Sports Columnists

By Dawgs2006

October 16, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

I used to think that Artur Blank was a very smart man. I thought that everything he touched turned to gold. I was behind him 100% when he fired Dan Reeves. I thought the team need a change. I couldn’t have been more wrong! I miss Coach Reeves and his style of coaching. You really don’t know what you have until it is gone. I bought into the hype and have spent close to $2000 the past two years for my season tickets in the vast reaches of the upper deck. Not to mention the money that goes for parking and tailgating. For what? To watch the NFL version of the Georgia Bulldogs! Awful!

By mountain_jim

October 16, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

any truth to this rumour?:

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

“FRACAS AT FLOWERY BRANCH

We’re hearing that there was a huge blowup in Falcon-land after Sunday’s loss to the Giants, and that the problems spilled over into Monday.

The issue arose shortly after the 27-14 loss to the Giants, when defensive coordinator Ed Donatell got in offensive coordinator Greg Knapp’s face regarding the inability of the offense to sustain drives, which resulted in the defense being on the field for too long.

Word is that Donatell blamed several injuries sustained by his troops on the poor play of the offense, because the defensive players were exhausted late in the game.

We’re also told that, on Monday, owner Arthur Blank summoned Donatell and Knapp to his office, and that Blank wouldn’t allow head coach Jim Mora inside the room until Blank had a chance to talk with them. After the four men met, Knapp was angry — and word is that Knapp is openly blaming the performance of the offense on the limited passing skills of quarterback Michael Vick.

Stay tuned, folks. This one could get very ugly, and the Falcons have a big decision to make, especially since backup Matt Schaub will be eligible for restricted free agency after the season.”

By David

October 16, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick won a playoff game against a mediocre Packer team then won a home game against another mediocre team, the Rams, then got Bit** slapped in Philly the next week. He’s being living off this too long. Get it done Vick. 130 million should get us more than this.

By cc

October 16, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

I like the way that Mora gets defensive when you speak negatively of his team. That team is his! I personally love his passion. Bill Parcells is a smartass and is super defensive but the media seems to love that idiot. Mora I have confidence in you, I feel you man, coach your boys up! You do have a good team.

The Falcons lost and hopefully the loss will fuel their fire. I see the potential of this team, they’re just a few flames away! So challenge these guys and coach them up Mora!

By keepin the faith

October 16, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

You know you can run at will, why not open up the passing game in a couple of these upcoming contest and get some rhythm going. The only way Vick will become a better passer is by allowing him to throw the ball during actual games. If he continues to attempt less than 20 passes per game, he will never develop into a well rounded NFL QB. It would be nice if Knapp would inform Vick during the week, that they intend to open it up and that he will have 30 attempts with the goal of getting 300 yds passing. This may sound crazy but Dunn will get his 15 touches.

Oh yeah, and start Lelie instead of White; And use the boy on the outside to stretch the field or hit him on some deep post patterns; use Jenkins on 15-20 yd slants across the middle; Crumpler - - limit him to 5 pass attempts; make sure Norwood gets his 5-6 touches per game; and the rest of the plays, let Vick run the ball. Finally, somebody tell Vick to stop acting like he is playing college football and jumping into the OL arms after a TD is scored. He needs to learn that he’s being paid millions of dollars to act like a professional.

By Charles

October 16, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

T.O. had it right….Greg Knapp sucks as an offensive coordinator. Loyalty and allegiances are fine, but Mora should be told to get a coordinator and offense that fits Vick, or get another job. Vick is the best and can do the job, but this scheme is holding him and the team back. In the interim, Reeves offense seemed to work fine.

By smartguy

October 16, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

absolutely right. knapp is terrible. been sayin that before he got here. this is their last chance. it has taken three years to get back to less than we were. better pick it up in a hurry. i hope blank is oblivious to this. he shouldn’t be, but he looked just as happy as everyone else on the sidelines at the end of that game. awful.

By smartguy

October 16, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

absolutely right. knapp is terrible. been sayin that before he got here. this is their last chance. it has taken three years to get back to less than we were. better pick it up in a hurry. i hope blank is oblivious to this. he shouldn’t be, but he looked just as happy as everyone else on the sidelines at the end of that game. awful.

By Jon

October 16, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

Teams would have figured out Vick in Reeves’ offense too. They just didn’t have time when he arrived, but now his “skills” are evident, as are his weaknesses. When you can’t pass in the NFL, you’re in trouble.

It’s going to be a long 7 or 8 years until Vick retires. When is his contract up?

By Tony H

October 16, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

The problem with the Falcons are simple Donetell is not aggressive on defence and Knapp still do not have a clue, Vick is not the problem people it is your coordinators when you have the studs we have on D and you play back like that in the second half and let Manning pass like that after he was on his back in the first half it is your coaching. When you have drop TD after drop TD it is not your QB. This is when your staff should make adjustments with their starters and put in a provin wideout like in Lelie who will go get the ball. People this is not hard to fix oh but I guess it must be becaues our so-call coaches have not and at the end of the day or season it will cost us a playoff spot.

By Najeh Davenpoop

October 16, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz is absolutely right, and it’s not just Mora who should shoulder the blame but also his assistants. In this game, Ed Donatell allowed the Giants to run the same weakside counter play 8 or 9 times in the 2nd half, with Tiki Barber picking up upwards of 8 yards on each carry, without making an adjustment. On offense, while we the fans have been hearing for weeks about how someone will eventually figure out the Falcons’ read-option shotgun run play, Greg Knapp sat on his a* for two weeks and didn’t add anything new to his read-option package. The result? For the most part the read-option package was ineffective, and got Vick hit pretty bad on a couple of plays.

Despite our awful run defense, turnovers, handful of overthrown balls, questionable (as usual) play calling, terrible coaching and poor pass protection, if our underachieving receivers hadn’t dropped 2 catchable balls, we still might have won this game. The first pass was the one that deflected off Roddy White’s hands in the red zone and was picked off by Sam Madison; the second one was the beautiful, on-target 60-yard strike to Mike Jenkins in the end zone which clanged off Jenkins’ hands and onto the turf. Had these two passes been caught, as they would have by decent receivers, Vick’s QB rating for the day would have jumped to 96.8 and the Falcons would have very likely won the game. Why are Jenkins and White so unreliable at this point in their careers when other receivers who have been in the league as long or less (not just first-rounders, but even guys like Bernard Berrian and Marques Colston) are much more sure-handed and aware of defensive coverage? In this case I look at the WRs coach and wonder what exactly he has been doing, because he might as well have been sitting on his a* for the last 3 seasons.

This has been a recurring theme for the Falcons over the last 3 years — when we win, Mora’s the savior of the franchise, and when we lose, Vick’s a RB masquerading as a QB. The fact is, we have been a decent team since Mora arrived because there is a lot of talent on this team on both sides of the ball, and if any competent coaching staff had a chance to coach them the Falcons would have probably at least made it to a Super Bowl by this point. The most surefire way to get the Falcons to the Super Bowl is to go back in time 3 years and hire Lovie Smith and his staff instead of Jim Mora and his staff.

Having said all that though, we are still 3-2, and 4 weeks ago these same AJC columnists were talking about the Falcons like they were the ‘72 Dolphins. This team is still gonna win 11 or 12 games and get to the playoffs, where the below-average coaching staff will get them maybe to the 2nd round before they lose. It’s not like this team is destined for failure, but I don’t see us winning a Super Bowl any time soon with these coaches. Hopefully Blank pulls the trigger and hires someone who knows what they are doing in the offseason.

By Ol' Birdy

October 16, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

These guys made the biggest mistake in professional football:

Ignoring the importance of PASS PROTECTION in the NFL.

Only a FOOL builds his house on quicksand. And only a FOOL fills his OLINE with guys no one else wants.

That’s the numero uno problem with these guys. Their inability/fear/lack of authority to bench under-performers is their next major issue. And that one will be their ultimate downfall. Only a RIDICULOUS FOOL starts Shoddy White over Lelie in an important conference game in front of the home crowd.

It’s over for these two. And they can take Donatell and his soft zone right along with them!!!!

By JT

October 16, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

I agree 100% with the article! Mora and Knapp needs to go!! There is no reason why we shouldn’t have beaten the Giants with all that talent on both sides of the ball. The haters can say what they want to say but I believe that even if Schaub was the QB the results would be the same if not worse! The offense has absolutely no creativity! Theirs no reason we can’t do some of the packages the Saints do with Reggie Bush and Deuce. In fact, if people would be honest Norwood thus fair has been a better rusher. We also know that he as well as Dunn can catch the ball out of the back field so where are the screen passes?? I guess I need to be happy with the draw play on 3rd downs.

By JT

October 16, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

I agree 100% with the article! Mora and Knapp needs to go!! There is no reason why we shouldn’t have beaten the Giants with all that talent on both sides of the ball. The haters can say what they want to say but I believe that even if Schaub was the QB the results would be the same if not worse! The offense has absolutely no creativity! Theirs no reason we can’t do some of the packages the Saints do with Reggie Bush and Deuce. In fact, if people would be honest Norwood thus fair has been a better rusher. We also know that he as well as Dunn can catch the ball out of the back field so where are the screen passes?? I guess I need to be happy with the draw play on 3rd downs.

By ManMan

October 16, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

A good coach adjusts his gameplan to the skills of his players. Creates a system and environment his players can be succussful in. A good coach makes adjustments during the game when that plan doesn’t work. The Falcons’ coordinators are not good coaches, but I do think Jim Mora is a very good coach. He is also a very good friend, which is why Donatell and Knapp still have jobs and why the Falcons won’t be as successful as they should be.

By Whopper Dawg

October 16, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this

Questions:

Would you trade Vick for:

Brees Yes Leinhart Yes Grossman Yes Cutler Maybe Young Maybe Smith (Alex) Maybe

Forget the stars (Manning, Carson, etc.) and the old guard (Favre), there is almost no starting quarterback in the NFL I wouldn’t trade Vick for. Almost no one, and perhaps it is not his fault. As a Falcon fan since 1966, I am a long believer in the Falcon curse, i.e. they are snake bit. When a Virginia Tech fan called me excited about Vick going to the Falcons, I told him that we need to trade him before we kill him (no OLine). I still think the same.

By Drez

October 16, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Coaching, coaching, coaching!!! I’m a season ticket holder and get to watch our receivers play every week. These guys get no separation on a consistent basis. They force Vick to make perfect throws because they can’t get open. Vick is usually trying to make these perfect throws with blitzing linebackers and D-linemen in his chest. This makes an already inaccurate QB look even worse. I would love to see an immobile Peyton Manning play behind these pathetic pass-blockers and see what type of numbers he put up. The Falcons need to put together a O-line that gives Vick time to read the field, and receivers who’ll make plays. At that point, if his numbers are still bad, look at another option at QB. However, I think it’s unfair to judge any QB behind this line, that throw to these receivers.

By **Titothebear**

October 17, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Mountain_jim,

Don’t believe that garbage rumor. All is well in Flowery Branch. The meeting was about which one of the coaches was going to be my date for the all-male prom.

Falcons will go 13-3 with Vick as QB.

I am the real Titothebear. The other guy is the imposter.

By kent

October 17, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

in defense of greg knapp, it is hard to plan a good offensive game plan if his starting qb does not have good passing skill.when vick first got here, the receivers that we have was ok if not good. after vick assumed the starting qb job, the same receivers were suddently deemed inadequate. thus necessitating the trade for pearless price who was a fairly good receiver while he was with buffalo. we all know what happened to pearless. now it was jenkin and white. if memories serve me correctly, these two were pretty good receivers when they were in college. they, especially white, seem to catch every thing thrown their way. they seem to loose that gift as soon as they became falcons. how many more receivers are the falcons going to go through before they realized that vick simply just cannot throw? but then again, he seems to pass pretty well while he was playing under coach reeves. that beg the question: did vick regress as a qb or is it the system that he is in? maybe i am old fashion, but i love those days in which the falcons would let jama anderson run the ball and chris chandler throw the bomb. atleast the falcon went to the big dance with that. i am not so sure if the falcon will ever go to the big show again with a gimick qb and a coach who is too afraid to tell the owner so. any way, with all the talents on the roster now, i wonder how coach reeves would have fair if he was the coach????

By Atlanta native

October 17, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

First off i’ll liked to start by saying the falcons have all the talent on paper to make it into the play-offs. The main problems i see are in the quaterback or coaching positions. The first couple of games the hand off option work wonders. But now every team has that play on film and the defenses are ready for it. So i turn to gregg knapp and ask the question are there anymore play in your playbook? This past sunday versus the giant i see a second year quarterback “eli manning” audible at the line of scrimmage in prepartion for atlanta’s defensvie play…..why don’t vick do that? is it because he don’t know how or is it because the coaches don’t trust him enough to guide his offense. With a fast backfield and the strong arm of vick, altanta should have a top rated offense. I know it take 5 years to learn the west coast offense but we should still be seeing progress. As far as our receivers goes they need more touches that’s the only way they will catch more passes. Vick has strong arm and a reciever needs to get use to catching his passes in a game situation. 10 passes a game aren’t acceptable on any standard of football for a reciever core. A successful team needs a balance offense that can pass when needed or run when needed. not always run with same option. Maybe its time for jim mora and staff to let vick go while he is on the field. And vick needs to learn that he legs can’t and won’t do all the work. I don’t want vicks career to be made up of only highlight films and no ring i thinks he is better than that. I think atlanta is better than that.

By Titothebear

October 17, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

Suck,

You really are a stalker. You haven’t enough courage to log in under your own name. You leave your gay-oriented garbage and then make some assinine comment about the Falcons going 13-3. You saw what happened yesterday! It’s going to be much worse next week! The Steelers are going to lose to the Falcons. Then it gets to be the Bengals’ turn to get bumped. The Falcons have been shown to be a team of hype and a little substance. In that respect, they have something in-common with you. You are a bag of roses that freshens whatever air you exhale! I love you.

By e.b.

October 17, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this

Hey Jon, don’t be an idiot. of course Vick can pass. But when your O-Line stinks, and you get sacked 7 times in a game, and your receivers drop balls, it’s clearly not Vick’s fault. Look at the whole picture, you moron.

By Jarrett

October 17, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Terrific article.

Why doesn’t Knapp institute the no huddle offense? Seems as if it would be effective, considering the players we have on our offense. Just a thought.

Anyway, I agree - Knapp and Mora need to go. So should Donatell.

By e.b.

October 17, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

Hey Kent, how is Vick supposed to pass, when no-one is protecting him? Some of you people are really stupid.

By Thomas

October 17, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

I love how Blank, who headed up the diverisity committee of the NFL, passed on Lovie Smith to hire that freaking idiot Mora who cannot even keep his cool in a press conference. Of course, the brains at Home Depo was Bernie Marcus, Blank was just the bean counter. Heck, Blank never thought the Georgia Aquarium would get half the numbers that came through in year one. I hope Blank never gets his hands on the Braves.

By vpdii

October 17, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

This article is 100% correct…you would expect that after the bye week that the coaching staff would have added some new wrinkles to their gameplan to throw the giants off, but apparently they fell asleep at the wheel. What are they doing with our no. 1 pick in the draft??? Jimmy Williams is a big, strong, fast cornerback, that certainly can’t play any worse than webster….oh yeah I forgot he’s Jim Mora’s homeboy from San Francisco. Why is Ashly Lelie not starting…why are there not more than 2 plays per game where we are not trying to get this man involved more in the offense??? Have we seen one reverse play involving Lelie this year??? Why do we only see Norwood in the game in the forth quarter?? This one trick pony offense that we are known for in the league has gotten very old, very fast. Players do bear the responsibility of executing the plays on the field…..but coaches prepare, make adjustments, and institute that extra added element of surprise to their approach of being successful and winning games in the league. Have we seen any adjustments at any one time at all during the reign of the three stooges (Mora, Donatell,Knapp) coaching staff that we have???? Remember the last game of the season last year…when Mora elected to play “not to lose”, These guys are a joke!!!!!

By Smitty

October 17, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this

Can Vick pass? Sure, fantastic arm. Can he read and adjust to a quality NFL defense? Well…let’s just say he was much better in Reeves’ limited looks offense. He’s not a West Coast offense kinda quarterback. He throws a great long ball, and they take one, maybe two shots downfield a game. In my offense, he gets deep look, short look, run Forrest run. Max protect, simplify, ball control. Did I mention we have the worst Halftime adjustments of any team in NFL history?

By Great Falconi

October 17, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

Jeff, you mocked Pro Football Talk for mocking Vick and a stupid little MySpace photo. Pro Football Talk is easily the best NFL site I’ve found on the ‘Net. Most of their stuff is funny, some of it isn’t. It’s good to know that you’re not the only guy out there that meets those criteria, Jeff. These guys know their stuff. After all, if Blank wasn’t reaming Donatell and Knapp for an alleged dust-up after the game yesterday, he’s not a very smart boss. Maybe the AJC can confirm this? Steve Wyche? Somebody? Anybody? Or maybe the AJC doesn’t want to make waves? At least you get on Mora’s nerves, Jeff. He hates when you point out the obvious when things aren’t going well. Almost sounds a little like our dear President, doesn’t it? Deny and deflect.

By Alex

October 17, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

these two were pretty good receivers when they were in college. they, especially white, seem to catch every thing thrown their way. they seem to loose that gift as soon as they became falcons. how many more receivers are the falcons going to go through before they realized that vick simply just cannot throw?

Yes, they were good in college, and yes it seems like they’ve gotten awful since coming to the falcons. But I don’t understand how you can blame that on Vick. They drop the ball when it hits them square in the hands!

By Dylan

October 17, 2006 01:55 AM | Link to this

I hate to wish pain or loss upon anyone, but after the huge contract we gave Vick, is a season or career ending injury possibly the best thing for the Falcons long-term?? Otherwise, Matt Schaub will get away and become a Superbowl winning quarterback elsewhere.

By NeedaQB

October 17, 2006 02:33 AM | Link to this

Do you really think that Knapp came on board and didnt tailor this offense to HELP Mike Vick become a better passer?

Do you think he just layed out the offense and said “This is it, learn it and love it” with no regard to his QB?

Vick has been given every opportunity and then some and STILL he faulters. Blame everyone else but until I see consistent passing that isnt at someones shins, over their head or behind them I lay the blame on Vick.

By Willy: Blitzkrieg or bust!

October 17, 2006 02:45 AM | Link to this

I agree with the article, it always falls on the Minds of the Team; also of concern is Vick, who is their Spirit on the field: hold on to the ball, and take it easy and throw the ball well!

If not now, maybe let Shockley surprise the league!

By dale

October 17, 2006 03:34 AM | Link to this

Put in SCHAUB! Make Vick a wide receiver, he obviously doesn’t have the mental aptitude to be a quarterback in the NFL.

By 2dead flies+UGA=0

October 17, 2006 03:38 AM | Link to this

Knapp now blame Vick for his sorry scheme. It is a shame Greg can not change . The player told us last year Knapp does not know how to operate the offense. Management build zone blocking scheme. It is a run mode blocking scheme. Blame Vick for the sorry pass routes the receiver and how they can’t hold the ball.Now you are getting mad for YOUR like of skill. Dont blame no body but your self Greg. Greg you are setting Vick and this team up to fail. Don’t blame the team you just got out coached. T.O was right Greg is clueless . He show what his skill level is every game by the plays he calls. Vick does not make a game plan you do. Stop crying and do something else. Show the fan your coaches skills . We know it you by the plays you run for the last two year, that is pure Greg Knapp STAY ON HIS A$$. You made PRICE the scapegoat last now you Blame Vick .NO look in the mirror it is only you, you and management made this team this way. You knew what the offense line need on draft day what did management do ! Management this is your Baby. Mora sounds just like (W) Bush stay the course . They don’t have any thing else to bring to the table. He has no coaching skill. If he had skills the would have showed up in his game plan. Jim Mora all hat and no cattle. Pure smoke blower! MR. Blank you are the man you have some coaches that are not going to take you any where they are skill less! Do what must be done!

By 2dead flies+UGA=0

October 17, 2006 03:55 AM | Link to this

Please put Schaub in the game so the redneck fan can see we still problem. It is coaches . Please let him go in the game please!

By Falc Fan in Cali

October 17, 2006 05:02 AM | Link to this

I’m soooo glad that the flip-flopping AJC writers are finally putting it out there. The coaching is quite suspect.

I thought the West Coast offense was about short (3 step drop) passes? Why aren’t we doing that?

It seems the o-line is built for our run game, meaning boom-boom-you’re gone. If the O-line can’t protect like other O-lines, then why not use quick passing to compensate?

Maybe things need to get a little hot back at flowery branch. Maybe they will fire these idiots up… Or they will simply go 3-13 which will demand a coaching change.

By Lefty Ga

October 17, 2006 06:06 AM | Link to this

I,ve been a Falcons fan since the beginning. Nobis and the Boys. Simply put ,the facts are Atlanta will never win a super bowl with a guy who can not read defences,let alone have more than a 48%passing efficiency. When will the Brass realize that the legs of M.V , while it looks good some times more times than not (It Just Ain,t Happening).Personally I still believe that the best Q.B is sitting on the bench and He holds the only hope that we have of ever making it to the Super Bowl . Sincerely, disgruntled South Georgia Falcons Fan till the end sink or swim ; guess its another year of sinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By D'angelo

October 17, 2006 06:14 AM | Link to this

I am so glad I Tivo’d the game! I will admit being extremely p** with Vick after the game.Then I grabbed a pin and pad and reviewed the game via my Tivo unit. I tallied 3 catergories, uncatchable throws by Vick, dropped passes by receivers and less than 3 seconds pass protection by the O-line.

