Sports Columnists

By Tim

October 1, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

The offense has been very one-dimensional so far this year. But at 3-1, it’s hard to complain too much. The next three games (Giants, Steelers and Bengals) may reveal a lot regarding this team’s abilities. We have to be able to throw the ball to compete with the better teams in the league. We also need Hartwell and Abraham back on defense. Hopefully, these guys can at least suit up for the Giants. I’m beginning to wonder though.

By Brad

October 1, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Well said, Jeff. Nice win today, but we got exposed at N.O. and will be again by better teams until we have some other options on offense that actually work. It’s a shaky 3-1, but with two division wins we’ll take it for now. Go Birds!

By Max Cady

October 1, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

After seeing the emotional and agressive play against the Cardinals, which was nonexsistant last monday night, I’m convinced more than ever that the Saints game was fixed.

By GHunt

October 1, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

Near the goal line, we need a red zone runner. Where is Justin Griffith or Fred Mccreary? How about Marlon Jackson?

By Larry

October 1, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Okay Sports fans, since Jeff Schultz and the other AJC writers haven’t the courage to state the obvious I’ll say this for them:

Michael Vick is the best running QB in the history of the NFL.

And

Michael Vick is the worst passing QB in the history of the NFL.

Any questions?

You see, Jeff, I have the courage to speak the truth w/o fear of being politically correct around the Atlanta community.

By Fan01

October 1, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

Vick threw one bad pass today in my opinion, Lelie is the only WR actually going out and making a effort to catch the ball Roddy dropped a TD, and Jenkins did also to place all the blame on Vick is just ridiculous, we need better Receivers because right now at this point I am about ready to give up on Roddy he has been absolutely horrible this year Jenkins started off great but now even he’s beginning to forget that you actually have to catch the ball.

By Chris

October 1, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

Well said Larry…very nicely put. Vick is horrible as a QB he’s simply a running back. We don’t have anyone who can actually put the ball where it needs to go. If a team can stop the Falcon’s running game then they can shut them down totally. Time to start D.J. or Matt and just let Vick line up at running back.

By The Grinch

October 1, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

I disagree about Vick (though he sure can be frustrating); I think he’s gradually getting better. The real problem in the red zone to me (and in almost every other facet of the offensive game plan) is that they don’t use Norwood until it doesn’t matter one way or the other. He’s the most explosive offensive weapon the team has, including Vick. You can’t tell me he wouldn’t be better inside the 20 than Dunn, being 30 pounds heavier and 2/10ths of a second faster. Greg Knapp not only can’t seem to figure this out (he only JUST figured out Vick isn’t a pocket passer), but he also can’t adjust on the fly. Time for a new OC.

By JJ Falcon for Life

October 1, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

Nobody’s really mentioned it but we need Brian Finneran much more than we knew. He’s the tall reciever that Vick used to be able to throw it up for. That’s what we’re missing, not just to score touchdowns, but to get us close enough to have a big runner punch it in. Knapp may be over-analyzing his options. If he would at least try the stretch play I’m willing to bet the runners that we have available would be able to beat the defense to the pylon.

By Bruce

October 1, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

One word for our red zone problems.

Norwood

By Falcons Fan

October 1, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Does anyone notice that there is always an excuse for Vick’s lack of throwing ability. Every year we hear that he is learning and adapting to the west coast offensive. I think it is safe to say at this point that VIck is what his is. He is never going to be a Carson Palmer, Manning ect. because he is too stupid to read coverage and make good throws. Vick is athletic but not a good quarterback. The fact that he and Mora keep saying that they dont look at the numbers but just wins is complete crap. If we didnt have a good defensive to bail him out we would loose. It is time to realize that he will never give us a championship and that he should be a running back or wideout. Why do people continue to make excuses for this guy? It is getting old. Vick sucks and we have no receivers except Lelie, he probably thinks Jake Plummer looks like Marino compared to Vick. You suck VIck!

By Brew

October 1, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Wow You guys are silly! Mike simply needs to to develope confidence in his receivers. Developement takes time. It doesn’t help that Crump is in a slump but still it takes time to develope confidence in young receivers, and for the receivers to learn to catch Mikes lefty ball under game pressure. It will be mid season at best before they click. Then you will see Mike have run less, the receivers making the tough catch, and hopefully Crump gets back to being Crump. Hopefully the defense will hold us down until then. The $10,000,000 question is about Hartwell. Player or someone who just looked good playing beside whats his name in Baltimore?

By Sir Stealth

October 1, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

Being proud of not being “politically correct” doesn’t mean your comments come from anywhere legitimate. They certainly don’t come from watching this game, in which Vick threw about 2 bad passes and otherwise got balls dropped all over the place. The INT was a bad play caused by frustration over not getting done in the red zone, which has mostly been all about play calling and bad receiving.

I think for Jeff Schultz to act like the offense is a disaster is pretty extreme. Yes, in the red zone, the offense truly becomes a disaster. However, he seems to completely ignore that this team again rushed for an insane amount and has pretty much had its way in every game except for the New Orleans aberration.

I could not believe it when the Falcons chose to start on offense in that environment in New Orleans. It is always easier for defenses to play on emotion in loud environments. Actually choosing to start on offense in that game was a horrendous first domino, as it predictably stalled out to build momentum, led to the punt block and the game pretty much spiraled from there.

It’s possible that if the Falcons get knocked out of their game plan and a rhythm in which they can pound the ball and eat up clock, it may struggle. But if the Falcons dictate the nature of the game, and a defense that gives them good field position, keeps itself off the field, and generates big plays certainly won’t hurt the chances of doing, then the offense is about as far from the disaster Jeff wants it to be for the sake of a column story as you can get. I look forward to the team silencing its critics, though one wonders if some ever want to be satisfied.

By steverino

October 1, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

Wow, Larry. I’ve never seen so much courage anonymously posted before in my life. What’s next, a 60 Minutes blog, or, dare I say it, …an O’Reilly blog. Oh, the courage, the daring, the manliness. Your anonymous courage brought tears to my eyes.

By Mr C.

October 1, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

Vick threw one bad pass today!!! What game were you watching? I’m a big fan of Vick but throwing the ball is not one of his forte. No one is asking him to throw the ball inside a haystick. Just make the occasional pass when the wide receivers are in man coverage. What do they normally do in practice. I guess much ado about throwing to his receivers in summer.

The next 3 games will tell us a lot about the falcons. Good win against a bad Arizona team.

By George

October 1, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

I must agree with Chris and Falconfan. I have felt this way for too long. Matt Schaub is a Quaterback, Vick is just a good runner.

When will we try out Schaub!

By walter

October 1, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

Falcons fan yes vick looks awful at times, but he looks great more often, so he can’t throw like palmer, or manning, how many playoff games have they won? bottom line our offense would not be near as good without him. I would like to see more of norwood tho. go Falcons

By George

October 1, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Mr. C

The three following games will be very telling. I am not sure we can squeeze two out of three. We can beat the Cardinals, that is easy! But Steelers and Bengals will be tough!

By k-ris

October 1, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

Knapp is just not getting it done. period.

By cj

October 1, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

i think Atlanta should utilize Either Jerious Norwood or DJ Shockley as their red zone back. Maybe some type of goal line package where they make him (Shockley) a threat. It would be like having two playmaking running backs with the ability to throw in the backfield at the same time… (call me creative). They should also try running on first and goal more often. On their red zone drive last week against the saints and against the cards this week vick got sacked on 1st and goal. You can’t try to run with dunn after losing 5 yards and knowing you’re only going to have two more shots, plus you place vick in obvious throwing situations. Just some thoughts

By David

October 1, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

The idiots that are calling for Matt Schaub to start I must ask how many games has he won. I think the total is zero. Please correct me if I am wrong.

By Rodney

October 1, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Once again bozo’s like Larry and Chris come out to play.

32 points is 32 points, of course 25 being the number our offense put up. I don’t care if we got 18 points from field goals. The red zone problems will get ironed out with this bye week. Give our defense 25 points on any given Sunday and I’ll see you in Dec-Jan.

As the leader of the Falcons, Vick gives our offense the best chance of winning. How do we know that? Vick is a proven winner. He won in high school, college and dare I say he has one of the best winning percentages among active quarterbacks (check out the record books). I did say quarterbacks. This notion he would make a better RB than QB is foolish (I don’t even think you believe what you write!). He possesses the best of both worlds. Once our receivers mature and learn to get separation you will see his completion yards skyrocket. As veteran’s Lelie and Crump will work with our inexperienced receivers.

