AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > March > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons line up for draft windfall
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
They passed the first part. Now comes the difficult part of the brilliancy test for Falcons officials after they did exactly the right thing last week. They got a sucker to give them way too much for a career backup quarterback.
Next, Falcons officials must use all those nice draft picks in April on the definitive guys for their franchise. We’re talking about linemen. Offense, defense. It doesn’t matter. Just as long as they are the antithesis of what the Falcons have gotten lately. So these linemen should be larger than smurfs, and they shouldn’t spend much time in the trainer’s room.
Here’s the exception to everything I just said: If Falcons officials can move up from No. 8 overall in the draft to get the incomparable Calvin Johnson, they should do so. The Falcons need linemen more than they do another wide receiver, but when immortality is available, especially when it’s from Atlanta and starred at Georgia Tech, you snatch it.
Then, after the draft, Falcons officials must hope that the trading of that career backup doesn’t cause their starting quarterback to digress through complacency. We’re talking about on the field regarding the passing game and off the field moving through life as the clumsy face of the franchise.
Did Michael Vick really say that trick water bottle during his Miami International Airport controversy was just something for his jewelry and stuff?
Let’s move on. Hopefully, for the sake of the Falcons, Vick will do the same in a positive way. With Falcons officials trading The Great Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans, Vick doesn’t have to wonder every day if new coach Bobby Petrino prefers a career backup over somebody drafted No. 1 overall. As a result, Vick has a chance to spend his seventh NFL season gaining more fame by perfecting Petrino’s highly acclaimed playbook than by watching his name scrawled at the bottom of various cable news outlets.
No matter what happens in the future with Vick and those draft picks, Falcons officials won for the moment. I mean, what were the Texans thinking? Swapping first-round picks to move the Falcons from 10th to eighth in this year’s draft. Relinquishing two second-round picks over the next two years. Acquiring The Great Matt Schaub and giving the career backup $48 million after starting just two forgettable games during his three NFL seasons.
Then again, the Texans are the NFL’s most incompetent franchise east of Oakland, west of Detroit, north of Tampa and south of Cleveland. The Falcons aren’t incompetent, but they aren’t superior, either. All you need to know is that during the five years of the Arthur Blank regime, the Falcons are working on their third head coach.
Not good. Neither is the Falcons’ ugly slide toward mediocrity that began after they reached the NFC championship game three seasons ago. After a 6-2 start in 2005, they’ve dropped 15 of 24 games. They’ve also shown weaknesses throughout their roster. They’ve made about as many shaky moves (Ed Hartwell, Jimmy Williams, Roddy White, Chris Crocker and John Abraham) during the past three seasons as solid ones (Lawyer Milloy, Wayne Gandy, Michael Boley and Jerious Norwood).
In other words, the Falcons can’t afford to have general manager Rich McKay do anything less than great with this year’s draft picks. That’s great as in Calvin Johnson or a lineman, and that lineman should be somebody such as Jamaal Anderson. That’s not Anderson, as in “Jamal,” who used his legs to power the Falcons into the Super Bowl.
This “Jamaal” was a splendid pass rusher at Arkansas. With the potential to pack even more muscle around his bruising frame of 6 feet 5 and 288 pounds, he’d work well as a replacement at defensive end for the departed Patrick Kerney or as insurance for the oft-injured Abraham.
The point is, Falcons officials have options. They just can’t blow them.
Permalink | Comments (105) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Chris J
March 27, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
if you can get CJ go and get him but if you cant draft landry unless adams is available
By An Inquiring Mind
March 27, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
I wonder if The Great Terence Moore noticed that The Great Michael Vick ranked at the bottom of the NFL passer ratings in 2006.
I also wonder if The Great Terence Moore noticed that The Great Michael Vick hasn’t led his team to the playoffs since 2004.
By fan9753
March 27, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Started reading this idiotic column online, w/out realizing who wrote it. Took about 2 paragraphs to figure it out…..had to be TM, and sure enough it was.
By Daniel
March 27, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
The last 3 years under Mora have come down to what Dan reeves faced when he had to clean up the mess Jerry Glanville and June Jones left him back in 97.The run and shoot was scraped for the dan reeves 2 TE pass option running game plan under the leadership of Chris Chandler.It really didn’t take reeves long to turn this mess around and lead us to a SB appearance.Patrino to run his offence, now has to find lineman that can actually pass block and open up running lanes to allow Vick to find his wideouts and allow a power running game to excel. Will take most likely 2 to 3 years to really see his offense in total function.Falcons need Big lineman, a power big back, and one bonifide wideout that scares opposing Def backs.Hopefully Mr. Vick will not be under a 3 year coaching aprentice. Hopefully the falcons will use these 3 top picks to take care of these needs, Mckay has not really shown he is the man to use these wisely.
By Falcfan
March 27, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
For once Terrence is right and he didn’t write a “hate whitey” article….HOW MANY TIMES ARE FALCON FANS GOING TO SCREAM FOR A WIDE RECEIVER? F O O T B A L L GAMES ARE W O N ON THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE.fALCON FANS HAVE TO BE THE DUMBEST ON GODS GREEN EARTH, THEY’LL BE SCREAMIN’ FOR A WIDE RECEIVER NEXT YEAR TOO, COUNT ON IT. Falcon fans treat the draft like a drive thru….”give me a wide receiver and a large fry to go”.
