AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > October > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons should cut out the cut blocks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Flowery Branch — Except for all of this cut blocking making opponents wish to smash every one of Michael Vick’s corpuscles, and the inability to keep defenders from charging into the backfield within a nanosecond on pass plays, and a puny guy when it comes to the NFL trenches seeking to become a mammoth guy through steroids, the Falcons’ smallish offensive line is doing just fine, thank you.
They blew it. Alex Gibbs, 65, threw a lifeboat to Falcons officials after last season by retiring. Instead, they decided they could swim toward the playoffs with his controversial methods for line play and brought him back as a consultant, the hidden offensive line coach, the team’s grand poohbah or whatever he is for the third consecutive season.
Whatever Gibbs is, and whatever he is doing, isn’t working. The Falcons’ inability to score touchdowns with regularity in the red zone. The 18 sacks of a highly mobile quarterback to rank fifth in the league. The bruises across the body of that highly mobile quarterback from irate defenders, courtesy of that cut blocking. The nonexistent passing game. The defense suffering from injuries and sloppiness on Sunday, partly attributable to staying on the field too long. The loss of running back Warrick Dunn as a prolific receiver since he has to block to help the overmatched blockers in front of him.
If you connect the dots, the graph will lead you to an offensive line that has a 3-2 bunch sinking after losing games in ugly ways. And guess what? Unless those linemen start gorging themselves with Twinkies or something without stopping from now until Sunday, and pledge allegiance away from that cut blocking mess, it’s about to get worse. Pittsburgh (as in Blitzburgh) is coming to town, and we’re talking about the modern Steel Curtain that has a tendency to smack around even conventional (as in larger than large) offensive linemen.
“We’re all mobile up front, even though we’re not 340 pounds, and some of us don’t even weigh as much as 300 pounds,” said Wayne Gandy, chuckling on Wednesday, suggesting that he is the Falcons’ version of a tub of goo at 315 pounds. “I think that athletically, we can get to people. Being an ex-Steeler, the thing you have to do is match their intensity, because they’re gong to come, and it’s not a joke. They’re not hedging or faking. There is going to be a body here, a body there.”
Hopefully, for the Falcons’ sake, that won’t be Vick.
Near the end of the Falcons’ come-from-ahead loss on Sunday at the Georgia Dome against the New York Giants, linebacker Antonio Pierce gleefully accepted a personal foul after his violent shove of Vick out of bounds. He attributed his anger to the Falcons’ cut blocking that is used to compensate for their lack of size. Plus, this just in from Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith, who told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: “I don’t agree with [the Falcons’ cut blocking]. They don’t let us hit at the quarterback and chop his knees. So why would they let them chop at our knees?”
Good point. Here’s the bigger point: The Falcons should become like nearly everybody else and play three, four, five starting offensive linemen who weigh approximately as much as the earth. That’s because their counterparts on defense are normally that size.
The Denver Broncos are a fluke. They’ve won Super Bowls with their collection of smurfs who use the same cut-blocking techniques that Gibbs brought from the Rocky Mountains to the Chattahoochee River when he came to the Falcons with Jim Mora before the 2004 season. And, yes, that offensive line has contributed to the Falcons leading the NFL in rushing for the previous two seasons, and they are averaging a league-leading 232 rushing yards per game. It’s just that, with the fleet legs of Warrick Dunn, Jerious Norwood and Vick, the Falcons would do about the same with a conventional offensive line.
You know, without all of that other needless drama.
Permalink | Comments (60) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
By Brack
October 18, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
I agree. It’s a gimmick that’s only barely good enough for a first round playoff experience. Vick will never progress as a passer if he has to run for his life after .3 seconds and if the WR’s are more worried about blocking for the run game than they are running routes. But like Mora always says it’s just “execution” and “we’ll get it fixed” god who else is tired of that same monotonous press conference. I don’t usually agree with Moore, but he’s dead on with this one.
By Dennis G. Berdanis
October 18, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
Now the problem is that there is no quick fix. Just stopping the cut blocking techniques won’t make this undersized crew suddenly abile to power block. It will take 3-5 years of concentrating on the OL in the draft and free agency to correct this if we want to go in a different direction. Ain’t gonna happen this year. So now what? Stop the cut blocking and just get run over?
By robert
October 18, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
Way to go Moore. Dont blame it on our sorry arse quarterback. The only time he completes a pass is to the other team. Take the time and add up all the points this guy has cost us in the red zone and your looking at a team thats 4-1. Its time to give Shaub a shot. At least let Mike know his job is on the block as well.
