AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > August > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA game not as good as advertised
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
It’s among the most delicate issues an NFL franchise faces: What responsibility does it have to put on a good show in a game that doesn’t count? The Falcons offered this de facto answer Thursday night:
Some, but not much.
The Falcons chose not to deploy their starters in the much-unloved final exhibition, depriving the paying customers at the Georgia Dome the opportunity to see Michael Vick and John Abraham and Warrick Dunn. And the easy reaction from a disinterested observer — i.e., me — would be to don the populist cloak and cry fraud.
Sorry to say, I’ve never been much of a populist.
The Falcons didn’t advertise their intention to sit most everybody of consequence. When asked his plans for the starters, Jim Mora had said Tuesday: “Right now I’m playing them all, at least through the half.”
Mora’s actual intent, according to general manager Rich McKay, was to play his starters for one series. Then Mora changed his mind during pre-game warmups: Instead of one series, the starters would work zero. (Jacksonville, Thursday’s opponent, had already declared its intent to sit most of its starters.) Did this constitute breach of organizational credibility?
Said McKay: “I don’t think so. I read the quote, and I didn’t walk away thinking they were going to play a half. I even asked Jim about it the next day, and he said, ‘I want them in the mindset where they could play a half.’ You remember the Washington game [the last exhibition of 2004] where he’d told the starters they were going to play one series, and the game was a total disaster. Jimmy didn’t want them coming out of the tunnel tonight thinking like that.”
But shouldn’t the Falcons, just from a public-relations standpoint, have informed their customers that no starter would play? Said McKay: “If Jimmy had made that decision earlier in the week, we would have.” A tiny and utterly unscientific survey showed a mixed reaction. Asked if he would have come to the game had he known he wouldn’t be seeing Vick and crew, Mike McInnis — who lives in Duluth and who got tickets through a season-ticket-holding friend — said: “Probably not. We want to see some quality football. We’ll be leaving early.”
But Drew Aiken, a season-ticket holder from Atlanta, said: “Me, I’m fine with it. I’m a fan of D.J. Shockley’s.”
“Fans want to see a good game,” McKay said. “But it’s a balancing act, and not just to get your team ready for Week 1 [of the regular season] but for Weeks 1-17. Like with [rookie cornerback] Jimmy Williams — he’s probably going to wind up playing three quarters tonight because he needs to play.”
This was, it should be noted, the exhibition that matters least and is dreaded most. In 1978 the Cincinnati Bengals harbored Super Bowl dreams but lost quarterback Ken Anderson to a broken hand in the last preseason game and wound up 4-12. Not that anyone connected to the Falcons needs reminding of the perils inherent in exhibitions. Not after what happened to Vick in 2003.
Not playing the starters, owner Arthur Blank said, “was the right thing to do. And doing the right thing for the public is getting the team ready. … [Mora] made the right decision.”
In a perfect world, Mora would have made his choice two days earlier and given his constituency fair warning. (Mora does, as we know, have a love for semantics.) But the Falcons sold no single tickets for this particular game — all seats were gone in season-ticket packages, which include exhibitions. And truth to tell, the Dome gathering didn’t seem to mind not seeing Vick, mostly because Shockley played three quarters. “A nice show,” Mora called it.
The greater error by far would have been for the coach to play Vick and see the franchise focal point mangled by some desperate Jacksonville rookie. Such a coach, it was suggested to McKay, would deserve to be fired on the spot.
“We’d have to have a long discussion after the MRI came back,” the GM said. “The MRI of the coach’s brain.”
Permalink | Comments (101) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Mark Bradley
Comments
By dawgzona
September 1, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
So Bradley, you wine for an entire column before proving yourself wrong with your “The greater error…” paragraph right at the end. Are you that determined to find something to b** about that you’ll do it even when you know it’s not a worthy gripe? Any fan of the Falcons should be thankful that Mora did exactly what he did: 1) expect his starters to work hard, prepare and be ready to play ball; 2) be sure those same starters are all ultimately healthy and ready for the real game next Sunday. The issue is that four preseason games is too much. The fans should stay home so they’ll cut it back down to three.
By Nathan
September 1, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
Look, it’s a no-win situation. You’re danged if you do and danged if you don’t. As a fan, I’d much rather see the starters sit than to see Vick hurt again, or anyone else go down. The Falcons need to do whatever they an to avoid a repeat of last year’s 8-8 disaster.
By thedream
September 1, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this
I was P**. I went to my first falcons (or any pro football game) for the first time. I paid 90 bucks for three tickets and was expecting to see somewhat of a “real” game situation. I don’t think i’ll have an opportunity or the funding to go to a real falcons game so I was so excited about seeing Vick for real. Don’t get me wrong, I love D.J. Shockley (and he will be a pretty good NFL QB) but I would not have went to the game and saved my money.
And Mr. Blank. Is it really necessary to charge $4.50 for a 32oz coke? I mean c’mon Quik Trip sells those for .59 cents and makes pretty good profit. C’mon is a $2.00 fountain coke (which costs you about .15 cents) too much to ask for?
BTW, First time in the GA Dome. The sound system is absolutely horrific. I couldn’t understand a word the PA guys said. Also the video screens are horrid.