Furthermore 13/22 with 153 yards passing and 101 on the ground is pretty balanced if you ask me. John Madden said it best, “When you talk about Vick throw out the stat books and let him control the game with his skills.” I would rather him throw for 100+ yards and win the ballgame rather than throw for 300+ and be on the losing end. Ala, Drew Brees…he threw for 349 yds today and lost to the Panthers. Or, B. Leftwich who threw for 300+ with 3 TD’s and still lost. Let me think…300+ and a loss or 153 and a win…you know the answer. Bottom line, as the leader of this team Vick wins ballgames. That is what he does; “point blank”…end of discussion.

On a side note, as Mr. Schultz pointed out, our defense has given up one TD in four games, 3 of those without Abe. When he comes back on Oct 15, O-Coordinator’s won’t be able to sleep at night. This Falcons faithful can’t wait. GO BIRDS!!!!!

By cj

October 1, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

to the guys chopping vick down, please remember that he is really only two years removed from leading the falcons to an nfc championship game. Name the starting receivers on that team. Name the starting right end, the starting middle linebacker, defensive tackle, brand new safeties. Deangelo hall had a broken something or other. Mike Vick wins football games hands down. He has to go against what is traditionally two of the best defenses in the league twice a year, simeon rice, julius peppers and mike rucker, charles grant and will smith and people remain critical. I’ll admit that I would like to see him make more of an impact in the passing game but overall i just want my falcons to win. Do you really think schaub or shockley can get you three and one w/ the team vick had two years ago. Do you really not believe in vick’s ability to get you back there with the team he has now?

By jim

October 1, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

yes i know but maybe if they can we will see it later because it all depends on whether or not but maybe it won’t we’ll just have to wait and see- go birds!

By IceDik

October 1, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

Vick is not the answer nor the problem all by himself. Is he the best QB? No. Bust he is an exciting player that needs more reliable receivers. When he does throw a pass he is putting where guys should catch often enough. But you can not blame him for butter finger receivers. I agree with those that call for Greg Knapp’s head. Maybe he is not the guy for this collection of talent. Here is my question: Why not drag a tight end more often when theyover run the option-run or naked bootleg. Give Vick a safety valve. The problems in the red zone more about predictability than anything else. Norwood needs to be on the field as an integral part of this offense from jump.

By cj

October 1, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

i agree. I think they used dunn a little too much in that game against the saints. I like dunn, he’s both a good guy, and a talented player but the falcons need to switch up the pace with their runners

By drmondo

October 1, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this

Good post CJ. As a Falcon fan for 27 yrs, when it comes right down to it, I’m happy for wins. Everything else is gravy. I’d like Vick to have better passing numbers and receivers who catch. The defense is playing well and the team’s got a great running game. It almost reminds me of a Baltimore team that won it all or a Tampa team. If you’ve got a strong defense and running game you can win it all. I think Knapp’s offense has some holes in it. Anybody know if Cunningham’s available for some tutoring? It seems to me a smart running QB might have some insight into Vick’s problems. Grady, if the WRs drop an obviously catchable ball, please smack ‘em upside the head.

By BirdDawg

October 2, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

You guys are actually responding to Idiot Larry?

I think Chris must be his son.

Look, we’re never going to get the ‘Necks to like Vick for obvious reasons. They are always going to like Matt “Lilly White” Fraud, even though Matt Fraud has never won a single game in his stinking life in the NFL in 3 or 4 starts.

These guys obviously don’t care about wins. Which makes you wonder, what do these guys care about.

Hmmmm.

By Jeff

October 2, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

THE PROBLEM IS GREGG KNAPP.

What other offensive coordinator calls play action pass from the 1 yard line? We successfully run the ball all the way down the filed, only to get to the goaline and try to pass. That’s ridiculous.
Here’s a thought: If you don’t trust Dunn, Norwood, Griffith, McCrary or Marlon Jackson to punch it in close, let a big TE or DL run it in.

Gregg Knapp has to go!!

By Joe

October 2, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

Joe I feel that that was a racist comment; what the hell you mean that he is too stupid to read defenses. Yeah he is not the best but damn come on man get rebel flag off of your front lawn

By e.b.

October 2, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

I don’t think we got “exposed” at New Orleans. I don’t think you can take much away from that game. I think the Falcons were the sacrifical lambs that night; I think the Saints would’ve beaten any team on that night. I think it all boils down to Greg Knapp’s play-calling (or therefore lack of). I mean, how many times can a Pro team run the option. They didn’t do this crap last year. Yeah…it worked a couple of times in the first two games, but it has gotten old now. I still think Vick needs to air it out, and go for Lelie and others. I’m still disappointed in how flat the offense is, and I really think they need to get Norwood involved earlier than the 4th Quarter. I wish someone would print out our suggestions, and hand them to Mora at tomorrow’s press conference. I sometimes wonder if they don’t think anything is wrong.

By e.b.

October 2, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

You know, if some of you people claim to be Falcons fans, and you’re saying “he sucks”, then you are not really Falcons fans. Get my drift?

By steven

October 2, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

There is no column at the end of the season that counts except the one for wins and losses. I know the offense will eventually get on track, and our defense will continue to squash our opponents.Until then, the old saying is still true - I would rather win ugly every time over looking good in a loss!

By EGraves

October 2, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this

The Falcons need to take notes from the Patriots and the Bengals red zone offense. The Bengals lined up 2 backs in the “i” formation and scored a touchdown. The first back, #31, was 260 lbs; the second back, #32, was 228 lbs. After the ball was hiked and the backs began funning to the right side of the line, Palmer did a counter clockwise hand off to the second running back (#32) with the first running back leading (#31), and the second running back scored a touchdown because of all the blocking that preceded him. That’s what you call good fundamental goal line football. On the contrary, the Falcons have resolved to try to trick the opponent at the goal line. We can copy from the Bengals book. Why not put 2 big backs in the back field, sometimes, like Griffith (230 lbs) and McCrary (247 lbs) and run some plays off of them. This will give the opposing defenses more to contemplate because both Griffith and McCary can run the ball, block for each other, catch the ball, and do many other things from the back field that will keep the opposing lineman and linebackers honest. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and I remember how the Cleveland Browns used Earnest Byner and Kevin Mack in the back field together to do so many things at the goal line. Why can’t we change up, go back to fundamentals, and do the same things sometimes.

By dale in newnan

October 2, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this

Rodney, a 65 qb rating is average at best, a passing qb he will never be due to lack of touch and blatant inability to read complicated defenses. Ice Dik, For the kind of money he draws on the salary cap he has to do more. Chuck Smith even said as much recently. he has to somehow make plays and overcome the defiecentcies around him. E.B.,every fan has a right to be critical if he chooses. That is what fans do from time to time.Please stop drinking the mora-vick cool-aid. To everyone else: the offense is vanilla for a very good reason- it has to be. Vick is a stunning talent but he is what he is; a mediocre passer. We win with defense, an excellant running attack, and the occasional mv highlight from hell. But unless we develop some balance on offense, or the mere threat of moving the ball via the foward pass, we will remain a flawed team always riding the razors edge. 7-9 possible. 11-5 equally possible. Go big red D.

By Wedgie Evans

October 2, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this

Blaming Vick for the Falcons’ offense sputtering is like blaming Andruw Jones for the Braves not making the playoffs.

If the play call on 2nd and goal, making Vick playaction/boot to his RIGHT SIDE, doesn’t get Greg Knapp fired, I don’t know what will.

For all the hating on Vick, he turned it over once and accounted for 254 total yards. Sure, a TD or two would have been great, and the pass that was picked off was a terrible decision. Don’t forget, though, that he did complete 60% of his passes, and once again the receivers played pretty mediocre (especially Roddy White). Even Alge Crumpler dropped a couple more catchable balls.

And would handing the ball off on the goal line to Jerious Norwood (who is now averaging around 8 yards per carry on the season) really be such a bad idea? Seems to me that as many tackles as he breaks in the open field, he would probably be pretty effective on the goal line. More effective than play-fakes where you don’t account for the pass protection properly.

I still think the offense would be much more effective if we got someone with half a brain to do the play calling. As sad as it sounds, Greg Knapp is probably the worst play caller in the city of Atlanta. Yes, that includes Chan Gailey.

