Sports Columnists

By Ignatius

December 24, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank has done much for Atlanta and much for the Falcons. God bless him. But any good businessman knows when it is time to cut your losses. He deserves better, we deserve better. We need a coach who wants to be here and who loves Atlanta and we need coaches who can maximize the potential of the talent we have. I love the Falcons, win or lose, but watching them just mail it in like they did today was inexcusable.

By Highlightreel

December 24, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

Great column Jeff. I agree with every word.

By monk

December 24, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

I agree with everything you said Jeffy boy.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 24, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t agree more with this article. And like Vick said, with the talent on this team they should not only be in the playoffs, they should be division champs and legit Super Bowl contenders. The sooner this staff gets fired, the better.

By sadfalconfan

December 24, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Would Dan Reeves accept an apology and come back?

By I am the decider

December 24, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

you can add to your list too many unsportsmanlike penalties, foolish showboating (D. Hall bowing to the crowd because he made a play). Repeatedly handing off to Dunn on 3rd and one and failing to get the first down, having the worst average per carry near the goal line. Not scoring a TD on the opening drive and Vick not throwing a TD pass in the 4th qtr. Defenses that anyone can read, rarely mixing rushes and coverages, and even when the team blitzes it is often picked up. Amazing Stuff. And what’s up with those goofy punt formations, since they have no impact on the play, what’s the point? If Mora is fired, I would be amazed if he ever gets another head coaching job. Mora has always struck me as wanting to be more of one of the guys than a head coach, sniffing inhalers, kissing Vick’s helmet, dropping to his knees when R. White’s drops a pass, the idiotic interview, what a guy..

By Anthony

December 24, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

I live in Atlanta and have been trapped in Denver since Wednesday. Not able to get home until Christmas day, I decided to just make the best of it. Of all the problems with the weather here this week, nothing was worse than sitting in a Sports Bar in Denver surrounded by Broncos Fans who kept asking me what in the world has happened to this team? As the game progressed, I became more embarrased. It was so bad that the Bronco Fans felt sorry enough for me to pick up my tab. We proceeded to watch the Broncos play and exciting and REAL football game. PLEASE, Mr. Blank cut your losses NOW! There is no way this can continue.

By savannah foulcoon

December 24, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

i’ve watched since their first season. i’ve watched the fist fights in their own huddle. i’ve yet to see a winning combination. today, mora earned his firing. and all his assistants. i’m done. foul they are. fire them all.

By Emilio

December 24, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Ignacious - will said! Indeed, enough is enough! The Fat Lady has sung! But, I know where I’d like to put the cigar! Jimmy, Jimmy Boy, Jimbo, Jimmy cracked corn and I don’t care….. Good luck and good ridence! The buck has to stop on Mr. Blank’s desk. Start the search guys, kick the tires and light the fires! It’s time to move on! Head em up and move em out! I ran out of cliches!

By DOM

December 24, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

FIRE RICH MCKAY TOO!!!! FOR SIGNING AND DRAFTING ALL THES DAMN CHOIR BOYS!!

By falconcrest

December 24, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Vick supporter since he was drafted even though at the end of last season I was convinced he couldn’t be the caliber of QB to lead this team or any other team to a superbowl. He just can’t do it!! I like Vick and have hoped I was wrong on many occasions, but he’s so in consistent. It appears to me he lacks leadership ability and he seems to give up when things aren’t going well.Our coaches,front office,GM and owner should be held accountable for ALL personel decisions. Vick’s 130 million dollars contract was a mistake and now will be a mess to clean up. As mentioned before the whole organization should be held accountable and the coaching especially Knapp don’t always make the best decsions, BUT Mike Vick DOES NOT NEED TO CALL OUT THE COACHING STAFF AFTER HIS SORRY PERFORMANCE AGAINST THE PANTHERS.In my honest opinion Mike Vick is a quitter, loser and will never be a consistent winner in the NFL. Matt Schaub, his teammates and loyal Falcon fans deserve a change at QB after Vick’s sorry inconsistent play the past two years. TRADE VICK AND START OVER WHILE HE STILL HAS VALUE.IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON!!!!

By Bob

December 24, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

NO Mariucci. NO more San Fran chronies…

By Bob

December 24, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Can Mr. Blank get Ozzie Newsome from Baltimore?

By Fire Mora

December 24, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

Ahhh, been saying this for 2 years now…the team has lacked character, discipline, and leadership from the start of Mora’s tenure. Don’t act surprised, it’s been going on, yall just been ignoring it…finally EVERYONE gets it!

By The real David

December 24, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

Jeff, I expected more out of you, than attack the obvious. Mora is and always was an average coach (going back to San Francisco). Unless he goes back to Reeves, or another first time head coach, who do you think will come here. Alabama has proven at the college level, that money will not bring a coach to a bad situation. Vick has great physical talent to run, but his overall passing game is weak at best. If you could take a couple of years of draft picks and go after the best defensive players available, or even trade up to get the top ones, then maybe you could make this team better. If you compare what teams like Denver and Dallas did by bringing in a rookie quarterback, you understand good coaches take chances to better the team.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 24, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

Rich McKay’s draft picks wouldn’t be “choir boys” if the coaching staff did their job. McKay’s drafted talented players who haven’t developed under Mora’s system, because Mora’s staff doesn’t know how to develop NFL players.

By todd

December 24, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Mora has to go, and Mora SR was right Vick is a coach killer. He has regressed in his sixth year. It is time to sign Matt and put the future in his hands. If this is not done he will go somewhere hopefully to KC, and become the next great second string Falcon QB to become a star (FAVRE).

By Amazed Fan

December 24, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

As a season ticket holder, and football fan in general, this was one of the worst displays of football on any level that I have watched. No adjustments by the coaches, players not showing an ounce of pride, you would think there was a fix on this game. Players often realize coaches don’t have a clue take pride in their own game and step up but not in Atlanta. It is painfully obvious this coaching staff does not have the creativity to make adjustments based on the past 2 years. Today’s debacle should have reinforced Mr. Blanks worst nightmare. Fire the coaches, get a offensive minded coach that will demand Vick get back in the pocket and throw the damn ball. Mike thinks too much about running the ball, he does not concentrate on his receivers once he starts scrambling. I am still a fan but an amazed one. What a suck a** performance.

By K-Factor

December 24, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

If Sunday’s game was a real NFL game for the Falcons, I wonder what their practice sessions at Flowery Branch are like. They remind me of one of those movies you see in which the preview for the movie looks really good, but turns out to be a dud when you’ve paid to go check it out at the theatre. Merry Christmas!

By Rock Preston

December 24, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

King Arthur has to do what is right and that is to relieve the coaching staff of their jobs on January 2nd. To come out as listless and unprepared as the team was on a day when they could have seized the opportunity to make the playoffs (Giants loss, probable Eagles loss on Monday night), is totally unacceptable. I think he has made up his mind (judging from his picture and comments) and will do what he has to do on Jan. 2nd. Mora, Knapp, and Donatell have read the writing on the wall for weeks now…It is time 4 King Arthur 2 make his move…and that is to move in another direction!

By gabugman

December 24, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Absolutely pitiful performance by the entire organization. This is an uninspired team that obviously has alot of reconstruction in its future. Look for alot of free agents fleeing over the off season. Adios Mora, enjoy the PAC. Take your worthless coordinators with ya.

By JockEwing

December 24, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Dan Reeves probably is too proud to come back and who could blame him after Arthur threw him out like yesterdays AJC?

Reeves probably would like to come back but will not because it looks bad for the team and him. Maybe as a consultant but not as Head Coach.

Too bad, Arthur was too knee jerk trying to put his stamp on the team 3 years ago. You know deep inside, he knows he is wrong but will never admit it. Men with as much money as he has never admit they were wrong.

By Doug

December 24, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

As a long suffering Falcons fan, since 1966, I’ve seen all the bad years and the few good years. The last two have been the worst, with such high expectations turned into dashed hopes. Mora and his staff need to go. The decision making in crucial situations has been terrible all year.

By kg

December 24, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

To Dom: McKay drafted Warren Sapp, not exactly a choir boy. The choir boy requirement is Blank’s, Mr. Image Conscious.

By OpinionsAreLike

December 24, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

Fans Always Left Counting On Next Season

By Greg

December 24, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

I wonder what Mike Vick is truly capable of doing. When he played for Reeves, he threw for almost 3000 yards. One of the problems with the coaches is that they create an offensive line and scheme that’s designed entirely to run the ball, then they pass the ball, using a system at odds with their QB’s skills. Knapp doesn’t seem to know what he wants his players to do.

By savannah foulcoon

December 24, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

three points. THREE POINTS. three freakin’ points.

FIRE MORA AND THE REST OF THOSE LOSERS!

i’ve watched their first game. i watched this last abortion.

FIRE MORA AND THE REST OF THOSE LOSERS!

By b

December 24, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

Mora’s dad had it right, Vick is a coach killer

By Voltamp315

December 24, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

As a Miami Dolphin fan that happens to live here in the Atlanta area, these last couple Falcons’ seasons remind me of the Dave Wannstedt era we had a few years ago. Us fans were hollering 3 years in to fire him because we knew he wasn’t the man for the job. His first season after taking over for Jimmy Johnson(Dan Reeves) and using the majority of Johnson’s players they went to the second round of the playoffs(you guys went to the NFC Championship game. The next seson we mad the 1st round and were eliminated(you all were 8-8 last year. The following season we didn’t even make it to the playoffs(you all are probably heading to a losing record). Hmmm, if Mora is still around next season and things go really bad(we started 0-8-0 that following season)I wonder if Mora will quit in the middle of the season like that loser Wannstedt did? Hey Blank, listen to your fans now. Miami support still hasn’t recovered 100% yet. Just a suggestion.

By savannah foulcoon

December 24, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

THREE POINTS.

i was sympathetic last season.

i am not this season.

FIRE MORA and the rest of the “mora-ns”.

FIRE THEM TODAY ON XMAS EVE and get it over with.

i am SO disgusted with that bunch of losers.

did i mention that i want moran and his staff FIRED?

By none

December 24, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

its time to clean house…every single coach on the coaching staff needs to go

first off, why should anyone have expected big things out of mora and his coaching staff??? they were all losers before they got here and they all are now…does anyone remember ed donatell and fourth and 30 in the green bay-philadelphia game a couple of years back???there was a reason why he was fired

also, we need to get rid of allen rossum…can anyone tell me what he has done the past 2 years besides be really fast…the last time i checked that doesnt win any ball games…he should not be punt returning or kick returning

the falcons have major work to do…they have regressed under mora and need severe help…the only problem is, is there a coach out there willing to take on the challenge of coachig the uncoachable mike vick???

By lucky medena

December 24, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

You know what makes this sting even more…Jimmy Williams! The kid played his a$$ off today and he’s been riding pine the entire year behind Jason Webster and Allen Rossum. 2 undersized cornerbacks with poor technique and no room for improvement.

I can sat an watched Williams make open field tackle on after another. I saw the kid play with fire and asked myself, “when was the last time I saw Jason Webster or Allen Rossum lay wood on an opponent?” I can’t remember.

