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

November 26, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

I just Tivo’ed the game so let’s analyze Vick’s passes (9 for 24).

5 passes were dropped (so that’s 14). Three times Lelie decides to fall down (when he didn’t seem to be pushed or tripped, maybe he knew he was gonna drop it so he tried to get pass interference calls - that’s 17) Vick threw the ball away 4 times when no WR’s were open and pass protection broke down (that’s 21) Vick threw 3 bad passes ( 1 - overthrew Crumpler in the endzone on a rollout to the right, 2 - Pass tipped at the line intended for Jenkins / looks like it could’ve been caught before tipped, 3 - Threw one at the ground, receiver’s feet when he was on the run ). (that’s 24)

I wouldn’t really call it a bad passing day. Vick played his heart out today & I wouldn’t put the blame on him. He seemed to be the only one that played his heart out. Although that middle finger incident was unneccessary I feel Vick was really frustrated after how hard he played & they came out with the Loss… fans heckling him, heat of the moment.

By woody

November 26, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick is not the problem. What about the play calling from Knapp. What about the defense? The defense coach was fired my Green Bay for giving up a four and twenty-four in the play off game that let the eagles go to the super bowl. he wants to play to much zone and not enough pressure. If he had pressure on Brees on the hail mary , Brees would have had to throw before the receivers got in the end zone. I would like to see Mora, and both offense and defense coaches fired. The falcons have the talent to win, they do not have the coaches.

By AJC Poster

November 26, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

I think you have to put some of the blame on Rich McKay. He’s a great defensive talent evaluator (besides Hartwell) but poor at making offensive decisions. When he first came to the Falcons he said he heard Green Bay’s GM greatest regret was not surrounding Brett Favre with more talent. And he said he would put great talent around Vick but he has failed. McKay tried with the draft picks of Jenkins & White but they’re not good receivers. We all know Vick isn’t a great passer, so you should build an offense which would give Vick the best opportunity to succeed in the passing game. Which would be to get the best pass blocking Offensive Lineman you can find & get him the best WR’s you can (true #1 superstar). However, the Falcons did the opposite & got a bunch of no name Offensive Lineman who are good in Alex Gibbs run blocking scheme but poor at pass protection. You don’t have any WR’s worth anything, instead passing the opportunity to get a TO, Randy Moss, Javon Walker by not taking them. In essence you setup Vick to fail in the passing game. He isn’t a pocket passer, he needs help in the passing game, he isn’t a drop-back QB so you must put talent around Vick that’s pass-oriented for him to succeed in this area. We all know Vick can run like crazy so we don’t really need a run oriented offense. Our offense is setup to run the ball, which really hurts the passing game. Vick needs some playmakers around him. Dunn’s career is coming to an end. Crumpler is a stud but defenses know our WR’s suck so they gameplan to frustrate Crumpler. What this team needs is Olineman that can block in the passing game & a stud WR. With this setup I think Vick can be consistent in the passing game & show week in & week out what he did against the Steelers & Bengals

By Darius

November 26, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

First I would like to say that I was wrong in my judgement of Mike Vick. I have been unfairly hard on him, as are most fans in this city. What I saw today is that he seem to be the only player on the Falcons that was interested in winning. Yet, he constantly takes all the blame for an extremely poor coached team. Case in point, did anyone know the Wide Receivers coach was an offensive lineman in the NFL? Pitiful.

We need some coaches with high football IQ, and a proven track record. Nobody on Mora’s staff came from winning programs, as such they have no idea on how to sustain a winning ball club.

By falcon fan

November 26, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

There is no excuse for Vick’s actions after the game. Also, there is no excuse for Vick to hold the ball constantly like a loaf of bread. Many great coaches would have put him on the bench for that alone. Therefore, either he is not being coached well or he is not listening to the coaches. Regardless, Vick is supposed to be a pro football player and holding the ball like a loaf of bread should at least by now be a NO, NO. My high school and little league football coaches would have pointed that out alone. The other problem is that Vick has not shown himself to be a consistant passer. Regardless of the receivers or the O-line he has never shown the ability to pass consistantly. Sure he is a fine talent and he belongs in the pros, but perhaps his skill set is better geared to being a receiver or running back. He has shown great ability to run, but the great QB’s of the past were judged on passing yards, passing TD’s, and championships, not on their running ability. For example, McNabb is a great runner, but he balances it out by being an equally great passer. Finally, a great QB isn’t going to break under the pressure whether on or off the field and Vick has shown that in the end he can’t handle the pressure when he flipped off the fans. I have read where there may have been racial undertones involved and I don’t know if that happened or not, but what about all those other fans after the game who didn’t boo and believed in him and the team. In particular the kids. Pro players make all that money and fans spend money on tickets, merchandise, food and programs. They watch the games on TV to see their team and its players play in the hopes of seeing the home team represent them well and perhaps have wonderful victories. Yet, it seems discipline and respect have longed parished. If Mora is a good coach then he WILL BENCH VICK AND PLAY SCHAUB. This does two things, it gives Vick time to cool down and think things over and it gives another talented player a chance to prove whether he can be the QB the team needs to get to the next level. I have watched Schaub play on at least two occasions and each time I recall him passing for at least 200 or 300 yards. He may also be better suited for the West Coast Offense than Vick. Also, when was the last time any fan has ever heard of a QB in the West Coast Offense not passing for astronomical yards and TD’s. In Vick’s defense, he may not be suited for the West Coast as a QB so either get him where he needs to be passing wise or change his position to WR or RB or trade him and get some good draft choices and free up the salary cap because at present Vick has still not learned how to fly as a QB and it looks he never well unless someting drastic changes.

By Jason

November 26, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

Who cared??? The Dawgs won! TO HELL WITH GEORGIA TECH!!!!

By Jason

November 26, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

Who cares??? The Dawgs won! TO HELL WITH GEORGIA TECH!!!!

By Chris

November 26, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick is a classless disgrace, a total loser. I was ready to support moving him to running back or slot, but I’d rather just cut his sorry arse loose entirely. Can’t you cut a player and just walk away from his contract in the NFL?

By stendec

November 27, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

No. Because of the cursed NFL Players (Pansies) Association. Sorry!

By Diehard10

November 27, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe we passed on Lovie Smith to hire Jim Mora, Jr.!!!

I can’t believe we passed on L.T. and Drew Brees to draft Mike Vick!!!

By John: VT fan who witnessed the greatness

November 27, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

“Terry Bradshaw’s” data says it all. For the unintelligent posters, understand the game and the facts.

How can any quarterback have great stats if the receivers drop the ball. Review all the games where Vick’s passing stats “appeared” inadequate and chart the number of passes dropped, the balls that were thrown away, and the number of third and long passes attempted. The play calling has been atrocious all season.

You Atlanta fans disrespecting Vick and his game need to analyze what is going on. Why continue to show your ignorance?

By Cap

November 27, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

This fan base is why Atlanta will return to the position they were in before Vick’s arrival. Perennial NFL losers. Some idiot on this blog had the nerve to say Tomlinson should have been drafted over Vick. First of all, you must have forgotten how the trade with the Chargers went down in the draft because the Falcons wouldn’t have been able to draft Tomlinson because he wouldn’t have slipped to fourth. And second, the Falcons winning percentage under Vick is better than the Chargers with Tomlinson. Yeah and I’m sure a player of Tomlinson’s caliber would love to come play for Atlanta where he sees the best player on the football team getting booed off of the field by the Falcons fans.

By Deion Sanders

November 27, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

I expressed my interest in coaching this team after Coach Reeves was fired. I am still very interested in coaching this young team. This team has a lot of potential that needs to be cultivated. I believe I am the person to do that. In looking at the defense, there is too much “soft zone” being played. In analyzing the offense, the play-calling needs to be “attacking” rather than conservative (as in the Steelers game). I can bring a SuperBowl to this city…the city that I used to call “home”.

By Cap

November 27, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Hey I’m glad Vick flipped off the haters. These pseudo-fans want to criticize him for being classless? Every player in the NFL is going to see the highlights of this game. They are going to see Vick putting out more individual effort than any other player in the NFL this Sunday with no help from his receivers or O-Line (or defense or special teams for that matter) and then they are going to see Atlanta’s white hillbilly and black Uncle Tom fans (see Terrence Moore) harrassing Vick as he tries to leave the field. Yeah Atlanta, for the 10th time GOOD LUCK ATTRACTING FREE AGENTS!!! The dropback passer of your wet dreams will not want to come and play with this O-line and receivers. But the rest of the NFL sees Vick play and the players will continue to vote for him and Crumpler to the Pro Bowl in the future because anyone who knows football knows they are the only two viable players on the team. So please Atlanta press and country-a$$ fans keep screaming for Vick to be shipped out of town just like Favre got shipped out of town for allegedly being too much of a partier to lead the suckiest team in the league. So while Vick is winning a championship for another city (I know Chicago would love to have him right now) we can relive our “glory years” of the pre-Vick 1980s and 90s. And P.S. if you are thinking about trying to build a team through the draft all of the picks are going to play out their rookie contracts and leave like they do for the Arizona Cardinals. Congratulations Atlanta!

By Cap

November 27, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this

You are on point VT fan. For those of us who have watched Vick from the beginning we know he didn’t seem to have any problem passing the ball before Greg Knapp came to town. But from that fateful day as redshirt freshman where Vick somersaulted for a touchdown against JMU we knew that his running ability was an unprecedented bonus to the best southpaw arm (and deep ball) in football history. Now with the receivers dropping the ball and the O-Line not blocking his legs are all the Falcons have. Without those drops Vick would have been at least a solid 14 of 24 for probably over 200 yards and at least one touchdown. Remember haters, he didn’t throw any picks (or last game for that matter). If you go back throughout the entire season and you factor in the drops Vick would likely be putting up some of the best numbers in the league (at least for the talent he has). So you mean to tell me Vince Young and the Titans can beat the Giants as a rookie but Vick and the Falcons couldn’t this season? Yeah, it’s all Vick’s fault, it really is.

By Cap

November 27, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

And please ignorant football know-nothing don’t say anything about Vick being too short or small because he’s as tall and bigger than Drew Brees, Steve Young, and Jeff Garcia. But you know, it helps to have Joe Horn making spectacular catches and it definitely helps to be able to throw passes to Jerry Rice and Terrill Owens. Vick needs a top flight playmaking receiver immediately.

By George Holman

November 27, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

What a joke for a professional team. Dropped passes, no disclipine, and getting flipped off by the “franchise” is inexcusable. I have been a fan all my adult life, but I have, as of today, adopted the Falcons montra, “Who Cares?”

By stendec

November 27, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

To all Vick butt-kissers: Pro football quarterbacks are judged by victories not statistics. Just ask Dan Fouts!

By Steve

November 27, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this

Why do we have an offensive lineman as a receivers’ coach (check out the bio of the Falcons’ receivers’ coach)? Can we find somebody to help teach our receivers how to play at an NFL level? I think our receivers have talent, but they need to learn how to play the receiver’s position at an NFL level.

By Cap

November 27, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this

Hey Mr. Moore, to view some real journalism why don’t you read this excerpt from your colleague Steve Wyche’s article - “Vick completed just 9 of 24 passes for 52 yards, making this the second straight game he has thrown for less than 100 net yards. However, several passes were dropped. Vick, who was under heavy pressure when he did drop back to pass, rushed for 166 yards on 12 carries.

He was Atlanta’s only true offensive threat.

Atlanta scored just one touchdown for the third straight game, despite getting to the Saints’ 7-yard line three times. The Falcons have not scored more than 14 points in a game during their losing streak.

“Today, your quarterback goes out and plays a great game and the supporting cast doesn’t help,” said tailback Warrick Dunn (19 carries, 52 yards, 1 touchdown). “To have opportunities and not really take advantage of them is tough.”“

For all of you haters, you don’t see wide receivers yelling at Vick like you see WRs on other teams yelling at their QBs. Atlanta’s WRs know better Because your twisted vision of Vick not being able to pass the ball or lead the team is not the reality in that locker room. All of the Falcons, the coaching staff, and those who watch the game know that Vick is the only thing keeping the Falcons from becoming the Arizona Cardinals.

By Cap

November 27, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this

To stendec: You are absolutely right, ask Fouts, Marino, Moon, Tarkenton, Testaverde, and especially Peyton Manning. Whole lotta yards, no championships. So what on earth makes you thing an immobile pocket passer is going to come in behind this O-Line and play with these receivers and do anything MORE, much less equal to what Vick is doing now? And there is actually a large contingent that even think Matt Schaub can step in and do better! I’m sure vick would be the first person to wish him Good luck!!!

By John

November 27, 2006 01:46 AM | Link to this

It is inexcusable for a supposedly Professional Football Player (Atlanta Falcons Michael Vick)to give the finger signs to fans in the stands that booed him. In his oral press conference he never apologized to anyone for his actions. Then soon after that, was a press release from the Atlanta Falcons organization that apologized for his actions. That is not acceptable, He must do it in person!!!! He gave the fans the finger in person!!!!

By Whopper Dawg

November 27, 2006 01:57 AM | Link to this

Trade’em. Now. For what ever you can get. Please look back at my pre-season post, when I said the same.

By Madden King

November 27, 2006 02:36 AM | Link to this

Ok White people you won, all the athletic QB’s which all of them happen to be black will no longer play in the NFL. It’s a lost cause, we are too stupid, too hip hop, too thuggish, too hood, too childish, and too ignorant for the NFL. Starting tomorrow all the white backup QB’s who were backing up black QB’s can now assume the starting role and the black QB’s will start a negro football league b/c that is the only way Vick, McNabb, McNair, Young, Wallace, Cullpepper, Brooks, and Campbell will be appreciated without worring about another race of people saying that they should play another position. That way you white people will never have to worry about a black athletic QB ever playing the QB position in the NFL, they will have their own league and their people will appreciate and love what they because it’s only so many black QB’s in the world today. HOLLA! WHITE PEOPLE GO TO HELL WITH YOUR SLAVE OWNER ANCESTORS!

By Madden King

November 27, 2006 02:47 AM | Link to this

For all you racists hears a little something to know, Vick is in the top 3 in probowl voting this year amongst fans, coaching, and players will rush for 1,200 yards, and pass for almost 3,000 yards. If i’m not mistaking that will make Vick a 4 time probowler which means 4 time probowlers who are 26 years old don’t get benched. Sorry to tell you white people this but Vick isn’t going anywhere, Schaub will be with Oakland next year so get used to being Oakland fans. HOLLA! GO FALCONS! GO VICK!

By K-Man

November 27, 2006 03:14 AM | Link to this

It’s past time to take a long, hard look at the quarterback position here…Vick is a tough, talented football player - no doubt about it. But he is undersized, unconventional and unpolished at the position. There is another similar player in the NFL, although not quite as fast - Antwan Randal El. He made the transition from college QB to professional receiver/kick returner/triple threat with great success. The way the game is structered today you need a QB who can hang tough in the pocket and can see over the line to hit his receivers - it doesn’t make any difference if he is white, black red or green as long as he has the talent to play the position. Mora’s Dad is right - Vick is a coach - and a team - killer at QB.

By Madden King

November 27, 2006 03:27 AM | Link to this

Did anybody notice Arthur Blank and Dan Reeves walking and talking to each other during pregame warmups in front of Jim Mora’s face. Looks to me like the reigns of this football team has been handed back to Dan Reeves. HOLLA! GO FALCONS! GO VICK!

By Steve

November 27, 2006 03:39 AM | Link to this

I’m sick and tired of everyone blaming Michael Vick as the sole reason for the Falcons troubles. He sure as hell didn’t go out on that field by himself.

The Falcon’s need receivers that can catch, lineman that can block and coaches that know how to coach and not punt the ball away on 4th down with less than 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter. I guess Michael Vick is to blame for that as well.

Yes, he made a bad decision by flipping off the fan regardless of what was said. That decision does not make him classless. If it did then it would only be fair to add the following to the list of classless people who were caught flipping the bird (Damon Huard, Mike Ditka, Warren Moon, Nelson Rockefeller, George W. and Johnny Cash just to name a few.) I also recall two very brief articles about the golden boy Chipper Jones’ wife divorcing him for infidelity and Bobby Cox being arrested for spousal abused. The latter being discharded because his wife refused to press charges. I guess their actions made them classless too. Obviously not. People make bad decisions under pressure, when they are angry etc..

Judge the body of work in it’s entirety and not base it on a single incident.

By bigbelly

November 27, 2006 04:06 AM | Link to this

Good for you Terence. You wrote an article that your critics can finally agree with;”Well golly. That Terence ain’t such a racist after all!!! He’s really a good boy!!!”

I’m at the point now that I hope Vick does get traded; for his own health and sanity; to a team and city that appreciates him. He leaves it all on the field trying to carry this joke of a team and all his haters bash the hell out of him?? Never mind his receivers can’t catch worth a damn; never mind that o-line couldn’t block their offspring; never mind the dbs play like they got down syndrome. Everyone around the league;especially the Saints; is talking about the game he had and how he’s not getting any help. But then all the haters can talk about is how “classless” he is for flippin the bird to a couple of confederate sympathizers. My partner went to the game and he called me and told me that he heard what some of those so-called fans were saying, and it wasn’t “booooo”. Some of you will scream “oh you’re playing the race card” but you can only play the cards you’re dealt. Atl should change it’s motto from “The city too busy to hate” to “the cith too busy hatin’”.

Yeah, go ahead and trade Vick to a team that will build around his strengths and compete for championships year after year; whose fans won’t call him a stupid thug because he braids his hair and listens to rap. Then we can lament his departure the same way we do for Favre. Then we can put Schaub in at starter and watch him die playing behind that line. I can tell my grandchildren how I was witness to the first onfield fatality in modern football history. One day I’ll run into Vick after he’s given his HOF speech(the theme will be”let your haters be your motivaters”)and I’ll tell him how I remember him when he was in Atl. Then I’ll ask to see his rings again.

By bigbelly

November 27, 2006 04:31 AM | Link to this

Damn, nono; what did you do when you found out there was no Santa Claus?

By HAWK

November 27, 2006 04:54 AM | Link to this

Alright, I havent read all these posts, so excuse me if i have mentioned something that was already written.

Vick playd his heart out Sunday. And after busting his A&^ all over the field, running for 166 yds, he walks off the field to boos directed right at him. Football is an emotional game, and players expend a lot of energy and emotion while playing. So, coming off the field after an awful loss, Vick was emotionally drained and frustrated. Then, fans start booing at him and he gave them the finger. Which was a product of the way he plays. All out, and with all his emotions and fight. I sympathize with him. Walking off the field on your home field to boos, sucks. Vick is not the problem, people. It’s our defense and offensive play-calling. Vick was great in Dan Reeves’ simple offense. And the defense is depleted and full of overrated players (Brooking), players past their prime (Milloy), injury prone players (Abraham), and prima donnas (Deangleo Hall, who still is probably the 3rd best CB in the game behind Bailey and McAllister).

I believe in you Mike Vick

By WHO DAT

November 27, 2006 04:55 AM | Link to this

Suck it up, bee-otches!

By Given up

November 27, 2006 05:16 AM | Link to this

Vick isn’t a quarterback. The powers to be at the Falcons are wasting a talent. Make Schaub the QB and let Vick be a: Running back, slot back, receiver, another quarterback, in essence, give the opposing D more to think about. Vick will never lead the Falcons to the Super Bowl. And, Mora is in over his head. Was to start with, and still is. Cut the losses now. Fire the coach and get one with experience and a game plan

By KENNY

November 27, 2006 06:02 AM | Link to this

oh, give me a break. he gave you the finger. you poor babies. are ATL fans that sensitive? i remember in 1995 when Black Jack McDowell was pitching like crap for the Yankees, and Buck Showalter pulled him from a game and the yankees fans went berserk on him, causing Black Jack to give the yankees fans the fingers. We gave him hell the next game. But he actually earned our respect by actually showing for once that he was as fed up as we were and that he cared.

I will say this about you ATL fans: you guys are pathetic. In that 4th quarter, when the saints were driving, you had a third down play down in our red zone and did the falcons fans care at all? Hell no. They did not. IT was hard to tell that there was even falcons fans at the game. There was no DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE ! chants you hear in every other stadium in the NFL. If you guys were there, you were just sitting on your hands. SO, i would have to say that most falcons fans do not care and that they are really not fans. If you are too damn lazy to get off your behind on a third down in the red zone during the 4th quarter, then you are not a fan and you have no right to come on here and criticize the teams, coaches, players, management or the owner.

SHUT UP FALCONS FANS AND PLEASE GO LEARN HOW TO BE REAL FANS FOR ONCE! ANGRY LITTLE NERD RANTS WHILE SITTING ON YOUR COMPUTER DOES NOT SHOW YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR TEAM! YOUR ACTIONS OR, BETTER PUT, INACTIONS AT THE GAME SHOW THAT AS A FAN BASE THE FALCONS FANS DO NOT CARE ABOUT THIS TEAM

By Ron

November 27, 2006 06:09 AM | Link to this

A few things to comment on. DeAngelo Hall, you might be the best one-on-one corner in the league at times, but everyone knows on a hail mary pass you knock the ball down. You tried to pad your stats with the pick and cost your team seven points. Mike, no matter how bad the comment, you can’t flip off your customers. As for the receivers, I think you demote the top three to special teams ONLY. You give Jennings and Youngblood a try and on three wide sets put Dunn in the slot. I give Carrington and Mallard credit, at least they go full tilt the whole time the play is going. They may not have the talent the starters do, but I will take that effort over the talent any day. The last place on the field I will dwell is the o-line. Either dump the lot of them right now and pick up guys off the street or at the end of the season do it. They used to be able to run block, they can’t even do that now. They are awful. As for Vick, he ran for 160+ today and kept us in the game for most of it. He made three great passes, all were dropped. He does spray it sometimes, but hey Joe Montana would spray it behind that o-line. Vick is not Joe, but he is our chance. As for the coaching staff. It is your fault we have no depth. It is your fault we are unprepared for other teams basic packages. It is your fault your quarterback has been reduced to running for his life. The play calling on both sides of the ball is almost criminal. You are supposed to put your players in position to do what they do best. If D Hall is so good, match him up man on man and blitz. We can’t play zone, when we play zone we get toasted. These are the same ole Falcons. They have a better shine than the other teams, but the smell is about the same.

