AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > September > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons pulling away from the past
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Four decades of misery tend to make one gun-shy. Four decades tend to make you look at a 2-0 start and think, “OK. But did anybody buy the extended warranty because I think I just heard a loud bang coming from the transmission.”
But how do you minimize this?
The Falcons have opened the season with two wins over teams that had made a habit of holding them upside down off rooftops. In two games, they have yet to allow a touchdown. In two games, they have rushed for 558 yards.
This wasn’t Oklahoma pounding the Stillwater School of Art and Design to warm up for the Nebraska game. This was an NFL team, with fragile tendencies, running over Tampa Bay, a week after running over Carolina, a season after being run over by both.
“Statement,” Warrick Dunn said Sunday. “You always want to make a statement about who you are. To have people talk about the way we were last year as a football team, the way we didn’t finish. People will know now that we’re a pretty good football team.”
We know the past. We know about the collapse that followed 6-2 last season, and the absence of consecutive winning seasons, and all the rest.
But last week, the Falcons battered Carolina, which had won last season’s two meetings 68-17, give or take a major organ. On Sunday, they dominated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose season highlight video was often crammed with two NFC South games against the Falcons.
Tampa Bay, which had won nine of the previous 11 meetings, was smacked Sunday. The Falcons outrushed the Bucs 306-40. The scoreboard didn’t scream rout (14-3), but everything else screamed uncle.
Dunn says the Falcons are pretty good. It’s only two games, but they may be more than that. They tried every conceivable way to let the Bucs back in the game, but they didn’t fold.
We know the past. In the past, they lose this game.
They won despite the fact their grand one-foot-does-all experiment blew up in their face. Michael Koenen was booed. How often does a kicker get booed running onto the field for a field goal attempt — and during an apparent win? Koenen was so bad that you half-expected holder Matt Schaub to channel Lucy and pull the ball away. Three field goal attempts drifted wide and another was blocked. He is now 2-for-8 on the season. The good news: He punted twice and didn’t miss the ball either time.
We know the past. But the Falcons won despite botching five would-be scoring drives — the four missed field goals and a fumble by wide receiver Roddy White after being separated from the ball and consciousness at the Tampa Bay 21. They also dropped two interceptions begging to be returned for touchdowns. At least two other Chris Simms passes were nearly picked off. The defense had to settle for only three interceptions.
There have been times in the past when the Falcons sulked after losing players to injures. Resolve often has been a four-letter word. But on Sunday they rattled Simms early and batted down passes, despite missing their best pass rusher, John Abraham, and playing a relatively one-armed Patrick Kerney.
“It’s always good when you can get your hands in a guy’s face and you constantly have people at his feet,” linebacker Michael Boley said. “He gets kind of timid. When a quarterback gets tired of getting knocked around, they’re looking to get rid of the ball faster.”
We know the past. Everybody knows the past. It’s why so many looked at the Falcons’ talent but thought: third place, no playoffs.
“It fuels guys, yeah,” linebacker Keith Brooking said. “You turn on the TV and all you hear about is Carolina and Tampa. It lights a fire under you, no doubt about it.”
They’re 2-0 and saying all the right things. Brooking was upset the result wasn’t more lopsided (“When we have opportunities, we need to freaking go for the jugular”). DeAngelo Hall was upset he didn’t return an interception for a touchdown.
“It’s that constant quest for perfection,” coach Jim Mora said. “You never arrive.”
No. But they are two steps away from the past.
Permalink | Comments (99) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By mountain_jim
September 17, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this
He only missed 2 fgs. 2 were blocked.
By Brian
September 17, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this
Awesome effort. But the passing still needs to be worked on. As one of the announcers said, passing creates points, and here you are close to the end of the game and still wondering if you are going to close it out or not. But if your defense can hold them, you don’t need many points. But as Brooking said, we need to be going for the juglar and really putting them away.
By Skydawg
September 17, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
He missed them all. Blocks count as misses too. If it doesnt go thru the upright, its a miss. The second block was his fault because he had no elevation on his kick.
By Brad Stephens
September 17, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this
Wow. 2 opening wins in our division. Not too shabby. How scary would Simms’ day have been if Abraham was storming in there as well? Now if we can just go over to Europe and find a young Morten Andersen we’ll be set. 25% FG success will mean an extra couple of losses when the close games happen. And you know they will. It’s the NFL. Go Birds!
By Brad Stephens
September 17, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
“Mr Andersen, hello this is Rich McKay of the Atlanta Falcons. I’m sorry to disturb you while you’re grilling out with your grandchildren, but we’re desperate. Bald and fat in a college bar kinda desperate. Do you still kick the ol pigskin around anymore? I thought I saw you on the Vikings’ sideline the other day, I’m not really sure why. By the way, did you see Longwell throw that TD?? Anywho, I made a boo-boo trying to save roster space by making my punter the kicker too. It didn’t turn out too well, but for now my running game and nasty D are holdin’ the fort and my reputation. I don’t want folks around here to think Schuerholz is the smartest GM in town again. We’ll have some tight games ahead for sure, and we may need a FG or two. Interested???”
By Jeff
September 17, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
I hope Abraham is healthy next week. The game in New Orleans is going to be a tough one for the Falcons.
By David
September 17, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
Blocks are only misses to the ignorant fan. What about the first block Einstein?
By EGraves
September 17, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Guys, Mick Vick threw an interception to Tampa Bay’s linebacker only because Vick eyed Algie Crumpler all they way when he stepped back to past; the Tampa Bay linebacker followed Vick’s eyes all the way, then stepped in to intercept the ball after Vick threw the ball. I hoped M. Vick learns from that mistake. At least I can say that Vick’s pass was right on the money even though Tampa’s linebacker stepped in for the interception.
By Grance
September 17, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
So Brian, points come from the passing game in the NFL? I do believe that the two teams that had the most passing yards in the past two games (Carolina - 150/ TB - 311) scored a grand total of ZERO touchdowns. I’m not worried about the passing game, certainly not when the Falcons rush for 250+ yards. Vick looks of the most comfortable throwing the ball since he’s been in the league. He’s also getting to different guys, not just Alge. 10 completions to 7 different guys. My only worry is not putting points on the board in the Red Zone. Both games for been against good D’s so that sould improve.
By cj
September 17, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Hey EGraves, what nfl quarterback doesn’t throw interceptions? Just take the win and be happy!