Believe it or not, Vick had only one uncatchable throw in the entire first half! There was a second uncatchable throw in the second half, but by then the team was well behind in points.

According to what I saw when tallying what I could from Tivo, we lost this game due to dropped passes by receivers and less than 3 seconds of pass protection by the o-line.

I AM NO LONGER ANGRY AT VICK. IN FACT HE PLAYED A DECENT GAME…EVEN SCORED A TOUCH DOWN!

I read a lot of opinions and bias on this blog all the time. If you have a Tivo, crank it up guys, the film does not lie. Grab a pin and paper and tally for yourself. According to Tivo Vick is a very good quarterback with bad receivers and a terrible O-line.

I assumed like most, that Vick was an inaccurate passer when watching him at game speed. Tivo allowed me to see the truth! Receivers being paid millions of dollars don’t fight for the catch and want every ball to be thrown perfectly by a QB that is under constant pressure due to a pourous O-line.

There is no judgement or Bias with Tivo! The truth is in the film!

By Lefty Ga

October 17, 2006 06:19 AM | Link to this

Just wondering? What would Dan Henning do with all the talent that the Falcons have now? Hmm Win Win Win .

By Steve

October 17, 2006 06:19 AM | Link to this

I’m so sick of hearing the crap about the O line can’t block. You people watch a game with blinders on! Your precious #7 holds the ball too long while he goes through his progression to find the open man. It takes him too long. He does not step up into the pocket even when it is there.
Yes he took 7 sacks. Ask yourself how many of them were his own fault? 5! Go back and watch the game replay. Oh, he also dropped the ball 4 times. 3 of those were because he just did not protect it. This team has a lot more problems than ol’ #7, but since we have the 3 stooges as coaches he’s all we’re going to have. I think I’m going to be sick!

By Patman

October 17, 2006 06:38 AM | Link to this

Mora’s smart sarcastic remarks are exactly why he will never amount to anything as a coach and why the Falcons will not get to the next level with him at the helm. A real leader acknowledges what is wrong, accepts responsibility for it and tries to fix it but this guy is not only in denial but gets an attitude with everybody who sees what he refuses to see. Everybody knows that Greg Knapp should have been fired as an offensive coordinator long ago but he’s still here and will be here until Mora is gone. I’ve always had confidence that Arthur Blank would do anything to keep a winner here, including getting rid of those who aren’t gettng the job done but as long as Jim Mora remains coach of the Falcons, I will doubt that.

By Jerry

October 17, 2006 06:38 AM | Link to this

The biggest problem with the Falcons is an inconsitant passing game and it starts with Vick and spreads to the entire recieving corp. The one exception is Roddy White, the only thing that is at the game is his body.

By savannah falcon

October 17, 2006 06:42 AM | Link to this

We need to play both quarterbacks (Vick & Schabb), both running backs (Dunn & Norwood), both receivers (Lelie & White) and rotate the offensive line. Our offensive line is too small to play an entire game. The Giants defensive line was huge. That smaller quicker scheme is just a scheme. Everybody in the NFL is fast. We need bulk on the line. We have the worst coaches. I think Mora will make a great NFL analyst with FOX. We need a hot head coach that blows up on the side line like Mike Dikta (Bears). We need someone who puts fear into our players. We don’t need a players coach. We need an iron fist on the sidelines. Knapp sorry play calling is costing us too many points. Knapp seem to forget how to score touchdowns in the redzone. Use the right people at the right time. We need to have a 2 quarterback football team. We need to use 2 running backs in the backfield. Lets go back to the basics.

By Nitro Metro

October 17, 2006 06:55 AM | Link to this

Watch Shoub go next year to a team and be the starter and I bet you he will take them to the next level. With Vick and Moron as our head coach the next level is the edge of Niagara falls…Get rid of Mora now.. he does not have it..Trade Vick.. Start Shoub..What? No I am not crazy..this is my opinion and lots of people are agreeing with it..GO FALCONS

By Joel Callins

October 17, 2006 06:56 AM | Link to this

Lets be honest here, Roddy White is not the real problem. Roddy White still holds several NCAA and Conference USA records for Wide Receivers. He was a fantastic player in college, and could be a fantastic player in the NFL. The problem with the falcons is leadership and skill at the quarterback position. Listen to Michael Vick at postgame interviews….he describes the game and the team as if he was not the only player who every offensive play began with. Vick has to practice. He is a terrible passer. He needs to practice dumping the ball out to his receivers in the flats as well as crossing patterns for 8-10 yards for the receivers. Right now, he thinks his ace in the hole are his legs, and so he doesn’t feel like he needs to improve his passing. Even Mora says all the time, if you can run, you dont need to pass. Terrible, terrible coaching by Mora, and Terrible leadership and skill from Vick. Give Roddy White a chance, he’s improved since last year, and is better than Jenkins in his 2nd year!

By Larry

October 17, 2006 06:58 AM | Link to this

Vick is a bad quarterback regardless of what you guys say. He doesn’t win. The one year he did was because his athletic skills surprised the league. Once they figured out how to defense his running, he became very ordinary at quarterback. He should be a wide receiver or running back.

By curtis fitzgerald

October 17, 2006 07:09 AM | Link to this

steve!!!! no football IQ! shut up! everybody blames vick when the falcons lose, football is a team game, not an individual game. #7 can’t win a single game by himself. I remember watching 30 minutes of complete team dominance by NY. ball control, great defense and most of all keeping atl’s offesence off the field. that’s how football games are won. can’t point the finger at one pictular player when the whole team played a horrible game. was anybody watching the game. I saw bad passes, lack of protection, dropped passes, bad play calling, lack of tackling, lack of coverage on one side of the field on defense and most of all no threat on punt returns and kickoff returns. BLAME VICK ALL YOU WANT TO! take him away from the falcons offense and watch how bad this team will be. REMEMBER DOUG JOHNSON, YOUR QUOTE, UNQUOTE COMPLETE POCKET PASSER? I remember him sitting on the sideline looking very stupid when he got his shot to stardom. tampa, carlonia, ever new orleaans had their way with the falcons. Get over pointing fingers. That was a complete team disaster in all phases. We have to improve in all areas of the game. falcons win, we praise them! falcons lose, we trample them. Man atlanta has some true football fans. GO MORA! GO VICK! GO FALCONS! GO TO * FAKE ATLANTA FANS!

By JB

October 17, 2006 07:19 AM | Link to this

look at the top ten teams in the NFL. Ask ANY of them if they would trade their starting QB for Vick ? The answer is NO. Vick is an Entertainer with a dazziling play from time to time. HE WILL NOT take an NFL team to 13-3. SORRY ! THE NFL is about throwing for 325 yards and going 21 of 29 EVERYWEEK, not once a season.8 and 8 will be it for this group.

By South of Metro

October 17, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this

I saw the first 2 quarters of the game and then I turned it to something else. Problems were clear to me. Our offense got shut down and the defense was spotty. Defense should focus more on engaging the receiver and prevent passes when possible. Too much distance that allowed catches in numerous cases. Vick and Dunn were the two work-horses in this game. What’s going on with Jenkins? It didn’t take the Giants long to learn that Atlanta was not well prepared for the game. It was almost kids play for the Giants after a while. My opinion is that the Falcons is a good football team (not excellent, not outstanding, but good).

By A women

October 17, 2006 07:23 AM | Link to this

If I were Vick I would leave the Falcons and find a great coach and a better team to play for. I am a fan of Vick’s until he retires. Where is Norwood and Lelie? Too much talk going on in this sport. Just play the game we need TO or somebody to entertain us. Can you guys please keep those players off of Vick he’s worth a lot to a great team.

By Rico Niles

October 17, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this

GUYS. SETTLE DOWN YOU ALL ARE SPOIL. YOU AREACTING LIKE THE TEAM IS 0-5 FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. PLEASE BACKOFF OF THAT NONSENSE TALK ABOUT THE TEAM, IT’S JUST WHAT EVERY FALCON/VICK HATERS WANT US TO DO AS FANS.

THEY WILL GET IT TOGETHER AND PLAY PLAYOFF TYPE FOOTBALL BEGINNING NEXT WEEK. YOU GUYS WORRY TO MUCH.

www.nilesenterprises.net guest password: noboss

By Rhonda

October 17, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this

Brian Finneran we miss you man!!! Why oh why can’t the Falcons luck up and draft an amazing wide reciever? Why is it when they come to the big leagues all of a sudden passes are dropped. The momentum of the game changed when a couple of deep passes were not caught. Jerry Rice would you be interested in catching a few for the birds?

By Danny

October 17, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this

Get a conventional QB and this team will flurish. With Vick, once the primary receiver is covered, no one knows where he is going to go, where they need to block, and basically Atlanta football resembles back yard ball and no, you can’t use a college offense in the NFL. We are in for a long season.

By melvin Flowers

October 17, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

We Can’t see a loseing season again this year with the talent we have on this team. Why point fingers at coaches and players, Fix the problem. Its early in the season I rather see the problems now then to see them later in to the season. Authur Blank will get the problems solve. The Falcons will make the playoffs this year.

By darrell robinson

October 17, 2006 07:42 AM | Link to this

you have to trade for Randy Moss ..if not alot of fans well be very disappointed in the near future

By curtis fitzgerald

October 17, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this

ARE THERE ANY TRUE (FALCONS) FANS LEFT?

By curtis fitzgerald

October 17, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this

DANNY! FALCONS FAN?

By Dave

October 17, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this

I wanted to comment on the “rumor mill” posted by Mountain Jim, what is said on Profootballtalk.com. Folks, that site is run by a WVU lover, and consequently, he hates everything current or former about Virginia Tech. Which means, he has intense hatred for Michael Vick. His previous rants about Frank Beamer, and even Shane Beamer, show him for who he is.

The entire rumor centers on the supposed lack of confidence in Vick…how predictable.

By J.M.P

October 17, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

I am dirtybird thru and thru no matter what, whether they are bad or good. Support your team folks!!!!

By THL

October 17, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

In the past, the Falcons offense has looked good in the 2-minute drill. Maybe these guys should try to run some kind of modified no-huddle offense and pick the pace of the game up. That would play to their speed advantage.

Oh yea, or they could just execute a little better. Come on guys, you’re 3-2. The season is far from over.

By mj

October 17, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this

Vick is like the old pony express. Can’t get it done in the air when its needed. Wake up folks, we are in age of UPS, got to have air to survive the tough times. As for the blow up. Good for you Knapp, you should be angry. Your having to play an overpaid superstar that is playing the most important position in his offense. He can’t and will never get in done in the ATL. The defense did not deserve to be on that field for the second half. We better hope Schaubb gets enough playing time to make a better decision on him.

By Apaul404

October 17, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is this, the O line is set up for the run. They cannot and will not ever be a good pass protecting line with the current personnel. D’angelo was right. most of the time once Vick takes his three steps he has to run for his life. In this game the Giants had penetration on both sides on a regular basis. I cannot for the life of me, understand why if everyone is watching the same game as me, how people can put that all on Vick. The day that we can pass protect and catch the ball and still can’t get it done will be the day when I blame Vick. And if the coaches can’t coach they need to be let go. If I don’t do my job I wont keep it. Blank wasted no time getting rid of Coach Reeves, and they never looked as lost as they do now with a healthy squad.

By Melvin Carter

October 17, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

As a season ticket holder(DIE HEART FAN) hear are my two cent! When you go to war you got to have a “A” and “B” plan. On game day Greg Knapp comes only with his “A” plan and when his “A” plan does not work Greg don’t have the smarts to make adjustments. Another thing is why do every time the offense comes off the field Michael Vick have to go and sit beside Greg Knapp until the offense is ready to go back on the field? The coaches need to let Michael be a leader on the field and on the sideline with his team mates. Where are the screen passes to Dunn and Norwood? COACHING!COACHING!

By Apaul404

October 17, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

By the way. If Jim Mora can’t address the fact’s with the media he probably won’t with the team. If they stink say they stink and quit patronizing the fans. We watched the game, and you did noting well on offense.

By jesse jackson

October 17, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this

Vick be da nigga, I mean da man. da man wid da plan. he not know how to pass, but he be da fastest mutha f*$ker alive this day. Peace my brothas and da sistas. Party be at da hood at quarter da 6.

By mike

October 17, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

In the NFL you need a QB that is a passer first. If he can run thats just a bonus. Vick is a poor passer and a good runner, just not very well suited for the nfl.

Plus it doesnt help if your only 6 ft tall in the land of 6’5” defensive lineman with their arms up.

By derrick

October 17, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

well,the time has finally came. we need to be more aggressive on defense plain and simple. we have ashut down corner in d. hall,and either webster can do the job, use williams. we also need to use ashley more. i mean the man can play. he was good in denver,so use him. also all you hater’s stop tripping, the atlanta falcons will win this year and win big.i am tired of them lose,but i am going to ride them, until they win the chip,and they will soon. when they do,i will laugh at all you hater’s. as far as vick goes,let the man play his game. everyone knows the used his skills on the high school level,anbd in college as well. so stop crying,and support the man. we finally have something to brag about,and people are still crying. i mean look at the last time we were staying at a falcons game in the fourth quarter. man that rerally never happened,until now! GO FALCONS!

By RonN

October 17, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

It’s easy to see the coaches lack of confidence (in the QB), when they don’t even try to use Lelie on deep routes during the game.

By MikeV

October 17, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

He is not an NFL QB. He is not a field general. He is possibly the most gifted athlete I have ever laid eyes on.

He is not an NFL QB. Schaub is prototype.

Give me the Schaub and the same team with the same amount of experience, reps, etc., and I will beat you and your Vick-led team 7 out of 10 times.

How many running QBs have won the Super Bowl? One, Steve Young, and he could throw as accurately as anyone that ever played in one. The other running QB that even played in a SB but who wasn’t a great passer - Tarkenton, lost.

If we get to SB with Vick at helm it will be because of one season of extremely fortuous luck. He will never be a consistent winner at QB.

Maybe the answer is to play Schaub and Vick at same time.

By JT

October 17, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

Get rid of Knapp, and this crumy west coast offense, it doesn’t work well when your receivers can’t catch, or are afraid to take a hit. Spray a ton of stick’em on those gloves and Hang on to the Football!! R White needs to sit and lelee needs to play! Also the O Line needs a new coach, because their little speed scheme aint workin!! We need Big 350 lb guys to block! Go Deep more Mora, take a chance!!

By Michael T

October 17, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

The Falcons have great talent in every skilled position, well except for the linebacker and defensive end core. Patrick Kerney is over rated with those small shoulder pads and can’t take the heat when it’s run directly at him. Ultimately it’s coaching. I think Mora is just happy to have a job at times or maybe he’s happy that he has Vick on his team and that Vick covers up his inability to coach because quite frankly, Mora can’t coach a T-ball game. He’s always smiling and joking around. The Falcons should be undefeated with the offensive and defensive players that they have. I say “fire” him towards the end of after the season, regardless.

By ole'ballcoach

October 17, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

There are a bunch of anal rententive, non-football playing couch potatoes on this board. The poster D’angelo said it best, the game film won’t lie. To all of you knuckle heads that keep blaming Vick for the Falcon’s lack of offense, you are all high on crack. I don’t give a damn if you had Joe Montana, Brett Farve, Peyton or Eli Manning, if your O-line doesn’t give you time to throw the damn ball, you are not going to have good numbers in the passing game. I have NEVER seen a QB that could block for himself. The dropped passes don’t help either. Most of you that are blaming Vick are upset with the size of his paycheck. Gregg Knapp and the O-line coach should be fired.

I don’t know if you guys were watching the same game that I was watching, but whenever Vick dropped back to pass there was a Giant in his face as soon as he would try to get set. So, I guess all of you Vick hater’s are going to blame the 7 sacks on Mike too, huh?

If any of you that hate Vick can get access to the NY game film, do what D’angelo did and get out a pad and pen and log the bad throws, dropped catches, and no time to throw. I guarentee you that you will see that this O-line sucks. There is a big difference between pass blocking and run blocking. And, the O-line sucks at pass blocking, which is reflective of what the O-line coach and Gregg Knapp are not teaching these guys. You will also see that Lelie should be starting. Screw the loyalty to White, that guy needs some stick’em on his hands.

By Old School Bird

October 17, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick is the most overated QB in the NFL. He can’t pass, has no touch, arrogantly relies on his athleticism to get him out of the trouble his pea-sized brain gets him into, carries the ball like a lunchbox and is completely unable to read defenses. He’s a greaat athlete for sure, but a great QB? Not even close.

By Matt

October 17, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick and Delangeo Hall are nothing but thugs. They bring the team down with there thug attitude. I saw Vick in a game 2 weeks ago throw an interception for close to 100 yards. He is supposed to be one of the fastest players in the league and didn’t even try to chase down the DB. I did see Warrick Dunn and Algae Crumpler trying as hard as they could to get to him. Those are the kinds of players it takes to win games.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

October 17, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

No type of adjustments by the coaching staff is a growing problem I see with this team. It’s been like that since the Reeves era. How many times have we led at the half only to lose it? That’s and obvious mark against the coaching staff. Can’t keep a lead or come from behind to win. They dog the Atlanta fans, but I say they are smart. We’ve seen this too many times, not just from the Falcons, but Hawks and Braves. It’s been like that since the freaking sixties. You flop at every chance in the spotlight you can for FOUR decades and you can’t believe the fans here are jaded? Why get worked up only to see the team flop again. It’s like a re-run that we’ve all seen before. And then when everyone’s down, they’ll win a game they shouldn’t, trick everyone into believing and again and then they flop again. One last thing, is Vick capable of pre-read snaps or audibles? Can he not recognize a blitz when he sees one. Or is it Gregg “Krapp” shackling Vick to the point the guy doesn’t know what to do? Something needs fixing PRONTO!

By D

October 17, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

it is mainly the bad coaching. Sean Payton of the Saints proved it when we played them. they totally out-coached us that day. everyone wanted to say, ‘oh it was the emotion of that day’, that was a factor, but not the big one. Mora is no good and his throw-away, recycled coordinators aren’t, either. there is so much nepotism in sports. hiring friends, family and other guys from the good ol’ boy network. a coach has a terrible year, or a terrible 4 or 5 years and gets fired, well, guess what? next year he has a good job, no problem. take Haslett for example. that’s not the way it should be. you can find qualified people to fill coaching positions that aren’t family, friends, union members. it can help, but it shouldn’t be necessary that someone played football to be a coach. sometimes a person not in the system, can see what the others who can’t see the forest for the trees, can see. you don’t have to climb Everest to know it’s cold and you need to bring a jacket with you. Mora’s attitude is horrible, it’s not tough and cool, he acts like an a*, and who cares how Parcells acts, he’s an a*, too. you don’t have to be a jerk to be a winning coach, Mora has proved that. but even if Vick was part of important wins in the past, that really doesn’t matter, he is a college QB and will never be a successful NFL QB. the supporters of Vick remind me of the kool aid drinking supporters of the Republicans that would rather run this whole thing into the ground than admit that they are wrong and are severely hurting things. people love Vick’s ‘flash-in-the-pan’ runs, that only tend to bring up the DB’s and safeties, making everything even harder on our offense. and Knapp doesn’t help this, not enough screens and quick slant passes to throw the defense off balance. Chris Chandler wasn’t the athlete that Vick is, but who cares? he got more done. and because he didn’t run well, it forced him to concentrate on being a QB. work in the pocket, make the passing game function properly. now or trade value for Vick is shot and his contract kills that, too. Vick shoul’ve been in somebody’s face in the second half like a leader, instead of cowering and hangin his head again on the bench and showing every memeber of this team, that one of the team leaders had already thrown in the towel before it was even over. Schaub might not turn out to be anything, but he IS a QB, and we should be getting him some reps for a few games. losing him will be another folly from this team along the lines of Aundray Bruce, Tony Casillas, Brett Farve, Jeff George, Tim Green and Charles Dimry. this isn’t a popularity contest, make some tough decisions and make them now. professional sports is a high stakes poker games and face it, individuals are not to be treated as family and friends, but are truthfully, nothing more than poker chips, with the same value of thoroughbred racehorses, sure you want to care for them, but when push comes to shove, it’s about what’s best for the team, and it’s about winning, and it’s about the fans. this team is in an 8-8 holding pattern from now on, until they replace the coaching staff and the QB.

By mrs1970

October 17, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

Mr. King—Could your general conclusion about player execution & coaching (overall lack of offensive production, quarterback play, receiver play, O-line play)apply to this year’s UGA Bulldog squad?

