Sports Columnists

By Casey Hudson

August 16, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Duckett leaves and what happens in a year or two when Dunn gets hurt or retires or just can’t play every down anymore?

If the Falcons are crazy enough to let Duckett go, they will once again be the laughing stock of football every time Duckett sets foot on the field for the next decade.

Does anyone remember Brett Favre?

By L.J.

August 16, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

I wish T.J. the best. He had every opportunity to be a cry-baby about the situation. And while people (myself included) have criticized his tip-toedness, it’s likely that in a Jets or Steelers scheme would be perfect for him.

Falcons are rumored to be seeking a 3rd rounder for Duckett (NY Times).

Not to mention, I drafted Duckett late in my fantasy draft, and his value is about to go sky high (but that’s not really important…well, maybe a litte )LOL

By This gets old

August 16, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

Pretty much says it all, I agree totally. Michael Vick has taken this team to the playoffs twice with two different coaches, two different set of WR’s, and never a dominant physical team behind him.

There’s never been a better time to make a “Super Bowl push” but we’re too lightweight to make it.

By T Robb

August 16, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

TJ needs to play, and he’ll go elsewhere to do that. Don’t worry about the Falcons, though - Jerious Norwood is a load, and Dunn is one of those guys who transcends convention. At Dunn’s age and size, he should be back in Baton Rouge by now. He’s a unique athlete; and he’s this Gator’s favorite Seminole.

By BirdDawg

August 16, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

We need to trade Duckett.

Pittsburgh. Cleveland. Detroit. New York Jets. Tennesse.

These are teams who either play power football, or switching away from finesse, WCO’s.

Duckett would be a great fit for any of them, and I don’t care what we get in return, just as long as we get something.

For all the consternation, next year, we will get a first rounder for Schaub because we can tag him.

If we don’t trade Duckett now, we are going to lose him for nothing.

Come on, McKay… don’t turn into Schurholtz on us!

By Casey Hudson

August 16, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone so convinced Jerious Norwood is anything but a bust? What has he done so far in the NFL? We should give up a sure thing for a maybe?

By brad in KY

August 16, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

I have repeatedly seen the contention that Duckett is better suited for a “downhill” running scheme rather than the Falcon’s scheme. Mark Bradley repeats this claim here.

However, I thought the entire point of the Broncos/Falcons “one-cut” scheme was to get the running back running “downhill” as quickly as possible. In fact, Terrell Davis was constantly lauded for his ability to quickly get “downhill” in his glory days with the Broncos.

I can see only one decent reason why Duckett doesn’t fit the Falcons system: They throw the ball to the running back. Duckett, however, is not a strong receiver. Thus, he doesn’t fit.

I’m a Duckett fan and it seems to me that he’s always produced when given consistent carries. I just wish Bradley and everyone else would stop with this “he’s a downhill runner, the Falcons aren’t a downhill team” nonsense.

By Connie Lingous

August 16, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

That’s all well and good Mark, but the problem with Duckett is he doesn’t run particularly hard. I have seen him fail in short yardage situations countless times. He’s not a power runner, he’s a finesse guy.

By the way, I liked your look better when you had poofy hair.

By ewalk80

August 16, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

BIRD DAWG WE ARE FINALLY ON THE SAME PAGE! IF WE GET A 3RD ROUND PICK FOR TJ IT IS BETTER THAN NOTHING. BUT CAN’T WE GET A FIRST AND A THIRD FOR SCHAUB?????

CASEY HE HAS NOT HAD A CHANCE TO HAVE A NFL CAREER AND YOU CAN NOT TEACH SPEED. LOOKING AT LAST YEAR TJ IS A SURE THING??? I DON’T THINK SO

ANYONE HEAR NEWS ON A DT. WE NEED ONE!!!!

By GTIronman

August 16, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Remember the 2002 article? High 4.3 to 4.4 speed? Maybe on the second 40 or the first 35, maybe. With TJ’s poor vision and coming off the ball slower than Coleman, he’ll never be a #1 back.

By Taurus

August 16, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

T.J. best bet is to stay put in Atlanta or go to the Jets. The Jest RB situation is horrible. Curtis Martin is 33 and coming off of a bad season and is injured. He could start right away. I believe Atlanta will resign him. It makes the most business sense. Doesn’t make sense to commit to a 32yr old RB (Dunn) after this season. T.J. is 25 and is not a bad RB when he gets his touches.