By FalconsFan

November 27, 2006 06:15 AM | Link to this

The hard part to take is in the ajc photo of Vick flashing the finger, it shows a woman fan in a #7 jersey who really did not deserve that.

If the fans yelled at Vick and he responded like that, who is Vick Kramer ? When they yell at you on your job your not supposed to yell back or flip birds.

By Steve

November 27, 2006 06:37 AM | Link to this

I am embarrased for Arthur Blank. The final blow was Vick flipping off the frustrated fans. Vick should be on the bench for a week. This is not what Blank is about. Team needs its discipline back. Somehow the attitude that Mora has shown from time to time by loosing his temper has become the attitude of the team.

It’s over. They have lost the fans now. Blank has a lot of work to do to rebuild that excitement we felt several years ago.

Despite Vick’s quick legs, their is no excitement left. There is no offensive line….Vick’s turn to the outside is working less and less. Teams have us figured out.

Steve

By Bird Doo

November 27, 2006 06:53 AM | Link to this

Great article. You hit the nail on the head - a coach who can’t motivate and a QB who has not improved. I agree with you 100%. The only logical decision is to fire Mora and bench Vick (unless he wants to play WR). How about a Whisenhunt-Schaub combo for next year!!!

By Randy Duncan

November 27, 2006 06:54 AM | Link to this

LETS START BY SAYING I AM NOT A FALCON FAN EVER SINCE THE FIRNG OF DAN REEVES I HAVE HATED THEM.BUT I SEE SEVERAL PROBLEMS,I DON’T LIKE JIM MORA BUT FIRNG COACHES EVERY THREE OR FOUR YEARS SENDS A BAD MESSAGES TO OTHER WOULD BE COACHES, ALSO MANAGEMENT CAN NOT TIE UP PLAYERS LIKE VICK LONG TERM BEFOR THEY ARE A WINNER AND THAT MEANS SUPER BOWL WOUND LIKE BRADY THE FALCONS ARE THE NFL VERSION OF THE TIMBERWOLVES ONE PLAYER TIES UP MONEY AND NOW THE ENTIRE TEAM SUFFERS BECAUSE YOU CAN’T SIGN PLAYERS IN OTHER SPOTS.THE JETS ARE LAUGHING AT THE FALCONS RIGHT NOW THEIR HOSPITAL BILL IS GONE AND SO IS THE RAVENS HOSPITAL BILL.THE FALCONS NEED TO GET PALYERS WITH A HISTORY OF GAMES PLAYED AND LIMITED INJURIES IT WAS NO SECRET THAT ABRAHAM GOT HURT ALOT.

By #1 Falcon Hater

November 27, 2006 06:54 AM | Link to this

I’ve been offically saying this for 2 years now, finally the end for Jim Moron and Greg Crap.

By the way, did anyone see how good Vince Young played against the Giants?

By Nono

November 27, 2006 07:02 AM | Link to this

I really don’t care about Me Angelo and his selfish, sucky play cause the defense doesn’t have as many problems as the offense I can’t deal with how horrible and inept our offense is. We are 7-12 since the second half of last season, currently ranked 28th, etc.—I could go on and on. There is a lot of really smart bloggers who seem to know what it takes to get this ship turned around——so why can’t Knapp figure this out? How much egg can take on our face? How long do we continue to support this broken offense? I see the winners on this team and a few are dragging this once hopefull team down to the sewer. I won’t call him out, because he would just flip me off but something has to give——and I aint changing, I am for this team win or lose but this hurts and now is insulting by getting flipped off!!! Hey punk——-here’s my finger!!!!

By k-lo

November 27, 2006 07:10 AM | Link to this

Bottom line the Atlanta Falcons need a woman coach! Seriously

By Jerry

November 27, 2006 07:11 AM | Link to this

When will this team’s leadership accept the fact that they can’t win consistently with Vick. He’s not a passing threat. Less than 50% passing! Who cares if he rushes for 150 yards? The Falcons need a QB, not some hybrid runner who occasionally connects on a pass. What a waste! Schaub will come back to hurt this team next year.

By fatz

November 27, 2006 07:11 AM | Link to this

all i could feel yesterday after watching them was….sadness. not anger, it has all gone past that. i felt sorry for roddy white. i know he’s a highly paid “professional” and he doesn’t seem to be able to do his job (jimmy johnson would cut him TODAY), but to fail so miserably in front of so many people at such a moment of truth, hey, its not fun to watch someone’s career go up in smoke so publicly. i’ve not heard roddy running his mouth or talking smack, so have some feelings for the kid… and to see mora on his knees in despair but not slamming down his headset in disgust, it says something about his decentness, too. perhaps Arthur (the real culprit with his arrogant decisions to hire a too-inexperienced mora and an overated mckay, pay vick for 10 years etc, etc) will give him a job in public or player relations after he fires him in a few weeks….. Michael Vick put as much effort into playing as anyone i’ve seen, we should give him a pass for showing his frustration. working with this group of receivers and this offensive coordinator requires saintly patience. it is fitting they dressed in black yesterday for their own funeral.

By C. Sims

November 27, 2006 07:16 AM | Link to this

There are so many decent coaches and even a few really good coaches available. I was amazed at the play calling. I saw better examples during the GHSA playoff games. Leadership? There is usually some sort of leadership on good teams, there is none - at all - on the Falcons. Good interviews with players does not equal good leadership. Good leadership does not give the “bird” to fans, does not call grade school plays at critical times and does not gloss over serious flaws in a team’s effort. All of that is available, at any time of day, from the Falcons “leadership”. It is time to get a good coach, not just some energetic coach. Look at Lovie Smith of the Bears, everyone agrees his teams are well coached. Guess what they are doing? Winning. Mora may be energetic, but so is a paperboy. I would be more likely to get a good effort from the paperboy than from Mora. Good riddance to Mora and his “coaching talent” and the “talent” of his assistants.

By Corner Back

November 27, 2006 07:20 AM | Link to this

Nobody is talking about DeAngelo Hall’s AWFUL plays on this blog, he is responsible for 14 points today. This is not on Mike Vick, it is on D HALL and wanting to pad his stats and go to the pro bowl. Mike Vick kept the Falcons in the game but Hall and those WR’s BLEW this game. The best thing that can happen for the Falcons is for he season to hurry up and end.

By Jerry L

November 27, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this

The Saints are a good example of what is wrong with the Falcon. The Falcons have equal or better athletes. I doubt the coaching staff is better or as good as the Falcon staff. In the past the Saints have been a mirror image of the Falcons, now they are much the better team. The difference is leadership from their field general. Vick is a much better athlete than Brees. Brees runs the passing game much better than Vick. You can see that he does his homework. His passes are just about always on target and the reciever does not have to adjust his route, all he has to do is concentrate on catching the ball. With Vick the ball may be within a 10 yard radius of the reciever. Vick is a special athlete. He might want to call Brees and find out his weekly routine during the season and off-season.

By Whatever

November 27, 2006 07:23 AM | Link to this

Today’s main headlines from the AJC: 18 people die in holiday traffic fatalities. A 14 year old boy is shot and killed while attempting a robbery. The Falcons lost and Michael Vick flipped off a fan.

Time to get some perspective, people.

By Danny

November 27, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this

Before the team ran out on the field, Mora kissed Vick on the helmet. That was disgusting enough, but as Vick leaves the field, he flips the fans off. Now we see the real Mike Vick. Dropped passes or not, Vick needs to be sat down for a couple of games and let someone else run the team. I guess even 110 million can’t buy you class and professionalism.

By bob

November 27, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this

The problem with the Falcons is the offensive scheme, or lack of it. The play calling is too predictable. There is no imagination in the blocking schemes, or the pass patterns. The OC has to go. Unlike other quarterbacks, Vick doesn’t have a pocket when he drops back to pass. Other QB’s can step up into the pocket and find secondary receivers. Knapp is the problem. How many times have you seen an incomplete pass on 1st down followed by Dunn off tackle on 2nd down? The defense deserved better, except the hail mary was rediculous. Remember how good Vick was in the previous coach’s offensive scheme?

By Rod

November 27, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this

Why do people feel they can boo at a player, cuss him out and flip him birds - but when he responds, they say how horrible he is and it was unjustified?!?!

By falconss124

November 27, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this

Man, you Falcon fans don’t deserve Vick. How can Vick be expected to stand in the pocket and pass the ball when he is getting hit 20 times a game. The guy goes out there and plays his balls off and played well enough to win the game. Roddy White dropped 2 TDs and the pititful attempt to play defense before halftime lost the game for us. I hope Vick does get traded so he wouldn’t have to deal with these f*** retards anymore. You losers would go to the new teams blog and talk s** there though, your f*** pitiful. Please trade Vick, he is still young enough to do great things. Just not with fans who will always bring him down.

By Renee

November 27, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this

My thing with this team is the wide receivers are really bad, and the offensive Line is just non existant, everyone even Mr. Moore wants to put everything on Mike there are others on this team, the play calling stinks, get him some good supporting cast and we may be a contender next year. As for the incident leaving the field heck I am just as frustrated at Mike and the rest of the fans, but I bet Mike is getting blamed for something that was two sided, meaning I bet the fans were saying stuff to him also, but that part wont be reported of course.

Get rid of Knapp and Get bigger offensive Linemean that arent scard to block and for sure get rid of Roddy White and Jenkins go find some good wide receiver, Joh requirement must be able to catch.

By Revscole

November 27, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

Where did Blank go wrong? He hired Mora without giving Smith a chance. Now the BEARS are the best team in the NFC, and the Falcons are once again imploding. Vick is not the problem. Mora is! Blank needs to do what it would take to get Jimmy Johnson and will win a Super Bowl in two years!

By Fan to the end

November 27, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this

So Mike flipped off a fan, big deal! He is frustrated and I am too. He lost his cool and we’ve never seen him do that before. Maybe it will get the team fired up. Certainly something has to at some point. Come on people, Mike threw the passes, but the receivers could not catch them. So stop saying he needs to pass more. Mike tried to win the game for us, but had no help.

By richrich

November 27, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this

Kris is so right. And besides:

Rich McKay wants to claim all credit and discharge all blame.

He’ll never hire a coach whom he can’t say he “created.”

Hence, Jim Mora.

Don’t think he’ll try to position himself above all blame, keep his hands clean and try to get Blank himself to fire Mora.

History repeats itself.

By johndawg

November 27, 2006 07:42 AM | Link to this

Our season tickets have gone up over $300 since Vick was drafted… and then he does this. I’m going to sell my tickets to a Dallas fan next home game. Vick can kiss my A$$.

All of them need to go… Mora, Vick, Roddy White… Did I mention Roddy White… and Knapp. Bring back Reeves let Schaub become the all-pro he is!

By ceddie

November 27, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this

Another lame excuse issued by the team’s public relations front people. I want to hear Vick stand in front of the cameras and speak. Don’t hide behind some statement issued by an attorney. On the flip side…the Falcons are done.

By TTCO

November 27, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this

This week Vicks QB rating is 37th in the league now that is worth one hundred and forty million dollars right? I guess the Vick bashers have no substance to thier complaints right? THE GUY IS NOT AN NFL QB AND YOU FOLKS THAT CANT SEE THAT ARE BLIND!!!

By A Women

November 27, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this

Sorry Men but Mike Vick is the team. He is the franchise and you all need a life. 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 coach and the other players can all leave today. Just keep Dunn, Vick & Crumpler and watch us go to the Super Bowl….they just need aliitle help…Vick good job do what ever you need to do with the crowd…one day they love you the next day they don’t…tell them all to look in the mirror….Go Vick Go

By Falconut

November 27, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this

Mora has lost this team. It started with Knapps play calling, now the players just expect to lose or atleast that’s how it looks. Knapp just keeps putting the offensive in position to loose.

Why couldn’t we have learned from the Ravens? They knew their OC wasn’t cutting it so they fired him and all they’ve done is win. We just keep paying an idiot to draw up crap. Now it’s too late.

I won’t kill Vick for flipping off the fans. I don’t think he should have, but he is constantly taking the hits for this sorry excuss for play calling and the dropped balls. For all the Vick Haters - he should have had at least twice as many yards passing, but the receivers kept dropping the balls. If it wasn’t for him running, they’d have been lucky to even score.

Defense played good enough to win, but the offensive play calling did them in again. Still defense can’t get to the QB, what is going on? I believe the season is offically over and these sorry coaches will remain until the end of the season.

By Jim

November 27, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this

Time to end the Michael Vick experiment! Use him as trade bait for a couple of decent offensive lineman, sign Matt Schaub and watch the birds take flight.

By fla-boy

November 27, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this

I love it. Although I’ve lived in ATL for 8yrs now, im still a Tampa Bay Bucs fan and I am loving the self destruction of the Falcons. But, even though they are the enemy it is sad to watch a fairly decent team self destruct. Its just funny to me how Vick went from the greatest thing since Wonderbread to everybody wanting to bash him just cause he flicked somebody off. I’m not sayin it was the smartest thing to do, but hey, when your recievers are dropping balls that a 5yr old could have caught, and then he has to rush for 166yds because his line can’t block. Vick has his flaws but the meat of this problem with the Falcons is Greg Crapp and Jim “Baby Boy” Mora. They gots to go!!!!!!!!! This fake West Coast offense clearly is not working. Time for Arthur Blank to clean house. Go Bucs!!!!!!!!

By RA

November 27, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

Vick and D’Hall showed their true character yesterday. Vick has all the talent in the world but still hasn’t a clue how to play. After 6 years of “learning” he still cannot read defenses or find receivers. Yes there were dropped balls and the receivers need to step up as well, but the drops do not even begin to equal the bad passes and fumbles he commits making the “spectacular” plays. D’Hall is a disgrace. His INT’s are a joke. He cannot cover even the average receiver. He was burned badly on the third play of the game and his response was a blatent personal foul which should have resulted in him getting tossed from the game. Instead he was allowed to play on and that cost the Falcons the TD on the Hail Mary when “Mr. Superstar” tried to pick off the pass instead of doing what even an “average” back would do, KNOCK THE BALL DOWN!! If Mora allows Vick or Hall to play next week after their classless acts (let alone their inferior play), I will lose any remaining respect for him and his leadership abilities.

By fla-boy

November 27, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

hey johndawg, how much u want for those tkts?

By D

November 27, 2006 08:01 AM | Link to this

I demand a sacrifice!

By Nono

November 27, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

Well said RA——-ditto that blog!!!

By Artie

November 27, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this

Uh, yeah…I’m sure that Vick “wrote” that apology. It sounds soooooo like him.

By TTCO

November 27, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

Truth be told the drop by White was at least 10 yard under thrown yes he should have caught it but he had to fight his way through the DB just to get back to it. The one that was called a drop by Jenkins earlier in the game Jenkins was laid out and streching as far as he could and the ball hit his fingers not his hands that ball was over thrown. Are those drops are just lame excuses for a poor pass? Be real and believe what your eyes are seeing people!

By A Blank supporter

November 27, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

The last time I looked, Mike vick did not play DEFENSE. What about that “defensive specialist” Deangelo Hall? All I saw him do yesterday was horse tackle a Saints player in the END ZONE after chasing him into the end zone. So unless Mike Vick can play both sides of the ball, he is NOT responsible for the Falcons loss yesterday. We need a NEW secondary. But if the Falcons keep losing, maybe I can finally get my season tickets. Handle your business, Mr. Blank. Cut your losses and “git R done”.

By SaintsFan1

November 27, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this

Atlanta should do what New Orleans did with Ricky Williams… trade him, and don’t look back. He was poison to the team, as is Vick, who is turning a team sport into a selfish one man show. Another thought… keep him as a running back, and get a new QB.

By Barry

November 27, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

Hey Y”all:

Well, I don’t know what to say about this one. All bu I was very shocked and dissappointed about how the Falcons played yesterday. You guys know I have been with these Falcons from day one. Iam still with them because I believe thay still have a chance to make the playoof. But yesterday, they played pathetically. Giving up a touchdown pass in the first quarter and letting the receiver run through the secondary like hes did for a touchdown, shows total disrespect for the game by those defensive backs. It looked like one was waiting for the other to make a move on the receiver and by the time they all woke up the reciver was in the end zone. That was pathetic. Then to make thing worse. Thsy give up a touchdown pass with seconds before the half. All in the secondary should be shot. Their play was lacadasical to say the least. They should be embarrased for themselves playing like they did at this professional level. I do not know whats going on in the Falcons camp but the players and the coaches need to get their act together. They need to do it soon. The season is not lost.
I know the coaches and players read the newspapers, I believe, right now, they need to stop reading the papers and start playing football real hard. For if they read the papers the illlusion they will see is that they are an awful team and THEIR NOT!! They just need to get into themsrlves and play some real intense fotball and stick together during this thing and not get frustrated. They need to turn off the TV sports and newspapers right now, and get into playing some football at they highest level that they can. Let’s surprise some folks, Falcons. We just got Abraham back and Hartwell. This was their first game in a while. Let them get into the groove of things and see what happens on our D line. Our offense needs to get more diverside. Having Michael Vick run for over 160 yards shows his desire to take the game in his own hands. Our receivers appear to be afraid to take a hit that is why they are dropping balls. Something have to be done in this area. They are not contributing at all. Even with some questionalable pass interference call we should have had. Nevertheless, the season is not over, Lets play hard Falcons. Turn off the T.V. sports, do not read the newspapers sports, and study and concentrate on your next opponent. You guys really need each other right NOW!!! we as Falcon fans are behind you, but you got to FIGHT man. Love you guys. SSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

This is a Secret between us Falcon fans. Tell Everybody!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By nola girl

November 27, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

I could be reading a blog from New Orleans a few years ago. You are saying Tomlinson/Vick. Several years ago - Mora Sr. was coach - Mora Jr. DB’s coach - Eddie George was still on the board, but Jimmie boy wanted some DB who no longer plays and I can’t even remember his name. Same song - different verse.

I feel your pain - just glad its you and not us this year!!!

By Another Women

November 27, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this

GREAT COMMENTS COMING FROM A WOMEN……EVERYTHING SHE SAID WAS TRUE……YOU MEN NEED TO READ HER COMMENTS AND SHUT-UP

By james

November 27, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this

I am not normally captivated by conspiracy theories and urban legends; however, has anyone considered that Falcons’ receivers may be dropping passes on purpose? They may be so disgusted and disgruntled by the overt incompetence of this coaching staff (especially Knapp) that they are throwing games to get them fired. its happend before. Believe it, its happening now.

By Hendog99

November 27, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

I’m not mad at Vick for expressing his frustration, I just wish he expressed it towards those he’s frustrated with -the receivers. He should’ve flicked that finger to Mr. White after dropping two of his would be touchdown passes.

My take on Blank is that he’s a smart business man and knows when to cut his losses. I’m looking forward to seeing a new coaching staff and a new receivng corps next season. If not, my $700 will be put to better use.

By Titothebear

November 27, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

We’re about to witness an ugly and very public divorce. Mike vick hasn’t played well in four weeks and he topped off yesterday’s tank job with a nice round of obscene hand gestures and verbal F U’s all around. He’ll be fined and he’ll be contrite and folks will say it’s over and forgotten. Believe me, it won’t be forgotten! Mr. Blank is a man of sophistication and erudition. He can countenance failure but not primitive vulgarities directed at his customers. He won’t stand for it and he’ll move anyone involved in such activity, It reflects upon him and he doesn’t like it! Mike Vick has played himself out of the pantheon of top quarterbacks, he was never a legitimate member anyway, and now he’s secured a trip, a permanent one, out of the A town. Jim Mora and his crew will be on the same bus with him. This is what’s known as a constructive divorce. It’s the best thing for all concerned!

By Steve

November 27, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

I think Vick should personally give an apology to Rev. Jerry Fallwell for his actions.

By scubber

November 27, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this

I have long wished for the Falcons to be shamed out of Atlanta, so I could at long last watch more competitive games on television. Instead, more woefully horrible teams moved to the south [Titans, Jaguars, Panthers] so I must watch even more crappy exhibitions of “local” matches. ho hum. Next thing you know, Alabama will have a team to clog the local television coverage of the NFL - The Alabama Fightin’ Cousins vs. The Mississippi Faulknerian Halfwits

By Paul

November 27, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this

Forget the hand gesture. The guy was frustrated and getting heckled. It doesnt automatically make him a bad guy. I’m sure some many of the hyprocrites on this blog have never flipped someone off before.

In any case if anyone here actually watches the game and analyzes as opposed to doing the easy thing and just blame the qb, then it would be easy to see what the problems are this team is having.

Problem#1: Dropped passes. This was going on when we were winning and now when we aren’t. But it’s now to the point where it’s costing us games. It is inexcusable.

Problem#2: The coaching staff should have never listen to Alex Gibbs about only use very low draft picks or undrafted guys for the offensive line because of his ability to make them work in his scheme. Hey Coaches, if you actually get real talent there AND let them work in their scheme, imagine how good they can be. People want Vick to throw? Give him time.

Problem#3: All year we have had issues with play calls in the redzone and it continues. This is coaching.

Problem#4: Injuries on the defensive side. Not getting as much pressure on the qb due to two starters out. Mathis is out in the secondary and Webster has been out. I cannot give the defense any flack this year due to these injuries. They’ve actually been better than I expected they would be with the injuries and having to be on the field all day.

These are our real problems folks. If you want to actually win, THESE are the things that if fixed, will get us there. So we can sit around complaining about the quarterback, but that won’t help.

