Sports Columnists

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

1. Building an offensive line that does not place pass protection of the franchise quarterback as a top priority

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. vick is not tall enough to have easy visible throwing lanes when he’s in the pocket.

2. vick does not have the freedom to audible on every down in this scheme.

3. vick’s offensive line is built to run block not pass block. which is stupid.

4. 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.

1. 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

2. 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.

3. Why do we have a Defensive Coordinator that got fired from Green Bay after playig zone defenses that cause them to lose playoff games.

4. Exactly what has McKay did well since becoming the Falcons GM? The best move he has made was signing M. Anderson everything else sucks.

5. What did Mora do so well in San Fran that gave him a head coaching job. “Nothing”!

6. 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 | Link to this

The reason Vick holds the ball so long is that our receivers lack the ability to get open, they run there routes and if they don’t get the ball they just stop. If he threw the ball away every time that happened you would still complain.

By Dr. I.Q.

November 21, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Rasto: You are right on. But, there’s another reason, besides the massive financial investment, that causes Blank to stick with Vick. He knows that if he benches Vick, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson will organize a boycott of every Home Depot store in the state. You wouldn’t be able to get in the parking lot for demonstrators! It’s all business, as you said.

By Dave T

November 21, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Jim Senior absolutely correct. Building an offensive gameplan around a QB with coin-flip passing skills is hopeless. Knapp will take the fall this year, and Mora will be gone after 2007. Too bad, too. I’d rather keep Mora than Vick. Mike seems to be a good guy, but he will never win a super bowl. BUT, he WILL sell a lot of jerseys, and that’s what the NFL is really all about.

By VaBravesfan

November 21, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Dear Lawton,

Elway was an actual quarterback who could throw. Elway may have whined some but his passing numbers speak for themselves. Comparing Vick to Elway is like comparing apples to oranges!

By D

November 21, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

that is the whole point of the Vick situation, what is happening with him is too much of a distraction for us to be able to focus on the team overall, everything about him muddy the waters too much. sure we paid him a lot, pay him a lot for sitting on the bench, that may be the only way to light a fire under him and bring some consistency and less harmful and distracting controversy to this team.

By Rip

November 21, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

The FAT LADY has been singing since last year and BLANKS can’t hear..get him a hearing aid. The season is over “no play-off” the fans want a new coach. Fire Mora! on the blogs Monday 95% want Mora Fired. I’ve been a Fan since 1970. In one period of 8 years I missed only 2 games, I’ve had enough till Mora gone.

By Dr. I.Q.

November 21, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Now listen to the voice of reason.

We, the die-hard fans , are sacrificing to spend our hard-earned money on tickets and mechandise. We are financing the good life for a bunch of losers! They laugh all the way to the bank. They get paid, win or lose. They couldn’t care less! We’re nothing but “suckers” to them. Do you realize this? So, how long are we going to finance mediority? I say the insanity has got to stop. Screw them and the Bentley they rode in on!

By toshie

November 21, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

The older Mora needs to keep his smart mouth off the Falcons. He is a smart a** anyway. I don’t know why anyone would put him on radio or TV. If he is so smart why did he get kicked out of coaching.

By black

November 21, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

vick needs talented players to surround him. The recievers suck with the exception of Ashlie and Crump. He is right if he were on the Colts(with pro bowl recievers and soon to be back) he would be dangerous.

By mo

November 21, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

I agree… the Defense isn’t the issue!!!

Vick isn’t the problem with this team, either. He isn’t erratic. To be erratic means he throws 3 touchdowns one game and 3 interceptions that are tied to overthrows or underthrows the next. That’s not Vick’s case because some, if not most of Vick’s interceptions are due to balls tipped by receivers.

Rex Grossman is erratic, not Vick.

If you place Vick, say, in Cincinnati, he’ll win a Super Bowl the first year! If you put Vick in Chicago, he’ll win it all the first year. In two years, he’ll win it all in Philly. He’ll win it all anywhere there’s not this depleted Offensive Line, or even with a bad offensive line, he’ll win with great receivers.

But if you have a bad O-line and bad receivers; the love child conceived by an orgy that included all of the Hall of Fame quarterbacks would not be above .500.

By mo

November 21, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

**DR IQ-

Point well taken! Be the Leader of this Great Revolt! Let me have your tickets!!!**

By toshie

November 21, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Rip, If you don’t want to watch your team why don’t you stay at home or turn the TV. No one is has forced you to watch. All we need is an offensive line and an offensive coordinator. And for our defense to get healthy. Rip there are 60,000 people wanting your tickets if you have any.

By the rev

November 21, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

Wake up people. We are worshipping football and football players much too much. Let’s put football in it’s proper place, a game to be enjoyed but not more important that life itself. These players and coaches are paid too much money for what they do (or don’t do). Let’s make sure we all go to church on sunday before the big game and be sure to give thanks in this season for all that we have been blessed with. Pray for the falcons to win and for the best decisions to be made going forward that will be best for the team. Mike Vick is just a man that is blessed with the ability to run; don’t make a god out of him. He, like all of us, has feet of clay and fumbles too much!

By Dr. I.Q.

November 21, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Dear Mo: If I gave you the tickets and you sat in the seat, the point would be lost! By showing up, WE ARE ENABLING THEM! This is a dysfunctional team, just as a family becomes dysfunctional due to alcoholism or drug addiction. The first step to dealing with a dysfunctional family is to quit enabling the alcoholic or addict. WE’VE GOT TO QUIT ENABLING THE DYSFUNCTIONAL FALCONS AND WE DO THAT BY NOT SHOWING UP —- BY NOT MAKING EXCUSES FOR THEIR DREADFUL PERFORMANCE. EMPTY SEATS SPEAK A LANGUAGE THAT MR. BLANK AND THE TEAM WILL HEAR LOUD AND CLEAR!

By la

November 21, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

There is so much hate on this blog for the athletes. They are fine men that go out and risk injury to bring enjoyment to so many people. Don’t hate on them because they made sacrifices to become gifted athletes. They are rich, fine and good-looking so stop hating on them because you do not possess those attributes. This is a capitalistic society so athletes will be rewarded based on supply and demand. Stop watching the sport if you can not stand for them to make the money.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 21, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah, Mora Sr. definitely knows what he’s talking about, because of course the reason he got fired was that no matter how hard he tried, he could never get to the playoffs with that bust QB Peyton Manning or whatever his name is. No, it couldn’t have been Mora Sr. fault that they were losing. Blame the star QB, not the inept coach. Maybe we should hire Mora Sr. to fix our offensive problems, since we are not doing “diddly-poo” offensively.

Dear VaBravesFan, have you checked the stat book recently? Through this point in their careers, Elway and Vick had a nearly identical QB rating and nearly identical completion percentage. Elway finished his career with a QB rating of 79 and a career completion percentage of 56.9%. Yeah, damn right Elway’s passing numbers speak for themselves.

By Talons of Fire

November 21, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

It’s futile to debate with the kluxers and neo nazis. Narrow minds do not have the capacity for reasoned thoughts. Vick has never had any real talent surrounding him, but yet he has kept the Falcons a team to at least be talked about as a playoff contender. Something the Falcons haven’t had in years. As far as Mora Sr is concerned, his words are as hollow as the heads of the nazis and the kluxers. No one gives a dayum what he nor they say. MICHAEL VICK WILL BE THE QB FOR THE FALCONS FOR YEARS TO COME!!!! There’a nothing you lame brains can do about it! You can talk and call him names and question his intelligence, WHICH IS ALL MEANINGLESS!!! Go back to the primordial ooze that spawn your sick, twisted azzes!!! Especially Rex. I bet you have a love child by your baby sister or something. Cowardly pig!

By mo

November 21, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Dr. I.Q.-

I just wanted free tickets. You went all “Dr. Phil” on me… (LOL)

Vick will get hurt sometime this season. The way the O-line is playing, it’s bound to happen. Then, you all can see what Matt Schaub can do.

(You can see it in Schaub’s eyes, though. He wants no part of this debacle. He knows that it’s a death trap under center.)