By Taurus

August 16, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

T.J. best bet is to stay put in Atlanta or go to the Jets. The Jest RB situation is horrible. Curtis Martin is 33 and coming off of a bad season and is injured. He could start right away. I believe Atlanta will resign him. It makes the most business sense. Doesn’t make sense to commit to a 32yr old RB (Dunn) after this season. T.J. is 25 and is not a bad RB when he gets his touches.

By lee sunset

August 16, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Trade Tippy-Toe while value is there - watching repeat of first preseason game tonight confirmed Norwood is the real deal -both running from a hand-off and after catching the pass. Detroit’s got #1 draft choice receivers that haven’t panned out - why not trade a #1 draft choice back for a receiver? Sometimes it takes a change of scenery and I seriously doubt trade to Detroit will come back to haunt us.

By lee sunset

August 16, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

Trade Tippy-Toe while value is there - watching repeat of first preseason game tonight confirmed Norwood is the real deal -both running from a hand-off and after catching the pass. Detroit’s got #1 draft choice receivers that haven’t panned out - why not trade a #1 draft choice back for a receiver? Sometimes it takes a change of scenery and I seriously doubt trade to Detroit will come back to haunt us.

By GTIronman

August 16, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

BTW for all you Dawgs Fans: Poor vision = can’t pick the hole that’s open and running into your lineman.

By ewalk80

August 16, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

LEE GREAT IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’M ALL FOR THAT.ROGERS COULD BE A GREAT PLAYER. IF IN THE RIGHT SITUATION. NEXT YEAR WE WILL HAVE NOTHING FOR TJ, HE WILL NOT BE HERE NEXT YEAR

By pago pago

August 16, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Will the ncaa/nfl ever see a white runing back?! This is sad indeed….

By jcdocpc

August 16, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

OK Mark. Stay away from the ‘rumatez medicine’. Ducket has had plenty of chances to prove he is more than a second stringer. Think of the times Dunn was hurt. His performance at those times were dismal. I still have a problem with a 254 lb man being pushed down by a 190 lb DB. Duckett is a great physical specimen and I don’t question his heart, but i don’t think he’s shown much when he’s had the chance.

By Kevin

August 16, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

GO DAWGS1!

By Whopper Dawg

August 16, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

You are dreaming. You have got to play your way on the field. Plenty, plenty of chances for this guy. Bottom line is - he didn’t perform. Period. He can’t change direction. That is a big problem in the NFL. Name a franchise back or any starting back that can’t change direction. I can’t either. Good guy I guess and not a whiner, but if he was anything but a high first round draft choice he would have been gone long ago.

By Sean

August 17, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

Have to agree with Whop Dawg…Duckett has had plenty of chances. This article is crap. Duckett had one good half last week in a preseason game…BIG DEAL. He has not proven it when it matters. Also, remember this is the same Bradley who welcomed JR Rider to the Hawks on Nov. 2, 1999 in his editorial titled “New look making Hawks exciting”…His final four stuff is usually pretty good, but most of his articles, blogs, etc. make me wonder how much he’s keeping up with sports these days. He will be almost as relevant as Bisher if he keeps up this pace!

By dirrtybird

August 17, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

Now TJ Duckett is Brett Favre too? LOL. Duckett doesnt’ fit our scheme, plain and simple. Offer him in a trade, but only for hte right situation. Don’t just give hime away, because he can be a good short yardage back and I think he has something to prove this year.

By maya lucia

August 17, 2006 02:01 AM | Link to this

NORWOOD, BABY!

DUCKETT, WHAT?

By keeping it REAL !

August 17, 2006 02:36 AM | Link to this

Duckett can help us if we us him right. People on this team has said Knapp does not know how to us his people this is one. One Duckett tip toe to the hole, he need to hit that hole full speed. Use the scheme to help a player do what he does best. Knapp is weak at doing this. I hope he does better this year . Knapp seem not to be able to adjust in games and how to use his player skill at the right time. This seem to be Knapp weakness. Duckett can help this team but the right play for his skill has to be called. He is not the only player Knapp is not using right. Like Tampa Bay you run at them head on not away from them because of team speed. receiver still are not where they need to be .they still goes long we have a weak line for the route they are running. One receiver need to run a shorter route. Norwood is a good man to dump the ball off when Vick is in trouble he has speed that kills. The right play calling is what is needed to fit the skill of a player. On defense stop playing around and get a big run stoper with skill .we have one more game to see if the player we have can do the job. If not get us a player to fill the need. If you can’t stop the run we are in for a long year!!!!!!

By Rod

August 17, 2006 06:48 AM | Link to this

You think Duckett’s a great back? WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING?!?! He sucks.

