AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > December > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons should target Tech’s Johnson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
It isn’t too early for those among the enlightened in Flowery Branch to begin strategizing on how to do exactly what they must do. That is, when Calvin Johnson declares either now or later that he is ready to transfer his greatness from Georgia Tech to the NFL, the Falcons must do whatever it takes to make sure his football career never leaves Atlanta.
Never.
Never, never, never.
This easygoing kid from Tyrone is a keeper. In other words, the Falcons must pull another Michael Vick. Just as they worked with the San Diego Chargers to acquire that No. 1 pick to select an incomparable quarterback in the draft, the Falcons must finagle a way with the Oakland Raiders, the Detroit Lions or whoever finishes as the league’s worst team during this season or next to get an incomparable wide receiver.
The Falcons must do as much for so many reasons. For starters, they don’t have an incomparable wide receiver.
Should Johnson enter the upcoming draft after his junior season (he said he’ll decide after Tech plays in the Gator Bowl), the Falcons could get that incomparable wide receiver by offering, say, their No. 1 and 2 picks, along with The Great Matt Schaub, to quarterback-impaired Oakland or Detroit. In return, the Falcons would get Johnson’s striking physical gifts (4.4 speed, sure hands, impressive strength, 45-inch vertical jump) and splendid work ethic.
Not only that, given Johnson’s wonderful personality that has remained consistent from his all-everything days in high school through his earning the Fred Biletnikoff Award this season as the nation’s best wide receiver, he is somebody that you’d love to adopt as your son.
Finally, there is this: If Johnson is drafted by the Falcons someday, he wouldn’t exactly cringe. “I’d be ecstatic. You know?” he said, flashing his infectious grin the other day at Tech’s football complex. “It would be overwhelming, just realizing that I could stay here. It would be great to play in your hometown and to have your friends and relatives see you play. I’m sure every player dreams about that, and it’s something that I dream about.”
Get him. Otherwise, the Falcon Nation will have nightmares for letting the ultimate hometown guy get away.
Consider that Johnson wasn’t even interested in football until after his 13th birthday. In fact, if it weren’t for something that happened in 1998 with the Falcons, he might have put all of his considerable energy into Sandy Creek High’s chess club or something. What happened back then were the Dirty Birds. “I just remember everybody trying to do that dance with Jamal Anderson, and that’s when I first thought about getting involved [with football],” Johnson said. “The only thing I remember about the season was that the Falcons went to the Super Bowl and lost to the Denver Broncos.”
That’s in contrast to now, when Johnson remembers everything about a Falcons team that he studies religiously on television. He even fantasizes about catching passes from you know who. “Yeah, it crosses my mind about how it would be to play with Michael Vick. I’m thinking about that while I’m watching the defensive backs and seeing what they’re doing. Hey, [Vick] has a strong arm. He can put it anywhere.”
Johnson has proven that he can catch a pass from everywhere after spending three years with the erratic Reggie Ball. As a result, the Falcons would have a potent duo with Vick and Johnson. “Yeah. I think so,” said Johnson, with that grin again.
At worst, Johnson would become the Falcons’ offensive version of Keith Brooking, the prolific linebacker from Senoia, who played at Tech and has become one of the city’s most civic-minded athletes after spending all nine of his NFL years with the Falcons. At best, Johnson’s future with the Falcons would be bright enough to blind the sun.
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By The Professor
December 21, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t matter if we have Johnson or Jerry Rice if Vick doesn’t have time to throw to them. No more #1 draft picks on WR’s. Draft a big right tackle for the OL to protect Vick so he has time to actually throw to his receivers!
By dirrtybird
December 21, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
Draft another receiver and wait another 3 years until he develops? That’s just stupid.
By Lynne
December 21, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this
Thank you Professor!! Terrence,we need a Walter Jones type protecting our QB!
By Joe Schmoe
December 21, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
Develop? Have you been living in a cave the last 3 years? This guys is ready to go out of the box baby!
By JC
December 21, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this
Calvin would look good in Atlanta. The O-line could use an upgrade as well. I’m guessing Schaub and a number one would get it done for Calvin. At that point you could go O-line and D-line the rest of the draft. Stockpile 5-6 linemen. Just my two cents.
By Tmac
December 21, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
That’s not stupid. First of all, the locals would love it. None of the other receivers that we drafted #1 was considered the best comming out of college. Johnson will fight for the ball unlike the current group. However I do believe that we should unload Roddy White and whatever his name is Jennings, and keep Lelie and Jenkins for their experience. Vicks protection can only come from better Offensive play calling.
By dirrtybird
December 21, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
Yes. . develop. There is a huge difference between ACC football and NFL Football. Put down the Kool-Aid. The last thing the Falcons need to draft in the first round is another receiver.
By dirrtybird
December 21, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
Vick’s protection can come from lineman that weren’t drafted in the 5th-7th rounds. There’s no time for a route to develop even if we had a boss receiver.
By Dion
December 21, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
You morons, It’s not the O-line, its probably a little hard to block for a running back at the QB position, Vick just takes off without warning, sometimes he does well, but everybody keeps blaming the O-line, let’s just hope that Vick can’t go Sunday and the Future of Atlanta starts, Matt Schaub!!!!
By dirrtybird
December 21, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
Dion,
You’ll see that Schaub gets no pass protection either. If you can’t see the glaring deficiency’s in our pass protection then there isn’t much need for discussion at all. How many pro-bowl offensive lineman on the Falcons again?
By Tmac
December 21, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
Give it a rest already! Matt Schaub will never be the starter for the Atlanta Falcons. Shockley will start next year when vick gets his sceduled injury for 2007. With Shockley and Johnson, the Georgia Dome would be filled with the expectations of watching our two or three (if you count Brookings), local stars playing for our Atlanta Falcons every sunday. Money Makers for Author Blank.
By Gt fan
December 21, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
all these pple on here calling Johnson just another first round pick….are CRAZY!! he would demand a double team freeing up our other players. This guy is the next moss/t.o., without the attitude!! And yes…he would be a impact player from the start!! I doubt any team with that high a pick would give him up, but the falcons getting him would be the best move in the past couple of years!!
By surfrider
December 21, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this
Draft C.J. but before offering the two draft choices offer the two existing first round wr’s we have now. I would consider trading Vick to free up some capital to buy an offensive line or maybe Vick can take a 20 temp. pay cut to help the team shore up and then he can reclaim his salary in bonus money once the holes are filled. But it would be something to watch Vick and C.J. hook up. Tech barely utilized this guy. There is not telling what he can do in the NFL.
By JC
December 21, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
I think they’d have a good shot at using Schaub to move up. Think about it: considering Troy Smith’s size and Quinn’s poor play against good competition (even Tech!) which of these two would you rather have than a solid fourth-year pro? Any team that would want Quinn at the top 5 signing bonus vs. a comparatively reasonable Schaub is foolish.
By chris
December 21, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
Shockley starting in the dome? That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. He wasn’t even good enough to start more than one year at his college. The guy who was a head of him the entire time (greene…spelling?) hasn’t been heard from since he left. So if he played backup for a guy who is dropped off the map, what makes you think he can hang in an NFL division with defenses built to stop Vick? Shockley may have some moves, but not like Vick and he certainly can’t throw worth a #$@%! All of you UGA fans need to stop pushing your washed up players on the rest of us Atlanta fans.
By BirdDawg
December 21, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this
Terence, you are straight up retarded, as I have said many a time.
Draft another wideout?
And become Detroit South?
Yeah, genius, Mike Williams, Charles Johnson, and Roy Williams were can’t-miss wideouts coming out of college, too.
You are forgetting, Moore, you idiot simpleton, that in every big game Calvin Johnson has ever played in, he’s been shut out and shut down. Sometimes by inferior opponents. And as much as I love to heap more crap on Reggie No Balls, it wasn’t all his fault.
So Moore, you dumb@$$, the Falcons should draft another wideout who shrinks under the bright lights?
You are complete and utter idiot.
I’ve already laid out what the Falcons need to do, and anyone who knows anything about football would agree.
Let Minnesota or Houston sign Schaub, so we get their 1st and 3rd rounders.
Use those 2 1sts, 1 2nd, and 2 3rds to draft O-line, D-line, and Secondary.
Then use the 4th, 5th, and 6th rounders to draft more depth in that area.
If the Falcons want to really win and really compete, they need to actually draft some talent on the O-line to protect Vick, who when given some actual time, has proven to be just as accurate as any QB in the league.
And yes, you dumb ‘necks, the numbers bare that out.
So Moore, what else do you have to tell us that proves how much of a complete and utter imbecile you are?
By BirdDawg
December 21, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
Chris, you’re an idiot. Shockley will be an NFL QB someday.
Shockley was the best QB in the SEC in 2005, the most effecient, the most complete. He was the SEC MVP in the Championship Game.
He has the credentials. Unlike your boy Reggie No Balls.
And unlike your boy Reggie No Balls, DJ actually cracked a book or two in college (textbook and playbook) and graduated.
So sell your bitterness somewhere else, Chris, you Bug Punk.
By Marty Marl
December 21, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
Johnson will make an impact for us, like Moss did for the Vikings in ‘98. Matt, gotta go, with one NFL start., & second team pre-season heroics. After we acquire Johnson, everyone is happy, Blank ($), Vick, & Jimmy Johnson..
By Covington,Ga
December 21, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
This would be a great pick….People like johnson dont come around every year….1st we need to fire Mora & his staff and then work on getting johnson.
By Rutuger
December 21, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
The people who would even flirt with the notion that for one solitary fleeting moment the likes of Jenkins and Roddy could be compared to a polished dominating player the calibur of Calvin Johnson need a thorough examination of their mental health.
By BirdDumbassDawg
December 21, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this
The only thing Shockley’s ever gonna hold in the NFL is a clipboard.
