AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > April > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPetrino fills Falcons’ biggest need
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Flowery Branch — The draft doesn’t matter if the draftees don’t get coached. Bobby Petrino will coach the heck out of whatever talent Rich McKay finds. Who says so? Rich McKay.
Granted, the general manager has a vested interest, having been party to Jim Mora’s departure and Petrino’s arrival. And yes, there was a time when McKay, who conducted the initial interview with Mora in January 2004, believed that coach and those assistants likewise knew their business. Time, alas, proved otherwise.
“I liked that staff very much as people and as coaches,” McKay said. “But it did not work out. Bobby and his staff are extremely focused on developing talent — I’m not saying that the other staff was not — and we believe this gives us the best chance to win.”
Conventional wisdom holds that the Falcons enter this draft in need of a massive makeover. McKay believes they’re rebooting, which isn’t nearly the same as rebuilding. He believes the resources on hand are greater than tepid results suggest.
“People see we finished 7-9, so accordingly we must not be very good,” McKay said. “The perception is going to be that we have a lot of holes. But we expect the quarterback to play really well. We like the Dunn-Norwood combination. We need John Abraham to be healthy because he’s as deluxe a right end as there is in the league.”
And Petrino isn’t just another college coach doomed to failure among the professionals. He’s a deluxe football man who can win anywhere. Said McKay: “I was really impressed in mini-camp with his attention to detail and his willingness to adjust to what he saw. That sounds easy to do, but it isn’t.”
Ask Mora. Ask Greg Knapp. The reason those two no longer work here is because they were at an utter loss when things went wrong. McKay: “The last two years we’ve gone in with very high expectations. We didn’t deliver in either season, and one reason was injuries, which we didn’t overcome. We’ve got to get over that. … Losing [defensive end] Brady Smith two years ago was a debilitating blow, and it should not have been.”
The Petrino portfolio: He lost his best player (tailback Michael Bush) in the third quarter of the season opener and his second-best player (quarterback Brian Brohm) for 2-1/2 games, and still Louisville was one lost second-half lead away from playing for the BCS title. He takes what he has — and Louisville’s recruiting base wasn’t nearly as vast as Florida’s or Southern Cal’s — and turns it into a spiffy-looking product. There’s no gimmickry to it. There’s simply coaching.
Said Petrino, speaking five days after taking this job: “Anybody can get on the blackboard and draw X’s and O’s, but it’s the details and technique [that matter]. We want to do that better than the other guys.”
These coaches will do it better than their predecessors. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer carries the reputation of being able to cultivate players, and Petrino is as good an offensive coach as there is. “We were pretty far along from an offensive perspective in mini-camp,” McKay said. “Michael [Vick] has put in the work — he hasn’t missed a day this offseason. He’s been phenomenal. I think you guys [the media] have put it in his head: ‘This is it.’ “
With seven choices in the draft’s first four rounds, the Falcons are positioned to give Petrino a quick and heavy helping of what we wants. Still, being seen to have won in the draft doesn’t necessarily translate to winning in December. The Falcons spent the last two seasons trying to override not a dearth of talent but a lack of direction. No matter what happens this weekend, they’ve already upgraded the most important position — head coach.
Permalink | Comments (64) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Mark Bradley
Comments
By Chris
April 27, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
first
By Chris
April 27, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Falcons can’t trade with the Lions for Calvin Johnson, but if he falls to the Browns, then trade 1st round picks, one of next year’s and this year’s 2nd round picks or a mediocre player, like Roddy White, and two 4th round picks. Otherwise, trade down from the 8th pick and trade back up into the mid-late first round. This will allow the Falcons to take Nelson and either Moss, Staley, or Willis. Go OL with the 2nd round pick and get Bush with the 3rd. Take the best athletes in the 4th, maybe WR Hill from Washington State, and take a risk on DT Thomas from Florida in the 5th round. This allows the Falcons to gain a few potential starters and begin retooling. With a little luck the Falcons will get 10 wins next year.
By Brian
April 27, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
Chris, could not have said it better. If we sell our soul in this year’s draft for one player, then its certain Arthur thinks two flashy players will fill the seats instead of putting together a winning team.
