AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > December > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons flawed, but in the hunt for playoffs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Tampa – There is little we know about the Falcons’ future, except for maybe this: In three weeks, there will be no need to ask the question, “Will 6-10 get them in?”
Conclusions? Don’t even try. The Falcons played the kind of first half Sunday that gets coaches fired and player drop-kicked. They played the kind of second half that only in this most bizarre of NFL seasons keeps a team sitting in a lifeboat, waiting for the Coast Guard.
Conclusions? It’s too late for that. Or too early. They have consecutive wins over two bad teams (Washington and Tampa Bay). It’s better, but is it more clarifying than consecutive losses to two bad teams (Detroit and Cleveland)? The same defense that a few weeks ago made Charlie Frye look like Y.A. Tittle on Sunday made Bruce Gradkowski look like, well, Bruce Gradkowski.
The Falcons defeated Tampa Bay, 17-6. They, if you’re into weekly parades, go for it.
“I can’t figure it out myself,” DeAngelo Hall said.
If nothing else, the Falcons have shown resolve the last two weeks. They had lost four straight and trailed at Washington, 14-0. But they won. They trailed at Tampa, 6-0, and somehow were making that smallish deficit look insurmountable. (It’s never good when your kickoff returner, Allen Rossum, drops the opening kickoff, then fumbles it moments later when somebody actually hits him.) But they won.
They are flawed. But they are here.
They are 7-6, but remain central to wild-card scenarios. They lost two running backs, Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood, in the same series. But fullback Justin Griffith followed with the first rushing touchdown of his career.
Start 5-2. Lose four straight. Win two in a row.
Throw a ping-pong ball into a windstorm. Which way do they go next?
“We can’t relapse now,” Lawyer Milloy said. “We’ve been given a shot. We were given a chance in the middle of the season because nobody really took off. We have a heartbeat.”
That puts you ahead of most in the NFC.
If the Falcons are serious about this, we’ll know next week. The next game is against Dallas. Atlanta has only one win this season against a team that possessed a winning record the week the Falcons played them (Cincinnati was 4-2). But they lost to Baltimore. They lost to the Saints twice. Their other wins are over the Panthers, Bucs (twice), Cardinals, Steelers and Redskins.
If style points don’t amount to much in the BCS, they mean even less in the NFL.
“There are teams that get into the playoffs that bump their way in, no matter what their record is,” Milloy said. “There are some teams that are a force going in. There are teams that are getting stronger as they’re going in. That’s the potential of this team.
“We’re in this situation because we put ourselves in this position. Things are starting to come together. If we do achieve our ultimate goal, it’ll just be that much sweeter.”
Flawed. But here.
In Tampa, the Falcons beat a 3-10 team with the worst offense in the NFL. Their own offense managed one touchdown. But they’re not in a position to be choosy.
A year ago in this stadium, they watched their already fractured playoff hopes collapse. They lost to the Buccaneers, 27-24, in overtime. Their coach, Jim Mora, lost his head in a radio interview and spiked his headset. He was fined $25,000 for using a cellphone during the game to check on tiebreaker scenarios. To close the season, the Falcons threw themselves in front of a bus, losing at home to Carolina, 44-11.
We don’t know how this season will end. But it now appears likely the Falcons’ final game at Philadelphia will mean something, especially given the Eagles are clinging to the side of the same mountain as the Falcons.
“Everything keeps falling into place,” Hall said. “If somebody wants to give it to us, OK. We’re still not making as many plays as we need to. But we’re making more plays than we were six weeks ago, when we started losing four in a row.”
Three more wins and they finish 10-6.
Three more losses and they finish 7-9.
You can get roughly the same odds on either scenario.
Permalink | Comments (74) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By BirdsofPrey
December 10, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
You sure yanked that “Falcons will Flop in Tampa” story in a hurry. You can pretend that the story didn’t exist, but we will not.
You have joined the Terrence Moore “Beat up the Birds” club and all we want is for the two of you to shut the f*** up. There are enough people outside of the ATL that give Michael and Company grief without treachery from the inside. You and Moore should consider joining the outsiders club—-the club in Anchorage perhaps.
When Da Birds get the Lombardi with Michael at the helm you will not have permission to join the party.
By jarrodmon
December 10, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
They seem to play up or down to the level of competition. Look for Vivk to throw 250 yards next week and the defense to loo lights out because the Cowboys will force them to be that way. The dome will be no factor because 30,000 fans will be wearing Dallas colors.
Vick should not be allowed to pass deep the rest of the year and they will probably go 9-7.