By Rutuger
December 21, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
And here’s a shocking footnote—the same people who blindly lump Calvin Johnson in with ordinary and mediocre talent are the same ones assuring everone that Shockley is a sure-fire HOFer (just like David Greene, right?)…
Here’s a reasonable objective viewpoint echoed by the rest of the English speaking world: Johnson is a rare find who aleady has proven—and alongside a QB the lowly likes of Ball, no less—that he has the size, athleticism, and ability to excel in the NFL. DJ Shockley is a career backup. It’s not a Tech-GA issue, it’s a football common sense issue.
Class dismissed!
By BirdDawg
December 22, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
I’m hating on CJ because I’m a UGA fan and I don’t like Georgia Tech. There is no logic inside my little dog sized brain. When nobody is looking I like to pull out my pics of burly football players and fantasize about what it would be like to become their gimpy love slave….drool
By dirrtybird
December 22, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this
Wide Receivers take 3 years to develop. I don’t care how good you are in college. Sure, you can point to guys like Marques Colston but there are 15 receivers to every one of those that takes 3 years to develop. For the Falcons to draft another receiver, and trade up to get him no less, would be foolish. This team needs much more than one player, and we need to be working on getting MORE draft picks instead of trading ours away for one player, regardless of how talented he is. The Falcons are not in that position. Period.
By Pro Bowl Calvin
December 22, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
BirdDawg, you are obviously another dumbass ugag fan that knows nothing about talent. what an idiot! Calvin Johnson is the best pro prospect in the nation, PERIOD!!! While Quinn and others may get more hype because of their team or reputation, CJ has more pro potential and the stature than anyone else in the draft. Get off your bulldog high horse and realize that this guy’s a playmaker and gamechanger. And yes, in the big games in which the teams had good defenses that could baffle Reggie, Calvin did not see the ball, much less have few opportunities to catch it. I love how everyone talks about certain games in which Calvin was “shut down”…what crap. This guy cannot be shut down in college and I highly doubt things will change in the NFL. Calvin Johnson to the Falcons…please!!!
By FalcoonFan2006
December 22, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
You the man BirdDawg! I’m glad someone can see that it is not a good idea to pick WRs in the first round EVERY year! And the 1st pick overall?! Trading a 1st, 2nd and Schaub? How about waiting for someone to sign Schaub and getting a 1st and 3rd in addition to what we have?! WRs transfer from college to Pro is a crapshoot most every time anyway. Lets look at all of the WR taken in the top 7 picks since 2000: Peter Warrick, David Terrell, Koren Robinson, Charles Rogers, Andre Johnson, Braylon Edwards, Larry Fitgerald (the only one worthy of the pick). Just look around the league at the top WRs now. How many of them were picked in the first round? T.O. (3rd round), Colsten (7th Round), Steve Smith (3rd round), Chad Johnson (2nd round)… Also, it is much easier to get the ball to the WRs when you have PROTECTION! Point blank - WE HAVE TO DRAFT AN O-LINE!
And for those who can’t get off Matt Schaub’s jock, remember Doug Johnson? I remember these same arguments for Johnson years back before Vick got hurt and we got to see what he could do in the regular season. You cannot get a true glimpse into a QBs future off pre-season and a few “mop-up” duties. The preseason in the NFL is a joke. Late round picks and free-agents make up the defense and they play VERY basic fronts and coverages. I’m not saying that Schaub isn’t going to be a very good QB in the future, I’m just not ready to put him into the Hall of Fame yet like some of you people!
By FalcoonFan2006
December 22, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this
I’m glad someone else realizes that it’s not a good idea to pick WRs in the first round EVERY YEAR! And first pick overall?! Trading a 1st pick, 2nd pick, and Schaub for him?! Why don’t we just pull a Vikings with Walker or Saints with Williams?! Great idea! How about this, wait for someone else to sign Shaub, get their 1st and 3rd round picks as compensation, add those picks to the ones we have, and draft DEPTH and a couple OL!
WRs transfer into the NFL is crapshoot anyway. Let’s look at all of the WRs taken in the first 7 picks since 2000: Peter Warrick, David Terrell, Koren Robinson, Charles Rogers, Andre Johnson, Bralen Edwards, Larry Fitxgerald (the only one worth the pick). CJ has been compared to more than one of these guys. Now look at some of the top WRs in the game today: TO (3rd round), Steve Smith (3rd round), Colston (7th round), Chad Johnson (2nd round). Bottom line is, WRs, QBs and RBs all benefit from a strong OL, which we do not have. I played QB all of my life, and actually threw to T.O. for a year, and I would rather have a lights-out Offensive Line than a lights-out WR any day. You can’t complete passes on your back or running for your life!
And for those that cannot get off Matt Schaub… remember Doug Johnson? This is the same scenario we watched play out years ago. A QB performs well in preseason against defensive players that never made the team and BASIC defensive fronts, blitzes and coverages. Everyone called for Johnson and, when he got his chance, he SILENCED the critics! I’m not saying Schaub is the next Doug Johnson by any means. He will most likely have a long and successful career. I’m just not ready to put him into the Hall of Fame quite yet.
By FalcoonFan2006
December 22, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this
I’m glad someone else realizes that it’s not a good idea to pick WRs in the first round EVERY YEAR! And first pick overall?! Trading a 1st pick, 2nd pick, and Schaub for him?! Why don’t we just pull a Vikings with Walker or Saints with Williams?! Great idea! How about this, wait for someone else to sign Shaub, get their 1st and 3rd round picks as compensation, add those picks to the ones we have, and draft DEPTH and a couple OL!
WRs transfer into the NFL is crapshoot anyway. Let’s look at all of the WRs taken in the first 7 picks since 2000: Peter Warrick, David Terrell, Koren Robinson, Charles Rogers, Andre Johnson, Bralen Edwards, Larry Fitxgerald (the only one worth the pick). CJ has been compared to more than one of these guys. Now look at some of the top WRs in the game today: TO (3rd round), Steve Smith (3rd round), Colston (7th round), Chad Johnson (2nd round). Bottom line is, WRs, QBs and RBs all benefit from a strong OL, which we do not have. I played QB all of my life, and actually threw to T.O. for a year, and I would rather have a lights-out Offensive Line than a lights-out WR any day. You can’t complete passes on your back or running for your life!
And for those that cannot get off Matt Schaub… remember Doug Johnson? This is the same scenario we watched play out years ago. A QB performs well in preseason against defensive players that never made the team and BASIC defensive fronts, blitzes and coverages. Everyone called for Johnson and, when he got his chance, he SILENCED the critics! I’m not saying Schaub is the next Doug Johnson by any means. He will most likely have a long and successful career. I’m just not ready to put him into the Hall of Fame quite yet.
By keith in W.R.
December 22, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this
Tmac, are you an idiot? 2 local stars (3 if you count Brookings). 1st of all it is Brooking and he is a multi-season Pro-Bowl Linebacker. And he has laid it all out on the field both in college and with the Falcons. DJ Shockley has yet to do anything of note in a Falcons uniform. Sure, he had a great Senior season at Georgia but I really do not see him being more than a 3rd string QB in the pros. He was not any better than Bryan Randall. You’re right though having DJ is a draw for the locals.
By Boo-yeah, Boo-no
December 22, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this
They need a complete RB too. Just think if the Birds had someone like Marion Barber. All we have is a midget and Mr. Birdlegs who will always be susceptible to leg injuries.
By are you kidding me?
December 22, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this
you can’t be serious about trading two picks and a qb for a Wide receiver draft pick. That would be the worst GM move ever which would surely send McKay out the door. Receivers drafted in the first round hardly ever live up to the hype (see mike williams, charles rogers, roddy white, and the list goes on and on) and most teams are hesitant to take a receiver in the top 5. there is no way the falcons should trade up and waste all those picks that could be used for depth or new OL and SS.
By Random
December 22, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this
Falcons should trade up to get Heisman runner-up Reggie Ball in the first round. With Schaub potentially leaving, it would be a smart move to get a solid backup for Vick since Shockley is likely to be cut. After all, it was Reggie Ball that made Calvin Johnson look so good this year.
By Random
December 22, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this
Falcons should trade up in the draft to pick up Heisman runner-up Reggie Ball in the first round. With Schaub potentially leaving, it would be a wise move to draft a dependable backup QB since Shockley is likely to be cut this offseason.
By Steve
December 22, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this
Never take a WR in the first round because there are more bust than any other position.
By Jay
December 22, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this
Yet another column from Moore that says “(insert atl franchise) needs to aquire (insert player that Moore has a crush on). Anything else would be stupid”.
Yes, lets get yet another rookie receiver and trade away our top two picks that could help us on more pressing needs…say our secondary and offensive line. And thats assuming you know what pick Johnson is going. Considering they are saying he could anywhere from 1 to 3, thats a big risk to tradew for someone that might not be there.
Seriously though, it gets old for Moore to constantly try to impose his will on atlanta teams. Like when he tried to get the Braves to get Griffey (which would have been a diaster) or reaquire Jordan (boy, that sure worked out well).
By Shawn
December 22, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this
Not that I think Shockley is going to the Hall of Fame, but it’s a bit silly to look at his college stats and playing time and make a call on his pro ability….
What did Tom Brady do in college? Oh yeah, not much… But he plays pretty well on Sundays…
By Brad
December 22, 2006 02:51 AM | Link to this
Throw in Vick to get Johnson. Get Johnson and something else in return and then you have Schabb who can hit Johnson all day for the next 10 years.
By e.b.
December 22, 2006 03:08 AM | Link to this
Yeh, methinks it would be wise to get some O-Linemen, much the way the Vikingsgot Birk 7 Hutchinson. Vick needs big bodies blocking for him.
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 22, 2006 03:10 AM | Link to this
How about first hiring a coaching staff that can develop the three talented first-round WRs we already have, before going after another WR in the first round?
Calvin is a phenomenal player and will have a very successful NFL career. But rookie WRs have arguably the steepest learning curve, other than rookie QBs, in the NFL. Randy Moss is the only rookie receiver who came into the league and made the Pro Bowl immediately. Despite Calvin’s amazing talents, he has shown that he can be shut down by college defenses too — I know his QB sucked, but that doesn’t excuse dropping 2 balls against UGA.
