AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > August > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHarrington’s seen, heard a lot already
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Flowery Branch — When the Falcons signed Joey Harrington a few months back, people generally reacted in one of two ways. There were those who believed he wasn’t fit to quarterback the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. And there were those who believed he was.
Probably not the best choice to appease the masses.
“Do I get offended? No,” he said. “It just motivates me. There was a time in Detroit when I let what people said affect me. I got a bit out of whack. But not now.”
Harrington will make his Falcons debut in a preseason game next week. Are you ready, Atlanta?
Understand, this isn’t a preview of what happens if Michael Vick turns his ankle. It’s more likely a preview of the season. Given Vick’s impending trial and the irreparable damage he has done to the franchise and his relationship with Arthur Blank, the chances of Vick ever playing another game here are somewhere between slim and Ookie.
Harrington politely shook his head no when asked if he had ever been to a dogfight. (Sorry, it’s the new standard for opening questions.) He says this situation won’t overwhelm him. He says he has “been through more in five years in the NFL than a lot of guys go through in their career.” Dre’ Bly, a teammate in Detroit, publicly blamed him for coach Steve Mariucci’s firing. Fans booed him. Even PA announcers were out to get him.
When Harrington returned to Detroit last season as a member of the Miami Dolphins, the Dolphins asked the Lions to introduce the defense and not Harrington. The response was the public-address version of the middle finger. The Lions introduced the defense. Then they showed Harrington on the video board and introduced him while playing the song, “Piano Man,” a reference to his skills as a jazz pianist.
His sense of humor remains intact.
“I always thought it was ironic that in Motown, I was criticized for playing the piano,” Harrington said. “I laugh about these things now.”
It helped that he threw three touchdown passes and the Dolphins won the game.
“Yeah, that was nice,” he said, smiling. “Every time I was on the field, they booed me. But that was no different from when I played there.”
He is 23-43 as a starter, though he began a U-turn in Miami (5-6). He has thrown more interceptions (77) than touchdown passes. But confidence isn’t an issue. A year in Miami was like therapy. He is starting to feel like he felt at Oregon, where throwing for nearly 7,000 yards and 59 touchdowns in three years led to Detroit drafting him third overall.
Now, (dis)organizations like the Detroit Lions can make anybody look bad. But Harrington admits they shouldn’t turn a man’s mind to mush.
“I let it affect me because I had never dealt with adversity before,” he said. “We went 25-3 [with Harrington as a starter] in college. We never hit a real road bump. Everything was easy. Everything was fun. You get to the point where you expect everything to be like that. Then when I got to Detroit, everybody was criticizing, guys weren’t getting along. I had never been through that before. I didn’t know how to deal with it. I’ve been publicly called out by my teammates and fans. But I’ve grown because of it. I’ve had to learn things besides the playbook.”
Is there any way to quantify what went wrong?
“Everything,” he said. “There’s blame to be placed on everybody, myself included.”
After four years, Detroit dumped him for a conditional draft pick. Miami didn’t bring him back, but the Falcons must see something. They gave him a two-year, $6 million contract.
Harrington doesn’t possess Vick’s physical skills, but coach Bobby Petrino says he likes his “knowledge of the game. He understands what defenses like to do. He does a real good job on his reads. So I think he’ll be able to execute the offense and distribute the ball where it needs to be.”
But suspect linemen will keep him fleeing at a considerably slower speed than Vick. The receivers are largely unproven. Warrick Dunn is coming off back surgery. Otherwise, life is grand.
Petrino might have to shrink the playbook, minus Vick. He’ll begin to get a better understanding of things next Friday in New York. So will we. Harrington? Not worried.
“I’m just looking forward to an opportunity to prove people wrong,” he said.
Opportunity won’t be a problem.
Permalink | Comments (278) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By Brian
August 1, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
I would rather see Shockley start, good or bad. I cannot get excited about Harrington at all.
By keep it real
August 1, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
we want vick
By jamie
August 1, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Jeffey continues to throw little jabs at Vick, how juvenile. I guess he’s trying to be funny. How sad is that?