By Jim O

August 17, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this

Trade TJ while we can get some value for him - anything is better than nothing, and most likely he won’t contribute much to the Falcons this year.

BUT don’t trade him for another wide receiver. How many off season trades and high draft picks have we used on WR’s? I believe the Falcons continue to go after wide receivers in order to tell MV, fans, etc, that the problem is not the passing but the receiving!

By Captain America

August 17, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this

Any blind man can see hat Duckett is soft! He runs like a p@#$y. His only good runs are when no one touches him then he gets up and dances to that stupid rap song.

By ck

August 17, 2006 07:45 AM | Link to this

Tippy toe now that is a good nicname,,,

Nearly fell off my chair at that one Lee.

Let’s send tippy toe packing to the Raiders and get Porter in return. That sovles three problems. The Raiders unload an unhappy Porter, Da birds get some value for Duckett and a spot is opened for Norwood.

Only drawback is who would be the 3rd back.

By mountain_jim

August 17, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

I hope the Falcons are able to get a mini-bidding war going and get a 2nd for Duckett. (Though a Jet’s 3rd may be close to a 2nd).

Then use that pick to get a DT or WR of fill other needs for THIS YEAR.

Or just trade him for a need position straight up.

His poor pass-blocking and pass receiving skills are the main reason. Norwood and Dunn are going to get more screens and check-down passes this year, and we know what they can do with them.

Will trading him free up cap-space for a WR or DT?

Good luck TJ cause it’s pretty clear you are a short-timer here.

By Jim

August 17, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

IMO if and when Duckett leaves he will probably win a Super Bowl with another team like Riggs and Dieon did.

By chris

August 17, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

Duckett does not fit the Falcons style of football people. Hes a power back. You can’t run a West Cost offense with a back that can’t catch out the backfield.

As for trading for a receiver to Detroit, that not going to happen. The Lions are not happy with their 3 1st round receivers and some will be cut according to reports. With that being said, that could be a good pick up for the Falcons.

By D

August 17, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

DJ has talent but if he were the feature back at another team, it would expose his weaknesses, he won’t block during passing downs and when hit he usually goes down, sure the other guys feels it, but I don’t see the power hit on DB’s and then a breakaway like I’ve seen with other big backs that have complete talent. it is good that he has decided to try harder this year, losing weight has been great and his speed has definitely improved. but sometimes a back also needs to be a decoy, but if he won’t pass block, it won’t be hard for a defense to figure out that with DJ in the huddle the next play will probably be a run. it is just shameful for a football player to be that big and not want to block. blocking is like passing in basketball, it’s essential to winning. why can’t DJ line up at fullback and block for another back? it all goes back to how hard he’s willing to try, how much effort he is willing to give. he wants ‘me’ time running the ball, but not any of the blue collar stuff that helps teams win.

By D

August 17, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

DJ has talent but if he were the feature back at another team, it would expose his weaknesses, he won’t block during passing downs and when hit he usually goes down, sure the other guys feels it, but I don’t see the power hit on DB’s and then a breakaway like I’ve seen with other big backs that have complete talent. it is good that he has decided to try harder this year, losing weight has been great and his speed has definitely improved. but sometimes a back also needs to be a decoy, but if he won’t pass block, it won’t be hard for a defense to figure out that with DJ in the huddle the next play will probably be a run. it is just shameful for a football player to be that big and not want to block. blocking is like passing in basketball, it’s essential to winning. why can’t DJ line up at fullback and block for another back? it all goes back to how hard he’s willing to try, how much effort he is willing to give. he wants ‘me’ time running the ball, but not any of the blue collar stuff that helps teams win.

By chris

August 17, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

Duckett does not fit the Falcons style of football people. Hes a power back. You can’t run a West Cost offense with a back that can’t catch out the backfield.

As for trading for a receiver to Detroit, that not going to happen. The Lions are not happy with their 3 1st round receivers and some will be cut according to reports. With that being said, that could be a good pick up for the Falcons.

By Keeping it real !!!

August 17, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

After Duckett is gone like price is now gone and we still have a problem with the offense.Mora, Knapp, dontell, get paid to have this team ready. We knew last year the run defense had holes in it we knew last year the offense line was weak.we knew last year our recivers need to do better. This seem to be more of a management issuse . Mckay can give you the best player it what you do with them. You put your player in the best place where they can help the team that is if the coaches know how to do that. something has to change may be they are on the right tract it just seem something is no working right!!!! we want to win that all!~!!!!

By gary

August 17, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

the shame really is, duckett has the tools to be great. but he has been given many chances, and hasnt proven himself.

