AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > July > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USReason for optimism over Falcons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Conventional wisdom holds that the Falcons have had a debilitating offseason. From the water bottle in Miami to a dead dog named Kilo to the dogfighting investigation in Virginia, these have surely been eventful months. But will such “events” automatically make for a woeful autumn? Not necessarily. And here, since you asked, are the reasons why:
1. They have a better coach and a better plan. The last staff seemed a cobbled-together contraption, what with Greg Knapp and his West Coast offense and with Alex Gibbs and his zone blocking and with nobody who seemed to know how to optimize Michael Vick. The new man relishes the thought of coaching this quarterback. “That’s why we’re here,” Bobby Petrino has said, and he isn’t a guy who’ll let his coordinators hash things out. He knows what he wants and will settle for no less. You won’t be able to say of his team what became painfully apparent about Jim Mora’s: that it had no signature.
2. They had a bountiful draft. The Falcons helped themselves almost everywhere, from the defensive front (Jamaal Anderson and Trey Lewis, Rounds 1 and 6) to the offensive line (Justin Blalock and Doug Datish, Rounds 2 and 6) to the secondary (Chris Houston and David Irons, Rounds 2 and 6) to tight end (Martrez Milner, Round 4) to wide receiver (Laurent Robinson, Round 3) to linebacker (Stephen Nicholas, Round 4). That’s a lot of handy new pieces for this clever new staff to deploy.
3. Grady Jackson sued but didn’t leave. He’s a big man, literally and figuratively, for the Falcons. With Patrick Kerney gone and Rod Coleman hurt and Jonathan Babineaux facing an animal-abuse charge — and with Anderson being a rookie and with John Abraham being his brittle self — the D-line must have an anchor. With the lawsuit settled, Jackson still provides one.
4. Running back Jerious Norwood seems ready for his close-up. He’s one guy Petrino keeps mentioning, and he figures to get nearly as many touches as Warrick Dunn this season. More, if Norwood proves he can catch the ball. And Petrino’s quarterbacks are noted for utilizing every receiver.
5. Vick hasn’t been indicted and/or suspended — yet. If he’s indicted, he’ll be suspended. (Estimates vary, but four games is the most popular guess.) But absolutely nobody knows whether an indictment, which once seemed imminent, will be issued at all. If none is, will Roger Goodell still find cause to sanction Vick? If so, on what grounds? Having the wrong cousin?
6. Even if Vick is suspended, the Falcons have had a summer to prepare for his absence. This isn’t to say Petrino wants to start the season with Joey Harrington as his quarterback. (Would the Falcons have traded Matt Schaub if they had any idea this dogfighting thing was out there? Probably not.) But Petrino is smart enough to have formed a contingency plan by now, and Harrington, while no long-term answer, has at least been an NFL starting quarterback. He could win a game or two.
7. As unsavory as the off-the-field stuff has been, Vick seems to have rededicated himself to football. He has canceled public appearances — and he infamously skipped the breakfast with members of Congress — but the Falcons insist the quarterback has been an attentive student of the new system. And that’s the best news of a news-heavy offseason because, to put it bluntly, Vick hasn’t seemed as detail-oriented since he signed that $130 million contract in December 2004. He seems to believe this is the biggest year of his career, and it is.
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By gobirds42
July 5, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
sounds good. even tho u have never been a falcon optimist…..i’ll keep my hope up, at least until that suspension comes down. go birds!
By JaxFalconFan
July 5, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Excellent observations of both the new coaching staff and current events…you even put them all in the correct order of relevance/ importance!
Points 1-4 are all huge positives that have been overshadowed by all of the Vickgate junk…
By Josh C
July 5, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Now that Vick’s place has been shut down where will Surry County’s lone Chinese Restaurant buy its “chicken”?
By toocoldscorpio
July 5, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
This seems good finally a positive column. And a fair one.
By Malted Falcon
July 5, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
I agree with it all. I think this will be a good team and I hope Petrino will be around for the next QB.
By lawton
July 5, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
good report, especially the part about the offense being cobbled together. the whole team was cobbled together with no identity. Identity and consistancy is important, thats why i loved dan reaves.
By lawton
July 5, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
good report, especially the part about the offense being cobbled together. the whole team was cobbled together with no identity. Identity and consistancy is important, thats why i loved dan reaves.
By lawton
July 5, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
good report, especially the part about the offense being cobbled together. the whole team was cobbled together with no identity. Identity and consistancy is important, thats why i loved dan reaves.
By D-Man
July 5, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Josh C…SHHHH!!!
Hey Real Fans, I hope your enjoying this break, the season will kickoff and it will kickoff right. Vick will be a threat along with a supporting cast this year, we’ve just sign a kick returner slash WR, I guess Alan Rossum is finally getting the XXXX good I think he gave up on returns along time ago. The only question I have is what recievers are not going to make it now? Hopefully Fred Gibson from Georgia makes it and I hope D.J. makes 3rd reciever, I guess FIN injury is worse than the report. I wonder will we make more purchases in the Europia League?