Not a good first dome experience, and barring free tickets, probably my last. Nebraska Cornhusker football game are more fun and engaging.
By doc
September 1, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this
a non issue and a non story. anyone buying a ticket to a “pre-season” game and then expect to see the real thing and be disappointed is really stupid. anyone asking the rhetorical “how do you feel about coming all this way to see what isnt even a game and finding out the real players arent playing?” question is desparate for a story. there was no story since the “game” was what used to be called more correctly an exhibition game. the cred issue is with the league itself for robbing people to see this; isnt it called folly?
By doc
September 1, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this
a non issue and a non story. anyone buying a ticket to a “pre-season” game and then expect to see the real thing and be disappointed is really stupid. anyone asking the rhetorical “how do you feel about coming all this way to see what isnt even a game and finding out the real players arent playing?” question is desparate for a story. there was no story since the “game” was what used to be called more correctly an exhibition game. the cred issue is with the league itself for robbing people to see this; isnt it called folly?
By thedream
September 1, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this
hey doc. you arse. i was not expecting to see a real pro NFL game. But it would have been nice to see Vick in at least one or two series.
But that said, Norwood can fly, it was nice to see him play. And the NFL better watch out, we are going to have the top corners in the league. Some of the hits that Williams made were incredible.
By The Man
September 1, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this
thedream - you plunked $90 for that game? You’re a meathead. And you like men.
By DTaylor
September 1, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this
You do not sign Mora’s check…so I cant see why you would be upset be him seeing what his backup could do on a game that doesnt count.
Get over it Mr Newspaper Man
By UGA 72
September 1, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Mark, I’m a fan of yours, usually……
But this time you are barking up the wrong tree. If Vick, Dunn or another starter were injured the Falcon Fans would have likely rioted, and even a law and order dude like me might have joined in.
I enjoyed the game because I wasn’t worried about Big Money player getting hurt. Watching DJ was a joy and just to this old fan I think he looked real good. Honestly, prior to all the coaches praising his huddle presence I’d never watched that part of the game but it was evident the coaches were right. DJ was leading the team, and some day he’ll lead an NFL team of his own.
Why don’t you pick on some other aspect of the game, traffic wasn’t good, the hot dogs were cold, the beer was warm, and the seats were hard, but protecting the players was the most intelligent thing the Falcon’s have done in years.
By L.J.
September 1, 2006 02:22 AM | Link to this
I was relieved the starters didn’t play, but I can see where Mark is coming from. I don’t think the issue has to do with the fact that the starters didn’t play; rather, it’s the fact that all week Mora was saying that they’d play a half. An unsuspecting fan thinking they’d at least get to see the starters for a few plays would have been disappointed.
Me, I just didn’t want any injuries. I’m happy about that.
By will c.
September 1, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this
What about Kevin Youngblood? This guy had a great game. I hope he survives the final cut. I believe he had 5 or 6 catches plus a touchdown.
http://www.williamcoit.com
By Randy
September 1, 2006 03:45 AM | Link to this
I am a season ticket holder who do not attend pre season games. I usually give them to someone who has never been to a game r the dome to see one, as I did last night. I have always had a problem with the league charging full ticket prices for exhibition games. I also feel that Mora was wrong to mislead the public with his comments about his starters playing a half. Reduce prices for preseason games and or do not include them in the price of season tickets. Give season ticket holders the option of purchasing pre seasn tickets aith their regular season package.
By Kevin
September 1, 2006 04:19 AM | Link to this
well how odd u are Mark in not not was advertised…Here other idea supose players got hurt n were out all season..then u be sayin coach should have used other players in game so this not happen..JUst more stupid words
By Kevin
September 1, 2006 04:20 AM | Link to this
well how odd u are Mark in not not was advertised…Here other idea supose players got hurt n were out all season..then u be sayin coach should have used other players in game so this not happen..JUst more stupid words
By FalconsFan
September 1, 2006 04:49 AM | Link to this
In the old days when football was football we never saw coddling of the athletes. To not play the starters in the final game is stupid to me. Mora is a good one for drama.
This will hurt the team when they get in live action 8 days from now where it counts. The Panthers most likely will walk all over the Falcons anyway. I am sure Vick was glad not to play and expose himself to injury. He stinky anyways.
By E!
September 1, 2006 05:00 AM | Link to this
Man, that was some bs last night, this team hasn’t looked that good in the preseason. Heck, Vick still needs to work on chemistry with the receivers and the defense has not impressed what so ever. Yeah last week was okay but lets be real, Beck in the middle,Webster still on the outside and the Grady factor has yet to be seen. Soft, Soft, Soft, thats what this team has become and it was further illustrated last night. Mora seems to change like the weather, and this team has regressed under his leadership. The Falcons have a hell of a roster, just not sure about the coaching and the system they have implemented. Everyone in the NFL has talent on their teams, but the coaching systems and how the personnel fits into and responds to it is the difference and this system Mora has put in sucks and the attitude of the organization is soft as tissue paper.