By Play that funky music whiteboy

October 17, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

There is nothing wrong with Michael Vick. The problem is and has been for a while, we have a coach that is a “system” coach and is attempting to squeeze square pegs into his “round hole” theories of football. I was ready to suspend these beliefs when I saw the addtion of the spread option plays, but there was nothing behind it. Run it a couple of times, then nothing off of it (Joe Hamilton used to run a beautiful play action off of his options at Tech, TD every time). Jim Mora is an idiot, I said it when they hired him - have been justified in my thinking with the whole smelling salts pregame ritual, the “I’m so tough I’m not going to wear a jacket in Chicago at night in December”, and the way he double talks the media - perfect example Schultz, you can also replay the whole Rod Coleman wreck incident. When they fire him, he will go the way of Sam Wyche, never coach in the NFL again.

By CJ2

October 17, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

Knapp & Vick & the Oline & the receivers & McKay are the problem. Knapp knows the west coast offense and he isn’t or can’t change. Vick is exciting, blah, blah, blah- but he is limited due to his poor passing skills and inability to read defenses.

By BigTony

October 17, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

Two words for Sunday’s game: “NO Adjustments”!! On offense and defense, it was horrible. No blitz in the 2nd half at all. Eli had forever to find a receiver. And NY ran that same weak side power sweep away from Kerney. Now I pay to be in the dome and I could see this. Knappy-boy is paid big money to be there to know what I know and he can do something about it. It’s very sad! Donatell needs to be fired. Every since the last game with the Patriots in the dome, we get eaten up by simple slant-in passes. Bret Farve did this too. Why the heck can’t we even attempt to adjust!? It’s getting too painful. Vick is a decent QB and an awesome playmaker. The problem isn’t the playmaker, but the plays. The OC and DC need to be fired. If Mora can’t see that, then get rid of him too!!

By jokurone

October 17, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

I really don’t like to repeat myself but the stats don’t lie! 32nd in the league in passing. why is that? of course it starts with the QB delivering the ball on time I repeat on TIME people. the pro game is all about timing and running around in the backfield screws up the timing to the routes. pretty basic football duh!!bring #8 in now during passing situations who knows might work.

By A-Town Vet

October 17, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

I have read various comments on this blog, some pro and some con Jeffs opening statement. I am a vick support however I do not think he is invincible. I do believe the majority of the problems were have endured thus far into the season rest on our coaches more than the players. Several people are keying in on Vick’s inaccuracy as a passer or inabilty to read defenses as our number one problem hhowever this is not true. Vick has not been inaccurate as a passer this as many have mentioned. I do not knmow what the numbers are but i bet we have a 3:1 catch drop ratio. Also do you see some of the catches made by recievers in the NFL. I refuse to believe that all of the mannings brothers 31 attempts per game are carchable balls. Their recievers just make great plays. People are saying that we only have three TD passes, well would would have 6 as three sure TD passes have been dropped. Aside from the dropps I also do not think our recievers are that bad however they do not get enough pass plays called to redeem themselves. Many say why can’t our recievers get separation or run crisp routes, well have you thought that maybe the passing routes we have are very bland and offer very little deception. Week after week we watch highlights where blown assignments by the Secondary leads to easy TD. Since Kanpp has been here i have never seen our passing routes casue confusion amoung the opposing secondary. If you look ack to when Schaub sub in for an injured Vick last season the play calling was much different. Pass plays were called back to back and plays we have never seen before were coming out of the play book. I hate to say this i really think Knapp does not have confidence in Vick and would rahter have Schaub as his quarter back becasue he is more familar with Schaub skill set than Vicks.

By Danny Donat

October 17, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

Here it is: Rich McKay left Tampa because he could not work with a strong minded head coach, Gruden. Blank could not work with a strong minded coach, who doesn’t take orders from the owner, Dan Reeves. So Blank signs up McKay and they get Reeves out and pull in their kind of guy, Mora. Blank and McKay call all of the shots and have their way with Mora and thats the way they like it. I have seen Blank dictate to Mora in a restaurant and watched Mora as he wrote notes down all night. He would’nt have the balls to talk to Reeves that way and Reeves would’nt be taking notes from him. Mora is out of his league and Gregg Knapp could’nt do Bill Walsh’s grandkids howmework.

By BigTony

October 17, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

Why in the HECK was Webster covering Plaxico?! He looked like a middle schooler covering Yao Ming!! Why the heck is Lelie NOT starting?! Why the heck is Dunn and Norwood NOT on the field at the same time!? Why hasn’t Blank fired Mora?! Why??? Why??? Why???! Poor management on both sides of the ball. The falcons stopped pressing after Dunn’s amazing 90-yard run! This hurts big time! I’ve figured it out! When we win… We win in spite of our coaches!

By Turner

October 17, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

Mike Vick is not an NFL Quarterback! PERIOD……..He has gotten to the Pro-Bowl by using his feet.

Trade him to a team for players that can help us when behind Shaub and Shockley. I’m tired of the Mike Vick circus. It is not good for this team or this town…..The Falcons are losing me.

By Jerry

October 17, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

We have two of the best defensive players in the league and for some reason all I can think of right now is there last names because they play so little for so much money. Abraham and Hartwell. Now I know that both are bothered by injuries of one kind or another but like Griffey and JD Drew, to their teams, I question their value to the Falcons. I think when me make these trades or free agent acquisitions that we give these guys through physicals. I don’t know about Hartwell, but Abraham had the same problems with the Jets that he is now having in Atlanta,so that makes me wonder why NY let him leave when he is such an impact player when he is in the line-up. When a team spends as much money on guys like that, they use up salary and thus there backups are not the caliber of other starting players around the league at their position. Right now they are being used sparingly or not at all to keep them from getting re-injuried as the season ticks away. In the past we have had impact players around the league who made much less than the athletes of this era who have sucked it up and be productive any way. I wonder if Urlacker(not sure bout the spelling, he’s not a Falcon) would be side-lined by a tender grion muscle.

By 64ghs

October 17, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

I think if your a true falcon fan. The lose against the giants and saints should p** you off. Especially the way Knapp’s offensne played. Its terrrible!!! We don’t want to be disappointed like we did the year after we went to the super bowl. Great expectations dashed against the rocks. I’m p** off! Something needs to change, and now!

By Jim Mora Jr.

October 17, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

I have a bunch of meetings I have to get to so don’t have the time to tell all of you off like I want to but SCREW ALL OF YOU!!!

Do you even watch football? do you even know about football? I am a professional coach and I am sick and tired of all you buttholes questioning something you know nothing about. Around here we have a term for that. We call it “athletic ignorance”. I made that up. People say George Seifert made up “athletic arrogance” and I stole it well he didn’t make both of them up. SCREW GEORGE SEIFERT! SCREW YOU ALL!

My daddy was a coach, I am a coach and just deal with it! Its my lot in life. People who think our offense sux and vick was more productive as a 22 year old when he threw for 2,500 yards and ran for 800 are just stupid jerks!

If anyone wants to fight just come to my office and you can tell me how bad my offense is while I go loco on your face!

By BigTony

October 17, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

I know Finneran is out until next year but the only WRs that deserve to be out there is Crumpler and Lelie. Jenkins has shown some signs so he can stay. White is awful and doesn’t deserve to be a starter in this league. He fights too much with the CBs and should run his route. Even on a run play “sell” the route so the CB and safeties won’t move to the run play. I’m sick of Mora being defensive. He obviously can’t see that his OC and DC are horrible. Why can’t we do a few flea flickers or HB option passes? If I see that college play option pass/run play again, I’m going to throw up! We fumbled on it once in the dome this past Sunday. The play needs to be scratched. We had two weeks to prepare for the NY game and this is what we get? UGH!!!!

By Jerry

October 17, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

A Miami player no doubt. ha ha

By mo

October 17, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

If the rumor of Greg Knapp openly blaming Vick on his lack of passing skills is correct, this will definitely be Knapp’s last yeaer with the Falcons. WooHoo!

First up, if he did that, he is putting up a “Vick or Me” rivalry and Vick will have him fired. I’m telling you: if Vick starts bickering about Knapp, it’s all over. And I side with Vick.

Why side with Vick?

Simple: Vick is a huge talent that puts butts in seats. Vick is the reason why people even talk about the Falcons. And under the right scheme, he will win, hands down.

Now on the other hand, Knapp knew coming in the kind of talent that Vick was. To start blaming Vick’s talent is deplorable, because his lack of meshing into your play scheme is an admittance of failure on the part of the coach. In short, Knapp will be saying that he failed if he starts to openly criticize Vick.

And all Vick will do is fire him and pick another Offensive Coordinator.

Now a bigger question is: did the AJC get scooped by profootballtalk.com?

By rob

October 17, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Jim Mora lives in denial. He never admits it when the offense sucks, probably because he’s good buddies with Knapp. If things don’t turn around quickly, Knapp needs to go. I have season tickets, and as bad as the Falcons passing game has been in recent years, this is the worst. Mora needs to own up to the fact that he has offensive problems. Until he does, they’ll never get corrected.

By Cairo

October 17, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

Jeff, I must admit this is the BEST blog/column about the Falcons I have ever read. I am glad someone other than the blind can see it is more than Number 7, the O-Line, the injuries and the receivers. I have said it when Coach Mora was hired, “I do not like the hire and I will give him 2 years”. The first year was a pass. Last year showed his immaturity. This year ONLY magnifies his decision making skills are non existent. I knew where u were going with this column b/c I listened to the press conference and heard your question. This is who Mora is “a bag of fluff”. He got this job b/c of his BS talk game n having a stack of books and knowing that he could bring in an fired DC and a lausy OC that noone else wanted. There have been ABSOLUTELY no adjustments being made during the game or after the game for that matter. The ONLY thing that p** me off about my football team is when we are getting OUT COACHED!!! Period… People on this blog can throw players under the bus ALL day it bowls down to preparation and coaching. Execution is an excuse for losers that were not prepared properly or putting in the proper situation to excel and be successful. More is a LIAR and a thief because he flat out stole this job.

By root4au

October 17, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

Here’s a FACT…Vick is one of the worst QB’s in the NFL. I’d take Leinhart in a heartbeat over Vick…I said it before the season started that this team would have a hard time winning 8 games.

By True ATL Fan

October 17, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

I think that we need to trade Roddy WHite, Mike Jenkins, and a linebacker (Williams or Boley) for Randy Moss, point blank. We can’t have “projects” at every skill position and expect to win now. Mora and his staff need to be demoted to UGA where they can run the ball all 4 quarters. You cant pass block with run blocking schemes. They are making our players look like wimps. It’s time to be real with ourselves. If the birds were 0-16, I would still love them. I just dont believe we have the right formula for success.

By Kennard

October 17, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

The speed option is a great base play but you have to do more off of it. Is it against the law to throw the ball out of this formation or a back side screen. Lisen Knapp everybody knows how to stop that play now so lets do something new off that base play. Also Coach Knapp if a team is going to put 8 in the box you have two things you can do th stop it. First even go max protect with 2 tightends of second spreed them out with 4 WR. Coach Mora if you can hear me take my abvice and let Knapp go or he will destroy the best chance you will have at a long run here in ATL.

By Steve

October 17, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

Let’s not forget that Dan Reeves had to “dumb down” is offense when Vick arrived. As long as Vick is QB, the offense will be as creative as it is now…there is no room for growth.

By Assclowniis Maximus

October 17, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

What’s all this “talent” everyone is referring to? Roddy white and Jenkins are number 3 receivers on almost any team. You think either one would start in front of plaxico burress or armani toomer?

You think Dunn would start in front of Barber?

Crumpler instead of Shockey?

Vick instead of Manning?

And don’t even talk about your O-line - one of the worst in the NFL!

Giants are a more talented and balanced offensive team and that showed on Sunday.

The falcons are poorly coached from the top down. Mora is a good BS artist and horrible coach. Loyalty is great, except when it flies in the face of reality. And the reality is these guys need to go - and here, above all else is why.

The team doesn’t have confidence in their coaches or respect their football knowledge. And when this happens, when players don’t buy into the coaching staff and their system all is lost - anyone who has played or coached in this situation knows this. It’s constant struggle for control and direction.

Mora is also very immature. Parcells might be crusty and defensive but he takes his players, his coaches and himself to task. He’ll bench and cut underachievers or people who make big mistakes. You think Parcells would keep Roddy white or Jenkins? Or even play crumpler after the subpar season he’s having?

Mora is a sham who is being exposed, he had great connectiosn (his father) to get into this game but he is clueless.

By BigTony

October 17, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

Vick is a good QB. Bottom line. When Reeves was here, no one including you idiots who have a thing for trashing Vick had anything bad to say about Vick. Y’all wanted him on the field. What we should do is trad Schaub since his value is as inflated as Home Depot stock was about 10 years ago! He has never won a game for the Falcons. He’s a good back up. We get the Gandy-man and y’all think the O-line is fixed. Come on! We get a decent lineman to protect Vick’s non-blind side and y’all go back to blaming Vick. If Vick had as much time as Eli did last Sunday, we would’ve won. We have the same problem we’ve had every since the Smith’s owned the team. We have no offensive line to give the QB at least 4-5 seconds to make a play. Thank GOD for Vick’s ability to get away. Can you imagine if we had Blodsoe or some other stationary QB behind our line? He’d be dead by now. You need to be thankful for Vick!

By Jerry

October 17, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

Blank gives Mora whatever he ask for in the way of players that are available. If I was spending that kind of money on a team, I would have Mora taking notes too and he would need to know short-hand!

By Jim Feely

October 17, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

Mora isn’t a great coach and Vick is not a great or perhas even a good quarterback, but Blank has built this club and the attendance based on the cult like following of Michael Vick which limits the options an use of the backup quarterbacks. How does one design a progrm built around a running option quarterback. The NFL has solved Vock and it’s about time Mora and Blank do. It’s time for Schaub. He can see over th linmen and is intelligent.

By D

October 17, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

I very much agree that Blank needs to get a strong leader and step back from the game, instead of a young guy like Mora that is thankful to get a job like this to pad his resume’. the coaching is horrible, but it is Vick , too. and some dropped passes can be attributed to his spin on the ball and the force at which he throws it. he has not decided it’s important to carry the ball differently to prevent as many fumbles as he has. he doesn’t read defenses well and he doesn’t lead. a leader with less skills could win more games. I’ve been on a team that had the talent level of 5-5, but at the end of the season we were 8-2, based on personality, character and everybody putting the team first. also been on a team that had 8-2 talent and we ended up 6-4 because similar things I see with the Mike Vick’s. vick is frustrated, when he was in college he was head and shoulders above so many others. but in the NFL the talent level is so high, you have LB’s that could be track athletes making Vick not as special. and I’ve noticed that vick has even realized that his talent level doesn’t win him the same games it used to in high school and college. during the first few years it seemed he coasted a lot in the first half of games, just thinking that at the end of the game he could turn it up, do some magic and be the game winning hero like he was when he was younger. it doesn’t happen so easily at this level with such talented athletes on every team. vick is one of the players I have seen that was born with such God given talent that they coast on that, never developing enough heart to carry them over when the going gets tough. the kind of heart that players like Walter Payton developed and used to carry them past their talent level when it was needed most.

By BIG BRUCE

October 17, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WANT OUR ATLANTA FALCONS USE THEIR MOST DEADLIEST WEAPON THEY HAVE ON THE FIELD IN MIKE VICK’S LEGGS. THIS ATHELETE HAS BEEN RUNNING HIS WHOLE LIFE. AS A MATTER OF FACT HIS RUNNING IS WHAT MAKES HIM SO DANGEROUS TO THE OPPOSING TEAMS. FINALLY, THIS IS FOOTBALL BUT IS IS ALSO BUSINESS AND MIKE VICK IS OUR MOST EXPENSIVE INVESTMENT. RUN MIKE RUN!!!!!!!!!!

By BigTony

October 17, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

I’m with you True ATL Fan! We need to go and get Randy Moss, yesterday! He’s a bad boy, but much better to get open and catch a 70-yard flick by Vick. Remember Randall Cunningham to Fred Barnett?! Now that can work! We better hurry though. The trade deadline is fast approaching. Moss is way better option than T.O.! T.O. HECK NO!!!!

By Assclowniis Maximus

October 17, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

Big Tony,

I’ve figured it out! When we win… We win in spite of our coaches!

You hit the nail on the head!

By Dan

October 17, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

I think Mora is a smart coach and he knows what needs to be done. The game loss last Sunday can be attributed to 2 dropped catches and the swiss cheese offensive line, the receivers coach and offensive line coaches needs a talking to. Don’t forget people…The Giants have not lost in ATL since 1978… It’s kind of like the curse of the Babe.

By Brian

October 17, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Watching the second half of that game was more painful than sitting on broken glass and lemon juice. Seeing the coaches call the same plays (term used loosely) that were ineffective in the first half and they’re suddenly going to work in the second?!?! The defence who was working it in the first, making pressures, showing blitzes that were then disguised (that worked) and then going to base in second with no pressure on Manning (the trying not to lose defence) made no sense at all. They have been playing the conserative crap in the second half all season. Those who risk nothing gain nothing. At least show blitz on some plays to mess with blocking even for half a second to give the front 4 a shot at pressuring Manning! These coaches have been playing “coward ball” with small leads for the past 2 years (maybe 3). Quit coaching with a chicken switch!

By A-Town Vet

October 17, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

Steve, Reeves dumb downed his offense for a rookie. They did the smae thing for Eli when he was a rookie. DOn’t use that as an excuse to say that Vick is not a good Quarterback. There has never been a rookie in the NFL that has not worked with a condense version of the playbook. The point is Knapp sucks. People complain vick does not go through his progressions, when does he have time to. After his first read he has to play doge ball with the opposing defense. I really think opposing defense just do when sprints to prepare to face vick because all they do is blitz a every lane every paly of the game. If knap was smart he would call some quick routes so vick can get rid of the ball but you can’t expect a QB do thrive when he has 1 second to throw to WRs that are running routes that take 5 sec to develop. We don’t have a running back as a safety option on passing plays because the line is sso weak they need all the help they can get.

By billy g

October 17, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Start by building an Offensive Line that is not offensive to watch. Even Mike Vick can not overcome shoddy pass protection.

You can get rid of the coaches, you can sign big names like Randy Moss, but none of that will matter. The game is won and lost in the trenches. We need a better OL and we need meaningful depth along the DL.

Forget everything else.

By Hasavior

October 17, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

D’Andelo, I have Ti Vo also and i did exactly what you did -disect the game and calculate what went wrong.m I agree with everything you said except the bad O line. I thing the O line is very good. They are mobile, athletic, and move at Vivks pace when he rotates out of pocket. the problem is defenses are staking 7 and 8 in the box and there are more defenders than offense blocking. They run delay blitz on Vick. they press the corners to contain and flush him forward from the sides and back leaving him on on one with the linebacker(s)pressing the facemask. its just a good defensive scheme. Give defenses some credit. Defenses are making adjustments to Vick the same way defenses changed for Barry Sanders. They had like 9 players on the defensive line -remember that?

By Dave T

October 17, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

Has anyone heard about this? It was posted last night on profootballtalk.com…

FRACAS AT FLOWERY BRANCH

We’re hearing that there was a huge blowup in Falcon-land after Sunday’s loss to the Giants, and that the problems spilled over into Monday.

The issue arose shortly after the 27-14 loss to the Giants, when defensive coordinator Ed Donatell got in offensive coordinator Greg Knapp’s face regarding the inability of the offense to sustain drives, which resulted in the defense being on the field for too long.

Word is that Donatell blamed several injuries sustained by his troops on the poor play of the offense, because the defensive players were exhausted late in the game.

We’re also told that, on Monday, owner Arthur Blank summoned Donatell and Knapp to his office, and that Blank wouldn’t allow head coach Jim Mora inside the room until Blank had a chance to talk with them. After the four men met, Knapp was angry — and word is that Knapp is openly blaming the performance of the offense on the limited passing skills of quarterback Michael Vick.

Stay tuned, folks. This one could get very ugly, and the Falcons have a big decision to make, especially since backup Matt Schaub will be eligible for restricted free agency after the season.

By Jim Mora Jr.

October 17, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

Also, my wife Shannon said I’m the best looking head coach in the NFL right now. She said if they made a movie about me, Mark Wahlberg would play me. How many NFL coaches can say that?! Who would play Belicheck, huh? Steve Buscemi? He’s ugly.

The reason why we aren’t doing as well on offense right now is that that mean old Tagliabue stopped from doing poppers on the sidelines. I never liked him anyway. Neither did my dad. I don’t like Jeff Schultz either. He’s a meanie.

By rf

October 17, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Great article,, I am big falcon fan and a big Mike Vick fan, but the the facts are that he appears to less comfortable and less confident than ever throwing the ball. His throws are hard, late, or high. Also he seems afraid to release the ball and that is a disaster for any qb.

This falls on the coaching staff, they need to find a way to fix it.

By D

October 17, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

we don’t need fans that are so fickle to follow every fad they are told to follow, like the mike vick’s of this world, winning puts butts in the seats. who cares about people that believe what they are told to believe, they will go as quickly as they came, and aren’t true fans that will be there year in and year out, through the good and bad, like a true Falcons fan would. I don’t care if we have a QB that is boring and doesn’t have an occasional flashy run to appease people that should be at the big top watching the circus, I want a consistent, methodical, team leader at QB, it’s not the QB’s job to making the big run plays. but to give vick a break, the OL has let us down, and that does make vick look bad, but trust me on this one, no matter where, no matter when and how, vick will never be a consistent winner in the NFL. it’s a bad lab experiment, that just didn’t work, cut off the leg before the whole body is destroyed.