By dale in newnan

October 2, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this

Also all my african-american brothers, one can still be critical of mv without racial overtones. Thats the bane of equality.

By Fish

October 2, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this

To be able to win consistently is the falcons goal we all realize that and we all want the team to be operating on all cylinders. It easy to sit back in the stands or in front of the television and pick apart the team because they’re not performing the way we all want them to. The falcons are 3-1 with a tough schedule coming up and the coaches and players want to perform better and they will. It’s easy to complain from our view. I believe Mr. Blank has more invested than any of us in this team and the city so let’s trust him before we bury our team that’s really trying to figure out how to get the offense side of the ball more productive. Just a thought. Fish

By dale in newnan

October 2, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this

Steven I rather win in a rout any day. Crush your enemies, drive them before you, hear the lamentations of their women. Thats what is good in football.

By Chris

October 2, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this

Please don’t tell me you’re actually trying to give Vick’s arm credit for the 3-1 record. I said leave Vick in as a runner (or as some have suggested even a receiver).

What has he done so far this season to help in the passing game through four games? With the Falcon’s defense if Matt or D.J. would have started all four games would we really have a worse record than the current 3-1?

If Vick didn’t have a strong running game to back him up would he still be a winning QB. Let him try starting for this Arizona team and see if he’s still a winning QB.

Let’s talk about Vick some more after the next three games. I’m telling you if any or all of these next three teams shut down the Falcon’s run game then the Falcons will lose each game in which that happens. Vick can’t win with his arm. If I’m wrong I’ll be more than happy to come on here and admit that in about a month. If I’m right then I’d love for all you Vick is a wonderful winning QB folks out there to admit you’re wrong.

By dirty til I die

October 2, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

Mike Vick is the 2nd most wins as a QB in Atlanta Falcons history in only 4 years with the team. Only Bartkowski has more and he played here forever. If you lunatics don’t get off Vick’s back, it will serve you right when he asks for a trade to a team where the fans appreciate him.

Not a passer???!!?!! Vick had over 3000 yards passing the year before Knapp got here. The problem with Vick’s passing since Greg Knapp got here is the play calling. The receivers only run two routes, a go route and a stop route. That’s why they are never open. The only comme across the field if they see Vick on the move. They never run slants, and the only screen pass we ran against Arizona was to CRUMPLER, in the red zone, a designed play, when we have so many better weapons to throw screens to.

Vick is not being put in any position to be a prolific passer. We should be happy he is getting the passing yards he gets now. He would have twice the yards if there weren’t so many drops, and if the receivers actually got open enough for some RAC yards. That’s where a lot of those “good passing” QB’s are getting their stats; from fast, elusive WR’s who turn a 15 yd slant into a 50 yard touchdown.

You know Knapp is an idiot because only an idiot would let Norwood rust on the bench. This guy is good for 30 yards a touch, and Knapp can’t seem to find a use for him.

I’ll make a prediction here. King Arthur is not going to put up with this BS much longer. He believes in Vick (as well he should) and he is obviously smart enough to know when his product is not being displayed properly. If the offense struggles in the next three games, Greg Knapp will be gone. The defense was built to win this year, all we need is the offense to perform just a little bit better and we will be on the way to the Super Bowl Baby. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By dale in newnan

October 2, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

Dirty till i die the unfortunate reason for mv being no 2 in wins is that the falcons regrettably have mostly sucked. Being the no 2 qb in wins for the falcons is like being the second best lacrosse team in alaska

By dale in newnan

October 2, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

one game doesnt make a career, give Norwood time. This is the same kind of premature beatification the we gave duckett in the pass. How about a lot of respect for Mr Dunn the workhorse of the falcons.

By dale in newnan

October 2, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this

Also i believe donovan macnabb could lead this team to the bowl. He has made a career out of taking ordinary recievers and making damn plays.

By jason

October 2, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this

I know this isnt easy..and sometimes unfair. FIRE KNAPP!!! We didnt see Norwood until the 3rd quarter. He’s calling screens on 2nd and goal??? Everyone shares blame..but he’s pathetic

By Robert

October 2, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this

This is the craziest mess I have ever seen, we might have the most petty fans in the world. The world changes people, Vick finally learned last year that he will never be able to covert the idiots who want his head, they just dont like his style. And now you guys want to say oh this just the Cardinals, what was week 1 and 2. what in the hell does this team have to do to get some respect from its fans. I know none of you are true football fans, because the Giants are stinking it up, the Bengals just got it handed to them today and the steelers are trying to find their way, much like the Falcons. This D is good enough to play with anybody. And by the way if Alge’s catch didnt get called back Vick would have had a 200 yard game. But hey he has to go 20/22 before any of you asses would be happy. also, for anyone to open their mouth and say they have been life long Falcons and been seeing losers for years, enjoy the ride it aint been this good in a long time.

By FrustratedFalconsFan

October 2, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this

Asked Sunday if his team’s red-zone offense has regressed recently, coach Jim Mora didn’t even try to throw a sheet over the mess. “I don’t know that we had room to regress,” he said. “

Sounds like Mora is just NOW beginning to be concerned about OC’s effectiveness (or lack thereof). Hmmmmm…stay tuned.

By dirty til I die

October 2, 2006 02:10 AM | Link to this

Mr. dale, that’s exactly my point. We are winning now with Vick. And the NFL has never been anyone’s lacrosse league.

Dunn deserves all the credit he gets and more. I run him on two fantasy teams. He should be a 1500 yd back this year. But that doesn’t change the FACT that Norwood is an exceptionally gifted player, still young and with losts to learn, who is being wasted by the Falcons Offensive coordinator. I said this after the first three games and Norwood has only proven my point more with each game, even with the limited touches he gets.

Donovan McNabb?!?! who is talking about McNabb?!?! On an ATLANTA FALCONS blog?!?! Maybe he could overcome the poor coaching and receiving that Vick has to deal with. But we’ll never know because he’s never coming here, and at this point in his career I wouldn’t want him over Vick. But if you like McChunky chicken Noodles so much, feel free to become dale from philly….

By Dano

October 2, 2006 03:16 AM | Link to this

Thanks Jeff…you watched the same game I did!!! Here it is in a nut shell:

(BirdDawg pay attention!!!)

Hello!!!!!!!!! I’m not calling for Schaub…I’m asking that the coaches have Vick play QB not RB. AND AGAIN…it’s a team sport…..Vick doesn’t win the games by himself….certainly not this game….Kurt Warner was awful!!!! First two posessions Arizona gave the ball to the Falcons on their 23 (thanks to a 41 yrd return by Vick’s TEAMMATE Rossum) and then thanks to a 32 yard punt, Arizona gives us the ball on their 49. How did we score with such gifts??? Two field goals by the old man on the TEAM!!!!! Next posession Dunn pounds out 19 yards…Vick combines a run and a sack for 15 yards…scoring by the kid a 51 yarder…go TEAM!!!! Next, get it on our 11….Dunn pounds for 9, Vick passes for 68, runs for 4 down to the Arizona 8 (Lelie gets 61 and White has 7) go TEAM…. FB bulls in for the Score??? No, VICK runs for another yard a penalty gets us to the 3 then a VICK PASS is intercepted….returned 99 yards for a TD!!!! Way to go COACHES!!!! Next Dunn, Dunn, Vick pass inc, punt……next get it on 10…Dunn pounds out 19…Vick passes for 26 and runs for 18…Old Man kicks a 36 yarder…HALF TIME RECAP…Falcons have two RBs…Dunn and Vick and a parttime passing QB (Vick does double duty.) Kickers score 12. 3rd Qtr…Dunn (4) and Vick (26) run for 30 yds, Vick passes for 47 down to Arizona 8 FB bulls for Score??? No, Old Man 26 yd FG! Next BIG D comes thru…Hall intercepts for a TD!!!! (first of game!!) Next Warner fumbles on Falcons 22….we find another RB!!! (a miracle!!!) Norwood runs for 78 yds and a TD!!!!! My GOD, we have a TEAM!!!

