t be so limited. As Jenkins said, “People want to see first-round picks perform and perform well.” And Rich McKay, who oversaw the selection of both Jenkins and Roddy White, is considered a shrewd judge of personnel. Neither player has yet justified his lofty draft status. One or both has to make a great leap forward this fall.
“We’ve had time in the system, with the same quarterback,” Jenkins said. “There shouldn’t be any excuses.”
There can’t be. So long as Finneran was on the active roster, he gave the Falcons a safety net. No matter how underwhelming the latest imports might be, he’d make more than his share of plays and thereby lend the receiving corps a semblance of professionalism. He won’t work again until 2007, and in his absence somebody has to provide the catches Finneran would supply and the ones — the speed plays — he wasn’t capable of making.
Somebody has to act older and play bigger, maybe two or three somebodies. That safety net just got ripped away.
Permalink | Comments (61) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Mark Bradley
Comments
By johna
July 31, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
Finneran was a key part of this offense. I hope things go well in his rehab. It is odd that over the past few years no one has stepped up to become the number one receiver. When Finneran had the chance under Reeves he dropped a lot of easy passes and caught the tough ones. I guess that is what I’ll miss most him making those unbelievable catches. Jenkins and White need to prove their worth this year and not drop any balls. T.O and Moss don’t drop ‘em. We should expect more out of our guys and the recievers need to expect more out of themselves.
By Mike L.
July 31, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
Ofcourse it’s not easy to replace someone like Finneran. However, the Falcons staff is already searching for replacements like Ricky Proehl - ex Carolina Panther. As much as Finneran helped in this offense and the special teams, I don’t think this loss is crucial - the Falcons are a rushing team - and as long as we successfully rush the football the offense should be fine. Personally, I am more concerned about stopping the run. Don’t forget that we play in the NFC South - all the teams are built to run the football, if we cannot stop the run forget the playoffs. The Falcons definitely made the strides in the rigtht direction, but I would like to see them sign a big body upfront on the D line in order to help with stopping the run.
By Daniel
July 31, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this
The success of this falcon team will be how well the defense plays this season.Example, Our 2 losses to the Bucs last year had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the Falcon offense. In fact the falcon offense actually moved the ball on a very good Buc defense. It was our inability to stop the Bucs run and critical 3rd down plays. I like what we have done in the off season with our defense. I would’nt put us in the league with the panthers, But I would say I like our chances with a 4th quarter lead and our new defense out there compared to last seasons defense.Big question on offense will not necessarly be Mr. Vick ability to find the open recievers, But Knapps ability to adjust the playbook to Mr. Vicks comfort zone in running the offense. let him run around from the pocket, With our less then average Off line will give the recievers more time to get open and also give him the chance to run if he wants. I have looked at our schedule, Very BRUTAL. We do have our toughest games at the Dome. At worst 7 and 9, at best 9 and 7, Best of luck Falcons I’ll be at all the games at the Dome
By Sick of VICK haters
August 1, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
I agree Finn was a big part of the passing game’s success and he will be missed! Please don’t settle for Proehl, the Panthers let him go for a reason. Get someone that can beatout what we have or just stick with what we got. I expect Vick to have his best year. Can you say 3,500 passing and 1,000 yards running.
By michael
August 1, 2006 06:23 AM | Link to this
Boy! Now not picking up either Moss, who wanted too play for this team! And T.O. who also wanted too play for this team! Because mangement didn’t go out there and get one of these guys, this decision has really came back and bit us in the a$$! Jevon Walker was out there. These guys are really good receivers! Two of them is going to be in the Hall of Fame! when their careers are over. Please don’t give junk about chracter! This team needs some one with a go get’em attitude. Some one who bring fear too opposing defenses, and keep them honest! I also don’t hear about our QB can’t find open receiver’s. Truth is he don’t have time too throw! Because he’s running for his life! Receiver’s can’t get open, and alot of dropped ball’s, dumb play calling etc….! On most teams in the NFL Finn, wouldn’t even be starting! We don’t have anyone who can push or mentor to the young receiver’s that we have on this team! And that’s truth because it sure in the hell wasn’t Finn. that’s why teams isn’t afraid of the Falcons passing game. Because they don’t have that bad, kick a$$ receiver!
By Greg
August 1, 2006 07:10 AM | Link to this
They pay this guy to write? Nothing new here. Move along, move along.
