AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > November > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USElder Mora fears son’s job tied to erratic Vick
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Flowery Branch — If you go by the usual indicators such as wins, losses and championships, Jim Mora is in trouble as an NFL head coach.
So says the older Jim Mora.
To hear him tell it, the future of his son and the Falcons’ whole staff is mostly attached to the frequently erratic left arm of Michael Vick. Never mind that the smallish offensive line continues to implode. Or that the receivers haven’t a clue. Or that the defense remains brutal. Or that they’ve had a slew of injuries. Or that the play calling in this version of the West Coast offense is closer to stuff from Geri Walsh than Bill Walsh — you know, Geri’s husband.
The younger Mora is in trouble because No. 7 is just a gifted runner who happens to play quarterback. So says the older Mora in comments posted on SI.com. Courtesy of his penchant for brutal honesty, the older Mora agreed with the co-host of his radio show on Fox Sports Radio that Vick is a “coach killer.” Said the older Mora, responding to partner Craig Shemon, “I think you’re correct. And it worries me a little bit because my son is the head coach down there, ya know? But he’s a great athlete, my son likes him a lot, he’s a good kid. But he’s not a passer. And you need a passer at quarterback to be successful consistently in the National Football League. And he ain’t getting it done in that category. I agree with you.”
Here’s the bigger question: Does the only person who counts with the Falcons agree with the older Mora? Nope. Team owner Arthur Blank is a staunch Vick backer (as in a $140 million investment in the guy). Not only that, he suggested Monday that, despite the Falcons’ ugliest of three-game slides (did they really lose back-to-back to Detroit and Cleveland?) to 5-5, the younger Mora isn’t going anywhere soon.
Remember, too, that the Falcons are threatening to become turkeys before Thanksgiving for the second consecutive year after another flying start under the younger Mora. “But the coaches are still coaching hard, and the players are still playing hard,” Blank said.
This was after Blank spoke about his idea of misguided remarks from the older Mora regarding the plight of his son in relation to a flawed quarterback who nevertheless has reached three Pro Bowls.
“If Jim’s dad was sitting here, I would say this too, and I haven’t talked to him, but he has to understand that when you’re in the NFL, it’s not like in a private business,” Blank said. “It’s a very public world, and when he says something like that, particularly since his son is the head coach of an NFL team, it’s going to be taken in a very different way than if he was talking about somebody else.
“I think that, given his role in the media and given his expertise as a former head coach in the NFL, in my opinion, he needs to be very sensitive about things like that. It’s something else when you say it over a turkey dinner to your son that I feel this, this and this about your team. And it’s something else when you say it publicly.”
In case you’re wondering, Blank discussed his feelings about the older Mora’s comments with “Jimmy,” but whether father and son will caucus on the matter is unknown. The younger Mora spent his news conference Monday dissecting the Falcons’ final six games after their dismal Sunday in Baltimore. Afterward, when pulled aside, the younger Mora forced a chuckle before saying of his father’s comments: “Somebody told me about them, but I never talked to him about them. I really don’t know anything about this. I never asked him about it.” Then the younger Mora added, “I really haven’t talked to [the older Mora] lately. He’s media now.”
The younger Mora forced another chuckle. Maybe to hide that he was biting his tongue.
Permalink | Comments (194) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
By Jeff D
November 20, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
Mora’s job is tied to his incompetent offensive coordinator.
By RichFalcon
November 20, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
Just WIN, baby. That’s what this team, this city, these fans need right now and get in the playoffs!
By cc
November 20, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this
Mora Sr. is telling the truth, but as any father with children in the league, you should not respond to questions concerning your children. Now tell me, what qb in the NFL isn’t a coach killer? Ask Billick in Baltimore, he was going down the drain with Boller, senior management had to pull the plug and bring in McNair. Billick got a pass because of the superbowl he won, but he was definitely on his way out. Brooks killed Haslett, Couch killed the coach in Cleveland, Harrington killed a couple in Detroit, Seifert was killed by his first rounder in Carolina, and the list goes on an on. Tonight Manning is killing Coughlin. The world is hard on Vick because he’s different, but let’s face, the kid brought football to Atlanta. He sells out everywhere he goes and he’s definitely worth the price of admission. Now tell me, what will be difference between Vick and Marino if Vick doesn’t win a superbowl?
Mora needs to make some decisions with his staff. Vick is here to stay, Blank being a business man will keep a product that sells.
By OpinionsAreLike
November 20, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
The media share some responsibility in all this. They were the ones who said Vick was the most exciting quarterback to ever play the game. Now it is all falling apart because after six years he has not lived up to the billing he was given. Wait one more year and cut your losses. Let Vick start a new career somewhere else because it ain’t going to happen here. I’d love to be proved wrong but I don’t think I have to worry about that. Vick may be one of the biggest busts ever.
By lawton
November 20, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
funny, no one said elway was a coach killer when he was whining about dan reaves and got reaves fired. And this was BEFORE elway won a superbowl.
By Paul
November 21, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
What kind of fool would claim that Vick “got reaves [sic] fired”? Coach Reeves was fired after a season that was quarterbacked by Doug Johnson.
Vick was out with a broken leg suffered against Baltimore in the preseason and for those who want to lie about it he was in what we in Atlanta laughingly call a pocket.
By Roger
November 21, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this
Blank has left Mora no option, play Vick for your tenure as coach and be successful or your fired, you think Lombardi ever worried who to play because of so much money involved?? the biggest problem with the NFL not enough gonads to pull the starter if it is not working. I applaud Bill Parcells 100%!! DO it Mora make the change!! all you have is your job to lose if you do or don’t.
By e.b.
