Sports Columnists

By Chris McAndrew

November 26, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick is a disgrace to the Atlanta Falcons. Flipping off Atlanta fans who paid good money to watch this sorry team lose another game is as low as it gets. And to think I didn’t think it could get worse than his passing stats of the past several weeks.

By Knute

November 26, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

When Jeff optimistically guessed that these guys might get fired up and beat the Saints, I suggested to him that he might want to get the forfeit mailed in early so that they could avoid getting beaten by a handful. Jeff’s been around Mora too long; he’s blinkered by hope. This team has no heart, just as Bird Babe suggests, and have lost interest in football. They are just dreaming of their condos in Hawaii and thinking about playing for some other team next year,

By Trent

November 26, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Terence, I agree..this has gotten totally out of hand. What do you think if we suspended Vick for a game or two (hand gesture) and see if Schab has what it takes. If he succeeds, maybe Vick is the problem, if he doesnt, then let’s look at a new coaching staff. I love Vick, but as time has passed, I’m not so sure we can a Super Bowl with him

By L.J.

November 26, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

I’m speechless. This was the most pivotal game in the Mora/Vick/McKay era and they all blew it.

After today, things will never be the same. There will be some fallout from Flowery Branch soon…at least there had better be.

I know Titothebear will be on here soon. I concede defeat my man. Looks like they’ll finish closer to 3-13 than the playoffs.

By Dexter

November 26, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

I feel sorry for Mike Vick. He has allowed the presure to get to him. The lack of discipline of the whole team goes back to the coaching staff. Coddeling the players instead of giving them a swift kick in the butt. We need a disciplined, hard nosed team that will take it to the other team. Trading off TJ Duckett for Lelie was our first mistake of many. TJ represented power football. We are now an under sized team, on defense and offense.The players have lost respect for the coaching staff long ago. The only hope now is to get tough coaches, and try to salvage what we can from this team. We need coaches that garner respect!

By Big Al

November 26, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

When athletes begin to press, like the Falcons did today, only bad things happen. This team’s psyche needs an overhaul if they are to win any more games. Right now, they know deep down that they are going to fail at the most critical times. Somehow, that thought process has got to be purged. And, I don’t think this set of coaches has any idea of how to do that.

By Steeler Fan in Atl.........

November 26, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

What has happened to your team? They looked so full of life, fire and passion against us but the last 4 weeks have been as bad as any I can ever remember in the NFL. Reminds me of the expansion Buccaneers under McKay.

It starts with the QB, the picture of his ‘bird’ is enough proof that this punk shouldn’t be the leader anymore.

By Falcon Personality

November 26, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

Lack of discipline.

Lack of execution.

Lack of good strategy.

Lack of coaching and on the field leadership.

I have found my true identity. I am the 2006 Atlanta Falcons.

By San Antonio Falcon

November 26, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

The Michael Vick and Jim Mora Experience just keeps getting better and better….I’ll like to know why Blank did not give Wade Phillips a second look. He did interview for the job. For all you newcomers to being a Falcons Fan, This is when you start hoping for loses which will produce (2) things, a high draft choice and a new coaching staff. Just think I spent all that money on Direct TV to watch this crap. At least I have the Spurs out here in San Antonio.

By ST

November 26, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

Rumor has it there were some racial comments thrown at Vick while he was walking off. If that’s true, it doesn’t make what he did right but it does make it understandable.

By Kris

November 26, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

The problem is how this organization is set-up. No great football mind will come to Atlanta and take orders from McKay. Mora is a YES man-(the suck up most of us see at work). Would Charlie Weiss ever come here and work in this type of corporate environment? I think not.

By Rick

November 26, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Vick plays with no heart and has the most inaccurate arm in the NFL.

By vick sucks

November 26, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

mr moore, you are 100% on with your story today!!!!!!! amen brother! fantastic

By Harris

November 26, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

This is about as low as Falcon fans have seen since Pat Peppler had to take over coaching for the ole Swamp Fox.

By dirty til I die

November 26, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

As hard as people on these blogs are on Mike Vick, you have to know they are saying things much worse than the stuff we are allowed to type. And yes, he did lose his cool and respond very inappropriately. And Yes he should and will be fined for those actions. But come on Terrence, “lack of class”? This man has been dumped on more than any QB I have ever heard of and he has more reason than any QB to feel like he is doing everything he can (see dropped passes, no pass blocking, and idiot play calls for main problems with the Falcons offense). Even his coach’s father is blasting him, saying he is going to kill little Jimmy’s coaching career. I wuold say he has handled the entire skid since last year’s 6-2 start with as much class as ayone could expect. But hey, why should you be any different, go ahead and make personal attacks on the man’s character based on an isolated incident. That’s how you keep that good job, by creating controversy right?

The falcons are lucky I’m not the owner, because I would have fired several coaches at halftime today. That way when we lost, I would have been the story rather than a team that is trying hard, but is fatally under coached.

By bronson

November 26, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

Finally a good article from you moore, couldn’t agree more with that assessment and hopefully blank makes the right decisions.

By ron_mexico

November 26, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

There is no way in hell, you can put this on Mike Vick. He is the franchise, this isn’t a one man show. There is no help around him, the wide receivers have dropped too many passes and the offense is always giving up the big play. The offensive play calling is atrocious and this coaching staff has run its course!