By cj

November 21, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

I have always respected Mora Sr, but he is dead wrong to make excuses for his son. Mora Jr. knew what he was getting into when he came to atlanta. therefore don’t make excuses about vick being a coach killer. The falcons made the wrong choice when they chose mora over lovie and thats the bottom line. Mr. Blank wanted an articulate coach and not a laid back slow speaking country boy. congrats on your choice.

By Dr. I.Q.

November 21, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

*Dear La —- I don’t hate them. I just don’t like getting ripped off! They’re not delivering value for my money. * And, as you say, in a capitalistic society there is the law of supply and demand. If the demand is not there, the businessman will who owns the business will have to make adjustments to retain the customer.”

Regarding your comment that they are “fine” —- well, there’s probably room for debate there. And, as far as them being “good-looking” —- well, Marvelous Mike is going to be one weird looking dude if he keeps his promise of not cutting his hair until he takes the Birds to a Super Bowl.

By D

November 21, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

the Reverend can pray all he wants, what the team has always needed is for some Voodoo Witch Doctor to sacrifice a chicken or something on the 50 yard line and exorcise the demons of this franchise. but first let Michael Vick be this wonderful, outstanding, great QB, just with some other team. if you think Vick is so great, what do you think his trade value would actually be? even without a huge anchor of a contract limiting a trade, his value would be extremely low, and there would probably be a clause, that if he was taken by another team, that he would have to compete for the starting job, it wouldn’t be guaranteed.

By Keith

November 21, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Terrence - great column. I’m not always a big fan of yours, but your opinion on this matter was right on the nose.

Sure, Vick is not a great passer. But as Terrence said, the O-Line is abysmal, the receivers can’t catch, and we have an enormous amount of injuries. BUT! Despite all that, which actually are things the Falcons have had over the last few years, there have been some bright spots. The enormous problem is play-calling.

Why does Vick have to be a great passer? How did the Falcons win their first two games this season in very very impressive fashion? Running the ball. How did they make the NFC Championship two years ago? Running the ball. How did they make the playoffs with Vick under Dan Reeves? Running the ball. It’s unbelievable that Mora & Company are caving to the media that Vick can’t be successful without passing. WHO CARES? It’s not Mora’s job to make Vick into a Hall of Famer! It’s Mora’s job to make Vick WIN!

Just to back up my point with stats, I would like to say that if you break down every game this season into number of running plays versus number of passing plays, you will see that the five games (out of 10) that the Falcons have run the ball the most times have been their five victories! The first two games of this season were numbers 2 and 1, respectively. And yes, even in the so-called “great victories” over PIT and CIN, when Vick actually did pass well, the Falcons had more running plays than pass plays. Three times this year the Falcons have passed more than they ran. The opponents? Cleveland, Detroit, and New Orleans.

Fire Mora and Knapp now. As the elder Mora once said, the Falcons haven’t done “diddly-poo”.

By old fart 63

November 21, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

vick/mora … bush/rumsfeld … too bad we fans can’t vote

By Reggie

November 21, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Crying Jim is right, Psycho Jim’s job is tied to an average quarterback who can run but cannot throw and shows absolutely no initiative to learn how to properly deliver a forward pass. Judging from his awful AirTran commercials, maybe he hasn’t the capacity to learn any more than he already has. He certainly hasn’t gotten any better at reading defenses and calling audibles the last few years. A few more losses, what the hell, give DJ a chance, at least he can read scripts better than the $140,000,000 man. Maybe Daddy WarBlank can use him around the house or with a little patience and luck, Bernie can turn him into a first class tank cleaner.

By ysc

November 21, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

I know some fans are getting restless with Vick’s play these last few games. But we need to understand that football is a team sport. When Vick is out there on the field there are 10 other guys with him, and in order for the Falcons to win these guys need to step up. I am not making excuses for his play but I knew Vick when he was a Freshman at Virgina Tech and when he arrived people were talking about his passing ability more than his speed. Which leads me to wonder, why pass the ball when you have no one you can rely on to catch it at least 60% of the time or dont really know how to run a rout well enough to seperate from a defender, why try and sit in a pocket that could possibly end your career at any moment, and how well would some of these socalled “top notch” quarterbacks fair if given the same team. I know these guys are trying and so is Vick but when something is not working then you need to try something different. Let me tell it to some of you this way. THE OPPOSING TEAMS DO NOT RESPECT OUR PASSING GAME. We do not have what one would call a cover 2 receiver (one that requires two or more defensive players to account for him at all times on the field). An example of this would be a Randy Moss, Steve Smith,the entire Colts,Steelers, and Jaguars receiving corp, and I hate to say it but T.O. as well. These kind of receivers do not need to have a pin point passer which no quarterback in the NFL is, they just need to have a passer to put the ball in an area the defensive player can’t get to and they can reach. Our inability to stretch the field and take 8 or more defensive players out of the box indicates this. In spite of Vick, the reason our running game is so effective is because they do not put any safety’s back to protect themselves from the big pass play. So if a running back breaks thur the area where the line backers are then he will spring for these very long runs that we witness by the Falcons almost every game. The bottom line is Vick can’t catch his own passes nor can he block for himself, but he could learn how to run with the ball and sometimes not to try and make something out of a dead play. Only 11 men are allowed on the field at a time when playing this game and it takes all to be successful. Not just one. For those of you who think we ought to bench or trade Vick, ask yourself this, how well do you think the Falcons would be if they had Peyton Manning and he was asked to succeed with little time to pass or an inadequate passing corp or receivers. Until our receivers make opposing teams respect them then we are going nowhere.

By D

November 21, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Vick is surrounded with more talent than our ‘98 team with Chris Chandler.

By Wolfpack

November 21, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

People get on my nerves talking bad about Vick, but once he does something good they all over him. If you play Qb then you play QB, rather your fast or slow, short or tall. I played against Joe Hamilton in college and he was one of the best Qb’s I have seen. Yea its true that Vick has good days and bad days but hell he is human, Eli Manning is not doing to well so why isn’t there talk about him. Like someone else said Vick has brought football back to Atlanta, we just need to build more as a team. Mora Sr. sounds stupid for those comments.

By Talons of Fire

November 21, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Matta Schaub is NEVER going to be starting QB for the Falcons. He’s going to be traded. DJ will move up to second string so you kluxers will have nothing but BLACK QBs for the Falcons for quite some time. I guess that makes ya happy huh? LOL! No matter how hard you try, change is here to stay. The league is going to be flooded with BLACK QBs in the future. Take a look at many of the major college teams. Get use to it or move to Idaho and become a militia training for the overthrow of the government and the war you so badly want. I guess one the first people you will be gunning for is MV7 huh? LMAO!!!!!!

By Dr. I.Q.

November 21, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Ol’Fart —- But we can vote! The fans vote with their wallets when they buy tickets, merchandise, over-priced hotdogs and beer. CAST A VOTE THIS SUNDAY FOR A DRAMATIC CHANGE. SUCK IT UP! STAY HOME! LET THE HAPLESS BIRDS JUKE AND JIVE BEFORE EMPTY SEATS! EVEN THE DEAF WILL GET THE MESSAGE! IF YOU CARE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THIS FRANCHISE, GO TO THE POLLS AND VOTE FOR CHANGE BY SITTING OUT THIS NEXT GAME.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 21, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

Man, is Mora’s father just a complete idiot or what? Your son has enough problems in his current situation wothout you opening your big mouth and ripping his main guy (MV7)in public. Hey, Jim Moron Sr, news flash: your son still has to coach this guy! DUH! How in the world do you think you are helping your son by making things awkward between him and Vick. You claim you care about your son, but you are making things worse for him because you can’t keep your trap shut. God, I swear you are becoming the biggest doofus in sports media history (and that takes ALOT of work!). And the thing is, I’m not even happy with the job Mora jr has been doing, BUT having Mora Sr make things worse by putting even a heavier load on a guy who is already having enough trouble getting his job done is making me feel sorry for Mora jr. Now I’m going to have to start rooting for the guy again. With a father like that, who needs enemies?

By Big Daddy in Dville

November 21, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

Theres is only one thing that will cure all of this overanalyzation.