Win Hard this Year Falcons, Beat the Saints Twice!!!!
By D-Man
July 5, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Josh C…SHHHH!!!
Hey Real Fans, I hope your enjoying this break, the season will kickoff and it will kickoff right. Vick will be a threat along with a supporting cast this year, we’ve just sign a kick returner slash WR, I guess Alan Rossum is finally getting the XXXX good I think he gave up on returns along time ago. The only question I have is what recievers are not going to make it now? Hopefully Fred Gibson from Georgia makes it and I hope D.J. makes 3rd reciever, I guess FIN injury is worse than the report. I wonder will we make more purchases in the Europia League?
Win Hard this Year Falcons, Beat the Saints Twice!!!!
By GHS
July 5, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
Maybe the falcons could sign Andrew Jones since he can catch. He sure can’t hit and that might help them both!
By falco
July 5, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
I am just waiting for the season to start so we can fast forward all the vick drama. I hope vick is not charged so we can move on and focus on football and have a good season. Good column Mark.
By Rutuger
July 5, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
I would love to enjoy this Kool-Aid—I really, really would.
Unfortunately, there’s absolutely nothing at all whatsoever to indicate that this season will be an improvement over last year.
By D-Man
July 5, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Good post falco, I wish the same!!
By Jay
July 5, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
about the way I figured it. hope all works out the way you say it. We all have a lot of hope in new coaches and new players…Go Falcons
By G-007
July 5, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
JUST REMEMBER THIS FALCONS!!SUPER!!BOWL!VICK MVP…..
By NASCARfan
July 5, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Hey, Rudy, you Notre Lamer…
You’ve missed the entire point! The proof that this year WILL be better is the fact that anyone but Little Jimmy Mora is the Head Coach and anybody but Greg “Take A” Knapp is guiding the offense and anybody but Ed “4th and 26” Donatell is running the defense.
There you go, Rudy. That alone right there is worth 2 or 4 extra wins. So I say this team is looking at between 9-7 and 11-5. This team can be explosive and special. I just want the season to get here already.
By Larry
July 5, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
We will never win a World Series with Andruw Jones batting 4th and we will never win a Super Bowl with Mike Vick at QB. Both are one dimensional.
Andruw, a good guy, is a keeper if we accept the fact he’s a great defender who should never bat higher than 6th or 7th; however, Vick, a degenerate, should not be allowed to wear an Atlanta Falcon Jersey, or play in the NFL, for that matter.
By Gumbo
July 5, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Good Article - While I freely admit, I am not a big MV fan (and, no, I am not a racist either), I do know that he was a better QB under Reeves (and growing), and I think (hope?) Petrino can get him back on the right track (football wise).
I am also perhaps the only person on the planet who thinks that Joey Harrington can win in the NFL.
Why? I live in Tampa and get all the Dolphins games. He won 5 of 6 last year when Culpepper was out and did not look half bad. Forget the Detroit deal…..He can put the ball where he wants to - he sucks at improvising. In short, with protection, he can win. Without it, he’s not a very good QB.
Go Birds…..
By Michael
July 5, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
It’s unfortunate that as along time Falcon’s fan I find myself wishing that I had a reason to cheer for Vick. If he plays a down for the Falcons I will not spend one dime at the Dome as I have for years. To bury my head in the sand and think for one minute this guy is innocent, is beyond me. So as much as I want to root for my Falcons I can’t as long as Vick runs the team.
By wildbill
July 5, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Between Vick & Babineaux, I guess the worst job in the world might be the family dog. Mannnnnnnnnnn sheeeeeeeet Mahk why dem mofos messin with u.
By SC
July 5, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
I wonder why you omitted:
*8. Unheralded but Effective Free Agent Signings
Ovie Mughelli help sure up the pass protection and power blocking schemes which Petrino desires. Toniou Fonoti is giving Justin Blalock quite a competition at left guard. As the season wears on, Fonoti will provide some insurance against injuries to starting linemen. Fonoti could prove invaluable as well in the short-yardage game. Joe Horn, while in the last years of his career, is proving to be an extra coach to the young and previously under-coached Falcon receiving corps. Fred Gibson has shown that he can compete for the #3 receiver job. Indeed, the competition at WR is so intense that offensive coordinator Hue Jackson refuses to establish a preliminary ranking. Joey Harrington, while much derided by casual observers, has won 25 more career NFL game wins than Matt Schaub. Chuck Smith’s contacts at Flowery Branch say that Harrington has been looking very good in minicamp and OTAs.
You are right on about the number one reason - Bobby Petrino looks to be the real deal at head coach.
By NASCARfan
July 5, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Michael,
It’s the team, not the players.