By i'm 116 lb. can i play guard?
October 18, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
wow…this is almost as bad as your article on the option. seriously…the scheme is new. when we can execute consistently, we will dominate. your logic angers me.
By KnowItAll
October 18, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
Robert. You’re an idiot. Schaub has never won squat.
By Fansince73
October 18, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
Moore, you’re a flaming idiot. Gee, dump cut blocking and Vick is back to being superman. Warrick weights 180 lbs, and he effectively blocks 340 pound defensive linemen (that’s why they keep him in to block), but a 300 pound offensive lineman can’t? Maybe you should consider coaching.
That makes about as much sense as Vick throwing an underhanded pass down the field as he is being shoved out of bounds to avoid a loss. He was lucky it wasn’t intercepted.
The NFL can ban cut blocking anytime they want to. What’s next? They are hitting each other too hard?
Oh, please stop boys…..
By What?
October 18, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
“The Denver Broncos are a fluke. They’ve won Super Bowls with their collection of smurfs who use the same cut-blocking techniques that Gibbs brought from the Rocky Mountains to the Chattahoochee River when he came to the Falcons with Jim Mora before the 2004 season” This statement negates itself… The Broncos are a fluke, yet they’ve WON SUPERBOWLS with that system. The whole point is to win superbowls, not pass for 500 yards a game
By Reggie
October 18, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this
You know…sometimes, I wish that Vick would fake an injury, anything to get Schaub in the game. I am SO sick and tired of these idiots calling for him to play. I can just about guarantee that these will be the same idiots begging for Vick to return.
Get a clue!
By Reggie
October 18, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
You know…I wish Vick would fake an injury…anything to get Schaub in the game. I am SO sick and tired of these “Schaub can save the day” idiots calling for this nonsense.
I can guarantee that these same idiots would be BEGGING for Vick to return.
Get a clue! This type of lunacy is reason we got stuck with Mora instead of Lovie!
By travis
October 18, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
Exactly! How can you be a fluke and win super bowls? Fluke teams are teams that are cut down on the road to the super bowl. TM you make about as much sense as the Falcons West Coast (option?) Offense! Maybe they should hire you as the mediator between Donatell and Knapp!!!
By Reggie
October 18, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
You know…I wish Vick would fake an injury…anything to get Schaub in the game. I am SO sick and tired of these “Schaub can save the day” idiots calling for this nonsense.
I can guarantee that these same idiots would be BEGGING for Vick to return.
Get a clue! This type of lunacy is the very reason we got stuck with Mora instead of Lovie!
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 18, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this
That cut-blocking mess, either Vick’s inability or orders from Knapp not to EVER EVER EV-EV-EVER audible, bad pre-snap reads, and receivers who couldn’t catch a cold butt-naked in Anartica are all the reasons they are going to be picking up the pieces of Vick they actually find by the time the season is over. This whole situation reminds me of that traffic light situation on Ashby street. Those dummies didn’t finally put one there until a kid got ran over by a bus. Good luck Vick, you’re going to need it and a LOT of it!!
By RichFalcon
October 18, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
Falcons alert, Falcons alert!! Let’s go fans. Time to get to the dome on time Sunday and be loud with cheers, not boos. The team needs fan support and nothing less than that. We need to get that DOME-field advantage back that we had 2 years ago. GO FALCONS!!!
By skinner
October 18, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
Matt Schaub .. he’s the answer .. Yeah, right!
CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA TD INT RATING 66 134 825 49.3 6.16 5 4 68.8
These are the career numbers of the great Mr. Schaub …
Please remember Vick has had more than one good game .. Vick is the least of the offense’s problems.. our offensive line is horrific .. Until the line is fixed, no offense will work.. i think alex gibbs himself could probably pass block better than #61 & #62 .. and now we are reduced to playing a complete greenhorn at guard against the Steelers and beyond ..the inability to address the o-line issue(including quality depth)for the last two off-seasons may cost us this season before we can do anything about it …
By JJ Falcon for Life
October 18, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
TM, it’s too late to change anything this year. In fact I’m not sure that I want them to change. They are leading the league in rushing! If Crump & Jenkins would catch a few red zone passes we could probably be 4-1 or better by now. (A little more imagination in calling the plays might help too!)A little better execution by everyone involved will go a long way in making this point completely moot.