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 10, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
Well, as unfortunate as it is, Schultz is right. He doesn’t mention the reason for the Falcons being flawed (coaching and play-calling), but the Falcons definitely have not impressed in the last two weeks. A good team would have blown out Tampa, not taken until the fourth quarter to ice the game. If this coaching staff can make smart playcalls the whole game, the Falcons can hang with anyone in the league. If this coaching staff continues making bone-headed playcalls in crunch time, the Falcons will be sitting on their easy chairs in January.
But luckily for us, the other talented team we are competing with is also poorly coached (Giants), and the other two teams we are competing with are not as talented as we are partially due to injuries (Panthers, Eagles). So we have just as good a chance, if not better, than any of these other teams.
By sandy
December 10, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this
After reading your last weeks column,I didn’t bother to read this, cause you are clueless…….
By ff79
December 10, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
So the Falcons will flop in Tampa? how about being a man and admit you were wrong? No, the great Schultz can’t admit that he’s ever wrong. Pathetic.
By WallStBro
December 10, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
Davenpoop, I don’t normally agree with you, but you are dead on tonight.
By cc
December 10, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
I would rather have a bad win than a good loss anyday. And just think, these guys get paid to write this crapola.
By cc
December 10, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
I would rather have a bad win instead of a good loss anyday. And just think, these guys actually get paid to write this crapola.
By Shultz is a fool!!!!!
December 10, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
Just be a consistent fool and pick Dallas to win Saturday night.
By OpinionsAreLike
December 10, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
Jeff is a sports writer, he is paid to create controversy. If people hate him so much why do they continue to read his column? It is just one person’s opinion, too many people take NFL football and the Falcons way too seriously!
By Cairo
December 10, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
I do not like More too much either. But every since he went off on you, you have been WORSE than that Terrance Negative Moore guy with that Falcons. You CAN’T even be man enough to admit you were wrong about this week. Instead, you write ANOTHER sorry A.. article with no basis. I guess you are thinking you will get the last word with Mora hiding behind your desk writing crap like this. I am glad there are smart people that can read right through your BS. Revenge is not the answer. If you want Mora’s head it will come soon enough but don’t act like a PUNK and kill the entire organization because of a personal vendetta.
By Connie Lingous
December 10, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
I agree with those above - Jeff, you need to STFU.
By Eric C.
December 10, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
Now what fun would it be if the writers picked the Falcons every week? I didn’t agree with Jeff’s pick in this case…but if he never picked against the home team, who would take him seriously? Take it easy folks…lol.
By Ryder
December 10, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
Thank you Opinions! It is not that serious to hear what these columnists think. Personally I could care less, but i’m enjoying the fact that we can still talk Falcons & playoffs in December…..
….and that’s exactly the reason we get articles like this and a fanbase who is so skeptical. There has never been any true consistency with this franchise and even when they were headed to the Super Bowl in ‘98 no one expected it to happen. As a result, everyone doubted this team. It will continue to happen until the Falcons show they can be a consistent winner.
I’m not talking about winning every game 35-7 (although that would be nice) but playing at a level where they expect to win.
This team hasn’t reached that point yet. Most of the time they’re hoping for the other team to mess up and then they’ll execute. This team is similar to Baltimore (mostly defense and a decent offense) and won’t win a lot of blowouts regardless of who they play.
That being said, a win is a win is a win. As I said Friday, let’s just take a 13 point win and get outta here. Tampa always plays hard when Vick and the Falcons come to town.
Let’s have the fans come out for Saturday night! The Dome may have a lot of Cowboy “fans” and Atlanta needs to represent! I see Atlanta’s now healthy defense giving Romo fits.
By Here we go again
December 10, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this
Fact is…this team has become BORING to watch. With all of our talent, this lame coaching staff finds a way to play like a 3-1 hockey game. We should have put the game away early in the 4th quarter but our conservative playcalling kept the Bucs alive almost until the end. This just in…… that style of play will result in an a*******whippin by any decent team. We could find out as early as Saturday night when the Cowboys come to town. The Falcons are much better than they are being coached.
By WallStBro
December 10, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
Ryder, I don’t know you, but I like the way you think. Geez, you guys are making it too easy on me tonight. Not enough Falcon haters tonight to argue with.
By Sanjay
December 10, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
You’ve been wrong a LOT lately.