By Nate
September 17, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry about the passing game? You have to be kidding me. The all-or-nothing run attack looks great when it works, but what about the Chicago game last year? What about Philly in the NFC Championship two years ago? You have to work on being more balanced on offense. That way, when you face the good run defending teams in the league (and the Falcons will eventually) then you have something to fall back on. Instead of just going, “Oh well. They’re just better than us.” I don’t want to see that again.
By Stewart
September 17, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
If we can stop the run, we’ll win the division.
By ARealFan
September 17, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
Great win for the Falcons and another great showing for the defense. I love the run game and how we have been minimizing the turnovers. Its only game 2 but the defense looks a lot stronger against the run than they did last year. As for the comments about the passing game who cares what the critics think. They will always find something to criticize about Michael Vick. I’d rather win with the run than lose with the pass. Ask Chad Pennington or Donovan McNabb whether they would rather have the win and Mike’s stats or their 300+ passing days and the loss. Go Birds!
By kaye
September 17, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
get another kicker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Najeh Davenpoop
September 17, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
Vick completed 67% of his passes. The Falcons didn’t pass because they didn’t need to, not because they couldn’t. Vick made 2 bad throws today, one was picked off, and one was way behind the intended receiver. Every other throw was fine. There’s nothing wrong with the passing game, at least not now.
Get Koenen’s confidence back, he still has the talent to fill all three positions. This ain’t no time to panic about the kicker.
Grady Jackson for MVP? His impact on our previously vanilla run defense is absolutely amazing. The man might have caused last week’s earthquake when he missed a tackle against Carolina, but damn he makes such a huge difference. Literally.
And while we are at it, everyone talks about Abraham and Milloy, but the unsung offseason addition is Wayne Gandy. Maybe the most underrated addition to the team the entire offseason. The man has made our entire offensive line so much more reliable.
If the O-line continues to keep Vick on his feet and the run defense continues to do its thing, we are gonna run away with the division. I don’t see anything to be concerned about with this team, assuming we can stay healthy.
By dirrtybird
September 17, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
I think we have done a great job of stopping the run and balancing our attack. Vick passed for 2 TD’s in the first game and ran and threw for another in the second. The balance may not come in the form of passing yards, but Vick was 10 of 15 with a TD. Should we start passing the ball, even when the other team can’t stop our run, just so that we can say that we have balance? Trust me, you’ll see the playbook open up as teams adjust to the run and open up passing lanes. Haters beware, you will look really dumb on this blog soon.
We do need another kicker.
By mountain_jim
September 17, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
Hey Skydawg, (folks here sure like to argue), I will explain my meaning - Koening ‘missed’ 2, the rest of the field-goal team missed the 2 that were blocked.
I will have to review the tape to see if he mishit the 2nd block low, but I will point out (and read elsewhere in reports here) that the snaps were not great and that messed up the timing, contributing to the blocks.
My point in even commenting was to state that Jeff here and Pastabelly at ESPN were only counting one block, when 2 out of the 4 were blocked.
So yes ‘blocks count as misses too’ as you said, but if you are looking for who to assign the miss to normally a block is not the kicker’s fault unless the snap and hold are good and he just is slow in timing or mis-hits it low.
He looked good in preseason, I say give him another game to try and straighten things out, and judge the quality of the snap also, they have been poorer than last year’s snaps so far.
By Sam
September 17, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
I feel asleep watching the atlanta ofense ..i knew there were going to run, and then run some more, i really think they need to work on their passing game(however,i do see the improvement). In the long run.. “yes”..i do think they will ge to the super bowl and have a good chance of winning.
By Jeff
September 17, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this
I’m not too worried about the passing game, so long as Knapp continues to throw deep. Although Vick only threw for 97 yds, the two deep passes that ended in pass interference calls were right on the money.
By shadtiqua leroy muhammed washington
September 17, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
Big kudos to Knapp for the playcalling today. If he does this from now on we are gonna be one tough team to beat.
By LL Cool Scott
September 18, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this
Rednecks will never be happy with a black quarterback. Rednecks are funny sometimes.
By steve26520
September 18, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this
Just as Joey Galloway had a BIG day yesterday, the Falcons yet again exposed their to-this-point only real defensive weakness….the ability to lose track from time to time of “big game” receivers. That Galloway had such a huge game despite the apparent impotence of the quarterback only emphasizes that fact….how could he be so good when his QB was so bad??? Because he was open almost every time the ball came in his general direction, that’s why!!! Got to tighten the secondary, because our defensive line, as great as they are playing right now, cannot be expected to shut down every team every week.
By Steve
September 18, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this
Wow! They looked alot like WVU out there! I bet Vick loves learning the WVU scheme after he gashed us while he was at VPI.
By This gets old
September 18, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this
1)Anyone who claims to have been a Falcon Fan for years and years couldn’t possibly have any complaints about the first two games this season. Vick doesn’t have a heart because of the Chicago game LAST YEAR??
How about the cold he played in in Green Bay in his first ever playoff game? There have been many times that he has been knocked loopy and he’s gotten right back up and under C.
He’s made some of the most beautiful throws this season. And he’s had some drops. There are no perfect teams out there so why expect us to be one?
Look how long the offense has kept our defense off of the field this year. Think that doesn’t help the D late in the game?
The damned game is about W’s and L’s. Right now we’ve got two more W’s than losses. If you’re bored go to a movie. Are Saints or Ravens fans worried because THEY’RE 2-0?
Some people hate it when we win because then there’s nothing to moan, b!tch and whine about.
Would you be happier if they’d lost? Jeez, sometimes we act like residents of a one traffic light cowtown.
By Steve
September 18, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
Wow! They looked alot like WVU out there! I bet Vick loves learning the WVU scheme after he gashed us while he was at VPI.
By Randy
September 18, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
Defense wins ball games. We were missing our starter at Middle Linebacker, missing starter at DE (probably our best pass rusher) and 1 of Kerney’s arms. We still kept Tampa out of the endzone. And we are 2-0. Don’t get me wrong, we still need to improve in some areas but I am feeling pretty good right now. Go Falcons!!
By nativefalcon
September 18, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
Great Win, we stopped Deshaun Foster and now we put the Caddy in the garage.:) Mr. Bush is next on the agenda, and let him go against a real defense compared to the bottom feeders that he has played so far. The falcons have never had a touch down scored on them so far, while the Saints have had 41 points and plenty of touchdowns on them. I like our chances, and if Hartwell and Kerny are back, we will finally see our defense firing on all cylinders. Which the way its been so far has’t been bad, Great article Jeff, GO FALCONS
By peter
September 18, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this
This is very exciting, we look wonderful against the rush…….I felt for sure we would have gotten the last field goal, something has to be done about the pressure coming on the field goal tries, perhaps another kicker would have gotten the same results on the two blocks………we need to figure that out and build confidence in that part of the game……..but there can’t be any complaining with this team today……..
