AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > September > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWeekend predictions: Falcons won’t need Abraham
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Kremlin — For anybody who might have missed it, Falcons coach Jim Paramoira disclosed again Thursday that John Abraham is questionable for this week’s big game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is to assume there is a game, or a team, or a league, or intelligent life on Earth, none of which the team would confirm.
The Falcons insist they are not trying to mess with the mind of Bucs coach Jon Gruden or circumventing NFL disclosure policies. Because really, in the big picture, who isn’t questionable?
“Since practice was closed today, I’ll tell you that Elvis looked really good at left tackle,” Paramoira said. “Thanks for coming out. Would you like a cookie? A neighbor gave them to me but I suspect they’re filled with tiny computer microchips. I’m not going to fall for that one again. Why are you looking at me like that? SECURITY!”
Just a guess here. (But I guessed 11 times against the line last week and got it right 10 times. You may bow now.) It won’t matter if Abraham is napping on Neptune on Sunday.
The Falcons are better against the run than a year ago, when they were just north of comatose and Carnell Williams ran for 266 yards and two touchdowns in two games.
The Bucs’ only other option is quarterback Chris Simms, whose totals against Baltimore included three interceptions, two sacks and zero scoring drives. Also, his father disowned him.
Straight from the source: Falcons win. But 5 1/2 is a bit rich. No cover.
Indentured students UAB at Georgia: Interesting confluence of events. Three Bulldogs return from suspension and Mark Richt was honored by making the cover of the Wheaties box. Specially marked boxes include a miniature defense attorney. (Hey, it’s T-ball.) Bowsers cover 17.
Troy at Tech: You know a coach (Chan Gailey) is well-traveled when he faces former employers two weeks in a row (Samford, Troy). Sorry, this is it. Air Force and Birmingham Fire survivors didn’t make the schedule. Bees win, but take Troy and 17.
Cat Fight: LSU beat Auburn in overtime last year because the Tigers’ John Vaughn missed five field goals. Of course, LSU is upset because that’s all anybody will talk about. I love when teams play the no-respect card. Not really. Auburn covers a field goal (oops).
Reality at Tennessee: Received some smack e-mail after Coach Pumpkinhead’s win over Cal. Guess Vowel fans have learned to get the bragging out of the way before the Florida game. Take cover and punt 3 1/2. Gators, Gators, Gators.
Miami at Louisville: I hate stats, but Miami has won seven of its past nine against ranked teams on the road. (Research? Hey, it happens.) Take Windbags and 5 — and in a straight upset.
N.C. State at Southern Ms.: Chuck Amato loses and complains that Akron lets in “non-qualifiers.” I don’t know what the big deal is. N.C. State lets non-qualifiers onto its coaching staff. (But take State and the 2 1/2.)
Clemson at FSU: The Seminoles needed two touchdowns in the last six minutes to beat Troy. Remember in the Stone Age when the JV could have scored two touchdowns in any six minutes? FSU wins, but take Clemson and 4 1/2.
Pros and Ex-cons Giants at Eagles: Philly is the best team in the East Division. I’m not sure the Giants are even the best team in East Rutherford. Philly covers 3.
Saints at Packers: Koren Robinson was arrested on DUI charges after a high-speed police chase, pretty much obliterating terms of his probation. Then he signed with Green Bay and was praised as a high-character guy by GM Ted Thompson. Jackie Sherrill is suing for copyright infringement. Saints cover 2.
Redskins at Cowboys: Dan Snyder’s decision to underwrite Tom Cruise’s films is not all about their friendship. It turns out that Baby Suri moves better than Mark Brunell. Joe Gibbs — Daytona is calling you. Dallas covers 6.
Raiders at Ravens: Randy Moss complains that Art Shell is too tough. Jerry Porter laughs during a loss. The NFL Network just found its first reality show. Ravens win but won’t cover 11 1/2.
Last week: 10-1 straight up, 10-1 against the line.
Season grossout: 15-3 straight up, 13-5 against the line.