Your pal, Sanjay
By Dion
December 10, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
Did any of you watch the Falcons/Bucs game today!! Does anyone else think that Deangelo is starting to look like a former #21 who was scared to tackle his opponent? Quit going for the ball Hall and make a tackle!! Go Falcons
By JSS
December 10, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
I am just waiting for the end of the season to finally find out DeAngelo’s real injury is… Something is up, anything to the inside and he can not handle it. It has nothing to do with jumping the route, he is always trailing the route. It has been this way since the Baltimore game. It puts so much pressure on the intermediate coverage.
I do hope that Knapp will see his new Red Zone alternative now in the Griffin and McCrary set. It has power and reliability in the passing game.
Oh by the way, has anyone noticed that when the Falcon use any motion, it goes right to left? They always bring the overload to that side and teams jump it…
By This gets old (every week!)
December 10, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
It’s the 21st Century NFL. Find a perfect team! Nobody’s happy unless we’re miserable!
By garrett
December 10, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
Don’t look now, but Tomlinson is looking like he might be an all-timer. Ouch!
By Ball Coach
December 10, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this
GRUDEN COMING TO ATLANTA??
Rumors are that Gruden may lose his job at the end of this season. How would he look as an offensive coordinator with guts and a west-coast background? Better than ol’ Knapp-Sack…the man who 2nd guesses himself to death….TJ Duckett will be a free agent after the season, and the birds now see that a big back is not bad around the goal line. Anybody else notice that TJ’s trade is a BIG coincidence with our RED ZONE floppage? And quit running that damn stretch left…it hasn’t gotten 3 yards since the 2nd game!!
By Ball Coach
December 10, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this
GRUDEN COMING TO ATLANTA??
Rumors are that Gruden may lose his job at the end of this season. How would he look as an offensive coordinator with guts and a west-coast background? Better than ol’ Knapp-Sack…the man who 2nd guesses himself to death….TJ Duckett will be a free agent after the season, and the birds now see that a big back is not bad around the goal line. Anybody else notice that TJ’s trade is a BIG coincidence with our RED ZONE floppage? And quit running that damn stretch left…it hasn’t gotten 3 yards since the 2nd game!!
By SC
December 10, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
For the record, the title was “Falcons will fall in Tampa”. Not “Flop”. But on the more important point, you are right - Shultz was wrong about the outcome.
Jeff, you can only cite the cellphone incident so long without new examples. There -are- newer examples. Why did it take a player’s meeting to turn the team around? Isn’t that an indication that the coach doesn’t have control? How about Justin Griffith? Why did it take so long to get him the ball? Shouldn’t JM and GK have gotten JG the ball sooner? How about Jimmy Williams - looks like his play was either underestimated or he learned a lot while recovering from his ankle sprain.
By SC
December 11, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
Gruden will never come to Atlanta while Rick McKay is here. Gruden ruined all that McKay built with the Bucs. Do you really want a coach that kicks a meaningless field goal, then gives some lame excuse later for the decision? Sound familiar? Pick somebody else.
By Eli
December 11, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY IT’S TREACHERY FOR SCHULTZ TO PICK AGAINST THE FALCONS??? HE DOESN’T WORK FOR THE TEAM, AND THEY COULD HAVE JUST AS EASILY LOST TODAY!
By Ryder
December 11, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
Next week becomes even more interesting depending on the health of Dunn & Norwood. Dallas was thumped tonight and will be angry looking for someone to take it out on. Atlanta must match that intensity. Next week’s game will not be about scheme or talent, but whoever wants it more.
The Falcons must rely on their defense because the offense is running a system that doesn’t take advantage of Vick’s talents. Whether you haters of a quarterback who doesn’t throw for 300 yards each game like to admit it or not, Vick is a talented quarterback. However, I’m sure you all would prefer to have a game like Chris Weinke’s 423 yards in a loss instead of Vick’s performance in a win. Hey I have an idea, become a Texans’ fan as someone else suggested earlier. They don’t win, but at least the QB throws for a lot of yards.
Btw, why is titothehomo still talking smack? You predicited a 3-13 season, so what the h*LL are you still doing here talking your trash? Please go cry over at the Panthers blog. At least they have a QB that throws for 400 yards. The point is, I wish a Vick hater would come and say some smack about how sorry they are. I’ll blast you with one hand and backslap you with the other!
By e.b.
December 11, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this
Yeah Jeff, what happened to the Falcons falling in Tampa? You reneged quicker than Clinton. And judging from Dallas’ performance tonight, nothing is a given. Heck, everybody had Dallas crowned and in the Superbowl, until the Saints rolled them over. I think the Falcons study tonite’s game, come out pumped, and take it to those Cowgirls. The Giants & Eagles beat each other up, and the Falcs will practically be in the playoffs by the time you start bashing them again next weekend.
By e.b.