November 21, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
Yea, I disagree. Vick can pass, the problems (and there are a few) remain that the coaching staff stinks, the O-Line is attrocious, and there’s not much talent surrounding Vick. Other than that, and injuries, you’re seeing first hand what the problem is. Heck, by the time Vick moves back to pass, he’s got huge guys trying to sack him. Unfortunately, Vick is in such a position, he’s the human highlight reel, there’s so much attention focused on him. He gets blamed, even when he’s not to blame. He’s the Michael Jordan of the NFL, before Jordan won his six rings. Bottom line is, if this franchise wants to succeed w/ Vick, and I believe they do, then they need to spend $$$ to get him big O-Linemen, similar to the kind Peyton Manning has w/ the Colts. If Vick has that kind of protection, this team will be very deadly.
By e.b.
November 21, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this
Yea, OpinionsAreLike -and yours stinks. Vick has done his job. Gotten us to the playoffs, been voted to the pro Bowl 3 times. Don’t forget, this is only his 4th season as a starter. 1 Season he was on the bench behind Chandler, and 1 season (basically the entire season), he was injured. The problem is not Vick, YOU IDIOT.
By e.b.
November 21, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this
Hey Roger, you’re as dumb as the rest of these people, if you think Vick is the problem.
By Greedy
November 21, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this
What the hell did Jim Mora Sr accomplish in the NFL in the grand scope of things. He never won a super bowl , i cant rememeber any great playoff teams. SO the best thing for that jerk to so is shut his b*** a* up. Who the hell Mora Sr. what scheme can you identify him with, he would have ruined peyton manning if he would stayed with the colts . f*** him
By Greedy
November 21, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this
I agree E.B , this s** si funny
By George
November 21, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this
Playoffs!!!???!!???
Playoffs!!!???!!???
Playoffs!!!???!!???
By stevew
November 21, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this
it has been six years now with Vick. and everyone is still making excuses for him. What? inconsistent, erratic and predictible play that will never lead to a super bowl. i was as excited as anyone in this town when he arrived. but all that he leaves behind him is disappointment. to bad that Vick is paying paid so much, because he will never be benched. different ownership, same results. blind loyalty to mediocrity. glad i never had much money to spend on this garbage.
By Bear
November 21, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
When Steve Bartkowski came to the Falcons, he was the savior of the franchise. He couldn’t run, but in those days only Fran Tarkenton and Roger Staubach could run, and then only to avoid a sack. They were exciting, but true NFL QB’s threw the ball, and Bartkowski could throw it 80 yards in the air. Offense was still based on the run.
Poor Steve, he got sacked more often than Vick, because he couldn’t aviod a tackler. The Falcons had no O-line, and no one had ever told that ownership group that it does no good to have a man with an arm like Bartkowski’s if no one on the team can catch the ball. Not only could no one catch the ball, no one could run it. At least the defense was respectable.
I think Arthur’s paying a whole more attention to the needs of this team than ownership ever did to the teams that featured Steve B. Arthur has a cap, and that will hurt him when the time goes to blow this team up and build another. In Steve’s day, there was no cap, but ownership wasn’t interested in spending money to bring a good football team to Atlanta. I believe Arthur wants a good team. Let’s support him as he tries to figure out the best way to blow this team up and bring us one we can be proud of. Remember, Steve Bartkowski never lived up to his potential, either.
By Roger
November 21, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this
Think about it though, I am a season ticket holder, and mainly because of Vick, I love to watch when he is on, but a coach still needs to feel he can pull a player if needed, there is no way he will ever be comfortable ever doing what he needs to do to make it—it would probably be a wakeup call for Vick! I mean how does Alex Smith go and win in Detroit, just EMBARRASSING!!
By Roger
November 21, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this
Oh and Eb sure took Rothleisberger a long time to win and also Brady..so don’t want to talk about how many years it takes!
By Jay
November 21, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this
Mora is a maturity killer, Knapp is a Vick killer, Donatell is a blitz killer. Mora Sr. is a sanity killer.
By Roger
November 21, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this
I wish I could disagree with you Jay.
By Dano
November 21, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this
Hey e.b.,
OpinionsAreLike and Roger can have an opinion (shared by many right now,) that doesn’t make them an IDIOT or dumb.
Have you adopted Vick???? You sure sound like a protective parent. Haven’t you complained that Vick can’t do it all by himself???? Well he should stop trying then. That running of his is taking it’s toll. Sure it is exciting and ENTERTAINING, but it is just too much. McNabb is done for the season….Vick increases his chances to suffer a serious injury every time he runs for those long gains. He led the rushing yards on the team Sunday. Is he a RB or a QB?????
Calm down and pray MORA & COMPANY get their act together and give Vick a game plan that works……….MV7 has the potential but we didn’t see much of it the last three games……….
By Dano
November 21, 2006 01:53 AM | Link to this
Hey e.b.,
OpinionsAreLike and Roger can have an opinion (shared by many right now,) that doesn’t make them an IDIOT or dumb.
Have you adopted Vick???? You sure sound like a protective parent. Haven’t you complained that Vick can’t do it all by himself???? Well he should stop trying then. That running of his is taking it’s toll. Sure it is exciting and ENTERTAINING, but it is just too much. McNabb is done for the season….Vick increases his chances to suffer a serious injury every time he runs for those long gains. He led the rushing yards on the team Sunday. Is he a RB or a QB?????
Calm down and pray MORA & COMPANY get their act together and give Vick a game plan that works……….MV7 has the potential but we didn’t see much of it the last three games……….
By Ben
November 21, 2006 02:22 AM | Link to this
I think one of the stupidest things I ever read on sports blogs and message boards is that, “Vick will never lead us to the Super Bowl”. In all reality, NO quarterback leads his team to the Super Bowl. Dominating defenses do. Something like 59 of the past 68 teams to play in Super Bowls had top ten defenses, while I think there were about 20-30 or so who made it to the Super Bowl without a pro bowl quarterback. I guess Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson, Jeff Hostetler and Doug Williams “led” their teams to Super Bowls too, didn’t they? If throwing for large numbers of yards won you Super Bowl where are the rings for Marino, Fouts, Anderson and Moon? Defenses win Super Bowls. How far you go in the playoffs rests much, MUCH more on the shoudlers of your defense than it does the quarterback. I get tired of hearing “we will never win a Super Bowl with Vick”. Because clearly Trent Dilfer was such a more prolific player.