By mart
August 1, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
Nice article. How many other teams would go into convulsions if they lost a player comparable to Finneran? Come to think of it, I’m from out of town and aren’t that familiar with the lesser known Falcons—-who is Brian Finneran?
By Big Daddy Norm
August 1, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this
OK Fin is down, I hope you get well soon dude. Now, McKay/Mora/Blank do your Job get us some damn receivers and Stop making excuses. I’m a season ticket holder and have been for the last 10 years and we keep making excuses. Owens and Moss wanted to be a Falcon and you did not move on it. You went up on the prices of the tickets and what do the Fans get excuses. Now you talk about getting rid of Duckett for a fumbling rookie running back. Get us some real players and lets play ball. What’s the west coast offence without somebody to catch and run the ball. PEACE OUT
By sj
August 1, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this
“Burned” the draft picks, huh. How does a team not “burn” their pick. When does a pick become an official “burn”? After one season? Two? Or is it wide-receiver specific? Mark, has the editor given Terence some downtime and ordered you into the breach. You guys sound like stock analysts during an earnings call telling a company what they should and should not do. If I were the CEO……..
By kudzu
August 1, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
The point of this article should be- not the inability of the receivers, but the on going inability of the QB. Finn and Crump made our stupid QB look not half bad…now with half of that tandem missing and the other half not 100% what do you do?
Yeah, we have two first round receivers but never a real passing plan or scheme or passing skill set, the whole darn passing “attack” is inept, cept when Finn made a great catch or Crump down the middle, what kind of numbers would Jerry Rice have today if Vick was his QB?
I am not optimistic…
By bucko
August 1, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
I got one question how can the Falcons develope good recevers with a Q.B. LIKE VICK.
By trevor
August 1, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
two words ……… Kenin Youngblood
By Georgia Force Fan
August 1, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
Two more words - Troy Bergeron
By fatz
August 1, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
Finn worked because he was tall with good reach and strong body- Mike throws to an area, will never be pinpoint passer. Jenkins is 6’4” and has to assume that role. Paython and Roddy White only 6 footers - i think Vick has some problems with that. get another big body in - a cross between tight end and wide receiver. Finn can be replaced, he isn’t a hall of famer. if they don’t have enough cap room to handle that, then mckay and blank have screwed themselves and the fans
By Jeff
August 1, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
Trade Duckett for Ashlie Lelie.
By chris
August 1, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
you guys are way off base. The falcons cannot pay T.O. or Moss. T.O. maked $10 million this year and Moss about 8 million. If we had one of those guys the defense would be the same as it was last year, same players. You can’t have it both ways people.
I would rather have a great defense and a decent offense. ex. the Baltamore Ravens when they won the Super Bowl.
By Finnagain
August 1, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
It’s easy (and perhaps lazy) to group Jenkins and R. White together. But Jenkins is the one who has been the bigger disappointment. Over the second half of last season, White was at least as productive as Jenkins was, even though the latter was in his second year and the former was a rookie. White showed flashes of the ability to become a real weapon, whereas Jenkins has only improved marginally thus far. Calling both of these players disappointments isn’t fair to White, who is only entering his second season (and first full training camp). My guess is he will emerge as the #1 weapon, while Jenkins will still be fighting for a roster spot next year.
By Sage of Bluesland
August 1, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this
People must have forgotten Rich McKay’s miserable track record with drafting receivers (in Tampa). He even gave the laughable Bert Emanual ‘big’ money as a free-agent (who was a Falcons cast-off, no less!).
The man cannot judge receivers—period. I’m wondering how much of his true success in Tampa was him or his underlings (including the guy who went to Seattle last year).
I think White has a chance to be o.k.—IF he ever shakes his inability to catch the d$%# ball. I think Jenkins is a complete bust.
Next!
By Will
August 1, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this
Finn is out…man…those words actually brought a tear to my eye. ( and no I’m not kidding) This guy was THE safety net in the receiving core. Not only is he a dependable receiver, he’s one hell of a special teams player and a overall good guy and leader. One talent that might go unnoticed, he’s a damn good blocker, opening lanes for our # 1 rushing attack. Will he be missed? You bet your a*s! I don’t think either of our first round draft choices are a “burn”, but they aren’t a Finn either. Even if they catch every ball thrown their way, they will never bring EVERYTHING Brian brings to the field.