Ty Cobb was a racist who killed a man. Oh, and he severely beat up a mentally disabled man by going into the stands and beating him within an inch of his life because Ty thought he made fun of him.
Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Billy Martin were all drunks and womanizers. Mantle and Ford cheated on their wives numerous times.
Bear Bryant and Adolph Rupp, two revered southern coaches, were serious racists who only integrated their teams to win, and not for any higher moral reason.
Brett Favre was a carousing drunk who took pain medications illegally.
Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire pretty much did steroids. We know it.
The ‘86 Mets all used steroids and serious illegal drugs.
Magic Johnson cheated on his wife and contracted HIV. Now he’s a hero. Go figure. He also has the money to buy the drugs and gets all of the experimental drugs because of his celebrity status that is keeping his HIV from turning to AIDS, when thousands of people a day die because they don’t get that kind of special treatment. Some freaking hero.
I would say 80% of all professional athletes have cheated at least once on their wives with groupies.
Pete Rose gambled on baseball and cost himself a place in the HOF.
ARod just got caught with a stripper at a team hotel late at night. You do the math.
These guys… these athletes, they’re human. They all do dispicable, immoral things. So do we all. Tom Brady, who sleeps around with actresses and super models still surfs for porn on the ‘net.
Who are you to say that fighting dogs (if he’s guilty) is worse than adultery, doing illegal drugs, doing steroids, or popping vicodin? Once again… Ty Cobb, a man in the HOF, killed a man and beat a retarded man almost to death. Oh yeah, it’s also been said that he took part in at least one lynching.
It’s all bad. They’re all bad in some way. And they all have skeletons.
You root for the team, not the person. Jerry Seinfeld had it right. Since the dawn of free agency, we can’t really root for players, because most leave. We root for laundry. Laundry, Michael.
Get over it and cheer the laundry.
By travis
July 5, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Well, my assessment of M. Vick has changed in light of “W” commuting the sentence of “Scooter” Libby. The man was wrong, convicted, and basically pardonned by the prez. Vick hasn’t even been charged, let alone tried and convicted. What Libby did is worse than what Vick is accused of doing. I AM NOT A VICK APOLOGIST, BUT I KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE. Scooter put a human life in harms way and the prez didnt think that was bad. Go Vick, Go Falcons, Go Atlanta!!
By maurice
July 5, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Why not? We have at least one receiver who knows how to catch a ball. Our offensive line will be bigger for the run and the quarterback. We will still have the same two running backs who ran all over other teams who were stacked for the run. Tell me, why are you being pessimistic about this coming season? Rutuger? I can’t hear you.
By NASCARfan
July 5, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
After further thought, I want to revise my season predictions.
I am going to say that the Falcons will go 6-10. But those 6 wins will be the best games we have seen in years. They will play hard but still lose.
No matter what I will still be proud of them. They look really good in thier home uniforms, so it is always a pleasure to watch them(and I mean not just playing either).
By the way I would like everyone to watch the Lady Dawgs this season. Those ladys can really put on a show at the Steg.
And please show your Pride support whenver you can.
Thanks All!
By Jeff
July 5, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
As long as Vick is in town the Falcons are doomed to mediocrity. Regardless of who the coach Vick can’t pass and he is NOT a leader. And oh, by the way: Most murderers kill animals before they kill humans.
By Najeh Davenpoop
July 5, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
This is still a young team whose few veterans are very injury-prone, making the transition to a new coaching staff. I’m not quite as optimistic about this team as Mark Bradley seems to be. But then again, they had TERRIBLE coaching last year and had a lot of bad players getting a lot of playing time, and still were in playoff contention with two weeks to go in the season. This team may not be better than last year, but I don’t think it’s any worse either. 8-8.
By NASCARfan
July 5, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this
Okay, so instead of listening to sound advice, Michael decides to be an a-hole, steal my name, and write a bunch of bs under my name.
People on these boards really need to get a damn life.
By Best year ever #7
July 6, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
we will win 11-5 write it down!
By Ctstyle
July 6, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
These points sound good, but when you have to rely on 4 rookies (Anderson, Blalock, Houston, and Nicholas) make plays and contribute substantially to the team you are asking a lot. You could almost count a 5th rookie (Jimmy Williams since he is at a new position) that must be productive. I love the Falcons, but that may just be asking too much. Hopefully, they just won’t know better and come in and kick a**. Go Falcons!!
By The Murf
July 6, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
Say Vick is cleared of everything, this still has to be a make or break year for his career. He really needs to step up and lead this team to the playoffs.
By Billy
July 6, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
This might be Vick’s make or break year. If he doesn’t get it done, the Falcons may take the cap hit and let him go.
By The Grinch
July 6, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this
I have a lot of confidence in this coaching staff (though the three stooges would have been an upgrade on the previous bunch of douchebags). I think it’ll take a season or two to work the bugs out, but I see good things ahead.