This coaching staff was utterly unprepared and embarrased today. I believe that the Falcons have some extremely talented players that need a swift kick in the rear to jumpstart them. Vick is the starter but he should have been benched today. We should have never punted in the 4th quarter. With the way Carolina played, the entire quarter was 4 down territory and I wanted to choke the devil out of Knapp and Mora for punting with 6 minutes left.

Arthur Blank, all I want for Christmas is to see Jim Mora, Ed Donatell, and Greg Knapp fired. (Please keep Joe DeCamillis, the Special Teams coach, at least he gets p** when his guys make bonehead plays and trys new things.)

By joe navy

December 24, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

All, stop putting Vick out their he’s not the freaking problem. Example #1 the defense was on the field for 40 min and Vick does not play defense. #2 on third and one we give the ball to the smallest back in the league several times, Vick didn’t make those calls. The team likes leadership and that’s starts with the coaching staff. Let me tell you all something I’ve been a fan for the thirty five years and this kid name Vick has brought a swagger to this town and that’s something we never had since the brief stay of Deion. What Vick needs is a coach not a buddy. Do any of you understand this game? Good coaches make adjustments and that’s something we can’t find away doing.

By Jerome

December 24, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Now I know how the captain of the Titanic felt…this ship is almost under. As loyal fans how much longer do we have to suffer the slings and arrows of the mediocricity of this team. Throw Coach Mora, Donatell and all the other dead weight overboard so this ship can stay afloat.

By Marcos

December 25, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

HI I AM FROM MEXICO CITY AN I AM REALLY A FALCONS FAN, I LOVED THE TEAM LIKE MY OWN FAMILY BUT WHAT I SAW TODAY WAS LIKE SAW MY FAMILY DIE, I AM VERY DISAPOINTED ON THIS SEASON,MORA DOESNT NO HOW TO DO A HEAD COACH JOB HE IS JUST DADDYS BOY,HE SHOULD GET FIRED NOW!!!!,WHIT ALL THAT LOSERS LIKE KNAPP AND DONATELL PLEASE ARTHUR DO SOMETHING,ALL I HAVE TO SAY ITS THAT TODAY ALL THE PRIDE OF THE CITY WAS LOST,CAROLINA MAKE US LOOK VERY BAD,WE NEED PASION,FIRE,PRIDE,AND A REAL LEADER TO MAKE BIG THINGS HAPPEND

By Birdy

December 25, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

Yes, the team is soft. This is the result of Mora running the team with a guaranteed playing time policy. This is a result of him coddling underachievers, making excuse after excuse for them, never using the power of the inactive list and depth chart to energize slackers.

You ruin the good performances of a Michael Boley and Demorrio Williams when you keep forcing incompetents like Hurtwell, Webster and Rossum and creampuffs like Brooking onto the field.

We don’t want marketing, we want football players.

Jimmy Williams good play has further demonstrated the incompetence of the coaching staff. They wasted a good pick by the General Manager.

And whoever still insists on trying to be the weakest, smallest team each week on DLine, OLine and RB needs to be terminated. Look at how this team has been physically dominated and embarrassed by bigger teams the last two seasons.

This “small ball” not only does not work in the NFL as proven by looking at the championship teams throughout it’s history, but it defies common sense. And getting physically dominated by design most definitely does not appeal to a southern football fan base.

What were these guys thinking???

**REMINDER:

Be sure to pick up a copy of Tuesday’s print version of the AJC. The Sports section will have an important response to Artur Blank from the fans. Look for “The 12th Man”. The fans will have their say. **

By Poor judge

December 25, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

Sad to say, after the millions spent, Arthur is a great retailer but a not so great NFL team owner. Simply put, he makes really bad choices and those really bad choices end up being the GM, Head Coach, and major player decisions and contracts. I’m not sure where we go from here but I’m beginning to feel like the Smiths are still here and I know they’re not. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Don

December 25, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

I agree that Mora seems to be done, but a clear message needs to go to McKay as well. The sorry a$$ 1st and 2nd round draft picks and injury debacled free agents are not helping the coaches at all.

By Vick's One To Talk

December 25, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this

Mike Vick will destroy any coach Blank hires. If the receiver isn’t open he looks like a deer in headlights. He had ten seconds in the pocket with guys you could SEE open and he never looked their way.

For years I have blamed the undersized o-line. No more. Vick makes every game a toss up, even the ones they should win. 6-10 to 10-6 will be their record every year he is there. And he will never, ever leave because if we got a real quarterback and sent him packing ESPN and every black fan in Atlanta would cry racism, as if 5 years of not proving himself weren’t sign enough of our unending tolerence with his mediocrity.

By bird forever

December 25, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

Hey we need to stop complianing just look at the Buc, Lions, Raiders , Browns and several other sorry teams out their. Look at the bright side the draft will be here before you know it.

By thomas

December 25, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

The game today was disgusting. The Falcons got beat by some BIGTIME losers. Guys who lost four in a row. Beat by Chris Weinke, a man who hasn’t won an NFL game in five years. A man who had lost his last 17 starts, in a row!!!! A man who threw the ball only 7 times for 32 yards. This man made history!!!!!!!!! A quarterback wins game standing on the sidelines!!!!! Flip Michael Vick and Morten Andersen’s day. Chris Weinke and the Carolina Panthers are the ones who made history. The Panthers win NFL football game without a quarterback using 1930’s game tactics. I was waiting for the TV screen to go to B/W and for the Carolina players to be wearing leather helmets.

The Falcons are totally listless. No energy. No enthusiam. THEY DON’T WANT TO WIN!!! They could be in the playoffs right now. The sorry a** Giants lost again. We could be in the playoffs RIGHT NOW!!! These dogs don’t want it.

There is no way in the world I would pay $75 to see a Falcons game at the dome.

Vick is right. He has been saying it over and over. A few weeks ago he said they prophetic words: “Sometimes you have to overcome coaching.” You see, these are the dangers of the good-ole-boy network. Arthur Blank wanted a good-ole-boy. He got Jim Mora and Mora brought along his buddies from San Francisco. These jacka*ses are nimcompoops. I’ve seen better college games than this. *Heck, I’ve seen Houston Texans games better than this!!

By JimmyB

December 25, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

Merry Christmas! This was worse than a burrito with extra onions at Taco Hell or Turkey sitting out ‘til the bowl games.

As much as I’ve longed for Knapp and Donetell to be gone for Christmas for 3 years, the stats they threw up today should seal it for Blank:

No first possession drives TD’s in 22 games. No come from behind wins in 16 games. No vick TD passes in 18 games in the fourth quarter. Fox’s tongue in cheek way of saying Jim Mora is a moron. It’s coaching and we’re getting outcoached.

Still, Vick and the bloggers are out of their minds thinking we’ve got SBowl talent. Other than Crumpler, who on this team is in the top 10 at their position? Maybe Hall, but he’s lost a step. Smith blew by him today but fumbled the catch and TO did last week on a fly. J. Williams looked great on run defense, but wait ‘til this 4.4+ guy has to cover Smith next year. You think Hall looks slow, now?

If you think a coach is going to fix this bunch next year, just keep looking up the chimney for Santa.

By Larry

December 25, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

“Remember the Green Bay game!”

Do you remember this quote of mine from over a year ago?

I said then that “this team was poorly coached (Mora) and poorly led (Vick).”

I then predicted they’d finish 8-8 last year after the Green Bay game, and predicted they’d finish 8-8 this year. Even I couldn’t predict they’d lose to Cleveland at home so not they’ll finish 7-9.

From this point forward you goobers should NEVER question my wisdom and expertise! Henceforth, when you want the facts and the truth just ask!

Do not listen to dummies like “BirdDawg,” “e.b.” and Najeh Poop-for-brains.” as you can now see, they are clueless when it comes to the shortcomings of Michael Vick.

More than anyone else today our QB was at fault for this loss. He absolutely abandoned his teammates.

By ncdawg

December 25, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

As I said last week….THUGS! ARTHUR YOU ARE A GOOD MAN. AND GOOD MEN LIKE YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE AROUND A BUNCH OF LAZY, WHO GIVES A -HIT TEAM OF THUGS! START OVER…BUILD A NEW FRANCHISE TEAM…THESE FALCONS ARE A DISGRACE TO YOU, THE FANS, THE LEAGUE, AND PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL!

TRUST ME ON THIS ONE, ARTHUR, MICHAEL VICK WILL NEVER…NEVER…TAKE THIS TEAM TO THE PROMISE LAND! SO JUST LIKE YOU HAD TO DO IN YOUR LONG AND SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS CAREER…CUT THE PROBLEMS AND RE-ORGANIZE!

ncdawg

By Cedrick

December 25, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

Nice column. Mr. Blank should fire them all on Christmas! Merry Christmas Head Coach and coordinators. :-)

By Nate

December 25, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

To all the idiots out there that want Vick to be a pocket passer: GIVE IT A REST!!!! It will never work. He’s barely 6 feet tall so he can’t see over the line to read the defense and find his receivers. His greatest success comes from rollouts (which he had zero in today’s game, thanks Knapp). And why would anyone want Vick to run a west coast offense anyway? The guy has a cannon for an arm and you want him throwing short crossing routes and dump off passes? Why? He needs to be utilized more like Flutie was in Buffalo to compensate for his height defiency. He’ll never have consistent success in this league until he has an offensive coordinator that understands this concept! Only TALL QB’s can make it as POCKET PASSERS!

By falcondawg

December 25, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this

While I am not a Vick fan, I don’t believe any other qb could do any better behind our pitiful offensive line. I would like to see a coach who demands discipline, performance and respect from his player and is willing to replace the weaknesses on the team where they may be. Jimmy Boy insists on trying to be a buddy when he should be a mentor. Bye bye, Jim Moron.

By ConyersDawg

December 25, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this

Give me Jeff Fisher who has won 6 in a row or Steve Marriuchi NOW!

By Nick

December 25, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

Clean house. Please.

1. You need to gain a yard. The other team knows it, too, so they stack the line. You have a 5-8, 170 pound back that thrives on cutbacks and draws on long down situations. Not exactly a bruiser. You also have quite possibly the fastest man in pads on your team, capable of beating any man to the corner and eeking out at least a couple of yards.

Who do you pick to run the ball?

1. You’re facing a quarterback that has lost 17 (no, that is not a typo, really, SEVENTEEN) games in a row. You wonder how he is still in the league. Nevertheless, he is the quarterback you’re facing today. Knowing he, for lack of a better word, sucks, you figure the other team will run the ball . A lot. Heck, sometimes they don’t even try to disguise what they’re going to do; they just put one of their running backs in at QB! Seeing their running back receiving the snap, you could continue to run a 4-3 defense that, more often than not, allows the back to get into the secondary. Conversely, you could also put 8-9 men in the box to stuff the run and leave a safety or two deep just in case a RUNNING BACK is crazy enough to throw the ball.

What defense do you run?

PS - I JUST HEARD ON SPORTSCENTER THEY RAN THAT PLAY WITH THE RUNNING BACK AT QB ON THIRD DOWN 7 TIMES, AND GOT A FIRST DOWN ALL 7 TIMES. ADJUST!

