Sports Columnists

By Falconite

May 10, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

I’m excited as well. I think Norwood will be the MAN. I only wish and hope that we do not get caught up in all the hipe surrounding Vick.

By King of the Ring

May 10, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

About time! All that talk of needing a “big” running back, when we already have someone who can take it to the house, was making me sick. What more could ant team ask for other than an exciting, fast young back to team w #7?Cheers, Petrino! Now take us to the playoffs!!!!!

By kew

May 10, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

I see good things with this team. I love the big offensive line, this is what we’ve always needed. The draft was great. I think the receivers will surprise people this year. Vick will be a better passer because of protection and catches being made. If there’s any setbacks, it would be concerning Grady (his suing the Falcons), Colemen (injury), Williams (injury) and Vick (his legal problems). But hopefully we can correct all of the above problems before the start of the season. Go Falcons

By Jay

May 10, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Petrino seems to be of the mature type, more like New England’s Billichek and that’s exactly what the Falcons need. The lack of discipline has always been a major problems among professional sports. Players can only do so much of that….the coach must provide a strong example which Mora did not. A true friend will confront the person he cares about when they screw up and demand correction.

By "D" in Houston

May 10, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Norwood looks like a perfect type of screen back who can excel in picking his holes…..I also think we should pick up Keyshawn Johnson to have one more possession receiver(Finn, Horn). He doesn’t drop balls and finds ways to get you 8-10 tough yards on every down. GO GET HIM PLEASE!! Plus…do you think he will get up to play the Panthers twice? I DO!

By a monotti

May 10, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

As long as they don’t cowtow to Dunn and make sure he gets the majority of runs.

Norwood should be the feature back and Dunn should get mop up duty.

Mora completely misunderstood Dunn. He ran his 175 lb hb up the middle , thru the tackles, over the center. wth

Use Norwood and the new fullback.

By The Humane Society

May 10, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Before you Falcon fans get too excited, you better read what SI’s Don Banks has to say today about Michael Vick and his dawgs.

BTW, when I say Vick’s “dawgs”, I’m talking about his dogs, and his dawgs.

You know what I’m sayin’?

By phurn

May 10, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

I think we broke a record! 6 posts before the negative ones pop off! To all you nay-sayers……GFY!

By zac

May 10, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

The passing game will improve for 1 simple reason: Petrino will scheme a defense.

Years past, we would line up, and just say we are going to run the football. Eventually, defenses are packing the box. Our answer? Run some more.

On the off chance we threw the ball, it was 3rd and long, or 2nd and long. We weren’t fooling anyone, and our passing game revolved too much on attacking the deep end of the football. Joe Montana made it as a HOF QB without having to hardly throw a ball farther than 20 yards. Last year, we just wanted to throw in the most covered area in football-deep.

More crap that erks me…the best running QB in the NFL, we ran what-2…maybe 3 QB draws last year? But boy, did we love that ole Green Bay Sweep…think it worked what…once out of the 75 times we tried it…

We are in much better hands offensively with Petrino.

By savannah falcon

May 10, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Norwood should be the starting tailback. We all love Dunn, but we should use him as a back-up. We need younger and stronger tailbacks. The falcons should keep 3 rbs on the depth chart.

By PAUL

May 10, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

WE DO NOT CARE ABOUT HEARSAY OR GOSSIP FROM OTHERS. ESPECIALLY THE NEWS MEDIA & VICK HATER. GO BACK TO THE 60S WHEN SO CALLED Racists alway trying to bring down black QB ON TURN THEM IN TO WR LIKE THEY DO TO VICK BROTHER. TIME FOR WE ALL TO PUT A STOP TO THIS. MAY TO GOOD LORD BLESS VICK HATER, AND IM STRENGTH TO OVER COME IS ACCUSERS, BY BRING THEM DOWN TO SHAME. WE LOVE YOU VICK GOD BLESS YOU. PAUL

By honest_abe

May 10, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

paul you’re an idiot.

i’ve always loved norwood. speed burner can pop off a long run at any given moment. i look forward to running back by committee like they used in NE last year. only NE had one bruiser and one scat back. oh well, can’t get everything you wish for. i just think norwood is the perfect back to bring in the 4th quarter when defenses are tired. it’s the quintessential “change of pace” the falcons o needs.

sorry fellas but this story ain’t going away. i’ve been preaching responsibility and accountability and it looks like its coming to fruition. it’s called realilty.

By Rodger

May 10, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Just got done FM, phurn, and boy was I magnificent!

