Sports Columnists

By monkalicious

December 19, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

this still doesn’t excuse the shoddy play calling… or the cell phone, or the headset, or Washington

By It's about time

December 19, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

Shultz, You are a moron; however, you are right on this one particular occasion.

Blank and McKay need to look at the man in the mirror. They need to ask him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer. If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change.

Go ahead…make that change.

By Peter

December 19, 2006 01:43 AM | Link to this

Well hell Jeff, yeah. But you’ve got to remember how Blank got the money and how McKay got the job.

They have huge egos too. Remember that McKay was more the office man and Ruskell was more the personnel guy. Tampa never had quality recievers or a quality QB for that matter.

But say that they hired a really strong personality. Say, Nick Saban..it would be kind to say that the jury is still out on him.

The hiring of Mora was a crapshoot and the crap has shot back. It’s a crapshoot for everybody especially with the “norming” of the league. Ask Jerry Jones about Chan Gailey and Dave Campo.

Look at the ‘genius’ Holmgren. Quite a different guy without Ron Wolfe, yes? Sure design is important but luck plays a big part also. Too bad for Atlanta that we seem to have a LOT of bad luck.

By This gets old

December 19, 2006 01:55 AM | Link to this

Just because a guy wants to “buy the groceries” doesn’t mean that the meal won’t taste like manure.

By e.b.

December 19, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this

I dunno, I was impressed with jimmy Williams in the Redskins/Tampa bay games. I have no clue was he wasn’t covering Terry Glenn in Saturday’s game. All the withstanding, I do agree with you.

By Mark

December 19, 2006 02:34 AM | Link to this

We live in Atlanta…what do you people expect? Pro sports teams always lose in this town. Then people tell us how crappy the fans are here. Why should we support teams that lose each and every year?

By Stretch

December 19, 2006 03:01 AM | Link to this

My suggestion - talk Jimmy Carter into organizing a summit with Arthur and Ted, perhaps over a bison burger, so Ted can gently explain to the King that history repeats, and that if he wants his name on a stadium someday, he might best be advised to take up a new hobby, best one that would take him out of town frequently, so as to let the folks he employs do their jobs with some measure of actual authority, in this very authority-drive business. And while he’s at it, maybe Jimmy can put in a good word for Kofi Annan as the next head coach, since he’s all of a sudden free (and would look damn sharp on the sideline in his perfectly tailored suits). Old time hockey!

By Gadbo

December 19, 2006 03:02 AM | Link to this

I like Jim Mora. I like his chicken resturant.

By Stan Schmenge

December 19, 2006 03:08 AM | Link to this

Good article Schultz. You’re doing a heck of a job on Monday Night Football. I have to say though, it is cheezy you riding to the games in a bus, copying Madden. You probably don’t even barf when you fly even. Be a man, get on the big steel bird. But I digress. We here in NJ got it just as bad as you guys. Problem is, we have to hear about in 19 different papers and 6 radio stations. Barf. Enjoy. Cheers.

By The Grinch

December 19, 2006 03:16 AM | Link to this

Good points, Jeff. I disagree about Williams, though, at least as far as what I’ve seen. He’s better than Webster (not that THAT’s much of an endorsement). Man, I love this city and I love this team. I sure do wish something would happen to push them on through and end my suffering.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 19, 2006 03:39 AM | Link to this

Nice try, Schultz, but you stretched the facts a little too much for me. Jimmy Williams has been productive in his limited playing time — he is far from a bust, it’s not like you can expect much from a rookie 2nd rounder anyway. If he hadn’t been injured and if the coaches had played him more when he was healthy he probably would have got a chance to show his stuff.

McKay’s draft selections are influenced by having to choose players to fit Mora’s scheme. Also, no matter how talented the players are that McKay selects, it’s still the coaching staff’s job to get the most out of their talent. Our first-round WRs have disappointed, but you can’t deny that they are big, fast, and can jump — three things that can’t be taught. Their inability to catch passes and run routes stems from poor coaching, not lack of ability. McKay has found quality players in later rounds of the draft — Michael Boley, Demorrio Williams, Jerious Norwood, Chauncey Davis, TJ Jackson, Justin Griffith, and Jonathan Babineaux are just a few examples. You can criticize him for not drafting big linemen, or not drafting linemen early, but these decisions are also influenced by Mora’s scheme. I agree that his trades have been suspect — with the exception of the Bryan Scott for Wayne Gandy trade, it’s safe to say he hasn’t won any of his trades (the Abraham trade is a winner if Abraham can stay healthy, but he had a prior injury history so McKay should have known). But his draft record has been solid when you consider the circumstances. I still think the coaching staff deserves 95% of the blame for the Falcons’ underachieving.

By This gets old

December 19, 2006 03:40 AM | Link to this

You guys know that I never make excuses for anybody but go to the Sports Illustrated site and check out Jeffri Chadiha and his article:

The shutdown cornerback is nearly extinct in NFL.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jeffri_chadiha/11/21/shutdown.cbs/index.html

It’ll give just a little bit of perspective to the difficulties of playing corner in today’s NFL. On the other hand it opens up one hell of a can of worms concerning our WR’s.

By mo

December 19, 2006 05:54 AM | Link to this

I’ve read virtually nothing new or original in this column. Most of it looks like re-hashed old reply post from the Falcons blog. I have no other replies since we’ve discussed this ad nauseum before…

By Blankety Blank

December 19, 2006 06:20 AM | Link to this

It might be re-hashed from previous blogs, but Schultzie has hit the nail on the head. Nothing will change until the man at the top changes. It is doubtful he will sell. Less likely that his character which is used to years of bootlicking, concensus building subordinates will change either. Guess we are stuck.

By luckydog

December 19, 2006 06:39 AM | Link to this

Great column Jeff. Somebody has needed to call Blank on his Falcons Ego Trip for a while now. I saw this firsthand at a game earlier this season when they inducted Van Note into the ring of honor. The ceremony was all about Blank, who stood basking in the glory at midfield throughout and gave a speech. Van Note? He came out for 30 seconds and didn’t have a chance to get a word in edgewise. The moral: Beware of famous businessmen with trophy wives who are looking to extend their fame through sports teams.