By Connie Lingous

November 26, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Blank needs to get away from the players and coaches during the games.

In addition, we will need new coaches and new players - a complete housecleaning - except for Vick, in order to succeed.

By Steve

November 26, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick is one classless act. I used to be a huge Vick fan but he is clearly more about himself than the team. It’s all about Mike…all the time. He dodges responsibility at every turn. Yes, the WRs drop balls and need to be replaced. But Mike never steps up and leads. The fact is Mike hasn’t gotten the job done himself. He has no room to get on anybody else until he takes care of his own business. I used to think his passing and QB skills would develop over time but he looks the same now as 3-4 years ago, no development as a QB. Folks, this is like groundhog day…when will Blank and company realize this guy is a selfish player who not only lacks the passing skills to lead the team to the promised land…he lacks the leadership. Can you imagine Peyton Manning or Tom Brady flipping off the crowd after a tough loss? No, and I can’t either. Mike needs to be traded if we can find a sucker willing to eat his money. We can clear cap space and add some players that actually have respect for fans. BTW, Jim Mora and his over the top garbage need to be fired after the season. His act has worn thin on the players and his lack of leadership after White dropped that pass was inexcuseable for a head coach. His actions were saying, “see what I have to work with here, who can win with that”? I can’t imagine Parcells or Bellichick acting like that either. Arthur, you have some work ahead of you.

By jg

November 26, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

The sad thing is that all 9-7 teams will make the playoffs in the NFC. And 11-5 will be good enough for a first-round bye. If any year was a good time to take advantage of a conference full of flawed teams, this was it.

By NYFalcon Fan

November 26, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

An undeniable team implosion in all facets of the game. Vick tried, he ran for 150+, but time and time again his receivers drop balls or cant get open. I also will never understand the play calling and the lack of defensive discipline. I still go back to the games in Cincinatti and against Pittsburgh. How do we go from offensive performances like that to what we have seen the past 4 weeks. I hope everyone gets the boot. I can’t take watching this anymore. My season is done. Vick flipping everyone off at the end was the perfect ending to the game to show just how undiscilpined and a joke the Falcons have become. The coaches and recievers have to go! Please! Get somone else in here. I dont know who but someone has to be able to use the endless talent we have in order to play hard, sound and winning football. As long as we are in the Mora/Knapp/Donnatel era, its not going to happen.

By TD

November 26, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

Vick will be fined for flipping off the fans and, hopefully, it won’t happen again. Although considering what the players in the National Felon League are capable of, this is pretty much a non-event. Brian Urlacher of the Bears was complaining because Ricky Manning, Jr., was suspended for this week’s game against the Patriots, because he had pleaded no contest to a felony assault charge. W-O-W! Suspended one whole game for a felony! Tough league! btw, Trent, if you want Schaub to start, at least you could spell his name correctly.

By tokyobrave

November 26, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

Mr. Blank, read this. I have spent my last Sunday afternoon on your football team until something is done. This is beyond stupidity. It’s a lack of coaching, focus and professionalism.

By Joe

November 26, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

What I saw today watching the Falcons play the Saints was alarming. The Falcon offense was a series of broken plays where Vick made the best of a bad situation with his running ability, however, his passing and his pass receivers leave a lot to be desired. It looks like backyard football on offense, you know what I mean, go downfield 10 yards and run a post pattern and if you are open I will throw it to you otherwise I am going to run it. The Falcon defense played it’s heart out except for the opening pass play and the hail Mary pass.

Mr. Blank, your problem is on the offensive side of the ball. There is no discipline, everything is built around Vick’s scrambling ability. Vick would make a great flanker doing end arounds, direct snaps from center (as a wide receiver) and run past all the defensive backs if he can catch a pass, at least he should be as good as your current group of recivers, Crumpler being the exception. Try one or both of your other quarterbacks for a game or two. Vick is clearly frustrated with the status quo as well as he should be. The play calling and execution on offense is dismal when you lose several opportunties to score a touchdown inside the red zone.

By mayhew

November 26, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

another odd coaching decision is to try to push the envelope at the end of the half. using time outs that ultimately gave the saints their hail mary. why not let the saints run out the clock and be down 14-6 getting the ball to start the 3rd? he’s just a stupid coach, and if anyone out there thinks they can get a respectable coach in here with these circumstances, i think you will be disappointed. the only thing we’ve got going is that blank will spend $$ to get a coach, but will that be enough?

By mayhew

November 26, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

another odd coaching decision is to try to push the envelope at the end of the half. using time outs that ultimately gave the saints their hail mary. why not let the saints run out the clock and be down 14-6 getting the ball to start the 3rd? he’s just a stupid coach, and if anyone out there thinks they can get a respectable coach in here with these circumstances, i think you will be disappointed. the only thing we’ve got going is that blank will spend $$ to get a coach, but will that be enough?