By southern bird
October 18, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this
Its a sad day, now that the season has begun, Jim mora knew his ol was to light last season, now we are here today saying the same things, and unless Authur Blank gets some guts we will end the same way.I use to drive 300 miles to at least 3 games a year but now its only one game. you got a 100 million dollar QB and treat him like he’s 3 dollars. mike you can pass as good as brees,mcnabb, and p.manning if you had there line ,I seem to recall your line at VT was tall and you amazed the crowd daily with your arms and leggs, I just hope they get you and OC before you are seriuosly hurt. Has anyone else notice the center spend a lot of time getting up off the ground, sad ,sad, sad, . mora remeber extension can be voided, fit it ,fit it ,fit it now!!!knapp,donetell,QB coach , Receiver Coaches all have a serious problem. man you got talent running out your ears,its the people you call staff that will bring you down, if you want to continue as head coach not cocaching from the box, or getting drinks for player, PULL THE G#%$^ D#@&%* SWITCH RIGHT NOW, YOU CAN BET i WONT BE DRIVING 300 MILE,PAYING FOR A ROOM, PARKING AND THE HIGH PRICED FOOD IN THE FUTURE.
By Crossbar
October 18, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
I hope that Mr. Blank is getting a bit ticked at this point. He hired a coaching staff, gave them the players they asked for, yet the puzzle still remains puzzling. The defense looks to be on track but the offense & special teams have more questions than answers. We have an undersized offensive line that employs cut-blocking which apparently means they can open a hole for a RB but can’t protect a QB for more than 2.5 seconds. It also means that we can’t throw outlet passes to our RB’s because we need them blocking. Meanwhile, we have a non-traditional QB who may or may not be able to pass effectively. 4 years and counting we are still asking whether it is Vick or the WRs? Hard to tell given that the WRs come and go yet only TEs ever catch balls here. Throw in an OC whose offensive philosophies were suspect before he even arrived here and compound the problems with our triple threat Koernen who now can’t even get off a mediocre punt and you see why we have trouble winning the field position battle. Mora better bring this squad together soon because a smart businessman would have already flipped the hourglass over on him. Mr. Blank does not like getting embarrassed and that is just what Mora is on track to do again this season. This puzzle better be together come Sunday or heads could start rolling.
By Jay
October 19, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this
The entire offense is a joke, and it starts with the o-line. The cut-blocking has been adjusted to. It was only a matter of time. Unfortunately, its unlikely we’ll replace any of our linemen before the season ends, and I dont Blank has the stones to fire anyone. So this season is screwed.
Look at our wins…against a Steve Smith-less panthers (think we could beat them now?), Kurt Warner starting the Cardinals, and the 1-4 Bucs. Of course, we’ve lost to the 4-2 Giants and the 5-1 Saints. What gives? We cant beat good teams, but we can beat the crap teams…just like last year and 2004.
This is a pattern that hasnt changed since Mora got here, and it will NEVER change until he leaves and takes Take-a-Knapp with him.
Blank, stop the insanity.
By Dawgs2006
October 19, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blank is not smart as he seems. If he was, he would have already fired Mora and company and brought in some football people who know what it takes. I feel like I am watching Georgia dressed in Falcons uniforms. Tired defense, no red-zone production, and BAD play calling.
By falcondawg
October 19, 2006 12:51 AM | Link to this
We passed on Lovie and hired Moron. It seems like the Smiths still own us.
By pfunk3
October 19, 2006 02:12 AM | Link to this
To all the Vick Haters. Let focus on what really wins football game the O/D Lines. Don’t focus to much on skills players postion on Sunday against Pittsburgh.
Step 1 Pay closed attention to our Offense and Defense lines and watch how they get man handle upfront by Pittburgh.
Step 2 Because we don’t have any go to receivers, Pittsburgh going to played 8 or 9 players in the box, there goes our running games.
Step 3 Here comes the Bliz Package, Pittsburgh will be bring two and three blizers in the backfield. There goes our passing and running games, which equal a LOSS.
The sad story behind this Rich Mckay boy Jim Mora is young and inexperience coach who will Not make any ADJUSTMENT DURING THE GAME OR AT HALFTIME. GUARANTEE!! But Jim does give an outstanding interview. Thank alot Rich.
Rich Mckay is building this team for top to bottom instead of bottom to top. He trying build it with skilled players first, instead of building an offense line that can pass protected and run blocked.
In comparison watch the Falcons offense line and see how much Protection Vick have compared to Pittsburgh Quarterbck.