By Tired

December 19, 2006 06:50 AM | Link to this

Certain people are hinting at what needs to be said. What is it with Atlanta sports? Why is it that Atlanta can never find a team worth watching or caring about? It makes me wonder if someone down in Louisiana has placed a forever curse upon this town so that the faithful will forever suffer. I don’t think we can ever have a truly successful sports team without shedding blood upon the alter; know as steps, leading into the arena before each game. The continued lack of support is not because the town or state doesn’t care, we are just sick of the continued mediocrity and losing that we can not stomach it any more.

By Larry

December 19, 2006 07:02 AM | Link to this

“Their inability to catch…stems from poor coaching, not lack of ability.”

This is why we call him Najeh Poop-for-brains.

If you agree with this, you’re also burdened with a double digit IQ. Enough said!

I knew you could do it, Jeff! I just knew if you could get away from Martha Burke for a few minutes you’d have the time to write a great article.

Nail on the head!

By kenny d

December 19, 2006 07:24 AM | Link to this

this is a rather lazy article written by jeff. this issue has been discussed ad nauseum by many bloggers. he is just jacking their thoughts and writing it in his usual shallow, superficial manner. Jeff, why not provide us with an in depth analysis like DOB does with the Braves? Because I actually think all of the bloggers collectively have written about this at length and their analysis has been pretty dead on about the failures of both Blank & McKay. If you are going to steal ideas from bloggers, at least provide as much analysis as the bloggers

By 1 + 2 = 4

December 19, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this

When a team is 6-2 or 5-2 and then they collapse, in consecutive years, that’s not the owner or GM, that’s the coaching staff. Especially, Knapp, with his inconsistent play calling and Donatel, who is the worst DC in the league. If you want to get this thing right, start over. You can’t look at Jimmy Johnson because his head is way too big (he’ll want total control). I say get Mike Martz or attempt to bring Dick Vermeil out of retirement. Yes, I know Vermeil is 93 years old but he can coach. As for Martz, anyone that can win with an Arena league football qb and a qb no one knew played college football (Bulger), he should be able to come in and provide the Falcons with a spark. Also, I seriously doubt Blank will bring in another guy without any head coaching experience.

By fatz

December 19, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this

you can’t call a rookie corner a “bust”. it ain’t that easy of a position. there is no guarantee he’ll ever figure it out but you can’t trash him yet. who is he supposed to learn from- looked to me that the other corner was having his own set of problems too…… the only teams who are going to succeed in this salary-cap driven age of mediocrity are the ones that get the “B” players right. everybody has their “A” players, and they all have to pay them too much relative to their contributions. but the GM’s who can figure out when to walk away from the bidding for a top name, when to take a chance on an aging, semi-broken down player or a younger guy who hasn’t been given a chance with his previous team, and most importantly, how to draft… these are the teams that will have some continuity to them. How do the Pat’s pull it off every year - it has to be more than Belichick.

By Falcons Stink

December 19, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this

Now the owner should sell, Fire the GM, fire the coach. OMG! I have heard this same tripe for the last 40 years where the Falcons are concerned. I just wish Rankin Smith would have moved the Falcons to Jacksonville those many years ago then I wouldn’t have to listen to this tripe. Atlanta Sports writers are so lame and lazy they just rehash old articles and ideas and the sheep follow blindly. When Knapp was brought in he was an offensive genius, now he’s a bum. What happened? did he change or is it the players can’t execute? I vote its the players and until some major changes are made in offensive personnel this team will win nothing! Why doesn’t someone come up with some real answers. Vick can’t be criticized. Is there some kind of conspiracy as to why Vick remains blameless in all this and is touted as a hero even though he whines and admits he doesn’t always give 100%. What about D. Hall? He couldn’t cover my grandmother and shes been dead 40 years! But Jimmy Williams is the bust? Shultz is an idiot!

By Birdy

December 19, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

WARNING: Another ‘War & Peace’ length post follows…

You are correct, Jeff Schultz. Blank and McKay set this course that the team is following.

Remember the 2004 highlight video even described Mora as “We hired a foreman.” Now everyone knows a Foreman is almost “one of the guys”, not really removed from the rank and file, a non-management person with no true authority — only a communicator of policy.

Now look at how this team plays guys like Allen Rossum when he gets beaten repeatedly while Williams sits. And how Hurtwell keeps getting forced into the ation when he is, arguably, the worst “starting” LB in the modern era of the NFL.

Now think about the (deservedly) much-maligned Greg Knapp:

Knapp has the title of “Offensive coordinator.” Typically this role has 3 areas of authority:

1. Design / coordinate passing game
2. Design / coordinate run game
3. Call plays on game day

But although Knapp — bad as he is — has the TITLE and RESPONSIBILITY, he does NOT have the full AUTHORITY of “Offensive Coordinator” because Alex Gibbs designs/coordinates the run game. And Alex Gibbs, as “Assistant Head Coach”, officially out-ranks Knapp, is paid more and certainly unofficially dominates the selection of offensive personnel — key personnel (linemen, RBs) that has a material impact on Knapp’s passing game.

In Falconland, can the “Passing game Coordinator” bench a known poor pass-protecting Left Guard (Matt Lehr) even if he wants to? Not unless he can also find astreet free agent who can run block better than the erstwhile ‘starter’.

And then there is the obvious pressure, whether direct or implied, to play certain underachieving guys primarily because they have high salaries or ‘fresh’ signing bonuses (and there I thought the fans only care about winning, not WHO does the winning for us).

-Hurtwell instead of Beck/Demorrio -Webster & Rossum instead of Williams -Telling Lelie he would not compete with Roddy and Jenkins.