December 11, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this
Hey Davenpoop, I agree somewhat, however I don’t think the Eagles were talented at all this year. They get run on by any team. I’m just hoping we’re still in it by the time we play them, and I hope we have a running game. The Eagles defense stinks.
By e.b.
December 11, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this
I think 8 times out of 10, D-Hall is a top echelon DB. However, I was mighty impressed with young Jimmy Williams today, and we’re going to need him on Saturday. We all know D-Hall can cover T.O., so you know the overrated Romo is going to be gunning for Witten & Glenn. Dallas got taken to the woodshed tonite. Ouch!!
By shc77
December 11, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this
A win is a win is a win…but no way this team will go far in the playoffs if they keep playing like this offensively assuming they even make it that far.
Defense played solidly today. Then again, they did play vs a rookie QB/Tim Rattay. Abraham finally did something coming off his abdominal surgery. Hall is still way overrated as a corner. Nice strip and recovery by Mallard. Great fumble return for TD by Demorrio Williams. Secondary still scares me. Jimmy Williams looked alright out there, certainly better than any of the other guys we had out there (even before he had an ankle sprain…unless he learned a lot during his rehab).
Offense still played in spurts. Is it just me or does Dunn sometimes run right into the big pile of bodies instead of the hole? There were several instances where it looked like he had huge holes to the right or left…he instead chose to run right into the middle of a scrum. Vick needs to learn that sometimes, the best play is to throw the ball away. Lelie did not do anything to prevent the interception in the end zone. That was sad. He needed to interfere, bite, scratch, claw, tackle, or something. He did have two pretty good catches otherwise. Alge: what happened to your sure hands? Or maybe you grew some alligator arms on that pass you missed/dropped going down the middle of the field. Why not use Griffith more in the red zone? Or Norwood? Dunn is too small (isn’t that why we used Duckett last year in such situations?). Great move by Griffith on Allen, by the way. Just like they drew it up in the playbook.
Looking forward to the Dallas game.
By MusicED
December 11, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this
e.b.,
D-Hall can cover T.O.? You might wanna go and look at last year’s game stats when the Falcons played the Eagles and T.O. T.O. had over 100 yards in that game. I don’t think that’s called covering. Also, I am not getting my hopes up for the Falcons because they have not beaten a contender yet.
By dirrtybird
December 11, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this
I thought Jimmy Williams played an excellent game today. I can’t believe that Jason Webster has been playing ahead of him. Another poor coaching move. Keep the rookie in…
By Larry
December 11, 2006 06:26 AM | Link to this
The Falcons have the best running QB in the NFL and the Falcons have the worst passing QB in the NFL.
This is the primary issue with our offense. We don’t have a pilot for our ship. We have a short, fast guy who can throw a long tight spiral (emphasis on “throw,” as opposed to “pass” with timing and accuracy).
Anyone see Brees last night? Now that’s a real NFL quarterback who compliments a good running game with the ability to pass the ball.
Who could argue differently that the Falcon’s offense only mediocre performance yesterday against the Bucs was our imitation of an NFL quarterback? Look at his stats! Every time he throws a ball more than 30 yards it is too far, too short, or out of bounds making it impossible for an infield reception. I cover my eyes when this guy tries to hit a receiver in stride!
Our defense bailed him out yesterday but, this Saturday night, Vick will need to play a little quarterback—he won’t and the Falcons lose at home to Dallas, win against Carolina, lose against Philadelphia, and finish 8-8 again.
New Orleans had the courage to rid itself of another pea brain that could run fast and throw a long, tight spiral and look where they are today!
Brees—now that’s a Quarterback!
If I could only imagine!
By Nikki
December 11, 2006 07:27 AM | Link to this
Wow, Jeff. You are so down on the Birds lately. I’m depressed about the Birds and their bad play as well. You, on the other hand, sound like Mike Winklejohn’s twin. Do you speak in that annoying monotone voice as well?
By Johnny
December 11, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this
Larry, you are welcome to go join the New Orleans bandwagon, but you won’t do it because this form gives you the abililty to use subtle critisim about all things that you hate. New Orleans have a good offensive line, and a stable of good running backs, great receivers and a great offensive coordinator. There is no one on the Falcons offense or defense that could start on New Orleans team, I personally feel this Falcons team is playing over their heads. Why are you trying to compare apples to bananas? It boils down to Vick, you hate him, and anyone his color that attempts to play the quarterback position. Now if you and your people,could only jump on the Saints bandwagon.
Imagine that!
By keeping it real!
