AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > January > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTaking a gamble on Petrino
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Flowery Branch — By the end of Arthur Blank’s seven-minute opening statement (no water break), we had been painted a picture of the perfect football coach. Of course. It’s what introductory press conferences are all about.
Here’s our new guy. He’s innovative. He’s hungry. He’s a winner. Part Lombardi. Part Walsh. A dash of Einstein. Drew up plays when he was 6. Split the atom at 12. By the end of Blank’s dissertation, you were ready to run through a wall for Bobby Petrino.
But it’s like buying a house from the classifieds. The ad says, “Charming waterfront home.” But until you see the product, you don’t know if it’s splendor by the beach or a storage facility across from a water treatment facility.
This is what we know about how the Falcons will fare under Bobby Petrino: zilch. It’s the same thing we knew about Jim Mora, who went from a perceived uninspiring hire, to the NFC title game in year one, to a spectacular crash. Did you see any of that coming?
By any definition, Petrino is a risk. But Blank must be feeling lucky. He has given his new head coach significant money and a kicking foot, two things previously lacking.
It’s easy to sum up Petrino’s stature: five years, $24 million. Mora, the last perfect choice, didn’t make half that. (Then again, Petrino is coming off a win over Wake Forest.)
It screams that the Falcons have a new pecking order, and it’s not: 1) Michael Vick; 2) The less significant dude with a whistle.
Petrino is a smart guy. He holds degrees in both mathematics and physical education (and, given his track record, I suspect has some sort of doctorate in espionage). So when he said Monday, “Michael Vick is our starting quarterback today,” it could not have been by accident that “today” punctuated the sentence.
Blank said he wanted a coach with the “ability to develop our quarterbacks, and I would use the word quarterbacks, as opposed to quarterback.” So there are other quarterbacks on the roster? This follows a season in which Vick — while hardly the sole reason for the offense’s malfunctioning — again showed significant deficiencies in the maturity and leadership departments, particularly following an embarrassing season-ending loss at Philadelphia. The heat was turned up this season, and he cracked.
General manager Rich McKay somewhat shot down a report that the Falcons let coaching candidates know they “weren’t married to Vick,’ commenting: “There was never a discussion, ‘Boy, with respect to Mike Vick, there’s no holds barred.’ “
But McKay acknowledged the situation is stickier than most quarterback situations, given Vick’s marketing power and that he’s only two years into a 10-year, $130 million contract. “It’s a valid way to look at it,” McKay said. “But we’re in this business to win. When we don’t win, it’s not good for any of us.”
So let me summarize, with license: Blank is tired of losing, he wants to get back to the playoffs, and he doesn’t care who gets him there.
Vick is not toast here, yet. Let’s just not automatically operate on the assumption he’s on the menu. Chances are, he’ll be the starting quarterback next season. But if Vick fails early under Petrino, the chances of the Falcons dumping him skyrocket, salary cap be damned.
They just gave a new coach $24 million.
Where do you think the greater commitment lies — with him or the quarterback?
The Falcons wanted a tough guy following Mora’s pal approach. They got him. They wanted somebody who had a track record for developing an offense. They got him. Petrino’s Louisville teams blew up the scoreboard. But he was an NFL assistant for only three years at Jacksonville. Only in one was he offensive coordinator. The Jaguars went 6-10 and ranked 20th in offense, dropping from seventh in Petrino’s two seasons as quarterbacks coach.
Like Nick Saban, Petrino wanted to test his collegiate success in the NFL. Like Saban, you know where his loyalty lies: with himself. There was the secret Auburn meeting in 2003. Two years later, he interviewed with LSU only days after signing a new contract with Louisville. Last summer, he signed a new 10-year deal. So much for roots.
Petrino called this “the best job in the NFL.” It’s what you say on day one. Between now and next September, there will be new players and schemes. No blemishes until kickoff. But then the ad takes on meaning, and the product will be his.
Permalink | Comments (117) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By Dominic Hughes
January 8, 2007 08:15 PM | Link to this
Ah, my favourite Falcons columnist chimes in with pretty much my thoughts on this matter: nobody knows anything yet. No need to jump to some opinion on the new coach when you don’t really have one. Sometimes wait-and-see is the intelligent response. In this case it’s the only one. Choosing an NFL head coach ain’t an exact science, as the Falcons can attest. I’m hopeful about Mr Petrino. And if he has been given scope to light a fire under Mr Vick and other assorted high-priced and under-achieving Falcons, all the better for it. About time. I always felt Jim Mora was a little shackled in that department, through no fault of his own. And I wish Coach Mora well wherever he ends up (and he’ll head coach in the NFL again, believe me).
By Dominic Hughes
January 8, 2007 08:16 PM | Link to this
Ah, my favourite Falcons columnist chimes in with pretty much my thoughts on this matter: nobody knows anything yet. No need to jump to some opinion on the new coach when you don’t really have one. Sometimes wait-and-see is the intelligent response. In this case it’s the only one. Choosing an NFL head coach ain’t an exact science, as the Falcons can attest. I’m hopeful about Mr Petrino. And if he has been given scope to light a fire under Mr Vick and other assorted high-priced and under-achieving Falcons, all the better for it. About time. I always felt Jim Mora was a little shackled in that department, through no fault of his own. And I wish Coach Mora well wherever he ends up (and he’ll head coach in the NFL again, believe me).
By Dominic Hughes
January 8, 2007 08:21 PM | Link to this
Apologies for the double-up folks. But you have to expect an echo sometimes with someone posting all the way from Australia.
By David
January 8, 2007 08:24 PM | Link to this
“They just gave a new coach $24 million.
Where do you think the greater commitment lies — with him or the quarterback?”
Is this a trick question? It’s with the guy whose presence has raised the value of the franchise by a quarter billion, right? Is $24 million anything other than a drop in the bucket, comparitively?
By Beavis
January 8, 2007 08:33 PM | Link to this
At least this article isn’t as depressing as Terrence Moore’s.
I’ve always wanted to judge a coach by his performance on the field, his attitude and passion reflected in his players. Louisville reflected positive on both fronts. If that becomes the case with the Falcons, then this investment is well worth it. Irregardless of the past mistakes or lapses in judgement, and we all have had them, his product on the field should be what we judge him on. Jim Mora was doomed not so much for his ignorant comments but his failure to produce on the field. Give Bobby the opportunity to do the same. Here’s to hoping he reflects success, confidence, and discipline in his players. Falcons fans are damn tired of losing
Go Falcons
By GTIronman
January 8, 2007 08:46 PM | Link to this
To be a Falcons fan is to be a blind optimist, but Jeff nailed this: Only in one was he offensive coordinator. The Jaguars went 6-10 and ranked 20th in offense, dropping from seventh in Petrino’s two seasons as quarterbacks coach.
I’ll add mine: He blew the biggest game of the year against Rutgers and 18 points…
If we get a great Def Coord, we’ll be all right. Else, see you in 3. JimmyB
By TEDDY JACK EDDY
January 8, 2007 08:57 PM | Link to this
My take on this hire is great coach but can he reach Vick.The falcons have a qb that is a near ideal for BPs game his name is M
By TEDDY JACK EDDY
January 8, 2007 09:10 PM | Link to this
That is Matt Shoub Petrino loves big smart accurrate qbs.If BP really had his say I think shoub would have a chance,but Vick is a walking 130 million legacy.Heres’ how I would like to see it go down bring both guys in prior to draft day give them play books and assignments then after a period of time to study put them on a field and find out who is prepared.If Vick is the better then he is the guy if not make an honest choice and find out the market for Vick he could be our Hershel Walker (draft picks!) but my quess is he has agreed to keep Vick the first season.So to me Vick is the wild card here, I can’t say I have faith in Vick but I’ll withhold judgement for now.
By CSherlock
January 8, 2007 09:27 PM | Link to this
In the recent past, we’ve seen the following scenario unfold at least twice. A highly successful college coach is hired as the coach of an NFL team. The coach guides his new NFL team for two seasons, not enjoying the level of success he did in college nor the level of success he expected to achieve in the NFL. He decides to leave the NFL and go back to the college ranks as soon as the right opportunity presents itself. We saw it happen with Steve Spurrier. We saw it happen with Nick Saban. Will history repeat itself with Bobby Petrino? Hopefully not, but only time will tell.
By Bryan G.
January 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Between Bradley’s everything is roses column and Moore’s the sky is falling column, this might be the best view.
I still am erring on the side of Moore’s take, though.