These are all moves of an ignorant coaching staff — or one made impotent by organizational structure and a desire to protect the personnel image of General Manager.

No way Rossum sees the field in New England after Saturday Night’s performance. But rest assured he will be right back out there getting torched by Smith or Keyshawn Sunday.

Yes, Donatell is a cowardly DC, one who believes good teams will just beat themselves through poor execution. Yes it defies all logic for a team to not only hire him following his being fired in ignominy, but to be falling all over themselves in a race against Dan Snyder to pick him up from the trash heap. That, again, is on McKay and Mora.

So the bloom is off the rose. In 2004 when more qualified candidates were clearly available, when Blank was chairman of the NFL’s “Diversity Committee”, we get Mora here instead of a Lovie Smith. When Tim Lewis’ candidacy was ended after his abrupt firing by Cowher because he was interviewing for a HC position, Blank & McKay race to hire Ed Donatell even though he was fired for a history of passive defensive calls and the infamous “4th and 26.”

Yes, Blank and McKay are culpable as well. They’ve made some very suspicious decisions, some “bone headed” moves and organizational structures, and gotten what they bargained for in picking a coach of limited credentials from a franchise that was clearly on the decline.

For all the excellence McKay is as an attorney and businessman, it is a stretch to assume he actually knows football personnel.

He bought into the “small player” theory. Now look at how the team is abused when facing playoff teams like Dallas with big Olines, Big RB, and big LBs.

Does Dunn do for us what Marion Barber does for the Cowboys? Does Dunn fight for yards? Break any tackles? Punish defenders, turning a no-gain into something? “Of course not,” Blank may counter, “But does he do a lot of charity work?” And I will tell you that being a big physical team that WINS games puts more fans in the stands and sells more merchandise that the wonderful community work.

So Blank and McKay must re-assess priorities and answer some serious questions:

1. Is winning the foremost priority? Or do depth chart politics rule?

2. Can you win an NFL championship with the smallest, least-physical team each and every week? Is that even ATTRACTIVE football to a southern fanbase bred on power football?

3. Is it proper business practice to give “Coordinators” and head coaches responsibilities and accountability, but not give them matching AUTHORITY to determine their own destiny? Think Greg Knapp’s passing game wouldn’t be better with Maarion Barber and the Cowboys’ huge OLine? (and I “hate” Knapp for his ‘no audible policy’, but fair is fair)

Yes, Blank and McKay must also look in the mirror.

By Beretverde

December 19, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

“Star” QB flipping off the fans, a losing streak, head coach publicly pining for U of Washington job. Bottom line the team is losing and a change is needed! Blank needs to get rid of Vick (remember he didn’t know the plays after two years, still cannot call an audible and is too stupid for a modern day QB, get rid of Mora- he has peaked and the players cannot-do not respond. Do these changes or allow this: TED TURNER… BUY THE FALCONS!

By Observer

December 19, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

Great post, Birdy. Some very well thought out points there. Although I do agree with your point that “small and fast” isn’t necessarily working out right now, and that I too would prefer beefy linemen and a power running game, I hardly think Warrick Dunn is the problem. If anything, he’s one of the few bright spots Atlanta has.

By Barry

December 19, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

I hear all the talk. Blame Mckay. Blame Blank. Blame Somebody. But to tell the TRUTH, nobody is to blame. This football owning and management game is a business. Decisions are mad and trust is given to individuals to perform their job and do it well. If duting and interviewing and evaluting process, the interviewer, for GM, coaches, players, etc., feel as thogh he trust the individual, his talent,and credentials then he makes a decision that is always a RISK that the individual selected will be loyal to the organization and does his job. In regards to Blank and Mckay, it is no way they would know that the young coach they selected was a high wire act. He had no track record as a head coach. Nevertheless, the new owner and new GM wanted a fresh and charismatic coach to assist in implementing a fresh new mission. They wanted someone who could learn and grow with this new team. The a Therefore, they gave the young coach a chance to make history. However, they got what we got before the game on Saturday: comments from this young hire talking about he wanted to coach the Washington Huskies-college boys and not professional men. Right in the middle of the biggest game of the teams professional season. Now the backlash is that the current coach at Washington is not too happy about it and the Falcon organization is not too happy about it. They both believe it is a “stab in the back” by this individual and proves he is not too loyal to those who RISK hiring him. People, now this individual has a track record as a head football caoch for all to see. “LET THE BUYER BEWARE.” “A SUCKER IS BORN EVERY MINUTE.” These are quotes for those who are transacting business and purchasing a damaged product in the process. Well, I think the Falcons bought some damaged product in the coach the selected. His only track record was his father and his mouth. Now we see they are one and the same. Damaged Goods. Blank and McKay you are EXCELLENT and GOOD businessman. You took a RISK on a potentially, perceived good looking product, however, you never guessed it was DAMAGED GOODS.

SSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This is a SECRET among us Falcon fans. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE THE FALCONS AND ATLANTA!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By Darrin "The Vent King"

December 19, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

What I don’t get is when we want to place blame for the woes of this team, which you are correct about, it’s the personnel that McKay put together and the play-calling and Coach Mora AS well-how does this same personnel don’t have an affect on the QB? The same guy all these moronic fans want to place blame for EVERYTHING that’s wrong with this team IS JUST one guy. If we are writing an entire article on the PERSONNEL issues and how it has been a detriment to the team, these same folks agreeing with you about that are the same ones that refuse to acknowledge that this same PERSONNEL are the ones letting MV7 down and not contributing to the wins enough and causing him to attempt to do everything by himself. If McKay is to blame for the FA’s not performing and Knapp is calling bad plays, how is that NOT a reason for the few struggles Vick has? Mckay picked those skillet hand rcvrs and the O-line that can’t block. Two MAJOR things that have a direct affect on the QB, but fans will admit to that when talking about the F.O., but refuse to give Vick a pass. Why is that? One can not go without the other. While I agree with this article, I do not agree with everyone saying you are right about this, which you are, and not see how these are the reasons the Falcons are losing, NOT VICK! He can not make up for the lack of play for whatever reason fom ten other players on the team. It’s not his fault we have NO PASS RUSH, nor his fault that can’t pass block, catch, or cover. Vick or Schaub could have a 120+ QB rating every Sunday and if we can’t do those other things-we still lose. You can’t admit this article is correct without acknowledging that these same things are more of a reason (or reasons) this team loses than Vick. True he has some flaws, but his positives greatly outweighs those and are NOT the doom of the team. Everything this article states about the job McKay has done putting the team together, Knapp’s play-calling, and Mora’s coaching style GREATLY outweigh Vick’s few issues. If you can’t see that, sell your eyes to the highest bidder ‘cause you’re not using them anyway.