December 11, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this
Brees is a QUARTERBACK LET’S SEE HOW LONG THIS LAST!
By fatz
December 11, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this
so what we are left with is a team that probably finishes 9-7 and gets into the playoffs with last wildcard slot. there isn’t any way blank fires mora under that scenario, so we come back to this blog next august with exactly the same “heads we run this game, tails we pass ” format in place, and mr vick one year older. True falcons fans are the ones that understand what a neurotic mess this team is under this “system”, and were hoping for a shakeup. i could go along with mora staying if he would completely shake up his staff, but he doesn’t strike me as a nut-cutter who would do that. maybe that will be arthur’s ultimatum. lord the NFC is a joke this year. is rozelle smiling at the mediocrity posing as parity. go saints - sean payton, drew brees, reggie bush and a hard nosed defense- now THAT is the story this year and the most deserving bunch i’ve seen in years.
By Barry
December 11, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Here we go again! Another Atlanta Falcon win and we have another negative article by a knucklehead local sports writer. Again, it is Schultz. This this SOB out of Atlanta with those other negative sports writer at the AJC such as Bradley, Terrance Moore, Schultz and any other local sports writers that hates our local sports teams. As a consumer and sports fan, I despise these writers getting in to my head with their negative writing. They are just sittting back waiting for a Falcon lose so that that can rub into us local sport fan faces. We do not need these kind of writers having the power of the pen to feed us this garbage. I pray that the AJC is looking into this because we as a sports community are tired of looking into our local newspaper sports section and feel that we are in a visiting teams city reading negative things on our team. And by t the way, why in Sam H-ll was Terrance Moore on Fox 5 5th Qyrater T. V. show talking how good the Falcons are after this last month writng all the negative things about the team. This two faced journalism is distasteful and unprofessional. Stick with what you were saying about the Falcons where we can see your face and everyone in the sports community can see your true colors. “You are not a fan of the Atlanta sports community. I recommend you and all your other negative writing sport compadre’s at the Atlanta Journal Constitution got to another cioty. Please do us Atlanta sports fans a favor. We do not like you and your article. You use the AJV sports articles to sublime the Atlanta sports community into thinking negative, instead of positive, about our local sports teams. You are stuck in the past and we, as a community, need to leave you there. AJC make a change. PLEASE, HEAR OUR PLEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET among us Atlanta sports fans and community. Get those writers another city to work in. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Larry
December 11, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this
Johnny,
Did you by chance actually attend any of those classes at school?
Where’d you steal your computer?
By old fart 63
December 11, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this
8-8 … maybe … with luck
By jc
December 11, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
This team and coaching staff will be remembered by the motto “not as bad as Tampa Bay”.
By mo
December 11, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
Yeah,
Drew Brees is a good QB. He made some mistakes last night, but he is a good QB.
I don’t see him as better than Vick, though.
But, all you Brees fans can continue to love him, especially when the other QBs that you all used to trip over isn’t winning (See Tom Brady, Eli and Peyton Manning.)
Oh, and if you don’t like Vick’s game, don’t worry. Look at the Vince Young. Did that run look JUST LIKE that run Vick had against the Vikings???
Put some cornrows on Vince Young and “Bling!” You got another Vick coming into the fray!
Oh, and wait until Shockley get out there for a team!
Oh, and wait until you see these other young, black and gifted QBs that are coming out from the college ranks!
Oh, I just love it! It’s like some sort of revolution is coming at the QB position!
Soon, all this “Black QB” junk will be gone from the game, because there will be an abundance of them playing with their arms AND feet! Soon, that kind of game will be transformed and you will no longer have that stigma out there. “Black” QBs will just be “QBs” and so-called “white” QBs will have great running ability. And it will be great!!!
By Wes
December 11, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
I guess Falcons flawed, but in the hunt for playoffs is Jeff’s way of saying: “I am an idiot and cannot acurately predict NFL games.”
By falconclaws1221
December 11, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
the smiths will buy back the falcons from blank then terance will be correct.
By go doves
December 11, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
I have no issue with Schultz’s “Falcons will flop in Tampa” article. They did flop, only thing is that Tampa flopped worse. Nobody on this board can feel very good about a relatively tough win against a patsy opponent. This team, while still in playooff contention, is not a playoff team, for now. They may win a wildcard, but can you see this team winning a January road game in New York, Chicago, Seattle or even New Orleans with that atmosphere? This team has too fragile of a psyche to be taken seriously as a threat to make a run in the playoffs. I will continue to root for the wins, and the playoff birth, but will not fool myself in believing this team is set for a run to the SB. I have been a Falcons fan far too long to make that mistake over and over again. I sincerely hope I am proven wrong, but won’t hold my breath.