Look, today the Falcons saw what a real coach looked like. Fox knew his options were limited, so he takes the ball out of his washed-up quarterback’s hands, plays conservative, and grinds out the clock. In short, he put his players in a position to win

Our staff, on the other hand, does not. If we need a couple of yards for a first down, for the love of God, just let Vick run the ball. It’s a sure thing. Anything else (including a pass or a run by Dunn, who looks plain worn out as of late) is not.

And a lot of Vick’s bad plays are the result of bad coaching. He should never, ever be put in the position where he has to run around in the backfield like a chicken with its head cut off. Give him two or three checkdowns, and if they aren’t there, run. If you want him to make five checkdowns, then develop some routes for our receivers to get open. I’m sick of watching Vick look down the field for five seconds, and as the pocket starts to collapse, his head begins to thrash from side to side as he desperately looks for someone open. I refuse to believe it’s our receivers’ fault - yes, they may drop the ball, but they should at least be able to get open. Some of the playoff teams (see: Patriots, for example) have some real scrubs for receivers, but they still get open. Call some better plays so they can get open!

By Chris

December 25, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

After last weeks game in which our offense came alive, I was really looking forward to this game against the Panthers. Losers of four straight, and an offense that even our disheartened defense could handle. Weinke at quarterback, seemed like an excellent Christmas present.

Thank God I had to travel today and couldn’t watch the game. I might have shot myself in the head. But if Mr. Blank is as smart as we all think, or thought, he is then atleast we know that next year he’ll be able to make ammends for his mistake 3 years ago.

As far as Vick goes, I’m not quite sure how an NFL superstar quarterback can consistently miss open recievers. When he is accurate our recievers can’t catch it because they’re not expecting it to be in they’re hands. And this is coming from someone that has been a supporter of Vick.

Memo to whoever decides to coach this talented bunch next year: Brady Quinn and Troy Smith will be in the draft this year. After watching both for the past few years I’ve seen accuracy and quarterbacks that have overcome contraversy and boneheaded plays to win games in the fourth quarter. Right now, I’m sure there are a lot of teams out there that would be willing to make a deal for Vick.

As much as it pains this Vick supporter to say, That is my opinion.

Merry Christmas to all!

By dman

December 25, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

Please hire Ken Whisenhunt. The Falcons will definately win the Superbowl within 3 years if Ken is hired. Also being a Tech grad he is 1000 percent more intelligent than 95 percent of the coaches out there. Thank god he didn’t go to (D)U(H)GA :)

By brian

December 25, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this

The game today was a rerun of the past few seasons. Inconsistent players and poor coaching. Mora should have been fired after back to back loses to Cleveland and Detroit. His taems is never prepared to play, but he always has time to laugh and joke and be buddies with all the players on the sidelines. Not to mention his free time for foot in the mouth interviews. But it is more than coaching, we will not win until we get a quarterback that can pass the ball consistently week in week out. I know Vick holds the rushing record for QBs, but once again he can watch the playoffs from home. Soon Mr. Blank will realize that while yes Vick sells tickets he is not a QB that can pass which we need along with the run to go to the superbowl. Also I am sure Mr. Blank heard the Boos and the people disguised as empty seats today. Atlantas Superbowl run was with a excellent pass game (C. Chandler ) combined with the run something Vick will never deliver. But I do see now he is blaming the coaches. Good thing there is no “I” in team. Things go further than Coaching and Vick. The defense again this year is horrible. Instead of wasting money on free agents like Hartwell and Webster who get pushed around every week why not get someone in there who can get off a block and make a tackle or cover a reciever.It is nice to be able to go out and get players, but the players will only put people in the seats for so long and then we get what was in the stands today. Winning will outsell a so called superstar anyday. Just another wasted year for a team with a word that is prevalent with the Falcons “potential”.

By Chris

December 25, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this

One last thought;

Lack of offense in the Red Zone, not converting 3rd and 1, so many 3rd and goals resulting in a field goal.

Anybody miss DUCKETT yet?

By 1970something

December 25, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this

I have been a Falcon fan since the early 70’s. I remeber when Falcon played the Dallas Cowboys in the 1980 playoff and loss. I was so hurt as a young fan. I have stayed a true Falcon fan though the hard times. This team have no heart and it all starts at the top. Everyone on this team have to look at themselves as a man! I will always be a Falcon fan. Whatever changes they make. A change need to come real soon!

By e.b.

December 25, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

Yeah, this was humilating. You would think, with the season on the line 9once again0, that this team would come out on fire. Instead, they came out like a bunch of bumbs upset because they had to play on Christmas Eve. What happened to Warrick Dunn? I don’t think the guy has had a 100 yd rushing game in months. What happened to this defense? They wouldn’t stop the run if it depended on them. Absolutely embarrassing. Which brings me to this. I think (as strange as it may seem), the Falcons will win next week. How crazy is that?

By e.b.

December 25, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

Vick has not regressed. This offense, this system has regressed. They’ve gone away from running the ball, to basically telegraphed plays. Anyhone that thinks this is Vick’s fault, is a complete moron. And BTW, this is Vick’s 6th season, only his 4th as the staring QB. His 1st season he was injured, and 2003 he was hurt most of the year.

By Shell

December 25, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

Panthers converted 3rd and 4+, at least 8 times, running the same play without a QB. The Falcons could not convert on 3rd and 1.

By chuck

December 25, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

NO Mariuccia. NO more San Fran garbage!

By Glenn

December 25, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

I will be brief but after the loss against the Panthers today (12/24/06) I feel it’s time to express my feelings. I have been a loyal Falcons fan all of my life. My parents took me to Falcons games since I was a child and I have not missed a season since I was 10 years old. I’m 28 now so that would be 18 years of taking the bad with the good and mostly having to deal with the bad. I am not a fan of any college team therefore all of my football emotions reside with the Falcons.

In the Falcons 40 plus years (I think) of being a football team, we have only made the playoffs 3 times and have only made it to the big dance once in my lifetime (1998). Now enough with the introduction………

I am writing to tell you how disappointing it is every year to be a Falcons fan. You would think with a quarterback like (Michel Vick) and some of the other additions (DeAngelo Hall, John Abraham, Warrick Dunn, Ashley Lelie and others) we would not be hanging by a thread year in and year out to hopefully make the playoffs via “Wildcard.” We should be a top five contender in the league and end up always having to settle for second best. When is someone going to make the Atlanta Falcons a winning organization. I am sick and tired of the emotional rollercoster I go through every year supporting a sub-par team.

Arthur Blank……….. Please do something to turn this franchise around at least for the fans!! For those of us who are loyal to the organization, we would really appriciate a change for the better. I guess I will have to say the same thing I say most EVERY year when the Falcons season is coming to an end……… “Guess well have to wait until next year.”

“It’s oh so very hard to be a TRUE FALCONS FAN”

By Shell

December 25, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

Falcons go away from plays that work, and keep running plays that have proven not to work.How can you get beat by the same running play on third down and 5 time and time again? And at the same time you are not able to convert on 3rd and 1? I know, its Vicks fault.

By Kris Kringle

December 25, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this

Can somebody spell N-O-R-M C-H-O-W! Look what he’s done with Vince Young in a couple of months and not three years. He’s had quarterbacks — Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Vince Young. They’ve all won the games they needed to win. NORM CHOW. NORM CHOW. NORM CHOW.

By Vicksoldier

December 25, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

All, Vick is no coach killer. He is a coach maker. Mora’s first year, was a year that Vick did more freelancing. If he had help that year the Falcons would have been in the Superbowl. Vick is why they made the playoffs. As time passed, Knapp’s system has started to set in, which resulted into inconsistent play from Vick. Vick IS NOT a west coast offense quarterback! 3 people account for Vick on each play, both ends and a spy in the middle have specific Vick assignments on every play, why in the hell can’t a NFL offensive coordinator call plays that work. Greg Knaap is a bomb, known for being cursed out by T.O.! The year before he started calling plays in San Fran, they had a top ranked offense, he took over and the offense went down, same thing has happened here.

By DawgPack

December 25, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this

Fire Mora. Fire McKay. Fire Durham - he never tells you where the damn ball is or how much time is left. My cable went out and I had to go the bar after listening to him for 2 minutes. The whole afternoon was a waste. Lowe’s is a better store too.

By loch dhu

December 25, 2006 02:01 AM | Link to this

June and Jerry were looking pretty sweet in Hawaii tonite. Bring them Back home. If they could bring in Mouse Davis with then we would have an offense that scores 60 points a game and a defense that knocks people around. Junes problem last time was the coach killer jeff george.

By bulldog_greg24

December 25, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this

When they hired Mora he was supposed to be some defensive genius? The defense has gotten worse through his leadership? It is obvious to me, a casual Falcon fan at best that the players want to see Mora get the axe including Mr. Vick. Maybe Mora should take a clue from Fox on what he did today. Start Schaub and bring in Vick like Florida brings in Tebow….oh wait…this is the NFL. Vick will get killed if the Falcons do this 15-20 times a game. And for gods sake why couldn’t the defense figure out that a running back is going to run when he’s lined up in the shotgun. The players have given up on saving Mora and his staff. Mora might someday make a great college coach, but he has no business in the NFL as a head coach. Here’s hoping the Eagles kick our butt so Blank will run Jim and crew out of town next week.

By Jerry L

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

No good coach is going to take the Falcon job with Leon at qb.

By Fire Mora

December 25, 2006 02:26 AM | Link to this

D. Hall takes a bow…what a f*ckin loser! T.O bowed that a$$ last week…grow up punk boy

By Steve

December 25, 2006 02:50 AM | Link to this

So … let’s start the list now .. who is available for being a head coach?

Chances are, Blank won’t go with someone with no head coaching experience after Mora. So, we are likely looking at retreads.

Not really sure who is out there that would be stupid enough to come coach this team.

Oh, and Mr. Vick, you are the QB. You are every bit at fault for the offense not showing up as Mora is. If players come out low, chew them out. Be a leader, not just another athlete.

As for the part of the article about the Falcons D giving up so many yards .. can you really blame them. The offense was so horrible the Defense was on the field darn near the entire game. I actually would like to applaud the defense for at least keeping the game close.

By Louis Vales

December 25, 2006 03:15 AM | Link to this

It’s Atlanta!!! Four pro sports franchises and ONE!!!!!!!!World Championship in 40 Years!!!

Yea, now tell me about those silly divisional title banners strung across Turner Field with ONE—Count Them!!—Championship to show for it. And NO Atlanta, division titles are not championships!!

By HACK

December 25, 2006 03:17 AM | Link to this

As a beloved Falcons fan living in Baton Rouge, I am discusted with the play of the team the last part of the season. Vick has NEVER been the reason for the losses the coaching staff just plain SUCKS, and lacks basic football knowledge musch less make an adjustment. Vick, Abe and Crumpler are super talents and have never played defense which is $**%&$(#$(##(. I thought that Mora was a defensive coach? Brookings is better at outside, it pains me to watch him get smashed in the middle.

PLEASE get someone to catch the damn ball and deep like a Randy Moss etc. Trade Shaub to Oakland and what Moss light up since he will have an arm that can give him the ball. Moss made Donte famous. Now a defense would have to defend the entire field. The Mora era is now over. Get Norm Chow or Jimmy Johnson at any cost. Now I have to put up with this Saints crap…Oh yea, they got a new coach and some new plalyers also. I am dying here!