By Beavis
July 6, 2007 6:58 AM | Link to this
heh, heh, heh. You said bluntly.
Seriously, though, if Vick is suspended Harrington might not suck. Geez, the man was stuck in flippin’ Detroit for cripes sake. Give him a chance. Petrino is.
By falcondawg
July 6, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this
loved your historic post, NASCARfan. Too many so-called fans think one man is the whole team.
By No Dawgs Here
July 6, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
What???? OK. People get a grip! Mike Vick is a GREAT athelete, no arguments there. However; he is a sub par QB. He does not have the football smarts it takes to be a NFL QB. Never has and never will. His arm is strong, but not exactly accurate. Petrino is NOT the second coming of Lombardi! Falcon fans come on, wake up and smell the coffee. The Falcons are going to have trouble this year. New coach + new system = a under .500 year. SO grab a cup of reality and take your lumps. Once the Falcons can afford to get rid of Vick and get a REAL NFL QB in the system, we can talk. Until then, sit, wait and watch the drama unfold. I love the Falcons, but I wouldn’t go a bet my paycheck on any of their games for a while.
By No Dawgs Here
July 6, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this
falcondawg? Does this mean your a double loser?
By mountain jim
July 6, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this
Hey Michael
In the US it’s innocent until proven guilty… Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out (of Falcon fandom).
Hey No Dawgs Here - when the Vick-lead Falcons go 10 and 6 are you going to come in here and admit you were wrong?
You folks that are so sure Vick is a sub par QB - you must not have been watching when Reeves coached the team, and you obviously do not realize just how worthless Mora and Knapp were as coaches and schemers on Offense.
This year MV will show you what talent guided by coaches with an F’ing clue can accomplish - watch and see.
By KB
July 6, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
To the FalconOptimism, you are a sick soul. It is people like you with that type of warp thinking has the people around the world thinking Americans are evil and we need to be destroyed.
Yes, this is a critical year for Vick. He must grow not only as a leader, but as a man too. The Falcons will go 10-6 this year. Petrino will fix half of the problems with this team this year. Next year Petrino will fix the other half. It is going to going to take him three drafts to get the team in the Super Bowl talk, but believe me he will. Harrington will be a valuable resource. If Vick gets supended (he will about 4 games) Harrington will get the job done. He is not a bad as the people in Detriot and Miami put him out to be.
My only concerns are 1) Is McKay the right man to give Petrino the pieces he needs and 2)Are the majority of these cowardly fans going to bale on this team when the first sign of trouble like they do the rest of these sports teams here?
By Robert
July 6, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
We now have a grown up leading the team. Now lets hope that his system works, and I think it will as there are a lot of good parts in place. Like any new equipment it has to set in, run slow, then you can run it fullout. Go Birds
By jcfromindy
July 6, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
Psst…………..the Colts are going to win the SUPERBOWL AGAIN :)!
Falcons YOU SUCK! oh Mickey Vickey Sucks!
By Matt
July 6, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
Not a bad post. I’ve been tracking the AF boards and what is being said on the radio about the Falcons. It sounds like they should have a good season — maybe 8-8 +/- 1 game. I would call that a good season if we have ramped up a bunch of young players and the coaching staff is embedded. If we can get consistency out of a good coaching staff, then we’ll get consistency out of the team. Look at the Braves’ 14 year stretch — largely due to consistency in coaching (not too many assistant coaches left during that period) and a strong front office. As much as people have been down on Blank and McKay, I have a lot of faith and confidence in what they are doing. Now if they can just fix the fans of Atlanta and make this team more rootable given all the transplants in this town. I could careless about the Vick issue. If he’s suspended, convicted — whatever. We’ll probably have the same record. Even if we have a losing season — it’s a winning season because we’ll get rid of Vick and pickup a solid young QB — hopefully Brohm.
Nonetheless, go Falcons!
www.shuttyuppy.com
By D-FAN
July 6, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
Great article.. I’m just ready for some Falcon football…. with the new coaching, the pick up of Joe Horn,the fact that Michael Jenkins showed improvement last year, the bigger o-line, the solid draft and free agent picks and the explosiveness of Dunn, Norwood and Vick, we should have a solid season.
Vick needs a few more completions, and with a healthy Joe Horn, Alge, improved Jenkins, and the need to show us something Roddy White, I think his completion rating will be where it needs to be to win. Let’s not forget Norwood, Dunn, and Ovie making catches out of the backfield.
I’m liking the defense, because I think that the right coaching is there to handle the young coachable guys.
I’m excited about this year….
so, yeah…. let’s play some football..
By Birdy
July 6, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Every AJC article or column must mention “water bottle incident” but never the FACT that it was an overblown FALSE ACCUSATION PROVEN TO BE FALSE BY SCIENTIFIC FORENSIC ANALYSIS.