By SC
April 27, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
Well said Mark. In the next few seasons, I think we will see a difference of at least 10 more points per game between the Petrino-Jackson offense and the Mora-Knapp-Gibbs offense. I understand what McKay is trying to say about ‘rebooting’, but really this year we are rebuilding. I am skeptical with regards to a drastic improvement in the offensive line this season, but I would love to see it happen. Go Falcons
By Mark Rider
April 27, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
I like Michael Vick, even though he has not peformed up to his potential. I like Michael Vick, even though he made an obscene gesture at Atlanta fans. I like Michael Vick, despite the the fact that he infected a person with herpes. But, I’m not prepared to forgive dog fighting. The Falcons owe the Atlanta fans a thorough investigation of this matter. Who paid for the kennels, the dogs, etc.? Did Michael Vick ever attend a dogfight? Did he sponsor fights? Michael Vick’s claims of innocence are not sufficient. If he had anything to do with dogfighting, I’ll have nothing to do with the Falcons as long as he’s associated with the team. If the Falcons do not investigage, I’ll have nothing to do with the Falcons. Instead of draft Calvin Johnson or Labron, it may be time to draft a quarterback.
By Michael
April 27, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
FINALLY a positive article from the AJC about the Falcons!
By Mr Me
April 27, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
Hey Mark I do not think that anyone cares if you support the Falcons or not. Keep your few bucks and cheer for the Texans. On another note, I see that the jury is out to get Vick he better be really careful coming up in the near future. I am sure he knew what was going on but if they can’t prove it let it be. That’s the joy of being rich you can cover shyt up!
By dwy
April 27, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
Mark, how about you go some where and cry your eyes out. Of course there will be thorough investigation done by the virginia police, and of course Vicks’ name will be cleared. Vick like a lot of other Rich people have multiple properties that they never see, and this is obviously a home that he had given to his family. So he probably won’t face any charges for something that his family members did.
But back to football, this years draft is going to be very interesting. As much as I would love to see CJ in Atlanta, it might be too costly. We’ve got to leave this draft with at least one starter on the defensive line and one starter on the offensive line. Now if McKay can pull that off and keep Calvin in Atlanta I’m all for it. But it’s not likely.
By Red Zone
April 27, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
First, Jonathan Babineaux is a p*ssy of monumental proportions. He should never see the field of play ever again. If he does, I hope someone knocks the absolute p** out of him and then does it again on the next play.
Second, nothing in the draft matters until Vick is gone. He is too short, can’t pass effectively, and eats up payroll like Peyton Manning. That just doesn’t work folks. If there were a Vick look-a-like going in this year’s draft, he would be lucky to get picked in the 3rd round. Troy Smith is projected to go in the 3rd or 4th round because he is short like Vick. Vince Young is the player the Falcons had hoped to get in Vick. The rest of the NFL learned the Vick lesson at the Falcon’s expense. If Vick has another lackluster year, it had better be his last in Atlanta. Arthur is a good man and I’m sure he is really frustrated with Vick’s off-field issues. His on-field troubles can’t be helping either.
By The Truth
April 27, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
Red Zone, what are you talking bout? Vick is the most successful QB in Falcon history. If you’ve followed the Falcons for years like I have, then you would know that before Vick the Falcons were rarely competitive. That changed the day Vick was named the teams starter. Say what you want to say but He’ll probably make his 4th pro bowl this year. The real problem has already been dismissed, which was that sub par coaching staff (Mora, Knapp)
GO FALCONS!! GO VICK!!
By Jefferson Lincoln
April 27, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are headed for a train wreck in ‘07 and will be looking for a new head coach by the end of the season. The Falcons should have kept Matt Schaub, traded that pot-head, dog-killer Vick for the #1 draft choice, and drafted Calvin Johnson. Now, Schaub will become the next Brett Favre. And good luck drafting Louisville-product Amobi Okoye #1 and then expecting a 19-year old kid to make an impact in the NFL.
By D-Cider
April 27, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
I think the Falcons would be making a huge mistake by trading up for CJ. The team has a real opportunity to significantly improve the team by holding 3 of the first 44 picks. Plus, they should be able to add depth with the 3rd and 4th round picks. It would be different if the Falcons just had a few holes to fill, but they need improvement in the O-line, D-line, secondary and of course, wide receiver. But, the team is getting Horn and Finneran back and maybe, just maybe, Jenkins and White will step up.