” JUST WIN, BABY “

By la

November 21, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

To Dr. IQ Money makes you look good when you can buy the finest clothes and take care of yourself. This is a capitalistic society with people worshipping athletes by supply and demand. The games are sold out,merchandise sold out and endorsement sponsorship so it will be like this until the demand is low for the the sports. The athletes are getting their share of the profit so lets stop hating them because they are risking their bodies to injury. The athletes have short careers so they will be replaced by a younger quarterback. Look what happened to Bres in San Deigo so I do we blame them for their apathy towards the game.

By KP

November 21, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

Remember Brett Favre? Goodbye Matt Schaub, we’ll miss you!

By tiwanda

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

Y’all need to be moor optimistical. We are goin to win the rest of hour games, I am sure. The falcons have jist been holtin back a bit. Mikael Vicks is going to throw 3 TD’s this week and at least 3 each game for the rest of the year and will not fumble or git intereption because Jim Moras has finally got him to the rite place. We need to support this team and not be pestimistical. Mat Swab is not the answer to our problems, he is definitely a much smarter player but cannot moove as fast the vicks can. I am not going to giv up my tickets yet cause i want to see us win some more games. I represent the typical fan in atlanta. Maybe if we gave vicks some morre money, he could do a better job. What do y’all thinks about it.

By Dr. I.Q.

November 21, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

* Dear La: You are absolutely right! I do not begrudge any worker’s ability to make as much money as the market will bear. However, as a consumer of the service, I have a right to demand value for my patronage. Since,I no longer feel I’m “getting value for my money —- I simply will not buy their product anymore.* That’s how change is made in the marketplace.

By C tha 1

November 21, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

You all act as if MV7 goes out raises all hell throughout the city (Deion Sanders), gets numorous women pregnant (D. Wilkins), and beats up probably the most gorgeous woman on the planet (D. Justice).

I’m a staunch MV7 supporter, and I must honestly say he is mediocre at this point in the season. Why do I say this? Because their record (5-5) speaks directly to the team’s method in which they practice, and what the carry on to the field. Yes they do have problems, but I do believe the time has the intestinal fortitude to look within themselves and correct glaring mistakes. Face it MV7 is not going anywhere, and yes he is the best thing that has happened to the ATL sports scene in some time. Does he need direction, of course. Is he a “coach killer”? I don’t know the man from Adam, so I wouldn’t know, but he doesn’t seem like it. I think too many people attach so much on the Falcons and MV7 because you lack something in you own life, and live vicariously through TV.

By gizmox

November 21, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

The blame for “coach killer” can not be put on Vick alone. What team has allowed the most sacks? The Falcons are near the top. It’s hard to be a passer when you are flat on your back. Vick is headed for a serious injury if the offensive line play and personel is not improved. McKay needs to find better players and better coaches or the Falcons head coach is history.

By Charles

November 21, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

I wonder if, with the salary cap and all, the Falcons can even afford to buy a top notch receiver. The Falcons have so much invested in Vick that in order to field a competitive team they basically have to settle for below average talent at many positions.

I don’t know what else can explain it because both T.O. and Randy Moss wanted to play for the Falcons and I know they bring a lot of baggage with them, but they also bring their game which we obviously need. Also isn’t it just like the Falcons for the owner Arthur Blank to blww his wad on Vick and now can’t afford (with the salary cap and all) to get an o-line to protect him or legitimate receivers to catch his errant passes. It is Shakespearean in it’s irony…

This Franchise is cursed. Aside from a fluke season here and there the Falcons will never be good. How did I end up being of fan of this organization. Oh yea, I live in this city.

By Casey

November 21, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

Winning can make all this go away!

By CB

November 21, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

Keep in mind that QBs can cause some of the OL problems by not reading defenses. Vick simply cannot read defenses and make decisions at the line. Make all the excuses you want, but he will never do this. If you do not pick this up in 6 years, you will not get it. He sells jerseys and fills the dome. That’s why he’s here so we will have to deal with being a perennial 8-8 team.

By Jon

November 21, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Vick can’t read a defense, which is why he can’t get rid of the ball in less than 5 seconds. He also can’t see over the O-line, which is why he has to run around to see a passing lane.

The West Coast O is design for QUICK short passes. Vick can’t do that.

By Tad

November 21, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

The problem is Greg Knapp and his flawed “system.” End of story.

By Gene

November 21, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

The Atlanta Falcons would be much better off without Mora and Vick. Vick will never win a superbowl, I don’t care who supplies the offensive line.

By Dr. I.Q.

November 21, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Charles —- Your blog was right on the money.

Now, the test of MV7’s desire for a winning team will be found in his willingness to restructure his contract to allow for a greater support cast for the Michael Vick Show!

By FalconsStillMakePlayoffs

November 21, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

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.

Sounds like Terrance doesn’t believe Vick is the problem. Also points to Take a Knapps Offensive Scheme.

By It's Over

November 21, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

Everyone,

I have just spent 45 minutes reading this blog (Yes I have a great job) and everyone has made some great points, but as a former player there are a few things that you need to understand:

1. Mike is fine. He has never had to play in a structured system. In High school and college it was give the ball to Mike and let him go. It will take time to develope his NFL skills and his day will come.

2. Coaches make the NFL. Their systems, their ability to adjust, their ability to unite a bunch a guys who are millionaires. They are responsible for instilling discipline and teamwork. Mora and Staff have not done that. They presented a good plan to Blanks and he fell for it. They are in way over their heads and it shows. When the TEAM plays good, Pittsburgh an Cincy, we win. When the team plays poorly, we make no adjustments and things don’t go our way. There is no way we lose to Detroit and Cleveland. That is unacceptable.

3. Abe was a mistake. He was hurt at SC, he was hurt at NYJ and now he is hurt in ATL. How would Nick Mangold look anchoring our line for the next 10 years? He is great when he plays, but he does not play enough.

4. The Blocking scheme is a joke. Did you see the Ravens just line up and kick our teeth in. Mike, Warrick, Jerrious had no chance. The interior player in the NFL is a mobile beast and we do not match up. We have to revamp the O and D lines in the offseason otherwise we get 8 and 8 every year.

5. ATL leading the league in rushing is very misleading. Take away Mike’s rushing numbers and what is left, I’ll tell you, about 125 yard per game.

We are not very far away. We need a coaching staff that can coach instead of cheer or hinder a player progress. We need someone who will coach up our talent and add to it.

I Love the FALCONS, not Mike, not Brookings, or HAll, the FALCONS.

Keep the faith, keep the blogs flowing. Arthur will listen. He has to because it is a Business a “Very Public Business” and the customers arse ot happy with wha he is selling.

By Mike L.

November 21, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

We saw a perfect example of how and why this team is not coached well on offense. remember when Vick went down in the game and Schaub came in for one play… the guy is not mentally in the game, he is not warmed up … and what does Knapp do - he calls a pass play! are you kidding me?

this shows why Knapp is not succesfull with this offense - he cannot adjust to the personnel he has available. he has his own idea of what he wants to do regargdless of who is on the field. I bet anything that if Schaub plays in a game, Knapp would call the option with Schaub.

I am not a fan of personnel changes in the middle of the year. this kinds of decisions can go sour very quickly, but nevertheless something has to change. there are very competent coaches out there that are capable of running this offense and the team. remember last year and the Vikings … their franchise QB went down - and the Tice managed to turn things around and almost make the playoffs with his team. i think we want to have someone like that on our staff. Currently he is in Jacksonville helping out with the offense … and according to last night (MNF) he is doing a damn good job at it. i suggest McKay gives him a call soon.

