AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > December > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPlayers’ sad effort will cost their coach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Philadelphia — Arthur Blank didn’t need another reason to fire his head coach. He got one anyway. Looking down from his owner’s box Sunday, he saw a team, his team, the one with the nearly $111 million payroll, had morphed into a bus. Jim Mora was somewhere underneath.
If Mora loses his job, he’ll need at least a year to scrub the tire marks off his forehead. For all the talk about pride and effort, for all of Mora’s claims that he repeated Sunday about the Falcons being composed of “high-character, hard-working” players, they were anything but that in their final game. Or their final three. Or for most of this season.
If the Falcons wanted to kill their coach, well, congrats, boys. You stomped that sucker flat. The performance against a Philadelphia team that had absolutely nothing to play for — and accordingly played backups for all but41/2 minutes — spoke volumes.
The Falcons lost to Eagles Lite 24-17.
This is how you destroy what little career a man has left. The Eagles’ third-string quarterback, A.J. Feeley, who had thrown five passes all season, completed 22 of 31 for 321 yards and three touchdowns. The offense was no more efficient against backups than it has been against starters.
The team lost seven of its final nine after a 5-2 start. It also went 0-3 after Mora went on a Seattle radio station and (you decide) either professed his love/joked about desiring a college job 3,000 miles away, while in a playoff race. You decide if that’s coincidence.
“We definitely made it hard for him,” running back Warrick Dunn said. He didn’t mean that to sound like some accomplishment.
“There’s a lot of really good coaches on this staff, and a lot of times you can’t blame the coaches.”
Yeah. Except, well, duh.
This was not a well-coached team this season. It was not a team that reacted well in big games. For that, coaches pay the price. At the very least, Mora’s coordinators, Greg Knapp and Ed Donatell, probably are gone. After what happened Sunday, it would border on a miracle if the entire staff, Mora, included, isn’t blown out.
“No comment,” was all Blank would say Sunday when asked about Mora’s future. He then wished a reporter, “Happy New Year,” spoke privately with general manager Rich McKay for a few minutes and proceeded down a tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field before stepping into an awaiting car.
McKay was only slightly more accommodating. He initially said his “entire focus” has been on Sunday’s game. But when asked if a decision already has been made, he said, “I’m sure the answer to that is no. But I don’t think it’s appropriate right now to talk about that issue.”
That wasn’t a position shared by players. Most notably, Michael Vick had at least three opportunities to come to Mora’s defense in the interview room and didn’t. If Mora is fired, Vick said, “It wouldn’t be tough for me to learn a new system. If it didn’t happen, it’s all good. I’m just a player and I just want to continue to play ball and not worry about what’s going to happen in our organization.”
What is that? Leave me alone?
When told his remarks didn’t sound like he was endorsing Mora’s return, Vick said: “I don’t know, man.”
Whoever ends up coaching this team, here’s issue No. 1: Turn Vick into a leader. Because on Sunday, he was the bus driver.
Two years ago on this same field, the Falcons lost to the Eagles in the NFC title game. That wasn’t viewed as an ending for Mora, but the beginning. There’s no way to explain what has happened since. There’s no explanation for erratic play and inconsistent effort.
There’s no explanation for reaching a new season low — and who imagined that was possible after consecutive losses to Detroit and Cleveland (teams that finished a combined 7-25). The Eagles outgained the Falcons despite pulling 15 starters immediately after learning Detroit had upset Dallas, giving them the NFC East title.
The Falcons didn’t pull their starters. Pray that happens in the offseason.
If Mora had a sense of his future, he wasn’t saying.
“I expect to get on that plane and go home,” he said. “After that, I don’t know.”
He praised his players. Maybe it was because Blank was sitting in the first row and didn’t want to look bad. But it might be too late for that.
Permalink | Comments (215) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
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By DCBird
December 31, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
Thanks for the bolg.
The bottom line is that highly competitive athletes long for leadership. It very hard to lead effectively, if you are “one of the guys”. Coach Mora seemed to always be “one of the guys”. Think of all the great coaches in that particular league and you will not find any that were considered to be ‘one of the guys”.
Coach Mora blew his first shot as an NFL Coach.
By jarrodmon
December 31, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this
It was nice to watch a half of football with a quarterback who could throw to receivers instead of them having to twist and gyrate to where the ball happened to be thrown. I’m guessing Schaub will be in the playoffs next year - and the Falcons won’t.
By kris
December 31, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this
This team needed a Father figure-not a best friend. I wish him luck-he is best suited for the college game.
You have to discipline and sometimes call your players out-Mora did neither.
By JR
December 31, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
Mora is gone and the next coach won’t last any longer. The biggest problem with this team is that you can find out what Vick ate yesterday by checking Blanks nose.
By Tired of Falcons
December 31, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
What quality leader(coach) would take a chance on leading this bunch of sad sacks. What about Blank showing up on the side lines with more than 6 minutes left in the game? What top notch coach would put up with that? Blank needs to go back and take Owner 101 and learn what he is suppose not to do.
What coach would put up with Vick with the way Blank treats him. Would a strong coach be allowed to deal with Vick given Blanks affection for him.
I hate to say it, but the real root problem here is the owner. He passed on Saban and Smith for this turkey (Mora) and he meddles in the day-to-day running of the team.
This isn’t Home Depot Dapper Dan. There is a heck of a lot more to running a pro football team than to selling paint and hardware. Blank strikes me as the typical Corporate know-it-all exec. who can’t be told anything. Gosh, are we wishing for the Smith’s back as owners?
Just glad this nightmare is over for the next 7 months……
By Realist
December 31, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this
Great analysis of today’s off-field play by the so called team leader. He obviously has no loyalty to his teammates, coaches or organization which angers many fans. He has got his ($$) and the hell with everyone else. He sounds like the Charlie Brown song, “Why is everybody picking on me?” See coments further below.
However, that does not excuse the total ineptitude of this coaching staff. They must all go!!!
Everyone should view the game photos, especially ## 10 & 11. I ask the following questions regarding Vick: 1) did he seem to be hurting badly while he was walking in the tunnel? and 2) why was he already in full street clothes sitting on the bench rather than on the sidelines supporting his teamamtes? Does he look excited for his teammates or just p$ssed and ready to go home?
I ask you (both the Haters and the Apologists)to use rational reasoning in your comments. In this case I think a picture (or two) is worth two thousand words.
By DexterDawg
December 31, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
We should bring back Dan Reeves, and let him finish what he started. He would be more of a mentor to Vick.Vick was coming along nicely under his guidence the first time. Let him take over where he left off!
By Jamaaliver
December 31, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
Man…..I’ve been a huge Mike Vick supporter for the past five years. But Vick’s statements and behavior this season have left me…..wanting.
Way to stand up for a guy who’s supported you (publically) through alot this year, Mike.
By Mothball
December 31, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this
I agree completely. Successful managers in any field are not drinking buddies with subordinates. Problems always occur. Unfortunate, but true.
Hopefully, there is a Payton or Mangini out there with “Falcons” tattooed on his fanny. The talent is there (With the O-line being the exception), just not the leadership.
Go Birds!!
By Brad
December 31, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this
Vick might be a great athelete but he is by no means a leader. Seems to willing to fall into the background when the going gets tough. Get rid of Mora and Vick.
By tmorse
December 31, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this
good riddance; I wonder if Blank will fire Deangelo Hall too. He’s the only idiot who’s taken up for Mora. I’d take up for him too if he never yelled at me for the types of things that Mr. FALL did. We need a coach with discipline. Then and only then will Deangelo shut up and play. As for Vick. He’s not a leader, but he’ll play hard for a leader, just like he did for Dan. Say goodbye to the college option, and the prevent defense on 3rd and 4. Say hello to your investment Mr. Blank. These players will give you a tremendous effort next year, I guarantee.
By Humbug
December 31, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this
Did you notice the change in our receivers after Vick left the game? They actually ran routes and made effort to catch the ball. This didn’t happen when Vick was in there. The OL actually started offering some protection too. It shows that the OL and receivers can do a much better job than they normally do. Their lethargy reflects on Vick, Mora, Blank, and the team. Let them leave with Knapp.
By ;(
January 1, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
could we trade vick and maybe get a 1st, 2nd & 3rd round pick for him? remove the coaching staff and get real coaches to run the team.
By DawgFan
January 1, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Bobo is more innovative than Donatell. Maybe Ed should get in fights in Normaltown. Jim keeps talking about a 3 year body of work but what’s the trendline since the peak? If Mora wants to be viewed like Bobby Cox, he should have displayed more humility sooner. It’s not just protecting the Players in the press and being a players coach/friend off the field. Also it’s more than carrying nuggets of knowledge in a briefcase, that doesn’t replace your sense of purpose. He’ll hopefully learn from this and get a shot again somewhere else…
By Beauvighn
January 1, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
Mike Vick is a cancer. He will be terminal for any coach. Every one of those players should be ashamed for not coming to the defense of the coaching staff. Regardless of how inept the play calling on both sides of the ball, players should be man enough to take responsibility for the performance of this season. Give me a team of Brookings and you can have all the vick’s you want.
By Please
January 1, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
Humbug, they were playing backups. The Eagles were in preseason mode. Plus Schaub only does that dink and dunk crap that looks good stat wise, but doesn’t reflect in the w-l column. Schaub is a nice peace that the Falcons should have traded in preseason to bolster the recieving corp and o-line. You can get a lot rent veteran to backup your QB. That created a problem of loyalty in the first place and division of the team and fan base. But he mostly only dinks and dunks to RB’s, Schaub doesn’t impress me with his throws over 15. Dunn may be the real problem, no longer appears to have burst. The Falcons aren’t that far away, heck a few catches here, a tackle there we would be in the wildcards are better. But Mora didn’t correct the little things last year are early this year when they got off to another decent start. Those things bit them again. The Falcons can go a long way next year, with the proper coaching change.
By Chris
January 1, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
The comments about Blank showing up on the sideline at the end of games are getting old and ridiculous. How is he changing the game in any way by standing on the sideline to watch the end? Who cares?
By DickClark
January 1, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
In Blank’s own words:
“We use a system that measures aspects of their character, as well as their football talent — before they’re ever asked to join the team. It’s called the “Falcons Filter” — and it’s helping us build a high-character, high integrity organization that can win the ultimate game — the “Super Bowl of Life,” as we like to call it.”
Vick was here before the filter was in place. Apply the filter now and replace Vick with a high-character player befitting the organization Blank wants to build.
By Real Bird Fan
January 1, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
Wooowww. Schaub sucks he had a chance to win and he blew it! At this point all I can say is…………………………….. Go Art Blank!!!!
By Realist
January 1, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
Press Conferences: Otherwise, Vick is glad he has time to heal and wants to rush for 2000 yds next year so let’s go ahead a make him a RB, PR, & KR to fulfill his wish.
Mora is a joke praising his team’s work effort, character and comraderie. He is glad they don’t show up late. F#ck, who shows up late for recess.
Trade Vick (unless he converts to RB, PR and KR), get salary cap $$ and picks. Draft OL Joe Thomas, RB Adrian Peterson, & LB Paul Posluszny. Play our current 2nd & 3rd string QBs for one/two years while building OL/DL. Draft Brian Brohm/Trade Schaub next year. DJ Shockley will be a very good QB in a few (2) years.
Question: why do we need 4 TEs on this team?
By Steve
January 1, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
Bill Cowher is mad at the Rooneys for his low ball contract and should be available this week.
NOTE to BLANK; Get BILL COWHER!
By jcdocpc
January 1, 2007 01:03 AM | Link to this
I still love the Falco…ns, oops, i fumbled. But I must say the coaches did not adapt well to the players or the system they created. All or most of the players we have are Mora’s A itty bitty lineman is not going to stop a behemath defensive lineman over an entire season. They will wear down. But what was most maddening for me was that the Offense was so inept, we had the most unimaginative plays I have ever seen. Any pro team can figure out your offense if you only have 15 plays. i realize Vick has limits, but his upside and determination can not be questioned. Vick can win if we get a coach that can utilize his gifts and not try to make him Be more than that.
And finally, about the defense…What defense?
By JB
January 1, 2007 01:05 AM | Link to this
Jim Mora, Sr. was right
By Peter
January 1, 2007 01:06 AM | Link to this
Right. I stronly agree. 1.Fire Mora 2.Trade Vick 3.Build OL/DL with 2 Back up QB. 4.Trade Schaub 5.Make Shockley the QB and leader.
Just do this 5 things and Falcons will win a few Super Bawl. Guarenteed.
By Realist
January 1, 2007 01:08 AM | Link to this
I admit to plagerizing this from Hertic on the official Falcons website blog. It is very telling.
Vick 2005 Qb rating in 4th quarters: 59.4, 3 Tds Vick 2006 Qb rating in 4th quarters: 53.3, no Tds Vick career record when trailing at halftime: 5-21-1 Vick career record when trailing at the end of 3rd quarter: 3-25-1 Total points scored in 4th quarter in the 8 losses: 3 points out of 25 drives Vick has not scored a TD in the 4th quarter in the last 21 games
The “Vick club” rules: - rule 1: you do not talk about “vick club” - rule 2: Vick wins games, team loses games - rule 3: good stats are to be used, bad stats are agenda-driven/wrong/biased - rule 4: bad stats which are not the above, are due to WR-Oline-coaches performances - rule 5: support and defend Vick, cause he is our starting QB. Do what you want with the other players
P.s. I don’t think Vick is the ONLY problem we have (OC-WRs- rCB-Dunn are some others) but he is going to be the most expensive one…
By BirdDawg
January 1, 2007 01:10 AM | Link to this
Y’all, I am consistantly amazed at the levels of ignorance displayed on these boards.
I am the first to come to Vick’s defense, but I have to agree with other posters who say that this team needs a leader as a coach, not a best friend, and that goes doubly for Mike.
Vick is human, guys. He’s frustrated that he’s been chained to a system that doesn’t let him do what other QB’s can do, which is you know, succeed because of audibles and innovation. The basic freedom to change a badly called play (just about every play Knapp calls is bad) into a play that can succeed.
130 million dollars doesn’t make a person less frustrated because of losses, in fact, it probably makes it more frustrating for him.
Jim Mora had a chance to save his job and fire Knapp either before the season or in the middle of the season, but didn’t. Knapp is his BFF. Jim can’t even control freaking MeAngelo Hall and his poor on-field behavior. He’d never fire his best friend.
Guess what? Brian Billick fired his best friend, and now is probably going to the Super Bowl because of it.
That’s the difference between a good coach and Mora.
As for Vick, he has been coddled, and a guy like Ron Riviera, Ken Whisenhunt, or Cam Cameron would be perfect to come in here and hold ALL of these guys accountable, especially MeAngelo Hall and his freaking idiotic personal foul penalties.
Also, all of you morons who keep saying Vick quit, well, I’d like to see you play with a groin pull or a high ankle sprain.
Ridiculous.
By Tim
January 1, 2007 01:10 AM | Link to this
In interviews after the Carolina game, Vick talked a lot about the records HE set, he more than once mentioned I set this record. I am sorry, but the last time I checked there was NO “I” in team, and that is a big problem with this team, it seems if there is a lot of I’s,or it may be that #7 is the “I” in team and the rest of the team knows it based on what some are writing about receivers trying to make catches when he left the game. As for a coaching change we all know it is most likely coming, Arthur while you are making changes why not go ahead and put #7 on the market and see what you can get for him, someone may take him.
By ja
January 1, 2007 01:21 AM | Link to this
3 years ago management should have thought harder about transforming Vick into a West Coast QB. Now that they know he is not one they will have no choice but to find a new offensive approach that compliments his skills. Hopefully better planning on the front end will avoid these type of mistakes for the future. It is time to make some tough choices, but it is not just the coach’s that need to go. I can think of a few players that did not pull their weight either.
By webhead
January 1, 2007 01:21 AM | Link to this
Hire Barry Switzer and run the Wishbone Vick will never be a passing threat Also fine 11 more Brookings i’m tired of watching ten other lasy players
By Jimbo
January 1, 2007 01:22 AM | Link to this
Too much salary cap tied up in too few non productive players. If you’re throwing around blame include Rich McKay. Abraham,Hartwell, D.Hall, Jenkins,White all McKays boys and all overpriced and under performers. Fineran and Duckett scored 12 Red Zone Touchdowns last year who did we replace them with?
By Realist
January 1, 2007 01:24 AM | Link to this
As the Beatles said, “and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” So here goes: F%ck you Mora, F%ck you Vick, F%ck you Blank - now gimme some love back.
By Realist
January 1, 2007 01:31 AM | Link to this
Bird Dawg, I agree with most of your opinion above - coaching is biggest problem. However, you should view the game photos, especially ## 10 & 11. I ask the following questions regarding Vick: 1) did he seem to be hurting badly while he was walking in the tunnel? and 2) why was he already in full street clothes sitting on the bench rather than on the sidelines supporting his teamamtes? Does he look excited for his teammates or just p$ssed and ready to go home? Is he really the leader this TEAM needs? What about what Dunn feels and Crumpler and Norwood or don’t they count. I feel bad for their efforts.
I ask you to stop being an Apologist for one minute and use your rational reasoning in your comments. In this case I think a picture (or two) is worth two thousand words.