Hopefully we get healthy for the Saints game, they like us are on a roll, and we seem to beat them in close ones, so kicking will be a huge factor!
By Hasavior
September 18, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
I think the falcons did ok this game. With all the rushing yards and calculating plays, the score should have been like 40 to 3. Althought the win itself was significant, coach Mora, Vick and other key players on the field and in the box have to really be concerned about converting points in the red zone.
Koenen missed and blocked field goals hurt, but we should have scored at least 2 more touchdowns on offense. If we were playing a high scoring team, despite our defensive efforts, we would have lost that game.
By Dawg Gone!
September 18, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
Koenen will be fine but he needs to get more practice in. A guy kicks what 10 to 15 times a game with FG, XPs, Kickoffs, and Punts. Your telling me that he is going to get Tired? How many passes do QB’s throw? I don’t buy the wearing out theory. I have not heard of too many kickers injurying themselves kicking… Unless they are hit or they kick bare foot in Green Bay… Give him til week 4 then call Peterson up from last year if it isn’t working out so he can get some time in practice during the bye week. Besides all this, the first block was just a matter of the middle man blowing up the line. The second was a snap that barely made it to the holder. There hasn’t been a good snap for a FG yet and most of the XPs have looked bad too. Long snapping for punts look like Fido’s butt too!
Vick looked good passing and running. O-line is impressive and Gandy is much more than expected. Part of their success has been the play calling too. Agressive?!?! So odd for anyone to say about the Falcon’s of recent years.
Did anyone else get tired of the broadcast crew saying… College option this and that and Vince Young won the National Championship with that same play. The best coaches steal plays from everyone. It just got old…
Beef - O - Grady’s tackle of Cadi has me praying for my fantasy running backs health. They showed replays and you couldn’t see Cadi ANYWHERE… That is what I would call a real pancake!
Amazing D holding these two teams to 105 yards rushing when they ran for a combined 600 650 in four games on us last year…
Excited about this year! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!!
By Jay
September 18, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
Somebody please advise Ed Donatell that he has PRO BOWLERS on defense. Why is he making them sit back in a soft zone instead of attacking????????????? I can’t remember more than 3 blitzes during the game. Other than the kicking, Ed Donatell’s scheme was the weakest part of the falcons’ performance. Ed was bailed out on many occassions by great plays in the secondary after allowing Tampa to march down the field. This is the same soft zone that allowed the 4th and 26 conversion when he was in Green Bay. You would think he has learned from it, but apparently not. Good teams will take advantage of this scheme and SCORE! Why get the athletes if you won’t allow them to do what they do best? I cringe every time I see D. Hall 10 yards off of the opposing teams best receiver! Quarterbacks like Manning, McNabb, Palmer, McNair and Warner will pick this zone apart. Wake up Ed!
By AFinPC
September 18, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
Let me start off by saying I am excited that the Falcons have started off 2-0, but aprehensive too. I don’t know what is going on with Knapp, but we really need to finish off teams. 14-3 seems good enough and if Koenan hadn’t missed 4 fg’s then it would’ve been better but with our offensive numbers we really need to be putting more points on the board. That was the problem last year, especially against Tampa and with a couple of more injuries on defense, I wouldn’t be surprised if that is where we end up again.
By You Don't Say
September 18, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
I cannot believe some people still are so caught up in a “passing game”. Passing yards are OVERRATED, just ask Chris Simms, Jake Delhomme, Daunte Culpepper and Don McNabb. Passing doesn’t win games, WINNING WINS GAMES. Michael Vick does what he has to do to win. I’d be very interested in seeing if detractors complain when we get to the Super Bowl and WIN as opposed to Vick passing for 300 yards and we LOSE. Get a grip!
Carolina who??? Tampa Bay who?? Miami who??Just goes to show CRITICS don’t know jack!
By Hasavior
September 18, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
The college play calling is good when you are on the field doing X’s and O’s, but when your an analyst and in the press box, there is a fine rule to preserve the game of professional football. If this continues, it will be a problem that the new commissioner will have to deal with. it can potentailly insult not only the players, but the integrity of the league.
Reference to plays are ok, because every player comes from that playing environment. Be careful! analyst and press will deamonize the Falcons as a successful collegian NFL team. During half time those anaylsts have nothing but 2 words to say about vick and the falcons. Sims and Delhomme played like crap with 300 yards of passing and no tochdowns and yet still get praised. Sims threw 3 interceptions, ok give him a legit 2, since the other was a clear freak deflection and still get over consideration for a 300 pass game. He threw 3 other potential inteceptions.
its just crazy. Listen i grew up loving the Giants and Steelers, i am from NY, but i dont like the Giants now because of all the Eli sucking and over exaggeration of his abilities. Look on the front cover of the New York Post talking about “Miricle Manning” and all that. Please, Burress had to go get those thrown balls, he made those plays happend and converted them. Not Eli, 40% of his passess are off0line and putty. Those Giant recievers had to go get those balls.
Look at what Sims did on 3 and 5 in the redzone. he overthrew a wide open wide out on the goal line when he flushed three steps out of the pocket. His accuracy is popor on the move. Eli has 2 left knees when running sideline to sideline. he will make more of those completions than Simms because of his throwing motion.
Its just crazy how we disect Vick to the third power and take it easy on the so-call faces of the league at the quaterback postions.
By john
September 18, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
I’m assuming Greg Knapp watched the UGA vs. UWV game last year and say how great that offense could be for the Falcons. Warrick Dunn is look more like Steve Slaton our there, Michael Vick looks as confident as I’ve ever seen him, and the Defense looks like they are going to demolish teams once they get everybody back and healthy.
By Kay Kay
September 18, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
The “now you see it, now you don’t” play between Vick and Dunn was a magician’s dream come true. It’s one of the coolest plays I’ve seen from any team and it is done so smoothly that even the network had trouble keeping up with the ball once or twice. The Falcons played a GREAT game. The D-Fence needs to be a little more fired up and should put a lot more pressure on the quarter back. Brooking, you can be a quarterback’s worst nightmare, where was your game yesterday? This only leaves the kicker. Can you call him that? When you are looking at the big picture 3 out of 4 ain’t bad, but in this case it’s the 1/4th that matters most. We lost 12 points yesterday. That is totally unacceptable. Koenen, you are paid to kick between the posts. I’m sorry, but you disappointed every Falcon fan watching that game. You should be FIRED. I hope you will be. Does Coach Mora read these blogs??