GO FALCONS!!

By CQ

December 19, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

Why do blogs on this site always turn into Vick hate even when they are not about him. Vick just threw 4 TD’s the same number as Manning did last night and you jerks want to still talk about him.

Stick to the issues: Poor coaching, and poor free agent signing.

With the exception of Malloy, Abraham who seems health now, and The big man in the middle of the defensive line the rest of the free agents are busts.

The draft picks have not worked under McKay. McKay has not drafted one impact player other then Norwood in 3 years.

By Larry Fortner

December 19, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

Bring back Leeman Bennett, the best coach we ever had.

By Team Idol

December 19, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

Please don’t pick on Mr. Blank. The reason he is on the field so often is the suites just really aren’t up to par. New dome by 2016? Otherwise, it’s off to LA to be the team for the stars…

By Gee Wallace

December 19, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

I agree with most of the article! The things that are going on with this organization and why we are losing are obvious. We blog about these things week after week. Let’s just hope they get a clue and change the direction. CQ, you have to remember this is the SOUTH. MV7 will always be a problem with most people here, even if he won the Super Bowl. Until the next GREAT WHITE HOPE(Matt Schaub)is the quaterback, you might as well get used to the MV7 hatin’. It will never end. But, I will give them some credit, I think only two idiots brought up MV7 in regards to this article, which like you said, had nothing to do with him or his performance. GO FALCONS!!!YA’LL SUCK!!

By Ironfeet

December 19, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

CQ, While you make valid points in your post, I disagree with that fact that Norwood was the only impact player that Mckay drafted. Boley, Babineux, Beck, Hall, have all made positive contributions to the team. But Mckay’s track record for drafting impact players have been on the defensive side of the ball. He doesn’t seem to have a good eye for offensive talent, particularly WR’s and OL. These are the areas where the Falcons have the most obvious lack of talent and skill. He got lucky when Norwood fell in his lap. But he and Blank deserve heat hiring Mora and this staff. Even if you don’t have as much talent as other teams in the league, a superior coach can make a diffence. If Blank wants to win he needs to check his ego @ the door and hire a head coach and staff that will have his team metally and physically ready to compete in this league. Until he does that, mediocrity is all you can expect from this team.

By mo

December 19, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

CQ,

Just ignore them and their stupidity. Remember, some people are just so biased in their views that they cannot be helped with rational thought. Also, their hatred is so blinding that everything that goes wrong it somehow the object of their hatred’s fault.

Like in this case: Vick had over 300 total yards, 4 passing TDs and played tailback on some plays, but because the defense allowed more than 30 points in the game and the DBs got burned on some big plays, they call for Vick to be traded.

I mean, what logical sense does that make?

I mean, Vick is on pace to definitely be in the Hall of Fame, (his shoes are already there) and he holds the record in rushing as a QB- plus he has a rocket arm and has the ability to thread the needle on passes, but people want to trade him for a first round draft pick?! (I actually started to laugh when I wrote this, sorry.)

So just look at it for what it is: no matter what Vick does, he will always have this issue. Some people will NEVER like him because they are seeing only one thing, that he’s special. He’s different. And he’s revolutionizing the position.

And they are prejudiced. They only see race; which is the most extreme form of prejudice.

Oh, and I’m not talking about some white people being prejudiced against black players, either. I’m talking about some white people who are prejudiced against other white players.

See, to say that Vick’s game should be terminated just because you want a more “traditional” QB, i.e. a QB that stays in the pocket and throws and hands-off just because you want to preserve that position as “White-Only” is prejudiced against the QBs that are white that will come up with blazing speed and a great arm. They are coming, too.

But to prejudice Vick because of his ability but call him “too stupid to learn the playbook” is prejudice the QBs that will have the same skills as Vick that will be white.

See, racism is the most severe form of stupidity.

But if you see Vick play, watch how he goes through hius progressions- he checks down to all of his options first, then he runs. If he was immobile, he would just throw it away. But, thank God he is mobile. Therefore Vick can take a busted play and make some positive yardage out of it. And most of those record-breaking yards would have been losses of downs or sacks if it wasn’t for Vick special playing ability.

But go ahead and keep calling for Vick to be traded. I am so happy, though, that those silly calls will only go as far as these blogs.

By Righton

December 19, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

Mora and Mckay are to Blame. Fire both today. A new dome in 2016 will not put a winner on the field.

By ICEMAN

December 19, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

Mo whining,

I see you are still at it. Can’t see anything without racial goggles. Everything does not revolve around what color a person is. If someone says,”Vick is not an accurate passer”, they are not saying “Blacks are not accurate passers!” It takes a racist to think the way you do.

By Blaney

December 19, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

Anyone seen Bernie Marcus swimming around in the fish tanks over at the aquarium? Hell, no. Bernie is also a smart business man like his former partner, but with two big differences: he is smart enough to know when to stay in background and let the pros do their jobs, and he his ego doesn’t overshadow his employees. (Not to mention, I’ve yet to see him looking like a stiff in a three-piece suit. Lighten up, Arthur)

By ICEMAN

December 19, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Johnson is the answer to the Falconic equation.