By Jay
January 1, 2007 01:37 AM | Link to this
I refuse to believe the Eagles backups were better then our starters. So what does that leave when a THIRD-STRING qb tosses for more then 300 yards? Our coaches SUCK ad adjusting. Plain and simple. Our coaches NEVER adapted to the opponent.
Bye Take-a-Knapp. Your offense was the most inconsistent. Even Troy Aikman was making fun of your play designs. And not letting your qb audible…what is this, pee-wee?
Bye Dont-atell. You couldnt stop a team that throws 7 passes, couldnt stop the lions and browns, and now couldnt stop a third-string qb. Thats just inexcusable.
Bye Rossum. Your prodcutive returns were few and far between this year. Your coverage “skills” were AWFUL.
Bye Dunn. Even though you said you could run on goaline situations and short yard situations…you couldnt. You got absolutely contained for all but about four games.
Bye whoever our receiver coach is. We’ve seen little to no development in White and Jenkins. They were getting SHUT DOWN by the Eagle backups!
Bye Schuab. You’ll be a valuable 1st round pick. Best of luck to you.
Bye Moran. You humilated the Falcons time and time again. You are far too immature to be a head coach. Your team constantly quit on you, was unprepared, and had 2ndhalf meltdowns all year. 2-6 last year, 2-7 this year…just pathetic. Good riddance.
By xx
January 1, 2007 01:51 AM | Link to this
I wish we had more players with Milloy’s attitude.
By Reginald
January 1, 2007 01:59 AM | Link to this
Why put all the blame on coaching? Why not “catching”, as in plenty of dropped balls by those no. 1 draft pick receivers, Et al. BTW, Arthur Blank, keep your gluteus off the field, we have a mascot. Gotta get someone to get 8 yards at a time, to go with Warrick Dunn’s 2 at a time= 10 yards. Now you’re talkin!
By D-Man
January 1, 2007 02:01 AM | Link to this
Question: Why have some people on the Falcon Blogs referred to Vick as “Ron Mexico”? What does the term mean?
By Kirk
January 1, 2007 02:04 AM | Link to this
The biggest problem with this franchise is Arthur Blank. He gave Vick the 5 year deal with all the money, but now we are discovering he is a great runner, but a mediocre passer. Vick can not be traded because of his contract, this franchise, thanks to Blank, is stuck with him. Yo can fire Mora, but even Bill Walsh can make Vick an average QB.
By WST
January 1, 2007 02:04 AM | Link to this
Hey BirdDawg, what does BFF mean?
By Kirk
January 1, 2007 02:11 AM | Link to this
Correction to above: You can fire Mora, but even Bill Walsh can’t make Vick become at least an average QB
By webhead
January 1, 2007 02:11 AM | Link to this
looks like Mora Sr. was right Vick is a coach killer
By Mothball
January 1, 2007 02:14 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, Vick has been rather cavalier in his personal life and formulated the nighttime alias of Ron Mexico to get on with the ladies. He reputedly infected a lady with herpes while using this alias.
It’s a pity really; I just want a Falcon’s championship. Don’t much care about Vick’s personal issues. Besides, herpes isn’t as alien as most people believe. It’s generally a function of hormones and ignorance.
Go Birds and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!
By Confused fan
January 1, 2007 02:20 AM | Link to this
This team is a mess from top to bottom. They have talent, but no clue in how to use it on a consistent basis. They are the most confusing team I’ve ever seen in Atlanta in all the years they’ve been here and I’ve seen them all. In the past you could identify where their obvious weaknesses were, but now that’s not the case. Sometimes they can catch, sometimes they cannot. Sometimes Vick looks like he has a grasp on what’s going on, sometimes he looks totally lost. Sometimes the defense plays stellar; sometimes they look like they couldn’t stop a blind two legged dog. Sometimes the coaches look like they have a plan, sometimes they look like they just woke up from a weeklong nap. I don’t know how to figure this team. I think it’s going to take more than replacing coaches. They need leadership. Right now every game reminds me of Picket’s charge at Gettysburg.
By PSack
January 1, 2007 02:22 AM | Link to this
JUST CLEAN HOUSE
Players and Coaches…I don’t htink we should sack Mora unless we can get a quality replacement. I am concerned that he does not lead his coordinators when making game time adjustments. The falcons were horrible making game time adjustments. UNACCEPTABLE
VICK IS JUST TO SMALL TO SEE OVER THE DL. HE HAS RESORTED TO THROWING A “MOONBALL” DESCUISED AS A DEEP BALL.
Vince Young will be outplaying him next year. Schaub will be the next Bret Farve we trade..all he needs is some snaps…he will be a pro bowl quarterback one day
By Steve T
January 1, 2007 02:24 AM | Link to this
Did you notice the change in our receivers after Vick left the game? They actually ran routes and made effort to catch the ball. This didn’t happen when Vick was in there. The OL actually started offering some protection too. It shows that the OL and receivers can do a much better job than they normally do. Their lethargy reflects on Vick, Mora, Blank, and the team. Let them leave with Knapp.
I can tell that you never play a down of football. The O line looked better because they did not have to face a blitz. The eagles stopped blitzing because Matt has not won a game. The teams in the NFL do not have a book on him yet, so it was like beat us if you can. They knew that sooner or later they would get a pick.
By Myron Cope
January 1, 2007 03:00 AM | Link to this
Hey, idiot, yes, you, the one that claimed Rooney “low-balled” Cowher, want to talk numbers? Cowher makes $4.5 million now. He was offered $6.5 million to extend his contract. He refused. This is “lowball” only when compared to Mike Holmgren’s $8.5 million. And, it’s not just about money. Cowher wants to be able to spend time —a lot time — with his wife and young’un in Raleigh. The Rooneys are kind of set on having their coach actually live in the city where he works. Raleigh, BTW, is nearly 400 miles from Atlanta. So, if Blank can stomach that, is willing to pay $8 million per year AND compensate the Steelers for the year that Cowher is still under contract, Art might just get himself a new head coach.
By Im thru with em
January 1, 2007 03:02 AM | Link to this
Fire em all. Trade Vick. Take the hip-hop Rap crap attitude somewhere else. I’m sick and tired of this garbage and I refuse to give them my hard earned money or my precious time. I’m even going to Lowe’s to buy my trade supplies. I’m fed up with all of it. (Former) FANS UNITE - FIRE THE WHOLE DAMN TEAM. BOYCOTT ANYTHING FALCONS.
By theedge
January 1, 2007 03:05 AM | Link to this
Vick said “It wouldn’t be tough for me to learn a new system”. I say, Bull crap, he can’t learn ANY system. He DOES NOT have the intelligence. Vick sucks under any “system”. Face folks, he only has (at best) 2 or 3 more “good” years left in him. TRADE him, you idiots.
By theedge
January 1, 2007 03:11 AM | Link to this
Hey, Ron Mexico (aks MV), take another “toke” or two. You can use it to relax during the off season after know ing that you “killed” yet another coach. You freak’n moron. It must be nice to know that you can make $130M ($130,000,000 for those who don’t know what the “M” stands for) without shouldering the blame from your “brothern”.
By Clint
January 1, 2007 03:11 AM | Link to this
I’m tired of paying more every year for 2 tickets; so that I can go watch a mediocre (at best) team…
This team has made going to the games a chore instead of fun. If 8-8 wasn’t good enough what is 7-9?
It was amazing to see this team go from running all over Carolina and Tampa Bay in the 2 first games, to a team that couldn’t stop Carolina from running all over them.
If you expect me to pay anymore next year, go ahead and tell the next guy on your waiting list that his ticket is available…
The tradition continues…..
“THE FALCONS SUCK!!”
By Brownthrasher
January 1, 2007 03:14 AM | Link to this
Fair weather fans… that’s what we have here in Atlanta. We complain, find fault and never really stand behind our team. The Falcons had nothing to play for today so I question why Vick was playing at all. It’s not Vick;s fault that Mora has made a jackass out of himself this year. It’s not Vick;s fault that his receivers didn’t catch balls. It;s not Vick;s fault that those lousy short yardages were NEVER made. It’s not Vick;s fault that he makes the big bucks. It’s certainly not Vick;s fault that we have drafted poorly, made the wrong trades and invested big dollars in mediocre players like Price, Hartwell, and Abraham. Regardless of what happens to the Falcons it’s always Vick’s fault.
We forget that he did not have Finneran to go to this year, that the fools in the front office traded Duckett, that Knapp and Donatell should have been let go LAST YEAR. Under Dan Reeves, Vick was Superman. The Falcons problems ARE a result of POOR COACHING and that starts with MORA. He is NOT the man for this team We dont need a friend in the sidelines, we need aa coach that will get in these players face and SCREAM.
By the way, was it Vick’s fault that Matt tripped over his own feet in the Red ZOne. I think not.
I love the Falcons, win or lose. I say fire Mora, staff and Rick McKay.
By d
January 1, 2007 03:20 AM | Link to this
Lets see… with Vick for a half we scored 10 points & with Schaub for a half we scored 7.
If Vick had tripped over his own feet with a reciever wide open(like Schaub did) you idiots would be blasting him for it. If Vick had thrown behind the open reciever so the defender could break it up you’d probably be pointing that out too(Schaub did that). And that was on just two Schaub plays at the end of the game(the last two plays).
Vick has taken this team to the playoffs with two different coaches. He is not the problem!!!
By thug bird
January 1, 2007 04:21 AM | Link to this
Vick is a coach killer. Vick only cares about himself, quitting at the end of games (Deion Sanders just called him out the other week for quitting), and being sued for spreading certain viruses to woman. Mora is a players coach and that is what you need in an NFL coach. NFL coaches must play the “players game” to get the most out of them. Lets face it, NFL players are over paid and soft. I would like to see any of them work a whole week at the Home Depot. They would not last five minutes without questioning their manager’s intent before quitting.
By TonyG
January 1, 2007 04:38 AM | Link to this
Anyone who tries to blame Arthur Blank for this mess is a complete idiot!! He’s done so much for this team!!He leaves the FOOTBALL decisions up to people who are supposed to know football. Maybe those people don’t know what they’re doing, but Arthur Blank has been a gift to the city of Atlanta. I wish he owned the Braves too!
By PoliticalMan
January 1, 2007 04:55 AM | Link to this
I’ve said it time and again, Vick is a cancer. I say go back to your thug culture.
Schaub showed some rust, but gosh he looked like a NFL QB. Maybe Knapp would be fine without Vick.
I say trade Vick for what you can get. Dunn can go too. Mora is not a NFL head coach.
By Dave
January 1, 2007 05:06 AM | Link to this
Green Bay fan here. It looks like the HOF quarterback you guys gave us fifteen years ago may be hanging them up at last. How about letting us have Matt Schaub to replace him? We’ll make a similar deal just like last time.
Keep on defending and hanging on to that overpaid china-doll quitter, Vick. He’s the most overrated, worthless nothing I’ve ever seen. He can run, no question. And he’s run all over my guys more than once. But he’s a lousy passer, a faker and quitter who leaves the game if you blow on him, and he’s a low life thug with sexual diseases to boot.
My late father was a Falcon fan. My brother is a Falcon fan. I’ve always rooted for Atlanta when they weren’t playing my guys, but the Falcons used to be represented by classy men like Dan Reeves, Chris Chandler, Whiteshoes Johnson, Tim Dwight, Jeff Van Note, Steve Bartkowski, Gerald Riggs, Mike Kenn, Alfred Jenkins, William Andrews, Tim Mazzetti….. Get the picture?
Now the Falcons have changed their bird logo and feature as the team’s public faces a walking free clinic, a goofy owner who adores the overhyped walking free clinic, and a big mouthed coach who was dumb enough to hire our worthless, former Green Bay defensive coordinator, whose claim to fame was blowing a 4th and 26 to lose a crucial playoff game in Philly.
Green Bay just finished with a better record than the Falcons, and with about a third the talent and nowhere near the payroll. That is pathetic. Send Mora and Vick packing. Dump them now and get back to being the classy Falcons that may not have always won, but they didn’t make us want to puke.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 1, 2007 06:43 AM | Link to this
Realist, Mora said in his post-game conference that Vick suffered a high ankle sprain. These usually take 1-2 weeks to heal, and the more severe ones take 4-6 weeks. Maybe he didn’t “look” hurt to you, but apparently the team physician thought otherwise.
Vick has two major problems, one of which he needs to get fixed, and the other he can’t do anything about. He is very short, and he doesn’t have what they call “media savvy”. Obviously there is no Cialis for the entire body, so his height is something he has to work around. But every week, I hear him say things during his press conferences that make me shake my head — I can understand what he really means, but I can also understand when people think he’s not taking responsibility, throwing people under the bus, etc. because he certainly doesn’t do himself any favors with his press conferences. And sometimes I don’t even think he realizes it. For example, a few weeks ago when he made the remark about “overcoming coaching”, he basically repeated something Knapp said in practice, and he didn’t realize how it sounded to the media until they started laughing. I think Dan Reeves hired a “speech coach” when he was here — the next head coach should seriously consider doing the same.
But as for his abilities as a passer — if you look at the game tape for this entire season, you will see pretty clearly that the playcalling directly affects his passing ability. When the play calls for him to stay in the pocket, he usually does well. When the play calls for him to move out of the pocket on a designed bootleg, scramble, etc., he usually loses yards or throws an incompletion. Unfortunately, these coaches game plan around Vick’s feet instead of his cannon of an arm, which causes most of Vick’s inconsistency.
The problem on this team is not Vick, it’s not the pass blocking, and even the WRs would be more consistent with better coaching. The offensive linemen are not great but they do a decent job overall as long as they are not power run blocking. The defense is loaded with talent. The problem is the coaching staff and their idiotic schemes and playcalling. Too passive defensively, too gimmicky offensively. With less gimmicks on offense and more aggressiveness on defense, this team is a playoff team.
Happy New Year.
http://www.geocities.com/firejimmora/
By Beretverde
January 1, 2007 07:12 AM | Link to this
Ron Mexico is not just a “Coach-Killa” he’s a “Team-Quitta.” An overpaid boondoggle that needs to go as well. They will never win with a “Killa-Quitta.”
By SJ
January 1, 2007 07:17 AM | Link to this
I too am very dissapointed with the season and support the need for accountability from all participants. The nay sayers are quick with the knife for Mora & staff but then what? Who is the “upgrade”? Another coordinator promotion or retread? How bout a college coach, their NFL track record has been strong uh? If Detroit & Cleveland would have been “W’s” would we be having this blog? What about the dropped passes, injuries, and strong “leadership” from Vick? Where is Rich McKay’s responsibility in this train wreck? Lets be honest, as dynamic as Vick is, he will NEVER play nor win a Superbowl. He is there to fill seats, not win championships. Bottom line is there are many targets for blame as this organization. Members of the coaching staff have track records of superbowls & championships. Vick and many of the players do not. Firing the coaching staff is a political move by Blank to continue filling seats with and very average team. Selective, surgical changes within the coaching staff coupled with key player trades and acquisitions in the off season is not a crowd pleaser but the means to becoming a winner.
By steve
January 1, 2007 07:34 AM | Link to this
the whole organization needs to take a really hard look at itself; and quit drafting only hokie db’s
By RA
January 1, 2007 08:09 AM | Link to this
Honestly, I think that if you don’t lose guys like Mathis, Kerney,Webster, and Heartwell for long stretches of the season, things would have been different. However, there is simply no excuse for some of the play calling that occurred this season and the lackluster effort exhibited in big games. Pathetic! Heads need to roll.
By cliff w
January 1, 2007 08:18 AM | Link to this
The falcons will improve alot around 6p.m. when blank fires mora & staff. AS for Schaub he’s the best preseason, playing against 2nd & 3rd stringers QB i’ve ever seen. Please someone get a clue schuab is the next doug johnson of the falcons.
By Matt Yoder
January 1, 2007 08:22 AM | Link to this
I tried to be optimistic at the start of this year but yesterday pretty much summed it up. You have a coach who is still praising his team after a lack luster effort and you have “Mike Vick” making a comment that he is one of the best QB’s in the league!!!!! Can you believe that? He is a great athlete but I feel strongly that he is a coach killer just like Mora Sr. said and Matt Shaub proved on very limited playing time who the best QB on the team is and he happens to be playing backup! For that fact alone we need a new head coach!
By jerry
January 1, 2007 08:24 AM | Link to this
Any owner with an ounce of pride would have fired this little p** ant on the spot after the radio interview. And think or the message it would have sent to all concerned. Firing him now, (and fire him he must or lose all credibility} will not have the same emphasis.
By dan
January 1, 2007 08:24 AM | Link to this
Jeff, stop coming to Mora’s defense. He blows. His lack of fire and tough mentality does not work here in the NFL. Vick isn’t a coach-killer; Mora is a QB-killer. He has stunted the growth of Mike Vick as well as the entire Falcons team by chaining Vick in an offense that doesn’t suit him and by hiring an inept coaching staff composed of friends rather than hard-working football people. After such a promising start to a career by Vick in this “new era” of falcons football, I feel sick to see someone like Mora come and ruin it for us.