Next to gives to NORWOOD for 7 then -3 net 4 yds…Vick INC Pass…OLD MAN kicks 28 yds SCORE!!!! Defense comes through again…intercepts..then brilliant play calling give to Norwood three times for 19, 1, then 4 yds…..OK let Schaub run, he gets 3…Punt…Schaub’s 3 yds erased with 3 kneels to end game………so despite bad play calling and a PT QB…Defense wins game thanks to awful play by Warner and his TEAM…..HELLO…WATCH THE GAME….. Yhe FALCONS won, not MIKE VICK……I like Vick…..the coaches need to hone his abilities….he is a wild stallion that has so much talent….it needs channeled for the good of the TEAM…..I don’t think MORA and company know how….the receivers are not the problem…..Overall not a great game…but a win is a win….the play calling has to change!!!! Did you see the pattern?? Arizona did….their offense just let them down bad… Go Falcons!!!!

By Curt Moore

October 2, 2006 03:39 AM | Link to this

Play calling in red zone is questionable. How many passes are thrown in the end zone? Most of MV’s are thrown for short yardage. We do to much dinking at the goal line we need to be more agressive. It’s as if we’re attempting to minimize the risk of a pass interception. Having been a Falcon fan since the beginning, it is nice to be 3-1 at this point in the season.

By Top Dawg

October 2, 2006 06:56 AM | Link to this

i read AJC on line all the time and all i see is a lot of Vick bashing. Even with a 3-1 record fake falcon fans are still calling for his head. I like to see D.J or Matt behind that weak O-line and get away from the pressure. Vick numbers on the weekend were 13-22 for 153yrs. Now lets see Crumpler at least 2 drops, White at least 2 drops, Jenkins dropped a TD. Oh and yeah Dunn even dropped a pass. Lets see 2+2+1+1= 6. (13+6=19)lol. 19-22 not a bad day you ask me. Name 1 QB that throws the ball and catch it. Crumpler had a TD called back cuz of White. Jenkins had another if he wasnt being held on his hip by the defender. And lets talk about the Coach frm the “Waterboy” Gregg Knapp. Whr do he get his redzone play calling frm. Monday nite inside the 5… lets pass Sunday inside the 5 … lets pass. How u hav the top rushing game and dont use it in goal line situation. Until the rec show up big teams are going to start bring down a safety to stop the run. like the saints did in Monday nite. Yeah the shotgun option was a good play to add to the playbook but Knapp dont over do it. How did i almost forget the Naked Bootleg. Stop It ! ! ! Have we Forgot Knapp and Jim had two or three back to back losing seasons in S.F We missed the best coach avail. at the time Dennis Green a proven Winner. U can at least have the TE drag across, if not to make the play it gives Vick a chance to throw the ball away w/o being flagged. And all y’all fan complianing about Vick not being the Most Acc Passer, name the top 5 and i bet u they dont give up there body to the game like he do to Win.
How do you think we been the best Running Team in the NFL the last 2 yrs. Oh did i forget to say we play in one of the strongest Division the NFC South.
That should speak for it self. So all The Real Falcon Fans Stand Up and Enjoy the 3-1 start

By Big Bear

October 2, 2006 06:58 AM | Link to this

Rome was not built in a day! The falcons offense will be okay if they just keep at it. Yesterday I saw quite a few drops which has to stop. Hey Knapp do you have any crossing patterns for the wide outs? They would probably do a lot better if you gave them routes that had a chance to confuse the defense. Even pop warner teams can cover someone running straight down the field.

By Kwan

October 2, 2006 07:11 AM | Link to this

The one thing nobody says in the media is obvious to me. Mike Doesn’t know the playbook. Sure, he knows a little, but he does not understand the recievers routes. Thats why most of his completions are to stationary targets. He can’t throw a timing pattern, or make a pass befoe the reciever makes his cut, because he doesn’t know the assignments. When we get into the redzone and the field is shortened, we are forced to play street ball with no real plan.

By Chuck

October 2, 2006 07:16 AM | Link to this

VICK is NOT a QB, PERIOD but in order for Atlanta to have ANY chance whatsoever against real teams like the the Giants/Steelers/Cinncinatti coming up, Gregg Knapp must GO. His play calling reminds me of middle school recess play calling. It is predictable and has NO imagination or trickery to it. If we are stuck with Vick, utilize his assets to the teams advantage

By Rodney

October 2, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this

Dale in Newnan…I have a quick question for you. Are you smoking the good stuff?

QB rating. At last check the Lombardi trophy and QB rating’s have zero to do with each other. See Roth’s game from the last superbowl. Horrible, but he won. Who gives a rat’s tail about QB rating. What is the ultimate goal of any QB or NFL player in the league? TO WIN! QB rating is for individual stats and who cares about those when 7 is putting up wins. Do you have a short memory? Last year it was our defense that needed some attention. We didn’t go 2-6 in the last 8 games becasue of 7. We were averaging 20+ points a game.

When will you people give up the idea that 7 will throw for 300+ yards a game? He will never do that and the true Falcons fans don’t want him to. That’s not his game. He manages the game well and from the department of redundency (sp), he WINS!!

Leftwich, Brees, Pennington and others had ridiculous QB rating’s today and they LOST! That’s the column on the right where you want it to be less than the column on the left.

3-1 into a bye week with Abe getting healthier! It’s going to be a fun ride. For all the haters…get ready to eat your words b/c those Birds are primed and ready to break loose after the bye!!

By Russ Brock

October 2, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

Oh, c’mon, Jeff. Stop skirting the real root of the flat-out failure of the Falcons’ offense. Two words and everyone not blinded by the hype surrounding the world’s most overpaid, over-rated athlete - Mike Vick. The “in” street talk is to say, “Vick’s sick,” and like the backward people who speak that way, it means the opposite. However, it is close to the truth. Vick is sickening. To watch (and to hear, for that matter, giving glory to himself, being himSELF, taking the game upon himSELF. So, let’s heap the proper credit upon his glorious SELF. He rarely goes through his progressions because he is always watching Crumpler hoping he might come open, not that it really matters since he’ll toss it Crump’s (similar to the sound the ball now makes bouncing off Alge’s hands to the turf) way hoping for a return to the days when he could catch. Of course, maybe this potentially fatal case of the dropsies will result in Vick looking elsewhere which might be a good thing. Vic did find Ashely Lelie a couple of times. And White twice. Unfortunately, Roddy was unable to find the ball. In his hands that is. Face it. With Vick at QB, all this offense will ever be is offensive. To watch. Except to the Falcons’ opponents, of course. They love it.

By Patrick

October 2, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

Why does everyone dismiss the NO game. NO is a pretty good team that shut down the Falcon’s run game. They didn’t have to worry about the passing game becasue there is none. Knapp is a loser, Vick can’t throw accuratly (most of his throws are late, low, sailing or thrown to a covered receiver), the receivers are lame and the OL sux. 3-1 today will be 3-4 after the next three if the offense continues to be this lame in the red zone.

By marbo

October 2, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

In my opinion, Mike Vick needs two things to become a decent passer in the NFL. First, he has to learn how to read defenses better and make smarter decisions with the football. Second, he truly needs an OC that knows how to design plays that allows vick and company to use all weapons and keep DC guessing. The play calling is terrible!! A veteran WR would not hurt either. I love the Falcons but right now we are not ready to become an effective playoff contender.

By bobbo

October 2, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

I made this point last week and I will make it again, as long as Mora and Knapp are in charge we have a ceiling as to how successful this team can be. For some reason when looking for a new coach we took the defensive and offensive coordinator of the 49ers and not jerry rice and Joe Montana’s niners the owens and garcia niners. I guess we will have to wait for the Falcons to have another losing season to fire them, and I’ll keep buying season tix even if they don’t

By Iceman

October 2, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

All of you morons are living in the past and utilizing traditional NFL standards to judge this team. All of them are playing well,with the exception of our Red zone performance. Our results yesterday and the Saints’ results goes to prove that that Monday night game ws thrown. No team will be able to stop this onslaught of running and run stopping.

By RichFalcon

October 2, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

This bye week needs to be about fixing this red-zone offense. I’d start by finding a way to get Norwood involved, maybe putting him and Dunn in the backfield together. With Abraham back healthy and a rest week, I think the Falcons can do some damage to the remaining schedule if they can fix things in the red-zone…and they will.

By RichFalcon

October 2, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Great job special teams and the defense shut it down!!

By Dano

October 2, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Hey Iceman, which game were you watching??? Go to my blog of 3:16am and read the recap, I think even you could understand since I put it in simple terms…..The Saints are 3-1 and lost by 3 points to Carolina….you don’t think they are a good team capable of beating the Falcons “on any given Sunday?” Whose the moron?????