I expect to see the offensive being remade in a huge way. leading the league in rushing is impressive statistically, but if can’t convert 3rd and short or run in the red zone, the running game will not win a lot of games.
As far as Vick goes, I am more concerned about the huge contract than anything else. Also, the Falcons appear to continue to overpay players as evidenced by the Mughelli signing.
By uga95
April 27, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Amen to mark riders comments! And any association with the dogfighting is unforgivable!
By D-Cider
April 27, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
JL, I would give anybody 100-to-one odds that Schaub will never, ever be the next Brett Favre. The closest thing he could be to Favre is get hooked on pain killers.
Since CJ has taken a toke or two, maybe it would be a good thing if he and Vick teamed up. Typical knuckleheaded post.
By Jefferson Lincoln
April 27, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
D-Cider, Good idea, let’s have Vick and CJ team up so Vick can throw the ball over his head.
By Matthew at the SLC
April 27, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
It is only a matter of time for Vick now. You will see that the Falcons will no longer be building around Vick. They will be quietly building for 2-3 years from now. By then the pieces will be place and the Falcons can afford to let “MR. THUG” Vick go.
And good Riddance!
For all of you Black people: GET OVER IT!
By Carol
April 27, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
People are quick to rush to judgement, have you ever owned property and rented it out/ Did you know everything that your tenants did, in your home? probably not, unless you stayed on the property or nwithin close proxomity of the property. Give Vick a chance , stop judging, because we all have fallen short. No one is perfect, if any of you are witout imperfections, stand up , so you can be knocked down for lying.
By Carol
April 27, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
To the racist who wrote that Vick is a judge , and for Black people to get over it. It just shows what type of mentality that you have. Need I say more?
By Not in the South
April 27, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
It’s really funny to read what people from the south think about. Nice people, small brains, but nice people. My favorite quote of ignorance so far…
“For all of you Black people: GET OVER IT!”
Southern by the grace of god? Is that how they say it?
Ignorant by the grace of god is a little more like it.
Matthew at SLC, you are a funny guy. SLC obviously stands for Slow Learning Center, so we’ll give you some time to catch up. Will another 5 decades suffice?
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 27, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
I’m still not convinced Petrino’s the right guy, based on his NFL track record (or lack thereof). But I will give him credit: so far in his short time with the Falcons, he’s said and done all the right things. He’s hired good coaches, installed a system that at least appears to take advantage of his players’ skills, and seems to believe in philosophies that actually have a chance of working in the NFL. All of which, of course, are in direct contrast to the Jim Mora regime.
The Falcons are not going to change overnight — finding the required size on the line of scrimmage and upgrading other positions of need will take at least two offseasons. Unless the Falcons strike gold with every pick in the draft, expecting a playoff berth with the current roster is wishful thinking. But if the Falcons are not playoff contenders this year, they should be next year.
By Ken Strickland
April 27, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
MARK BRADLEY, that was a very informative article. This is the 1st attempt to identify the primary causes of the Falcons past problems. MORA/KNAPP resorted to gimmicks rather than solid coaching. DONATELL resorted to, well, to tell the truth, I don’t know what the hell he was trying to do. None of those coaches developed, or significantly improved the overall ability of a single player.
I guarantee that next yrs 3rd dn/short yardage OFF will be dramatically improved. Those improvements will extend drives, increase time of possession, and increase scoring opportunities. That will reduce pressure on our DEF. Having better designed WR routes, letting the QB audible, and having more passing targets will upgrade our passing OFF. Also, this coaching staff will make pass blocking our #1 priority. They’ll develop good pass blocking techniques through constant practice. This committment to pass blocking will be a drastic departure from MORA/KNAPP’s zone/cut blocking committment.
McKay has demonstrated the ability to draft talented players in the lower rds. At Louisville, Petrino demonstrated an amazing ability to develop top level talent from perviously unheralded players. This combination of skills should translate into something very special. GO MCKAY, GO PETRINO, GO VICK, AND GOOOOO FALCONS!!!!!
By white guy
April 27, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
Question for the racist Matthew at the SLC. Did BLACK people sign Mike Vick to a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract? What’s the matter? Were you waiting in line at the 365 store and the person in front of you bought the last Vick jersey??