By Brian
August 1, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
As big of a UGA fan as I am, Shock is just not ready to be a starting QB in the NFL. Give Harrington a chance. If Petrino and Musgrave were supposedly going to be able to turn Vick into a real QB, imagine what they can do with a real QB. I think we will find out it was not all the receivers fault. When the ball is thrown where it is supposed to be, then it can caught easier.
By keep it real
August 1, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
we want vick
By AJC SUX
August 1, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
JEFF SCHULTZ YOU ARE DIRT AND A REAL TIME BUT HOLE
By TOM
August 1, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Vick=Super Bowl Win Harrington OR Shockley= #1 draft pick in 2008
By AJC SUX
August 1, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
jEFF YOU ARE GOING A LONG YEAR !
By Michael
August 1, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
Hey..keepin “it” real. Maybe you better change the “we” want Vick, to “You” want Vick. But I can tell who “doesn’t” want Vick. Nike, Reebok, The NFL, Arthur Blank, Roger Goodell, and I could go on and on……
By tony
August 1, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
Give DJ Shockley a chance Petrino! If he doesn’t work out, throw Harrington in there.
By Support The Team
August 1, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Time to get over Vick and support this TEAM!! And forget about Detroit, Joey will light up the scoreboard. Here is what Falcon fans can expect to see from Petrino and Harrington this year. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHwkQtxU-J4&NR=1
By midnite
August 1, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
Lets not rush to judgement on Harrinton. He’s the best we’ve got. It’s certainly not Joeys fault for Vicks bad decisions. Give him a chance. It’s not like we were exactly Murderers Row the last two seasons going 15-17. Not even .500 with Vick under center. Vick is gone, get over it and move forward, it’s obvious the Falcons have.
By San Antonio falcon
August 1, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
Maybe “Harry” at QB will mean less 3rd and 5 batted balls in the air like last year! Go back and count them because there were several drive killers as such. Everybody has it wrong, Vick was just too short to play QB. It had nothing to do about smarts, accuracy, or whatever.
By Logic
August 1, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
Keep it Real,
May I suggest you become a fan of the Virginia Penitentiary League as that is where Vick will be playing.
By tony
August 1, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
Brian, PROVE IT. Be specific.
By Adel Purvis
August 1, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank please do not submit this franchise to further embarrassment, START DJ SHOCKLEY!!
By Gumbo
August 1, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Not sure why you Vick guys think he can deliver because he had one of the worst QB rankings of any starter in the league. This is true ever since Reeves left. How many years does it take before you say enough?
Unfortunately, Harrington was even worse.
Vick can run, but he can’t throw - Harrington can throw, but he can’t run. If I had to choose my poison as an NFL QB, it would be the guy who can throw. At least we won’t see NINE in the box like we have for the past 2 seasons. That alone should help our offense.
Gonna be tough either way.
By kj
August 1, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
how can u say vick = superbowl win? how many rings does he have? that’s right he has as many as i do = zero. the falcons have been no better than an average team since vick has been here with the exception of the one playoff run. is vick better than harrington, absolutely but he’s not anywhere near a championship caliber QB
By Davis
August 1, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
Who cares?!? Unfortunately, now that Vick is gone, the team won’t be competitive or worth watching until at least 2010.
By NASCARfan
August 1, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Hey keep it real, we DON’T want Vick.
And this is coming from me, one of the biggest former Vick apologists ever.
We don’t want Vick. As much as I know that Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire took steriods and cheated and as much as I know that OJ is a double murderer, I KNOW that Vick is the kind of guy who would hang, shoot, electrocute, and beat to death dogs and watch them tear each other apart while betting paltry sums and endangering his career in his selfish pursuit.
You know it. I know it. Stop fooling yourself.
Honestly, you aren’t keeping it real, because if you were, you’d stop fooling yourself and come to terms with what you already know.
By KEEP IT SO REAL
August 1, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
LOGIC YOU ARE NOT A SEASON TICKET HOLDER YOU ARE JUST A SMOKE BLOWER AND vICK IS NOT GOING TO JAIL WATCH AND SEE!