By e.b.
October 19, 2006 02:41 AM | Link to this
More crap from a washed up journalist, who has literally written himself out of jobs from other papers. hey Moore, when are you going to be on Jim Rome show again, you loser?
By Tony C.
October 19, 2006 02:57 AM | Link to this
say what you want to, but when they drafted WR, WR, Trade-for-Abraham….you should’ve been able to see the writing on the wall.
Denver’s O-line wasn’t big, but they weren’t as small as the falcons O-line either….
just going to have to suck it up and pray for catches.
I wonder who the receiver’s coach is? Has Artie B given him an ultimatum yet?
By Andy
October 19, 2006 05:12 AM | Link to this
TM I actually agree with you…man. Wow. There is no quick fix. 3 or 4 years away from a good o-line—we saw what the falcons vaulted d-line could do against the giants(when they were actually in there—how many games this season will they all be there?) Sad, sad, sad.
By Vikingsouth
October 19, 2006 05:48 AM | Link to this
You’re right, Terrance. I know people say you’re being negative, but you tell the truth. The scheme and the personnel are great outside the 20s, but they’re not pass blockers and can’t hold blocks for running up the middle. Thus the problems inside the 20s. That stuff should be outlawed anyway, but probably won’t be as long as McKay’s on the Rules Committee.
By Larry
October 19, 2006 06:07 AM | Link to this
Reggie,
I’ll pardon you because you’re probably a “victim” of the Atlanta Public School System, but, you need to click on “post” only once!
We just may have the absolute most ignorant fans and sportswriters in America. Doe’s anyone have the courage to admit that we have a QB with a double-digit IQ, is too short, is the most inaccurate QB in NFL history, and even today, still can’t figure out where his 2nd, 3rd and 4th receiver options were from last Sunday’s game?
Doe’s anyone realize that Vick wasn’t “sacked” 7 times last Sunday, but, in fact, three or four of these official “sacks” were instead TACKLES behind the line after he began scrambling when he couldn’t see or didn’t know where a receiver was?
Imagine, for a moment, a tall, smart, quick release QB standing behind our offensive line that is built to compliment his superb passing skills with the league’s best running game and our very quick, skilled defense that also need’s a breather by a QB who can sustain drives with a few key third down completions.
Why is it that Vick is ALWAYS shut down completely by a fast, athletic defense?
There’s not a single professional QB, past or present, who believes that Vick has the necessary PASSING skills to compliment his great RUNNING skills. Are you hearing ANY past or present NFL QB complimenting Vick’s passing game? NO!
Vick is the best running QB in the history of the NFL.
Vick is the worst passing QB in the history of the NFL.
The two combined means there will be games where he runs a lot, and is exciting to watch, coupled with games that the defense schemes to completely shut down the run and he is absolutely ineffective and incapable of adjustment. He’s simply a short, fast guy who can throw a long tight spiral.
This is NOT an OL problem—this is a QB problem!
By jerry
October 19, 2006 06:42 AM | Link to this
…..and fighting out of the red corner, still one of the worst franchises in the NFL,………
By Fansince73
October 19, 2006 06:57 AM | Link to this
Didn’t Doug Johnson and Kurt Kittna beat the Giants. What does that say about our current QB……..
By Jhill
October 19, 2006 07:02 AM | Link to this
as in, if we’d just leave the terrorists alone, they wouldn’t attack us anymore…. gee minitly. back-seat coaching with these AJC writers has hit an all time high. You guys are a joke.
By Overrated Again
October 19, 2006 07:14 AM | Link to this
As Arizona Cardinals Coach Dennis Green lamented about the Chicago Bears after they beat his Cardinals in the MNF game, “The Bears are who we thought they were!!!”
Well the same can be said about the Falcons, “The Atlanta Falcons are who we thought they were!!!!”
An overrated team once again.
By fatz
October 19, 2006 07:18 AM | Link to this
did anybody happen to see Mike Vick’s interview w/ Chris Carter on HBO/ Inside the NFL last night. man, i’m confused. he’s now talking that he wants to wing it 30-40 times, he can’t run as much anymore, that he was doing better under coach reeves. he also took carter’s bait about wishing he was throwing to the marvin harrison’s of the world - i’m sure his guys felt great hearing that. sounds like he wants to go back to the west coast offense- i’m sure he’ll have mora/knapp pulling their hair out trying to please him. whether its w/coast, down-the-field pocket passing, shotgun, option, whatever- he has to be able to make the throws first and foremost
By Birdy
October 19, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this
Terrence,
You hit the nail squarely on the head.