By fatz
December 11, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
mo, i completely agree with you assessment on the “black QB” issue. Vince Young is likely to take Vick’s game to the next level (it helps that he is 5 inches taller). and then some other kid will come along with the same legs and a better arm or release and he will be the new standardbearer. there wouldn’t be anybody complaining about him on this blog. it isn’t a color issue, its all about development, performance and results. but….at least we aren’t Houston bloggers- somebody explain how an owner and a GM could pass on BOTH Vince and Reggie and still expect to sell tickets- puts Mike Lynn’s Hershel trade to shame as the all-time biggest blunder in NFL history.
By warren
December 11, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this
Now will who ever called the play for Vick to pass from the 4 please hand in your resignation. Please take out life insurance on the falcon offense for saturday’s game against the Cowgals. They were humiliated this week in their “prayer meeting” with the Saints and will be out to slap somebody around…looks like the falcons are it…It won’t be pretty!
By Tommy
December 11, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
Let me go ahead and predict Schultz’ headline when [if] the Falcons ever win a Super Bowl: ‘They Can’t Do It Again’.
Idiot. No wonder Atlanta fans are so negative—the only paper in town runs them into the ground relentlessly [Falcons, Braves], ridicules them [Hawks] or ignores them altogether {Thrashers]. I lived up north for a while and papers up there weren’t this bad. That’s saying something.
As for the Falcons, look for 9-7 and the last NFC playoff spot, and a close loss in Seattle in the first round. Not the season we were hoping for, but given the three-ring circus this season turned into, going over .500 despite the distractions is a notable un-Falconslike accomplishment.
And someone please tell Ashley Lelie to stop throwing a parade for himself after every catch. You did your job, fella. I don’t dump a tub of Gatorade over my head every time I close a sale—let’s try to look like we been there before.
By go doves
December 11, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
I guess the whole negative approach to talking about the Falcons is based on historical evidence, not anything these “journalist” say. Its a defense- mechanism to talk negative and predict the teams demise when things get rough, it somehow lessens the blow when it does happen.
It does not make me or anyone less of a fan, I am hooked for life with this franchise, but I can’t even count how many times I have gotten excited about this franchise, every new year that is, only to be kicked in the gut with full force. The few years that ended better than expectations are few and far between (only franchise without back to back winning seasons). I truly hope this team performs better than expectations, but it seems like when we speak of their good things, they go and pull a 4 game dive and look like the Falcons of old. So save all your holier-than-thou criticism of journalist or anyone who speaks negatively of this team. I would hope a little questioning of their desire and ability to surprise us would encourage them to try harder.
By Busta Nut
December 11, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
These birds 9-7? They will lose to DAL Saturday and to PHILLY in their final game, and it remains to be seen if they can sweep CAROLINA. They will be 8-8 and homefor the playoffs again this year. I pull for the Falcons every week, but I’m also a realist and the fact of the matter is they are just not a very ggod team right now. I’m sorry if the truth offends you…
By jhan
December 11, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
How can anybody pick against the Falcons? Every time I watch them I’m so impressed with what I see that it’s unbelievable to me they have ever lost! Grow up people, this team is mediocre at best. Do you really want a writer to blow smoke up your A** every week. This team deserves all the criticism it gets!
By Darrin "The Vent King"
December 11, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
FALCONS FLOP IN TAMPA, HUN? Hope you know your credibility has went south with Falcon fans. I don’t know who is worse, you or Terance “We don’t get enought sh*t, give us some” Moore. Always predicting doom, overstating the obvious, then when it doesn’t work out the way you hoped, you act as if you didn’t say it. Pathetic. Yeah we won, it wasn’t pretty, but a loss would have been worse. We lose, you’re happy as a pig in a blanket, we win you cloud the victory with your usual negative rhetoric…”Yeah the Birds won, but it’s still a team that’s flawed.” What was it before the game- “a flop”, now they win, they’re “victorious, but flawed…” What a joke! You all at the ajc print all these negative views about the Falcons, Hawks or whoever, then wonder why citizens of Atlanta aren’t at the game cheering there butts off. Well, read your own articles for once maybe you’ll see why. We never have a chance at anything, any sport according to you bums, but we’re supposed to cheer anyway. Calling the team sorry, than berating the fans for not cheering for a team you ALWAYS have something negative to say about. Real smart. I wish I had your job. Just print any mindless, barely thought out article with mundane uneducated opinions and get paid for it. How sweet!
GO FALCONS!!!