By joejoe
January 1, 2007 08:31 AM | Link to this
I would love to be Blank this morning!! I would fire the entire coaching staff! but my biggest accomplishment today is I would put candy a* Vick on the trading block! He is a coach and team killer. He has no heart! He is not smart enough to hit his hot reads and is always checking down to Crumpler. His passes look like wounded ducks. I will admit he does have a cannon but so does my 13 year old son when i am standing right in front of him!
By Bulldog Mike
January 1, 2007 08:37 AM | Link to this
Every time that another team applies pressure to this Falcons team they fold like a cheap card table. We have failed as a team because we have asked Mike Vick to do far too much. Everyone expects him to somehow rescue the team no matter how badly the other players play. While I agree that it seems that a total coaching change is due, I worry that this will result in another 3 years of frustration.
If we do change the coaching staff we must get a proven coach in here.
By Eddie (aka "Falcon 1")
January 1, 2007 08:39 AM | Link to this
The time has come for us (the “Falcon Nation”) to stop kidding ourselves and face reality. Michael Vick is a leader and capable of leading this team. It would be a gross mistake to even entertain the idea of trading him. What we need is a tough minded coach and staff to get us where we need to be. Here is my list of coaches that should be interviewed this week: Jimmy Johnson, Jim Tressel, Ron Rivera, Doug Plank, Jeff Fischer, Bill Cowher, and Donnie Henderson. As far as trades, I think that Michael Jenkins, Ashley Lelie, Matt Schaub, Allen Rossum, Jason Webster, and Chris Crocker are definitely done in Atlanta. Schaub is gone because he is a talent, and it is time for him to lead his own team. The other guys are performance issues. Roddy White was on my list, but his work ethic has increased and you could see that on the field. Mora, Knapp, Donatell, and Stewart are all a hinderance to the future progress of our franchise.
By p
January 1, 2007 08:39 AM | Link to this
Jeff,
Good column. I see you’ve come 180 since the season started, and rightly so.
The next Falcons coach, if there is one, must start cleaning house as soon as possible. Start with Vick. He is a loser. It took Shaub, who is not that hot, about 5 minutes to do what Vick hadn’t done in over 20 straight games - throw a TD pass in the 4th quarter. Vick’s lack of ability is only matched by his lack of character. Mr. “winner” turned out to be Mr. underachiever, again. Thanks, Mike for averaging LESS than 14 points per game.
By Wes
January 1, 2007 08:43 AM | Link to this
TRADE VICK, KEEP MORA
Vick is a mediocre QB at best, and certainly not a man that you can build a team around from a leadership perspective.
By Go Falcons, and take the Braves and Hawks with you, too!
January 1, 2007 08:46 AM | Link to this
The Atlanta sporting press blew it! No surprise there, but that’s another issue for another time. The guys that SHOULD have been interviewed first were the Falcons medical staff for an accurate diagnosis of the infamous Vick “sprained ankle.” There is a long list of guys in the league that play EVERY WEEK with far worse injuries. This is another glaring, gutless example this loser could care less as long as his income isn’t jeopardized!
By p
January 1, 2007 08:47 AM | Link to this
birddawg, you have long been the biggest idiot on this site, but your post above, elevates you to a new level of lunacy, where few people dare to tread.
By EEJAY
January 1, 2007 08:50 AM | Link to this
A. Blank should look in the mirror before he looks anywhere else. Jim Mora is only a reflection of him. If he allowed his coaches to have REAL control Vick would and should have been watching a few games from the sidelines. It’s Blank that hosts the “feel good” dinners at his house with Vick at the head of the table. It’s Blank that has to be the Jerry Jones look alike on the sidelines. It’s Blank that is more intersted in putting number 7 jerseys on every little kid in Atlanta than winning games. Mora’s hands are tied when it comes to Michael Vick. Troy Aikman hit the nail on the head yesterday. Until Vick completes passes on a consistant basis the Falcons are going nowhere. It took Matt Schaub to throw a the first touchdown pass in the fourth quarter this year. The next coach that comes to Atlanta will not have any more success.
By spotman
January 1, 2007 08:50 AM | Link to this
Hey Dave William Andrews is in jail.
By Larry
January 1, 2007 08:52 AM | Link to this
“Remember the Green Bay game!”
Do you remember my quote from last season after the Falcon’s horrid effort at home against Green Bay? I followed this with another quote: “this team is poorly coached (Mora) and poorly led (Vick).” Some agreed and many disagreed. Now you know who is the real expert on football matters!
And, “Dave,” the Green Bay Packer fan, you’ve already saved me many, many sentences. The Georgia Dome has become infested with this smelly hip hop, gansta, degenerate following of the Vick and MeAngelo Hall culture, sapping the life and spirit out of football purist. As a native and long time Falcon season ticket holder, this is the first time ever I lost interest in attending games because I did not want to expose my wife and daughters to such filth and vulgarity. Here Vick is a 26 year old man, 6th year NFL veteran, multi-millionaire and he looks and dresses like a junior high ghetto bum. I mean he just absolutely looks STUPID wearing a baseball cap at a 90 degrees angle while conducting a professional interview! It’s more important for this 26 year old man to attempt to look cool than reasonably professional and confident!
This team has lost its window of opportunity, which in the NFL is about 3-5 years. Reeves had the team primed for another run starting in 2001-2002 but now many of the key veterans are sneaking past their prime (Brooking) or losing a step (Rossum). It is time for a professional, classy, proven championship coach to come in and build the next Champion. It is time for JIM TRESSEL!
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
January 1, 2007 08:53 AM | Link to this
-When you refr to the Phily’s 3rd strng QB- realize that AJ Feeley has plenty of NFL game exp.
Schaub did the “dinking and dunking” b/c the West Coast offense is a horizontal 8-15 passing offense. Not the Norv Turner- Raider Vertical Offense.
Fire Knapp, and Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtle DC, Fire Vick.
Keep Mora promote Musgrave to OC and let Schaub run this WC offense with his college OC as his pro OC.
HNY!
By Boots
January 1, 2007 08:54 AM | Link to this
Vick rushed for 1000 yards and the team finished 7 and 9. His personal accomplishments are worth no more than a cup of warm spit. As a matter of fact, if one gauges success in football by winning, the 2006 version of the Falcons is no better than any of those losing teams of the past 40 years. Losing is losing! But with Vick, it’s all about him and if it’s not about him, it’s not important —- thus his remarks during the post-game interview. This character flaw has cost Vick his leadship on the field and will doom the Falcons for the duration of his contract!
By Bob
January 1, 2007 08:57 AM | Link to this
I used to think that I wanted Arthur Blank to buy the Braves, but no longer. His heart is in the right place, but this sideline act is getting old. Can you imagine Arthur in the dugout next to Bobby Cox starting in the 8th inning? Gosh, Cox would start looking like Leo in the first seven innings, rockin back and forth….or he would get fired for punching out the owner.
I have no idea how good Matt Schaub is going to be, but why do I have this dreadful feeling that his departure will come back to haunt us? Mike Vick is a terrific talent but he has the maturity level of a sixth grader. Having just finished serving 30 years in the Army I have a fairly good idea of what a leader looks like. Mike Vick doesn’t even remotely resemble a leader.
By GaDawgs7
January 1, 2007 08:58 AM | Link to this
Vick has proven Jim Mora, SR. right…he is a coach killer! A great athlete but a terrible quarterback…and an even worse leader. Schaub shows a lot of potential, and would love to see him get a shot, and for the Falcons to trade Vick (there would be takers that would give up plenty). This team will never make a Super Bowl run with Vick as the quarterback. The other thing I’m sick of hearing from Vick is how everyone else has to step up their game, but have yet to hear him accept any of the blame. This is the same quarterback that led us to 3 whole points against a Carolina team that had been dreadful…This is the same quarterback that threw an interception on a ball he was trying to thow away out of bounds.,,the same QB that fumbled in the red zone against Cleveland in the final couple of minutes and blamed the play call, the same QB that hasn’t thrown a 4th Quarter TD in the last 18 games (longest active streak in the NFL). Yet, EVERYONE ELSE needs to step it up….I’m really tired of his arrogance. I will spend no more money on going to Falcons game, bother watching them on TV, or even so much as to buy a Falcons shirt or hat until major changes are made.
By firedawg
January 1, 2007 09:00 AM | Link to this
I have said this all year. Michael Vick is probably the best athlete on the field. However, I don’t believe that he his even an average quarterback. It is probably beneath Vick, but I think he should be used as a WR, Slot Back, PR, KR or something where he can use his speed and agility to an even greater advantage. I believe that the Falcon’s need a quarterback who can lead on the field. Vick has shown moments of shear stupidity, like when he threw an interception to a blitzing line backer and made a half hearted attempt to keep him from scoring, he didn’t even run after him. I believe in winning and self sacrifice. Do what you have to do to stop the other team from scoring. What happened to the Ron Jawarski, Dan Fouts and the Terry Bradshaw type of quarterbacks who showed leadership, performed well and worked hard. How about Doug Flutie who even though he was shorter than most was able to work magic on the field to get his team a notch in the W Column. For Vick to be considered one of the greats, he will have to find some of the qualities of the legendary QB’s to be considered a legend himself.
ON anther note, the coaching has been lack luster this year as well. If Mora is allowed to stay he needs to really reevaluate his style and come up with a better program. There were way too many 4 and outs on offense this year and the defense looked like a colander trying to hold water. The Falcons have a lot to work on during the off season and that work needs to begin next week.
Go Falcons.
By chuck
January 1, 2007 09:01 AM | Link to this
PLESE - Can someone who has real knowledge of the salary cap help me out? I’m not saying getting rid of Vick is part of the answer, but we must at least consider all “reasonable” options. What exactly are the ramifications of either trading or releasing Vick? I always thought the remainder of the pro-rated bonus money would come due all at once. How, and for how long would our salary cap be affected?
Also, it’s time to get serious about what available coach is capable of leading us to the Super Bowl. We cannot afford another mistake. If it looks like it may take a while for the “right” candidate to become available, then maybe we should consider an interim coach for a while (like Dan Reeves} instead of making a hurried decision. But please someone let me know if moving Vick is even feasible.
By Former Player
January 1, 2007 09:07 AM | Link to this
Here is the botoom line. Schaub played against the Eagles 3rd string and lead the team to 7 points. WOW. That is tremendous. Schaub just showed you what is wrong with the West Coast offense. High completions, no big plays, no points. If Schaub were so great, he would be starting or teams would have made a huge offer for him. Does Vick say things that sometimes leave you scratching your head? Yes. Is he the problem on the field? No. 20 TDs, 2500 yards passing and 1000 yards rushing. Does that sound like a problem to you? If I put those stats next to someone else, what would you say. Two years ago when Vick and the Falcons were winning, everyone killed him on hs stats. Now everyone says his stats don’t matter. Let’s ne honest. This is really a hidden KKK blog, right? Our backup played against the Eagles back-ups, all of them and produced 7 points and a pick. You people need to stop writing and study the game. Oh, that would not be possible with all your KLAN meetings you all attend.
By firedawg
January 1, 2007 09:08 AM | Link to this
I have said this all year. Michael Vick is probably the best athlete on the field. However, I don’t believe that he his even an average quarterback. It is probably beneath Vick, but I think he should be used as a WR, Slot Back, PR, KR or something where he can use his speed and agility to an even greater advantage. I believe that the Falcon’s need a quarterback who can lead on the field. Vick has shown moments of shear stupidity, like when he threw an interception to a blitzing line backer and made a half hearted attempt to keep him from scoring, he didn’t even run after him. I believe in winning and self sacrifice. Do what you have to do to stop the other team from scoring. What happened to the Ron Jawarski, Dan Fouts and the Terry Bradshaw type of quarterbacks who showed leadership, performed well and worked hard. How about Doug Flutie who even though he was shorter than most was able to work magic on the field to get his team a notch in the W Column. For Vick to be considered one of the greats, he will have to find some of the qualities of the legendary QB’s to be considered a legend himself.
ON anther note, the coaching has been lack luster this year as well. If Mora is allowed to stay he needs to really reevaluate his style and come up with a better program. There were way too many 4 and outs on offense this year and the defense looked like a colander trying to hold water. The Falcons have a lot to work on during the off season and that work needs to begin next week.
Go Falcons.
By chuck
January 1, 2007 09:09 AM | Link to this
PLESE - Can someone who has real knowledge of the salary cap help me out? I’m not saying getting rid of Vick is part of the answer, but we must at least consider all “reasonable” options. What exactly are the ramifications of either trading or releasing Vick? I always thought the remainder of the pro-rated bonus money would come due all at once. How, and for how long would our salary cap be affected?
Also, it’s time to get serious about what available coach is capable of leading us to the Super Bowl. We cannot afford another mistake. If it looks like it may take a while for the “right” candidate to become available, then maybe we should consider an interim coach for a while (like Dan Reeves} instead of making a hurried decision. But please someone let me know if moving Vick is even feasible.
By Die Hard Falcon Fan
January 1, 2007 09:10 AM | Link to this
Lay off Vick, Mora, and Blanks.Reading these blogs reminds us that opinions are like a*******hole$, everyone has one and they usually stink. Given our situation today, changes will have to be made. We have the personnel, and a hellofva lot of talent. All we need is 110% performance throughout the year. Last but not least, we can use more support from the fare weathered fans we have in a major city like Atlanta. Look at the Braves and Hawks, where’s the support. ARE YOU ALL TRANSPLANTS GO FALCONS
By Go Falcons, and take the Braves and Hawks with you, too!
January 1, 2007 09:12 AM | Link to this
To Larry: Bravo, my friend, bravo! Well said. I was seated in the First Class section on the San Francisco to Atlanta flight that Vick and his posse also caught as a connection on the way back from the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. DISGRACE doesn’t attempt to describe the collective ensamble. Happy New Year, buddy!
By VITO GOLDBERG
January 1, 2007 09:12 AM | Link to this
Trade Vick to Oakland. Al Davis is desparate (or should be) and will give plenty. Coach-up Schaub, give him time to throw to receivers that can catch (obviously not UGA players). Add some hungry defensive players that make tackles ‘before’ first downs are gained and an owner w/passion for the game; not just trying to buy results.
By GTA
January 1, 2007 09:12 AM | Link to this
Vick has too much of a thug mentality and doesnt see himself as a leader, anytime he answers a question it’s all about what he accomplished, not the team. He’s not a smart enough guy to lead the falcons anywhere.
By bk hawk
January 1, 2007 09:13 AM | Link to this
If it takes Mr Blank this long to make a decision on con-man MORA, it makes you wonder what Blanks has been watching the last 8 weeks are 2 yrs. Please get it over FIRE MORA and staff plus Hall and McKay. If Blanks Keeps Mora you will see one hell of a drop at the gates. I for one will not watch the Falcons again. Life’s to short.
By travon
January 1, 2007 09:19 AM | Link to this
i think that mora should stay. i think he needs to watch what he says in public. everyone is targeting him or vick. they “one man”, people. no “one” is perfect. lets not forget players have been dropping the ball or getting beat down the field all season long. head coach has important role, but these players are getting played a lot of money to be coming up so short. vick needs to stop listening to the media about what he can and can’t do and just play so damn football. he needs to stop trying to prove to them whether he can or can’t play in or out of the pocket, or the fact that he’s leading the league in rushing as aqb. hell, if the rest of the offense would get their stuff together, we would be in the playoffs. we should be at least 12-4 right now. i think they should relieve the offensive coordinator at the least and mora need to discipline these players.
By Gene
January 1, 2007 09:20 AM | Link to this
I don’t think any coach, short of Vince Lombardy, could get control of Vick and the other lallygagers.
By Bob
January 1, 2007 09:21 AM | Link to this
Former Player,
Figured it wouldn’t take long before someone brought up the race card. Is it a factor for some of the critics? Damn right, but not everyone. This has ZERO to do with Mike Vick being black. I would take Donavon McNabb in a heart beat, or Steve McNair or Byron Leftwich…someone with real guts, or Vince Young or maybe someone who has repeatedly demonstrated tremendous character like D.J. Shockley. It has everything to do with a young man who consistently demonstrates that he is not a leader. Yes Matt Schaub played against Eagle second stringers, but then so did Vick until he got hurt. I have no clue as to how good Matt Schaub is going to be, but I have a very good idea how bad a leader Mike Vick is.
By Boots
January 1, 2007 09:22 AM | Link to this
Former Player: If you can cut the racist crap, please answer just one question. Are we any closer to winning the Super Bowl today than we were ten years ago? And, if you answer yes, please tell me how we are closer to our goal now than in previous years. Thanks, and please cut out the Klan crap when someone disagrees with your opinion.
By Ty
January 1, 2007 09:30 AM | Link to this
Hey, MAYBE we can get Blank and Radkowski to ‘team up’ and offer those “Family Ticket Packs” next year combining both the Jackets and Falcons. Call it the Chan/Mora Mediocre 3-Pack
Let’s see, maybe the “New Orleans / Wake Forest / Troy State”. Throw in 4 cokes, 4 hot dogs, and a souvenir “I LIKE Mediocre” ball cap and you could probably sell them for %60 (for four…assuming Parking is Free).