By Davis
August 1, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Who cares?!? Unfortunately, now that Vick is gone, the Falcons won’t be competitive or entertaining until at least 2010.
By nOT WORTH WATCHING
August 1, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
4-11 FALCON THIS WHAT JEFF SCHULTZ WANTED . I DON’T HAVE TO HATE THE FALCONS THE ARE LOSER WITH THERE HATERS FANS . THE REDNECK DAWG FANS CAN HAVE LOSERVILE BETTER KNOWEN AS THE GEORGIA DOME WATCH AND SEE!
By pray4vic
August 1, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
HYPOCRITES! Unfair treatment to convict in the court of public opinion! We love you Mike!
By Matt
August 1, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
People, get over it — Vick is gone. Vick will either plea or be convicted. What world are you living in? Have you’ve not heard about the evidence? Read the indictment? Deal with it and move on. Even if he get’s off, he’s not playing in a Falcons uni this year.
It’s Harrington right now, possibly Shockley later in the season if Harrington doesn’t do well. Nonetheless, wait for the preseason games.
Even if we had Vick, we weren’t going to go better than 8-8. We were 7-9 last year and 8-8 the year before — in case you can’t do math — that’s 15-17, sub .500.
Not that it’s fair to compare Vick to Harrington. But in Harrington’s favor, he threw for 2236 yds in 11 games vs Vick’s 2474 yds in 16. Now granted, Vick ran for over a 1000 yds, but do you want a quarterback running for over a 1000 yds. In 2005, Vick had just +1.1 pts over Harrington in Passer Rating. Harrington threw one less int and longest completion was 86 yds vs Vick’s 58 yds. In 2004, Vick was 21st ranked QB and Harrington 22nd ranked QB.
Vick by far has great athleticism — but don’t act like he would ever get this team to a Super Bowl.
So let’s summarize, Vick was OK at QB (exceptional as a running back), Harrington was slightly less than OK at QB.
2007 Falcons will perform based on coaching. Too many rookies on the field. Having Harrington will not hurt us.
Also, just to get in my last opinion (and I recognize that that is all it is) — Vick was never a good leader, so don’t use the argument that the team lost it’s leader. A good leader doesn’t make decisions as he has — on or off the field. Sure, Greg Knapp was awful, but the slow release or poor decision making of Vick was pathetic (with exception of the Redskins game).
By nOT WORTH WATCHING
August 1, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
TO THE HATERS YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW BACK TO THE 1999 -2000 FALCONS.
By midnite
August 1, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Why aren’t you few Vick “believers” ticked off at him for putting the Falcons in this situation. Y’all couldn’t even get 200 “believers” to show up at the Dome for that lame rally last Sunday. Vick doesn’t give a rats arse about you few folks. He’s not our QB anymore…sorry.
By Brian
August 1, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Tony, Shock has only played 1 season in the last 6 years. That is about 13 starts total. Why people think he can just step in to the best league in the world and take this team to the superbowl is beyond me. Give Harrington a shot. A lot of good QBs have struggled early in their careers only to light it up somewhere else. Steve Young was terrible in Tampa Bay but look what he did in San Fran. Doug Williams, Rich Gannon, etc, etc…
By Matt
August 1, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Hey nOT WORTH WATCHING and pray4vic and KEEP IT SO REAL.
I’d love to see Vick get out of this, but at this time — people are welcome to form their own opinions based on more than just one person saying Vick was or was not involved and funding dog fighting.
I personally was really looking forward to seeing what would happen with Vick playing Bobby-ball. All of the offensive players are saying positive things about it. If Vick didn’t perform, then he would have been gone. But, the decision was made for us by the Feds and, at a minimum, Vick’s apathy and allegiances to his friends.
Let’s hope Vick can get off and clear his name. But until then — get behind the team and accept it.
The constant pounding of “We won’t Vick” is not helping anything and it will not speed up the legal system.
As much as everyone disagrees or hates Jeff Schultz, he is just reporting what we have.
I’m sure if Joey faulters, the coaching staff will give DJ a shot.
By Brian
August 1, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if Vick is guilty or not, but he is a terrible quarterback.