By Bill H
March 27, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Great article here by Terrence Moore. Right on target with Calvin Johnson opp and the need for moving mountains to acquire him. Good trade with Schaub and another blunder by Texas should favor the Falcons. Hartwell, Shoddy White, Abraham, all will be in training room or dropping open passes next year. Dump them now while we can still get something in return.
By terrence
March 27, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
I agree, and terrence is wrong about Calvin, don’t draft a wide receiver, dont’ listen to falcon fans or you’ll never win. I’ll take a Offensive tackle and a large fry to go.
By vickisick
March 27, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
people: list how you’d like to see the draft go. i would like to see:
jamaal anderson (DE)#8 reggie nelson (S)#25 (move up) justin blalock (G)#44
or
laron landry (S)#8 jarvis moss (DE)#25(move up) Ben Grubbs (G)#44
By Sensible
March 27, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
You know I dont’ want to receive the wrath of BROTHAMAN but it may just be the QB and not the wide receivers, it takes two to be bad, and in all honesty, I have seen Vick be pretty bad. That’s not my real name BROTHAMAN, you scare me homey.
By Sensible
March 27, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
You are 100% right Falcfan, falcon fans will be screaming for a wide receiver next year too, as sure as Monica Kaufman will change her hairdo.
By vickissick
March 27, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Vick is sick, he has fumbleitis and bad decision makingitis, and of course dumbasaboxofrocksitis.
By True Falcons Fan
March 27, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
The Falcons made the right move, they had to move Schaub and get what they could. I see Vick having his best year, like 3500 passing yards, 700 rushing, and 34 total TDs. The Falcons will return to the playyoffs!!!
By Yo
March 27, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
The “carreer backup qback Matt Schaub” who when in the games he played caused the previously incompetent wide receivers of the Falcons to suddenly begin catching passes like they used to do when they were in college.
I do believe that is the primary job of the qback, throw the ball where the receivers can make the catch. What is amazing is that Schaub only needed 2 or 3 games to figure it out. Not 5 or 6 seasons like hopefully the still starting qback “may” learn to do. Hopefully!!!!!!!!!!!! But you may be right, it may take a Calvin Johnson. Unfortunately not even Calvin Johnson could make Reggie Ball look good, so whats to think he can make Vick’s passes look any better?
By Greedy
March 27, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
TM good article , i like your style dude. We got a kings ransom for the swab dude lol. We should try to trade up to get CJ or we should load up with offensive line man and few defensive lineman. Gaines Adams may be a better pick than landry if he is available. We need to cut wiener and go get a certified tackle. free up some cap space to. I like finoti the OG, we just need to make sure he eats subay for a half year to get his lard asre in shape
By true intellect
March 27, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
True Falcon fan, the law of averages, someone is gonna catch up to you and your drug habit. I think Rick James said “cocaine is a powerful drug”, but what you’re takin’ aint chopped liver.
By WillieJacksin
March 27, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Man, I’m tired of the haters man, I’m wishin I could meet some of these crackas face to face, that’s what I’m talkin bout. Mike Vick is our QB you cracka fools, if you dont’ like it just watch your kids play soccer and tennis in the suburbs and shut your cracka mouths.
By Jay Black
March 27, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Playoff bound with Calvin catching everything in sight. What if Calvin was on the team last year? Those passes to White would be his for the taking!
By gdg73
March 27, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Good article Terrence. Could have done without the “water bottle” jab.
Round 1-4
1 Reggie Nelson 2By WillieJacksin
March 27, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Any crackas want to come meet me sho nuff? I’ll be at the corner of Peachtree and Ponce De Leon, me and my girls get an early start around 9 pm. I’ll set some crackas straight on my man Vick. Holla back atcha boy.
By tixholdersince66
March 27, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
When are you going to stop drinking the MV koolaid? I also think the Schaub trade makes a lot of sense to fill some much needed holes, however even with a new and should be improved offensive game plan, one cannot overlook the past performance of our QB. How many games now without a 4th qtr TD? How many more uncatchable balls thrown to our receivers? How many more sub 60% QB ratings? Do we now have recievers coach to teach routes, or are we still coaching them to block down field for our running QB? Too many questions to be answered to feel good about this year. I have ruined many a fine Sunday over the last 40 years watching this stuff, but have never been as frustrated over the past couple years. Wake me up if we reach the playoffs, but until then I’ll just enjoy the great outdoors and try to recover from my disease- Falcoholism!
By Reality
March 27, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
I think Falcon fans will be screaming for a wide receiver as long as Vick is QB….it’s a long search to find one that makes Vick look like a QB.
By fixer
March 27, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
I think Terrence Moore and Monica Kaufman would make a great couple. They would have orgasmic convulsions together discussing all the black figures in Atlanta.
By futureman
March 27, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
I hate it for Falcon fans when the Texans start winning….oh God, the whining will be rediculous. I can hear the excuses now though, “WELL, IF VICK HAD KUBIAK AS A COACH, WELL, IF VICK HAD ANDRE JOHNSON, WELL, IF VICK HAD MARIO WILLIAMS AND DEMECO RYANS, WELL, IF VICK HAD THE TEXANS O LINE, WELL, IF VICK HAD A GOOD OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR…AND ON AN ON AND ON AND ON AND ON, BUT WE GOT ANOTHER DRAFT COMIN’ UP, WE CAN ALWAYS DRAFT ANOTHER WIDE RECEIVER.