By Wedgie Evans
September 1, 2006 05:05 AM | Link to this
You know… it is a PRESEASON GAME. In other words, IT DOESN’T COUNT. If you are willing to pay to see a game that doesn’t count in the standings, don’t whine when you don’t see the starters playing. This is like paying to see a practice, no different. I’m sure Mike McInnis from Duluth, and many other fans like him, would have really liked it if Vick had played and broken his leg again, or if Crumpler reaggravated his knee jumping for a catch, or if DeAngelo Hall messed up his hip again like he did in his rookie year in a preseason game. Oh wait, never mind, they would be the first ones to complain that the coaching staff had left the star players in for too long. The kind of people complaining about this are the ones who are too cheap to pay for regular season tickets and want to see the real thing at half price. I usually disagree with almost everything Mora does, but in this case he made the right decision.
By BERT
September 1, 2006 06:43 AM | Link to this
I think that the season ticket holders know what to expect from the final pre-season game. From what I could see and hear the dome was empty. I’ve had tickets for 5 years and I’ve never been to both pre-season games. I just use the opportunity to give the tickets away.
By Phal Konns
September 1, 2006 06:44 AM | Link to this
Damn, people, quit yer gripin’. It was a PRESEASON game, worthless in the big scheme of things. If any of the starters had gone down last night, you would have been the first to cry foul. It’s good to see Mora and the Home Team put their priorities in the right place. Finally, Atlanta has another professional sports organization that actually acts professionally.
By Phal Konns
September 1, 2006 06:45 AM | Link to this
Damn, people, quit yer gripin’. It was a PRESEASON game, worthless in the big scheme of things. If any of the starters had gone down last night, you would have been the first to cry foul. It’s good to see Mora and the Home Team put their priorities in the right place. Finally, Atlanta has another professional sports organization that actually acts professionally.
By Buge
September 1, 2006 06:53 AM | Link to this
What do you expect from Mora the liar. The man can not tell the truth to save his life. The game would have meant a little more if the starters had played the first quarter.
By jammer
September 1, 2006 06:57 AM | Link to this
The real point being missed by all is that the Falcons charge us season ticket holders FULL PRICE for these horrible games. I have trouble giving the tickets away but the Falcons are raking in my money. The least they could have done was set up autograph booths in various areas with the starters since they were not doing anything. Keep preseaon games but give the fans a choice on the ticket purchase!!!!!
By BG
September 1, 2006 06:57 AM | Link to this
I enjoyed it from the confines of my great room on a big screen TV and surround sound. It was fun to see all the new talent the Falcons have aquired. I know what Crumpler, Vick and Dunn can do. So let the kids play!
By jimmy
September 1, 2006 06:58 AM | Link to this
The real point being missed by all is that the Falcons charge us season ticket holders FULL PRICE for these horrible games. I have trouble giving the tickets away but the Falcons are raking in my money. The least they could have done was set up autograph booths in various areas with the starters since they were not doing anything. Keep preseaon games but give the fans a choice on the ticket purchase!!!!!
By Rod
September 1, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this
Mora knew all week that he wasn’t going to play the starters - yet he lied and said they’d be playing a half.
That’s bush-league inappropriate behavior. I agree with not risking injury - but don’t lie to your paying customers and have them incur the expense of getting to the dome to watch a bunch of second rate players.
Mora is acting more juvenile every season.
By Robert
September 1, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this
There are some really stupid comments on here from people who didn’t get the point of the article. The point wasn’t whether or not the starters should have played. The point was Mora LIED to the fans just to get them to the dome.
If he’s not going to play the starters, fine. BUT DON’T LIE TO US and make us pay the money to go to the game when we think we’re going to see starters. Just like when he lied and held back information about Crumpler. The man has no integrity at all.
By Russ Brock
September 1, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this
Exhibition games are nothing but glorified practices with increased chances of injury. Period! However, I get the point. It isn’t what Mora actually did. It is the fact he did what is actually illegal in the business market: “bait and switch,” which is precisely what he did. He baited those who came with the hope of seeing Vick and the other starters, but once the “customers” arrived, he switched to an inferior product but, even worse, he still sold it for the same price. In the business world, not only would you be fined, but you could be criminally charged. So, Mora is just one of what so many of the NFL players have become - criminals. Given that, what more could you expect?
By Richard
September 1, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this
Norb Hecker, Norm Van Brocklin, Marion Campbell, Pat Peppler, Leman Bennett, Dan Henning, Jerry Glanville, June Jones and Dan Reeves all had more class than Jim Mora as a Falcons coach! Yes - Glanville has more class that Mora!
Mora’s a punk and Blank will soon figure it out.
By chris
September 1, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this
You folks must know nothing about football. If you did know about professional football then you would know that 99% of the teams dont play their starters the last game of the PRE-SEASON. If they did play it was just going to be one series.
FOr all you people that did pay, get a grip. Stop complianing and be happy that only one key player got hurt in training camp and non during the pre-season games. If you were a fan you would support the Falcons no matter who is on the field.
By rob
September 1, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this
This is the NFL’s fault for charging regular price for pre-season games. It’s a joke and a fraud. I have season tix, and I went last night, but I left at halftime just because the game was painful to watch. I recorded and watched Shockley’s plays when I got home.
The NFL proves that it’s not a league concerned about the fans when it charges ridiculous prices for these glorified scrimmages. Maybe this is something the new commissioner will fix.
By Rod
September 1, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this
I agree with the Bait and Switch concept Russ said in his 7:41 post. It’s unethical what Mora did. But Blank loves him so much, he couldn’t care less about anything bad Mora does.