I always wished someone would show him tapes of Jamal and Riggs so he could see how a big back is SUPPOSED to run.

By Dan

August 17, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Duckett is not quite the bust Ron Dayne was but he is close. He can’t block, doesn’t run routes or catch particularly well and his yards after contact are unimpressive. He might gain a 1000 as a feature back somewhere but that is only 62 yards a game. Backs with his tools will never be more than role players in this league. Time for another draft pick or a trade to back up/replace Dunn

By D

August 17, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

a great back to watch for TJ, would be Walter, he could watch a smaller back deliver a hit, pass block, catch, and control a defense. something else I noticed, and I know I will get some flak for it, when I watched Norwood run the other night, it immediately reminded me of the running style of Gale Sayers, now let me say that nobody will ever be Gale and Jerious hasn’t proven himself in the NFL yet, but that glide, those moves and the change of direction were impressive.

By mo

August 17, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

Personally, I think Duckett would make a better everyday back than a back coming off the bench. He seems like he needs to be hit a few more times at full speed before he gets into gear. I just don’t see him working in this offense very well.

But if and when he does leave, don’t be surprised to see him have breakout performances and say that he’s the reincarnation of Brett Favre for the Falcons. Not all backs flourish under all offenses…

mo

By ne_ATL

August 17, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

a 1st round pick (TJ Duckett) for a 3rd round pick = a bad deal

By Larry

August 17, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

Running back is not the issue. The issue is we need a real pro QB who’s greatest offseason accomplishment isn’t growing a pony tail.

How many Super Bowl winning QB’s have you seen lately with a pony tail and a double didgit IQ?

Now that’s the issue!

By honest_abe

August 17, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

all i remember is last season i was reading a section in living and it was talking about the celebrities seen at a particular nightclub and it mentioned a late appearance by tj duckett and this was a saturday right before the game. this told me last season he wasn’t taking thing very seriouly. he was out of shape, wasn’t running very hard and he was useless in short yardage situations.

if it takes a contract year for a player to be in the best shape of his life and to get the best results. good riddance i say! i like tj, but after i saw that article it proved to me he is not as dedicated as some of these other players might be. considering ed hartwell said he doesn’t leave the house during the regular season bed time by 10pm…those are the things i like to hear, not partying it up till the early morning right before kickoff…..

By falcon guy

August 17, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

No offense to Duckett, but he couldn’t get 1 yard on two consecutive plays in Chicago late last season. If you can’t get 1, how are you supposed to get 1000? I realize he has talent, but no one should say that he hasn’t had an opportunity to rise to the top of the depth chart. Remember Dunn has missed some games a couple of times. If Duckett had shown a flash of that every down back potential, don’t you think the Falcons would have given him more carries, even when Dunn came back? Maybe he will be more successful somewhere else. But it isn’t the Falcons’ fault he hasn’t done it here.

My bet: He ends up with the Steelers. With Bettis retired, and an undrafted free agent as the starter (Willie Parker), I’m sure they’d like to have a power back like TJ.

By Rick Nole

August 17, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

So TJ is the new Brett Farve? Thought that was going to be Schaub? Now its Vicks fault that TJ runs like a pansy? TJ cant succeed because we need a white running back? AJC should make you guys pass an IQ test to post on here. Reading this crap affirms that people think the south is full of a bunch of dumb rednecks and thugs.

By FalconFan

August 17, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

Look, I like Duckett as much as the next guy. But, the bottom line is that the Falcons don’t need him. Anything that we need Duckett for (short yardage or goal line), Justin Griffith can do, plus Griffith can catch the ball out of the back field. Anyone who follows SEC football knows that Norwood is the real deal and the future back of the Falcons. I say take whatever you can get for him, even if it is just a 3rd round pick, because he is going bye bye after this season anyway. Go Falcons!!

By chris

August 17, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

Larry who should be the Falcons QB? i guees you are one of the SO-CALLED fans that thinks the backup quarterback that has not won any games is better.

By Benny2x

August 17, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this

T.J. Duckett is mediocre at best. He has been given the chance, more than enough, to prove if he could handle all situations. HE CAN’T. Duckett is the softest BIG BACK ever to play the game. He doesn’t run north/south enough. He wants to be a big cutback runner.HE’S NOT Anything first day would do for compensation for an UNPROVEN BACK

By chris

August 17, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

At this point you get anything you can get for a back up back that may be the 3rd team back because of Norwood. Hes gone after this year anyway along with Schaub.