By Ben
November 21, 2006 02:22 AM | Link to this
I think one of the stupidest things I ever read on sports blogs and message boards is that, “Vick will never lead us to the Super Bowl”. In all reality, NO quarterback leads his team to the Super Bowl. Dominating defenses do. Something like 59 of the past 68 teams to play in Super Bowls had top ten defenses, while I think there were about 20-30 or so who made it to the Super Bowl without a pro bowl quarterback. I guess Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson, Jeff Hostetler and Doug Williams “led” their teams to Super Bowls too, didn’t they? If throwing for large numbers of yards won you Super Bowl where are the rings for Marino, Fouts, Anderson and Moon? Defenses win Super Bowls. How far you go in the playoffs rests much, MUCH more on the shoudlers of your defense than it does the quarterback. I get tired of hearing “we will never win a Super Bowl with Vick”. Because clearly Trent Dilfer was such a more prolific player.
By Older who?
November 21, 2006 02:41 AM | Link to this
The older mora doesn’t know what he is talking about, remember he had Payton Manning and he didn’t win….remember the banter “PLAYOFFS” may be it’s the mora genes, they get a great QB but can’t utilise them…I think Mora Jr. is a good coach, but Knapp is not a suitable coordinator for Mike Vick, may be he is ok For Garcia…
By Rell
November 21, 2006 03:03 AM | Link to this
Mora Sr was a loser as a coach, and so is his son.
By BigSteve
November 21, 2006 03:52 AM | Link to this
On Monday night football the comments about Eli Manning were, “he has yet to turn the corner as a quarterback.” This was said about a 2nd year NFL QB. Well we have a 6 year NFL QB who has yet to turn the corner. Hello!! Is anyone listening???
By johnofjr
November 21, 2006 04:35 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blank is in a lose lose situation. Bench Vick, and watch your attendence go to the bottom of the NFL. Trade him, and watch him come back to haunt you from another team. I am not a Vick fan, and never was because to me he seems like an arrogant athlete. I could be as wrong as two left shoes, but that’s my opinion. I do feel that Vick has put fans in the stands, and helped Atlanta’s economy. Arthur Blank is a businessman. Home Depot had to crawl before it could walk, so do the Falcons. The people of this city get spoiled when you do well, and that is a price that is worth paying, and with ticket prices “should” be paid. I say “shut up and let the Falcons staff run the Falcons” They don’t tell us how to do our job. By the way, Jim Mora, SR.??? Yes, stupid, very stupid for the comments he made.
By steve
November 21, 2006 04:55 AM | Link to this
The “only things” this team needs are HELP on the OL, DLs who can rush the passer, RECEIVERS
By Vicks a winner
November 21, 2006 05:19 AM | Link to this
Vick will win, heck he is the best thing bar-none to happen to Atlanta Sports. If Abe gets healthy and Dunn can regain his burst the Falcons will rebound and by the time they’ve won three in a row, starting Sunday all this stuff will be non-sense. Mora Sr. is a joke, but it does create trust issues with Vick and Mora Jr. Leads credence to the fact that it seems like these guys want Vick to get hurt to play Schaub. At least with that crazy play-calling it seems. Spread the freaking field so if Vick has to run he will actually have some running lanes Mora Jr. and Greg Knapp.
By KneeJerk
November 21, 2006 05:22 AM | Link to this
Roger, remove Roethlisberger from that statement. He just happened to be QB of a team that had good surrounding players. He’s not much better than Dilfer was with the Ravens.
By Covington,Ga
November 21, 2006 05:40 AM | Link to this
Vick is not the problem….Vick went over 3,000 passing yards with Dan Reeves but every since Jim Mora & his staff step into town he has failed with the production of Vick….Jim Mora is not fit to be a NFL Head Coach…an Head Coach is a person who disipline his players and Mora is nothing more then a “Yes Man”..Lets get a real coach in here Blank.
By Nono
November 21, 2006 05:52 AM | Link to this
I remember all the average bandwagon fans who were attacking Richt Till he won at Auburn—-They were on Willie saying he was terrible and Richt’s wife had cancer and that where his attention was, not on his losing team. Now all you average fans are happy for Richt and his recovering wife—-and yes the Willie too.
Can’t you see that Mora jr and his staff are doing a pretty good job!!—The problem is Vick—-He should be playing coverage in the secondary, or a wide receiver like Tech did with Bilbo. Vick has a good heart, he wants to win as much as we do, and all the name calling isn’t going to work—instead its going to take some leadership from the top down. I mean Mr. Blank is going to have to insist on something being done—-we might be the worst team in the NFL right now.
By billy g
November 21, 2006 05:59 AM | Link to this
I blame Alex Gibbs. He can coach, but he can not pick players. McKay has given him free reign over personel decisions along the OL. The results have been disastrous.
We can overcome this funk by simply investing in top quality Offensive Linemen. This off season, we should start by drafting Josh Beekman (OG) and Sampson Satele (C).
The game is won and lost in the trenches.
By Mactown
November 21, 2006 06:13 AM | Link to this
Jim Mora Sr.? What does he know? He was a team killer! He doesn’t have a clue! What does he want his son to do put a “traditional/classic” quarterback in the line-up? Come on his son would lose even more games if Vick isn’t quarterbacking. Maybe his son is committing suicide. Ever noticed him talking to the booth via headphones during the game? Looking at a playsheet or anything? No!! He’s too busy standing on the sidelines looking ignorant yelling “Fight, Fight, Fight”!! He should be in the locker room at half-time fighting that dumb Greg Knapp and Ed Donatell for calling dumb predictable plays or sitting in soft bend but dont break zones!