By BUM
January 8, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Two years from today (January 8, 2009), either Mike Vick or Bobby Petrino will be GONE. I do not see this working out for both of them. Mr. Blank will have to decide who is running the show. Is it the head coach? Or, is it Number 7? Should be fun to watch. Lots of drama. But don’t expect to see any playoff success. Not until ownership decides who the real boss is.
By jerry w
January 8, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
I am soooooo sorry that Mr. Blank failed to get permission from the well qualified staff of the AJC. Sorry to Jeff and Terrance that their coaching picks were lost in the mail. You guys suck.
By alabama crabdangle
January 8, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
i agree with beavis and jerry w.
By Ripme
January 8, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
Give the man a chance. Who are you to judge so quick before he even hires his staff. I’d take Petrino over Mora anytime. Espn said Petrino had complete control over players he wants to keep, so lets see what happens.
By Bob Montag
January 9, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
What happen to #1 and #3 in the BCS —what a joke the BCS is.
By Connie Lingous
January 9, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
Did Blank really talk for 7 minutes to open the thing up?!?! Unreal.
A one-year NFL OC (whose offense ranked 20th), who was a reasonably successful college head coach in a weak conference - and we’re paying him 4 times what we paid Mora and wetting our pants to sign him quick?
Hahahahahahahaha … same old Falcons!
By singletary
January 9, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
Not to sound like my English teacher, but can anybody in sports freakin’ use an adverb-ly?
Is this a sports thing/ gene that I wasn’t given as a child? You walk safely, you smash mouths completely, LBs down runners and receivers (effing) effectively. Sorry, Jaworski et.al .can’t do it WELL either.
Whatever. More importantly, I hope that our new coach can see the value in the players we have without doing a major dump. We need a new power back for the red zone or an upgrade on usage of Griffith who often seems to run in ignominy. That means he, McCrary, Beverly, and Blakley never seem to recieve any respect or extra time on the field.
Now, whether I understand the coaching decision or not, can we move forward effectively?
By cruzdawg
January 9, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
Everybody just might be missing the long range ( as in 2 years )plan that Petrino has. There is a fellow at the QB position he could make into a very good NFL player. I am talking about D.J. Shockley, a name you might do well to remember .
By Georgian in CA
January 9, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
2 possible scenarios: Petrino stinks and gets fired, or he’s a great success for a few years and leaves us for a higher profile team like the Giants or Cowboys. I think that’s what most of us skeptics are worried will happen. Based on this guy’s track record, we’ve got a high probability of getting stuck either way.
That said, I do see that there could be a strong upside with Petrino. Hopefully he won’t stab Atlanta in the back like he did Louisville and Tuberville. Hopefully.
By Gus Chiggens
January 9, 2007 01:08 AM | Link to this
So does this mean the Atlanta Falcons will be a team again and not #7 and some other guys playing (laughs) football?
By Stewart
January 9, 2007 01:33 AM | Link to this
The move puts a 180 on the personality of our coach. This is the anti-loyalty hire. Which, if you had 130 million invested in an employee, wouldn’t you want an inbiased and honest evaluation of there job performance. BP is the perfect hire. Cut-throat, and professional, just like Arther Blank. This move makes AB look Godfatheresc. That was awsome!!!!!!!!!
By Stewart
January 9, 2007 01:42 AM | Link to this
Georgian in CA, Don’t you understand? Arthur Blank is our Southern George Steinbrenner. If you win, you’re in. BP will do whatever it takes to get the Falcons where they need to be. And, if he leads us the Superbowl, he won’t leave until Arthur Blank is ready for him to leave.
Arthur if you’re reading this please send me a signal. I want to work for you and be rich!!!!!!!!!!
By Stewart
January 9, 2007 01:44 AM | Link to this
One more thing. Their performance, not there performance.
By Nono
January 9, 2007 06:17 AM | Link to this
I Like This Hire & I’ll tell you why. I run a small business and the best way to spark things is to make a change like this and get someone is relatively young and still wants to kick some sh^t. There are too many hot shot personalities on the Falcons, and now they have to play for there jobs because they will be evaluated all over again by a another coaching staff. Dead beats like Ed Hartwell, and Chris Crocker, and Milloy will have to prove themselves or sit. Falcon God, please listen, look at your team position by position——its so obvious who got talent and plays for the team and who’s playing for themselves—-the only way to get to another superbowl is when everyone plays as a Falcon and not some media pig.
By parkwooddawg
January 9, 2007 07:22 AM | Link to this
Oh, dear Lord. This hire is another foolish Blank move.
Please get rid of Vick!!!!
By TFM
January 9, 2007 07:41 AM | Link to this
I looked into the offensive numbers at J-Ville in 2001. Go to www.pro-football-reference.com. The passing game was still a top 10, what happened that year was that Fred Taylor goes down and the rest of their runningbacks are a joke. Add Taylor’s numbers in from the year before and there is no drop off.
By CQ
January 9, 2007 07:54 AM | Link to this
I support Vick, but it haas come to a point where I wish the falcons would trade him because half the so -call ed fans don’t like him and the other half does.
As soon as hes gone, we will be back to the days of black outs on television, no filled stadiums, no excitement about the Falcons, and if Mr. Blank wants his stadium in 2012, he better move to a city that will have fans show up for the games.
The team that gets him will if not anything else be a contender and appreciate the talents of Vick. Hopefully they can see that he has no offensive line, poor receivers, and did not have good play calling.
By JSS
January 9, 2007 08:47 AM | Link to this
TFM,
Damn good post, too bad more posters don’t bring some form of insight to these blogs more often.
Before anyone gets the wrong idea, I am no Petrino fan. He’s a modern day Billy Martin, ride this train till it derails and hope you survive the carnage.
People need to stop worrying about his hire now, the big question and what truly doomed Mora was coordinators and poor choices in key position coaches. Petrino has to make wise choices. But here is the danger when you hire a person like BP, will quality people tie their lot with him?
By CK
January 9, 2007 08:54 AM | Link to this
I like Petrino already because of the slam he took at Mora. Remember he states he thought this was the best job in the NFL… HeHe I am ready to see the birds fly high and soar like Eagles… OOOOhhh bad pun there…
Anyway It is time now to hire a great Defensive Guru ( Art Shell ) and get this team ready for the draft.
By CK
January 9, 2007 09:05 AM | Link to this
Georgian in CA… Icould only hope that Petrino does like you said and elevates the Flacons to the point where he decides to leave for a higher profile team… If he leaves the Falcons in as good shape as he did the Cardinals then he has earned the right to fly elsewhere. Then we can have our pick of coaches.
Also I don’t know how much longer Vicks legs will be an advantage. At some point he will have to become a pass oriented QB or retire. Petrino may be just the bird to bring Michael to the next level.
I hoped everyone watched the BCS bowl last night and got a whiff of how a well coached ballclub wins whne the team plays in the coaches system.
What a Game!
By Will
January 9, 2007 09:07 AM | Link to this
Best job in the NFL? Can we ever believe another word out of the man’s mouth?
By CK
January 9, 2007 09:14 AM | Link to this
Will …. Obviously the man was slamming Mora. Mora referred the Washington as the Best job in the country and is now in the unemployment line.
I could care less about what Spurrier or any other “college” coach accomplished in the NFL… I am excited about the new regime in Atlanta and I believe Petrino will make a difference.
By Terrible Truth
January 9, 2007 09:17 AM | Link to this
You’re right Jeffy, not a down has been played in the Petrino era. The best thing he can do right now is tell you and the bigot Terence Moore to ingest feces. You two would job hop too but there is one teency weency problem with that; you are both unwanted anywhere else. Unlike the Falcons, the AJC shows no inclination or incentive to improve. Apparently your jobs are not tied to circulation numbers like wins and losses or you would both be long gone. I guess we’re stuck with your sorry asses forever.
By Gene
January 9, 2007 09:18 AM | Link to this
I do not believe that Mike Vick has the intelligence or discipline to take any team to the Superbowl regardless of the coach.
By Dan E. Cartier, IV
January 9, 2007 09:23 AM | Link to this
Who is the Einstein that gave Vick a 10 year-$130 million contract? I forgot, it was a “NEW AGE” and “NEW DIRECTION” for Atlanta football. Good thing Bernie was the CEO and Visionary of Home Depot!!!
Its about time “THE VILLE” gets its recognition!
By Xplayer
January 9, 2007 09:27 AM | Link to this
Thank you lord for what we are about to receive! Anyone who has ears heard the key words “today” “Develop Quarterbacks” and “massive playbook” Both coaches before BP had to cut the play book in half because Vick is so stupid. He will never comprehened BP’s system. Meaning there is not a QB issue here Matt Schuab will be the starting QB.