By David

November 26, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

Did you guys even watch the game and have any of you ever played football before (higher than grade school). Anybody with any knowlege about football besides watching it knows that Vick is frustrated in his recievers and is trying to do it all himself, and on top of that he also has no confidence in his offensive line and that is why he is pressing. I do however agree that Mora has lost control of his team and that change needs to take place. But don’t put all the blame on Mike Vick. Just think what some of these other great coaches would do if they had the talent of a Michael Vick. I would put my money on them succeeding with Vick than without him. Two reasons why the Falcons lost this game today, 1. Offensive line is not big enough and 2. They do not have any big play wide recievers. From Patriots Fan

By joe

November 26, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

OK, enough is enough. This team stinks and the coaches have to go. Second Vick must be fined by the team and issue an apology. I do not care if it was race provoked or not,i.e. Kramer, you owe all the fans an apology. This is the face of the organization and he is disgraceful. So many people come to his defense, but bottom line you want respect then earn it and your display today is not one of leadership. Arthur time to step up and get a coach that can work with Vick’s talents or move on. Why not hold open job interviews for anyone, they cannot be worse than the group you have put together now.

By mj

November 26, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

I just don’t think anything that Vick did today could overcome the ignorant and class-less jesture the man made after the game today. Blank and Mora have continued to rely on the character and class issue when it comes to personel. Well this is something you would expect out of T.O. Hey, maybe some uneducated and ignorant fan made a comment that shouldn’t been made. So, that gives Vick the right, on national TV, to flip off the other fans that pays his salary. He the spoke person of the Falcons. I guess the next time George W Bush getd p** at the American public or even the media for calling him name, he can flip them off. Hardly think he’d be that ignorant or uneducated to do something that stupid. Vick just a class-less loser! Arthur shouldn’t take his actions lightly. I know the fans won’t!

By Allen McWhorter

November 26, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Terrance, I like your article a lot. And in my opinion, the biggest problem the Falcons have is the coaching. Jim Mora Jr. is a very nice man but it is time to face reality. His style of coaching just isn’t suitable for the Falcons. And from the way Arthur Blank has been talking lately, he will be shown a pink slip after this season and shown the door. I really like Arthur Blank. He is my kind of owner. I am beginning to think that he is the George Steinbrenner of NFL owners. It is either playoffs and or Super Bowl for him or bust. I like him a lot. I just think that the Falcons have entirely too much talent to be losing the way they are losing. Coaching is the number one problem. They have to be the worst coached team in the league inside the red zone. There is no doubt about that. The chemistry on this team right now is just a mess, like you said. There will be some definite house cleaning after the season. You can bank on it!

By TD

November 26, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Hey, Terrance, I guess this is what you came up with after you had to throw your “Tech beats Dawgs” article in the trash! HA! Can you tell us again why Tech is going to win?

By Skydawg

November 26, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Well the Falcons are now pushing Jeff George/Junes Jones material and the whole ship is about to sink. I am thoroughly disgusted with this teams play and lack of coaching…lack of coaching to the very core. And for Vick’s antics..to coin an old phrase..you can take a man out of the hood but you can’t take the hood out of the man. As I’ve said before, Vick does not have the capabilities to lead this team nor any team. It’s simply who he is and he showed it today with flying colors. Well this is what happens when you throw all your eggs in one basket. When you drop that basket they all crack and this team has cracked all the way to its foundation. It’s time to let Schaub and Shockley play because we dayum sure don’t want to let go of a QB via free agency if we REALLY need him. Stick a fork in the Falcons, they are done under Mr. Vick and today just etched in stone. It will be very hard for the intelligent fan base (note I said intelligent fan base) to stand behind Vick any further.

By Claude

November 26, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

The offense gets lots of criticism, and deservedly so, but the defense isn’t playing winning foorball either. They get few turnovers. A good defense is supposed to score once in a while, but the Falcons haven’t done that since the Arizona game. Injuries may be a key reason for that, but whatever the cause, it’s a big reason why the Falcons are losing.

By jay

November 26, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Poor Mike Vick - to all his apologists - he gets dumped on more than any other QB ever- this is b/c of the ridiculous overexposure of this fraud. Blame the media for this if you would like - but most of his overexposure is from the crazy amount of commercials and endorsements this guy does.

Hey Mike - if you don’t want the world to come down on you when you stink - don’t take every commercial you are offered.

BTW - How is Mike for Ladanian Tomlinson and Drew Brees looking now?

By mo

November 26, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

I was there at the game and I had a friend that was there who corroborated the fact that the guy that Vick flipped off was making racially-disparaging remarks to Vick.

It wasn’t a surprise to many of those people to see Vick flip that dude off. I think that if that guy was to meet Vick in the parking lot, it would have been worse.

It was unfortunate, but if someone was calling me those names, I would have just called him some names right back.

Vick will pay his fine. It will be money well spent.

Man! The rampant racism was truly evident. Vick was the only offensive weapon we had. It was horrible.

I can see the booing. I was booing so loud my throat is hoarse. And I know that the coaching staff is terrible. But I am not going out calling Greg Knapp all out of his name. I will still respect him as a man. And he’s the main problem.

But unfortunately, Mike Vick doesn’t get that same courtesy in Atlanta.

In short, I was embarrassed today. By the way the Falcons played, the way the coaches coached, and the way the Falcons so-called fans show their racism.

By It's All About Race!