Bottom line is, without proper pass protection for Vick and without proper coaching, we can draft all the Calvin Johnsons we want and it still won’t improve our offense. Hire a WRs coach who was actually a WR at some point in the NFL, and hire an offensive coordinator who will install a system that allows Vick and his receivers to get into a passing rhythm, increasing the efficiency of the passing game.
**Elite NFL teams spend high draft picks and big money on offensive linemen.
The Patriots are starting a lineman they picked in the 1st round in 2005;
the Colts are starting a Pro Bowl lineman they picked in the first round in 1997;
the Chargers are starting a lineman they picked in the first round in 2006;
the Eagles are starting 2 linemen (one Pro Bowl) they picked in the first round in 1998 and 2004;
the Steelers are starting 2 linemen (one Pro Bowl) they picked in the first round in 1998 and 2002;
the Bears paid an enormous free-agent contract to a starting lineman who was drafted in the first round in 1999;
the Panthers are starting a lineman who was drafted in the first round in 2003.
These are all teams that are either currently among the league’s elite, or have recently enjoyed a string of success in the NFL. All these offenses have enjoyed consistency as long as their O-lines have been healthy, and many of these offenses have made young or mediocre QBs (Delhomme, Rivers, Roethlisberger, Garcia) look exceptional.
The last time Atlanta drafted an offensive lineman in the first round was Bob Whitfield in 1994. I have given Rich McKay the benefit of the doubt up to this point, because he has mostly acquired talented players for this team that the coaching staff was unable to develop. But if the Falcons don’t draft an offensive lineman in the first round this year, I will be calling for McKay’s head. There is no excuse for investing $130 million in a quarterback and not spending the necessary draft picks to protect that investment.**
By alabama crabdangle
December 22, 2006 03:24 AM | Link to this
you got to be joking terence, another reciever? i would take my chances on signing a dependable veteran reciever in the off season. calvin johnson would be nice but he is not the answer for the offensive problems. its more than likely that matt schaub is gone in the off season but at least we will get compensation for him (1st and 3rd) round draft picks. i would definitely draft a top OL first, cut ed hartwell and his salary and draft a complete middle linebacker. also i would get some secondary help as well. there you have it terence! we need OL LB AND DB’S from the draft and free agency. randy moss, reggie wayne, anquan boldin, we need a big game reciever in the offseason. did i mention a new set of coodinators too?
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 22, 2006 03:28 AM | Link to this
BirdDawg, if you really think Calvin Johnson won’t be a multiple-Pro Bowl NFL wide receiver, you need to reconsider who you are calling an idiot. Put the red-and-black kibble-flavored Kool-Aid down and back away from it slowly. Believe it or not, it is possible to look at potential NFL players without wearing school-colored lenses. I’m a Tech fan and I think DJ Shockley will have a successful career in the NFL if he is given a chance and put in the right system. NFL scouts who are paid to analyze these things pretty much unanimously agree that Calvin Johnson is Randy Moss minus the crazy. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone but the most die-hard UGA fan who doesn’t agree.
The reason why Atlanta shouldn’t try to draft Calvin is because a) they are in desperate need of a first-round offensive lineman as I mentioned earlier, and b) Rich McKay’s track record trading first-round picks hasn’t exactly been stellar. To trade up from the Falcons’ draft position (probably going to be between 15 and 20) up to the top 3 slot it would take to draft Calvin would require giving up our own first-rounder, probably a couple of other picks, and/or Matt Schaub (who, contrary to certain opinions, is not a “fraud” and has a very good chance of being a successful NFL QB). Considering that we already have three talented WRs who are only in need of some serious coaching, and that we have other gaping holes on this team that need addressing, that trade is not worth it from the Falcons’ perspective.
And if any other reasons are necessary, this draft is fairly deep when it comes to WRs. Jeff Samardzija, Dwayne Jarrett, Sidney Rice, and Jarett Dillard have also been mentioned as possible first-round wideouts in 2007. So if the Falcons’ brass brain-farts around mid-April and decides they have to draft another WR, there are many other options to choose from without having to trade the farm to move up.
But as pretty much any objective observer can see, it would take a monumental coaching-staff screw-up or a career-ending injury to keep Calvin from reaching Hawaii multiple times. Just because it’s not in the Falcons’ best interest to trade up for him doesn’t mean he won’t be a great NFL player. Please try to retain some objectivity, Mr. Dawg.
By RC
December 22, 2006 05:07 AM | Link to this
Moore,
Couldn’t agree ‘more’ with you….get Johnson, even if it means letting Schaub go be the NFL star he will eventually be anyway……Moore you really are a smarta#$ when it comes to Schaub……I’d venture to bet that if some of the other (race) reporters said the same kind of stuff the PC mafia would run’um out of town. But overall I’m with you, trade Schaub to get Johnson, he’ll be big-time in the NFL if he keeps himself humble and thankful……..
By Archie
December 22, 2006 05:56 AM | Link to this
Calvin Johnson is better than TO right now! He is bigger, faster, and drops fewer balls. Anyone who can catch a pass from Reggie Ball is good, but someone who can catch passes from Reggie Ball and go on to be an All-American is the greatest WR in the world. (Emphasis on period) He is worth trading anyone on the Falcoms to get. OL come and go every year, there is only one Calvin.
By Retnav
December 22, 2006 06:41 AM | Link to this
This may be a stupid question but is’nt Schaub a free agent this year. And if he is what is this talk about trading him. Shoot he and his agent will be talking to the Bears at the end of this season. I agree with alot of the bloggers we need to upgrade our O line. Maybe Vick would’nt have to run so much if he could get a pocket to stand in. We need some big dudes up front.
By Dictator
December 22, 2006 06:59 AM | Link to this
you all downing this move are RETARDED. CJ is ready right now, not a developemental player. Detroit South? UHH NOOOO, both Roddy and Jenkins were late first rounders while Detroit blew top 10 picks on WR’s. Get it right SAP
By DHD
December 22, 2006 07:05 AM | Link to this
I don’t care if we have drafted WRs for the last 20 years, we don’t have one who can catch the ball.
Schaub would have to be signed and traded since he will be a FA at the end of the year.
Why not trade Vick/one of the WRs to Oakland for their first 2 picks and an OL or 2?
I’m not a lover or hater of Vick, I am a Falcons fan and want the team to win regardless of who is on the field.
By doc
December 22, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this
though i am a fan of michael vick i am an even bigger fan of this kid johnson and i think after his time with ball he deserves to play with a quarterback that is the prototype qb rather than the type of qb vick is. let him play with the qb that can bring out his best talents for once so he can make it into the hall of fame rather than be relegated to a role player in a mora, knapp and vick designed offense. let him play for manning, brady or the next generation of that type of qb, please, so i can really enjoy how good he really is. terence why would you wish that offense on this kid!
By CQ
December 22, 2006 07:24 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, the falcons cannot draft another receiver at #1. We dont know if C. Johnson is going to be a great NFL receiver. Their have been too many receivers drafted in round 1 by alot of teams that are busts or average.
The Falcons need to spend their first 2 picks on Offensive line then find a free safty.
Receiver in the NFL is not the same as in college. In college Johnson has size advantage and can dominate. Hes not going to be dominating NFL corners like Champ Bailey.
The best receivers are found from the mid First round of the draft on down. Ex. Jerry Rice, Terell Owens, Marvin Harrison, Chad Johnson
By CQ
December 22, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
Also, the Falcons need to draft another Tight End because the hits are starting to wear on Crumpler and hes getting older. No wide Receiver!!!!!!!!
By Moore's an idiot
December 22, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this
HOW STUPID IS MOORE?!?!
I like Johnson, I’d like the Falcons to get him. BUT - he wants to trade two draft picks and Schaub. Terence, as a “so-called” sports reporter, you’re supposed to know: Schaub’s contract expires at the end of this season. We won’t have his rights to trade for Johnson. DUH. Hello? Anybody home?
By Moore's an idiot
December 22, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this
HOW STUPID IS MOORE?!?!
I like Johnson, I’d like the Falcons to get him. BUT - he wants to trade two draft picks and Schaub. Terence, as a “so-called” sports reporter, you’re supposed to know: Schaub’s contract expires at the end of this season. We won’t have his rights to trade for Johnson. DUH. Hello? Anybody home?
By robert hughes
December 22, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
Terrence, You have failed to notice the winning program in the state. That is where the Falcons need to get there players from. You want to pack the house, put some dawgs in the falcon’s jerseys more than once every twenty years.
The last thing we need is another nerd who can’t step up in the big games. I believe he caught 4-5 passes against the dawgs in the last 2 years and I do not think you have mentioned drafting the guys who shut him down those years, Demario Minter or Paul Oliver. We need “winners”, not “whinners”. You think the NFL cornerbacks he is going to face aren’t going to be better than them?
The last thing we need is the next Mike Williams and I quote Mel Kiper, “He’s far and away the best playmaker in the draft”.
We need stud SEC linemen so we can get a 1st down at crunch time, not a nerd who is afraid to cross the middle.
By I wanna be a Falcon.....
December 22, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
Reggie Ball here…..Falcons please draft me! If you don’t and you need some help, I’ll be working right down the street at the Varsity.
By GUPPY
December 22, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this
The Falcons do not have a quarterback capable of gettting the ball to Calvin!. Sorry you missed out on the Playoffs again, you sorry coons!
By NoDawgsHere
December 22, 2006 08:01 AM | Link to this
Calvin Johnson is going to make it BIG in the NFL. I for one, hope he does not go to the Falcons. Eh! Houston we have a problem. If he comes to Atlanta, he will have the same issues he had at GT (A below average QB). Vick is talented, but not for a QB. Ball is talented, for not for a QB. If CJ is smart he’ll avoid Atlanta, like the plague. I would like to see Farve throw his some passes. 2 years from now. Please give GT another year!!!
