Sports Columnists

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 |