By Red Zone
April 27, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Truth: Vick has not made it to the Superbowl; Chandler did in 1998. I consider Bartkowski the best Atlanta QB of all time as he should have gone to the Superbowl in 1980(?) if not for Leman Bennett’s classic prevent defense against Dallas(I was at that game and people were leaving in the 4th quarter high fiving because we all thought there was no way to lose).
That said, Vick is the first and only Atlanta QB to operate in the deep pocketed Arthur Blank days. As all long-time Falcon fans remember, Rankin Smith(the original owner) never put much money into the team. The few teams we had that went to the playoffs were definitely overachievers. Under Blank, Vick has been surrounded by high priced talent which is something Bartkowski nor Chandler ever had. In addition, Vick is sponging more of the payroll percentage wise than any Atlanta QB who has preceeded him. IMO, Vick has underachieved both on and off the field. If he was worth the money he gets paid, we would hear more rumors of teams wanting to trade for him.
By Dj
April 27, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Question for the racist Matthew at the SLC. Did BLACK people sign Mike Vick to a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract? What’s the matter? Were you waiting in line at the 365 store and the person in front of you bought the last Vick jersey??
By Misawa Parker
April 27, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Seems like some (not all) of you people are not Falcon fans; you’re just looking for a place to vent ugly, demented thoughts. I would really not want to work with or live near any of you. Being from Southwest GA, I’m ashamed of the comments made by my “fellow Georgians”. It’s too bad that in a hot bed place for football (ATL, capital of the Southeast), communication cannot take place without getting ugly.
By SirGat
April 27, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
It is very interesting to me how people in this blog have such HIGH MORAL standing. Reminds me so much of the HYPOCRITES that were expose on MSNBC. Funny……
By Yo
April 27, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
I think we should pay Vick more money and run the Wishbone.
By 1st and 6
April 27, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
MV is overpaid. New coach and staff will make people give him another chance. Good business move, let see what the new season brings…
By Orlando Rivera
April 27, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry I thought we were discussing what the Falcons should do in the draft, not debating whether Matthew of the Stupid Learning Curve is the second coming of Imus…he can eat a d*ck as far as i’m concerned!
Let’s get to the purpose of this blog shall we? First off I like the approach Petrino is taking, and he does have NFL experience and in addition to that he has people in Zimmer & Hue Jackson who will assist him in running a pro offense.
Speaking of the offense, CJ is not who they should draft. Think about it, if Atlanta does go to a spread offense (which seemed to work for Vick when he played under Dan Reeves, although many morons forget that) they will have Finneran (the third down receiver Vick relies on) Joe Horn, and Crumpler. Another receiver is worthless if Vick is not protected, which is why it’s important to finally get a franchise tackle like Levi Brown.
I understand that LaRon Landry is a stud at safety, but if you plan on having Vick as the centerpiece of this team then you have to protect him first. Use both second round picks on defensive line and then get Michael Bush if he’s available in the third round. If not, then get a safety. I think this draft will be the beginning of the retooling of the Atlanta Falcons.
By Will
April 27, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Maybe I’m just having a football withdrawal but I think the Falcons will get to the layoffs this year. Carolina, Tampa are in a bit of disarray and can the Sain’ts really put together two good seasons together in a row? The problem with the Falcons last year was that every great offensive moment was followed by an immediate defensive lapse. Forget CJ, he won’t be worth the price. Get linemen and defense! Just my two cents.
By Me
April 27, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
Yeah, yeah and when they are 6-10 you’ll be calling for Petrino’s head on a platter, if he hasn’t already quit and gone somewhere else.
By Matthew At The SLC
April 27, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Once again, my Idiot Racist Redneck Stalker comes on a board and proves he is not me with the idiotic rhetoric he spews forth on his keyboard.