By TGram65
December 22, 2006 08:01 AM | Link to this
Terence, Usually, you are right on target, but I have to disagree with you here. The falcons’ most glaring needs are on defense, then the offesnsive line. Sur, Johnson will be a star, but wide receiver is one of the most difficult- to- project positions. Who knows for sure how great he’ll be? The current receiver situation may not be as bad as it seems. Last week, even Roddy White made a great catch. What the Falcons need most of all is a safety who can make someone like T.O. spray snot all over his uniform when he’s hit crossing the middle. The secondary sucks, and Atlanta needs to start fixing that first. Then they should get a couple of normal-sized linemen who can pass block worth a damn.with
By Steve
December 22, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this
If Atlanta gets Calvin Johnson it will be a repeat of his days at Tech, but instead of Reggie Ball, he will have his NFL version Michael Vick.
By Charles
December 22, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this
I think some of you are just plain stubborn and foolish. CJ is a one of a kind and if the FALCONS could get him. THEY (FALCONS) need to do so. SHAUB would be good bait along with Roddy, Ashley or even Michael. It really does not matter which one. If they want a first and second round pick go for it. Vick is the QB for now and the future. GET OVER IT. A dynamic football player like CJ. WOW!!! That is something to behold.
Go Dirty Birds!!!!!
By These coaches suck.....
December 22, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this
Fire Mora and his staff…..bring back June Jones and Jerry Glanville!
By Joshua Barlowe
December 22, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
You would think Calvin has had enough of playing with a short QB who can run, has a strong arm and no accuracy.
It would seem he’d want to stay away from Vick.
By Greg
December 22, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this
I agree with Moore, the Falcons should target Johnson. But Johnson, needs a traditional QB throwing to him like Schaub. I would be more inclined to trade Vick. I know Vick’s contract would be an issue, but considering how desperate Al Davis is for a winner, plus the marketing ability of having #7 in the black and silver, he would feel like it would be a great investment. Who knows we might could get an additional player out of it too.
By CJ2
December 22, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this
ITS THE DEFENSE, STUPID.
By keeping it real
December 22, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this
we need lineman on both sides of the ball big lineman. a scheme change Alix Gibb small lineman system must go . We have drafted reciver and it has not worked. We need DB’b and huge lineman with speed on both sides of the ball. But most of all some teaching coaching coaches .who is out there that can do this? Get Deion for DB coach , Warren Moon for oc.
By james
December 22, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this
I agree 100%. Oakland and Detroit are hungry for a quarterback of the skillset of Matt Schaub. CJ would also be an excellent fit and the T.O. style receiver that Mike Vick has always needed. Could you please run the Falcons 2007 draft, Terrance?
By CT
December 22, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
I don’t disagree with trying to go to great lengths to get Calvin Johnson, but I do disagree with how you suggest the Falcons do so. They need to ship Vick to Oakland or Detroit, keep Schaub, and get Calvin with the first or second pick of the draft. Having a sure-handed receiver does you no good if your quarterback doesn’t show any consistency in his ability to hit targets.
If you don’t agree, just ask Bob H., he’ll tell you. Although, he also thinks Peyton Manning is the best quarterback (all-time) and that he is about to win his first of many super bowl rings this year. He also thinks Kobe Bryant is the best NBA player in history. So, you have to take what he says with a grain of salt.
By Falconfire
December 22, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
I love the idea of Vick to Johnson but I also loved the idea of Vick to White. Granted, one of these first round wr’s have got to work out, it just hurts to think about another first round wr pick. Johnson has the physical attributes that we need from a wr and I would back them on drafting him no 1, but our track record with first round wr’s has sucked. I think that a trade for a bad a* proven wr might be in our best interest.
By xticket holder
December 22, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
If we go after CJ it needs to be in conjunction with the trade of Mike Vick. He is nto an NFL Quarter back and never will be. Enough of the Super Stars. Get some good players and Schuab will get us to the Stupid Bowl.
By JP
December 22, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this
It wouldn’t be a bad choice but its not going to happen. Not only because he won’t be around for the falcons to pick him, I don’t think the falcons are going to risk another #1 on a WR.
By GaNoleMan
December 22, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this
For once I actually agree with Mr. Moore. Calvin is a different breed. BRING HIM HOME MCKAY! If we dont we will sit around and marvel at Calvin work wonders for someone like Oakland, or even worse the Bucs.
I can see it now, Calvin catching 12 catches 165 yards 3TDs against the Falcons.
By Ernesto
December 22, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
I would love this,and like most true fans of the Falcons and Jackets,I think that it would be a marketing coup!Trade off some of that other stuff that does not and has not worked.Get some O and D Lineman with some weight on them and this thing might work,and Santa please bring me a mature,creative coaching staff,and Santa bring me a Falcons’ jersey with C.Johnson on the back,DOS-UNO!!!!!!!
By birdpimp
December 22, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this
Terrence has some of it right…I’d definitely love to see the kid stay in ATL and play for the Falcons, but he should leave the deal making to the pros…afterall, Mr. Moore is not a GM but a sportswriter and every one of them has great hindsight….Also, he ought to quit taking shots at the backup QB for the birds as he can’t help it he’s not black.
By Southern Steeler
December 22, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
When are you homers finally going to wake up and realize the WR spot isn’t the Falcons problem? In the infamous words of one, “It’s the QB stupid”! For the most part anyhow. Mixed with that is poor coaching from the top down. Mora is a good man and loves the game of football… no question. However, he’s immature and lacks “real” leadership presence. Which is one of the reasons he comes across as not getting the respect of his players. My guess is Mora is best suited for a “Coordinator” type of role with a team. He’ll probably be very good at it considering his passion.
Back to Vick:
I’m not a Vick basher by any stretch of the imagination, I actually love watching what he can do when he runs and think he’s one heck of an athlete. NOTICE I DIDN’T SAY QB?
Folks, if you haven’t guessed it by now, Vick is the modern day Kordell Stewart (and yes I know a thing or two about these types). Sure he can put a good game or two together now and then, but that’s it! He lacks consistency in the role and still has not proven to be a good decision maker in the pocket. Its actually a shame to see a talent like Matt Schaub wasting away on the bench. The kid could be out having a great career as a starting NFL QB.
Oh well, I guess there will always be those in Atlanta that refuse to believe this about Vick because hes a cult hero to the inter-city minorities and sole reason for them to support the Falcons. However, Blank needs to rise above the idea that a good franchise is more than one man that is heavily marketed as a superstar only to sell his game jersey.
By Bob H.
December 22, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
As the Bob H. that CT is refering to, I have to think that he has lost his mind. Vick can put the ball where he wants it, he just needs someone who can catch the ball on a regular basis. Kobe is garbage and will someone please tell me when any Manning has ever won any big game. Super Bowl? Not in any Manning future!!!
By Ball4Life!!!
December 22, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
Falcons should trade up in the draft to take Heisman runner-up Reggie Ball in the first round. We have already used number one picks on WRs and with Schaub probably leaving and Shockley likely to be cut in the offseason, it would be a smart move to draft a proven backup.
By Southern Steeler
December 22, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
When are you homers finally going to wake up and realize the WR spot isn’t the Falcons problem? In the infamous words of one, “It’s the QB stupid”! For the most part anyhow. Mixed with that is poor coaching from the top down. Mora is a good man and loves the game of football… no question. However, he’s immature and lacks “real” leadership presence. Which is one of the reasons he comes across as not getting the respect of his players. My guess is Mora is best suited for a “Coordinator” type of role with a team. He’ll probably be very good at it considering his passion.
Back to Vick:
I’m not a Vick basher by any stretch of the imagination, I actually love watching what he can do when he runs and think he’s one heck of an athlete. NOTICE I DIDN’T SAY QB?
Folks, if you haven’t guessed it by now, Vick is the modern day Kordell Stewart (and yes I know a thing or two about these types). Sure he can put a good game or two together now and then, but that’s it! He lacks consistency in the role and still has not proven to be a good decision maker in the pocket. Its actually a shame to see a talent like Matt Schaub wasting away on the bench. The kid could be out having a great career as a starting NFL QB.
Oh well, I guess there will always be those in Atlanta that refuse to believe this about Vick because hes a cult hero to the inter-city minorities and sole reason for them to support the Falcons. However, Blank needs to rise above the idea that a good franchise is more than one man that is heavily marketed as a superstar only to sell his game jersey.
By jokurone
December 22, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
we need some big fat a—ed linemen to protect Vick so he can throw to the 1st round WR’s we already have. why draft another when you can’t get the ball to the one’s you already have. it is time for Atlanta to stop with the marquee names out of college and get the real players frome the trenches who really make the difference.
By Tmac
December 22, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
Schaub will be in Tampa Bay next year. The new Falcons Head Coach will come and clean house of the over 30 year old players. Michael Vick will STILL be the QB and since we cannot afford to pay first round pic money, we will trade it along with other vets for multiple late round picks. That is what my crystal ball predicts(:
By mike
December 22, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
I think we should go after Moss. Trade Oakland Schaub staright up and build the offensive line. Also, get some QUALITY cornerbacks! Jimmy Williams and Deangelo Hall are more style than substance and it really irritates the hell outta me when Hall jums up and down pounding his chest after simply knocking a ba ll wa Get a new Offensive coordinator and keep working on the things we do well. I for one am sick of waiting on WR’s to develop! Our main problem is talent evaluation..how can we justify not drafting marques colston(saints) or a Devery Henderson??? Management needs to be fired and replaced!
By Rob
December 22, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this
Trade Vick and keep Schaub! Vick, while he still has value, will get you the O-Line & Def help they need, AND a #1 WR for Schaub to throw to. Jenkins, White and Lelie are all #2 or 3’s. Offense is ranked 11th, improvable but acceptable. Defense is 25th, this is where the most help is needed. No more VT players, either!!
By Hawg
December 22, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this
Calvin Johnson would be a nice pick up. But we would have to give a lot more to get him. Schaub is a good back up, and god forbid, Vick go down, do you really want Shockley to come in, Mr. One good Year at UGA.