Geesh……. Mora / Vick / Blank…..I think the Spanish channels have a telenova like this soap opera.
By Ralph
January 1, 2007 09:32 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blanks views the Falcons much the same as his Home Depot. Put out a substandard product, disguise it with a big marketing plan, and expect people to buy into it. Falcons are a bunch of LOSERS.
By bill j
January 1, 2007 09:33 AM | Link to this
trade vick, get a leader
replace Mora and get a real coach
go back to traditional uniforms and get rid of those awful arena football getups
By Go Falcons, and take the Braves and Hawks with you, too!
January 1, 2007 09:35 AM | Link to this
To “Former Player” (which I highly doubt): Why do all blacks play the race card in Vick’s lame defense? He is what he is; not what someone else “made” him. He cultivates his image the same as he plays the game: by himself and for himself. How come we never hear these kinds of comments about Donovan McNabb? There is a guy - “an unconventional black QB” when he came into the league - that plays in a city that has run Hall of Fame athletes out of town. (Wilt Chamberlain and Mike Schmidt immediatly come to mind. Charles Barkley wasn’t bad either.) All Donovan has done is win four NFC East Championships and one NFC Championship. His off the field contributions are well-documented, too. He has also launched a clothing line that shows - quote - “young blacks a classier way of dressing.” In the hardscabble city of Philadelphia, he is adored. Face the facts and stop perpetuating the fiction about Michael Vick!
By Ron
January 1, 2007 09:37 AM | Link to this
PLAYOFFS?!! PLAYOFFS?!!
By The Chief
January 1, 2007 09:39 AM | Link to this
Schultzie, thanks for the historical perspective. Everyone should remember that not long after that loss at Philly a couple of years ago that AB went out and, in a fit of euphoria, gave MV7 a gazillion-dollar, multi-year contract. Lexis-Nexis will show the exact quotes, but he made it clear that he wanted to keep his QB/RB combo for as long as he could absorb tackles. The Falcons have not been the same since. Memo to AB: It takes 11 guys at a time in football, not one, and you clearly rewarded only the one.
AB does not need to look any further than his own mirror to find the source of the problem. These same coaches took the team to within a whisker of the Super Bowl. Perhaps it was a good case of beginner’s luck for JM. After all, the pros do arrange a strength-of-schedule format from season to season, and the 05 campaign was not as strong. JM clearly needs some maturity. The OC and DC clearly need some retooling in planning if not in personnel.
Perhaps the biggest need is for AB to call this team together, close the door, let people speak their minds (if they will), and then do what he can to put the team back together that he took the first step in taking apart.
BTW, shaddup about a new dome or increased ticket prices. Win something consistently first before you go asking for the moon and stars.
By Die Hard Falcon Fan
January 1, 2007 09:41 AM | Link to this
BOOTS, Yes we are closer to the superbowl, because Taylor Smith and his no-good daddy are GONE….and have a management team that cares about the fans and the city!
By Buddy
January 1, 2007 09:41 AM | Link to this
Hey Birddawg you are an idiot if you really do not think Vick is one of the major problems on this Football team. It is getting to the point that this team is a total joke now. My god the total 2nd stringers for the Eagles beat this team and then what did Vick do his normal crawl under a rock and then basically back stab the man that has backed him all year.
Who cares that Atlanta had a QB that rushed for 1000 yards they went 7-9 for the season. He is nothing but a glorified RB and any true football fan can see this. Unless Blank wakes up and gets rid of the root of the problem and brings in a true leader and QB the Falcons will always be in this position. The entire organization is to blame but as they say the $130 million should take the blame as well.
Funny how the entire offense blocks and catches when the o mighty Mr. Vick is not in the game boy what does that tell you. At VT all he did was run and now in the NFL he is doing the same what a joke he is to the position he plays.
Birddawg learn football before you post remarks please.
By Phil
January 1, 2007 09:43 AM | Link to this
We have gotta trade Vick ASAP. There are a boatload of high school QBs in metro Atlanta who possess better leadership qualities than that clown.
Mora stays. Give the guy a chance in a system where the owner hasn’t staked the whole team’s future on a glorified Reggie Ball.
By EaglesBlitz
January 1, 2007 09:47 AM | Link to this
The only time I was nervous that the Falcons might win against the Eagles backups was when Vick went down and Shaub came in. Thank god your owner loves Vick so much and will never get rid of him and thus doom your franchise to never winning. Hopefully he will keep Mora around for another season as well.
Go E-A-G-L-E-S!!!
By fansince66
January 1, 2007 09:52 AM | Link to this
The solution to the Falcons’ problems is obvious—ditch Schaub and Vick and sign A.J. Feely. I bet they could get him cheap too.
By Ralph
January 1, 2007 09:53 AM | Link to this
Deangelo Hall needs to learn not to trash talk while you are losing. The only difference between Mike Vick and his brother is that Mike has not been caught. VT puts out individual players, not team players. Fire Mora, trade Vick and start over.
By Mike
January 1, 2007 09:54 AM | Link to this
Jim Mora Sr. calls Vick a coach killer. Jeff Schultz calls Vick the bus driver. Vick says he could learn a new system. Jim Mora Jr. can only praise Vick. Jim Mora Jr. says he would bolt to Washington during a playoff run. What a mess! Happy New Year Mr. Blank.
By temeca
January 1, 2007 09:57 AM | Link to this
Face it the falcons are going to be a circus act (a losing one) until Vick retires. Their whole team is terrible. Anybody who thinks they have “alot of talent” is insane. They do not. The Eagles 2nd and 3rd string kicked the Falcons all over the field. Why? Because they were better. How does it feel to know how sorry our players are. Better get rid of the whole damned bunch of them. I am serious. Dont try to tell me they are really good. Aint no way. We probably dont have 3 or 4 people who would start on ANY OTHER TEAM!!!! Face it. The Falcons truly suck. PS-The “playas” are despicable for laying down on Mora who licked their asses all year. They are way worse than he is. They can all go to hell.
By orlando
January 1, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this
Mora Sr. was right
By falcondawg
January 1, 2007 09:59 AM | Link to this
To the morons who agree with Moron,Sr about Vick being a coach killer, consider this. Vick has only played for two coaches in his NFL career. Under Reeves he progressed and was learning quickly until he got hurt. Reeves had no quality backup qb and the team quit on him. Under Moron, Jr, Vick regressed and looks lost most of the time. I believe he just doesn’t believe in Moron’s system and therefore his hearts not in it. He knows it’s not a winning system.
I guess some of us want to appear intelligent so we wait for someone else stupid to say something we like and we endorse it. What has Moron, Sr. ever did in his coaching career that makes him an expert? The man is just as doofus as his son (if not more so). If he was that qualified to make judgements about the game, he would still be in coaching.
By Rick Judah
January 1, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
The Falcons need new offensive and defensive co-ordinators, and most importantly a new quarterback that is a leader, Vick will never lead the Falcons to a title.
By falcondawg
January 1, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
It’s very obvious that thug bird has never held a management position in his/her life
By temeca
January 1, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Did you notice how the offense actually started trying hard when Vick left? Gee, I wonder why?
By gary
January 1, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
I guess Phillip Rivers didn’t know he was supposed to sit on the sidelines after he sprained his ankle yeaterday. Instead he got the ankle retaped,on the sideline,and returned to the field to lead his team to a victory. I have seen the same behavior from others,D Mcnabb, B Leftowich,C Simms and many QBs from the past. Putting the team first and suffering personal hardships is the key factor in leading. That goes for leading a family,a military unit or an athletic team. I end this post as I stated early and often this season, “DJ will outvick mr. vick”. PEACE!!!!!!
By Willie Bobo
January 1, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
After viewing the post-game comments by Jim Mora, Michael Vick, and Matt Schaub on the Falcons’ website, I’ve come to these conclusions: 1) Most of the coaching staff MUST be replaced (specifically, the head coach, the OFFENSIVE offensive coordinator, and the defensive coordinator). Mora’s approach is just not applicable to this team anymore; he’d probably be better as a defensive coordinator than an NFL head coach (Jim, you are what you are, so I’m crowning your a**.) As to the offensive coordinator, this weekend’s performance by the GA Bulldogs showed me that there are COLLEGIATE
By temeca
January 1, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Mr Blank, you should be getting rid of alot more people than just the coaching staff. That is if you want a winning team instead of a circus act.
By Andrew Lewis
January 1, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
All of you idiots who blame Author Blank for the inconsistent, indifferent and underachievement of The Atlanta Falcons I am sure would be thrilled to have The Smith Family take control of this football franchise again.
Author Blank has never had hesitation to spend money on players who are evaluated by Rich McKay and the coaching staff. Have these players panned out? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Is Author Blank to be blamed for poor evaluation of talent? If your answer is yes, then you have a problem with Author Blank the man, not Author Blank the owner of The Atlanta Falcons.
Blank, before the second Saints game, many weeks ago, gave this football team and coaching staff a warning. He told his football franchise to produce or there would be consequences. The franchise failed and I believe Author Blank at his word. All aspects of this franchise will be evaluated. Changes will be made.
Blank would not allow failure to be the status quo at Home Depot and I know he will not allow failure to be the status quo with The Atlanta Falcons either. I look forward to seeing the new direction Author Blank steers this organization for the future!
By Andrew Lewis
January 1, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
All of you idiots who blame Author Blank for the inconsistent, indifferent and underachievement of The Atlanta Falcons I am sure would be thrilled to have The Smith Family take control of this football franchise again.
Author Blank has never had hesitation to spend money on players who are evaluated by Rich McKay and the coaching staff. Have these players panned out? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Is Author Blank to be blamed for poor evaluation of talent? If your answer is yes, then you have a problem with Author Blank the man, not Author Blank the owner of The Atlanta Falcons.
Blank, before the second Saints game, many weeks ago, gave this football team and coaching staff a warning. He told his football franchise to produce or there would be consequences. The franchise failed and I believe Author Blank at his word. All aspects of this franchise will be evaluated. Changes will be made.
Blank would not allow failure to be the status quo at Home Depot and I know he will not allow failure to be the status quo with The Atlanta Falcons either. I look forward to seeing the new direction Author Blank steers this organization for the future!
By Mike
January 1, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
O.K. guys, here are some solutions. We have some great talent on this team, including VICK and MEANGELO Hall. The problem with this team is its leadership, bottom line. We need a coach, if it be Mora or not, to turn these players into professionals and how to present themselves in such a manner on and off the field. I’m not the athlete that these guys are but I garauntee you that you would see much more of a professional attitude and effort from myself for a heck of alot less money than what some of these players are presenting. Vick’s press confrences are the perfect example. If you saw T.O. press conference yesterday, he looked like a moron, and Vick is one pair of sunglasses away from looking like that also. It’s time for Vick and others to realize that your image on and off the field is as important to you organization as your playing ability. Instilling this into your players and coaches has to start at the top from our owner. As far as out teams lack luster efforts, I feel that this would come into check as well, with this attitude adjustment…….we are just one big brawl away from looking like the thug infested NBA. For those of you who think Vick isn’t a good passer, I disagree, but we will never know as long as he is having to rush for a 1,000 yards a season in order to make up for poor efforts from receivers or the O.L. We are not far away from having a championship football team. With a FEW minor transactions and coaching personnel changes and a HUGE attitude adjustment, starting with MORA, we could be in post season play as early as next season.
By Boots
January 1, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Die Hard: Forget the ownership comparisons —- that’s horse hockey. Tell me how 8-8,7-9 and 16 losses out of the last 25 regular season games has placed us any closer to a Super Bowl?
By dirtie birdie
January 1, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
all legit criticism of vick should start with this: I appreciate that Vick helped this team to a 27-10-1 record at one point, that his lifetime record is 38-28-1, that his team is 3-12 without him during that same stretch, that he has made the playoffs twice, that he was won two playoff games, that he has two more playoff wins than tomlinson and brees combined, that he brought the freaking falcons of all teams to the conference championship game, that his overall total yardage has been right up there with the rest of the league, that he really does not commit that many turnovers when compared to other QBs, that in the last three seasons when he had talent around him he started the season 6-2, 6-2, and 5-2 before his inadequate coaches let the team slip to 2-6 and 2-7, that his coaches are not very good at game planning, at making the necessary adjustments, at utilizing proper personnel groupings for certain play calls, at motivating their players BUT Vick is bad at (1) this; (2) that; (3) this; (4) that - while making sure that all of the this and that reasons are not based upon anything to do with his appearance, way of speaking, or his intelligence.
You can not have an objective opinion unless you recognize and appreciate the many positives and accomplishments of Vick to this point in his career.
It is okay to be frustrated with the current state of things and say that vick has a part in that but if you are going to bash vick and say trade him to the raiders (why does everyone automatically assume that the raiders are the only team who wants him), then you must be prepared to explain how vick managed to win 2 NFl playoff games, lead Va. Tech to the national championship game as a frosh, lead his team to a 27-10-1 record at one point, go 38-28-1, end 2002 by going 7-3-1, go 3-1 in 2003, start 6-2 in the first half of 2004, 5-2 in the second half of 2004, 11-4 overall in 2004, 6-2 to start 2005, and 5-2 to start 2006.
There ARE just too many winning statistical trends in there to ignore.
A truly objective commentator must acknowledge all that winning and then ask how could all of that winning could occur with this man at QB (they were 3-12 without him since 2002; 10-19 without him since he was drafted in 2001) but then at the same time have the team manage to go 2-6 at the end of last year and 2-7 to end this year.
All of the other winning should make it clear that the losing at the end of the last two seasons can not be blamed solely on Vick for the most part but should be blamed on absolutely horrendous coaching.
BUT keep blaming Vick if that is what makes you happy. QBs always make good easy, cheap, lazy targets for moronic biased fans to take cheap shots at.
although I am obviously a staunch vick apologist, i will readily admit that vick is no longer a leader on this team. i think earlier in his career, he clearly was. i think like most young, exciting, dynamic players and coaches, there is that initial burst of excitement created by that particular player’s talent. it makes him a leader because the teams rallies around the guy and believes that he can do anything to lead them to victory.
You are seeing that right now with Vince Young. You saw with Vick up until game 9 last year, you saw it with elway early in his career, with marino early in his career, with big ben early in his career, with mcnabb early in his career, with peyton manning early in his career, with tom brady early in his career, even with drew bledsoe early in his career.
you see that awesome talent becomes a rallying cry for the team and the kid stud is made into a star for a few years.
then it wears off as the player gets older and people get used to him.
there is required then an evolution of the stud QB as the leader.
at some point in their careers they reach a standstill point where their mere talents alone do not make them leaders on the team.
that standstill if often caused by a coaching change where the new coach does not blindly believe in the QB like the first coach did or where a divisive teammate like TO arrives and blows everything up or by the retirement of true leader like jerome bettis.
you saw that elway had that initial burst with all those SB appearances but then his career stalled out for 5 or 6 years before terrell davis arrived on the scene. although reeves and elway butted heads frequently, reeves had blind faith in elway for the most part. reeves never had that same success again until he reunited with shanahan who also had blind faith in elway.
marino was awesome as a leader his first 3 years but not so much after that. people think that vick is too much of an individualist. there was no greater individualist than marino - the team never won because he only wanted to pass and chuck it and shula was never strong enough to make sure that there was a balanced running game to go with it. but even though marino was not as much of leader as he once was, shula had blind faith in marino’s abilities, so marino essentially was the unquestioned leader of the fins, although not as much as he had been during his first 3 years because the results were not as good. when jimmy johnson came on board, what happened? johnson did not believe in marino and marino’s leadership position with the team was tenuous at best as a result.
mcnabb was clearly a leader in going to 4 straight conference championship games before TO destroyed all of that and divided his locker room and stripped him of his leadership over the team. now garcia looks like a better leader and rallying cry kind of guy for the eagles.
garcia was a leader with the 49ers for a while until of course divisive, underhanded nonbelievers like TO and Knapp happened to garcia and garcia was quickly rendered into a vagabond desperately looking for a job.
joe montana was the unquestioned leader of the ole 49ers because Bill Walsh for the most part had blind faith in Montana’s abilities. seifert however replaced Walsh and did not have that blind faith in montana and he shoved montana out the door and replaced him with young, causing montana to lose the leadership position he had enjoyed for 10 years with the 9ers.
steve young was a leader of absolutely nothing until he was found by walsh and until seifert played him because walsh and seifert were true believers in young.
brady has evolved into a leader but let’s see how much of a leader he is when things start going bad or if belicheck leaves the pats. belicheck has blind faith in brady. the next coach may not.
bledsoe looked like a leader on the team when he had parcells as his coach. parcells drafted him, believed in him, and force fed the guy and he got bledsoe to help lead them with his talent to the super bowl in his 4th year. then parcells left and bledsoe’s reign as team leader slowly went away until 2001 when brady played david to bledsoe’s goliath. it is very similar to vick where reeves drafted vick, believed in him, was force feeding vick, and making it clear that vick was his prized pupil and favorite son that he was going to ride all the way to the Big Show. Then they replace Reeves with Mora and Knapp who i personally do not think have ever believed in vick or understood vick and have therefore unintentionally sabotaged the abilities of leadership position of Vick on the team. after parcells left, bledsoe never again had a coach like parcells who blindly believed in him just like reeves blindly believed in vick. thus bledsoe never had the same success again and was never able to regain the unquestioned leadership position with the team that he had when parcells was there. you can see the blind faith that reeves had in vick by looking at the blind faith parcells has in bledsoe such that 13 years later, ten years after that super bowl appearance, he was reluctant to replace bledsoe. you can say that mora has blind faith in vick because of what he says to the public but mora’s actions and his daddy let you know that he does not truly have the required blind faith in his star QB.
knapp clearly never believed in Vick. It makes no sense that Dan Reeves entrusted Vick with a more varied set of offensive play calls except that Reeves believed in Vick whereas Reeves did not. No one ran a more boring vanilla offense than Reeves. It is hard to believe that a Reeves style offense with Vick was more dynamic than a Knapp offense was with vick. But it was.
big ben looked like a leader his first 2 years but not so much this year. it is clear that the Bus was the leader who was the glue holding that team together. Imagine that not having a big back can totally disrupt the success of the running game, the passing game, and also the defense? will big ben remain a leader if cowher leaves? cowher has been a blind believer in big ben. in fact, the steelers perhaps missed the playoffs this year because big ben should have been benched in favor of Batch due to the injuries of Big Ben. But Cowher stuck with him because he is a true believer in Big Ben. The next coach may not be such a true believer in Big Ben.
peyton manning for the most part has been a leader but at some point here with all of his failures to win the big games going all the way back to his inability to beat the gators in college, his teammates are going to stop looking at him as a leader. mora, sr. and dungy have been true believers in manning. will the next coach be? if dungy gets swept out, will the new coach tinker with everything and want more control over the offense and disrupt manning and unintentionally undermine manning as the leader?