By falcon guy
September 18, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
Wow, the Falcons run roughshod over Carolina and Tampa Bay and all we get is a laundry list of what they did wrong. I’m sorry, but that is poor sports journalism. And all the dolts blogging here are idiots too. These first two games tell me that the Falcons have finally embraced their identity and are determined to make it work in their favor. Mike Vick is capable of being a pocket passer in the NFL. But can he win a Super Bowl from there? Doubtful in a west coast offense. But as a running QB in this offense, with these players like Dunn/Norwood at RB, and the good blocking and timely receiving of guys like Crumpler/Jenkins/White at WR/TE, the Falcons can win the Super Bowl. Especially with the more physical and tough defense they’re fielding now. All I ever hear is people complaining that Vick can’t pass and he is endangering himself by running so much. My answer to that is, the Falcons have a backup QB that can win in the NFL. So the risk is worth taking. But that backup QB will only be here this season and then he’ll be gone. And they’ve spent a lot of money on key free agents. So the clock on winning will be shortened by age and salary cap concerns. Add all that up and you can see why the Falcons are not fretting over the increased risk of running Vick. They know they can win with Vick running, and all the pieces are in place this season, including the safeguard of Schaub. It’s this season or probably not for a Super Bowl run.
By afan
September 18, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
If I see one more play-action pass, bootleg, or draw from inside the two yard-line I’m gonna hurl. Give the rock to Big Grady or something. Anything! Has anyone seen Ron Dayne?
By Kay Kay
September 18, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
Okay, one more comment….To Sam: Go back to bed! Your spelling tells me you are still asleep. You know nothing about football. You are just a wanna-be fan. To Dawg Gone: How many kickers have you heard booed as they are coming on to the field to kick a FG? I still think Koenen needs to go. It’s too risky to give him more chances to miss more Field Goals. However, I do agree with your statement about the broadcast crew. I’m not sure anybody in TV or Radio really want to see the Falcons win. Noone seems to have any confidence in them as a team. I have always loved the Falcons and defend them whether they are good or bad. I believe they are going to the SuperBowl this year. By the way, everybody else out there. Why do we need a passing game? We have Dunn and Norwood (as well as Vick). As long as our running game puts points on the board it doesn’t matter. GO FALCONS!!
By falcon guy
September 18, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
afan,
Uh, I think you might get your gag reflex thing fixed, because not only will you see all those things more, the two touchdowns the Falcons scored were: a play action pass to the fullback and a bootleg run/pass option that Vick ran in.
Not sure what’s wrong with those, they worked just fine. I seem to remember quite a few straight forward runs by TJ Duckett that resulted in squadouche last season. Running straight ahead is overrated when you have the speed on the edge that the Falcons have, and add to that the threat of Vick dumping it off to the TE/FB/WR on a bootleg. Undefendable. Learn something about football before you go shooting your mouth off.
By Falconhead
September 18, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
Sam, if you went to sleep during when our offense was on the field, you know nothing about football and are not a real fan. I think you just watch the game to have something to complain about. They are one of the most exciting teams in the league because of their ability to run the ball. Vick is obviously more comfortable this year and the play calling has improved to more showcase his abilities. He (and I)has more confidence in his O-line and the defense is heads over heels better than they were last year.
By ATLien Player
September 18, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
I enjoyed reading the Bucs message board better than ours! Some of you guys suck! Taking your hating elsewhere. How can you complain about a win? Save it for future losses but there won’t be many. This team will only get better. Vick was 10-15 which is 67% and you still complain. I know you are not Falcons fan so STOP PRETENDING! Hater…
By Randy
September 18, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
I agree Falcon guy. We were missing a healthy Kerney(one of his arms), Abraham and Hartwell. And we can still keep the Caddy in the garage and TB out of the endzone. That is a good sign of a good team. (people in place to pick up the pieces, when someone is out). I do not think Koehen should be fired either. He is a good punter and kick off man. I am willing to give him another chance, on field goals. I think some of the snaps were off anyway.
By Jack
September 18, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
Jeff——your article just described a lousy team that lucked out and won.
Two games do not make a wining season.
the Falcons still have two big liabilities. Mora and Vick
Lets hold off on predictions untill the season is at least half over
By You Don't Say
September 18, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
GO FALCONS! GO FALCONS! GO FALCONS! I can’t say it enough. Haters, detractors, and the like give it a rest. Nobody seems to believe in the birds but Atlantans. Nice storyline though when we win the Superbowl. but hey we realize this is just envy is jealousy. A front office that’s just as snazzy and cool as it is business-wise; the most exciting player and team in the NFL; players with MAD SWAGGER, I’d probably be jealous too if I were not an Atlantan (transplant though, but nevertheless).
Koenen needs to go back to just punting and kickoffs. Get a true FG kicker and use him (Koenen) for long distance only again. That seemed to work well. Bring Morton Anderson back! (LOL). That would be cool though.
By David
September 18, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
The Falcons came out with guns blazing against their nemesis Bucaneers. In all the Falcons past meetings against the Bucs, the Falcons would fold like a cheap suit by the second quarter and the Falcons were usually on the losing end of the score by the fourth quarter—not this time! The Falcons assumed command of this game from the time the opening gun went off, all the way up until the final whistle was blown; and the Falcons defense was incredibly stingy all day. For the second straight week, the Falcons failed to give up a touchdown. To hold Carolina to without a touchdown is one thing, but to hold Carolina AND Tampa without a touchdown is miraculous and virtually impossible! I don’t know how good the Falcons will be this year, but if the first two games are any indication at all, they are going to be something special to watch. I’ve waited for this glorious moment ever since the Falcons drafted Tommy Nobis back in the days of old. And to watch this team struggle for decades without much of an identity just to have them turn into a powerhouse this year, is just absolutely incredible. I was overwhelmed by the Falcons for two straight weeks and I am looking for the same thing happening for the next 14. I am very impressed with the Falcons so far, and I am vey optimistic about how this season will unfold. Vick has a lot more confidence in his ability and I hope that he continues to stay humble and play up to his capabilities. If he continues to do that, the Falcons will continue to add ‘Ws’ to the win column.