By Jerry

November 27, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

It appears to be more than more than one classless player from Virgina Tech, some colleges do not teach but allow pampered atheletes to run their programs As for Mora his dad was not a winner and neither is he

By Matt Yoder

November 27, 2006 08:32 AM | Link to this

When I read all these blogs I really have to chuckle to myself!!! Remember just a few short months ago when I said Vick needs to be running back/punt returner and Shaub the QB ??? Very unpopular statement at the time and I was laughed at and now? Seems like everyone has jumped on my bandwagon without realizing it ! :) Yesterday convinced me all the more that Mike Vick is a good for nothing’weed smoking’low down’ “as a QB and a person”!!!! The fact that class acts like Matt Shaub and D.J.Shockley are sitting on the bench behind this pathetic loser really makes me sick! Anyway,hopefully management will take care of this before things get way out of reach…. GO FALCONS! Eyes twitching weakly

By ron_mexico

November 27, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

Jim (Moron) Jr., Gregg (take a ) Knapp and Ed (Do not )tel, better start looking for new jobs, I guarantee they will all be fired by seasons end. And i thought Finneran couldn’t catch anything but these wide outs ( especially Roddy no heart White) makes Peerless Price look good. Dwayne Jarret for 2007 he could catch a fly with chop sticks. BTW if Mike Vick is a thug, last time i checked, thugs don’t have over 150 million waiting for them in the bank! He sure is a rich thug. If u think he is a bust then mr. blank is a complete moron for having invested over 130 million on him, think about what your saying, Michael Vick is the man here in Atlanta hate him or love him, he is the man and is here to stay!

By CQ

November 27, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

I am so sick of this Matt Schaub talk. I hope the Falcons do trade Vick to a organization thats supported by GOOD fans like the BROWNS or the PACKERS or the JETS.

Thats the samething we did with Farve. right???

People are dying to see the man that has never won an NFL game play. What the heck do you think he will do with this offensive line blocking and the receivers on this team????

Good luck and I hope he has some good insurance.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 27, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

I am also surprised that more people don’t realize that DeAngelo Hall’s idiotic play at the end of the half was a bigger reason for the Falcons’ loss than anything Vick did. At least he actually did something stupid. If I was Mora I would have benched him for the 2nd half, that play was inexcusable. Doesn’t matter if you are in the NFL or Pop Warner, giving up a Hail Mary completion is inexcusable. And this is the 2nd time in 4 years the Falcons have let it happen (2002, Falcons at Steelers, overtime) — luckily last time the receiver couldn’t get in the end zone.

But looking over the course of the season, Hall has been going through the same thing as Vick — both players are playing in schemes that don’t maximize their talent. Hall’s a great man cover corner, but how often do the Falcons actually play man coverage? Maybe one out of every 10 pass plays. Most of the time, they have Hall dropping back in zone, where he has to pass receivers off to the safety — this is what happened on the 76-yard TD to Devery Henderson, Hall passed Henderson off to Crocker who was out of position. If Hall was matched one-on-one with Henderson he probably knocks that pass down; Brees slightly underthrew the ball so Henderson had to slow down to catch it. Same thing has happened over the course of the season many times — Hall passes a receiver off to the safety, who doesn’t read the coverage properly and is out of position, and gives up a big play to the WR. Then it’s blamed on Hall for not being in position, when in reality he did exactly what the scheme called for him to do. Ed Donatell’s vanilla scheme is what you really have to fault in this situation, not Hall.

By George Brown

November 27, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

Total meltdown! Hey the guy was out there trying. I sat there and counted about 6 really serious shots that Vick took trying to connect with our receivers. Our receivers suck. Plain and simple. The O line is awfull. I mean all that he could do was tuck the ball and run. Vick averaged over eight yds a carry when he ran, but the rest of our running backs were 2 yards and a cloud of dust everytime they got the ball. It’s not Mike’s fault. This coaching staff is horrible. They don’t get it and probably never will. We need to totally revamp our offensive philosophy and bring in some big o lineman to take care of our franchise QB. Here’s looking forward to 2007 cause O6 is done. 8-8 at the best.

By mountain_jim

November 27, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

**If White, Jenkins, and Lelie make those catches, the Falcons win.

Vick tried to put the team on his back, returning to runs where he goes into the middle of the field and tries to go all the way, risking injury. He scores on the long one if Crumpler blocks instead of standing there.

Vick did his job and showed his heart in that game - he got no help at all. He sees the blitz and puts a great pass to White which would have been a potential tieing touchdown, White drops the easist catch possible, because of his drop the air goes out and the defense lays down.

But everyone blames Mike. Fire Stewart and Knapp this week Arther.**

By Titothebear

November 27, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

Paul,

What were the problems against the Bengals and Steelers? There wern’t any! The team played well, and won, because of Vick. For the last four games, he’s played terribly and they’ve racked up four losses. The only thing different is Vick’s head. Something strange is going on in there!

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 27, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

Also, maybe it’s the foreigner in me talking… but why exactly is it so offensive to use the bird in front of women and children, when it’s OK for fans around those same women and children to repeatedly use the word “n****”? Do white people find the bird more offensive than the word n****? I really would like an honest answer to this question, because this small aspect of Southern hospitality doesn’t make sense to me at all.

By Aubrey

November 27, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

It’s time for the coaches to pack their backs- Mora and his staff. The falcons have the highest paid team in the NFL and have nothing to show for it. Everyone loves to bash Vick because he’s the quaterback making a ridiculous amount of money. But the Falcons problems are not Vick, it’s the fact that he has no surrounding/supporting talent good or consistent enough to make things happen.

The hail mary play and Roddy White drop (that could have tied the game) were Kodak moments of the Falcons.

As far as Vick giving a fan the finger, I’m sure that fan deserved it. Players don’t deserve to be heckled and abused by fans. sure, Boo the game, express displeasure with how team or player is performing, but players don’t get paid to tolerate verbal abuse of anykind and have a right to ‘push back’. If a fan is that upset where they can’t be respectful, they should attend the games or support that team. It’s that simple.

By steve

November 27, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

get a head coach that has a clue. get an offensive coordinator that has played the game and knows how to call plays, if that talent still exists anywhere in football since all the “coaches” call the plays and not one of them has ever called plays on the field as a player. move vick to a position where you can take advantage of all of his enormous skills. why continue to try to make him a quarterback? he’s a much better athlete than that. give the back up qb the snaps and let vick run amuck over around and through the opposing defenses. if the falcons and the nfl could just get over the fact vick is not a qb, then the team can rebuild itself into a contender.

By Busta Nut

November 27, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

One of the post-game shows showed Mora kissing Vick’s helmet before the game and I was like OMG! Mora senior is absolutely right, the Falcons have hitched their wagon to Vick and do not have the balls to stand up and admit this guy will never get them to the promised land. Make him an H-Back or reciever but give the damn ball to Shaub or Shockley!! Vick & Mora, your honeymoon is now officially over!

By Peter

November 27, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this

Well we have Mike Vick the most over rated, and definitly the most over paid player in the entire NFL, along with a coaching staff that knows little about Offensive or Defennsive football………

So what we got is a big mess……..

Yes it started at the top with Blank paying guys TOO MUCH……Vick, Perless Price, Ed Hartwell, etc….then we had terrible choices at our draft picks, look at the recievers we picked up in the draft…….they stink…….no other way around it.

Look at New England for instance….. they don’t kiss any butts there….you want too much as a player…….go play some where else !!!!! BUT there they are, the Patriots are one of the teams to beat for the whole ball of wax!

Lastly we have a coach who is more of a buddy than a tough guy……..he was all smiles and huggs with Vick, before the game….. they were just about holding hands……… and did I see him kiss the top of Vick’s helmit before the game ????????? laughing and having big fun…….how long did that last yeaterday?

Well all we have is a bunch of individuals, and definitly not a team…….

Algie Crumpler said the team needed to grow up during the week, well I didn’t see any of that, only a team that is in a free fall melt down.

So back to the drawing board for the entire franchise……..

as for me…….

Arthur Blank you raised ticket prices on me, and all the fans the last few years substantially, after only one season of good football, that was with with Dan Reeve’s old team………and now have basically nothing with this coaches team!

So I did the reasonable thing……

I cancelled my season tickets…….. and instead of watching the JOKE at the stadium…….

I cleaned my garage yesterday, and saved a heck of allot of money this year!

Merry Christams Arthur Blank! Thanks for the great stuff you have brought to this town!

By ron_mexico

November 27, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

Terrence Moore should stick to the brother, not bash him, you poser

By white guy who likes vick

November 27, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

Vick holds the ball badly when he runs, but otherwise, the poor guy is all alone out there on offensive. No offensive line at all, no receivers who can catch the ball, no coaches to use Dunn and Norwood to run the ball. If I were Vick, I would be trying to do it all myself. I don’t condone Vick flipping off the crowd. It was an undisciplined act, despite the fact that they deserve it. Too much blame is put on him. Put him in Peyton’s place and he would look like the greatest quarterback ever to play the game.

By Rob Hicks

November 27, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

The Vick borthers are great at apologizing after the fact. Tony Romo is sitting on our sideline waiting for his chance. Give the ball to Shaub. Sit Vick for flipping off fans. I still dont know how ATL is supposed to run a West Coast offense with a poor throwing QB. Yeah he can run. What did that get you yesterday?

By William

November 27, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

A Thug Team for a Thug Town

GOOOOO FALCONS

Anyone surprised there wasn’t a huge shooting involving Falcons players and Hip Hop artists after the game?

By rick

November 27, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

This team is toast. d.hall is the most selfish player I have ever seen. He hasn’t made a play in 6 weeks but at least he helps the wide receiver who just beat him off the ground. What a nice gesture. He is nothing but talk. Needs another dinner date. What a jerk!!! I am through. Season tickets for sale!!! make an offer

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 27, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

And one more thing about the passing game… why exactly does this offense not feature the deep post route more often? In yesterday’s game, New Orleans routinely played the safeties near the line of scrimmage to stop Dunn and to stop Vick’s bootleg action, leaving a huge hole 20 yards down the middle of the field. Despite this happening all game long, Greg Knapp refused to call a post route even once, instead calling go routes over and over and watching Ashley Lelie trip over himself. The post is a pretty basic route, which Dan Reeves ran quite often and which Vick hit Finneran on quite a few times when Finneran was playing. Big receivers like Jenkins, White, and Lelie are ideal for the post because if they get in front of the DB they can shield the DB away with their bodies and catch the ball. On the other hand, the go route allows the DB to use the sideline as a defender and makes the QB have to squeeze the pass into a much smaller space — in effect you end up throwing into double coverage on a go route because if you throw it too far away from the DB it will go out of bounds. Vick was under pressure on nearly every deep pass he threw in yesterday’s game, and keeping that in mind his passes on the go routes were actually pretty catchable, but it would have been a lot easier for him if he could throw a deep post in the middle of the field than a go route along the sidelines. Drew Brees threw the deep post at least 2 or 3 times during the game with “great success!”, including his TD pass. Once again, another aspect of the play-calling which makes absolutely no sense.

By Ed

November 27, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

Why can’t Atlanta get a Vince Young, a Payten Manning, anyone but the most overrated, overhyped and overpaid Vick? Send his worthless azz packing, the guy is a joke. Blank you’re a fool with your money, a total idiot man, FIRE VICK and MORA.

By Nickie

November 27, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived in the Atlanta area for 15 years after moving from New Orleans. Still a Saints fan so yesterday was a beautiful day in the neighborhood as far as I am concerned. It proved two things - 1. the game in the Superdome was no fluke, not rigged, etc. no mater what some Falcons fans think and 2. the Falcons as a team deserve the “thug” reputation they have had for years through many coaches and players.
When Vick came here he seemed a reasonably nice, well spoken young man much at odds with my preception of most Falcon players. Times have changed and I am not talking about Vick’s football ability. Since, for bettr or worse, he is the picture that most casual football fans see of the Falcons his actions, speech and overall appearance could use a bit ore “class”.

By Dannotdan

November 27, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Memo To Arthur Blank From Rich McKay

What a great performance yesterday, 9 for 24 and your little Mikey still had the TV analysts talking about his unique talents. Sure we lost but Mikey pilled up the yards running around like a chicken with his head cut off, while the rest of the team watched.

I thought that I could not possibly be more proud than I was as I watched Mikey smirk his way into the tunnel at half time. Classic Mikey, disinterested, detached, no sign of leadership, total distain for his team and team concept (after all as everyone knows its all about Mikey). And then after the game in the highest tradition of Virginia Tech Mikey like all the great street thugs before him goes above and beyond to show his true lack of class and character he flips off his fans. A giant FU to the fans that pay his salary is this guy great or what. This is going to launch his “Street Cred” to the stratosphere of the “Hip Hop” world.

Note to self: Talk to Mikey about taking a tire iron or possibly capping a fan after the Washington game.

Mora Sr greatly underestimated Mikey, Coach killer, hell he’s a franchise killer.

“Mikey is the bomb, dog” Rich

By sick and tired

November 27, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

Did anyone hear Mora on the radio after the game? All he knows how to do is smooch Vick’s butt.

I swear I never thought I’d see the day when we had a coach that made June Jones look intelligent….or an offensive scheme which makes that of the Dan Reeves regime look high-powered and exciting.

Forget Vick, Blank, Mora, Knaop, McKay….just screw it all and sell the damned franchise and start all over again from scratch with a new team.

By mjfanner

November 27, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

You guy’s need to get off of Mike Vick he is not the reason the Falcons are losing. Management has to realize you need players to win and they just don’t have them. Secondly, you have the worst receiving corps in the NFL those guys are not good enough to start any where else in the league so why are they starting here in Falcon land, they don’t have any receivers. third and formost, trade Mike Vick and see where this team will go. I think you get the point.

By Skee-Wee(1)

November 27, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

How is it Mike’s fault when the receivers want even attempt to catch the ball. Mike is not calling the plays. He played his heart out on yesterday and you guys still want give him any credit.
I agree that what he did on yesterday to the fans was unacceptable, but you should have heard what the fans were saying to him. The guy is human and there is so much a person can take from you yo-yo fans.

You are so critical of Mike Vick!!!!! He sells out the dorm.

By we're doomed

November 27, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop 08:43 AM - Most of the people in this town are non-natives such as yourself, or 2nd/3rd generation natives at best. They can’t be expected to practice “southern hospitality” if they were never taught it.

The bird and the N word should be equally offensive to all races. Both are becoming so common, however, that their impact is lessening, and people are assuming it is okay to use them in daily conversations and in public. Says something about the state of the world. When the common decency, civility, and respect for others become obsolete, what is to prevent us from tearing each other’s eyes out over a stupid football game.

By Chris

November 27, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

This team is all talk, zero results. The receivers make the catch about 25% of the time…yet ask for pass interference 100% of the time.

Mora may know football, but it has become very clear he has no control over this team. He is not a leader.

By EW

November 27, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

OK people now you see why Madison Avenue is not all over Vick for big endorsements like they are Manning, Farve and McNabb; the guy has no class. If youb get paid the money Vick gets paid, heck yes the fans will heckle you, it comes with the territory. It happens at my job daily and I make millions less than Vick, grow up you big baby. Vince Young showed what a great QB does yesterday in the 4th quarter against the Giants. Vick showed what a overrated running back playing QB does, they lose.

By Cowboy Al

November 27, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

Attention Atlanta Fans!!!!!!
I love my Dallas Cowboys but support the Falcons as a season ticket holder. Remember, most Atlanta fans wanted Dan Reeves gone and now you are enduring the Mora ” college environment” of NO ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEADERSHIP. Why would your star player give the finger to the fans? Have star players been benched or called out this year for poor play (QB,DB,or WR)? Oh, I meant Vick,Webster,Hall,Jenkins,White and Ashley L. Can the WRs run a “Quick Slant” to beat pressed coverage or beat someone off the line without being pushed off their route? Can the DBs play agressively at the line instaed of zone coverage.

Leadership and Accountability starts at the top. I am openly proposing the following changes as this year is over.

1) Fire the Head ,defensive and offensive coaches. Potential replacements include Dan Reeves or Jimmy Johnson (Ex. Dallas). Bill Cowher(Pitts.) and Jeff Fisher(Tenn.) are both at the end of their contracts.

2) Trade WRs Jenkins and White.#86 will be back next year with his NFL hands.Also, Please drop the “good guy” imagine. Trade for Randy White or Jerry Porter. If not, draft Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech.

3)Please Mr. Blanks decide: Will you follow your pocketbook (Vick brings in the fans) or do what’s best for the team (Matt as QB)?

4) Play #51 (D. Williams)more and let Ed Hartwell go. The LBs have played the best of any unit this year.

5) Draft or Trade for a hard hitting safety.Opposing WRs run routes without fear of getting their head knocked off.

6) Bring back ACE?

ATTITUDE on defense CONFIDENCE on offense ENTHUSIAMS for the game.

Successful teams have both.In 2006,the Ravens ,Cowboys,Chargers and Patriots have it all. 3 of the 4 changed quarterbacks.

By ITOLDUSO

November 27, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

Not very long ago the media was filled with stories coming out of Blacksburg Va. about another player named Vick. This one was a thug among other things. Well it looks like the apple always falls close to the tree after all. The Vick wearing number seven is just a wealthy thug that uses his money to buy forgiveness. He is still a classless act that will never be a successful quarterback in the NFL. It is obvious he does not have the mental capability to learn defenses from week to week. He looks like a lost puppy on the field most of the time. If we are stuck with him make him a receiver and see if he can do any better. He damn sure cant be a passing quarterback. If Atlanta wants to progress in the future, Vick has to go.

By Nick

November 27, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

There is no way we are going to win with Vick!He is out for Michael Vick and Michael Vick only. He still thinks he is playing college ball. Maybe it’s time he did some bench time and Mora took a vacation, in another city would be good because he certainly is not getting the job done here. As for Vick being a franchise player we already have a franchise and it stinks! Let Vick take his finger and shove it, it might better serve him there than wrapped around a football.

By Roger

November 27, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

I’ve been a season ticked holder for 19 years and I’m peeved (for a better like of terms). I had several folks in town for Thanksgiving and was very excited when I presented them with tickes to the game that I’d purchased on E-Bay…they were disappointed almost as much as I was embarrased. My fix for this shameful condition is to tell the coach to get involved in decisions for both offence and defense (during time outs, he just stands away from the sideline huddle); the offensive coordinator needs to be washing windshields on the corner (he on the left side and the defensive coordinator on the other). I am completely miffed at what Michael Vick did at the end of the game; I almost ready to put him in the same category with this hoodlum brother…at best, I think he’d made a good back-up QB…GET A QB THAT CAN PASS. PERIOD.

By Kew

November 27, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

WHY IS IT THAT THERE IS OTHER TEAM WITH THE SAME RECORD OR WORST RECORDS THAN THE FALCONS AND YOU NEVER HEAR ANYBODY DOGGING OUT THEIR QB. BUT EVERYTIME THE FALCONS LOSE THEY JUST TORMENT VICK. I BET YOU STEELERS FANS ARE NOT DOGGING OUT THEIR QB OR THE ANY OF THE OTHER NFL FANS ARE NOT DOGGING THEIR TEAM QB. ATLANTA FANS SUCKS AND TALKING ABOUT CLASSLESS, TERRANCE LOOK IN THE MIRROR…YOU SET UP THERE AND DOG OUT A GOOD BROTHER AND A ATHELETE TO MAKE YOURSELF LOOK GOOD…YES YOU ARE A UNCLE TOM. AND FOR AS THE FANS - TO GET ON THIS BLOG AND DOG OUT YOUR QUARTERBACK AND YOUR TEAM - YOU ARE THE ONE THAT DON’T HAVE ANY CLASS. BESIDES I THINK THE ONES WHO IS TALKING JUNK ARE THE ONES WHO ARE TRANSPLANTS ANYWAY. GO SCREW YOURSELVES.

By norm

November 27, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

What would have been the headlines if Vick won the game (which he almost did) by himself? mmmm…It takes WRs, RBs, Defenses, Coaches, etc… to win games, not one person. Mick will be alright, believe me.

By Jack Howell

November 27, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Evaluate the team and coaching staff, but get someone who know the in’s and out’s of football, not necessarly the man with the money. Two more comments: Vick is a great athlete, but not the best quarterback, put him somewhere else on the team.

And with all respect to the owner, he needs to get off the side line and leave the coaches and players alone. They have enough distractions as it is.

By Phil

November 27, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

For all you Retards i’ll flick the bird at you for Vick guy plays his a* off and you still complain about your QB. Look at the damn game this loss rest solely on MORA,KNAPP, WHITE JENKINS, LEILIE, THESE CLOWN ARE A INSULT TO ALL THE rEAL FALCON FAN. So flick them all VICK YOU PLAYED HARD AS USUAL BUT YOU ARE HANDICAP WITH THIS CROP OF RECEIVER AND THE COACHING STAFF. Just control your emotion after the game hell s** happens live and learn.

By moe

November 27, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

3 seasons ago when the Falcons were coach hunting, I said then that they should hire Louvie Smith instead of Jim Mora. They didn’t. Look at them Bears now and look at the Falcons. Enough said

By Dannotdan

November 27, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

Memo To Arthur Blank From Rick McKay

Arthur we may need to move the timetable up on moving Schaub.

I know that we don’t care much for traditional success, wins and losses, productive players, quarterbacks that can see and pass, etc, but I am getting questioned as to why we are not giving a brilliant ,6’-5” proto-typical pro passer, former Heisman candidate, a sniff of playing time after Mikey has us hopelessly out of the game. Some of these writers just don’t get it.

“Mikey is the bomb, dog” Rich

By the chief

November 27, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

There have been a lot of blame-pointing posts on the Falcon’s slide. Some of them have been almost inflammatory with not-to-subtle and shameful inferences of race baiting.

I think Mr. Blank needs to look in his own mirror. A couple of years ago, he gave MV7 a gazillion dollar, multi-year contract. What did we ever hear about the rest of the team getting? Gift certificates at a steakhouse?