By Officer Mancuso

August 17, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

But Falconfan, the next guy doesn’t like TJ.

By Big Bree

August 17, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

Yeah Larry, who should the QB be? The last time I checked, MV was a Pro Football player who plays QB and he seems real to me. Real >> Pro >> QB. Wow, Larry, they have not only one but 3 when you factor in Schaub & Randall (although I think DJ will beat Randall out). Whatever the case, if you’re a Falcon fan then support the team and its players! Don’t whine because you want some other team’s QB. If that’s the case go root for the other team. The whole concept of being a fan is rooting & supporting your team not bashing them or its players. Don’t jump on a bandwagon and then off and then back on, or whatever. Geez, AJC please create a whine blog for all these fairweather fans who constantly sound like B!tche$.

By Scott

August 17, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Barring career-ending injury to Dunn, TJ will be gone after this year as a FA, so we need to get something for him now. He does have great value to a number of teams: decent speed, big back who runs North/South, experienced at 26 yrs old but not worn out yet. Bottom line is that he really doesn’t fit Falcons running scheme - Norwood does. If you need the tough yard at the goal line, Griffith can get it for us, and quite frankly he’s earned the right to carry the ball there. We’ve heard a lot about DVD, but we’ve never seen it because TJ won’t block (or can’t) and he can’t catch the swing/screen pass.

Falcons need to show a little patience here, because while aa 3rd round pick for TJ isn’t bad, they might get better if they wait. There’s 3 more pre-season games left, and teams or gonna lose their RB to injury or count them out of their plans, and it becomes supply & demand, and the Falcons will have the leverage. If a high draft pick is what they want, then that’s good and opens up some cap room ($1 million+) this year to fill a DL or OL gap.

TJ may go elsewhere and get 1000+ yds, and everyone will scream at McKay, but here’s the deal: in our system, he’ll never get those kind of yds with the Falcons; so his best value to Atlanta is in a trade.

By mo

August 17, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

Y’all need to stop jumping on Larry. He’s just making a point… that racism is not dead. (Now I need to go and hug someone of a different race and tell him that he matters to me.)

mo

By Scott

August 17, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Barring career-ending injury to Dunn, TJ will be gone after this year as a FA, so we need to get something for him now. He does have great value to a number of teams: decent speed, big back who runs North/South, experienced at 26 yrs old but not worn out yet. Bottom line is that he really doesn’t fit Falcons running scheme - Norwood does. If you need the tough yard at the goal line, Griffith can get it for us, and quite frankly he’s earned the right to carry the ball there. We’ve heard a lot about DVD, but we’ve never seen it because TJ won’t block (or can’t) and he can’t catch the swing/screen pass.

Falcons need to show a little patience here, because while aa 3rd round pick for TJ isn’t bad, they might get better if they wait. There’s 3 more pre-season games left, and teams or gonna lose their RB to injury or count them out of their plans, and it becomes supply & demand, and the Falcons will have the leverage. If a high draft pick is what they want, then that’s good and opens up some cap room ($1 million+) this year to fill a DL or OL gap.

TJ may go elsewhere and get 1000+ yds, and everyone will scream at McKay, but here’s the deal: in our system, he’ll never get those kind of yds with the Falcons; so his best value to Atlanta is in a trade.

By al b sure

August 17, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Hmmm,

We have an idiot named “Mo” supporting and idiot named “Larry”. I guess your friend Curley will be chiming in soon you bunch of stooges.

By mo

August 17, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

Y’all need to stop jumping on Larry. He’s just making a point… that racism is not dead. (Now I need to go and hug someone of a different race and tell him that he matters to me.)

mo

By Call me Earl

August 17, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Good Luck TJ As a Falcons fan, I’ve always been optimistic about Ducketts ability. Any man that benches over 400lbs at RB should be a powerhouse. I’ve seen it at times, but consistency has always come into play.

At this time it was a waisted pick for a 1st rounder.

Suggestions for TJ 1. Pick up your feet when penetrating through the line. 2. Set up your blockers and holes before falling into a trap. 3. Try and run someone over instead of falling on first contact. 4. If you truly bench 400lbs, can you try the stiff arm this year(Reggie Bush and Lendale White gave all football fans a clinic on that last year)

By mo

August 17, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

This is Al B

“Uh… dis guy mo is actually suppotin’ dis otha guy named Larry. Duh, since I don’t have da edg-a-muh-ka-shun to get da joke, I’s gest make a joke abot da Three Stooges, ‘cuz dat’s da onliest humor I eva gets.”