By Doc Reem
August 1, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
Our recievers can and will step up! Like the guy said before Roddy White is going into only his second training camp. The guy will be a good player and will evolve into the #1 reciever. Micheal Jenkins is another story this guy has really been a disappointment and now if he doen’t establish himself this season he should be on the first thing smokin!!! Len Pasquarelli said it best on his ESPN camp observations when he stated Jenkins does not attack the ball when it is in the air and does not seen to posses the sense of ungency to compete as a top level reciever. How would a trade for TJ DOOKIE for Ashlie Lellie look, will the numbers work? If so pull the trigger. We have to get VICK more offensive weapons and I don’t think the 38 year old Ricky Prohel is the answer. Do you?
By All Flash No Substance
August 1, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
If the Falcons were serious about winning a SuperBowl they would trade Vick and give Schaub a chance to show how good everyone knows he will be and build a team for the long haul. Vick will never take the Falcons to a Superbowl because he makes a ton of mistakes, can’t hit a receiver on the fly, is too imature and plays way to recklessly to survive in the NFL for the long haul.
With Vick at the helm the Falcons will never be anything but flash and no substance. On second thought, maybe Vick is the perfect QB for Atlanta because like Vick Atlanta is flashy and trendy, but upon closer inspection it isn’t a real city and never will be. Vick’s Falcons and the city of Atlanta, a perfect match.
By Buc_Wild1
August 1, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
It’s sad to here that we will be without “Finn” this year, all the true Falcons fans wish you a healthy & speedy recovery. As for the writer Bradley, take him for what he’s worth, nothing but a writer. His opinion holds very little weight. If the garbage he writes affects you, then you’re as simple as he is. Talk is cheap, & even ceaper coming from him. As for the management and coaches, every player is on that practice field or playing field for a reason. Management sees potential that everyone will develop into the great star they envisioned when they selected them. True, our young corp of receivers need to step up & earn the pay they were given. All teams develop as a whole, not just by a select few. We may have the most exciting QB the NFL has seen in years, but over time his greatness will evolve. Not even the legendary Hall of Fame QB’s started out successful, they grew as the years progressed making them great players. And last but not least, the fans that always have negative criticism about the Falcons, if you don’t like support another team. That will give us true fans something to talk down about when your new group screws up. SUPERBOWL BOUND FALCONS!!!
By All Flash No Substance
August 1, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
If you think Vick will evolve to be a great QB you are delusional. He has been in the NFL for 5 or 6 years and he hasn’t shown any improvement. Sure he can do a nice little run every now and again but he is a QB and a QB is way to valuable to this team as a passer and leader to be taking chances on 10-20 yard runs when he would be much more effective if he could get that yardage passing. Turning Vick into a pocket passer is like forcing a square peg into a round hole, and unless Vick becomes a pocket passer he will never be anything but momentary flashes of brilliance followed by weeks, months or even seasons recovering from injuries as he trys to be flashy.
Just because he is fun to watch doesn’t make him a great or even good QB. I would rather have a no frills Drew Bledsoe type QB than a Vick because at least with Bledsoe you can have a reasonable expectation that he will start every game of the season and won’t injure himself trying to be flashy. It is hard enough to go through a 16 games schedule without suffering significant injuries on freak plays, let alone a QB that seemingly seeks out injury by running like Vick does. Vick will never last long enough in the NFL to develop the skills needed to be a great QB, and therefore he will never be anything but all flash and no substance.
By Doc Reem
August 1, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
All Flash No Substance- maybe we should have Peyton Manning, or Carlson Plamer, or Drew Bledsoe, Eli Manning, Chad Pennington, Kyle Boller or one of the many good quarbacks in this league that but up better numbers but still no championship. Vick took the Falcons to the NFC Championship which is one game out the big one. So say what you want dude the NFL is about a TEAM concept one QB can’t do it all dude. We have no better chance with Schaub at QB than any one else. He had great game against NE last year and we still lost because the TEAM didn’t get it done. The Superbowl is crapshoot it takes a lot of skilled players, Team concept, good coaching, and a little OLD FASHIONED LUCK. So please don’t tell me MATT is the Man, not yet anyway. Especially if his last name ain’t Brady!
By Doc Reem
August 1, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
PS- SIMPLE SOLUTION FIND ANOTHER TEAM TO ROOT FOR…
By All Flash No Substance
August 1, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
Hey Doc I get your point, but don’t make it seem like I have to love everything about Vick and think he is the greatest to be a fan of the team. I am a fan of the team, I am not a fan of Vick, the two are not mutually exclusive.