By Christian
March 27, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
This is what i think. If calvin Johnson is available, fine take. But there is a posibility that he want unless the falcons can move up pass Tampa Bay. But i Think if he is not available, take the best saftey, then try to get a Linebacker. You should try to get that team as well as you can. Keep the good work up Bobby Petrino!!!!
By BROTHAMAN
March 27, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
VICK IS OUR STARTING QUARTERBACK, LIVE WITH IT! THIS YEAR VICK WILL BE THE MVP….FASHIZZLE MY BRIZZLE.
By Its not the receiver dumb falcon fans
March 27, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
When Vick drops back to pass, he never throws on the last step of his drop whether it be a 3, a 5, or a 7 step drop, most quarterbacks, if the receiver isn’t open will throw the ball that gives the reciever the best chance of catching it, Vick scrambles, the receivers have to cut off their route and when Vick does throw it, the receivers are off their route either trying to block if he runs or get open if he’s still gonna pass, then Vick will throw to a receiver who has broken off his route and he throws it too hard or inaccurately…I KNOW FALCON FANS ARE DUMB, BUT IT’S THE QUARTERBACK STUPID, NOT THE RECEIVERS.
By Wes
March 27, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
This was a really good article that addresses what the Falcons need, says that he hopes trading Shaub won’t lead to a let down by Vick, as he’s no longer got Shaub at his heels, and discusses the Falcons biggest need, linemen for the future.
There are a lot of really dumb comments above that have nothing to do with the article, and I don’t really understand why.
By Wes
March 27, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Jay, what are the hate filled comments? Did you read the article? I’m not being a smartass, I just don’t see it at all, not even a little bit. Give me one hate filled quote so I can understand where in the world you are coming from.
By hate filled
March 27, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Well, typically, terrence criticizes Schaub and the Texans for the deal they got to get Schaub, it makes sense, Schaub is white, of course Moore doesnt like him, it’s no secret that terrence moore is not the biggest fan of the caucasian brothers and sisters, but blacks can’t hate or be called haters, that title can only be applied to whites.
By kevin
March 27, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
I agree about Schaub being a great deal for Houston, it will be funny to hear falcon fans moaning when the Texans start winning…..IT IS GONNA BE HILARIOUS, MARK MY WORDS.
By Falcon
March 27, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Terrance Moore is an idiot, and reading his crap makes my head hurt.
By the "great" terrence moore
March 27, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
I can’t stand this smarmy, sarcastic, dumb ( )…rhymes with “trigger”
By GREAT MATT SCHAUB
March 27, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Was terrence being sarcastic talkin’ bout whitey? the Great Matt Schaub. Nah Terrence would do that would he?
By DbleD25
March 27, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Schaub didn’t make the WRs look better, he made the Falcons winning percentage go down. The guy was a loser. he isyour prototype ‘ROBOT’ at QB. You people don’t know any better than though because you think everyone should be the same. Schaub has the same potential as The Great Rob Johnson or Todd Marinovich EXCEPT, We’ve all seen Schaub trip himself up in clutch time.
Vick is still a one man team, the rest of these guys are backups.
By really???
March 27, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Is there any white man that terrence does like? He probably likes AL Gore.
By Loafer
March 27, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Oh Great, Thanksgiving Night against Peyton Manning. We should be 3 - 6 by then and begging for DJ to replace Mr.$130M. Our humiliation in front of the world will be complete. MV will likely flip off the whole country on that night.
TM…I agree with the Schaub trade. I also agree with the linemen focus. But please get over Calvin Johnson. We ain’t gonna get him. He’ll be going to Tampa and scoring TD’s against our swiss cheese defense for 10 years.
By 6 FOOT..5INCHES
March 27, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Let me see, of all the quarterbacks who have won Super Bowls in the past, (not talkin’ skin color) whose style and size most resembles the 41 super bowl champion quarterbacks? the Falcons in their infinite wisdom are gonna win the Super Bowl in a “different” kind of way with a “different” kind of QB, makes sense the Falcons organization knows what it needs to do to win Super Bowls, they’ve proven it in the past, Forget about all those boring QB’s in the past, we’re gonna win it in an exciting new manner, you know, with a QB whose strength is running not passing, makes sense to me, don’t do it the way the other 41 teams did it, that would be boring to get a Peyton Manning type pocket passer, what fun is that?
By Derrick
March 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
TM aint ever gon change. That article wasn’t bad but we don’t need a WR. We need us Laron Landry, then a good DE thats still on the board. And then with the other 2nd round pick, we need to take the best player left on the board. I’m an african american man, and I’ll be straight up… TM aint gon change. He aint no fan of the caucasions. Get over it people
By yep
March 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Terrence Moore is a black David Duke….only not as smart.
By Richard
March 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
DbleD25,
Prototype Robot at QB? So is Tom Brady. So is Peyton Manning. So was Dan Marino. So was Joe Montana. Should I continue?
By Coach Pertrino
March 27, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Okay this is the way things are going to go around here, I love the way my line is big 300+ hogs man, man schemes opposed to the weak scheme developed by a coach wanting to leave the leagues and go to college opposed to myself, enough already! We’re are considerably thinking of taking Laron Landry FS out of LSU but the shocking thing is the 2nd round pick obtained from Houston can serve as a WR, we are hoping ROBERT MEACHEM from Tennesee is still here around this time, nice body, great size, great hands plus speed, very focused at everything football related and causes no trouble. I am a little unsure of this pick since we do have Joe now, plus Michael, Brian, and Roddy but honestly Roddy hasn’t met expectations as a #1 pick as a WR and this will test him by grabbing Meachem from Tenn, not only will this battle take place we really feel Meachem could be versitile, at over 6 feet with 4.4 speed, we can play him in the slots as well as the sidelines. The 1st pick is right now a lock with Landry, the next pick 2nd round #39, we hope Mechem falls right into our laps, if not then I love the Hogs, gotta go OL, Thanks for your time any Questions?