In other words, the joke went clear over Al’s head… bless his heart.

mo

By Roger

August 17, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

I’ve never seen anyone mention it, but Duckett will often just go down when he feels bodies hitting him from multiple sides. In some of those cases, if he stayed up, he would bust right thru and break away. It’s like he assumes he’s been tackled when there is still opportunity to break free. Is he afraid of being stood up for a big hit or what?

By al b sure

August 17, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Oh, I misread your post. Sorry.

By Big Birdy

August 17, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

yeah..i guess everybody is a pro anal-yzer. ..you dont know the guy untill you eat, you work and sleep with him (THEM)… and nobody in here has not done that with TJ…so why don’t you all just stop whineing about Duckett?. all running backs have good and bad plays. WHAT THA HELLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

By Big Birdy

August 17, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

yeah..i guess everybody is a pro anal-yzer. ..you dont know the guy untill you eat, you work and sleep with him (THEM)… and nobody in here has not done that with TJ…so why don’t you all just stop whineing about Duckett?. all running backs have good and bad plays. WHAT THA HELLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

By Old school bird

August 17, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

If you people ever listen to some of the great ones, running backs need carries to get a feel for the game,10 carries per game wont cut it. I remember the Carolina game a couple of years ago,Vick and Dunn were out,Doug Johnson was the Quarterback, The Panthers played 8 in the box and this guy rushed for well over 100 yards!! Ttade him? I’m not so sure.

By miker

August 17, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

go back to spring!!!! trade tj to the jets,push for a second round for tj; our second to denver for lelie….(i would expect that we shall do better than the jets , so we keeo the jets second.)

By Jonmac

August 17, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

Haters, Duckett is a good back, in the right system, he could be 1000 yard rusher. In any case Falcons have more to gain by trading him. His value can only rise. The Jets need a back for sure, I say trade Duckett and Schaub. (Use the trades to shore up our OL and DL) DJ and Randall are ok by me as backups for Vick.

By Erroll

August 17, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe anyone is commenting in favor of T.J. Duckett. He is a joke. If it’s third and one and you hand him the ball it’s suddenly fourth and three. If a defensive player gets near him he goes down. The most telling play for Duckett was a couple of seasons ago. Vick thew him a screen pass and without a single defensive player near him and ten yards of open field in front of him he took one step and fell flat on his face. Jeff Hulinger commented “The gremlins are tripping up Duckett again”. Get him out of here now!!!!

By Charles

August 17, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Obvisouly most of ypu have never played nor coached football. Whether TJ is great back that remains to be seen. You cannot deny that when given the opportunity he got the yardage (exclude last year). The offensive line was manhandled in short yardage situations. No back gains much when the defenders almost beat u to the hand off. TJ will be good wherever he may end up. Bigger question who do we get to replace him. WE WILL NEED A BIG BACK.

By Charles

August 17, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Obvisouly most of ypu have never played nor coached football. Whether TJ is great back that remains to be seen. You cannot deny that when given the opportunity he got the yardage (exclude last year). The offensive line was manhandled in short yardage situations. No back gains much when the defenders almost beat u to the hand off. TJ will be good wherever he may end up. Bigger question who do we get to replace him. WE WILL NEED A BIG BACK.

By Charles

August 17, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Obvisouly most of ypu have never played nor coached football. Whether TJ is great back that remains to be seen. You cannot deny that when given the opportunity he got the yardage (exclude last year). The offensive line was manhandled in short yardage situations. No back gains much when the defenders almost beat u to the hand off. TJ will be good wherever he may end up. Bigger question who do we get to replace him. WE WILL NEED A BIG BACK.

By JJ

August 17, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Larry

Sounds to me like you are just really, really, very jealous of Vick. I think what you don’t like is his hairstyle and lifestyle. ANY THING ELSE?

By Georgian in Oklahoma

August 17, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

Big back? Isn’t that what Justin Griffith is for? He is more of a power runner than Duckett. On a 4th and inches/1 I would hand of to J. Griff before I even thought about Duckett. he got stuffed on 3/4th down plays last year sooooo many times. As a matter of fact, I think Dunn, Norwood AND Griffith have a better chance of picking up the first in said situation. Trade Duck and Schaub for high first rounder. Adrian Peterson, from OU will be ripe for the picking next year, and he can CATCH out of the backfield.

By chris

August 17, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Charle why do the Falcons need a big back in a West Coast Offense? The full backs job is for short. This offense is designed for speed not power.

By K.B.

August 17, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

T.J. Duckett, like a long line of others, has overstayed his welcome. Falcons fans, get it together…this guy has shown that he is not capable of carrying the load of a true running back.

