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DEL.ICIO.USSo far, so great for Falcons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Charlotte — Minutes, or maybe milliseconds, after the Falcons opened the season on Sunday by splattering the supposedly mighty Carolina Panthers across the floor of Bank of America Stadium, Jim Mora did the right thing. He told — or shall we say ordered — his players to forget about it. “I can’t recall if he’s ever done that before,” said tight end Alge Crumpler, referring to the wisdom of the Falcons’ third-year head coach.
This is the same Mora who recalled the Panthers crushing his team by a combined score of 68-17 during a two-game sweep of last season, developed amnesia during the week and told his players to do the same by not watching those game films.
Now Mora would prefer that his players ignore the impressive replays (and there were a slew of them for the Falcons) of what happened this time. “We’ll take [the victory] and get out of here as fast as we can before we have to play them again,” said Mora, who doesn’t have to worry about that until Christmas Eve, when the Panthers visit the Georgia Dome.
Then there was safety Lawyer Milloy, a rookie to this defense but a veteran when it comes to the NFL in general and to flashing a champion’s mind-set around a locker room in particular. Microseconds, or maybe nanoseconds, after the Falcons sealed their absolutely suffocating 20-6 victory before the hissing packed house of 73,522, Milloy was searching for something or somebody that had the score of Tampa Bay’s game against Baltimore.
The Falcons’ next game is against Tampa Bay, you see. And as trite as it always sounds, teams along the way to significance or beyond really do, well, let Milloy tell you what you know is coming. “If we keep taking it one game at a time, we can start putting a string of these good games back to back,” Milloy said, with a résumé from his New England Patriots days that features two trips to the Super Bowl, including a world championship. “I always think we can play better. This is just one game. We can continue to do well as long as our team stays healthy and [we] stay humble.”
Uh-oh. As for the healthy part, the only thing that could stop John Abraham from knocking the growl out of the Panthers throughout the afternoon was his groin injury near the end of the blowout. Prior to that, he spent his Falcons debut joining Milloy in suggesting early and often that these aren’t the defensive patsies with birds on their helmets from last season. To the Panthers, he was omnipresent and omnipotent. “I mean, what’s amazing to me is, everybody’s asking me like this just happened, but I’ve been doing this my whole career,” said Abraham, who finished with five tackles (it seemed like 50), two sacks that forced two fumbles and a deflected pass. “If you watched me in New York [with the Jets for six years], it would be the same way.”
Hopefully, this won’t be the same: In 2003, Abraham played only seven games for the Jets. Why? He was placed on the injured reserve list — with a groin injury.
Unlike Milloy and Abraham, splendid defensive end Patrick Kerney has been with the Falcons for a while. Those involved with the organization hope he’ll be with them a while longer without missing any games this season after damaging his triceps near the same surgically repaired right elbow of two weeks ago.
As for the humble part that Milloy talked about, the Falcons are a work in progress as long as they have cornerback DeAngelo Hall, not exactly shy about sharing his thoughts on personal greatness to all the planets and whatever you call Pluto. Most recently, there were Hall’s apparent friendship-severing words this week about Steve Smith, the Panthers’ wide receiver whose injured hamstring spared him from participating in his team’s disaster that included the Falcons rushing for a ridiculous 252 yards. If you add the Falcons’ prowess on offense and defense to their efficiency on special teams, you have a team that could become full of itself without the right perspective.
So far, so great. “We’re a long way from perfect, because I put my hands on my helmet a couple of times, because I felt like I could have sprung Warrick [Dunn, who rushed for 132 yards] if I just held on to the block,” said Crumpler, shaking his head. He sighed, before adding the clincher that suggests that the Falcons just might be fine, “It’s still eating at me.”
Permalink | Comments (54) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
By dirrtybird
September 10, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
Whoa!!!! Terence showing the love!!
By Dominic Hughes
September 10, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
Yes, a great win. But Mora is right. The last thing the Falcons need now is to start reading about how great they were this week and then blow it next week. Tampa Bay were humiliated by the Ravens. They’ll be coming to town looking to prove something. Let’s hope the injuries to Kerney and Abraham are not serious. But if either can’t play next week, time for the younger guys to step up and play. No excuses this year Falcons. Let’s roll.
By grance
September 10, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
HUMILITY? What’s that? It is great to hear a key NFL player talking about humility. I hope everyplayer in that locker room kepts that in mind after every win this season (hopfully they’ll be a lot of ‘em), because they should know that a good season can quickly become a wasted 8-8.
By chi chi
September 10, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
I bet old abraham wont play next week and maybe kerney to hopefully its not seriuos i think they held kerney out because Abe was doing fine by himself it just seems we are snake biten
By Isaac Adelenge
September 10, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
two minutes or so to play. the game well in hand. next time rotate in second stringers to lessen the chance of something freakish like abrahams groin injury. i mean the man was a stud the whole day. reward and protect these guys by taking them out of the game. We have more than capable back ups that can use the reps. discuss.