By Robert Wayne
September 1, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this
Vick has declared his intention of taking the Falcons all the way, saying this is “His Team”, so maybe he made the decsion to sit out “His Starters”. I predict a near repeat of last season, maybe more loss. I have always been a Falcons Fan, in good or bad weather, loosing or winning. My Dream came true when the Falcons made it to the SuperBowl with an Old QUARTERBACK, who could not scramble and run like Vick. When will History Repeat itself?
By Ryan
September 1, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this
You know what? Mora’s ONLY obligation to you, a fan, is to prepare the team to win REGULAR SEASON GAMES.
So if, for example, Coach X had a quarterback competition in preseason, said that Quarterback X woudl start the first game, and at the last minute decided to go with Y instead, he should be crucified? You saying the coach has to pass all of his decisions through Mark Bradley for discussion and approval before he makes them? Bradly, you are paid to write, not make football decisions.
By chris
September 1, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
Its funny how people are upset now, but if a starter would have played and gotten hurt the whole city would be ready to fire Mora.
You folks are acting like a coach cannot make a game-time decision.
By robert
September 1, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
Im a season ticket holder, and a real fan of the falcons. I enjoy seeing the rookies play and actually try to evaluate them myself. Unlike many of the people who attended the game last night who were given tickets by season ticket holders who didnt bother coming. And I understand that as well as it is A weekday and most of us have jobs outside of atlanta. I think four preseason games is ok but I think , SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ONLY should have to pay half price for the two home games. This would reward loyal fans for there support and possibly increase demand for season tickets.Mr Blank I hope your listening.
By mart
September 1, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this
Anyone who attends practice games and expects to see (1) starters play and (2) all-out good football, is either not a follower of the sport (i.e., not a fan) or is stupid beyond belief. Let’s give this hand wringing over the meaninglessness of practice games a rest.
By TL
September 1, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this
I am a season ticket holder and I understand the logic of not playing your starters in a meanless game. I just wished that I didn’t get charged regular season prices for the seats. They should be no more then half price.
By eddiem
September 1, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
bunch of whiners, Mark Bradley included….its preseason-nobody cares-gimme the best healthy talent come September 10th-Mora did the right thing-prepare the team for the REGULAR SEASON……..
By Matt
September 1, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this
RICHARD!!!! That was the line of the day!!! How could anyone compare Glanville to Mora??? HAAAAAA !!! ;-) Class might matter for a baseball manager but a NFL head coach ? NAAAAAA….. Class never won us championships !!!!!!!! Go DIRTYBIRDS
By mo
September 1, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
I was SO HAPPY to see those players not take the field! I mean, it was wonderful to know that the first stringers will not be playing some inconsequential game that goes to nowhere.
Plus, I really wanted to see Schaub and Shockley. I also wanted to see the other defensive ends and Jimmy Williams at CB.
Well, Jimmy is still so young- he’ll get eaten alive in a real game. He needs to go to the practice squad this year. I never want to see him again in 2006.
As for Shockley, even though I never want to see him again this year (or Shaub), I have more confidence in him. He just plain old looked good out there. That guy is cool and very poised. My only concern is that he can’t shake off every tackle in the big time. But he’ll be ready next year when Schaub starts somewhere else.
By eddiem
September 1, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
bunch of whiners, Mark Bradley included….its preseason-nobody cares-gimme the best healthy talent come September 10th-Mora did the right thing-prepare the team for the REGULAR SEASON……..
By eddiem
September 1, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
bunch of whiners, Mark Bradley included….its preseason-nobody cares-gimme the best healthy talent come September 10th-Mora did the right thing-prepare the team for the REGULAR SEASON……..
By eddiem
September 1, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
bunch of whiners, Mark Bradley included….its preseason-nobody cares-gimme the best healthy talent come September 10th-Mora did the right thing-prepare the team for the REGULAR SEASON……..
By Johnny
September 1, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
I went to the game and left in the 2nd quarter. Total joke. They just shouldnt have these games. Its just guys on the field who are pretty much about to be cut. That way, any injury is moot.
By greg
September 1, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
Good thing the Falcons don’t give a Damn about what you think
By Connie Lingous
September 1, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
What’s the logic of telling the public the starters will play a half? Because we lost badly to Washington in a 2004 preseason game? Then the guys whose “mindset” he was worried about don’t play? Hello?!?!?!
Mora’s an immature tool.
By Tommy
September 1, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Its preseason you expect not to see the starters. But come next week when every thing isn’t in time and they arent in the game. Mora will wish Vick had got a little more work. My daddy always told me “batting practice against live pitching is better than hitting off of the tee”. Remember that come next week.
By Jim
September 1, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Are these starters so mentally weak that they have to have the head coach tell them that they’re going to play a half for them to be “up” for the game? IF so, maybe that’s why they’ve never had back to back winning seasons and not the offensive line, the Vick in the pocket vs out of the pocket debate or the defense. And Mr. Bradley, Mora does not “have a love for semantics”. He’s an arrogant little snot that thinks that Del Rio was hanging on to every word he said to the AJC for information on how to beat the Falcons! Oh yeah in a game that means NOTHING! I don’t mind not seeing the starters play in an exhibition game, but I sure don’t think it’s fair - Arthur Blank! - to pay full price to see some guy play football who will be bagging groceries next week. Just one man’s opinion!