By Ali

October 2, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

What evidence do you guys have to suggest Schaub is a better option at QB than Vick? Everybody questions Vick’s accuracy but Schaub does not even have a 50% completion percentage for his career. How many games has he won as a starter? What is Vick’s winning percentage? I just don’t get it.

By 34hawk

October 2, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

What win’s Super Bowls? An offense that can run the ball, and a tough defense. What do the Falcons have? An offense that can run the ball and a tough defense.

The Vick haters with a fetish for high QB ratings need to stick to fantasy football. Here in the real world, the Falcons have a good team that will only get better as the season progresses.

By jpop379

October 2, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

I was at the game section 102 you folks rock! What I saw was a team still stuck in New Orleans for most of the 1st half.

Horrible play calling in the red zone and a quarterback that still has not gotten the timing down with his receivers. To many dropped passes, most thrown behind receivers, holding calls on receivers etc.I do believe Brian Finneran would make a difference if he where playing.

Norwood appeared later in the 2nd half because he had an injured shoulder & was receiving treatment during halftime.

The game was brutal, the defense is good but without some tweaking of the red zone offense it will be tough to have more than an 8-8 season…

By Dano

October 2, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Who is talking Schaub or high QB ratings??? Read the play by play…..the OLD MAN kicked for 17 points!!!! The kid for three more…..Norwood got six (on a huge running play when he finally got to have the ball) and Hall scored on an interception….that is a team!!! Go Falcons!!! If Mora and company can utilize Vick’s abilities, we would be unstoppable!!!! GO TEAM!! GO FALCONS!!!

By Wink from Lithonia

October 2, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Ok the Falcons are 3-1 heading into the bye week. The defense has given up only 1 touchdown. Abraham & maybe Hartwell will line up for the Giants game. Field goals are up & good now (boy are they up!!!) The old man has a chance to lead the league in scoring.

Which leads me to this Red Zone fiasco!!! This problem started with management decision to let Duckett go; thats 31 touchdowns and also took points off the board when they sent Petersen packing who was 23 of 25 on field goals last year. That’s a lot of RED ZONE production missing.

“For the season, the Falcons have converted only three of 17 red-zone possessions into touchdowns. Actually, the offense has produced only one touchdown in the last 10 quarters — that being rookie Jerious Norwood’s franchise-record 78-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter”. Now Duckett is definitely no Norwood and Norwood is a keeper, but you got to get point in the red zone.

We are running he ball down the field and get to the 1 or 3 yard line, then start throwing passes. Mike throw an interception on the 1 yard line and the guy runs by Vick and he does not even give chase. The guy had about 80 yards to run and Vick being one of the fastest in NFL did not even try to catch him, that was disappointing. This comment also stings a bit “I am not concerned with the red zone,” Vick said. “As long as we get opportunities down there, we’ll make something happen.”

One poster EGraves suggest the following: The Falcons need to take notes from the Patriots and the Bengals red zone offense. The Bengals lined up 2 backs in the “i” formation and scored a touchdown. The first back, #31, was 260 lbs; the second back, #32, was 228 lbs. After the ball was hiked and the backs began funning to the right side of the line, Palmer did a counter clockwise hand off to the second running back (#32) with the first running back leading (#31), and the second running back scored a touchdown because of all the blocking that preceded him. That’s what you call good fundamental goal line football

Well Mike, you got 2 weeks to get it right with Greg Knapp and make something happen. I think it time to sit down and start thinking about going to the REFRIGERATOR—as in GRADY JACKSON in the Red Zone. Let him block for Norwood or Griffin or give him the rock - he was a fullback in high school & a 1000 yard rusher… think about it Knapp…that 360 lbs the line is going to move forward…come on Knapp think outline the box - this is better than throwing passes on the 1 yard line.

By Gritz Blitz

October 2, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing while expecting different results. The Falcons playcalling has become very predicatable inside the 20 and needs to change for the Falcons to optimize their chances against the better teams in the NFL.

I would like to see the Falcons use Vick in combination with Schaub. It does not appear that Vick will ever become a great passer so it would benefit the team to use Schaub as the main passing option and keep Vick on the field as a roving WR.

By Iceman

October 2, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

You’re the Moron Dano. The Saints are a sub par team. Look who they beat prior to receiving the gift they got Monday night. The Falcons beat Carolina by a bigger margin than 3. Go crawl back under your Vick hating rock.

By Kwan

October 2, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

Knapp is running the plays that Michael is capable of running. Stop blaming Knapp and the recievers. Micheal needs to study more. Even if Knapp is the leagues worst OC, he didn’t get where he is without knowing something. I like watching Vick play more than any player in the league. Im just realistic enough to know his limitations. Knapp has the toughest job in the NFL bacause he can’t use any downfield creativity.

By Iceman

October 2, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

The ICEMAN likes the Grady Jackson in the RED Zone idea.

By Jiml

October 2, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

How many games has Schaub had the opprotunity to play in? Vick has had 6 years. So lets give Schaub 6 years and then compare. I’m guessing at least 1 Super Bowl win in that time period with definitely back to back winning seasons.

By Will

October 2, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

On Friday, I said that the Falcons’ wide receiver problems offensive problems are in coaching, not the players. We have play making receivers. For some reason or another, they’re not being motivated enough to go and get the ball. The only exception is Ashley Lelie. Yesterday, he showed us (along with Bolden and Fitzgerald) what a real NFL receiver is supposed to do: get physical, go up and snatch balls from the hands of defensive backs, and lay out for the tough catches. We need to fire our wide receiver coach.

Next on the list is our play calling. It stunk! We need more imaginative play calling and more creative use of our personnel. Why did we wait to put Jerious Norwood on the field until the 4th quarter? That’s pure idiocy!

Again I say, let’s put Dunn and Norwood on the field together. Throw in fullbacks Fred McCrary and Justin Griffith also for good measure. All are good blockers, they can all catch the ball, and each can run. Would it be a pass, or would it be a run? Teams wouldn’t know what to do!

I’d like to see Vick spread the field with four and five wide receiver sets and have DeAngelo Hall and Jerious Norwood line up as two of those receivers. DeAngelo and Roddy can run a Go-Route, while Lelie runs a deep curl, with Norwood and Jenkns run crossing routes across the middle.

I tell you—we need out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to this offense. Ours is not a conventional offense. Most NFL teams know this and are terrified of us realizing that we cannot be convenional. If we throw convention totally out the window, we will be looking at true offensive history in the making.

By #1falconsfan

October 2, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Some people will never be happy, not even with a 3-1 record at the break. Mike is not a traditional quarterback. 300 thrown yards in a losing effort is still a LOSS.

By Dano

October 2, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Hey Iceman,

I guess you can’t read. I’m a Vick fan. Maybe you need some glasses, probably a new brain. Go see the Wizard of OZ, ask Dorothy for directions. Yellow is your color.

By DirtyBird in L.A.

October 2, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

FACTS and OBSERVATIONS:

1) Knapp needs to go 2) Vick will never be the 200+ yard passer that we wish he will be.. Unless #1 happens MAYBE. 3) Pocket passing overrated. All previous ATL QB’s were pocket passers. I remember when Bartkowski played, he could have those 300+ yard days but manage to ring up sacks on 3rd down and kill drives. At least we don’t have that problem as much now! All Vick needs to do is pass enough to keep teams honest.. In other words move the chains. However because of bad play calling, wack receiving, and untimely poor throws they haven’t done that in the last 2 games. 3) No excuse for this team to have red zone troubles. If the Saints can put McAllister and Bush in the backfield, we can put Dunn/Norwood, Dunn/Norwood/Griffith or Dunn/Jackson (from practice squad). You know think outside the box a little. 4) While we are on the sucky coordinator subject, Donatell needs to go too.

By mo

October 2, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

IMHO, Vick threw two bad passes today. The problem isn’t at QB in regards to the passing game, it’s the receivers. Once again, I’ve seen Alge drop a couple of passes. I’ve seen Roddy White not open… again. I’ve seen a complete lack of hustle with the WRs.

Vick’s pass that was ran back was terrible, but it was due to the fact that he thinks he has to make every play because of the lack of other wideouts making plays.

Now I do have a problem of the passing attack not going to the RBs. I would like to see some check-downs to Dunn and Norwood. I would rather have the RBs be the release valve for Vick instead of the TE.