By Isaac Adelenge
September 10, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
lets call that D’Line “The Dirty Squadron”
By RA
September 10, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this
Well, well, well… Terence Moore, closet optimist?! Who would have figured on that one? Enjoyed the article, and you’re 100% right. If the Falcons had thought for one minute that they’d won the superbowl, I would have been terrified for the rest of the season! One great game a season does not make, and these birds know how fast a season can go from great, to lousy.
The attitude that this team is beginning to show, tells me that they’re turning a corner. They’re trying to go from the old Falcons who would consider a 10 point thrashing from a good team a moral victory to the new sweetness, a team that not only expects to beat the game’s elite, but expects to be perfect doing it. I think they’re on the right track. Time alone will tell if they get there…
By BirdDawg
September 10, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this
How about we do away with the tired “Dirty” monicker.
These aren’t the Dirtyturds.
Jamal Anderson doesn’t work here anymore, and neither does Reeves, Crystal (Chandelier), or the NFL’s Man of the Year (and best friend of Miami’s protestutes).
Those birds were dirty.
These birds are fast. They’re exciting.
Find a new freaking nickname, something original… how about that?
By Teej
September 10, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
No let’s call our D-line “The Final Four” Because they are the last the thing Delhomme will see when he goes to bed tonight!
By RA
September 10, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this
Birdawg,
You know you’re right. You’re right, eight years is way too long to hang on to that…nickname. Let’s see, what do we want though? I’m thinking about a nickname for the defense. Only something terrifying would do. We need something that’s going to let the other teams know what we’re going to beat out of them. And I guess, the name should have something to do with the color of the team’s uniforms. What about the Crimson Storm! I think that would be an awesome nickname, at least for the defense. Yea, the crimson storm!!!
If it catches on, consider it trademarked!
By Adrian
September 10, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
Wow John Abraham was amazing! Folks since we’re in the Bible belt, everybody should be saying some serious prayers for Mr. Abraham. Anybody who’s dealt with groin injuries knows they can come back again and again and really hamper an athlete. I want to stay positive, but I do not have a good feeling about this. Keep him in your prayers for this year!
By jcwfalcon
September 10, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
When we win the Superbowl, then we should start worrying about nicknames. For now lets just call them the Falcons.
By Rob S.
September 10, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
Koenen’s 2 for 4 day is a bit distressing. He wasn’t a real accurate kicker in college either…he really ought to focus on punting and long field goals. Nick Novak, Billy Cundiff, or Jeff Chandler could all help us more kicking anything less than 45 yards.
By nativefacon
September 10, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
How about the name, The Falcons Defense? I like it. :)
By Jeff
September 10, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
I don’t feel good about this groin injury, either. Let’s hope it isn’t serious.
I agree with jcwfalcon - it’s only been one game. Let’s just call them the Falcon’s, for now.
By laylaw
September 10, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this
Come on Jim!!! You had the game in the bag, get Abraham out of there. He had done enough and Arthur has paid too much money for him to be on the bench next week. Way to go Falcons!!!!
By hotrod
September 11, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this
i thought the birds played great today we have a far way to go but i think next week we will do fine without abraham i say we let hime get healthy cause this is gonna be a long year and were going to need hime when it really counts,,go falcons
By alphafalconfan
September 11, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this
stay focused, stay disciplined, stay humble, win ball games…..
By The Grinch
September 11, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
I hope we don’t mess Abraham up for the season by playing him against a P.O.’d Bucs team. Let it heal so we can win over the long haul. It’s obvious he was the key to everything positive that happened today. Err on the side of caution.
By Larry
September 11, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this
I absolutely agree with Issac. I wondered during the last few minutes why the backups weren’t getting some reps since the game was well in control. Hope we learned from this.
By Larry
September 11, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this
I agree Adrian. Groins never really heal completely. They often reoccur quite regularly. I don’t want to build my hopes because I’m not sure about depth on our defense. With Kearney and Abraham ailing, my faith is shaky at best.
By Birddawg knows it all
September 11, 2006 05:56 AM | Link to this
Birddawg, you are a fool.
By Joe Roman
September 11, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this
My most fervent hope is that this is the year to break the pundits addiction to chiches. There is more than one way to win in the NFL. Michael Vick’s statements indicate he’s finally got the idea down about establishing himself as a running threat. No other quarterback has been such a running threat-EVER. He’s a quarterback who is just as agressive with his legs as with his arm. The only weakness in such an attack is the necessity for the other factors of the team to be just as strong-and just as daring.