Eli is too laidback to be much of a leader. but he has an idiot for a coach and a bunch of loudmouted fools like tiki, strahan, plax, & shockey who undermine eli just like TO undermined Garcia, McNabb, and Bledsoe and is starting to do to Romo.
Phil Simms was a leader because Parcells blindly believed in the man he now calls “the great phil simms.” When Ray Handley came along and then Dan Reeves, they were not true believers in Simms, so Simms was no longer much of a leader to the team.
but i think the best, most objective criticism of vick is that he is no longer a leader on this team. a big part of that has been caused by Mora and Knapp who have never truly blindly believed in Vick like Reeves did and have therefore been unwilling to completely trust vick to go ahead and do his thing the way he had been allowed to so successfully under Reeves. vick as a result has been handicapped by the lack of faith and trust shown in him by knapp whereas the blind faith exercised by reeves pushed vick and the falcons to great 27-10-1 heights.
but, besides all of that, it is not the coaches’ fault that vick is not a natural born leader. I get really annoyed with him sitting on the bench in between every series as if he is just lounging and as if another unit of his team is not out there playing. it is unquestionable that he gives many of us that impression when he just sits there on the bench like that. this was most noticeable in the eagles game in the conference championship game and the bears game last year when he was all bundled up in his big ole winter coat as if he was going to curl up in his blankie and go to sleep. I watch derek jeter who is a natural born leader and captain because he never seems to sit on the bench. jeter is always perched on the top step intensely observing what is going on and rooting the yanks on and is always the first one out of the dugout to congratulate a player. If you ever get the chance watch the 1995 divisional playoffs on ESPN Classic when Don Mattingly hits his only postseason home run of his career. Who is the first guy out at home plate to congratulate Mattingly? Derek Freaking Jeter. A kid who only had 48 at bats that year and who was not even on that playoff roster that year. His true rookie year was not until the next season. That is the kind of natural leadership that is missing with Vick.
I wish the next coach would implement high school rules such as no one sits on the bench. that sounds very stupid but think back to high school. there was a reason your high school coach never let you sit down on the bench and never let you take your helmet off. to keep you focused. to increase team unity. to force you to root on your teammates because it is boring to just stand around so you are almost compelled to root on your teammates because you need something to do. it is too boring to just stand still. but when you are allowed to sit down, you do not get as bored thus you are less likely to pay attention and stay focused and you are much less likely to act like a leader and root your team on. keeping your helmet on at all times also causes everyone on the team to be a bunch of faceless teammates - no individuals allowed. Think back to Favre and Emmitt Smith ripping their helmets off all those years ago looking for alot of me me TV time. The idea was that if Favre and Emmitt did not rip their helmets off, they would be seen as just another faceless football player. AND faceless football players do not get endorsements. Pretty boys with a face do. You see that with Derek Jeter even. You will also notice that Jeter never wears his cap when he is perched on the top step of the dugout. So, although he is being a good leader by staying in the game and rooting his teammates on, he also has hit hat off so that the cameras can pan to him every 20 seconds and let everyone see how pretty is and he can therefore get a lot more commercials as a result.
If the next coach wants Vick to be more consistent, he may institute a rule that Vick is to never sit down. Not letting VIck sit down on the bench may cause vick to stay focused and thereby increase his consistency. AND also it would force him by default to root his teammates on because it is too boring to stand around and thus thereby increase his position as an inspirational leader on the team.
also, if i were arthur blank, i would institute a rule that no player talks to the media unless they are wearing their uniform or they are wearing a suit. No earings allowed. Vince Young is wearing a suit. So should Vick. It would help the image of the team if Vick and every member of the team had to wear a suit. I think wearing a suit would also change Vick’s mindset and those of his teammates by forcing each one of them to be more disciplined and make him think that when they show up at practice or at games or at press conferences they are there representing something much bigger and more important than themselves.
I agree with Najeh as well in that Vick needs to get a speech coach or a strong public relations guy that teaches him how to speak or even better put, when not to speak. For someone who never said much in his first five and a half seasons, he has started to say way too much over the last two months. Perhaps that is something Blank should have implemented a long time ago. Lord knows it may have done wonders for both Vick and Mora and DHALL. Maybe Warrick Dunn can be the teacher about how to speak and conduct yourself.
i still think he is a good QB. i still would keep him. find another coach who has blind faith in him or bring back reeves to exercise that blind faith. the 27-10-1 stretch demonstrated that when his coach blindly believes in him, he can be a leader and his team can win alot of games with him at QB. The next coach better have that blind faith in him or they better get rid of Vick because Vick is not enough of a natural born leader otherwise to make up for the lack of faith shown in him by his coaches. For all of the bravado we see with Vick, he is almost ARODesque in his self-doubt and how quickly he loses his confidence.
By dirtie birdie
January 1, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
http://www.geocities.com/firejimmora/
By Skip
January 1, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Really, tis quite simple. Football you see is a team game. Michael Vick is a fantastic INDIVIDUAL player. He can play great but the team will lose because of his inability to fit into the system. For further details - see the Philadelphia 76ers and a great individual player named Allen Iverson. You see, FOOTBALL IS A TEAM SPORT, AND MICHAEL VICK ISN’T A TEAM PLAYER.
By Craig
January 1, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
I love to watch Vick run…..he’s an athlete like no other. But, to win he’s gotta go and we need a tough, no crap coach. Hmmmmm…sounds a bit like the coach we dumped just as he was getting his team in place.
By Boots
January 1, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
* Dirtie Birdie: For God’s sake call a 24 hour help line, your wise ol’ father, a friend or minister. You’re obsessing and we are concerned about you. Of course, Vick will drive anybody crazy if you let him.*
By SHINEY
January 1, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
THE FLACON NEED 2 BRUNG BACK DAN REAVES CUZ THAT WIN VICK WAS BESTER MR BLANKS PLEEZZ SIGH DAN REAVES NOW
By Willie Bobo
January 1, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
After viewing the post-game comments by Jim Mora, Michael Vick, and Matt Schaub on the Falcons’ website, I’ve come to these conclusions: 1) Most of the coaching staff MUST be replaced (specifically, the head coach, the OFFENSIVE offensive coordinator, and the defensive coordinator). Mora’s approach is just not applicable to this team anymore; he’d probably be better as a defensive coordinator than an NFL head coach (Jim, you are what you are, so I’m crowning your a.) As to the offensive coordinator, this weekend’s performance by the GA Bulldogs showed me that there are *COLLEGIATE offensive coordinators more able to make adjustments than our *professional coordinator, Greg Knapp. Our defensive schemes are a JOKE. Ed Donatell’s lack of adjustments are pathetic and are no longer suitable for the professional ranks (if they ever were). Also, it’s time to let Alex Gibbs go off into the sunset; we need a bigger, tougher, yet mobile offensive line. One more thing, Joe DeCamillis stays, but we have to get better players on special teams.
2)Michael Vick should be traded for a boatload of draft picks, a whole lot of players who can increase our depth, or a potent combination of both. THE FALCONS CAN NOT WIN WITH MICHAEL VICK AT THE HELM. I thought it would be possible, but it’s time to come correct with the truth. He always seems to put himself ahead of the team, and only half-heartedly takes responsibility for his foibles at QB. He thinks that running 1,000 yards in a season constitutes a GREAT season; he does not (or is just plain unwilling) to take into account his half-a**ed attempts to improve his overall game, to improve upon his passing touch, to be more of a leader. I know that I will catch hell from people for this, but Vick is not the man to lead this team to a Super Bowl Championship. I don’t know if Matt Schaub is necessarily the guy either, but the Falcons’ would be fools not to try and find out. Haven’t they learned anything from the past (Randall Cunningham - great running quarterback, no championships; Brett Farve - the {sort of} great QB that got away). I would say that Vince Young has a better upside than Vick, if for nothing else but his leadership skills.
3)Arthur Blank must be an OWNER, not an interloper. Mr. Blank must learn to leave the running of the team to a QUALIFIED individual who can make potent personnel moves for this team (AND IT’S NOT RICH MCKAY MR. BLANK!).
Yes, friends, it’s time to destroy and rebuild. And while I’m listing the things that need to go, I will go ahead and include …
4)IGNORANT, RACIST FALCONS “FANS” WHO THINK THAT IF THE QB IS BLACK THEN HE SHOULD NOT BE THE QB! All of you guys and gals should root for the all-Aryan team. You people are NOT Falcons’ fans; hell’ you barely qualify as living organisms. Throughout this season, most of the posts have been so dispicable. Realistically, I know that you people are not going away soon, but one can wish for widespread carpal-tunnel syndrome for all of you idiots so that you cannot type any more trash with your keyboard.
Happy New Year.
By Pfiffer
January 1, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
“Dirty Birdie” U made a few good points but i didn’t realize this was a book publishing site!!!!!
By Pfiffer
January 1, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
“Dirty Birdie” U made a few good points, but i didn’t realize this was a book publishing site!!!
By Willie Bobo
January 1, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
After viewing the post-game comments by Jim Mora, Michael Vick, and Matt Schaub on the Falcons’ website, I’ve come to these conclusions: 1) Most of the coaching staff MUST be replaced (specifically, the head coach, the OFFENSIVE offensive coordinator, and the defensive coordinator). Mora’s approach is just not applicable to this team anymore; he’d probably be better as a defensive coordinator than an NFL head coach (Jim, you are what you are, so I’m crowning your a.) As to the offensive coordinator, this weekend’s performance by the GA Bulldogs showed me that there are *COLLEGIATE offensive coordinators more able to make adjustments than our *professional coordinator, Greg Knapp. Our defensive schemes are a JOKE. Ed Donatell’s lack of adjustments are pathetic and are no longer suitable for the professional ranks (if they ever were). Also, it’s time to let Alex Gibbs go off into the sunset; we need a bigger, tougher, yet mobile offensive line. One more thing, Joe DeCamillis stays, but we have to get better players on special teams.
2)Michael Vick should be traded for a boatload of draft picks, a whole lot of players who can increase our depth, or a potent combination of both. THE FALCONS CAN NOT WIN WITH MICHAEL VICK AT THE HELM. I thought it would be possible, but it’s time to come correct with the truth. He always seems to put himself ahead of the team, and only half-heartedly takes responsibility for his foibles at QB. He thinks that running 1,000 yards in a season constitutes a GREAT season; he does not (or is just plain unwilling) to take into account his half-a**ed attempts to improve his overall game, to improve upon his passing touch, to be more of a leader. I know that I will catch hell from people for this, but Vick is not the man to lead this team to a Super Bowl Championship. I don’t know if Matt Schaub is necessarily the guy either, but the Falcons’ would be fools not to try and find out. Haven’t they learned anything from the past (Randall Cunningham - great running quarterback, no championships; Brett Farve - the {sort of} great QB that got away). I would say that Vince Young has a better upside than Vick, if for nothing else but his leadership skills.
3)Arthur Blank must be an OWNER, not an interloper. Mr. Blank must learn to leave the running of the team to a QUALIFIED individual who can make potent personnel moves for this team (AND IT’S NOT RICH MCKAY MR. BLANK!).
Yes, friends, it’s time to destroy and rebuild. And while I’m listing the things that need to go, I will go ahead and include …
4)IGNORANT, RACIST FALCONS “FANS” WHO THINK THAT IF THE QB IS BLACK THEN HE SHOULD NOT BE THE QB! All of you guys and gals should root for the all-Aryan team. You people are NOT Falcons’ fans; hell’ you barely qualify as living organisms. Throughout this season, most of the posts have been so dispicable. Realistically, I know that you people are not going away soon, but one can wish for widespread carpal-tunnel syndrome for all of you idiots so that you cannot type any more trash with your keyboard.
Happy New Year.
By april
January 1, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Realist One major reason falcons had 4 tight ends on the roster this year is because Alge does not practice during the week but maybe one day because of injuries and that is how it has been the last couple of years. Actually their top 3 tight ends have all been battling injuries all year which is why the 4th stayed on the roster (I know this because im friends with one)
Also to the people that are hating on Vick you people are ignorant idiots! Under the right leadership and coaching Vick can be a great QB. This team lacked discipline from the start. Why the hell did we hire a a coach and staff that was not a proven coach with a winning record? I was at every home game this year and watched all games away did you idiots? because if you did then you would have seen some of the idotic play calling! We lost to detroit because we the number one rushing team did not do what we do best against a team that ranked worst in the league at stopping the run. Then how bout the carolina game it was obvious they werent going to throw the ball so why not blitz more???? COACHING SUCKS! And Blank sucks for not getting Lovie smith!
By Pfiffer
January 1, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Yo “Willie Bobo” I’m witcha’ when your right.
By bucko
January 1, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Ilike all of you idots that want to got on to schaub case. He has not been in this league for six years, does not practice with the first string each an ever day, and has only played in what two full games since he has been there. He is still a rookie dum asses and still looks better than vick. He put just as many points on the board as vick did. The team look like a O.F. TEAM with SCHAUB. I have been a falcon fan ever since they have been a franchise but if vick is our Q.B.
By Football Expert
January 1, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Those of you who think we could get a number one from somebody for Vick should consider this: If Vick was now on someone else’s roster, should we trade our number one to get him? Well, do you think everyone else is stupid? Unfortunately, they are not stupid. We are stuck with Vick.We need a coach with the gumption and authority to bench Vick. An intellegent organization would have tried Schaub and/or C.J. as soon as we were out of the hunt to find out whether or not either of them can do the job, and if not, draft a quarterback. It is apparent to everbody except the Falcon coaches and owner that Vick cannot get the job done. It should be obvious that no playoff team has a running quarterback. Troy Aikman pointed out during the broadcast, that in spite of Vicks thousand yard season, the Falcons lost when he didn’t throw well. One thing I don’t understand, the press will not criticize Vick. He is among the worst quarterbacks to put on a Falcon uniform. Are they afraid of his GANGSTA image? What gives? The last three years are a time to forget. It’s time to move on time to replace the coaches, the quarterback and many of the players. Now, the owners, managers, and others will decide this week what to do! This week? They must not have been paying attention.
By akhenaten21c2
January 1, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Another Season of Disappointment!
I had high hopes for this Falcons team, but early in training camp, my fears were increased. Here the Falcons had a big tailback, 250 pounds, great character and the best shape of his life. Here they go and trade him. It makes you wonder why we have had no red zone scoring this year when we traded our team leader in red zone scoring. True, there are times when Duckett played like @uck it, BUT, the fact remains he scored more TD’s than Dunn and Norwood!
Next tailback-Justin Griffin, what a great guy! He played tailback all thru college and gets to the Falcons and they make him a full back! He plays a game in Dunn’s place and rips off great yardage, catches passes for TD’s and wasn’t used ONE time Sunday.
Next- Fred McCray, the onlt true fullback on the team. Why doesnt he block for Dunn or Griffin????????
Troy Aikeman pointed out several problems with the Falcons yesterday, one of which was the recievers all being in similar spots or near each other. He questioned the play design and the OC for that. I question the route running.They even showed Crumpler jogging on several routes thru the game!!! WTF was that!!!!