By Edgar
September 18, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Forget yesterday. After walking to my vehicle, getting inside, turning on the radio and listening to the postgame it was over. Monday night we have to beat the hell out of the Saints. We have to have the whole ESPN crew of announcers talking about the games the previous day and when we score all they say is, “When is this game going to end.” When this happens the hammer will have dropped. But yesterday was real sweet.
By You Don't Say
September 18, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
Hey Jack, gotta come back at you because this is getting FUN. “Lucked out and won”?? How many picks on Chris Simms? TB never even made it into the endzone!! The falcons BLEW more points than TB scored!
Yeah..I’ll say that was a lucky win! ..But it’s perfectly okay to make Superbowl predictions when your prediction is Carolina or Seattle??? (LMAO)!!!
By afan
September 18, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
The Falcons have played well in their two games. But its a long season, and teams will start to look for their gimmick plays on short-and-goal. Forget about the Super Bowl if you can’t play hard-nosed at the goal line.
By Call me Earl
September 18, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
Good job Mora, Vick, Dunn, Defense, McKay, and Mr.Blank!
Give the kicker a chance, the guy faced 2 of the nastiest teams in the league. He’ll be fine. The guy needs to work on under 40yd kicks.
Keep Abe out until afte the bye.
I still don’t understand why Hartwell decided to have surgery 2 weeks before the start of one of the more challenging seasons in Falcon history. Mr.Blank should get a refund. He has been here two years and continues to rob the franchise. He didn’t to anything when he was on the feild. He’s not agressive enough. I never saw the guy smack anyone in the mouth.
Enough Hartwell venting, but how good could we be w/all of our players.
Great Job Falcons
By AR
September 18, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
I could CARE LESS how we win, as long as we win I am happy. If Vick run, throw or catch, WHO CARES. As long as we win I am happy. I just HOPE the players do not get OVER CONFIDENT like always and lose focus. Here is my 2 cents of advise falcons. STAY HUMBLE, play hard and do not read how good you are. If these guys stay healhty they may be good but please stay consistent at being good then one day in the future this team may be great.
By fanofbirds
September 18, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
Make me a Vick, Hall, Dunn sandwhich anyday!
By Dewaine
September 18, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
Great win, Falcons. I just wish Atlanta had fans like other teams. Most of the fans sit down most of the game and have no heart. Keep the corporate fan from the games and put in the real fans. Hall had a great game and is more than likely kicking himself because he had just 2 interceptions. The D-line kept the Bucs from scoring and the O-line kept the running game intact. Some of you fair-weather fans should realize that you do not have to pass the ball if you are dominating the game. You have to keep that clock running. Thanks, TV, for being on the Bucs side and having a timeout kill some of our momentum on a good drive.
By Hasavior
September 18, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
Now we talking some football!
By Ken Strickland
September 18, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
FALCON GUY, the clock isn’t running out. The Falcons have been grooming draft picks and/or undrafted FA to replace every FA except LMolloy. Each time a FA’s contract expires, he’ll be replaced by a younger player with a smaller contract. That creates CAP space to sign needed FA or extend existing contracts. The Falcons have made a complete OFF and DEF turn around and have dominated their opponents. After reading the responses following the last 2 victories, I’ve reached the conclusion that a lot of our fans have very low football IQ’s. Our OFF rushed for 306yds and dominated time of possession. Our QB completed 67%(10-15)of his passes and we punted twice, because of our high 3rd down conversion rate. Yet, some view these accomplishments with concern. Some want us to run less and pass more, while others suggest we work more on our passing game. Still others feel we should have dominated the scoreboard. The Saints dominated the scoreboard in their game, but can anyone say they dominated the game. Look at last yrs Falcons/Saints games. We dominated the scoreboard in both contests, but we didn’t dominate either game. In our games against the Panthers and Bucs, we completely dominated both teams, where it counted the most, ON THE FIELD OF PLAY. CSims QB rating was 45, yet he threw for over 300yds in a losing effort. That should tell any fan, even one with a low football EQ, all they need to know about empty passing yds.
By Falcon Dude
September 18, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
When Mike Vick plays his game, which is go back to pass and run whenever he sees the opportunity, he usually throws for less than 100 yards, and the Falcons usually win. Last year, he tried to turn into a 200+ yard passer, and the Falcons did not do so well.
Forget the passing yards. I prefer a winning season, a winning playoff, and a chance at a winning Super Bowl. Let Mike be Mike. The Falcons win when he does his thing. And now that they have a defense, they may go all the way.
Go Birds…you are GREAT!!!
By FleshBomb
September 18, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
Work on the passing game? Guess what - when you rush for over 250 and 300 yards in your first 2 games you DON’T NEED TO PASS! Quit your whining and enjoy the year. It’s going to be a good one.
By Libby
September 18, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
I am soooooooo excited about the 2-0 start. I am just happy that it is once again football season. This time of the year is exhiliating and I am in a funk much of the rest of the year. I am glad that i don’t live in Tampa or Carolina. I am sure their fans are giving them grief.
It is great that Mike is being allowed to play his game. He will probably never through 50 passes and have a consistent 67% completion rating, but if allowed to be who he is, we will win games.
So many people living here in Atlanta will never be happy with how the FALCONS play. The are miserable if we loss and try to find ways to diminish a win.
Let’s enjoy the wins, hope for few losses and rally behind this great time of the year. Hey, because before you know it we will be relegated to watching golf, soccer, baseball, basketball and arena ball just to get any kind of sports high. But you all know nothing’s like football!!!!!
By bushwacker
September 18, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
WE DON’T NEED ANY STINKING FIELD GOAL KICKER, THE WAY THE DEFENSE IS PLAYING GO FOR IT ON 4TH DOWN EVERYTIME!
By mo
September 18, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
West Virginia Football at it’s finest, baby!
By cc
September 18, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Boomer Esaison and Peter King hate Vick. They say he’s too short and not a real qb. Think about it, if Chris Simms’ game was like Vick’s they’d be all on his jock. Instead they want Simms to succeed so bad. The parodox is; he’s 6’4” and his passes get batted down and Vicks is shorter but knows how to create passing lanes. They both are left handed but Vick has a faster release and a canon. Vick can throw a pass late and it’s more likely to get there than Simms. Don’t get me wrong I like Chris and I loved his Dad when he payed, but I hate these traditional critics. Boomer was never anything special when he was in the league, just another unidimenional passer, Ken Andersen accomplished just a much as he did but started longer. Pervert King….I mean Peter, is simply a dumb fat player hater.