By Assclowniis Maximus

October 17, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

Ya’ll do not need Randy Moss! Why would you want to invite more trouble and internal strife to a team?

have you seen moss’s effort level on a losing team -it’s non-existant! This guy checks out mentally faster than any other big name player in the nfl.

You think Mora or knapp can control Moss! Moss will do what he wants, when he wants, and Mora will still play him. That will be another huge paycheck going to a player who is more trouble than he is worth!

But please do get him and let the soap opera begin!

That way you can have one more trash-talking punk like D. Hall. who I believe said before Sunday’s game he would have “2 picks and 1 touchdown,” and said that the gaints would be “real light work today. Real light work.”

And when you get a punk running his mouth before the game to reporters - that is a coaching staff with no control over their team!

By NoTruth To The Rumor

October 17, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

There is no truth to the rumor about Knaap and Donatel getting into a argument about football, so stop spreading that B/S. The truth of the matter is, both Knaap and Donatel, (along with Mora), are not good coaches. Dan Reeves should have been fired. The fact is, the best coach that was available at at the time Mora was hired was Lovie Smith. See what he is doing with Chicago. But this is the south. No way that was going to happen.

It is what it is. And that’s why Vick will continue to be the QB, Historically speaking, Black folks can always sing and dance for “the man”, but never will they let them be “the man”. can’t -

By New Career for Mora

October 17, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

Jim Mora must take pointers from former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellen (or maye it’s the other way around because Mora seems to be better at it). I think after the Falcons fire him he has a great career spinning tales for the Bush Administration or at the very least as a reporter for Fox News.

By D Miller

October 17, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

I am a long time Falcons fan, and felt totally wronged on Saturday. Here’s the skinny, Knapp has to go. Consider the fact that in the red zone the offense stalls, now picture the actual plays that were called. 1st and goal, in New Orleans, play action pass….yet we are a “running team”, same MO on Sunday.

We are a running team, because we can cut block and move with “relative” quickness. When it comes to being strong and hold ground (pass blocking) we lack that. Coupled with the fact that it appears the O-line only thinks they should block for 2-Mississippi’s, Vick looses sight of downfield when scrambling inside the pocket, to only, miraculously at times, make it out of the pocket to through a pretty (not to mention VERY catchable) for your draft picks to drop it. That play on Sunday, my friends, changed game.

I would blame Vick more, primarily because of his salary, but, does he have to throw, run and catch?

By doug

October 17, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

FRACAS AT FLOWERY BRANCH

We’re hearing that there was a huge blowup in Falcon-land after Sunday’s loss to the Giants, and that the problems spilled over into Monday.

The issue arose shortly after the 27-14 loss to the Giants, when defensive coordinator Ed Donatell got in offensive coordinator Greg Knapp’s face regarding the inability of the offense to sustain drives, which resulted in the defense being on the field for too long.

Word is that Donatell blamed several injuries sustained by his troops on the poor play of the offense, because the defensive players were exhausted late in the game.

We’re also told that, on Monday, owner Arthur Blank summoned Donatell and Knapp to his office, and that Blank wouldn’t allow head coach Jim Mora inside the room until Blank had a chance to talk with them. After the four men met, Knapp was angry — and word is that Knapp is openly blaming the performance of the offense on the limited passing skills of quarterback Michael Vick.

Stay tuned, folks. This one could get very ugly, and the Falcons have a big decision to make, especially since backup Matt Schaub will be eligible for restricted free agency after the season.

By BigTony

October 17, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Bold: As much as I love Vick, I love the Falcons more. I could see a trade scenario somewhat similar to what the Cowboys did with Herchel Walker. But that’s the only trade I would consider. Vick for about 2 1st round draft picks, a McNabb-caliber QB, Randy Moss, and a decent 2nd or 3rd CB. Vick needs a coach that can utilize his talents. Currently, he doesn’t have that. Mora got this job solely on his father’s coat tails anyway! He did nothing for the 49ers defense before coming here. Mora didn’t deserve the job when he was hired and he doesn’t deserve it now!

By jpf

October 17, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

All of you all are being so critical. All the Falcons need to do is execute. The play calling I sometimes questioned. Overall, the Falcons have a good team and good manegement.

By honest_abe

October 17, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

ok….this one is for all you knuckleheads screaming for mike vicks head…

the falcons don’t need a dynamic passing attack… considering that the birds have quite an effective running game all they need is an ADEQUATE passing game to compliment the run… the inability of the falcons to establish any kind of passing attack falls on the entire offense! one can’t point a finger at one individual… the falcons entire offensive unit, including the coaches are to blame.. the offensive line looked horrendous in pass blocking… there were a few instances when mike vick took a step backwards before getting hit. he didn’t even get two second to look down field. the receivers can’t catch a ball… and dont’ give me this crap about it being all mike vicks fault..this is the same mike vick that looked more than competent under dan reeves throwing the ball. if the falcons have a decent down field threat (lelie) as well as mike vicks ability to break off a big play at any moment …this offense suddenly looks quite intimidating….

that pass michael jenkins dropped on sunday…not only cost the falcons 7 points…it killed a swing of momentum…the crown would have been rejuvanated…the d would be stoked…those are plays that falcons receivers have not made during the past two years… so blame the line, blame the receivers, blame knapp for being the worst offensive coordinator in football…and mike vick is also to blame…for not taking care of the ball…holding on to it too long on some occasions…these problems need to be rectified…or the falcons will be out of it by the halfway point…

guys…there’s no way you pay someone 100 mil dollars to sit on the sideline…nobody on another team will trade for someone that costs that much money… so VICK AIN’T GOING NOWHERE…LIVE WITH IT!

By CBrown

October 17, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

TERENCE MOORE writes the SAME article and ALL you guys say he is a racist and never writes anything positive! HILARIOUS!!!!! Thank You Mr.Schultz for writing and telling the TRUTH TOO! Mora is a MORON and the #2 & #3 QB’s are the ones that should be playing…Knapp only has a job because the head coach is his best friend. They should have never gotten rid of REEVES! GO FALCONS!

By Assclowniis Maximus

October 17, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Big Tony,

You will never get that much for Vick. No one is that dumb, everyone knows he is one dimensional.

Mcnabb- caliber quarterback - Hello Mcnabb is much better than Vick.

Mora goes and Vick stays. It’s much easier that way.

By Kevin Jones

October 17, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Mora is officially on the Hot Seat!

We have regressed on offense and our receivers are the ones to blame for the passing game. You can’t blame Vick the whole time. I was at the game and their were 3 passes that were dropped. I have heard that Vick “Throws too hard” BALONEY!! Farve throws just as hard! The long bomb he threw to Jenkins is a must catch…Touch the hands you catch it!! He was in bad position and he should have adjusted…no excuses..

Back to Mora, I don’t know if he is really worthy now of a Head Coaching position. If we don’t make the playoffs I wouldn’t be surprised if he was let go.

But anyways…this is my doom and gloom for today and I hope I am wrong.

By Management is clue less

October 17, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Blame it all on Vick Greg Knapp. But Knapp Knows this will not hold water.Mora has the power to put schaub in but he know that won’t work . The offense line would get him killed.Mora put schaub in and prove my point he will not last long. Greg Knapp play calling and how he use people is the problem.Now that the heat is on blame Vick. Knapp you were clue less . The team said last year the play calling and how he used people was the problem no but mora has no Balls and is clue less on what to do . MR. Blank you blew this one. We have a management problem bar none!You say Vick has no passing skill why he pass for 3000 yard before you got here do the math, It is you MAN MR GREG KNAPP!Clue less let some one else do the game plan and you will do better!

By SCHAWAUB FAN

October 17, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

ITS ALL VIKS FALT HOW CAN U B SO DUM NOT 2 SEE THAT SCHAWUB NEEDS 2 BE STRATING MR BLANKS PLEEZ STRAT SCHAWUB NOW

By C tha 1

October 17, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe some of you are taking the word of Profootballtalk.com as the legitimate truth. I just looked at that site and laughed. Dang you gotta know credibility when you see it. It clearly is a gossip site. Either some of you all are children with nothing else better to do, or a bunch of housewives with nothing else better to do.

By jpop379

October 17, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

I’m sure the Raiders would trade Porter for Roddy White & probably through in a draft choice!

**If the falcons can’t win games we should just give-in & become the Leagues biggest soap opera…

By George

October 17, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

This is another NFL prima dona team: multi-millionaires who play week after week at the level THEY decide. WIn or lose, it’s in the Bentlys and off to the mansions. Is this really football? In my mind, no position on the field should be guarenteed. If the first team doesnt perform, they ride the bench while the second team takes the field. Performance should dictate playing time. As for bloated salaries, money has ruined sports. Each position should have a set salary with big money awarded at season’s end for PERFORMANCE. Lack thereof yields nothing. Try that for a season and watch defenses hit harder, receivers catching passes and the red zone burning up with players hitting the end zone. It will never happen in these days of unions and aports agents. But it would make a difference and put players who want to win on the field. Who wins? The FANS!

By Pepe

October 17, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

No Truth to the Rumor - Who’s the current head coach of the Hawks?

The Bears got a good coach in Lovie Smith. However, I don’t think the color of his skin has anything to do with it.

You can do it Mora…coach them up and let’s get on a roll.

By Eric

October 17, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

I think I can state two facts that will show where the problem is. Vick was sacked 7 times and was thrown to the ground 24 times. How can he run an offense if he doesn’t get a chance? Knapp is the problem!!!

By chgfalcfan

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

Did anyone actually watch the game, or anygame this year for that matter? The Falcons consistenly run Dunn up the middle (minimum of 1 time per series) for a loss of 2. That leaves 2nd or 3rd and long. The only time this team gains positive yardage is on a cut back by Dunn or a Vick scramble. 3rd and 10 Vick runs for a first down… Sound farmiliar? They need to utilize the middle of the field. Last crossing pattern I saw Jenkins run was at OSU. He is a big target throw him the ball over the middle make him catch it. How can we run Dunn up the middle on second and 10. As for the lack of the passing yards, did anyone see Jenkins drop the 60 yard bomb in his hands? Crumpler dropping passes? Roddy cant catch? Give me Wes Welker or Ernest Wilford, at least they can catch??? I saw Vick throw multiple catchable balls, the only difference between him and Manning in this game is Manning had all day to throw (nice blitzing Falcons NOT!) and when he threw to his receivers (plaxico who also could have been a falcon) regardless of where the pass was they caught it. If we give him a couple seconds of time and a reciever with sure hands we will be fine. The ball does not have to be perfect, just on time and near the receiver, NFL rule of thumb if the receiver gets a hand on it he should catch it.

By Bob Hill

October 17, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

I am waiting for Mora to blowup like his old man did once a few years back. I know Falcon fans do not want ANY of the blame to fall on Vick. Go ahead fire Knapp bring in another Off/cord.and see if Vick can catch on to the new offense. Give him ANOTHER three years and see how he progresses. If he doesn’t blame that corodinator and bring in another and blow another 3 years.Sit him down let him pout,put in Scaub and see if there is not an improvement. Are the Falcons in the business of winning games or just trying to appease a Virginia Techie???

By Fulton

October 17, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

First of all, coach Mora always had very thin skin and if he’s going to last in this league, he’d better toughen up and learn how to handle the critics. Mark Richt is taking the very same heat at UGA but he’s been nothing but classy and professional with his. Secondly, the real issue with the Falcons is the O-line & it’s recievers, or lack thereof. Right now, Vick’s only progression is a 5-step drop.. then run! In addition, the old school methods of Alex Gibbs are as outdated as Al Davis’s vertical 7-step routes. True, Vick makes some tough throws but a good recievers job is to go and get the tough ones! Whether the pass is high, low, behind or whatever; your job is to catch the damn ball, period! Lastly, the other problem is that Falcon fans have managed to fool themselves into believing this is quality playoff team. Clearly, it is not!

By Jeff Schultz

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

Thanks for the feedback, as always. Just a few items to follow up on: 1) Yes, I saw the item on ProFootballTalk.Com. The Falcons are denying it on all levels, for whatever it’s worth. I’m not sure if our beat writer, Steve Wyche, will write the rumor or not but I thought I’d let you know. Also, for what it’s worth, it’s normal for Arthur Blank to meet with his coordinators on Mondays. 2) To CC: Bill Parcells 2 Super Bowls. He gets more slack. 3) To all who commented on the offensive line problems: You’re on target. Pass blocking has been an issue all three seasons. Funny, though. I was talking to Dan Reeves the other day and he said he noticed pass blocking is poor around the league. 4) Lefty GA: Dan Henning? No. Some coaches are made to be coordinators, not head coaches, and he’s one of them. Thanks JS

By D

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

exactly, we are stuck with Vick. and when it’s all said and done, vick’s stats will speak for themselves. he has talent, but he just is not a NFL QB. he doesn’t have what, Brady, McNabb and even Trent Green have. vick could be quite successful in the CFL, but it is not going to translate here. he can show promise, like the horrendous dropped pass by Jenkins, that ball was perfect, but his bi-polar play doesn’t work, a QB needs to be more consistent. he’s flushed from the pocket too easily, and not the kind of guy that will see a defender coming at him, knowing he’s going to get hit, and hold the ball a little longer for the timing of the pass to work for the receiver. nope,he panics and runs, and that works sometimes, but many times it doesn’t. but vick isn’t the only problem, the coaching staff needs to go. it still amazes me how someone can still be a vick fan, we’re all watching the same games. drop passes hurt, but the receiver are losing confidence in their QB, and when the ball does come where it needs to be, they seem to be the most surprised of all. vick has the abilities of a RB, WR or special teams player, but not the durability needed to play those positions. this is a very sad position for our team to be in, and it’s not going to end very pretty, either. it is a team game, and not all can fall on one person. but that doesn’t mean there can’t be problems with one person, either. remember vick is human when you watch him throw a bullet pass on screen play, throw a ball directly to a defender, fumble a ball that didn’t have to be fumbled, run too early, fail to recognize obvious blitzes, overthrow, underthrow, throw behind, etc. how long do we have to worship a myth? it’s ok to be wrong sometimes, and it’s noble to admit being wrong when it’s for the greater good of others. none of us are perfect, and it’s ok. positive, common sense decisions need to be made and then implemented. it’s nothing personal, it’s just high stakes game of winner take all, and that’s how it needs to be approach, you’re either in or out, you don’t straddle the issues.

By George

October 17, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

And another thing. Bob Honer didn’t have any help from the Braves with whom he played. That and injuries make these Falcons and Vick seem curiously like the Braves/Horner of days gone by.

By Will

October 17, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

Ok…it seems we as fans see things from all different angles. I was posted on the the atlanta falcons website before this season started under “Rich for the Day” and i was blasted for my take on things. I can only say now what I said then. Vick is the most exciting, overpaid, horrible QB in the league. Mr Blank, Im afarid you made a grave error when you gave him that huge contract and now, as Ive been told, we are now stuck with him due to cap restrictions. This is to bad. So the only course you can take now is to find someone who can game plan for this untalented, simple minded, cant make his checks, cant read defenses, QB. I thought maybe Mr Knapp had come up with a plan for this season but it looks like the old offense from last year. I do agree with a former blogger, it seems we dont make any adjustmaents at halftime. Why is that? Are we so limited, either by our offensive cord. or by our QB that there are no options for changing the game plan? If this is the case then Mr Mora its your job to fix it. I too am a season ticket holder who drives 6.5 hours one way to watch the birds play. I love them. But i have to question whether its really worth it anymore. Since Im here I may as well say something else. I too thought the day had come for Coach Reeves to go. But the one thing he did really well was he was able to adjust in the 3rd and 4th quarter. John Elway once said if Coach Reeves had let him play the 1st and 2nd quarter like he did the 3rd and 4th, his stats would have eclisped every other QB to have ever played the game.

By Football 101 for Dummies

October 17, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Hey, watch out for the Jedi mind tricks from the writer. While Jeff Schultz NOTED that we’re 32nd in passing offense…he FORGOT to mention that we are 32nd in PASSING ATTEMPTS. Maybe he ran out of text space….or maybe not.

By bobbo

October 17, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

U hit the nail on the head. Jim mora’s inexperience, inability to gameplan, and refusing to adjust during gamesis the glass ceiling on the Falcons success. I’am in know way A Mike Vick supporter, but his situation is similiar to Florida under Ron Zook. Where a Coach who is just not a capable coach causes everyone on his team to look bad. I love the Falcons but a bad record is needed, not only for the draft but to get Mora kicked to the curb. If he goes 8-8 he might keep his job. I know people want to get rid of Vick a thousand different ways, but truth be told we cannot do that, so were stuck with him and a coaching staff has to make it work.

Was anyone else jealous watching how The bears played for Lovie Smith last night, they had six turnovers and they still got it done.

By jimmy

October 17, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

i’ve got news for all of you who say, blame it all on knapp. the buck doesn’t stop with knapp, it stops with mora. we have a totally overrated coach who has an ego that is much larger than his brain. if knapp is the problem and mora won’t fire knapp, then mora is the problem. for the others of you who want to get rid of michael vick and say that you would gladly trade vick for this qb or that qb, the problem is that the teams who have this qb or that qb don’t want vick. face it, we are stuck with vick and his paycheck.

By Ron Roberts

October 17, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

1. UGA had its recievers catching tennis balls shot from a pitching machine a coupla weeks back, and despite their losses (blame the defense, frankly, not the recievers) the wideouts are catching balls now. Take a cue, Mora.

2. I’m kinda gettin’ sick and tired of the Vick swagger, the offensive line’s horrible pass-blocking (and stop reaping praises on their gimmicky cut-blocking, too, already), and I’m really disappointed in the Lawyer Malloys, the Grady Jacksons and the John Abrahams that were supposed to make our defense the best on the field when we played any team short of Chicago or Baltimore. Where’s that? Geez, wasn’t Mora a defensive coordinator before he came here?

Happy we let Dan Reeves go now, folks? Vick was better under his offense than anything we’ve had since then. Face it; he got fired ‘cause Vick was knocked out in the preseason.

By D

October 17, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

this one’s for the O-Line, they need improvement, but the O-Line that blocked for Barry Sanders had trouble with him similar to the problems with Vick. they never knew where Barry was going to be, sometimes they didn’t know which way to push the guy they were blocking for fear that they might wind up blocking the guy right into Sanders, which happened many times, and most of them said later, they didn’t like blocking for him. Vick gives blockers the same problem.

By Mony

October 17, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

What the hell does Jeff Schultz know about coaching or even playing football. It’s easy to sit up there in the press box, with free food and drinks courtesy of the Falcons, and criticize the hell out of the home team. Articles like this do nothing but stir up the passions of the fans. They don’t help the team one damn bit. You wanna get the coach fired? I don’t think this is the way to do it as Mr. Blank doesn’t read this crap. Just idiots like US!

I liked Reeves but Mora is OK. We just need to support him and the team.

By Paul McChesney

October 17, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Fantastic Article Mr. Schultz. Nail on the head.

It’s time to start Lelie, and bench these young kids until they learn to make the easy catches. It’s time to reevaluate our scouting processes. It’s time to look at the Gibbs system and learn how to adapt it for Pass blocking, namely drafting some big pass blocking guards and tackles that have good feet and can move, the small quick cutblock scheme isn’t working for our passing game. Our receivers aren’t making plays the caliber of #1 WR’s. No one is telling Reggie Brown or Marques Coleston they need time to develop and that falls back even on our lauded GM, who put us in this situation. Sure Michael Jenkins can play special teams and run block, but 4 dropped relatively easy touchdown passes in 3 games is pathetic. I’d take Wes Welker over the two “starter’s” we have right now. I’d be nice to see a lot more slants and a few less Go’s as well. Until this passing game gets better, this team will be no better than 8-8 and out of the playoffs.

Thanks,

P.

By Mony

October 17, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

What the hell does Jeff Schultz know about coaching or even playing football. It’s easy to sit up there in the press box, with free food and drinks courtesy of the Falcons, and criticize the hell out of the home team. Articles like this do nothing but stir up the passions of the fans. They don’t help the team one damn bit. You wanna get the coach fired? I don’t think this is the way to do it as Mr. Blank doesn’t read this crap. Just idiots like US!

I liked Reeves but Mora is OK. We just need to support him and the team.

By D

October 17, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

it’s pathetic to see al the dropped passes in the league now. I’ve seen better back yard receivers. receivers are picked too much now for their size, their height, their 40 time, their vertical leap. but this would eliminate all the Terence Mathis’, the Wayne Chrebet’s, the Steve Largent’s, it seems to be more important to have Greek Adonis body, than to have natural skill and instinct and to know how to get under a ball like a rebound in basketball. a receivers instincts, heart and hands mean so much more than their body specs. and their time in the 40. it’s jsut incredible to watch all the dropped passes in college and the pros, an epidemic.

By rr

October 17, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

There are so many holes on offense where do you start? The defense is fine; they just have to stay healthy and not on the field 65+ % of the time. The play calling again comes to mind- if they are facing third and short (4or 5 yds), Vick should always have the option to run. I think its clear he will never be a true NFL conventional QB; let him QB based on his God given talents and strengths. If he wears down, we have Schaub. The offense should be hitting on all 12 cylinders with the weapons we have, but we are still sputtering- another 8 and 8 season at best.