By Hasavior

December 19, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

Do you guys ever get tired of pointing the blame on just one player or staff on the Falcons? Some games are lost by players on a team and sometimes games are lost by coaching/play calling. Its a collective effort.

I think the reason why Lovie Smith was passed over because the chemistry was not there as far as the falcons were concerned. Lovie Smith, has great emphasis on defense. You have a multi-million dollar investment on offense with no emphasis on designing a playlist for a non-traditional quarterback. Mora, attends to the both sides of the ball evenly, therefore the peformance is evenly quilt, hence 7-7 record. Defenses will wins some games, offenses will win some games. There you have it. Either you need a defensive oriented head coach with a offensive guru, ex-head coach as the offensive co-ordinator or you need a offensive oriented head coach, with a defensive gur, ex-head coach as the defensive coordinator. Emphasis has to be placed somewhere to create an identity of the team. Most of the estblished high profile teams have an identity that is placed on the line every given sunday. The falcons need to inherit that.

By mo

December 19, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

ICEMAN,

You may have a point after all. We should focus on being accountable for our actions and stop trying find reasons to blame other people for our shortcomings. I’ll try to keep it bit more balanced buddy.

By blackfalcon

December 19, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

please people get off the Jimmy Johnson bandwagon. his time has come and gone. If you want to go back to an old school coach, might as well hire Jerry Glanville.

By ICEMAN

December 19, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

blackfalcon,

How about Marty Schotthenheimer, or however the hell you spell his name, or Bill Parcells. These are old school coaches that are having success. J.J would do the same.

By mo

December 19, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

First of all,

The previous comment to ICEMAN was not my comment.

My comment to ICEMAN is this:

I was not talking about people who say that Vick is not an accurate passer.

My comments, of course, was to those who say that Vick is too stupid to learn the offense. Or that he needs to be traded because he lacks “leadership ability”, or any other excuse to equate all losses as a Vick problem.

In other words, my comments were addressed to those who make critiques concerning based upon anything except what he actually did on the field of play.

Also, I made my comments based upon those who make up crazy comments that really didn’t happen, just to further a point… like when people say stuff like “Vick wasn’t an accurate passer against the Cowboys” or that “If we had some other QB, we would have won the game.”

What I am concerned about though, ICEMAN, is why you can’t see who I am truly addressing. I am concerned that you call my comments “Whining”, when all I did was address why the racists always turn the conversations about the team into a personal attack against Vick.

ICEMAN, you got me very concerned about how you always come to the aid of those racists. That is why I told you in previous posts not to address me. Most of the Falcons who are white that actually read my posts in context figured out that I was not addressing them. Why do you not know that?

By good coach

December 19, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

There is enough blame to go around for Blank, Mckay, players and coaches. I will have to say when you hire a person for a leadership position who is not a leader, this is what you get. it is like putting your teenage son head of the household, guess what will happen. Mora is not a head coach, the guy has been handed jobs left and right. he has never earned any coach position, never. I hope Blank will hire a proven coach with an extensive resume, regardless of race

By ICEMAN

December 19, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

mo,

My problem with you is that you personally attack every person that attacks Vick by calling them racist. That’s the problem I’m addressing. You just said it again in your response to me. You seem to think that the only reason to criticize Vick is because of the color of his skin. If someone criticizes him, you call them racist. That is not fair.

By mo

December 19, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

Now,

To make a bold statement about the Falcons, I can say this:

If the Falcons can get a healthy offensive line along with some depth at DBack, it’s a wrap!

The Falcons will go to the Super Bowl. Really. It’s that simple.

By Wayne

December 19, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Knapp and Mora should both go, just for losing to Cleveland and Detroit in consecutive weeks.

By chichi

December 19, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Schultz youre an idiot for this season Abe has been a disappointment yes but who knows whether or not he was a bad signing just yet along with Jimmy Williams how is he a bust you cant tell that within one season Hartwell he sucks

By Realistic Ricky

December 19, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Blank and McKay definitely share in the blame and the problems, but coaching is still the KEY ingredient to success in the NFL. The thing that frustrates me the most with the Falcons is that there never seems to be a real effort to CHANGE or CORRECT (or even RECOGNIZE)problem areas. On the other hand, look at what the Colts did on defense in the MNF game against the Bengals, who came in on a roll. It was obvious that the Colts coaches had done SOMETHING to CHANGE their defensive strategy for the Bengals game, and, obviously, the RESULTS also changed. How many of you HONESTLY believe that you will see a DIFFERENT pass rush strategy or pass coverage package in the secondary implemented against Carolina or Philadelphia? How many of you HONESTLY believe that you will see a DIFFERENT red zone offensive strategy or short yardage play calling package implemented against Carolina or Philadelphia? Sadly, I expect “business as usual” for the last two games of the season.

By Larry

December 19, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Mckay should also be taking heat for trading Bryan Scott. Sure, he wasn’t the best safety, but he was much better than Chris Crocker. Scott was bigger, faster and stronger than Crocker. Crocker has been worse than Hartwell.

Although Hartwell hasn’t made many big plays (when healthy), he is a presence and is much better at MLB than Brooking. Crocker, on the other, has done nothing. He consistently fails to provide any help deep (see the games against the Cowboys, Steelers, Lions, etc.). And he was run over by Marion Barber on Saturday. Crocker has been a complete failure.

By Bigfoot365

December 19, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

We HAD a great coach in Reeves, but then everyone wanted him fired also. He took the FALCONS to the Super Bowl for crying out loud! Did any of us long-suffering fans ever expect that to happen?

By mo

December 19, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

ICEMAN,

So that’s your impression. That’s sad when someone can call someone a Coon and a Thug, and you just see that as merely being critical of Vick. To call Vick as a player that only caters to Hip hoppers is merely being critical of Vick.

The fact that EVERY topic in this forum always becomes this personal attack on Vick and how he is too stupid and can NEVER be a good QB is just being critical of Vick.

You see why I have asked you to stop addressing me? Because you sound like an apologist, ICEMAN.