By Mora's an Idiot
January 9, 2007 09:38 AM | Link to this
Urban Meyer showed last night the formula that Mora/Knapp should have been using all year. Meyer used different looks & formations in the Fiesta Bowl that threw OSU into a tizzy. They did direct snaps to the RB, used 2 QB’s, did effective trick reverses. In the end, UF whipped OSU. Realizing that the NFL is very different from NCAA, mixing up your looks is still effective. Mora could have used Vick as a diversion and ran plays with Schaub at QB to throw off defenses. Instead, Mora/Knapp sit on the same vanilla offense all year. This just in Mora, when the fans know your plays before they are called- the opposing defenses know them better. Thankfully you and your band of idiots are out of Atlanta for good. Adios!
By Carroll
January 9, 2007 09:41 AM | Link to this
In fairness to Petrino…when you bring up those stats from when he was with the Jags, I’m pretty sure that he tok over after their AFC Chapionship year when they were rebuilding, so those stats are kinda skewed…you can’t blame him for a drop-off in production if the Jags went from superbowl-calibur players to rebuilding-type players.
By true falcon fan
January 9, 2007 09:45 AM | Link to this
I cannot wait until Shockley gets his chacne to play QB whatch this will hapen this year. Go falcons
By JB
January 9, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
A change had to be made. He knows offense. He knows he needs to hire a stud to run the defense, NFL style. He has that stud coming ( from Cowboys). He’s not sink or swim with Vick, although he’ll get every chance. There will be some players gone. The party is over. Big money paid, results expected !Just Showing up for work is over. I like it.
By Falcons Cynic
January 9, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Blank (Jerry Jones wantabee) has done it again. He has muddied up the falcons by hiring a collegiate coach. When are the nfl owners going to learn about hiring out of the college ranks. I will give Petrino a chance of say 2 years as head coach,if he dumps Vick as starting quarterback. Otherwise all bets are off, he won’t last a year. I wonder if Blank gave Petrino his “win or else” dictate, because he says this is not an 8 - 8 team. Let all eyes be on the owner and the coach to see what happens.
By Sic-Bird
January 9, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
BP may have agreed to keep MV for another year, but this time next year MV is gone, forget about gettin any draft picks for him, he will be released out right. His $130 million contract was absolute foolishness on the owners part and no other NFL team will buy into this bs*. He will be released outright and be required to redo his contract prior to signing with another team, most likely the minimum for years of service in the NFL. JM Sr. was wrong about MV being a coach killer, he is a franchise killer. AB is a good business man, but not a great investor, all good investors know you never ever put all your bread in one basket.
Now AB has made a good investment in BP, thanks to RM. BP will evaluate these players, cull the ones he can’t get anything or anymore out of, this process will be similar to what happened to the Atlanta Hawks star studded team that couldn’t win 25 games, they got their self indulging a**’s run out of this town and BP will do the same thing for the Falcons, first round draft pick or not. In fact he has already begun that process I can assure you.
In fact I predict BP will trade some of these fools off for draft picks, trade down with our #1 pick for a #2 & #3 or something similar to get players he wants on the team. When he said, “I’m looking forward to working with our qb’s”, he wasn’t talking about MV, he was referring to MS and DJS. MV is gone in less than one year, along with 85% of the rest of these dead beats. BP is not afraid to ruffle feathers, buy into his plan or adios.
By JeffD
January 9, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
One question:
Why isn’t there more focus on the fact that Petrino coached a team to a 6-10 record and ranked 20th in offense in his ony year as an offensive coordinator? Why does anyone expect him to do much better the second time around?
By Big Papa
January 9, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
DHall, Crocker, Abrhamstring, WRs, Vick,and Hartwell-get ready to paly to your potential or keep a bag packed. Kearney, Malloy, Shaub, Crumpler, Brooking, Dunn, Norwood,Finneran, Griffith, and DJ-these guys will thrive under Petrino because they are leaders that leave it on the field. I am so sick of all the hip hop, Hollywood attitudes that eclipse performance on the field. Vick is a hell of an athlete but our passing game was dead last. If you heard Bobby clearly in the press conference, 50-50 pass-run on first down. Last in passing offense will not cut it.DHall, I hope you get a sunburn, a bad $20 hamburger, and go swimming in the Pacific with Greg Brady’s cursed tiki necklace in Hawaii. You are the most pathetic, over rated Prow Bowl selection in the last 15 years. You got smoked like a chep blunt all year long. If you keep your job in 07, shut your mouth and focus on coverage. Crocker, look at the tape from the Ravens game. You litterally ran away from Jamal Lewis to avoid tackling him. You couldn’t tackle Barbara Walters. We need a center fielder who can do some head hunting. To the WRs, please replace the tennis ball with a beah ball in practice drills, or pack you bags. Birds have some great palyers with no heart and some with big hearts. Bobby , please open your first team meeting with a little “shut your mouths and do you jobs” speech. With rediculous salaries should come a minimum expectation on top performance on the field. Jimmy, I hear you and the fam are moving into the pool hose at Sr.’s house. Good luck.
By t
January 9, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
stop talking about vick without a defense we still have no chance average qb with great d wins evertime (rex)
By dannotdan
January 9, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Long Time Falcon You must have facts not reported in the AJC, USA Today, ESPN, or by Rich McKay.
All reports that I read indicated that Petrino’s Louisville contract did not contain any specific language definining situations in which it would be acceptable to break the contract. So this was not a “Dream Job” clause or a “If I Get A NFL job” clause, this was simply a $1m penalty for breaking the contract and not living up to his word or contractual obligation.
So please do not mistake the ability to buy your way out of a broken commitment or in this case a broken contractual commitment with fulfillment of that obligation. The two are very different and anyone that has any sense of honesty and integrity would never confuse them.
No one that knows anything is saying the guy can’t coach, they give the guy credit for being a solid assistant at the highest level and a solid head coach at the mid major college level, whether this translates to success in the NFL will be revealed in the coming years.
What we know for sure is that Coach Petrino like Blank and Mr/Coach/GM /Partner Vick place their personal success and personal rewards above their teams, their teammates, team success, and personal integrity.
So commitment means nothing to Pertino, I would expect nothing different from someone that would bet his professional future on Vick and Blank. As I said earlier Petrino, Vick and Blank deserve each other. It’s nice to know that a “shrewd” coach like Petrino is committed to build a winner in Atlanta…………..until something better comes along and with Blank and Vick here that will not take long.
By Jeff
January 9, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
It is a no win situation for any coach that is currently employed. If they say “no comment” it is the same as saying “yes I’m interested in leaving this school”. If the coach then ends up staying in his current position he has damaged his own recruiting for the immediate future and possibly for the duration of his stay at the given school. Or in the case of the pro’s, loosing credibility with his players and fans. How is a coach to ever move up to a larger program without interviewing for jobs while still employed. Saban did nothing more than any other coach would do in that situation. The media understands what the coach is trying to do so they push even harder to get a quote that can be used against a coach at a later time. Saban was telling the truth during the season when he said he wasn’t interested in the job. Do you really think Bama would have offered the job to Rodriguez if they thought they had a realistic shot at Saban? He was the first choice from day one.
By Ken Strickland
January 9, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
After reading comments on several blogs, I can appreciate why people like XPLAYER & GENE think Vick is so stupid and dumb. In their judgemental arrogrance they envision themselves qualfied to judge someone elses IQ. Judging from their limited imput, and redundant theme(Vick & his alledged low IQ), they appear rather THICK & ANAL MINDED themselves. Therefore, they must portray Vick as the lowest of the low, because of their own intellectual handicaps.
For those HATERS that got excited and bought into the hype about Vick not being a factor in hiring a new HC, YOU GOT PLAYED. Vick was the major factor in deciding who got the job, and was likely a major factor why Petrino took the job. Petrino has been successful working with dropback, as well as running QB’s, and in Vick he has both. It must be painful thinking you’ve been misled. Don’t be too harsh on Blank/McKay, after all, you’ve been denying and lying to yourselves all along about Vicks status. Only a major injury, like in 03, will prevent Michael Vick from being the starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons.
This must also be painful to those holding to the faintest, dillusional hope of MShaub becoming the starter. Shaub is a restricted FA, and it has yet to be determined whether he will even be back. Those thinking Shockey will get a chance to unseat Vick have gone way beyond mere wishful thinking. You have to be totally LOST IN SPACE to believe Blank would replace the highest paid, most marketed, most dynamic QB/ATHLETE in the NFL with a 3rd string QB. Shockey’s resume’ reads as follows, COLLEGE: 1yr starter, 3yr backup, PRO: 3rd string QB that has yet to take a snap.