By Birdy
November 21, 2006 06:14 AM | Link to this
What’s “killing” Mora Jr. are their counter-productive “strategies” such as
Building an offensive line that does not place pass protection of the franchise quarterback as a top priority
Continuing to use an old, slow, washed up dimunitive RB (Warrick “Done”) and expecting him to gain yardage late in the season against top defenses. Newsflash: Dunn ducks down at the first sign of contact to protect his 170 lb frame. That’s good and smart of a 10-year vet trying to last through his gaudy contract, but that does nothing insofar as punishing a defense and grinding out key drives. Right now, he is a high school RB and he couldn’t help ANY QB. Put Schaub in, let Dunn get stuffed in typical fashion, then let’s hear what Mora Senior has to say as our QB still gets teed off on because teams KNOW the little Midget is no threat.
Mora Jr. lacks the foresight to manipulate the depth chart in a flexible manner to ensure top performance week in and week out. It took weeks of embarrassing “work” by Roddy and a forcing of his hand by public uproar to demote #84. Now since getting Shoddy’s attention, guess what? He hasn’t dropped ANYTHING the last two weeks. The Jaguars looked pretty good catching passes last night. Why? Because it was reported their coach, Jack Del Rio, told all of them “we’re starting over with open competition for WR spots. Make play, you play.” That got some guys focus. Why can’t blakely or Beverly sit a game so we can see Daniel Fells? If Fells makes a grab, wouldn’t that cure all of Crump’s concentration lapses the rest of the year? If Youngblood were activated over Jennings this week, wouldn’t that help all the receivers “come to play” this Sunday? Wouldn’t it help the replacement gunner focus a little better on punt coverage? You bet it would.
Mora Jr. has a long ways to go to reach Bill Belichick’s level. Too much buddy buddy. Not enough adjusting, holding guys accountable.
Why is it that Paul Carrington and Mallard can apply some pressure against the Ravens (who had yielded only 14 sacks going in) even with Kerney out? Because there isn’t THAT much difference between an old washed up “starter” and a young HUNGRY player when the rubber meets the road on gameday. Jr. hasn’t figured that out. Complacency is this team’s #1 problem (then Knapp). And Mora Jr. is failing himself and the team because his leadership fosters it.
That’s what is “killing” Jr.’s career here in Atlanta. Vick is and has been his meal ticket. Sr. would do well to do as Blank says in his typical roundabout fashion: STFU.
By billbob
November 21, 2006 06:18 AM | Link to this
YOU CAN’T COACH STUPID!! When was the last time vick called an audible?
By can't we all just get along?
November 21, 2006 06:33 AM | Link to this
everyne shut up already. i am so sick of i love vick, i hate vick. he is the Qb. that is not going to change anytime soon. if you can not stand vick, deal with it. if you love vick, appreciate him. But enough is enough. WHy does everyone have to so at two different extremes with the guy? YOu have the idiots on one side who claim that vick is terrible, everything is vick’s fault, and that VIck will never take you to the super bowl even though he was only one game away two years ago? And then you have the childish idiiots who just think that vick is infallible, without fault, everything is everyone else’s fault? JUST EVERYONE PLEASE SHUT UP ALREADY ABOUT MV7. just let the season play itself out. if changes need to be made at the end, i think arthur will make those changes. but everyone please understand that vick is nowhere near as bad as many make him out to be and that vick is nowhere as good as the rest make him out to be. right now, he is a struggling middle of the road QB with top of the line physical talents. he has flashes of greatness, moments of horrible play, and then the majority of his play is oh, so what? So everyone stop being such extremists with they guy.
If you hate vick so much, you can not truly be a falcon fan because he has done alot of great things for this franchise in his six years here. (sold out stadiums, games on tv, playoff appearances, more victories than losses, winning seasons, playoff victories, conference championship appearances). if you can not at least appreciate his contribution to all of that, then you are not truly a falcon fan.
BUT at the same time if you want to jump up and down and tell me that vick is just so great and infallible and how dare anyone blame anything at all on vick, then you are not a true falcons fan either because you are more worried about justifying your man crush than about what is truly in the best interest of your team. if warrick dunn or DHALL has a horrible game or even just a so what mediocrce game, do you not get angry with dunn and DHALL and blame them for their role in the team losing? So why do you not blame vick at all when they lose and he is at best mediocre in the game? you are more concerned about the individual player than the best interest of the team.
With that being said, I love Vick but it is time for people to start being real about VIck from both ends of the MV7 dispute. much of the criticism is too filled with venom, hate, blind loyalty, and sometimes racism. Start being objective when you analyze the pros and cons of MV7.
By cousin brucie
November 21, 2006 06:35 AM | Link to this
FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
By clg in the ATL
November 21, 2006 06:39 AM | Link to this
Bear you got it goin’ on—- Coach killer? Ummmm when I think of Dominique,PrimeTime(played Superbowl and World Series -same year!),David Justice for starters….Atlanta Fans are talent killers—-they will not be satisfied until they have run another talented player away. And what do talented players do when they leave the ATL? THEY WIN!! Atlanta, You want a Superbowl team? Start by being Superbowl fans!!Stick by your team and support them NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS— Look at NY,Phily,Cleve fans-they fill the stands win or lose—-Guess I’m talking to a wall—Atlanta is CLUELESS.
By Leroy
November 21, 2006 06:55 AM | Link to this
While it is true that Vick is a gifted runner and athlete, he lacks greatly in quarterbacking skills. I’d like to see the Falcons do something creative and cutting-edge for a change. Why not switch Vick to the tailback position and put Schaub under center. That scheme should scare the pants off opposing defenses.