By Tommy
September 1, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Its preseason you expect not to see the starters. But come next week when every thing isn’t in time and they arent in the game. Mora will wish Vick had got a little more work. My daddy always told me “batting practice against live pitching is better than hitting off of the tee”. Remember that come next week.
By chris
September 1, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
the bottom line is that its not Mora’s fault,or the Falcon’s price for the game. Its the NFL’s fault for having 4 pre season games and charging fans full price for the games. They should just add 2 games to the regular season schedule and stop all thses useless games.
By tixholdersince66
September 1, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this
About this full price preseason debate! It is all about how you deliver the product, and Blank is a master of this. Since he has raised season ticket pricing every year (mine are currently $89.00 per game) and will probably go up again next season, why not just inflate the 8 regular game ticket price to cover a reduced preseason price.
example: Currently: 10 tickets x $89.00= $890.00 Proposed: 2 preseason tickets x $49.00 8 regular tickets x $99.00 Total revenue= $890.00 No loss in revenue and fans get perception of reduced pricing. Kinda like your buddy telling you “I’m getting a refund” when asked how much taxes he pays.
By Pocahantas
September 1, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
DJ Shockley was awesome last night. He has heart, talent, and great presence on the field. Vick is injury prone and has the lowest quarterback stats in the NFL. Vick does have talent but lacks the heart. He already made millions, but no drive to be number 1.
By Pocahantas
September 1, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
DJ Shockley was awesome last night. He has heart, talent, and great presence on the field. Vick is injury prone and has the lowest quarterback stats in the NFL. Vick does have talent but lacks the heart. He already made millions, but no drive to be number 1.
By Pocahantas
September 1, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
DJ Shockley was awesome last night. He has heart, talent, and great presence on the field. Vick is injury prone and has the lowest quarterback stats in the NFL. Vick does have talent but lacks the heart. He already made millions, but no drive to be number 1.
By Connie Lingous
September 1, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this
The preseason ticket pricing is an NFL rule - nothing any team can do about it, even if they wanted to, which they don’t.
By the way, Mr. Bradley’s hair looked better when it was poofy.
By Fballer1
September 1, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this
Anyone who goes to a preseason game expecting to see a real football game should have to pay extra for a ticket. I have refused to go to preseason games, even when I had season tickets, for the past 15 years. I am still waiting for the NFL (No Football League-Preseason) to get rid of the preseason package, or at least reduce it to 2 games, and get on with real football.
By Zman
September 1, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this
I have no problems saving the starters. In fact this is the best way to check out the guys on the bubble. But being a season ticket holder it has always been my gripe that we pay the same price to see preseason games as well as regular season games. I think they should have just two preseason games and then start the regular season. You don’t have to have final cutdown till after the second game of the regular season. Also increase the regular season by those 2 games. At least you know you will get your moneys worth if those 2 extra games count.
By Jim
September 1, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this
Are the starters so mentally weak that the head coach has to tell them that they are going to play a half to get them mentally prepared for the game?? If so, maybe THAT is the reason why the Falcons have never had back to back winning seasons and NOT the offense, the defense or the endless Vick “in the pocket vs out of the pocket” debate.
Mr. Bradley, Mora does not “have a love for semantics”. He’s an arrogant little snot who thinks that Jaguars coach Del Rio is hanging on to every word that Mora says to the AJC for some insight to beating the Falcons in a game that means NOTHING! Mora has zero credibility … says all week he’s going to play the starters then when he sees an empty dome has a “gut feeling” to not play them? He loves to jerk the media and thus the fans around with “lawyer’esque” quotes that leave him more than enough room to come back after the fact and say “that’s not what I said” or “that’s not what I meant”! The proof will be on the field this fall.
As for playing the starters in exhibition, play them/don’t play them I don’t care. But - MR BLANK - don’t charge me full price to watch some guy who is going to be bagging groceries next week play football.
By Rob Hicks
September 1, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
1) It was great to se D.J. get some playing time and he had some great moments. 2) It’s pre-season and it was time to get a last look at some guys who are on the bubble of the 53 who will make the team. That’s the idea of pre-season. It’s like practice only against another team. If someone doesnt want to see practice, dont pay for a ticket.
By worried about ya comments
September 1, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
You people are going down fast,the starters have to do what the coach say jim,maybe you people think you know something about football and Mr.Blank has nothing to do with the price of COKE he owns the team not the cups dimwhit i cannot believe you sad that we know what you live in.Get with it people learn the game and then you can speak intelligent about FOOTBALL.Stop acting like Falcon Fans you people need to watch HOCKEY.Have a great football season.
By John
September 1, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this
I was at the game and it was a good game since both teams decided not to play their starters. Everything was even for both teams. It was an opportunity for the young guys to play as much as possible becasuse many of them will be back to their regular jobs or get picked by nother team. Our non starters put on a good game. I am impressed with D.J. on his on field leadershiip. Great move Coach Mora and staff. Go Falcons.