By samiam

October 17, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

I say sit Vick and let Schaub get killed. That will shut up all of the fools who think that it’s Vick’s fault.

Like Doug Johnson, the backup is always the savior until he has to perform under the same conditions as the starter, and then his true talents are exposed.

By Dbot

October 17, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

I don’t really see what is so complicated about this. You really can’t fire Mora at this point in the season. But if the Falcons don’t make the playoffs, then you fire Mora and company. There is no excuse for not make the playoffs twice in a row while the team’s personnel has only gotten better.

By TN transplant

October 17, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Oh how I long for the days of Steve Bartkowski, William Andrews, Alfred Jenkins and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson…

By BIGG DADDY DOGG

October 17, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

Well,Well,Well!!!! the falcons have been fully EXPOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!coaching an their schemes suck and are not working for a 2nd year in a row. The receiving corp can’t catch a cold???seriously??? Defense plays off and soft!!!donatell get a clue your prevent schemes make no sense with the personel you now have. Please,PLease,PLease, stop the prevent Defense and zone schemes that allow receivers to sit in the soft spots for easy catches. That allow for easy first downs. why not man up and bump the receivers. that will give the offense the ball back ???? great article this will show the fans that they don’t have the coaches or leaders that are willing to do what ever it takes to fix our problem. MR. Blank get foot up your teams cracks!!! fix the !@#%$#%^ problems.

By CQ

October 17, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Can the falcons get webster out of the game and let Williams start? Jason is playing 15 yards off the line of scrimmage and allowing the back to pick up 8 yards/carry. Hes not aggrssive enough. The defense as a whole of not aggressive. Why dont we blits like the Eagles? All this speed and we are not using it.

As far as the offense goes why are no short passes to the back out of the back field, slants and 3 step drop passes. These are safe plays that Vick can throw. falcons run the same pass play let Vick roll left and throw. That does not going to get it on every pass play. If we as fans know what the Falcons are going to do, I am very sure the other teams know what to do to stop it.

Can we get a receiver reverse or something. I have not seen a trick play since the onside kick in Game 1.

By Will

October 17, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

I’ve been a Falcon’s fan since the days of Steve Bartkowski, William Andrews, and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson. I have NEVER seen such a waste of talent in my life! The coaching staff should be fired and banned for life from coaching in the NFL.

When you have the most playmakers of any NFL team and the League’s best rushing offense 3 years running, there should be no reason why you can’t score at will and put teams away. Everybody’s talking about Chicago’s defense and how no one can stop them now that they have mustered up some respectable offensive numbers. With our depth of talent on both sides of the ball, people should be even more terrified of US!

I say: fire the offensive coordinator, cut Roddy, Start Lelie, and and give Youngblood and Jennings on the field.

By John R

October 17, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

HEY Greg “Take a Nap” Knapp, I got an offensive scheme for you!

Since you like stealing ideas from the college level, why not take a page from Erk Russell’s playbook and run the Flexbone.

I think that we might just have the personnel to pull it off. Plus, it will look cool on ESPN’s Sportscenter.

Put li’l Mikey in at QB, and Griffith, Norwood, and Dunn in the backfield and run the triple option.

Use Crumpler as the TE, and Lelie as Split End, and throw deep once in a while.

It couldn’t be any worse then the crappy scheme you’re running now.

By mike

October 17, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

OK. I first wanted to look at the Mora interveiw after the game before I replied to your comment. I did and here is my thoughts. Coach Mora is a nut. If we don’t get rid of this coaching staff, we can expect this for a while to come. He really believe that the team and coaches are all that matters. This dummy said I don’t see anything wrong with the passing game. Is he joking? I wish he wish , but he isn’t. We are ranked LASt in the league in passing. That is a huge problem! Ashley should be starting over White. White flat out suck. Jenkin does too but he is not as bad. Mike Vick has superman tatted on his throwing hand. He should have criptanite on it because superman should be able to pass. Look at this guys…. Payton, Eli, McNabb, Brees, Brady, Favre, Palmer, and the list can go on and on and on, throw to spots and they let there recievers make plays. Mike Vick can’t do that. Mcnabb lost one of the best receivers in football and is leading the league in passing right. Throwing to no names. If he can do it Mike Vick should be able too. He can’t pass. Even though the receiver are sorry. Mike Vick can’t make plays with his arm. As long as these coaches are here we are going no where. We will never win a super bowl under this coaching staff. Vick would be good if the had a coach like Parcells or Coughlin, Bill B. As long as he has these punk coaches who won’t hold him accountible and get in his face. We are going no where.

By Ken Duncan

October 17, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Jeff, Thank you so much for asking the question that everybody wants to ask Jim Mora. What the heck is going on with the passing game? It is an obvious problem and all we hear is sugarcoat from that bunch. I have noticed some of you meida guys are now scared of Mora. Come on ‘man up’ guys keep asking this guy the tough questions and make him answer. You guys are our only voice!!!

By Greg Knapp

October 17, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Leave me alone!!

By BigTony

October 17, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

Hey Assclowniis Maximus! How can you say Vick is 1-dimensional?! In his entire career with the Falcons he’s only had 1-2 seconds if he’s lucky to throw the ball. No O-Line! Vick can’t be considered anything but a triple-threat when given the chance! He can throw the ball 70 yards with one litle flick, and can rush for over 100 in a game, and he can avoid the sack considering his line is horrible. I know we can’t get all that for Vick. White, some $$, and a draft pick for Moss. Mora said he has no “lack of confidence” in our passing game! With that statement he shouldn’t be fired, he should be instiutionalized!!!! I want Moss, Lelie, and give the rookie a chance (Adam Jennings).

By ConyersDawg

October 17, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Looks like Lovie Smith was the coach we should have hired!

By wagner

October 17, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

To anyone who thinks that the problem is Vick with his “lack of passing skills”: poll the coaches in the NFL and ask them…start with Tampa Bay. Gruden salivates everytime he watches Vick play. Knapp is the fool here, closely followed by Mora who seems to be scripted by President Bush: it is always someone else’s fault.

By VolsRock

October 17, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

Comparing Vick to a QB is like comparing a 1-legged horse to the triple-crown winner in horse racing. He only has one third the needed
tools to win … his legs!

By ChosenOne

October 17, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

First off I am tired of hearing people blame Vick! He is a very accurate QB ( Even Peyton Manning is off target sometimes that is where the reciever comes in duh!) Haven’t any of you watched him in the pro bowl. I once wrote Mora to go get Tory Holt because they have built a chemistry just in the Pro Bowl. The Problem is in the starters like White Lelie should be starting not White. Jenkins is a decent number 2 option. I agree that Norwood and Dunn should be used in the backfield together but don’t forget about JG. He is perhaps one of the top 5 fullbacks in the NFL peroid! The dropped balls is what is making Vick look bad. On the defensive side I like D-Williams but we brought in Hartwell in for a reason and why is he not out there especially when, he has been saying for the last 3 weeks now he is ready to go. MORA you once said starters do not lose their positions due to injury’s and that you listen to the players well then do it and stand by what you say!

Don’t get me wrong but I believe in Mora I think he is one of the best coaches in the NFL. I would love to play for him. But come on D-Hall has to much skills to let him play in prevent every play. Come on he is a very physical DB let him jam the recievers some and see what happens. Put in Jimmy Williams in for Webster as well I know you like him but come on he is not big enough or fast enough to match up against almost anyone and that is fact. Here is the key to defense put in Hartwell and Williams, let the corners be physical. If they get behind they are fast enough to recover. Get out of that soft crap ever wonder why teams can run short passes and slant plays against you. And Mora please do something with the O-Line it is thier protection that is gonna get vick hurt. Realize you take out a major playmaker and it hurts any team look at Seattle and Carolina. Start Lelie and open up against the Steelers with a fade route to Lelie Vick has the arm and Lelie has the hands and speed. Our defense can tear apart the slow Pittsburgh recievers and backs. NOt to mention Rothlesberger! And fans don’t forget in 98’ we went 5-2 before finishing 14-2 and upsetting the Vikings in the Championship Game for the franchises first super bowl. I really hope that Mora, Donatell, or Knapp reads these and takes advice from people that might know as much if not more than them.

By BigTony

October 17, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Dan Marino was 1-dimensional. Granted it was passing. Y’all say he’s one of the best QBs that ever lived. Why is that? Vick is a good QB and a hella playmaker. He needs a system and an O-Line!

By Vick Bartkowski

October 17, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

Reeves got fired because Vick got hurt. West coast offense with a 6 foot QB in heels is silly. Pound the ball and 7 step drops with play action is how we won with Reeves. Vick can throw it 80 yards so why not use his arm. If we want to do three step drops then vick is not your man. I was a defender of Reeves while everyone thought we needed some hot head, smoke and mirrors, hip coach. When a coach acts like the players the players lose respect for him. Now every play we run is a jail break High School style. 8-8 once again.

By BIGG DADDY DOGG

October 17, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Under coach Reeves Vick looked like our savoir. Under coach Mora Vick is running for his life behind this pourous run scheme blocking O-line. When he has the time and the poise to trow the ball he throws it high- short and skips it the other 52% it hits the receivers on the money only to be dropped. by over paid sorry receivers. let’s face face facts I would rather see vick behind a good o-line with time to throw to receivers that are hungry and want to catch the ball. With that formula we will see more wins and can start to be more positive!!!!!!

By James

October 17, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

I am so sick of those who keep saying that it takes a team to win football games and Vick is not to blame. Well one player can srew a whole team up causing the outcome of a game to be different.

The quarterback is the heartbeat of the team. If the success will lies in his leadership on and off the field. On the the field he does not have to be the one making all the plays, he has to be smart enough to get others involved according to how the defense is playing you. Of course Vick can run and he has an arm, but he must progress to the type of quarterback to know when to use his legs, and most importantly develop and get other playmakers involved in the game.

By die hard falcons fan

October 17, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

ok let not be so harsh folks!

But let looks at the facts…

Fact nbr 1.. Vick can throw! Oh did you see that beautiful bomb he threw to Butterfinger Jenkins? That some firepower in his arm! Jenkins shoulda caught that.

Fact nbr 2.. Knapp is a lousy Offensive Coach/Cooridnator.. Yall forgot he a product of the FortyWhyners?!?! Shoot I can understand WHY TO went off of him. And the only reason TO isnt in Atlanta as oppose to Dallas is because of Knapp didnt want him to be on our team. Vick/TO all day shoot! that would be sick!

FAct nbr 3… Offense linemen are sorry.. if the QB wasnt a brother we would be 5-1 just like the beloved Saints. Look at how much time Mighty Drew Brees has in the pocket. Now the Saints and Falcons offensive linemen NEVER give that kind of time or protection to Brooks or even Vick. They taking Vick for grant just cuz he gotspeed. 7 SACKS?!?!? shoot if I was Vick I wouldnt gone after crazy Pierce I would have gone after my own linemens.

Sharod White and Michael Jenkins ARE BUST. How u gonna pick subpar WR in the first round???!?! If I was Mr Blank I would trade them to the Raiders before the deadline today to get Moss/Porter and give up a future 1st round pick.

I would also look for some HUNGRY LINEMEN that would take a bullet for Vick. I mean these guys gotta protect Vick like he was the President and they was the Secret Service!

PLEASE GET RID OF THAT SILLY OPTION PLAY THIS ISNT COLLEGE BALL! THIS IS THE PRO. IT ALMOST BECOMING A GIMMICK!

IT NOT TO LATE TO GET YA ISH TOGETHER AND GET ON THE BALL AND START BEING CONSISENT.

it could been worst… but we got ten more games/weeks to go. We still can make the playoff but yall better understand we gonna have some tough game against … Carolina…Bucsaroos…dem dern Saints who are marching hard for a change.

I miss coach Reeves because he have a system in place for Vick and Vick was actually MORE Explosive with Reeves.

Coach Mora is more of a DEfense Coach.. and that is ok but ya need to really HIRE A BETTER OFfensive Cooridinator..

heck that coach from Hoover High school calls better play.. yeah the one from Brighiman AL… Hoover Bucs…4 State rings? that man is doing something right

By mountain_jim

October 17, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Thanks Jeff for commenting on that rumour.

I knew by posting the link I would get insulted on here (finally by C tha 1) : “children with nothing else better to do, or a bunch of housewives with nothing else better to do.”

but I did not say I believed it, and the fact that it was posted on such a high-trafficed and visible site means it would get ‘in play’, so I felt it would add to the discussion here by letting folks know what was being rumoured (gossiped, whatever)

There is value to debunking nasty rumours from the folks with the contacts and the fact that Jeff commented on it means you can kiss off with your insults C tha 1.

By Kevin

October 17, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

That was the last time I am going to sit and not only have my team humiliated and slapped around but have the opposing teams fans dancing in my face. I have lost faith in this coaching staff. Mora mad no apology to me as a fan for their performance and makes too many excuses. Thanks Stubhub-Steeler’s fans will be enjoying the game in my seats. If you can’t beatem-join’em

By Titothebear

October 17, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

And one other thing, Mike Vick need to sit down and let Schaub take a few snaps.

By cool breeze

October 17, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

MATT SCHAUB! MATT SCHAUB! MATT SCHAUB! MATT SCHAUB! MATT SCHAUB! MATT SCHAUB! Vick is always stated to be the most exciting quarterback in the NFL however, tremt dilfer. tom brady and troy aikman weren’t exciting but all thoe have superbowl rings and two of three of those have three rings! Matt schaub is a way better passer than vick and can scramble. He makes you respect the pass which would open up running lanes for dunn even more. Teams don’t have to respect the pass game at all of atlanta. The team has a decisions to make if you want excitement or to win super bowls!!!

By ATL Eastsider (SWD c/o 93)

October 17, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

GET KNAPP’S A** OUTTA ATLANTA. WE’RE SOOOOO PREDICTABLE NOW THAT IT’S SICKENING. I KNOW WHAT PLAY WE’RE RUNNING BEFORE WE RUN IT. QUIT BLAMING VICK FOR EVERYTHING. RODDY WHITE HAS NOT WORKED OUT. WHY DOESN’T LELIE START?? WHY DID WE PICK HIM UP? TO PLAY BEHIND WHITE?? MORA… YOU HAVE A PROVEN THREAT AT WR (LELIE) SITTING ON THE BENCH!! YOU’RE COACHING LIKE YOUR FATHER NOW!!!

By L.D.

October 17, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

Just from my own observation of the game Sunday vs. the previous 2 games, no one should be surprised a loss was the outcome. No one can measure anything against the Cardinals game, and the New Orleans game should’ve been a better barometer of where this team is. This team has made too many moves personnel-wise to go out and get smacked solidly in the mouth like they did Sunday. Can Michael Vick be an effective passer? If his play under old-school Dan Reeves was any indication, then yes he can. Can he do it in this offense? It doesn’t initially look like it, but it doesn’t help that his number 1 and 2 receivers play like they’re better suited for offenses where catching the ball is not required. Quite possibly, however, the larger issue is, when is the defense gonna look like it was upgraded? In fact, when is the defense going to look like it was upgraded enough to compete with NFL offenses? And does anyone know if the police have found Ed Hartwell yet? Has an “Amber Alert” been issued for his whereabouts? A team that wears so much red and black probably shouldn’t look so vanilla in what it does on the field. Right now the fan expectation level should be that it will be a blessing if this team has back-to-back .500 seasons, never mind acheiving back-to-back winning ones.
BTW, Jim Mora, I like you as a tough guy coach, but if you’re team’s not gonna play as tough as you act, then you better come prepared to deal with the criticism that coaches who have achieved far more than you have displayed in times of adversity, and you’d better come up with some better answers both on the field and off the field. We as fans deserve at least that much.

By Head Coach

October 17, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

Jeff , your right. Vick isnt a bad quarterback. He is a total BUST as a QB. If you cant figure that out then you might want to check your football IQ. He is a BUST , trade him or move him to tailback or wide reciever because thats the only two positions his God given athletic ability will allow him to play.

By Sal Licata (New York)

October 17, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

Jeff- you are great. Look, we all know Knapp should have been fired a long time ago. I have a hard time hating Mora though. I like his attitude and passion. However if he does not let Knapp go and bring an offensive mind in that can USE MICHAEL VICK both running and passing, then he needs to go. It starts at the top- Blank should have never fired Reeves off of that injury season. Even in 2004 you knew the Falcons weren’t for real. I hate goin back to this all the time but 2002, what I saw, was a team with a special player on the rise. Four seasons have passed and Im still waiting to see that magic again.

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Tito is an idiot and if vick sucks so bad then why is he respected by his peers. Schaub did not beat the florida states and the miamis of the world in college how is he so grate. Tell me how is he better , from a stats standpoint he is not better , so how , please tell me how. When have you saw schaub do something special , his preseason even sucked. he took most of the snaps against greenbay , and he sucked , we were blowed out. If vick gets hurt this season we will be even bigger losers , it will be 2003 all over again. Just watch . I swear that hate all of you vick bashers , its funny how vick looks great in the probowl with wr that can catch. Bring Norv turner in as offensive coordinator with his vertical style passing game and we will see what happens. But first we would need an oline and one more wr , like a randy moss

By SF

October 17, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

Falcons problems are 90% due to the offensive line’s inability to pass block. They clearly think that with the right blocking schemes, they can get by with less gifted players. Vick being Vick takes away at least two sacks a game that would have gotten any other quarterback in the league. So with another quarterback in there, the Falcons would be giving up 5+ sacks a game. On the occasion that he actually does get decent protection, Vick usually does good things (of which about half get dropped). He can throw the deep ball but doesn’t often get to hold the ball long enough to let the play develop. And when the Falcons get behind, there isn’t much left in Vick’s tank after three quarters of being physically abused by the other team, scrambling like mad, and watching his best efforts wasted by the Butterfinger Brigade that is the Falcons receiving corps.

By T

October 17, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Interesting perspective:

I did not see the game on TV, but did follow on internet. First half, everything seemed to be going our way… Second half, Falcons couldn’t do anything right.

In football, good coaches make adjustments at halftime that either make the team get back into the game… or they make incorrect adjustments and the play goes wrong. How many times has this coaching staff made the correct adjustments?

The most important line in the article was “…the Falcons had a bye week to prepare for the Giants…”

If you can’t get better with an off-week or at halftime leading of trailing… You have a poor coaching staff! PERIOD.

By davidb

October 17, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

V7 seems to do better when he runs a little in the beginning, but hitting receivers (sometimes open, sometimes not)is still a struggle. Receivers can’t catch a cold. O-Line can’t block a lick. Thank God for Dunn and our D. This is from a yearly ticket holder. Oh yea, coaches, get in the game.

By RW (the aboriginal)

October 17, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

Vick is a passing halfback, not a running Qback. Fix that, and we go superbowl.

I could coach the Falcons to the superbowl this year easy as pie. So could my grandma. In fact, I know of a nursing home football team that could outscore the Falcons with a bedpan eligible play.

Hire me, Mr. Blank. I’ll get you that ring. Guaranteed.

By L.D.

October 17, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Randy Moss self-admitted he didn’t like coming to play when he had a QB that could get him the ball, never mind now that he doesn’t have that kind of QB playing with him in Oakland. Even if Vick had the time/consistent accuracy to throw to Moss, he’d have to stop acting like Kate Moss to be the answer.

By Barry

October 17, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Hey Yall:

Let’s not panic.Let’s not panic. Let the coaches who get paid a lot of money to do that. The players and talent is there on the Falcons to get the job done. However, playermanagement on the field is up to the coaches. Therefore, with all this talent, on offense and defense, and the coaches can not strategize a touchdown, through running or passing, then we have mangement problem yall. This problem with the offense did not happen over night. The play calling and plays stink. The passing attack has no routes that can confuse a secondary or get the other team to cause pass interference when a pass is thrown. Other teams pass on the Falcons and we appear to get thos calls against us. They must be doing something right in their passing attack. How come it does ot happen our way? I tell you why, our passing game, as last year and the year before stinks. It is not the quarterback, but the type of routes and formation they use. What they are running now they can’t fool anybody. I am bnot one to talk agaist the coaches, but come on Gregg Knapp, was that why T.O. started turning into T.O. because you weren’t using his skills in the passing attack. I am starting to hear grumblings from another pro recever, Ashley Lelie, of has lack of use and skills in the passing game. And this guy is a proven commodity receiver who rarely speaks out but wants to contribuite. You mean to tell me that you as an offensive coordinator can’t get thuis guy the ball. Seattle has gotten Deon Branch into the flow of their passing game very quickly. He is scoring touchdowns and catching passes. I give credit to their offensive coordinator for finding a way to use the quality resources he has avail to him in the strategy he has to ripping defensive secondaries apart. Why can’t we do the same. We need some flashy, and deceptive patterns used by our recivers not the basic, predictable patterns they are runnin. And Falcon receivers when you get thos patterns, and I pray the Gregg Knapp put them in, PLEASE CATCH THE BALL. Remember, SSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! This is secret between us. Don’t tell nobody.