Now, too bad the Falcons passed on the next Joe Montana, Brady Quinn. Seems more and more like Vick is going to get some of this dogfighting stuff on him afterall. Just think, out West, posses were the good guys. But that’s not how things roll in the A-T-L.

By OJ's Steakhouse

May 10, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick: The Dog Whisperer

Mike Vick: From DIRTY BIRD to JAIL BIRD

A Couple Pieces of Advice to You, Young Mr. Norwood:

“DON’T Be Like Mike! “

If Vick asks you to ‘Hold something for him.’ when the police suddenly arrive at training camp, RUN !!!

By Bubba

May 10, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Hi Y’all! I’m hoping for some positive influence in this whole organization. Everyone is downing Vick. He might, or might not, be involved in half the things he’s been accused of. Never the less, he needs to lead by example. Our rookies should make an impact. I’m gonna say we will have four starters from this group. I want our OC and DC to come in with aggressive game plans, to fire off the ball and cause havoc to opposing teams. I want them to be wondering “what’s gonna happen this time?”. And, the biggest wish, is a response “this ain’t good”…

By OJ's Steakhouse

May 10, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick -

Where there is smoke,….

There is probably a BONG!

By alodawg

May 10, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Paul, typing in all caps isn’t cool. Neither is writing sentence fragments and run-ons that no one can understand.

By Teggie

May 10, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Vick Breeds Pit Bulls…..So What????? That does not have ANYTHING to do with fighting them!!! People are determined to crucify #7.

Norwood should be our #1 back this year. We need to use him somewhat like N.O. uses Bush…

By Ryder

May 10, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Whether it’s Vick (just in case, you never know), Harrington, or whomever winds up as QB, I have the utmost confidence in Petrino and Hue Jackson that they will set up a system that will allow this entire team will flourish. That said, if Norwood is healthy for an entire season then I can definitely see a more effective combination of his home run ability with Dunn’s in-between-the-tackles running.

Also, I believe we will see them utilized in the passing game the way NO uses Bush-McAllister. Hopefully Alge will remain healthy enough to give defenders a target so they won’t stack 8 in the box. A returning Finneran as well as Horn will only do wonders for this offense because in a spread formation these two are capable to making the tough 3rd down catch, something Jenkins and White have yet to display.

By Hasavior

May 10, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

I see momentum in this team this year than last year. The first game of the season will set the pace on how the rest of the season will be. I suspect that the offense will be sets of interchangeable parts as the offense proceed down field.

The defensive end issue will take a lot of pressure off of the free safety in terms of extended coverages. There will be a lot of bat downs and coverage sacks this year due to the respect and pressure from the ends on pass plays and stoppage of the run off the offensive guards and tackles.

I still see the weakness in the secondary with coverage of the flats. With 2 athletic defensive ends, healthy and pursuant, flats coverage in a cover 2 scheme will be open. perhaps a more man to man with LB zone coverage will minimize flats passess in terms of run after the catch.

By Magneto

May 10, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Teggie,

Hey dumba$$. If you have been following the reports, you would know that they found evidence of staged dogfights at Vickboy’s house. That’s kind of the whole point of the story. Dead dogs, and wounded dogs were there. You got it yet?

By Hasavior

May 10, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

The highlights to the offense this year will be the emergence of Norwood, the play and protections of Meguilie(sp) the fullback, and the consistent play of Crumpler. Of course all of this comes thru Vick and his execution.

I say all the time players and thier talents excel when playing in the right system with the right coach at the prime of thier career.

Each of these players that i have mentioned and a few others, are at the prime of their careers or at a coasting point to rejuvinate their prowess.

This is going to be something special

By Teggie

May 10, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

That’s just the media reporting that and racist law enforcement trying to make a name for themselves on Mike’s bank. They’re trying to do Mike just like they did OJ

By Teggie

May 10, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Magneto

Correct, but the question is was Vick involved in the illegal activity or had knowledge of it? His answer was “no, he’s never there”. He never said he didn’t know anything about dogs…..What was your point???

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 10, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Norwood’s running style is still not suited to breaking tackles on the goal line, regardless of how big he is, which means the Falcons still have to find someone who can handle goal-line carries (whether it’s Ovie Mughelli, Jason Snelling, or a street free agent). But the new and improved offensive line should help a lot in clearing out holes on the goal line. Although Norwood’s not the ideal goal-line back, I hope the Falcons find creative ways to use him this year, whether it’s on screens, regular handoffs, or lining him up as a WR from time to time. With more creative playcalling, this offense will already be very hard to game-plan against because of the dual threat of Michael Vick and the matchup problems created by Alge Crumpler. Add the versatile Norwood to the mix more regularly and it will mean even more headaches for opposing defensive coordinators.