By notme
December 11, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
The AJC’s circulation numbers might improve (or fall at a slower rate) if your columns weren’t so predictable. We already know that you, and every other AJC sports columnist, doesn’t like Jim Mora. Get over it and write something interesting.
By Jimbo S
December 11, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
Hi to all the Poor Grieving Falcons fans. I lived in Atlanta years ago when the Falcons under the Smiths were truly awful.I always hated Monday morning for the post-mortem synopsis of the latest debacle.Then I moved to Dallas (in the 70s) and found a team worthy of support. Great fans , great team and great sports writers (Blackie Sherrod)Fun! Then when I retired back to Ga. (Savannah)I took up the mantle of the Falcons again. My bad! If you guys hate the Atlanta sports writers just simply don’t read their columns and form your own opinion.I choose not to be concerned about others opinions as that is all that it is, an opinion. When Dallas meets Atlanta this Sat. nite I will be pulling for the Falcons. My opinion is that they will rise to the level of their competition and the game will be decided on a break or two, either way. JWS
By Darrin "The Vent King"
December 11, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
Yeah what ever jhan. Soon as we criticize our own team and don’t support them or say anything negative or boo- we’re “bandwagon or fairweather”. How come when we stand up for our team, all of sudden now “we need to grow up?” It be different if these writers said something at least somewhat positive when we actually “WIN” and criticize the team when they “LOSE”, but these bums diss this team every chance he gets. During victories it’s, “Falcons win, but it’s smoke and mirrors”, “great game in Pittsburgh, but hey it was just Pitt”, or “Falcons beat Cincy, but how long will it last?” When we lose, or they throw a freaking party and rub it in our faces. So no, we don’t expect smoke to be blown anywhere, just fair, balanced, more objective sports writing from our OWN @#$%ing paper- JUST ONCE! So you are defending the wrong bums dude for real. Between Jeff “Smuck” and Terence “sht on us some” Moore we get nothing but negativity win or lose, so go blow that up YOUR a*!!
GO FALCONS!
By Famuan
December 11, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
If you want positive articles, you have to go to the opponent’s hometown paper.
By mo
December 11, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
I think the Falcons has just as good of a shot at going to the playoffs as anyone else who’s in contention. I see the Falcons as having the weapons to get it done.
I do have a concern, though. His name is DeMarcus Ware. OMGoodness! This guy is good at DE for the Cowboys! We need to line up our best lineman against him because he lines up mostly on the left side. He has the speed to rush Vick on that side and cause all kinds of problems.
Plus, the Cowboys looked pretty good against the run. The Saints beat them with misdirection and speed at the edges.
And their passing routes were a lot of slants with hardly any curls.
YOU WATCHIN’ GREG KNAPP??? MOSTLY SLANTS!!!
Drew Brees was good because he was able to get that ball out of his hands in 3 seconds most every good play he did. When it lasted longer than 3 seconds in Brees’ hands, it was a sack or a throw away. 3 seconds, though, was long enough to slice through the secondary.
HEAR THAT, GREG KNAPP??? 3 SECONDS!!!
By GHunt
December 11, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
The talent is there. The Birds are good enough to not only make the playoff, but also to win it all. The problem is the play calling on the offensive side of the ball. Greg Knapp needs to go or at least let someone else call the plays. Bill Musgrave would do better, give him a chance.
By Eric
December 11, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
The Falcons suck. Hell, you can beat the Bucs and still suck, and the Falcons suck. Jeff is right about that! And if any of you think he reads this garbage, I’d like to sell you some ocean front property in Norcross.
By Jack
December 11, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Quit getting so wrapped up in what the writers print - Bottom line is that this team isn’t capable of going far even if they squeeze into the playoffs. The back to back losses to Detroit and Cleveland proves that. I am a big fan but can’t hide from reality. I still say the Coaching staff needs to go before the talent we have gets too old.
By fastenema
December 11, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
The birds will finish 8 and 8. They will lose to the cowgirls and the eaglets. Barely beat the panthurs or could lose to them also. Ron Mexico will keep the fans coming to see the circus though, you can bet the house on that. We won’t be in the playoffs but he will have his millions and make the owners happy. Look forward to next year. Bring on Mike Ditka and clean house. Jimmy Williams played well yesterday; get rid of blabbermouth D Hall and let Williams play all the time. Heck, even put Vick on defense and let DJ quarterback!