Yes you are right, Vick did take the Falcons to the NFC Championship game where he was looked like a confused idiot going up against a real defense. Reminds me of every time he faces the Bucs - another solid defensive team. Do you remember who the Falcons played to get to the NFC Championship…the over-achieving St. Louis Rams who played zero defense all season.
Look I am not saying Vick won’t ever win a game, what I am saying is that he won’t win the SuperBowl because when he faces a real defense that forces him to pass he can’t do it. That scenario is also betting on the chance that after a season of reckless play he will even be healthy enough to play in a game like that.
Just because I don’t think Vick is a great QB doesn’t mean I am not a fan of the Falcons. I don’t have to be an idiot fan that supports everything the team does to be a fan. Go ahead be a “true” fan, but don’t be suprised when Vick lets you down either because he can’t get it done when the team needs him to or he is out with a lengthy injury.
By chris
August 1, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
Why do so called Falcons fans want to bash Vick? If I hear 1 more fan say how good Schaub is and he has not won anything at all im going to scream. Do you know anything about football All Flash? Do you honestly think that is Schaub started every game in the NFL and teams watched film on him every week that he would be great playing with this offensive line and these receivers? He has no speed so he can’t xscape first of all. He would be a sitting duck quarterback like Alex Smith of the 49ers once team game planned for him.
By Jed A.
August 1, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this
it’s hard to believe people like All Flash who constantly harp on Vick and think he won’t be a quality NFL QB. The man has single-handedly won football games, taken the Falcons to Green Bay to become the 1st team EVER to beat the Packers at Lambeau and was one shot away from taking the Falcons to the Super Bowl in only his THIRD year as a starter. What you fail to realize is that even though Vick has been in the league for six seasons now, this year will make his 4th year to start, barring injury in the preseason. He got the Falcons to the cusp of the ultimate prize in less time than several other Falcons QBs could - and that’s a fact. it took them 32 years just to make the SBowl (1998) and Vick gets them to the NFC Title game in 2004 for just the 2nd time in franchise history. And he does this without a Pro Bowl receiver on the roster - it’s not like he was teamed with Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison or Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress or Jerry Rice and T.O. He did it with only a Pro Bowl tight end as his best receiver. No other QB has ever won with less, except for maybe John Elway in the 80’s. And even he had Rod Smith, a future Pro Bowl receiver, in camp in 1998 when they won the SB over Atlanta. So if the Falcons can ever get Pro-Bowl type receivers, Vick will definitely soar to the SB. And that’s a fact. oh and by the way, Vick has played in 15 games per season in his three full years as starting QB for the Falcons, so you can cut the injury talk. So you can have your Drew Bledsoe’s if you like. If i were a Falcons fan, i’d be happy with who they have.
By Doc Reem
August 1, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
All Flash No Substance- Don’t get me wrong there many things Mr.Vick needs to improve on but he’s not the biggest issuse. As a matter of fact the guy has tried hard to improve his game. (Except for holding the ball like a loaf of bread) We have offensive line issues, last year our defense was below par, and honestly Knapp has been sup-par in the innovation categogy. Vick is a once in lifetime athlete who has the skills to be a very good Quarterback, but he has to have some help and be in the right system to utilize his skills. Put him in the shotgun for pete sake Knapp. Something innoavative!! We can win it all with Vick or Schaub but the other factors have to be in place for each skill set. You referred to the feeling you get when Vick faces the Bucs but we had them each game last year and gave it away. One game Vick gets the ball stripped by Derrick Brooks when we were driving to put the game away. The second game we have a chance to win from a forced fumble resulting in a gimme field goal that got blocked. And both games Cadilac ran on our defense like he’d just gotten a tune-up. So we were that close to being in the play-offs again. More importantly with VICK.
By Dave O
August 1, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
Blah, blah, blah, receivers, blah, blah…. It seems the second Finn had an injury, whamo, we’re back to the “Falcons need a receiver” talk. Jenkins and White by all accounts are looking to break our in their junior and sophomore years. Have faith in a sturdy rebuilt defense, a enormously talented QB with a very competent backup, and a offensive line that holds it together. Our TE is no slouch (can you say Pro Bowl) and the NFC South was ours for the taking last year before the Great Defensive Collapse of 2006. Do we really need a TO or Moss with the NFC’s best rushing offense? Peerless apparently taught nothing to the “Find Vick a Receiver” Clan….