And I am personally so happy that you are offended by my posts that I can click the heels of my Jordans, because I know now that I have officially struck a nerve against racism.

By snotdawg

December 19, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

What is wrong with everyone?? The media keeps blaming only the coaches. What about that $130M running back they have as a QB? What’s wrong with that? A QB making $130M should not be at QB rating of 75, can’t blame the coaches for his p**-poor performance (oh yeah, I forgot that he just set the all-time rushing record for a QB, but then again, who the hell was that Douglass (sp?) guy anyway, who had the record before? Douglass spent 9 seasons in the NFL as QB and only threw for 6K yards and 36 TDs (once again, in 9 seasons), had a completion rate of 43%, and threw 64 Interceptions . He certainly would not have made it in the Hall without that one freak year where he set the rushing record. He sure was not a Starr, Unitas, Nameth, Montana, Elway, Aikman, Manning, Favre, etc. And Vick will never be either. He will be known (like Douglass) as a mediocre QB who could run well. But no, let’s blame it all on the coaches. No matter what coach you have for the falcons’, as long as Vick is a make believe QB, the Falcons will never be consistant winners.

By mo

December 19, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

See?

By Russ Brock

December 19, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

High-profile owners are ruining the games as much as the attention starving “look at me” athletes like T.O., Chad Johnson and the granddaddy of them all Dennis “Freak” Oddman. Nobody ever heard of Dan Rooney Sr. until Pittsburgh won a Super Bowl. He was a perfect gentleman, a rarity in the egomaniacal world of professional sports today. It seemed to start with Ted Turner and you know what they say runs downhill. Then came Steinbrenner and Eddie Debartello, Jerry Jones, Wayne Whosyamama of the Florida Marlins, whose 1997 whores won the World Series, and then he smoked his cigarette, paid off his sluts and sent them packing. Blank has more class but the same ravenous ego and desire to run the show as Georgie and JerryJ. Hence, Vick continues to struggle in a position he is plainly unqualified to play. You’ve got to have the mind and the psyche to play QB in the NFL and Vick has proven over the last half dozen years, he just ain’t got it. And never will. Alas, Blank is too arrogant to admit he was duped and paid $100 Million clams for a flaming (out)white elephant.

By Dave

December 19, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

I’ve tried to be a good boy and see if the Vick thing will work out. He is a magnificent athlete, blindingly fast and corners as if he’s on rails…but he’s not a “great” quarterback. He’s GOOD quarterback that sells tickets, but inconsistant, nonetheless. Atlanta mortgageded it’s future with the outlandish contract for Vick. Think of the other “great” quarterbacks. They weren’t necessarily incredible athletes. They managed the game, threw the ball well and played within themselves. Granted, Vick doesn’t have the supporting cast that a Montana, Marino, Elway or Brady had, but none of the forementioned could run a great 40, turn on a dime or dazzle with their feet. They played within themselves and relied on the line, receivers and RB’s to make plays on the finishing end of passes and handoffs. I really wish Vick would have worked out. Too often “freakish athletes” wind up being too good of an athlete to play quarterback. I’m sure there are exceptions, but this experiment seems to have failed. I don’t think that 50% of the NFL teams would trade their starting QB for Vick in a straight up trade. Let the screaming and cries of racism begin.

By bali

December 19, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

last two articles on the falcons have been right on target. mora is not the only one to blame for the falcon mess of a season. I thought when new ownership took over the falcons we would see pro football the way it is supposed to be played and managed.Seems like the same old song and dance. Thanks jeff for such insightful sports stories on the state of the falcons

By Realistic Ricky

December 19, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

Snotdawg..

Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Drew Brees could not win with this Falcons offense, and when they did have a good game, this defense would give the lead away in the fourth quarter. If you do not think coaching has something to do with that, you are dumber than your name suggests.

By Asvab

December 19, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Falcons are one of the most talented teams in the NFL. Based on raw talent, they should be well on their way to the Super Bowl. But the Falcons coaching staff has been ineffective at getting their talent to perform at their full potential. Consistent dropped passes by wide receivers, failed coverage by defensive backs, and an ineffective red zone attack (while the Falcons lead the NFL in rushing) are the red flags that point to the coaching staff.

But this season comes down to two games. Not the next two games against Carolina and Philadelphia (although wins there could put a little salve on the sting of a mediocre season), but the two games against Cleveland and Detroit. Wins in those games, against two sub-par teams, would put the Falcons at 9 wins, 5 losses, with two games to go. Their playoff bid, in the struggling NFC, would be sealed by now. Their only losses would have been to the Saints, Giants, Ravens, and Cowboys, all teams that at least have playoff chances.

In that scenario, the Falcons likely would have finished 10-6, not the now likely 8-8.

This team has to figure out a way to play solid for the whole of every game for the entirety of the season. They will never be Super Bowl-bound until they solve that puzzle.

By Dave

December 19, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

mo seems to be the “deflector of any criticism” for Vick. He’s the biggest racist in here. Facts are facts and results are results. No one is blaming Vick because he’s black (at least, I’m not). We’re blaming the Vick situation because we rely SO much on his ability to escape, dazzle and run for 200 yards instead of playing the position he prefesses….quarterback. It would make a difference if he were black, white, red or polka dotted, positions come with responsibilities and expectations. Vick is an incredible runner and an average passer. Look at the passer rating and then formulate your own opinion.

By This gets old

December 19, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

STOP FIGHTING WITH THE VICK HATERS!

Look this really started up last year and we who are actually fans of the Falcons perpetuate it. Yes, us!

If we just ignore that type of post then they’ll can only interact with each other. Look at some of the things that have been posted.

“The Falcons wouldn’t have won eight games last season if it wasn’t for the defense holding us up.

If the recievers hadn’t made such great catches we would have lost to the Redskins and Bucs.

Vick can never learn the West Coast offense. It’s too ‘complicated’ for him.”