By Traceman
September 18, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
Overall, you have to like what you’ve seen out of the Falcons the first two weeks. Teams that can run the ball and play D are almost always successful and we have done both about as well as anybody the first two games. The best thing is that we did it against division foes who the so-called experts predicted to be playoff teams and ahead of us in the standings.
I LOVE the way Knapp is FINALLY letting Vick play to his strengths. His pocket passing will NEVER be his strength (although it certainly needs to improve) and he was not drafted for his pocket passing ability. Continue to work on his pocket passing skills but base the offense around what he does best - getting outside the pocket and allowing him to have the option to run or pass. Vick’s ability to improvise is what makes defensive coordinators and defenders fear him and giving him multiple options enhances his improvisational ability.
As for the D, it is AMAZING to see the difference that big Grady makes in the middle, particularly with safeties who will actually hit somebody playing in the secondary. When Abraham gets back and Kerney gets healthy, I think this D will be among the best in the league.
By Joe
September 18, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this
Loyal Falcon fan & 16 year season ticket holder with a huge concern:
No field goal kicker = no playoffs
Too many games are won & lost by the field goal. Once we get this issue resolved the team will go far. We got everything else we need for a fantastic season.
P.S. Don’t count out Carolina just yet. They have a tendency to start slow & get extremely dangerous as the season moves on. I do love the 0-2 start!!
By Falcon Dude
September 18, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
Bushwacker…good point. on the third field goal try, when it was 4th and 1 on the 16, even my wife (who knows nothing about football except that I love it) was yelling “go for it”. She knew the way the D was playing, AND the way the offense was running the ball, we had a great chance of making the first down, and even if we didn’t, we had a great chance of getting the ball back quickly.
I agree completely, the Falcons coaching actually was stuck in last years mind set of “get any points that you can cause it’s probably all we can get”. They need to be able to recognize when we are dominating and adjust their coaching to that fact. We should have gone for it on 4th and short.
Last year, no way. Yesterday, absolutely.
Jim, you listening???
By MELO
September 18, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
The falcons have played good so far, not great. I think they need to be more ruthless and efficient on offense(sp), especially when they accumulate all those yards.The kicker has to get it right coz those field goals count!! The defense is now more deep and stronger. A BIG improvement from last year! They are a superbowl type defence if they maintain consistency. There is balance on the team and Vick is doing well with those short passes. I liked how Jenkins,Lelie(sp) and White responded. They just need to polish up their act everywhere and watch for penalties. GO FALCONS!!!!
By Kelvin
September 18, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
The Falcons have opened the season 2 and 0 and everyone is feeling euphoric. I’ve even heard Super Bowl already. But before you start camping out for tickets there are a few things that will cause the Falcons some problems down the road if they don’t get them worked out. Mainly the passing game is pathetic. We have good quality receivers, but have no one to get them the ball consistently. The passing game is the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about because the team is winning. Sooner or later Vick’s inability to read pass defenses and get the ball to his receivers will become an issue. I will continue to say that he is in the wrong system for his skill set.
By Falcon Dude
September 18, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
Kelvin…does 67% passing completion mean anything to you? Vick completed the passes he needed to complete. The Falcons won the game…convincingly.
Passing is only needed when nothing else is working. Watching Vick yesterday, I think he took whatever he thought would get the most yards. He passed when it would get the yards…he ran when that would get the yards.
As I said a few blogs back…last year, Vick tried to be a 200+ yard passer. He made it a lot of games, and the Falcons lost a lot of games when he passed for all those yards. When Vick plays the game like he knows how to best, the Falcons win.
So, what do you want? A loss with a lot of passing yards (Simms passed for over 300 yards by the way…you think the Tampa Bay fans are cheering for their team right now?), or a win with 70 passing yards?
Me, I take the win.
By Hasavior
September 18, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
Hey MELO, how you think the falcons will pan out after the bye week with the giants, steelers and bengals?
Falcons is no team to sleep on, but the league analyst will continue to sleep on the Falcons until their selected/favrite teams are elliminated from the playoffs. They will then have to recognize the Falcons and their nontraditionalist analization for the football game.
More quarterbacks are hurt in the pocket than outsite the pocket in recent years. Askt the jets, Eagles, Chicago, Detroit, and all the way down the line. So either way, the potential is even. Vicks style of play is commensurate to the type of direct hits he recieves from the defender.
By David Speir
September 18, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
How is it that you think that Carolina has been a problem for the Falcons. From 98 to 04 the Panthers won two games. They are 15 and 8 against the Panthers all-time.
By John
September 18, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
Why can’t running the ball sucessfully open up the passing game? Why does it have to be vice versa…maybe it’s just because that’s the way it always have been done. It’s nothing wrong with change. Change is good!
By Falcons Believer!
September 18, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
Hey Brian, Why don’t you check out the passing stats of Chris Sims from this week and Jake “Duh”lome from last week and tell me if passing wins games. The passing doesn’t need work, the Falcons looked AWESOME! A TRUE West Coast version offense runs the ball and throws when necessary. DUH!
Hey Nate - we just beat the living crap out of the two best run defense teams in the league. Last year and the year before was exactly what they are - last year and the year before. Different team and different personnel.
One last thing - if you think passing is so danged important, check out Steve Young’s stats when he won the SuperBowls he did. He was at or around 65% - 67% in passing. What was Vick’s percentage yesterday? Uhh, I think it was 65% - which is what you need to win a SupoerBowl with this type of offense.
I think a lot of you detractors just like to get on here and type just to tell your buddies that you can find characters on a keyboard and get published on the AJC.
Woo Hoo - Go F-A-L-C-O-N-S!
By Jimmy V
September 18, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
2-0 in the NFl/SouthDiv is Great, but it’s still just 2-0. We all know Dunn will slow down and Norwood is a rookie, teams will adjust to the run. Also,the Bucs and the panthers have no vertical passing game. They both were one deminsional offensively. The Defense is playing physical and inspired football, and will have to keep the intensity up for the Falcons to get home field advantage in the playoffs. Seattle,Chicago and a Team from the N.L East (pick one) are all up north in cold and unpredictable weather. The falcons need home playoff games to go far in the playoffs.Hey enjoy while it last.