Mike Vick Vs. Matt Schaub- I think the teams that play the Falcons devise and scheme for Mike Vick. I think they use their defensive players to spy Vick, to contain Vick and maintain their lanes to keep Vick from being effective. Thats what good defenses do! I like Schaub too by the way. BUT I dont think anyone schemes for Schaub. I think he brings a more traditional QB role with him on the field. I think the OL knows with Schaub, he is not that much of a threat to run so they block longer. With Vick, they dont seem to know. Inser McNabb. His team mates know now that Donavan WILL scramble, so OL holds blocks longer. Donovan will RUN last! I think that is a major problem for the Falcons. The OL not really knowing what Vick will do makes it hard on the OL. Remember Fran Tarkenton? This guy would scramble 30 yards backwards, side to side, all over the field! His OL knew that and would maintain! Mike Vick needs a better plan with his OL! If you watch a lot of game highlights, esp. Vince Young, you will see on his scrambles and runs Offensive line man running with HIM to make blocks downfield( as best they came LOL) but the point is they do it. Why not here? ? I dont know, could be because of all the Vick “me and I” comments. Dont know.
I have been a Vick defender since his arrival but he reminds me of many other prima donna players that have played other sports. I think Dan Reeves is gone because of Vick and not Blank. I think Blank pushing Vick around in a wheel chair was the WORST thing any owner could have done. I think Vick complained to Blank about Reeves! Reeves called Vick OUT!!! Vick didnt like it, and Reeves was replaced with a more player oriented coach!!!!!!!! Dan Reeves nailed Vick to the pocket and Vick fought it!
Statically, Mike Vick is MORE Accurate on the move. BUT, you have to have someone to throw too!!! Finneran not being there hurt the Falcons! Kerney not being there HURT the Falcons! Secondary was beat the hell up all year. And Rich McKay needs a swift kick in the a*! Hartwell?????Abraham?????? TWO BROKEN DOWN PLAYERS?!?!?!?!?!?!?
I was so disappointed when we got Abraham! The man has been in the league 4 years now and HAS NEVER played a complete season. THE MAN HAS A HISTORY OF GROIN INJURIES!@!@!@! W T F ?!?!?!?!?!?
Ed Hartwell, what a con man. People on this blog talk about the money Vick is recieving, WHAT About HARTWELL???? HAS SHOWN ME S**! Jordan Beck is better than HArtwell, Hell so is Brooking!@
Jim Mora’s biggest flaw is his loyalty to friends. All the San Francisco connections, player relationships, etc. These things have hurt has ability to make the tough decisions on players and coaches. He cannot be the boss and BE FRIENDS@@@. First rule of management, Subordinates are just that! SUBORDINATES. You cant kick it with your employees, you cant hang out with them, because when its time to call them OUT, YOU CANT DO IT!!!!
Mr. Blank, I had such high hopes of the Falcons once you took over. But now, I see the falcons moving in the same direction as Home Depot. Started off as a great idea, but no improvement to it, thats why Lowes is kicking your a* in that market now. Like the Home Depot, Your Flacons have peaked! I truly believe that the ONLY reason the Falcons went to the NFC Championship game was because of DAN REEVES Players!!!!! That was the team REEVES Built!
If Bill Cowher is Availible———PLEASE GET HIM!!!!
By coach
January 1, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Someone asked the question are we any closer to the Super Bowl than we were 10 years ago. I think we are, ultimately if and how close we get to the Super Bowl depends on ownership.
I don’t have any question that Blank is absolutely committed to giving us a great football team.
Let’s hope he is one coach away, he might have made a mistake in firing Dan, in the short run, but in the long run, he will get us the coach, that can give us a great football team.
I suspect he listens and learns from the people around him, eaCH experience good or bad makes him a better decision maker going forward. Was his decision to hire Mora flawed, if so how, what has he learned in the last three years to make sure he finds the right leader.
I think it may be wise when interviewing the next coach to have him study 2006 game tapes and tell Arhur and his advisors what he sees our strength and weaknesses are and where he thinks a change in systems might make the current players more effective. Where do we need to use free agency and the draft to replace weakness with strengths.
Let’s assume he interviews five promising coaches, look at the wealth of knowledge he can accumulate.
I would personally try building my strength with our “Big Men” on both side of the ball. Great Big men, allows your back up skilled guys, Garcia with the Eagles for an example, to come in and perform at a level which gives your team still a chance to win.
Ask the question of the interviewee - where would you like our salary cap dollers invested? Skilled guys sell tickets, but driving for the play offs do you want to get yourself caught like Indy is this year, were you defensive line cannot control the LOS vs the run game.
If you look at the history of pro football, it takes new ownership a while to figure out how it is done, Philly is a great example. Under their current owner they look inept during the first few years, but they figured it out and now have one of the best run and best coached teams in the league.
Five years from now I think we are going to have a Falcon organization that we will have confidence in and a coaching staff which will give us the fans and the players a chance to be a good as their talents will allow them to be.
By The Monk
January 1, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Here is the sad truth: the Falcons’ bad season was a team effort. Blank is a cartoon character owner who screwed the team by paying a seriously flawed QB so much money that he can never be traded. McKay has wasted drafts by drafting WRs who drop more balls than the UGA WRs. Mora has acted like a goofball and has saddled his offence with Coach Knapp. Knapp clearly thinks Vick is too stupid to run a real NFL offense so has dumbed it down to a high school level. Vick gets worse every game and has the team leadership skills of a gnat. In other words, fire whomever you want, but this is going to be very messy for a while yet.
By bucko
January 1, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
SCHAUB is a rookie and has not practice with the frist unit all year and he put as many points on the board as did vick. The throw that he made over the middle could not have been made by vick because vick is to short to make that throw. It look like the team rally around SCHAUB and does not behind vick. How many more times are the Falcons are going to find another O.F. that suites vick. Let him go while we can. IF HE IS OUR Q.B. NEXT YEAR COUNT ME OUT I WILL PULL FOR THE N.O. SAINTS
By hitwriter
January 1, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
As much as Mora failed the test of a HC and needs to go, Mike Vick is coward and classless selfish human being.
The Mora era may soon be over but I long for the Vick era to be history as well.
By Mike Sucks
January 1, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Blank, it’s 11am, hand out them pink slips!
By The Professor
January 1, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Eagles showed why they are still class of NFC - superior ownership and coaching allows for its Junior Varsity to embarrass Falcons starters, especially the D. Eagles turn-around started after Jeffrey Lurie bought the team, brought in Andy Reid, drafted McNabb (and now they proved you can insert a Jeff Garcia or AJ Feeley into the system), and dumped the Vick-like Randall Cunningham since he couldn’t comprehend the West Coast O. I think it would be poetic justice for the Eagles to beat Dallas and scumbag T.O. en route to Super Bowl. Hope King Arthur is taking notes…
By Russell Moore
January 1, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
The problem with the Falcons is with the quarterback.He has contempt for the owner, for the fans and for the coach.In his world he runs the team, and if you cross him, he will undercut you. The cancer for the Falcons is Michael Vick.
By Tom
January 1, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Mora Sr was right, “Michael Vick is a coach-killer.” I wonder who his next victim will be? In case you haven’t taken the time to look up the self-described “Superman’s” career stats, here they are
Games 74 QB Rating 75.7 Completion % 53.8% Passing Yds per game 155.5 Rushing Yds per game 52.1 TDs 71 INTs 52 Fumbles lost 27
Not exactly Krytonian. By comparison, here are the career stats for Drew Brees who was taken in the same draft:
Games 75 QB Rating 87.5 Completion % 62.7 Passing Yds per game 223.5 Rushing Yds per game 5.3 TDs 106 INTs 64 Fumbles lost 13
Looks like Superman comes out on the short end of that comparison. f you took the time to check the career QB ratings of all 32 starting QBs in the NFL, you would find that there are only 8 starting QBs with lower lifetime QB ratings than Vick and not a single one of those 8 has started as many games as Vick. Not a single one. What does that mean? Blank has put up with mediocre play longer than any other owner. Way to go Arthur.
Blank has to fire Mora, because the bus has already run over him. But what Blank should do is ship Vick off to let him destroy some other franchise. Matt Schaub will no doubt be traded next year and go on to a stellar career leading his team to multiple playoff berths. In the meantime, the Falcons will be mired in mediocrity with a coach-killing quarterback who blames everyone, but himself, for his own misearble failings. Stats don’t lie. Michael Vick is mediocre, at best.
By Skip
January 1, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Regarding your comment to “Vick Haters” - we’re not HATERS - we’re realists. He doesn’t study the game, doesn’t play nice with others, and simply can’t play in “team” format. He’d be great if the NFL starts a “AND 1” league - he and his ignorant to the “team concept” buddy - Allen Iverson would make a great and entertaining team to watch. But this is the NFL, and the NFL is dominated by those who understand the word TEAM.
By The Professor
January 1, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Bucko, I’m a Vick fan (but questioning his lack of leadership) and I agree - the Falcons were a different team with Schaub in there. The running game picked up again, the WR’s were making plays. Schaub showed he could make passes over the line Vick can’t. Let’s at least see a serious competition at QB in camp next year (and every other position)…
By Ol' Ball Coach
January 1, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
GAther ‘round, take a knee!!
Listen up crew. Here’s what the ol’ coach wold do to solve this riddle. It don’t take Scooby Doo & Co long to figure stuff out, so we can do it too.
Trade Vick to the Raiders for a 1st, 3rd, amd Michael Huff. Re-sign Schaub for at 2 year extension to see if he is any better in this offense. Use the extra picks on a DE (bye Kerney, you cost too much), a LT, and another back a little bigger than Dunn. Trade Dunn and Jason Webster for 3rd, 4th, or 5th round picks, and look for another corner, and a middle backer. We can also do better at backup DT than Shropshire (what has he done?) We can get younger, faster, bigger, better, and cheaper. Mr. Blank just has to have the stones to tell McKay to get busy. We have enough vets on the team to help break a big rookie class and get some guys playing. And can someone tell me why all of Brookings tackles come 4 yards off the line of scrimmage?
By get real
January 1, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
For all the folks that want to talk about the 2 QBs on this team did you watch the game or did you watch whoever was playing QB so you can show hate or love for one or the other. As far as I can tell there are suppose to be 11 players on the field on either side of the football to make up something called a team.
I didn’t see where either QB played that much better than the other. Each had a td pass and the backup threw 1 and nearly a second intercept. Bottom line: second and goal from the 2 yard line and the same result, NOTHING. A starting NFL defense that gave up 300+ yrds to the 3rd string QB and other backups on the Eagles offense. You folks need to take FOOTBALL 101 and get some understanding of how the game is played or get a life!!!!
By Bring Reeves Back!
January 1, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Can vick lead us to the playoffs? yes Can vick win a super bowl? no For as much athletic skills as vick has he lacks in leadership. even worse he has terrible touch on passes and makes bad decisions (not that playcalling helped). Schuab led us down the field with passes twice in the last minutes (even thou we didnt score thank God). better draft pick! With schuab we have a chance to win games were loosing in the 4th quarter!! Now i like vick…but he sucks at comebacks…i think hes the anti john elway! i say we trade vick before he gets old and slows down. Trade him to the raiders for draft picks and draft calvin johnson!! CJ is the next michael irvin pple u better believe it! Anyone comparing him to jenkins or white or any other bust recievers weve gotten in the first round is fooling themselves! DO that, get a power back to complement dunn or norwood, and rely on our defense like we did in 98 and we would at least be NFC championship material next year!! Also…reeves would be alot better postseason coach than mora because of him game managnment skills!!
By dum lowbrowski
January 1, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Did you see T. J. Duckett blast thru the D-Line and score that short yardage touchdown last night?? What a great running back, Glad he’s on our team!!! Oh wait, the Falcons traded him for Ashley NotMe… :-(
By Paul
January 1, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
See a lot of negative comments about Vick but one has to agree he can’t win games on his own. As far as caoching is concerned, Mora and team rode on Dan Reeves back for the last two years.
Why did Falcons fire Dan anyway? Yep, had one bad season. Dan also took the team to Superbowl, may have lost but still got the Falcons there.
Dan instilled discipline all around and expected players to give thier 100%. Was not buddy with players. Vick would have progressed nicely under Dan’s tutelage for sure.
What is with West Coast offense anyway? Great coaches like Don Shula, Tom Landry and others adjusted coaching and game plans based on the talents they have on the team and won games. Shula turned a great running team with Csonka to a great passing team with Marino.
Leverage and use the talents you have instead trying to copy something from another because they were successfull.
Fire Mora, bring Dan back or get a seasoned coach. By all means don’t get an assistant from some where and try to make him a head coach.
By eric
January 1, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
No team can win if they constantly treat 1st down like an opportunity to see how Dunn looks getting squashed by DT’s. Someone needs to let Knapp know that in his NEXT job it is not against NFL rules to gain yards on 1st down. Constant 3rd and long situations do not a winner make.
By Dave
January 1, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
All I know is this. When you spend the money Arthur Blank has to put a team in the Georgia Dome FALCON fans can be proud of and you get DECLINING results you have to make changes. The question you have to ask is whether the players skills have diminished or has the quality of the coaching not been sufficient to have the players ready to play the game over the 3 year period Mora has head coach. I believe the latter to be closer to the truth. Vick is not a conventional QB. He has skills that would make this team one of the most feared in the NFL in the right system with a OC who is innovative enough to devise an offense centered around Vick’s strengths and how they can be used to exploit the opposition’s defense. Mike Martz is a good example. A West Coast offense is centered around the ball coming out quickly and hitting the receivers ON THE RUN. The run after the catch is the hallmark of this kind of offense and all the time Knapp has been the OC I haven’t seen it. When Mora is let go I would like to see an Offensive minded head coach taking the job.
By Larry
January 1, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
“dirtie birdie,”
Are you an offspring of Dick Vitale?
Remember the golden rule of expression: Conciseness is the supreme art of expression!
Whew!
By Bring Reeves Back!
January 1, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
I think vick can take us to the playoffs but will never take us to a championship. For what he has in athletic skills he lacks in leadership and touch on his passes. Schuab was by far the best qb on the field yesterday and its a shame mora didnt have the balls to put him in earlier in the year. With schuab we have a chance at coming back in games were trailing in the 4th quarter. He drove down the field twice in the final minutes which is more than i can say for vick all season! Thank God we did somthing right and lost the game so we got the #10 pick instead of around the #20 pick in the draft. I love seeing the falcons on the cover of SI and madden and all the publicity vick brings…but i love winning even more!! Trade vick to the raiders for the draft rights to calvin johnson as well as other compensation, keep kerney! and gandy, add a power back to complement norwood or dunn, and well have a good team next year!!
By HARTWELL IS ROBBING US
January 1, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
N E 1 THING MAY B DITKA WOOD CAOCH HERE? HE ONE THE SUPERBOWEL WITH DA BEARS I THING HE CAN DO IT AGIN
By chuckie d
January 1, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
End the Mora era and hopefully bring in a LEADER that can unite this team and get the fans behind them. Arthur, there is way too much hating going on among the “stakeholders”. You have got to make a change, you cannot keep a coach that keeps a foot in his mouth most of the time. You cannot keep a coach who is a “friend” of the players and as such cannot LEAD them. You cannot keep a coach that is consistantly outcoached in crucial games. If Cowher is available, get him, he is a tough LEADER that can and will shake this team up, he can and will WAKE this team up!!
By The Professor
January 1, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
I don’t want to see Dan Reeves come back. Been there done that. I want a more offensive-minded head coach. If I remember correctly Vick was throwing Reeves under the bus by taking his sweet time coming back from his leg injury. Remember how Reeves was questioning Vick in the papers and Vick didn’t like it?
By DOM
January 1, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
THE COACHING STAFF IS HISTORY SO LETS TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THAT STILL ARE HERE. RICH MCKAY IS A FAILURE IN ALL AREAS, HARTWELL IS A CON MAN, WEBSTER IS A TIMID DEACON, KERNEY IS AN OLD BUSTED POLITICIAN, RODDY AND JENKINS HAVE NO SPIRIT OR TALENT, IKE REESE SHOULD BE A SMILING INFOMERCIAL HOST, OFFENSIVE LINE HAS THE TENACITY OF A YUGO, OUR BENCH PLAYERS SHOULD BE IN THE STANDS NEXT TO ME AS FANS. THE WILL BE NO STADIUM DEAL IN ATL UNTIL ALL OF THIS IS CORRECTED ARTHUR.
By Allen McWhorter
January 1, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
If by some miracle Jim Mora returns next season to coach the Falcons again, I won’t watch a single game. It is just painfully obvious that the players don’t relate well to Mora at all and Mora is just too immature to coach in the NFL. He also has a habit of calling very weird plays, especially in the red zone. What the Falcons need is somebody like a Bill Parcells, Bill Cowher, or someone like that. Someone who can really get effort from the players. The Falcons have entirely too much talent to finish up with a 7-9 record. That is just inexcusable!! I definitely expect Mora to be polishing up his resume because he won’t be associated with the Falcons organization next season!!