The Falcons chose a path to deliberately compromise their ability to protect their quarterback.
That is a “strategy” that no other serious football contender would ever do. And I for one am absolutely thrilled to see the media finally expound upon this lunacy.
Only a FOOL would build a house without a foundation. And only an even BIGGER FOOL would build a professional football team with guys who are known to be poor at pass blocking.
Yes, Gibb’s “techniques” can let you “get by” with weaker, inferior athletes because, hey, how much “talent” does it really take to ride a guy sideways and then chop at his knees? So yeah, you can get some guys off the scrap heap for that. But here’s the rub: The Falcons would have you think ONLY undrafted and multi-cut low-rounders are capable of chopping a guys knees. By the spin they’ve given, they would have you believe that ONLY a Matt Lehr or the even weaker Todd McClure can do those simple, borderline techniques. Well, Adam Faneca (Pittsburgh LG) will be in town Sunday and he will demonstrate what “true talent” along Oline can do. And let me tell you there is nothing the oft-cut cheater Lehr can do that a guy with real skills cannot.
How many years does it take these “football people” to learn that it is good to protect your QB?
We spend all that money on Abraham and Coleman to try to get at other team’s QBs, yet we deliberately leave our own vulnerable? Only a FOOL does opponents favors like that year after year.
I would laugh if I hadn’t dropped so much cash already into season tix. Now I feel embarrassed that our team’s leaders just simply aren’t intelligent enough to even know how to compete in the rough-n-tumble NFL.
There’s really no other way to put it than someone in charge of the team’s strategy is just plain negligent.
Thanks again for the excellent article.
By fatz
October 19, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this
the nfl should ban the cut block. i don’t get it- you’re protecting the quarterback from hits too-low, too-high, too-hard, but you let guys take out expensive def lineman’s knees? i also think the running back stiff-arm to the face is getting out of hand too- any player’s head should be off limits to hands
By THE DAN
October 19, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this
EVERYBODY WAS CALLING FOR DOUG JOHNSON AND JON KITNA,UNTIL VICK GOT HURT IN THAT 2003 PRE SEASON GAME WITH BALTIMORE,AND WE SAW JUST WHAT THEY COULD DO BEHIND THAT TOO SMALL O LINE.YOU COULD PUT PEYTON MANNING BEHIND THAT LINE WITH THE SCHEME THAT IDIOT GREG KNAPP USES AND HE WOULDN’T WIN 6 GAMES.IT’S TIME TO GET RID OF THE SMOKE AND MIRRORS AND PLAY FOOTBALL.THAT O LINE IS TOO SMALL TO SCORE IN THE RED ZONE, REMEMBER THE TAMPA GAME LAST YEAR 3RD AND INCHES AND LOSE A YARD,THEN 4TH AND INCHES AND LOSE ANOTHER YARD, WITH DUCKETT RUNNING BOTH TIMES.IT’S TIME FOR ARTHUR BLANK TO HOLD JIM MORA ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS COORDINATORS AND STOP MAKING EXCUSES.MR BLANK PLEASE REMEMBER WHEN YOU HIRED JIM MORA WE WERE THE TEAM EVERYBODY WANTED TO COACH,THE CHICAGO BEARS WAS THE TEAM NOBODY WANTED {LIKE OAKLAND RAIDERS NOW} WHERE ARE WE NOW?
By mojo
October 19, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this
Contrasting styles
Manning 5-7 seconds to pick out a reciever, who then actually go get the ball sometimes
Mike 3-5 seconds to decide not to run, with recievers whom don’t seem motiviatedN.Y. Defense actually making tackles
Atlanta Defense on the field constantly and missing assignments and tackles/ whom never blitz
second half N.Y. made adjustments
ATL has not made adjustmentATL returns from one week off with no new wrinkle or scheme
Atl special teams are just special ——————————————————————Prediction third and long draw play up the middle
An Atl reciever will drop an easy pass anywhere on the field
——————————————————————Jim Mora will have a just lovely press conference
By darrell robinson
October 19, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
we all can complain about the falcons ..true the coach is terrible should have never been hired in the first placeand vick can’t throw ….but damn just trade schaub and a draft pick to the raiders and try to get randy moss how simple can that be stevie wonder can see if you add a reciever like that the passing game will improve he would go get some of those over thrown balls that vick throws ,teams could not aford to come after vick like that his confidence would improve and the other recieverswould get better in the process with less pressure on them ….its really not that hard (SIMPLE)!!!!!!