They also must mention “Congress” but never that a player sent his mother to receive an award on his behalf for his charity work following the airline botching his connecting flight. Also, never a mention of the fact the earlier portion of that day was spent doing charity work with another teammate (Dunn).
Now Bradley tries to “prep” the public to expect the NFL to suspend a man for the mere possibility of an indictment. And indictment is not guilt, but a permission to file charges. charges are not guilt unless some really bad “profiling” is going on in one’s mind.
AJC: You screwed up with your rabid coverage of the false accusation ‘indident’. You can’t smear a man to enough to rationalize it. Let it go and just improve in the future.
By gdg73
July 6, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Not that I want to wait that long, but when did Elway finally win a Super Bowl? His 15th year in the league. How long has Vick been in the league? I think Tom Brady and Big Ben are the exception more than the rule when it comes to QBs winning the SB at an early age. It’s funny also how lucky those teams were in their SB year. N.E. and the tuck game, while Pitt. escaped in Indy after the Bettis fumble. All teams need a litle luck and good fortune to make it all the way. Good coaching, talent, and a solid, deep and well rounded team helps too. Something the Falcons haven’t had until recently.
By MM
July 6, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Unproven QB? College coach at the helm? Joey Harrington as your backup? Why again am I supposed to think this season will be any better than Saban’s years at Miami?
By Expectations
July 6, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
The best part of the upcoming season is the low expectation. The past few years we were thinking playoffs and/or Superbowl yet we got teams that couldn’t even crack .500. At least there will be no surprises to the downside this year- assuming we don’t go 0-16.
I am particularly looking forward to seeing Knapp operate in Oakland. That guy is a train wreck waiting to happen. Now we will get to see how the worst OC in the NFL does with the NFL’s worst offense. This should be ten times more interesting than watching Vick try to prove himself in his 6th season.
By Rutuger
July 6, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
I repeat—I wish I could believe that these points are as franchise and season-changing as Bradley suggests them to be, but I just don’t see it. In recent years we’ve had numerous seemingly legitimate reasons for off-season promise (be it Mora, Peerless Price, Abraham, Grady Jackson, Alex Gibbs, Ashley Lelie, etc.), and the trend has been huge disappointment.
Bradley’s reasons, in contrast to these I just mentioned, aren’t even based on anything proven—it’s all pure speculation.
Who’s heard this before:
“Vick has rededicated himself to football this off-season”
“New coach and new game plan”
“We had a good draft”
I’m not hating or just bringing unwarranted negativity. This is my genuine objective viewpoint—think about it. I’ll be just as excited as the next rabid fan come August, but I’m not going to put myself in some false sense of entitlement absent any valid reason, before seeing a new product on the field with my own eyes.
And for the love of God, if you insist on making a weak unfounded effort to insult my view, please, PLEASE come with something better than “you Notre Lamer.” That was less than pathetic… Of course, your name is “NASCARfan.”
By mark
July 6, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
I hope none of you have any beautiful puppies..vick is a sick tick.., i will never have the falcons on my screen as long as he is on the team …take that bird….sicko vick..
By dirtybyrd
July 6, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
we have been 1 rushing offense past 3yrs, we have better and bigger line now same running backs we have all new offense play calling and receivers we have all new coaches that have a clue what to do come game time question is going to be on defense side of the ball can we stop anybody else yes things look good so far we will all know more after couple of pre season games
GO YOU DIRTY BIRDS!!!!!
By Hippo Critters
July 6, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
All you people who are crying about Vick weren’t animal activists before, and you’re not one now. You’re just a Vick hater. You people watch pro wrestling, and think it’s real. Then one of it’s stars kills his wife, child, and himself, and you throw him a memorial and call him a victim. You people will hate Vick if he wins a super bowl or not, so just shut up if you have nothing new to say. Go adopt a dog since thousands of them are put down every day if you care about animals. If not, just give up your seats and go root for the Panthers. See ya.
By cat
July 6, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
vckscks
By eric
July 6, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
First of all I’d likw to say that Jeff is an IDIOT. That being said, The Birds might do this city proud this season. The team as we all knew lacked direction and coaching. They also gave away every first down last season. You cant win with 1 less down per series than the other team. All you haters just settle down. End your summer Vickhation, and if we are fans lets try to do something that fans in other cities do. Lets root for the darn team
By Thrash
July 6, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Hopefully Vick is indicted, found guilty and put in jail. That’s what happens to thugs and criminals.
By RAY
July 6, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Old Kiss of Death Bradley has done it again. He has ruined our season (Falcs) months before it even starts. You dont even have to read his column (which i stopped years ago), to realize his analysis is always flawed. Please, please Bradley, tell me the Dogs are gonna suck this year.
By convick
July 6, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Check out the front page of the AJC. The feds are at Vick’s property as we speak looking for buried dogs. The thug is going down!!