By John
September 1, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
I was at the game and it was a good game since both teams decided not to play their starters. Everything was even for both teams. It was an opportunity for the young guys to play as much as possible becasuse many of them will be back to their regular jobs or get picked by nother team. Our non starters put on a good game. I am impressed with D.J. on his on field leadershiip. Great move Coach Mora and staff. Go Falcons.
By John
September 1, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
I was at the game and it was a good game since both teams decided not to play their starters. Everything was even for both teams. It was an opportunity for the young guys to play as much as possible becasuse many of them will be back to their regular jobs or get picked by nother team. Our non starters put on a good game. I am impressed with D.J. on his on field leadershiip. Great move Coach Mora and staff. Go Falcons.
By John
September 1, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
I was at the game and it was a good game since both teams decided not to play their starters. Everything was even for both teams. It was an opportunity for the young guys to play as much as possible becasuse many of them will be back to their regular jobs or get picked by nother team. Our non starters put on a good game. I am impressed with D.J. on his on field leadershiip. Great move Coach Mora and staff. Go Falcons.
By Scott
September 1, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
Let me get this out there for anyone that is upset that starters watched the game from the pine. As a true fan you should know that starters dont care about preseason and we want them to be ready for next week and the rest of the season. Anyone that has an image burned in their head of Vick playing in a meaning less game and ending up on his back hold his leg in pain. I bet all the people that wanted to see a good game for the preseason were happy that they got to see the starters. Well we got to see 16 crappy games after that, and they meant something—a whole lot of loses. So if our coach want to see the starters the whole preseason I’m fine with that just make sure they are ready for the real season that one that counts.
By DHD
September 1, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
I was telling my friend as we were walking up to the Dome…”I hope the Falcons don’t play any of their starters.” It may be the only game that I go to all season because I’m not a season ticket holder and I work on Sundays. Was I upset that Vick and company didn’t play? Nope. What would the team have to gain by playing them? A win to go 3-1 in the preseason? What does that get you?
The answer to this is to have only 2 pre-season games and add 2 regular season games to the schedule.
By RH
September 1, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
What this sounds like to me is that most of you know that Vick is injury prone and you do not want that to happen until the first or second game. Do not worry Vick will be hurt this season just give it time. I do agree that Mora should have told the truth but it is a money thing not to make a fan happy thing. Just remember a starter can get hurt in the first game and be out for the rest of the season. I also agree that the players of today are really whimps. I have never heard so much crying over hamstrings, growing pulls, broken finger nails, and etc. than I have in the past couple of years from players who are suppose to be tough. Just get rid of preseason and add a couple of games to the season.
By DHD
September 1, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
I was telling my friend as we were walking up to the Dome…”I hope the Falcons don’t play any of their starters.” It may be the only game that I go to all season because I’m not a season ticket holder and I work on Sundays. Was I upset that Vick and company didn’t play? Nope. What would the team have to gain by playing them? A win to go 3-1 in the preseason? What does that get you?
The answer to this is to have only 2 pre-season games and add 2 regular season games to the schedule.
By RH
September 1, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
What this sounds like to me is that most of you know that Vick is injury prone and you do not want that to happen until the first or second game. Do not worry Vick will be hurt this season just give it time. I do agree that Mora should have told the truth but it is a money thing not to make a fan happy thing. Just remember a starter can get hurt in the first game and be out for the rest of the season. I also agree that the players of today are really whimps. I have never heard so much crying over hamstrings, growing pulls, broken finger nails, and etc. than I have in the past couple of years from players who are suppose to be tough. Just get rid of preseason and add a couple of games to the season.
By Derek
September 1, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
People need to look at the big picture!! You should be upset to pay full price for tickets to a pre-season game. And if any starter got hurt in the last pre-season game when they should be watching from the sidelines, Jim Mora would never be forgiven. So people open your eyes to the big picture. We are trying to win a Super Bowl not an exhibition game.
By Jim J
September 1, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
Waa! Waa! Waa! Boo Hoo! Bradley, you open the blog with a whiney, snot-dripping recitation and look what happens. Mora and Blank couldn’t care less about Bradley’s whining, $4.50 Cokes, $6 Hot Dogs, or anything else right now except winning REGULAR SEASON football games. As long as they stay competitive, somebody will buy all the seats, all the Cokes, all the Buds, and all the Hot Dogs that the Dome can produce. Al Davis said it as well as it can be said: “Just win, baby.” Falcons go 11-5, make the playoffs, Vick better than ever; the rich just keep getting richer…….
By mike
September 1, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
The issue here has little to do with football and everything to do with an organizations credibility. The football fans of Atlanta should be treated with the respect partners deserve. We are all helping to finance the Falcons operation and success. We deserve NOT to be lied to. Strategic decisions should be shared with those who are paying the bills. By misleading the fans he treated us like chumps, not valued investors. Remember this the next time Mora answers ANY question that could impact attendance at the dome. He’s got a lot of Coke to sell no matter how the team is doing.
By Jim J
September 1, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
Waa! Waa! Waa! Boo Hoo! Bradley, you open the blog with a whiney, snot-dripping recitation and look what happens. Mora and Blank couldn’t care less about Bradley’s whining, $4.50 Cokes, $6 Hot Dogs, or anything else right now except winning REGULAR SEASON football games. As long as they stay competitive, somebody will buy all the seats, all the Cokes, all the Buds, and all the Hot Dogs that the Dome can produce. Al Davis said it as well as it can be said: “Just win, baby.” Falcons go 11-5, make the playoffs, Vick better than ever; the rich just keep getting richer…….