WHY DON’T YOU, SO CALLED FANS, STOP POSTING ALL OF THESE IGNORANT COMMENTS AND ALL OF THESE DILLUSIONAL IDEAS. BE REALISTIC, GET BEHIND THE FALCONS, AND GIVE YOUR SUPPORT. IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO BE CRITICAL, WHY NOT MAKE IT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. WHO KNOWS, NEST YR WE MAY DO TO THE NFL WHAT THE SAINTS DID TO US IN N.O. THEY TOOK US BY SUPRISE, AND BLEW US OFF THE FIELD.
By James
January 9, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
First off lets clear this loyalty crap the media and some fans are saying. There is no such thing is loyalty. You can sign a coach for a lifetime and expectations will always be there.
When you are the best at what you do people are going to be gunning for you. The Falcons could have stayed loyal to Jim Mora but we wanted something better, so we asked for a coaching change, and we want the best.
Now whether Petrino is a good hire, we have to wait and see.
for Louisville, I am sorry for their loss but this is how the game is played. Coaches come and go, some get fired some just decide to move on. Just becuase you sign a contract does not guarantee that some will produce or stay according to what one or many thinks.
By chgfalcfan
January 9, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
amen brother! I too wish the same for #7. When you drop back and throw to those joke receivers, get gang rushed every play and have to overcome the most ridiculous play calling known to man, its amazing that he could be as successful as he was.
By dannotdan
January 9, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Mr Schultz
I read your column and can’t help wondering if you really believe that Pertino has any more ability than Mora had to select the Falcons quarterback with the best chance of winning on a consistent basis. It would appear that Blank’s Falcon priority list would look something like this:
I idea of Blank backing Petrino over Vick is beyond believable.
PS: Has any quarterback that has started on the same team for 6 seasons ever needed to be developed and defined in years 7 and 8. Has any quarterback that has started on the same team for 6 seasons ever gotten any better………won anything?
By Wings of Victory
January 9, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
“Sources said that Vick would have preferred that any new head coach retained the current Atlanta quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, as offensive coordinator.”
Hmmmm, let’s see here…. Keep Bill Musgrave because he has done such a wonderful job turning Ron Mexico from a thug into a respectable leader who’s QB abilities are in the range as such names as Elway, McNabb, Culpepper, Brees, Gracia, etc…
Mr Musgrave you are a joke and should have already been fired. Ron or not, it would be a disgrace to claim on any resume that you were Ron Mexico’s QB coach considering every TV and Sports expert agree that Ron has only athletic ability, a strong arm with minimal QB throwing or thinking skills. Even race bait Moore agrees with that today.
Musgrave is qualified to coach at a division II school at best.
The first thing that needs to be done after firing Mr Musgrave is to allow a mentor to help Ron mature into a man. Next the team should demand he put down the crack pipe, thug image, brothers phone number and become a respectable man with morals that will be an inspiration to all kids.
By Jeff
January 9, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
Hey, just knowing that Terence Moore thinks its a bad hire eases my mind. Great choice!
By Pierre
January 9, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Can we please forget about DJ Shockley? He’s fit to hold a clipboard at this point in time, let’s leave it at that. One day he may get his day, but its a strange wet dream for someone out there to think that it is now.
Anyone have any news on Kerney’s contract situation? He’s probably waiting on who the DC will be.
Finally, at the end of the day, we should hope that Petrino will be the boss of the Falcons, not a new best friend and cuddle buddy like his predecessor. I hope he comes in, makes as many sweeping roster changes as need be (given our cap room) so that our players realize that there are no guarantees. It will be interesting to see what we do in the draft and in free agency. Also, it will be interesting to see how our players stay with them
Go Falcons, and for the sake of all of us loyal fans, I hope they made the right choice.
By Pierre
January 9, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Sorry, I meant in my third paragraph it will be interesting to see how well received it is by the players.
By Dawgbird
January 9, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
When Petrino was OC at Jacksonville, the talent on offense was razor-thin so you shouldn’t judge him too harshly based on a year there. Although the odds are only 3 in 10 of Petrino making it, let’s not forget Bill Walsh’s and Jimmy Johnson’s Super Bowl wins with the Niners and Cowboys. Petrino just might make it 4 of 11. How many coaching hires ever make it period, regardless of background? Look how many coaches are fired every year. The odds are not that much different if at all.
By fayncbird
January 9, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
If Petrino isn’t a petty jerk like Tom Coughlin, then this is a superb hire. Now the moment I hear that Petrino fines a player $500.00 for showing up for a team meeting 5 minutes early instead of 15 minutes early, then I willwrite back to tell you this was a dumb hire. But FOR NOW, the fire that Petrino breathes is just what these soft-tailed birdbrains need.
By Jay
January 9, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this
” The Jaguars went 6-10 and ranked 20th in offense, dropping from seventh in Petrino’s two seasons as quarterbacks coach.”
…this matters much more then him running up the score against patsy Big East teams. Reminds me of when we hired Mora because he was a “defensive coach”…even though he never had a top-ranked defense in san fran…and then we saw our defense not stop the run (last year) or the pass (this year).
Cant wait for history to repeat itself.
By ICEMAN
January 9, 2007 01:19 PM | Link to this
Jay,
Great stat, now will you please tell me how they were ranked when he was Offensive Coordinator? That has a tad bit more relevance.
By southbird
January 9, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this
I am not gonna hold nothing against nothing right now…its time to move on. we ar going to have our fingers cross, this is the start and have faith with our new coach guys!!!
By ICEMAN
January 9, 2007 01:28 PM | Link to this
All of you Georgia fans might as well forget you ever heard of Shockley. Between Vick and Schuab, he has absolutely no chance whatsoever of taking a snap with falcons for at least another 10-12 years. That Dog won’t holler anytime soon.
By dannotdan
January 9, 2007 01:37 PM | Link to this
Just heard Coach Patrino on the radio talking about the “Power Spread Offense”. Not to be confussed with the West Coast Offense, Coach Pertino does not like short passes if he needs 5 to 7 yards he will run not pass, and use the passing game to go downfield. This offense worked great against defensive powers like Temple, UConn, S Flordia, and Cincinnati so just imagine what it will do against the likes of Tampa Bay, New Orleans, and Carolina.
I guess Urban Meyers will catch up to coach Pertino and stop all of this short pass stuff as soon as all of the “National Championship” destractions subside and he has a chance to see how the “Power Spread” ran through Temple.
What could possibly go wrong with Vick in the pocket going downfield, reading defenses, making great decisions?
By dannotdan
January 9, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this
Jeff
When Blank said he wanted a coach with the “ability to develop our quarterbacks” the literal translation is: “ I look liike a jack a* paying Mikey $130M and I need someone that can make chicken salid out of the chicken sh*t that has been Vick in the NFL”.
The use of quarterbacks in the plural referrs only to the multidimentional talent of Blanks beloved Mikey.
By lorenzo
January 9, 2007 01:55 PM | Link to this
Why is so much attention put on former college coaches ? In the last three years of coaching changes in the NFL can someone tell me how many were former college coaches and how many were former NFL assistants ?
By Cap
January 9, 2007 02:02 PM | Link to this
For those of you who don’t think Vick and a run-oriented offense can’t win in this league read this quote from Tim Keown on today’s ESPN Page 2 -
“Don’t know what this means, but probably something: Six of the eight remaining NFL playoff teams don’t have a 1,000-yard receiver.”
Once again, their is absolutely no correlation whatsoever between a prolific passing offense and success. With that being said, Petrino will try and overhaul the offense without the accompanying personnel and the Falcons may go from mediocre back to bad.
By Sic-Bird
January 9, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this
BP I’ll save you time looking with the film, here is the guaranteed list of pick slip receivers. DHall (mouthy Pro)can’t cover a $5 bet. CCrocker showed us why he was a bench warmer and waterboy with his previous team, frequently seen running from or falling to the ground in front of offensive players. J.Abraham seen in the same frame with quaterback for one game of 16 game schedule. A Rossum the human eternal flame, was burned in every frame he showed up in, and was consistently burned in ones that he should’ve been in. E. Hartwell: frequently observed not fast enough to get out of the way, was run over by big Offensive lineman, and his own teamates constantly while on the field, otherwise appeared dazed and confused on the sideline. L. Malloy could not cover an old lady in a crosswalk, wouldn’t want him mentoring anybody. D-line run over like old dogs in the street vs quaterback on 16 game loosing streak (Carolina) week 15. K. Brooking is a joke, only makes a tackle when he is the only guy not being blocked, just like he did at Ga. Tech. I. Reese, could be replaced by any walk on, clear some salary cap room for someone with talent that is physical, don’t know why he is even in the NFL. C.Davis is constantly man handled and looks like a tackling dumbie being pushed around, while J. Mallard, who gives the appearance of being a tazemainian devil while rushing the quaterback is on the sideline. P. Carrington pushed so far back is seen covering receivers, and knocking safties down. MVick: Looks like sandlott player would be good in a movie, but is not a Professional player (look at the stats) they paint the picture for him, oh! shoots nice bird to fans after taking game off, while on the field. Please this guy is pure poison. We don’t want this guy (thug) representing our community, our city, or our state. Cut him loose. If AB wants him, let him go and live with him.