By Magneto

May 10, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Teggie:

Please learn how to read and stop playing the blame game. Neighbors said that they knew that Vick went and out of that place all the time, and yes the media reported what the police discovered. Think, think, its not hard.

By Billy

May 10, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Teggie,

So, what you’re saying is that OJ was innocent? If you believe that, I can’t believe that anyone would take you seriously. I love how to some people, Vick can do no wrong. It’s always the racists, the “haters”, the media, blah, blah, blah… You people need to get a clue. You don’t hear about this kind of stuff with McNabb or Leftwich, now do you?

By ndadome

May 10, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else hear Hue Jackson’s interview on 680 this morning? Very encouraging. He honestly sounds charged up about the personnel on this team. I know, we fans are eternal optimists, but hearing him recharged my batteries. How about we let the Vick stuff rest for awhile? Right now, nobody knows where this is heading. Go Falcons!

By Falcon

May 10, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Good to hear Hue is excited - Can he stop the run?

By OJ's Steakhouse

May 10, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

“Teggie” cannot be that dumb.

“Teggie” sounds like some racist who is deliberately putting comments dripping with stupidity on here in order to make minorities look dumb, gullible, unsophisticated and uninformed.

Shame on all you racists!

By Fake Teggie

May 10, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Busted. Ha! You are most perceptive O.J.’s Steakhouse, but are you strong enough to turn that high-powered perception on yourself? Or maybe you’re afraid to.

By Bong Hits 4 Jesus

May 10, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Vick still has not been charged with a crime. as far as these discussions about OJ, I don’t see where that case matters at all anymore.

By Stupidity Yields Hate

May 10, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Please take your own life/lives, Teggie and Fake Teggie. Whoever you/y’all are, you are worthless.

By Falcon

May 10, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Bong Hit - are you engaging in disruptive speech (tinker)or is your message political?

By Fake Teggie

May 10, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Naw, you take it. Try. See what happens.

By Bong Hits 4 Jesus

May 10, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Falcon- political…inspired by the upcoming Supreme Court case. can’t take any points for originality.

By Falcon

May 10, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Tinker is the primary precedent being cited in this case. Decision will be released early June. I would be shocked if the ruling goes against Frederick. You should read the transcript of oral arguments - funny stuff (in the context of legal brief)

By Bong Hits for Jesus

May 10, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Falcon - yeah, I will have to check it out. I understand Frederick went to China to teach them English. I would really be shocked if the ruling goes against him. Plus, he has gotten support from some unlikely sources. Amazing how something gets this elevated. I never really considered it disruptive, Not like some of the cases which have gone before the court. I will have to take a look at the precedent as well. thanks for the info.

By Magneto

May 10, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

To all the crackhead Vick fans:

Look at the front page of ESPN.com Vick’s own friends are telling the truth about him!

All of you Vick defenders need to leave the drugs alone! The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

By Maroon Bulldawg

May 10, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

I can assure you, Norwood has none of the tendencies of Vick.

This brings me back to the story AJC posted after the first spring practice of last year, Norwood’s first practice- the first time he touched the ball, he busted one loose and took it all the way to the house, and left the Falcon’s DBs wide-eyed. Don’t forget he was the fastest RB in the draft last year, clocked at a 4.29…

By cb

May 10, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Is this a football blog or what? I’m from Va. and live about 20 minutes from the Vick property in question and the local news media are giving this story the appropriate attention that it needs. With that said whatever happens Mike will have to take responsibility for it(if that responsibility comes in the form of having to deal with known involvement or having to change the people, places and/or things that have been a detriment to him).Period. Now back to the purpose of this blog: FOOTBALL. I’m in agreement with hasavior and Najeh. On defense playing the cover 2 will by design leave the flats open but as hasavior stated a “hybrid zone” in the lb scheme could work because we do have olbs athletic enough to run it. Zimmer’s defenses when manned with the proper personnel are aggressive and potent. The pickup of Chris Houston is a major piece to the puzzle insothat we can play man on both corners now with EFFECTIVENESS. Also, with the addition of Anderson opposite Abraham,we have potentially the best bookend de’s in franchise history (and that is a statement I don’t make lightly, like many of you I have been a longtime Falcon fan,36 years). I agree with the move of JWill to FS (his skill set is much more suited to the FS position than corner) and believe he will excel in it. The Nicholas pickup in the 4th round puzzled me until the situation with DMO was released. He will definately add to our depth at lb. Also read that he plays all lb positions, and has a motor that is in constant overdrive. With the additions/upgrades that we have made to the oline and the addition of Ovie (a great FA acquisition) Mike will have something that he did not have with the Mora/Knapp regime:TIME to read through his progressions. Petrino giving Mike the ability to audible also will allow Mike to dictate to the defense as well as Petrino. I might add that the authority to audible is practically essential for a quarterback to be effective and productive. McKay, Petrino & Co. did an admirable job in the draft and free agency and if we stay relatively healthy and pick up the new schemes this team could go 10-6. Petrino had talent to work with on this team when he got here and has made the necessary moves to strengthen this team on both sides of the ball. Good job. Looking forward to this season. GO DIRTY BIRDS!!!!!!!