By Reality Check
August 1, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Like it or not, Vick is gone, probably forever. Shockley certainly has skill and potential but is clearly not experienced enough to be the starter. One year of college play just won’t cut it. Does anyone who posts here know more about our QB situation than Petrino and Musgrave? I will trust their opinion: Harrington is the starter, period. I will not be surprised if he ends up being more effective than M. Schaub. I also kind of like that most everyone is picking us to be in the bottom 4 or 5 teams this year. Falcon’s are flying under the radar and just might surprise a lot of people.
By clmtigr
August 1, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
What a stupid question to ask him if he’s been to a dogfight. That’s not funny at all…….
By Jon
August 1, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Dog fans - quit yer yappin about SHOCKLEY. It AINT GONNA HAPPEN.
Support Harrington — Our QB!
By NumbaOneFan
August 1, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
It pains me to see any positive comments regarding M Vick since he nothing but a THUG and and a miserable excuse for a human being. He has displayed nothing but a THUG image whereever and whenever he made a public appearance. Sporting the nasty and putrid Corn Rows, the baggy shorts halfway down his skinny AASS, aloing with the sunglasses concealing the heavily dialated pupils and bloodshoot eyes of a P.O.S. THUG. Over the last couple of seasonf M Vick has spent the better part of the seasons running for his life trying to save his AASS and on his AASS. The only difference now is he will be running while trying to save his AASS from the boys in the penitentiary. Any truth to the rumor that the raping stand used in the Bad News Kennels will be set up for Mr Vick the newest future inmate at the Virginia Federal Penitentiary??? Face it Vick supporters…one doesn’t mess with the FEDS and gets away with it. Whey the FEDS indict…..you can bet your AASS they got the evidence t indict. It burns my AASS to see only the ignorant,the poor, and so called Falcon Fans stand behind such a worthless cause. I saw the lame rallye at the dome where this female stated in a interview that she was not going to support the Falcons because Vick was not playing. Just one look at her and it was clear this so called fan, is one of the bottom feeders near the Dome directing real Falcons Fans to park their cars in the front yard of her rundown ghetto dwelling during games at the Dome for $20.00 a pop. Judging by her demeanor, atttiude and Half AASS attempt to communicate in the english language, it was also clear that the closest this substandard piece of CHIT ever got to attending a Falcons game at the Dome was when she offered to Blow a Dome attendant if he could sneak her in for FREE. GO FALCONS AND GO Phock yourselves Vick supporters.
By Jackie
August 1, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
To:NumbaOneFan, Amen, Amen Amen!!!!! To: Logic, I haer you loud and clear! Vick will be going into the Pen as a Tight End and comming out as a Wide reciever!
By myconju
August 1, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
What most people don’t know is that the AJC and advertisers watch how many hits a websites gets as well as general subscribership. The key to a good boycott when you do not subscribe is not to purchase the newspaper and to not purchase from any of their subscribers.
With that said, please boycott those companies that have rushed to judgement and that includes the AJC and the Falcons.
Also AJC…the constitution protect my right of freedom of speech.
By Brian
August 1, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
NumbaOneFan, way out of line dude. Get a grip man. Vick is presumed innocent and those people have the right to support Vick just as you have the right to tear him down. I can not say whether he is guilty or innocent, but your post was beyond ridiculous. You should probably learn to spell before you criticize anyones speach.
By myconju
August 1, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Jeff Schultz has stated that he worked in San Francisco. Why is he here covering the losing Falcons. Did he get fired.
Mike Vick was the best thing that happened to the Falcons. I truly don’t believe that Blank loved MV the way that he says. If anyone watched “The Gladiator” they know what I mean.
By myconju
August 1, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
I meant to say advertisers. Boycott the Falcons, AJC and their advertisers until Mike Vick is reinstated.
By sickofmyconju
August 1, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
hey myconju, I’m really fed up with your crap. if you don’t like the AJC and the Falcons — then quit posting comments here and the Falcons Board.
When are you going to start your boycott? How about now and shuttyuppy.com
By REDNECK USA YOU ARE HATED THUGS
August 1, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
=RULE OF LAW=RULE FOR THE WHITEMAN THE LAW FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR.