Moore needs to stop bashing Schaub, it seems all he writes about is how bad the Falcons are, he probably doesn’t even understand Tampa Two Defense.
And please for the life of me stop talking about how bad the offensive line is. Bad move to let Shaeffer go, and get Wayne Gandy. Gandy is decent but old. We need a new tackle. They have been injured lost Lehr to Roids for four games. Oh and you try and block for vick who is always scrambling around. The reason there is pressure is becasue defensive coaches blitz and use QB contain on Vick. Oh and by the way, lead the league in rushing for the past three years, and will have two 1,000 yard rushers for the Fourth time ever. I think the oline is not the problem. Biggest Pro Bowl snub, screw tom brady, the Falcons O Line.
By Dave
December 22, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this
You are almost correct, but I would try tom trade Vick for a number one. I say try, because I am not sure anyone else in the NFL would give up a number one for Vicks ability and salary. I don’t know whether or not Schaub can do the job, but I do know that Vick can’t.
By Matt
December 22, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this
Please. Who cares if the Falcons have “an uncomparable receiver.” If the quarterback can’t throw to him, what’s the point. They should fire Mora and trade Vick.
By Mooron
December 22, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this
Great idea, Teri Moore. Give up way too much, for too little in return. I love the thought of having Calvin on the Falcons, but you propose giving up too much. He ain’t Jerry Rice yet. Also, we need a really big, athletic O-lineman or three. And a couple of the D-line, too.
By ICEMAN
December 22, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
Ball4Life,
That is the dumbest suggestion yet to appear on this blog. He’s not a proven backup in the NFL!! Why would you want a dumb a$$ backing up another dumb a$$?
By Southern Steeler
December 22, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
As long as Mike Vick is the Falcons QB … this team will flounder in mediocrity.
It’s really that simple.
Moore will never admit this though.
By ATLien in Oklahoma
December 22, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
Terrence Moore = Matt Millen of the NEW SOUTH :)
By Brian
December 22, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Sure, we’d love to get Calvin Johnson in this year’s draft. Who wouldn’t? There’s a reason he’s projected as a top 3 pick. But the fact that he’s a hometown product is not the reason to pick him. We need to make our decisions based on ability and need, not birthplace. So if we can move up to a place where CJ is available for a reasonable cost, AND he’s the best player available that fills a need position (and WR is most definitely a need position for the Falcons), then cutting a deal makes sense. But NOT cutting a deal can work out, too. Remember, as amazing as Vick can be at times, the lower pick we gave up in the package to get him turned out to be the best running back in the NFL. It rarely works out to go into a draft with the mindset that we’ve got to have THAT guy. Let’s go in with the mindset that it would be great to have that guy at the right price.
By Ben Dover
December 22, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
We DO still have the RIGHTS to Shaub…. we will tender him a contract as outlined in the CBA and then anyone who wants him in a trade will have to compensate us with their 1st and 3rd. Now, if all the teams think that is too steep, we will have the most expensive back up qb in the league….
By Calvin'sBiggestFan
December 22, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
YES YES YES! Lets get CJ! You folks who lump him in as average really don’t watch football do you? I am predicting with just a decent QB, notice I said DECENT, Calvin Johnson wil be the best WR to EVER play the game. There has NEVER been a WR with his work ethic, size, speed and overall athleticism to play football.
CJ has been ALL-Evrything since his Freshman year IN SPITE of having Reggie “Lets throw out of bounds on fourth down” Ball. Can you Imagine what his numbers would have been with a good QB!!!!
LETS GET CJ!!!!
By Falcon Pessimist
December 22, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore,
You are clueless. How many times did CJ get shut down in college against good defenses (Clemson, UGA, WF)? His numbers are padded against Duke, UNC, and NC State. He Not to mention, in terms of accuracy, the Falcons probably have the worst QB in the league. We need O-linemen and safeties who can cover.
By Brian
December 22, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
As for all you folks saying the Falcons need to spend a high draft pick on an offensive lineman, the Falcons offensive scheme calls for a lot of cut-blocking, which can be accomplished by well-coached 6th rounders just as well as more athletic 1st rounders. Now you can argue that the scheme isn’t working and should be abandoned if you like, but as long as that’s the scheme, spending 1st rounders on offensive lineman doesn’t make much sense.
By AJC Reader
December 22, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
Terence,
I never thought I would say this, but you are actually right about something. Yes, the Falcons should make a serious effort at getting Calvin Johnson. However, the Falcons have a long history of allowing local players play elsewhere, with D. J. Shockley being an exception. D. J. Shockley passing to Calvin Johnson would put people in the seats. Plus, I seriously doubt either Calvin Johnson, or D. J. Shockley would give the paying customers the finger.
By Tmac
December 22, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this
Now it’s time for the truth. Shockley not starting until his fourth year was a race issue like it or not. None of UGA’s current QB’s have any color and none have been recruited. Not to say that there is anything wrong with that, but I do see a Pattern. As for Shockley’s college Career “SEC champs” or did UGA faithful forget. For a one year starter thats a good record.
By Boposenski
December 22, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
Hey Brian, that Alex Gibbs’ anybody-including-Brian-can-block-in-the-NFL crap will be leaving with Mora. We need some good O-linemen.
By Tony Chastain
December 22, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
Same old Terence, take a shot at the white quarterback when the black one is the team killer. The whole Falcon organization can get lost as far as I care.
By gizmox
December 22, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
Terence,
I agree that CJ could help the Falcons but the team is needing help on the O line and the secondary more than receiver. Vick and any group of wideouts will not work until the pass protection is improved. The defense needs two safeties and a corner. Depth on the D line is needed also. Good Day!
By ATLDawg
December 22, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Another poorly written article by Terence Moore. The last thing the Falcons need is another receiver, especially when that means hurting our future draft status. Our biggest need is a big back for 3rd and one or goal line situations. I have never seen a team throw so many times on short yardage downs. If not the power back, defensive line or a hard hitting safety would help.
By Pocoroba
December 22, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Tony Chastain is a racist.
By Casey
December 22, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
Calvin is not another Jenkins or Roddy White. This guy would be offensive rookie of the year! They would be stupid NOT to bet the ranch on this guy!
By Loafer
December 22, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this
You all missed it. We need a TJ Duckett type running back in the red zone!! To HE11 with the passing game!
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
December 22, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
CJ would be an improvement but you need an offensive line to pass protect. The Jets first draft pick this year was an O-Line guy and look at the time Pennington has. There is no magic bullet to help the Falcons. None of the Saints incredible new receivers were studs - Brees has time to throw the ball. CJ would be a start but this team needs some other fixes and a Parcells intensity to light a fire under them - also a little better conditioning.
By FalcoonFan2006
December 22, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
I’m glad someone else realizes that it’s not a good idea to pick WRs in the first round EVERY YEAR! And first pick overall?! Trading a 1st pick, 2nd pick, and Schaub for him?! Why don’t we just pull a Vikings with Walker or Saints with Williams?! Great idea! How about this, wait for someone else to sign Schaub, get their 1st and 3rd round picks as compensation, add those picks to the ones we have, and draft DEPTH and a couple OL!
WRs transfer into the NFL is crapshoot anyway. Let’s look at all of the WRs taken in the first 7 picks since 2000: Peter Warrick, David Terrell, Koren Robinson, Charles Rogers, Andre Johnson, Bralen Edwards, Larry Fitzgerald (the only one worth the pick). CJ has been compared to more than one of these guys. Now look at some of the top WRs in the game today: TO (3rd round), Steve Smith (3rd round), Colston (7th round), Chad Johnson (2nd round). Bottom line is, WRs, QBs and RBs all benefit from a strong OL, which we do not have. I played QB all of my life, and actually threw to T.O. for a year, and I would rather have a lights-out Offensive Line than a lights-out WR any day. You can’t complete passes on your back or running for your life!
By FalcoonFan2006
December 22, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
And for those that cannot get off Matt Schaub… remember Doug Johnson? This is the same scenario we watched play out years ago. A QB performs well in preseason against defensive players that never made the team and BASIC defensive fronts, blitzes and coverages. Everyone called for Johnson and, when he got his chance, he SILENCED the critics! I’m not saying Schaub is the next Doug Johnson by any means. He will most likely have a long and successful career. I’m just not ready to put him into the Hall of Fame quite yet.
By BirdDawg
December 22, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
I changed my mind. I just saw a couple highlight clips of Calvin Johnson. He looks amazing!!! Pretty eyes, tight butt, sexy smile! He’s just the kind of guy I’d want to lose my butt virginity to.
Oh wait, that probably didn’t sound too good.
Go Dawgs!!
By Jason
December 22, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
I believe that it’s the offensive coordinator or wide receivers coach thats the problem. These guys are capable but aren’t running the correct routes to get open. I wish I could see the game tapes to find out what is happening down field when vick is going through his 3 and 5 step drops. Are the recievers doing the right thing? Should there be auidables to put them where the defense ain’t?
The reason why these recievers aren’t getting any better is because they don’t get enough chances to catch the ball because their route running is subpar and that starts with coaching.
We need a new offensive coordinator and Calvin Johnson.
Sometimes vick has time to throw the ball and sometimes he doesn’t, that with every team. But the good ones know where to go when there is not time to throw.
The Falcon don’t mix up the 5 step drops with quick 3 steps drops enough to keep the defensive line off gaurd.
Coaching is the problem in Atlanta. Knapp is the problem in Atlanta. It’s sad to say but TO knew when he cussed Knapp on the sideline in San Fran
By big tone
December 22, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
terence moore tht is a great assessment!i agree with him 100 percent a wide receiver of his caliber comes around maybe once every five years.we could definitely utilize his on the field skills along with his off the field personality.he seems to be to be a arthur blank type of player,community guy that the organization seems to look for year in and year out.we could use some 0-line help as well.