By cb

May 10, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

As far as Norwood goes, he should have been the feature back last year. Petrino and Jackson will put both Norwood and Dunn in situations that will allow them to be effective. Both can be used out of the backfield as receivers. Norwwood, according to Petrino in the presser, has to be able to execute the protection packages better. I believe that our receivers can be “coached up”, after all they are #1’s so they do have skill. Joe Horn will be a positive influence on them. GO DIRTY BIRDS!!!!!

By Fake Teggie

May 11, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

I wish Vick would touch in me in my special place. I’m so full of blind, uneducated rage that I just want to hurt those who reject my unnatural advances. I try to stangle my pet chicken and kill it but it feels SO goooooooood…….

By Barry

May 11, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all”

Petreno, to me, ain’t no joke. We all know the speed that Norwood has. And we know he has a nasty streak when he is running that football. I look forward to the offensive creativity Petrino is going to put the quality players on the Facons roster. Remember, Atlanta already had quality players on the team. They lost games to offensive and defensive mismanagement/coaching and play calling. Thank God we got real football people in here NOW.

Let’s go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! This is a SECRET!!!! Tell everbody!!

Ringold

By morris

May 11, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

I have a feeling this may be it for vick. This season will determine if he stays or goes. If his performance on and off the field doesn’t improve we will be drafting a QB next year. I truly believe that arthur has just about had enough. I read don banks story and had a good laugh when vick was qouted as saying he didn’t even know there were pit bulls on the property. Sure mike you didn’t know there 70 freakin dogs on that property. I also don’t believe his contention that he never visits that property. It’s time for this dude to come clean and start acting like a leader or his career is in serious jeopardy.

By Ryder

May 11, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Atlanta does need someone who can score in the short yardage situations, especially at the goal line. One of the Falcons’ major problems last year was the inability to punch it in.

Barry makes a great point that I believe many pundits miss about this team. While there are still some areas that need to be settled (outside LB & DT for starters) Atlanta has talent. It was poor offensive management and conservative play calling that left Vick and the Falcons’ frustrated. Even in spite of late season collapses, this team was still at 8-8. Of course we’re all expecting more this year and for good reason. I do believe Hue when he believes this offense will thrive, and until the defense is completely healthy they will carry the load.

By SlimG

May 11, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Finally someone in Flowery Branch that knows good football. With all the silly shemes we’ve had to endure in the ATL(Weak Coast, Run’n’Shoot yourself, Elvis is coming), I can’t wait. Big O Line, punishing Fullback, and good defense sounds like a football team.

By This Gets Old

May 11, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

To the regular posters:

Good job in this blog of staying away from the nonsense. We’ll get our board back.

By Mike Vick

May 11, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

WE

ARE

VENOM!!

By birdbrain

May 12, 2007 3:40 AM | Link to this

Falcons name Mora Jr. as head coach Last Updated: Friday, January 9, 2004 | 3:27 PM ET CBC Sports The Atlanta Falcons named former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Jim Mora, Jr. as its new head coach.

Mora was formally introduced during a Friday afternoon press conference.

The 42-year-old Mora takes over the spot vacated when Dan Reeves was fired on Dec. 9. Wade Phillips ran the team on an interim basis for the final three games as the Falcons finished the 2003 campaign at 5-11.

this text will be bolded“I’m very excited to be joining the Atlanta Falcons,” said Mora.this text will be bolded

“(Owner) Arthur Blank is committed to building a top-flight organization, and I am privileged to be a part of it. The Falcons have a tremendous opportunity and plan in place to win. It’s about as good a situation as you can find in the league.”