Ringold

By Paul A. Copeland

October 17, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

A few friends and I have watched the Falcons week after week. Regardless of whether we’re at home or waiting the game from the comfort of your stadium, the Falcon offense is offensive; it scares you when they get into the red zone. At that point you can always count on seeing Morten Anderson. The tandem of Michael Vick, Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood in the backfield is virtually unstoppable. Wide receiver Ashley Lelie should start and finish all games. Lelie is a proven commoditie in that he runs good routes, can separate from the defender and hold onto the ball. He should get four to five catches per game resulting in three to four touchdowns and more than 100 yards receiving. In all games we’ve watched Lelie has been able to catch all balls thrown in his direction with the exception of a few overthrown or under thrown balls. Alge Crumpler in the pass has been steady; however he has quite a few passes this season. I would not abandon Crumpler, keep throwing it to him.

By Shaun

October 17, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, Arthur Blank and Rich McKay will coach Jim Mora. I understand Mora and Knapp are friends, but it time for Gregg Knapp to nap somewhere else. He’s made a complete fiasco of the offense. Why continue to use the same plays?? HAND OFF TO DUNN??? Let Jerious Norwood into the game. Allow Warrick to rest. Alternate the two players. All the plays were to the the right; what happened to the left? We will not defeat Pittsburgh on Sunday and anyone else as long as Gregg Knapp remains. Rich and Arthur sleep if you want to…I’m a female and I see what’s happening. Need we call Stevie Wonder?

By John R

October 17, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

The nut doesn’t fall far from the tree!

Mora Jr: “There ain’t nothing wrong with our passing game, and if you don’t like it you can kiss my A**hole. Now I’m going to hold my breath until you say you’re sorry. Say it…SAY IT!”

By Ed

October 17, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

These blogs are crazy. Do you people really think these coaches are that stupid. The problem is their first string quarterback cannot learn the passing game. I watched the Arizona last night and Matt threw off the blitz at least 5 times. He read it, threw fast and completed them for first downs. That’s how you stop the full out blitz that New York threw at Atlanta on Sunday. There aren’t enough lineman to block when the other teams feels they can send 8 guys and the quarterback doesn’t have a clue. Take this post and save it. Mike Vick has seen his best days. He will still be in some highlight reels but overall he will never be an affective Pro quarterback. And him being in three pro bowls is a joke. Like he belonged there last year……right. And quess what he has gotten worse this year. I’m a fan ready to see a real offense. If I want to see a sandlot football team, I’ll go to the nearest neighborhood park.

By Dawg Style

October 17, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

Vick is a wonderful athlete, but like everyone else on the team, he has no dicipline. Mora and his staff don’t ask for dicipline or respect. Great athletes and poor work ethic = mediocrity (aka Atlanta Falcons). Think about this, Dan Reeves took very average athletes with a great work ethic to the Super Bowl. When Vick came, people thought they would end up back in the SB almost immediately. Vick wasn’t ready. You can buy potential but you can’t buy performance. Reeves and a handful of other coaches could mold Vick into a super QB. Right now he is just an older version of what he was in College. Bottom line, Mora talks the talk, but can’t walk the walk. He and all his cronies are on the Blank gravy train playing average football with no championship in sight. Ride it while it lasts Jim….Wake up Arthur!

By TonyG

October 17, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

Is Dan Reeves working anywhere right now? Why not hire him ro come in here and fix this offense up? ‘m telling you, Mora’s not great, but he’s good. IT is KNAPP who has got to go. He is the problem.

By NYC

October 17, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

Can you imagine if we had Blodsoe or some other stationary QB behind our line? He’d be dead by now. You need to be thankful for Vick!

Hey BigTony! If we had Bledsoe, he would at least be able to get rid of the ball before being sacked! Why? Because he’s a Passing QB.

By NYC

October 17, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

Can you imagine if we had Blodsoe or some other stationary QB behind our line? He’d be dead by now. You need to be thankful for Vick!

Hey BigTony! If we had Bledsoe, he would at least be able to get rid of the ball before being sacked! Why? Because he’s a Passing QB.

By Truth

October 17, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

Mora said he has ultimate confidence in Jenkins & White as our starting WR’s because they do well in practice. It’s obvious to everyone else that Lelie should be our #1. Mora is just like Bobby Cox in his allegiance to certain players and that is killing this Falcons team.

Here are the problems and the fixes:

1.Our offense has the same problems today as it had 4 years ago. Part of it is Vick and part is lack of creativity on Knapp’s behalf. At this point, Knapp should have tried something new like swapping Schaub & Vick just like Richt did with Greene & Shockley. I would even try using Vick at TB or WR on occasion just to confuse the defenses. On Sunday, we tried a 60 yard pass to Jinkins, but never saw another long pass attempt all game. Why not try 4-5 of these per game? Until opposing defenses respect our passing game, they will continue stacking the box against us. Knapp will be the 1st fall guy in this regime just as the hitting coach is always the first to go for the Braves.

1. Defense will be fine when offense becomes productive. Our defense is typically solid in the 1st half but starts sputtering in the 2nd half. This is because our offense goes 3 and out or turns the ball over constantly. The defense is left on the field for innordinate lengths of time leading to fatigue & injuries. If the defense is kept off the field, my guess is that Donatell would run more blitzes and allow fresh legs for single coverage.

3.Mora is part of the problem. Mora is so caught up in his player/coach alliances that he has lost sight of what is happening on the field. Arthur Blank has given Mora key free-agent signings every offseason, yet the Falcons continue to make the same mistakes year after year. His inability to move a proven veteran reciever in Lelie to #1 speaks to his ineptitude. In addition, he still views players like Vick, Jinkins, & Roddy as rookies who need time to develop. Just look at the QBs and WRs that have come into the NFL after these guys that are 3-5 times more productive already. The time has passed where Mora should have lit a fire under each of these guys to prove themselves or walk. Mora does not have the sack to play the necessary “bad cop” role.

1. Arthur Blank will do what is necessary to make this team successful. I can promise you that Arthur wants to win a SuperBowl as much as anything he has ever accomplished in his career. He is the type of person to give everyone a fair shake but will cut ties and make changes if he sees things not working. I can almost guarantee that his wheels are already spinning with regard to what change(s) would best help this team. My guess is that Knapp will be first to go which will send notice to the rest of the coaching staff. If things don’t improve, Mora will be next. Blank will not cut Vick until it becomes painstakenly obvious that the team cannot win it all with him at the helm.

2. Vick’s clock is ticking. This guy is the highest paid player in the league yet he still struggles to throw the ball. After 4-5 years, he should look much more comfortable in the pocket. Sad truth is that Vick’s current trade value is probably half of what the Falcons are paying him. Just as he sits unpicked on most fantasy rosters, I’m betting that very few NFL teams with a .500 record or better would even consider trading for Vick. Maybe a bad team like Oakland would pick him up in hopes of selling more season tickets. Fact is that Vick is getting older and slower and his value will diminish until he proves to be a complete QB.

By bruceh

October 17, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t agree more. In Game #1, our coaches outcoached the Panthers. What a great game.

Maybe the Falcon coaches just need 9 months to prepare for one ball game.

By Dee

October 17, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

I find half of the comments on here about Vick to be laughable, at best. My only comment is this - Put this guy behind a DECENT Oline and let him show what he can do. Then, I guarantee each of you naysays would be singing his praises and washing his feet. End of story.

By Rush Limbaugh

October 17, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

I can tell by the penmanship that more and more blacks are finally understanding that Vick is not a quarterback!

By Ed

October 17, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this

Dee is wrong. It doesn’t matter how good the O-line your quarterback has to, repeat has to have the capacity to read defenses, change plays, and throw off the blitz. Mike Vick can’t do any of those things. He will always be sacked, fumble, and look like a scared rabbit in the passing game.

By J

October 17, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

Still a few hours left to trade Jenkins and Roddy for Randy Moss. Moss and Lelie! I’ll betcha there are no dropped passes with that tandem.

By ms. lynne!!!

October 17, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

FIRE MORA AND KNAPP ASAP!!!!! I SAID IT LAST YEAR….BUT NOBODY BELIEVED ME!!!!!!WE NEED A COACH. GET IT TOGETHER BLANK….

By CQ

October 17, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

This is the only city in the US, thats wants to bench a QB with a winning record. Thats what you call smart football fans. Should the Bears bench their QB after throwing 4 interceptions and 2 fumbles last night? NO!

By cpshon

October 17, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank should have traded vick for moss&Roddy white or michael jenkins for max jean-gilles who is listed as a backup guard for the Eagles. That would solve to personnel problems (rec. & LG). Oh, yeah and new coaching staff next year. only if he chose lovie smith instead….

By Miller Hebert

October 17, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Are the Falcons Great Britain’s favourite team? Look at all the posters with their use of defence and rumour. What gives Jeeves?

By NYC

October 17, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

“But this is the south. No way that was going to happen. It is what it is. And that’s why Vick will continue to be the QB, Historically speaking, Black folks can always sing and dance for “the man”, but never will they let them be “the man”. can’t -“

Yeah, guess you’re right. With an attitude like that, whitey don’t need to oppress you anymore, you’re doing a good job.

By GT Man

October 17, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Same story as last year only sooner. The on wrinkle Vick could handle this year has been figured out in about 15 minutes of film study and the rest of the year is a wash because Vick cannot handle any kind of change. Hey Vick, this is not the Big East snap up your head gear properly, come to play hard, and quit running around like a chicken with your head cut off into the blitzing ends.

By Warren

October 17, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

Go Falcons,The Falcons have been in here time and time again.The season is far from over.If you call yourself a Falcon fan then give them support.Or shut up!

By MI

October 17, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

I agree with you J,get rid of Rodney White. Find better players Vick can throw the ball to such as Randy Moss. Why can’t these players make a better effort to catch the passes thrown to them. All passes are not going to be thrown at the perfect angle. Anytime Vick throw a pass that’s a little high or a little hard they let it go instead of making something happen like Randy Moss, TO, Lelie.

By Peachlady

October 17, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick need to sit down and watch Schaub play. Schaub is tall and can see who can catch his ball.

By jay

October 17, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Here’s the deal. Vick will never be an accurate NFL passer so here’s my deal. Vick to Oakland for Jerry Porter and their no. 1 pick in the draft . With that pick you can groom brady Quinn or another hotshot young PASSER and give the offense to Matt Schaub. I hate to admit it but Vick is holding us back. In Oakland he would be a perfect draw and help them get back to respectability.

By Jim Fowler

October 17, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

www.FIRE GREG KNAPP.com Will someone please purchase a Madden 07 for greg so he could maybe familiarize himself with Atlanta’s playbook it would really help, I mean don’t get me wrong those 4 plays he runs are great and all but the game actually last for 60 minutes and it would help if he were atleast a little bit familiar with the talent we have on the team he’s supposedly a (coach ?} right?!! News flash Ashley Lelie can only be a deep threat if you actually send him on a deep route, it’s ok greg my little sister has problems with connecting the dots to, of course she is only 3. Oh I forgot about that one deep ball thrown to Jenkins I wonder how greg was able to work that into the game plan I mean he only had 60 minutes to somehow fit that in, oh yeah that’s right, Mike Vick had to improvise that one. I get so confused with all the deep route pass plays greg puts in the game plan, what is that now 3 deep passes in 5 games it sure is good greg is such a mastermind at mixing up the play calling it’s just to bad those darn people from the NFL want us to play for more than 15 minutes, those Bastards. Speaking of realization of the talented players that are actually on our team { here’s a little hint to help you remember, thier the players we pay alot of money and hold press conference’s for when we sign them } Ed Hartwell is a BADASS, you say you want to stop the run well, you do the math. Bill Parcells Once Said ” you have to let me buy the groceries if you want me to cook the meal.” , that is ofcourse if you don’t let your Girlfriend burn the meal or make it to bland with not enough spices, THANK’S ALOT gREG kNAPP, LOOSER. Say what you will about T.O. blowing up on the sideline @ gREG kNAPP, maybe he had an excellent point the play calling was pretty genius there to and I wonder what is the common denominator here, oh yeah, THANK’S Alot gREG kNAPP LOOSER. Dear Mr.,{MRS. NO BALLS} kNAPP if you have any problems with any of my comments you can reach me directly I don’t hide behind anybody or make any excuses, if I’m wrong please show me the light, I’m begging you. My name is Jim Fowler, my cell# 770-318-4655, wk# 770-803-0747, home address, what ever you need please, please contact me. signed life long FALCON FAN Jim Fowler.

By grizzly bear

October 17, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

to keeping the faith, touchdowns are hard to come by in the nfl, so what’s the big deal with mike getting excited and having fun? just because they are professionals doesn’t mean that they have to act like old stiff white guys in the boardroom. the last time i checked they are playing a game, a GAME.

By Singletary

October 17, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

I’m with D’Angelo and his TiVO on this. Vick is passing better and is a real competitor. Pro WR’s should catch pretty much anything that is within two feet of their body, if not their “wingspan.” It is also their job to juke and get separation. (Give me more Lelie!!!)

The O-Line has never done its job, and I’m now very concerned about the inability of the O coaches to ad- just or even make good decisions.

Why is it impossible to put two backs in the backfield? We used to run that with Griffith helping to open holes for Dunn or do a bit of mop up blitz protection for the OLine. Show a split back set and shake up the read the defense is getting. Griffith and McCrary seem to have good hands and no playing time. Dunn can’t hit the hole as hard on his 30th carry as he did on his first.

Finally, I think the D is playing well… until they are on the field all but 3 minutes of the second half… and that is not their fault. Webster does have two interceptions, but maybe Tiki just got his number. If so, sub someone else in because we bought depth over the off-season.

Change these three things and we’ll have a great year 1/ more offensive diversity from the coaches including Justin in the backfield, 2/ Lelie as your starter in- stead of White, and 3/ an offensive line that is incented or fined for everytime they dol/don’t hold for 5 seconds.

By Jim Mora Jr.

October 17, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

These posts are sooooo stupid. Like I am in hot water with Mr. Blank??? Yeah right! I did notice he was having a closed door meeting with Ed and Gregg and I put my ear to the door and couldnt hear anything so I grabbed D-cam Thats what I call our special teams coach….I made that up. The players love it. We all have nicknames and I am pretty good at assigning them. I would say I am definately one of the most popular guys in our organization. Anyway, so I grab D-cam me and D-cam (I made that up) go down to this pool hall near our facility. They were having kareoke. So I did bono singing “With Or Without You”. I was definately the best one. All the chicks were checking me out. Later me and D-cam were shooting pool and some pu$$ies said that they had actually been waiting on the table a while and wanted to play next. D-cam had to totally hold me back. I was about to totally kill that dude and his pu$$y friend. I would have definately not even had to try if I fought that pu$$y.

Anyway, I am not even worried about Mr. Blank and the media. Everyone who knows football knows I know my stuff. All this BS about me being an immature, punk who got this job thru bloodlines and because I say catchy things in interviews can kiss my a$$!! All the insinuation that I am as confused out there as the guy in the 5th row eating nachos and that beyond by “players coach” schtik, have no real working knowledge of how O’s and D’s function affectively can go pound salt.

So what if Sean Peyton is taking a saints team with equal or less talent and threw sound coaching has made them 5-1. So what! If Sean Peyton wants to get one of his pu$$y assistant coaches and play me and D-cam in pool BRING IT ON. And if they have a problem with anything me and D-cam (I made that up) will kick those pu$$is asses.

By michael

October 17, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

I have never had any confidence in Moro or Knapp as coaches. He is a coach in the NFL because of his father and the connection that he has. San Francisco offense and defense didn’t do anything under Knapp and Moro when they were there. Michael Jenkins and Ronnie White don need to be on the team. They can’t catch and beach ball. Ashley Lelie need to start. Blank should have hired Lovie Smith.

Michael

By Bodacious

October 17, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

The Falcons playbook is most likely 2 pages thick. It says to pass on 3rd and 2 and then run on 2nd and 16. Gregg Knapp is really Goober Pyle after a facelift. Goober says Hey!!!

By CQ

October 17, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

So its Vicks fault the Falcons are 3-2?

You folks have lost your minds. Is Vick Blocking, Tackling, Kicking, Catching. NO.

When things are going good everyone jumps on the bandwagon, when they go bad, everyone blames Vick. the first name everyone cries is Matt Schawb. What game did he win? NONE He looked very bad in pre seaon and training camp.

By Whatever

October 17, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

That website was right on with the Ravens move today. It predicted a shake-up with the offense and today the Ravens OC was fired. I think the Falcons rumor is correct as well.

By jpop379

October 17, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

C’mon “finally exposed” ??? after looking at the schedule I had this team pegged at 4-12 with Jim & his “smoke & mora’s” gone at the end of the season. This before the Carolina game.

Realistically I didn’t see many shoe-in wins, other than Arizona, Cleveland & Detroit. A combo of Giants, Steelers & Bengals in a row. I’d suggest not watching for a few weeks maybe they will win again in Detroit?

Falcon Fans take a few weeks off, relax….It’ll be over soon.

By Edgar

October 17, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

Jim Mora has to get him a pair and fire his longtime friend Greg Knapp and the organization should then hire an OC that can actually think outside the box. Firing Mora will do nothing more than sustain the past for this club. Mora’s father lost his job in Indy for not firing his OC because of their close relationship. The same will happen to him if he doesn’t look at the big picture. Mora still has a lot to learn about this position but I don’t think firing him is the key to the problems getting solved on this club. Mr. Blank knew what he was getting when he hired him and he has said many times that it’s better to solve problems than just ignore them and change the head coach. I just believe he’s still the face for this position and needs to grow past these situations.

By Eddie Williams

October 17, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

Knapp stinks and they are crazy not to let Lelie play more. If White doesnt produce against the Steelers he should be the third wide out. And once Lelie gets the ball thrown to him more than once every four quarters he will move to the first string.

By morris

October 17, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

How about some blame falling on the shoulders of MR. Blank, after all he is the one who hired this moron coach and his staff. If he would have stayed out of the way and let his succesful GM hire the coach then Lovie smith would have been our leader. Smith was a disciple of tony dungy and that is exactly who Mckay wanted to hire but arthur fell in love with mora and all his notebooks and B.S. At season end blank had better man up and admit his mistake and get rid of this clown or I’m done with this piece of s** franchise forever.

By Keith

October 17, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

Ashley Lelie talks about how they need to practice on Wednesday??? What, the reward for the superior performance on Sunday is taking Monday and Tuesday off???

The O-Line will not learn to protect the QB, the receivers will not learn how to catch, the coaching staff won’t figure out any problems, and we sure won’t beat the DEFENDING WORLD CHAMPIONS by giving the team two freakin days off!!!!!!!

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

A stupid idiot just said vick is getting slower. I am never getting on this blog again , i have never saw so many people talk s** without facts. Fans here suck

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

In fact, I may just stab myself right in the face and say coach Mora did it. Vick is NOT slow, but I would like to see Schaub take a few snaps so we can see what a passing QB looks like.

By falcon fan

October 17, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have teased us long enough. I am tired of Jim Mora and his whole bag of tricks. In my humble opinion his teams dont play with the heart that I see other high caliber teams play with. When things are going good they can pour it on you but at the slightest sign of adversity they hang there heads and start throwing helmets and thats a leadership problem. Do you think a John Fox or Jack Del Rio coached team would have squandered that lead Sunday?

Mora has hitched his wagon to our current OC (Knapp) and now is in a pickle. If he continues down the road we are on he will not optimize the talent we have (Vick)and continue to lose ballgames BUT if he admits the west coast offense doesnt use Vicks superior downfield arm strength well and is hard for a 6’-0” QB to run because of poor sitelines, he admitts that he was wrong all along.

Bottom line is Mora doesnt seem suited to be an NFL head coach and his insecurity over this fact manifests itself in snappy exchanges with the press.

Blank will not put up with this crap. If we dont make the play-offs look for the top 3 coaches to be gone next year and deservedly so.

By Tim

October 17, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

All this crazy talk after only 2 losses??? I still think we have a good team. Chill people, it’s still early.

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

In fact, I may just stab myself right in the face and say coach Mora did it. Vick is NOT slow, but I would like to see Schaub take a few snaps so we can see what a passing QB looks like.

By Blaze

October 17, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

I think it is about time for a change! Either find a way for Vick not to look like idiot when the running game gets shut down or put in Schaub, at least he can pass. Hell, rotate them if you have to but lets see some passing, this is the freaking NFL!

By Ray of Hope

October 17, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Look at the bright side fellow Falcon fans…With every lost, we are that much closer to getting a new coaching staff ! With every win, we are that much closer to the playoff…either way, we win as fans. So Go Falcons !

By morris

October 17, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

I have always been a big supporter of mike vick but my patience has finally ran out. I am sick and tired of hearing the excuses of fans about the offensive line, receivers, coaches sabbotaging vicks career, etc. Last night I watched a rookie QB making his second career start perform like a champion under extremely difficult circumstances which I will gladly list.

1. He played against the best defense in the NFL

2. Arizona’s offensive line sucks too

3. His RB barely averaged 2 yards per carry giving him no help

4. His best receiver Larry fitzgerald did not play

5. His tight end is a rookie as well

Even though they lost the game Arizona fans know they have a QB who can perform under pressure on the big stage. Six years from now cardinal fans want have to be making excuses about why the passing game failed. Wake up people we have a one dimensional QB and defensive coordinators have figured out how to shut him down.

By ms. lynne!!!

October 17, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

I agree with “Ray of Hope”

By Juan

October 17, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

M. Vick is indeed one of the greatest athletes to ever walk this earth but after all, he’s still a work in progress (Into his 6Th season).