By joe
September 11, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this
New D-line name : The Fowl Line
By robert
September 11, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
I think I just heard the bandwagon pull up. And look whos in the front seat, why its Terrance Moore.
By Isaac Adelenge
September 11, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
The “Falcon Defense.” That’s so vanilla. Lighten up pals and have some fun with this. Okay , “dirty” should be retired. Just recognize tha the D’Line can be the key to this team winning the Championship. Kearney, Coleman, Abraham, Jackson. That’s a powerful combo!
By Arturo Blanco
September 11, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this
Nicknames? That’s the problem with Falcon fans - they’re too concerned about cute names and touchdown dances. Leave that s** to the media, I’m sure they’ll come up with some stupid name soon enough. Plus,as good as we looked, it takes more than one win to start giving nicknames. As fans we should be concentrating on one thing - bringing the noise next week to the House of Teal.
By Woodman
September 11, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
In 3 months, this will no longer be Michael Vick’s team. It will be John Abraham’s team. I’m going to buy a 55 jersey.
Our D-line are the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse!!!!!
By BKLNBirdFan
September 11, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this
Wheres the love for Grady! Big man tying up the middle while the lbs shootin the gap against the run was very welcome site. A healthy Grady = an actual run defense. Good times.
By Mike
September 11, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this
Abraham will play next week he just tweeked his groin, he made a statement after the game.
By Iceman
September 11, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
How about the Red Barons
By Iceman
September 11, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
How about the Sonic Boom of the South
By BirdDawg
September 11, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this
I’m a fool because I want to do away with the retarded “Dirty” nickname every moron over 40 wants to bestow on the Falcons?
I’m sorry, Isaac, if I’ve hurt your feelings, but those players who were the one year wonder Dirtyturds and their coach don’t work here no more (to use a Gayturd’s grammar).
This team is trying to build an identity. They’re trying to build a winner. They don’t need that stone hanging on their neck. And by the way, that was a terrible nickname.
Like I said, let’s find something original if y’all really want to name this defense.
But I’m with everyone else. Why have a gimmick or a nickname. Let the hits speak for themselves, Isaac.
By ga.swamper
September 11, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
Jackson,Abraham,Coleman,Kearney = JACK. QB’s don’t know JACK? They will after they get JACKed by the Falcon D. ROLL FALCONS!!!
By AR
September 11, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this
I love the way we played BUT PLEASE do not get the BIG HEAD like you always do. Play as is if it is your last game. I am praying Abraham is OK, he was a BEAST!!!! Again, please do not do what you normally do which is get the big head a lose to a team like Detroit….. STAY FOCUSED!!!!!!!
By #1BirdFan
September 11, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
Where is tito?
By Charlie
September 11, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Just as I predicted in this blog last week, the Falcons DOMINATED the panties in every way. This is not your faint of heart Falcons team. This team will be nobody’s patsie this season.
Abraham was spectacular; this guy was everywhere! Let’s all pray he is ok and remains healthy and able to play. Ditto Kerney, although I was impressed with Davis backing him up.
The team was clicking on all cylinders. Let’s see em’ do it again and again. My prediction: Falcons run all over the Bucs and our defense stifles Simms to frustration the same way they did GoHomme.
Love that Layer Milloy’s humble approach. Great to see this veteran lead by example.
By AFinPC
September 11, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Well…Let’s look at recent history…Falcons through the first 8 last season…6-2 (Playoff Bound!!)…last 8…2-6…WTF>>?? I’ll wait until December to think about getting exciteda… Don’t get me wront, the defense looked awesome..Especially when Delhomme (my fantasy QB) was shouting more expletives than plays!! GO FALCONS!@!
By 2 legit
September 11, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
T. Moore I am proud of you, a positive article!! GO T. Moore p.s. Falcons kicked assssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!
By DD
September 11, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
……….and, by the way, did anyone notice how “letting Mike BE Mike” seems to bring a Championship Flavor to the whole team?
By rian
September 11, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
Hey TM why don’t you call your butt buddy Chris Draft to see what he thinks a/b the Falcons and Mike Vick now…He could not catch Dunn and Crumpler was way to physical for Draft to cover him…keep talking smack Draft and we will keep winning!!!
By blackboi
September 11, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
Impressed with the team as a whole, as long as they keep that level of play they can contend with any team, and two Vick doesn’t need Manning numbers to win it all Defense still wins games, last year we would score and then they would score but this year we will make some stops which makes wins ease up on Vick cause we would have gotten this better if we didn’t draft him point blank
By bobby
September 11, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
I always felt that the last year was a fluke espcially with Carolina. They said that Carolina had solved the Vick problem. They only beat a broken team last year. Healthy - “We own them”. I know people will say that Steve Smith wasn’t there, well I will say we missed 4 or 5 defensive starters and many players had to play out of position - and Vick was hurt. This defense should be able to shut out everyone in our division as all our division opponents lack offensive power.