By Jeff
December 22, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Trading Schaub, a first round pick and a second round pick for C.J. would be asinine. If we were going to draft a WR, we could wait on Teddy Ginn (who can play WR and replace Rossum on special teams) and Dwayne Jarrett (who probably won’t do too well in the NFL).
I hear all of you calling for an OL. I agree. But do you really beleive the Falcons will draft a big, strong OL? Doing so would mean the Falcons would have to do away with Gibbs’ cut-blocking scheme I think it’s time for the scheme to go, but I’m not sure the Falcons do - they’d have to replace most of the OL. Also, I’m not sure Norwood would have as much success absent Gibbs’ blocking scheme. Thus, we would need a RB, too.
By Call me Earl
December 22, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
Who’ll be stupid next year this time if the kid breaks the NFL rookie TD record
Calvin Johnson is the Lebron James of Football
We can draft OL or DL in later rounds, next year or through free agency. We have plenty cap space to make some OL/DL deals.
Enough said!
By Kirk
December 22, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
This suggestion is just the type of quick fix mentality this organization has had for years. For Terence to suggest we need to pull off another stunning trade similar to the one that brought Vick here indicates he is either ignorant or hopes we are. In that trade the Falcons came away with Michael Vick while the Chargers were able to draft Ladainian Tomlinson, Reche Caldwell, and drop down to the second round and pick up Drew Brees. 6 years later which organization would you rather be? One player does not a team make.
By BigdaddyJ
December 22, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Give me a break. Let me throw out a few names at you Mr. Moore - Paul Oliver -UGA - shut him down like a bad engine. Jenkins, White, and so on…look at the majority of quality top receivers and most of them are 2nd round and past. Complete waste of a pick. Duh!
By Justin Allard
December 22, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
I love Calvin Johnson, which is why I don’t ant to see him go to the Falcons. The Falcons will ruin his career. If he goes somewhere else he’ll be a Hall of Famer. If he goes to the Falcons, he’ll either be lost in mediocrity or become mediocre himself. There are a lot of other teams we can say that about, but the Falcons are definitely one of them.
By Ol' Ball Coach
December 22, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
PAY ATTENTION & TAKE A KNEE Everybody think a minute. If you have 3 or 4 new cars in your garage, with low mileage, and a few recalls each, but you haven’t finished the payments yet, why buy another? An expensive one at that?
The key for the Falcons is actually Running back. Warrick Dunn is a great Bryan Westbrook type, except we don’t throw to him for whatever reason. Norwood is a homerun hitting change of pace back. What we need is a 215-220lb grinder in the mold of a Travis Henry. Warrick goes down on 1st contact if he can’t spin away, and he hasn’t knocked over a tackling dummy since he’s been here. Norwood can change gears and leave db’s coughing up chalk and dust, but NOBODY, including your mom, is worried about him delivering a blow. If you can get linebackers and safetys thinking about what your shoes look like, as opposed to going for killshots, you can sustain a drive and go goal-line without all the stupid bootlegs and bull that we do now.
LOOK FOR THE FALCONS TO DRAFT A BIGGER BACK, SOME BIGGER LINEMEN, A SAFETY WITH SOME SKILLS, AND TO POSSIBLY TRADE SCHUAB, BROOKING, AND POSSIBLY DUNN FOR PICKS OR PLAYERS
The coach never lies.
By Calvin'sBiggestFan
December 22, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
How many times did CJ get shut down in college against good defenses (Clemson, UGA, WF)? His numbers are padded against Duke, UNC, and NC State.
HUH? Reggie made Calvin look bad in those games. He’s aLOSER, always has been, always wil be.
This time next year, instead of calling the cadence on the field, Reggie Ball will be saying “Welcome to WalMart” or better yet, “Do you want Fries with that”!!!!!!
By BirdDawg
December 22, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Tmac, that is the most ridiculous, retarded thing I have ever read.
You do realize that Mark Richt recruited DJ to go to FSU, and when he came to UGA DJ followed.
DJ not starting had nothing to do with race.
For you to say so invalidates any argument you would make against the true prejudiced rednecks on this board.
You do realize that, right? Everytime some idiot like the UnReverend Jesse Jackson or Johnny Cochrane or Terence Moore, or you, Tmac, play the race card where it doesn’t belong, you make yourself ridiculous and your argument nullinvoid.
Use your freaking brain, Tmac, if you have one to be used.
By BirdDawg
December 22, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
Tmac, that is the most ridiculous, retarded thing I have ever read.
You do realize that Mark Richt recruited DJ to go to FSU, and when he came to UGA DJ followed.
DJ not starting had nothing to do with race.
For you to say so invalidates any argument you would make against the true prejudiced rednecks on this board.
You do realize that, right? Everytime some idiot like the UnReverend Jesse Jackson or Johnny Cochrane or Terence Moore, or you, Tmac, play the race card where it doesn’t belong, you make yourself ridiculous and your argument nullinvoid.
Use your freaking brain, Tmac, if you have one to be used.
By Falcon Down on the Field
December 22, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
C’mon, Terence. Get it right for once, won’t you? Nothing wrong with CJ. In fact, he’s destined for greatness in the NFL. But your continued support of Michael Vick is enough to turn my stomach. What good is CJ, when Vick is so erratic with his passes? Think of what CJ would have shown at Tech with someone OTHER than Reggie Ball trying to get the ball to him. No, Terence, forget giving up a 1 and a 2 AND Matt Schaub for CJ. KEEP Schaub, TRADE Vick, and nab CJ. The Falcons would NEVER regret it.
By dennis
December 22, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this
Falcons have not had a decent WR since the days of Terrence Mathis and (oh,no) Andre Rison. They have drafted, traded for and signed any number of WR’s who became a waste of money. However, with the current OL and OC, Johnson would probably spend all day running up and down the field for nothing, either not being thrown to because Vick is running for his life, or being overthrown because Vick is again running for his life. OL first, then receivers.
By C from Marietta
December 22, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
My My. Does’nt the Ga Tech jeaously just over flow on this blog. D J Shockley is a winner PERIOD. The player he backed up. WON MORE GAMES THAN ANY OTHER COLLEGE QB EVER! UGA owns Tech in ALL sports. This includes basketball. That being said saying, I like Calvin Johnson and I wish him well. I would like to see him playing for the Falcons on Sunday. However, calling him a future multiple pro bowler is just plain jumping the gun. Oh yeah, that’s like all the Tech people celebrating a win over UGA this year, before even playing the game. I said It’s great to be a Georgia Bulldawg. I said it’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog!
By Ura Dumahs
December 22, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
This is so stupid I can’t believe I’m commenting on it. Do whatever we can to get a receiver? Ask the Lions how well it works out to draft college’s best WRs. They did it 3 years in a row. One is a very good receiver and the other two are total busts. By the way, the Chargers used the pick they got from the Falcons to get LT, and then picked up Drew Brees in the next round. That trade is hardly one to compare as a great moment in Falcons history. Moore —
By Ura Dumahs
December 22, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
This is so stupid I can’t believe I’m commenting on it. Do whatever we can to get a receiver? Ask the Lions how well it works out to draft college’s best WRs. They did it 3 years in a row. One is a very good receiver and the other two are total busts. By the way, the Chargers used the pick they got from the Falcons to get LT, and then picked up Drew Brees in the next round. That trade is hardly one to compare as a great moment in Falcons history. Moore — You
By dennis
December 22, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
Tmac, to you EVERYTHING is about race. I guess to you, every single player on every single team has to be black - otherwise, the coach (who also must be black) is a racist. Your judgement is so clouded by racism that you are not even thinking straight. If there is a racist on this blog, it is YOU. You cannot seriously think that Mark Richt would start anyone purely because of their skin color - that is ridiculous.
By Will
December 22, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
Mr Moore,
you are a dork! And a dumb f**k! I like Calvin and would love to have him…even in the first round. But to give up our # 1 and #2 pick…PLUS Schaub, how stupid. Maybe our # 1 plus R White, to move up to a # 1 pick. But I got news for you..Brady Quinn will go # 1 and I for one would rather have him than Calvin. Thats a good idea…trade Vick for Detroits # 1 and get Quinn. Perfect.
By Louis Markos
December 22, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
As a Life long Raider fan, I KNOW AL DAVIS WILL NOT TRADE THAT PICK TO THE FALCONS UNLESS HE GETS A GRUDEN DEAL 2 #1’s 2#2’s. IT WON’T HAPPEN ! Davis will DRAFT CALVIN JOHNSON 100% FOR SURE ! Davis LOVES Stud football players and Johnson is the Best player in the draft. Moss and Porter will be long gone so the Raiders will draft CJ to replace them. By the way Vick is WAY ovverrated as a QB and Mike Martz is 100% right Vick should be playing RB throwing the option pass like LT and Matt Schaub should be playing QB. The next Great Black QB will be JaMarcus Russell of LSU ! The Raiders Should draft him !
By John
December 22, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, what’s with all the animus toward “The Great” Matt Schaub? Is your barely suppressed rage yet again breaking the surface? Does he so represent to you the “white hope” of the yokel segment of the Falcons’ fan base that you take gratuitous shots at him in an article that otherwise seems to be your personal declaration of a man-crush on Calvin Johnson. It’s come to this?
It ain’t Matt’s fault. He’s been nothing but a good teammate and filled in capably when called upon. You may have used this cliche yourself: the most popular guy in town is the second string QB. Get off his back.
By NoDawgsHere
December 22, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this
I can see everyones point of Calvin Johnson’s abilities. That’s not the point. We all know he is a gifted athelete. The point we tryng to make is that “why have an excellent athelete and then not use him properly”. Look at Tech, they have the best player in the country, in my opinion, but hardly used him in key situations or key games. Atlanta takes a gifted Athlete in Mike Vick and tries to turn him into something he’s not. Vick is not a West Coast drop back style QB!! He never will be!! He is way to athletic to just sit in a pocket. Vick has talent, but lacks “Football smarts”. His arm is great, but lacks accuracy. Sending CJ to the Falcons would do hin no justice. CJ would fade away into the shadows. He needs to go to a team with an above average QB. I think the 49ers would benfit the most from Calvin Johnson. My prediciton is he ends up there. Falcon fans, we can only keep dreaming. as for the defense… If the offense could hold to the ball for any period of time, the denfense would improve.