By theman
July 6, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
It still amazes me how many of you blogger punks, most of whom are probabaly just a bunch of clumsy unorthodoxed, non-athletic, never picked to be on anyone’s team in anything ” You know the type, we would rather play one man short than to pick you”, use these forums to uplift yourselves by taking negative shot’s at others. Shame on you guy’s i.e. Rutuger, Jeff, G-thang(Get out of town F*).
By bigtoombs
July 6, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Good post NASCARfan
By LHP
July 6, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Please people, get real. They will not charge Vick with dogfighting. If they haven’t even charged his crap for brains of a cousin, there is no way that they’ll charge Vick. Remember the Duke case? We knew every piece of evidence as it was coming out. There has been nothing at all found about dogfighting.
That being said, the offense under the Mora era was sooooo predictable. That’s why we would start off hot, and then near the middle of the season, after people could watch some tape of the Falcons, our opponents would KNOW what play was gonna be called. Petrino has a reputation as a great play caller, AND Vick will be allowed to change the play if he feels it’s necessary.
By RJS
July 6, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
This sounds great but after reading your blog in support of Billy Knight how am I supposed to take anything you write seriously? Plus, Vick’s off-field behavior isn’t unsavory- it’s criminal. Dogfighting is a felony.
By BC
July 6, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Falcons blow..you cant be serious….6-10
By lc
July 6, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Here’s hoping for a great season this year from the Falcons. Unfortunately, it took the fear of going to jail or being suspended to make Vick fully re-dedicate himself to his profession. Hopefully, he’s learned a valuable lesson from this
By Casey
July 6, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Ahh.. a breath of fresh air. And did I hear other Falcons players’ names mentioned?
By convick
July 6, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
LHP “There has been nothing at all found about dogfighting.”?? Don’t/can’t you read the papers? There was plenty of evidence of dog fighting found there. And at this moment the feds are there digging for dead dogs. This will be interesting. I got my money on Vick going down. And the Falcoons are going to regret unloading Shaub.
By Lex Luthor
July 6, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
The Jail break play is about to take on a whole new meaning for MV7.
By Michael
July 6, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Hey Nascarfan. Did you ever stop to think that my name might just be…..uh….Michael? Sounds like something a redneck would say. Maybe it’s a condition coming from watching cars ride around a circle, constantly steering left. Last time I checked you didn’t create that name. And if watching a constant train-wreck which is the Vick show, will not continue to fill my Sunday’s than so be it. Uh…and it’s not bs that a home which “happens ” to be owned by Vick has already been linked to drugs and dogfighting. But hopefully he’ll be gone soon, because as soon as he is proven guilty, he’ll join his brother panhandling on another sideline somewhere…! Nascar people…good lord.
By D-Cider
July 6, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
If Ray Lewis can reclaim his career after being involved in killing a man, Vick should be able to get past this if he gets focused on football and drops his association with the people who are hanging around him. btw, convick, thrash, and falconoptimism are the larry, moe and curly of this board, except not as funny. I can’t understand why the idea of Vick doing time starts these morons salivating.
By convick
July 6, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
* D-Cider* Judging from your post, you condone murder and other felonies commited by football players as acceptable, as long as they reclaim their career. What kind of idiot are you? Do your kids look up to these thugs as well? You sir are a punk, just like Lewis and Vick.
By D-FAN
July 6, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Man,
People, There was also an article about a young teenager lying in the ICU after being attacked by a group of another teenagers. It’s strange that we don’t get as upset about that as we do dogs/animals getting hurt. It’s sad… Here is a good slogan for the extreme animal lovers. ” Beat your wife and kids and love your dogs/animals ” Animal cruelty is bad, but let’s get our priorities straight. In the big scheme of things, it’s way down on the list.
Now that I have said that, I’m a Vick fan, but a bigger Falcon fan. I say let’s take the wait a see approach. If Vick is founded to be guilty, then the team will have to deal with that. I do feel that Joey H will do just fine in this system, but I do believe that Vick will do better because of the dual threat.
I get excited each year about the Falcons, even after having seasons like the past two seasons.
Go Falcons!!!
By RAY
July 6, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
D “Animal cruelty way down on the list”? I wonder about you. You need to go look up the definition of psychopath. Animal cruelty is a MAJOR red flag. Just go to any APA site and type in psychopath and see what you get. Wikipedia is also good. “Way down on the list”. What kind of person are you?
By ExVickFan
July 6, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are done if they keep that dog killing low life on the team. I and many others will not be paying for tickets or watching games that include a guy who tortures dogs. I was a Vick Fan and I am a dog fan. I did not care about the water bottle or even flipping the fans off but I draw the line at rooting for a team that idolizes a low life that tortures animals. If Vick stays, the Falcons will not be my team anymore!