By myconju
August 1, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
Sickofmyconju
Hey! I’ve already started my boycott. I am looking for people that will join me. Now if you want to break the law as you claim that Mike Vick did and stop my right to free speech, and the freedom of assembly, go right ahead you lawless individual.
By REDNECK USA YOU ARE HATED THUGS
August 1, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
UGA IS A LOSER AND THE NEW FALCONS FULL OF REDNECKS IS A LOSER SAME AS w!
By Logic
August 1, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Keep it so real,
Funny you should mention smoke in the same blog as Vick….
All the Vick supporters,
You are absolutely correct he is innocent until proven guilty….IN A COURT OF LAW.
Unfortunately for you (fortunate for non thugs) the NFL is not a court of law. Nike is not a court of law….Rawings is not a court of law….These businesses can cut that boy loose anytime they see fit. It is in their best interest to dissassoiate themselves from the cancer of Vick. It’s all about the money….quit telling yourself it’s not and move on.
By lamar
August 1, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Several comments here:
There is no need to pass judgment on Vick here - he is indicted and he apparently, thanks to the league will not be a part of the football team this year, so we must move on.
Joey Harrington has been named our starting QB. He had a heck of a career at Oregon, who pretty much stunk before he got there and has stunk since he left.
John Elway, Fran Tarkenton, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana,Terry Bradshaw, probably would not have won much more than Harrington at Detroit, nor at Miami. Actually5-6 with a 4 game win streak is not too bad at Miami these days.
Shockley, UGA alum, hometown favorite, great arm, super attitude, leader,intelligent, class act unfortunately, little experience at this point.
All the emotion and argument will not bring Mike Vick to the field this year. Let’s get behind the falcons and hope for a good year. We have a first round, third overall pick as our starting QB, a hometown favorite backing him up, hopefully and third string(better be)Redman who is very familiar with Petrino’s sytem, ready to start the season. Things could be much worse.
I have been a Falcon fan for close to 40 years, was in attendance the night on Monday Night Football that Bob Lee had the greatest scramble in the history of MNF, and will continue to support the Falcons, as my favorite team, regardless of who the starting QB is.
That said, I truly hope that these allegations that Michael Vick has been charged with are not true. Not from an athlete perspective, but from a human one. I would hate for the Michael Vick that I have cheered throughout the years to be capable of this type of cruelty.
Now lets get behind the 2007 Falcons!
By myconju
August 1, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
The AJC won’t stop racist comments but they will not allow criticism of their newspaper. There is no freedom of speech if as a citizen we have to totally agree with you to be published. It leads me back to the “North Star”…”We wish to Plead our own cause” considering the AJC slant, they probably don’t know who wrote that.
By Jake Bogartis
August 1, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
Vick will never play another down in the NFL.
GOOD RIDDANCE!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By REDNECK USA YOU ARE HATED THUGS
August 1, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Don’t buy AJC paper . you hate black star players . why spend you money on Ajc they need us because they love money. I won’t buy from them and other that company that cut Vick off. this is about money! That all they understand is the money shut this bull $hit down!
By Jake Bogartis
August 1, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
To add to my past comment; EVEN AL DAVIS wouldn’t subject himself to the PR nightmare of signing MV7!
Unless Charles Manson buys a team, Ron Mexico is finished!
By myconju
August 1, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
Jake, should that be the case, he can thank God that he won’t be slamed to the ground again. Let that happen to those that are more presentable to you. Let the games begin.
By myconju
August 1, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
Jake, are you a dog lover or just a Vick hater.
By REDNECK USA YOU ARE HATED THUGS
August 1, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
The falcon are in Atlanta not a court of law . peta if it work for you it will work for us!
By myconju
August 1, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this
I support Mike Vick 100%.
By Logic
August 1, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
REDNECK USA YOU ARE HATED THUGS,
Could you please translate? Not easy to follow your diatribe. May I suggest a one way ticket to Liberia for you if the USA is so bad.You can check into it Labor Day weekend at Stone Mountain Park.