By uhuh
March 27, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick has 2 weapons, his arm, his legs and his brainI know falcon fans can’t count, but to fill you in, that was a joke, now go back to screaming for teh Falcons to get a wide receiver in the draft.
By DOM
March 27, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
THE SO CALLED TRICK WATER BOTTLED IS USED FOR VALUABLE STORAGE AND CAN BE PURCHASED AT MANY SPORTING GOODS STORES. MANY COLLEGE STUDENTS IN DORMS HAVE USED THEM FOR YEARS. THEY ARE ALSO USED AT GYMS AND TENNIS COURTS. GET THE FACTS RIGHT TERRENCE OL BOY!!
By QUESTION COACH
March 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Is Vick as dumb as a box of rocks or is he as dumb as a bag of hammers? I’ve heard both accusations and I’d just like to hear your opinion.
By Preston
March 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
I really wish everybody would put this Schuab talk to rest….ENOUGH ALREADY!!! Whether he wins or loses in Texas, nobody knows, but he was not going to start here, so from the falcons perspective it was a great deal and best of luck to Matt. Most of you people need to get a life…..is it that serious where you have to resort to making personal attacks about these players that have absolutely no effect or control of your life at all??? This stuff is getting real ridiculous…these trashy comments about Vick and his character goes to show that you people are three times the fool, and are really no better than him.
By The REAL
March 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Matt Schaub….all you guys who actually think that schaub is goin to be good this season keep dreamin…he has 2 starts under his belt and both of them are LOSSESS…i doesnt matter if u matter if he makes the wide recievers look better than when vick is on the field…it matters if u win football games and schaub cant…Vick is our man whether you like it or not so stop complaining…he will be good this year…playoffs!!…we shouldnt trade up in the draft because we have tooo many quality picks and 3 chances in the first 44 picks of the draft to pick up QUALITY players…LANDRY, Maybe Adams, or anderson,…No more recievers let calvin johnson play for another team put finneran and horn on both sides of the field…we will be okay…as long as abraham and hartwell stay healthy and we pick up a couple of good defenders in the draft then we will have ONE of the Best defenses…quality
By ProudHater
March 27, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Vick is a complete and total idiot. He has the congitive and decision making skills of a doped up lab ratt. As long as this retard is the QB, the falcons will never play in a super bowl. Unless Blank can use his big bank account to arrange for a brain transplant for idiot boy at QB, be prepared for more losing.
By Gatorman
March 27, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
I love you Terence “career back up” with three years in the NFL. I am putting a hex on Rich McKay, so he want draft any of my Gators.
By I'm a typical falcon fan
March 27, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Give me a wide receiver and a large fry to go, biggie size that with an offensive linemen so everyone can see Vick is the best quarterback in the NFL, also, I’d like my receivr to have a 242” vertical leap to catch some of Vicks bad passes.
By The REAL
March 27, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
8th pick- Landry, adams, or anderson
39th pick- meachem, or move up in the draft to get reggie nelson if we dont get laron landry
44th- charles johnson (quality)
By Tyger
March 27, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
Interestingly, I agree with T.Moore today. The Falcons need to strengthen their gut, theyre soft up the middle on both sides of the ball.
But recall, the draft is more than two rounds and great to good players can be had later.
Falcons need to add superstar talent while sitting in high cotton. They shouldnt be this high again for awhile.
I’m not convinced Jimmy Williams, Chris Crocker, Roddy White or Abraham are misses. Norwood, Milloy, Gandy, have a collective 31 yrs exp.
Adding sure-handed Joe Horn, Brian Finneran to White and Jenkins, WR isnt the glaring need it was; but Calvin Johnson is the future.
Stopping the run and the big pass are major concerns; as well as short yardage.
MLB is a question mark. Hartwell is gone but is Jordan Beck ready? Brookings isnt a MLB and plays the position on his heels.
Boley is solid and Demarrio deserves to play. Brookings at MLB is the easy fix but not the answer.
Safeties, Milloy and Crocker, are old and avg. Jimmy Williams needs to be on the field. But a young stud here wouldnt hurt.
A couple linemen in the 2/3/4 round gives Petrino the raw talent and size he needs for his system.
The Texas picks should get a much better player than Matt Schaub for sure.
By I'm a typical falcon fan
March 27, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
I think Vick could use his head as a weapon, maybe break a watermelon over it or something
By oneplusone
March 27, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Put the brainpower of Mike Vick and Terrence Moore together and you could simulate the fart of a newborn. I mean if everyone was real quiet you could hear it.
By Ex-Falcons fan
March 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Numbers don’t lie, and the numbers say Vick is a terrible passer. If you factor in his running skills, he gets bumped up to mediocre. (I’m sorry, but 1,000 yards rushing only counts if it wins you games). I invite the rest of Atlanta to join me and pick another NFL team to root for until Vick’s contract is up. If you want to send a message to Mr. Blank that we don’t want a mediocre team with a highlight reel behind center, then stop going to the games. As long as the dome keeps selling out, they’ve got no incentive to change.