Perhaps the coaching staff can use some imagination in the play calling, perhaps we need some healthy players, and perhaps the owner can just pony up and admit that his own emotionally-driven gift giving is what got this slide started. Then, and only then, will we start to see this “team” play together like a team again.

By Since67

November 27, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Mr. Blank, don’t become another Rankin Smith. Listen to what the fans are telling you. You are on a fast track to loosing those hard working people that buy those seats on Sunday. You made quite a production of how you wanted to bring a contending football team to Atlanta. Well the time to show us that you really are a man of your word is now. Your team is coming apart…. One last thing we all appreciate the finger from your $140 Million dollar man. There is no amount of frustation that will excuse that gesture to those of us that fill those seats on Sunday. It shows a lack of personal discipline. If this is not handled appropriately and quickly, it will be remembered at seat renewal time.

By ncfalconfan

November 27, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

There’s nothing wrong with Atlanta fans showing their frustration. Maybe the coaches and players need to know that we’re not pleased. They do it up north all the time - but it doesn’t mean we don’t love the team. At the prices we pay for tickets, food, souvenirs we have a right to expect a decent team. The entire team has had a meltdown not just one person or one aspect. No one expects a Super Bowl Team every year, but to be in contention would be nice. After 40 years it’s beginning to weat thin.

By William

November 27, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

KEW So, if you are black you are not allowed to criticize another black? That’s pretty ignorant. Is Terrence allowed to criticize the receivers?

If someone sucks, stop checking their skin color before you decide whether to criticize them or not.

Oh… and Ben Roethlisberger didn’t tell the crowd to go F itself.

By Falcon_Fan_For_life

November 27, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

I love this team. I always will. I always have, from the day they came to town. Football is the only sport I have any interest in, and the Falcons are my favorite team. You can therefore imagine the anguish and humiliation that I have suffered over the years. Still, I have stayed on the band wagon with this team, I am not about to get off now. That said. This is an especially painful season.

In my humble opinion, this is the most talented team the Falcons have ever had, yet this team plays with absolutely no identity. Team identity comes from the leaders of the team. The leader is sometimes the coach, sometimes it is a player, sometimes it is a combination of both. Michael Vick is not a leader, he is a homeboy who will always be torn between his responsibility to team and fans, and his newly acquired wealth and lifestyle. How can he have the audacity to wear ear-rings when his play and his team have not gotten the job done. This arrogance in the face of mediocre performance is a true indication that his values are not steeped in reality.

That leaves the coach, Coach Mora, again in my humble opinion, just lacks the fire and stature to lead a team of young, pampered multi-millionaires. These men need a stable more established father figure type who is not as concerned with their approval as he is with establishing the fear that Larry Munson’s Hob-nailed-boot will be firmly entrenched in their hind quaters if they drop passes or miss blocking assignments.

Mora’s coaching style means that unlike the most successful QB’s, Vick cannot check off on plays that it is clear to even him, will not work or have been figured out by the defense. Mora’s coaching syle means that the secondary seeks to tackle after receivers make the catch rather than cover closely and break-up or intercept or cause a coverage sack. Our recievers allow almost all catches, then attempt to close and tackle. The result is we give up a lot of first downs and a lot of points. Mora’s coaching style means that this team does not have the sand to overcome trailing any team. Our players seem to throw in the towel as soon as any opponent takes a lead.

I will continue to be a Falcon’s fan, the name of this team is on my birth certifcate, right where it says: place of birth. At this point, I will retreat into that familiar state where I get more enjoyment from the comments of haters who can be so very creative in their criticism of the Falcons. I will also root for the team to lose the rest of their games with visions of Calvin Johnson (or any receiver who can catch) dancing in my head.

With such a talented team, including Michael Vick, the single biggest problem the Falcons have is a lack of leadership at coach. Jim Mora is simply not what this team needs.

For that reason, I hope that we lose the rest of our games so that Mr. Blank will be forced to bring in a coach who can get the job done. Then, I will not just be a Falcons fan for life, I may even become a proud Falcon’s fan.

Calvin G. Sims, Sr. is Editor in chief of: Link:Journal of American Freedom

By joe

November 27, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Vick and that other thug Donte Hall are two perfect examples of the type of person you don’t want on your team. I agree with a previous comment, a thug team for a thug town. Going to a Falcons game is already like enterting the hip hop ghetto, it should not surprise anyone that the players reflect the city and the dome on game day.

By Ann

November 27, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

This is my first time blogging and it is quite upsetting to hear some of you so call falcon fans say such horrible and terrible things about your team and quarterback. Yes, I think Mike was wrong for giving the fan the finger, but I think that the fans and some of you bloggers are just as wrong for calling him names. I cannot believe some of the words used here. Thug, bu, tred. No one on this blog would want to be called these names and heaven forbids the n——- word. I am a falcon fan and have attended some games and watched half of the fans get quite during the third and fourth quarter and no cheer on the team. I think because the majority of them are to full of beer and liquor to do anything else. If you can not or do not want to support your team, then my all means sell your tickets and to do attend any more games. In the meantime keep your offensive language and name calling to yourself.

By rick

November 27, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

kew, you are a total idiot. As usual you start the racist crap.

By Larry

November 27, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

I TOLD YOU LAST YEAR!

Funny how I said after the Green Bay game last season that this team is “poorly coached and poorly led at the QB position.” Now, with a record of 7-12 since then, everyone now realizes whose your daddy!

I salute all who were smart enough to agree with me last year, and I forgive all who just didn’t know! You probably just can’t help it.

Now, in the future, when I write anything, just slow down, read and learn from the Master!

By Ripme

November 27, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

Blank the balls in your court..we are waiting for the ball to fall and Mora’s to be gone. No excuse for Vick and the Birds, I thought he was a better man than that!

By Larry

November 27, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

FalconFanFor_life,

From one native to another, you sir came be on my team anytime!

Larry

By jo

November 27, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

White or black, Vick is a bum, has no character, no class, and is not a leader. He, Donte Hall, and let’s add Marcus Vick to this list, belong on the street somewhere - or maybe in the NBA.

By Reason

November 27, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Vick has been having emotional meltdowns all season, this is nothing new. It all came to a head at the end of the game yesterday and he clearly exercised poor judgement. He is the leader of team and he has to have thick thin. Matter of fact, he has to have the thickest skin of any QB in the league due to his long line of critics. I don’t think most of his critics actually watch the game. They look at the stats and make judgements. Collinsworth illustrated a play yesterday saying Vick did not go through all of his progressions and he ran into a sack. The pocket had clearly collapsed and he was trying to get some room to make a play. Defender just happened to be right there. The guy got hit 12 times yesterday. What QB doesn’t start pressing after that. The only time he didn’t get hit is when he tucked it and ran. The guy was running for his life but his critics will say he was looking to run first. He would be better off out of Atlanta. He’s responsible for his lack of protection, dropped passes, porous defense, the whole nine. The guy is just trash.

By Dunn Fan

November 27, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

This is not just Vick’s team, the team as a whole needs to step up. I don’t know what game you were watching but I saw a Mike Vick that seemed to be afraid to throw the ball to his bumbling receivers and was trying to make some magic of his own. The balls that were thrown to these idiots seemed to be right on the money and I don’t think they could have caught it if Vick had placed it in their hands. Let’s place the blame on every Falcon that touched that field. Vick does not get the blocks that he needs and he does not get the catches that are needed.

By CQ

November 27, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

FOLKS STOP SAYING WE NEED A QB THAT CAN PASS. IF WE HAD MANNING HERE WE STILL WOULD NOT HAVE RECEIVERS THAT COULD CATCH OR AN OFFENSIVE LINE THAT CAN BLOCK.

By Forget football

November 27, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

It’s real easy folks…don’t spend your hard earned money on this…there’s more important things in life. You sheep are being fleeced of your $$$ every time you buy tickets, jerseys, stadium food, rip off parking. Just say no.

By What Happened Yesterday?

November 27, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

What in creation did I miss yesterday? Or the previous few weeks for that matter…From the text above I would surmise that the Falcons had yet another implosion, but, then again, who among us did not expect it?

The reality is that the Falcons with Reggie Vick at the helm is as irrelevant as Ga Tech with Michael Ball at QB to those of us with a life that does not involve hip hop and hos, to the City, and certainly, within the NFL.

Now Mr. Blank, for all of your talk about “class”, it is time for you to show show “class” of your own and order the benching of Vick.

By Ron

November 27, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

The dirty bird takes on a whole new meaning. Vick, this isn’t sandlot ball. It’s the real thing. These tickets are expensive, man. We deserve better. For passing, watch a Peyto Manning film to see how it’s done. Plant both feet, steady the ball with both hands, put some air under the ball, remember to follow through, and place it in the receiver’s breadbasket. Stop with the sidearm 90-mile-an-hour bullets at the receiver’s knees. You look good, yeah, but your passes are uncatchable. For running, watch an old Barry Sanders film. Tuck the ball away and protect it. Quit putting style over substance. And buckle your chin strap. You are not above the fundamentals.

By jc

November 27, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Vick didn’t deserve to be boo-ed today as he was the ONLY bright spot in an otherwise befuddled Atlanta team. However, Mr. Vick, who is being paid millions, should understand that for the average Joe a $40 ticket and a couple of $8 beers gives them the right to BOO a pathetic team performance, and if they choose, to get in his face as well. Mora has no control over this team. We need an old school coach who will come in take no s** from some of these prima donnas. D’Angelo Hall? Bat the damn ball away idiot - your stats mean nothing to me or the rest of the team. Bat the ball down, don’t try to catch it!!

By maurice

November 27, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

All u hater that are saying bad thing about Vick need to shut and listen to me ….get rid of mora and his coaching staff and bring back Dan Reeves…If Vick is wnning games nothing will be said as long as the team is not winning..If matt was Qb the team and the team still was losing half of b*** gripeing you will not here.leave the brother alone let him do his thang.thank you.

By Buddy

November 27, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

Michael V. and Michael R. should go to the same sensitivity training classes.

By sweet action

November 27, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

I dont really understand how people are pointing the finger at vick for pointing the finger. he showed a lot of character in the press conference by not calling out his WR’s, something most QB’s in this league would do in a heartbeat. They didn’t make the plays they needed and wouldn’t have even been close if he didnt put up over 150 rushing yards himself. Do whatever they need to do, fire whoever. We need a play maker at wideout. A middle schooler couldve caught those balls that cost us the game yesterday. It happens over and over and everyone points at Vick. Well his completion percentage wouldn’t be outstanding in the first place, but with his rushing yards and long ball, a reciever like Ward or Horn or Johnson, etc. etc. would catch those balls without even blinking. I wouldve flipped whoever off too. Maybe he’ll get meaner and we can get a WR like Randy Moss with some attitude that KNOWS he can make the big play.

By Sweet action

November 27, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

oh and DeAngelo Hall is the most over rated corner in football. Bat it down you moron

By CK

November 27, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

The last two Atlanta quarterbacks that shot birds to the Falcon fans (Jeff George & Chris Miller) were shipped out of town. Vick, you might need to pack your bags…we don’t need this irresponsible attitude from someone making the money you are making.

By Ripme

November 27, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Check out COLD PIZZA ESPN The Falcons and Vick top story. 10 am

By It's Over

November 27, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Read my name.

Deangelo Hall - Overrated John Abraham - Overrated Keith Brookings - Overrated Chris Crocker - Overrated Roddy White - Overrated Micheal Jenkins - Overrated Offensive Line - Way Overrated Jim Mora - Overwhelmed Gregg Knapp - Overmatched Ed Donatell - Overmatched

Get the idea.

Vick’s not the problem. He stood in there and took a vicious beating. The post game “gesture” was wrong, but we all lose our cool. For those of you who want Schaub, you need to give it a rest. He’s not the answer. We need playmaker’s, guys to block for the playmakers and a better defensive scheme. If we get those Mike will be fine.

By CQ

November 27, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

I NEVER KNEW THERE WAS SO MUCH PREJUDICE IN ATLANTA UNTIL I STARTING GETTING ON THIS BOARD!

HERE YOU CAN SEE WHAT PEOPLE OF THE OTHER RACE SAY BEHIND CLOSE DOORS ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE AND WHITE PEOPLE BUT THEY DONT HAVE THE COURAGE TO SAY TO THEIR FACES.

By Rick

November 27, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

Someone please explaiin to me why in the hell Blank is standing on the sideline talking to his coach during the 4th quarter of ongoing close games. Blank needs to get back in his suite and let his staff and team win or lose without his input during the games. If he continues to meddle then no REAL coach will come to Atlanta and deal with his “input” when the game is still at hand.

By RR

November 27, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

Lay off Vick. The finger should have been for his teammates and coaches. He was the only one on offense making plays, because his receivers can’t catch a cold.

By Leadership Fan

November 27, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

We need an head coach that will stop being so publicly emotional and become a leader.

When Rodney White dropped “the pass”, the coach is not supposed to be on his knees making grand gestures of disappointment. He should be standing stoic, chewing his gum a little harder, and mentally making a note of it. Becoming calmer as the going becomes rougher is my motto.

Then sometime this week we should see in the newswire of some kind of consequence for receivers that drop balls in the professional NFL. Send a message that if you drop the ball you are liable for the consequences that follow and do it with class …

By Mike

November 27, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

I didn’t see a lack of talent on the field except in the secondary. Most of the time, we are not even cose to the recievers catching the ball. Our defensive line and linbackers were pretty good.
On offense, we have enough proof that our wide-receivers can’t catch a pass consistantly, and can rarely get separation from the defender. Vick is just not accurate. I was fooled big time by the Pittsburg and Cincinnati games.
This is not about coaching. This is about execution and discipline. We don’t have it. These are supposed to be Pros. They know how to do both without the rah rah. By the way Mr. Moore, maybe we can bring Grissam and Justice back. Maybe they can help. Just thought I would save you the effort of saying it again.

By Derek

November 27, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

What Michael Vick did after the game was not exceptable. However, with the failure of any organization, you always start with the head, The Head Coach!

The total play of the team is something not to be spoken of. I say it time for a management change.

By mo

November 27, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

Quotes that sum up the Saints loss-

“This is a league,”[New Orleans Wide Receiver Joe] Horn said, “where if you don’t do your job, they run your [butt] off. Those guys better wake up and smell the coffee and start catching the damned football. I can’t blame [Vick] for, you know, being upset at them sometimes.”

“We have three first-round draft choices at wide receiver and none of them can catch the ball,” [Arthur] Blank told [Fox Sports’] Tony Siragusa after the game.

Vick’s words: “I can’t explain how I feel. Somewhere along the line, guys have to start catching the ball.”

By Big Daddy in D'ville

November 27, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

This whole thing can be linked to one thing: LACK OF DISIPLINE ” Somebody needs to get into somebody’s A$$”. Mr. Blank, till this thing is fixed, I have better things to do with my Sunday afternoons.

By harold

November 27, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Them Falcons are just like the Georgia Aquarium and the Home Depot: Big and expensive but crappy.

By Big Papa

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

Vick played a great game. If Billy Rickman and Alfred Jackson were still around those passes would have been caught. The most pathetic performance was by D Hall. Got smoked twice for two TDs. He and Crocker, who dips his head and avoids any opp to tackle need a bus ticket out of town.Did you watch Crocker avoid J. Lewis last week at all cost? He couldn’t tackle my sister.

By stodeman

November 27, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

My family hadn’t been to a game in awhile. Now I remember why. It’s a circus atmosphere, which a bunch of individual contributors going nowhere. Where is the team effort, the feel of a game? We have commercials playing between each play or extremely loud music. Bring in a college band to play the usual fight songs between plays, then maybe your team will go back to playing football again. The fans might like Michael because he’s cool, wears bling, bling, but he is not the QB of the future of this organization. No worthy coach will ever succeed with this atmosphere in Atlanta.

By Bob

November 27, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

I have this image in my head of Dan Reeves, leaning back in his easy chair with a big contented smile on his face.

Let’s face it. Vick was a better player under Reeves than he will ever be under Mora.

By Jsonic

November 27, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Vick is not a quarterback and never was. He can scramble and run but he is not a passer that is good enough to be in the NFL. He needs to grow up and do alot of maturing. Yes the Recievers need to get the boot but the Falcons lack leadership and Vick should be the guy but he’s not. Make Vick a reciever and put Schaub in at QB and see what happens, it can’t be any worse and may be better.

By sean

November 27, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

GEAUX Saints!

By Dunn Fan

November 27, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

I agree with rr the finger should have been for his teammates. A foot in the _ is what they need. If I were Vick I would desert these fools and avoid anymore embarrassment. Let the Vick hating fans have their schaub.

By Custim

November 27, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

All you falcon fans are funny!!! I read these blogs every week and its a constant attack on Vick. Vick didnt get burnt for a 70 yard td. Vick didnt give away a hailmary. Vick didnt drop a ball that could have basically been “fair catched”. Rowdy White, Deangelo “overrated” Hall. 3 big plays that cost the falcons the game. Vick didnt throw 1 interception. He played with instinct and what his confidence led him to do, he used his legs. He has an arm but no receiver will catch his balls nor get open. Vick needs receivers!!!! Vent your fustration on D overrated Hall. Shut down corner my a$$!!!

By DeQuan

November 27, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

I think Mike Vick should have flipped his recievers off. It was a very classless gesture, that has no excuse that can be tied to it. He is a special player but he can only do so much.

By jrex

November 27, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

Former Coach Jimmy Johnson said yesterday on CBS that Falcon fans think that Vick is the guy to lead us. Wrong, JimmyJ, real Falcon fans know that Vick IS NOT the answer, but is more likely a big part of the problem. %50 accuracy? %100 inconsistency! Heck, anybody can do that. Get rid of Mora, hire Mike Martz, trade Vick to a foolish AFC team and give the QB job to Shaub.

By Mike

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

Vick is a poor excuse for a quarterback. Flipping off your own fans is unacceptable. He should be fined and benched for the rest of the season.

By Dunn

November 27, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

When will this team quit drafting from Va. Tech and start looking at 2 schools a lot closer to Athens? Bill Cowher in 2007.

By J Day

November 27, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick, You embarassed not only yourself but your home state of Virginia with your actions. Please grow up. Kids look up to you. We all deserve better. Your apology was so weak. Do you even mean it?

By Falconface

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

Don’t blame Vick on this one. He rushed for an amazing 160+ yards and played his butt off. Roddy White should not be starting on an NFL team dropping a cinch touchdown like that. Lelie? Please. Our WR corps are a joke. The playcalling inside the 10 was a joke. The defense was a joke (D Hall going for the pick instead of the tip on the hail mary)… Vick can’t do it all, so when getting booed at your home stadium as you walk off the field isn’t something a real fan should do to the teams best player… I probably would’ve flicked that person off too.

By peteS

November 27, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

The Falcons still keep coming to the football table with no plan B for their offense when plan A does not work. There is no real good reason to keep receivers who cannot catch, or, are worried about getting tackled when they catch the football. Coach needs to go to the taxi squad and pick up some players who are hungry and want to play.
Also, can the Falcons players play one game without all that mouthing off. They aren’t scaring anybody. Two of the biggest mouths, especially the one in the defensive backfield, have done their job the poorest. Here are some other questions someone has to answer: How come people making $50,000 or more a game can’t tackle and block? With the League’s best running attack why are we always trying to throw long passes on third plays when we only need four yards or less? How come we have no plays called for buttonhooks across the middle or the sidelines in short yardage situations? How come we never see misdirection or scissors plays by our offensive unit to slow down the rush? The attitude shown by Crumpler is much more annoying that the frustration shown by Vick. He appeared to be pointing fingers like a spoiled brat when he’s dropped key passes too. All is not lost, but the team has got to focus.

By Don Pruitt

November 27, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

I have always felt that Mike Vick is not a natural Pro QB. He should be used at H-back or wide receiver and Matt Schaub, who is a natural passer, should be the number 1 QB. I feel that would greatly improve the offensive output for the team. The defensive secondary played awful in yesterday’s game. There must be some bench players on other teams who can catch the ball better than the Falcon starters. Thanks, Don

By mac

November 27, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

I can’t put into word how frustrating Sundays game has left me feeling. It is one thing to have #1 draft picks and pro bowler’s not making catch’s, not breaking up pass plays or making tackles, It is another to have the guy who is the face of the franchise flip off the entire GA DOME.

I don’t’ care how many yards you ran for or how many plays you did or didn’t make, You my friend need to have your behind parked on the bench with out a few game checks. Lack of RESPECT will not be tolerated from this fan.

By Tad

November 27, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Falcons demise is due to:

1. Coaching staff, particularly Knapp and Mora. Has Greg Knapp’s “system” ever been successful? Send it back to the West Coast. Falcons had 2 first-and-goal possessions in the first half and got 6 points. Go for it on 4th down when you are down by 14. You can’t win scoring an average of 12.5 points over the last 4 games. Institute an audible system with backup plays. It looks like the other team knows what is coming every play.

2. Butterfinger wide outs (can’t call them receivers). 3 first-round picks wasted on crocodile arm guys who can’t catch water falling out of a boat (Lelie, Jenkins, & Shoddy White). Show some effort & show Roddy the door now.

3. Deangelo Hall is a lousy cornerback and gave up 14 points single-handedly on Sunday, which is more points than the Falcons scored. Where was the coverage on Devery Henderson and what in the world is he doing horse collar tackling him in the endzone? Send him to Football common sense 101- Knock the ball down on a Hail Mary. No one cares about your INT stats. This is a team sport.

4. Rossum should only be a kick returner. Teams are exploiting him in the secondary. Where is Jimmy Williams?

5. Vick’s long-term contract. Giving the bird twice to fans paying your $100 million? Come on. Put Shaub under center and use Vick as a slash RB / WR. Renegotiate his ridiculous contract and sign some players that care.

There are more. The team mentality comes from the top. We need an NFL coach, not someone who applauds lousy efforts. What’s Dan Reeves up to these days?

By saintsrule

November 27, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha!!!!!!! who dat who dat!!!