By dirrtybird
December 22, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this
How are you supposed to trade someone(Schaub) who is about to be a free agent? Stupid!
By crowebird
December 22, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this
why dont we trade maybe schaub and a second round pick or maybe some cash to the raiders for randy moss
By JJMB
December 22, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
NO, don’t do that to Calvin! First Ball, then Vick? Let the poor kid get the he|| out of the state of Georgia!
By Thomas McCamy
December 22, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
I am with you Terrance, let’s trade Vick and move up to get Calvin Johnson. Just don’t draft Reggie Ball or sign him as a free agent.
By Ironfeet
December 22, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
Schaub is a restricted FA who still belongs to the team. He can be signed by another team, but it will cost them a first and possibly second or lower round draft pick. Resticted FA just means that the Falcons can sign him first. I love CJ, but the most prudent course of action would be to trade Schaub for those picks and upgrade the OL and DL and find some help at safety. You invested 130 million in your QB, its about high time for you invest in some protection for him.
By Big Sexy
December 22, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Under normal circumstances, I would say forget about wasting another #1 draft choice on a wide receiver. But Calvin Johnson is not just any WR. He is—hands down—a men amongst boys in the college wide receiver ranks. He is now what Larry Fitzgerald was when he was burning DB’s in Pittsburg.
With Finneran coming back next year, I would cut Roddy White, resign Ashley Lelie, and trade my 1st and second round picks along with Matt Schaub for the chance to pick Calvin Johnson. Anyone who knows about the draft knows great offensive linemen can be picked up in the later rounds (let’s say 3rd, 4th, and 5th in particular). With a passing offense sporting Vick, Crumpler, Johnson, Finneran, Jenkins, and Lelie, I think we could safely say that MV7 would have more than his fair share of targets to throw to. think about it!
By Michael
December 22, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
Dirrtybird and BirdDawg I usually stay out of these blogs, but I just wanted to respond to what you’ve said. You say we shouldn’t draft a WR; that’s a valid point. But your reasoning should have nothing to do with the fact that we already drafted two WRs the last two years. The object of the draft is to fill needs. I think we can all agree that the Falcons need a WR. Assume for a second that we had taken two linemen in the first round the last two years. Would it then be okay to draft Calvin? The fact of the matter is we still need a WR. It doesn’t matter who we took in the past. DirtyBird, since you want to rip on Tech players for not opening a book, why don’t you open an economics book and learn that our past picks are called sunk costs. What we did in the past should not affect what we do now. The object is to make the team better, and if taking Calvin instead of a linemen will improve the team more, than he should be the pick, I don’t care if we’ve taken WRs the past 10 years. By your logic, a team that drafted two SFs shouldn’t take Lebron James. The idea is to make the team better, regardless of what position that person plays. Again, if an OL will make us better than Calvin will, fine, I accept that. But your reasoning is way off.
By superbowldreamer
December 22, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
First off.. get rid of Mora then let’s talk about getting some players. Calvin would be a great addition to the squad though.
Bye the way, DJ at UGA definitely had something to do with race. He was clearly better than David Greene. The folks who back UGA football financially didn’t want another BLACK QB after Quincy….simple as that! It costs the idiots a natioanl championship too.
By SRF
December 22, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Ironfeet - I agree 100%. The trade to collect a handfull of picks for good linemen would do a lot more than getting Calvin. Look at Green Bay - they drafted 3 O linemen and have had to suffer through developing them but they are starting to gel. Farve has had more time and is now getting some offense rhythm. We can do the same thing, get some line upgrades and focus more on traditional blocking and pass protection and the existing receivers plus Finneran next year can work out.
By Madden King
December 22, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Falcons Fan 2006, your right about one thing Larry Fitzgerald is a first round success, but you were wrong about on receiver, Andre Johnson. He’s a 2 time probowler being voted in again this year. Looking at Andre Johnson success you have to have great confidence in Calvin Johnson. For one they are big receivers Andre 6’3, 238, Calvin 6’5, 242, both are really fast, Andre runs a 4.32 40, Calvin runs a 4.34 40, both are physical and has great body control positioning themselves over the small DB’s of the NFL. Andre leads all receivers in catches and is in the top 5 in receiving yards. Looking at Andre Johnson’s four years in the NFL, 2 of them being probowl years it is safe to say that Calvin Johnson being the same type of receiver will do the same things in the NFL or possibly better. So Falcons go get Calvin, do what ever you have to do. You know what they say third times the charm. HOLLA! GO FALCONS! GO VICK! GO CALVIN!
By red
December 22, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Everyone keeps talking about MV7 getting hurt but has anyone noticed that he has played every game so far.
By CQ
December 22, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t care if the Falcons had Jerry Rick, Art Mont, or Steve Largent, if the offensive line is not good it does not matter!!!!!!!!!
By Mike
December 22, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
Moore, You are, by far, the biggest idiot to ever hold a job. You do not research any of your topics and nearly all of your comments show your lack of loyalty to anything Atlanta in general (besides your obvious man-crush for all of Atlanta’s black athletes).
Matt Schaub is a restricted free agent at the end of the year. Atlanta cannot simply trade him to Oakland nor Detroit. Furthermore, Oakland wants a receiver in place before they lose Moss (who has been asking for a trade since the third or fourth week of the season).
Please Mr. Moore, do Atlanta a favor and quit your job at the AJC and move to Jacksonville or Carolina.
By mlov
December 22, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
Interesting that you should inadvertently compare Reggie Ball and Michael Vick, since neither has improved one iota in the past four years. What would be better would be to trade Vick and let CJ learn what it is like to catch passes from a real passer; i.e., Matt Schaub!
By larry w.
December 22, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
red…Their still holding 2003 against him. He is the only player in the leauge that is not entitled to get injured!
By Mike
December 22, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
Tmac,
Please quit with your racist comments. Shockley not starting for three years was because he had a better QB in front of him for three years. Was Shockley good, definately. But David Greene put up better numbers in each of his four years starting than Shockley did in his senior year. It was not because of race, so please stop already.
By Steve
December 22, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
You want the Falcons to waste another first rond pick on a receiver. The same receiver that good defensive teams had no problem shutting down??Georgia all but shut him down every time they played and never really double-teamed him.
While Johnson ‘might’ turn out to be an ok receiver, he has just as big a chance to turn out a bust. The Falcons need to think about the O-line as well as a safety to be ready the year after next.
Last but not least, no receiver will ever really flourish in ANY offense with Vick at QB. He just doesn’t trust his receivers and therefore the offense cannot utilize timing routes. The only way Vick will build this trust is to have the same set of receivers for a year or two. So far, he has not had that luxury due to the Peerless debacle, the Dez White stupidity, and nagging injuries to Roddie White and Finneran. He is finally developing a trust with Jenkins ow that he is getting to play most downs, so LEAVE IT ALONE for a year to see if they progress.
Thank goodness TM isn’t the GM. It would be ugly.
By ebeneezer
December 22, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
If I was Atl I would trade some picks to get some proven OL. Some who can step in and play next year and not take a couple of years to develop. We need help now. Mike may not be the most accurate passer in the league but he has proved he can throw if allowed the avg. time a DRew Brees or a Payton Manning has to survey the field. Plus he can run which they can’t do. Mike having another second or two will give the receivers better routes to run. Georgia shut down CJ this year and our D-backs remind me of ATL’s. So, he can’t be that great, can he?
By dirrtybird
December 22, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
Michael,
I never ripped GT players for not opening books. I could care less which college players come from. I’m not loyal to UGA or GT. I simply recognize that our problems are much bigger than WR. We need to be trading to get MORE draft picks instead of trading the ones we have away for one player. We are not in the position to draft Calvin Johnson. Taking all bets now.
By bulldawg4life
December 22, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
i’m a bulldawg4life but SHUT UP (FAKE@SS FOOTBALL FANS)you dont ever miss out on a player who makes your whole team better, EVER. CALVIN JOHNSON WILL BE A PRO BOWLER ASAP! EVER TEAM GEARED-UP TO STOP HIM FOR 3YRS.(all-out blitzs, double teams, cover2, hell even dime, to make reggie RUN & nutt-up!) THE BOY HAS BEEN TRAINED BY A FORMER NFL COACH & ONE THE BEST DEFENSES IN GT OWNS(in practice every week). YOU ARE CRAZY THINKING A HARD-WORKING, HUMBLE, INTELLIGENT, SURE-HANDED, CALVIN JOHNSON IS NOT WORTH A #1 PICK!! if any other play-off team gets this kid, i know the falcons will always be FULL OF TALK ABOUT CHAMPIONSHIPS.
By Mike
December 22, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
Terence, congrats for the first good idea ive seen from you in a while.
You guys are nuts if you think CJ is a bad first round pick. White and Jenkins were not near the receivers in college that CJ was. In my opinion they were picked out of despiration more than talent. Lets not be gunshy here and let one get away.
As for shutting him down? Thats easy when Tech couldnt to anything else on offense and Ball at QB. If Calvin didnt get it done, there was no other option. With Vick, Dunn, Crumpler, and Norwood, the Falcons have a world of other options to keep a defense busy. Not to mention that the other receivers might actually catch the ball when they arent the #1 target (see Peerless Price in Buffalo as #2 to Moulds).
Face it ATL, Vick is a different kind of athlete at QB. You cant sit here and draft OL thinking Vick should just stay in the pocket all day. The second biggest problem with the Falcons (next to WRs not catching) is trying to shoe horn Vick into a West Coast offense. So what if he doesnt throw 40 times a game? A win is a win. Mold the offense around his talents, not the other way. Given a big play WR like CJ, this offense may finally hit stride.