By cousin brucie

November 21, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

ATTENTION ALL OF YOU SCHAUB LOVERS: WHY IS THAT ANY OF YOU THINK HE JUST THIS GREAT QB??!?!? I HAVE ASKED THIS OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE ME AN ANSWER AND I HAVE POSTED THIS ALMOST EVERY SINGLE WEEK THAT THE LOVE-HATE FEST OF SCHAUB AND MV7 GOES ON HERE. PLEASE TELL ME WHY ME AND EVERYONE ELSE SHOULD BE BIG BELIEVERS IN MATT SCHAUB? PLEASE DO IT. AND DO NOT TELL ME BECAUSE HE IS NOT MIKE VICK AND DO NOT TELL ME BECAUSE HE IS WHITE OR THAT HE IS JUST SO SMART AND ACCURATE. SCHAUB HAS ACTUALLY COMPLETED LESS THAN 50% OF HIS PASSES IN THE NFL, WON NOTHING IN COLLEGE, AND WAS ONLY A THIRD ROUND CHOICE. SO PLEASE PROVIDE ALL OF US WITH AN ANSWER, A JUSTIFICATION FOR YOUR UNDYING DEVOTION TO SCHAUB.

the schaub thing is just absolutely ridiculous. I almost feel really bad for schaub because hell i might even like the guy and even root for the guy if i did not have to hear idiots on here tell me how good he is although they have no reason for believing he is all that good. less than 50% accuracy, folks. I usually like rooting for the underdog and if he came in someday when Vick was hurt or benched and Schaub looked great, then I would get sucked in rooting for the Rocky, Rudy underdog guy. BUT at this point, the way most of you have annointed Schaub as just the best QB of all time when he has not done anything, i just end up with nothing but contempt for the guy. i can only imagine that most of the schaub heads are nothing more than teenagers with about five years experience watching football and do not remember that backups are usually backups for a reason. third rounders are usually third rounders for a reason. slightly better than average college QBs who play on slightly better than average college teams usually do not make for great NFL QBs. i mean hell David Greene was a third rounder who is now a third stringer with the hawks and he was a productive college QB who performed better than Schaub in college and who won more college football games than any other QB in college football history, so why isn’t everyone saying let’s go get greene and then we can go back to the old CMR system of the early 00’s and rotate greene and DJ back and forth. Uh, oh, i probably just started trouble because now that will be the latest debate. if schaub has been a WCO protege for six or seven years, why can’t he complete at least 50% of his passes in the nfl?

AGAIN, SOMEONE, ANYONE EXPLAIN TO ME THIS WEIRD UNDYING DEVOTION TO MATT SCHAUB. LET US KNOW WHY ANYONE THINKS (OR MORE ACCURATELY —- KNOWS) THAT SCHAUB IS GOING TO BE A GREAT NFL QB AND THAT HE WILL BRING US TO 4 PLAYOFF GAMES IN HIS FIRST 3 YEARS AS A STARTER?

boots, shut up already.

By Keep Vick

November 21, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Vick muck be kept !!! Next year will be his “comming out” year. He will study the offensive scheme, learn to throw TO his receivers( not behind them, or below them or above them). He will learn how to carry a football when running. Six years in the NFL is not enough time to learn all these complicated things. Besides I like watching the Falcons get beat.

By Boots

November 21, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

After all is said and done, the Defensive Coordinators around the league know that if you coral Vick in from the outsides, you’ll beat the Birds. So they load up the box to prevent the run and take their chances with his arm. Over the past several games, that strategy has worked to perfection!

By andrew

November 21, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

do you all think Mora is reading this stuff and yelling at all of us to FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

reading these blogs reminds me of that old little joke we heard as young white children: a fight! a fight! a you know what and a white! if the white don’t win, we all jump in!

absolutely ridiculous. i have never seen so much love, hate, passion, venom, illogical thinking, and blatant and latent racism for blacks and whites alike in my entire life as i see on the ajc blogs

By jerry

November 21, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

Falcons fans are at the mercy of Arthur Blank. If he really has the want to, money, and shrewdness he will get it done. Otherwise, we have another Stankin’ Rankin on our hands. Hail to the opium of the people.

By frisco pete

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

do the falcons really need a top of the line high priced high drafted receiver? i remember in 2002 when they had gaylor and jefferson and a bunch of no names on wideout and seemed like every game a different guy stepped up and went over 100 yards or had big catches or did something big out there at wideout. the real problem with the falcons at wideout i think is that they have essentially three #1 picks out there at wideout and they feel they need to justify picking those guys so high and so they just keep throwing them out there when they are really not very good. jenkins is the best of them all but not dynamic enough. white is essentially a little wimpy guy who gets tossed all over the field by cornerbacks who are supposed to be puniest guys on the field. lelie has the most talent BUT you have to remember that he was considered somewhat of a bust in Denver and you also have to remember that Arthur Blank is just so darn infatuated with Lelie because that was part of his power struggle with Reeves in that Blank wanted lelie in that draft 3 or 4 years ago but reeves wanted TJ and went and drafted TJ even though arthur had just made a big free agent splash by signing warrick. SO King Arthur has been miffed all of these years at Reeves overruling him and then the first chance he could, he essentially trades Duckett for Lelie to rectify what Arthur perceived as a mistake of Reeves in that draft back when. AND without TJ you see the ramifications that has had on the run game, the short yardage game, and the red zone game. Chains can not be moved. We no longer have TJ’s 10 touchdowns a year. Drives are not being as sustained. As a result, the defense is forced to be out on the field longer with less field to protect and so on and so forth. And we can not forget the Peerless Price fiasco which cost the team a boatload of wasted money and a wasted first round pick.

So a big problem with the team over the last five years has been Blank’s infatuation with getting himself a collection of pretty boy wideouts. The team is better off as almost every team is, with a group of wideouts who are nothing more than glorified five and dime store quality receivers who do not cost alot and who are replaceable when they are not performing well as opposed to jenkins, white, lelie, and price who are not replacable or benchable because they just cost too much to be on the bench and because who wants to admit that they wasted a first round pick on dud on the bench. But sometimes when you are like the lions and you have wasted three first round picks on wideouts who had much better, bigger high profile reps coming out of college than any of the falcons first rounds duds at wideout, you just have to admit a mistake and cut one, bench the other, and let a Furrey animal take over the #2 wide receiver position. the patriots do the same thing: they refuse to waste money at wideout and will cut or bench every wideout because they are all replacable in their mind

Just look for example at Brian Finneran. Every year every one of us writes the guy off, including myself. He usually does good things but then at the beginning of the next season we all say with Brian Yeah BUT. so therefore Finneran begins every season as fourth or fifth on the wide receiver depth chart. and then by the end of the season who besides alge has the most catches: of course, Brian Finneran. because he is not expected to do it. he just goes out and does it. is he a great WR. hell, no. finneran is not. does he work harder, produce more, get more open, catch more balls, and drop less balls than the rest of the overpriced, overdrafted collection of clowns the falcons have at WR. hell yes and he has been doing it for almost five years before getting hurt this year.

therein lies a big problem with mv7, knapp, and the falcons. the wide receivers are garbage. vick is not replacable. the wide receivers are

By monty

November 21, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

Anyone see the Giants -Jaguars game last night? Eli had a horrific game. But let’s analyze why. 1. No running game, Tiki had 27 yards, 2. His receivers dropped at least 6 passes. 3. He was pressured heavily when he did pass and forced to scramble. DOes any of this sound familiar? It should, it’s exactly what vick has had to deal with the last three weeks. NO Quarterback in this league can win with liitle run support and pass protection and receivers not hanging onto the ball. Get johnny Unitas or BArt Starr or Payton or Eli Manning and the results will be the same. Why did Atl lead in the 1st half of the Ravens game? Because the Ravens couldn’t run the ball. We made them one dimensional. But in the second half they made up there minds that they couldn’t beat us unless they could run it on us. And thats what they did,they took control of the line of scrimmage and shoved it down our throat, then they could go to the air. But they had to be successful running 1st. That’s the formula for winning. THat’s what we haven’t done the last three weeks. Control the line of scrimage.Check out today’s headlines.

By gary

November 21, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

While all this fervent debate over the job security of Jim Mora and the Falcons coaching staff is interesting, it may be of some benefit for us to take a lesson from history. In 1998, The Birds ended the regular season at 14 and 2 and, with the inimitable Dan Reeves at the helm and a minimally talented coaching staff to back him up, went on to the super bowl where they were of course, defeated. So they didn’t extract a world championship? So what? I’ve never seen a more emotive, focused and team-oriented professional sports team with the exception of the 1991-1995 Atlanta Braves. Those guys (the 1997 Falcons) loved their coach, they respected him, because he was, among many other things, a leader. I’ve been a Falcons fan for many years and I can say with a great deal of certainty that Jim Mora does not exhibit any, and I mean any of the necessary attributes of a winning head coach. There’s no emotion, no anger when a loss is recorded, no honesty. I think Mike Vick was a better quarterback under Dan Reeves, and I believe the reason why Blank got rid of Dan was because he was so vocal. I couldn’t imagine Ole’ Dan at a press conference trying to sugar coat an abysmal performance from either his players or his coaching staff. Nope, Mora is exactly what Blank wants, somebody he can control.