By Mountain Jack

November 27, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

The good news is that after two more games we will never have to hear of Reggie Ball again! Now if that was just true for Gailey and Michael Vic the city and teams I love would be in better shape for the future.

By Busta Nut

November 27, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe all you Vick backers! How many of you actually played football? The passing game is all about timing and consistent execution (a.k.a. Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, etc). Now which one of these can we accomplish with a quarter back better suited to a sandlot? NEITHER!! Put Shaub or Shockley in there and I will guarantee you our line will suddenly start blocking and the receivers will look better too! Vick is a great athlete but he’s a wild card, and wild cards don’t play well with every hand!

By Jonathan ex- Falcon Fan

November 27, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Hey Art, I hope you read this YOU LIED TO US, I WANT A REFUND Knapp and Mora MUST Go. Vick is not the problem Get the Man some blocking and for God sakes trade D $$$ Hall

By Ebaby

November 27, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Listen folks. This overt racism has got to stop. People say he is a thug from the hood, just because he shot someone the finger. Is Kenny Rogers a thug from the hood? Come on people. Some people want Schaub as the quarterback. Some people just prefer a white quarterback. Schaub has not proved anything (0-1 as a starter). We have a flawed team, coaching scheme and red zone play calling sucks. Defense cannot stop anyone and the o-line cannot run or pass block. Vick is a work in progress; he makes mistakes but who doesn’t. If you have receivers who don’t catch, then you are more apt to try to make the perfect throw every time. To say Vick has no heart is a joke. He takes a lot of big hits and keeps running. He got killed on the pass RODDY WHITE dropped. Receivers need to make a play. We never should have traded Duckett; we miss his big body running. We need head coach who can call some plays every now and then. Listen the only reason you can see the game every week on TV is because of VICK selling out the dome. Get Schaub in there and listen to them lose on the radio. If you don’t like it give up your seats there is somebody waiting. Football is team game. John Elway’s QB rating was never high (around 79). By the way, someone said most ticket holders are minimum wage, yeah right. Minimum wage folks are watching on TV or working at the concession stand, get real. Most ticket holders are upper middle class and above.

By Section 125 STH

November 27, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

I have never written on this blog before, but after all that happened yesterday at the game……..a couple of observations as as season ticket holder who stayed until ALL players walked off the field, I watched a team who has a clueless coaching staff, wideouts with no confidence, and a defense with no pride try to play a football game yesterday. And yes it starts at the top. For all the talk of the hail mary pass, it was a dumb move to keep calling timeouts by our coaching staff. Concede you had a bad first half and regroup. We had not moved the ball on their defense through the air. That kind of stuff is what kills confidence of the players in your coaching staff. We are a talented team in horrible shape. Now on to Mr. Vick. I watched him walk off the field. What most of you so called fans who did not stick around to see was that 30 seconds before he hit the tunnel he was smiling and waiving to fans at about the 40-50 yard line. Then right as he got to the tunnel someone shouted out to him and he lost. Yes it is wrong, but I’m just glad he is started to show some emotion. He and Matt Lehr were the only ones to blow up at the game yesterday. You folks act like you have never done anything wrong in your entire life! The man played his heart out and some idiot singles him out and boo him as he walks off the field. I would flip you off too! Trying working hard today and busting your behind only to get cussed and yelled at as you walk out the door. Idiots!

By MS

November 27, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

We thought we were a good team before our loses to Detroit and Clevand. But those games showed us we were mediocre at best. Don’t tell me any of us are really surprised at our lost to New Orleans on yesterday. Frustrated, YES!

By Cap

November 27, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

Busta, i played football. I played football against many of the people that Vick played with at Virginia Tech. You’re an idiot. You named four quarterbacks. Three of whom put up great numbers and never won a super bowl. vick has gotten at least as close as Manning and definitely closer than Carson Palmer. Marino played for 17 years and never won a super bowl. Joe Montana was 6 feet tall, 190 lbs. soaking wet, very mobile in is youth (particularly at Notre Dame) but unlike Vick had a very weak arm. However it helps to play in Bill Walsh’s system and it definitely pays dividends to eventually be able to throw to Jerry Rice. The only quarterback in NFL history I would take over Vick is Elway. Atlanta remembers that name doesn’t it? Elway took a mediocre team and eventually made it great. Vick took a horrible team and made it mediocre. To take the Falcons to the next level, he needs O-Line and receiver help. But yet he gets white hillbilly and black uncle tom fans booing him and rooting for him to get traded (a la Brett Favre – do you remember that name Atlanta?) when all of his peers in the NFL acknowledge he is one of the premiere players in the game. Once again Atlanta, GOOD LUCK ATTRACTING FREE AGENTS!!!

By Tad

November 27, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Ebaby- drop the race card. Kenny Rogers is a punk, although he is not from the hood, but neither is Vick. Newport News, Virginia is no Compton. Classiness and professionalism have nothing to do with race.

I agree that Vick is not the problem with the team, although his gesture to fans paying his ridiculous salary and his sideline smirks aren’t doing anything to help.

By Cap

November 27, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

For all of those clamoring for Schaub I say put him in. If he lasts a half of a football game behind that line and with those receivers, congratulations.

By JD

November 27, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Vick’s rushing yardage is commendable, looks like he was trying to ‘get er done’ but it’s a shame given the idea being a team effort…falling way short. I’ve stopped watching the Falcon’s and will not watch or attend any game until this coaching staff leaves or teaches Vick how to carry a football…it’s that simple. If a coaching staff can’t teach the quaterback to protect the ball then both the quaterback and the coaches lack an understanding of the most fundanmental element in the game. There’s so much more to say about the chemistry of this team…the showboats and loudmouths, the dirty tackles after the opposing player has already scored the touchdown…it’s all a pattern showing a team without class who does most of their talking off the field. This blog is even a waste of time spent on such a sorry team and such an ignorant coaching staff. Stick a fork in this bird…their done.

By cj

November 27, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

Hey everyone relax, maybe we can loose the rest of our games (which we have a good shot at) and draft CJ from GT or the guy from USC, fire Looser Jr. Trade Vick, start Schuab. The future looks bright.

By atlanta_fan

November 27, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

First I think it takes more than a athelete to lead a team. It takes someone that can make things work and show class when things don’t. Frustration…I’ll tell you frustration what about the single mom raising kids and still not having enough money. She still gets up singing and off to work she goes. Vick needs to be traded and hand the leadership role over to someone that is teachable and can rally his team in down times.

By snowblind

November 27, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

OK, here’s my MV7 comments: - He’s not a QB. He’s got a rocket arm that is occassionally accurate, but more often not. He’s got incredible speed and gets tons of yardage. The reason that he gets those obnoxious amounts of yardage is because he’s the QB and can wait for coverage to break down and hit the open lanes. He would probably make a good reciever if he can catch. He’s too skinny and tall to be a running back. - Start Schaub (or Shockley, for that matter). MV7 almost had me after the Pittsburgh and Cincinnati games. He looked good in those games. I had hope. I was excited. I should have known better. - His post-game act was classless. Sure, we all get frustrated and who knows what those fans said. It was probably pretty classless too. However, I hold myself to a pretty high standard and, subsequently, I hold others to a pretty high standard too. Take the high road.

As for the coaching staff. I’ve had enough. I knew it was over since we lost the first two games of this current skid and Mora said “We are exactly where we want to be. I love where we are.” How could you say that? Show some disappointment. Show some fire. Make me feel that something’s going to happen. Don’t try to make me think that you wanted to lose those games.

By usafccf

November 27, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

At least we still have the winningest team in the state to go see, GO DAWGS! Forget Pro Football in the ATL I’d rather go see the Dawgs or Jackets, at least they play with emotion and a plan!

By Paul

November 27, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

Don’t dish it if you can’t take it Atlanta fans… I was at the game and I heard all of you booing! If you’re going to boo the team and Vick gives you the finger than what did you expect? Grow up and stop being so over-sensitive. If you people want Matt Schaub so bad, trade Vick to Carolina or Washington and I can get the hell out of this horrible sports town.

Send him to a town that can actually respect and appreciate his style of play.

By falconclaws1221

November 27, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

Let All Falcon fans who never have cast a bird———-cast the first stone

By Jolly Ed

November 27, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

Warning! Stay away from the Dome until the dead birds are hauled away. What a rancid odor.

By I Am Me

November 27, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Vick is a THUG. What??? And you (various posters) would know this how? Just because he flipped off an idiot game attendee (not all falcons fan by the way) that was heckling him does not make him a thug. I won’t justify his action because as public figure that was a no no. That issue is now dead. I am sorry Vick Haters but he will be the starting QB for the foreseeable future. Entertaining any other ideas would be ludicrous. In order for this to work the scheme and personnel must match up with the center piece in place (Vick) I was actually disappointed with what I saw Sunday. I saw a team with the exception a few people that was had a “Woo is me attitude, Woo are we attitude.” Passes were being dropped, coverage assignments were being blown, amongst other things.

By P.Diddy

November 27, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

I like Mike. He’s the only thing we really have going for the Falcons-maybe except for Crumpler. The coaching staff needs to go—especially Greg Knapp. He calls the worst plays and does not know how to use Vick to our advantage. Most of these “Vick Haters” were singing his praises a couple of weeks ago. Either you love the Falcons all the time or you don’t. I’m tired of these part-time Falcons fans. Please get a life. Again, the coaching staff stinks. I’ve never like Mora and thought we should have gone with Lovie Smith anyway. Mora must go.
Please Mr. Blank fire Mora and his flunky Knapp they don’t deserve your hard earned money. Vick played as well as he was allowed to based on his supporting staff. Go Falcons!!!!

By David

November 27, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

We’re not Dallas, and we don’t have the Big Tuna as our coach. When his highly touted veteran quarterback couldn’t move the offense, he brought in Romo from the bench. Romo is proving the coach made the right decision, as they have won three in a row (now 1st place in division). We will never know in Atlanta, if our back up could do the same, until he goes to another team next year. Dallas has 5 superbowl victories and Atlanta has none. Enough said.

By brent

November 27, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

I saw Blank at the Willie Nelson concert last March and told him that he should cut his losses and dump Vick, he sneered at me and I repeated my statement. The guy should have listened. Blank is an egotistical jerk, I wish someone could tell him to get back in the OWNER’S BOX AND OFF THE SIDELINE. Blank has no class, just money.

By bk hawk

November 27, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Section 125- You can call me anything you want for 1oo million, get a life he’s not working for 10$ hour. The fans pay his salary and expect more pride and character from their Super Star? What he did can’t be undone,the fans will always remember.

By ben

November 27, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

I don’t blame Vick at all. How long could any of us take the criticism he has before it blew up. His receivers are consistently among the leagues worst. He gets killed in the media everyday and for 3 years hasn’t said a word about his receivers, instead takes it on himself. Well the only other thing that Vick could do for this team is throw the ball to himself.

By Xplayer

November 27, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

All you couch potatoes that think you have it figured out don’t have a clue what it’s like to be on an NFL field! There’s not one player out there that’s not busting his A**! Players are beat up, wore out, and can’t stand to lose. In the NFL you have to play as a team. There’s no room for a one man show. There is a flow to the game where the OL the QB and recievers have to be on the same page. That’s the only way it works. Vick although a flashy runner will never be able to get everyone on the same page he’s to unpredictable. The OL is not bad they just never know where Vick is to keep peolpe off him. The recivers aren’t bad they are talented enough to close to catching some of these horrible passes. Why they got rid of TJ I have no idea, but Dunn is a great back along with Norwood and Griffin they should be the one having 100 yard games not the QB. There are a few things we have to accept. - Vick will never be a passer, or take this team to a championship. - In fact if he were a white QB he wouldn’t be in the NFL. - Matt will be a hall of fame QB for another team. i.e. Farve. - Vick will be here for the rest of his contract because the salary cap will take to big of a hit, and no other NFL team will take him. -There will be big coaching changes during the off season, and the new coaching staff will be blamed for Vick’s bad play. - there will be different recievers who for some strange reason can’t catch a pass. - they will continue to trade off talent to try and create a system Vick can play in, but the sand lot is the only place he will be suscessful.

By D-Man

November 27, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

Hey ignorant a* fans shut up!! How can dummy Terrance Moore and fans have the nerves to talk about the only highlight we had yesterday? Its like the team didn’t invite him to meet the players, he seems as if he has a personal vendetta against MV7. Thats a dam shame Terrance give it up. Vick was the only highlight of the game yesterday and all you can report on is him giving a finger to a potential racist comment>? Has he ever done it before? So maybe this time was legit a*****!! Some of you fans don’t even pay attention to the roster or whats going on around MV7, you just wait to dog him when the game is lost. And guess what I am not even a fan but I pay attention. Just hope for next year this is a good team and Vick is a good QB they all just have the wrong leadership as coaches.

By Dannotdan

November 27, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

KEW, you write “WHY IS IT THAT THERE IS OTHER TEAM WITH THE SAME RECORD OR WORST RECORDS THAN THE FALCONS AND YOU NEVER HEAR ANYBODY DOGGING OUT THEIR QB Kew you are so typical of the Vick fan base, including Mora and Blank who only see the image and not the reality. Completely out of touch, with no real idea of how bad the QB problem is with the Falcons. There are currently 15 other teams that have the same or worse record as the Falcons, but only the Falcons, Vikings and Packers continue to play the same veteran QB’s that have reached their full potential and are now on a plateau leading to or actually on the down side of their careers. Both the Vikings and Packers have the replacements for their veterans with Bollinger and Rogers and are currently grooming them to take over, leaving the Falcons the only losing organization to yet define a plan to replace and upgrade the QB position for the future.

Buffalo has 6’-2” 3rd year QB JP Losman making tremendous progress in his second year as a starter, completion Percentage of 64% up from 49%, QB Rating of 84% up from 64%. Smart learning well and getting better.

Miami, Not only brought in Culpepper, but replaced him with 6’-4” J Harrington who has dismal Vick like stats mid 50% completion %, low 70% QB Rating, but winning on a bad but improving team.

Pittsburgh, 6’-3” B Rothisburger, 3rd year Superbowl QB, having an off year but big, smart, and productive.

Cleveland, 6’-4” 2th year pro Charlie Fry

Tennessee, Replaced K Collins with 6’-4” Rookie V Young

Houston, 6’-3” 5th year pro D Carr, 70 Competition %, 89 QB Ranking up from 62%, 69% ranking last year. Great improvement potential star.

Oakland, 6’-5” A Walter replaced, unproductive A Brooks.

Philadelphia, Brought in veteran J Garcia to replace injured D McNabb.

Washington, replaced M Burnell with 6’-4” J Campbell. Great size, intelligence, character, class and big time arm.

Green Bay, Farve……..will be replaced by Rogers when he gets off IR

Detroit, Replaced with j Kidma first year at Detroit

Tampa Bay, Gradkowski from Toledo replaced injured Simms. First year with Vick like passing numbers.

San Francisco, 6’4” Alex Smith, Very big, very smart, very consistent, very un-Vick like Completion Percentage of 60% up from 50%, QB Rating of 80% up from 40%. Smart learning well and getting better.

St Louis, 6’-3” M Bulger, 63% completions %, 92 QB Rating very solid quarterback the Falcons are 9-2 wit this guy.

Phoenix, 6’-5” rookie M Leinert replaced veteran K Warner. Better grasp of the pro game after 6 games than Vick after 6 years.

So KEW you don’t hear anyone “DOG” these teams for there QB play because they REPLACE undersized, unproductive, slow thinking, chicken with their head cut off running, bird flipping, don’t give a sh*t QB’s, they don’t reward them with starts and big contracts.

By Josh

November 27, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

I’m a Crimson Tide/Falcons fan. Alabama finally did what was necessary to turn their program around, I hope Atlanta does the same. I don’t even like watching Falcons games right now because I am so disgusted at the personel and the way they act. On the hail mary pass yesterday, there were en end zone full of black jerseys…….and every one of them was thinking the same thing. ” O look, a hail mary…..lemme try and pick this off to pad my stats so I can make the pro bowl.” Other teams must be laughing at us right now. What a joke.

By Josh

November 27, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

And I can’t stand Mike Vick…………but there is NO WAY i am blaming him for yesterdays loss. NO QB IN THE NFL could look good with the p** poor “recievers” he has to work with. That is absolutley em barassing. Roddy White should be cut TODAY.

By Falconator

November 27, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

I think Terence nailed it when he said Vick’s gesture is a result of lack of discipline that permeates this team. Mora can’t be one of the boys and be a leader. I wondered about the choice of him from day one, even with the early success. I hope things are more serious at practice with him than they appear to be on the field. He’s a good example of hiring a coach who needs on-the-job training before he is effective as a head coach. The thing that frustrates me most among many things about Mora is the fact that his offensive coaches have never been able to figure out how to use Vick. I will bet there is an offensive guy somewhere licking his chops to get a chance to show what COULD be done with Vick with a little coaching and game planning.

By Dave

November 27, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Anyone who has watched the past four losses can see the following:

1) Mike Vick is NOT a pocket passer! Asking him to be one denies you the use of his great speed, quickness and sheer ability to run and electrify the crowd. He is NOT the reason this team has failed the past four games! NOTE: While I understand his frustration with losing, Vick’s conduct after the game was INEXCUSABLE!! Blank needs to call him in and tell him he is going to make a $200K donation to some charity of his choice!

2) The defense IS trying! They just do not have the horses on the defensive line, and the secondary STILL needs an upgrade.

3) The wide receivers on this team CANNOT be considered NFL starters. If they had caught HALF of the passes that have bounced off their hands (or Roddy White had caught the one pass that hit him in the numbers in the 4th quarter of yesterday’s game), this team would have won at least two and probably three of the last four games.

4) The Falcons NEED another BIG back runner whom they can depend on for short yardage. Other than Dunn or Norwood, the Falcon coaching staff obviously do not trust their running backs to get the tough yards in the red zone.

5) Finally, it is obvious that Jim Mora cannot be a head coach at the NFL level. He has lost this team and should be replaced immediately! There are viable replacements available right now.

Just my humble opinion!

By Gman 07

November 27, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Micheal Vick -Franchise, Yea right

By Warren

November 27, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Well it’s true, history does repeat itself in Atlanta, the Braves fold every year (although not as early as this year) and so do the Falcons. They say this team has talent. They certainly don’t have any discipline or heart. Who is responsible for teaching discipline and heart? Football is a funny game. A player makes the team and gets a big salary. As the season starts there are championship dreams everywhere! Then they lose a few games and “oh well, they’re still getting paid, maybe next year.” It’s time to replace Mr. Mora now and let someone else start teaching the players remedial lessons about heart and discipline so they can get a jump on the next season!

By Shirley

November 27, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

OK, it is now Monday morning, Vick has presented his apology, SO WHAT? He still fingered the Falcons Fans!!! No excuses for the guy, he is a loser and his actions spoke higher than his talents. Arthur Blank has no respect for himself or his Atlanta base if he does not suspend Vick from playing in the stadium at their next home game. The Falcons were playing great ball until Vick gave the HBO interview and was complaining about not being allowed to pass the ball. The Coaches got scared of hurting Vicks feelings, gave in and he started passing. The only problem, when VICK passes, the receivers also get credit for their catches. Now Vick rarely throws the ball so that it is catchable, therefore he has to RUN with the ball. It is all about him and his EGO. He wants all the attention, all the time. Gosh forbid that anyone else do something good for the team. Vick still thinks that TEAM has an I in the spelling. Learn to spell Vick, then you will not have to use finger gestures for communication. I hope everyone who is as disgusted with him as me will email the NFL office and register a complaint about his on field behaviour. They call him the Poster Face of the NFL. Not in my book, he is classless, clueless and if for not running, he would be talentless. Get a QB and start using him as a running back or receiver. He acts like his brother, treat him like his brother.

By Peter

November 27, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Dear Arthur Blank………..Please move your headquarters to MIDTOWN………

No doubt after watching Coach Mora Kiss Mike Vick’s Helmet………We are a very GAY Team!

Let’s go out and pat some Behinds as well!

GO Falcon’s!

By J Allard

November 27, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe it - Mike Vick has become Jeff George.

By Julius

November 27, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

In the immortal words of Julius from remmebr the Titans. ” Attitude reflects leadership…captain”. The order of blame:

Arthur Blank - hiring people based on binders rather then experience and record

Rich McKay - Rounding up WR and defensive busts at an alarming rate.

Jim Mora - Absoultely NO team/nor Self discipline ( i.e players stomping up and down with temper tantrums and celebrating plays while they’re in a losing streak. He’s resp. for the entire coaching staff and its decisions.

Michael Vick - Proudly taking responsibility for an “over 60% winning streak win winning, and an everybodys at fault stance when losing.

To me, that’s you fault line, start there AB

By Bobby

November 27, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

I’m a transplanted Saints fan. Let me tell you that I’m VERY familiar with what’s going on with the Falcons right now from my experience with the Jim Haslett years in New Orleans, which mercifully ended last year. The Falcons lack structure and discipline. After Haslett left New Orleans, THEN players began coming forward voicing this sentiment… Some players were let to slide for breaking team rules while others couldn’t. Not everyone was held to account. I could go on and on. On paper, the Falcons have the talent, but they lack true mature leadership at the top of the organization, and I mean the headcoach. Sorry Jimmy. This is why you never know which team is going to show up on Sunday: Super Falcons or Finger Falcons.

By Rob

November 27, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

One would think that this would cause even the most ardent Vick supporters to jump ship despite the fact that the Falcons have more or less bet the farm on his success. You have another quarterback that would be a starter anywhere else in the NFL warming the bench, why not at least give him a shot? This would run counter to the philosophy that Vick is our saviour, but at this point, who are you fooling? Vick is a fine overall athlete, but he’s not a good quarterback since his accuracy is questionable at best. What good is a cannon if you can’t aim it? Come on give Shaub a shot!