By ExVickFan
July 6, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
D-Fan - How do you know we don’t get upset about cruelty to people? I think people that hurt other people or animals all suck! DO NOT tell me what I think or feel. We just happened to be talking about animals. That does not mean any of us condone people abusing other people.
By UnHappyFan
July 6, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Yes, re-dedicate!
120 million just didn’t light Vick’s fire all this time. Maybe Arthur could roll Vick a blunt before the game to achieve peak performance??
What’s the secret to retail? Know thy customer. The only city buying what the Falcons have to sell is Vine City.
Reap what you sow.
By D-FAN
July 6, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
Look, people… All that I am saying is… I would never vaule an animal’s life over a person’s life. That’s the kind of person that I am… Don’t judge people, when you don’t know all the facts… It only takes one time for you or someone you love to be wrongly accused, locked away or even killed because of the lack of facts.
And to the guy who stated that it is way on top of the list. Let see we have, hunger , homeless, child abuse, drugs, poverty, joblessness, war, peace, and so on, and so on, and so on, you tell me where would you put animal cruely in there… Like i said, way down the list…..
Don’t get me wrong, I like animals, but there is not way that I am going to put animals rights before, human rights… not when I see that there is so much more that we can do…. That is not the way that it is meant to be…
Anyway, I’ve said all I have to say on that subject.
Sports is for entertainment and the courts are for deciding who is guilty of what. Let’s keep them seperate, ok!!
I’m looking forward to be entertained by the Falcons this season….
By P
July 6, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
They got nothing on Mike if they did he would be charged already!! They put so much of this BS out there, that they realise they aint got jack on Vick. They can dig all they want they got nothing!!! Go Falcons.
By Sarah
July 6, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Great post NASCARfan! Thanks for reminding some of these people that “players” are still people. Now, while everyone is bringing up Saban and such and afraid of the “new” coach and system, think New Orleans last year not Miami!!! Go Falcons.
By Just the facts ma'am
July 6, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
How many times can you dig up a property and find nothing?
By D-FAN
July 6, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Sarah
Sean Payton did a nice job of coaching the team up… Great example of what a good coach can do…. even with a new system and new players…
By NakedDogWalkingSideways
July 6, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
If the color scheme doesn’t matter, wouldn’t you rather see Mike Vick in a VARSITY uniform than in an ATLANTA FALCONS uniform representing YOUR city on national television?
What’ll ya, you know, have ??
By Edward R. Murrow
July 6, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
BREAKING NEWS: “Sarah” is NASCARfan’s drunken, inbred, incest-loving sister.
We’ll have further updates as they become available.
GO, FALCONS!
By Orlando Rivera
July 6, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to come back here in December and hear all of the excuses when Atlanta goes 11-5 under Petrino as he wins Coach of the Year. The overrated Aints will fall back to the middle of the pack, because everyone has stopped feeling sorry for them like they were last year, that’s the only reason they even got that far. The Panthers will succumb to their usual suck as Fox will be shown the door, another 8-8 season for them. As for the Bucs, hope Gruden has his resume ready because they’re not going anywhere with the list of sorry QBs running the show down there. Garcia was a one hit wonder who was the beneficiary of no one taking him seriously.
Petrino has things locked down in Atlanta and will take this team back to the Dan Reeves days. No more p*ssy coaches who kowtow to their archaic offensive coordinators. Vick will regain the progression he was on before Reeves was let go. I wonder where all you racists were when he was leading this team to the playoffs in 2002?
Falcons/Patriots in the Super Bowl… mark it down!
By Tyger
July 6, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Whats gotten into Mark Bradley????
Did he get saved?
Did he bump his head?
All this rational journalism is very uncharacteristic. I had written this blog off as cyber-trash along with his buddy Sgt. Shultz.
By VickFan
July 6, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
I agree totally with you on the facts. Great draft. Sky’s the limit talent from Norwood. Superman having a season that shuts everyone up. He is noone I would let take my daughter out, or speak to my 3rd grade students about morality. As far as leading my team to the playoffs, run it. How easily people forget that he is a warrior on the football field and more than adequate than lets say, Rex Grossman. Shut up wait for the season to start and enjoy the playoffs, I know I will.
By D-Cider
July 6, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
convick how did you come to the conclusion that you did from reading my post? Did I say I condoned what Lewis did? No, I was just saying if Lewis can overcome what he did, Vick should be able to do the same. There was a trial involving the Lewis case and no one was convicted of murder. Lewis plead guilty to a misdemeanor. I know what kind of idiot, you are: : 1) a person affected with idiocy 2 a foolish or stupid person Take your pick. I think either on fits.
By true fan
July 6, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
I think these so call fans want the glory days of chris miller back. Vick is the reason that dome is filled every sunday, and you guys know it. Before vick came i would rather shoot marbles than watch them games. The true thug was the coward that killed his wife, and young kid. You back wood racist is spending time talking about vick, and not that man. I didn’t see all of these peoples talking about vick until they sent that back up quarter back out of here. I can’t wait to see him come in the dome this year so falcons can have him running for his life. I’m so fired up for that game i want to play in that game just to get a chance to blind side him!!!!!!