There is one thing the Falcons need. Amobi Okoye. Then Merriwether (FS) from Miami. Then Charles Johnson. The Michael Bush. Then with our 3 fourth rounders, we need to get o-line depth. Maybe a SS to groom to replace Milloy in 2 years. Defense wins football games. Gravy Jackson isn’t going to play a down for this team. Might as will pick the best DT in the draft to match up with Coleman, who’s 19 and can play 16 years for you. Then Merriwether fills our need at FS just as good as Landry would have. Then Johnson, who is a Patrick Kerney clone, fills in on the left side of the line. Then take Bush to be our Hammer with our 3rd round pick, or if he’s gone, take an o-liner. This is what we need to do. These are the best picks we can make, and all are slated to be there for us. 4 starters, right off of the bat. 4 holes filled, and yes, RB is a hole because Dunn has maybe 2 years left, and Norwood is a change of pace back who does not fit the system. Petrino can be flexable with the passing part of his system, but he needs a hammer of a RB to run the ball to make the passing system work. Then, with our next 6 picks, we hope for another starter somewhere, but draft for o-line and d-line depth we so desperately need.
See, it’s easy to tell the difference between me and my Idiot Racist Redneck Stalker. I’m not a complete idiot. I actually have some clue of what I’m talking about. And, oh yeah, I don’t frequent great big bonfires while wearing a sheet.
By 40 years and a mule
April 27, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
RED ZONE speaks the truth. VICK is a THUG. Always has been, always will be. 2 more years of apologists,stupid-azz behavior,DENIALS(I didnt know nuffin bout they wuz havin dawg fights at mines house)and losing.
By Pete
April 27, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Redzone, if you think anyone is going to trade the first overall pick for Vick and his huge contract then I think you must be the one smokin dope!
By Pete
April 27, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
Sorry Redzone…that wasn’t you…that was Jefferson Lincoln.
By Whopper Dawg
April 28, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
Bradley, better watch out! Evaluating the Falcons through McKey’s eyes can be a disaster. Can’t pick a head coach (Mora), had to settle for a college coach, almost no decent players acquired through the draft, all the free agents are a bust, Vick won’t take you anywhere you can’t run to, etc., etc.
Do you think Jimmie Johnson would trade up for CJ with Vick as QB, no o or d lines, weak linebackers and no safties - I don’t think so. But watch it will happen and be blamed/credited on Blank.
McKey is a bum.
By Lw28
April 28, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this
I have dawgblood in my veins, but CJ is one heck of a player—easily the best in the draft. With that said, the Falcons should NOT trade up to draft him—we can’t afford him, unless Vick restructures his multi-million dollar contract, and that isn’t going to happen. Vick is a phenominal athlete, but NO ONE player is worth that kind of money, NO ONE! The Falcons need OL and defensive help. Take Landry at 8, if available, if not trade down and get OL/DL people (Charles Johnson is a stud/bully in the 2nd round). Get Michael Bush is he’s available in 3rd round—we need a short yardage back.
By drmondo
April 28, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this
I thought the Falcons were supposed to announce their response to the Grady Jackson lawsuit today? Has anyone heard anything? It could affect how they approach the draft today.
By smartguy
April 28, 2007 5:58 AM | Link to this
I LOVE Mike Vick!
This will be the best year ever. Petrino is AWESOME!
GO FALCS!
By Connie Lingous
April 28, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley - are you actually putting forth the idea that, because he ran a good 3-day mini-camp, Petrino has proved himself to be an upgrade??? LOL, McKay must like you guys at the AJC, he’s got you eating out of his hand.
By the way, when are you going back to the poofy-hair look? You used to look a lot mor fashionable when you wore your hair poofy.
By wristshot
April 28, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
I think CJ has the goods to be the next Jerry Rice. The guy has the softest hands I’ve seen in a long time, not to mention that vertical leap! Think about what his college numbers would have looked like if Tech had a premiere QB.
I’m really hoping that this Mike Vick thing can be resolved but there are several questions that need to be answered. That kennel compound on the property looks mighty expensive, who funded it? How could Mike not notice a breeding kennel on his property? The noise alone would give it away. Did he not notice the obvious signs of abuse on the animals?
I’m a huge Falcons fan and I just can’t wait for the draft today. Do you guys think that Mike’s latest problems add any wrinkles to McKay’s plans today? I think if we see a QB drafted in the later rounds we might have a problem.