By REDNECK USA YOU ARE HATED THUGS
August 1, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this
no vick no peace it work for peta we buy a lot more goods than peta money talks!
By anti-hypocrite
August 1, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
Has anyone seen the rosewood massacre special on HBO? Weren’t those violent, hatred crimes, “Barbaric” “Barbaric”!? Were those acts performed for sport? Hum and you want to talk about Vick, allegedly dogfighting.
By Jake Bogartis
August 1, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
The AJC had NOTHING to do with the idiotic decisions made by MV7.
He brought everything that is written upon himself!
If he couldn’t play football he’d be hang’n at the projects selling drugs on a street corner!
P.S. People on welfare don’t normally buy newspapers; neither do people who can’t write a coherent paragraph…
By CoachKillerVick
August 1, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
I was not a big fan of Vick before all of this and he seems like a terrible qb to run Petrino’s offense that requires vertical passing not scrambling and throwing everything too hard. I think Harrington will do better than everyone expects and if not we all saw Shockley light up LSU before his best WR was hurt in that SEC champ game of 2005.
By logic
August 1, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
Excellent point by Mr. Bogartis concerning intellect of those buying newspapers.
Redneck USA you are hated thugs,
If you threaten to boycott the rims business and the finance company you may have a little more sway and influence. Seems like the shoe is on the other foot now with a small boisterous group getting their way (PETA). Turnabout is fair play.
By tony
August 2, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Brian, Doug William took Tampa to 3 playoffs, Steve Young played 2 seasons with the Bucs and he was drafted in the supplimental draft and Gannon was drafted in the 4th rd. Joey Harrington was drafted 3rd overall in the 1st rd. He played 5 seasons with a 55% career completion percentage which is only 1% higher than M.Vick and he have more Ints than TDs. DJ need a chance to prove that he can be a every day starter. Let’s give the kid the same opportunity that Minnisota and Dallas gave Tarvaris Jackson and Tony Romo to prove that he can play in the NFL. I believe DJ will complete more than 55% in his 1st year as a starter and will be able to evade the pass rush better than Harrington. Give DJ a chance Petrino.
By JSS
August 2, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this
Bob Berry Pat Sullivan Bob Lee Scott Campbell David Archer Chris Miller(Bless that poor sacked punching bag) Billy Joe Tolliver Bobby Hebert Jeff George oh the list goes on and on… Don’t worry Joey, you’ll be in good company…
Oh Jake, remember to turn off the propane tank when you go to sleep tonight Mr. Slum Lord… Tell the Comb over to move over give you some room in the shower at the bathhouse…
By 4vicktory!
August 2, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
Go ahead AJC, so-called fans, and to all vick haters: criticize him, turn your back on him, ridicule him when he needs our support! I hope he is acquitted of all charges, released by the falcons, signs with another team and come back to destroy those (dirty) buzzards!! Face it, #1 He’s African American. #2 Wealthy #3 Draws crowds wherever he goes! Last but not least, your sons admire his style that’s why you’re tossing around the old pig skin in the backyard. Wishing!!
By jj
August 2, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
Man… keep it real, myconju, REDNECK USA YOU ARE HATED THUGS, why don’t you go stick your heads in buckets o’ whitewash so that you look like THEM on camera at a rally - for your man that won’t even buy you the whitewash for Christmas
By jj
August 2, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
Oh, man, another one 4vicktory!, you make us all look like d*******
By 4vicktory!
August 2, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this
jj,come on man, buy us whitewash for Christmas!! Is that all you can think of?
Focus on passing your high school exit exam this year!!
By GeorgiaDomeIsHome
August 2, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
I won’t touch the Vick debate because at this point, it doesn’t matter for the organization. I do question why many of you pledge your unwavering support for a proven Loser over a kid whose potential has no ceiling at the moment. Harrington is a great Loser so support him fully if you want a shot a Brian Brohm next in the draft. Personally, I’d like to see what Shockley can do.
By myconju is ignorant
August 2, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
myconju, go back to school. Freedom of speech and assembly only applies to the government not indivivdual citizens you dummy.