November 26, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

Wondered how long it would be before the Atlanta Liberal Coalition would step in and claim Vick as the victim. Nice job, ST. I guess mean old white people were yelling at the recievers too, making them drop wide open 40 yard passes.

Since Vick will be here for another decade at least, being oppressed to the tune of $10 million a year, it’s time to get rid of Mora and try to find someone who can teach (don’t wanna be like) Mike and the boyz how to play football.

By Sir Stealth

November 26, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Seeing everyone try to dump this all on Vick is all you need to know about what would cause him to lose his cool at the end of the game. The guy’s probably the most talented player out there, but he has a squad of clowns for a coaching staff and receivers who can rarely get open and drop the ball when they do. Half the city seems to want him gone no matter what he does and takes delight in his struggles and I’m sure will hardly be able to contain themselves as they join the chorus calling him a thug and punk and whatever else. Meanwhile, an organization and city team up to derail what could and should have been a great career. I’m starting to think that a lot of the problems with Atlanta’s sports teams have to do with its fanbase, which is really depressing to say.

By OB1

November 26, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

I don’t remember Roddy White or Jenkins dropping passes in college. They are pressing to make a play. White clearly turned to quickly before he had the ball. He was trying to make a play because the pressure the receivers are under. Every pregame show they talk about the Falcon’s receivers needing to step up. I think Joe Horn would be dropping passes if he were a Falcon today. When it is going bad, everything falls apart. It all begins and ends with the coaching staff. We need a change.

By Brian

November 26, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

Jim Mora did not lose the game, the receivers lost this game. D. Hall not batting down the ball at the end of the half, lost this game.

Vick is a THUG and should be dealt with. I will nont spend another dime on this team as long as he is the leader. My 6 year old son who was wearing a Vick jersey today, said “Daddy, does Michael not like the fans?”.

By Bryan

November 26, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

When is this franchise ever going to be able to win on a consistent basis? We need a new coach & new players. This is pathetic!

By lawson

November 26, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

I have never been a fan of Vick as a quarterback. He is too quick to run, can’t pick out secondary receivers, and too short to see over the bigger defensive lineman in the pros. He would better serve the falcons as a wide receiver and speciality back. Why does Mora continue to go with him when he isn’t getting it done. Go with Schaub and see what he can do, if he can’t do it them look for a quarterback coming out of college to draft or trade for a quality quarterback. Oh, and fire Mora, he shouldn’t even be considered a pro football coach.

By jarrodmon

November 26, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Mora has to be fired. Immediately. Don’t know if Blank has the cajones to do it, but he should be fired Monday or given the opportunity to resign. You can’t fire the entire team, and outside of Vick and Brooking they should be.

C’mon, boss man, make a bold move. Show the city the Falcons are more than a tax write off. Get rid of Mora and hire someone fresh for 2007.

By okoou

November 26, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

can we start calling Mike Vick “Dominique”? all he cares about are personal stats anyway. F the team just like you flipped the fans off and shot them a bird, right Mike…errr…Dominique….errrr…Ron Mexico?

we could have Brees and Ladanian Tomlinson if we had not traded for Vick, is that true??

By TC

November 26, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

VERDICT #1: Falcons should have drafted Tomlinson instead of Vick. Yes, Vick is talented but he doesn’t have the heart or character that LT has. VERDICT #2 Falcons should have hired Lovie Smith instead of Mora. Smith oozes class and confidence, whereas Mora acts like the Jr. he is.

By smackwater

November 26, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

The Michael Vick Experience was tried about 10 years ago in Pittsburgh, it was called Kordell “Slash” Stewart. That didn’t work then either. Arthur, get rid of the bum, give Schaub a chance and if he can’t do it lure Kordell out of retirement.

By cc

November 26, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

People seem to act as if coaching is X’s and O’s only. Coaches have to instill confidence, esprit de corps, motivation, work ethic, and most importantly, coaches have to maximize their players potential. These receivers lack confidence, the qb seems to lack confidence, the ST, and the secondary too.

Maybe Vick is the problem, but Blank has committed to Vick as his qb for obvious reasons. So he needs a coach that can maximize Vick’s potential. The coach is supposed to be able to make the owner’s vision come to fruition. Mora can still make it as head coach, but he needs the right people around him.

So much promise and so little progress.

By Greg

November 26, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Look at what firing the OC did in Baltimore. Can Knapp tomorrow. Let Vick call some audibles. They lose either of the next two games, start working Schaub in to see if Vick is the problem. This season is over, time to look and see where to go next.

Oh, and get rid of the BS cut blocking scheme. The league is wise to it, it’s not working in Denver either. We need a real offensive line. That’s why we can’t score in the Red Zone, we couldn’t push a gnat off a gopher’s butt.