By Josh C
April 28, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
I still say that we should offer Detroit our 2008 1st rounder to move up. By most accounts this draft is very deep at our need positions. Calvin is the type of player that comes around every 5 years. Look at this kid side by side with T.O. -then consider that he’s a local kid with high character- and you realize that you’re looking at a FRANCHISE player. I say again, look at Daunte Culpepper with and without Moss-when all else fails just heave it up…this will give you some indication of what CJ could do for Vick. His rookie year you’d see 50-60 catches for a 20+ avg. and a slew of TDs. We then should trade one of the seconds to move back in the second round, could possibly pick up a late third in the process. Why? Middle round talent looks HUGE in this draft, and it’s cheap. Think about some of these possibilities: Bush, Michael Griffin(starter/signal caller on a National Champ defense), Paul Soliai (340 lb. beast DT from Utah ran a 5.1 at the combine- screw Grady), Jarvis Moss/Ray McDonald/Lamarr Woodley (are you kidding me? These are 1st rd. kids other years.) I’ll gladly give up next year’s first (saving the first rd. signing bonus after paying Calvin) for Calvin, take my chances in the second and third this year, and watch Petrino work.
By Jack Meeoff
April 28, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
Connie Lingous raises some very good points.
By Magneto
April 28, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
wristshot,
Even though they should, the falcons won’t be drafting a quarterback today. Don’t be surprised, however, if they make a huge move for a big player that may include an existing veteran.
If Detroit takes Johnson it will only to be to deal him to another team.
By Mr Me
April 28, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
All the Falcons should do is sure up that secondary and get some speed to rush the passer. Defense can win games and Mike Vick happens to be one of the quarter backs that can keep you in the game and win it by any means. People for the last time stop being a Vick hater. Why does he have to be a THUG? That’s most of you alls problem quick to judge him all the time. Say what you really want to say in place of the THUG word. If he was white and had the same recent problems, would you classify him as a THUG, probably not? He will be successful in the new offense and Mike Zimmer will have that defense ampped up! They wont win it all this year but a few more offensive pieces here and there and we will be there!
By Magneto
April 28, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Mr.Me,
If he were white, you wouldn’t be defending him. I don’t agree with calling him a thug either, but we have the right to expect the leader of our team to act like a leader, not just another player. Vick will never learn to make better decisons if you keep making excuses for him.
We all need to be held accountable for our actions.
By Ken Strickland
April 28, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Looks like all of the speculation about who we should draft will come to an end today. We’ll see what the Falcon plan for next season after our 1st three picks. I believe the most revealing part of the Falcons overall plan will be revealed after the 2nd rd. The 1st three picks will be based on need, while the remaining picks will be based on the future.
If FS Landry, or DT Okoye aren’t available, trade down and acquire another 2nd rd pick. Then draft the best available DEF player. Either ILB Willis, CB’s Hall & Revis, SS’s Nelson, Griffin & Merriweather should be available. We’d have 3 second, 1 third and 3 forth rd picks to fill out the roster. With a good draft, with proper coaching, and the proper system, all of which I think we’ll have, the Falcons will be a playoff team next season. You can count on it.
By Scooter
April 28, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
I believe this article hit the nail on the head. We had a good team last year, just poor coaching. Remember how pumped we were just before last season after all of our signings through free agency and the draft. We were just missing a solid coaching staff which we have now. Also, just wait till after the draft today, I will be even more excited about next season than I am now. Go Falcons!
By Vick Tied to the whipping post By AJC Sport
April 28, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
The Falcons will be a better team. They have more focus to detail this time around on both side of the ball. I have been a season ticket holder going on five year and seen our old coaches clueless when they were in trouble. That will change. The defense was the biggest problem last year we were 22nd in the NFL in defense if we get in the low teen we will win a lot of games. Vick and his weapon will know what and how to attract a defense and will! If our defense shows up this year we win! This is the year to believe watch and see!
By Ed
April 28, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
“I still say that we should offer Detroit our 2008 1st rounder to move up”
LOL!!! Give up a number two this year for an unknown first round choice next year? Give me a break.
By Josh C
April 28, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Ed you moron they’d be getting our 8th pick too. Two first rounders for Calvin should get it done…
By Newton Minnow
April 28, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
The Falcons need to draft a quarterback. Mike Vick is done!
