Sports Columnists

By Brian

September 26, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

Well, the Falcons are always good for one or two embarassments a year no matter how well they are playing. I just hated that the beat-down came on national TV.

We weren’t going to go 16-0 anyway. Just need to put this behind them and move on.

By Brian

September 26, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this

Well, the Falcons are always good for one or two embarassments a year no matter how well they are playing. I just hated that the beat-down came on national TV.

We weren’t going to go 16-0 anyway. Just need to put this behind them and move on.

By Brian

September 26, 2006 01:20 AM | Link to this

Check out my blogs on the Bird Babe sight. FALCONS PLAYERS AND COACHERS WERE SMILING WHILE WE LOST. THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE. I was four rows behind our bench, and I saw it with my own eyes. Body language that said losing is ok. That is UNACCEPTABLE. COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.

By dave

September 26, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

Why do you losers keep hitting the post button over and over and over? You morons post the same message over and over.

By Mothball

September 26, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

Give me a break!!

The Falcons looked completely unprepared for the game on both sides of the ball regardless of the Katrina hoopla. We got taken to the woodshed, pure and simple!!

Take away the run, and we fold, just like last year!!

There won’t be any excuses when we play the likes of the Bengals, Steelers, Ravens, Cowboys, Eagles!!

By Miles

September 26, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this

Im not completely buying into the whole “falcons cant beat saints/katrina” excuse. Great teams find a way to win these types of games. And while the saints are overachieving, this game still showcased some glaring flaws with the falcons.

Pass offense - Where’s the improvement? This is like groundhog day, its 2004 and 2005 all over again. The receivers either drop easy passes or Vick misses his target….there just isnt any consistency once the running game gets shutdown. Same thing happened against the Bears last year, and the eagles in 2004.

Special teams - something has to do be done about the blocking for the punting and field goal units. The left side of the line is getting overwhelmed on a regular basis which is why there have been so many blocked kicks this season. If this isnt fixed soon then it will cost us on a regular basis…..just like tonight and last week.

o-line - OG Matt Lehr is AWFUL. We need to get rid of him ASAP as he cant pick up a blitz to save his life. The guy constantly gets run over in pass plays. Vick was rarely ever given time in the pocket and was forced to make plays on the run. Again, this is like groundhog day. It was like watching a 2005 game all over again. The same flaws on offense that appeared last year reared their ugly heads again today. Except one new problem arose……

….which is the lack of a power RB in red zone situations. Boy do I miss Duckett now. It seems that once the offense gets within the 10 yard line we lack the power back to punch it in.

Mora has a lot of work to do this week….get to it!!!

By Miles

September 26, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this

Im not completely buying into the whole “falcons cant beat saints/katrina” excuse. Great teams find a way to win these types of games. And while the saints are overachieving, this game still showcased some glaring flaws with the falcons.

Pass offense - Where’s the improvement? This is like groundhog day, its 2004 and 2005 all over again. The receivers either drop easy passes or Vick misses his target….there just isnt any consistency once the running game gets shutdown. Same thing happened against the Bears last year, and the eagles in 2004.

Special teams - something has to do be done about the blocking for the punting and field goal units. The left side of the line is getting overwhelmed on a regular basis which is why there have been so many blocked kicks this season. If this isnt fixed soon then it will cost us on a regular basis…..just like tonight and last week.

o-line - OG Matt Lehr is AWFUL. We need to get rid of him ASAP as he cant pick up a blitz to save his life. The guy constantly gets run over in pass plays. Vick was rarely ever given time in the pocket and was forced to make plays on the run. Again, this is like groundhog day. It was like watching a 2005 game all over again. The same flaws on offense that appeared last year reared their ugly heads again today. Except one new problem arose……

….which is the lack of a power RB in red zone situations. Boy do I miss Duckett now. It seems that once the offense gets within the 10 yard line we lack the power back to punch it in.

Mora has a lot of work to do this week….get to it!!!

By mike

September 26, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this

The Falcons HAD to be the opponent to reopen the Superdome. The Saints and Falcons have the most heated rivalry in the NFL, albeit underpublicized outside of the South. If Atlanta befell a similar disaster, who would the fans want to see as the first visitor? You want YOUR rival there. This game was special for many reasons, but do not undersestimate how much having the Falcons there added to the mix. This was no Braves-Mets game, this is relative who really do not like each other… except during really hard times.

By mike

September 26, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

The Falcons HAD to be the opponent to reopen the Superdome. The Saints and Falcons have the most heated rivalry in the NFL, albeit underpublicized outside of the South. If Atlanta befell a similar disaster, who would the fans want to see as the first visitor? You want YOUR rival there. This game was special for many reasons, but do not undersestimate how much having the Falcons there added to the mix. This was no Braves-Mets game, this is relative who really do not like each other… except during really hard times.

By e.b.

September 26, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

Mark, great article. I whole-heartedly agree with you. Not to take anything away from the Saints, but they are NOT this good. I mean, they gave up something like 40+ points in their first two wins, against bad teams. I don’t care if you put the Colts in the Superdome tonight, I don’t think any team would’ve beaten the Saints tonight. It just had that feeling all while leading upto this game. You’re right, No-one other than us Falcons fans wanted Atlanta to win. The chips were completely stacked against us, and it would’ve taken oddball turnovers, and luck to beat New Orleans tonight. Get this ugly loss behind us, and lets get on with the Cardinals -with some extra intensity! And I want to address one thing. Who on earth makes up this stupid schedule, where we have to play each division foe three games in a row? This is the dumbest schedule I have ever seen. Not only do we have a hard schedule, but it’s all whacked out. Did anyone see the Eagles schedule? Talk about easy, next week they play the Packers on Monday night? So if they (Eagles) beat the Packers, they will have beaten 3 bad teams( Texans, 49ers & Packers). I only bring this up, because I live near Philly, and I have to listen to all the so called “experts” talk about how great the Eagles are, when real football fans know otherwise.

By e.b.

September 26, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this

Mark, great article. I whole-heartedly agree with you. Not to take anything away from the Saints, but they are NOT this good. I mean, they gave up something like 40+ points in their first two wins, against bad teams. I don’t care if you put the Colts in the Superdome tonight, I don’t think any team would’ve beaten the Saints tonight. It just had that feeling all while leading upto this game. You’re right, No-one other than us Falcons fans wanted Atlanta to win. The chips were completely stacked against us, and it would’ve taken oddball turnovers, and luck to beat New Orleans tonight. Get this ugly loss behind us, and lets get on with the Cardinals -with some extra intensity! And I want to address one thing. Who on earth makes up this stupid schedule, where we have to play each division foe three games in a row? This is the dumbest schedule I have ever seen. Not only do we have a hard schedule, but it’s all whacked out. Did anyone see the Eagles schedule? Talk about easy, next week they play the Packers on Monday night? So if they (Eagles) beat the Packers, they will have beaten 3 bad teams( Texans, 49ers & Packers). I only bring this up, because I live near Philly, and I have to listen to all the so called “experts” talk about how great the Eagles are, when real football fans know otherwise.

By a disappointed fan

September 26, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

Its getting a tad rediculous to see business and sports being mixed so blatantly these days. This game was scripted a year ago, I knew when the schedule was released the Falcons would lose this game. The NFL continues to promote soap opera stories and fix games to make them profitable, just as they did in 01 (who won the superbowl? who else but the PATRIOTS, who started the season 1-3). To see untampered, real sports anymore you have to go to small town high school games. I was willing to give the Falcons 4 or so losses this year, as they have a pretty tough schedule ahead of them, but this was definately not one of them. Dropped passes from a wide open Crumpler, terrible protection for Vick, and some questionable ref calls made this whole game suspect. Maybe next year tornados will tear up Texas and Houston can win a super bowl. Rediculous.

By a disappointed fan

September 26, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this

Its getting a tad rediculous to see business and sports being mixed so blatantly these days. This game was scripted a year ago, I knew when the schedule was released the Falcons would lose this game. The NFL continues to promote soap opera stories and fix games to make them profitable, just as they did in 01 (who won the superbowl? who else but the PATRIOTS, who started the season 1-3). To see untampered, real sports anymore you have to go to small town high school games. I was willing to give the Falcons 4 or so losses this year, as they have a pretty tough schedule ahead of them, but this was definately not one of them. Dropped passes from a wide open Crumpler, terrible protection for Vick, and some questionable ref calls made this whole game suspect. Maybe next year tornados will tear up Texas and Houston can win a super bowl. Rediculous.

By Billy

September 26, 2006 02:18 AM | Link to this

If I see one more article/t.v. piece about the Saints being “America’s Team”, I’m going to puke. To me, living FAR away from Atlanta, the idea that the “EVERYBODY” was pulling for the Saints was insulting. I know that I’m not the only person who thinks that people too stubborn/ignorant to stay in the path of a hurricane are not people to celebrate. I also noticed that most of the “Saints” fans in the stands tonight happened to be white…

I hate to mention “conspiracy”, but the hole that opened up for the “blocked punt” was a bit too much of a coincidece…

By Ryan

September 26, 2006 02:29 AM | Link to this

Those of you that say the game was rigged are ridiculous. After two games the falcons win against a “steve smith”less panthers and a pathetic bucs team and all of a sudden the falcons are invincible. The saints did their homework on how to stop the falcons 1 dimensional offense. When mike vick is needed to win the game through the air its not going to happen. Ignorant fans who think the falcons are dominant need to look around the nfl a little bit, they are a soft team. They are pretty good at trash talking, D Hall is tops at that. Vick does look clueless when he gets hit a few times.

By thefranchise

September 26, 2006 03:54 AM | Link to this

i can certainly say i know i will have forgotten about the game by the time i wake up tomorrow. the whole thing that made this possible was the announcing crew. i like tony and everything, but they made it clear from the get go who they wanted to win. i know what happened with katrina and new orleans and everything, and it sucks.. and i feel bad for everyone there… but do the announcing crew have to spend the entire game referencing everything to either new orleans. the first time morten anderson trotted on the field is case in point. they didnt mention that he was the falcon’s all time point leader, or his long stint as the falcons kicker in the 90’s, or even that kick against minnesota to put us in the super bowl. instead they only talked about how he was the saints all time leading scorer and he was kind of returning home in a sense. there were so many storylines going on during the game that they missed, because they always focus in on one storyline and drum it in our heads in the pregame, during every break in the action, the aftergame, the postgame sportcenter, and all the sportcenter’s reruns. just like the ohio state-notre dame game where every two seconds they showed brady quinn’s sister/ aj hawks’ girlfriend and her split MICH/ND #17 jersey. she was cute and all, but im not watching the game to see her. im watching so i can see the ballgame, thats what i am interested in, so tone down the storylines and keep the camera on the game… there is no excuse for losing tonight but i honest think no team could’ve beat the saints tonight. we need to let this roll down our backs and move on. yeah we played like s**, but they were pumped like no other.. sometimes people are just due, sometimes for goodthings, sometimes for bad… tonight new orleans were due for some good things to happen and they did. so lets keep our heads high and go get’em sunday… oh yeah i miss john abraham…

By Ron Roberts

September 26, 2006 05:27 AM | Link to this

The Falcons lost this game from the coin flip on.

First of all, the crowd in the Superdome tonight was ELECTRIC. I’d never been anywhere where the crowd was as INTO a pro football game - ever. I was in my red Vick jersey, and the usual light-hearted ribbing was replaced with a much more venomous-reaction from fans.

But Coach Mora has to re-consider the coin flip decision. Seriously.

We win the coin flip and elect to recieve the ball first on the road. Bad call. VERY bad call when the crwod’s ready to be a part of the action as was the case last night.

If we give them the ball to start, we put OUR defense on the field, which had shown previously an ability to dominate a game, and put their loud fans on their seats… and if we’d have three-and-out’ed ‘em, they’d have been not as loud when their defense would take the field.

Instead, we elected to take the ball first, and put the fans SQUARELY into the game from the first snap.

The rest is history.

By Ron Roberts

September 26, 2006 05:32 AM | Link to this

The Falcons lost this game from the coin flip on.

First of all, the crowd in the Superdome tonight was ELECTRIC. I’d never been anywhere where the crowd was as INTO a pro football game - ever. I was in my red Vick jersey, and the usual light-hearted ribbing was replaced with a much more venomous-reaction from fans.

But Coach Mora has to re-consider the coin flip decision. Seriously.

We win the coin flip and elect to recieve the ball first on the road. Bad call. VERY bad call when the crwod’s ready to be a part of the action as was the case last night.