You can’t argue with the logic because it’s not logical. It doesn’t matter to a lot of these guys if Vick wins or loses. I’ve lived in cities where fans hated their QB. I’ve never, ever seen a situation where a guy throws 4TDS (which Vick has done TWICE this season) and they still get on him.

It’s foolish because the haters will NEVER relent. They just hate Vick and no matter what he did or does in the future they will hate him. It’s true and you know it’s true. So stop fighting them.

The rest of us can just talk Falcon football.

By Georgian in CA

December 19, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

(Some great points were made by “This gets old”. I think he’s right. But I had already written this comment, so I’m sending it anyway.)

I’m so tired of everybody dumping on Vick. I get mad at him like everyone else when he doesn’t tuck the ball in. And I also don’t believe he’s Harvard material or the classiest act in football. But doggonit, the guy is a good quarterback and he’s a warrior. He’s got a better winning percentage than any quarterback we’ve ever had.

The year we beat Green Bay in the play-offs, that guy was an out and out miracle. I think all his tools are still there -his speed, his leadership and yes, even his accuracy.

He just needs an offense that isn’t as complicated as quantum physics and an offensive coordinator that isn’t well, who knows what’s wrong with Knapp. And for goodness sakes, get him some linemen and give him some time and room to make decisions.

Next year Mora will probably be gone and Knapp definitely will. Hopefully we’ll have a new offensive system that doesn’t take 3+ years to learn.

Then let’s see what happens.

By Desmond

December 19, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Dave

So you only look at passer ratings to see the effectiveness of a QB, right?

Man, you guys make me sick with all of this Vick hatred!

MO-

Keep doing your thing, man. Don’t even let “those” people get to you! Keep telling the TRUTH!

By SC

December 19, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Why is Jimmy Williams a bust? Please back up your assertion. Have you seen something in practice that we the public have not? All the fans have seen is that Williams has not played. To us, why he has not played is a mystery. Let me also suggest that if Jimmy is so questionable at corner, perhaps he should have played at safety. Chris Crocker doesn’t seem to be covering very well. The use of Jimmy Williams by the Falcons has been a bust.

By Mohamed

December 19, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

Great article, I am big fan. I hear that Jimmy Johnson is eaching to come back to coaching; He is the man to bring the falcons its first superbowl. Mr. Blank, make the move for JJ, he is a winner and excellent football coach. As for Jim Moron, you blew it man! You certainly left your mark in Atlanta; you will not be forgoten!

By jim

December 19, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

for all vick lovers out there…… i argue everyday with the people where i work…what i have learn the past 5 years doing this is that .the falcons could have vince lombardi as the coach T.O , JERRY RICE AND RANDY MOSS as the receivers and if for some reasons we had a losing season and missed the playoff ya’ll would come up with every reason the book to say that noooooooooooo its no vick. he’s got no support or whatever else you want to come up with.and no please dont fire mora and knapp cause who every gets the job will have there own OC and then i will have to hear that same bs about vicks got to learn the offence its going to take a while again. i will prove this to you.for all the people that i’m talking to(you know the ones that will go down in flames saying werenot in the playoffs again but we loooovvveee VICK.)you have always anwswered this question NO and always will……… would you trade mike vick ..for….. L. tomilson ,drew brees, and tim dwight…i rest my case

By Realistic Ricky

December 19, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Jim…

First of all, I am not a “Vick lover” as you described it. I was not so much defending Vick as I was “sharing the blame” with the coaching staff and defense. To answer your question: Yes, I would trade Vick for Tomlinson, Brees and Dwight without hesitation. Now, I have a question for you: If the Falcons and Patriots had traded entire coaching staffs ONLY for the 2006 season, which team would have the better record now? I rest my case.

By genius3

December 19, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

Stop calling all of the people on this blog vick haters. They are just telling the truth about what he can and cannot do on the football field. Yes, he is a great runner but he is not a great quarterback. He simply can’t do the tasks that are required to be an all-around leader on the field. Doesn’t matter if he is black or white; we just need someone who can win the critical games. Forget one great game, Green Bay. That was a long time ago and you can’t live off of that forever. We have lost games this year that we had no business losing; it is a disgrace. Vick is making 140m so he needs to take responsibility for the losses. Not Jim Moron, not Arthur Blank. Vick is the man where the buck stops. It is time to trade Vick, Jimmy Williams and Deangelo Hall. They are overpaid and all three are busts. The genius has spoken. Philadelphia 42 - Atlanta 16

By jim

December 19, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

OOOOhHH,

Here I go again…

jim, though, made some valid points, and he has a great argument. I have a rebuttal:

Would I trade mike vick for lt, drew brees and tim dwight NOW? Perhaps I would.

But let me tell you why it was a good trade at the time, though.

Vick was the lightning rod that sparked the Falcons into this sold-out, perennial playoff team that is always within the realm of competition. He was the one that brought the excitement to the game.

However, LT and Drew Brees are great players, too. I don’t know, though, if Drew Brees could have survived Dan Reeves’ system. Also, who knew what LT had? Also, we have good RBs and a good QB now. (I am still wanting Tim Dwight, though.)

Now, would I have traded LT, Drew Brees, and Tim Dwight for Mike Vick back then? Yes. (But if they are offering that trade now, I would pull the trigger.)

By Hasavior

December 19, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

Genuis,

That is a crappy statement you mentioned in regards to the Falcons QB. I used to like to blog, but a lot of people use blogging as a personal catharsis of their own inner issues. What has Vick not done that other QBs in the league do, besides catch his own ball he passes?

He is playing way way better than Eli, Chris Simms, Jake delhomme, and all the .500 club QBs. In my opinion the falcons would have the same type of success the Saints are having if his recievers were catching the ball!! Not hearing to much from cadillac and duece this year. the recievers are making play after play. That bring credibility to a Qb that you are not witnessing with the Falcons. In that sense makes it easier to pinpoint he’s not a leader or true Qb. That’s garbage. And anyone that says that don’t know the transgressions of football and how players and teams develop in that right.