Permalink | Comments (43) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz, Tech / ACC, UGA / SEC
Comments
By ChrisOutcast
September 14, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
Man, you’re a jackass. No need to talk about Fulmer in that way.. And please stop being biased towards UGA. There are enough over-zealous fans in Georgia that make me sick anyway.
By Matt
September 14, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
ChrisOutcast… don’t be so sensitive about Tennessee… it’s not Georgia’s fault that they barely beat Air Force.
By Mike
September 14, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
Hey Schultz, does that mean GA fans have to get their smack talk out of the way before the Florida game as well?
By Skydawg
September 14, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
Hey Mikey, the Gayturds better worry about UT, LSU and AU before worrying about beating the Dawgs and a march to the SEC Championship. Lets see how confident the gimmick Gayturd offense is when it faces some real competition with a patchwork O-line.
By Michael
September 14, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
Jeff is biased for UGA? I guess you don’t remember the “Trembling Chihuahua” days before Mark Richt.
By Ike
September 15, 2006 02:26 AM | Link to this
JEFF— no mention of the BIGGEST, most IMPORTANT game of the weekend… ND vs UM!
By Eli
September 15, 2006 03:33 AM | Link to this
Skydawg, did I miss something? Mike didn’t say a word about the SEC Championship — just about Florida beating Georgia every year (ok, ok, I know…you beat us the week after Ron Zook got fired — nicely done). The Gators probably won’t cruise through their insanely tough schedule this year, but it’s a pretty safe bet to say they’ll figure out a way to beat UGA again. Schultz — there’s your lock for the season, no matter the spread. Great job on 10 of 11 last week; that’s dominance on the same level as 14 Gator wins in the past 16 years against the Puppies. 15 of 17, here we come! Go Gators!
By brewdawg
September 15, 2006 04:38 AM | Link to this
Hey Gator fans, first off, there is no doubt you guys have absolutely owned us over the better part of two decades. Funny thing is though, we still lead by double digits in the series. I would enjoy this run while it lasts, because it WON’T last forever. Also, it’s pretty sad that the only thing your program has left from the Spurrier-era is beating Georgia. We’ll see you in the SEC championship game. Oh wait, no we won’t. Maybe when Spurrier tires of SC he will come back. Then and only then will you guys be a threat to a NT again. You were mediocre- at best- before Spurrier, and you are mediocre now. The only difference is now you are overrated too. Again, keep enjoying the UGA victories though.
By Bret
September 15, 2006 06:06 AM | Link to this
Love your column Jeff! Chris Outcast, as Lewis Grizzard was fond of saying, “Delta is ready when you are”.
By JB
September 15, 2006 06:14 AM | Link to this
So, when was the last time that the Croc’s played in Atlanta, in December and it wasn’t the Peach Bowl?
Winning in Jax is nice but I’ll take the win in early December, in Atlanta, anytime.
HBTD!!!!!!!!
By Clay
September 15, 2006 06:47 AM | Link to this
Ike—there is no way ND vs Mich is bigger on a national scale than AU vs LSU. I bet you feel silly now that you had the chance to read what you wrote, don’t you?
Eli—no doubt about it, UF owns UGA right now. Why is it, though, that UGA is the one that keeps playing for championships and UF hasn’t been a factor in the SEC since Spurrier left? No SEC titles before Spurrier got there, none since he left. You keep enjoying your series wins and I’ll keep enjoying Sugar Bowl berths. Thank you very much.
By Clay
September 15, 2006 06:48 AM | Link to this
Ike—there is no way ND vs Mich is bigger on a national scale than AU vs LSU. I bet you feel silly now that you had the chance to read what you wrote, don’t you?
Eli—no doubt about it, UF owns UGA right now. Why is it, though, that UGA is the one that keeps playing for championships and UF hasn’t been a factor in the SEC since Spurrier left? No SEC titles before Spurrier got there, none since he left. You keep enjoying your series wins and I’ll keep enjoying Sugar Bowl berths. Thank you very much.