My only alternative selection would be if there was a big time MLB or pass rushing outside LB like Cornelius Bennett was. The defense sorely needs this as well.
By bulldawg4life
December 22, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
so if we do get ol & dl with the picks, then what? we still have the same scared, drop-prone, weak-mined wide receivers thats been here for 2 & 3 yrs now.(and they will never goto hawaii unless its a visit like you and i go)
By reverend run
December 22, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
hey chris at 11:04,
you spelled greene right but if you were not sure you were spelling it right, how could you be commenting upon what the QB situation was or was not at UGA for the 5 years DJ and Greene were there? no one in this state has a problem knowing how to spell greene, the all time winningest QB in the history of the NCAA. Now, Greene was not the best QB or anything like that. He was just solid beyond belief, did not make costly mistakes to lose you games. Although he was not a QB who could usually win you games, he did a great job his freshman year in the hobnail boot game to win that game and reverse the Vol trend for the Dawgs. (hint: if i just said hobnail boot, and you have no idea what I am talking about, then you should not be speaking about the UGA QB situation.) That was Richt’s first year and that was his signature victory which let us all know that things were changing for the program with CMR in control. From that point on, CMR had loyalty to Greene for very good reason. Greene was like a coach out there on the field. CMR also had loyalty to DJ which ended up hindering the team at times as well. Do you remember a certain game against a certain school we can never beat in 2002 where Greene led the team down the field for two scores on the first 2 drives and then he injected DJ into the third series for no apparent team related purpose other than loyalty to DJ, the dawgs lost all momentum as a result, and the dawgs ended up losing the game? the late dropped pass by a very good wide receiver who would later get a look see from the falcons also certainly did not help matters either. if you do not remember that game, the team, the wide receiver, the dropped pass, and how DJ playing on the third series killed the offensive momentum, then you should not be speaking your nonsense about the UGA QB situation from 2001-2005. I left out the name of team, game, wide receiver on purpose to test your knowledge and whether you should be speaking about the dawgs. that one loss prevented a possible national championship. If for CMR not being loyal to DJ due to DJ’s undeniable talent, then CMR may have already had a national championship with David Greene as the starting QB. The opposite is also true. If DJ had been the starter for all 4 years, then the Dawgs may have actually had more success than the enormous success they already had with greene as the starter. They may have won one or two national championships during that time. We will never know. BUT the bottomline is this: Everyone, from the coaches to the media to the fans, all always knew DJ was the far more talented and dynamic player than Greene. BUT Greene was the starter. Greene never lost games for the team. after the hobnail boot game, the position was his to lose. It was not available for DJ to win or earn. The only way DJ could have become the starter was for Greene to lose the starting position with poor play. However, Greene never did anything to deserve losing his starting position. CMR thus could not justify benching Greene to put DJ in. IF greene had been horrible and lost it, then DJ would have been in there in a second. BUT Greene never did. When DJ finally got his chance to shine, he sure as hell shone very brightly.
Here’s a question for you chris, do you even know who i am referncing when I say CMR? if you do not, then again you should be speaking about the Dawgs QB situation from 2001-2005.
It is also pretty pathetic for you to say that Greene has dropped off the face of the earth. NFL rosters are not easy to make if you have not noticed. There is no shame at all in being a third stringer behind an all-pro on a team that went to the super bowl just as there is no shame in DJ being a third stringer behind a pro bowl QB and a talented third round draft pick like schaub who is highly coveted by many other teams.
With all that being said, Vick is the star and starter for this team. Vick is a darn good player despite all of the detractors who say otherwise. Schaub is good and talented but not as talented as Vick and therefore should not be starting over Vick. DJ is very good as well but likewise should not be starting over vick. The falcons are truly blessed to have three good QBs on the roster. That is always much more preferable than 2003 where Vick went down and we got stuck with the likes of Kittner and Johnson and even Woody Dantzler for a few plays. As much as I like Schaub and DJ though, there is no promise that Schaub or DJ will be better options than Johnson, Kittner, and Woody were. Schaub and DJ unfortunately have never done anything in the NFL thus far which would tell you that Schaub and DJ are going to be good reliable options in the NFL. AND do not tell me about the Patriots loss last year where Schaub looked decent. Doug Johnson also looked decent in 2002 in that Giants’ victory as well
Here’s a question for you Chrissy at 11:04 a.m.: Do you even know who Johnson, Kittner, and Woody were?
By Edd Anderson
December 22, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
T Moore you don’t have a clue. That’s why you are not a General manager. You wanted Quincy Carter too. You can get him pretty cheap now. A couple of twelve packs and a joint or two..
By Someone with Sense
December 22, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
All the Falcons need for Christmas is Calvin Johnson, O and D line, and please get us a cornerback/safety too!
By GT JACKETS
December 22, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
First of all, UGA fans if CJ was at UGA you would be slobbering all over yourselves telling the Falcons to draft him….CJ is a great reciever at the college level and might be immortal if he had a QB the stature of say…Shockley, Greene, or even lil Joe Hamilton throwing to him the last 3 years. As far as Paul Oliver shutting him down, let me pose this to all of you…put Oliver in Tech’s secondary and CJ on UGA’s offense and who wins that battle or should I say do you think that Oliver, Minter, Battle or any other corner could shut him down in UGA’s offense with Greene, Shockley or Stafford passing the ball instead of REGGIE? I don’t think so either so let’s move on.
Second, To lead the NFL in rushing 2 years in a row and most likely again this year how is it that we need o-line help? Winning Championships in football at any level requires running the rock. So why draft o-line when you have this great running attack.
Third, CJ is not the same as Jenkins and White ot Lelie. He is on the same page as Chad or TO or Andre.
Fourth, Vick is the prototypical NFL QB and would be the same situation he was in at Tech with REGGIE. Is Schaub the answer? I don’t know but I also don’t think so either. Shockley is a QB waiting in the wings that will be a McNabb type QB. An athlete that can play QB. As far as shockley at UGA he was good enough to start but David Greene was just slightly better. He is in Seattle behind Hasselbeck and Wallace. Here is a novel possibility trade Jim Mora to the state of Washington for Greene and hire a new regime and then trade Vick to Oakland for Moss and thier 1st round pick then trade the rights to Schaub to Detroit for a 2nd and 3rd rounder. Draft CJ and the o-line and DB’s everyone is screaming about and let Greene and Shockley compete for the starting job fill the dome with Dawg and Tech fans and rebuild the team around CJ, Alge and Moss WOW what a concept.
And last, change the coaching staff as stated above. What do you folks think about that!!!!
Peace and Merry Christmas!
By Voice of Reason
December 22, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
For the genius who said Schaub was unrestricted….do some research. For the genius who says C. Johnson will be like the Detroit receivers or other 1st round busts….check your stats on Roy Williams, and research whether or not folks questioned the work ethic on the other busts. I wouldn’t sell the farm to get him because DJarrett would still be out there or maybe Sid Rice from South Carolina (work ethic?), but if you can get a bonafide #1 like CJ you don’t pass on him. When you draft, you draft for best available….not for need. That’s why the Patriots continue to succeed. They didn’t need Maroney but he was the best available. For the real dirty birds out there, you ever notice how the Vick bashers seem to think that our smallish O-line is actually good. Lastly, for the Shockley haters….Tom Brady played behind Drew Henson and was drafted late so there is a possibility. If Shaub get’s traded, it’s probably because the organization has confidence in Shockley. Read and learn football before you shoot form the hip.
By Dave
December 22, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
You have got to be kidding me. We need another first round receiver like Santa needs a bikini. If we had a great passing quarterback, we might just find we already HAVE great receivers. Instead we have a quarterback who can’t decide if he is a running back or a quarterback and when he decides he is a quarterback, he can’t decide whether he is a good one or not. Don’t blame the receivers for all of the drops. Blame a left-handed quarterback with a wicked arm and absolutely no touch on the ball.
By GT Baby
December 22, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
Lets get the facts straight.
1)Falcons trade up to get Johnson by trading schaub and 1st rounder for 2nd pick in draft and there 3rd rounder.
2)Georgia Tech did the right thing by suspending Ball and Scott. Unlike Ugay where football comes before education.
3)If the Falcons dont trade up for Jonson then we let schaub go and get the 1st& 3rd rounders from whoever signs them and use those pics to ease the drop in talent to replace aging stars ie.milloy,brooking,webster.
4)Georgia fans are punks.
By Dion
December 22, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
Aging stars, I agree with Milloy and Webster, But Brooking is the only solid starter we’ve had in years, Obviously were not getting rid of Vick, b/c of his rediculously OVERPAID salary, we might as well suck it up and trade Schaub to Detroit or Oakland for one of their talented WR’s, they need an NFL ready QB, next please for the love of god Arthur get Jimmy Johnson to coach us, he will use Vicks talent the way it should be used and we might become a playoff caliber team year in year out, not just here and there!!
By life
December 22, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this
raiders are not going to take schaub, give them vick for the draft picks, keep schaub and get johnson, get rid of vick, he’s overrated and is a “coach killer”
haha note…this is not written by a true falcon fan, ATL is crazy not to appreciate vick if u dont want him, A LOT of other teams will take him, trust me
By Al DiStefano
December 22, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
Terrence:
This is a JOKE! Right? Nobody who ever came out of a female womb is worth a 1st and 2nd pick plus a QB who is also worth a 1st & 3rd.
I would love too see CJ in a Falcons uniform but not for anything close to your ludicrious terms.
By HACK
December 22, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
By Calvin Johnson
December 22, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
You are an idiot terrance. What do you mean by target. The draft is not a recruiting trip where a team hosts a prospect. Get a clue. He won’t be available even if the falcons wanted him. You suck and so do your articles.
By brillo
December 22, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this
For Calvin’s sake, please NO. Don’t do it to him. I want him to SUCCEED.
By steverino
December 23, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
What Calvin must be thinking about his prospects of playing for the Falcons: “Great, just GREAT! ANOTHER QB too short, too erratic and too stupid to get me the ball. Just shoot me.”