If Jake Delhomme was such a the awsome leader Qb, where are they right now, why dont they have a 10-2 record. So there’s credibility to what you are saying unless you in the huddle with them, at practices, at coaches meetings. Since you and are not, stick to what you and I see on Tivo, and base our intelligence on that.

hopefully garbage statements like that will get less and less spoken

By Realistic Ricky

December 19, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

genius3…

Since you are no doubt the most intelligent person on this blog, please share some of your infinite wisdom with those of us less endowed by explaining how it was Vick’s responsibility for the Falcons losing to Dallas. I realize he only had a little more than 300 yards of total offense and four touchdown passes, but surely his poor performance was not the only reason they lost, was it? Please enlighten us and help us all understand the secrets of the NFL universe that only you have had access to so far.

By Hasavior

December 19, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

What? What crazyness are you guys talking about? Players are successful under the system that they are in. That system is designed to make plays, chunck yardarge type of system. those guys came into a sytem that were on the rise with solidarity among the O-line and coaching staff.

What are you guys talking about! What nonsense is this? Every team requires a franshise player to build around. Vick is a one of those players in the league that you franchise around. its a complement that you would have Vick and those two elite players, that is a testiment to Vick. But if management were to listen to you guys, they will be on your sofa as well on sunday afternoons. Yall crazy!!

By genius3

December 19, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Realistic Ricky—- Vick threw an ill-timed pass that landed in the hands of a defender and it was run in for a touchdown. Critical, dumb error and it cost momentum early in the game. Also, missed several opportunities to wide open receivers. Can’t see and can’t read defenses; but he is a great runner. Sometimes being realistic means denial and that is not a river in Egypt!! I can only enlighten the blog with a wee bit at a time because folks cannot understand my infinite wisdom all at once. The genius.

By nativefalcon

December 19, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

Great Article Jeff, I totally agree. Look at Mckays track record, first year pretty much Dan Reeves team they go to the NFCCG, 2nd year they slash Dan Reeves defense, Travis Hall, Juran Bolden, Ed jasper, Chris Draft, Matt Stewart. We go 8-8. This year they continue to slash, Brady Smith and this is pretty much Mckay and moras team and they SUCK. If Blank cleans house, he needs to start at the top with Mckay. I told people this at the begining of the season, and people said I was nuts, its a obvious fact. Mckay winning the Super Bowl in Tampa was a fluke. He deserves just as much blame.

By nativefalcon

December 19, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

Great Article Jeff, I totally agree. Look at Mckays track record, first year pretty much Dan Reeves team they go to the NFCCG, 2nd year they slash Dan Reeves defense, Travis Hall, Juran Bolden, Ed jasper, Chris Draft, Matt Stewart. We go 8-8. This year they continue to slash, Brady Smith and this is pretty much Mckay and moras team and they SUCK. If Blank cleans house, he needs to start at the top with Mckay. I told people this at the begining of the season, and people said I was nuts, its a obvious fact. Mckay winning the Super Bowl in Tampa was a fluke. He deserves just as much blame.

By nativefalcon

December 19, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

Great Article Jeff, I totally agree. Look at Mckays track record, first year pretty much Dan Reeves team they go to the NFCCG, 2nd year they slash Dan Reeves defense, Travis Hall, Juran Bolden, Ed jasper, Chris Draft, Matt Stewart. We go 8-8. This year they continue to slash, Brady Smith and this is pretty much Mckay and moras team and they SUCK. If Blank cleans house, he needs to start at the top with Mckay. I told people this at the begining of the season, and people said I was nuts, its a obvious fact. Mckay winning the Super Bowl in Tampa was a fluke. He deserves just as much blame.

By genius??? B**ch Please!

December 19, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

genius3, you are a fool.

DeMarcus Ware just made a great play. He timed his leap and the ball just stuck in his huge hands. Vick could have put a little more air under it, sure, but not every DE in the league is going to make that play. You are a fool, did I already say that?

How did Vick miss several wide open receivers? What game were you watching? Falcons WRs don’t get wide open, that’s the problem. OK, he overthrew Alge on that deep middle pass, but did you see those perfectly thrown balls into the endzone, or the ones to Roddy.

You are a fool. You are hated by all.

By keeping it real

December 19, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

we need a system that works! we have had so many nobody to coach this team but two! I love the falcons . But the fans are so tired of losing. The media gods look at the falcon as scum. First know the best football people. second hire the best. Who is out there to hire! What is the the best system for the falcons now and in the future! It’s past time. we the fans have invested big money in this team and our return is to low! Bring some body that will win Please! MR. Blank just take your time but get it right the best coaches and system for the player! 1966 to 2006 we have not been winners. This must change ,just the best!

By DOM

December 19, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

MCKAY MESSED THIS TEAM UP HE WANTED TO CALL THE PERSONELL SHOTS AND HE BLEW IT. HE DOSENT WANT JIMMY JOHNSON TO COACH HERE AND ASSUME MORE PERSONELL CONTROL. THAT WOULD EXPOSE MCKAY AS THE FRAUD WHO NEVER PLAYED THE DAMN GAME AT ANY LEVEL. NO MORE LAP DOG COACHES ARTHUR.

By Ken Strickland

December 20, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

GENIUS3, Vick threw 1INT and 4TD’s, which means he obviously read the DEF on the 4TD’s. Let’s analyze your assessment like a real GENIUS. If you complete 4TD passes and add 1INT, you would have a 4 out of 5 success rate. You don’t have to be a GENIUS to realize that computes to 80%. THE EVIDENCE SEEMS TO SHOW THAT YOU ARE THE ONE THAT CAN’T SEE, CAN’T READ AND YOU SURE AS HELL CAN’T COUNT. (4 out of 5=80%).

It really pleases me to know that MVick makes you, and people like you, as unconfortable as he makes opposing DEF’s. Remember, you don’t have to be a GENIUS to make a fool of yourself.