I’ve seen this guy tip-toe through the holes and fall down at the first sign of defense. In size, he is a big back, but he lacks the abilities of a Jim Brown, John Riggins, or Larry Czonka.

Unless he makes a deal with the devil, he will not improve, won’t get more playing time, and definitely will not impress a true football fan. Plain and simple, he had his chance, and if you have eyes to see with you’d know it too. Let’s not keep him any longer, or else we run the risk of signing him for a bigger contract and have him do a re-run of Jamaal Anderson…another Atlanta bust.

By Connie Lingous

August 17, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

Trade him for Moss if possible.

By Connie Lingous

August 17, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Trade him for Moss if possible.

By mo

August 17, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

K.B- Jamal Anderson was a bust? Are you for real? (remember 1998)

By Keeping it real !!!

August 17, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

Trade price trade scott trade schaub trade Duckett trade Vick. After we trade them all who is still going to call the plays then the new player you will say trade him. The coach and this scheme is the real problem. Offense line they are small but the scheme call for small player (yes) we can run But passing not yet.Knapp has his chance this year to prove all of us wrong but I don’t think so.Pass blocking is going to be a problem this year. We don’t have the skill people to do the JOB.Dontell Knows we need a run stoper what do management do try to make a srub a starter they will fail again. we Talk about Vick making 130 mil.we dont pay the player to block or tackel or coach. WE know #61 and #62 is weak what we do bring them back and say they will do better. If you want a coach the people who know people and the game.Hire Deion ,Jerry Rice older player who would love to teach the young player. Hire steve young, We have to many older player that knows the game and what it takes to get to the next level. Stop hireing smoke blower. we need skilled coaches. OC is need badly for the falcon!

By chris

August 17, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

Falcons fans calm down. The season has not even started yet and everyone wanting to trade the entire team from a bunch of Randy Moss and T.O. type players.

The Falcons will have a top 5-10 defense this year and a pretty good offense. However the money thats created by trading duckett can go towards a Defensive Tackle for at least this year until Jackson gets ready to take on that spot.

By chris

August 17, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Falcons fans calm down. The season has not even started yet and everyone wanting to trade the entire team from a bunch of Randy Moss and T.O. type players.

The Falcons will have a top 5-10 defense this year and a pretty good offense. However the money thats created by trading duckett can go towards a Defensive Tackle for at least this year until Jackson gets ready to take on that spot.

By Wedgie Evans

August 17, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Duckett did fine under Reeves’s system… if I’m not mistaken he actually led our team in rushing and yards per carry one year. It’s not his fault he’s stuck in Jim Moron’s finesse garbage zone-blocking scheme, which no Super Bowl champion has used in recent memory. He’ll go to the Jets next year, where they use the scheme that won the Patriots 3 Super Bowls, and run for 1500 yards and make the Pro Bowl. If you were built to blast your way up the middle right through the arms of the linebackers and your coach made you cut back every play and try to juke people, neutralizing all your strengths, you would be tip-toeing too.

By Scott

August 17, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

To Wedgie: you know there ARE pills you can take to improve short term memory loss…Denver won 2 Super Bowls using Jim “Moron’s” blocking scheme. This scheme has placed the Falcons as #1 rushing offense the last 2 years. The reason the Falcons haven’t gone to or won a Super Bowl is not because of the running game - it’s defense and poor passing game.

Everybody else on this blog is right - TJ is a bad fit in our system, and BTW he’s lazy (you’ll hear that once he’s traded). You gotta manage your assets - trade him now in preseason, and you’ll better yourself this year with the salary cap space, or you’ll get someone else who can help us on the line.

By Scott

August 17, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

To the first comment made:

Brett Favre was given a chance in the Falcon’s system and could not flourish. Duckett has but a mere role and will be great somewhere else but who is not to say that the Falcons won’t pick up another great back in next year’s draft.

The Falcon’s won’t be a laughing stock under Arthur Blank’s regime

By Bubba

August 17, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

Duckett’s a loser. There were over half a dozen times last year when he couldn’t pick up a critical yard. Power back my A**. You can ask him why but he’s already told us… “It wasn’t a contract year.”