By commonsense
March 27, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
That is untrue unfortunately, it has been the case as long as I can remember, falcon fans always scream for a wide receiver. Could it be the fans get the quality of teams they deserve? And yes, there will be a large contingent next year screaming for a wide receiver too.
By Proudhater ????
March 27, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Vick is not as dumb as a doped up lab rat. I’m tired of all the negative associations referring to lab rats.
By Corby
March 27, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
I read that ESPN is replacing Joe Theismann? I’m no Joe Theismann lover but shouldn’t you replace the guy in the booth who has no idea about the game,who comes across as a distraction to the broadcast? Kornheiser sucks and should never have gotten the job. Why not replace him with another former player not nameed Michael Irvin?
By terrenceNOMORE
March 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of all the negative comments about Vicks’ intelligence, Mike Vick is an intellectual giant compared to his brother.
By gators
March 27, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
I hope McKay does draft some Gators, the human beings he’s pickin’ aren’t working.
By GaVaHokie
March 27, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Have the Texans done anything right in their storied history? This is another in a line of laughable moves Houston has made. I’m telling you, Schaub is going to get waxed! Even if he manages to throw for 300 yards a game, it’s all going to be “dink and dunk” passes. And he’ll still lose! The only people who will be whining are you Schaub supporters talking about how Houston needs a better coach, or a better Offensive line, and “give Schaub another 3 years, he’ll be great.”
I’m white, I love Michael Vick and if he wants to smoke a bowl on the sidelines while flicking you all the bird, so be it. The boy can play some ball, and that’s all I care about. Petrino, make it work!!!
By BUSHWACKER
March 27, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Let’s quit calling Schaub a career back up, if any team that did not have Vick, Brady, Manning or McNabb would have drafted him, he would have been a STARTER by now!!!
The only reason he has been a “career backup” is because some idiot gave Vick $100 million dollars therefore making it impossible to get rid of the punk!
By what
March 27, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Can you call Mike Vicks arm a weapon?
By BUSHWACKER
March 27, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Let’s quit calling Schaub a career back up, if any team that did not have Vick, Brady, Manning or McNabb would have drafted him, he would have been a STARTER by now!!!
The only reason he has been a “career backup” is because some idiot gave Vick $100 million dollars therefore making it impossible to get rid of the punk!
By The Man
March 27, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie, I think you have Schaub fans confused with the Vick-heads.
I mean, aren’t the Vick-heads the ones who are always saying that their savior needs a better line, better receivers, better coaching, better water bottles, etc?
By caveman22
March 27, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
TERENCE MOORE SUX
By gt81
March 27, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
If T.M. is so happy with what we got for Matt maybe he should look into what we could have gotten for a career bottom of the list Q.B. like Vick. Shaub atleast has not proven yet that he absolutley sucks. Vick has year after year. White, Blablc, Green or Yellow Vick is a disaster. We know we can not win with him. What a shame to waste what could have been over trading an intelligent QB for an absolute idiot with a 90 IQ.
By dirty byrd
March 27, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
as long as we use top 3 picks this yr on defense we will be ok way too many good players in top 48 picks then we got top round thru six with 2 more 4th rds we will be ok GO YOU DIRTY BIRDS !!!!!
By "D" in Houston
March 27, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
1st Pick: Landry 2nd Pick: Jarvis Moss Or Charles Johnson(whoever is available) 3rd Pick: Justin Blalock.
By the way, Vick does what he has to, when he has to, and very few have the ability to have that as an option (i.e David Carr, sacked 249 times!). I just want to know, how many of you would continue your progressions while in the middle of your 7 step drop and Simeon Rice and Lynch ready to pounce? Remember….this is the same QB who led us to Green Bay and won! If our “D” hadn’t come up lame(literally) we would have made the playoffs!
By dirty bird
March 27, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
my bad we just got comp picks from nfl we now have 10 total picks in this yrs draft how can we not get some help from this yrs draft go rich mckay make it happen this yr go you dirty birds!!!!!!!!
By Lab Ratt
March 27, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
I resent that! I am not as stupid as Mike Vick. That’s an insult to all ratt’s and the entire rodent kingdom! I can at least find my way through a maze and get to the cheese, even when I’m doped up. Vick would just bang into a few walls before getting stuck in a corner. You need to be more thoughtful and sensitive before you insult us ratts by comparing our brain power to Vick’s.
By JP
March 27, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Hey Terence All I had to do is read was the first three sentences of your column to decide the rest would be a waste of my precious time. So the Texans are suckers? Once the Texans get OL to half way protect Matt and Matt becomes one of the elite QB’s in the league with a Tom Brady year are you going to say they are still suckers? Do you ever admit to being wrong? Once Matt shows his talent you will write how the Falcons were suckers in this trade.Your a joke!! LOL
By Casey Smallwood
March 27, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Here is your Carreer Starter putting up #’s comperable to a carreer backup in David Garrard.