Now, I need to write a quick letter to Greg Knapp-

Dear Mr. Knapp,

Hello. How are you? I’m doing fine. I see that we have a problem with our red-zone offense. Also, the receiving yards are down. I have one suggestion: I think it’s time to utilize Jerious Norwood more in the passing and running game. I think it will scare the pants off the defenses to see him at slot or coming out in the flat. Norwood is the fastest player on the field. He needs the ball more.

Yesterday, he rushed for over 100 yards on 6 carries. That’s ridiculous! That’s over 17 yards per carry! Norwood has the second-highest rush yardage of all rookies in the NFL (217), with only 26 carries. Norwood trails only one person in avg yard per carry (8.3ypc.) and that is Michael Vick (8.8 ypc.) Oh, and by the way- Michael Vick ranks #5 in rushing yards in the NFL.

In short, give Norwood a chance to catch the ball in the open field. You will see more touchdowns, and it will really confuse the opposing defenses. You will look like a genious, and people will stop calling for your job (unless, of course, Vick gets hurt- then you all should start putting your resumes on Monster.)

So, I hope you get this letter and hope to see you all soon.

Sincerely,

Mo

By L. Hull

October 2, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

The answer to the red zone problem is quite simple. Put Schaub at QB and move Vick to wideout. The defense will this text will be boldedhave** to double-cover him. If they don’t-throw to him. If they do, the “extra” blocker will allow them to punch it in.

By knowitall

October 2, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

I agree Will. I’ve said for weeks now that we need a receivers coach. We have a very talented bunch of receivers but the young guys don’t know how to run routes. If your not a great route runner, you don’t get seperation in the NFL. Vick is not the most accurate thrower but most of his balls are catchable. The receivers have just flat out dropped the ball. They never seem to be open. I know teams aren’t always playing man to man so that means they don’t know how to find the dead spots in zone coverage. Vick is not the sole problem. I think there is enough blame to go around for the offense’s struggles, including the play calling or Mr. Knapp.

By L. Hull

October 2, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

My “girl friday” is a blond. Let’s try this again. The answer to the red zone problem is quite simple. Put Schaub at QB and Vick at wide-out. The defense will have to double-cover him(Vick). If they don’t, throw to him. If they do, use the “extra” blocker to punch it in.

By bobbo

October 2, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

This team is great and Vick is not the problem, but as long as mora and knapp are in control we have a glass ceiling of success.

Just to throw out there, is anyone else concerned that Hartwell coming back moves williams to the bench and our LB’S become very very slow as a unit instead of one of the fastest?

By FalconFool

October 2, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

We look like world beaters between the twentys. We do miss Finneran, who gave us the big, good route running receiver. Try someone besides Roddy White, as he has been the biggest flop of the year. I agree totally with those that say Norwood needs to be in the red zone package as a running and short flat pass option. Great emotional effort by the defense on Sunday. Keep it up!

By knowitall

October 2, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

DirtyBird in LA, how can you say that Donatell needs to go? If I’m not mistaken, the only TD the defense has given up all year came as a result of a turnover by the offense. No one has driven the length of the field on the defense to score a TD. You can’t argue with a defensive scheme that keeps the other team out of the endzone.

By Doc Reem

October 2, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

I think most of us understand that the problem is not Vick it’s Knapp and his sorry a@$ offense. The guy raelly is proving to us all that he needs to go. He play calling and formations have no innovation or element of surprise at all. Did he not see the same explosiveness in J.Norwood that we all saw in the preseason. Why is this guy not more involved in th game plan? That’s just plain stupid. Why do have MV throwing throwing roll out passes in the red zone and not lining up the freakin I-formation and at least try to pound the ball in for a score. Why not at least have (one) formation one with J.Norwood, and W.Dunn in the backfield just to give the defense a scare or even as a decoy. Why not have more shifts or innovative formations to create mismatches? We have some of the most expolsive personel the league but we can’t get one play by Knapp that make us say WOW that was a beautifully designed play. Everything we’ve seen with the Falcons playcalling we’ve seen it before. How could you not have one play that’s innovative????

By William

October 2, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta recievers have about 12 drops in two weeks now. TWELVE. There were 6 yesterday alone. Adjust the numbers and that 19-21 and thats nothing to bash. Last week, his numbers still werent’ great, but add the six drops, and you are looking a different numbers.

The season before Gregg Knapp took over as offensive coordinator, Vick passed for 3000 yards, with a QB rating of 81.5. So all the “He will never be a 3000 yard passer” well…actually, he was. And that was his second year in the league. And he missed a game that year. So what changed? Did Vick become a worse passer? or did the window to get the ball in become smaller because of the same freakin route being run everywhere on the field. Knapp makes recievers run stops and gos, because if the play breaks down he sees them as guys keeping defenders around to tackle Vick, not relizing that if he ran different routes, MAYBE the play wouldn’t break down so often. Notice how often it always seems like a defender is there on the passing plays. well..its because there is no guess work involved.

Say people make excuses for Vick all you want, he is a proven PASSER and WINNER. The Coaching staff has changed and so has his numbers. He also keeps the offense on the field, something that allows the defense to play better.

Whine whine, complain complain…Vick isn’t keeping Noorwood on the bench. Vick isn’t calling pass plays on 1st, and second down at the goal line when they have the best Rushing attack in the NFL. Vick isn’t calling two routes for his wide recievers and he isn’t dropping the ball when he gets it there.

By Doc Reem

October 2, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

And one other thing: Where the screen passes, where are the slants, where are the reverses, where are the bundle formations, where are the double routes, where are the pump fake routes and plays. Has anybody seen any of this all year? Our offense looks like a high school team and most of if it is not Vick.

By Old school fan

October 2, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

LOL If Terrence Moore wrote this same column, you would accuse him of being mean spirited, a naysayer, and an all-around stick in the mud.

You’d even threaten to cancel your AJC suscriptions and other lunacy.

he’s been saying this ame thing for weeks.

The Falcons’ offence HAS to evolve…

By William

October 2, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

“My “girl friday” is a blond. Let’s try this again. The answer to the red zone problem is quite simple. Put Schaub at QB and Vick at wide-out. The defense will have to double-cover him(Vick). If they don’t, throw to him. If they do, use the “extra” blocker to punch it in.”

Dude…why in the world would any defensive coordinator with half a brain double team a 6 foot QB playing reciever. Vick isn’t going to outjump anyone. Its the goalline, and his speed isn’t going to help him. What sense does this make at all? Seriously, what is your idea on this working. Give ONE reason to double team Michael Vick lined up at reciever…well..ever. At any place on the field.

By DirtyBird In L.A.

October 2, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

knowitall:

My comment about Donatell isn’t about Sunday at all… The defense played good although it was against a much maligned Arizona O-Line and Warner. You can make a similar argument about the Tampa & Carolina games too since their offenses weren’t that good in those games.

My comment was a general comment. I have not been impressed with Donatell’s body of work in Atl. Yeah the defense has had its moments when everyone was healthy. But largely there are things I don’t get like or understand..

1) DB’s 10 yards away from receivers at ball snap. This allows for those quick 8-12 yd slants that our offense seems to not know how to do. Is it because of J. Webster? 2) Maybe we don’t have the personnel but what about some intelligent blitz schemes a la the Steelers or the Bears? 3) The infamous Falcon soft zone defense.. We don’t normally give up the 50 yd TD play but we suffer a death from a thousand short pass plays. We give lots of teams life with this scheme as opposed to shutting em down, esp when there is no pass rush.

The next THREE games will determine whether the Falcons “D” is for real. All 3 of those offenses can put up points.

I’m glad we are 3-1 going into the next 3. 2 of the next 3 games are against AFC and not NFC teams. We might beat the Giants but I don’t see us beating Pitt’s D-fense. Cincy is a toss up.

By #1Fan

October 2, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

Shhhhh……..do you hear that? (All the people who had something to say about last weeks lost) “JUST WIN BABY”!!!!!

By DirtyBird In L.A.

October 2, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

This noise about Vick being used as a runner or a reciever is just plain stupid… This isn’t Madden Football (‘92) folks.

The whole reason Vick has been successful and gets all the press is because he is a game changer. No he isn’t a good passer. We know that. Us Vick lovers know that. But his speed at his position allows for additional options that OC’s haven’t been able to consider previously.

Now with that said, I would like him to pass enough to keep defenses honest. Because when defenses shut down the running game like Tampa used to do or when the Saints DID, the Falcons look dumb and surprised that anyone has stopped them.