By Jaybird
October 19, 2006 08:20 AM | Link to this
I REALLY THINK IT SHOWS YOUR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAME WHEN YOU WRITE A COLUMN THAT ESSENTIALLY SAYS STOP DOING WHAT HAS YOU LEADING THE NFL IN RUSHING, BECAUSE IT ANGERS THE OTHER TEAM!IF YOU HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE GAMES YOU WOULD SEE THAT THE FALCONS RED ZONE PROBLEMS HAVE VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH THE SMALLISH OFFENSIVE LINE BUT THE HANDS OF BRICK THAT OUR YOUNG WIDE RECIEVERS HAVE FROM TIME TO TIME. AND TO PROVE YOUR OBVIOUS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE YOU CALL A TEAM THAT WON 2 SUPER BOWLS A FLUKE. TERENCE, FIND ANOTHER SPORT TO COVER- FOOTBALL IS NOT FOR YOU.
By Kieran36
October 19, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this
Sure the cut-blocking is not exactly the most sportsmanlike method of doing things. Then again, if gibbs would simply give a little more focus to pass protection, then I think we will be better off. Then if Vick continues to struggle, there will be no more excuses…then again, a comfortable Vick has made a few great throws so who knows…
By robert
October 19, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this
Come on now. Lets face it . Vick is just not smart enough to be an N.F.L. quarterback. If we dont get away from this hack we are doomed to inconsistant play.Trade him for some real talent. Someone with leadership qualities instead of excuses.
By dustin
October 19, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
The Falcons have a good team…but moras stubborness to try new things is hurting us!! When were in obvious passing situations PLEASE….put schuab in!!
By ATLien73
October 19, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
Larry, I’ll too give you a pardon, since you probably can’t get the tobacco spit out of your eyes to actually WATCH a football game! Did you even GET an education Redneck??
If you even had 1/2 the IQ (do you even know what the means Inbred?) and 1/16th of the football knowledge, you would have realized that sacks occur from a breakdown in pass protection. If you also had any clue, you’d also know that our line is not built for pass blocking. (And it’s DOES, not DOE’S, dumb@ss).
And you’re right, there’s not a single professional WHITE QB, past or present, who believes that Vick has the necessary PASSING skills to compliment his great RUNNING skills. But that’s the nature of the beast though, to hate what they can’t do!
By Mitch The Dip
October 19, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
Anyone see Mitch “The dip” Evans last night on the Falcon Network? That fool goes to interview Jenkins and spends 5 minutes talking about Polamalou’s hair??!! He never once asks Jenkins why the Falcon receivers are having trouble catching passes. Nice to see the Falcons have created a “Truman Show” environment at Flowery Branch.
By J
October 19, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
Now Lord Moore is commenting on the tactics of the footsoldiers. Save it. We don’t try to avoid angering the enemy. This isn’t a “make nice” sort of game. Let the coaches coach the tactics and techniques.
By Management is clue less
October 19, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
Zone blocking is a run mode blocking scheme. Not a passing scheme. The only way the thing can work is to have more offense lineman main job is to pass block or can the hold thing and use a scheme like new England uses. The problem is knowing how to use you people Greg Knapp is clue less in this. Mora is Ball less to make him get help. Donatell is it a law not to blitz in Atlanta! Vegas had to be in this thing last week. He could have killed Manning. If not Donatell is clue less!
By cowartsh
October 19, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
Terrence, please explain why the Falcons had success in the red zone last year using the same scheme? Please explain how they manhandled a physical front like the Panthers? If you connect the dots it will lead you to the fact that you are just like every other knucklehead who wants to jump ship when the team plays poorly. We did the exact same thing that the Giants did to us to carolina in week 1. They have rebounded from it and we can too. I can’t believe you called the Broncos a fluke. Two Super Bowls is not a fluke. You’re not really that stupid are you.
By gimmeabreak
October 19, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this
Take away the zone blocking and the Falcons have nothing! The reason it works so well for denver is they get Plummer out of the pocket and let him make plays on the move. The only thing worse than being 3-2 is having to read all the pathetic racial comments on this blog!
By C Brown
October 19, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
LOVEY SMITH HASN’T LOST A GAME…..we chose Mora! UUGGHHH!!!!!!!!