By stendec

November 26, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

The time for silence is over. I am a middle-aged die-hard Falcon fan who has been here since the start. Most Falcon fans agree that two former Falcon quarterbacks are on the most hated list. Since both were equally inept there is no one and two. They are bunched together. Jeff “Crybaby” George and Chris Miller. Michael Vick is now on that list for his classless disrespect toward loyal Falcon fans at the Georgia Dome. Most fans work minumum wage jobs and have mundane lives. A small amount of joy in otherwise joyless lives is elicited by Falcon wins. Not too much to ask considering the high cost for the privilege of watching pros who make millions of dollars play for a few hours every week. Vick butt-kissers have rallied to defend him. There is no defense! He apolgized. To HELL with his insincere (team mandated) apology! Vick is a loser and a thug like his younger brother. I am legally blind. My disabled wife, granddaughter and I survive on less than $1,000 per month in a single bedroom public housing apartment. But hey, things could be worse. I have an open proposition for Mr. Blank. Allow a Falcon lover who truly cares coach the team. I will take the reins for one season. If the Falcons fail to reach the playoffs I will not accept a single penny for my efforts. A win-win situation. I guarantee that only players who go all-out every play will be on the field come game day. REGARDLESS OF SALARY! Heart is more important than talent. Some Falcons may have the latter but they certainly lack the former. That is evident to everyone! Many Falcon followers are angry over several seasons of ineptitude. This comes from the heart of a true Falcon fan who has endured it for four decades. The vibrant quarterback that excelled in the playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers is not the same one in a Falcon uniform now. Oh Mike, the next time you want to disrespect those who pay your salary do not do it with gestures but face-to-face in the stands. Then you will PHYSICALLY FEEL some of the pain fans are endured to condone season after season. The Jim Mora bloodline is of losers. Mora kissing Vick was disgusting. If they like each other that much they should get a room. Sorry for the length, this is prompted by 40 years of Falcon frustration. Go Saints!

By D-Hawk

November 26, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Well said…Terence. As for the “Fanoaches” posting Wade P as coach, Schaub as QB…congrats on your HS All-American bench warmer award, that you polish every Sat with haterade. Vick deserves some blame, but please hold other players accountable. They get paid too or did you not know that….

By Mister.Earl

November 26, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Sunday will be remembered as the day Atlanta sports lost its cool.

The fans turned on the players and the players responded in kind. A downward spiral for the most celebrated pro football player in the history of the franchise becomes a historic moment in time.

Mike Vick has some ‘splainin’ to do.

We all have some ‘splainin’ to do.

Or we can always fight.

By e.b.

November 26, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

You people that constantly blame Vick are absolutely cluess. The kid ran for over 100 yds today. Every time he throws the ball, guys drop it! Every time he drops back to pass, there are 3 or 4 guys getting ready to tackle him. This is ridiculous. It’s supposed to be a team sport, be he’s the only one out there busting his behind. And for you idiots to boo “Him”, you should have your tickets taken away. Repeat after me; “Vick is NOT the problem”. There’s a ton of problems with this team people, and # 7 is the only one giving it his all. No-one else is stepping up. You people are either blind, or just plain stupid.

By Hugh

November 26, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

As a Saints fan, I thoroughly enjoyed today’s game. However, I can’t believe how quick the Atlanta so-called fans are to dump on Vick. Vick is an amazing talent and he’s the only reason the Falcons are worth watching. The fans need to rally around their star instead of blaming him. He’s great but he can’t block and catch the ball too!

By saints fan

November 26, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

I think that all of the Vick bashing is uncalled for. Vick did everything he could do to win this game. Those pass droppers were the problem along with the lack of play at the safety position. Things are spinning out of control. This will come to an end after game 16. I know. I have been watching the Saints for many years and I know what you are going thru.

By the future

November 26, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

SUSPEND VICK BRING ON SCHAUB JUST CUT YOUR LOSSES ARTHUR BE A MAN AND PUT MV7 ON THE BENCH AND WIN BABY JUST WIN

By Peter Kim

November 26, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

The ultimate purpose for the team is to win games, every games and a super bawl. That’s what fans paid to watch not the Vick’s one man show running the field up and down like mad dog. Problem is that Blank should have figured it out already by last season when they ultimately faild to make playoff after 6-2 starts. He needs shake up this team. Maybe Schockly is far the better QB. He can pass, run and has a leadership. I am tired of watching bunch hard headed running the football team..

By Cleveland Dawg

November 26, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Dear Falcon Fans,

Here is an open invitation for y’all: why not consider channeling your support for the Falcons into supporting the flagship state school: the University of Georgia Bulldogs.

There’s a little football program about 70 miles east of Atlanta that plays in the Southeastern Conference of the NCAA. That little program features familiar colors (Red and Black) and has been playing football for about 114 seasons.

The Bulldogs, as they like to be called, have produced a consistently winning program (701 all time wins, to be exact), not to mention 42 bowl games, 2 national championships, 12 SEC championships, 2 Heisman Trophy winners, 66 All Americans, blah blah blah. In short, there’s a lot to be proud of if you’re a Bulldog backer.

If you are tired of rooting for the Falcons, if you are tired of feeling frustrated and disappointed, why not consider adopting the local college program?

Unlike the Falcons, who have NEVER posted back-to-back winning seasons, the Georgia Bulldogs are quite accustomed to winning, and winning often. We still have a lot of room for improvement, but it’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog!

The Bulldog Nation welcomes any and all who wish to join our support of a fine little football program. Yeah, we lost to Vandy and Kentucky this year, but “Once a Dawg, ALWAYS a Dawg … How SWEET it is!”

Gooo Dawgs! Sic’em! Woof Woof Woof!