By Falcon Dude
September 18, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
Hasaviour, my prediction - Falcons take the Giants (while giving up 300 yards i the air again)….Falcons have a tough time with the Steelers, that one they MAY lose…Falcons take the Bengals despite the fact David Pollack plays for the Bengals.
Unless the Falcons suffer a couple of key injuries on the O or D, I really think this is the year they could go 12-4 or 13-3 and go all the way. They have a real deal defense this year, something they have not had before. I know 2 games is not enough to base a whole season, but I think they have already shown us something special. Get Abrahams back in there, they may be unstoppable.
I have loved and suffered with the Birds since their first season. I have the experience to know when they are just giving us false hope. I don’t think they are doing that…I think they are the real thing this year.
As Chris Berman would say…THEY…COULD…GO….ALL…THE….WAY!!!!
By Enough Already
September 18, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
It’s nice to see Vick back to his old self. This guy is changing the way the QB position is viewed. Yes, people will hate it because many teams will scramble to find a Vick more often and any other QB. Just research Simeon Rice’s comments about the game yesterday. When you’re trying to contain Vick, Dunn will run wild. Also, 10 of 15 attempts for a 75% completion is great. Especially when it keeps the clock moving.
By Falcon Dude
September 18, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this
Well said, Falcons Believer…if there is any doubt…look at some of the best passers in history. Dan Marino, Fran Tarkenton, Jim Kelly. How many Super Bowls did they win? that’s right…ZERO. yet, they are all in the top ten for most passing yardage.
As Forrest Gump might say….RUN MICHAEL RUN…
By Kelvin
September 18, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
The Vick apologists get really upset with even the slightest bit of criticism of their Quarterback. Falcon Dude, 67% completion percentage is good. By the way, what was it last week? I believe the word I used was consistency. If anyone thinks that the Falcon passing game is good enough right now is just living in a fantasy world. Look I am a Falcon Fan, but I am also realistic. The Falcons won’t be able to run for 300 yards every game. I would like to know Vick can complete passes downfield to get us back in a game when we fall behind. The defense won’t be able to keep every team out of the en zone. Does anyone feel confident that Vick can get us back in a game if we fall behind with his passing ability?
By Bill Clontz
September 18, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Did not get to see the Falcon’s-Tampa Bay game yesterday, but after reading some of the comments today I feel like there were two different games.(Smile) I am a die hard Falcon’s fan (even pull for them when they play Green Bay)and while I see good points in most of the comments, I still have to agree that 2-0 running is better that 0-2 with 400 yards passing. Hope all see the Falcons in the next Super Bowl, and hope the detractors and worriers will be able to breathe easier after the New Orleans game. I’m in for the long haul, win, lose or draw…..our Falcons are our Falcons, and we have an obligation to get with them or bail out and ride with a team that satisfies our every need….passing…..running….defense….glamour……meanness….gentleness…We’ve already got a great show to watch, let’s sit back and enjoy the show…Love the Falcons and I love the Great State of Georgia…..
By Falcon Dude
September 18, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
Actually, Kelvin, I do get your point. But, I also think that if Vick was a great passer, the Falcons offense would be as good as it is right now. It is a ball control offense, and I don’t think it is designed to score a lot of points. And, a lot of passing yards (as proven yesterday by Simms) does not always get you back into a game.
Mora has built a team that will spend a lot of time on the field, wear down defenses, and score a few points. Had Koenen done his job, the score would be 26-3. The Falcons defense is the best it has been since the mid-70’s (remember the Gritz Blitz?). With a solid running game, AND with Vick able to throw for 60-65% completion ratio, keeping defenses honest, the Falcons have a solid consistent team.
The difference in this year and past years is this:
a vastly improved defense a more cohesive offensive line vick is more comfortable and understands the offensive scheme better vick is back to running the offense in his style and not trying to be a drop back passer
those all add up to playoff caliber and serious contender team. I agree if the Falcons got 2 or 3 touchdowns behind, they probably won’t get back in the game. but I submit, this year, that may only happen one game at most. I think this year, they are too solid and they will show that they control each game and their own destiny.
By Nikki
September 18, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
Falcons will take what’s given to them. If the other team can’t stop the run even though they know it’s coming, then why would you keep passing?! Passes here and there are okay to keep things honest. I like what the birds are doing. As long as the offense can keep hogging the ball with the run game, then that helps keep the defense rested. The team will make adjustments as needed.
By samiam
September 18, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Wow, the man passes for a 67% completion percentage, wins the game and they still ride him. Man, I guess he should consult Michael Jackson for a skin color change and then the haters would be happy.
I live in Tampa and they would love to have him here. Several of the Bucs coaches and players live in my neighborhood. Off the record, they say that they would take him over any other QB in the league in a heart beat.
They’ve said that he’s the hardest guy in the league to prepare for. Like they say, a win is a win. I guess that’s just the way it is…
By Hasavior
September 18, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Hey Falcon Dude,
I had the same outcome. I think they will give up some points against the steelers becuase the do score in the air. Ben will not get ratteled by the pass rush or abraham ond crew. So the secondary will have to make turn overs and the offense score in the red zone to beat the steelers.
The Giants, like i said earlier. Not on the hype tip with Eli Manning. he does not impress me at all.he is just a quarterback playing with a good offensive scheme to protect is obvious flaws of his game. Falcons will force him to be mobile and create turnovers. That will be a defensive game that Falcons will win in the fourth quarter.
The bengals will win their game in the air against the falocons on deep routes and catch and run. Their running game will be ok, but it will be a lot of halfback screens to the flats.
They have 2 mild games after the bengals then the ravens and then the next 3 out of 5 division games afterwards. whewww. key guys are going to have to be healthy!
By Falcon Dude
September 18, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
Signing off now, but one last comment…
it is amazing to me that Falcons win, and still there are those that ride them and talk about them like they are losers. I think they could go 16-0, make it to the Super Bowl, win the Super Bowl 34-0, and still someone would say “yeah sure, but unless Vick learns to throw right handed, they’ll never make it two in a row”.
gotta go everyone, but win or lose, these are MY Birds, Vick is MY QB, the D is MY D, and I LOVE DEM BIRDS!!!!!!
By carman563
September 18, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
yeah, im glad they won too, lets givem a couple more games, they will figure out how to screw up !