By GA RED NECK
August 2, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this
Redneck USA you are hated thugs
I can’t beleive how you can blame the whites, the Falcons, the AJC, and the companies that paid Vick endorsement money just to fund illegal dog fighting. I think you just post this crap to get a rise out of people and stir the controversy pot. Otherwise, you come accros as the biggest Dumb A$$ that ever posted on this site. Please back away from the halucinigenitics and get a grip, Mike made his own bed and now he has to lie in it. There is an old Red Neck saying “Every Dog has it’s day” even the dogs that were murdered by your hero will have their day as well. Mike’s money, from the white man, will not save him or his high priced mouthed brother lawyer from his crimes. Remember out moto, “The South shall Rise Again” all of us together and keep Georgia beautify, kick out a Yankee!
By GA Red Necks R Us
August 2, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this
OK people lets get this strait. The bill or rights, contained in out constitution, ensures that people who live in our country, citizen and non citizen alike, have the right to free speach, assembly (batteries not included), and the right to redress the government. These rights apply to the individual, groups, associations, and especially Red Necks but not Yankees residing south of the Mason Dixon line.
By rlynn
August 2, 2007 1:37 AM | Link to this
Schutz, what makes you think that Vick is fit to quarterback the Winnipeg Blue Bombers?
By krisg
August 2, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this
What? You think Vick supporters arent angry? I’m furious at the a-hole. He screwed my team worse than any one man in recent history! I support him primarily because I find it extremely unsavory that not only have we apparently reduced the trial to a meaningless detail, constantly trivialized for reasons I will speculate on later, but the Bush “with us or against us” attitude that if anyone supports him, they may as well be murdering puppies. I’m all about second chances, not judging someone who into something I’m not, and letting the people deal with criminal cases whose JOB it is to deal with criminal cases. The other thing is, I can’t help but notice the racial divide that pops up no matter what black athlete is up for trial… it’s not lost on me that the obvious attitude is that its a fault of minorities when they don’t share the view of the majority, who are “obviously correct.” I think perhaps there’s a hunger to “make up for” the OJ case. Because Kobe Bryant was practically a choirboy before he was accused by a very deranged girl or rape. The racial divide? The same. Even today, he’s now referred to by a new favorite buzzword: Thug. You get the feeling that Tim Duncan and Donovan McNabb are one misstep away from thughood, and certain conviction in the court of public opinion. Justice will be done if it hasn’t already. Race won’t play into the trial, it just plays into the way some have always seen Vick and assumed the worst was the only truth possible. Yes, some blacks are racists who won’t see any black as guilty or deserving of punishment, thats a very small minority. But I think we would all feel a little better if just once, when a black athlete was accused, there were others, not just us, who spoke more about justice than BLOOD. Blacks would feel better if we knew that if Warrick Dunn were accused of something tomorrow, he could go to trial with dignity, without his guilt being judged as a foregone conclusion in the media.
By atlanta4evr
August 2, 2007 2:25 AM | Link to this
i love how you guys who sit at home and watch games and read stuff on the internet act like your the super know it alls of the football nation. take a reality check and stop actin like you know exactly whats gonna happen this year. we dont know if vick is guilty yet, so dont judge. this media can spin some stuff. and his sponsors are wimps. so is blank for givin up on a friend. besides, dont judge vick vs harrington in previous years becuz while vick had who? peerless price? ha! harrington had some kick butt recievers in detroit and miami. so dont try and evaluate the two. vick couldve been a good passer with some decent recievers and less dropped balls. VICK!!
By futballpoet
August 2, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this
Watching Joey Harrington at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR in 2001 lead the Oregon Ducks to an 11-1 season and a Fiesta Bowl blowout victory over the University of Colorado, I can tell you Falcon fans that with several NFL years under his belt, if this becomes his breakout season then you all are in for a treat. He literally willed the Ducks to victory in 5 games that year and has the heart and soul of a true team leader. I also watched Michael Vick play for Virginia Tech when I was at Florida State alum and big fan. I realize that he was and still may be, in spite of poor off the field choices, an outstanding athlete with amazing skills…but Joey Harrington is a class act in a game that could use someone who possesses the character of the great ones of the past…Give him a chance and you will see that he is highly capable of leading the Falcons into the playoffs this season. Go Joey and Go Ducks!