Is it true that Mora won’t even let Vick change the play? If that is true, then who is “killin who?”

By Tim

December 25, 2006 04:44 AM | Link to this

Almost time to cut tickets prices to put folks back in the seats!

By P.J.

December 25, 2006 04:53 AM | Link to this

Yup, Ken Whisenhunt will be the next coach of the Atlanta Falcons. It’s been an urban legend (if one can be less than a year) that he knew this ATL team would implode under the stewardship of the mercurial Jim Mora Jr, so he didn’t accept any HC jobs after last season because he was holding out for this job.

The only caveat is if he’ll accept an owner who patrols the sidelines and chats with him in the heat of battle. I know if I were coach, that would drive me nuts, but at least Mr. Blank will do anything to make his team and players happy.

Also, we know he has way-above average intelligence since he walked on at Tech (someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m positive he got into Tech based on his academic merits), so we’ll have a coach who demonstrates good judgment. I tell ya, after watching all these bowl games and the asinine decisions these coaches make, you wonder how in the Hades they ascended the ranks.

Also, to the poster who said we should bring back June and Jerry, I know you were saying that in jest. I’m a fan of June’s system, when used appropriately and not every play of the game, but one the most salient attributes of an NFL is that you absolutely, positively must have the respect of your players. June didn’t have that. Bill Parcells has it. Bill Belichick has it. Eric Mangini has it. Mike Martz didn’t have it. Art Shell doesn’t have it. Even Steve Spurrier, when he was with the Skins, didn’t have it.

Anyway, if Ken for some reason, doesn’t come to ATL, they’ll probably pursue Cam Cameron.

KILL THE WRETCH COAST OFFENSE SOPHISTRY

By PoliticalMan

December 25, 2006 05:20 AM | Link to this

What culture the Falcons have: they make one lousy play and they bow. Jeff Van Note must be rolling his eyes. So is Keith Brooking.

Regarding Mike and Jimmy. Mike is a cancer. He must be cut out. Jimmy is a goof ball. He too must be sent on his way. Arthur Blank needs to get out of the picture. He hurts. How can a coach lead a team when the owner is coddling players right in front of him?

By Nono

December 25, 2006 06:22 AM | Link to this

Merry christmas to all my fellow Falcon bloggers Its happening—-Blank is trying to show some class and not fire Mora and his staff on Christmas. Trust me, the entire coaching staff is scattering like roaches looking for jobs. The only guy I would keep is the special teams coach (Decamilus). Way to go Jim, you screwed up a golden expierement. You muffed it, now your wife and kids will be uprooted and quietly and shamefully move back out west, banished from this town. Take that poor excuse of a QB with you too.

I’m sorry, even if your only have the ball for 18 minutes, your fing QB should complete more than 9 passes. *He has to go too I have held my tounge long enough. Vick sux. He is a one man wrecking ball. Damn it, I want a pocket passer not some freak show that gives 100% of nothing Look what he has brought us—-pure crap. Send him out to Oakland for two draft picks or a guard and safety with talent. Your a nice guy Mike, but I don’t like your style. Your numbers are all too evident. Your heart is in it and you are blessed with speed but your uncoachable and no fun to watch any more. Just go out to Oakland, and hang with MC and the west coast rappers fool, you really sux as a true football player——oh yeah Merry Christmas

By bill gillispee

December 25, 2006 06:37 AM | Link to this

Get rid of Vick, he is the problem, he don’t even know how to wear a hat??? Visor on the side , what a dummie. Go N.O.

By Bozydeco

December 25, 2006 06:41 AM | Link to this

Jeff, A restrained column, no hyperbole. The past two seasons, the Falcons have collapsed in second half of the season. Right on about the Eagles and Titans who as teams rose to the occassion. BTW, Deangelo Hall will have plenty of time to practice his bows for the Pro Bowl - All for One, and None for the team attitude. Woof if your team wins. I hope Rabbi Greene has a better run than Jim Mora in Atlanta.

By domeOFpain

December 25, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this

You took the words right out of mt mouth. I agree totally.

By Phil

December 25, 2006 07:59 AM | Link to this

Bring the swamp fox back for one more try

By Ralph

December 25, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this

The entire team, including the owner need to be replaced and start all over again. Vick is and exciting player, butthe Falcons will never be a consistent winner with him as QB. Roddy White was a bust as a first rounder, he can’t catch. Arthur Blanks needs to stay in his booth, not on the field looking over everyone’s shoulder.

By E Mutz

December 25, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

This was a test of the Atlanta Sports Fan System. Had this been an actual football team, you would have been provided with a competitive team, not an obscene gesture. This was only a test.

By lanierbob

December 25, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

It’s the offensive scheme, if there is one. Too predictable. How many times have they failed on 3rd or 4th and short on the dive off right tackle? I thought the west coast offense had a lot of receiver “picks” and crossign patterns. Hardly ever see this. Defense plays zone on 3rd down too much and other teams wide receivers get open too much. This has to be the worst team on time management I have ever seen. Team couldn’t run a 2 minute drill if it had to. Remember Pittsburgh game and with 1:40 left in regulation and only needing a fg to win no hurry-up offense. Let clock run down and settled for 50 yd. fg try? Lucky to win in OT. Team comes out listless in big games and against lesser teams—remember Detroit and Cleveland? Arthur—it’s the coaching!!!

By JustTired

December 25, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this

Just make sure the new head coach is black. Once all the NFL coaches and quartebacks are black Terence Moore can finally shut up his racist rants.

By drew

December 25, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

Thank God they loss! Had they won and squeaked into the playoffs (only to lose to a mediocre team) we would have had to endure enother year of Jimmy and the Morons.

Thank you Falcons for giving me an early Christmas gift…Jimmyboy and gang will be gone!

By J.M

December 25, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

ahh shut up u cry babies!!!!

By Gene

December 25, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

Much of the blame lies with Blank. Reeves was a proven coach who maintained a level of discipline and respect from the players. Mora is a hot dog, and the team assumed his character. Mora is just one of the boys, and Blank wants to be the same. Vick is talented, but he wants to be the sand-lot star, and that will never get your team to the play offs. The Falcons need a coach who will take charge of the players and keep the owner off the field.

By vince

December 25, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

You know what the worse part is, Mora is gutless. After the debacle in Washington state, he gave a whiney and calculated radio interview essentially begging to keep his job because his “community involvement” made him so vital to Atlanta. Does the Salvation Army field a team?

By Tmac

December 25, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

Mike Vick is the problem. He called for warrick dunn to run the ball through the middle on 3rd and 1? But wait, he doesn’t call the plays. On defense Mike Vick couldn’t make a tackle to save his life. Hey! Mike doesn’t play defense. Mike threw 2 interception. Now that was his fault that Roddy White never turned his head to look for the ball. I have a POP WARNER team of 9 and 10 year olds. The same gameplan that the Panthers ran on our Defense is what we have ran for 10 years. **IT WAS POP WARNER FOLK, THE PANTHERS BEAT US WITH POP WARNER FOOTBALL PLAYS. THAT WAS AN INSULT!

By AS

December 25, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

Anyone who thinks this is Vick’s fault is an idiot. #1 Greg Knapp has designed an offense where the strong side of the offense is on the right hand side of the field for 90% of the pass plays, when your star QB is left handed?? That’s Vick’s fault….

Michale Vick is all this team has, period. Matt Schaub is garbage, he knows it and anyone that understands the game, knows that he is garbage. He wouldn’t last two games behind that offensive line, with those receivers. Schaub has a Career 49% completion percentage, has a 1 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio, and he has a QB rating of 67.8!! Where in the hell do you people get off thinking that he has what it takes, with those kind of numbers?? He is no Kurt Warner, not with those stats! All I know, is that you racist rednecks said the same thing about Rob Johnson. And when Vick got hurt, and Rob had his chance to play, the Falcon’s didn’t win a game, and Reeves got fired, period. And the irony is that Rob Johnson had at least done something in this league!! Matt Schaub has looked descent in PRE-SEASON, SO WHAT!! EVERYBODY LOOKS GREAT IN PRE-SEASON…

By eddiedawg

December 25, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

Heck, after another loss, Mora should be invigorated….isn’t this what he loves, the adversity and the challenge?? He is a used car-salesman/politician, NOT an NFL coach…..BTW-Reeves is not the answer,been there, done that…..I like the suggestion earlier of Ozzie Newsome from Baltimore…..whoever it is, we can’t get much worse….

By EDH

December 25, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

The Falcons have the greatest talent that I have seen in quiet some time. Don’t put the blame on our players, not even Vick. The blame is so obvious. It’s that wack job Greg Knapp, and the tard Ed Donetell. Those two dip-sticks are the reason for failure….What about Mike Martz? He’s an offensive guru. High power offense. Defensive Cordinator, I dont know. But someone has to be better than Donetell. Jim Mora is only as good as what he surrounds himself with. It sure as hell isnt Knapp or Donetell. Please Blank, give us the team we hunger for, and the right coach’s to bring out the talent we have…….

By Mark

December 25, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

These players have been playing football along time they should have figured how to get in the end zone…Loosers always blame others

Vick the QB even blamed someone else..I wish they would trade Vick dump this coaching staff and get everybody they could from New England.. but really this has been going on for 40 years nothing new

By Tmac

December 25, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

So many bloggers say that ATL hired a bunch of thugs. If that is true, than the Defense isn’t living up to thug reputation. Thugs are mean and nasty and hit people in the mouth. So much for that title.

By Max Cady

December 25, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

The only coach killer on the team is Greg Knapp. After all the sH!tte play calling, he should kill himself.

By the future

December 25, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

it is happening every sunday we are out coached and lose to inferior teams because of coaching and game plan. Mora nees to freshen that resume and get it in the mail. he will need a job by new years!!!!!!!

By Tmac

December 25, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

Mark if you take a good team without a coach put them against an average team with an experienced coaching staff, who do you think would win. If you have ever played football before this question will be a no-brainer for you.

By deecee

December 25, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

Living in Indiana and being a life long Falcons fan, I get a lot of guff from my friends. You know, they are right, the Falcons suck!!!

When the coaches and players show up this week to collect their game checks, Arthur would you please slam the door in their face.

By Robert Storms

December 25, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

Why does Rich McKay get to skate? He’s the one that engineers drafts and free agent signings. He’s the one that brought in receivers that can’t catch and defensive players that seem to always be injured.

By Super Lou

December 25, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

My compliments to the comments by “Greg”. You make an outstanding point about the Falcons offensive scheme. They select a scheme with small offensive linemen, which is the exact opposite of what would enhance thier quarterbacks skill set!! Then they use a man that wants to RETIRE as the o-line consultant. Gimme a break. You can blame Vick all you want, but the coaches are a VICK KILLER. Hopefully they will get an offensive coordinator with some imagination. I don’t give a rat’s a* about a man being in a new system again. A good system with a dynamic coordinator will succeed. Look at Drew Brees in the first year of a system in NO. So if a coach has an excellent mind, and surrounds the quarterback with playmakers it can be done. Yea, yea, you people are bin about Mike Vick not being able to lead. He’s played under *INFERIOR coaches for 3 years. That’s enough to hurt any player, especially when the rest of the league is running circles around your team scheme wise.