If we give them the ball to start, we put OUR defense on the field, which had shown previously an ability to dominate a game, and put their loud fans on their seats… and if we’d have three-and-out’ed ‘em, they’d have been not as loud when their defense would take the field.

Instead, we elected to take the ball first, and put the fans SQUARELY into the game from the first snap.

The rest is history.

By spud

September 26, 2006 05:51 AM | Link to this

the saints did their homework, hats off to them same old falcons this team is going nowhere

By Dennis G. Berdanis

September 26, 2006 05:56 AM | Link to this

I knew we weren’t going to win as soon as I saw the horrible condition of that field. They said it will take a year for that “grass” to set.

The Falcons are built for speed on both offense and defense. They played a game in the “mud” last nite and of course they lost. They aren’t built for moving the pile in the mud. They are built for juking and jiving on sure footing. Give us the Saints in the Georgia Dome!

By Will

September 26, 2006 06:19 AM | Link to this

I won’t put this loss on the shoulders of Vick tonight although he had a heavy hand in it. I have said 10,000 times before, he is a very atheltic QB but not very good at checking down receivers, reading coverage, or being accurate on a consistant basis. Next..whats up with all the drop passes? I thought the birds had done all this work together over the summer and in camp. Looks like they just picked up where they left off the past 2 years. Next…Coach Joe, you are suppose to be one of the best. Fix your damn special teams play. I don’t care who you bring in for field goals, I love the Great Dane, but NOBODY can kick with defenders rushing in on top of them. Next…Coaches. I couldnt see the field from my living room but it seemed like to me after 4 quarters of nothing, try something new? A flea flicker, a reverse, a true spread offense with 4 wide receivers. Its obvious Vick can’t check down with 3 receivers, well give him 4 or 5, maybe SOMEBODY will catch his eye. The defense really did enough to hold it together although I wish they could have ignited a spark. The problem tonight was a poor offense who forced the defense to stay on the field way to long and a special teams who belong in the high school league. I have never been so put out as I was watching this game. As I check down our schedule, this was a W. I knew we would have some L’s, but not to a freshly assembled Saints team. I’m talking new from the ground up, literally. So here we come back home for Arizona. Here’s another one with a W out beside it. You guys better be prepared because I will guarantee you Denny Green watched Monday night too. Go Falcons!

By Will

September 26, 2006 06:20 AM | Link to this

I won’t put this loss on the shoulders of Vick tonight although he had a heavy hand in it. I have said 10,000 times before, he is a very atheltic QB but not very good at checking down receivers, reading coverage, or being accurate on a consistant basis. Next..whats up with all the drop passes? I thought the birds had done all this work together over the summer and in camp. Looks like they just picked up where they left off the past 2 years. Next…Coach Joe, you are suppose to be one of the best. Fix your damn special teams play. I don’t care who you bring in for field goals, I love the Great Dane, but NOBODY can kick with defenders rushing in on top of them. Next…Coaches. I couldnt see the field from my living room but it seemed like to me after 4 quarters of nothing, try something new? A flea flicker, a reverse, a true spread offense with 4 wide receivers. Its obvious Vick can’t check down with 3 receivers, well give him 4 or 5, maybe SOMEBODY will catch his eye. The defense really did enough to hold it together although I wish they could have ignited a spark. The problem tonight was a poor offense who forced the defense to stay on the field way to long and a special teams who belong in the high school league. I have never been so put out as I was watching this game. As I check down our schedule, this was a W. I knew we would have some L’s, but not to a freshly assembled Saints team. I’m talking new from the ground up, literally. So here we come back home for Arizona. Here’s another one with a W out beside it. You guys better be prepared because I will guarantee you Denny Green watched Monday night too. Go Falcons!

By Nikki

September 26, 2006 06:36 AM | Link to this

Give it a rest, Mark. The falcons were not blocking on special teams last Sunday. The saints just saw the tape and knows the falcons special teams can’t block. It will be the same story Sunday if Mora and the coaches don’t do something quick. Problems with the passing game were amplified. They were already there before the game. The falcons had no pass rush without John Abraham in the falcons-bucs game. They had no pass rush last night. Last night’s game just amplified problems that were already there. It was not a “stars aligned for N.O.” night.

By bucko

September 26, 2006 06:37 AM | Link to this

My hats off to you knap you have done everything to make Vick the super star that people think he is. The truth is we need a real Q.B. like a D.B. where we can get back to real pro football instead of sandlot football. I have said it before and I will say it again Vick is not our savior and future Q.B. to take us down the long hall. I think we blist one time when are we going to turn our defense loose. Dontale needs to go if he is a defense coordinator I’m a Iranian astronaunt. White and Jenkins are not even medicore wide receivers. The falcons will be lucky to go 8 and 8

By Nikki

September 26, 2006 06:43 AM | Link to this

Give it a rest, Mark. Weaknesses of the falcons were exposed last night that were already there. We saw in the falcons-bucs game that the falcons have zero pass rush without John Abraham. We saw in the falcons-bucs game that special teams cannot block anyone at any time. We new before the season started that the falcons passing game was weak.All of this was just magnified. I’m very frustrated. I’m still a diehard fan. The defense played okay considering offense and special teams never showed up.

By aj

September 26, 2006 06:47 AM | Link to this

Lets see..The annoucers? the refs? Spike Lee? As usual Atlanta fans try to anal opps analyize the game by saying, COULD, WOULD, SHOULD BUT AND IF…If u think that ur going two win a title with a running QB, I have a deal for you. Sell u a cpl of Victora Secret Franchises over in the middle east..real cheap!!!What u need to do is figure out the why’s who’s how’s of playing winning football.

By savannah falcon

September 26, 2006 06:57 AM | Link to this

We have to use Norwood. Falcons always want to save good players for next year. What about this year? Saints are using both Deuce & Bush at the same time. Why can’t we do the same thing?

By TurfMan

September 26, 2006 07:03 AM | Link to this

i agree with you mark. the odds were all in their favor. all i have to say is wait till the saints come to atlanta.

By THL

September 26, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this

The offensive execution has been bad all year in the red-zone and yesterday was no different. This team has had three kicks blocked and two more tipped in the first three games. Our Defensive coordinator is in love with letting four guys try to get pressure on the QB who has 6 blockers while dropping 7 into a soft zone than can’t cover four receivers. This was the result of the Falcons not being able to adjust when what they want to do is taken away. Why can’t our receivers get open like everyone elses can against us?

By THL

September 26, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this

The offensive execution has been bad all year in the red-zone and yesterday was no different. This team has had three kicks blocked and two more tipped in the first three games. Our Defensive coordinator is in love with letting four guys try to get pressure on the QB who has 6 blockers while dropping 7 into a soft zone than can’t cover four receivers. This was the result of the Falcons not being able to adjust when what they want to do is taken away. Why can’t our receivers get open like everyone elses can against us?

By Greg

September 26, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this

Yes, the Falcons played badly last night. Should have played better, but the real direction of my aggravation this morning is toward the NFL for causing this debacle. From a pre-game concert, to all of the oublicity, the NFL created a Super-Bowl atmosphere…for the benefit of the home team! The NFL had no business putting this game on Monday night. It should have been a regular Sunday 1pm start, with local coverage about Katrina. If the Falcons miss the playoffs by a game, they should sue the NFL for blatantly pulling for one team over another.

By Krazy Ken

September 26, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this

I have been a Falcon Fan since the days of Rolland Lawrence and Greg Brazina, remember those players. The Falcons laid an egg on the national stage, and I as a fan was crushed. Unlike past embarresments such as Green Bay last year, the falcons did not give the ball away to the Saints these birds just laid down. Joe Theisman said, “The Falcon’s recievers don’t even look as if they are even trying to get open.” I think that one statement pretty much says it all.

By Bad Bird

September 26, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this

Does anyone remember the Chicago Blacksox baseball story. This game was fixed as fixed could be.

By Bookie

September 26, 2006 07:30 AM | Link to this

The Falcons have a gimmick. The gimmick wears no. 7. When the gimmick works, the Falcons can beat anybody. When the gimmick doesn’t work, anybody can beat the Falcons.

By RTHOM40

September 26, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

Something wasn’t right about this game from the start. A big gapping hole on the blocked punt,several flags that weren’t flags,officials huddle for no reason, Falcons strange game plan, and most obvious- the players acting as if they were somewhere else. CONSPIRICY?

By Doug

September 26, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this

I hate to be the kind of person who makes rash generalizations about other people, but the fact is you people shouting “conspiracy” are all complete fricking morons.

By PoliticalMan

September 26, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

You only play 16 games in the NFL. You can’t really write off any of them. This game is worrisome. All of the worries from before come back: a RB for QB; a running game based on darters; no receivers to speak of. The Saints exposed the Falcons. It will be interesting to see if adaptations are made. If the past is a guide, don’t count on it.

By jg

September 26, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

I’ll take 2 out of 3 wins the rest of the season… big picture people. Gimme 10-6 (maybe 11-5) and see you in the playoffs! Surely we were all smart enough to realize when the schedule was released that this would be one of the toughest to win? Just win at home and at Detroit… that’s 10 right there.

By jg

September 26, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

I’ll take 2 out of 3 wins the rest of the season… big picture people. Gimme 10-6 (maybe 11-5) and see you in the playoffs! Surely we were all smart enough to realize when the schedule was released that this would be one of the toughest to win? Just win at home and at Detroit… that’s 10 right there.

By ck

September 26, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this

The Saints are now the team to beat in the South. Bono’s stirring chant of The Saints are Coming will become their battlecry for the rest of the year and even a s a Falcons fan I knew as soon as he belted out those words we were in trouble.

I have never witnessed such spirit at a Pro Game. The fans were on a all time high as awere the Saints players. The shots of Horn sitting in the tunnel and the pure emotion on his face dictated that he would play this game on two broken legs if necessary.

Pure adrenalin and a rocking stadium with the whole world behind them gave the Saints every bit of what they needed to win this game.

The Falcons were smiling because the spirit that fillied the aor in New Orleans and the Super Dome is what every team dreams about.

The Saints got flagged for having twelve men on the field at one point after a time out but the real twelveth man involved tha maniacal Fans and media.

This rivalry was reborn Monday night and if the Falcons fans learned anything from this game it is how much the home team is motivated by the involvement of the crowd.

I challenge Atlanta fans to demonstrate their love for the Falcons by rockin the house when the Saints come to our house.

The Falcons Brass can put on a show before the game to get the fans hyped up.

No matter what we try though I doubt we could ever match the spirit that swarmed New Orleans Monday night. That was a night that had to be seen to be believed.

If the Falcons had performed that poorly in any other game I would be worried about the rest of the season but under the circumstances I don’t beleive any team in the league could have played well in New Orleans except the Saints on this night.

By ck

September 26, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

The Saints are now the team to beat in the South. Bono’s stirring chant of The Saints are Coming will become their battlecry for the rest of the year and even a s a Falcons fan I knew as soon as he belted out those words we were in trouble.

I have never witnessed such spirit at a Pro Game. The fans were on a all time high as awere the Saints players. The shots of Horn sitting in the tunnel and the pure emotion on his face dictated that he would play this game on two broken legs if necessary.

Pure adrenalin and a rocking stadium with the whole world behind them gave the Saints every bit of what they needed to win this game.

The Falcons were smiling because the spirit that fillied the aor in New Orleans and the Super Dome is what every team dreams about.

The Saints got flagged for having twelve men on the field at one point after a time out but the real twelveth man involved tha maniacal Fans and media.

This rivalry was reborn Monday night and if the Falcons fans learned anything from this game it is how much the home team is motivated by the involvement of the crowd.

I challenge Atlanta fans to demonstrate their love for the Falcons by rockin the house when the Saints come to our house.

The Falcons Brass can put on a show before the game to get the fans hyped up.

No matter what we try though I doubt we could ever match the spirit that swarmed New Orleans Monday night. That was a night that had to be seen to be believed.

If the Falcons had performed that poorly in any other game I would be worried about the rest of the season but under the circumstances I don’t beleive any team in the league could have played well in New Orleans except the Saints on this night.

By ck

September 26, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

The Saints are now the team to beat in the South. Bono’s stirring chant of The Saints are Coming will become their battlecry for the rest of the year and even a s a Falcons fan I knew as soon as he belted out those words we were in trouble.