By stevej
December 11, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
i THINK THE FALCONS CHANCE OF MAKING THE PLAYOFFS ARE GOOD. tHIS TEAM WAS BUILT ON DEFENSE, AND OUR DEFENSE IS HEALTHY. jUSTIN AND fRED CAN CARRY THE BALL IF NECESSARY.i TYINK OUR RECEIVERS
By NYFalconFan
December 11, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
Look around the league everyone. Good teams are piling up bad losses to bad teams. The falcons are no exception. We lost some tough games this year but thankfully, like the rest of the NFC, we are still in it. Even more so now with the win in Tampa. Stop worrying about coaches and fire this guy and that guy. Its impossible to predict the NFL. Especially our Falcons. All you can hope is that we get a bit more consistant and our defense keeps improving and causing turnovers. We do that and we have just as good a shot as anyone in the league. Just deal with what we have and hope they play well. We have talent and we have to play great football from here on out. What Schultz writes is stating the obvious. But what he writes you can say about alot of teams in this league. Please give my eyes something thats worth it.
By CQ
December 11, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
To the fans that said they were not going to use their season tickets because of Vick giving the finger please sell me your tickets to the Sat game against Dalls.
All of you jumped off the bandwagon 2 weeks ago. Give the tickets up Vick haters and bandwagon riders.
By bfred
December 11, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this
Go check out the reporting on the game in the Tampa paper (www.tampatrib.com) - it’s definitely not any more negative than the cr*p piled up in the AJC. They even take the time to point out the positives. We won and they lost, right?
By Richard
December 11, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this
well it seem the falcon holds there end in there hands, 2 hurt tailbacks, go get a power back,lindale white,buckup the oline,the playoff is no joke, every team will up there game and fellows if you win sat night,get pass the panthers the eagles will not be joking at all,no sorry play calling,the D is stepping up.
thank you jimmy william for proving all georgian right ,webster was a joke from all points.
as for you crackpots who’s vick haters, drop the fakeism,its all about color. mike keep taking your opportunities when presented.I dont care how much you practice a play in the game everything sppeds up and a lot of passes wont be on the spot, but thats what you get paid to do produced. from first to 2nd or third string will bring result or a new team,you can bet on that, and for GOD sake get malloy some real help on the other side. 10 and 6 will get you there but can you up your game, can you depend on your fellow player to up there game each play. Dallas is mad as hell and looki8ng for somebodies blood on sat night, listen, just sing it and mean it,…..MY HOUSE …ITS THE MIDDLE OF MY DREAM, NOT IN…..REPEAT,OVER &OVER. SING IT ON THE FIELD, CLUB HOUSE, BELIVE IT ,LIVE IT. GO FALCONS 10/6, playoff bound.
By luke
December 11, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick! Mike Vick! Mike Vick!
Sorry, just wanted to see what it felt like to act like a blind homer for a few seconds. Felt like, well, like a blind homer.
Dallas is going to whip the stuffing out of the birds. And since our two primary backs are injured I say line up Shock as QB and put Vick in the backfield.
Oh I forgot again, Vick is already a RB.
By Straight$$$$Homie
December 11, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this
We all saw Brees… We also saw that didn’t have to run for his life 90% of the time. Get some decent pass blocking and then we fail in accuracy, then fine. Until then, STFU…..
By Steve T
December 11, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
Brees had one thing that Vick does not have. Did you guys see how those WRs went after the ball. Vick does not have people that will go get it.
By Andy
December 11, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Little offtopic but wondered why we haven’t read of McClure’s 5 year extension for 10 million - including a 3 million dollar signing bonus? (forgive me if I missed it, but I haven’t seen it). It is being discussed on the Falcon message boards….thanks…
By Jason
December 11, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
You were wrong about the Falcons game this week….no big shocker there. You should be a weather man…no wait even a weather man is more accurate than you. No matter what happens you have to put down the Falcons..you do know your in ATLANTA right? Most sports writters write positive about the “home town team”. Yes if you were writting for the Oakland news paper it would be understandable but to be writting about a team that is in the playoff hunt the way you do, i dont understand. When I read your articles i think the falcons are 1 win team, get alittle grip on whats going on.
By Dr. I.Q.
December 11, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
Well, you can debate the pros and cons of Jeff’s column, but you cannot argue the facts: THE FALCONS HAVE ONLY WON ONE GAME THIS SEASON AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD! Now, tell me a team with such a record deserves to be in the playoff. The planets have aligned to allow the wildcard slot to be filled from among a group of really LOUSY teams!
By D-Man
December 11, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
Hey SCHULTZ shut the hell up!!! You were wrong and I told you last week they will win so here it is again. Falcons will beat Cowboys on Saturday get back at me on Monday again!!! You loser!!