By John

November 21, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

Re: “Coach Killer” All the principals (Blank Mora, Jr and Vick) are good guys. Everybody’s doing their best. But if you’re looking to assign blame for the emasculation of Mora, Jr’s coaching authority, look no further than the “hands-on” ownership style of Arthur Blank. Le me say that I think Arthur Blank is a credit to the NFL and the city of Atlanta is a better place because he calls Atlanta home. He’s a committed owner who wants a championship.

But Blank pushing Vick around in a wheelchair after his pre-season leg injury says it all. Vick’s the Golden Child, the prodigy, a player the likes of which this game has never seen and he’s the apple of Blank’s eye.

Granted that Kodak moment occurred when Reeves was still head man, but the image endures to this day. Whether intended or not, it sends a message that Mr. Vick is above reproach. I think that’s a message that both Vick and the current coaching staff hear loud and clear. Until he’s held accountable for his foul ups (the most egregiouis of which are his tendency to fumble and an apparent inability to find open receivers), he probably sees no particularly urgnecy to correct ‘em.

For you young whippersnappers, Steve Bartkowski was a great Falcon QB - to date, the best one the team’s ever had. Collegiate pedigree similar to Vick and also the number 1 draft choice of the league (the Falcons also swung a pre-draft deal to move up to get him).

Don’t remember if it was Bart’s rookie year or not, but his coach, Leeman Bennett, sat his cocky butt down for a game or two for an attitude adjustment. In more than one way a bold move because June Jones (yikes) became the starter.

The moral of the story is that Bartkowski returned to his starting position a new man. A better player, leader and a Pro-Bowl QB.

The Falcons can’t succeed until Michael Vick develops into an NFL-calibre passer. He can get there, but he might need a minor attitude adjustment to wake him up. Start Schaub for a couple games. Let Vick ride the bench and observe. He’ll see that he’s got a lot to learn about the techincal side of being an NFL QB. Hopefully he’ll make the effort to improve and both he and the organization will be the better for it.

By michael

November 21, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

The biggest mistake that Blank made was the firing of Dan Reaves. You need a veteran coach to develope a young quaterback like Vick. Mora and Knapp are not the personal to do it. Another issue is McCay. the championship that was won in Tampa was put together by Dungy.

By curtis fitzgerald

November 21, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

Falcon fan for life!!!! BLAME VICK! BLAME MORA! BLAME KNAPP! but I see band wagon jumpers!!! not true falcons fans. GO MIKE! GO MORA! GO KNAPP! GO FALCONS. A TRUE FALCONS FAN THROUGH AND THROUGH!!! EVEN WHEN WE’RE DOWN!!!!!

By Top Gun

November 21, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

First my comments are not directed to anyone. I have had season tickets for 19 years. Most of the people in this city are not really Falcons fans, most are transplants from other states, and only look at the Falcons as something to do on Sunday. FOOTBALL is a TEAM Sport, Mike does Not play defense, guard, receiver, center, or cornerback.

He does not block, run routs, catch passes, or call the plays. He does not pass rush, or cover receivers, or play special teams.

Atlanta didn’t lose because of Mike, Atlanta lost for several reasons most he had nothing to do with him. Have you seen the shots he takes trying to get the ball to receivers that don’t catch. Did you see the play of special teams, do you know why our defense, had trouble in the 2nd half. Did you also know that we are missing 2 starters on the offensive line. Did you also know that the offensive line is one of if not the most difficult unit to jell? Football is a game, but a game that has to be studied to really understand it.

Everyone starting with the coaches has a part to play it starts with the GM and goes down. I hope you get my point.

We need to improve in all areas, it’s not entirely Mike’s fault whem we lose. Championships are won on defense.

Thanks for your time. “TEAM”!!

By Talons of Fire

November 21, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

Andrew,

You might as well get use to the AJC blogs when the topic is the Falcons. That’s mostly all you’re going to get. DEEP SEATED RACIAL HATRED. When you have a black QB in the DEEP South like this, the blogs are going to reflect the attitude of the city. As a native I know. “Atlanta, the city too busy to hate.” Whoever came up with that was dreaming or drunk. In any event, the Falcons WILL be alright. As long as the REAL fans keep believing. As some one so poignantly stated, “from reading these blogs, you’d think that the Falcons were perennial winners.” Well they’re not and Vick has provided us with the most excitement we’ve seen since 1998. Put some talent around him and the Falcons become a great team. No QB can be successful with the porous O-Line the Falcons have. The receivers act like deer stuck in the headlights. The play calling is right out of pee wee league. The shallow minded will never see or admit to this. They get more morbid satisfaction out of blaming one man for the play of his 52 other teammates and inferior coaching. Like the characters in George Orwell’s, “1984” they’ve been trained to believe that which is not real and deny that which is real. Sure Vick can be better. Hell, EVERY player in the NFL could, but he can’t do it alone like some of these ditto heads think that he can or should. GO FALCONS!!!

By PINK-O -ugAYS

November 21, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

Mr. Blank next year we will need to sets of linemen if we keep this scheme. Run and pass. AS for old man Mora he is from the old school football. Was he a winner you do the math. Jim Mora seem to be ok when his player are not hurt. But when they get hurt the scheme is not working. Right now Black Coaches have better over all record in coaching in the NFL for winning. Most owner’s go with they feel comfortable with. Mora the little things are killing Little Mora now . Not catching the ball by recievers is the big thing . This what this team should be working hard on and how to get open. They run to many go patten . If old man Mora would tell it all most of it is not Vick falt. offense line not blocking recivers not holding on to the ball very bad play calling then the defense and then Vick and kickoff team in that order. Little mora and Greg Knapp are teaching how to execute each play. Coaches for this team are the weak link and I know he would not say that about his child Jim Mora.Greg Knapp is clue less on how to use his skilled player main weakness on this atlanta Falcons team. Now this telling it like it is. Poor Old man Mora this why he is not in coaching now hot head and how to use new school players!

By colin mclean

November 21, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

Yeah keep making excuses Atlanta. It’s the coach it’s the receivers it’s this it’s that. The plain fact is that the NFL is a quarterback league. You do not have an NFL quarterback. You have an option quarterback with an arm. Now you may think you know more than all the defensive coordinators in the league, I’d like to inform you you do not. This is about race pure and simple and we all know it. The NFL and many writers and ESPN want a star black quarterback. Now remember and observe I said race not racism. So do not start that hyper sensitive put upon crap with me. If Mora sr. was speaking of some average white quarterback “coach killer” see Bratt Favre.. This would be a non-story or at least humorous. So bottom line start the kid from virginia manage the game and win against the Detroits of the world. Note your offensive line is small so they can escort vick around the field.

By Mike

November 21, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

True Falcons fans need to stay behind Mike Vick. He’s truly a great quarterback! The problem is the offensive line, the receivers, the coaches, the defense, and the fans. We need to just dump the entire team and keep Mike. Perhaps if the Falcons build a team around one guy (who is a terrible passer), they can be winners. It’s not Mike’s fault, it’s never Mike’s fault. He’s being unfairly picked on just because of a few minor issues (is inaccurrate, can’t read defenses, stares down his primary receiver, couldn’t find a secondary receiver if there were three people on the field including himself, and looks to run at the first sign of trouble). The Falcons should commit to keeping Mike as quarterback. Once the entire team is re-built to suit his talents, he can be productive. People need to realize he’s not your run-of-the-mill quarterback. There’s no one else like him in the NFL. For most football fans it’s painfully obvious why.

By Playoffs of Bust

November 21, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

Look on the bright side: For every Falcons win, we are closer to the playoffs, for every Falcons lost, we are closer to getting a new Coach, at the least a new Offensive Coordinator.