By Jim J
September 1, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
Waa! Waa! Waa! Boo Hoo! Bradley, you open the blog with a whiney, snot-dripping recitation and look what happens. Mora and Blank couldn’t care less about Bradley’s whining, $4.50 Cokes, $6 Hot Dogs, or anything else right now except winning REGULAR SEASON football games. As long as they stay competitive, somebody will buy all the seats, all the Cokes, all the Buds, and all the Hot Dogs that the Dome can produce. Al Davis said it as well as it can be said: “Just win, baby.” Falcons go 11-5, make the playoffs, Vick better than ever; the rich just keep getting richer…….
By kellix
September 1, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Bradley is ususally something worth while, this was is definalty crappie, ITS preseason, the games are not good, you play rookies, if someone got their panties in a wad over this, don’t buy pre-season tickets. I’m glad he did hold the starters, it was a nothing game, also notice on the JAX side, they did the same, no starters.
By George
September 1, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
I think some of you idiots miss the point…the cost of a preseason game is the same as regular season games AND if you are a season ticket holder YOU MUST PURCHASE FOUR TICKETS YOU DO NOT REALLY WANT. Lower the cost of preseason tickets and don’t make them mandatory. If people choose to buy them under those conditions, they deserve whatever lineup Mora feels like playing in a particular game.
By George
September 1, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
I think some of you idiots miss the point…the cost of a preseason game is the same as regular season games AND if you are a season ticket holder YOU MUST PURCHASE FOUR TICKETS YOU DO NOT REALLY WANT. Lower the cost of preseason tickets and don’t make them mandatory. If people choose to buy them under those conditions, they deserve whatever lineup Mora feels like playing in a particular game.
By shane
September 1, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
I believe that we, season ticket holders, were screwed by the pre-season schedule this year. The Falcons first and last pre-season games this year were the home games -both of which we paid full price and got to see absolutely NOTHING. In the first game, the starters played 2 series. In this last game, they obviously didn’t play at all. The Falcons should have included these tickets with the purchase of season tickets, not charge extra. At least then maybe Mr. Blank would be able to justify the price tag found on food and beverages at the Dome.
By RH
September 1, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
Some of you all do not get the point, who cares? College Football started last night and those players do not make near as much and the games are much better, and there is no preseason.
By bravedav
September 1, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
UNBELIEVABLE! Mora decides to plays Vick…deja vu all over again…Vick goes down for the year. That happens and this entire article and blog would be screaming, “Why did Mora play his starters in a POINTLESS GAME?!” Save the franchise - he’s the one putting butts in the seats. Honestly MB, do you really believe what you write?
By RH
September 1, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
I have never seen so many people worried about Vick getting hurt. He will get hurt this season count on it, he gets hurt every season. What will you all do when that happens? I know you will blame it on Mora for playing him. I have a great idea, do not play Vick at all and just let him sit on the bench. That will keep everybody happy and the fans will come to see a 100 million dollar player sit on the bench.
By Doc
September 1, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
You think you’re p* now… Wait until the season starts and we have, once again, the unbridled hope of Vick’s million dollar body and the bone-jarring reality of his 10 cent head.
By Doc
September 1, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
You think you’re p* now… Wait until the season starts and we have, once again, the unbridled hope of Vick’s million dollar body and the bone-jarring reality of his 10 cent head.
By RH
September 1, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
To top it off, Blank could care less about Vick or any player. All Blank cares about is making money. That was true when he signed Vick for that kind of money. He knew it did not matter how bad of QB Vick might be, he would put fans in the stands and then he would sell season tickets $4 cokes, and $6 hotdogs. I hope some of you understand that.
By TROCK
September 1, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
So what they didn’t play the starters. I am a season ticket holder and I pay full price for those tickets. I also attend the games just to critique whatever player (rookie or veteran) is on the field. I apologize for Jim misleading some fans, but I need the team to be prepared for the real thing on next Sunday. I pay too much money for players to risk injury in meaningless games. Preseason tickets should be an option in our packages but of course they wouldn’t sell because our fan base is not as loyal as Green Bay or Pittsburgh, etc. Some Sundays when I arrive at church people are leaving because the Senior Pastor is absent and the Associate Pastor is delivering the message for the day. Backups and people second in command can be just as good as the FIRST.
By Chris
September 1, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
If you are a true Falcons fan, last night game was expected. This last game had no meaning, so why play your starters.. Give the young guys a chance to make the team. Remember this is entertainment to us but a career for them. If they get hurt they may loose there job and we go back to work like nothing happened.
To the guy complaining about the price of a Coke… If you ever wonder why people tailgate before the game, thats why. Look at it this way your family enjoyed the outing, maybe next time you will be better prepared…
By Pago Pago
September 1, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
Hard to imagine anybody going to a pro game instead of a college game! Can you say “tailgate”…”price of tkts etc”…”atmosphere”….can’t be beat…
By Top Gun
September 1, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this
I have had Season Tickets for over 20 Years. The problem that I have is I feel that pre season game tickets should be sold at half price of the regular season tickets.