By David

August 17, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Bubba:

How can you say that Duckett’s a loser—Jim Mora is the loser for not utilizing Duckett in the final Tampa game. Mora was stupid for not using him because the proper utilization of Duckett probably would have allowed us to win that game and get us into the playoffs. I remember on a 3rd down and two deep in our own territory, Mora elected to let Mike Vick throw a pass and if Duckett had run the ball on 3rd and 4th downs, the Falcons would have kept the chains moving, probably won that Tampa game, and then played much more inspired football against the Carolina Panthers the next week, since a playoff berth would have been on the line in that game against the Panthers. But since the Falcons lost the Tampa game, they decided to phone it in against Carolina and try and get a bigger draft choice and that strategy backfired as the Falcons ended up at a mediocre 8-8 record. I will never watch the Falcons again because they have showed me that they have nothing on that roster. The wrong QB is starting—-it should be Matt Schaub, and Vick should be traded for something before Vick eventually returns nothing for his services. Then the Falcons went on to hide Algae Crumpler’s injury—and finally hike ticket prices to show their appreciation to the fans for their support. The Falcons are wasting Shaub’s and Duckett’s talents—both of those two guys would make the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio if they were on other football teams. Sell the team and ship it out of here before it is too late!!!

By DIRRTYBIRD

August 17, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

Ummmm,

Duckett didn’t get the ball in Tampa because he proved in several other games that getting 2 yards on 3rd and 4th down was no gimme. I’m not defending Knapp’s playcalling but even Duckett will tell you that he was producing last year. Duckett and Schaub are not hall of famers by the way. Duckett is way too big to be an every down back, and probably won’t start on whatever team he gets traded to. Schaub has a lower completion percentage than Vick and is 0-2 in career starts. I’m proud to have both on my team, but let’s get real. Canton? Thanks for not watching anymore. The Falcons have enough fair weather fans that they need to shake too. You don’t have season tickets you’d like to give up to do you?

By MARC

August 17, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

KEEP DUCKETT!!!!!!!!! DO YOU GUYS REMEMBER THE DUCKETT FROM HIS ROOKIE YEAR, THAT ACTUALLY GOT CARRIES UNDER DAN REEVES, AND PUNISHED ANYBODY IN HIS WAY. HE JUST NEEDS STEADY CARRIES, ANYBODY WOULD BE RUSTY IF THEY JUST RODE THE PINE EVERY GAME, AND ASKED TO COME OUT FOR “ONLY” A COUPLE OF PLAYS. HE JUST NEEDS CARRIES, AND I GUARENTEE HE WILL BE BACK TO BRUSING AND PUNISHING EVERYTHING IN HIS WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By chris

August 17, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

MARC

the Falcons can’t afford to keep Duckett. Why is that so hard to understand. They have Dunnm, and Norwood plus Duckett will become a free agent. There is no coach in the world that will let Duckett start over Dunn. The Falcons can’t give him 15 carries per game plus give Dunn his and then Norwood. Therefor, someone has to go and the odd man out is Duckett. He has had him time to shine in Atlanta and he has not.

Stop bringing up playing under Dan Reeves that was 4 years ago. When the Falcons had no other option but to give him the ball.

By MARC

August 17, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

CHRIS,

DUNN IS GETTING OLD. HOW MUCH LONGER CAN HE REALLY STAND IN THE NFL. HIS DAYS ARE NUMBERED, WE HAVE 2 POTENTIAL PRO BOWL BACKS LET THEM BATTLE AND LET THE BEST MAN WIN!!!!!!!!(DUCKETT & NORWOOD)

ONE MORE THING, VICK WAS AT HIS BEST UNDER DAN REEVES. I LIKE JIM MORA DO GET ME WRONG, BUT REEVES UNDERSTOOD SOMETHING HE DOESN’T GET A GRASP OF YET, VICK NEEDS TO BE LET LOOSE, THAT IS WHEN HE IS AT HIS BEST, AND EVERYTHING ELSE WILL FALL INTO PLAY INCLUDING DUCKETT!!!!!!!!!

By EW

August 17, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Duckett’s a good guy..no doubt, but until he learns to make a strong plant and get his mass moving downhill he will always be a backup. He tips at the line and loses all momentum. He just can’t make the cut. We’ve all seen what kind of down-hill runner he can be…Lynch can attest to that, but his problem is that he can’t get himself moving downhill consistently. It has nothing to do with the system.

By james

August 17, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

I like dunn and all but Trade him and keep duckett. If duckett got 20+ carries a game I bet he’d put up just as many yards as dunn. We could probably get a 2nd for dunn just because of his character.

By keeping it REAL !

August 17, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

who knows football in this town? the fans want to trade every body. The coaches has the player but don’t seem to make the grade. almost 40 years pain with this team. The time has come and now is for this team to win!!!!The Fan just want to win it all for all the years of pain we want to win it all!!!