Trust me, when Arthur Blank start seeing his Season Ticket base dwindle down, and more empty seats in the Dome next year, Jim Moron will be gone !

By Talons of Fire

November 21, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Colin McLean Who made you an expert? Remember these blogs are OPINIONS, not universal truths.

“This is about race pure and simple and we all know it. The NFL and many writers and ESPN want a star black quarterback. Now remember and observe I said race not racism”.

This statement is paradoxical at best. You speak in contradictions. You’d be the same individual that would try to pizz on some one’s head and try to convince them that it’s raining. Ain’t that rich! If this is your idea of being “HYPERSENSITIVE” then so be it. You speak of race, but deny that it has anything to do with racism. What a genius! LOL!

By BBJacket

November 21, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

I’ve got a quick fix for the MV troubles…two words baby…

Reggie Ball!

By Talons of Fire

November 21, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

I said I was going to refrain from this, but …By Mike November 21, 2006 01:19 PM Go F@#$k yourself!

By frankie

November 21, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Im originally from Speedway, Indiana, a suburb of indianapolis. I can remember being a kid riding my bike down Georgetown Ave and hearing the indy cars qualifying on the other side of the grandstands. If anyone should be an Indianapolis Colts fan, it’s me. But I now make Atlanta my home. Let me make something glacially clear, I am not a Colts fan. I don’t care how good a year they’re having. Because in my mind, it doesn’t make any sense to invest my own highly valued time, attention and emotions in showing my undying support for something that just isn’t a sure bet. I don’t run my life and my business that way, by taking unwarranted risks. I’m sure the Atlanta Falcons will one day, just like the Colts, secure a Superbowl berth, even if they don’t come away with a world championship. But why do you care? You guys need to re-evaluate just what it is you are hoping to gain by investing all this time and attention and emotion in a professional sports franchise. News flash: they will disappoint you, they will be inconsistent, and they will play like high schoolers from time to time. Get over it. Grow up, and move on.

By Mike

November 21, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Talons of Fire - Wow, I’m surprised. I thought a person of your writing talents would appreciate a little satire and sarcasm. Sorry to have stirred you up. But really, it’s not race, it’s just our expectations have been so high and we’re seeing so little improvement.

By initialv

November 21, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

vick is awesome. period.

By Titothebear

November 21, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

Vick, most assuredly, is a coach killer! This season he’s played two of the best games I’ve ever seen from a quarterback, but the rest of his games have ranged from mediocre to awful. Prior to this season his play was from adequate to horrible. For whatever reason, he just can’t seem to be consistent. In the games against the Steelers and Bengals, he was dynamic and prolific. After those games, both wins, people spoke glowingly of the coaching, the offensive line and of Vick. Vick deserved a lot of credit for those wins and he got it. What about after the losses? Well, Vick gets lots of criticism and that’s as deserved as the adulation he received after playing exceedingly well in the victories. Many of his defenders point to the offensive line and their failings and they brand the coaching staff idiots. These are the samd people they praised after the wins. Did they go from genius to stupid overnight? I don’t think so. The quarterback position is the most prominent one on any team and it’s no different with the Falcons. Vick takes the credit, well-earned too, for impressive victories and he must shoulder the blame for humbling losses. Vick’s inability to be consistent with his passing game is what keeps him from being a great quarterback. It’s this inconsistency that makes him a coach killer. Jim Mora Sr. was correct in his assessment of Vick. He’s death to a coach! Mr. Blank has paid Vick lots of money and Mora Jr. is stuck with him. May he rest in peace.

By turfman

November 21, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

is vick sopposed to throw the ball and catch it too? he cant do it all. all we need is some receivers to catch the ball

By gg

November 21, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

There is no doubt that Vick can throw and run and all that but the main problem is that Vick is just not very smart. Why do you think he doesn’t audible? That’s why he can’t be consistent…he’s just not the brightest bulb in the bunch and to be a good qb in this league you have to have some brains.

By Titothebear

November 21, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Vick, most assuredly, is a coach killer! This season he’s played two of the best games I’ve ever seen from a quarterback, but the rest of his games have ranged from mediocre to awful. Prior to this season his play was from adequate to horrible. For whatever reason, he just can’t seem to be consistent. In the games against the Steelers and Bengals, he was dynamic and prolific. After those games, both wins, people spoke glowingly of the coaching, the offensive line and of Vick. Vick deserved a lot of credit for those wins and he got it. What about after the losses? Well, Vick gets lots of criticism and that’s as deserved as the adulation he received after playing exceedingly well in the victories. Many of his defenders point to the offensive line and their failings and they brand the coaching staff idiots. These are the samd people they praised after the wins. Did they go from genius to stupid overnight? I don’t think so. The quarterback position is the most prominent one on any team and it’s no different with the Falcons. Vick takes the credit, well-earned too, for impressive victories and he must shoulder the blame for humbling losses. Vick’s inability to be consistent with his passing game is what keeps him from being a great quarterback. It’s this inconsistency that makes him a coach killer. Jim Mora Sr. was correct in his assessment of Vick. He’s death to a coach! Mr. Blank has paid Vick lots of money and Mora Jr. is stuck with him. May he rest in peace.

By moulon fish

November 21, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Why do we have this continous blogging about black / white? This issue is not about race, it is about a quarterback who is being paid an exorbitant amount of money to do a job. And yes, when you are paid $140 mil, the buck does stop with you, don’t pass it to someone else. Some folks seem to be forgetting this fact. I am one who also believes we need to have patience in the falcon’s predictament. Vick has certainly given us some very good games and good effort but what is it that the management wants out of this team? Are we aspiring for the playoffs and the superbowl or do we want to win a few games? I think the fans have a right to moan about a 140 mil quarterback performing at at 140 thousand dollar level. It isn’t personal or race-related, it is a fact that has to be dealt with. Either the man performs to the correct level, or coach mora needs to be a big man and make some changes. Same goes for Eli Manning or anyone else that is not living up to the payscale. As for Matt Schaub or DJ, you will never know until you give them a chance. Quit looking at this crisis with blinders on. WE need 4 wins at least.

By gg

November 21, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to sound like a racist or anything..but Vick is just a dumb a* n****..

By Talons of Fire

November 21, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Mike I’m man enough to apologize and there is no excuse for being profane. I disagreed with your statement in the wrong manner and I’m sure I overreacted. Nonetheless, I find it incredulous that so many people blame the Falcons’ woes on Vick and just as many insult his intelligence . It’s one thing to criticize him as an NFL QB and another to disparage him using racial slurs. YES, He needs to improve, as I’ve alluded to in previous postings, but he can’t win games by himself. Everyone is culpable in the Falcons’ downward spiral, but the players have to be put in a situation to win. It’s not rocket science nor quantum physics. I apologize fro letting my emotions get the better of me in response to your post. I’m an avid Falcons fan and like most native fans, have suffered through so hard times. Yet,I have remained undaunted in my support of the team and always will…WIN OR LOSE.

By jerry

November 21, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

Daddy Mora knows something. Put 2 and 2 together. Junior said he was in this to the “bitter end”. The “bitter end” is when his a* hits the street. Daddy already knows this and is creating an alibi for Junior’s failure.

By Mike

November 21, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Talons of Fire - You’re a class act. If you weren’t a passionate fan, you wouldn’t re-acted that way. No harm done. In the end all Falcons fans want the same thing. There are just different ways to go about it. Have a good Thanksgiving.

By johannK

November 21, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Terence - In regards to your comment “…regarding the plight of his son in relation to a flawed quarterback who nevertheless has reached three Pro Bowls.” Have you ever stopped to think why Mr. Vick has been in three Pro Bowls. Certainly, it isn’t based on his performance. His QB rating, completion percentage, and overall ability as a passer is among the lowest in the league. The reason he has been nominated is completely due to the fact that the the Pro Bowl has become nothing more than a popularity contest. When the fans are no longer allowed to vote for their favorite player, you will truely see the best players in the pro bowl and not just the ones who sell the most jerseys.