I have never witnessed such spirit at a Pro Game. The fans were on a all time high as awere the Saints players. The shots of Horn sitting in the tunnel and the pure emotion on his face dictated that he would play this game on two broken legs if necessary.

Pure adrenalin and a rocking stadium with the whole world behind them gave the Saints every bit of what they needed to win this game.

The Falcons were smiling because the spirit that fillied the aor in New Orleans and the Super Dome is what every team dreams about.

The Saints got flagged for having twelve men on the field at one point after a time out but the real twelveth man involved tha maniacal Fans and media.

This rivalry was reborn Monday night and if the Falcons fans learned anything from this game it is how much the home team is motivated by the involvement of the crowd.

I challenge Atlanta fans to demonstrate their love for the Falcons by rockin the house when the Saints come to our house.

The Falcons Brass can put on a show before the game to get the fans hyped up.

No matter what we try though I doubt we could ever match the spirit that swarmed New Orleans Monday night. That was a night that had to be seen to be believed.

If the Falcons had performed that poorly in any other game I would be worried about the rest of the season but under the circumstances I don’t beleive any team in the league could have played well in New Orleans except the Saints on this night.

By Ralph

September 26, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

The whole scenario reminded me of when Alabama went to Auburn in 1989 for the first time. There was no way The Tide was going to win that game and there was no way the Falcons were going to win last night.

Get over it.

Let’s move on…

By Highlighted Issues

September 26, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

Tough situation, just one game, but! It highlighted what has been the same issue under this regime. It is simply riding talent, not coaching up or implementing a scheme where you can just plug in personnel.Niether, Mora or Knapp or Donatel have shown to be the coaches that can get us over the top. The Falcons have enough talent to get 8 -11 wins annually but not the coaching to get it to the elite. We will win our share of ballgames, but these guys can not gameplan on a week to week basis consistently. They try to force thier will and we are just not that balanced enough to make that happen. There was lots of poor play calling, bad tackling, unaggressive defensive calls indicative of a poorly coached team. In fact New Orleans just took what the defense gave and that was eneough because we went back to that unaggressive zone scheme that fits right into a Drew Brees type QB. Can’t Blank and Mckay see that Mora is not lifting this team to new levels. The sandlot version that Dan Reeves had was more effective for the long haul because it was forcing Vick to be a better timing QB. The routes the receivers run are predictable and defenders are just sitting on them and these receivers really just quit on routes. Boy do we miss Finneran! Mora is a joke and his players don’t take him serious because he has shown that he won’t hold guys accountable for poor play. Going to be repeat of last year, we’ll win 9 or 10 and get embarassed by a top caliber coached team i.e. the Bears whom there Coach should be ours anyhow!!

By Hasavior

September 26, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

I would say this for all to read.

Vick and Dunn was the best player on that team that was playing football last night. yet of course Vick will be held accountable for his teammates..

dropped passes missed blocking assignments reading blitz to have short yardage plays falling down on routes

When Crump dropped that pass in the endzone, i knew it was going to be a long, very long dissapointing night.

That killed their momentum and confidence, from then on it was down hill. When you drop passes like that, fall down off passing routes, that takes more out of you than catching the ball and making play.

Yet of course, Vick will get the stats ratings that every pro teams are starting to care less and less about these days, will get the blame.

It was not Vick errant passes or lack of timing. the passes were sharp and accurate where only the reciever could catch the ball. Falling down, dropping passes cannot be be tghe case moving forward towards the year.

By ck

September 26, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

apologies for the repeat blogs. Thought my computer had stalled and hit the back button… but a good blog is always worth repeating…Don’t you think?

By ck

September 26, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

apologies for the repeat blogs. Thought my computer had stalled and hit the back button… but a good blog is always worth repeating…Don’t you think?

By Paul K in Fla

September 26, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

The game last night showed what a lot of us ‘realists’ feared. We’re simply not as good as a lot of us thought. When you don’t put away teams like Carolina and Tampa Bay, and as soon as you play a team with speed, you’re going to get your pants pulled down. This was the worst, most inept performance since the Carolina game at the end of last season. They have tons of work to do.

To be fair, though, New Orleans is for real. Their defense reminds me a bit of Tampa Bay’s in ‘02—real fast, real physical. And Drew Brees is very good.

By bill

September 26, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this

Bad pl;aying field hurts Falcons? Imagine what Saints RB Bush would have done on good, solid turf! Conspiracy to make sure Saints win? Who thought that up? Cynthia McKinney?

By jg

September 26, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

Highlighted Issues, you failed to mention one thing: Mora’s replacement. Don’t be the guy who wants him fired but has no idea who to bring in. Let’s hear it. And as you said, he must coach his players to an elite level. So I believe that narrows your pool to Cowher, Belichick, Shanahan, Holmgren, Gruden, Fox.

By mart

September 26, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

What a coward’s attitude. When is all right for a pro team to lose? The Falcons could’ve grabbed the Saints by the throat and shoved them back to obscurity. Instead they lie down and meekly play the part of the sacrificial lamb just so those New Orleans losers can pat themselves on the back. This is what’s wrong with the Atlanta sports scene, no killer’s instinct. The Braves certainly didn’t show it during their “wonderful” 14 year run, and the Falcons/Hawks/Flames/Thrashers have never come close to having it.

By D-Man

September 26, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

THE GAME PRETTY MUCH SUCKED. MORA AND CREW LOOKED LIKE FREAK’N SPECTATORS AT THEIR OWN GAME!!! OUR PLAYERS WERE IN A FOG. VICK WAS SORELY AT A LOSS FOR ANYTHING THAT REQUIRED LEADERSHIP. INSTEAD OF RALLYING THE TROOPS AFTER ANOTHER SUCKY SERIES, HE WOULD GO SIT AND SULK ON THE BENCH. VICK, GET YOUR 130 MILLION DOLLAR A$$ OFF THE BENCH AND RALLY YOUR FREAK’N TROOPS! HECK PULL A T.O. AND GET IN THE FACE OF KNAPP AND MAKE HIM PULL SOMETHING CREATIVE OUT OF HIS VANILLA PLAYBOOK. AND MORA…QUIT LOOKING SO FREAK’N BEWILDERED ON THE SIDELINES…SNIFF SOMETHING FOR PETE’S SAKE..WAKE UP!!! YEP, ITS TRUE, THE FALCONS ARE ALWAYS GOOD FOR A COUPLE GAMES A YEAR WHERE THEY JUST LOOK STUPID!! AND…WHEN THE HECK IS JOHN ABRAHAM COMING BACK?????????????????????????????????

By D-Man

September 26, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

THE GAME PRETTY MUCH SUCKED. MORA AND CREW LOOKED LIKE FREAK’N SPECTATORS AT THEIR OWN GAME!!! OUR PLAYERS WERE IN A FOG. VICK WAS SORELY AT A LOSS FOR ANYTHING THAT REQUIRED LEADERSHIP. INSTEAD OF RALLYING THE TROOPS AFTER ANOTHER SUCKY SERIES, HE WOULD GO SIT AND SULK ON THE BENCH. VICK, GET YOUR 130 MILLION DOLLAR A$$ OFF THE BENCH AND RALLY YOUR FREAK’N TROOPS! HECK PULL A T.O. AND GET IN THE FACE OF KNAPP AND MAKE HIM PULL SOMETHING CREATIVE OUT OF HIS VANILLA PLAYBOOK. AND MORA…QUIT LOOKING SO FREAK’N BEWILDERED ON THE SIDELINES…SNIFF SOMETHING FOR PETE’S SAKE..WAKE UP!!! YEP, ITS TRUE, THE FALCONS ARE ALWAYS GOOD FOR A COUPLE GAMES A YEAR WHERE THEY JUST LOOK STUPID!! AND…WHEN THE HECK IS JOHN ABRAHAM COMING BACK?????????????????????????????????

By formerbeliever

September 26, 2006 08:32 AM | Link to this

The DIFFERENCE-MAKER made the difference alright! Still throws to ALGE even after all those dropped passes … what the h—-? And Mora and his coaching staff are at a loss to make changes in the game-plan when it’s not working. Keep on running the same plays on the same downs and the other team isn’t that stupid … they are all over you dumb bunnies! And I also agree that was a mighty strange looking blocked punt that resulted in a NO touchdown. Why did the lineman move out of the way? Gave him a straight shot at the punter???? Was he being paid or did he have a BIG ONE on the Saints to win???? Mr. Blank needs to look at the performance of his hand-picked coaching staff … get somebody with a clue!!!!

By old falcon's fan

September 26, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

I was born in 1954 so I’ve been watching the Falcons since the very first game they ever played.

They were terrible then, and with the exception of a few years (what three good years?) They have been lousy ever since.

After 40 years I am finally giving up on these a-holes. Eff them all, Vick, Mora, Blank, I’m through caring about the Falcons.

I’d rather go out on Sundays and ride my bike 50 miles, anyway.

By Phat Phalcon

September 26, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

Bottom line on this one is that the Saints played this game like a small school hosting a major power and the Falcons weren’t prepared for the type of reckless play the Saints brought. In the NFL you don’t send 9 on a punt because you get no return which means a 50 yd. net. You also don’t run double reverses that can lose 15 yds. And the field was huge. Those passes early at the feet of the receivers were timing routes where the WR sells the fly then comes back. The problem is they couldn’t plant. Anyone who watches the Falcons knows that the big runs come in cut back lanes. Tonight the Saints played completely overaggressive undisciplined defense that normally would be gashed by Vick and Dunn reversing field.

By formerbeliever

September 26, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

SO UNREAL

By Chuck

September 26, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

MICK VICK SUCKS!!!! THE MOST OVERRATED PLAYER IN FOOTBALL. HE IS TERRIBLE!!!!

By Chuck

September 26, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

* MICK VICK SUCKS!!! THE MOST OVERRATED PLAYER IN FOOTBALL*

By Falcons Fan

September 26, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

Basically, we are seeing what happens when cronyism and race determines the hiring for leadership positions, instead of qualifications.

We had a chance to get Crennel or Lovie smith back in 2004, but passed on well-qualified African American men to run the team, opting instead for some guys with mediocre credentials like Mora, Knapp and Donatell — who had just been embarrassingly fired in Green Bay.

Apparently, as the famed journalist Carl T. Rowan once wrote decades ago, Blank and McKay “like Black ball-playing, but don’t like Black brain.” Well, we all see that a Lovie Smith-coached team is prepared to play each week. And they attack on offense and defense.

This is what you get for passing over more qualified individuals to maintain a status quo.

They can spin it however they want, but it seems to me the chickens are merely coming home to roost.

By formerbeliever

September 26, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this

Phat Phalcon, there again is the “coaching” or lack of. If the Saints CAN DO … why doesn’t our coaches do the same to them? No idea how to make in-game adjustments. IF our game plan don’t work, hell, change it to something that does. IF they play reckless abandon … can we not do the same? Someone posted earlier that Mora looked lost on the sidelines … HE WAS!!!!!

By mikey

September 26, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

The Falcons let the Saints win or the team got paid to do so by Saints management. With all the drunks hanging around the p-lot for half a day prior to the game there would be a riot akin to Katrina had the Goons in Gold won.

By C.C.

September 26, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

What a joke! Vick is overrated at best, Crumpler crumpled, linemen fell down on the job, Mora needs to find more, I could go on and on. Let’s just scrap the whole team and start over, I’m sure we would do better! Is there any way we can find a new QB before next week?

By AFinPC

September 26, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

Anybody own the domain name firegregknapp.com?? This isn’t the beginning of his troubles scoring in the red zone…That was all the falcons talked about last week after the Tampa game was our red zone offense and we put up this showing>? Emotions or not, what do you think would happen in the playoffs? Man, the falcons have a long way to go… and Greg Knapp isn’t the OC to get us there.

By Cindy

September 26, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

Can we find a new QB before next week? And, while we’re at it what about a new offensive line? Oh, can we find some defensive players? How about some special teams folks? Better yet, what about a new coach? Think that will help?

By Fowl Smelling Dawg

September 26, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

How do you spell F I X E D ?

This whole hollywood production stunk to high hell. If you like theater, watch the NFL because it is scripted.

By the way, Vick is too stupid to play Q.B. in the NFL. Put in Stokely.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

You know,I think all of this analysis is cute, I think the criticisms and the congratulations are cute, but let’s face it: The Falcons took a dive. You’re telling me that all of a sudden the runningest team can’t run? Can’t pass? Can’t kick? Can’t block? Can’t catch? The falcons, basically ceased to do what they have been doing for the last three years straight after having upgraded the positions? Alge can’t catch a TD pass in the endzone? The league’s leading rusher can’t run? I don’t know how it went down, or who’s responsible for it, specifically, but this game was intentionally given to the Saints.