By Brad Stephens
September 15, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this
ChrisOutcast, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Schultz is the only non-biased columnist at the AJC. If you’ve read his comments over the last few years like I have, you will see he equally makes snide remarks towards all. No team is left behind. That’s why you gotta love Jeff. Phil Fulmer is just an easy target that’s too good to leave alone. For example, the trembling chihuahuas remark was after the Richt era began if memory serves me correct, Michael. I know he’s used it in the last year or two. Keep up the good work!
By Nikki
September 15, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this
I agree with you, Jeff. The Falcons will win with or without JA. As long as Big Grady and Coleman are healthy and plugging up the middle, the birds will be just fine. Let’s not forget the birds have real safeties now as well.
By Nikki
September 15, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this
I agree with you, Jeff. The Falcons will win with or without JA. As long as Big Grady and Coleman are healthy and plugging up the middle, the birds will be just fine. Let’s not forget the birds have real safeties now as well.
By Col. Klink
September 15, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
I am suprised that Mr. Blank allowed Sgt. Schultz to predict that the Falcons would not cover the spread this weekend.
By parks
September 15, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
Eli you beat us last year without Shockley-nicely done
By Russ Brock
September 15, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this
What on earth have you been drinkin’ and snortin’? You luck out big last week but now you have lost your mind. The Vols are for real. The Gators go down and Auburn has the catnip to tame the Tigers from what’s left of Lousiana. The Raiders can’t cover a spread any more than you can a football game. The Saints will show they still is the Ain’ts as Brett will wake up the Pack and they’ll win one for the Gimper and the Lambeau lacklusters just to keep them coming back. Philly? Please. The are not for real. They will phall phar and phast. They’re old now and their creaky bones will not loosen up in time to win this weekend. However, I am with you on the Dawgs and Bees. The Bees might not even win. You know how well and how often they play down to the competition.
By PreyDawg
September 15, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Jeff…You are a jerk…Since Richt understandably blew up at you in a press conference last year you never miss an opportunity to take a shot at him. Maybe he is on the Wheaties box BECAUSE he suspended some players that broke rules. What would you like him to do…take the kids out and shoot them? Richt is a good man. There are plenty of bad men in college sports. Go pick on them.
By lawton
September 15, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
good point mike. im a bulldog fan, but for some reason, no matter who is coaching them now, the dogs freeze up in the headlights of the gators and find a way to lose.
By Jeff Schultz
September 15, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
MIKE: No question, there is a distinct absence of barking after the Florida game every year. …. MICHAEL: Thanks for the defense. I always laugh when people believe I’m pro or con anybody. Well, except for Phil Fulmer. I mean, how can you not be anti-Phil Fulmer? …. IKE: It’s only the biggest game of the week to Notre Dame or Michigan fans. But if you’re asking me, I think Notre Dame covers…. BRAD: Are you my long-lost twin? I typed the above Fulmer line before I even read your blog. … COL KLINK (if that’s you’re real name): If you really believe I’m in Arthur Blank’s pocket, you should refer back to columns when he didn’t hire Nick Saban and also let Joe Gibbs get away. But really, you can believe what you want as long as you keep reading and blogging. PREYDAWG: Are you for real? Richt didn’t “blow up” at me last year, although yes he was irritated. But, see, you have no idea about the background or the setting. You also probably don’t know that he followed that up with public apologies. You also probably don’t know that he phoned me the next day to say he liked the column I wrote and appreciated the fact that I DIDN’T take a shot at him, given how he reacted the day before. He had fully expected me to attack him because of that. Actually, PreyDawg, I’m guessing there are a lot of things you don’t know. But I do appreciate getting feedback from you in something other than crayon. Now, have a nice day. :)
Thanks all. I’ll be back, and try to make an effort to respond more often. JS
By falcon guy
September 15, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
Schultz,
You have to explain to me how the Ravens won’t cover 11.5 against the Raiders? The Ravens were able to score 27 points on the TB defense, which is in the top 10 at least among NFL defenses. Conversely, they held TB to zero points. Now TB isn’t the best offense, but they are certainly more capable than Oakland, not to mention not in turmoil. On the flip side, the Raiders gave up 27 to San Diego, with a 1st year starter at QB, Rivers, and scored 0 points. I see 11.5 as a no-brainer for the Ravens. Remember this isn’t the Kyle Boller led Ravens. They have McNair. That spells TD’s instead of field goals.