By Doc Reem
August 1, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
But seriously Dave O, we could use another receiver now that Finn is lost for the seeason…We don’t have to have a TO or Moss but Ashlie Lellie from Denver wouldn’t hurt. Micheal Jenkins just hasn’t shown me much.
By RA
August 1, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
Oh, I must be sick or suffering some dellusion. That article actually smacked of decent journalism, and Bradley is right. Okay, that’s it, the apacalypse is almost here!
By Mike L.
August 1, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
why in the world is everyone so hostile towards the Falcons offense? i am aware that we have some issues, but people - last year we rolled 24 - 26 point on some of the toughest defenses in the league. Our defense was the problem - and the Falcons made moves in the right direction to aid those issues. To replace Finneran - Az-Zahir Hakim is still out there - he did an awesome job with the Saints last year. I know he is not 6-4, but he can catch and he did a good job stepping in and making a lot of cathces in their mediocre offense.
By KJW13
August 1, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
two word Cole Magner
By gary
August 1, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
Once again, “DJ will outVick Mr. Vick”. And when he is given the reigns, the current receivers will be more effective than with Mr. Vick.
By Mike L.
August 1, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
why in the world is everyone so hostile towards the Falcons offense? i am aware that we have some issues, but people - last year we rolled 24 - 26 point on some of the toughest defenses in the league. Our defense was the problem - and the Falcons made moves in the right direction to aid those issues. To replace Finneran - Az-Zahir Hakim is still out there - he did an awesome job with the Saints last year. I know he is not 6-4, but he can catch and he did a good job stepping in and making a lot of cathces in their mediocre offense.
By All Flash No Substance
August 1, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Why is it so hard for people to accept that Vick is not that good of a QB. His style of play makes him a huge injury risk and I do not want a QB who puts himself in a position to be injured in the way that Vick does. Sure injuries happen to everyone in the NFL, but the way Vick plays I doubt he will play in the league for 5 more years, made worse by the fact that his ridiculous contract has the Falcons on the hook for the next decade…good job Falcons!
How long does one get a free pass to learn a new offensive system. This is his 3rd year and last year he looked worse than in year 1. Vick supporters will blame everyone for Vick’s failure to emerge as an even meidocre QB except Vick himself. If Vick fails it is his own fault. If Vick is so great than why has he taken so long to learn the system? If he was great you would think he and all his greatness would have figured it out by now. Vick is nowhere near where he should be as a QB in his 5th or 6th season in the NFL and after the statements he made about not playing 100% last season I doubt he is even competitive enough to be great. All you Vick apologist pull your heads out of your butts, breath some fresh air and maybe then you will see that he is not the QB of the future for the Falcons. Are you so blinded by his amazing running skills that you forget he is a horribly innacurate passer and he can’t read a defense - which is why he so often has to resort to running with the football instead of passing it. Vick is the Reggie Ball of the NFL.
I am a Falcon Fan, but Vick has to go he is bad for the team! With Vick at the helm this year the Falcons will go 9-7 and miss the playoff’s again. The only reason the Falcons will be competitive will be because of the defense.
By chris
August 1, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
All Flash if hes not the quarterback of the furture than who is? Do we need to draft one, because its not Schaub, your golden boy.
By FalconsPhan
August 1, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
The name of the game always has been defense and running the ball. While I would like a more dangerous passing game throwing the ball does not win as many games as running the ball and playing good defense. Falcons are going to have a big year.
By mart
August 1, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
I think if all of us true Falcons fans pull together and think positive thoughts this will be the most successful season in Falcons history! How’s that for analysis?
By Ross
August 1, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Could the problem be with the QB and not the WR’s???? Price was a solid WR before coming to Atlanta.
By chris
August 1, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
Price, got cut by Dallas for lack of effort and ability. Its not the quarterback
By Jed A.