By Reality
November 21, 2006 07:18 AM | Link to this
Vick is Vick, a good player. He is on a average team, until the folks in Atlanta get it in their thich heads they will continue to blame him, including Mora Sr. This is a .500 team at best, sorry but they are. Give this team a few more years to gel because they simply are NOT that good but they will be in a few years, including Vick, he is still very young.
By Busta Nut
November 21, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this
I just have two words here……Tony Romo! Here is a kid that sprang on the scene (undrafted) three weeks ago and all he does is win. Nope, no big NIKE contract just yet, or clothing line, but just wait. He’s calm under fire, making good decisions and is gaining the confidence of his teamates! Then, we have 6 year veteran Michael “Ron Mexico” Vick. Now I ask you, who’s getting the best bang for their buck now?
By Randy Duncan
November 21, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this
HOw can anyone say he is the best thing to happen to Atlanta sports Wrong the 1995 braves season wasthe best thing maybe the only thing in Atlanta sports to brag about.Also quit saying this is a average team two years ago a lesser team went to the NFC Championship that isnot average Let me say it to much blame to Vick and also to much credit to #7,he is not Brady and until he gets the city a championship he won’t be.Remember Gavine and Justice brought us a championship.
By Dano
November 21, 2006 07:45 AM | Link to this
Hey Nono,
You wrote: “Mora jr and his staff are doing a pretty good job.” WHICH GAME DID YOU WATCH SUNDAY????? That was the most awful play calling I have ever seen by a NFL Team!!!!! They need to adapt and execute!!! Covington, GA’s blog hit the nail on the head!!! You wrote: “Stick by your team and support them NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS— Look at NY,Phily,Cleve fans-they fill the stands win or lose.” I DISAGREE. The Falcons have the talent and are being mishandled by a terrible coaching staff. The true fan of football can see it and game after game it grinds on them to see wasted opportunities slip by. Three losses in a row????? No way should have happened. All the fun of watching has been removed when you dread the next series of downs because of bad play calling. Vick has adjusted his style of running to survive. His passing should be his main weapon, not his running ability. The fact that he CAN be a threat running should make his passing so much more powerful a weapon. If only this staff knew how to use that concept, but MORA & Company are CLUELESS!!!!!! Please Blank, if you don’t know what to do, swallow your pride and get an outside opinion. DO SOMETHING BEFORE THIS SEASON SLIPS AWAY!!!!!
By can’t we all just get along?
November 21, 2006 06:33 AM
Well said and totally true!!!!
Hey “clg in the ATL”
Those you mentioned were not killed by the fans, they were killed by management because they had the nerve to speak up about obvious shortcomings on their teams. Many players have been gotten rid of because they wouldn’t “shut up and play the way we want you to, under our way or it’s the highway.”
By jp
November 21, 2006 07:45 AM | Link to this
Lets face it, Vick can’t get it done and its time to stop defending him—year after year its the same defense. I’m sure you will vick defenders will be defending this same argument next year and the year after that until management realizes. I can’t believe we could have had La. Tomlison and possibly breees or rivers with picks we gave away for vick-this is reality—Stop making excuses for Vick, He is a very gifted athlete but with that amount of money he is being paid, I’m sorry but he is not getting it done. Authur Blank is just trying to squeeze his rate of return on Vick with tcket prices but it will soon end Fans.
By Brian Hunt
November 21, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this
The Falcons’ offense started going in reverse the second they signed PJ Alexander and put him in the starting line up at Guard. He has been awful. They can’t run the ball and he can’t pass block either. He’s been so bad that it made everybody excited about the return of Matt Lehr. What does that tell you?
By Ralph
November 21, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this
Falcons made a big mistake and misjudgment by signing Vicks to a $140 million deal. The problem with Vicks is that he thinks that the only one who any good is himself, and he’s far from being a good quarterback or even a running back.
By kris
November 21, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this
I’m tired of people getting crucified for criticizing Vick. Your called a rAcist in this city, blah blah blah. He is a horrible Quarterback who can’t even throw a five yard pass accurately. Occasionally, he will have a great game. YOU CANNOT TEACH ACCURACY. If Vick played in any other city than Atlanta, he would have been benched by now.
By D
November 21, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this
Vick is killing this team, Mora and the coaching staff are killing this team, all the gains this franchise has made in the past few years are on hold until we get rid of these imposters, and for Blank to make comments equal to ‘stay the course’ just shows how pathetic a situation we are in.
By Super Lou
November 21, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this
SteveW’s post is STUPID as all get out! How can Vick be predictable? He’s not the one calling the plays. He’s not the one setting the game plan, or blocking, or dropping the ball!! How about admiting that Vick looks good when EVERYONE does their job as well. He can’t throw it AND catch it. And we know he can’t block for himself. Thank goodness he’s got speed or he would be dead now behind this line.
And lets ALL agree that Jim Mora, Sr is an idiot!! But that’s the way a dad is supposed to make excuses for his son. Everyone else is to blame for my son not getting the job done!
By Eternal Optimist
November 21, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
Hey BirdY, I think you hit the nail on the head. This team has 4 obvious problems. #1 Mike has to be more disciplined in his all around play. He has to eliminate those bone head fumbles and take charge of this offense. He needs to work with these wide receivers an develop better timing with Roddy,Ashlie, and Jenkins. #2 This offensive line needs to be blown up and revamped. We are two small up front. This team should be designed for big guys who can hold blocks (not chop blocking experts). We need to be a team that can wear you down with the run in the 3rd and 4th quarters. In all our gamesm, offensive production is down in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Vick has not thrown a third quarter touchdown in 4 games. #3 Lately Warrick has been 2 yards and a cloud of dust. He is not been all that productive since the Tampa Bay game. He is going down after the first contact. Jerius is good but he is still young. We need another experience banger as a change of pace back. Finally #4 The offensive and defensive play calling is atrocious. We need to kill this college crap. With the athletes that we have on this team we should be mimicking an offense more like what San Diego runs. Using Warrick and Jerius more in the passing game. Going deep more with Ashlie to spread the feel. Going 3 and 4 wides more often to spread the field. By spreading the field you open the defense up to big runs and you get more one on ones with our big recievers and Crumpler. We need to do something fast. Being the Eternal Optimist that I am I still have hope, though I must say it is fading fast.