Another problem I have never really been able to understand. Is how anyone that can add pay $6 or more for a single beer. You can buy a six pack for the price of one beer in the dome. Why Not buy a case & drink a few before the game? I would never buy a beer or coke in the dome. I’m not poor, nor I’m not rich. But it seems like a total waste of money. Can anyone explain to me why people would pay those prices?
By 2N4YEARS
September 1, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Wasn’t it just a year or two ago that Vick went down for half the season because of a ‘pre-season game injury’?? And besides that, who would be foolish enough to sit in Atlanta traffic, park, walk to the Dome on top of what ever they paid for their tickets all in the hopes of seeing a handful of plays from the starters from a game that doesn’t even count?? So, Mark Bradley, when you start forking out your OWN money for a Falcons ticket, use your gas, pay for your parking & so it’s all on YOUR OWN time, and you’re foolish enough to admit it, start complaining. Until then, buy a box of tissues. We don’t want to hear it.
By Edgar
September 1, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
I go to one PS game every year. I usually go to the first one to see if there are any new folks around in our seating area. This year I was out of town for the first one so I went last night and I got just what I figured I would. I enjoyed it for a while but of course it got boring watching all the missed tackles, poor kicks, poor punts, bad throws, missed assignments and the whole lot. So I left at half time. I would have stayed longer only if it had been a regular season game. It wouldn’t have mattered who was playing. Stop trying to blister the people at Flowery Branch by calling them liars. Just because they don’t suck up to the sports editors of your staff any more doesn’t mean you have to go out and question their credibility. Go out and work for a living again Mark. Do what you were taught in college again. It’s called footwork, pounding the beat or going behind the scenes and getting a “Source that wishes to remain anonymous.” Don’t take what they tell you for granted. Do you think they tell the opposing team what their game plan is? DUH!!! Did they challenge your manhood by saying they were going to play Vick and the rest of the crew? If you got a call from Sharon Stone saying she was coming over for a little roll would you get pi$$ed because you wasted a Viagra and 10 bucks on a pint of MD 20-20? If a pseudo-fan gets a hand-me-down season ticket and feels like he got his manhood reduced because he didn’t get to see Pat Kearny tear some QB’s head off then he don’t understand what football is all about now does he or maybe she? Put this crap to bed.
By jim mitchell
September 1, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
Would you pay $130 to go watch practive with subs? Thats what I ended up doing last night. Why does the NFL and the Falcosn do this to their fans? Becasue they can…. I do not fualt the guys that played as they are trying to make the team or catch on some where else, but the Falcons, Jags, and NFL force the fans to pay for a real NFL game which was not what they put on.
Shame on you NFL, you should refund all of the season ticket holders for that exhibition.
By bob
September 1, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
It’s obvious folks, Mark had nothing else to write about today.For the record, the NFL mandates charging the same price for preseason games not the Falcons. Mora did the right thing by letting his starters believe they were playing up until game time. And for all of you so-called fans, if you didn’t know this was possible then you should be at home anyway!!!
By Edgar
September 1, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
For some of you that have season tickets and still don’t understand what preseason is for then quit buying them and let someone that really understands what the NFL is doing and stay home and watch the games on 11 Alive during the preseason and go to work and tell everyone that you work with at Checkers that you used to have Falcon season tickets until they told you that you were too ignorant to have the privlege to buy them. Oh yeah, tell Jim when he comes by for his every day lunch of 6 slaw dogs with chilli and a strawberry soda to go back to Charlotte and watch his kitties play.
By jim mitchell
September 1, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Would you pay $130 to go watch practive with subs? Thats what I ended up doing last night. Why does the NFL and the Falcosn do this to their fans? Becasue they can…. I do not fualt the guys that played as they are trying to make the team or catch on some where else, but the Falcons, Jags, and NFL force the fans to pay for a real NFL game which was not what they put on.
Shame on you NFL, you should refund all of the season ticket holders for that exhibition.
By Fal-Canned
September 1, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
I expected a spirited game. instead, what I saw was a half-heartedly played game. The pee wees had more fun playing at the half, I bet. what a waste of my time! I didn’t expect to see half-assed game like I saw last night. BS, Mora.
By Edd Anderson
September 1, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons win and go far in the playoffs, then ” it’s all good ” !!! Let’s beat Carolina and forget the pre-season warm-up games !! Everybody is healthy..
By e.b.
September 1, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
anyone that knows anything about preseason NFL games, know that this is what you get. And thank God that Vick didn’t play, because remember it was one of these silly exhibition’s where he got his leg broken.
By e.b.
September 1, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
anyone that knows anything about preseason NFL games, know that this is what you get. And thank God that Vick didn’t play, because remember it was one of these silly exhibition’s where he got his leg broken.
By Mel in Midtown
September 1, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
dawgzona:
You must be a UGA grad. The word is “whine,” not “wine.”
By wesley
September 1, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this
I say play all the starters as much as possible. They are by and large the same team as last year, and last year’s team needed all the help it could get. This year looks more of the same……….
By dawgzona
September 2, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
Wow, sorry Mel! Hope you didn’t lose sleep over that one. How dare I misspell a word on a blog. I’ll be sure to come clean with my friends and family. As for you…you should probably have some whine and relax.