By Dennis
January 1, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
I think its time to trade Vick.He takes no responsibilty for his terrible play.We need a quarterback with a more accurate arm and not a second running back.Time for him to go
By Dennis
January 1, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
I think its time to trade Vick.He takes no responsibilty for his terrible play.We need a quarterback with a more accurate arm and not a second running back.Time for him to go
By sj
January 1, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Vick is an athleticlly gifted thug who couldn’t spell leadership. He is here for ticket sales and personal $$$$
By AckerZack
January 1, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Three Keys to Falcons Success
1 Fire Mora and ALL the Coaches!! 2 Trade Vick!! Get rid of him now! 3 Upgrade the O-Line
By dirtie birdie
January 1, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
larry, i understand that was very long winded. i should be more concise. but honestly the biggest problem with this blog is that no one ever provides any analysis. it is like all anyone can post on here is shallow, superficial sniping. everyone says their little thing which is usually i hate vick, mora, knapp, donatell, blank, and mckay but never ever provides any reason or justification for it. that is why there is so much fighting and confusion and miscommunication on here. i think some white people have legitimate points to make about the cons of vick but then they just say things like vick is a retard, a thug, he is terrible but then they never explain why they think is terrible. if they would explain themselves, all of this racial garbage on here would go away.
oh well, boots. i give up. i am done until september. see you in nine months bud. i promise i will annoy you again next year. maybe next year i will remember that it makes no sense to care more than the players, coaches, GMs, and owner. Probably not though.
By Boots
January 1, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
If you look in the dictionary for the word “conundrum” you will find a picture of Arthur Blank with a puzzled expression on his face. I’m paying Vick so much I’m up against the salary cap and can’t surround him with a supporting cast. I can’t trade him because no other owner would be stupid enough to honor his contract. I have an inadequate coaching staff, but who’d be stupid enough to come here with the mess we have? Oh, my God! Why didn’t I think of building the aquarium instead of getting into this mess?
By sj
January 1, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Vick 3 years before Mora = 21 W’s, 26 L’s & 1 T 3 years with Mora = 23 W’s, 27 L’s (playoffs) Vick Lifetime = 44 W, 52 L, 1 T
Coaching is not the problem, trade Vick
By sj
January 1, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Vick 3 years before Mora = 21 W’s, 26 L’s & 1 T 3 years with Mora = 23 W’s, 27 L’s (playoffs) Vick Lifetime = 44 W, 52 L, 1 T
Coaching is not the problem, trade Vick
By Boots
January 1, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Dirtie Birdie: You’re truly a prince of a man, a devoted fan and a fun person to chat with. I’ve really enjoyed it and hope to be back with you guys in the fall. Take care and tell your pop I said hello —- sounds like we have a lot in common. I have three sons —- 45, 40 and 35. We really enjoy talking sports, too! But remember, the only thing that counts in the “W’s” and those determine the progress a team is making —- and nothing else!
By vick sux
January 1, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
It sure is convenient for all you vick a$$ kissers to forget to mention all the overthrown passes, all the underthrown passes, the passes behind, and the passes with too much lead.
and with regards to the bird flip and other off field issues with vick get a clue, if something isn’t in a person’s character that person won’t do that.
By ATL speaks
January 1, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Trade Vick. Keep the coach.
By Tom
January 1, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
C’mon folks, you know the drill. If the head coach is not part of Vick Crewe, then he ain’t worth nuthin.
Blank made Micheal Vick the man of the Falcons. He knew the mans temperment and paid big money for it.
Now the Falcons are an image of Micheal Vick. He is the boss, and if he gets dissed he stops playing. You HAVE to kiss his fanny constantly to get any production out of him.
So when Mr. Blank goes out to get a new coach, he better find the best pucker upper in the league. Cause Micheal will not play for any one other than a syncophant.
By e.b.
January 1, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
No Steve, I didn’t notice a change in receivers when Vick left the game. You must’ve been watching a different game. I did notice Schaub get sacked and throw an INT…did you notice that??
By murphy
January 1, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank,LISTEN I’ve tried to be a Vick fan, but you cant ignore his career 2nd half statistics when the Falcons were losing at halftime. Trade Vick to Oakland for their high draft picks,Get Kurt Warnerto back up Schuab or to start for a while.He still throws for 250-300 yards a game.The coaches that benched him[Tom Coghlin and Dennis Green are Idiots and they’ve proved it. Schaub and Schockley could learn a lot from Kurt Warner.Give Mora one more year but make him fire some of his coaches.Id Hate to see us start over with a whole new system right now.
By longtimefan
January 1, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Been a fan since the first season the Falcons came to Atlanta. I am amazed at how ignorant and stubborn some people who post here are about this present team. How many seasons do you need to see that Mike Vick is NOT the answer for this franchise. We need to clean house from head coach down, and I agree that we need a strong, proven leader as head coach, if one can be found. Then, lose the ill-placed loyalty to a fantastic athlete who will NEVER be a great NFL quarterback, and trade Vick for the most you can get, resign Matt Schaub, and give him the chance Brett Farve never got here, and with a strong head coach, we will assemble a coaching staff that will get results.
By SRF
January 1, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Here is the plan - trade Schaub to Green Bay to replace Farve when he retires.
This can’t happen again could it ?
By Larry's a RACIST
January 1, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Larry get your racist @ss off of this blog, nobody don’t want to hear that racist $hit and if I catch you anywhere you will have to wear a mask. @sshole. Your gone like Denny Green!!
By ada
January 1, 2007 01:02 PM | Link to this
everyone is talking about 3 years ago the falcons went to the championship game with a Dan Reeves type team. yes i said it “Dan Reeves” team. might i remind u all that Reeves was fire at the end of that season when Mora took over. so in with the players left on that roster Mora was able to succeed. now under the last two season Mora’s teams had not reacher or even sniffed the playoffs. now i am not saying bring back Mr Reeves but the coaching staff has put our franchise player at risk and has played soft defense for last two seasons. when a team can beat u with backup and a total game plan of just throwing the ball 7 times, that’s when u know it’s time for a change.
By willjay
January 1, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this
what is wrong with you people, like bill parcells said— you are what your record says you are, the fowlcons are a mediocre team if they weren’t then it would show over the last 2, no make that 40 years. my eagle scrubs with real nfl coaching beat your starters, that is the fact because you are what your record (and talent) say you are. mike vick will never win a superbowl for any team, he is NOT an nfl qb. do any of you knowledgable, realistic fowlcon fans truly believe that short thug 7 could win 3 or 4 postseason,i.e. good teams, games because that what it takes to win a super bowl. vick does not have the qb skills, leadership, or mental toughness to lead a team through a playoff run. come on guys he said himself that he doesn’t remember much about the nfc champ. game lost to philly from only 2 years ago that tells me he is not to bright it was only 2 years ago and that he obviously is not much of a film study guy, you lose the game that could have taken you to the super bowl and you don’t view it and try to learn/ improve from it. i bet p. manning never watched film of the patriot victories over him (yea right) hey what good is studying film esp. of an opponent who you would probably have to go through again to reach the super bowl, also vick said he wished he’d had taken that game more seriously. what the “f#ck!!! open your eyes vick lovers there is more to winning championships which is the ultimate goal than providing a few exciting highlights. as i posted on christmas day, put this guy in the veer, no passing skills needed great running skills and unlike the wishbone the qb doesn’t have to be a quick decision maker, reader of defenses or a particularly bright fellow, that fits mike to a “T” ladies and gentlemen.
By e.b.
January 1, 2007 01:05 PM | Link to this
you’re not a longtime fan, you’re a longtime idiot.
By Move out of Atlanta
January 1, 2007 01:06 PM | Link to this
Hey I have a suggestion, why don’t all of you that have a problem with Vick just simply………..Move the hell away, I think that would solve all your answers!!
Hey and if it doesn’t try try again!! Sissies!!!
By Realist
January 1, 2007 01:16 PM | Link to this
Boots, I loved your “Conundrum” bit, how true. Blank dumbed himself into this mess. I have said before that the Falcons Organization is an oxymoron.
Dirtie Bird, I don’t hate Vick, I just think he is not Pro QB material BECAUSE (here comes my reasons/analysis of Superman): 1) Too short (remember Pat Sullivan great collegiate passing QB but too short to see over the Pro line), 2) does not have gametime leadership skills unlike McNabb, Warren Moon, Doug Williams who were all successful, 3) does not seem to be a team player - no effort shown cheering “his” team on while on sidelines, 4) cannot see BIG picture of team concept because of his myopic and delusional sense of self - considered HIS season a success although team record is below average and still refers to himself as “superman” (see press conference comments) , though he has lost his cape somewhere, 5) disloyalty to those that have supported him - “not concerned w/what goes on with Org” regarding questions on coaches and most glaring: the FINGER to the fans.
He may not be a “thug”, but he is a spoiled, trashy-acting, classless (the finger), self-absorbed, pouty, athlete who could not make it in any other endeavor in life except maybe a as hoodlum. Not that there is anything wrong with being a hoodlum, if you are going to be one then be the best hoodlum you can be as the saying goes. I just think he would be a better hoodlum than a Pro QB. Now if he wanted to swap to RB, KR, and PR, and he changed his on-field smug attitude, then I believe he might just add some value to this TEAM.
Finally, regarding what he says at press conferences, I believe he is speaking from his heart because he does not have some “spin doctor” putting words into his mouth. So I take what he says as his true feelings ad thoughts. It is true he had a great statistical season, for a running back, but to say that he hopes to rush for 2000 yds next year tells me he really does not understand the QB job description. Granted the recent bad coaching has not helped him develop but he has really put forth much effort in trying to “overcome coaching” as he mentioned in an earlier press conference. Steve McNair had been able to overcome bad coaching earlier in the year and still LEAD his team to victories until Billick made a change. Bad coaching didn’t seem to make him come unglued on the field. He perservered through it with class and grace AND WON. He never even spoke badly about the Titans org that seemed to throw him to the wolves. Can’t wait to hear Vick’s comments about the Falcons Org that has made him the highest paid 15&16 “QB” in the NFL at the expense of the remainder of the team. Unless Vick is willing to re-negotiate his contract $$ down in order to help the team, you will never change my opinion (or that of many other fans) of him as not just a Coach Killer but rather a Organization Killer.
By dash
January 1, 2007 01:17 PM | Link to this
It is clear that at least Knapp needs to go if not Jim Mora. For all of you Vick haters, let’s take him out of the picture for a minute. We lost to the Philadelphia backups! WE GAVE UP 321 YARDS TO A 3RD STRING QB! WE LET THEIR 4-5 WR LOOK LIKE PRO BOWL PLAYERS! Matt Schaub looked good at times but he still did not have the protection that he should have had against their 2nd and 3rd string defense. He looked good but as Aikman pointed out.Aikman also pointed out how the offensive play calling was not very good. He has not played against starters consistently. Completing passes against Dawkins/Trotter or Reed/McAllister is a whole lot different. 175 yards against 2nd and 3rd string players is not exactly burning up the field. Our receivers still did not separate from their backup defenders as they should and the line still did not open any gaping holes against their backup defense. Maybe they did not play like a team that was trying to get their coach fired, but they did not play like a team who was’nt.
By bryanter
January 1, 2007 01:21 PM | Link to this
I agree with a pervious comment, I noticed after Vick left the game that the WRs were creating more effective routes and the OLs were protecting the QB (M. Schaub).
Although the Falcons lost, at the end, I could see the difference another QB made. Early this year, I could not understand why so many critics and sport broadcasters were bashing M. Vick. However, after seeing his performance in the last couple games and his interviews, I can see why many are so frustrated with him as a person and his performance. Don’t get me wrong, I honestly believe he is a wonderful and talented football player. However, I have to again agree with the pervious posts, 1) he is NOT a leader 2) he is not patience 3) he is very self-centered. I could not believe what he said in his interview last night, “I believe that I had a good year”. I see things much clearer now. In order for the Falcons to succeed in this league, the NFC, and complete against a strong and dominate AFC, they need a QB that is leader, calm and can pass the football effectively. Although MV has proven that he can in some games, he is inconsistent as well as some of the receivers (Don’t get me starting on them). They (falcons organization) have brought in people to help MV and one well-known former QB (forget the name) and he is still not performing up to standards. Yesterday, when the 2nd QB came in the third quarter, I saw a different team that was calm and reacted with Schaub. I am not saying he is the solution, but as Troy A. stated yesterday in the FOX telecast, Schaub has a “bright future in the NFL” whether it be with the Falcons or another organization.
However, I have to say that the Falcons problems are much deeper than the coaching staff. Arthur Blank fired Dan Reeves and from my understanding an entire assistants coaching line. They have tired new coaches with new and different plays and still NO SUPERBOWL. Arthur Blank is going to have to make some real hard decisions this off season if he wants the Falcons to at least make the postseason in 2008.
By CookDogg
January 1, 2007 01:22 PM | Link to this
Mr.Blank….these are things you need to do to make the most of your $130 million investment(M.Vick). And save your franchise.
1)Find yourself an entire new coaching staff.(Mora time has run its course.
2)This off season sit down w/M.Vick and analyiz with him every peace of printed press and or media recording available…try to get into his head to determine “what was he thinking while he was speaking” And then compare those press clippings and media recordings to that of successful NFL Quarterbacks such as Marino,Doug Williams,Elway,Akiman, Montanna, Steve Young. (The reason you do this is to help M.Vick understand that he has to learn to shoulder all of the blame for Failure and none of the accolades for success) His recent comments in the media are quickly turning his teammates, coaches and ticket paying Falcons fans against him.
3)Vick needs to spend the entire off-season attending “LEADERSHIP TRAINING SEMINARS” Honestly…Mr.Blank this guy is a horrible leader. He needs to develop an NFL quarter back persona.Not the current meet me at club 112 persona he currently protrays. And the V-103 look at me crap. Vick is your CEO….Let me ask you something are you happy with him? Don’t answer that I already know the answer..NO!
4)Vick must also attend a “Professionalism Seminar” Truthfully Mr.Blank his appearance is very sad. He does not look like a leader….talk like a leader…..He looks very immature. Blank..please clean up your $130 million QB. This will help him to mature.
5)Now..football stuff! This off season send DJ Shockely to NFL Europe to get some reps. He needs to play…He sat long enough during that painful 5 yrs @ UGA. (Hey UGA people, 4 yrs of David Greene 2 SEC Tiltles…But 4 yrs of DJ would have meant at least 2 SEC Titles and 1 National Championship :-)
6)Trade Shaub…Do not fall into that Doug Johnson trap…get yourself a (bad attitude)premier reciever, a 1st round draft choice and a Offensive tackle.
7)Are you ready Mr.Blank? You will make the playoffs in 2007 and lose.However, do not fret….Trade Vick and his salary…get what you can and transition into 2008 w/Your true leader at QB……. DJ Shockely! this kid is a leader and his teammates will listen to him and follow him…Your season ticket holders will love you, and finally you will have your Super Bowl in 2009.
By D'Marcus Jackson (Kappa Alpha--UGA)
January 1, 2007 01:28 PM | Link to this
First of all, Arthur has a sexy daughter—-OH, that’s his wife.
Coach Mora, pray that you get fired from the Falcons. Atlanta is full of fair weathered fans and an Owner that knows squat about football—He should buy an NBA franchise—IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!
Vick—what a JOKE for a QB…Don’t blame the receivers for the lack of a passing attack. TYPICAL Vick pass scenario: Michael scrambles out of the pocket, he runs left, does a 180 and runs right..and another 180 to the left sideline..”run Michael run” THEN he launches a Hail Mary 60 yards and ITS CAUGHT as Jenkins is in midair/back facing the endzone… A 60 YARD pass completion. ON PAPER, Vick’s statistics look great.
HOW DO YOU DEVISE AN OFFENSIVE PLAN AROUND VICK”S LACK OF UNDERSTANDING DEFENSES??? IT”S ALWAYS A REACTIONARY MINDSET THAT HE BRINGS AT QB. HE DOESNT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT UNTIL THE BALL IS SNAPPED EACH TIME.
ATLANTA deserves to be sittin at home—AGAIN!
By Whitey Mazda
January 1, 2007 01:35 PM | Link to this
I have a question for the pathetic jock sniffers who worship at Vick’s throne:
What is your savior’s record in his last 19 games?
Answer: 7-12.
Bonus question No. 1: why do the Vick-heads give their savior ALL of the credit for the team’s wins, but NONE of the blame for the team’s losses?
Bonus question No. 2: why do so many Falcon fans value style over substance?
Bonus question No. 3: why is BirdDawg such an arrogant, condescending, egomaniacal, pompous, self-righteous wingbag?
Bonus question No. 4: does e.b. have any idea who his biological father is?
Bonus question No. 5: what percentage of Falcon fans have Valtrex prescriptions?
By dirrtybird
January 1, 2007 01:37 PM | Link to this
There’s no “I” in TEAM, but there is in “WIN”. Losing this game was the best thing that could have happened to the Falcons. As you can see, Mora is fired. Mora was just a team spokesman. He wasn’t a coach. Coach’s bench underperforming players and fire underperforming coach’s and make adjustments. Coach’s don’t walk around with their foot in their mouth. Have a Happy New Year, and let’s hope we can get a real coach next year.