By fatz
November 21, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
the more you spend on any one player, the less you can spend on the player standing next to him, and that eventually comes back to hurt the higher-priced player and the overall team, since it IS still a team game and an NFL season is a war of attrition. why did the giants go from worldbeaters to crap in a few weeks? injuries and lack of quality depth. this whole falcons problem has nothing to do with michael vicks skills - plus or minus. it has to do with an owner putting too many scarce resources ($’s) into one player, thereby limiting his ability to balance the overall team. the falcons are a complex mix of high paid stars and nobody’s, and the high paid stars aren’t making enough of a contribution. you could say that about a lot of teams. and you could point your finger at the patriots as an example of a coach and mangement making the system work for them.
By Jerry
November 21, 2006 08:01 AM | Link to this
The whole concept of drafting a QB in the NFL because of his running ability is ludicrous. Any team then using him to run the ball is then terrified that he will get hurt. But if Vick is to be used to run the ball, go to the no huddle, shotgun, five receivers to spread out the field thus giving Vick room to run in an open field where he is most effective, with an option to pass.
By cousin brucie
November 21, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this
vick has two playoff appearances, one conference championship appearance, and is 2-2 in the playoffs. peyton on the other hand is 2-6 in the playoffs. did mora, sr. think peyton was a coach killer too that year they failed to make the playoffs and he went off on his infamous PLAYOFFS rant.
for all of you LT and Brees lovers, Brees and LT have never made the playoffs. that’s right! LT AND BREES HAVE NEVER PLAYED IN A PLAYOFF GAME!!!!
Tony Romo, please. Vick has had these little runs himself. Romo is playing for Parcells. Even Qunicy Carter looked decent enough to get to the playoffs in his one year with Parcells. Jeff Hostetler looked good enough to win a super bowl with parcells as his coach. so whoever you are get over your little man crush with Tony Romo. you are licking his nuts harder than jessica simpson. Romo will eventually fall on his face or just merely get back down to mediocrity. It is all but inevitable. If Vick played for Parcells, Reeves, Gibbs, Jimmie Johnson, and all other good coaches, I think we would be talking about a much different, much more productive QB. But, unfortnately, he is stuck with this immature nitwit Mora
By sick and tired
November 21, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this
Geez now I wish the elder Mora was our coach. At least he has sense enough to read the writing on the wall: “Vick sucks,” period. But hell, for all we know, Mora Jr. may know this just as well but can’t do anything about it since Blank and all the blacks in the city have their collective tongue so far up Vick’s rear end.
Hell, I’m in Jacksonville, and at least the staff down here was bright enough to realize their mistake in drafting and paying Byron Lestwich the big bucks…they at least gave Garrard a chance and since then they’ve got a renewed spirit and energy and have won 4 of 5. The only difference is that down here the backup is also black so the simple minded fools in this town didn’t pitch their typical fit about racism when they benched Lestwich. I just wish some people would grow up and just care more about their team winning rather than seeing their “brother” play.
By Dano
November 21, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this
well said Super Lou…..and that is exactly how some fans feel about Vick, as if he were their son and he can do no wrong!!!! Vick isn’t killing Mora or the team……bad coaching is doing that all by itself and guys like Vick, Dunn and Brooking are paying the price!!!!!!
By H_Charles
November 21, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this
Actually, Lawton MANY people called Elway a coach killer in Denver — he actually was. He was the sole reason Dan R. was run out of town when he told the owner “it is either him or me.” He was a different kind of coach-killer. Elway was a great performer who needed a great running game to win it all — he just didn’t like his coach. Vick is an inconsistent underachiever with a great arm and great legs. He is a “coach killer” because he has so much talent but so little actual performance (at least to date), management always says “it surely isn’t Vick — it must be the coach.”
That is what Mora SR. meant. Maybe it is true, maybe its not. So far, Vick hasn’t shown much to refute it. Let’s hope he can.
By D
November 21, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
the idiot is Vick, after so many years in football he is too arrogant or too stupid to carry a ball properly, turnovers kill a team, but he doesn’t care, he’s Mike Vick, he can do it anyway he wants to, because some other idiot will stand up for him because before he ever played a pro game, someone told them Mike Vick was like the next coming of the Messiah, and they so quickly said, ‘yes, master, we will worship this Mike Vick without question because we were told to’, stop being mindless sheep, open your eyes, admit that Vick is a great athlete, a great track star, a good person, but a complete and total flop at the job of NFL QB. and the person that said other cities wouldn’t pt up with this, is right, and that’s why our team loses more than Philly’s team, NY’s team, Pittsburgh’s team, because their fans won’t put up with mediocrity with a wimpy ‘oh, maybe next year’ like we do in the south. they expect exceptional performance or get them out of the game and put in the next guy, but not the Falcons. Vick Stinks, and you can try and polish a turd all you want, but when you’re through, it’s still a piece of crap.
By H_Charles
November 21, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
CLG — you need to get a clue. You think Atlanta fans are tough? Go listen to sports talk in the cities you named like Philly.
Those teams get CRUCIFIED in the media when they don’t win. Atlanta is kind to its players compared to those cities. Even the great McNabb gets criticized on a consistent basis when he fails to perform. Great sports fans have passion, and with that passion comes anger when the team underachieves for so long. It is the dispassionate fan that says “that’s ok, no worries that you stink.” Those fans just don’t care.