Your friend, Cleveland Dawg

By Tator Tot

November 26, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Blank came out of a successful business career and hired a nice-looking guy who puts up a good front to be his coach. It ain’t the same kind of business. Blank could have hired Lovie, but he ain’t nearly as cute as Mora, right? Mora turned out to be an empty suit. There is no there there.

But it’s over now. Mora’s gone after today.

By Fan

November 26, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

There is the real Vick…a low life piece of terd with no class. The Falcons will never win with Vick because he is not consistent enough in the passing game. You cannot rely on him running to make big plays every game, especially when he cannot even hold onto the ball.

By D-Hawk

November 26, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

How about we suspend fans that never played ball at a higher level than Pee Wee, but make funny expert comments. Why would Mora play Schaub and hurt his trade value as a restricted free agent. Oh, you folks that think Schaub is better than Vick must be laughing hard at me. I’m crying from laughing, so hard at your remarks.

By KC

November 26, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

I grew up in a family of Falcon fans (please no pity). I have tried, seriously, to pull for other teams but always come back to the Falcons - I have only my parents to blame; it conditioned, I think. After struggling with this problem I have decided to pull for the Falcons with no regrets - to lose. Is it too much to say that Mora ISN’T the man? Too much to admit that Vick isn’t getting it? I am not sure Schaub is IT either but after six years in the league SOMETHING should be clicking - forget schemes, throwing the ball and reading defenses are THE SAME regardless of what kind of offense you are playing in.

WINNING is what puts butts in seats and sells not the player. A team that brings a Super Bowl Championship home to Atlanta WILL sell. They have stunk for sooooooooooooo long that winning sells!

By no more vick

November 26, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Vick is NOT a QB! Maybe you did not understand me. Vick in NOT a QB! He can not read defenses to change the play. He does not have an accurate arm. He can run. That is all he can do…run. Atlanta needs a QB not a runner. Hopefully someone in Atlanta’s front office knows that.

By e.b.

November 26, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Hey Steve, I can imagine jake Plummer flipping off the crowd, because he’s done it. And how do you know what these people in the crowd said to Vick. Is he supposed to ignore everything people say? Afterall, he is human. You know how these drunk fans get. And your comments about Mike Vick not “getting it done”, then i guess the same can be said for Eli Manning & Rex Grossman as well -correct? Did you see those games today? Both of those guys lost the game for their teams.

By Ronny

November 26, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

ARTHUR— TRY TO HIRE CHARLIE WEISS!! Not that he’d want anything to do with the Falcons. But who knows? One thing for sure— Charlie wouldn’t put up with any crap. And he has a TERRIFIC resume— including lots of pro experience. He once worked for and learned from Bill Parcells— another no-nonsense coach. (Yes, ND lost to USC this weekend, but so what? He’s put Notre Dame back on its feet very quickly.) HIRE CHARLIE WEISS!!!

By HARDROCK

November 26, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

DEANGELO HALL AND THE DEFENSE LOOK LIKE A BUNCH OF MIDGET LEAGUE PLAYERS.RODDY WHITE COULDNT CATCH A COLD IN THE NORTH POLE BUTT NAKED.DEANGELO HALL DONT DESERVE TO WEAR #21.HE DOESNT AND WILL NEVER EARN A DEON SANDERS TYPE RESPECT.

By Steve

November 26, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick is an average QB (at best) with a phenomenal ability to run. He has horrible WR’s. People like to compare him (just like the commentators did in the game) to Steve Young, Randall Cunningham, Fran Tarkenton, and John Elway as a running QB. The difference is all of them proved they could throw the ball. He has not done that yet. And he carries the ball like a loaf of bread…..protect the ball. Losing 2 fumble in 2 weeks and not being hit is just inexcusable.

By St Louis_bulldog

November 26, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

Some of you fans are totally classless. Yeah, Vicks actions were in appropriate, but who has not given someone the finger when they cut you off on 285? The guy was provoked. Why don’t you run him out of town like you did another quarterback by the name of Favre? That worked out real well for the Falcons. Growing up in Atlanta I found it hard to be a Falcon fan when the Smith family owned the team. You have a great owner and a superstar behind the center. Get a clue people. Vick is not the problem. Mora was a unknown when the Falcons hired him other than his last name. His Dad wasn’t much of a winner either if you think about it. The Falcons made a bad move hiring Mora. Lets hope Blank cuts his losses and brings in someone who can instill some discipline and bring in the right athletes to help the Star. The Falcons have the nucleus, but need some coaching/direction.

By ron_mexico

November 26, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

* Is it only me that sees the whole team falling apart? * You can not put all of this on Mike. The Defense has consistently given up the big plays, they are not stopping anyone. The Coaching staff is not utilizing the players talents to the best of their abilities, and are failing to put the players in the best situations. The play calling is to predictable, run, fun, throw * 3 first round wide receivers are not getting the job done, week after week of dropped passes even Alge dropped some crucial ones. * Jr has got to go, we need a leader, a diciplinary, not a butt kissing coach, always sticking up for the players.** Pull the trigger, bench people, make it an open competition for each position, you pay me $50 dollars and I would bust my a* for the team, We need heart on the team. Warrick is not getting it done, he is too small and so is the O-line. I would take 8-8 rather than 5-11. BTW Fire all the RECEIVERS !!!