By Section 125 STH

November 27, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

Vick this Vick that! I swear some Falcons fans have the football knowledge capacity of blade of grass. I want a TEAM and a COACHING STAFF on the field giving all they can to compete in this league. This NICE guy stuff has got to cease if you want to win championships. No team is scared to come into the dome or line up against our team. We are soft and it starts up top. You guys don’t want a guy who talks trash. You don’t guys don’t want a team of perceived thugs.
You want a team full of local University good model citizens. And that is why this team continues to struggle. Those type players scare no one in the league! Keith Brooking types don’t get it done. Matt Schuab is probably a good quarterback. Put him under center with this team and watch him get killed too! Coach Mora is not competitor and the coaches know it. 4th and 3 with 4 min to go and we punt. He does not get in the players face when they don’t execute. Donatell no killer instinct! Listen to this defense of scheme….Bend but don’t break! How about attack! Our defense has no killer instinct. Hell even our dome environment is goody two shows. Instead of getting a crowd charged up..we are listening to Sugarland at halftime and watching dogs catch frisbees. I will say Mike Vick is a competitor and if we had more folks like him in the organization top to bottom we would be talking about winning superbowls (And you guys want to run him off?). Instead teams like Baltimore (Ray Lewis, Jamal Lewis, Steve McNair, Brian Billik), Chicago ( (Urlacher, Mussin Muhammad, Lovie Smith)….(Terry Glenn, Terrell Owens, Roy Williams, Bill Parcell) etc, etc. NEWS FLASH! Those trash talking teams with perceived thugs and coaching staffs that have a pair sure seem to be headed to the post season rolling strong. Maybe one day my falcons organization will want to compete!

By chgfalcfan

November 27, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

pathetic……….. awful play calling, no blocking, Vick running for his life, Dunn 2 yards a clip AGAIN, 4 weeks in a row. Defense stops the run but receivers are WIDE open every down, no qb pressure, its embarrassing. D-Hall give an effort, that hail mary was a joke you learn to knock it down in 3rd grade. Be more concerned about winning than your INT’s…This team is a joke, the coaching staff should be fired right now and try to lure Jimmy Johnson out of retirement. Maybe he can utilize the talents of #7 rather than have him running for his life. His Dallas teams always protected Aikman and gave Smith holes to run through. COME ON ARTHUR go get Jimmy a proven winner….

By GCrutch

November 27, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

Sad game. But for a few bad plays (OK horrible plays) we all could be jumping up and down shouting “We’re tied for number one!!” Geesh…let’s not dismantled everything yet. Do change the offensive play caller and DO practice actually catching the ball…but hold on fairweathers… and DON’T throw the stupid horizontal pass to the flats…it NEVER works.

By Ol Fooler

November 27, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

I went to my first Falcon game yesterday. It will probably be my last. Two tickets were $89 each, $20 parking (I actually saw people paying $125), ridiculous concession prices and, oh yeah. I saw a pitiful performance by the home team. This was the worst entertainment value that I have ever experienced. I think Mr. Blank needs to revisit his business plan for this venture. It ain’t working.

By Edward Forrester

November 27, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

As a Saints fan, I came here to gloat and see if you guys still think the “fix” was in like last time. However, what I’ve read disturbs me. Many of the posters here seem to like or dislike Vick primarily because of his race. Look, the man is amazing. I don’t care for his lack of character (Ron Mexico, the finger, etc.) but he can flat out play. He doesn’t have any protection and his receivers should be fired immediately. He also is way too quick to run rather than checking down. After living through the Aaron Brooks years when we were told about his “potential” year after year I was one of many fans wishing he WOULD run rather than taking a 20 yard sack or throwing a floater off his back foot. If you think Vick is a bad fit for this team because of his shortcomings, fine. If you’re defending him because of his lousy supporting cast, that’s fine too. If you’re castigating him primarily because he’s black OR defending him for the same reason then you’re a bigot regardless of which side you’re on. Personally, I hope that things stay as they are so there are more season sweeps in our future. GO SAINTS!

By I Can Catch

November 27, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

New Orleans 17 Falcons 13 DHall 14…He was burnt on the first pass play and if he wouldn’t have been selfish and knocked down that ball at the end of the first half instead of trying to pad his stats by getting an interception, it might have been a different game. He means as much to this team as the receivers do…OVERRATED!!! If you are so fast(how did that chump out run you…oh yeah, you caught him when he slowed down) and so good, how about running your a** on to some other team that can use a GREAT “MOUTH” CORNER

By Cap

November 27, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Listen to this blog. Bench Michael Vick, Move the team out of downtown. There are ten franchises in the “South”: Washington, Carolina, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Miami, Tennessee, New Orleans, Houston and Dallas. Has anyone noticed that only the teams on the periphery of the South (Washington, Dallas, Tampa Bay, and Miami) have won Super Bowls? I would say that Atlanta has to get over its racist “dirty laundry” but I don’t see that happening so the Falcons should move to Los Angeles. How is it that Green Bay has been able to attract better free agents in the modern era than a city such as Atlanta? I’ll tell you why, no football player, white or black wants to play for a franchise where they can only be made to feel comfortable in half of the city. Free agents are watching the fans boo and harrass Vick who the NFL players consistently recognize as one of the premiere quarterbacks in the league and vote him to the pro bowl. Just because the Vick haters are in a state of denial does not mean the rest of the players in the NFL don’t recognize how bad Vick’s “supporting cast” sucks. Sorry haters, just because most dropback passers are white does not mean they want to come down here and lose for the white cause. Because I’m sure the fans in Chicago white or black would love to dupe the Atlanta hillbilly fan base into a trade for Michael Vick and Rex Grossman heads up just like Atlanta got duped into trading Brett Favre for essentially nothing. Do you think Detroit’s fans were booing Barry Sanders for losing the most yards rushing in NFL history? When you are the only weapon a team has other teams know it and key in on you and real fans recognize this. But for some reason Atlanta “fans” think that Vick can’t lead Atlanta to a championship but Schaub can. I wonder why that is? Deep South teams that are historically horrible will always be able to draft high (namely the Falcons and the Saints) so at intermittent points they may break through and go to the Super Bowl but they will never be able to attract the caliber of free agents (white or black) to make them perennial championship contenders because racist white fans in the South suck, plain and simple. Remember, Atlanta and New Orleans couldn’t even get awarded football franchises until the cities were both forced to desegregate. And the majority of the white populations fought it the whole way. And judging from the racial population distribution of Atlanta not only has nothing changed since the Falcons were born, they’ve actually gotten even more exacerbated. Once again Atlanta, GOOD LUCK ATTRACTING FREE AGENTS!!!!

By Real Falcon Fan

November 27, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Actually for all you fans that are talking bout it is his fault we loosing, I wish he would have did a little more things to you all. I know it is the nfl and everyone wanna blame the qb but hell , it aint vick that gave up a touchdown with 7 seconds to go in the half, it aint vick that dropped the ball on the 5 yard line by his self. He dont throw the best ball in the nfl but he carrying this team on his back . He might as well throw it up and run under it and catch it. Stop Hating and give the blame to the right people. The games we won, OLine played great and the recievers caught the ball.

By Matt Schaub

November 27, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Please NFL suspend VICK for one game, I beg of thee. His gestures were naughty.

By no-hands= no game

November 27, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

Mr. Moore made some references to management being under the mocroscope by Blank and that was an important reference. Yes, the coaching staff needs to go. All of them. You get no respect trying to be “one of the guys” and their buddy. As for O-coordinator, no imagination and square peg in round hole gets you fired. However, one person who has been getting a free pass is McKay. 3 consecutive busts with our first pick. 1. Jenkins-could not catch in college and can’t in the pros. Even if he does, it is not a natural grab and he therefore can never do anything after the catch because he is falling down or cradling the ball. When he was drafted the highlight package of his catches looked like Dennis Rodman getting a rebound…tipping, batting and catching with his stomach. C’mon, you can never teach hands. Although I guess previous management did not understand that either when they went Jammi German over Hines Ward. 2. Roddy White-You spend a first round pick on someone as a rec. They better produce. Whether it is confidence, talent, outside personal factors, it doesn’t matter because the GM has to take all these possibilites into account. Bust. 3. Jimmy Williams-Too early to call a bust, in fact he may be a great one. But drafting a guy in the 2nd round who is physically ready to excel in the NFL and playing a punt retruner at corner guy instead of him when there are injuries. Something is wrong. Some will argue Wiliams is injured, but he was demoted from nickel corner when healthy. You expect more from a second rounder. Give him a chance, or are you worried he will fail and give you the trifecta of busts.

If D’Angelo Hall’s comments in an interview regarding the draft were accurate, “Jim Mora called him moments before the pick of Williams and asked him if the Falcons should take him” there is a big problem.

Either McKay is not in control of the draft and his coach or the front office is also pandering to the players in an attempt to have what they consider a good relationship with them. Either way, it isn’t working. McKay, take control back, stop listening to Mora whine about who he wants, and stop vapor-locking with our top picks. McKay is very good at what he does rounds 2-7. Skill positions, he is clueless. 2 first rounders for Keyshawn Johnson whil ein Tampa Bay? Fire Mora and Knapp and put Mckay on notice.

By DeanH

November 27, 2006 12:35 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. I have been a season ticket holder for 15 years. This will be my last one. Mr Vick should at least be bench for one game. I paid $148.00 for my 2 seats to which Mr Vick get me & my son the finger. This does lack of coaching, focus and professionalism. I just sold the remaining tickets this seasons. I will not be back. But the sad part about all this is that Mr vick is so rich now, He’ll laughing all the way to the bank while I’m working 2 jobs. One which helps me pay for my season tickets. Yo MR VICK… read between the lines |||

By ab

November 27, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

I don’t blame Mike V. for his actions on Sunday. When nobody, I mean nobody gave him any help( catching) I would be ticked getting booed and heckled by fans too.

By Bob

November 27, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

There have been a plethora of negative comments about Arthur Blank, Jim Mora, supportive coaches and visible members of the team. Certainly Arthur has the right to be frustrated, as do Jim and those players who are left in the nest. Certainly Mike’s gesture was in poor taste, but what made it seem so deplorable was it’s being done in public view. How many of those so apalled have used the same gesture when honked at by only one car, instead of being derrogated by a stadium full of poor sports?

What’s left in the nest? If I read the summaries each week on the Falcons’ web site, there have been any number of first rate players who have taken a battering for the team and are out of the fray. Such a situation doesn’t do much to solidify a team. In fact, the continuing substitution of new personnel requires a re-teaming. But that is not the whole explanation.

Are the coaches to be sacrificed? Perhaps. Isn’t that the usual step next taken?

If I remember correctly, in Mike’s first season behind the center, no one could catch him. As time has gone on, opponents have figured it out. Now something new is necessary.

Not only does that take time, but also does it take a consistency of personnel.

Don’t give up on this team, nor its owner nor its coaches. It ain’t over yet.

By oklahoma ga boy

November 27, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

dropped passes, no offensive blocking, lack of playcalling, poor run game(besides vick), terrible secondary constantly burned for the deep ball, and no leadership at coaching position..week after week. all i can do is shake my head and look towards the draft and hopefully mr blank cleaning house. what a waste of 200 dollars on my direct tv.

By Dannotdan

November 27, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

KEW, you write “WHY IS IT THAT THERE IS OTHER TEAM WITH THE SAME RECORD OR WORST RECORDS THAN THE FALCONS AND YOU NEVER HEAR ANYBODY DOGGING OUT THEIR QB Kew you are so typical of the Vick fan base, including Mora and Blank who only see the image and not the reality. Completely out of touch, with no real idea of how bad the QB problem is with the Falcons. There are currently 15 other teams that have the same or worse record as the Falcons, but only the Falcons, Vikings and Packers continue to play the same veteran QB’s that have reached their full potential and are now on a plateau leading to or actually on the down side of their careers. Both the Vikings and Packers have the replacements for their veterans with Bollinger and Rogers and are currently grooming them to take over, leaving the Falcons the only losing organization to yet define a plan to replace and upgrade the QB position for the future.

Buffalo has 6’-2” 3rd year QB JP Losman making tremendous progress in his second year as a starter, completion Percentage of 64% up from 49%, QB Rating of 84% up from 64%. Smart learning well and getting better.

Miami, Not only brought in Culpepper, but replaced him with 6’-4” J Harrington who has dismal Vick like stats mid 50% completion %, low 70% QB Rating, but winning on a bad but improving team.

Pittsburgh, 6’-3” B Rothisburger, 3rd year Superbowl QB, having an off year but big, smart, and productive.

Cleveland, 6’-4” 2th year pro Charlie Fry

Tennessee, Replaced K Collins with 6’-4” Rookie V Young

Houston, 6’-3” 5th year pro D Carr, 70 Competition %, 89 QB Ranking up from 62%, 69% ranking last year. Great improvement potential star.

Oakland, 6’-5” A Walter replaced, unproductive A Brooks.

Philadelphia, Brought in veteran J Garcia to replace injured D McNabb.

Washington, replaced M Burnell with 6’-4” J Campbell. Great size, intelligence, character, class and big time arm.

Green Bay, Farve……..will be replaced by Rogers when he gets off IR

Detroit, Replaced with j Kidma first year at Detroit

Tampa Bay, Gradkowski from Toledo replaced injured Simms. First year with Vick like passing numbers.

San Francisco, 6’4” Alex Smith, Very big, very smart, very consistent, very un-Vick like Completion Percentage of 60% up from 50%, QB Rating of 80% up from 40%. Smart learning well and getting better.

St Louis, 6’-3” M Bulger, 63% completions %, 92 QB Rating very solid quarterback the Falcons are 9-2 wit this guy.

Phoenix, 6’-5” rookie M Leinert replaced veteran K Warner. Better grasp of the pro game after 6 games than Vick after 6 years.

So KEW you don’t hear anyone “DOG” these teams for there QB play because they REPLACE undersized, unproductive, slow thinking, chicken with their head cut off running, bird flipping, don’t give a sh*t QB’s, they don’t reward them with starts and big contracts.

By Dick

November 27, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

I say make them unload trucks for two weeks in local Home Depot stores. They might be able to see what life would be like after football.

By NOLA

November 27, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

Seems like I have been here before, heard these exact words..I have, only the names were different…for the last three years people in New Orleans have been complaining about generally the same things….believe me, I know your frustration.We had Aaron brooks,Vicks cousin as irony would have it,smiling like a fool on the sidelines after another one of his boneheaded fumbles, interceptions etc had cost us another winable game.We had some of our “top nothch” draft picks doing all sorts of things,just nothing on the field..Dont (actually it’s Donte,he just Dont)Stallworth,played ALMOST a seasons worth of games in 3yerars…phantom injuries,he played just enough to keep his job. Our #1 pick from 3 years ago only showed for the pre-game buffet in the press box (Jonathan Sullivan,never heard of him,neither had any one listening to the play by play announcer in the dome). We had a coach who let A.B. REFUSE, yes he refused to throw a hailmary at the end of the half 2 years ago because it would HURT HIS STATS!!!!!And he played him in the 2nd half. Same coach who would not play our back up quarterback, you may have heard of him since the Saints decided 4 years ago he wasn’t up to Brooks talent level,Delhomme,we needed 1,yes win in our last 4 games, against opponents with losing records but haslett chose to play Brooks,who was injured,instead of Delhomme, we thought it was idiotic then, now idiotic seems too weak a word for that move.What is happening in ATL seems eerily similar to what happened here over thelast several years.Thank the Good Lord for Sean Payton!!! Stallworth, Sullivan and a laundry list of underperforming,overpaid Saints are now someone elses problem.Haslett is in St Louis. Shake up is what we wanted, it’s what we got and we are loving it!!! I think your owner has too much pride in his team too much love for your city to let this collapse to continue much longer.I hope so. we have a great rivalry, I know y’all have enjoyed it, you usually came out on the good side of the score…as we say here, and yes,i DO have the t-shirt, ya gotta have FAITH.And in your case a good house cleaning. As for vicks gesture, Kurt Warner spent most of his sideline time gesturing to us Saints fans in a night game 4 years ago,no one made much of it, I just thought it showed no class on Warners part, this situation was different, I think it was just frustration,and everyone is making some thing of it. It all comes down to perspective. ya gotta have FAITH. Who DAT?

By Bill

November 27, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

Who will be the Falcon coach next year? It is obvious that the current crew now in a free fall with no realistic chance of reaching even 8-8 is headed for the door. The frustration and pressure of even some of the Falcons is now clearly greasing their slide into mediocrity.

By Cap

November 27, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about that Bob. Vick is in his 6th season and yesterday was his longest run from scrimmage ever. Defenses may have him figured out but they sure as heck ain’t catching him!

By Nikki.

November 27, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

Okay…I have to say that after 6 seasons of being a qb in the nfl and he hasn’t gotten any better he’s not going to get any better althought I think he would be better if we had some better receivers. Also this man is getting hit week after week b/c of the offensive line…what are they doing?! I don’t think it’s all on vick b/c we don’t have any receivers at all. Come on R. White what are you thinking…are you afraid of getting hit or something?! Catch the freakin ball. I say Roddy White, Michael Jenkins need to go with Mora, McKay and Knapp right behind them. Vick is getting paid too much money for this. I say he needs to take a pay cut and get his team some decent receivers if he ever wants a chance at going to a super bowl. It will not happen as long as Mora Jr is the head coach. D Hall!! OMG!! Football 101. I’m a woman and I know stopping them from scoring was what that should have been about him getting an interception. Heck I say he needs to go also! I don’t know what Mr. Blank plans to do but he has got to make some changes. Stop trying to be their friend and be an owner and act like one.

By Mark

November 27, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Vick is a problem and needs to go. The Falcons need a leader on the field and off.

By Patman

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

I am too through with this beat up team! I’m sick of a talented quarterback who can’t get it done, a poor corp of receivers who catch worse than eighth graders, a pitiful secondary and a non-blocking offensive line! Only Warrick Dunn can be depended on every week! The coachign staff needs to be fired as soon as this season is over and if it isn’t done, Arthur Black will have proved to be no better than Rankin Smith Sr!

By NOLA

November 27, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

One thing strikes me as odd, no one, the sportswriters,players coaches, fans, no one mentioned the Falcons got their feathers handed to them by a pretty damn good football team yesterday.Let’s give a little credit to the Saints here, they made y’all look well, foul. Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.

By Marvin

November 27, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

As a true blue student of the game of football, I know that Vick is not the problem with the Falcons. Greg Knapp is a horrible OC and he will cost Jim Mora his job. A good coach and OC will work with the talent he has a build the program accordingly. Personally I don’t agree with the way Mike handled the situation while leaving the field, but most of you so called fans never liked Mike anyway.

By RedandBlackAttack

November 27, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

Now is the time that, as Falcons fans, we will have to endure the rest of the season with who ever is healthy enough to play and who ever is left to coach.

Jim Mora should never have been hired in the first place, Mr. Blank. His staff of coaches have done nothing but bring down all the success that Dan Reeves had built during his tenure. Lovie Smith was probably the best coach prospect who was interviewed here. I sure do like New Orlean’s Coach Peyton. Time to start looking for a new coach and staff again…

While you are looking, Mr. Blank, please try looking for players that will deliver good play and good conduct for all the money that you pay them. Continued dropped passes by R. White is a crime. He is stealing your money. Anyone who does not deliver should not play no matter who they are or how much they are paid. Who made the decision to waste a pick on Roddy White? Send him down the road too. GET RID OF THESE BUMS. N-E-X-T.

It is not that difficult to pick out talent when you see it being played in college. Especially, with all the talent that comes out of Athens or in the SEC. Thank goodness one of my Red and Black teams delivered this Thanksgiving weekend… Gooo Dogs and Gooo Falcons!!!

By die hard falcons fan

November 27, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

Cowboy Al said it best!!!

ATTITUDE on defense CONFIDENCE on offense ENTHUSIAMS for the game.

Dude I hoping your cowboys win it .. that move Parcells did with romo is gonna land parcells in the HOF!

Dang is TO still around cuz homeboy been quiet!! LOL

I remember before Mora took over the helms we used to have some bad commerical from our local power folks.. at GA Power…

presents

Lights out…

I mean they used to show some hitting gut checking hits of Falcons secondardy knocking the living daylights outta WR who always couldnt catch the dern ball!

We need Randy Moss yesterday.. shoot why not ask Charlie Rogers come?

Vick have to run because his WR couldnt catch the passes!!! I mean dang it sad when yall fans dont cheer the team even if they 20 points behind but the Falcons need to find a heart

Old great Wizard of Oz MR Blank need to make heads roll faster than the MARTA TRAIN past me by at Peachtree Station!

By what are you gonna do really?

November 27, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

I doubt that anyone on this thread would and could take the verbal abuse given by people you don’t know, attacking your character and calling you anything but your given name. Racially-motivated or not, however, Vick should’ve kept his cool. The fact of the matter is that he is a professional football player, emphasis on professional, and like any other job situation, professional behavior is what we expect.

But, this is just another case of how fan aggression goes unchecked, and the player(person) heatedly and mutually responds in kind. Is he above feeling the insults and the negative criticism, especially when it comes from a group of people that should have more class themselves in the face of defeat of your team? It’s convenient for us because the spotlight isn’t on us as I’m sure that a lot of you with about as much class as that middle-finger is thankful for.

I’m normally feeling the frustration myself for the complete and utter trasformation this season from a team with high hopes to a field of broken dreams, but today I’m taking a stand for what’s more important than any game, and that’s mutual respect. Vick should’ve reminded himself that we are the people that come to see him and the team play to their best potential each and every time and therefore held himself in check, and the people who call themselves fans should remind themselves that losses in a GAME do occur, and that no matter the level of your frustration you have accountability for the things you say and do also. And for those disgusting people who make snap judgments on someone’s character and are frustrated that your money wasn’t well spent, you have two choices: KEEP YOUR MONEY OR SHUT…UP!

By NOLA

November 27, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

one thing strikes me as very odd. No one, sportswriters,players, fans,coaches,has admitted that the Falcons got their feathers handed to them by a pretty damn good football team yesterday. Thae Saints made y’all look, well,foul. Sorry, could not resist the pun.