By jg

September 26, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

By Fowl Smelling Dawg, By the way, Vick is too stupid to play Q.B. in the NFL. Put in Stokely.

Hi Pot, meet Kettle. Stokely plays for the Colts. Plus he’s a WR. Shockley is our QB, formerly with your beloved Dawgs. His first name is D.J., too. Thought you might like to know that for your next post.

By Jim Feely

September 26, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

No one gives a rip about the victims of Katrina except the media and Hollywood. The derelicts and criminals have all moved to Atlanta and Houston and will return when they have milked these cities dry. The tem lost because of an over rated quarterback with an I.Q. two aboe a tree and has been coaches.

By STJ

September 26, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Atta boy Chuck! Mike Vick is the most overrated player in the game; all hype. He’s nowhere near the caliber of Brady and Manning.

Yes, it would have been tough for any team to come into that environment and win, but to allege that it was ‘fixed’ or that New Orleans had an unfair advantage is just foolhardy. Of course, the home team has an advantage, they always have an advantage. Why fight for playoff position otherwise?

No one wanted the Falcons to win except people from Atlanta. Sorry. Unless you were here when Katrina hit, you have no idea what it was like to live through one of the worst natural disasters in American history. And if you were here, you understand what last night’s game meant to us, to our city’s soul and to our esilient spirit. It was about much more than football.

Do you actually think you’ll ever contend for a Super Bowl with Vick? And before anyone replies to me about Drew Brees, I’m not saying we’ll win anyhting with him wither. I just don’t get the Michael Vick love a thon. To me he is just average, all marketing, no substance

By Michael

September 26, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Hear we go! The clowns, are back in full fashion today! Two weeks you couldn’t find not one of them. If you watched the game, please tell me where the check down receiver’s was as one clown mentioned! I saw Vick on several plays put the ball on the money too the check down receiver and Alge just dropped the ball! The no calls by the refs, O-line forgot how too block on both the and the pass! On the double revers that the saints done. McCallister jumped leading with his helment on C. Davis no call! J Horn going after Mathis injured knee when his man was clearly out of bounds. The Falcons are a way better team that played last night! “So please clowns go back too that damn circus, where you belong”! And let us true fans enjoy the rest of this season!!!!!!

By Mr. New Orleans

September 26, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

“Ain’t” this great? All of you drinking the MVick Juice are all vomitting now, aren’t you? How can you be surprised when this is a repeat of past couple of years script on how to contain Vick? If the Falcoons are the kind of team that expects to advance in the playoffs, they should be able to overcome adversity. They didn’t …. they lost … and deserved to! Give it up, give props to the Saints and their insanely loud 70000+ fans in the stands, move on, stop drinking the stupid juice, get over it! Better luck next time! See ya later in the year!

By Mr. New Orleans

September 26, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

“Ain’t” this great? All of you drinking the MVick Juice are all vomitting now, aren’t you? How can you be surprised when this is a repeat of past couple of years script on how to contain Vick? If the Falcoons are the kind of team that expects to advance in the playoffs, they should be able to overcome adversity. They didn’t …. they lost … and deserved to! Give it up, give props to the Saints and their insanely loud 70000+ fans in the stands, move on, stop drinking the stupid juice, get over it! Better luck next time! See ya later in the year!

By Paul

September 26, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

Whatever. I don’t buy in to all this N.O. hype. The Falcons are a professional football team and a good enough one to win this game despite the pressure. The Falcons of last week or the week before would’ve whipped the sorry Saints.

By Mr. New Orleans

September 26, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

“Ain’t” this great? All of you drinking the MVick Juice are all vomitting now, aren’t you? How can you be surprised when this is a repeat of past couple of years script on how to contain Vick? If the Falcoons are the kind of team that expects to advance in the playoffs, they should be able to overcome adversity. They didn’t …. they lost … and deserved to! Give it up, give props to the Saints and their insanely loud 70000+ fans in the stands, move on, stop drinking the stupid juice, get over it! Better luck next time! See ya later in the year!

By Fowl Smelling Dawg

September 26, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

fg pay attention. The “Stokely” reference alludes to the brain dead Lou Holtz’s pronunciation which all sports fans in the know understood.

One look at Vick’s wide eyed dumfounded look and one sentence out of his mouth disqualifies him from anything other than manual labor. Or Ron Mexico skirmishes.

By Fowl Smelling Dawg

September 26, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

fg pay attention. The “Stokely” reference alludes to the brain dead Lou Holtz’s pronunciation which all sports fans in the know understood.

One look at Vick’s wide eyed dumfounded look and one sentence out of his mouth disqualifies him from anything other than manual labor. Or Ron Mexico skirmishes.

By truckstop

September 26, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

Again, Author Blank, Jim Mora, etc. owe the Atlanta fans ANOTHER apology (remember 2 year ago). If they felt so sorry for N.O. and didn’t want to “bruise” them further, they should have warned their fans not to tune in looking for a football game but an on the field continuation of the (sappy) tribute to N.O. I could then have gone to bed early knowing the Falcons had “mailed it in” long before the game started. My heart goes out to N.O. but if I wanted to see “sappy” I could have turned to the Life Channel or Jerry’s Kids but I turned to ESPN to see a FOOTBALL GAME!!! and boy was I disappointed.

Please, Please Falcons, in future GIVE US A WARING!!!!!!!!

By THE BUTCHER

September 26, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

It was so obvious of what was going on in this game on Monday night. There was no way the Falcons were going to win this game. Come on, they were taking on a nation, the fans, the refs, everybody. If they had won this game they would have been doomed, no team in the NFL would’ve won this game, by the way how much did they get paid to lay down anyway. Pro Sports have been the subject of controversey for years, you never know what to believe and what not to believe, it’s all about the money. But one thing the Falcons forgot and I feel it is most important of all, they were also representing a city that is starving for a winner, the Braves are done, The Hawks will never win, so to embarass yourselves and your city on nationwide television is a disgrace and I feel this will be a season killer for them. You never sell out and that’s what they did. Don’t be surprised if they only win 2 or 3 more games all year. You Play to Win the Game no matter what. I feel the compassion for New Orleans but I’m really tired of hearing about it, just do something. Falcons all of you guys should donate this weeks pay check to charity and put your heads in a trash can. The poorest display of football I’ve ever seen in 30 years!!!!!!! I am p** and as a fan demoralized. Fire Jim Mora and send Vick packing with the rest of the recieving core. Crumpler I can’t believe you were a part of this but I guess money talks huh!!!!!

By Madmarv

September 26, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Good article Mark Bradley. Reading between your lines I get the feeling you thought the game was fixed. I also agree. The Falcons played with no emotion or swagger like the first 2 games. The normally sure handed Crumpler dropped several passes. I don’t even think Vick scrambled once during the first half. The veteran Mathis stupid penalty right before half time basically put the game out of reach. The refs picked up an interference flag against N.O. which on the replay clearly showed interference. After all the nation wouldn’t want to see the mopeing, depressed Saints fans going home to their devastated communities after a loss. It was politically correct for the Saints to win this one. After this game,if there is any doubt about games being fixed in the NFL you must be blind. Welcome to the WWF where everything that’s suppose to happen does.

By Phil

September 26, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

Wow, you guys are really over reacting here. Yeah the Falcons didn’t play all that well last night but you gotta hand it to the Saints. They just outplayed and outcoached them. However, to be so down on the Falcons after this one game is absurd. Where are the real fans? Lets get behind the team and show some loyalty for a change. Stop the Vick bashing and racist comments and have some class people.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

I believe a deal was made in this manner: “Falcons,you lay down for the N.Orleans game , and you will be guaranteed a playoff spot.” That is why they are in no hurry to get J.Abraham and E.Hartwell back. They know they will need them deep in the postseason.

By tlong

September 26, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

I don’t feel sorry for a city’s population too stupid to evacuate a hurricane or live 10 feet below sea level. The destruction was coming for 100 years, they were lucky it took this long.

My dad took me to the opening game in 1966 and I am still waiting for a decent football team. What a constant embarrassment. Are they still an ‘expansion’ team as labeled for 25 years?

Mike Vick is not NFL caliber from the eyebrows up. Mora is a deer in headlights. I’m done with the Falcons just like the boycotted Braves in my house. I’m through getting teased into support only to witness something like that on Monday Night Football. OK I get it ESPN the first hundred times that they rebuilt the Dome. The rest of the city sucks and always will.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

The Falcons were offered a guaranteed playoff spot in exchange for throwing this overlyhyped intestinal game.

By T-Bone

September 26, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

So called Falcon Fans,

Stop being so emotionally fragile…It’s one loss in a 16 game season…It’s one loss to a team that always plays the Falcons tough…It’s one loss in a situation that NO TEAMS IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL have EVER been in. Stop being so blind sided that you downplay the significance of the situation and the effect it had on the game…

That being said…In three games, the Saints will be 3-3 and the Falcons will either be 5-1 or 4-2.

The Falcons are what they are and they will win a Super Bowl with Vick. However, the offensive line philosophy is one that may make its difficult. The zone blocking scheme with the light and fast offensive lineman can have limits against a defense either just as fast or stronger. And if we watched the game closely last night instead of watching and waiting for Vick and the Falcons to fail, you saw at least 7 dropped passes (including a touchdown) and passes that were one the money but receivers were not getting good separation…Now Vick, does have accuracy issues, but last night was not about his accuracy…it was about poor o-line play and quick pressures, route running that was not crisp, dropped passes, and the lack of a running game. And tell tell me, what team is able to pass the ball when their running game is completed snuffed and the receivers are simultaneously covered like a blanket…If you’re going to call out each game for what is…call it out for what is and don’t let personal prejudices against a playing style or a person blind your view to what’s happening on the field…(For example, I’m a Bulldog fan and alum who would have preferred to see an quarterback an athlete like D.J. Shockley play over David Greene at the time they were there…but how could I argue over David Greene’s bottom line…didn’t like style of offense Ga. had with him but the guy won games and led his team…that is always the bottom line in sports…personal preferences aside…can you lead and win is all that matters…in case you missed it, Vick is doing both.

Additionally, Falcons fans need to get out of this wait to fail attitude that constantly prevails…Continue to do so and you’ll get what you’re thinking on…failure…I’ve seen Saints fans, Jets fans, Packers fans, Bears fans, and Brown fans support 3-13 teams like they were 13-3. Continue having this wait to fail attitude and you’ll see with Vick (and other Falcons) what often happens to unappreciated Atlanta athletes…They’ll go somewhere else, be supported, and completely flourish or win a championship (i.e. Brett Butler, David Justice, Deion Sanders, Jermaine Dye). If you look at Vick’s record (that means wins and losses) and his playoff performance, he has just as good a chance at leading a team to a Super Bowl and winning as Peyton Manning (who has not proven he can handle playoff pressure) or any of the other non-Super Bowl appearance quarterbacks…You better learn to appreciate and cheer on your team and its stars before someone else embraces them and you’re sitting their thinking…why do our superstars always leave and become champions somewhere else!!!

By voice of reason

September 26, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Last night was a great reality check for our football team. We were outcoached, we didn’t block anyone, we didn’t catch the ball, we didn’t rush the passer, and worst of all, we still can’t do routine special team plays.

Back to the drawing board but at least its early…

By jokurone

September 26, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

i’m sorry but Mora should have put schaub in for a change of pace. we needed a pure passing quarterback in that storm of emotion. I think shaub would have made a big difference since NO was geared up for Vick football.

By Al Hurt & Pete Fountain

September 26, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

We had visions of Billy Kilmer and Danny Abramowicz dancing in our heads…a Great Saints Victory!

By voice of reason

September 26, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Last night was a great reality check for our football team. We were outcoached, we didn’t block anyone, we didn’t catch the ball, we didn’t rush the passer, and worst of all, we still can’t do routine special team plays.

Back to the drawing board but at least its early…

By T-Bone

September 26, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

So called Falcon Fans,

Stop being so emotionally fragile…It’s one loss in a 16 game season…It’s one loss to a team that always plays the Falcons tough…It’s one loss in a situation that NO TEAMS IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL have EVER been in. Stop being so blind sided that you downplay the significance of the situation and the effect it had on the game…

That being said…In three games, the Saints will be 3-3 and the Falcons will either be 5-1 or 4-2.