By Talons of Fire

November 21, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

Thanks Mike. You too and I pray that all the Falcons fans, racists and all have a very good Thanksgiving. We all have a lot to be thankful for that goes well beyond football. Like living in a great nation where we can be free to engage in lively discussions, debates arguments, whatever you would like to call it, on a myriad of subjects and not be persecuted for doing so. I’ve travel around the world. Everyone does not have these freedoms. BELIEVE ME! GO FALCONS! AND GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS ON FORIEGN SHORES!

By Mike

November 21, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Talons of Fire - Amen to that.

By jerry

November 21, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Talons:

Amen.

By b man

November 21, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

This is the way I see it…

Q:Has Vick been inconsistent? A:Yes, but the answer to this question isn’t a simple Yes or No.

The bigger question is WHY has Vick been inconsistent.

Vick has played solid games (Pit & Cincy)…which I beleive shows Vick has the physical and mental tools to succeed in the NFL.

In order for a QB to be consistently successful in the NFL, a few things need to be in place: 1 - decent running game 2 - offensive line that gives QB time to throw 3 - receivers that run good routes and can catch the ball 4 - famailarity w/ offensive scheme

Take Peyton Manning for example: He has all points above and he has had the same offensive cord for the entire time.

Now lets look at Vick: Vick has point 1 and to some extent 4, remember Vick has been through multiple offensive cord but Vick has been in the ‘Vick Coast’ offensive for long enough that he should have a decent grasp.

I think Vick should shoulder blame for not working on throwing mechanics, footwork, technique for holding ball when scrambling. However Vick can’t be blamed for all the team’s problems.

I still think the Falcons can make the playoffs this year…if they can establish the running game like early in the season, anything is possible.

GOOOO Falcons!!!!

By man on fire

November 21, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

The blame is on every player and coach. The offensive line can’t provide consistent protection. You can’t throw the ball if you are on your back. The receivers continue to drop catchable balls, even Crumpler. Being a number one draft pick is subjective and not a guarantee to be a pro bowler or Super Bowl MVP. Vick is inconsistent. Some is his fault and some is not. Blank is not going to allow Vick to be benched or traded. He has invested too much money and he knows Vick sells tickets, even when the team is losing. Do you really think he is going to dump him? The defense is bad for a few reasons. Injuries make it tough to be consistent. You get tired out there. The safety play with Malloy and Crocker has not been good. Crocker seems to make the wrong decision quite often. These two acquistions were suppose to be upgrades, I haven’t really seen much improvement. Jason Webster going down is a benefit for the long run. He was not getting it done. The defense no matter how injured you are or tired has got to be more aggressive. That starts with the play calling. Then you have to execute. Execute your assignment and you will be fine. I find it interesting that Vick gets all the credit when the Falcons win and less for when they lose. This is a team sport. Vick lovers always boast about his wins as a starter. What about his losses as a starter. His last 18 games as a starter, 7 wins 11 losses.

By Boots

November 21, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Amen to that, Talons of Fire. Let’s just be honest and admit that we’re spending time on the blog in what amounts to nothing more than a mental “circle jerk!” But it’s fun. The reality is Vick is going no where, the coaches will probably change,but nothing else will. The Falcons will remain mid-level contenders, folks will still go out to watch, buy over-priced beer and hotdogs, cheer, fuss, fume, and get p** off. Blank will add to his billions, spoiled athletes will sometimes act like fools, and on and on and on. Trying to get Vick to change is like trying to make a swan by pulling on a ducks neck. We’re going to have a Black quarterback in Atlanta because that’s the important thing. And, Blank doesn’t want his stores destroyed. So, I’m just gonna get over it! In the total scheme of things, it’s really not important anyway! Adios.

By tyger

November 21, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

WHERE’S DAN REEVES?

By kingfish

November 21, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

Right on, Boots. A lot of this blogging is purely hogwash but it is a lot of fun to read. Don’t know if you have heard the latest but Art may have to raise the ticket prices soon in order to cover this 140 million that is evaporating each sunday. Also, he may have to contact Virginia Tech and get some more of those top of the line athletes at $100 million or whatever. But guess who is laughing all the way to the bank, #7!!!! He is also laughing at the end of the game whether they win or lose. Keep up the blogs, I love it! A change is in the air and it is coming soon; not sure how it will happen but mark it down, it is coming.

By mo

November 21, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

Yes, I agree, Kingfish! A Change is in the Air!

We will Change Offensive Coordinators! Yeah!

Vick will get a better system. Knapp’s system sucked and should have never been implemented in an offense that includes a mobile QB.

Yes, Go Falcons! Go Mike Vick! Go V-Tech!

By harpo

November 21, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

This team is just a couple of plays away from putting it together. Let Mike Vick run all that he wants to, it is the only way we are going to win these games so go for it. How did we beat the Panthers early in the year? By doing what we can do best, run the football. Forget the finesse, forget deep throws, just run the ball and mix the passes in when it is convenient. Get some fresh blood in the offensive play calling and you will see success. We are stuck with Vick so at least if we aren’t going to can him, utilize him to his only talent and that is running the ball. We are still in this thing so all of you naysayers jump on board with us and we will make it to the playoffs. Go Ron Mexico!

By Toppcat

November 21, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Vick has been sacked 29 times this year in 10 games and the few times they go long the receivers drop the passes. Play calling sucks, everyone knows what plays they are going to run, it’s like they just hand over their offensive playbook over to the other teams. Unlike other teams, the coaching staff doesn’t know how to make adjustments after halftime, they come out and do the same thing over and over, run,pass, run, punt.. run,pass, run punt..

By frisco pete

November 21, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

does anyone know whether mv7 is still smirking and laughing? i bet he is because after that ravens game on sunday, i was jealous because i have not had a good laugh like he was having in quite a good bit of time. i wish he would let me in on what kind of knee slapper he was being told by ed reed and steve mcnair

By Titothebear

November 21, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

Toppy,

The opposition, either didn’t know what was coming or couldn’t stop what they knew to be coming when the opposition was the Steelers and the Bengals. It goes to the quarterback! He failed to execute in the last three games as he did in those two games.

By MR.BEN AKA MR.PRO SPORTS

November 21, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

EVERYBODY’S JOB IS IN LIMBO !

MORA IS GONNA GO DOWN BECAUSE OF HIS ASST COACHES. HE NEEDS TO PART WAYS WITH THEM NOW, OUR PROBLEM IS NOT VICK, IT IS THE OFF LINE, THE SECONDARY, KEY INJURIES, AND THE TERRIBLE SPECIAL TEAMS. IT HURTS TO SEE THE SAME THING YEAR, AFTER YEAR ! IF WE LOSE SUNDAY , THE WHOLE COACHING STAFF WILL BE FIRED.

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/FORUANDI

By TonyG

November 21, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

If this team does not make the playoffs, there’s no way you can possibly keep things the same. Changes will be made evrywhere, and they need to be, if in fact this team does not finish strong and reach the playoffs. it’s still possible, only because the NFC is completely inconsistent.

By D

November 21, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

I swear, when I hear people trying to justify Mike Vick, it sounds just like someone trying to justify the war in Iraq. bottom line, Mike Vick, ain’t gonna work, poor more money into the money pit, it ain’t gonna work! this is pro sports, to make it, you got to try to look good even when you lose, at least you got to try, but to be as bi-polar as Mike Vick’s record suggest, just goes to show the truth of the matter, he won’t make it with any team, he would still only be 8-8 in the CFL. the blocking, it has to do with him, too, blockers for Barry Sanders were often confused and blocked into Barry as much as they blocked away from him, it’s ok, it was a mistake, but we have to move on, this is a high-stakes game and Mike Vick is just another thoroughbred that didn’t pan out, that’s how it goes sometimes, we need to cut our loses.

By Pamela

November 21, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

Mora did not have the coaching experience to be named head coach of the Falcons. Let’s take a look at the whole team. I don’t think that he has all 53 players ready to play week in and week out. There is too much inconsistancy. At the end of last season they fired the quarterback coach. Mora needs to go at the end of this season. We have talented players on both sides of the ball. We need a coach that has prior head coaching experience and also a winning philosophy that can get us some wins. Mike Vick is too talented to not be successful. Maybe we can entice his college coach from Virginia Tech Frank Beamer in taking the Falcons head coaching job. Mike Vick was a player at that time.