ANyways back to this stupid HB and WR talk. NO Defensive coordinator of sound mind (well maybe Donatell) would take this look seriously because everyone knows that ATL will never do anything to put Vick in harm’s way like that. Why would ATL coaches allow some safety or LB get a chance to put a free hard lick on Vick whether he is carrying the ball or not? They know we would never want Vick to be injured. So lining him up as WR or as HB would never happen.

Using him in a reverse might be interesting however.

By #1Fan

October 2, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

Can someone please help me find the blog about Clemens, Pettitte, & Tejada’s involvement with performance enhancing drugs? I’ve looked in AJC, USA Today, ESPN, ect. ect. and it’s strange, I don’t see one? Come to think of it it has not ran one hundred times like the T.O overdose report……Things that make you say HHHHHHmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!

By Iceman

October 2, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the stab DANO, I’ve had a rough day fighting off vick haters. We will defeat Pittburgh and their ESPN hype boy at QB. The falcons are an unstoppable force that will sweep the next three games,adding Abraham to the defense.

By Iceman

October 2, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

In all fairness #1fan, the T.O. blog,(which I’m sick of by the way),is as a result of an official police report concerning the possible near death of the highest profile player in sports today. I don’t know where you’ve been looking, but its on the front page of ESPN.com

By Phat Phalcon

October 2, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

Vick wins games because defenses have to game plan for him. He’s the only qb in the league that coordinators take the time to design the whole D around keeping him off the edges. This opens up lanes for Dunn and creates the one on one outside matchups we’ve exploited once every game for long passes. Run it, Run it, then chuck it deep. The completion percentage is irrelevant as long as it’s over 50. Considering the avg. YPC 50 percent is more than enough to keep the D honest so we can bludgeon them for 260 on the ground. Trust me this is the team nobody wants to play. The D is awesome and the O is something you have to change your whole style for.

By kg

October 2, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

The play calling is horrible. Knapp is a terrible OC. But the real problem is our blocking scheme and our OL. We use undersized linemen for cut back blocking schemes that work great until you get into the red zone. Then its impossible for our OL to outmuscle anyone or drive block. All the defense has to do is stack the line and put a shadow on Vick. We need to put together a Jumbo package and say, stop us if you can.

By Nathaniel

October 2, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Do your homework, Jeff - Norwood was injured on a kickoff coverage.

By sl

October 2, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

I’ve defended Vick for years, i have told Vick critics that he just needs time to get used to the offense, or he just doesn’t have a good o-line, or the receivers are just not that good. I have to start agreeing somewhat with the critics. I’m not saying he should be repalced by Schaub or anything like that, but maybe he is what is -a running qb that can’t throw.

By Falcons Fan

October 2, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

We’ve had a lot of drops down there and called a lot of silly passes instead of punching it in with some of our bigger backs. That’s not all Vick’s fault as so many folks above keep writing.

Greg Knapp is trying to finesse the team into the endzone when we need to just go big and pound some teams.

Maybe Knapp doesn’t really believe in the ability of our Oline to open any holes.

By Iceman

October 2, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Look! I am sick of all this bickering and whining. Micheal Vick is a running QB. There I said it. Is it the end of the world? He’s also a winning QB, so stop arguing the same old topics. Vick is obviously going to win in a non conventional way! ACCEPT IT!!

By mo

October 2, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

LOL @ SL saying that Vick can’t throw! LOL!!!

Vick can throw. Accurately and all that, too. And he is not the worst passing QB in the NFL, either (Aaron Brooks is.) He is just not getting any help.

As for all those “Vick Haters”, Matt Schaub can’t do any better, believe me. Vick was 13/22 for 153 yards and one INT. Not too shabby for a wierd and boring game. But, if you counted the dropped passes, he would have had a 16/22 day. His passer rating would have been high.

Matt Schaub would have completed the same or less than that. Why? Because Vick allows more time for the WRs to get open.

So yesterday was an ugly game, but it was a win. And Schaub, Brady, Marino, Montana or any other pure pocket passing QB could have ensured Roddy White would have gotten open.

On a side note- what’s up with TJ Duckett? They deactivated him for the second time this week.

By Forreal

October 2, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

Now based your comments on the facts below. The stats below do not include rushing yards, rushing TDs or dropped balls. CP/AT YDS TD INT Results Mike Vick: 13/22 153 0 1 Won Tom Brady: 15/26 188 2 1 Won P. Manning: 21/30 217 1 0 Won C. Palmer: 20/35 245 0 0 Lost D. Culpepper:23/39 249 1 0 Lost D. Carr: 22/29 230 1 1 Won D. Brees: 28/38 349 1 0 Lost J. Delhome: 19/29 169 2 0 Won B. Johnson: 25/44 267 1 2 Lost J. Losman: 23/32 222 1 0 Won P. Rivers: 13/22 145 1 1 Lost S. McNair: 17/30 158 2 2 Won K. Warner: 11/20 128 0 1 Lost C. Pennington17/23 207 1 1 Lost D. Bledsoe: 13/20 179 2 1 Won V. Young: 14/29 155 1 2 Lost A. Smith: 13/25 92 0 2 Lost D. Huard: 18/23 208 2 0 Won J. Kitna: 29/43 280 2 2 Lost M. Bulger: 26/42 328 3 0 Won B. Leftwich: 21/35 289 3 1 Lost M. Brunell: 18/30 329 3 1 Won M. Hasselbeck16/35 196 0 2 Lost R. Grossman: 17/31 232 2 0 Won

By Pete

October 2, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

1. We need to stop abusing the stretch option; Good NFL defense’s will make adjustments. It should be used as a gadget play.
2. Answer for the red zone give Norwood the ball and let him use his speed to brake out to the corners.
3. Ashley Lelie should be the go to guy because he is the best receiver we have.
4. All you Vick hater’s need to realize that Vick can throw the ball if he is given the enough pass protection.
5. Good thing is that we all 3-1 going into the bye week, have the best rushing attack is the league and stifling DEFENSE which is ranked #6 overall. Go birds!!!!!

By Allen

October 2, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

Wow… poor route running, no separation and 12 dropped passes in two games and Vick is the only problem. Give me a break. True enough somtimes his passing is not the best or average, but put Brady or any other qb for that matter (Except maybe Peyton) on the run 90% of the time and they will struggle mightly… I’ve seen it. Call him what you want, Atl has never had a losing season with him starting and finishing the season. But anyway, defense has been superb this year. Special teams rebounded in a big way. Offense is still controlling the clock. Better play-calling in the redzone and we will be in total business. “Forget about TJ” he is gone and there have been limited sightings in Washington. That should tell you something. And to all the people screaming for Schaub, remember people were saying the same thing about “Doug Johnson”. Not saying that Schaub is like Doug Johnson I’m just saying be careful what you ask for. “GO BIRDS”

By Q

October 2, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember Kurt Kitner, Doug Johnson, and a host of other great backup hope the Falcons have trotted out onto the Dome floor over the last few years? How many games did we win with Jeff George or Chris Miller? They threw it beautifully. It’s about wins people! To say Vick is the worst QB in history is ridiculous. Football is the ultimate TEAM game. He is not close to the best passer in the league but he moves the chains and wins! I guess you all just can’t wait until the Falcons suck again and then you can watch your pretty tight spirals and the losses pile up…

By Edgar

October 2, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah, we’re 3 and 1 but what’s it going to be 10 weeks from now. Please work on the offense so we can do something besides running the option. Oh waiter…..a little offense to go with that delicious defense please………

By bucko

October 2, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

I can’t beleive that anyone has not mention that when Vick threw the interception that he made a lackadalsical attemp to tackle the receiver and being the fastest man on the field did not even try to run him down just walk toward the sideline. What a no caring lazy a— h—-. pi— on Vick.

By SeeingItFromTheOtherSide

October 2, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

As long as the Falcons are winning, who the hell cares. “The Falcons are this, the Falcons are that”. The Falcons don’t give a hoot about what you all think. They’ve won and moving on to the next game. May I remind you all that watching from the stands or tv is much different from playing on the field. Ever wonder why none of you ever made it to the NFL and posting messages on this forum instead? Everyone wants to be an analyst. Pathetic!

By Kelvin

October 2, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Let me just say that for our offense to only put up seven points against the Arizona Cardinals is pathetic. Its the same story as last year and the year before. Good at rushing, horrible at passing. And so far this year horrible at scoring. Vick and the rest of the offense not getting it done.

By Keeping it real !!!