The Falcons are what they are and they will win a Super Bowl with Vick. However, the offensive line philosophy is one that may make its difficult. The zone blocking scheme with the light and fast offensive lineman can have limits against a defense either just as fast or stronger. And if we watched the game closely last night instead of watching and waiting for Vick and the Falcons to fail, you saw at least 7 dropped passes (including a touchdown) and passes that were one the money but receivers were not getting good separation…Now Vick, does have accuracy issues, but last night was not about his accuracy…it was about poor o-line play and quick pressures, route running that was not crisp, dropped passes, and the lack of a running game. And tell tell me, what team is able to pass the ball when their running game is completed snuffed and the receivers are simultaneously covered like a blanket…If you’re going to call out each game for what is…call it out for what is and don’t let personal prejudices against a playing style or a person blind your view to what’s happening on the field…(For example, I’m a Bulldog fan and alum who would have preferred to see an quarterback an athlete like D.J. Shockley play over David Greene at the time they were there…but how could I argue over David Greene’s bottom line…didn’t like style of offense Ga. had with him but the guy won games and led his team…that is always the bottom line in sports…personal preferences aside…can you lead and win is all that matters…in case you missed it, Vick is doing both.

Additionally, Falcons fans need to get out of this wait to fail attitude that constantly prevails…Continue to do so and you’ll get what you’re thinking on…failure…I’ve seen Saints fans, Jets fans, Packers fans, Bears fans, and Brown fans support 3-13 teams like they were 13-3. Continue having this wait to fail attitude and you’ll see with Vick (and other Falcons) what often happens to unappreciated Atlanta athletes…They’ll go somewhere else, be supported, and completely flourish or win a championship (i.e. Brett Butler, David Justice, Deion Sanders, Jermaine Dye). If you look at Vick’s record (that means wins and losses) and his playoff performance, he has just as good a chance at leading a team to a Super Bowl and winning as Peyton Manning (who has not proven he can handle playoff pressure) or any of the other non-Super Bowl appearance quarterbacks…You better learn to appreciate and cheer on your team and its stars before someone else embraces them and you’re sitting their thinking…why do our superstars always leave and become champions somewhere else!!!

By Rutuger

September 26, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

I haven’t been this ashamed to be a Falcons fans since the 36-0 schilacking on MNF three years ago.

This was absurd, and it brought out some glaring issues… Hopefully we won’t collapse, but I didn’t see anything to create any optimism last night. We couldn’t have beaten the Raiders or Titans.

By Rutuger

September 26, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

Somebody please get a tape of last night’s game for “T-Bone” because he didn’t see it.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

The fix was evident after Vick’s intended fumble failed to be returned for a touchdown. They then had to allow the defender to block the punt in order to score. This was followed by another score that was designed to create the most excitement, the double reverse. Both of these scripted plays were designed to emtionally charge the team, city, NFL, and Nation

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

The fix was evident after Vick’s intended fumble failed to be returned for a touchdown. They then had to allow the defender to block the punt in order to score. This was followed by another score that was designed to create the most excitement, the double reverse. Both of these scripted plays were designed to emtionally charge the team, city, NFL, and Nation

By 11 Men Out

September 26, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

This game was fixed from the coin flip. Vick wasnt the same aggressive attacking type player he normally is. Alge, come on, you could have caught that pass with one arm tied behind your back and a sandwich in the other. This game didnt seem right from the start. Normally punts are blocked from the outside..not from straight down the middle..hummm. I hope it was worth the money. Terrible acting job by the Atlanta Falcons. To all the New Orleans Saints Fans…YOU ARE SO WELCOME!

By prosport

September 26, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Hey Jim, Call Mark Richt and ask him what you do when you QB cant seem to get it done by the 3rd quarter. He will tell you to pull him and use someone else who may provide a spark. You say you would not want to do that and have Vick looking dejected on National TV. Well guess what? He looked that way anyway. He still can be your #1, but give #2 or #3 a chance to do something. You know you will have to use those guys sometime this year. To Mikes credit, I thought his receivers should have had at least 3 of his passes, maybe more. It surprises me to see that most of Atl takes it personally when Vick is criticized. Had Vick played in NY, he would probably be out of the NFL already.

By jg

September 26, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Rutuger, ashamed to be a fan of an NFL team that lost? Are you a grown man? Please tell me you’re 13 and skipping school today. Here’s a given: The Falcons, like every other team, will lose again this year. They, like virtually every other NFL team, will lose and look bad (not sure how you can lose and look good). Hang in there. Get some perspective. Don’t get too high or too low. The end result will be acceptable.

By jg

September 26, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Rutuger, ashamed to be a fan of an NFL team that lost? Are you a grown man? Please tell me you’re 13 and skipping school today. Here’s a given: The Falcons, like every other team, will lose again this year. They, like virtually every other NFL team, will lose and look bad (not sure how you can lose and look good). Hang in there. Get some perspective. Don’t get too high or too low. The end result will be acceptable.

By Mr. New Orleans

September 26, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

Does the stupid juice and eat-crow smoothie taste any better the more you all continue this hilarious diatribe? Face the music, Dirty Turds Fans!

By Phil

September 26, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

T-bone,

I couldn’t agree with you more. We have too many fair weathered “fans” around here. I still think we will end up with a better record than the Saints. Besides the special teams and a few dropped passes we didn’t play as bad as many are making it out to be. Fix those problems and they are fixable and we would have been right in that game. When Kerney (at full strength) and Abraham come back we should be cruising again, that is if the city doesnt give up on them after one loss.

By jokurone

September 26, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

i’m sorry but Mora should have put schaub in for a change of pace. we needed a pure passing quarterback in that storm of emotion. I think shaub would have made a big difference since NO was geared up for Vick football.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

TO ALL OF YOU ANALYSIS IDIOTS:THE GAME WAS FIXED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Iam4NO

September 26, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Falcon fans, rejoice!! What happened in New Orleans came early in the season and now you can sit back and enjoy the rest of the season. Playing for second place is much easier than wringing your hands and gritting your teeth, all stressed out from trying to win the division. Relax! Enjoy life. Read a book, or go for a walk because your team has been exposed by the Saints and now the rest of the league will know how to handle Vick, Dunn, Crumpler and rest of the team. Knowing this to be true, you can just accept your fate and know that your health will be better from having a lower blood pressure. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!

By Mike

September 26, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Jim Mora is a good coach and the Falcons are a good team. This was a no-win situation to start with and the planets happened to line up perfectly as well. This was a worldwide event not a game and it played out better than any movie script - subplot after subplot. The Falcons ran into a buzzsaw and there was nothing they could do. Young Mora could not even take Vick out late in the game to avoid injury - it would have been perceived as caving in or showing disrespect on national television. Kudos to Jim and the Falcons for the way they conducted themselves before, during and after the game - and this is from a 35-year Saints fan.

By Edd Anderson

September 26, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

That was the best I have ever seen the Saints play since 1967. My hat is off to them. The Falcons will be right back and maybe better because of the beating the Saints put on them. Keep your heads up the Falcons will be back !!

By Edd Anderson

September 26, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

Hats off to the Saints fans as well. They did a great job .Maybe we will learn how to yell at the games too.

By jg

September 26, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Well said Mike, some of these clowns are just too unstable. They go from thinking we’re (the falcons) the #1 team of all time when we win to thinking we’re crap when we lose. That 1st loss is always the toughest to take for these guys cause they have aspirations of running the table following a Week 1 win (they’re kinda like Georgia fans in that regard).

By DeanH

September 26, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

The Falcons will rebounded against AZ, and after the bye… number 55 will be back. The Falcons know that they are better and will prove it new Sunday.

By e.b.

September 26, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

Hey Ryan, you’re an idiot. To use the “Steve Smith” less panthers as an excuse, is completely ridiculous. Steve Smith doesn’t play defense, and the panthers couldn’t stop Vick and the Falcons that day at all. Besides, Steve Smith played on Sunday, and they barely beat the Bucs. The Falcons are indeed a good team. They played into the hype last night, and I knew months ago that last night’s game was going to be a dangerous one. The conditions surrounding it said the Falcons had no chance to win. Before last night, the Falcons gave up 9 points on defense. How is that soft? You’re a moron, and a Vick hater. Typical.

By e.b.

September 26, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Hey Ryan, you’re an idiot. To use the “Steve Smith” less panthers as an excuse, is completely ridiculous. Steve Smith doesn’t play defense, and the panthers couldn’t stop Vick and the Falcons that day at all. Besides, Steve Smith played on Sunday, and they barely beat the Bucs. The Falcons are indeed a good team. They played into the hype last night, and I knew months ago that last night’s game was going to be a dangerous one. The conditions surrounding it said the Falcons had no chance to win. Before last night, the Falcons gave up 9 points on defense. How is that soft? You’re a moron, and a Vick hater. Typical.

By tom

September 26, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

I hope the falcons get some kind of compensation for taking a fall for New Orleans. Nice and scripted return for New Orleans might as well have watched the WWE last night, it would have been just as “real” as that game.

By tom

September 26, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

I hope the falcons get some kind of compensation for taking a fall for New Orleans. Nice and scripted return for New Orleans might as well have watched the WWE last night, it would have been just as “real” as that game.

By 1Dawg

September 26, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

No way were we going to be allowed to win that game and ruin everybody’s party. Forget it and move on !

By e.b.

September 26, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

Schaub would’ve been a sitting duck if they put him in there. Can’t pin this loss on Vick. He doesn’t play defense, and he surely doesn’t play special teams. And on his side of the ball, there were enough dropped passes to go around.

By 1Dawg

September 26, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

No way were we going to be allowed to win that game and ruin everybody’s party. Forget it and move on !

By KB

September 26, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

It is truly amazing how fickle the fans are here. One moment you guys are up and the next you are down. So sad!!!!! The Falcons need to work on somethings (improved offensive line play mainly in the middle, better throws by M. Vick, improved performance by the wide receivers, and improved defensive tackling), but at least the team is going in the right direction (unlike the Braves or the Hawks!) The Saints have not shown themselves to constant threat yet. So don’t push the panic button yet. All you fair weather fans gets to get themselves a backbone BIGTIME and let the season play out more.

By tom

September 26, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

I hope we get some kind of compensation for taking the fall last night. The announcers kept saying “you could not write a better script”, obviously not because they were using a great one. I find it hard to believe that the falcons played that bad. I might as well have watched WWE last night, it would have been more “real”.

By KB

September 26, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

It is truly amazing how fickle the fans are here. One moment you guys are up and the next you are down. So sad!!!!! The Falcons need to work on somethings (improved offensive line play mainly in the middle, better throws by M. Vick, improved performance by the wide receivers, and improved defensive tackling), but at least the team is going in the right direction (unlike the Braves or the Hawks!) The Saints have not shown themselves to constant threat yet. So don’t push the panic button yet. All you fair weather fans gets to get themselves a backbone BIGTIME and let the season play out more.

By KB

September 26, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

It is truly amazing how fickle the fans are here. One moment you guys are up and the next you are down. So sad!!!!! The Falcons need to work on somethings (improved offensive line play mainly in the middle, better throws by M. Vick, improved performance by the wide receivers, and improved defensive tackling), but at least the team is going in the right direction (unlike the Braves or the Hawks!) The Saints have not shown themselves to constant threat yet. So don’t push the panic button yet. All you fair weather fans gets to get themselves a backbone BIGTIME and let the season play out more.

By tom

September 26, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

I hope we get some kind of compensation for taking the fall last night. The announcers kept saying “you could not write a better script”, obviously not because they were using a great one. I find it hard to believe that the falcons played that bad. I might as well have watched WWE last night, it would have been more “real”.

By Vic

September 26, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Billy, you’re an idiot….In many, many ways.

By Jon

September 26, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

It’s easy to defend a QB who can’t throw, just put 8 or even 9 guys in the box as the Saints did last night. You can blame the receivers as much as you like (and there were a few drops, esp. by Alge), but Mike’s passes are two or three yards from where they need to be on a consistent basis.

He starts dancing around and takes his eyes off downfield, where there are guys open, but he’s too busy “being Mike” to look for receivers.

By Lustmord

September 26, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

Conspiracy? Rigged? wow talk about sore losers. hey how does it feel? Saints had it when they were the first team to play the Giants in NY after 9/11.