By My Stomach Hurts

December 25, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

* I watched Jimmy Williams play a great game yesterday, and I wondered just like I’ve been doing all season*

Why hasn’t he started before today?

Jimmy Williams lack of playing time, Protection breakdown on 3rd and long, unpepared players and coaches, lack of aggressiveness, confusing gameplans, lack of identity, lack of leadership, inability to move any team off the ball, lack of determination, idiotic/irratic play calling, Soft Zone Defense, inability to audible, injury prone players, lack of leverage when tackling, Players contstantly OTG(On The Ground), cocky average players, weak O-Line, Chris Crocker, Jason Webster, and Ed Hartwell are the areas of concern for the Atlanta Falcons

Three things I want for the Holidays! Charlie Weiss Head Coach Ralph Friedgen Offensive Coordinator John Tenutta Defensive Coordinator

2007 Draft 1st Round Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin or Quentin Moses DE Georgia 2nd Round Marcus Thomas DT Florida 3rd Tanard Jackson CB Syracuse 4th Mansfield Wrotto OG Georgia Tech

By Awful Knawful

December 25, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

Sigh.

Wow.

Yawn.

Who woulda thunk it?

Yet ANOTHER column from Sgt. Schultz (he knows NO-THING!) that proves he is Michael Vick’s man-beotch.

Really: the AJC should be ashamed to employ a man (and I use the term VERY loosely) who grovels at the feet of Vick the way Schultz does.

Just like all of the pathetic jock sniffers who worship at Vick’s foul throne, Schultz gives his savior ALL of the credit when the team wins, but NONE of the blame when the team loses.

But enough about Schultz-head. Here are a couple of questions for the losers who try to forget about their own pitiful existences by living vicariously through Vick:

1) Y’all like to brag about your hero’s winning percentage? Well, what is his record in last 18 games? (Answer: 7-11)

2) Y’all like to talk about how your hero puts the meat in the seats. Well, why wasn’t there a full house in the Dome yesterday?

Bonus question: remember the way Vick and company laid down like a bunch of mangy dawgs in last year’s season finale? How do you think they will react to the game at Philly? If it’s cold, y’all know DANG WELL that Vick will be bundled up on the sideline like a scared litte bunny wabbit, just like he did in Chicago last year.

Bonus comment: the Falcons and all of their clueless fans deserve each other.

By Joe Barich

December 25, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Jeff:

Now we know what the fate of the Falcons is,, the next issue to examine is the ability of Rich McKay to select a new head coach. He has done as bad of a job as the coaching staff. Having to go onto to the street for offensive and defensive linemen who started games is an inditement of his ability to draft well in the late rounds. His singing of injury plaqued player who will always be injured is another inditement. Selecting wide receivers in the first round which, is a bad decision all the time. This was a trademark of McKay’s Tampa day, remember Vaquez Greene. Lastly in Tampa their weekness was always their offensive line. The coaches in the assistant ranks were depleted last year. Going to the colleges is a joke but one that people in Altanta should clamour for since this is such a college town and not a pro town. Their are two assistants that could not be talked to last year because they went to the Super Bowl. Ken Whisenhut ( I know that spelling is wrong) and Russ Grimm. The Giants will be looking for a coach and the Steelers maybe looking for a coach. Hesitate and you will be doomed.

Joe Barich

By Phildo

December 25, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Blank can change coaches all he wants, but the Falcons will never win with Vick. He’s an exciting player, racking up many PERSONAL statistics, but a guaranteed loser at QB. It’s not Mora who makes the fumbles or throws the interceptions and mis-throws at critical times. Trade Vick, now, for several good players while some teams may still be naive enough to believe he can help them. Mora may not that great of a coach, but his Dad was right on when he said Vick is a coach killer, and he’ll kill the next coach, too.

By r dorsey

December 25, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

how can vick think he a all pro 9/20? 1000 yds rushing is a personal thing not a team thing….you can not win with a running qb

By Phillip

December 25, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

There is one and only one coach to turn this mess around………..hire Frank Beamer! Pay what it takes to get him from VT………..he is the only coach who can handle Vick.

By Tmac

December 25, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

Someone said to trade Vick for a number 1 draft pick. If teams are willing to give up a top pick for Vick, he must be a better than ok QB. If I can remember correctly, Carolina along with 80% if the NFL teams, said that If Atlanta doesn’t want him we’ll take him.

By okoou

December 25, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

I listened to the post game press conference and mora wished the team well for the holidays on “monday and tuesday” and then said “we have to get abck to work on wednesday”. what???? why the hell is anyone in this org taking tuesday off? doesnt philly await next weekend? all these injuries? too soft of practices. this team is a reflection of their shyt-talking coach. outside noisy - inside empty

By hop

December 25, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

coaches can do only so much,but the players are the ones who have to execute.

lets keep in mind the DEFENSE ONLY ALLOWED TEN MEASLY POINTS.

THE OFFENSE SCORED THREE PITIFUL POINTS.

THE DEFESNE has played well all year.

the problem is the offense and a qb who is one dimensional.

lets face it mike vick IS NOT AN NFL QB.

THEY ARE LAST IN THE NFL IN PASSING AND AS JIMMIE JOHNSON SAID ON FOX YESTERDAY, YOU CANNOT SCORE IF YOU ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL IN THE PASSING GAME. VICK CANNOT READ DEFENSES,THUS HE CANNOT CHANGE PLAYS AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE AS NEARLY ALL NFL QB’S CAN DO.

HE IS NOT AN ACCURATE PASSER SO YOU CANNOT BLAME  THE COACHES WHEN YOU HAVE SUCH A LIMITED QB.

HE COULD BECOME A REGGIE BUSH TYPE PLAYER USE HIS SPEED AND QUICKNESS BECAUSE HE CLEARLY IS NOT A QB.

NEITHER TRADE VICK OR PUT HIM IN  ANOTEHR POSITION BEFORE HE KILLS ANOTEHR COACH.

HE HAS NOW GONE THROUGH TWO AND #3 IS ON THE WAY.

By Tony B.

December 25, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

Amazed Fan how in the hell can you say Micheal Vick thinks about running the ball too much???? As a season ticket holder you must have not used too many this year to actually watch any games. This guy drops back to pass with 3 first round recievers that can’t consistently separate from defensive backs and a OL that can’t protect. What the hell is he supposed to do except try and make a play. Maybe you didn’t see the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Dallas games where he threw 4 TD’s each game. Someone actually got open in those games. Coach killer? B******.

By Joe B

December 25, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Turning over the coaching staff is obvious. Rich mcKays day in the sun has faded .. But let’s be realistic. Mike Vick might be able to win a run and pass contest .. given that you only measure how far he can throw. if D Ware of the cowboys can catch one of his rockets from 3 feet, why can’t his receivers catch his passes from 20 yards ?? when they’re actually thrown to them of course. If you;re going to clean house, shop Vick immediately ! Folks, he just isn’t bright enough to be a total NFL quarterback .. Make him a Pro Bowler because he runs a 1,000 yards .. Plu-ease.. Second and third reads ?? fast feet ? last off-season was his maximum trading value .. it’s all downhill from here.. Cut your losses and get ready for the April draft and pick something other than a wide out ..you have som many other positions to fill .. notice the fat cow that got tossed around in front of center all game ? where were the safeties when you knew you were dealing with another damaged goods QB on the other side ? Keep at most 15 players on the 50+ roster and let the new GM and coaches turn this place upside down over the off-season.. Vick included .. Al Davis .. are you interested ?

By Biatek

December 25, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

On the first day of Christmas, the Falcons gave to me, a QB that cannot throw a TD.

On the second day of Christmas, the Falcons gave to me, a Coach that wants to be somewhere else.

On the third day of Christmas, the Falcons gave to me, another cold Atlanta January………………….

By Joe B

December 25, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Turning over the coaching staff is obvious. Rich mcKays day in the sun has faded .. But let’s be realistic. Mike Vick might be able to win a run and pass contest .. given that you only measure how far he can throw. if D Ware of the cowboys can catch one of his rockets from 3 feet, why can’t his receivers catch his passes from 20 yards ?? when they’re actually thrown to them of course. If you;re going to clean house, shop Vick immediately ! Folks, he just isn’t bright enough to be a total NFL quarterback .. Make him a Pro Bowler because he runs a 1,000 yards .. Plu-ease.. Second and third reads ?? fast feet ? last off-season was his maximum trading value .. it’s all downhill from here.. Cut your losses and get ready for the April draft and pick something other than a wide out ..you have som many other positions to fill .. notice the fat cow that got tossed around in front of center all game ? where were the safeties when you knew you were dealing with another damaged goods QB on the other side ? Keep at most 15 players on the 50+ roster and let the new GM and coaches turn this place upside down over the off-season.. Vick included .. Al Davis .. are you interested ?

By Political Foreskin

December 25, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

The defense played just well enough to lose. That TD was the result of Mora’s inability to adjust to the different looks that the Panthers throw at you on the goal line. He’s not doing his homework, and that TD pass should never have worked. Jim doesn’t understand what football is. He does vogue the best next to the cheerleaders, though, you gotta give him that.

Throwing my hat in the ring, Mr. Blank. I can take us to the Zooberbowl. It’s easy, simply let vick do a quarter back sneek on every play and you’ll win. I guarantee it.

By Political Foreskin

December 25, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Tony, the problem is that Sandlot Football is too inconsistant. You cant rely on Sandlot Football, and that’s what Vick is: Strictly Sandlot.

By thomas

December 25, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

Hey loch dhu, you were right!!! I saw that Hawaii/ASU game last night and the Hawaii boys looked good!!!! It was good to see Glanville again.

Personally I am sick of looking at Vick. He needs to go. We need some fresh blood and a leader in here. I’m sick of Vick looking dejected every game, with his head down. This Falcons team has no enthusiasm.

I knew Mora and his boys sucked two years ago. That’s what you get for bringing in good ole boys!!!!!

I don’t know what the heck this team is going to do now. I don’t know what kind of coach we are going to get. Everybody said Mike Martz is all that, but look at Detroit (2-13). We need MAJOR defensive help.

The Falcons could have EASILY won that game yesterday. 10-3? All we go was one field goal. We were beat by WEINKE!!!!!!!! I am just sick over it.

By jim

December 25, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

Trade Vick NOW….Get as much as you can for him and actually build a TEAM….A team that WINS consistently….Fire the O-Coord. and D-Coord….Mora is not the problem.

By blackfalcon

December 25, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

IN RESPONSE TO AS. the falcons as far as i know have NEVER employed pretty boy ROB JOHNSON as quarterback. Could you be referring to Doug Johnson? The only think i didn’t like about Dan Reeves is, he didn’t have any capable backup quarterbacks. Anyone remember Tony Graziani? He was the worst quarterback I have ever seen in 20 years of being a football fan.

By luke

December 25, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Carolina along with 80% if the NFL teams, said that If Atlanta doesn’t want him we’ll take him

Great! I’ll pack the U-haul and drive the thing to wherever he wants to go. NOW. TODAY. I’LL FOREGO MY TURKEY DINNER!