Mike Vick vs Vince Young vs David Garrard
Record: MV7: 7-9 / VY10: 8-5 13 starts / DG9 10-6 last 2 years 16 starts
Passing: MV7: 2474 yds 20 TD 13 picks 75.7 QB rating, 52.6 comp% in 16 games VY10: 2199 yds 12 TD 13 picks 66.7 QB rating, 51.5 comp% in 13 games DG9: 2852 yds 14 TD 10 picks 82.4 QB rating, 59.7 comp% in 16 games
Rushing: MV7: 1039 yards and 2 TD / (FYI Peyton Manning had 4 rushing TD’s this year!!) VY10: 552 yards and 7TD DG9: 422 yards and 3 TD
4th Quarter stats: MV7: 0 TD 2 Picks 53.3 QB Rating / Rushing 250 Yards and 0 TD 2 Fumbles VY10:6 TD 4 Picks 70.5 QB Rating / Rushing 145 yards and 1 TD 0 Fumbles DG9: 3 TD 2 Picks 95.6 QB Rating / Rushing 128 yards and 0 TD 1 Fumble
Salaries 2006: MV7: Total Salary $23,102,750 and $7,995,607 against the cap VY10: Around 10 million per year….couldn’t find exact # DG9: Total Salary $2,458,960 and $1,064,960 against the cap
By Casey Smallwood
March 27, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
The Carreer back up Matt Schaub has ended our 4th quarter passing TD drought against the Eagles. By the way last year Schaub had some pretty good 4th quarter stats. 127.6 QB rating 57.7 comp %, 3TDs 0 Picks, and 0 fumbles…..Has thrown the Falcons last two 4th quarter TD’s.
Mike’s 2005 4th quarter stats. 59.4 QB rating 53.9 comp %, 3TDs 5 Picks, and 2 Fumbles. His last 4th quarter TD coming against the Buffalo Bills on Sept 25th last year…game # 3!!!
By CQ
March 27, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
If D. Carr got sacked over 200 times and is more mobile than Schawb, I wonder how many times he will be sacked??? My guess is Schawb knocked out and on IR by week 5.
Im still trying to figure out why you people think Schawb is such a GREAT QB. What has he done? NOTHING
By Matt Millen
March 27, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Please come up and draft CJ from me. I’ll take both 2nds and 3rd too.
By fayncbird
March 27, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
I wonder if THE GREAT “AN INQUIRING MIND” realizes that THE GREAT MATT SCHAUB won a GREAT ZERO GAMES! Wonder if THE GREAT INQUIRING MIND is a black bigot or a white bigot (bigots come in all shades and colors!)
By Dan Reeves
March 27, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Any chance of trading Rich Mckay and getting a GM in here that has a sense of direction…
By Casey Smallwood
March 27, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
I have a question….Do you people really feel as if Mike Vick is a great QB and a winner? Or do you feel he is a guy who has always been the best Athlete on the field that could escape any situation, and now people are starting to catch up with his speed and Athleticism?
By Coach Pertrino
March 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
ATLANTA FANS ARE SO SO STUPID! First are you with us or without us, we can easily ship you all to Houston to go with your GOD who hasn’t even blessed YOU ATL IDIOTS!!!!! Matt Schaub is no longer with us so why do we still breathe his name? Why do we continue to call MV7 everything in the book like we know him personally? Very Very Judgemental people without football experience, yeah you may know the rules, you may know the penalties but do you people REALLY REALLY know football? You see good white QB’s out there and critics will say yeah has a great arm but is not mobile enough, then you have a black QB and they say yeah has a great arm but is TOO MOBILE? HUH? People forget football is a game, A FREAKIN GAME, it is intended to be FUN, MV7 STATED, it should be fun to learn this new offense, the season should be fun, the key word here we want MV7 to do is go out there and have FUN, something he was doing at the beginning here in ATL before the lynchers appeared from their ghost! Listen you fans, either support us, or don’t, we don’t care really we don’t sweat for you, we don’t go out here and damn near kill ourselves for you! YOU COME to watch us win or lose and put claims on us like you are part of the team, you aren’t part of the team either support your City, the team and its decisions, or SHUT UP AND DEAL WITH IT, I AM SO P** AND TIRED OF HEARING WAH WAH WAH CRYING BOUT MATT SCHAUB HELL THIS IS FOOTBALL, AIN’T NO CRYING ABOUT who is your QB, just go out and get the job done. Honestly you all have yet to see Matt Schaub, I mean Matt Schaub you people, and do me a favor please, please stop mentioning him in the names of Manning and Brady PLEASE ALLOW HIM TO SEE WHAT THE NFL IS REALLY LIKE AND STOP OPINONIZING THE SITUATION. LOL Glad Pac Man Jones isn’t our QB Lord Knows it would’ve been like Iraq in ATL!
By The Real Deal
March 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
CQ, I’m still trying to figure out why so many people think Vick’s a great QB.
I mean, with him at the helm, the Falcons ranked dead last in the NFL in passing offense! DEAD LAST … even though they had an outstanding running game that SHOULD have made throwing the football even easier.
Also, in case you haven’t noticed, the Falcons haven’t been to the playoffs since 2004.
Contrary to what most Falcon fans think, the QB’s job is to win games, not provide an occasional Sports Center highlight.
As his record indicates, Vick hasn’t done much winning the last couple of seasons.
THAT is a FACT, jack!
By Phil
March 27, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
I heard the Falcons will be looking for a big power RB to team with Norwood in this year’s draft. It would be something if they drafted Peterson at #8 who should be there. Pick him and a couple of OL in the later rounds and we’d be on our way to having a top flight offense.
By Glenn
March 27, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
I see Atlanta picked up 4th and 7th Round picks in the Compensatory section of the draft this afternoon…While they aren’t great, they may be used to help sweeten the pot in another trade up or acquisition of another player.
By ConyersDawg
March 27, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Rex Grossman just went to the Super Bowl, he is not half the qb Vick is. If Vick had the Defense and o-line Chi-town did this wouldn’t be a controversy about Vick and leadership.