By GRIZZLY BEAR

September 26, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

This is for all the mike vick haters!Does mike vick block, does mike vick calls the defense,does mike vick catch the ball. No man is bigger then the team.The falcons lost this game on the coin flip!The falcons should of played defense first not offense and made new orleans make the first mistake but they did not and with all that emotions in that dome last night that block punt got the saints pumped up.It showed that even if the colts,ravens,bears,or patriots played. the saints was not going to lose last night so stop hating cause you lost money on the game it is not mike vick fault. It is just the third game of sixteen the saints must play the panthers,bucs and eagles the next three games. All we have is arizona and the bye week to get our fullteam back.So to all the bandwagon jumpers get the hell off the wagon with all that back seat driving!!!!!!

By Eric

September 26, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

I’m almost proud to be counted among Falcon fans today. The fans usually jump ship after just 1 loss even if they had 10 consecutive wins prior to that. This game was set up for the falcons to lose, or rather for the Saints to win. The birds will be just fine and the Saints will fade away. You fans have to stick by the team. You guys jump ship faster than Titanic survivors, but most of the fans kept this loss in perspective. Lets not be voted the worst fans in the nation again.

By Mike

September 26, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

I love all of the ‘talking heads’ praising Mike Vick. They all say the same thing, “Isn’t it great the Falcons designed their offense around Mike Vick?” “It’s great the Falcons realized that Mike isn’t the prototypical NFL quarterback.” What a bunch of politically correct nonsense! The Falcons attempted to redesign their offense because Vick isn’t an NFL quarterback period. He cannot read defenses, cannot check down, lacks touch, etc. He’s superb athlete no question. He’s tough as well, but face it, as far as passers go he’s near the bottom of the list. When push comes to shove and with all of the rules tailored towards passing, you need a quarterback who can pass. Without that, the team is toast. And forget race. It’s not about race, it’s about playing quarterback.

By Lisa

September 26, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Give me a break! Fix? If that were true, I’m sure the NFL would not have minded a closer score. Jim Mora and Michael Vick should be given Academy Awards if this were scripted! Be gracious and give credit where credit is due. As a New Orleanian and Saints fan, I can tell you that were hoping like hell to win this game, but that we were also prepared to lose. We won just by having the Superdome ready in time for our home opener. See you November 26th!

By dave

September 26, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Why do you losers keep hitting the post button over and over and over? You morons post the same message over and over.

By dave

September 26, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Why do you losers keep hitting the post button over and over and over? You morons post the same message over and over.

By dave

September 26, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Why do you losers keep hitting the post button over and over and over? You morons post the same message over and over.

By dave

September 26, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Why do you losers keep hitting the post button over and over and over? You morons post the same message over and over.

By dave

September 26, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Why do you losers keep hitting the post button over and over and over? You morons post the same message over and over.

By Dan Reeves

September 26, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

Vick didn’t seem to have a problem throwing the ball with MY offense…when was the last time you saw an ATL reciever run a crossing route…its all quick outs and hitches w/ recievers that are 6’5…

By ray

September 26, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Consistent winners (SuperBowl contenders)can afford to throw games. The Falcons are not on that level to just throw a game. You people talk about how great the Falcons are but yet they have no meaningful wins to prove that (lets say a sb championship or two). They lost to a better team last night get over it!

By daveinlosangeles

September 26, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Mora, fix your special teams. By cutting Derek rackley to save some money, all you did was create a holw in the special teams line. The new guy is inconsistent, and lacks big time experience.

He never saw the safety on the punt block. The guy blew right by him.

too many rookies on the special teams. It takes concentration, and these kids are cracking under fire.

By Eric

September 26, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

I knew going into that game that we weren’t going to win. Not because of the game being fixed, which is a stupid cop-out for not accepting defeat, but because the Saints would have way too much adrenaline and the fan support to loss to us. They exposed what I feared for the past 5 year. If a team can contain our run and keep a spy on Vick, we will loss. Listen I want a Super Bowl, not highlights and Magazine covers. I say trade Vick and get some receivers and an O-line in here so Matt Schuab can lead us to a Championship. Vick can’t read defenses. We also need a new head coach. Good coaching can do wonders for a team, look how Sean Payton has the Saints “overachieving.” Maybe he just has a team that is finally achieving. And please stop saying the game was fixed! All of that whinning is embarrasing.

By Joe Battaglia

September 26, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley,

You sound like a poor loser who cannot admit that the Falcons were out-coached and out-played. Did you really think no team in the NFL would figure out a way to stop the Falcons running game? Ever? The Saints’ offensive and defensive line out-played the Falcons’lines. End of story! I’m sorry you had to eat crow for thinking the Falcons were going to walk all over the Saints.

By Patrick

September 26, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

You Atlanta fans are a bunch of cry baby, sore losers. All you guys that keep posting this crap about the game being rigged are just in denial. Suck it up and take it like a man! Face the facts, your team got outplayed tonight. Your quarterback is nothing more than a glorified running back. He can’t pass the ball to save his life. I mean, isn’t a quarterback’s specialty the ability to pass the ball? That’s why as long as Atlanta is starting Vick @ qb you guys are never gonna have success. Every season since he’s been in the league, when teams figure out how keep Vick contained, the Falcons flop. And the Saints just gave the rest of the NFL the blueprint to stop him. So, buckle down all you Falcons fans it’s gonna be a long season for you. The Saints will win the NFC South!

P.S.

I really hope that you heartless, ignorant people in Atlanta experience your own natural disaster soon, that way you can see what it’s like. Hey, maybe most of you can lose your homes, neighborhoods, family, towns, etc. Then maybe you can just get over it and move on. But, I’m sure Atlanta would be in good hands with all of the kind, caring citizens you have, like some of the posters on this board. You guys should really think what it would be like if the shoe was on the other foot BEFORE you open your mouth. Btw, that’s pretty low to kick my city when it’s down just because your football team got outplayed. I guess this just shows Atlanta’s true colors.

By Ann

September 26, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

I think that this game was fixed. It did not feel right at the begining and all of the hoopla about rebuilding NO. My heart went out for the NO people, but flood is over with and time and people move on. Get the state back to as normal as possible. Get the people that want to come home and get them there fast. I am a die hard falcon fan, so everybody get over last night game and move on.

By MIke

September 26, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

Many of the wide receivers in the NFL, as well as defensive backs, were quarterbacks in college. Vick is a great athlete and could pick up either of these positions quickly. Much more quickly than he’s been able to pick up his present position!

By Steve

September 26, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Fixed? HAHAHAHAHA. What a bunch of sore losers.

By honest_abe

September 26, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

and some people wonder why atl is considered one of the worst if the not THE worst sports city in america! what’s with these conspiracy theories? do you know how idiotic you sound when you claim that a WHOLE TEAM laid down and purposely lost..

first of all, it’s one loss…. did you expect the falcons to go 16-0?

second… most of you fairweather fans probably don’t realize this because you’ve only followed the falcons the past two or three years…but the saint’s/falcons rivalry is one of the most intense, hateful rivalries in the league. when these two teams the games tend to be close regardless of either teams records…

third, we got our butts handed to us last night…so stop with the conspiracy crap, stop killing mike vick (who by the way is the same brilliant guy who led us to two impressive wins before last night) stop killing our receivers and Alge.. they had a bad game. period. alge has the most reliable hands on the team and he dropped some passes… sh*t happens folks..

the new turf slowing falcons players down is an interesting observation…the falcons sure didn’t look faster than the saints last night…

it was emotional night for NO…they came out and beat the %$!@$!# of us…lets take it like a man…stop coming up with moronic, asisinine excuses…and get ready for next week!

By Waid

September 26, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

The Falcons were definitely in a no-win situation but someone did have to be the dog and we were elected! My son came into my bedroom last night and he said you know this game is rigged right? I would by lying if I said I didn’t believe him after the punt block!! I love football and I love my falcons.. but I hated that game! I am glad for New Orleons and I’m glad they are back on the map. It will be our turn at home next time!!!

By Madmarv

September 26, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

The only idiots that can’t see that this game was fixed are the stupid Saints fans that don’t have enough brains to go inside during a hurricain. This game was handed to you on a silver platter from the NFL commisars. Enjoy the win it’s all downhill from here.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

It didn’t take the whole team to pull the fix off. Just key players to drop a pass here and there. One lineman not to block. The Saints looked good because we let them.

By ray

September 26, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

You people and your conspiracy theories. Keep bragging about beating two down teams the Bucs, and Panthers. Will it be a conspiracy if those same two teams put a butt whomping on the Falcons the next go round?

By ray

September 26, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Who’s to say the the Falcon’s wins were not fixed? Idiots! Like you have a perrenial SB team in the Falcons.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

All of you “Falcons beat two down teams” idiots are the same fools that picked Carolina in the first place! Now you are back tracking. Get a freakin’ life.!!!!!

By ray

September 26, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Keep cheering for your great team that couldn’t make the playoffs last year. Go Falcons! Yeah right!

By joe

September 26, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Gentlemen! Do you think the Falcons would be 16-0 this season?? The Saints will not be 16-0 in this magical season either. There is something in here, New coaching with something called New Attidute!!Every coach could see your special teams problems on film and now the Saints wrote a chapter on how to stop Vick’s and Dunn’s running act!! its no magical surprise that something called “GAMEPLAN” was done and the defense stuck to its script down by down closing the running lanes and applying pressure to Mr. Vick pretty face and lavish diamond earrings! It’s also no secret once the pressure is applied to Michael that everything elses crumbles!!A one dimensional offense can be studied and picked appart!!(stuffed bird ettoufe!!) That said and done last night, came the unfortunate humilliation on national tv of your falcons!! The rivalry is ON again!! No, it was no fluke, we won on the line of scrimage!! I don’t think that Vicks, Dunn, receivers and even Da coach Mora (coulda, shoulda woulda famous Dad’s son) would have sold their souls for the Saints to win this hooopla hyped media game!! Yes, New Orleans and the region has suffered and you would also have suffered if your Georgia dome would have received 150 miles wind and gotten damaged. Many of you simply do not understand our homeless fellings! Lucky for you, this was only a one game blow out, every team is entitled to loose and have few bad games! and frankly, we down here will have some bad ones too, but we expect to fight to win and loose, and that only come from Attitude!! you have an excellent team, and coaching staff, fix the little problems and go on and play one game at a time stop crying over a one blow out game, Jesus, there are 13 more to go!!see u at the GA/dome where you will enjoy home field advantage ehh! but last night, it was our turn to rejoice and win no matter what team or quarterback was in there! We told the nation we are back and open for business! FYI, the NFL did pony up 15 million for the dome rebuilding, Fema picked a large tab 114 million and the state and sports foundation the balance. The NFL contribution, 8% of the rebuilding cost of the 185 millions used! For all of those who sent monies, food, medicines we thank you guys. Now, lets both get this game behind, there is next week to tackle, one game is not a season, you learn from a loss and build on, it does not matter if its the players fault or outcoached, its only one game!! maybe its our turn to turn the tide, you guys have whipped us many years, now its out turn to make the games at leat more interesting! We always play you tough, remember, last year you guys killed us twice, this is not a revenge win, its our new team with a new Attitude!!By the way, the new turf we use in our dome, is made in Texas and there are a handfull of NFL teams using this new green turf! My simple message to you fans, Stop bashing your team, support them or you can loose them!!

By jay

September 26, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

There’s probably not a Saints fan out there that wouldn’t take Vick on their team after all the woodshed beatings we’ve been giving them. Second of all, we had to account for the X-factor, Reggie Bush. He was contained more than I expected him to be. Thirdly, how many passes did White, Jenkins, and Crumpler drop? 15 or 20? Receivers didn’t give any effort at all. One pass Crump caught, he just kinda stood there and waited to be tackled. Another pass to Jenkins was a jump ball over a 5’10” DB and he made hardly any effort to catch it. And Roddy just sucked all game. I say start Lelie, whose pass interference call was bogus in the 3rd quarter.

By Jason

September 26, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

Staged. Scripted. ‘Nuff said.

By peter

September 26, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Well the Falcon’s did embarass themselves, the smiles and smirk on Morra’s face told me all……..they were not prepared correctly, they decided early they were not a running team on this night.

The passing game has never improved over all the years Vick has been the QB, and the special teams are a joke at this point, no kicker has a chance with the terrible blocking on the kicks.

The Falcon’s don’t have an identity, they have allot of work to do if they expect to make the palyoffs, their schedule only gets harder.

If we are better than 8-8, that would be great, even though the hype is, we are a serious contender.

Next year we will have a new head coach, the coaching staff doesn’t have it, and smiling while we loose in an embarassing fashion is really bad to see on National TV!