By Tha'Hammer
September 18, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
OK boys and girls, 2 weeks ago I offered that if the defense looked as good on the field after 3 or 4 games as it did on paper that we would all be scrambling to come up with the next great defensive nickname. After 2 weeks against teams that have owned us lately, and with the Saints coming up, I think that the scrambling can officially begin. If you don’t think so then take another look at the faces of both Jake Delhomme and coach “Chucky” Gruden. Both were priceless. Can’t wait to see just how good this defense can be by midseason. You may now begin with the nominations.
By MELO
September 18, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
Hasavior,Falcons beat the Giants last year on their home tough(i think im right) and with a better defence this year, anything is possible. Vick is certainly a better player this year. His running game gives him and the team options, which puts opposing defences(steelers and bears) at sixes and sevens and in a defensive bind. Vick can tear off any defence anytime,especially in the 1st and 2nd quarters. All he needs is the balance and a kicker who will also take advantage, plus a defence that will hold off!
If this defence holds and barring major and multiple injuries, i like Falcons chances this year!!
By Corey
September 18, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
Overall good game yesterday. We need to get a new, “real” kicker as soon as possible! This guy is our PUNTER from a year ago. Management… “give up the roster spot and get a reliable kicker.” Because in a close ball-game, special teams is crucial and the difference-maker! Go FALCONS!
By dfharrin
September 18, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
Football fans in general continue to amaze me. I’m a diehard Bucs fan, see them get KILLED two weeks in a row (no the sky is not falling in Tampa), and all I read from Falcons “fans” is what they did wrong and how the scheme is bad… Vick, he’ll never survive running around all the time… . Blah!! Blah!! Blah!!
The bottom line is this, Falcon fans. Your team kicked the ?!?! out of the two most talented teams in the divisions. Outscored them 34-9.
Only time will tell if the Dirty Birds can keep it up, but at any level of football 275 a game rushing AND forcing turnovers (ratio of +5 through two games) will only equal win after win after win, no matter who the opponent is. Are there holes??? Absolutely, but every team has them with the current salary cap structure.
So stop whining and trying to fix your kicker, defensive coordinator, quarterback, and the rest of your “sorry” (yea!! right) 2-0 team. As a Bucs fan I would enjoy just seeing the Pewter and Red score a touchdown!!! Don’t EVER EVER complain about a win in the NFL. Enjoy it while you can!!!
By cp
September 18, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
Falcon dude is right, no matter what the team does people find some way to tear them down. They are 2-0 and people still want to blame the qb. This is why Atlanta gets mentioned as the worst sports town. Support the team .If you don’t like the players on the team go support another one.
By crackbaby
September 18, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Great start, Falcons!
However, before we claim the Super Bowl, let’s realize we need to score more points. The D played great, but Carolina and Tampa Bay have little offensive weaponry. NFC south is looking weak this year.
Huge game at the Saints this Monday night! there will be all kinds of distractions with the post-Katrina story line. N.O. fans really don’t care for us, so it will be ugly-hostile.
Hopefully, Starship7 (Vick) and the receiver crew will continue to gel over the next two games and the bye week.
Then we get the Giants, Steelers and Bengals. GAME ON! GO FALCONS!
By j
September 18, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
Norwood was a steal in the 3rd round. Am I the only one who thinks so. This guy is lightning fast and when he takes over for Dunn in couple of years he will be great. When it’s all said and done I believe he will be better than Reggie Bush. Go Birds!!!!!!!!!!!! The Saints are the next victim. 3-0 record in the division? I think so.
By dkj
September 18, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
I whole-heartedly agree with the tenor of this column. I waited against Carolina and Tampa for the “other” shoe to drop. I knew we would blow it late. Only, we didn’t. If Vick and Lelie can get their timing down, and the falcons can have a legitimate deep threat, the running will only get better.
I just want this defense to keep it up, being an Atlanta fan (in almost any sport) means you are used to heartache and stress at the end of almost every game.
Maybe this defense will be the one to turn that around and make us all believe that, when the game is on the line, with a minute left, Falcons up by one, that we can for once not have to grab the pepto in order to watch the end.
I pray it is so.
By No. 1 Female Fan
September 18, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
Well said, Hasavior. Thank you for laying the truth out like that about all the media praising of mediocre quarterbacks and super criticism of the great work done by the Falcons’ offensive team. But we know where that comes from — Mike Vick is making history out there, he’s changing the game (for the better, in my opinion), and they don’t like it. But it’s okay — we don’t have to sweat it because the proof is in the pudding, and all those average quarterbacks will be sitting home on Super Bowl Sunday nursing their great passing stats, and we Falcon fans will just sit back and laugh as we watch the game commentators eat their words.
By James
September 18, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
If you havent figured it out yet, the falcons are not a passing team. Who cares if Vick throws for 100 yards. He runs for another 100 and his presence on the field opens up the rest of the offense. All that matters is we are winning and we are already ahead of the division rivals. We do need to find a kicker immediately!
By James
September 18, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this
That comment about Marino and them is exactly right. If the Falcons stay healthy…look out Super Bowl, here we come
By WinFalconsWin
September 18, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
Great win Falcons! For all the idiots that say that the Falcons are running college plays are just upset because the plays are working. I mean…what does it say about the defenses if the can’t STOP college plays? In fact every team runs some plays that are LIKE a few plays that some college team may run and vice-versa. So, if the play comes from kindergarten and if it works…I’m for it! GO Falcons!!!
By TheJama
September 18, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
Things could have been better yesterday. I was really hoping to see a thorough beat down on the Sucaneers. Anyway, maybe the Falcons saved the points to go ahead and slap the Saints back into reality on Monday night in front of the whole nation. That’s right, I predict you’ll see record TV numbers for the first Vick/R. Bush showdown. Can’t wait to see Milloy/Crocker give Bush his first tasty NFL stick.
Then it’s off to see the Cardinals and knock Warner out for the season or at least a few games. The way I see it, Leinart will be thanking us by seasons end.
Head in to the bye week, get healed, and lay down the plan to really do something special this year.
By WinFalconsWin
September 18, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this
It was a great win for the Falcons. Vick, Dunn and the defense all played well. But, I want to say that Grady is doing A+ work stopping the run. He need to call the area he dominates “GRADY’S HOSPITAL”…because runners come in there for pain!
By FalconW810
September 18, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
Giving Blank some skin at the end of a hit was too funny! These guys have a swagger I’ve never seen from the past Falcons teams, hope they stay healthy, so we can enjoy this group for the rest of the season.
By chris deighan
September 18, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this
Jeff’s column contained nary a word about Mike Vick. I suspect that’s just fine with No. 7. All he wants is the “W” anyhow.