By ICEMAN

November 27, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

You are an idiot mo. No white person stood in front of all those blacks and yelled out a racial slur. If that were true then you would have heard about it from a source other than your friend.Vick would have said something, or that person would indeed have gotten their butt kicked in the stands, not the parking lot!! Stop believing everything you hear!!!!!!!!

By ICEMAN

November 27, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

We blacks have a serious accountability problem.

By Henry

November 27, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

It is over for the Birds.

By Ryan

November 27, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

It is rediculous to think that Atlanta fans are this disgustingly fickle. I can read these blog entries and I can read these coloumns and it becomes ABUNDANTLY clear who actually WATCHES the games and knows football and who just looks at the stat line and makes a rushed judgement on what the Falcons problem is. If you actually watch the Falcons play you would notice that Vick does absolutely EVERYTHING he possibly can to make something happen on offense. This man rushed for 166 yards yesterday not because he felt like it but because no one else on the team was stepping up so he had to rely on himself. His receivers have dropped pass after pass after pass. Not even the uber reliable Alge Crumpler has been capable of making plays. If you watched the game yesterday you would have seen Vick putting ALL the throws on target and getting hit in the mouth eact time he dropped back and they were hitting his recievers right in the hands and they were just bouncing off and hitting the turf. If you know football, you know that it doesn’t matter who your quarterback is if your recievers can’t be counted on to run good routes, get seperation, and CATCH THE FOOTBALL. Even Peyton’s stats would look subpar. If you know football, you would know that if your offense consistently gets down field and doesn’t get into the endzone you can only blame your quarterback to a certain point and then you HAVE to blame the horrible play calling in the redzone. If you know football, you know that a leader will take on the chin as much as possible and keep getting up trying to make plays. The offensive line in pass blocking situations is disgusting. There was one play when I watched all five players in the unit get pushed back to the point where Vick was surrounded on all sides and had nowhere to go. That was consistent all day. Shame on you Falcons fans who continue to blame Vick when he is constantly trying to make something happen in a situation that is horrible for the success of a quarterback. Recievers who don’t get open or make catches, an offensive line that doesn’t protect him and an offensive coordinator who doesn’t know what plays to call and then doesn’t even let the QUARTERBACK make audibles to adjust plays to the defense at the line of scrimmage. But he doesn’t complain, much, when he should be crying mutiny. All he does is go out there and do the best that he can. Yesterday he ran for 166 yards because he said screw it because he knew that if his team was going to have a chance to win he would have to do it by himself. And he did what he could abd got pounded play after play after play only to get criticized unmercifully again by the people who he’s taking it on the chin for, the fans. I don’t blame him for the obscene gesture, I applaud him. Good for you, Mike. These fans don’t deserve you. You have handled all of this criticism from ungrateful fans who don’t understand the pain you suffer on Sundays and taken it in stride despite obvious and understandable frustration. Good for you, Mike.

By Jim Gionfriddo

November 27, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

When is Arthur Blank going to realize that Mora and Vick are overrated and overpaid.? they need to go..its time Arthur put his stamp on this disgusting example of a “professional” football team

By Since67

November 27, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Some of the you need to drop the race issue. This is football, so leave your prejudice in the gutter. A “thug” is a thug regardless of race. Flipping the bird to the fans does not make someone a thug. But, it shows a true inability to deal with frustration. Michael Vick should be happy that people will pay to see this team play football. Maybe Michael is contrite enough to visit elementary and middle schools in the metro area and teach the younger fans the skills of dealing appropriately with frustation.

If everyone employed as part of the Falcon’s organization did the job that they were paid to do, then this team would be ok. Mr. Blank, what would you do with a Home Depot store that performed at the level of the 2006 Falcons? Great Performance is the same at the Home Depot retail level as it is in the NFL. The problem is that you aren’t getting your money’s worth and that is your problem. Mora, Knapp, Donatel, McKay, Vick, etc. are not the solution. Arthur Blank is the solution. So honor your promise to the fans and start running this team like a business!

By Cheryl

November 27, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

I would have been more inclined to accept Michael Vick’s apology had it not been almost identical to the one made by Marcus Vick some time back. Do they have the same “apology writer?”

By Ryan

November 27, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

And I REALLY hate playing this card but I feel at this point there is merit to this discussion although I hope its not really the case. I wonder if some of these so-called fans who criticize VICK so much without pointing at all the other seriously obvious problems with the team would be singing the same tune if Mike Vick looked just a little bit differently with say a little less pigment in his skin. Its a disgusting thought but I can’t help but let it cross my mind. I would blame Vick if I watched the games week after week and consistenly saw bad reads and bad throws but I don’t. I see bad blocking, bad reciever play, and bad play calling and Vick being forced to run for his life week after week. If it was aaron brooks or daunte culpepper of late, fine. But Vick is clearly playing his heart out would be having HUGE games if his receivers stepped up to play which they did against the steelers and bengals. So how can you blame Vick? All I can figure is that you would rather have a Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or even KERRY COLLINS type under center. That’s just a thought, a disgusting thought, but a thought nonetheless.

By Monster of the Midway

November 27, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

Cap - Sorry, as much as we Chicago fans would like to see Rex replaced - we would not trade for Vick, that is unless he’d be willing to sign as a running back!

And Dannotdan - I guess you’ve been to busy checking out the Falcon’s blog to notice the Bears’ blog is buzzing with the desire to have Grossman replaced - and we are 9-2. Go figure.

By ChampDawg

November 27, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

It’s always the race card, isn’t it! Vick, who makes millions, can’t stand a little heat from the fans for his lame @$$ performances. If someone did make a racial remark, that still doesn’t justify Vicks actions. Poor little Mikey… someone said something he didn’t like….. Boo-hoo! Where’s he mommy?

By Max Cady

November 27, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

The defense suked, the receivers suked the play calling suked but Vick played his a$$ off. You can’t blame this loss on Vick. So to the fans that were booing and heckling Vick— you deserve to be flipped off. He shouldn’t have had to even apologize.

By Falconator

November 27, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure if anyone else saw this on TV in the 4th quarter: Arthur Blank going down the bench giving love taps to Vick and Knapp. This man has no clue. If HOme Depot had been run like this (and who’s to say it hasnt), Lowe’s would have kicked their a* even more than it has.

By dum lowbrowski

November 27, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

I’ve been on the fence about Mike Vick until this week. Can he read defenses – no. Is he a great passer –no. Can he manage the running game – maybe. Can he run –yes. And the prev stuff can be learned.

But is he a Team Leader? NO. He sat on the bench looking dejected, not rallying the offense. Did he yell at Roddy White for dropping that pass with no one around him? NO.
Does Peyton Manning yell at his team, trying to get them fired up? Yes.
The only people Mike got mad at were the FANS! Priorities? - WRONG!

This is what I think destroys MV7 as a QB, the lack of leadership skills. And it cannot be taught. If he doesn’t have it by now, MV7 never will..

The there was Arthur Blank on the sideline consoling Mike Vick, patting him on the knee. Just what he DOESN’T need. And this is my last point.

MR. BLANK, GET OFF THE SIDELINE!! You are keeping the team from gelling. Your presence on the sideline is a distraction, keeping the players and coaches from doing what needs to be done. Has anyone ever been in a meeting, and the ‘big boss’ shows up? Everyone else immediately goes into CYA or brown-nose mode. NObody will jump up and take a risk and look crazy, because it might be the only impression the ‘big boss’ gets, and might destroy their career. So everyone sits tight and plays it safe.
Same for the Falcons, everybody sits on the sideline and thinks ‘I played my role well enough not to get fired today’. And they don’t get fired up on the sideline, yell and curse (maybe) and jump around and swing things (god forbid you hit the boss by accident), so the sideline looks like a morgue or a corporate board meeting.
Mr. Blank, your presence is really Mike Vicks last excuse for why he and the team are not playing well. Get off the sideline and let them either gel and pull it together, or not, but at least let them take their best shot.

By D-Man

November 27, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Hey ignorant a* fans shut up!! How can dummy Terrance Moore and fans have the nerves to talk about the only highlight we had yesterday? Its like the team didn’t invite him to meet the players, he seems as if he has a personal vendetta against MV7. Thats a dam shame Terrance give it up. Vick was the only highlight of the game yesterday and all you can report on is him giving a finger to a potential racist comment>? Has he ever done it before? So maybe this time was legit a*!! Some of you fans don’t even pay attention to the roster or whats going on around MV7, you just wait to dog him when the game is lost. And guess what I am not even a fan but I pay attention. Just hope for next year this is a good team and Vick is a good QB they all just have the wrong leadership as coaches.

**

By dirrtybird

November 27, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

At this point, I might Suspend Vick for a week so that the fans can see Matt Schaub get crushed behind the worst pass protection in the NFL. Knapp is so awful he would probably still try and run the option play. TWICE IN A ROW!!!!!

Fire Greg Knapp today and let the entire organization know that they are on notice!!!!

All former 49ers please exit the building along with the coaching staff.

Deangelo Hall-Shut Up! You’re an average corner this year.

Roddy White-Bye Bye

Randy Moss-How about a change of scenery?

Alge Crumpler-At least you looked like you wanted to win.

Greg Knapp-Why only one play to Crumpler?

Mike Vick-Give up some of that salary and buy an offensive line. It will do wonders for you.

Warrick Dunn-Where are you?

By Come on!

November 27, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe this Tom Brady called out his players last year and he had a winning record. Vick’s not James Bond he has a breaking point and he just snapped, this is the first time he has ever done anything like this. Mike Vicks never had a losing season in his career and every time his o-line has protected him he’s had amazing games and everyone goes crazy saying he’s “taken the next step”. McKay why has an o-line never been a priority? All Ive ever known is a bad falcons O-line and ive never gotten used to it.

By JEC IV

November 27, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

Champ Dawg- Let’s see if you can take being called a punk a* Btch. Doesn’t feel good, does it? Do you want your mommy? You can boo his on-field performances. Just don’t make it personal. (P.S. Take a step back from the situation. Determine whether or not you’re being fair and giving out equal criticism to the other 10 guys on the field.)
For everyone else, let’s let Schaub play. I guarantee you will see the same performance. Maybe then you’ll finally get off Vick’s back.

By drew

November 27, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

This sportswriter at Fox doesn’t hold back while explaining his take on the Falcons decline…

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6212364

…and it’s hard to argue with the facts.

And although Vick is a big part of the problem, he’s not the whole problem, and for better or for worse, he’s not going anywhere, unless they bring in a new coach, with the cajones to either trade, or at least bench, him until he gets his act together. So forget calling for a Vick trade…the first step is to find a coach who will either coach him up, or cut our losses and deal him.

I’ve been a Falcons fan since 1966. And I’m not quitting on them now…just gonna take a hiatus until Blank corrects his mistake and brings in a real coaching staff.

The worst thing that could happen would be for birds to go on a 4-5 game winning streak, providing ownership with the false belief that this staff can cut it. They can’t, and the sooner they’re gone, the sooner we can start the rebuilding process…again.

By JEC IV

November 27, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

Brian- I don’t even work for the team, but I apologize for you and your son having to see that. Your son was also probably exposed to thousands of fans voicing their displeasure over the Falcons performance in vulgar ways. The fans should apologize to you about that, especially the ones who made racist remarks to Vick. That doesn’t excuse his behavior. He was dead wrong. However, it’s a shame that some fans respond that way. If you feel this way, you shouldn’t spend another dime on the team.

By Monster of the Midway

November 27, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Dum lowbrowski you have hit it on the head! Back when Mike McCaskey thought he could be an owner/gm just because he had George Halas’ genes, he did the same thing - gladhanding the players and undercutting the authority of the the coach. Arthur Blank, as an owner, your place is not on the sidelines - I don’t care that you own the team - do your team and the coaching staff (term used very loosely) a favor and stay in your luxury box and don’t come out. Let the coaching staff do what you paid them to do - coach without interference or fire them and start anew.

By Dave from Marietta

November 27, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of people making excuses for Vick. I don’t care about the gesture, I see that on the street, on TV and in movies so it is not shocking - just a bit juvenile. But what IS shocking is the performance on the field. It seems each year we get 2-3 spectacular performances from Vick that get us all excited about the future. Then he lets us down each time. He ran well yesterday but his passing was POOR. And when he did get a good one off the reciever dropped it. Just pathetic. Do I have symphathy for the players - NO. They are professionals and getting paid millions of dollars to play 17 games a year. They need to produce or get someone who will.

Personally, I don’t know if firing Mora is the answer. (And who would we get? Who would come here?) But I really think it’s time to trade Vick. He’s got half the fans fed up with the team and seems to be ready to leave already. He’s the face of the falcons and it’s an ugly team. We can’t baby him - he’s a grown man and a multimillionaire.

(btw - I’m not a ‘cracker’ and for $10 million you can call me anything you want. I’ve been called worse for free.)

By ICEMAN

November 27, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Vick was giving the finger to black fans. If any of you apologetic immature “fans” would bother to look at the picture the AJC has provided for you, you would know that. The notion of a racial slur being said is the same as most other times its given: an attempt to revert responsibility. We(blacks) need to stop excusing mediocre performance, whether its Vick,Mora,or whomever.

By Lowcountry Bulldawgs

November 27, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Drew,

great link. This guy summed it up to a T. Vick and Dwight for Tomlinson and Brees. Who would’a thunk it would look so bad.

By Ross

November 27, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

I saw Vick play a hell of a game yesterday! Ran great and passed good enough! Our record would be a ton better right now if our WR’s could even catch a cold! Think back over the past four games at how many drives have stopped short because of a ridiculous dropped pass. Its way more than it should be! If our coaching staff is the problem, its that they can’t teach a professional wide receiver how to catch a football. When you’re QB can’t trust his receivers to catch a decent pass, there is no way the team is going to succeed. I hope Mora or Blank are able to make some serious changes in our receiving corp! Or maybe we can just get Finneran to come back a little early and provide some hands for Vick to throw to!

By Bird Man

November 27, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

  ___
  \  \
   \  \

_ \ _ _ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ _ \ \ \ \ \ \ / _\ \ \ / \ / \ / _____/

By $13,000,000

November 27, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

_ \ \ \ \ _ _\ _ _ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ _ \ \ \ \ \ \ / _\ \ \ / \ / \ / ____/

By MV7

November 27, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

  ___
  \..\
   \..\

_ .._ _ ……….\ ……….\ _ ……….\ /.._…………..\ ………………./ ……………../ ……………/ _____/

By Mike Vick

November 27, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

……………………………… ………………………………. ………………………………. …..._.………………… …………………………… …………………………… .………………………… /.._…………………………. ………………./……………… ………………/………………. ……………../……………….. …_____/…………………

By Busta Nut

November 27, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Cap, I’m an idiot? With probably 20+ blocking schemes in their book, then you tell me (Mr. Bigtime Football Player) how to block for a guy that walks up to the line and can’t read defenses, and has no audible abilities, and is basically looking to run before he throw the ball!?! Why don’t you shut your racist mouth and go drive your UPS truck somewhere idiot!

By Greg

November 27, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Did you people see the game? If Peyton Manning’s O-line and recievers played like ours do, he would be selling insurance right now. Give Vick a little credit for making something out of nothing. He plays his heart out every game. Those of you that think its #7’s fault please buy the idiot’s guide to football. I like Schaub to, but someone tell me…. how many games have we won that he has played more than a mop up role?????

By NOLA

November 27, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

Ross,please explain to me why your coaching staff should have to “teach ” your receivers anything!Except for route, plays, etc..at this level and salary they should KNOW how to catch a pass and through personal pride,dedication and heart or fear of losing a ridiculously high paying job or both should do it…the fact they DO NOT feel motivated to do it speaks volumes about your coaching staff.Funny, if you didn’t actually WATCH the game yesterday, i did, and just listened to the commentators you would have thought Vick and the Falcons were walking all over the Saints.Those guys love him.He is a great talent, I’m just not sure it’s being utilized effectively.

By CWind

November 27, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

I feel bad for Atlanta. High expectations and the Falcon Management/ Coaching Staff and team have not delivered.

Prognisis: This group can not play together.

M Vick has so much individual talent (great speed), but at QB, there is an underlying requirement to lead the team, end of story. This is not a race issue, there is little camaraderie and the cold looks he (Vick) has when the defense is on the field reflects how much concern he has for the team. But he is not the only one isolating himself from the others. As this is acceptable behavior, we have to take it to the next level.

The coach has to position to QB to lead the team on the field, end of story. Further, he has to hold the team accountable for their individual assignments.

I am sure the blame touches a lot of hands for Sunday’s Debacle, as it should.

There is just one thing to be said: Dear Santa (Art Blank), We loyal Atlanta fans have been good for several years, working our jobs and making a thriving community. All we want for Christmas is a coach that is respected and intelligent and a team with heart that will follow him!

Any opposition?

By TTCO

November 27, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

ICEMAN, You are so right he wasnt being racial he was being his stupid self. Accountability or responsibility? Vick dosent know the meaning of tose words it is always someone elses fault same as his statements when talking to the press after the game yesterday. He just cant believe that in 6 seasons the Falcons have not had any good recievers come through thier doors. At some point maybe they can find some that can catch balls thrown 10 yards short, 10 yards too deep, 10 yards over thier heads, 10 yards behind thier backs or have hands on thier feet there must be some out there somewhere and if they can get one THEN it wont be his fault. We need these unique type recievers to go with our unique Quarterback LOL!

By alfie

November 27, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Vick can run; let him do what he does best. It is the only way this team is going to win. He played his heart out yesterday; probably had read all of these blogs and decided it was time to step it up a notch. Maybe he would be willing to give back some of the money from his contract and get some better receivers. Also, send Deangelo Hall out on the first wave; he is overpaid and overated. Lastly, make a coaching change NOW! Bring in Mike Ditka. This team will rise out of the dust and make the playoffs, you can bet on it. All they need is a little bit of inspiration and patience from the fans. Arthur Blank will do the right thing for us faithful fans.

By Cap

November 27, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Um okay. I don’t drive an UPS truck. Believe it or not, outside of the trailer park people have other occupations besides driving trucks but of course you wouldn’t know that. I don’t know about the whole not reading defenses and looking to run before he throws fantasy of yours but as Sunday would indicate getting slammed into your home turf by an unblocked lineman trying to throw the deep ball only to have it dropped by a sorry wide receiver likely does not foster overwhelming confidence by the QB in the blocking scheme. But not to worry my little country friend, Blank is seemingly mad at Vick for flicking off the hillbillies and runaway slaves that comprise the bulk of Atlanta’s fan base so when Vick is traded we can all go back to being the stalwart franchise we were prior to Vick’s arrival. And if Atlanta is lucky, maybe it can lose to Denver again in the Super Bowl in another 20 or so years. And every player in the NFL and those in college saw Vick’s performance and then saw the “fans” booing him off of the field and now they hear that the owner is actually mad at Vick. Oh yeah, every top-flight football player is going to want to play for the Falcons now. Motto of the year: HEY ATLANTA, GOOD LUCK ATTRACTING FREE AGENTS!!

By Titothebear

November 27, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

The more appropriate question would be, how many games have the Foulcons won? The answer is that of the last nineteen they’ve won seven. Twelve losses in nineteen games and Vick has quarterbacked every one of them. You disparage Schaub’s abilities but he’s not received any sort of fair opportunity to show what he can do. Vick has had six years and he’s an utter, complete failure. Give Schaub a chance. He won’t do any worse than what we’ve seen from Vick. Vick has played himself out of respectability and the Foulcons into an ever deepening hole. Change quareterbacks now or he will shovel the team to kingdom come. Mr. Blank, act now. Tomorrow will be too late!

By D

November 27, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

tired of the Matt Schaub talk, ok, put my mother-in-law in there at QB, she can lose just as good as Vick. put anybody in there, anybody that can be criticized for playing terribly, but get rid of anybody on this team that can’t be blamed for being a bum, especially when others on the team keep getting blamed in their place, as is the case with that ‘great athlete’ Mike Vick. he’s a bum, being a great athlete would work well if you are playing a game like basketball, but skill comes first at the NFL QB position, great athlete is a distnat second. I don’t care if Vick has 20 spectacular runs and has a 1000 yards on the day, did the bum win? that’s all that matters.

By JEC IV

November 27, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter whether the fans were white or black. Their comments were uncalled for as was Vick’s actions in giving them the finger. So both parties were wrong and irresponsible. The black fans don’t deserve to be absolved of the blame. Vick’s performance was mediocre. The issue here is that the blame isn’t being equally distributed, ICEMAN. Vick doesn’t deserve all of the blame for the losing streak. Football’s a team game.

By Titothebear

November 27, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Crap,

Arthur Blank is a businessman. He didn’t become what, and who, he is by alienating the public. If free agents don’t want to come here because Blank is unhappy with Vick over making obscene gestures and yelling obscenities at fans, so be it! Blank wants good players who are also good citizens. He’s paying these fellows very well and if they can’t play football, they can at least conduct themselves as decent human beings. That’s not asking too much!

By gg

November 27, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

This is what happens when you put a thug at quarterback and a thug-lover as a coach!!!

By Paul

November 27, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait til Matt Schaub is traded this year… what a distraction this guy is.

The Falcons need to trade him and Allen Rossum to move up in the draft to take the best available OL.

Why does Alex Gibbs believe in drafting 5th round Offensive Lineman in a division that has Julius Peppers?

Let’s put the attention where it belongs… Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and Deangelo Hall who made glaring mistakes yesterday. If Roddy White and Jenkins catch their passes for touchdowns and Hall bats the hail mary ball away from Copper, the Falcons would have won by 3 points.

By JEC IV

November 27, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Hey TTCO: How about an offensive line so the quarterback can have time to throw a decent pass! LOL That’s a real knee slapper, isn’t it? You’ll be amazed at how much a quarterback can accomplish when he’s not being slammed to the turf or looking up at the Dome ceiling every Sunday. Name me one Pro Bowl caliber member of the Falcons’ O-line. Can’t do it, can you?