By ray

September 26, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

10-24 at Kansas City 10-56 L (I guess this game was fixed?) 2000 (4-12) 2001 (7-9) 2002 (9-6-1) 2003 (5-11) 2004 (11-5) 2005 (8-8) Your team is awesome. Consistent contender so far this decade!!!!!

By Gary

September 26, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

I was born, raised and still live in New Orleans. As - at best - a casual Saints fan, I did not vindictively revel in last night’s lopsided victory. But I do greatly appreciate the gracious and respectful demeanor of the Falcon players that I witnessed following the game. Truly, no team would likely have beaten the Saints last night; circumstances conspired that the Falcons drew the short straw. But, rivalry notwithstanding, I want to commend the Falcons organization (and local sports anlaysts like Mark Bradley) for the empathy and respect they protrayed for the people of New Orleans. Many Atlanta and New Orleans fans could learn a lot from them.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

What in the hell makes people like joe think we have time to read his endless blogs

By ray

September 26, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Hey Iceman I hope your team finally wins a SB or maybe a playoff game this year unlike last.

By ray

September 26, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Iceman, I never picked Carolina for anything and its fools like you who believe your team laid down for a loss. A team use to losing doesn’t have to lay too low to do so.

By Phat Phalcon

September 26, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Bottom line on this one is that the Saints played this game like a small school hosting a major power and the Falcons weren’t prepared for the type of reckless play the Saints brought. In the NFL you don’t send 9 on a punt because you get no return which means a 50 yd. net. You also don’t run double reverses that can lose 15 yds. And the field was huge. Those passes early at the feet of the receivers were timing routes where the WR sells the fly then comes back. The problem is they couldn’t plant. Anyone who watches the Falcons knows that the big runs come in cut back lanes. Tonight the Saints played completely overaggressive undisciplined defense that normally would be gashed by Vick and Dunn reversing field.

By Joshua

September 26, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

As Fans of the Birds we are all upset over their performance last night, and as a result several emotional and some stupid comments have been made by some. It was a difficult game to win. One person mentioned that Mora should not have elected to receive in that environment at the start of the game when the fans are so pumped, I never thought of this but I think that is a good point. The blame can go around to the OL, receivers, QB, TE, Special Team. But let us not give up, or panic, this is only one loss. Our wideouts are not running hard enough to put pressure on the other teams DB’s when they break or cut. What is the Receivers Coach doing at Flowery Branch? I think Lelie and Jenkins can get better with good coaching, I am not sure about Roddie. Lets be ready to make some noise at the Dome on Sunday.

By cp

September 26, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

After the blocked punt and the dropped touchdown by Crumpler i knew it was going to be a long night. The team was outplayed in every aspect of the game. That being said it’s only 1 let me say it again 1 game. The Falcons were not going to go undefeated. It’s sickening to read how a lot of people rip the qb no matter what he does. He wasn’t the only person who had a bad game. The o-line was horrible, no special teams play worth speaking on, no pass rush, too many drops to even count. The team will be alright. Atlanta has some of the worse fans period. The sad part is the majority of people ripping the team now where no where to be found when the team won the first two games. If they beat Arizona , which they should watch how many haters dissapear again.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Ray,

Do you serve any conceivable purpose other than to get on these blogs and bad mouth the Falcons? What team did you pick? Oakland right?

By Steve

September 26, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Now you know how Saints fans felt after the Saints were the Giants’ first opponents after 9/11. The only difference was that while the Giants won that game, Saints fans did not act like a bunch of crybabies and say that the game was fixed.

By Madmarv

September 26, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Ray, I see N. O. has also been a consistent contender this decade.

By Steve

September 26, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

Now you know how Saints fans felt after the Saints were the Giants’ first opponents after 9/11. The only difference was that while the Giants won that game, Saints fans did not act like a bunch of crybabies and say that the game was fixed.

By ray

September 26, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

No i don’t serve any purpose but to get on peoples nerves by speaking truth and maybe add a little humor to it. You know by pulling people out of fantasy land and back to reality. If i’m messing up your mo-jo i apologize. it’s all in fun dude. i only bad mouth the falcons out of fun. i have nothing against the team. i’m with the yuckety bucs by the way.

By Clay

September 26, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

OUTCOACHED AGAIN! Mora and his staff were clearly outmatched by the Saints coaching staff.

Mora and staff DO NOT adjust to opposing team schemes. Mora can be seen jotting notes during the game, but seldom does it appear that resulting adjustments make it to the field. Typically, coaches setup big plays. Mora however, seems to be more spectator than coach, waiting for his team talent to make a great play out of a suspect call.

Unfortunately, Jim coaches like his father. Their philosophy relies on talent alone to win games. This strategy discounts the coaches responsibility to put the team in a position to be successful.

Mora’s lacks football IQ. His decision making seems to mirror his own arrogance without regard for game situation.

Mora lacks the creativity to make the Falcons champions of more than mediocrity. Mora’s ONLY success came from a team he had NO part in fielding.

When was the last time in the modern era did a kicker handle all three duties? When was the last time a professional team featured the college option to run? When was the last time a coach laughed so much while being beaten so badly?

By Clay

September 26, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

OUTCOACHED AGAIN! Mora and his staff were clearly outmatched by the Saints coaching staff.

Mora and staff DO NOT adjust to opposing team schemes. Mora can be seen jotting notes during the game, but seldom does it appear that resulting adjustments make it to the field. Typically, coaches setup big plays. Mora however, seems to be more spectator than coach, waiting for his team talent to make a great play out of a suspect call.

Unfortunately, Jim coaches like his father. Their philosophy relies on talent alone to win games. This strategy discounts the coaches responsibility to put the team in a position to be successful.

Mora’s lacks football IQ. His decision making seems to mirror his own arrogance without regard for game situation.

Mora lacks the creativity to make the Falcons champions of more than mediocrity. Mora’s ONLY success came from a team he had NO part in fielding.

When was the last time in the modern era did a kicker handle all three duties? When was the last time a professional team featured the college option to run? When was the last time a coach laughed so much while being beaten so badly?

By Falconator

September 26, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

Anyone who thinks this was a one time flop needs only to look at last year. The coaching staff has no plan, no answers, no adjustments for what defenses easily come up with to negate their one dimensional play book. The prognosticators who predicted 7-9 for the Falcons this year look overly optimistic to me. Blank will probably waste another 2 years on this staff…and the beat goes on.

By ray

September 26, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

not a saints fan Madmarv. i only poked fun at the falcons because of the way the fans won’t accept a simple defeat.

By 11 Men Out

September 26, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

THE GAME WAS FIXED!

By J Glanville

September 26, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

We have the offensive personnel to be successful but refuse to use them. We should experiment with Schaub at QB and Vick as a roving WR. That would enable us to throw deep, quick outs, reverses, and even some pitch & throws. If it works, the Falcons would have a QB who can throw and still take advantage of Vick’s legs. If not, at least we would see how our WRs operate under a traditional QB system.

Problem is that Mora is too bullheaded to give it a shot and Vick is not a team player enough to be willing to change his role. Basically, the well-paid inmates are running the asylum.

By james

September 26, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

this game was a ‘setup’. there was no chance that our falcons were going to beat the saints last night. the nfl made sure the saints would win before the coin toss. am i’m the only one that can see this. watching this game was like seeing a four hour infomercial on the city of new orleans.

By New Orleans Ry

September 26, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

So the NFL is a rigged league for purely sentimental value. That is probably why the New York Giants played the New York Jets the year after 9/11 in the 2002 SuperBowl game which ended in a tie. You all need to get over yourselves and admit that the Saints played an emotional and hard fought victory. Your players and coaches have done so why can’t the fans? What’s going to be the excuse when we beat you in Atlanta again in a few months?

By parks

September 26, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

I would respond to J Glanville’s post ……..but I promised myself I would not respond to retarted posts anymore

By 11 Men Out

September 26, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

New Orleans Ry…The New England * PATROITS* won the 2002 Super Bowl. Go figure!

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

The Falcons knew they would lose. That is why they haven’t rushed Abraham and Hartwell back from injury. We’ll get a guaranteed playoff appearance in return for our dive.

By New Orleans Ry

September 26, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Men Out - You see what I mean the New England Patroits in 2002, its totally rigged! Adam Vinatieri’s perfectly scripted last second fieldgoal in that Superbowl reminded my of Alge Crumpler’s droped touchdown and the blocked punt from last night. Man the NFL sure can set up a game. They must have practiced that script for weeks! Come on Atlanta fans, other than a questionable pass interference call are you really saying that your team blew the game so us Saints could feel good about ourselves. That is just a little pathetic.

By Steve

September 26, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Exactly how does a team get a “guaranteed playoff appearance”? Will the NFL just say, “well, even though you finished 5-11, we’re going to let you into the playoffs anyway.” Laughable.

By 12th man

September 26, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Nice article. Saints were the better team last night. We stopped the run, Saints offense made yall’s defense look foolish on the” Superdome Special”, and the special teams played amazing. Most Atlanta fans left in the middle of the thrid quarter and should have never showed up in the first place. We could of used the extra tickets on more worthy and less aggravating people. We look forward to kicking more dirty bird butt on November 26!

By Falcons4Real

September 26, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

The Falcons took one for the nation, the city or New Orleans. Don’t worry. The NFL will surely give us one or even two back down the line.

By Cee G

September 26, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Of the few blogs I read not one made mention of Greg Knapp. The play-calling is pathetic & terribly redundant. That delayed option won’t last in the NFL & even Tampa Bay shut that down in the 2nd half of last weeks game yet we still are trying to use it! Here’s another point, when’s the last time a west coast offense won the super bowl anyway? And to take it a step further, why hire a coach that just came off a 3-13 season anyway Mr.Blank. Bottom line Greg Knapp’s head goes first.

By parks

September 26, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

let the Saints fan’s have there moment …Yhey have been crap pretty much ever since their birth..If I where a Saints fan I prob could not control myself either ….What is going to be sad is when reality kicks in, they finish 7-9 and we hear from them no more

By fredrick smith

September 26, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

It is absolutely absurd how some “fans” in ATL behave. Your team loses a game in an emotional charged atmosphere, and you are all predicting doomsday? Did anyone of u pious morons expect this team to go 16-0? U are the same people who were predicting a losing season for the falcons, and when they lose one game u have the temerity to heap insults at the coach, and qb. U guys are not real fans. Real fans are those who are in it for the long haul. Real fans are those who love their teams during both difficult and good times. Mike Vick is your savior. He won u guys a division title 2yrs ago, and took u to the NFC championship game. Give the kid some credit. The Peytons, Tom Bradys, Matt Hasselbecks, of the world had great supporting cast when they were putting up great numbers. Look at Brady now, he looks like a rookie qb without most of his great receivers.Mike is unique. He is a special breed of qb who should not be judged based on qb ratings, but rather on wins and losses. B4 he is done he will win 3/4 superbowls.This my friends is a prediction i am willing to bet a lot on. Any takers? To those Matt Schbaub fans, drop u your noise making. That kid will never qb the falcons as long as Mike is alive. Schbaub is overrated. If he is so great why didn’t some team offer a whole lot of picks to acquire him? The man was responsible for the falcons losing their 1st game 2 to the Bucs last year, when he fumbled the ball in the end zone right after he came ito the game. Play him and the falcons will never win another game again. Mark my words. So all of u racist Vick bashers can go to hell.

By parks

September 26, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

F Smith great post on most parts …don’t know about 3/4 but I due think maybe 1 or 2

you must be new to this board b/c it is never positve

need to let go of the racist thing though

By Madmarv

September 26, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

Of course Knapp’s play calling was pathetic. It was suppose to be. The game was fixed! Remember the old saying “Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction”.

By james

September 26, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

this game was rigged.

By Steve

September 26, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

For those of you that claim the game was fixed, could you please explain exactly how this would be done? Would it be through the officials, the coaches, the players, or some combination of these?

By michael

September 26, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

Great thread. I think Atlanta fans are outstanding and a little smarter than Saints fans. But that’s just me. I feel sorry for the Saints when they visit Atlanta. - Michael (since Katrina) in B.R.

By Iceman

September 26, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

It is not necessarily fixed,per se. Each,or certain players, decided in his own mind that he did not want to beat the saints. Then he simply followed through by observing the same reactions in his teammates. The uncharacteristic play, overly dramatic way the saints scored, are compelling factors in this issue.