Well BP that’s about it will give more info later. Good-Luck
By FalconFan66
January 9, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this
To everyone that believes that DJ Shockley is NFL quarterback material. Forget it, that’s the ghost of Rankin Smith speaking to you in you dreams. DJ was the obligatory dawg draft to keep the redneck rabble filling the seats.
By Cap
January 9, 2007 02:10 PM | Link to this
There has not been a successful college coach in the NFL since the free agency era began in the mid-90s. Not one. Even Jimmy Johnson was bad for the Dolphins. When you can’t recruit players you can’t fill personnel gaps. When you can’t fill gaps you have to outcoach the opposition. College coaches can’t outcoach pro-style coaches.
By ICEMAN
January 9, 2007 02:11 PM | Link to this
Cap,
To think we don’t need a good passing game is insane. Consider our situation: #1 rushing offense=no playoffs! #32 passing offense=no playoffs! The math is simple when you think about it.
By JP
January 9, 2007 02:13 PM | Link to this
We should not have fired Jim Mora. Petrino is a good coach but we are starting over. I hope it does not take #7 4 more years to get the offense.
By ICEMAN
January 9, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this
Petrino already has a playbook prepared. I read him saying that he will install it three times instead of the normal once or twice. He also said he will only focus on the things suited for Vick which will in essence make Vick the playbook, rather than trying to stuff Vick in a playbook.
Sounds good so far.
By Ken Strickland
January 9, 2007 02:21 PM | Link to this
DANNOTDAN, I’m curious, are you a Falcon fan, or simply a disgruntled cynic.?
By Sic-Bird
January 9, 2007 02:40 PM | Link to this
DannotDan, AB does not like MV, and that is why we have BP, MV cooked his own chicken with AB in games 14,15,16 this year. Make no mistake AB is done with him, but he must have a diplomatic out so as not to disenfranchise himself with the Atlanta fan base. Bring in BP a no nonsense coach who will be in MV ear so loud and so often MV will ask to be traded,and will not be with this team by this time next year. Adios M.V.
By Cap
January 9, 2007 02:41 PM | Link to this
Iceman, we don’t need a prolific passing offense. We need good coaching that can utilize the personnel. Why was Vick never benched for Schaub? In the Falcons’ losses the team was never hopelessly out of the game. The team was always one or two scoring possessions down. The Cowboys game was a microcosm of the season. It is not that Vick cannot pass, it was when the defense blew leads the offense had gone conservative and then would try and jumpstart the passing attack after not having maintained a rhythm for over one quarter. If the Falcons would not have had as many drops, there would have been nothing wrong with the passing game and Atlanta would have been in the playoffs. Woulda,coulda, shoulda. The Bears have yet to solve their passing woes and they are the number one seed in the NFC.
By Cap
January 9, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this
Trust, it is the coaching and the team, not Vick. At this point in their respective careers, Vick was by far more an accomplished passer than Steve Young. Young is now in the hall of fame. The season Young left the Buccaneers his numbers were by far worse than Vick’s. That year Young was 26 years old. Vick is 26 years old. A full seven years later Young won a Super Bowl. What was holding Young back at the age of 26? That would be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at the time the worst franchise in the modern era. What is holding Vick back at the age of 26? That would be the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have one of two options, style themselves into a team like the 1980s and 90s 49ers or trade Vick so he can when a championship for another team. Naturally in the course of doing so he will be preventing the Falcons from winning a championship but that is what franchises of Atlanta’s caliber do.
By ICEMAN
January 9, 2007 02:56 PM | Link to this
First of all,the reason Vick wasn’t benched is political. Blank didn’t want to upset all of us black folk who practically worship Vick. Don’t get me wrong, I am a Vick fan but I’m not blinded by him socially.
Secondly: Sure, with a strong defense, of course we and any other team can make it to the playoffs. Your original post didn’t mention defense, you just mentioned the rushing/passing attack. Throwing in a good strong defense adds to your position, but I was refering to your comment about offense.
P.S. In one particular game, Vick went 9 for 30. There were 5 drops that game. So let’s give him 14 for 30 and that’s still sub-par accuracy. Maybe we could have scored, maybe not, but our boy still needs to work on his passing skills.
By Tired of armchair QB's
January 9, 2007 03:06 PM | Link to this
Does anyone read the comments on Atlanta Falcons.com? There must be two breed’s of fans. AJC Fans and AF.com fans. Not sure what to think. It seems most hate the decision here and all love the decision there. Everyone hates Mora here and crying over there wishing him the best of luck. Amazing. These writers in AJC are just as bad. Boy did they ever get blind sided.
By Cap
January 9, 2007 03:08 PM | Link to this
Okay, Iceman. In your first paragraph you have essentially proven that you don’t know the game. At any point during a game, Mora could have sat Vick. Even if a coach does not draft the personnel or sign free agents he controls who plays. Was Mora worried about upsetting the black folks when he was about to lose his job? Was Blank worried about upsetting the black folks when we were on the brink of being eliminated from the playoffs? Drew Bledsoe has been benched three times after being the highest (or one of the highest) paid players on the team. To suggest that Blank would send down an order to not bench Vick because it would upset black people even if it meant getting into the playoffs is just stupid. Were we not happy when the Falcons went to the super bowl with Chandler? The reason why Vick didn’t get benched is because he is the sole reason why Atlanta is even mediocre rather than awful.
By leesan
January 9, 2007 03:10 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure about Petrino, but I’ll wait to see what happens. I don’t like his flirting with integrity and his willingness to stab friends such as Tuberville. What surprises me is that this is the first time in my memory that there’s talk about the head coach possibly doing something with Vick other than playing him, if he doesn’t perform under the new program. I remember just this past autumn before we left Etlanna, I couldn’t say anything about THE QB wothout getting the racist label thrown at me. Most of the time all I’d say is that he seems to have regressed under Mora and Knapp. That quickly degenerated into name-calling because I dared to say something about THE QB. My biggest complaint about his performance was that he seemed to have trouble with the system whereas under Reeves, he looked sharper and more effective more often. I guess that sounds racist now that I go over it. Keep up the good articles. You, Terence, and Mark relly made breakfast for me.
By ladyexpert
January 9, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this
There IS no quarterback controversy in Atlanta, except in the minds of a few short-sighted hopefuls who don’t know as much about football as they think they do. (I would think people have learned that lesson after watching Leake win the championship game last night following all the qb controversy he went thru!). Anyway, Mike Vick’s numbers for the ‘06 season are almost identical to Tom Brady’s (Vick: 20 TD’s, 13 interceptions; Brady: 23 TD’s, 12 interceptions). And to think that Mike Vick managed that performance with no dependable offensive line, no dependable receivers and a coaching staff that didn’t exactly measure up to Bill Bilichick. AND, by the way, he threw in a 1000 yards rushing in his free time! Who do YOU think is the better player? Take away Tom Brady’s coaching, his O-Line and his receivers and let’s just see if he could manage to put up Mike Vick’s numbers, even without the 1000 yards of rushing — which no other quarterback has ever done in the history of the League! Mike Vick is a gifted genius, and don’t yall ever forget it.
By PistolPete
January 9, 2007 03:31 PM | Link to this
The only reason why Terrence Moore is upset at the hiring of Bobby Patrino is because a minority or african-american was not hired as a head coach for the Falcons. If the Falcons had hired Dennis Green or Tony Dungy Terrence would have been thrilled. But since Blank decided to hire a white coach, all of a sudden its a bad hire. Terrence, we dont live in a perfct world and don’t expect rich millionaires like Arthur Blank or Ted Turner to do nothing but feed their own egos. When Turner field was built, that stadium should have been named after Hank Aaron. But Ted Turner needed to have his name on that stadium for whatever reason so another slap in the face for african americans. Arthur Blank doesn’t owe any african americans anything and he doesn’t have to prove his allegience to anyone. Blank hires plenty of minorities at his Home Depot stores so he doesn’t have to hire a black head coach to make anyone happy. My feeling is that regardless of who was hired by Blank, the Falcons project will continue to fail as long as Michael Vick remains the quarterback for the Falcons. Get rid of Vick and watch the Falcons soar to the top of the standings in the NFL with Schaub at the helm.