By toppcat

November 26, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

Vick wasn’t playing defense when the Falcons gave up that 47 hail mary touchdown pass before the half. Trade Vick and watch how empty the Georgia Dome will be. If you look at all the other top QB’s in the NFL they have receivers who not only get open but they catch the ball and they also have an offensive line who protects them. Vick has been sacked 29 times, he was hit 12 plus times today.

By brownthrasher

November 26, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

No one knows what was said to Vick to elicit such a response. Dome rage I suspect. But then, some of our fans are probably just like some of the people on this blog, just down right beating a man down because of his race. But then again, I would think that none of you have ever fingered the driver next to you for his misadventures on the road. The guy is frustrated and on top of trying his best to make something happen when all around you is breaking down, while it is inexcusable, it is understandable. Been there and done that - done something stupid and regretted it the minute it happened. We are all FRUSTRATED. Mike Vick needs to shut off the tv, the phones, not read the papers and do what he does best - play ball. The Coaching Staff needs a major overhaul. We need someone who will run the players butts in the ground at practice and show them the meaning of playing hard. Stop babying Mike and the other players and get in their faces and ACREAM a little Mora. Attitude starts at the TOP. Mike’s actions are a result of a Team falling apart. It’s easy for Mora to say everything is ok, but we all are feeling the results. Forgive Mike for his littel gesture, we don’t know what set him off. But we do know how many DROPPED passes were made, how many bad calls were made from the sidelines (Coaches) and how many missed opportunities were left on the field. I am still a Falcons fan, win or lose. But it is not one man’s fault. This is a collective break down.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 26, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore, I would like to see what your reaction would be if I came to your office tomorrow and called you a stupid n**** to your face. You, of all the people on the AJC’s sports writing staff, should know what it’s like to have racial insults yelled at you.

Vick’s actions are inexcusable, and the NFL will hit him in the pocket for it. Having been a high-profile figure for so long, he should know better about controlling his emotions in front of a national audience. But trust me, you would have reacted the same way. And so would I.

By ebcarp

November 26, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Vick can’t do it all himself. He sacrifices himself all the time trying to complete the big pass to his receivers. The only two we have who can catch are Crump and BF (who’s on IR). If I was him, I’d be p** too. Who cares if he shot the bird? The O line provides him with no time, and the receivers have shown no ability to catch the ball consistently. A lot of Atlanta’s drives have been killed by dropped passes. D Hall is overrated, also. Maybe they should play Shock a series or two at receiver. He has as much athleticism as any of our receivers. Don’t knock Vick if the receivers can’t catch.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 26, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

This team is not seriously flawed, as far as the players are concerned. But as for the coaching staff, forget it. When your first-round WRs drop passes that hit them in the hands due to lack of concentration, that’s on the coaching staff for not working on catching the football hard enough. When you can’t run the ball up the middle on 1st and goal and gain 1 yard for a score, that’s on the coaching staff for installing a zone-blocking scheme that is not conducive to power football. When it takes you until halftime each game to realize that you have to blitz to create pressure, that’s on the coaching staff for not watching film and making adjustments accordingly. This team has more than enough talent to go deep in the playoffs. But this coaching staff is pitiful at making adjustments, developing players, getting the team prepared, and pretty much anything else coaching staffs are supposed to do. It is about time this coaching staff is kicked to the curb and Arthur Blank hires a guy who will play power football and instill some toughness in his players.

By MisterT

November 26, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

No championship has ever been won at the college level or above with an “athletic QB” that can’t complete the majority of his passes. Young, an athletic QB, did win the BCS championship, but he did complete the majority of his passes. Vick has not done that. Vick shows flashes of brilliance…the back to back games after his mouthing off to ESPN or SI or whoever it was. He does just enough to keep a coach from giving up on him or benching him. Then he delivers the likes of his last three performances. That is the very definition of a “coach killer.” If it were an actual term that you could look up in the dictionary, it would be accomanied by Vick’s & Reggie Ball’s pictures.

Schaub has always shown well when given the chance. He is also much more prototypical of an NFL QB. We had better see what we have in him before the end of this season. I agree with previaous bloggers, Mora & Blank need to use Vick’s antics to bench him for a couple of games. It would be very defendable and give them the occassion to evaluate Schaubie!

By brownthrasher

November 26, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

I think Jim Mora Sr. was in the stands and Mike showed him what he though about those comments earlier in the week (hahaha). We’ve all used a finger at some point in our lives. Especially at some of the AJC writers, especially Moore. We seem to forget that these are “young men.” It’s not their fault that the NFL and any other major sports pays the Big Bucks for their services. Don’t hate the playa, hate the game!

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 26, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

And one more thing: once again more Atlanta sports fans poke their heads out to show why they are some of the most clueless and misinformed fans in the nation. Bash the Vick-Tomlinson trade all you want (and I agree, Tomlinson is a better player, probably the best in the league right now) but at least try to know what you are talking about. Drew Brees was not a part of that trade, he was selected with San Diego’s own draft choice (1st choice in the 2nd round). The Falcons traded Tomlinson, Tay Cody (who is no longer in the league) and Tim Dwight (who is no longer on the Chargers) for Vick. And don’t for a minute think the Chargers would have passed on Vick if they had kept the #1 overall choice; only difference is under Schottenheimer he would have a legitimate offensive line and a solid coaching staff who would have maximized his abilities.