By NEW ORLEANS FAN

September 26, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

HEY FALCONS FANS …… MAYBE YOUR TEAM IS JUST NOT AS GOOD AS YOU THINK! MAYBE THE NEW COACH , DREW BREES ,REGGIE B AND A NEW ATTITUDE IS THE REASON YOU DUMMIES LOST. NO DISRESPECT TO THE PLAYERS OR THE TEAM , IM TALKING ABOUT YOU SO CALLED FANS ……YOU SILLY RABBITS TRICKS ARE FOR KIDS.

By James

September 26, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

The Falcons could’ve grabbed the Saints by the throat and shoved them back to obscurity.

Yeah, but they didn’t.

Instead they lie down and meekly play the part of the sacrificial lamb just so those New Orleans losers can pat themselves on the back.

The Falcons got their asses kicked fair and square. Get over it and move on to next week.

By 11 Men Out

September 26, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

New Orleans Ry…NFL…National Fixed League

By sugarlee

September 26, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

Everybody, except you Mark, seems to be missing the point. As bad as we would have like that win, it wasn’t going to happen. I don’t care what team went into the Super Dome that night, it just wasn’t going to happen. I am as big a Falcon fan as anyone, but if The Saints had not won that game it just would not have been the same. I just hate we had to be the ones to play them. I was over 700 miles away and I could feel what those people were feeling. They (the fans) didn’t let up all night long. You talking about enemy territory, man. You try taking a tour around that city before the game like the Falcons did after seeing what you’ve seen all year and then come in a try to take the pride of a proud city. How dare you. Well that’s the way it seemed to me. It was no surprise that the Falcons needs more work on the offensive end of things so don’t act like you’re shocked. Trust me, The Falcons are still the team to beat if you want to win the NFC South. You don’t have to win them all. Mike Tyson and everybody else was shocked that Buster Douglas would beat him. Buster’s mother had just died the day before. Big Bad Mike Tyson just happen to be the one that got caught up in the emotion. Just like the Falcons did. In New Orleans too. There are more stories about witch doctors coming out of Louisiana that any other state in this country. There would be no winning for the Falcons or anybody else on this night.

By Robert Walter

September 26, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Watching the Falcons get their butt kick by New Orleans was terrible. Sometimes you wonders if the NFL told the Falcons that they had to lose this one for the “Gipper” When was the last time you saw Crumpler drop that many passes, It seems funny Vick couldn’t pass either or run. Special teams was a joke. Put all of this together and it makes you think. Yes New Orleans is a good team but the Falcons are better. How would it look for the Falcons to beat New Orleans on their homecoming night. The whole nation would have been in a uproar.

By ps

September 26, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

Its the NFL. The falcons lost. The only thing that bothered me was I was waiting on the espn MNF crew to chant “who dat” . I found this to be very annoying being a falcons fan. They will be back and They will win.

By Russ Brock

September 26, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

Take away the run and the Falcons total absence of a real NFL quarterback is exposed. Don’t blame the receivers. Why try to get open when the only one Vick throws to anyway is “Hands of Stone” Crumpler? The smartest thing the Falcons could ever do is trade Vick (if they could get anything for him. I wouldn’t give up a thing for him unless he agreed to play receiver) and let Schaub run the offense since he is the only one that really knows how. Vick is a joke.

By Arden Dufilho

September 26, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Good column, however I think you’re kidding yourself about no one remembering 5 years hence that the Falcons got served up like a Thanksgiving dinner. Certainly the New Orleans Saints’ fans will, but this was a game for the ages. As tragic and gut-wrenching as 9/11 was and is, it is still — geographically at least — a pretty small spot. Katrina brought not just an entire American city to its knees, it devastated most of the Gulf coast. You’re right; no one outside of Atlanta pulled for Atlanta. But in 5, 10 or 20 years, the world will remember the night the Saints served the city of New Orleans a Thanksgiving dinner featuring Dirty Bird as the main course. GEAUX SAINTS!!

By robert

September 26, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

As an answer to Billy…Do you realize that the people who you say were to stupid to get out of the way of a hurricane were mostly poor people who do not own transportation. Mosy would have if they could have. Blame it on Ray Nagin for not running the busses to evacuate these people.As far as the game…emotions helped the Saints…BUT..Vic is a good player, but Atlanta has a one dimensional offense. The plan all week here was to stop the run,just as we have the previous two weeks.It worked. Conspiracy….get real… this isn’t wrestling!!!! Other teams will review the films from Monday and if they can stop Vic and Dunn on the ground..sorry for Atlanta. What will you bame future losses on. I’m realistic… Saints will finish at 8 and 8. We in NO will support our team…and except their weaknesses, not blame our shortcomings on conspiracy theories…..You must watch too many movies!

By theedge56

September 26, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

I have never seen so many classless idiots as I did at that Superdome on Monday night. The city was on the world stage and instead of welcoming the world in they treated us to cursing, yelling and physical abuse. Last time I checked me and all the 70,000 plus were merely spectators. It was a shame I could not enjoy watching this game not because of a Falcons loss but out of fear the safety of my wife and I. I had hoped for a better game but remember the NFL season is a marathon not a sprint.

By Big Easy Jim

September 26, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

The edge writes: I have never seen so many classless idiots as I did at that Superdome on Monday night.

I’m guessing you and your wife cruised into the dome wearing your nice red Mike Vick jerseys or were some other way readily identifiable as a Falcon’s supporter, yes? For this particular game, in that particular place and time, I call that pretty classless. What idiot would think they could come into the reopening of the Superdome wearing the opponent’s colors and not get ribbed (and perhaps a beer accidentally spilled in your general direction?) Don’t dance the dirty bird in the Superdome, or deal with the ridicule it will naturally engender.

I was there last night, too, and the few Falcon fans near me who were brave or stupid enough to wear their Vick jerseys were basically ignored… but I’m not surprised if some others were mildly abused, especially way up in the Terrace. In any case, sorry you had a bad time - but for all of us it was the most incredible sporting event this city has perhaps ever witnessed. Thanks to the Falcons for making it possible!

By Robert

September 26, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

Im a La. native that lived in Savannah for 18 years and what I’ve read doesnt suprise me. I now live back in La. and have seen the devestation,worked for days evacuating NO, and had to rebuild my home after Rita. I resent the comments about the people being to dumb to leave during the Hurricanes. Most of the people that stayed had no means to leave. No car or money. As for the game….The team was out coached and out played…period. The Saints will not go 16-0,but you wont hear ouf fans bailing or making excusses when we loose.Leave the racial comments out. Ga needs to move on. We will play again in Atlanta. Your fans can create their own homw field advantage….if you support you team!!!!

By theedge56

September 26, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Dude I agree it was I once in a life time thing and I will proudly say I was there. I dont own a Vick jersey either. Another coach in the atlanta area that is often the subject of these blogs says “Win without boasting and lose without excuses” I just do not understand why people associate their life so much with the wins and losses of 22 millionaires. But, I suppose the contents of many of these blogs reveals the so called Falcons fans are not much better.

By Carla

September 26, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

Do you know how many people would have to be involved to fix a game? Me neither, but it would take a lot of NFL execs, the ref & an entire team and coaches, that a lot of people to assume that none of the would leak the details. Give it up, the falcons didn’t show up to play.

& the field excuse is rediculous, lots of teams play for speed, including Reggie Bush & Henderson. last time I checked, they were both playing on the same field and there was very little advantage to the Saints b/c they had only spent 1 1/2 hours in the dome since it was completed.

The Saints aren’t the next coming of NE, and they will probably just be a middle of the read team this year due to talent level, the difference is that Peyton had them ready to play and made that average talent beleive in themselves - it was coaching and the crowd that one this one for the Saints.

By midniterider

September 26, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

birds will be 8 n 8 at best

By Jawill

September 26, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

Say what you want Nov 26. there will be HELL TO PAY IN OUR HOUSE SO NEW ORLEANS ENJOY YOUR HOMECOMING, CAUSE WHEN YOU REACH GA. DOME WE GOT YOU!!!!

By Rodney

September 26, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

Greetings to the clowns who want to bash the Falcons. With the exception of the SuperBowl season, from the start of the Franchise until that glorious day when we traded up for the first pick in the draft to get #7, the Falcons were sub-par at best. When Vick arrived, hope arrived. Correct me if I’m wrong, in three full seasons as a starter, Vick has led us to the playoffs 2x with one being an NFC championship game. Oh and let me mention that last year’s woes came due to our porous DEFENSE. Blank, McKay and Mora have done everything in the off-season to remedy that. Now we are 2-1 and in a good position to beat Arizona next week with ABE possibly coming back. The first two weeks of the season all of you clowns were hiding behind your computer screen with your tail between your legs because the birds were dominant. Now you come out of your holes because of one game. Give me a stinking break!! One game!! A loss is a loss. Football is all about adjustments and our great coaching staff will make the proper adjustments going into the Arizona game. Most of you think you have it all figured out but for some strange reason you are not on the sideline on gameday, I wonder why? Hmmm let me think, because 98% of you “Monday morning quarterbacks” (Tuesday morning, in this case) have never played sports or coached. Let me guess, most of you are 230 lbs with a gut, the only sports you have been a part of is the buffet sprint to Ryan’s. I’m pretty sure if you were smarter than Coach Mora you would be wearing the polo instead of him. Most of your “football” knowledge comes from playing Madden. I am sick and tired of you “bandwagon” Falcons fans who are on when it’s going good and jump off when something goes bad. When Vick and the gang busts loose on Arizona you will be hiding in your little holes. But, I look forward to your rhetoric and know that you will peek up with your little beady eyes and have some earth shattering revelation on my beloved birds if/when we lose another game. It’s kind of comical. I have a better idea…stay in your own little miserable world and go root for someone else. For all of you true Falcons fans, come out on Sunday and make some noise!! GO BIRDS!!

By StVol

September 26, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

It’s amazes me to see so many people making excuses for their team getting their a$$ kicked. Maybe the field,or the game was rigged, or etc,etc,etc. You were out played and out coached. GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!!

By Falcon-smearer

September 26, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

sorry all, but you lost….thats it! regardless! the fans didnt beat you! you got manhandled in EVERY demension by a better team! see ya in ATL!

By Black Bart

September 26, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

I hate the Saints again. That’s the one good thing that came out of that game.

By David McShane

September 26, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

Growing up in New Orleans, lived in the A.T.L. for a miserable year, and now living in paradise, California….I can tell you the BEST fans reside in Louisiana!

You can take your BOBBY BROWN like DIRTY BIRD dirty bird and put your OSTRICH HEAD IN THE SAND! Reality has set in … Saints 3-0, Ostrich’s 2-1….53 dirty birds in the hand don’t beat a SAINT in the BUSH!

By Thor

September 27, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

I happened upon this site accidentally. As a lifelong LOYAL Saints fan, get this:

To all of you Falcon “conspiracy” theorists, you rank right up there with those backwoods Georgia creatures in the Georgia movie “Deliverance.”

Get a banjo & get ready to lose more games and find more excuses.

By Rodney

September 27, 2006 03:10 AM | Link to this

Goodness gracious! The Aint’s win one ballgame and all of a sudden they are NFC champions! Get off your high horse. Talk to me at the end of the season when the Birds are sporting ANOTHER division title. If the Aint’s couldn’t win last night with all of the fanfare then they should be playing in Conf USA instead of the NFC South. Enjoy your win, they will be few and far between!!

Thor…please don’t insult Georgia with backwoods rhetoric. I’ve been to some parts of Louisiana and would rather have watched paint dry. Looks and smells like garbage.

By the way with only approx 50 wins in the last 8 years I think the Saints need to win more than one game to make amends. We can talk when you make it to the Superbowl or at least the NFC Championship. Otherwise when you talk use small words b/c you will have to eat them later.

By Lenny T/ St Petersburg Florida

September 27, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Dennis, Were the FALCONS the only team playing on thatturf Monday Night. I think the SAINTS were tere too and played a hell of a good game. Please don’t make excuses for the FALCONS. They got beat by a better team regardless of the turf conditions. Works BOTH ways!

By Dan Reeves

September 27, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Lenny, keep your trash in Florida and out of our blogs. All I know is Mike Vick had no problem throwing the ball in my very “basic” offense but has performed worse and worse each year under Mora and Knapp…

By TC

September 27, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but this column is kind of dumb. If the Falcons would have won, they would have been winners and would be 3-0. And everyone would have forgotten about the game and the Falcons would look like badasses. Instead, they look like crappy players.