By Macadamia Knutt
April 28, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick is a target of an investigation in Virginia. The police are trying to connect him to drug trafficing and dog fighting. His cousin, who has been arrested, in all probability, will give him up to keep from spending long years in prison. Also, there could be some taped footage of Vick at a dogfight. It will be interesting to see what comes of all this. The incident in Miami, with the dope bottle, was taken care of with money. Money might not do it this time!
By Well, not yet ...
April 28, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Well Vick’s not done yet, but we probably haven’t heard the last of this dog fighting thing. If some of that gets on him, like if he was involved in any way. He’s will Pacman and Henry in the commissioner’s doghouse.
By Macadamia Knutt
April 28, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
If Vick was involved in dope distribution or dog fighting, his career in the NFL is over. Personally, I think it is over. Vick has tried to maintain a veil of plausible deniability for his many inappropriate actions. The things he’s being investigated for will not just go away. They are, potentially, violations of state and federal statutes. If he knew anything about either activity, then he’s complicit in that activity. If it is found that he was involved, in any way, with either illegal activity he will be banned from the NFL for life.
By Macadamia Knutt
April 28, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
How far from the home where all the kennels were does Vick live? Who paid for the installation of the kennels or were they there when he bought the property? did he ever go by there and see that the animals were not being fed and treated as they should be? Did the cousin live there rent-free? Was his living there in return for services rendered to Mike Vick? Did Vick ever attend dog fights? Did dog fights take place on that property? The authorities will come up with these answers. PETA will be looking into it too. The AJC should be actively seeking answers to these and other questions. For a long time, some on these blogs have referred to Vick as a thug. Others have defended him as being a young man given to hip-hop manner of dress and misunderstood. If he’s guilty of any of these things he is a thug and he needs to go away!
By bobby
April 28, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Do some of you know what a “Thug” is? Dictionary: –noun 1. a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer.
Why does it seem that Blacks are always given this name and not Rock bands who constantly trash hotels or drunken out of control white actors or politicians. Granted Mike Vick has not made the best decisions lately but Thug - please. If I needed a Thug to help in a fight, I would take Tommy Lee rather than Mike Vick. Some of you are just Racist! Call him stupid, immature but Thug, Please!
By Whatever
April 28, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
OK Bobby, he’s a gangsta wannabe then. You can’t argue that. And if you do you are in denial. The rows, the bling, the blunts and now, the pitbulls. Deny if you can. I stand ready to laugh at your looping “logic” if you try.
By fayncbird
April 28, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
My goodness, Mr. Red Zone! Dogs must give you some great loving! I mean, how come somebody has to be called your favorite part of a dog’s anatomy? If Babineaux broke the law by shooting a mangy mutt, the he will be punished. But to get in an emotional upheaval over Babineaux and Vick’s dead dogs is insane! Like perhaps you about to sire a few puppies real soon. Like, get a life , man! FIND YOURSELF A WOMAN AND LEAVE THE DOGS ALONE! PERVERT!!
By Ed
April 28, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
“Ed you moron they’d be getting our 8th pick too. Two first rounders for Calvin should get it done…”
Okay I’ll put on my moron hat but I’m happy with what we got. The pundits are saying that with Williams, Flurrey and now Johnson the Lions will give defenses fits.
By wrong jamal anderson
April 28, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Are you friggin kidding me? Jamal Anderson blew out his knee twice, and now he is retired. So meoen forgot that the RB is done and this is an DE projected to go late first round. I am appalled with the pick, and can only hope that we get a safety and a OT with the two seconds.
By shortman
April 28, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
vick is a disgrace to the falcons, georgia and all those that have supported him. frankly I have had enough of Vick and his escuses. the bigest mistake the falcons was trading Matt Shaub,
By Fans with $hit for brains +sports writer
April 28, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
Short man and the rest of the no name so call fans we need believer not B!tcher and we have a blog full them. There 31 other teams we do not need you are care what you think. This is the making of a winner. Very good draft so far . Get Bush in the 3th we will be on the map . Mckay very good . Our 2nd round pick last year will play safety now!
By Fans with $hit for brains +sports writer
April 28, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
Vick needed to be traded, we should draft real qb . Vick a thug. trading matt shuab was a mistake, listen to all that b!tching. B!tch on b!tch on Vick is the Atlanta Falcon QB. If you don’t like it lease go pull for another team if not DIE! And we will win this year and just keep on b!tching see yea at the game B!tches!