By vick_is_sick
November 21, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this
here are some obvious facts:
vick is not tall enough to have easy visible throwing lanes when he’s in the pocket.
vick does not have the freedom to audible on every down in this scheme.
vick’s offensive line is built to run block not pass block. which is stupid.
the offense under dan reeves had more success in 2002 than this year.
draw your own conclusions, but mine are this: vick is still a gifted athlete and has a great arm for qb. he does not however have the offensive scheme that successful nfl teams have which involves a skilled passing game with the ability to audible every down.
By Ralph
November 21, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this
What’s killing the Falcon and the Braves? Answer: Big headed players and poor management.
By jerry
November 21, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this
** Vick + No-Huddle + Shotgun + 5 Receivers = Exciting!
Attack the Mother F—-ers!**
By fanofthepast
November 21, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this
Well folks let me say one thing that I have not heard anyone state. We blame Mora and Knapp for the offensive problems. OC usually call a play based on Defensive tendancies of the other team. QBs read the defensive and adjust the play accordingly. I do not see #7 doing this at all. He cannot read defenses and I don’t think he will ever be able to handle that part of being a championship QB. How many time have you seen him step forward when in the shotgun and acutally change a play? He call time outs but he does not know how to get you out of a bad play. Think about it. If the orginal play fits the defensive scheme then it works. We stick with bad plays most of the time. Just a thought
By Boots
November 21, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
“It’s not the play calling, it’s the excution” that’s causing the problems according to Dunn.
If the Falcons are gonna improve, there has to be an effective Field General on the field to ignite some enthusiasm. And, that usually comes from a fired-up, in-your-face quarterback! Not a petulent child who pouts when things aren’t going right.
By D
November 21, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this
when the day comes, and the curse of Mike Vick is lifted from this team, it will be like someone has opened a window and let in big gust of fresh air.
By Apaul404
November 21, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
Y’all are tripping, at least Vick is out there trying. His line is so bad that even when he got away from the first pass rusher there was a second or third waiting for him on Sunday. Come on now, you mean to tell me that you want to put slow a#$ Matt Schaub in there like he is going to do any better? And my boy D. J. Shockley does not need to be out there either. That line is going to get Vick hurt again, just wait and see, then you guys will see how much worse it could be without him. Even Peyton Manning would struggle with that line and receivers playing hot potato with good passes. Also in the Pittsburgh and Cincinnati it was strange because our line actually did a decent job, which is why he was able to bail out our pathetic even when healthy secondary. Open your eyes haters. Go Falcons!
By mart
November 21, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this
Why, oh why, did we pass up the opportunity to sign Bobby Hebert to a long term deal? I’m flummoxed.
By Boots
November 21, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
**Let’s face it, Vick gets whatever he wants. He’s the franchise. He either doesn’t want to audibilize or can’t audibilize because he doesn’t understand defensive schemes —- IF HE WANTED THAT OPPORTUNITY, HE’D SURE AS HECK HAVE IT. HE WENT ON TV AND SAID HE WANTED MORE PASSING OPPORTUNITIES AND GOT IT. WHY HASN’T HE STATED PUBLICLY, I WANT TO AUDIBILIZE! OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE HE DOESN’T WANT THE RESPONSIBILITY —- NOT DOING OR HAVING IT GIVES HIM A READY-MADE EXCUSE FOR FAILURE!
By Phil
November 21, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
Hell mora sr lost with one of the greatest QB in the game today. It just run in the family to lose BRING IN ANOTHER COACH AND YOU WILL SEE HOW EFFECTIVE VICK IS AS A STARTING QB. mora sr. words means absolutely S** word from a know LOSER mora sr.
By Apaul404
November 21, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this
Also, there is never an excuse to be underprepared and outcoached. Maybe Mora needs to get fired. Our team seems to have no sense of urgency.
By D
November 21, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this
I am so tired of Vick that I would take any other QB in the NFL to take his place, 2nd string, 3rd string, it doesn’t matter, they can lose just as easily as he does, the difference being, when they make mistakes they will fully shoulder all the blame, unlike Vick, where are the mistakes he makes are pushed off on everyone connected with this team, instead of where it belongs, on Mike Vick. if we could get Mike Vick to leave town, I will personally pay for for his tickets!
By Marco
November 21, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this
Here is my thing about Vick. He holds onto the ball WAY too long. Yes, occassionally he breaks a big play with his legs and or his arm, but too often he gets hammered for HUGE losses. And I agree that the O line is built for run blocking, not pass blocking, and the receivers are dropping way too many balls. So, if I were coach, Vick - call an audible if needed at the line, if u see a blitz move into shotgun, and hit the quick slant - PRONTO!!!!! Get rid of the damn ball. That is the only effective way to combat the blitz!! Look at Delhome, and Peyton Manning. These guys get rid of the ball quick.
Can the receivers get open other than on a broken play ? How about some skinny post routes, hooks, slants ? Sheesh!!
I hate that Marlion Jackson got hurt. That kid was a bruiser we could use.
Peace out.
By mo
November 21, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Is Mora Sr. trying to get his son fired???
First up, Mora’s job isn’t on the line… yet. Knapp’s job is on the line. If they lose next week, Knapp will be fired.
But to call Vick a “Coach Killer” is just throwing salt on Mora Jr’s game. Vick never killed any coach. Blank wanted Reeves out to bring his own guy in. When Vick broke his leg, Doug Johnson’s performance was just the opening Blank needed to fire Reeves to get his own guy to mold.
(Personally, I thought Blank fired Reeves too soon. Reeves needed to open up the offense more, and he’ll run on obvious passing downs, but that could have changed. Remember, Reeves coached Elway, Vick’s idol.)
Anyhoo, Mora Sr., to his defense, is merely trying to save his son’s job. But, sometimes you mess up when you try to clean up, unowhatimsayin’?