By ricky b
January 1, 2007 01:45 PM | Link to this
mazda, the reason that vick gets so much credit for victories is because of the reality that they are 3-12 without him since 2002 and 10-19 without him since he was drafted while they are 38-28-1 with him including a 27-10-1 stretch with vick as the starter when the same exact team was 3-12 without him during that same exact stretch. that is why. the man aint perfect but the question really is that why can’t anyone give him any credit for those wild discrepancies between winning % with him and winning % WITHOUT HIM
By Brendan
January 1, 2007 01:50 PM | Link to this
For all of you longing for the days of Dan Reeves lets remember a couple of things. 1)Reeves had to “dumb down” his system to accomadate the quarter back and 2)Vick never played a full season because he was allowed to run around and “create” whenever he felt necessary. I do not want to sound like this is all on Vick because it is not. What this team needs is structure and the current(former) staff was not able to provide. I don’t believe that Cowher would come to Atlanta but someone of his type is what this team needs to put it together. Also some veteran leadership in the receiving corps would help these young guys immensely. No doubt the offensive line could use some help also. There is really too much more to discuss and I have gone to long.
By B Flowers
January 1, 2007 01:51 PM | Link to this
What a sad day in sports, we lose a game, season, and coaching staff. We (Falcons) have always been a poor sports franchise. The falcons will always be considered losers until they focus on back to basics in football. We need to get these high paid men to play with heart, to play for the game, not take it as a job. When the salaries started to climb the play started to drop as a team. Sure you have stars, they get paid $$$$$$$$ and the majority are just problems. So lets get a coach with a large ego, that will put these players in their place or fire them, this is a business in todays football.
By Southside
January 1, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this
Say what you want be Mora Jr should have been fire. Was it me that only caught this but over the last 5 or 6 Games on 3rd and 1 they normally give it to Dunn who doesnt get it. Then on 4th Punt. But yesterday on 3rd and 1 with Schaub they do play action and a QB Sneak. Dump Knapp you should have did that 8 games ago with Vick and maybe you wouldnt have got FIRE HA HA.
ALL YOU VICK HATERS The man threw 20 touchdowns this years but at least 5 touchdowns were drop. Its only maybe 5 QBs with more than him. We should have been using Norwood the same way the Saints use Bush. I agree with Blank he did right. Now we do need a new defense. I agree with yall D. Hall needs to go.We need better Cornerbacks.
By Sam
January 1, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this
Falcon Fans, We all love this team. But hated their season. Coach mora seems like a good person but the coaching is terrible. I make better play calls then him on Madden.
On Mike Vick, no matter how bad he is at playing QB, Hes gonna remain the QB for the falcons. Why? He brings in fans, football is a business, and he will bringg in money.
Matt is a beeter QB than Vick but he is a conventional QB and make the Falcons like every other team.
If i were the owner, i would trade Mike Vick and upgrade everything. Matt is a leader and he can lead the team to atleast a wild card spot.
Bill Cowher seems like a great candidate.
By jerry
January 1, 2007 02:30 PM | Link to this
Vick is a good QB. Schaub is trade bait. Hire a “good” coach and assistants and acquire WR’s that will catch and DE’s that don’t crumble on contact and OL’s that aren’t lightweights and this can win.
The Falcons employed too many gimmicks on offense and not enough muscle on defense to win in the NFL.
R.McKay should be the next firing.
By southbird
January 1, 2007 02:32 PM | Link to this
Than you Jeff ..you were right… PLAYERS HURT COACH.. whatever happens..happens!!! but i like them to bring in Steve Marucci if you all dont mind!!!bcause he can continue what mora has done the system on vick.
thank u
By Donny
January 1, 2007 03:19 PM | Link to this
What is wrong with Vick? Get a coach who doesn’t throw dinky 5 yard slant plays when you have a QB with a cannon for an arm (VicK)
Anyone who thinks Schwab was a pro arm in a complete moron. That last throw—I’ve never seen so much air under a ball thrown 35 yards. If people still think Schwab is a pro QB you are utterly delusional.
Is Vick prototypical? No. But greatness never is. Archie Manning, Fran Tarkenton, similar style QB’s didn’t have the talent (nor arm to start out with) to keep their teams a 7-9 and that is a BAD season. Atlantan’s and Blank need to have realistic goals. And Blank needs to stop walking around the sidelines like Vito Corleone.
By Michael
January 1, 2007 03:40 PM | Link to this
First it’s was Jim Mora. The next one needs to be Mike Vick. Simply put, he is too erratic and too injury prone to be anything more than a circus side show. Yes, he will give you some exciting moments, but he will NEVER be consistent enough to be a leader of men in the NFL. He does have talent and value and we should therefore explore the options of trading Vick now when we can get some missing pieces for him. If winning the Super Bowl is a priority for this organization, then this is the only answer. If they are only interested in selling tickets to the circus, then keep Vick and continue the misery.
By steve
January 1, 2007 03:45 PM | Link to this
Bottome line, this Falcons team has a few good players, nothing great, and some decent coaches…all a formula for mediocre, which was achieved. Period.
By Ken Stallings
January 1, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this
Interesting, Jim Mora said that Michael Vick was a “coach killer.” Vick expressed his outrage at the statement, and the coach (the son) backed up his quarterback and publicly went against his own father.
Then, Vick proceeded to dedicate the remainder of the regular season to proving the senior Mora accurate in every way.
I have one piece of advice for the next head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Call Michael Vick into a closed door meeting and have the meeting tape recorded. Take your playbook out of your desk and slide it aggressively across the desk spinning into Vick’s lap.
Then look your QB straight in the eyes and sternly tell him this:
“You will take this home. You will dedicate your entire off season to reporting here on day one of spring training in better personal condition and better mental preparation than every before in your life!
“If you fail to do this, then I will bench your @ss the entire season and you will not be traded. And if you open you pie hole one time to take any shot at this staff, I’ll fine you a full game check for every offense!
“We can win as many games with your backup as we can with this pathetic display of football you showed me in tape this past season. I promise you, it will not be tolerated on MY watch!
“Now get the hell out of my office!”
And, I would make it a condition of my hire from Arthur Blank, that I he fully back me up in giving that eyeball-to-eyeball message to Mr. Vick!
I suspect that Mr. Blank will be most happy to see that sort of stern speech given to the true coach killer of this team!
By pr
January 1, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this
Blank is a joke. Hire a coach who won’t put up with you on the sidelines thinking you know football. Who wants this job with this owner? A know it all
By Mean D
January 1, 2007 04:22 PM | Link to this
Ron Mexico STINKS!!! What a classless thug to throw his coach under the bus. It is YOU herpes boy that should have been fired!
By lee
January 1, 2007 04:25 PM | Link to this
Jeff, another excellent column. We moved from Etlanna in Nov. but I still read you and Mark before work. I have one question: do you write most of these comments or do you pay people to send them? Please don’t tell me there are that many goofballs in one part of the country. Next year ‘Skins and Pats!!
By falconfan
January 1, 2007 04:47 PM | Link to this
It is completely ridiculous that some people on this blog are bashing Schaub based off his performance in one game. The guys hardly been given a chance to play at all and his passing attempts with a few exceptions certainly looked a lot better than Vick’s erratic throws. Vick hardly ever hits a receiver in stride, has consistently failed to read defenses (i.e. beating the blitz), lacks the ability to deliver an accurate touch pass, regularly does not see open receivers, and routinely quits on his team. Not to mention his completion percentage is above only Vince Young’s, a rookie, and the fact that he single handedly accounted for over 60% of the turnovers this year. I’m sure glad we’re paying this guy more than the best QB’s in the league so that he can put up sub par numbers. If Schaub had been playing for six years, odds are that he’d be a lot farther along than Vick is at this point.
By Boots
January 1, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this
Mr. Stallings: There was a time when I would think your approach to be an over-reaction;however, having witnessed the total breakdown of an organization, I’m prone to agree that your approach is probably what is needed to regain control of the franchise from an individual who believes he’s bigger than the sum of the team. Mr. Blank will have to give up some control of the team to a strong head coach or continue to languish in the bog of mediocrity. I can’t imagine who would want to walk into this mess! Here’s my guess —- trying to make an NFL quarterback out of Michael Vick is like trying to make a swan by pulling on a duck’s neck!
By Josh
January 1, 2007 05:52 PM | Link to this
To me i think that Vick is an outstanding player aswell a leader, but when it all comes down 2 it Vick can not lead, pass or run if you dont have guys how R not coming to work with 1 thing on there mind, catching good balls, and a O-Line thats not blocking. Not to speak about the poor coaching job, everything we ran looked like it was ran at all the wrong times. The zone was not working yet an still we kept running. Our D was not as good as they should have been. We have Kerney Brooking Hall an a hell of a lot of other guys but we could’t step up N the 3rd down passing an short yard running plays, all i have to say is Lets make the change Vick we R behind U keep your finger down an your head up, an we will see U next year, work hard for it.
By Harold
January 1, 2007 05:58 PM | Link to this
Ok, lets be quite frank about the whole situation. Mike Vick is the problem for this organization. He isn’t a leader and not a good quaterback. Sure he shows flashes of greatness but putting it together won’t happen. Remember the name Matt Shaub just like Brett Favre!
By Falcon Hopeful
January 1, 2007 06:09 PM | Link to this
for all those people wishing we could get Cowher … even if he steps down from the Steelers, he is still under contract for 2007 and cannot coach anywhere else unless allowed by the Steelers. Hardly see that happening.
By Ralphie
January 1, 2007 06:13 PM | Link to this
If Vick could throw a consistant, catchable ball, the recievers would catch more passes.
By Ric
January 1, 2007 06:16 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick and “most of the others”, not all, don’t have the intelligence to understand they can’t understand how to run an offensive or defensive system. MV in particular probably would have a difficult time passing a 9th grade math test. Just like Cordell Stewart, he wants sooo bad to be a QB; when in reality he is a slot-back (period). And when things get tough..he backs down on his coach and team. Oh-yeah.. he really is a coach killer.
By Voice of Reason
January 1, 2007 06:45 PM | Link to this
This is getting ridiculous and I knew this was coming. Matt Schaub, the great white hope. I’ve been trying to stay away from this for sometime but I think something must be said. It’s not KKK, it’s not unadulterated racism. It’s just plain ole jealousy. How does this man, who APPEARS to not be able to clearly articulate his thoughts make so much freakin money!!!!!!????? How???? I’ll tell you how, because little white kids love him. They love him in GA, they love him in Ohio, they love him in Nebraska. That’s why. Is he good. Yep, freakishly good. What makes him good, not his accuracy…that’s Peyton Manning….what makes him good is the fact that he can throw the ball 100 mph and 70 yards with the flick of his wrist and can make very fast defenders look like fools before he does it. What is his biggest problem in the NFL….he has so much talent, no coach knows which talent to focus on and hone. His biggest problem in GA, playing for the Falcons…..he’s black. See, Eli has fallen flat on his face in NY, however, the fans up there say FIRE THE COACH! get someone in here who can take his talent to another level. Stop crying about Vick and riding Mora’s **. What has this coaching staff showed us that makes you think we’re going to the SB with them. Vick showed us the comeback in Washington when he said screw it and audibled. He also has show us the Minny game 3 years ago, the Cincy/Pitt game this year, etc. You see geniuses, AJ Feeley threw for 300 yds. He couldn’t do it playing for Wannested in Miami when he was playing with the no. 1 offense. Are you gonna lie and say you’d take Feeley over Vick. If you can do it once against a good team, you can do it again. Period. I guess Cleveland and Detroits defense are that much better than Philly’s D. Vick and co scored more points against them in one half than they scored in both those games. Wake up ATL, wake up jealous people…the thug we have at QB doesn’t even have a gun charge against him. What thug do you know has never caught a gun charge? Don’t hate the 130 mil, embrace it? Embrace our next coach and hope he can turn Vick into the QB that we expect him to be and stop asking him to turn himself into that QB all by himself. Oh yeah, Donovan McNabb’s offensive coordinator that make him the QB that his is today is now the Head Coach at Minnesota. His current OC is a former HQ. Can Vick have that before we start comparing him to the former?
By Falcons_fan
January 1, 2007 06:59 PM | Link to this
We saw what happened after Vick pretended he was hurt, O’line played better, WR could catch balls. Matt Schaub could really move the ball forward, his throws were quite good (except that INT). Most importantly, he scored in the first and only TD in Q4 !!!
And MV7 comment - it showed that he is not worth keeping. So…
TRADE VICK for some top draft picks KEEP SCHAUB as he is a better QB in in current system. He will show that Falcons can win with this system. There may be some other minor change in the Offense/Defense, but get VICK out of this team is a must do. Hope Mr. Blank can swollow this
TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB TRADE VICK KEEP SCHAUB
Don’t let SCHAUB become another Brett FAVRE for another team, we need him !!!
By Falcons Stink
January 1, 2007 07:42 PM | Link to this
The Beverly Hillbilly is in town and his name is Arthur Blank! I have been a falcon fan since 1969, that is until this season. No More, I will not support the Falcons until the thug gangsta mentality of this team changes. Goodbye Jim Mora you did a good job, not great, but good, under the difficult circumstances of having to deal with Artie’s boy the quitter and ultimate ME guy Mike Vick. What coach will come here with Artie protecting Vick? Not a decent one or a good one. You guys want a discipline type of coach! Hmm, won’t happen! See the NY Giants and the mess with Tom Coughlin. Vick wouldn’t stand for that type of coach, one who might actually criticize him and hold him accountable. You trhink its bad now, imagine how bad that would be, Vick and a coach who will hlod him accountable! Vick has a 130M reasons to be a ME player and no one holds or can hold him accountable not even Artie Blank! The Falcons are doomed until Ron Mexico is out of town!!! The Mike Vick experience is a disaster and failure! Trade Vick! He’s a cancer!
By BIRD OF PREY
January 1, 2007 09:19 PM | Link to this
reading some of these comments, there are alot of nuts in the world. the nuts are accusing m vick for everything. lets see, they are accusing him for the receivers not cathing the ball when he puts the ball in there hands, for the offensive line not blocking, for the defense for letting every team score and do whatever they want, for the defense not tackling,and etc. where are you nuts coming from, there are so many of you it’s like you are being cloned. i see them here and on the falcons website. everything i see is about vick, vick, vick. nothing about the wr’s or the defense or the offensive line. nothing about the amount of drop passes. nothing about how new orleans went out and just played catch all day both times, nothing about how john fox came in and went into mora’s office with his playbook and said, this is what we are going to do to you today, and by the way this play right here,the tiger, that’s one of your plays, we will be using that alot today.last i checked vick does not play defense ( but you nuts are mad at him) last i checked he does not play on the offensive line ( but the dummies again are mad at vick) last i checked vick does not make the catches(but the idiot’s again are mad at vick) not one time have i read a real reason why it’s vick’s fault for the losing season’s. you say it’s not about race, but when swabby is in the game, now we can see everything clearly now. wrs can’t catch, the line is not blocking, the D is terrible. we can see now. you nuts,idiot’s, and dummies need to cut the crap, get your heads checked out, put your hate aside. it is 2007 time to change, the game is changing, more teams are going towards a qb like mike. A Blank is in my opinion a good owner, he wants to win, he study’s and he researches, and he has his own mind. So he won’t be influenced by a bunch of nut’s. i want to see what you nut’s have to say when vick leads the team to the superbowl, because it is going to happen. either you are going to backslide or you are really going to show what’s really on your mind.To vick: me and the boys are rolling with you, mr. blank same thing we rollin. to you nut’s get your heads checked, to everybody with some sense we need to find out which one of these scientist are cloning these nut’s. to the nut’s that put and ad in the paper i am pretty sure that someone had to stop mr. blank from jumping off of one of the building’s. why don’t you spend some more money and tell him who you think the next coach should be. good luck coach Mora on your next head coaching job. sucess is getting up one more time than when you fall, i think that you will have sucess. peace.
By AC
January 1, 2007 09:42 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank, please do not make the same mistake that was made when the Falcons traded Farve. Schaub is another Farve in the making. The comparisons couldn’t be clearer than in this last game. Everytime Schaub has played he has thrown for about 300 yards and it is a good bet that with 175 yards in the second half that he may have been on the way again to doing it again. Vick is a runner, not a QB, so make him a RB and Schaub the starting QB, or trade Vick for more draft picks. Finally, get a coach that is more offensive minded and can develope a more balanced attack with a tad more focus on the pass. If you do these things the Falcons will soar!!!
By trebla0424
January 1, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Ok, please help me. There is something that I dont quite understand from all you “trade Vick” people out there. Your arguments dont make sense. Think about it, if Vick sucks as much as all of you say, then WHY would any other team give up all of these 1st and 2nd round picks that all of you think we could get for him???
The only way you get that is if the player you’re trading is worth it. You’re defeating your own stupid argument. If you can get 1st round picks for Vick, then he obviously isnt the problem.
Would someone that knows ANYTHING about football please post an opinion, and try to dilute some of these amateurs out here? Much appreciated.
By AC
January 1, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
I am not saying they will get a #1 or #2 if they trade him. However, they could at least get a mess of picks in later rounds like Dallas did when they traded H. Walker. This as you may recall lead to Dallas getting the talent needed to win a few Super Bowls. My first choice is to keep Vick as a RB or WR, but if he will not cooperate then trade him for whatever the Falcons can get. The only amateur that I see so far has been Vick. Period. That is reality.
By AC
January 1, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
On another note. The so called amateurs as you Vick defenders are putting it seem to have support from the pros in the media like ESPN.. Just food for thought…
By Bush
January 2, 2007 02:23 AM | Link to this
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