By Lawton
October 19, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this
I interviewed Dan Reaves yesterday. Me: I dan, what u been up to lately? dan: had to go to the hospital for laughing so hard at arthur blank. see, he got rid of me when i started winning when vick came back from a broken leg. Me: i remember that. why he fire you like that? dan: i think it had something to do with marketing. see, im a old school coach. i dont look new school. you know, slim and trim with flamboyant interviewing skills. hell, even the referees got new jack uniforms on now. arthur wanted someone younger and more hip looking. Me: well, arthur got his man. guess he didnt want a black head coach either. dan: yes, did you see lovie’s boys manhandle the falcons last year? that wouldve never happened in my old fashioned line up and beat the opponent down kind of football. guess that dont matter when it comes to marketing. Me: whats your take on atlanta’s offense? dan: what offense? u must mean those 11 guys they run on to the field when atlanta has the ball. see, when i had vick, i knew he was never forced to really learn defenses, the man’s got unique skills,so, what i did was put him in my basic playaction offense to take the pressure off him. i would run the ball man on man with big offensive linemen and then bang, i would let vick let loose with a deep pass and just crush the defense. they didnt know what to do. in this west coast cut blocking stuff they got going on, that works on playstation i think, but, in the real NFL like jerry glanville said once upon a time, Not For Long. well, gotta go, see ya.
By Rob in Atlanta
October 19, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
Cut blocking is as controversial as tackling below the waist.
By Vick Bartkowski
October 19, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
I love the racial undertones on all of these blogs. Its funny. Rednecks vs. Black folks. Can’t we just get along like we do outside of the dome when we are cooking out. Ya’ll really wear your hearts on your sleeves. Black vs white QB, LB, coach. Hillarious. I love how every white person is a redneck and every black person is from the ghetto. Are you people grown men. Most the black people on this blog probably have never met a real redneck (trust me they don’t use computers and most of you white people have never met ghetto trash (they don’t use computers either) Three and 5 step drops with an undersized line is silly. Vick looks great at times and terrible at times. Can everyone not see that. By the way Im an Atlanta Cracker. I love Easy E and George Jones
By Pitbull
October 19, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
Miami creates another ugly college football incident, and all you can write about it is that it should help GT? Shame on you and your values.
By jean
October 19, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
People, get a grip. Some people will never like Vick no matter what happens. But no matter who you put back there behind that line, they couldn’t do squat either. That line can’t pass block worth a damn, period. But we stuck with it & stood pat. Now look at us…I blame Mckay for that. We should have addressed it but that would be admitting the current scheme is a mistake. We have no balance on offense. If we gave Vick some time, he can be effective. But he’s running for his life & our receivers, except for Alge, are pedestrian. Next yr, Finn will be back so he’ll have 2 good targets. And, we better fix that line. This year looks to be a wash to me, early to say, but I’m so discouraged. Doesn’t matter his much talent we added to defense, they are on the field way too long.
By Demareo
October 19, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
YOU GUYS ARE ALL IDOITS IF YOU HAVE NEVER PLAYED MAJOR COLLEGE OR PRO-BALL YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS SUBJECT. SPEAKING AS A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CUT BLOCKED AND INJURIED FROM IT, I THINK THE CUT BLOCK IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOLS IN ALL THE FOOTBALL UNIVERSE. YES I SAID THE CUT BLOCK IS AN AMAZING TOOL. WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT LITTLE 8 YRS OLDS DOING THIS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT TRAINED PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE TAUGHT TO PLAY WITH THEIR FREAKING HANDS. IT SLOWS DOWN DEFENDERS AND INTRODUCES FEAR TO OPPONENTS AND AS FAR AS THE FALCONS O-LINE GIVING UP SACKS…. GET A NEW FREAKING O-LINE THAT CAN PASS PROTECT GO OUT AND SPEND SOME MONEY ON A BIG TIME RIGHT TACKLE. DON’T CHANGE THE SCHEME CHANGE THE TERRIBLE PLAYERS. AND VICK MIND YOU IS THE ONLY REASON WE ARE AN ATTRACTION HE PROVIDES THE ULTIMATE MISMATCH AND IS THE REASON WE LEAD THE LEAGUE IN RUSHING THEY HAVE TO MOVE DEFENDERS TO THE OUTSIDE TO CONTAIN HIM THUS CREATING RUNNING LANES. AND BIG FREAKING PLAYS. PUT MATT BACKUP IN AND YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CHRIS CHANDLER AND ANOTHER LOSING SEASON. ALL VICK DOES IS WIN GAMES AND ISN’T THAT ALL THAT MATTER THE HELL WITH A QB-RATING HIS RATING SHOULD BE DONE WITH TOTAL PRODUCTION VS ALL THESE GODDY PASSING NUMBER OUR OFFENSE IS LIKE NO OTHER AND SO SHOULD BE THE WAY IN WHICH WE RATE OUR QUARTERBACK. …………IN CLOSING LEAVE THE FOOTBALL TALK TO THE GUYS WHO HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN IN AND GO TO BATTLE EACH WEEK.