By Showme$$$
March 27, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
In response to “An Inquiring Mind”, you have to be of the Caucasian Persuasion as 99% of Vick Haters are. If you could get the race issue out of your Deep South mind and look at Falcons football from an unbiased, purely football point of view you would realize that there are 21 other guys on the field at some time or another. Guess what? Some of them are WHITE! If one man could take a team to the playoffs, there would be no need for the others to be on the field. If it weren’t for the extraordinary efforts of Vick, the Falcons wouldn’t have as many wins as they have since he came to Atlanta. He has been very successful with a terrible offense line and yes, most of them were also of the Caucasion Persuasion as well.
So open your mind and accept the fact that Vick is going to be the quarterback of your team. Stop hating and learn to appreciate. You may also want to start watching the whole game and not just the highlights on ESPN.
Here’s some info for you to digest if you can:
VICK PASSES FOR 20TDs AND RUSHES FOR 1,000 YARDS BOTH PERSONAL BEST YET PEOPLE SAY HE IS REGRESSING?????
40 DROPPED PASSES, 6 DROPPED TDs AND 48 SACKS WERE ALL HIS FAULT AS WELL?????
WAS KNAPP NOT OUTSCHEMED AND OUTCOACHED 99.9% OF THE GAMES????
VICK TOTAL YARDS….3,500 BRADY TOTAL YARDS…3,600
VICK TD/TO RATIO 22/19 BRADY TD/TO RATIO 24/23
COUNTING TOTAL YARDS AND TOTAL TURNOVERS VICK WAS SLIGHTLY BETTER AT PROTECTING THE FOOTBALL THAN THE “GOLDEN BOY”/”IMPREGNATOR”
By Casey Smallwood
March 27, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Coach Petrino…..ATL before the lynchers appeared from their ghost Man I feel sorry for you…..I am a Vick fan, but the #’s over the last few years don’t lie. I think that many of us are realist and don’t compare Schaub with Brady or Manning, but we can’t compare our # 1 overall pick/Highest paid player in the NFL either. I think it was a good trade because Schaub was never going to get a chance here…..which is all what most of us wanted..for Schaub to get a chance. How does race have anything to do with that.
By Casey Smallwood
March 27, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Coach Petrino…..ATL before the lynchers appeared from their ghost Man I feel sorry for you…..I am a Vick fan, but the #’s over the last few years don’t lie. I think that many of us are realist and don’t compare Schaub with Brady or Manning, but we can’t compare our # 1 overall pick/Highest paid player in the NFL either. I think it was a good trade because Schaub was never going to get a chance here…..which is all what most of us wanted..for Schaub to get a chance. How does race have anything to do with that.
By Hasavior
March 27, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Guys, get off the Vick attack. The article is not about Vick, its baout drafts and positioning players for the next 2 years, mainly defensive players. Get off Vick nuts. Everyday, the same complaints.
Is it not obvious Falcons managment made it absolutely clear that Vick will start as the Franchise player, as the starting QB, he is the the QB. How other way you want it to be said.
LEAVE IT ALONE. Its done! Period!
By GT BABY!!!
March 27, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
It amazes me the way people act on here..Willie Jacksin for one..whats with the crackas and wanting to fight? Thats just straight up ignorance. So what Michael Vick has not lived up to his billing yet hes still young and improving.So chill out with the racial comments.Mike’s a one of a kind QB with amazing talent just because he’s not white doesn’t make it right for people to bash him.You know the Atlanta Falcons is the state of Georgia’s professional football team.We all need to cheer for our team win or lose all together and leave race out of it.
By Bill
March 27, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
TM is at it again. He just can’t support a person of Color(White). I’m backing M. Vick 110%. If he can’t do it in two more seasons, its time to go in another direction. We don’t need another wide receiver. They have so many holes to fill, it’s not wise to waste draft picks.
By GT BABY!!!
March 27, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
show me$$$$$
people like you are the reason racism is still around…grow up
By Showme$$$
March 27, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
To “JP”. You are the idiot. Another Vick Hater of the Caucasion Persuasion I suspect. And you obviously don’t like Terrance Moore either. But the truth is if you were a true Falcon fan and really paid attention to the game instead of guzzling beer, burping and scratching yourself, you would realize that if the Falcons get a decent OL to halfway protect Vick, the sky is the limit. Vick is already an elite QB despite the offensive line. But somebody as backasswards as you can’t see that.
By The White Knight
March 27, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
I have a few of questions for showme$$$
1) How many Super Bowls has Brady won?
2) How many Super Bowls has Vick won?
3) How many times has Brady been sued for giving a woman an STD?
By CQ
March 27, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
The Real Deal I do agree with you on that. Vick has not done much in the past 3 years but you have to take into account the coaching that was here the last 3 years. A player should not go from taking a team to the playoffs to having a losing record every year and have his passing yards decrease. Thats all about coaching.
We have seen what Vick can do, but we have never seen anything Schawb can do. We have seen backup QB’s come in and play and look great for a few games, then when they get the starting QB roll, they are a bust.
The bottom line here is that the Falcons have too many holes to fill and trading Schawb put them in a much better position over the next couple of years to fill all of them.
By Hasavior
March 27, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Now that i have that off my chest…
I would like to see another explosive DE opposite of Abraham. That will make the offensive apponent honest in their blocking assignments. We have little to no pass rush without him. With Jamaal Anderson paired with our very good strong safety, with Abraham is a good chemistry fit. Plus looking at Scott, if he is signed can alternate with Grady during pass/run defensive schemes. i see the formatt, but its all about who can remain healthy.