By CK
September 15, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
Hey Jeff… No offense but I think we get the point. You sound like a scratched record today.
Anyhow I must agree that The Falcons win with or without Abraham… I hope he sits this one out and gets ready to be with us for the rest of the season. We will need him.
My upset of the day for Saturday is Tenn over the Gators and My guess is Louisville takes Miami.
Eagles will win big over Cowpokes and Green Bay will beat the Saints in a squeaker.
By Matt
September 15, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
Hey Jeff, why anti-Fulmer? Tell me how he is different than other coaches in college football? Size…see Ralph Freigen or Mark Mangini? Winning Percentage? Perceived cheating..please see every coach in America including Bobby Bowden. Disicipline…most coaches have “internal” discipline and don’t even think about dismissing players. I just don’t see how Fulmer is any different than most coaches.
By ChrisOutcast
September 15, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Mike, I know it’s not the “dawgs” (ha) fault that TEnnessee came out with a 31-30 victory.
Maybe you should study a little more before you start talking. The game was 31-17 and the vols were about to score AGAIN to make it a 21 point game with 5 minutes left when Ainge threw an interception on the 10 yard line. Get your information right.. If it hadn’t have been for a couple onside kicks and lucky plays, then it wouldn’t have been a “close” game to your standards..
Sorry the Vols don’t play as great as those “dawgs”..
So how did the second coming of John Elway do against South Carolina? three interceptions? Wow, that’s really good.
As far as I’m concerned.. Tennessee, as well as ANY other team in the SEC is going to be worried about games such as LSU, Auburn, Florida WAY before they even think about UGA. UGA is at the bottom of the pecking order in the SEC.
I won’t be surprised when Georgia Tech gives the “Dawgs” some trouble in that sin-city called athens.
By CK
September 15, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Hey Jeff… No offense but I think we get the point. You sound like a scratched record today.
Anyhow I must agree that The Falcons win with or without Abraham… I hope he sits this one out and gets ready to be with us for the rest of the season. We will need him.
My upset of the day for Saturday is Tenn over the Gators and My guess is Louisville takes Miami.
Eagles will win big over Cowpokes and Green Bay will beat the Saints in a squeaker.
By Elmo Jones
September 15, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
I see once again that you think the Bullies are going to a picnic. It will not be easy. UAB don’t lay down for anybody.
By Heath Mason
September 15, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this
Jeff - Please start writing intelligent sports columns that acutally have valid points instead of taking out your personal grudges on certain teams. Until you do that, you will not be taken seriously. Yes, I am a Tennessee fan and I don’t have a problem with anyone picking them to lose, but the shots at Fulmer and other coaches gets really old. Since you are such an expert, please tell me how UF is going to beat UT this weekend. I’ll be waiting to hear from you Jeffy!
By Heath Mason
September 15, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
Jeff - Please start writing intelligent sports columns that acutally have valid points instead of taking out your personal grudges on certain teams. Until you do that, you will not be taken seriously. Yes, I am a Tennessee fan and I don’t have a problem with anyone picking them to lose, but the shots at Fulmer and other coaches gets really old. Since you are such an expert, please tell me how UF is going to beat UT this weekend. I’ll be waiting to hear from you Jeffy!
By OVERvolsRATED
September 15, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
ChrisOutcast,
Here is the voice of reason. We have heard nothing from the Vol-n-queers in several years now. But now that they have Cutcliff back and have started 2 and 0, you and all of your “most loyal fans” are back talking smack. Last year all the Vol fans were in hiding and wearing their Colts stuff because “Peyton is so cute”, meanwhile you lost to VANDERBILT!!(HA,HA). You do not need to worry about UGA because the Gators are going to give you a big time beat down and by the time you come to Georgia you’ll be back in your losing ways and you’ll be back in the closet acting like a Colts fan. Once its over Elmer Fudd Fulmer can call Spurrier and have some one to whine with. Go back to Tennessee hillbilly!!