To the poster wishing we could get Troy Smith: d.r.e.a.m. o.n.

Mora and his staff are history. We’re stuck with cancer-RB-pretend-QB-Vick for several more years.

Time to think about who can patch up this mess. Probably end up being some fired loser from another team. But maybe Arthur should dig deep, DEEP, into his savings account and give Lovie Smith a call if he wants a winner in Atlanta.

By blackfalcon

December 25, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

I agree with the majority of the postings. I think Mike Vick needs a change of scenery and I need a change from him. Sure the receivers are horrible and can’t catch a cold. We need someone that can throw a decent pass and I am not sure at this point if it is the coaching or Vick’s arm that is the problem. In my opinion get rid of the coaching staff and get rid of Vick.

By Charlie

December 25, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Anybody notice how coy Jimmy Johnson was being when asked about Mora and the Falcons on the post game show yesterday? Maybe…?

By Take Him

December 25, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

If Blank will pay Bill Cowher $8 million and give the Steelers a draft pick or two, he has a new head coach. It’s a short distance from Atlanta to Raleigh, and that’s what Cowher wants.

By Joe B

December 25, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

right on blackfalcon .. when you don’t know where the fast growing cancer is, cut it all out .. take heavy doses of chemo and hope for the best in two years .. otherwise, you’re just dead .. and ten years away froma chance at new life

By Peter Kim

December 25, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Let me suggest solution to this team that even a kindergardener knows. Arthur Blanks, just sell the team if don’t fire your managemnet. It looks like your whole staffs don’t give s** if you stroll around the field. Just take the Vick out and submit Shockly once. He will win it. If not, game will be at least exciting to watch. This team is clueless.

By steve

December 25, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

where does it all start? at the top. Blank is just as culpable as anybody that has a leadership role on the team. he made a very unwise decision when he hired the Mora kid. fire the idiot and hire someone with talent and leadership ability. the falcon players and their fans deserve better than what is now at the helm. there’s gotta be a better coach out there willing to come and save this team. the team is championship caliber waiting to happen. with the correct coaching and personnel decisions, the sky is the limit. you gotta know when to fold ‘em, Blank. do it now. show some backbone for once will ya!

By D.C. Falcon

December 25, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

The Falcons have too many problems to correct, but the start would be to let Mora and his clowns go join another circus. I remember Parcells taking Kotite’s 2 win Jets team and winning 9 the very next year. I see Fisher allowing Young to do what he needs to do to make plays. I see Young “leading” his team and inspiring them. I saw Vick doing the same thing in his first year. Remember the tie in Pittsburgh? The back breaking run against Minnesota? The future was bright. Ahh, but new ownership had to bring in his guys. He brought in guys who were not all that successful in their previous jobs. Mora and Knapp have almost destroyed what seemed to be a superstar in the making with their pathetic offense. Vick is now a QB who appears to have lost his way. This team has no identity. There’s no Lorenzo Neal leading the way for Dunn on 3rd and 1. Running that play alone should get the coaches fired. Blank calls for character so we don’t need Randy Moss. I guess we don’t need TDs either. Who knew losing Finneran wouldbe such a major loss? Funny how he had no problems catching passes. Hopefully everyone saw White (Roddy not Dez)give up on the last two plays not even looking for the ball on the last play. It’s time to admit that this isn’t going to work Mr. Blank. Either get a real coach for Vick or trade him to a team that will utilize his tremendous skills. Regardless of what is said publicly, this team did not play for their belove coach. What does that say?

By T

December 25, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

nice article Jeff.

All I heard on the radio and TV from the so called experts was how the Falcons would beat the Panthers by 7-10-14 or more.

Well if you know anything about this Falcons team and coaching staff, you knew we were going to lose. INCONSISTANT, UNDECIPLINED, NO COACHING ADJUSTMENTS… Sorry Coach Mora. You seem like a nice guy and a good person to hang out with, but we need a head coach that demands accountability, excellance and results.

By Tired

December 25, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

Time to UNLOAD Mikey Vick…….and his monster contract. He can’t get the job down. Keep the Coach!

By Mike Salmon

December 25, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

I was at the game yesterday and I am a season ticket holder. The coaching staff is a joke. Many of the players are your classic over paid under achievers…Michael Vick is the Falcons version of Dominique Wilkins. He can be fun to watch…He can produce many highlights for ESPN…but he will never take the Falcons or any NFL team to the top tier of NFL teams. Trade Vick and fire Mora!

By D.C. Falcon

December 25, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Trade Vick and you’ll see a Falcons team in week 1 just like you see in weeks 8-16. It’s time to cut out all the running QB plays unless it’s broken down protection. Oh wait a minute, that happens all the time. Folks this is so simple. All coaches are not “head” coaches. The head coach has to have a pulse on the whole team. It is impossible to coach every aspect of an NFL team today. That being said, a head coach must be the absolute authority figure not buddies. Yesterday wa a prime example of how men play for their buddies. The whole team played poorly again. If 8-8 is unacceptable, what does 7-9 mean? While I’m rambling, does anyone ever recall Atlanta throwing deep routes early in the game to loosen the defense? Even if the pass is incomplete, there’s a chance for a penalty or you keep the safeties on their toes. A lot of people may say Moss wasn’t the answer because of his season in Oakland. I beg to differ because Oakland has the worst offense I have ever seen in pro football. Brooks is the worst QB in football (please don’t compare him to his cousin). If he were in N.O., the Saints would still be horrible. Bottom line is that this staff tried to tailor Vick to suite their scheme instead if vice versa. Vick to Moss could have put up HOF numbers with each other.

By D.C. Falcon

December 25, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

For everyone who wants to trade Vick, I’ll take him in Oakland. I’m from GA, but the Raiders are my #1 team. If anybody thinks Schaub or any QB will have success behind this cut blocking small offensive line, he really doesn’t know football or hasn’t watched the Falcons. Comparing the Vick era to Dominique is stupid too. Dominique played during the Celtics, Pistons, and eventually Bulls dominate years. Does anyone honestly believe the Hawks were as good as any of those teams? Can anyone tell me right now that there is a dominate team in the NFC that Atlanta could not beat? Explain to me how Vick allowed Carolina to run down ball down the Falcons throat over and over? Explain playing Webster and Rossum at CB? Grady Jackson is the only defensive player deserving of a pro bowl berth. Explain the fastest man in the league not being able to run down a shoeless Hines Ward? Explain the ridiculous red zone playcalling week after week? Bet you can’t. The only similarities between Vick and Wilkins is a trade will send the Falcons back to the lottery. As long as Mora and Knapp are running things, that is exactly where they will remain.

By MALONE

December 25, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Trade Vick to Raiders for first pick to get Calving Johnson.

Fire Mora and staff…but who would replace him? I’d love Fisher and Chow but why would they leave Tennessee?

Oy vey…

By rw

December 25, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Its funny as I read the posts on here. I read how bad the coaches are and can’t couch the players and put them in the right situations (which i agree with). Then in the same post i read Vick is uncoachable. My questions is if the coaches can’t coach how do you say Vick is uncoachable?

By Terry Hicks

December 25, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

BRING BACK DAN REEVES**

By Terry Hicks

December 25, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

BRING BACK DAN REEVES**

By Mike

December 25, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

Season tickets = $ 2,000.00 Parking = $ 40.00 Cold beer = $ 7.75 Hot Dog = $ 5.00

Below average team =

      PRICELESS !

By Sick and Tired

December 25, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Mike, Look at yourself jerk. How about not running out of bounds 1 yard short of the sticks with no pressure when YOUR team needs you to get the first down. Quarterback my a*.

By Terry Hicks

December 25, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

DAN Reeves iS a Proven He can Get US To The Super Bowl And Deserves Another Chance

By willjay

December 25, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

you fowlcon fans are hilarious. first, where is this great talent crumpler, coleman and human groin pull abraham are the only true elite players you have. dunn, brooking, hall, milloy are solid every nfl team has players of that type. vick come on guys he is the best high school qb in nfl history. lets be for real about him 6 years and still maling mistakes like a rookie. i tell my fowlcon fan friends (half jokingly) that vick is going to set black qb’s back 40 years. can’t pass accurately, read defenses and runs at drop of a hat.all the stereotypes about us and the qb position he vick embodies. i absolutely despise rush limpbrain but he would have been closer to mthe truth with what he said about mcnabb if he had said vick instead. think about it mcnabb is a accomplished qb with running skills, vick has shown no true nfl qb skills and has received a mountain of media love and nfl league promo for not doing much but running around like a chicken with his head cut off. one more thing there is no pro offense suited to vick, but do any of you remember the middle and late seventies houston cougars qb’d by danny davis and coached by bill yeoman they ran the veer, it called for minimal passing skills great running skills and unlike the wishbone the qb did not have to be a quick decision maker or particularly bright fellow, that my fowlcon fan friends is the perfect offense for your hero michael vick.

By Jorge de Georgia

December 25, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

Jeff:

Absolutely dead on about the pathetic performance by the Falcons yesterday. The head coach, Mora, needs to be held accountable because of the poor performance not only by his team, but also his assistants both side of the field.

Vick has every right to be frustrated. He ain’t the coach killer. Mora has to look in the mirro to realize who’s the Falcon killer: himself.

By Dion

December 25, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

Mora is a defeated man,it showed bad yesterday, this teams talent level is off the charts, on paper we are awesome, but as we all know games are played on the field. The Falcons lack discipline, intensity, fiestyness, all these things make a good team great, this is why the Colts will never win the Superbowl, there fine with winning 11 games in a season, we can’t even win 9. Arthur give the Falcon fans what we really want, a proven winner, a Former Superbowl coach, high calibur intensity, that gets the players ready for the games week in and week out, Please Arthur all we want for Christmas is JIMMY JOHNSON!!!!!

By Claude

December 25, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

Call it the University of Alabama rule. Don’t fire your head coach unless you’re sure you can replace him with someone better. Last year was a big year for turning star assistants into head coaches. So there are not many assistants now that you can point to and say, “That guy needs to be a head coach in the NFL, and sooner rather than later.” No one you could really select now from Bill Belichick’s staff or Mike Shanahan’s or Andy Reid’s or Bill Parcell’s, because they were plucked clean last year. Some people have mentioned Ken Whisenhunt, but he’s in line to succeed Bill Cowher. That’s a better situation than Atlanta, and Cowher might retire within a week.

By dan ryan

December 25, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

As an avid Falcon fan residing in Chico I was “BITTERLY” disappointed by yesterdays defeat Is there anyone out there that can advise me of a serario where the Falcons can still be a Wild Card selection ??? Dan Ryan

By Mike in Woodstock

December 25, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

I had a nightmare last night that Mr. Blank fired Jim Mora and replaced him with Jim Mora, Sr.

By chip

December 25, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Could the problem be Vick?

For two guys that have been to the super bowl as many times as Dan Reeves and Rich McKay I find it interesting the only common denominator on their recent resume blunders is Mike Vick.

By DJ

December 25, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

I guess all of you Falcon fans (both of you) can take down the framed Sports Illustrated cover of a few years ago which laughingly proclaimed Michael Vick as “The Ultimate Weapon.” Glad this joke-of-a-QB isn’t leading the troops in Iraq!