This Laundry guy in the draft at free safety can add some clout to all this, but i am figuring out what the Falcons going to do with that CB they signed about a month ago? Will he contend with williams for the opposite D Hall position and one of them move to safety? I would consider that, because they have a better chance at landing Jamaal if he is available at #8. Then get a DT and a OT in the second round. That would be solid.
The second round picks are going to be solid. There are alot of keepers and sleepers there. Anyone of them can make the difference for a team.
By JC
March 27, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
There we go again….I guy telling us to open our minds and then he couldn’t help himself to take a shot at the end…Golden Boy/Impregnator I don’t know about you guys, but I would much rather my QB be in the news for Getting 2 supermodels pregnant than Blunts/Bottles/Rolex/STD’s…and things to come!!!
By Tee
March 27, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Hey get your butts off of VICK! If it wasn’t for him the Falcons would be LOST! Hell he has hit his wideouts in the hands and they still can’t catch. Yes he has made some bad throws also. We never talk about all those other QB’s thats hot S(**^! Lets see like Eli Manning! But do we hear hey lets throw him up under the bus no. Why because he is white! Everytime a black QB doesn’t proform well year in and year out its “O” lets go get the great white hype! Where does it say thatn you have to be a pocket passer? Hell if you stay behind the O line of the falcons you will get killed! So whats wrong with the baseball team? Hell they paid all that damn money for all those pitchers but you don’t have any hitter’s. We need to move forward and get off of Vick’s back. Everyone cannot have a great team like the Colts or New England. Only in ATL will fans cry like little girls. Hell if we were so damn good then we would be in the NFL and not write to a column now would we?
By Hasavior
March 27, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
Hey JC,
What type of lifestyle you live to govern what behavioral sin is more palatable than the other for the leagues QB standards?
Is it more of your painful acceptance that the Falcons made a bold put it in your face -telling you and the deep south, that we have a young black male cultural prodigy as our QB, which goes against the grain of your visual preference of seeing a paled skinned square jaw thin lipped equally talented young man?
I think that is the issue you are dealing with; not football -not a outstanding player, but your resistance and submittal of a cultural mogul that does not favor or palate to your conscious.
By GT BABY!!!
March 27, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Man I can’t wait for the season to start then you all can shut up and cheer for the falcons.
I swear we have the most racist ignorant fans.
Mike Vick is not Tom Brady and vice versa.
Everyone chill out and lets get excited about the talent that’s about to come our way if its J.Anderson/L.Landry/A.Peterson/C.Johnson or L.Jones
Man ten pick this year and all our other players(Abraham,Forney,G.Jackson) getting healthy man I’m excited.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By RA
March 27, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe it. Terrence Moore actually made an attempt at objective journalism. No, no, that was good, like a professonal. Wow.
By Magneto
March 27, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Hasavior,
Funny, I thought we were in the business of winning Super Bowls not having moguls. You guys keep referring to skin color because you have no where else to go. We haven’t even been to the playoffs since 2004 and you are still sucking on your Vick bottle. Oh well,I guess that’s what happens when people follow images and “moguls” rather reality.
By Showme$$$
March 27, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Well said Hasavior! JC will spend the rest of the afternoon in a dictionary if he owns one. You are right. This is about football, not black and white or moral responsibility. Unfortunately, this is the world in which we live.
By GaVaHokie
March 27, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
ConyersDawg… we wouldn’t be having this conversation either if Brian Finneran were healthy last year. Vick would have had one more reliable receiver… which is why I’m not worried about this year. A healthy Brian Finneran, along with Joe Horn and Alge Crumpler will open up the pass game. Adding a bruising FB in Ovie Mughelli to block and lead for Vick, Dunn and Norwood… hopefully create a bigger O-Line in the draft… not to mention the new Petrino play book.
I’m 100 times more worried about our defense… as much as I’d like to draft Levi Brown or Adrian Peterson, we’ve got to grab either Landry or Anderson… If I were Rich McKay, I’d trade down with Buffalo, let them take Adrian Peterson, pick up an extra 2nd round pick for ourselves and take either Reggie Nelson or Okoye.
By JC
March 27, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
What are you talking about Hasavior? Sounds like you are trying out for Def Poetry Jam or something. Deep South….in my face….I like Mike Vick, I was just saying that Brady isn’t getting questioned by the cops because his boys cam swim. Vick needs to clean his act up and become the great leader and player that we thought we were getting when we drafted him. I hope that it was just the coaching staff and that Petrino will come in and turn him into the next Jordan…yes that is the level that I truly believe he can get to if he wants it. If he does’t turn out let my boy DJ Shockley have a chance…what are you all going to say when the back up we are asking for is an African American?
By vickisick
March 27, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
to all the vick haters. enjoy the next ten years with mike vick as the quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons NFL franchise. MIKE VICK IS NOT LEAVING.
i’ll say it again for you necks: mike vick is and will be until he retires an Atlanta Falcon. ENJOY.
By Mike Vick
March 27, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
To all my fans:
Please stop making excuses for me. I’m doing my best to try to grow up and you guys make it to easy for me to screw up. I seriously need to work on my passing skills and my life choices. Schaub is gone now, so if I screw up you won’t have any excuses for me except to continue to cry racism. So please take it easy on my critics because I’m sure you won’t want to face them if I mess up again.