August 1, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Vick bad for the team, All Flash?? Okay, check this: since Vick’s been the starting QB for the whole season (2002, 04, 05) the Falcons have AVERAGED 9 wins a year. In ‘02, they went 9-6-1, in 04 it was 11-5 and last year, despite the horrific defensive effort, they went 8-8. That’s 28 wins in his three full years. Now since you say you’re a Falcons fan, i’m sure you have followed the team pre-Vick. Can you find a better 3-year period for the Falcons? i mean, after all, this franchise hasn’t had back-2-back winning seasons so i challenge you to find three years in a row when the Falcons were competitive for a playoff spot. Or 3 years in a row where the Falcons actually mattered on the NFL landscape. Point being, other than that fluke 1998 season, the Falcons have not mattered at all in the grand scheme of the NFL. They’ve had some quality players on the team at times, but NO ONE like Michael Vick, who has helped bring this team to a point where opponents have to spend time concentrating on how to stop the Falcons. Name a time in the past where that’s been done and please don’t mention the Jamal Anderson era. i’m not saying he’s perfect, but Vick’s the best thing that’s happened to the Falcons in their history, with the exception of maybe Deion. So yeah, let Vick go and watch this team sink back to the bottom of the heap like it did during the Smith era. That will be fun, won’t it?
By Dave O
August 1, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
OK.. So another receiver wouldn’t be bad, but why the constant focus on the pass game? The pass did not get the Falcons to the NFC championship game in Philadelphia. Let Vick be… Please stop trying to reinvent the wheel. The problem has never been “receivers”. The problem is imposing a West Coast happy philosophy on a team that gets the job done on the ground and short passing game.
By JayD
August 1, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
The problem has never been the offense period. You have to stop people in order to WIN!
By Big Earl
August 1, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
The problem I see with Vick is the Falcons haven’t used him correctly in the passing game. It seems he has a half dozen or more passes blocked at the line every game which probably means he didn’t see the field on another half dozen. Coaches have given some indications he will be running the offense from the gun more this year, thank goodness! From the gun he can run or throw in addition to seeing the field much better. If memory serves, his completion rate out of the pocket is much better than in. As for Finn, I like him. However I believe he can be replaced. He caught only 18 passes for 228 yards in our 8 wins last season. This means a lot of his production came in losing efforts with our team down and the opposition playing that defense everyone loves so much, the “Prevent”. I like the idea of Proehl if we can afford him. Maybe he can hand over Carolina’s playbook to the Falcons like Draft handed over the Falcons playbook to Carolina last year. He would be worth signing just for that very reason.
By Tyger
August 1, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing how little Mark Bradley really knows about sports, yets get paid to opine endlessly about subjects he has no expertise in. His cursory understanding of team sports is elementary; nothing more than an exhortation based on W-L record.
Finneran is a very good receiver that earned his way into the NFL. The fact that he’s from smaller Villanova speaks to his individual ability and character rather than his football pedigree.
Historically, that aloof trend alone, has been one of the greatest dampers on ATL team sports causing multiple years of wasted draft picks based on pedigree rather than real talent. see Aundray Bruce, Bruce Pickens, etc.
Part of Bradley’s fundamental lack of understanding is his misdirected thinking that you must come from the major conferences to be great.
A quick review of this weekend’s Hall of Famers proves where the best talent comes from: everywhere. Based on Bradley’s logic, the Walter Payton’s, Mean Joe Greens, Too Tall Jones’ and Jerry Rice’s wouldnt be worthy of a shot. Lucky for us, he writes and doesnt coach or manage.
By joe
August 1, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
to all u vick haters pray that vick gets hurt & then you would have your matt shuab every fans favorite player is the backup qb and when draft time come around well be talking about drafting adrian peterson because thats how high we’ll be drafting you stupid idiots we would’nt be able to run the ball if vick was’nt at qb dunn is not that good when the falcons supplys him with weapons and he does’nt perform then we could talk about moving on there a reason finn & crump have the most catches they catch the ball
By gary
August 1, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons administration can judge talent, which is still questionable, DJ is the qb of the future. If not for the Falcons, then for another NFL team. DJ will outVick Mr. Vick!!!!
By gary
August 1, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons administration can judge talent, which is still questionable, DJ is the qb of the future. If not for the Falcons, then for another NFL team. DJ will outVick Mr. Vick!!!!
By PSack
August 1, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
Vick Bashers
This subject started about Finneran and turned into a Vick bashing contest?? For those of you that insist on bashing Vick why don’t you compare the winning percentages between Vick and Barkowski or any other Falcon quarterback. You may be surprised by the comparison. Yes, Vick is not the most accurate quarterback in the NFL. But how bout we hold the criticism until the end of this year. If he doesn’t perform decently, I would support a change at QB. Remeber, it is difficult for any small quarterback to throw over these 6-4 defensive linemen nowadays.