By Psack
January 9, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this
I like big poppa’s comments time to play ball or pack your bags!! HE called out a few players deservedly so.
Bobby if they underperform get rid of their azzes..Vick included NO ONE IS SAFE!!!
By Psack
January 9, 2007 03:54 PM | Link to this
I guess the clan is still alive in Georgia. The Falcons always hire white HEAD coaches….
A black person can never critique a Falcon HEAD coach since no black head coaches are hired by the Falcon..all you are left to critique is the “White” ones?? If all the head coaches are white…..who else can you critique?? Calling a person a racist when all the head coaches are white seems odd…no black coaches to critique so ARE FORCED TO FOCUS ON THE WHITE ONES….no alternatives are available….I think that is the most dumb azzed stupid comment a clansman can make??
By Akagi
January 9, 2007 04:26 PM | Link to this
Psack:
There are a good number of black coaches in the NFL. And why is it important to have a black coach for the Falcons? I disagree with the hire, but it should be about the ability to win not the color. Better for the Falcons to hire Art Shell or Dennis Green?
The Falcons also didn’t hire Chow, who was Asian—so I guess the Falcons and you are racist for not supporting the hiring of Chow? How many Asians are head coaches in the NFL?
By Supernova
January 9, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick make all the whitey’s bow down and pay home-boy-age! Blank, McKay, Atlanta, Georgia and the NFL is his b#$@’s! This new coach, Pincrino,,or ever his name is, is Vick’s “sack” boy too! Suff the snizzle you white hump’s! MV-20-20 the man!
By Myconju
January 9, 2007 04:44 PM | Link to this
Please, will someone provide me with some information. Who says that Mike Vick has been running the show? Please explain, if you know something thats been going on at Flowery Branch that the rest of us don’t know?
By FootballFan
January 9, 2007 05:02 PM | Link to this
First Mr. Moore, then Schultzie Boy bad mouthing a man before he even gets a chance to show his stuff. Moore’s article was so bad, they shut down his blog.
The NEW HEAD COACH is getting an early start on the major project of creating a TEAM that will play great football!! Many have said none of his QBs have gone on to greatness. DUHHHH…that’s because they weren’t GREAT!!!!! BUT, their Head Coach brought out the best in every man on the team and they were WINNERS.
Now is the time for the real FALCONS’ FANS to show their support for their TEAM. GO FALCONS!!!!
There are three QBs on the Falcons right now, I believe Petrino will look at all three ASAP and continuously to decide how to best use them. All three will be given a chance to “show their stuff.” Stay tuned. You will see major changes in the attitude of the players because Petrino is a no nonsense kind of HEAD COACH. He doesn’t care what the media says and I’ll bet has an agreement with Blank to have the power to make major decisions. I can’t wait to see all the “shake-ups” that will occur. Watch for news. You’ll see updates often. GO FALCONS!!!! GO PETRINO!!!!
By Ken Strickland
January 9, 2007 05:02 PM | Link to this
LADYEXPERT, your factual comments are most welcomed. Of course, there are still a boat load of ANALS that refuse to deal with reality, when it conflicts with their manufactured, preceived notions. Allow me to expand on you information. Brady’s total passes attempted was 512, while Vicks was an NFL low 388. Brady’s total yardage was 3631yds(3529 passing+102 rushing). Vick’s total yardage was 3513yrs(2474 passing+103 9rushing). Brady also had 12 fumbles to Vick’s 9. Brady completed 61% of his passes, while Vick had a 52.6% rating.
Brady threw 124 more passes, but contributed only 128yds more in total OFF, and only 4 more TD’s. SORRY HATERS, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO HARD STATS, LIKE TOTAL YDS, TD’S, INT’S, FUMBLES(NOT SUBJECTIVE STATS LIKE QB RATINGS, COMPLETION %, ETC), VICK ACCOMPLISHED MORE WITH LESS. MAKE VICK THE PATRIOTS QB, AND HIS OVERALL STATS, AND WINNING %, WOULD INCREASE. MAKE BRADY THE FALCONS QB, AND HIS STATS, HIS WINNING %, AND HIS A$$ WOULD GO DOWN.
By dannotdan
January 9, 2007 05:23 PM | Link to this
Ken Strickland
I am certainly not a Falcons fan nor I see anything here that would lead me to believe that will change anytime soon. I am a Bears fan and like the Falcons our Quarterback stinks too, almost as badly as Vick, of coarse Grossman is in his first full year and has only played 23 NFL games so there is a chance he may get better, and Vick has started for 4 or 5 years with 67 NFL starts and there is absolutely no chance of him getting any better.
The difference between Chicago and Atlanta is when we have an undersized, slow thinking, bad decision-making underachieving quarterback, (we do) we scream to bench him and put in someone that has a chance to do better. In Atlanta when we have a undersized, slow thinking, bad decision making, underachieving quarterback (we do) we blame the play calling, coach, offensive line, and my personal favorite dropped passes (every QB has passes dropped, and in almost all cases the worse the QB is the more dropped passes you see).
If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck it is most likely a duck………….after 6 years in the league and 67 starts if he completes only 50% of his passes and rates out around 70 HE STINKS.
Sic-Bird
I hope you are right about Blank being done with Vick but I don’t believe it for a second. I think he has some Broke Back Mountain man crush on him that will never let Blank quit Vick.
By Arthur
January 9, 2007 05:34 PM | Link to this
Myconju
Its common knowledge that Mikey and I are sleeping together
By FootballFan
January 9, 2007 05:35 PM | Link to this
Question of Loyalty???
Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe was introduced Tuesday as the new head football coach at the University of Louisville, less than 48 hours after Bobby Petrino left for the NFL. Kragthorpe and Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich agreed to a five-year, $1.1-million deal on Tuesday that runs through the 2012 season. The contract was approved by the Louisville Athletic Association’s Board of Directors on Tuesday afternoon.
“This truly is a destination for us,” Kragthorpe said at an afternoon news conference. “There’s no question that we feel like this is a place that we’ve come to stay.”
By FootballFan
January 9, 2007 05:46 PM | Link to this
Football is a big business at all levels. As the post season proved, the Big Ten is a JOKE. Go FALCONS!!!!
By Sherlock
January 9, 2007 05:58 PM | Link to this
I will bet that the Falcons made Petrino an offer well before they fired Jim Mora. He was just waiting for Nick Saban’s decision at Alabama where he was Plan B.
Did you see how quickly the Falcons hired him? They are SO transparent and I am surprised the NAACP didn’t pick up on it. The Falcons interviewed a local favorite (Former Ga Tech star Whisenhunt), a black guy (Mike Singletary), and a Hispanic (Ron Rivera). [Too bad they didn’t get around to Norm Chow.] Then out of the blue, they hire Petrino? They had no intention of hiring those other guys.
By StillDirtyBirdin
January 9, 2007 06:06 PM | Link to this
So what if he was a college coach…. People are making one of two erroneous judgements with hire: either 1. comparing him to Saban, Spurrier, Erickson, etc- This is faulty because besides the fact he isn’t either of these gentlemen, he isn’t trying to assume the same responsabilities as they did either. These guys were all about personnel control as well as on field stewardship. McKay has that job well in hand here in the A. Ask Holmgren and Mike Sherman how all that power ended up. (note Seahawks got better after Holmgren relinquished the dual role). Or people forget the successes that college coaches had in the pro relatively recently. Jimmy Johnson was a college coach, same with Barry Switzer (though say what you will). Mooch did a good job in SF, and wasn’t some guy named Walsh a college coach somewhere………..?
By Tired of the madness
January 9, 2007 06:50 PM | Link to this
The “race war” continues unabated I see. Had to even close down one blog the carnage was so bad. Sick and Pathetic!
It’s interesting…no…intriguing how some bloggers think in ABSOLUTES. Either Petrino will be an ABSOLUTE failure or he will be an ABSOLUTE Savior. No middle ground. The New coach deserves an opportunity to show what he can do. None of us can say with any certainty what’s going to happen tomorrow, let alone 7 or 8 months from now.
I believe that TRUE Falcon fans wish the very best for the team no matter who the coaches or players are and give no notion to their ethnicity. Besides, it has no significance on the success or failure of the team in my opinion. I’m on the side of those that say the birds will be better next season and will continue to get better.