By Michael Smith
October 19, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
Larry, “does” is not spelled “doe’s”.
Demareo, the more frequent use of a period along with proper capitalization would make your points much easier to comprehend.
Mr. Moore, I wish the Falcons could have a couple of fluke seasons and win two Super Bowls.
By jonny
October 19, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this
Larry u cant come out and call atl fans ignorant then Make retarded comments, it makes it sound like u are to retarded to notice how retarded you are. You seem like a retard that tries to convince himself he is smart so that he can fit in with everyone else. Im sorry im tired of being nice. You are retarded son , stoop trying to be anything different.
By The Old QB
October 19, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
Has anybody asked Matt Schaub if he’s anxious to get the sh!t beat out of him behind this pourous offensive line? This is a prime example of what you get when you count on “nice guys” to make up your football team instead of roughnecks. You ask for choir boys, you get choir boys, but I can guarantee you that when the choir boys face the roughnecks, the choir boys wear a straight @ss whooppin. These guys obviously don’t get any respect when an opposing player comes to YOUR sideline and cheap-shots your QB out-of-bounds and gets to walk away. Bullsh!t, they would still be walking off 15 yarders, because he wouldn’t have any @ss left to kick. This is what we have to deal with and I’m sure Vick would gladly let Schaub take some of that @ss whooppin anyday.
By GT80
October 19, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick is the greatest RB that can throw passes as well. If we could convince Mora to run the single wing option offense with Schaub and Vick in the backfield together the Falcons would rule the NFL, even with an undersized OL. Seriously, everybody knows the game of football is won at the line of scrimmage. The Falcons have 3 decent DL’s and 1 decent OL. It’s amazing they’ve looked as good as they do sometimes.
By Mothball
October 19, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
Hey Demareo,
You’re kinda missing the point on this whole “blog” thing. Let me help you: It’s a forum for fans to vent their frustrations about a team in the process of swirling around the bowl and down the hole again.
All of those fine football folk in Flowery Branch sure do not appear to have the answer. Mora’s post game antics sure have all of us believing that he’s about to unveil the solution. Maybe he could use your expertise? You could post your thoughts on the bulletin board as you’re gathering up the sweaty jock straps.
Hey, I am having a BBQ this weekend. Maybe you could come over and run around the yard cut blocking everyone. We could all applaud your athleticism.
I do agree with your O-line thoughts, however. They are as pathetic as your all caps post.
Give us a break.
By e.b.
October 19, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
I got an idea, why don’t all you fair weather fans fade away once and for all. Either that, or pick another team to root for. YOU IDIOTS!
By Najeh Davenpoop
October 19, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this
Terence Moore, you make a good point badly. The cut blocks are cheap and should be outlawed, and I would love to see the Falcons get some Larry Allens and Alan Fanecas on the O-line. But the real problem on the Falcons is that the front office thinks the cut-blocking scheme qualifies them to go cheap on the O-line instead of spending big money and high draft picks on linemen. Like many fans, our front office makes the mistake of thinking the cut-blocking scheme helps the pass blocking too, when it is painfully obvious every week that it doesn’t. The failures of the scheme are apparent when our O-line has to block goal-line packages in the red zone, and any time Vick drops back to pass.
If we ran the cut-blocking scheme and still used high picks on linemen (like this year for example, when we should have drafted OT Winston Justice instead of CB Jimmy Williams), I would have no problem with it. But if we continue to use the scheme as an excuse to pinch pennies on the O-line it is hurting our team more than it is helping. The only high draft pick on our line is a 35-year-old who is way past his prime. Considering the mediocre pass blocking our offensive line puts up week in and week out, not spending more money and higher picks on O-linemen is unacceptable.
For the record, the Broncos drafted an offensive tackle in the first round in 2003, which is much more recently than the Falcons’ last 1st round O-lineman.