By Heath Mason
September 15, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
Phil Fulmer - 1 National Championship…Urban Meyer - 0 National Championships…Mark Richt - 0 National Championships…
By Heath Mason
September 15, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this
Phil Fulmer - 1 National Championship…Urban Meyer - 0 National Championships…Mark Richt - 0 National Championships…
By AFinPC
September 15, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this
War Eagle to all you Dog fans that can’t get over the fact that you are having a down year and just now realizing that Matthew Stafford isn’t the second coming of David Greene. I can’t wait to see Tennessee-Georgia…I’m thinking it’ll be another overrated battle of the nobody’s ala Miami-FSU…And to all you Vols fans…When you wake up with that pounding headache, nausea, and amnesia…Yes you really did get nailed for 300 yards through the air…Gators win easily!!
By brewdawg
September 15, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
Outcast- Wow. I guess you HAVE been looking past the Dawgs to your other big games since we’ve beaten you 4 out of 5 years. Perhaps you guys should start paying more attention. Hey, when was your last SEC title? Auburn and Florida fans can come on here and talk about how UGA isn’t a big game for them- even though they don’t mean it- because they have gotten the better of us the last couple of years. UT fans need to have some humility. I didn’t talk smack about UT when you guys owned us in the 90’s because that would have made me look like an absolute idiot. Getting the picture here? (I do think you guys beat the Gators though.)
By The Man
September 15, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
ChrisOutcast likes men who bend over to touch their toes. I think he and AFinPC are lovers. Two fu dge pac kers.
By Dawg gone it
September 15, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Jeff, FYI - I think you left your beer on the return key.
By Jeff Schultz
September 15, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this
Falcon guy — Just a gut feeling, nothing scientific. I am anything but scientific. I don’t think Ravens are as good as they looked last week, and I think the Raiders might actually score some points. … Matt — 1) Fulmer is funny to look at; 2) He’s a great recruiter but often comes off as a buffoon strategically; 3) and this may be the biggest: I don’t respect how he got that job. I refer you to Johnny Majors and the knife in his back. … Heath: The Friday predictions column is satire. It always has been. If you want to read a breakdown of blocking schemes, you’ll have to look elsewhere. JS
By Eli
September 15, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
Parks - don’t blame us for the fact that you didn’t have any depth at QB last year. Let’s not forget that JT3, who started the game against the Gators, was good enough to be named the starter for the Puppies this season (yeech…things must be getting really tough in Athens, because that guy stinks!). It’s the same reason you’ll lose more games than you should this year. Also doesn’t help that Cam Newton, the #2 high school QB in your own home state, has chosen to play for Urban Meyer and the Gators.
By PreyDawg
September 15, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Obviously I wasnt aware of the phone call. But I was aware of the more public apology. In light of your comments to my post my comment still stands.
Why take a dig at him about the suspended players? This is not the first time you have made that type of comment about Richt and player discipline in a column.
By Dawg gone it
September 15, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
Jeff, I’m not a TN fan and I didn’t really start following college football until my freshman year at UGA in ‘94 so I’m not familiar with the “Johnny Majors / knife in the back” incident. Could you please elaborate?
Also, Eli, a blind monkey could see the kind of logjam we have at quarterback right now and that still didn’t stop us from landing a commitment from one of the top prospects in the country in Logan Gray. Did it ever occur to you that Richt chose not to recruit this guy?
By bushwacker
September 15, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this
Dude, if it doesn’t matter if Abraham plays or not the why do you keep harassing the coach? You guys are the best at talking out of both sides of your mouth.
By Russ Brock
September 15, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
Phat Phil Phulmer has a title in 20 years. Big whup! When Richt finishes year 20, he’s going to have a ring for every finger - maybe on both hands.
By kharma
September 15, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
Abraham getting hurt is kharma for punishing the fans that went to the Panther game. I was embarassed by the behavior to the point of taking my hat off so as not to be confused with another fan. I rarely travel to away games - now I know why.