By Myra Conwell
January 9, 2007 07:00 PM | Link to this
Arthur,
I love the game of football. I like factual information. If you don’t have any information about football, cut that out. I don’t find it interesting.
With that said, please tell us where you have received your information. If you don’t have a source and are just speculating, please make that clear.
OK Arthur, “Show me what you Got”
By Myra Conwell
January 9, 2007 07:09 PM | Link to this
Tired of the madness,
I’m a true Falcons Fan, and as usual I will give the new Coach a chance just like I did…(let’s see how many Coaches I remember) Leeman Bennett, Jerry Glanville, Dan Reeves, Dan Henning, and Jim Mora Jr. Can anyone name any more.
While we’re at it, lets name all the QBs that we’ve had to lead this team. Too bad that we didn’t have blogging then so that the FANS could bash them.
Like anybody, I’d like to know what the problem is with The Falcons…Maybe the new Coach should exorcise the City!!!
By FootballFan
January 9, 2007 07:10 PM | Link to this
From Ken Strickland: “Brady threw 124 more passes, but contributed only 128yds more in total OFF, and only 4 more TD’s. SORRY HATERS, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO HARD STATS, LIKE TOTAL YDS, TD’S, INT’S, FUMBLES(NOT SUBJECTIVE STATS LIKE QB RATINGS, COMPLETION %, ETC), VICK ACCOMPLISHED MORE WITH LESS. MAKE VICK THE PATRIOTS QB, AND HIS OVERALL STATS, AND WINNING %, WOULD INCREASE. MAKE BRADY THE FALCONS QB, AND HIS STATS, HIS WINNING %, AND HIS A$$ WOULD GO DOWN.”
You would make a great CEO….taking numbers that say what you want to Ken. How about these STATS: A Brady lead TEAM scored 46 TDs during the season while only giving up 24 TDs to opponents. A Vick lead team? scored 32 TDs while giving up 37 TDs….Brady is head and shoulders by far a better QB then Vick is at this stage of their careers. Ken open eyes, shut mouth until you know what you are talking about.
By Myra Conwell
January 9, 2007 07:12 PM | Link to this
Akagi,
I thought Norm Chow should have been our new Head Coach, but with that said I also like the guy they are trying to hire as the new OC. I don’t know about the DC. I was hoping for Art Shell. Now how diverse is that!!!
By Tired of the madness
January 9, 2007 07:31 PM | Link to this
Amen Myra! However, the truth is that Metro Atlanta has 3 or 4 Million People. I will never believe that the bloggers who seem to be so filled with hate, cynicism, negativity, ignorance and an acerbic mindset come even close to being representative of all of the people of Atlanta. Some times you have to face the fact that some people are NEVER going to be content or at peace, for whatever reason. Nothing anyhting anyone cand do or say will change that. If God almighty himself was leading the team, there will still be complaints. That being said, people have the right of free speech in this country. Whether we like it or not,they have that right. I GLADLY Served for over 23 years to help guard that right. The sad part is people seem so willing to use that right to level insults and put downs at one another over a football team, the coach and the players. There are always going to be malcontents, but I believe fervently that they are the exceptions and will continue to dwindle in numbers as technology continues to make the world smaller and hopefully a more tolerant one. The Falcons will be o.k. The True Fans know this. Peace be with you my friend.
By myconju
January 9, 2007 07:33 PM | Link to this
Wings of Victory,
I guess anyone who doesn’t accept your sence of style is unintelligent and has low morals. Let’s all dress the players up in powdered wigs. They’ll absolutely win then.
By larry w.
January 9, 2007 07:40 PM | Link to this
dannotdan…Since you are a Bears fan, why don’t you concern yourself with your own quarterback and not ours. I certainly could not care less about the Chicago Bear’s quarterback or any other Bears player. What is it to you who our starting quarterback is?
By FootballFan
January 9, 2007 07:56 PM | Link to this
From ladyexpert: Take away Tom Brady’s coaching, his O-Line and his receivers and let’s just see if he could manage to put up Mike Vick’s numbers, even without the 1000 yards of rushing — which no other quarterback has ever done in the history of the League! Mike Vick is a gifted genius, and don’t yall ever forget it.
LADY, LADY YOU MUST LOVE MV7. STICK UP FOR YOUR MAN GIRL, BUT YOU ARE NO FOOTBALL EXPERT. YES THE PATRIOTS HAVE A GREAT ORGANIZATION AND THE FALCONS NEED TO GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER TOO. ALL YOU POINTED OUT WAS WHAT AN individual CAN ACCOMPLISH. READ MY NOTE TO KEN AT 7:10PM. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING. IN THE YEARS 2001-2006 BRADY STARTED 94 GAMES AND HIS team WENT 70-26 WITH 3 SUPER BOWL WINS (so far.) VICK STARTED 67 GAMES AND THE FALCONS ARE 47-48-1. THESES ARE THE FACTS lady, ANY QUESTIONS???
Maybe BP can make it happen. GO FALCONS!!!
By myconju
January 9, 2007 08:12 PM | Link to this
Football Fan,
Bill Bellicek is the face of the Patriots not Tom Brady!!!
I’m a Falcons Fan, but lets admit it. Bill Bellicek is the Best Coach in the NFL. What I’m hoping is that we have that same type of football mind in the new Falcons coach. Many are saying that we do. Let’s take them at their word.
All jokes aside. I too am a Mike Vick fan. I’m also a fan of Jerrious Norwood, Warrick Dunn, Grady Jackson, Wayne Gandy, Justin Griffith, Patrick Kearney, just to name a few. I think everyone has a favorite player. Yours I think is Tom Brady. Am I right?
By FootballFan
January 9, 2007 08:38 PM | Link to this
myconju,
No, Brady is not my favorite. I was just replying to ladyexpert and Ken Strickland. I like Mike too and would like to see him develop into a great QB. Right now he is a QB than runs better than he throws.
As I said, the Patriots are a great organization and a complete team with a fantastic Head Coach and great QB. Hopefully the Falcons can get it together and we can enjoy the winning feeling!!! By the way, Dunn is my favorite. He has the biggest heart and greatest attitude on the Falcons.
By Ken Strickland
January 9, 2007 08:56 PM | Link to this
FOOTBALL FAN, I’ll shut my mouth when you, or someone else, proves me wrong. Secondly, your stats they prove that factors, beyond the QB, were at play. When you lead the NFL in rushing, but you are the worst in short yardage success, and rezone scoring, and your OC calls the plays, WHO DO YOU BLAME? When the OC doesn’t allow or make changes, WHO DO YOU BLAME? When your OC calls virtually the same stupid play, uses the same personell, in short yardage situations(a stretch run to a 180lb+ RB which requires a handoff 3-4yds behind the line), and it fails, WHO DO YOU BLAME?
Mora and Knapp both claimed their OFF was a modification of the 49’ers WC OFF. Its major attributes are versatility, short, quick hitting passes, stetching the DEF by making use extensive use of RB’s out of the backfield, and using the FB in running situations. Mora and Knapp eliminated all of these characteristics, making it a WC OFF in name only.
When your OC uses an OFF philosophy that invites DEF’s to put 7-9 in the box and blitz, WHO DO YOU BLAME? The Saints set the trend by recognizing our REC’s could be played with man coverage. They overloaded our OLine by blitzing 7-9 players on practically every down, and the rest of the NFL followed suit, WHO DO YOU BLAME? So, when a DC isn’t afraid of getting burned, because they know our QB isn’t allowed to audible, WHO DO YOU BLAME? When DC know our OC won’t use swing passes to the RB’s, or quick hitting slants, to protect the QB against blitzes, WHO DO YOU BLAME? When every DC in the NFL knows our OFF runs, at least 80%-90% of the time on 1st/2nd DN, WHO DO YOU BLAME? When Vick settles under the center, and sees 7-9 defender ready to come after him, and he has no options other than (1)run the play, and get killed running for his life,(2) or call a timeout, WHO IN THE HELL DO YOU BLAME? IT WOULD REALLY BE NICE IF THERE WEREN’T SO MANY ILL-EQUIPED, ILL-INFORMED, EMOTIONALLY AND CULTURALLY DRIVEN INDIVIDUALS POSTING ON THESE BLOGS.
By FalconFan61
January 9, 2007 08:59 PM | Link to this
Has anyone checked out Petrino’s head coaching resume? Only one win in four years vs. top 10 opponents and a 4-6 record vs. top 25. Prior to this season his record was 1-5 vs. the top 25! I’m a glass half full person so I’m neutral on the hire, but it seems he’s not even a great college coach.
By FootballFan
January 9, 2007 09:13 PM | Link to this
Ken,
Knapp is gone dude!!!