By keeping it REAL !

November 21, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

What a Dumb a$$ 30 point by any defense is a coach KILLER. Please let him stay on NFL network. Vick fan who know the game knows you have a line that can’t block traffic and receiver that can’t catch a cold .And our coaches are getting paid to pretend. Vick yes you can do better and I know you know that. But the coaches have been doing the same thing for three year. This is CALLED FAN KILLER! What are we better in on offense or defense you do the MATH. Management we have made the case YOU ARE FIRED! you are getting paid and what have you guy improved on? Only your PAY! We the FAN deman BETTER MR. Blank. Season ticket time is comming! Last three year are going the wrong way!

By R.E. H.

November 21, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

Vick will always tease, there can be nothing negative said about his effort, but the truth is he would be more useful as a running back and let Shaub do the passing. Double edge sword there, he couldn’t possibly stand up under the pounding say a Dunn has to deal with.

By keeping it REAL !

November 21, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

BY R.E.H Why do your Blue eyes fool you? Why

By Craig H.

November 21, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

Reading some of the comments posted on this subject, I think some things need to be addressed. First off I’ll start by saying that Vick is not the problem. It all comes down to three things: Coaching, execution, and the system you play (which kinda fall under coaching). Take the past three games. Detroit: At least 7 dropped passes, Cleveland: At least 6 dropped passes. If the receivers can’t catch the ball, the QB is going to have stats that resemble a pee-wee QB. Also the O-Line needs to block and protect better. When your QB only takes 3 steps of a 5 step drop before defenders are in his face (Baltimore game) he’s not even gonna get to give the receivers a chance to drop the pass. Now on to the defense. Patrick Kerney, Rod Coleman, John Abraham, Keith Brooking, DeAngelo Hall, Lawyer Malloy, Ed Hartwell and on and on. I mean this should be a defense that could make a strong bid for the All Madden defense and on the play where Jamal Lewis scored his 3RD Rushing TD, the defense looked more like they were trying to clear the way for him to get into the end zone rather than trying to stop him from getting in. I know alot of guys are injured and things, but that’s no excuse. Bill Belichick has players leave, coaches leave, injuries and yet he always manages to win most of the games they play. Green Bay let Ed Donnatel go for a reason. 4TH and 26 should not be made (GB vs. PHL). You should not have 400 passing yds allowed in a game (PIT. vs ATL) even though they won, they really should have lost. You cannot have a 300+ yd passer, a 160+ yd receiver and a 100+ yd rusher all in the same game and expect to win. Ed get a clue: ZONE COVERAGE DOES NOT WORK!!!!! And Mora’s philosophy stinks how he doesn’t care about alot of passing yards that they’re just meaningless, empty yards. Bullcrap!!!! They get you first downs, they get you closer for field goal tries, they get you closer to the goal line for TD’s, and most importantly they keep your offense off the field and your defense on wearing them down and getting them tired for later in the game. Everybody on this team needs to WAKE UP!!!!! Vick is not the problem. I’m not saying he is a great QB far from it, but if you have all the right pieces around you and everybody does their part you don’t need a great QB to win a Super Bowl. The Giants won with Jeff Hostedler, Baltimore won with Trent Dilfer and there were others. Sad to say I see another losing season for Atlanta. Too many quality people were passed by (i.e. Lovie Smith, just to name one) and too many incompetent people were brought in. If Atlanta has another losing season I think a major overhaul is needed and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start with the owner, the person responsible for bringing in most of these incompetents here in the first place and passing by alot of quality players and coaches. Many quality players and coaches will be available at season’s end (i.e. Mike Martz, Brian Billick possibly) so please don’t let them get away.

By Ken

November 21, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

Jim Mora is correct. Michael Vick is a “coachkiller.”

Watching the Falcons play is like watching a combination version of pickup street football plus college football. It’s exciting when it works but not good enough for the NFL.

Six weeks ago, Terry Bradshaw commented that the only reason Vick is still the Falcons’ QB is because Blank gave Vick a terrific contract to play for the Falcons and Blank owns the team. Those who make the gold make the rules!

Vick should be moved to a Reggie Bush type of position and play Flanker/HB. Can you imagine if the Falcons had Vick, Dunn, and a good passing QB on the field at the same time? Wow! Now that would be NFL caliber football.

And with that type of a setup, the Falcons might be able to spread the field, generate TDs, and win playoff games.

It’s not too late for the Falcons to change; however, they need to get going this weekend against the Saints.

By Matt

November 21, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Vick is the problem, and he is a coach killer

Look, he holds the ball too long for the offense. This could be a product of the play calling, but let’s face it — his first thought is run. When he does get it off quick — it’s an uncatchable bullet. Vick has no poise — either in the pocket or on the run. He’s looking less coordinated and he’s not going to last long. Yes our offensive line is smallish, but compare them to other offensive lines — they aren’t that small. Look at NE.

As far as Mora and Knapp and Donatel — the only thing to say is their days should be numbered. If Blank doesn’t do something, he’s going to lose out on paying patrons.

I’m a third year season ticket holder and for the remainder of this year — I’ve given away my tickets because I’m sick of watching them lose in person. It’s a waste of my day off. I will not buy playoff tickets next year if they finish less than .500.

Good luck Falcons! Trade Mike Vick! Dump Knapp! The defense will be very good next year and the offense will be fine once you get a traditional quarterback in place.

By Boots

November 21, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Kingfish: Haven’t seen you on the blog for a while. You know, I’m a little too young for Medicare, too old for the women to care and I flat a could care less what these pro athletes do. It’s just insane that we pay a quarterback $140 mil to play a kid’s game —-that would pay the salaries for 3500 teachers making $40,000 per year!

On my oath, I am through feeding their extravagant lifestyle. Screw them and the Bentley they ride in on! Adios!

By tim

November 21, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

The falcons are not playing well, but the season is not over yet.We as fans should stop blaming people and start pulling for these guys.Yes they have lost three straight games and that the past.If you really are a true falcons fan you know that things are not going to be great all the time that life.I still believe the birds can turn this thing around.Go Falcons!

By keeping it REAL !

November 21, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

To all the people who knows the game. the official coaches killer with near 30 point a game on defense in points. Lo vie Smith should have been our coach in Atlanta. Race is always a factor in what ever people do in America now deal with it! Atlanta has always hated there QB JUST THE FACTS! WE HAVE NEVER HAD A REAL COACH IN THIS TOWN!

By Will Blog for Food

November 21, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

Shoulda, coulda, woulda article:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2670541&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

By ramabama

November 21, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

Hey, you people can keep justifying Mikel Vick and saying he is not the problem but you just won’t face the facts. The falcons need to dump him and soon; too much controversy around him and it distracts from the team. He is not a team player, it is all about him. You gotta be blind if you can’t see that. It’s not about him being black or white, he is NOT doing the job for the money he is being paid. Let him be a running back or flanker or defensive cornerback; give the QB reins to DJ or Matt. It is not too late to turn this season around but it aint a gonna happen until Vick is in another position. Prediction: Saints 38 - Falcons 10

By surfrider

November 22, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this

Somebody had to say it. For $140 million a lot of players could be obtained/drafted/signed. The problem though has to start with the coordinator and play calling and a few other assistants. But there is also a problem with the owner. Please stay off the field and let the players play and please do the strategizing about people in the pressbox. You can’t win in the NFL without passing or stopping the pass. It’s that simple.

By Thomas

November 22, 2006 01:43 AM | Link to this

Vick is erratic because he is running for his life. And, if he is not a passer, that is the coaches fault. He threw a pretty darn nice 49 yard pass late against Baltimore only to be sacked. Blank probably spent too much on Vick, Brooking and Crumpler becasue of the salary cap. More should have been spent on the O-line.

By abirdfan

November 22, 2006 03:04 AM | Link to this

Craig H. goooood point you must know football. Although some of these idiots will not read your blog. I don’t care if P. Manning was behind that offensive line, he would not be successful. The qb does not play defense of catch the ball. These Vick haters want to see a more traditional qg (i.e. blond hair blue eyes).