October 2, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

People dog Vick out he is not the problem.For the fan that understand that Ten other player are playing and have to do there jobs to.GREG KNAPP call the plays Greg Knapp has the game plan In training camp they work on the plays he called.People look at the routes our receiver run they can’t get open . I don’t know who coaches the receiver but they don’t make cuts to get open they try to out run the d/b. Just teach then to do a sharp cut on a dime and you will get open then it Vick job to put the ball to the spot they don’t do that and that is coaching. Our offense line is a run blocking line only. Defense beat the breaks off of our linemen in pass blocking that management ( fault). They want small lineman it works in the run but the pass no more smoke blowing ,it $ux.Management wanted to have small defense linemen till the team told them they need a space eater in grady Jackson. the offense line scheme need to be ajust to have two sets of linemen run and pass. It may be to late to get some pass blocker in now but that what would work.Blank you can hire a new coach. Call him any thing but Greg Knapp can not do the job he is clue less. but get some who under stand the pro passing game. Price is gone don’t blame him . MR BLANK for all the falcons fan who wants to win a super bowl PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET Greg knapp some help. Mora is not going to fire him till it’s to late. Let’s all save face tell mora he is going hire a person who knows how to make this passing game work hire some one NOW. The scheme is flawed Greg don’t wait till next year. most of our plays have to be 2.5 to 3 seconds because the offense line is weak in pass blocking own up to it!

By SeeingItFromTheOtherSide

October 2, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

As long as the Falcons are winning, who the hell cares. “The Falcons are this, the Falcons are that”. The Falcons don’t give a hoot about what you all think. They’ve won and moving on to the next game. May I remind you all that watching from the stands or tv is much different from playing on the field. Ever wonder why none of you ever made it to the NFL and posting messages on this forum instead? Everyone wants to be an analyst. Pathetic!

By Jt

October 2, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Just let the pure passer, Schaub, take over in the red zone.

By bucko

October 2, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

We need a future Q.B. that has the HEIGHT,ARM WITH ACCURACY,CAN READ DEFENSE AND A TEAM PLAYER. Vick is not any of the above just a show boat with is legs. I agree with the other blog writers find ways to get norwood in the game and not just for the run dump some short passes to him. Look how they use Bush.

By Keeping it real !!!

October 2, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Key words- AS LONG as they are . KEY WORDS COACHING OF THE OFFENSE(PATHETIC ) Lame, clue less ,punk stile, go to Wal-mart and get tape on how to win at the offense game! To get a real offense coach we will Get your mama wig off lay away, cook a pie ,stand on the conner in just a bow tie, Just get GREG KNAPP some HELP NOW! and if you are a player I just say to you NFL- Not -For -Long!

By Allen

October 2, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Well said SeeingItFromTheOtherSide

By Dano

October 2, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

FromTheOtherSide….as in Twilight Zone???? You are not “Seeing” the point…..we want the Falcons to keep winning not fall apart like last year. This is America…everyone can have an opinion and express it. The only thing PATHETIC is people like you.

I don’t wonder…I got a shoulder that reminds me daily why I didn’t get to the NFL. Did you even play a minute in a real Football game???? Probably not…you probaly headed a losing debate team.

God Bless America and the Falcons!!!!

By Smack Talk

October 2, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

**Hey Jeff,

We’ve just pistol whipped three out of the four teams we’ve played. Your momma needs to step up and do the same thing to you**

By Cinaed

October 2, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember the Falcons-Steelers game in the 2002 year? The Falcons were down by what, must have been 2 or more touchdowns at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and Michael Vick in the Dan Reeves offense led the team back to tie the game. Then they fought the Steelers through TWO sudden-death overtime periods, with the game ending in a tie. Did MV run the whole time during that comeback? No he didn’t. My point is Michael Vick can be a come from behind quarterback because he has done it before; just not lately.

By Mothball

October 2, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

Hey, I’d love to stick my head in the dirt too, but with our upcoming schedule, being pumped about 3-1 with our red zone production is a paper tiger. Although, our read zone ineptitude shouldn’t really be a surprise as it’s been the case throughout the Mora/Knapp era.

Kudos to the Defense for a phenomenal start in spite in key injuries. Having a reliable kicker is also beautiful.

But, with Giants, Steelers, Bengals, Ravens, Cowboys, Eagles, and the second half of our division schedule to go, someone better figure out how to put some TD’s on the board. If not, we’ll be 8-8 or 9-7 before it’s over.

Go Falcons!!!

By Phat Phalcon

October 2, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

The offense put up 25 points moron. Yes we could and I’m guessong we will improve the red zone effeciency. As long as the D is as stout as it is 17-20 pts. a game will get it done. They’ll figure out that you have to pound the ball inside the 20.

By Clay

October 2, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

The Falcons won despite another horrible game from the coaching staff. The red zone play calling was pathetic again. It seems Mora and Knapp are still waiting for talent to make a great play out of a bad call, instead of setting up plays to exploit talent.

Without Vick, the running game is stuffed. It is Vick’s presence that that creates the time for Dunn. The offensive line is built to run and is not coached well enough to run and pass block. Plummer has the same problem in Denver, if the Broncos aren’t running the passing game is stifled. It is the limitation of the blocking scheme that we use.

Neither Mora nor Knapp had successful stints in San Fran. The fact that the 49er’s where willing to loose their offensive and defensive coordinators as a package should have given the team owner pause.

By now Arthur Blanks realizes that he made the wrong call in coaches. He did what every good executive does before dropping the axe. He gave Mora and Knapp all the help they have requested. Even Arthur now realizes he had better coaching execution from the conservative Dan Reeves than the current crew.

By Sometin Crazy

October 2, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Since we’re so unconventional, why not take it to a whole new level. Teams have their goal line running backs so maybe we should have our red-zone quarterbacks, Schaub or Shockley. Vick’s running and long passing ability is his strong suit and the O is fantastic until the field gets short. Keep Vick in the backfield on some of the red-zone plays as a tailback that could still throw occasionally or catch passes. Schaubs softer, more accurate arm may be what our in consistant receivers need to catch the ball. Put Norwood in their more often too. He’s a play-maker.

By Mothball

October 2, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

Moron, huh? I suppose a definitive IQ test or Spelling Bee is out of the question, but if field goals and defensive scores get us to the championship, you’ll see a return post from me eating some big time crow.

Way to express an intelligent opinion, Phats!

Don’t forget we are all hoping to go 15-1, but that’s unlikely scoring TD’s in 18% of our red zone opportunities and it appears that our illustrious coach even agrees.

Go Falcons!!

By kg

October 2, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

As a coach, Dan Reaves was pretty good. He did what good coaches do, which is to fit your scheme to the players that you have. Schula did it in Miami. Reaves changed his offense to fit Vick and did pretty good. Knapp is trying to make Vick fit his offense, not the other way around. The problem with Reaves was his drafting ability. How many tight ends do you need to draft in the first two rounds?

By nativefacon

October 2, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

Jeff I would love for you to run a blog about Atlanta Falcon Dome noise? Or the lack there of, in 2004 the dome was rocking, its not now. Please run a article about that?

By SeeingItFromTheOtherSide

October 2, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Keeping it real,

Please stay off of this forum until you learn how to spell and write clearly without grammatical errors.

Dano,

Yes, I’ve played football in high school and walk on in college so I’ve seen it from both sides. It’s unfortunate how fans seem to become know it alls when it comes to making their home team better. Until you’ve put on some pads, practice two-a-days, and actually played games, your opinion is all hot air.

Once again: “As long as the Falcons are winning, who the hell cares. “The Falcons are this, the Falcons are that”. The Falcons don’t give a hoot about what you all think. They’ve won and moving on to the next game. May I remind you all that watching from the stands or tv is much different from playing on the field. Ever wonder why none of you ever made it to the NFL and posting messages on this forum instead? Everyone wants to be an analyst. Yes, we all want the Falcons to win and they will do what it takes to give you, the fans, what you want. But there’s always going to be something about the Falcons for you all to criticize. Well, stop watching the Falcons and watch another team!!!

By uga dead fly

October 2, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

From the dark side to the other to the out house you must be from UGA this is not a English class. You are right in one thing as long as they are winning who care. But you know the passing is not winning . The offense line in the passing game is not a winner as if they don’t fix thing they won’t be a winner. Be like Bush put your head in the sand and say I am doing nothing wrong ,what a real fool!