By Cap

November 27, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

My apologies to the Atlanta fans who are not hillbillies or Uncle Toms. The preceding messages are not for you. But in these times we need to show more support for Vick, Crumpler, and Dunn. I am not adverse to keeping Mora but he is going to have to get rid of Knapp. Blank needs not make any knee-jerk reactions to fire Mora and then not be able to attract a solid coach because they see how poorly the focal points of the franchise are treated in Atlanta. Case in point the University of Miami vacant coaching position. No one wants to immediately sit on the hot seat without room to make improvements on the team. If you are going to get rid of Vick I hope you are going to get a whole new starting offensive line and at least two top flight starting wide receivers to support the new QB because Rich McKay sure as heck didn’t get it for Vick. And other coaches and potential free agent QBs are watching this whole season play out for the Falcons. HEY ATLANTA, GOOD LUCK ATTRACTING FREE AGENTS!!

By Jay

November 27, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

-No Leadership No Accountability No Direction -Youve been HAD Mr. Blank -Your pockets have been picked CLEAN

Even if you gave the Falcons away for free to charity you are still a very rich man….but this has got to sting…… and sting bad. Nobody likes being made a fool of and these players and coaches and execs have made a fool of Arthur Blank and this city.

Vick flipping off heckling fans with both barrels on national network TV has got to be the icing on the cake

The Players, Coaches and Execs have played Mr. Blank for the easy mark that he is in the business circles of the National Football League——— unfortunately he is a guy with a big heart and a bigger pocketbook - a guy who will overpay for a dream and a quick fix who has been fleeced to the gills by the likes of Jim Mora, McKay, Knapp Donatell, Vick, Abraham, Roddy White, Deangelo Hall, Mike Jenkins, Ed Hartwell and a host of others who came to the Falcons with a scheme and a continuing BS story to fleece Mr. Blanks pockets and rip the guts out of this franchise and get fat with cash all while flipping all of us the proverbial bird from their $200,000 cars, $50,000 earrings and multi-million dollar homes

By Cap

November 27, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

I actually think the fans were black, I saw Vick mouthing F… You Ni..a!!! I mean they could have been white but JEC is right. The fan base needs to stop being fairweather friends and the community needs to get behind the team to show potential free agents this is a city worth coming to.

By inter89

November 27, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

WE ARE NOT DEAD

There is hope. One win will right all wrongs. Trust me.

By Titothebear

November 27, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

The fan base needs to stop being fairweather friends and the community needs to get behind the team to show potential free agents this is a city worth coming to.

Crap,

The weather hasn’t been fair in quite some time now. The fans paid good money to see rich athletes put on a show, And they did! When the fans expressed their displeasure, they were given the finger and told to get f-ed. They didn’t deserve that, I don’t care what they said. They did not deserve to be treated to that foul spectacle. The Foulcons have been a sorry franchise from day one but now, they are plumbing new depths. It can’t be tolerated and I don’t think Mister Blank is inclined to tolerate it. Dump Vick!

By pb

November 27, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

Terence…I hope Mr. Blank reads your column…more than once!

By toppcat

November 27, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

Go ahead and put Schaub in with that poor OLine and see how many plays he last without getting hurt. Schaub is overrated, just like Doug Johnson was. Everyone used to say, “Oh Johnson is going to be able to play anywhere he wants”. When Vick got hurt Johnson couldn’t even complete a ten yard pass. Where is Doug Johnson now?

By "D" in Houston

November 27, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

Sigh……..I would like to start by saying injuries….KEY injuries to startes without proper depth is the downfall to the season. Second, the drops are absolutely depressing…..All I know is, every single person typing messages here hopefully has at least played foot ball, even flag or touch at least once in their lives. With that being said, please remember your reaction when one of your teammates dropped an easy ball over and over again…..vick has been holding it in and it was only a matter of time. fine him, and get past it. he’s human just like we are. you hypocrites.

By Monster of the Midway

November 27, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

Help me out here - what exactly are we in disagreement about:

Coaching sucks - check Off. Line sucks - check QB sucks - check

This is not all Vick’s fault. It’s not all the OL fault or coaching’s fault.

I see the following breakdown - Coaching - 30% OL - 20% QB - 20% Arthur Blank - 10%

Do we not all agree there is enough blame to go around? Why are we fighting? Because, some are saying it’s Vick’s fault - it is, along with the above - they all share the blame. Very few are saying it all sits on Vick’s shoulders - those who are, are just trying to get the Vick-backers all in an uproar and it’s working. The majority of us realize there is a lot of blame to go around!

By Busta Nut

November 27, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Cap, sounds like you’re backing off all your racist spewings! You are as bad as Al Sharpton & Jesse Jackson……as long as I’m white I can’t say Mike Vick stinks or I’m a hillbilly racist!?! Give it a break and grow up dude, its 2006 and people are held accountable for their performance, particulalry those that play a damn game for million$!!

By Big Al

November 27, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to say your an idiot Terance Moore.

Question for you Terance. Now that Vick has flicked off the fans, and has proven to be inept. When he is gone next year do you think the fans will still wear #7 jerseys to the games.

Answer: Yes because they were expensive

By Busta Nut

November 27, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Cap, one other thing. Go back to my first post today, I said put in Schaub or Shockley, I personally couldn’t care less as long as #7 is not back there. He’s a great athlete but he will never get to the big game throwing the pill! This ain’t about the color of his skin, its about content of his character!

By drmojo

November 27, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

Let’s re-examine the word thug.

People are entirely too free with it when a black man who likes hip hop loses his cool. Find me one article that called Jake Plummer a thug for this.

But Mike, you have embarassed the hell out of your supporters. You are the last man who should be shooting the bird at fans for any reason.

But one thing’s for sure, after 40 odd years of failure, and only moderate success in the last few years, what make you guys always think all you gotta do is get rid of Vick and we’re winning a Super Bowl? Matt Schaub may be a good piece of the puzzle, but this “anybody but Vick” mentality is infantile.

By Xplayer

November 27, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing how you view the game with your head up Vick’s A**. Vick wasn’t running for his life it’s the only thing that thug knows how to do. Do you actually watch the game? I guess everybody’s racist! Roddy dropped the ball to make Vick look bad He must be racist. Anderson missed a field goal he’s racist. The ball was made from a white cow and won’t go where Vick throws it the balls racist. Hall didn’t knock the ball down because he knew Vick would be blamed for the loss he’s racist. Vick is not a QB if he was white with his stat he wouldn’t even be in the league. Reeves and Mora have done everything humanly possible to set hin up for sucess. the only way Vick fan will be happy is to fire the entire NFL and let Vick play as both teams. GUESS WHAT HE COULDN’T WIN THERE EITHER!

By z

November 27, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

WHY CAN’T VICK AUDIBLE?

i’d like to see an answer from ONE vick fan. c’mon answer that!!!!

By Why Worry

November 27, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

I figured it out last week. Spent Sunday working in the yard and getting things done. Was able to see the inevitable colapse in the news. No worries……..

By ICEMAN

November 27, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

WhyWorry,

If you can’t add anything intelligent to this column,please spare our eyes the presence of your idiotic words.

By trilltalk

November 27, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

MIKE VICK WAS WRONG TO FLIP THE BIRD,BUT IF YOU DRIVE IN ATL TRAFFIC EVERY DAY THEN IM SURE YOU FLIP IT TOO.ON ANOTHER NOTE COACHES NEED TO GO. FOR ANY OF YOU WHO HAVE PLAYED THIS SPORT BEFORE THEN YOU NO A TEAM IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THEIR COACHES….PHRASE OF THE DAY(A GOOD COACH CAN MAKE AVERAGE PLAYERS GREAT AN A BAD COACH CAN MAKE GREAT PLAYERS BAD)FALCONS

By BBJ

November 27, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

I think it’s time we set Vick on the bench. We have a quarterback sitting on the bench that would be a starter on almost any other team. Shaub is a “True” quarterback. Vick’s attitude has got to be put in check. Sitting on the bench the rest of the season, then on the block after that may help him get his attitude under control and become a team player.

By bucko

November 27, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

e.b. you are a idot vick misses more passes than the recievers miss and the reason he gets sack all the time is because he takes to long to find his recievers. look at him in the red zone when the field gets short he takes forever looking. when are all of you idots are going to wake up to the fact vick not a o.b damn what does it take

By falconfan

November 27, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

I wish Vick could take coaching on the field as well as he follows coaching from his PR man

By Straight$$$$Homie

November 27, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Mr. Moore, You are a true LEADER. A leader of a band of classless, envious, Black QB hating, unintelligent morons. You should be very proud of yourself. You spent all that time in college to arrive at this station in life. Congratulations!! You are all hypocrites. I live by a simple rule. If you reside in a crystal palace, it’s inadvisable to throw rocks from inside your own dwelling. If I were Mike, I’d go to Arthur and apologize for not being a stronger man and ask to be released immediately. I’d give back every dime remaining on my contract, then that removes the yoke that the Atlanta Falcon Plantation slavemaster’s (fan’s who don’t understand football and simple economics). If he asked why, I’d tell him to read the blogs. You guys are literally crazy. After that effort he put forth yesterday, you start calling for his benching. Ironically, your wish is to install an proven loser with a penchant for bar fights. That’s right, I forgot that aggravated assault is a less offense than 1/2 a peace sign….

By Boots

November 27, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

Vick owes Falcon fans an apology, not just for the OBSCENE GESTURE, but for the OBSCENCE PERFORMANCE of his team and teammates!

The truth is found in a conglomeration of talented individuals —- many first round draft picks —- who cannot come together as a team. These are a bunch of rejects from other teams and were thrown together in a desperate attempt to provide Vick with a supportive cast of blockers and receivers. This was like ordering a suit from a Sears catalogue.

However, if Vick had elephants for the offensive line and gazelles for Wide Receivers, it still wouldn’t be enough simply because Vick is a college quarterback playing in the Big Leagues. Offensive Coordinators worth their salt fill the box and take a chance that Vick will not hurt them through the air. AND, IT HAS WORKED FOR THE PAST FOUR WEEKS!

By answer dot com

November 27, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

The falcons need to take a clue from Denver - bench the starting QB.

Vick ran for 166 yards and he’s a great RB. Oops, sorry, I forgot, he’s a QB….

You Vick strap lickers need to get a clue: VICK CANNOT PERFORM AS A QB IN THE NFL! ATLANTA WILL NEVER WIN WITH THIS RUNNING BACK MASQUERADING AS A QB.

You blind homers are sickening.

Fire Mora, trade Vick.

By Jeff

November 27, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

First, let me say, when a quarterback hits the receivers’ numbers or hands with the pass but the ball then ends up on the ground—it is NOT the QB’s fault that the pass is incomplete. That is the receiver not doing HIS job. Secondly, if the officials had been doing their jobs the Falcons would not be 5-6 but 7-4 at this point in the season. The officiating has been sickening this year—-I’m not just speaking for the Falcons but across the board. Lastly, Vick isn’t in charge of calling ALL the plays on the field. There have been too many times when games have been on the line that the offense has played “old man conservative” football.
I don’t know that much about the game but even I can tell you what the plays are going to be…1st down run up the middle—give the ball to Dunn, 2nd run up the middle—give the ball to Dunn, 3rd pass (and the receiver drops the ball) so 4th down punt. And if we’re anywhere close to the end zone call for Morten Andersen.
For goodness sake Knapp let’s try something exciting. You know like a fake field goal—Mora did that his first season with the team. That was great! Onside kicks, fake field goals, fake punts and let Mike be Mike. Perhaps this is what is wrong with the team, and what is frustrating OUR QB. Get off his back, media, fans; especially media. You guys talk about how inconsistent Vick is? One minute you can’t get over what a fantastic athlete he is—his running ability, his rocket arm and accuracy! Then the next minute you can’t shut up about how he has to be better! Get over yourselves!

By mikealltheway

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

ok have u guyz ever been booed if soo i think u guyz would have done the same thing and another thing can anyone define thug for me i mean in the dictionary it means a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer i dont think vick has done anything cruel besides what happened at the georgia dome on sunday i think u guyz have him mistaken for his brother

i see why every one says this city cannot supports there team if there losin i mean look last year at the greenbay packers they had a losing season but still there games were sold out brett frave made more mistakes then vick but still that city loves him and what has vick done in his SHORT CAREER hes taken this orginaztion to the NFC ChampionSHIP GAME he was the first one to win in greenbay in a playoff game and oh yeah hes the most exciting player this city has had since i dont know dominique wilkins and dont start saying nothing about that there defense was awesome the year they went to the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME because if schaub was back there they would have won prolly six seven games and u guyz need to get off of vicks c**

By jim

November 27, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

mike vick is a coach killer and a team killer. everyone say’s he is the best quarterback now and everwas, but he has never been the best quarterback on the Falcon’s. The coaches cannot coach him because he cannot be coached. they had to simplify the offense so much under Dan Reeve’s as for him to even know which side of the field the play was going.As far as recievers as fault that is not the problem as he could have the best reciever’s in the game today and it would not make any difference because he could not get them the ball on a consistant basis.

By tetuwacanda denica mutamba

November 27, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

LOL, Cap called Terrance Moore an Uncle Tom?????? Aint that special.

By tetuwacanda denica mutamba

November 27, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Mora, if you have any balls you will sit Vick next week. It is your only chance to save your job. I guarantee you the receivers will start to catch the ball, the O-line will block better etc,etc. I will know you are a big p…y if you dont try to save your job next week. DONT BLOW YOUR LAST CHANCE!!!!!!!!

By Cap

November 27, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

There are obviously two camps here: those that want Vick to go and those who want them to stay. As far as me calling white people hillbillies and black people uncle toms in Atlanta and as far as me being labeled a racist, I think everybody in Atlanta metro should read “White Flight: Atlanta and the Making of Modern Conservatism” by Kevin Kruse. It is a great read and it is uncanny how easily Greater Atlanta becomes so polarized over every issue. After reading the book you might even find it hilarious that Atlanta would become polarized even over the starting quarterback for the Falcons. So yes I do use those derogatory labels because for as cosmopolitan as Atlanta is, we all know full well there are massive population pockets around the metro area that appear to be frozen in time from the 1960s; or heck, even the 1860s. The Kruse book explains how these slackjawed yokels tend to wield a disproportionate degree of influence in Georgia. As I stated in my earlier post, I do not recall the Detroit fan base ever calling for Barry Sanders backup or for him to be traded to acquire more players. He was all that franchise had and after he retired the Lions STILL haven’t recovered. Yet, Falcons fans for some reason cannot see the correlation between the two franchises.

By Cap

November 27, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

To Busta, why would you not care less who is at QB as long as it is not Vick? Is it about wins and losses or is it about your personal opinions concerning Vick? Sorry for those of you who I misconstrued as racist for calling for anybody but Vick but as Michael Smith said today, “If Schaub was better he would be starting by now”. Therefore in practice, if the receivers were dropping all of Vick’s passes but catching all of Schaub’s, i think that would have been leaked out to the public by now.

By Cap

November 27, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

to my old friend Tito the Bear, you are right. The Falcons should trade Vick. Currently the Falcons are attempting the fewest passes in the league and the Falcons wide receivers are dropping the most passes in the league. What this equates to is on a game-to-game basis about one-fifth to one-fourth of Vick’s attempts are automatically falling as incompletions due to drops. So Vick could be over a 60% passer but yet half of the fan base wants him out of town. So you are right, trade him. Let the WRs drop Schaub’s passes for a while and then next year they can drop the newly drafted or signed QB’s passes too. So trade Vick and Crumpler away to Seattle for Matt Hasselbeck and Jerramy Stevens or to Chicago for Rex Grossman and whoever their tight end is. Because this would be unprecendented for the undisputed MVP of a historically-moribund NFL franchise to be traded away in his prime. Why were the Falcons even in the position to trade up to get Vick in the first place? Because they were awful!! Had they been mediocre like the Steelers were when they drafted Roethlisberger, maybe the Falcons could have won a super bowl by now. However, Vick has only been able to take the Falcons from sorry to mediocre. For examples of what happens when first round QBs for awful teams don’t perform please note Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Cade McNown, and Ryan Leaf. The Chargers since Peyton Manning has been in the league has drafted Ryan Leaf, Drew Brees, and Phillip Rivers and they are just getting around to being good (still haven’t shown anything in the playoffs yet). And they have had a much greater grade of incoming talent, not to mention the obvious LaDanian Tomlinson. So go ahead and trade Vick, see how far the Falcons get.

By TRUE FALCONS_FAN

November 27, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with everyone who knows that it was not Michael’s fault that the we lost that game on yeaterday. If you saw the game, then you know what happened. He played his heart out. He should have given those a** holes the finger. Go Falcons!!!!!

By Cap

November 28, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

And it is uncanny as to how many people say Atlanta should have drafted Tomlinson instead of Vick. Vick has accomplished more for his team than Brees and Tomlinson did for the Chargers and the Chargers have better talent than the Falcons. It is also uncanny how quickly Atlanta fans have forgotten where they came from. Jamal Anderson in 1998 put on the most durable performance of any running back in the history of the NFL and combined with an extremely weak schedule and a complete offensive core with Chandler, Mathis, Martin, Jefferson, and Santiago and with an aging but solid O-line and an aging but solid defense the Dirty Birds crashed the Super Bowl elite party but lost. The next year, Anderson blows out his knee and Chandler is flying his helicopter into training camp and missing games for being sick but then being spotted at trendy Northside restaurants the same night and Reeves p** away the high draft pick on his tight end fetish. So with no hope on the horizon the Falcons draft Vick to bring the franchise up from its perennial doldrums and it pays dividends in his first full season as a starter. Still the best WR Vick has ever played with is Shawn Jefferson, Chandler’s 3rd receiver. In six years the Falcons have done nothing successfully to improve the offense. Vick has made the logical moves on offense (Dunn, Crumpler, Norwood) successful with his threat to run and even made Duckett a halfway decent back by association. But after all Vick has done for this franchise and for all the front office has not done, half of Atlanta wants him out of town. This reminds me of republican voters for the past decade. Despite the 1990s being the era of unprecedented economic prosperity, a gallon of gas being cheaper than a gallon of water, and the budget being balanced, because that didn’t equate to some right-wing utopia people started voting republican. Now the economy is shot, we are in unmanageable debt, and we are in an unpopular war costing $30 billion a month. Why are people so eager to deviate off course? Repair what you have before taking a flyer off of the deep end. If the fan base appears to be flaky, ATLANTA WILL NEVER ATTRACT FREE AGENTS!!!

By Cap

November 28, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

High comedy. On the ESPN poll of which quarterback deserves to be benched most Rex Grossman, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning or Michael Vick there have been over 1300 votes. Every sane state recognizes that Ben Burgers needs to take a seat. The only three states that voted for Vick being benched are Georgia, Wyoming, and Alaska. Of course wyoming and alaska are the smallest states in the union in terms of population and only one person voted for each state so they probably haven’t gotten the news of the Falcons WR meltdown yet. Hey, what’s Georgia’s excuse? The country-bumpkin haters of this state are embarrassing and disgusting.

By Cap

November 28, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this

These are the comments of Eric Allen and Joe Theismann from Number Two of ESPN’s “Burning Questions”

1. Is Michael Vick a coach killer?

Allen: No, Michael Vick is not a coach killer. If anybody causes Jim Mora to lose his job because of their play on the field it will be the receivers. These guys are former first-round picks playing like fourth-rounders out on the field. They don’t run crisp routes, don’t create separation in one-on-one situations and don’t catch the ball. How is that the fault of Vick? I understand that Vick has his faults and is far from being perfect at the QB position, but you can’t ignore the horrible play of the Falcons’ receivers.

Theismann: Vick is one of the most dynamic players in the game and he plays with a passion that you have to love when you see him out there on the field. Does he make boneheaded plays on occasion? Yes. Does he make spectacular plays that can save the day? Yes. Is he a coach killer? No. He’s the best player on this team by far, and while he has his deficiencies, at the end of the day it’s the fault of the receivers who consistently drop the ball, not the quarterback who throws the ball.

By Cap

November 28, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this

Update on the ESPN poll. With almost 10,000 votes in not even the lion’s share in Georgia think that Vick is the most deserving quarterback to be benched. Yet along with Alabama and Mississippi, Georgia is the only other state where 25% of the voters think he is most deserving to be benched. Has anyone read my posts about pro football in the deep south?

By Cap

November 28, 2006 02:47 AM | Link to this

More food for thought from ESPN. I think Sean Salisbury on NFL Primetime said it best:

“Quite frankly I’m tired of everybody pointing the finger at Number 7. Sure sometimes he misses throws or makes mistakes but without Vick the Falcons aren’t SQUAT. How about some receivers? You have three Number Ones that couldn’t catch a cold or even if you walked the ball up and handed it to them. How about some help? The guy has a dome and a franchise loaded up on his shoulders, and let’s face it, if Vick doesn’t play well the Falcons have no shot. It’s really that simple. All of the fingers are pointed at Vick and he’s not a dropback passer and all the nonsense….enough! Without Vick Atlanta will be picking in the top five picks next year! It’s about time somebody else step up and start eating the Life Cereal (give it to Mikey he does everything) and give Vick some help. He’s gotta get better but he also needs some help. Three Number Ones (Jenkins, Lelie, and White), please! I could get guys in the seven round or undrafted that can outplay these guys!!”

You Vick haters are in a state of denial. Without Vick the Falcons are the worst team in the league. I thought Detroit was the worst team but they beat the Falcons. But the haters are right, if Vick gets hurt trying to carry this franchise on his back you might be in position to draft Brady Quinn. But then again, Vick may have already done enough that even if the Falcons lose all of their remaining games they still won’t be drafting number one. But maybe a top-end receiver or offensive lineman will be available in the top ten of the upcoming draft and you bandwagon haters can go root for the pocket passer of your wet dreams.