By Fan

November 26, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

Hey e.b., you idiot. Eli Manning’s starting job is in jeopardy just like Plummer’s. When QB’s don’t perform well, they should get benched and Vick should too. Just because he can run, does not make him a good QB. He cannot pass consistently and cannot read defenses.

By Michael

November 26, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

Whether or not racial comments were directed toward Vick or not,(and given some of the racist responses I read after Falcons’ games in this forum I would not be surprised if they were), Vick was still wrong to respond the way he did. Yes, he needs to be more consistent. But he is no different than Jake Delhomme or Eli Manning. However, the two QBs I just mentioned have receivers that CATCH the ball. They also have defenses that keep them in games. I say Mora and his staff should be fired. Our defense has not improved since Mora’s hiring, and he was a hired for his defensive background. We need a strict disciplinarian at Head Coach, and we need to bring in Randy Moss. Say what you want to say about him but we would not be talking about drops if we had him.

By ron_mexico

November 26, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Jr be afraid be very afraid, get your fishing gear ready, to join Larry coker !!! The season is over end of Statement!

By D-Hawk

November 26, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Mister T…. your comments are just stupid. Tommy Frazier (Nebraska) won a championship and if you remember (mr. expert) he wasn’t a good passer. Schaub as the QB…just say NO to drugs. You do know that 10 other guys play on offense, right?????

By Louis Vales

November 26, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Mike was just showing how many World Championships that the Braves, Falcons, Hawks and Thrashers have won in last 40 years.

By stendec

November 26, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

Me again. Why do so many jump to make everything a racial thing? I named both George and Miller as all-time hated Falcon quarterbacks? Guess what their skin pigmentation is? I could care less if Vick is black, white yellow or green. To me they are ALL Falcon uniforms! They are ALL Falcons. For better or worse. So can the racial crap!

By KC

November 26, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Artie, how about letting Rich do HIS job!? Wasn’t it YOUR decision to bring in Mora?

By Jeff Schultz

November 26, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

At least no one on the Falcons staff said Reggie Ball was a ‘smart quarterback.’ Stop writing articles moron. Thank you.

By Bart

November 26, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Mi-mi-mi-mi-mi” – that’s the fat lady warming up her pipes.

The Falcons’ season is as good as done. For the fourth straight week, the Falcons lost a game they should have won. There was no reason the Falcons couldn’t have or shouldn’t have won this game today. They are a team without identity. A team that needs a new coaching staff. A team that we once believed could go to the Super Bowl, but now realize will not have a winning season.

Offensive play-calling stunk again, and Knapp should be fired! The Falcons were playing against the worst rush defense in the league, yet Knapp called three passing plays in a row in the red zone. The Falcons got to be able to bang the ball in when we get close to the goal line.

Michael Vick completed only 9-of-24 passes for 84 yards today, but rushed 166 yards on 12 carries. The offensive line was atrocious. Key drops by White, Lelie and Jenkins crushed Vick, but the Falcons simply couldn’t gain yards in the red zone through the air - 3.5 yards-per-attempt is a joke. The best offense Falcons had was sending their receivers deep and letting Vick run. His 127 first half rushing yards, including a 51-yarder, was a NFL record for a quarterback.

We got very little pressure on Brees, and our secondary was horrible as usual. Donatell should be fired, too. Why does the defense always decide to start pressuring the quarterback in the second half, once we are already behind?

And finally. Mora should be fired because this team is horrible. Jim Mora is inadequate as a pro football head coach and does not properly prepare his staff or the team for big games. It’s apparent the players don’t believe in this coach and his coordinators. It’s ultimately his job to get the team prepared, no matter who is suiting up, and he isn’t getting it done.

Finally, this team lacks DISCIPLINE in every phase of the game. The Saints addressed that problem when they let their “player-favorite” coach go last season, and it’s not too early to do it now in Atlanta, either.

This season is toast, put a fork in it. Mr. Blank and Mr. McKay, it’s time to cut our loses and let him go.

Jim Mora, Sr. thinks that Mike Vick is a coach killer and is not a passer. Well, it’s hard to be a passer if you have no one to catch the ball.

Jim Mora, Jr. is a team killer, and will never be a great head coach.

A very disappointed FALCONS FAN, Bart Coffee

By Ronny

November 26, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

Wonder what was up with Arthur and Dan Reeves on the sideline before the game? Could it be he’ll bring in Dan to oversee the coaching staff for the rest of the season? To evaluate the situation, and present some ideas to straighten things out. This might be done without immediately firing Mora and his crew. They’re young, and might be willing to accept leadership and help from such a repected coach. He could be used like Bobby Bethard— the former San Diego Chargers GM— was used as a consultant for awhile. Wouldn’t even have to be on the sidelines. Could be in Arthur’s box. And maybe he could keep Arthur off the sidelines for awhile. It’s really awkward seeing Arthur wander around the sideline, talking to people he may have to fire!

By Terry Bradshaw

N