Much of the criticism that has been made about our team’s offense has been credited to the lack of elite WRs and shaky pass protection, but mainly the lack of awareness and accuracy from M.Vick. But are they true?

“He is a running back and not a QB”…but when you are told to look at the field and run when you don’t see your primary man open, then RUN! It can influence your decision making abilities drastically. This was the mentality he had in College and this was what he was told to do.

Seeing Vick play under D. Reeves was just the best Vick I have ever seen, and playing at his true potential, with so much grace and touch, it was like seeing history in the making. You knew after that magical 2002 season that he was something special and that he could only get better.

In the off season Atlanta made a big mistake by signing, once again a second to best player, WR Price. They gave up a 1st round choice to the Bills who drafted RB WILLIS MCGAHEE. This gave us nothing but a cheap momentary glimpse of security. And so it all began, as the expectations grew higher and higher just setting us up for a great fall and rude awakening from a dose of hope. But we all dreamed and and we knew that was the season Vick would turn into an elite QB.

I was wrong, Vick got hurt and could not play the rest of the 2003 season. The team went down and so did everything we always dreamed and hoped for. But it not all was lost, wait! …”If Vick was healthy __” , so the excuses rolled out once again justifying the mistakes that were made, giving us just one more shot of hope.

R.I.P D. Reeves………………… The guy who turned Elway into an elite QB was now gone. He didn’t know how to win but he surely knew how to develop QBs.

2004, the season began and with the firing of Reeves the team looked forward to see the young and energetic Mora on the field. Mora was hired because the team didn’t believe some one as old minded as Reeves was enough to coach. Who was believed to be the most electrifying player on the NFL, Vick. They wanted Vick loose, they knew what he could do with his legs they knew we all chanted for him to take off and run. Yet we constantly complain when he didn’t pass the ball.

Instead of teaching Vick how to overcome the constant thoughts of taking off and running, Vick was often lead to do as he pleased, just as you do when you have a dear child and you can’t let yourself correct him when he does something wrong because he’s so precious to you. Vick needed to be disciplined on the pocket, he needed to be taught and needed to learn to think with his arm 1st and then with his legs. Also, not to rely on his legs but on his “teammates”. Yes it is hard to trust your teammates when they drop the ball 30% of the time but it is also hard to receive the ball when you Overthrow/Underthrow 5/10 yards.

Sure they did went 11-5 but that was a given.

Once again the team was heavily criticized on offense and people started to see Price as the reason of their missed fortune.

R.I.P Peerless Price….. Now he is gone and we have found some one else to blame.

Jenkings was on board and so was R. White… I believe these 2 kids have a lot of potential, ‘specially White.

2005 season.. Vick looked lost, yet you could see a lot of progress, The West Coast Off. takes time to learn but if anything he looked confused at first, so the team had to establish the run first until they could rely on the pass. He finally understood he needed to be a QB first, he was finally fed up with all the criticism after the game 7 against the Jets when he threw for 3 Ints. The next 4 games he threw for 222.5 YPG, 7 TDS -1 INT, 61% and 96.67 Rating . But when he finally started to show signs of new life on the second half of the season, his team fell to support him on defense.

Vick looked unhappy but then again you can’t expect to throw for 3500 yds and win games just because you are the greates athlete alive and because you change to the WCO. Specially when you are not willing to practice and better yourself during the off season.

I love The Falcons! I truly do with all my heart, Vick is my hero..

But If i were coaching or being the GM for the Falcons, as crazy as it may sound. I would tie Vicks’ legs with only enough space for him to walk and not run. Put him on the pocket behind his OL and have him throw the ball at practice. I do not want to limit his abilities but just teach him to rely on his arm more than his legs. Like when the blind lose their sight, they learn to use other senses like smell and touch. Yes, I would not have spoiled him nor would I have given him the “royal treatment”, I would be hard on him and show him tough love, break his old habits down to the fundamentals and re-shape him back up without taking way what makes him so special. Just teaching when to run and when to throw. The way coaches did things back in the 70s-80s, all we have now is a bunch of hugging, crying, loving coaches. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for hugging and loving (with my wife) but I know how to be tough too. Do you think T.O would have gotten away with what all he did 20- 30 years ago.. Hell NO!!

Once Vicks legs are tied and the ball snapped into his hands, he would look to move but realized he has to trust his OL line to protect him. This is what it’s all about. Trust.. Vick don’t trust his WR = runs for yards, Vick don’t trust his OL = he scrambles. OL don’t know where Vick would run = they CAN’T protect him, WR dont know where the ball will land = missed passes. While in practice I would let him get knocked down once the D got through the line, It sounds crazy but you’d surprised of the things you can do when you learn to trust your insticts. It has been proven that people learn better under pressure, and it also helps you to think faster. Sure, you’ll get knocked down a lot and make plenty of mistakes at first, but with each hit you’ll get tougher and smarter. Its like when u are in a car wreck, and believe me I have been in a few, 6 to be exact, everything stops and things go into slow motion. This is called Awareness. All you see is the car that is about to hit you then, time seems to stop. It’s like when you look at the clock and the more you look at it, the longer it would take for time to pass by. But if you don’t pay attention to time then you wont even noticed it pass by. SEE MY POINT NOW?

2)I was happy when Vick finally spoke his mind and demanded to be “disciplined” during the Pro- Ball. He finally admits he is not being used to his full potential and demands his coaches to do a better job. I would have Vick throw the ball to his receivers, not 3 times a day for 3 weeks for only a few hours at a time. No, I would have them throw the ball 5 times a week and 3 hrs a day for 2 months. Are you kidding me I work 60 hrs. a week , why not get the best out of your money when you clearly paying them millions of dollars? How do you think P. Manning is so good or M. Harrison? have you seen them practice? They get together 2-3 hrs before the game even starts and all they do is pass the ball and catch. They are perfectionist and that is something Vick was criticized by his team mates last year for not being.

Vick is a freak of nature, The kid has the ability to move his left foot and change the position of the opposite Defense and the way they are set up…even the outcome of a game. That is how much power he has over any other team. Imaging what he could do if he just learn how control this. When 11 Defensive players have their eyes on you that leaves 10 Offensive players open to do what they are supposed to do. Vick makes things happen, he is a playmaker…

I don’t want to make excuses or give myself false hope, IM TIRED OF DREAMING! but the team did a GREAT job this off season and I can only expect a Superbowl ring !!!

Juan Alegria

By DC

October 17, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

Mora is between a rock and a hard place. He has a hugly popular black quarterback in a black town in which any attempt to remove, sub, or trade will me met with howels of racism and bigotry.

Michael Vick may be the most talented athelete in the league, but he is a marginal quarterback at best. Look at his completion percentage, quarterback rating, touchdown to interception ratio, you name it…all near the worst in the league.

So what can Mora do? If he sits Vick for Schaub he is a racist. If he tells Vick to remain a pocket passer and play the offense he is a racist. Anything which leads to Mike Vick not playing all the time, win or lose, will be seen as bigotry. So here the Falcons are, stuck in a destructive loop.

The only reason Vick was an all pro last year was for marquee value. He no longer deserved to be there than I did. I can imagine many deserving quarterbacks who sat at home while Vick played wondering what happened.

No the Falcons will move on as a mediocre team because they are stuck with Mike Vick in a Mike Vick town. Any innovation installed to take advantage of his athleticsm ie vs Tampa, will be responded to by the next game, ie New Orleans, and the one failing of the coaching staff is they will not see it coming as they obviously did not against NO.

So, eventually, Mora will go because mediocrity will not be tolerated, but the next guy will accomplish much the same because that is what we will get as long as Michael Vick is our quarterback.

DC

By Lucky

October 17, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

If the Ravens and Cardinals can fire their Offensive Coordinators, then why can’t the Falcons?

I’m sick of watching our team underachieve. Vick is a good QB, Dunn is a great RB, everything else is serviceable except the O-Line.

I was at the game and knew it was over when Dunn scored on the 90 yard TD. It was too fast. The defense didn’t have enough time to rest and they came out the rest of the 2nd half sluggish as all hell.

FIRE KNAPP NOW!!!

By Juan

October 17, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

People, People!! Stop taking about the Offensive line. How is your Oline can protect you when you they dont know where the hell their Qb is? Are they so bad? why are the the best rushing Offense on the league? Because of Dunn? Are you kidding me. We can throw a monkey in there and he will have a 100 yd game. That’s how good our Oline is. Just like Denver, we can turn any RB into an Elite RB. Now dont tell me they are bad. Seriously! Think about it. As great as vick is, He has no patients and he relies way too much on his leg. The way his mind is set up is Look 1,2 RUN!!. He doesn’t rely on his team. Great QB can make great WR. Not the other way around people. Yeah Our WR are not the best but they are good enough that if we had Palmer, Mcnabb or Old Fabre just to name a few.. They will be putting up the stats on paper. Just look what McNabb is doing with his WR..T.O is gone but he is surely playing all of his WR as if they were Elite ones. Look what he did with Stallworth, Look what he is doing with Brown and lets not talk about Baskett. They all look like Pro Ballers. Vick has more than enough time to throw the Damn ball but he waits and waits and Runs. Vick has the ability to move one foot forward and change all of the defensive assignments. Ok so he gets blitz all of the time. SO WHAT? Don’t you know how good that can be. When you put 8-9 people on the box and blitz. You leave a lot of your WR open. Damn the Giants were using their 2 WR to blitz now what does that leave your WR with? No but Vick looks at them coming and he wants to Run. To me is ALL bad coaching.

By the truth

October 17, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

MORA AND KNAPP ARE NOT READY TO BE COACHES IN THE NFL!!!!!!! I hate to say it but i miss Dan Reeves. Under his offense the falcons could move the ball at ease. All Mora and Knapp have managed to do is confuss the players on the team, because they as coaches are not confident in their decisions, they are in fact rookies. Their coaching seem to resemble Roddie White’s playing……..lack of confidence..EACH WEEK THE FALCONS ARE GETTING OUT COACHED AND CANT SEEM TO ADJUST TO NEW SCHEMES BY THE DEFENDING DEFENSES………MORA IS A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Greedy Nuthugger

October 17, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

Greedy: Your 2nd grade education puts you at a significant disadvantage on these high level blogs. The operative word is “SLOWER” not “SLOW”. Vick’s 40 time is SLOWER today than it was 5 years ago when he joined the Falcons. That doesn’t mean he is SLOW. Lesson over.

By Giantfanintheatl

October 17, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

This was not 1 players fault it was a total collapse by the whole team. I would wager that if you put any quaterback in the game with that offensive line the stats would have been even worse. Anytime a quaterback is sacked 7 times and knocked down a bunch of others you can’t blame him you guys should be glad he could run. The bottom line is that this team was dominated physically, mentally and out coached by a better team.

By Papa Smurf

October 17, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Let’s be realistic…….the ONLY reason we lead in rushing offense with 232.0 yards per game is because we have a QB who runs all over the field in any direction. East, West, North, South, in circles, heck, it doesn’t matter. Warren Dunn is not racking up all of these yards by himself. Our QB shouldn’t be running around and exposing himself to injury from late hits such as the one this past Sunday late in the fourth quarter. He should be standing in the pocket and passing to his receivers. Please note I said receivers which is plural. This season, as well as last year, is quickly becoming the Vick to Crumpler show which is both boring and no longer a surprise to the opposition.

I’m tired of hearing and reading about our receivers who can’t get open. The whole idea of of a receiver running their respective route is so a QB can throw to a certain spot on the field. HOWEVER, when Vick is running all over the place in the backfield because he thinks he can still outrun and outsmart the opposing teams defense, the receivers have to break from their respective routes, and then our offense is reduced to a a backyard pick-up game of football. Yes, the better solution is Matt Schaub at QB. Look at all of the truly successful QB’s in the league that don’t run around and remain in the pocket, i.e., Manning (both Peyton & Eli), McNabb, Brees, etc. Why are they successful? Because they allow their receivers to run their routes. The bottom line is that Michael Vick is a truly gifted athlete with speed, possibly a wide receiver, but certainly not a professional QB in the NFL.

Personally, I hold Arther Blank, Rich McKay, Jim Mora, and Greg Knapp responsible for getting this corrected or you can count on selling my season tickets to someone else next year. This was and continues to be a very boring and disappointing show of competitive professional football. Quit being stubborn and trying to fit your square peg (Vick) into the round hole (offense) and make the change. One person (Vick) does not make a TEAM!!!

Prediction: Matt Schaub will go play for someone else next season and become the next Brett Favre who got away from Atlanta. Matt Schaub will have a very successful NFL career some other team while Atlanta continues to figure out why Vick is not getting the job done.

By CQ

October 17, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone so down on VICK? The Falcons had a 14-3 lead and the defense gave that up. The defense has to be more aggressive. its not just the offense.

By David

October 17, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Fassell was just fired today. Why don’t we pick him up and fire Knapp. :D

By the truth

October 17, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

JUAN, you are just like Mora and Knapp, you don’t know what the heck is going on, you just don’t like VICK.. Mora needs to go, Knapp needs to go and JUAN needs to go, and also people Mike Ritch needs to go!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the truth

October 17, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Mr. Mora, if you want to survive in the NFL, you have to surround yourself with great coaches.. IF YOU CONTINUE TO LET KNAPP RUN YOUR OFFENSE HE WILL DESTROY YOUR CREDIBILITY AS A COACH AND THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST HEAD COACHING JOB IN THE NFL……

By the truth

October 17, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

It’s the same thing, everybody wants to blame Vick…… Why? because Vick is not your typical QB and when ever there’s a problem blame the man with the dark skin. Just disregard how many times he was sacked, just disregard how many touchdown passes his recievers have dropped this year, that’s not important. Just disregard the fact that Knapp’s offensive scheme is better designed for the college level. Instead, blame it all on Vick?????Oh yea, Schaub is so good, I’m sure if he started the Falcons would have won the game Sunday. When actually, DJ Shockley should be 2nd team Qb and Schuab 3rd team. MORA AND KNAPP GOT’S TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By David

October 17, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Coaching is the main problem here. (or lack there of). I mean… two weeks have gone by and they have not made any adjustments or tweeks to their system. Like the spread option. Sure it worked great against Tampa, but this is the NFL… other teams will plan against what worked for you the week before, but we are still trying to run the same play. I realize that it is easy to coach from the stands or at home, but come on… my 7 year old knows that if Vick and Dunn are side by side in shotgun that they are going to run the spread option. I was at the game sunday and it only gained them a few yards each time. (and a lot of bruses).
As for the receivers… I’m an Ohio State grad and I’ve seen Jenkins make the 4th down last minute catch to beat Perdue and the 4th and 12 in overtime to help beat Miami in the championship… so I know he’s able to make the pressure catch. But after watching them Sunday… I think that coaching is not pounding the fundametals into our receivers. (route running, catching in traffic, and blocking). We miss Finneran not only for his catching but for his veteran leadership. I’ve been a fan for 25 years and one thing I’ve become over those years is… optomistic. I still think we’ll win 9 or 10 games this year and hopefully everything will start to click soon. One more thing… I don’t like the comparison between Reeves and Mora… The one year that Reeves coached Vick (broken leg the second year) no one had EVER seen a QB like Mike and no one knew how to defend him. Every time he rolled out the DB’s were so scared that they let the receivers keep going and then mike hit them deep. And after Mora started… defenses started to grasp methods to contain Vick and that has hurt his passing numbers. I think that we would still be seeing the same problems with the passing game today if Reeves was still coach. Bottom line is that we MUST make adjustments and try to counter what we think the defenses will do to try to stop us. Go Falcons

By Larry

October 17, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Vick is a very good quarterback, and the offensive line is very good as well. However, My man (Vick) needs pass protection when he drops back to pass. Say Mora!! Can the brother get a little help(pass protection)?

By Conservative Offense

October 17, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

1. First we hired a coach and coordinators coming from losing teams.
2. Sunday was coaching, Giants find the weak links ( Webster), Chancey Davis and one arm Kerney and gashed us. And no adjustments were made. It’s sad that Jimmy W who has way more upside than slow 15 yard cushion Webster.
3. Unproven receivers. How in the hell is Vick going to be productive with the receiving turnover and unproven jokes they keep putting out there. It allows doubling of Crumpler, using freaking spys because we don’t adjust and go 4 wide. Frustrating to watch.
4. Crowd. The play calling kills any and all energy in the dome. On both sides of the ball. No aggression. Would it kill the Falcons to just shock the world and come out and pass 10 straight. Try it, no one expects it Knapp. They no your bread and butter and your lineman are not imposing enough to dictate to the more dominent defenses.
5. Knapp. I was thinking that Knapp was trying to sabotage Vicks career to get Schaub in there with that joke of an offense and now I am really convinced its true. Please even the biggest Vick bashers know, this offense is way too predictable. When Schaub gets in and he will because Vick want last with this unbalanced offensive scheme, watch the difference in the play-calling. If Vick is not man enough to demand change than its on him. If he finds this BS acceptable than he’ll sink with it. Need to be a more vocal leader and start acting like a QB. The QB like it or not is the MAN! At every level make no bones about it. You have to be the General and get in guys face. Thats whats lacking with this team if the coachs will not hold guys accountable, your team leaders better. Not saying throw guys under the bus, but I think we Vick supporters or waiting on him to get some fire in his a$$. Stop acting like losing is acceptable. They should strive for perfection, yet Mora is and his team follows loaded with excuses. Its a different style and we supporters accept that. You can win with it, the MAN took us to the NFC championship. PLay with some freaking passion, did you all see the Bears on Monday night. The Falcons once had that but its gone. No confidence and Blanks and McKays inaction at the trade deadline has kinda killed mine as well. I have seen nothing that says this staff can right the ship. It’s up to Vick, Brooking, Dunn, Milloy and the other pro bowlers to make it happen. Get in some faces, this soft stuff ain’t football!

By C from Marietta

October 17, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

How is it Vick’s fault when he gets sacked 7 times? It was NOT because he held the ball too long. They were in there in a flash. How is Vick’s fault when he hits receivers in the hands two different times. Jenkins makes that catch and it’s a TD. They should have given Vick’s interception to Roddy White. That was a perfect thrown ball. After the next win, everyone will be talking about great the Falcons and Micheal Vick.

BTW… to By the truth

If you believe Mark Richt should go, you don’t know much about college football. UGA went 20 years without an SEC Championship. What has he done. Brought us 2 championships. 2002 they were 1 play from the national championship game. Last year, during a slight rebuilding year. They were 3 plays from being undefeated. Four years in the top ten and you think he should go? I have heard everything.

By Black Bush

October 17, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

The problem is not Vick or Mora it is Greg Knapp and the recievers coach because somebody has to teach them to catch the ball and be physical Roddy White already has two fumbles this year because he is soft and jenkins acts like he is 5-9 180 and not 6-4 220 put Lelie in the game and let him prove himself as a #1 reciever. Don’t forget Mr.Blank turndown a trade for RANDY MOSS

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

All you Vick-defenders saying “you can’t blame one man, it’s a team effort blah,blah blah,” are probably the same crew who give Vick ALL the glory when the team wins. Forget the defense and special teams etc.

Once again, for you racists out there, if Matt Schaub were the $100,00 million dollar man, and not hitting receivers and LEADING a team (which is what a franchise QB is SUPPOSED to do)you would be calling for his head and screaming racism for keeping the one with “the dark skin” on the bench..WITHOUT GETTING A SINGLE SNAP THIS SEASON TO BOOT!??!

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

All you Vick-defenders saying “you can’t blame one man, it’s a team effort blah,blah blah,” are probably the same crew who give Vick ALL the glory when the team wins. Forget the defense and special teams etc.

Once again, for you racists out there, if Matt Schaub were the $100,00 million dollar man, and not hitting receivers and LEADING a team (which is what a franchise QB is SUPPOSED to do)you would be calling for his head and screaming racism for keeping the one with “the dark skin” on the bench..WITHOUT GETTING A SINGLE SNAP THIS SEASON TO BOOT!??!

By Matt from East Point

October 17, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Trade Shaub and R.White for T.O.

By PickVick

October 17, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Listen up brothers..Vick was the man, but he aint a leader. he sit on the sidlines after turnover and look into space like he confused and what the hell just happened?

Hes a great athelete, but we need a leader on the field to lead us to the playoffs. Vick need to be in the back field, but not taking snaps from center. That should be for Shob..give him a chance, we don’t want anuther farve getting away. I think Shob smarter than Vick when it comes to seeing the field and readin defence.-

By Duluth Paul

October 17, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

I realize this is a forum about football(?), however, I would like to mention one thing about the value of a good head coach: Take the Detroit Tigers who, as a team, reeked ever more than the Falcons (is that possible?). Add good, solid, proven players AND a first-class, grade “A+” coach (Jim Leyland) and what do you get? The name of thegame is COACHING. You don’t get your team ready to play and you get the results we get (including, I might add, the toothless GA Bulldogs). Don’t care what talent Vick has or hasn’t, all the great players on earth can’t win without coaching, game plans, adjustments, etc. Should we just wait for the Second Coming?

By P

October 17, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

GREEDY..are you some kind of nutty brother who dont know how to take sides? In some posts, you defend Vick, and in other posts, you pretend to be white and slam Vick?