By FalconsFan
August 1, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
The problems isnt that the Falcons do not have good receivers, the problem is Vick still can’t thread the needled and put it where the ball needs to go.
Finnerman was Vicks safety valve because he could jump up and catch Vicks wayward darts.
Yeh wait until the end of the season to critique Vick. By then the playoffs will be a long gone dream of next year.
By sugarlee
August 1, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
I agree the falcons don’t have that kicka#$^ receiver yet. They didn’t have one when they played in the NFC championship game either, but they made it that far. That year, a play here and a play there and it would have been superbowl. It wasn’t the wide receivers that got us there then. It was the running game and the defence. Something we have put back in place again this year, plus wide receivers. I’m gonna miss Finn, but no sweat. If you’ve been following the falcons this off season, then you should know that the lost of Finn isn’t the lost that will skin us. Having him sure would help, but losing him certinly will not hurt that bad. As far as wins are concern, having Finn is like playing spades. He good for “one and a possible”. Wins that is. Right now if you ask me, the Falcons are good for 11 & 5. As far as the schedule is concern. Those teams have got to remember they have to play us too. So their schedule is just as tuff as ours is. Tell me the team that would choose to play the falcons for a chance at being in the playoffs. I’m sure they would prefer to play someone else. So don’t worry about the schedule just win baby…This is gonna be good. and I’m gone.
By oldschool36
August 1, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
im not going to rip vick,at least he does keep us in most games. defense is what wins you the rings anyway. and we imprved it greatly. we’ve lead the nfl the last 2 years in rushing. the receivers we have will be alright. vick could protect the ball a little better and avoid the head shots every team is looking for. tampa and baltimore didn;t get their rings with the anemic offenses they had either. we will make the playoffs but 4-4 at home can’t cut it. defense will force more turnovers and hopefully keep them off the field so much. great running game and defense, remember ‘98
By oldschool36
August 1, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
im not going to rip vick,at least he does keep us in most games. defense is what wins you the rings anyway. and we imprved it greatly. we’ve lead the nfl the last 2 years in rushing. the receivers we have will be alright. vick could protect the ball a little better and avoid the head shots every team is looking for. tampa and baltimore didn;t get their rings with the anemic offenses they had either. we will make the playoffs but 4-4 at home can’t cut it. defense will force more turnovers and hopefully keep them off the field so much. great running game and defense, remember ‘98
By oldschool36
August 1, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this
im not going to rip vick,at least he does keep us in most games. defense is what wins you the rings anyway. and we imprved it greatly. we’ve lead the nfl the last 2 years in rushing. the receivers we have will be alright. vick could protect the ball a little better and avoid the head shots every team is looking for. tampa and baltimore didn;t get their rings with the anemic offenses they had either. we will make the playoffs but 4-4 at home can’t cut it. defense will force more turnovers and hopefully keep them off the field so much. great running game and defense, remember ‘98
By oldschool36
August 1, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
im not going to rip vick,at least he does keep us in most games. defense is what wins you the rings anyway. and we imprved it greatly. we’ve lead the nfl the last 2 years in rushing. the receivers we have will be alright. vick could protect the ball a little better and avoid the head shots every team is looking for. tampa and baltimore didn;t get their rings with the anemic offenses they had either. we will make the playoffs but 4-4 at home can’t cut it. defense will force more turnovers and hopefully keep them off the field so much. great running game and defense, remember ‘98
By Connie Lingous
August 1, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see the Falcons simply trade Duckett for Moss - it would simultaneously clear cap room, allow Norwood to develop, and bring us the receiver we need. Throw in a late round pick or even two if the Raiders are hesitant, but Duckett has proven he can run in the Raider mold of Mark van Eeghan. It would be a win win for both teams, and for the Falcons offense as a whole.
By michael
August 1, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
Everybody is talking about the QB! But know one is talking about that sorry Keith Brooking, running backs ran all over, up, the middle on your boy last year. Opposing teams attacked the middle and the safeties last year. I say let trade him and get a receiver, and offensive lineman.
By TaZ
August 1, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
Hamstring again! You have to be kidding me. What is Vick, the new Ken Griffey JR.
By Will
August 1, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
It’s all too easy to have HOPES that the back up QB should be starting. Let’s not forget Doug Johnson.