Get ready for a new offense this year. Vick will have his chance. Chill before you have a heart attack!!!
Go Falcons!!!
By Tired of the madness
January 9, 2007 09:31 PM | Link to this
It appears that many bloggers are unhappy because Blank didn’t hire the person that they would have liked to see become the Falcons head coach. Reading some of these blogs, it’s very understandable why no owner who has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in a professional franchise would allow the fans, though some are well meaning, make decisions in regards to hiring coaches and bringing in football personnel. There will always be someone who is unhappy with the choice. Even if Blank had hired one of the other coaches, there is nothing that says that they would have been better or worse than Petrino. Past records are just that. They are not always definite indicators that the coach will be a success or failure. There are many other variables that come into play that can have an impact on eventual success or failure. The line between losing and winning is very narrow sometimes. A dropped pass, a fumble, a missed tackle, a missed field goal, penalties, injuries can all be decisive on a given Sunday. My point is that until the games are played there is no crystal ball to tell how it will end and the the things that transpired to decide how the game was won or lost. I will say that good preparation, planning, conditioning and a sheer will to win can sometimes help to overcome the negative factors that can’t often be controlled. If Petrino and staff do a good job at preparation, planning, conditioning and motivating the player’s to have that sheer will to win, then I believe that will lead to more wins than losses.
By FootballFan
January 9, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this
FalconFan61,
and roses are red and violets are blue, stop with the crap and I do mean you!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!
By Navigator
January 9, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Go ahead fans, get giddy about this hire. They don’t have the right pieces, or enough of them. The MVick argument rages on, the receivers are bad, the running back has gone down hill, the defense hasn’t been able to hold a lead for three years. Go ahead defend this mess.
By FalconFan61
January 9, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
Very insightful comment FootballFan. I’m just providing some facts. Folks can do with it what they want, but in my opinion, a losing record vs. top competition while scoring 62 points on the Temple does not equal my idea of a great coach. I hope it works out for the Falcons.
By The Dean 21
January 10, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
What I want to know is why don’t any of you brilliant experts point out facts on here???? Why am I reading garbage in a newspaper blog section?? Is it that the men of Atlanta has no knowledge of the game? Let’s point out some things that were a fact and then I’ll move forward and allow the new coaching staff to do much better that the old
The Offense:
Wide Receievers that could not draw seperation.
Wide Receivers that could not block.
Wide Receivers that could not CATCH!
Offensive Lineman caught on steriods and injured.
Offensive Lineman holding frequently
Offensive Lineman that could not pass block.
Offensive Lineman that could not run block effectively.
Offensive Lineman that allowed too many sacks!
The runnin back postion had a decent year, but needs to improve on blocking.
The tight ends dropped a lot of passes also and Algie ended up with a decent year. Needs improving on pass blocking.
Now the Defense:
Front four never really played together all season.
ABRAHAM WHO??
HARTWELL WHO??
ROD COLEMAN ??
Delango Hall, wow what a year of being burned, lack of effort and mostly too much talking and less covering.
No consistant blitz packages
Cornerback WHO?? Webster was a joke and Rossum was more of a joke, although it was not his fault to get put out there like that.
The linebackers other than Hartwell had a decent season, although Brookings need to play the middle, has no cover skills.
Lawyer gave up after the 5-2 start, Crocker was more of a joke than webster…wait CROCKER WHO??
Injuries hurt them, but the lack of adjustment, commitment and heart was apparent.
Special Teams: Joe D. was good again but he should have pulled Allen Rossum from returning punts and kick-offs because he hurt them with poor field position all season.
COACHES: 1. Lack of attitude. 2. Lack of commitment. 3. Lack of experience. 4. No knowledge of players strengths 5. Out coached on Sundays 6. No discipline on each other nor the players. 7. Hardly ever made adjustments during a game. 8. Head Coach had no guts to fire his friend to save himself. 9. Head coach fired himself with outbursts and stupid radio comments. 10. Killed Mike Vick popularity in this town!! 11. Could not coach their teams during second halves of last 2 seasons. 12. Should have suspended Mike Vick for obscene jestures made to fans!
These are facts folks, whether you took the time to read this or not, this is coming from a fan who attended the games and watched on TV. So, it was way more than Mike Vick that caused failure during this season and trust me, he did a lot of wrong himself but it was a team effort including the owner and GM!!
Good Luck to the new coach and hopefully he can avoid the mistakes listed above.
By Ken Strickland
January 10, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
FOOTBALLFAN, you are absolutely right. I simply wanted to at least try and get certain individuals to recognize the victims(Falcons org)from the perpetrators(Mora,Knapp,Donatell). We had an inconsistent QB, contributing to an inconsistent OFF, and an inconsistent OC that caused both.
I guess everyone can cease commenting on who we COULDA, SHOULDA hired, because Petrino is a done deal. I believe he was hired based on(3)major factors. (1)he was probably less rigid, from an OFF perspective, than the other NFL trained coaches. Creating an OFF that’s versatile enough to maximize Vicks talents was a key factor, no doubt. (2)his OFF philosophy allows him to better utilize existing players, in which the team has already committed.(3)his overall experience, especially as HC, all but guarantees he won’t be overwhelmed by the overall responsibilities of being a HC, unlike his counterpart Mora.
Our new DC will inherit a veteran DEF, with 6 Probowlers, and 2 that played at a Probowl level(GJackson, Boley). He simply has to employ a system that allows them to perform at the level that made them Probowlers to begin with. Don’t be suprised if we reverse our 2yr trend under Mora. Next yr, we’ll likely start out slow, and finish fast and strong. GO FALCONS!!!!!
By The Dean 21
January 10, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
What I want to know is why don’t any of you brilliant experts point out facts on here???? Why am I reading garbage in a newspaper blog section??
Is it that the men of Atlanta has no knowledge of the game? Let’s point out some things that were a fact and then I’ll move forward and hopefully the new coaching staff will do much better that the old
The Offense:
Wide Receievers that could not draw seperation.
Wide Receivers that could not block.
Wide Receivers that could not CATCH!
Offensive Lineman caught on steriods and injured.
Offensive Lineman holding frequently
Offensive Lineman that could not pass block.
Offensive Lineman that could not run block effectively.
Offensive Lineman that allowed too many sacks!
The runnin back postion had a decent year, but needs to improve on blocking.
The tight ends dropped a lot of passes also and Algie ended up with a decent year. Needs improving on pass blocking.
Now the Defense:
Front four never really played together all season.
ABRAHAM WHO??
HARTWELL WHO??
ROD COLEMAN ??
Delango Hall, wow what a year of being burned, lack of effort and mostly too much talking and less covering.
No consistant blitz packages
Cornerback WHO?? Webster was a joke and Rossum was more of a joke, although it was not his fault to get put out there like that.
The linebackers other than Hartwell had a decent season, although Brookings need to play the middle, has no cover skills.
Lawyer gave up after the 5-2 start, Crocker was more of a joke than webster…wait CROCKER WHO??
Injuries hurt them, but the lack of adjustment, commitment and heart was apparent.
Special Teams: Joe D. was good again but he should have pulled Allen Rossum from returning punts and kick-offs because he hurt them with poor field position all season.
COACHES: 1. Lack of attitude 2. Lack of commitment 3. Lack of experience 4. No knowledge of players strengths 5. Out coached and very poor schemes on Sundays 6. No discipline on each other nor the players 7. Hardly ever made adjustments during a game 8. Head Coach had no guts to fire his friend to save himself 9. Head coach fired himself with outbursts and stupid radio comments 10. Killed Mike Vick popularity in this town!! 11. Could not coach their teams during second halves of last 2 seasons 12. Should have suspended Mike Vick for obscene jestures made to fans!
These are facts folks, whether you took the time to read this or not, this is coming from a fan who attended the games and watched on TV. So, it was way more than Mike Vick that caused failure during this season and trust me, he did a lot of wrong himself but it was a team effort including the owner and GM!!
Good Luck to the new coach and hopefully he can avoid the mistakes listed above.
By Cody Staples
January 10, 2007 01:41 AM | Link to this
It’s really sad that Bobby Petrino left Louisville in the night without calling any of his assistant coaches at U. of L. Many of them first learned of his departure from ESPN or the local media. It hurts the many fans here in Louisville because we really thought a lot of him and thought he was here to stay. We were wrong.
By kg
January 10, 2007 02:44 AM | Link to this
Other Falcons coaches: June Jones, Norb Hecker, Norm Van Brocklin, Marion Campbell, and interim coaches, Pat Peppler, Jim Hanifan and Wade Phillips.