By Apaul404
November 21, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Dang D you are heated, and I understand. I think overall the rest of the country wonders why fans in Atlanta are the way we are and you hit the nail on the head. Our teams despite the level of talent on the rosters, consistently find a way to lose. And it is ridiculous. But I cold go without seeing our head coach looking dazed and confused on the side lines. Arthur Blank needs to buy him a clue.
By Blasting Idiots!
November 21, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this
The last time that I checked this was a team sport. Jim Mora, Sr. needs to keep his mouth shut about situations like these. You people must not be watching the same Atlanta Falcon games that I have been watching. Since when did Vick become a defensive or special teams player? The problem with the Falcons on defense is obviously injuries. Even when most of the key players were healthy, they still couldn’t stop the run. That offensive line needs to be fixed and in a hurry. Gregg Knapp needs to be fired for those BS calls that he is making.
Trying to place ALL of the blame on Vick when they lose a game is like blaming Peyton Manning for the Colts defensive breakdowns. I don’t give a damn who you have at quarterback in the Falcon’s backfield, with that sorry a* offensive line, they are going to get killed.
By Rev. Dudley Doright
November 21, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
**Do you guys remember the jump start at the beginning of the season? Do you think it was a mere coincidence that the Women’s Missionary and Prayer Society of the First Apostolic Church of the Good God Almighty was meeting after church on Sunday to pray for the Mighty Birds? We disbanded the Sunday afternoon meeting after we were dissed by some of you infidel bloggers and look what’s happened. The Birds have gone down the toilet. Well, we’re meeting again this Sunday. I’m stepping out on faith by saying that the Women’s Missionary and Prayer Society will become the 12th. player on the field Sunday and you can take it to the bank. The Mighty Birds will prevail. Amen and amen!
By SRF
November 21, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
I cannot wait until next year !
Schaub will be gone and so I do not have to hear about him again !
These same clueless coaches will again be leading us to another losing season, but this time maybe Blank will wake up and fire Jr and his “staff”.
Maybe by next Christmas we will get a head coach to replace Skippy…
By rasto
November 21, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this
We will end up probably 8 and 8 and maybe not make the playoffs. It is pointless to argue about Vick or wish he were sent packing; he is going to play whether the ship is sinking or not. Arthur Blank has invested his money to the tune of 140 mil for vick; there was no way he could know that he had a dud. A good and fast runner, yes. A quarterback and a leader; not in a million years. So people, we’re stuck. Arthur knows that Vick is fast and he is entertaining and people will come to see him perform. It is almost like a circus and people will pay to see the circus. So be patient and enjoy the show because nothing is going to change, at least not now. The critical loss is Matt Schaub who will go on to another team and probably lead them to a super bowl. But we will still have our running circus in atlanta and win a few games. Believe me, it is all about MONEY! Only in America!
By Ted Beasley
November 21, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
I hate to say it, but maybe Mora is right. Vick isn’t a spring chicken anymore. There is no more “waiting for him to mature as a passer.” Blank either needs to find another coach - offensive or head - that can utilize Vick properly or start making plans to find a new quarterback for Mora Jr.’s system. Our backup is quite coveted in the league. Why not give him a shot once this season goes down the drain. I’m tired of waiting on this team. Everyweek it is the same thing. There was no reason for us to lose to Detroit and Cleveland. If we take care of those games like we should’ve, we’re tied for first heading into this game with the Saints and solidly in a playoff spot. Instead, we have to run through this tough stretch of the season to avoid another sub .500 year.
By D
November 21, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this
you can’t have a player on any team that can’t be benched, that’s Vick, most times you have to have the threat of being benched, waived or traded over someone’s head to get full performance from them, but not Vick. I think he is a good person, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to him, but I would like to see him in another city, it’s not easy to say that the Michael Vick experiment has failed, but it is easy to say that it hasn’t worked. just the fact that there is so much controversy each and every week shows the lack of consistency and the lack of noticeable improvement. if we keep Vick 3 more years, the same things would be said then as they are now, you could carbon copy this blog. he’s not getting better, and the fact that he is not a leader doesn’t help his medocrity. but our coaching staff is inept, also, they really don’t have a clue, and this hurts Mike, too. but overall, Mike will never be first string on a Super Bowl winning team. I’m tired of losing, and it’s even worse when we have the talent to win. Mike can’t get it done, it’s obvious now, we’ve all waited long enough, he’s had plenty of time, and plenty of help in those years. the experiment has failed, it’s time to move on. wish ya well, Mike, but please go to another team.
By Apaul404
November 21, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this
And what is up with our conditioning, every NFL team has injuries, but this massive amount two years in a row? Come on now. This is crazy.
By CQ
November 21, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
The fans need to let the Vick issue go and focus on getting the best coaching staff in Atlanta because they need to face facts.
Vick makes $140 million so he is not going anywhere and will not be benched. Thus, you have to give him a true #1 like Randy Moss which he has never had
When under Reeves the Falcons plan was to build an offensive line to protect him, since he left we have resorted getting 270lbs linemen to chop block.
Why do we have a Defensive Coordinator that got fired from Green Bay after playig zone defenses that cause them to lose playoff games.
Exactly what has McKay did well since becoming the Falcons GM? The best move he has made was signing M. Anderson everything else sucks.
What did Mora do so well in San Fran that gave him a head coaching job. “Nothing”!
How can Vick go from throwing for almost 3k yards and going to the NFC championship game under Reeves to this? So its not the fact he can’t throw, but its the people around him mainly his coaches and their coaching.
By SRF
November 21, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
STOP BLAMING THE DEFENSE !!
I am sick of the apologists whining about injuries on defense.
The last 3 loses have been LOW scoring games. The defense is not giving up many points until the offense puts them in bad positions or until they have been worn out by 3 quarters of pathetic 3 and out punts.
Stay focused here - Junior and Knappy are the problem.
By Apaul404
November 21, 2006 09:15 AM |