When you figure out what side you on, let us all know!

By Dano

October 17, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

CQ,

Take the Mike Vick is great glasses off…. go back and read the above article, maybe it will sink in, if not, here it is in a nutshell:

It’s really strange….Vick “wins” games, but it is never his fault when the Falcons lose a game….. HELLO!!!! The TEAM wins and loses….individuals contribute positively and negatively….Dunn contributed in a POSITIVE way (146 yds rushing, 90yd TD run.) Vick the running back had a POSITIVE of 68 rushing yds with a 22yd TD run. Vick the QB from the NY25 threw an INT and from the NY 44 fumbled and lost the ball…..two opportunities down the drain….. Vick looked lost most of the time…..He can run, but he didn’t scramble…. dropped back and got sacked SEVEN times, fumbled FOUR times and was HIT another TWELVE times!!!!! Great offense…. Thanks Knapp….. Vick has talent..Will these coaches ever learn how to use it????The previous staff had Vick going in the right direction….WCO (Wasted Chances Offensively) is a NIGHTMARE!!!

The Giants had the ball for almost 10 minutes more of playing time……the defense plum got wore out…..Dunn’s 90yd run was a 15 second possesion….then the defense had to come on again….get my drift??? The TEAM lost this one……stop crying that folks are pickin’ on Vick….. He is supposed to be the TEAM leader….. He failed in to do so in this game…….

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

I love Vick. I was driving the limo he was in in his myspace.com pic. Brotha is on time. He slid that blunt up to me multiple times! Multiple times my brothas!!!

If all you damn racists would just leave Vick alone and let a brotha work. Whitey cant take it that Vick is a QB. Get used to it Whitey. He is the best QB in the NFL. Wins dont mean nothin…stats dis, stats dat, brotha can run.

By C from Marietta

October 17, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

To Dawgs2006

Boy do you have a short memory. Yes, the Bulldogs are having a down year. But, all of you act like the Bulldogs have been world beaters forever. Just 10 years ago they were in the Hula Bowl. Now, Coach Richt gives the Bulldog Nation 2 Sugar Bowls and you still complain. 4 straight years finishing in the top ten is not aweful. The only reason Vince Dooley won a national championship was #34. Please get a clue.

By Smitty

October 17, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

I’m not gonna blast away at any one position at this time…..football is a team sport and the whole team played poorly at times sunday…I’m gonna wait and see what team shows up this sunday against Pittsburgh…if we have another poor showing like NO and NY then the time has come to blast away and place the blame where it belongs…my thinking is we’ll see another poor job of coaching and hopefully Blank will see its time to make the nessasary changes….

By P

October 17, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

Will the real Greedy please stand up?

By NYC

October 17, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

In the words of Wesley Snipes (Sydney Dean from White Men Can’t Jump)

“You too stupid to even catch the ball”

By Dano

October 17, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

Greedy,

I thought we were talkin’ FOOTBALL…. you say: “Wins dont mean nothin” and “let a brotha work”…. HELLO!!!! ANYBODY HOME???? He is supposed to be the leader of a TEAM…not an individual “performer.” You sound like a rap star groupie….wrong stage my “brotha” ……Vick is being paid the big bucks to lead a team to WIN all the way to the SUPER BOWL….He is the MOST ENTERTAINING QB in the NFL….far from THE BEST…….Vick can run, but he can’t hide…..seven sacks, four fumbles, hit twelve additional times……get REAL Greedy

By NYC

October 17, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Year after year, Vick spends the season hurt or posting mediocre numbers that fall more in line with AaronBrooks than Donovan McNabb. And yet, each offseason, “experts” continue to predict big things for Vick, praising his revolutionary style and making excuses as to why he hasn’t been successful yet and why this will be the year. First it was the natural development of the QB—it takes a quarterback about three seasons before things officially lock in. Then it was the ineptitude of his receivers—yet the Falcons have always had a serviceable group that includes stand-out tight end Alge Crumpler. Next was the adjustment Vick had to make to Jim Mora Jr.’s West Coast offense, which would need another couple of years or development. Now it’s Year 6, and it’s time for the nation to wake up and realize that Vick is just no good. He’s got the same problems as Brooks—inconsistency, poor decision-making skills, rocketing passes instead of putting the “touch” and placement on a ball necessary for a receiver to catch it. Look, before he was drafted Kyle Boller threw a football through the uprights from the 50-yard line, from his knees. That’s certainly athletically impressive, but no one’s confusing Boller for Marino. Yet Vick’s escaped the media’s ire by the aforementioned “revolutionary” style of play, which equates to nothing more than bailing out of a play at the first sign of resistance and taking off into the open field. On passing plays Vick ignores his receivers, looks to Crumpler as his first option, and takes off if he’s being covered. This style of play ensures two things:

1 - The Falcons will never win a championship until Vick learns to pass (IF he can) 2 - Vick will have a career lifespan closer to a running back’s than a pocket passer

Vick’s best season came in 2002, the year he beat the Packers, when he threw for 2,936 yards and ran for another 777 with 24 combined TD’s (16 pass, 8 rush) and only 8 INT. He’s never topped 3,000 passing yards in a season (or 1,000 rush yards, for that matter, although he ran for 902 in 2004). Only one of his seasons, 2002, did he have a passer rating above 80, and discounting ‘02 as an abberation, Vick has a career TD-INT ratio of 35-31. Most importantly, Vick has never played a full 16-game season. These are not numbers befitting of a superstar. So why does he continue to get superstar treatment?

The NFL could ill-afford another big QB bust ala Ryan Leaf, who was drafted three years prior to Vick and is widely considered the worst draft pick in NFL history. This isn’t to say that VIck has been as inept as Leaf, but the hype surrounding Mike was extraordinary and the league continues to need his name power for people who don’t know enough to realize he’s not the MJ-esque player everyone thought he’d be. The NFL media OD’d on hyperbole and it came back to bite them, so year after year people either deny the truth or make excuses for it. The most common defense I’ve heard of Vick is that it isn’t about his passing numbers—it’s about the adjustments he forces a defense to make and his multi-faceted skill set. I’m not sure about multi-faceted, as running seems to be his only true skill, and defenses—good defenses, at least—seem to have no problem figuring out how to play Vick. In the playoffs, where the victories count, you’ll find that every team has at least an above-average defense and most are stellar. They aren’t fooled by Vick, know he can’t pass, and usually throw a spy on him to make sure his run attempts and yards are kept to a minimum.

The other defense I hear regarding Vick is that his stats are inconsequential because his record as a starter speaks for itself. He’s lead the Falcons to a couple of impressive seasons, this is true, but, Vick’s 31-19-1 career record loses its luster when you break it down—he’s 24-6 against teams that were .500 or lower at the time the Falcons played them. Against teams with winning records he’s 7-13-1. This goes to show that Vick takes advantage of beating up on bad teams but can’t stand up to stiffer competition.

Besides, many average QBs have had great success in the wins column, because a quarterback does not a team make. A true barometer for a team’s talent is on their lines—a good rushing attack and rush defense can mask a lot of deficiencies elsewhere, and the Falcons have had both in recent years. This is the same formula that got Brad Johnson and Trent Dilfer Super Bowl rings in recent years. The difference is that those two quarterbacks were “game managers,” meaning they made the requisite minimum of plays to put their teams in a position to win without turning the ball over or making bad decisions—two things Vick has struggled with. Truth is, we’ve seen just about all Michael Vick has to offer, and it’s not spectacular. At this point in his career it’s pointless to try to convert him to a pocket passer, and the Falcons will never achieve the ultimate success with the way he plays.

The real winner in all of this Vick hoopla is the San Diego Chargers, who were in position to draft him before trading down with the Falcons, in the process acquiring All-Everything running back, worldly talent, and eventual successor to Barry Sanders in LaDainian Tomlinson, who’s consistently been at the top of the NFL’s running back pile while Vick sits in the middle of his pack.

By Gint Fan

October 17, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Vick has NO touch as a passer. He underthrows, overthrows and throws behind his unopen recievers. Twice per game he makes a good pass.

When will the Falcons break it to him that he is not an NFL quarterback. Yes he can scramble and get a first down, but at what cost? How many more times will he scramble before getting hurt?

The Falcons need to mix in Schaub at QB and put Vick in the slot. They can run reverses, fakes, screens, etc. Vick is probably the guy in the roster who can get in the open field with any degree of separation from the defense, so why not use him that way.

The team would also find out what they have in Schaub, who will almost certainly go away like Favre and star elsewhere!!!

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

DANO

If we got no chance of going to the playoffs like so many of you seem to think, we might as well look good. It fills up the dome, and, at least the Vick-haters years from now can look back and see the incredible rushing statistics of the best rushing QB ever!

By Greedy

October 17, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

NYC and all y’all can lick my black bean-bag. Admit the real reason(s) why your anti-Vick?

By Dano

October 17, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

Greedy,

You are right, we should sit back and enjoy “the show.” Congratulations Mr. Blank, you have the ultimate “REALITY” show!!! Run Mike, Run!!!!

By Lanny

October 17, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Let me get this straight the Falcons need another O-Line then Vick would be a better QB Let me ask this if we had bigger, stronger offensive lineman then they are also taller now Vick cannot see over there heads and see the recievers he is only 6’1

By kevin

October 17, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

To the comments posted by the guy that calls himself jesse jackson. You are the reason that people stereotype us. If that is the contribution that you are bringing to the blog please do all of us a favor and dont come back. You are probably a smart guy but you ruin whatever you say by sounding like a complete idiot and this is coming from one of your brothers.

By Tech2Tech

October 17, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

It’s always something with the Falcons, ain’t it? Change QBs, change coachs, change owners and it’s the same thing, “it ain’t over until the Falcons loose”.

I’m a former club level patron paying the big bucks to watch this mess. Best thing I ever did was break that “unbreakable” club level contract. Now I don’t even watch them on TV.

Fact is all these problems is due to the CocaCola jinx. When they built the dome they were warned not allow CC to jinx the house with it’s jinxing participation. But did they listen? Noooooo.

Dora Woodruff lives on.

By matt

October 17, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this

I think you are being too kind. Let’s tear it down… 18 Sacks It’s hard for 5 or 6 guys to block 7 or 8 guys. The defenses know Mr. Vick is a tremendous athlete, but, as most all of us know, not a very good passer. So these defenses put 8 and 9 guys in the box, with one of those shadowing Mr. Vick’s every move. Don’t blame the O line for the sacks.

Dropped Passes Every team drops two or three passes in a game. But, when a quarterback throws 35 passes, two or three seem insignificant. Unfortunately, our quarterback doesn’t throw 35 passes in two games combined. I’m not going to defend the receivers at all. Their inability to seperate from the defenders would make it difficult for any quarterback. And I’m not going to defend the quarterback. He may not be giving them enough time to run their routes before he takes off on a run of his own.

Defense In this particular game, Tiki Barber killed them. However, he’s killed them before. The defense gave the offense an opportunity to put a minimum of 9 points on the board, or a maximum of 21. I’ll take the average of 15. You’ve got to score 28 points in this league to win a game unless you’ve got a defense like Chicago’s. Although our defense is not in the same area code as the Bears, they did a pretty decent job in the first half. I suspect they would have done just as well if they hadn’t had so many starters sit out the second half. The defense played well enough for the Falcons to win. The offense didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that the defense presented.

Offense I’ve seen this type of one-dimensional offense before. I grew up watching Barry Sanders. Vick and the Falcons remind me of Barry and the Lions. Almost exactly. For every amazing play that gained yards, there were three bad ones that lost yards. This makes it very hard to sustain drives. What the Falcons have that the Lions didn’t were other people who can produce. You can blame the coaches if you’d like, they deserve it. You have to blame the players for not executing too.

Bottom line Vick puts people in the stands. He also makes them want to leave with over 5 minutes left and a 13 point deficit. I didn’t even leave the Lions games if they were within two touchdowns. The fans are pathetic. On the Giants last two scoring possessions, our entire section (114) with the exception of myself and three others, were sitting on their hands in silence. So much for home field advantage. I’m tired of mediocrity, and I’m not going to anymore Falcons games until they figure out what a balanced attack means.

By NCseasontixholder

October 17, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Where is Blank? Arizona and Baltimore fired their offensive co-ordinators today! I thought Blank was all about winning and we ticket holders were the stock holders. His board of directors are telling him to fire Knapp. Blank was also supposed to be all about the fans. If that’s true then why did an 18 year season ticket holder have to get on a waiting list to add to his ticket package? These are just a couple of reasons why the Falcons have not lived up to their talent, it is not the players - it is subpar management starting with Blank. If he can’t fire Knapp because he is Mora’s friend, then he should let someone else be CEO.

By long time falcon

October 17, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

NYC, you nailed my sentiments exactly and I am a life long falcon fan. Many true fans down here are fed up with vick and all the excuses we here week in and week out. Of course if you criticize vick down here in the south you are a racist hillbilly. It is always everbody but vick’s fault for the passing game failures and if anyone dare say otherwise they are labled a bigot. Unfortunately, we are stuck with this guy and his outrageous contract for years to come.

By wayne

October 17, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

Well this could be a case of father like son…. When Jim Mora Sr. quit the saints, everyone for years was calling for Carl Smiths(the OC) head but Mora would never fire him. Thus after the offense completely fell apart that last year with Mora Sr as coach on the day he quit the owner fired Carl Smith and people were dancing in the street. As i said like father like son

By RealBirdFan

October 17, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

First off the guy named jessiejackson you need a suicidekit! 2nd of all I think the problem is a combination of things. I was at the dome when the game fell apart Sunday, Vick had no protection, recivers didn’t get any seperation Peyton Manning couldn’t get those 2nd string receivers the ball, Vick did what he could with his legs but he had no runnig lanes! We need a better job from our coaching staff EVERY player on the team needs to be held accountable for there mistakes! If you screw up you sit down VICK as well! No player or coach is bigger than the team! I gave Knapp a chance but I think we need a more creative mind as the O coordinator. We have to use what makes our team diffrent to our advantage it just dosent seem like Knapp knows or wants to do that! Jimmy Jr. fire your friend before you get the axe!

By Terry J. Lee

October 17, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz, If there ever was a Sports Commentator/Analyst that hit the nail on the head. IT IS YOU! You called a spade a spade.

By SC724

October 17, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

Great article. I don’t envy the reporters who have to ask the questions on Mondays. Mora’s defensive nature is more suited for a high school coach arguing with a parent over their son’s playing time. This is the big stage and he needs to learn to take the good wirh the bad.

God forbid that he and his staff might actually change something between games, let alone at halftime. Lelie’s comment about it not magically changing without work is very telling about what is happening at practice.

Just like last year Mora gives them time off because they are doing well. A whopping 3-1. Good thing the bye week did not come later becuase if they were 8-1 they may just meet at the stadium for the next game snd skip Flowery Branch all together.

By terrance

October 17, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

You cant blame vick for drop passes!! You can’t blame vick for lack of seperation.Can we please get Randy Moss or at least Jerry Porter.You definitely can’t blame the most mobile QB in football for all those sacks!!You think Matt Shaub can avoid the rush better.It’s obvious the OLine can’t pass block. Lelie should be starting in place of White. The coaching staff is a joke! How can Vick get into a rythm throwing the ball 12 times. He is not a dink and dunk west coast QB. His strength is throwing the long ball. In short fire the coach or Knapp!! I’m not sold on Donatell’s week defense. Go ahead and stick Matt in their and see what he does, that will end all the Vick hatersss!!

By THE DAN

October 17, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

ASHLEY LELIE ON THE BENCH,RODDY WHITE HEARING FOOTSTEPS AND DROPPING PASSES,MICHAEL JENKINS CAN’T CATCH A COLD.GREG KNAPP CAN MAKE EXCUSES ALL DAY BUT HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLAY SELECTION,AND HE STINKS AT THAT!!! EVERY TEAM KNOWS THAT THE FALCON’S WILL NEVER THROW DOWNFIELD,THE OFFENSIVE LINE CAN’T BLOCK MY 86 YEAR OLD MOTHER.MAYBE TERRELL OWENS WAS RIGHT ABOUT GREGG KNAPP AND HIS FAVORITISM. MR BLANK IT’S TIME TO TAKE A LONG LOOK AT YOUR COACHES.TELL JIM MORA IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GET IT RIGHT. {SEE CHICAGO BEARS AND LOVIE SMITH}. DON’T CONTINUE WASTING YOUR MONEY ON COACHES THAT HAS TAKEN THE MOST EXCITING QB IN THE LEAGUE AND LIMITED HIS EFFECTIVENESS WITH THIS IDIOT DINK AND DUNK CUT BLOCKING SCHEME OPEN UP THIS OFFENSE WITH A PROFESSIONAL O LINE,DON’T GET VICK BEAT UP LIKE THE SMITH’S DID BARTKOWSKI.LET’S GET THIS RIGHT AND LET’S DO IT NOW!!!

By Ken

October 17, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

No question that Vick has skills, but what kind of skills? Throwing?? Running?? Winning??? Believe it or not, all of the above… He cannot be great (or good for that matter) unless there is the THREAT of him doing all three…

If Mora & staff really want to keep earning their paychecks, they will burn the “West Coast/Option Hybrid/ Offense” playbooks, cut Roddy White, start Lelee, and allow Vick to learn to be a better passer by (NEWSFLASH..) having him pass more than run…

What about quick slants, screens, dumps to Warrick (which he did alot of in Tampa) what about Bootlegs, what about play action… None of the above are being used right now…

Also, while I’m on a roll, please beef up the O-line and stop having the secondary play so soft…

Sure, a receiver will make catches, however he should be punished such that he may think twice about making another one…

The Falcons have tons of versatility on their roster that is not being used…That is a coaching problem if you ask me.

By bclontz

October 17, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

@#@#@#$#$$$$$$##@@%%$$##@…….and that’s all I’ve got to say about that ! Smile and keep on buying those tickets, and things won’t change. Try staying home and watching something on tv, cutting the grass, shoveling snow, or whatever…my point is……the folks buying the tickets can either live with it or make em change the way they do business….plenty of high school or college games to attend….and some of them (most of them) are better games than what we’ve been seeing. Don’t keep funding this facade of a game. Oh ! Did I mention….that’s all i’ve got to say about that

By seminolefan48

October 18, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

The truth is we were out coached, and out played by the Giants Sunday. At best we’ll be 5-11 at the end of the Season. That should give us a shot at drafting #21 Calvin Johnson wide receiver at Georgia Tech. Then release White and Jenkins because more than likely they’ll be here till the end of the season. I realize Jenkins and White were No.1 picks which were total wasted draft picks. But anyone who has followed Calvin Johnson’s college career knows he’s a top 5 pick in the 2007 draft. Johnson, lelie and Finneran we’d be set for years at the wide receiver position. I know some of you think I’m jumping the gun about our season but we have to be realistic here. This team has gotten worse each year under this new Coaching staff. Here’s hoping Mr. Blanks will fire the whole staff including Rich McKay. And while he’s at it send Ed Hartwell packing. I’m bringing a bag to put over my head Sunday how about joining me in doing the same maybe we can get Mr. Blank’s attention then.

By monty

October 18, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

Drew Brees goes to New Orleans and now they are the talk of the town. Did anyone see how good Leinert looked last night? They would have won the game if their oc hadn’t got scared and not let Leinert pass on those last 2 plays instead of trying a running back who only avg, 1.5 yards per carry. There are Qb’s and there are extremely gifted athletes like Vick. I love to see him in the open field where he is superman.But back there in the pocket he looks only average. He’s a pro bowl athlete but I’m not so sure he is a probowl QB, Either Greg Knapp is an idot or Mike Vick isn’t QB material. Somebody who knows which is which needs to make a decision soon.

By pfunk3

October 18, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

Arthur Blank and Rich Mckay they look like DUMMIES, They had the Right Coach Lovie Smith, but because he was black, they wanted an unproven white young coach to coach a young black quaterback. Rich Mckay been around football long enough to know a young coach and young quarterback equal diaster in long term. The worst mistake Arthur Blank made is let Rich Mckay fired Dan Reeves, Reeves was a COACH and discplinary, He made adjustment during halftime, he find opponents weakness and exploded them. IF Mike made a mistake under Reeves, he let Mike and the Georiga Dome know about it. Mike respected and trusted Dan decsions which made him concentrate harder on the next play. This coaching staff we have now can not spelled or comprehend the words ADJUSTMENT during the game or at HALFTIME.The Atlanta Falcons have three coaches with title HEAD COACH, OFF. Cord. DEf. Cord. Neither one knows how to Coach, Teach or Prepared their team to win. Under Jim Mora the Falcons Has not or never will be able to come from behind and win games as long Jim and his boys are coaching. AND for all you Mick Vick Haters. From Pee WEE League to the NFL if you don’t have and Offense line or a Defense line that can Push the opposing team backward or sustained there blocks, it doesn,t matter who your quaterback your not going to win quality games peroid. To win CHAMPIONSHIPS not GAMES IT STARTS up front with the O & D LINES on both side of the ball. DALLAS, NEW ENGLAND, PITTSBURG.

By willysee in n.c.

October 18, 2006 03:03 AM | Link to this

Some say Vick limits the offence to a college level suphistication and would challenge any coach. My opinion is he was a fine college qb and will probably always be.