By Al D
September 11, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
Our Team the Falcons played well but we have a long season to go a tough schedule to play. I would like to comment in coach Mora deffense of not taking Abraham out of the game that this is part of football. These are professional players and this is what we fans and others come to see and we know that any given play your favorite player or any player that is can get injured or hurt. Hopefully Abraham injury isn’t seriously enough to keep him from playing but if he can’t go the next player BEST BE READY !!!!!!! $$$$$$$
By Brad in KY
September 11, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
If Abraham has to have an MRI on his groin, that probably means he’s really hurting. Also Kerney is a tough guy so it’s also a concern that he didn’t come back after his injury yesterday. A Pyrrhic victory indeed if those two are out for any length of time.
Also, why does everyone care whether Terrence Moore’s columns are “positive” or “negative”?
It seems to me that the most important feature of any column is whether it’s correct or not, whether the conclusion(s) follow from the premises and whether the premises are, in fact, true or not. Isn’t that Logic 101?
To be concerned whether they’re “positive” or “negative” is to miss the point. Terrence Moore isn’t employed in the Falcon’s public relations department and should say what he thinks to be the case. If he’s wrong then say he’s wrong and give reasons why he’s wrong. Calling him names makes you look like a fool, not Terrence Moore.
By Dirrtybird
September 11, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
So right past Carolina and onto the Bucs. Tampa is the team that really gives us trouble. Have the Falcons improved enough to run over Tampa like they did the Panthers? I expect that Tampa is a little better than the thumping they took yesterday. I expect Kerney to play, but could see Abraham missing this meeting. How big of a difference do you guys think that will make? will we have Ed Hartwell back for this game? This is going to be a tough game for us. Tampa actually has a good running back.
By Scott
September 11, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
Just so yall know Kerney did play after that yesterday He only played on palying downs and Abe will be ok. he said it him self he will play next week just so they have to double him and leave kerney and coleman singled.
By ebineezer
September 11, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
The Falcons win with DEFENSE but who’s picture gets in the papers?
By KC
September 11, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
So pretty much, everyone is saying the same thing. Falcons played great. Great Defense. Vick played well. Coaches should have used 2nd string late in game. Blah. Blah. Blah. It was one game. Yes, I agree it is good that they won their first game especially since they are playing Tampa Bay next week, but come on guys….just 1 game.
I am not trying to be pessimistic-just realistic. Let’s hope Abraham is ok to play because he played awesome. And I totally agree with ebineezer. Defense won the game but Vick gets the spotlight. That is messed up.
By james
September 11, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
new name for the d-line THE CLOSING STATEMENT
By David
September 11, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
So far, so good! If Abraham is ok, I’d have to give the Falcons a grade of A on offense; an A on defense; as well as an A for the coaching staff for having the Falcons so well prepared to play against a great Carolina team. The Falcons looked like world beaters out there. Their defense is vastly improved. Next week will be the real test, though, since our old nemesis, Tampa Bay and John Gruden are on the docket next for the Falcons. I would have to say, if the Falcons can manhandle the Tampa Bay Bucaneers as thoroughly and completely as they manhandled the Panthers, then I would say the Falcons are in for a real treat this season, and I seem them only getting better as the season progresses. On the other hand, if the Falcons win over the Panthers was just a fluke, and the Falcons get stomped by Tampa on Sunday 56-3, then I’ll know that the Falcons are heading for the gutter and they won’t be much improved this season. Let’s all hope that the former takes place and we can all look forward to rooting for the Falcons to make the SuperBowl this year. Go Falcons!
By justabirdfan
September 11, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Isaac Adelenge, how about the “JACKhammers” for Jackson, Abraham, Coleman, Kearney?
By Titothebear
September 11, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
Terrence Moore isn’t employed in the Falcon’s public relations department and should say what he thinks to be the case. If he’s wrong then say he’s wrong and give reasons why he’s wrong. Calling him names makes you look like a fool, not Terrence Moore. The excerpt above is from a post by Brad in Ky. It is one I agree with completely. Terence is very knowledgeable and he’s usually right. Many of you don’t agree with him but you don’t have the benefit of his experience or the luxury of his intellectual acuity. Calling him names reflects upon you and not upon him. So, no more name calling by those of you who disagree with Terence. Mr. Moore has many years experience and he is recognized as a fine writer. Please respond to him, and to me, with the deference one shows to those who deserve veneration.
By Edgar
September 11, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this
How about the “PEACHTREE POSSE”. Nobody can get away from these guys. Mount up Men! It’s time to get after the Bucs.