By deadbird

December 25, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Mora must go, but everyone saying bring back Dan Reeves is absolutely sick in the head. If you cant remember, as many people were calling for his head after a 5-11 season as are now calling for Mora’s head. Dont pretend you werent in total agreement when Dan was fired.

We need an experienced proven winner, but retreading a past Falcons coach is not the way to go either.

By JAG

December 25, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank has been a great owner and God knows if any of you have been a Falcon fan for over 25 years, we do not want to go back to a owner like the Smith’s. Atlanta deserves better, the fans deserve better and Mr. blank deserves better. The coaching staff needs to go but then there is also the question of the guy under center. Mick Vick. Can he actually throw the ball, can a running quarterback (and he is a running quarter back after setting a league record) win a bowl game, is he tall enough to see over the line or throw the ball in the gaps between those tall lineman, how much longer can he outrun the slowest defensive lineman because he is not getting any younger? These are just some of the questions. Let’s focus on a new coach first then we can get to him. By the way, what coach is available? Damn, damn, damn!!!!

By Nick

December 25, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Helllllo!! We are in “Bret Favre” syndrome—can you not see that Mr. Blank? We had the wrong coaches for him also, so we sent this Hall of Famer to finish his work in Green Bay. It makes me sick to see our talent without the coaching they need. Also, I will never, and I mean never, pay again to see D’Angelo Hall (Mr. No Charcter) act like a jerk just because he can make plays. I told my grandsons its called lack of discipline and character. Thank God for most of the Falcons who do know how to be professional(or Hall would have created more penalties Sunady) in spite of a a coaching staff that is oblvious to discipline 101. And you wonder why we are booing? How about a new storyline: “Mr. Mora goes to Washington.”

By PAul

December 25, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick is your problem, folks.

By Dano

December 25, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

About time you wrote a good article….tired of reading about the Falcons and writing reasons why the lost so many games……MV7 could be great, the Falcons could be a real winner…..unless Blank steps up, we may never know……..

Merry Christmas

By Baron Beatty

December 25, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

It’s time to bring back the Man in Black to coach the defense and June Jones to coach the offense - Make Dan Reeves the head coach. I guarantee Jerry Glanville would have adjusted and stopped the run game on Caralina’s 1st drive - much less the whole game. And Falcons would be hitting hard under Glanville - and he would get in players faces and put the fear of god into them - not try to be their buddy. June Jones can at least be creative on offense and use the talent this team has. When is the last time we ran the misdirection running plays like we did at the begginning of the year? That is what made teams freeze on defense - when is the last time we even ran a reverse? BRING BACK THE MAN IN BLACK!

By Football Expert

December 25, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

We have two problems. Mora and Vick. Both must go.

By SR

December 25, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

Wow, it amazes me how Falcon fans overestimate this team. I’m from Cleveland and I’m familiar with BAD teams. But i’ve been here for over 7 years and I root for the Atlanta teams. I want them to do well it’s good for the city, etc. But just like the Braves, GTech, Dawgs, the Falcons are over rated. They’re just not that good. Watching the Browns for all my life I know a bad team when i see it. What are you guys watching? As last year with their fast start and watching this 5-2 start I knew they were not a good team and said they wouldnt make the playoffs either year. They are 8-8 quality team. I wish they weren’t. I liked the Mora hire but he needs to go. Trade Vick while you can still get something for him. Since it’s obvious they wont surround him with NFL quality WR’s or put him in a system that suits his talents. And Algee—lead by example and catch the ball. Another overrated player. There’s this blind faith with GA sports fans and their teams. Come on, even half way thru the season Dawg fans thought this team could play for a title! Good, just not that good. Same goes for Falcons and Tech.

By Larry

December 25, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Paul,

You said more in six words than the thousands of words that preceeded you!

“willjay,”

Nail on the head, my friend!

By Larry

December 25, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

“Football Expert,”

Indeed you are!

Touché!

By joe

December 25, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

People stop. Vick is not the problem you need a line that can pass block not just run block. Look at some of the successful ball clubs they QBs have time to read the defense and Vick does not. How many times has Vick been able to drop back to do a 1,2,&3 read?

By Ron Roberts

December 25, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

Would Dan Reeves accept an apology and come back?

Answer… I’m sure he would; but it’s not just Arthur Blank that should apologize… it’s Michael Vick, who as a younger, more cocky elite quarterback back then, didn’t exactly stand up for his coach and that assuredly eased the pain in Arthur’s decision to let Reeves go.

And most CERTAINLY all the armchair QBs out there (and here) that called for Reeves’ head after a disappointing season after Vick spent most of that year on the shelf recovering from a broken bone… you, too, should apologize to the one coach who had this team in position to win championships. You hated his non-flashy offensive style, but his style netted yards, points and most importantly, more TDs than FGs in the red-zone.

Dan Reeves…. we’d only be so lucky to have him come back to coach us!

By Larry

December 25, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

joe,

Congratulations! You’ve just been nominated for the “dumbest poster of the year” award!

If you don’t think the QB we put on the field yesterday is not the primary reason that our offense stalled then you are absolutely clueless about football.

By jokurone

December 25, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

vick=victory-less. mora=mediocrity. knapp=knowingless. donatell=defenseless Blank=blank as in clueless!!

what a shamble of a franchise, alsways has been always will be.

rankin smith is laughin from his grave!

By Larry

December 25, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

Ron,

It is fitting that on Christmas we finally reached our first agreement!

Dan Reeves will not be invited back but I’ll always support class and sutbtance over ammoina snorting and helmet kissing.

Merry Christmas!

By joe

December 25, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

vick sucks unbelievably, and he has the nerve to cry about the coach? ridiculous. they scored THREE POINTS yesterday. he blows - AND the network shows have FINALLY got the balls to call vick out for what he is. a really, really bad QB.

By Could Care Less

December 25, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Wacthing that crap yesterday and yet again having to hear Lord Vick put someone else under the bus other than his overpaid and under performed hide is driving me away from the falcons.

Thats right, I said he has underperformed. A 22 Qb rating is more typical than a 103. The receivers, the coaches, the fans, the line…all have been the bain of his existence over the past 6 seasons.

He is nothing more than a slot receiver lining up behind center.

OBTW, I too am a VT alum and he is a client of mine…I want to see Schaub line up behind center next week.

I think we should try to do a Herschell Walker esque trade where Dallas got an influx of talant from Minn and Minn got Herschell. The rest was history for the Cowboys.

By P Mac Daddy

December 25, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Jim Mora - The George W. Bush of the NFL. Stay the course? I think not!

By VAFalcFan

December 25, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

One thing I think people are failing to realize is that it is going to be extremely difficult to get rid of Vick’s $100-plus million contract via trade…so we are likely going to have Vick for a long time. It will be hard to find a team is going to sell their soul to get one player that they see struggling week after week.

By eagle1

December 25, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Living in Charlotte for the last 15 yrs and in Atlanta my first 35 yrs before that, I would have to say that yesterday was the worst football game I have witnessed since the days in ‘66 and ‘67 when the Packers or Cowboys would come in and beat Atlanta 54 - 3, and such.

Yesterday was the Toilet Bowl, and that includes the refs. Nobody should be allowed to keep a tape of that game as all should be burned on a stake.

Both cities should declare their teams ineligible to finish the season, and both head coaches should have to play quarterback if the teams don’t adhere to this last game forfeiture decree. God that was bad. And now I know God has a sense of humor, or he would have cut the power off in the dome after the third quarter. And to top it all off, the Panthers tried to give the game to the falcons how many times? And did the falcons want it? I haven’t been that sick watching a Falcons game since the ‘80 playoff game when the Falcons were up over the Cowboys 13 with two minutes to go and laid two eggs to end what would have a been a great season.

By dannotdan

December 25, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

Vick goes 9 for 20 with 2 picks and has the nerve to throw the coaching staff under the bus…………..what a low life punk.

Mora Sr underestimated how bad this puke is when he called him a coach killer, Vick’s a franchise killer taking down what looked like an up and comming group and turned them into Cleveland.

Short of a career ending injury Atlanta is stuck with Vick and 10 more years of losing.

Character counts and Vick and Hall are both negitive numbers.

By rw

December 25, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

OK Falcon fans—-we all agree—-the coaching staff has not been able to get the job done. But don’t lose sight of The other major problem—-a quarterback that gives his all on most occasions, but is just not able to make the plays (with his arm and also his brain) that is expected from a starting NFL quarterback. Mr. Blank—-if you fire the coach (which you surely will) go ahead and fix he the rest of the problem and trade Vick or find a way to get him the ball after Schaub or someone else takes the snap.

By Leonard

December 25, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

Yes Jim Mora should be fired and yes this team seemed to quit but I am baffled how Mike Vick could every criticize anyone. He looks pathetic and listless at times. The last pass he attempted in yesterdays game was pathetic and weak. He needs to shoulder alot of the blame. He is inconsistent and lifeless at time.

By Josh C

December 25, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Just jumped on here to check the news and noticed that some people (Larry et al) have posted multiple times about the Falcons over a few hours…on CHRISTMAS DAY!! Do you people have no life at all? At least tell me you’re jews…

By DCS

December 25, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this

If you take a look at the falcons roster, especially defense, you see that there are many stars throughout the team. The rule is you are suppose to have one pro bowler at every line of defense to have a great defense. The falcons have at least two at every line and they can’t stop a direct snap to the quaterback (or running back) ? It has to be the coaching scheme. The whole coaching staff needs to be fired immediately, there is no excuse for having this many star players and not being able to beat a team with one star on each side of the ball when they dont even have great days. And how can a grown man not be given the authority to call a audible? Vick has rushed for over a thousand yards and has thrown for more touch downs than ever with sub-par recievers. What else can he do? Should he rush for a thousand and be Peyton Manning also? Thats ridiculous!!!!

By bob

December 25, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

WHEN ARE YOU FANS AND BLANK GOING TO

REALIZE THAT A QUARTERBACK HAS TO HAVE

A FEW BRAINS AS WELL AS PHYSICAL

TALENT??? JUST LOOK AT THE COMMENTS HE

MADE AFTER THE CAROLINA GAME. HE BLAMED

EVERY ONE BUT THE PLAYERS THAT PLAYED

THE GAME. TOO MUCH TALENT(AS HE SAYS)

COULD OVERCOME BAD COACHING ANY DAY.

TIME FOR BLANK TO TAKE ACTION!!!!!

By Jay

December 25, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

Yes, it was Vick’s fault that our defense couldnt stop the run. It was his fault that our coaches couldnt adjust to a college playbook. It was his fault we ran a small rb over and over again in 2nd and 1, 3rd and 1 when they showed they could stop it consistently.

By Leonardo

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

I gave up on the Dirty Birds when they brought Jerry in. I got back on the boat with Dan. Now I’m off again until they get rid of these characters- Mora, Vick, and Hall.

By G. Bradley

December 25, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

Why can’t the coaches and Arthur Blank see that Vick is for Vick and not for the Falcons. There’s no “I” in team and there should not be a Vick on the Falcons. Trade him to Oakland with the other “I” players.