Go Vick!!!! Go Birds!!!!!
By By Big J
July 6, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
by big j If we stop and consider the fact that Mike Vick is not a great quarterback, if he survives this dog problem he will be involved in something else. Check his brother out and you will see that it is in his blood. He was more careful and it took some some time for the real ike
It took time for the real Mike Vick to stand up. If he is guilty of the dog abuse case, he should be punished.There are too many good players available to waste any more time on Mike Vick. I wish I had this same oppertunity.
vi
By UduhMan
July 6, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
Why are so many of the Vick Supporters unable to type in English? Is THE MAN keeping down their reading and writing skills?
U no wut iaim sayin?
By TexanFan
July 6, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to stop by and thank you for Schaub. See ya on 09/30 for your butt kickin.
By AL PO
July 6, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick kills little doggies.
…..and coaches, too.
Word.
By David Duke
July 6, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
There’s far more to the vick case than just animal abuse. There’s the killing of animals, illegal gambling and, probably, a criminal enterprise that violates Rico statutes. If that is the case, Vick will be going away for many years. Let’s hope the Federal prosecutors bring him up on every charge he deserves to be prosecuted for. Also, anybody want to bet that his restaurant does not go out of business soon? You can bet the Feds are looking at that establishment for what it is, a legitimate business to launder money. Vick is done!
By TTCO
July 6, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Read the front page of AJC.com. Look at the facts and dont say you dont think Vick knew about what was going on up there because if you do you are showing that you are as ignorant as he is. Now do you really want a person that did that to innocent animals to be the leader of your hometown team? Again if you do you are showing that you are as ignorant as he is. The FBI is NOT going to let him get away with this you can take that to the bank. He should be locked up for as long as the law allows for animal cruelty. Then we can get a real leader for our team and the healing can begin. Vick has ruined this team with his poor play and his poor morals everyone knows it and should just admit it and lets move on. Believe what you are seeing he sucks as an NFL QB and has the morals of a being with way less stature than a dog.
By Tyger
July 6, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
Increasingly a Witch Hunt
Initially, I had a wait and see attitude, I thought too many incidents in a row for there not to be something here…but now???
It makes you go hmmmm….a rape stand? Dogs rape each other??? A treadmill??? Dogs workout??? Bloody piece of carpet??? I’m really convinced now..
…that this is more like the OJ trial, the more evidence they produce, the more a conviction seems less and less likely.
Next they’ll be talking dogs, deported Mexican witnesses, and bloody dog socks, i.e. carpet…
By Ryan
July 6, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
You know, if it was completely obvious that he did it, you would think that they would have mentioned his name in the papers they have filed…
And for the person that mentioned Libby. .you do know that:
A: Libby was not even indicted with, much less convicted of, outing Plame. In the end he was more or less convicted of having a different memory of an event than a reporter, who was not allowed to be cross - examined.
B: Fitzgerald KNEW who outed Plame(Armitage) Nearly from the beginning of the trial yet never bothered to even call him to the stand.
The whole Libby trial was a Seinfeld trial: It was a Trial about nothing. A show - trial by someone who was determined to have a scalp to hag and for some odd reason passed over the REAL scalp, Armitage, to go after Libby.
At least pay attention to the details if you are going to bring politics into a thread, okay?
By David Duke
July 6, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Libby lied to a Grand Jury, on several occasions, and that’s what got him indicted and tried. Vick is being investigated for dog fighting, running a clandestine criminal enterprise, illegal gambling and use of electronic interstate communications to further that criminal enterprise. he’s guilty as hell and he’s going to go to jail for it!
By tr
July 6, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
The Vick fans are pathetic. Even worse that the S.F/Bonds fans.
By No Stupidity
July 7, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
REALITY CHECK
Hey, Eddie Murrow,
Do you really wash your dirty underwear in Vodka and then drain & drink it for breakfast? The reason I ask is because drinking the mixture would be the only way that you could possibly think you are even close to being witty. Perhaps you misread the subject of the above article as futbol rather than football. “Haters”, and idiots, like you are the reason we should have a public castration policy in this city. Fortunately for you, there is no such law because it would be a fate worse than death to have your peewee league unit shown to the public.
Grow up and go away!
GO FALCONS!
By No Stupidity
July 7, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this
How convenient that David Dick does not understand that “Guilty before proven and never innocent” is NOT what our country uses as a basis of it’s legal system. It is only the Media who do not gather all of the facts or, after having said facts, do not relate them in their reporting. Oh, and the idiots who read, watch or listen to said media.
Idiot!
By SC
July 7, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this
Mark, considering the news on Friday, you’re looking very prescient! Keep up the good news ;)