By JG

December 25, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Oakland, the dilusional fan bandwagon is picking up speed to trade Schaub for Randy Moss. That would be an utter disaster. It’d be 2011 before we could consider being competitive again if that happened. I trust McKay still has enough marbles rolling around to not make that trade.

By for sure

December 25, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

good bye to the low rent, class-less, f-word bombing coaches

they probably thought that the f-word middle finger flipping hip-hop culture was what the NFL was all about

By DCS

December 25, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Vick has brought more to the falcons and atlanta than anyone else ever has. You people are so ungratefull, if you were real fans you would remember how terrible the falcons were before Vick got here (except for that one fluke season in which they were exposed in the super bowl). Before him we never thought about being in the playoffs especially not every year. None of the people that are in the falcons organization would even be there if it wasnt for Vick. I guess we should go back to Bobby Hebert and Billy Joe Tolliver. Find another team if you dont like him.

By Taylur Smythe

December 25, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Vick will not be traded since no one would assume his contract. He will not be cut since the cap hit would destroy the Falcons for years to come. Whisenhunt will not come to Atlanta since a head coaching job awaits him in Pittsburgh, a class organization with a winning tradition since 1972. Blank might get Cowher if he waves enough $ at him and agrees to compensate the Steelers for the year left on Cowher’s contract.

By fivetalentman

December 25, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Its time for Mr Blank to get a legitimate coach & staff.His worst mistake was not hiring Dan Reeves as GM and Director of personel.Reeves knows how to put a great team together.Past his prime as a coach but a great personel man.Mike Vick a great QB.He just needs the right coaching staff to grt the most out of his ability.He takes an unfair amount blame.Last time I checked he hadn’t played a down of defense!!!!!!!!!!

By reverend run

December 25, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

the problem is this:

blank is a great owner in that he cares and wants to win as much as all of us. at the end of the game, he looked as deflated, angry, and confused as i did. but arthur’s desire to win and to give us what we want is a problem which results in poor signings of peerless price, overpaying vick & brooking & dunn, trading duckett for lelie as a way of avenging a 2002 draft dispute he had with dan reeves, thereby killing our short yardage and red zone game. he needs to step back a little and fire his GM and coaches and hire a competent GM and coach and just let them do their jobs. We know you care Arthur. You no longer need to prove that to us. Now go hire some competent professionals and step back and keep your hands off the day to day functioning of the team. be a figurehead who demands excellence. that is all we expect out of you as an owner.

McKay has done a terrible job picking talent. mckay without a doubt should be fired

Mora, Knapp, & McKay have done a terrible job coaching the mediocre talent McKay has given the team. they should all be fired

Vick is inconsistent and not a leader. i am not jumping off his ship like many on here though.

Dunn is weak and undersized and absolutely useless in the red zone and in short yardage, which has completely crippled this team.

Norwood has not been used enough but even if he is used more often, he will most likely need to be paired up with another big back to fight for yards in short yardage and red zone.

Not enough passes are thrown to Norwood & Dunn.

griffith is a solid FB who is not used enough in short yardage and red zone since we do not have a short yardage and red zone capable RB since we traded away duckett, who himself was merely a decent short yardage and red zone RB

Crump is one of the best TEs but he has dropped too many passes.

Jenkins, White, & Lelie are well Jenkins, White, & Lelie.

Finneran has been out all year.

The O-Line are not man enough to push when the push needs to be made. The Gibbs O-Line scheme itself is not really the problem. The lack of talent being used on the offensive line in that scheme and the weak, undersized, and over the hill Dunn are the real problems with the performance of the offensive line.

Kerney is great but has been hurt all year. (steroids make pretty flexing muscles after sacks but also have a toll on the long run for your body - torn pecs, triceps, and biceps are telltale signs that ther has been too much steroid use).

Abe is a great talent but has been hurt all year as he has been hurt his whole career. (same lecture for abe as was provided to kerney about the harmful impact of steroids.)

Coleman was great 2 years ago but has not done much at all in the last two seasons.

Grady Jackson is an overrated fat slob. Whenever any team has decided to run all over us, they have done so freely. (Tiki, Betts, & Panthers). They would have run much more against us if our secondary was not such a joke. grady was terrible against the panthers. as moose and goose pointed out on the telecast, the lineman were taking care of him with one man, grady was not clogging things up like he is supposed to, grady was freelancing too much trying to make plays, and as a result, the offensive linemen had free reign to go take out our weak undersized linebackers.

the decisions by mckay to take away jasper, travis hall, and brady smith have proven ill advised and have taken their toll on the overall quality of the defensive front.

brooking is a hard nosed guy i love but is merely above average and not a difference maker at all.

Hurtwell is going to go down someday as on the greatest bank robbers of all time.

Boley and Dwill have alot of talent, are very fast but are very weak and undersized and are nothing more than pass coverage linebackers which really makes them nothing more than glorified safeties.

DHALL has great talent, talks way too freaking much, should never take a bow again for making a play he is supposed to make on a routine basis - in fact if he was so shut down, then they should not even dare to throw it his way. ii do think DHALL is hurt this year though. in the past, he would give up passes in front of him as a result of the poor defensive scheme. but he never got burnt like this which tells me there are problems with injuries for DHALL. TO and Hines Ward are not fast enough to beat DHALL, especially hines wearing only one shoe. he must be injured and not making excuses for it.

webster is garbage.

rossum is not a corner.

JWILL showed alot of promise the other day, although he may turn out to be more of a safety than a coverage CB.

Crocker is horrendous.

Lawyer is merely a good average safety at this point of his career, nowhere near the difference maker and playmaker he once was.

mathis was actually decent this year before getting injured.

the rest of the talent on this team is nonexistent. the special teams problems bear that out. The Special teams coach did not go from a good special teams coach to a dunce in two seasons. the lack of depth provided this team by mckay has killed the production and explosive nature of our special teams. our special teams unit was a huge explosive difference maker when we went to the conference championship two years ago. rossum is no longer the same returner anymore. last year he seemed to have trouble fielding kicks cleanly. last year and this year, he has had trouble judging when to call for a fair catch. and he has not been explosive like he was 2 years ago which is partly his fault and partly again the fault of the lack of talent surrounding him on the special teams unit.

my two cents. but keep blaming vick for all the problems. or keep blaming mora for all the problems.

or you can go position by position, and realize that a huge problem with this team is McKay and Blank for all the reasons i stated above.

But the bottomline is that this is not a failure for any one person on this team, be they coach, GM, owner, QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, or DB.

this has been a systematic organizational failure by each member of the organization.

there really is not one person to blame.

the whole entire team is to blame.

just stop telling this is all vick’s fault.

stop telling me this is all mora’s fault.

and please stop telling me that this team has so much talent because they do not have alot of talent. they have 7-8 talent and that is why they are a 7-8 team.

By Dave

December 25, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

The solution to the offensive woes is very simple. Put Schaub in at QB and Vick in at TB. If Vick doesn’t like it he can go home and the $130M they’re paying him can be spent on some other players. He could be an All-World TB but he’s a sorry QB and always will be. He’s proven that now beyond the shadow of any doubt. All those people who disagree are really just saying that they enjoy the thought of a running QB. I like a running QB, too. But a running QB has to be able to pass and to complete his passes more than 50% of the time. Vick can’t do that. It’s time to acknowledge the obvious and move him back a few feet and let him run the ball as a TB. As long as he remains the QB the Falcons will continue to be the failure that they are. If Mora can’t see that then he has to go.

By tim

December 25, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

DCS,you are 100% accurate.Vick has never been the problem.Why are these lowlife fake fans writing on the falcons blog anyway.Vick has been a good quarterback all of his entire life and now.If you fakes no anything about football,Vick wouldn’t get all the blame for everything thats goes wrong.Vick is no way from being perfect,but most of Falcons problems have been from the coaching staff.The falcons need to find the right coaches not buddies and if Vick mess up then trade him.The coaching has been bad all three years under Mora.Mora won his first season with Dan Reeves crew.I would like to see Vick under a good offensive and see what he can do.I know he would succeed.SUPERBOWL

By Brownthrasher

December 25, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

Why all you so called Falcons fans want to blame Vick for everything is beyond me. But then these are probably the same fans who were outraged at Atlanta for selecting a BLACK QB in the first round when Vick was selected. Your comments don’t even bother me any more because no matter what Vick does, he will never satisfy you.

The problem with the Falcons is Arthur Blank. 1) He fired Dan Reeves. 2) He overlooked Lovie Smith and HIRED Mora and the morons from San Fran. It was Dan Reeve’s team that made Mora look good his first season here. 3) He hired Rich McKay who has orchestrated these first round picks who can’t catch a ball. 4) He didn’t FIRE Mora after that radio interview last week and it has certainly showed on the sidelines that the fire is gone in his coaching. It’s Arthur’s job to look after the team. It’s McKay’s job to get talent in here. It’s the COACHES job to fire this team up and get them ready to play.

So it’s up to you Arthur Blank to do something. And you should have given Atlanta a Christmas gift by letting Mora and Staff go before we get to Philly.

The season is done and over with. And since you are on the field every game, why don’t you just coach the last game?

By ugapip

December 25, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

When you fire Mora please send Vick on his way, too! A team with low attendance with a poor record would love to have this guy. Make a Hershel type trade that propelled Dallas to all of those great years.

Three points in a must-win situation? Give me a break!

PS Go Dawgs!!

By Mony

December 26, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this

Now, lets don’t put all the blame on the coaches. The players haven’t done much to prove they are professionals. They looked a lot like amateurs in that last game. Not tackling, not running with authority or blocking and the damn defense stunk up the joint, letting them control the clock. Hey, Carolina is gonna run the ball and did, at will, coaches fault—no damn way. Vick talks a very good game but I haven’t seen him play too many good ones. Every now and then maybe but consistently, NO. He doesn’t play like a professional QB but more like a sandlot one and we’ve all had good days there. Then he cries, it’s the coaches fault, bull slop! Not many good coaches would wanna coach this crowd.

By AfterDinnerMinter

December 26, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

The secret is this: Fire Ron Mexico!!!

No Team that is so dependent upon one person, especially one with his attitude, has ever won a Super Bowl!!

By drmondo

December 26, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this

I think it would be appropriate if the AJC gave us a story, column or blog examining what coaches are available? Give us a breakdown of veteran coaches and coordinators that could take over the team. I hear Jimmy Johnson’s name. How realistic is that? Parsells? I’d like an informed opinion of the choices.

By Swami

December 26, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this

Johnson is retired. His “comeback” with Dolphins was a failure. He has been out of the loop too long to even begin to assemble a staff. Not to mention that his great success was in pre-cap days. Ditka? another retired coach whose “comeback” was a dismal failure. ‘Granny Reeves? The game has passed him by. he did nothing but LOSE Super Bowls. Pete Carroll might be lured from USC. Cowher’s impending ‘retirement” could be short-lived, IF the price is right.

By Jimmy

December 26, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this

That was the worse game ever. It looked like the entire team quit. Did something happen behind the scenes? It appears that the coaches have no control and refuse to let the players have input. I noticed that the Big Tuna let’s Romo call plays. But Vick’s plays are called from the sideline. If we are going to blame the guy for everything that happens at least let him make the call on the field.

Help us Obiwan.