By futballpoet
August 2, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this
Watching Joey Harrington at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR in 2001 lead the Oregon Ducks to an 11-1 season and a Fiesta Bowl blowout victory over the University of Colorado, I can tell you Falcon fans that with several NFL years under his belt, if this becomes his breakout season then you all are in for a treat. He literally willed the Ducks to victory in 5 games that year and has the heart and soul of a true team leader. I also watched Michael Vick play for Virginia Tech when I was at Florida State alum and big fan. I realize that he was and still may be, in spite of poor off the field choices, an outstanding athlete with amazing skills…but Joey Harrington is a class act in a game that could use someone who possesses the character of the great ones of the past…Give him a chance and you will see that he is highly capable of leading the Falcons into the playoffs this season. Go Joey and Go Ducks!
By futballpoet
August 2, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this
Watching Joey Harrington at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR in 2001 lead the Oregon Ducks to an 11-1 season and a Fiesta Bowl blowout victory over the University of Colorado, I can tell you Falcon fans that with several NFL years under his belt, if this becomes his breakout season then you all are in for a treat. He literally willed the Ducks to victory in 5 games that year and has the heart and soul of a true team leader. I also watched Michael Vick play for Virginia Tech when I was at Florida State alum and big fan. I realize that he was and still may be, in spite of poor off the field choices, an outstanding athlete with amazing skills…but Joey Harrington is a class act in a game that could use someone who possesses the character of the great ones of the past…Give him a chance and you will see that he is highly capable of leading the Falcons into the playoffs this season. Go Joey and Go Ducks!
By Dumbing Down
August 2, 2007 4:39 AM | Link to this
Franchise-Coach-Dog Killer Vick has cast a bad shadow on this team. Harrington good or bad must play under this dark cloud. Harrington can do well, but fans must give up on the Franchise-Coach-Dog Killer Vick who GAVE us the FINGER. Go Joey!
By Shanrock
August 2, 2007 6:12 AM | Link to this
We want DJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Shanrock
August 2, 2007 6:13 AM | Link to this
We want DJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Shanrock
August 2, 2007 6:14 AM | Link to this
We want DJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Mim Jora
August 2, 2007 6:29 AM | Link to this
Joey Harrington stunk it up in Detroit, just like everyone else there from Matt Millen on down.
I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt and the rest of you dirtbags can eat worms.
By Daniel
August 2, 2007 6:32 AM | Link to this
How similar to Detroit are the Falcons? High draft pick on a WORTHLESS QB. Can seem to win. Coach after coach. Ironic to see that we end up with Harrington. The Falcons will never win with Vick, so now that he’s gone, maybe the organization can move on and win.
By Daniel
August 2, 2007 6:35 AM | Link to this
Mim Jora: Nice name. haha I agree…DJ Shockley? Give me a break. Harrington has the skill set and the brains (Shockley doesn’t), let’s see how good of a coach Petrino is.
By Falconian
August 2, 2007 6:39 AM | Link to this
Support The Team and some others have it right. We’re NOT gonna start the season with MV at QB. That’s “KEEPIN’ IT REAL”, folks. The coaches (remember them?…the ones that design the offense, call the plays & evaluate the talent?) want Harrington to start, so be it. We got Shockley waitin’ in the wings for his baptism-by-fire, if need be. Let’s be real fans, suck it up, and GET BEHIND OUR ATLANTA FALCONS. There’s almost fifty other players on this team. How about we support them and maybe they’ll find a way to get it done? As talented as he is, MV was never going to the Super Bowl on “his legs” or “his arm” alone. GO FALCONS!!
By P
August 2, 2007 6:42 AM | Link to this
Good luck 2 Joey amd the Falcons . I predict the Falcons will win no more then 4 games this season !!! it’s going 2 be a long season!!! Go Jackets!!!
By dave
August 2, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this
This will separate the Falcons fans from the Vick fans. I am ready for the bandwagon to be cleansed of those who jumped aboard when ATL signed Vick. The Falcons are my team and I will root for them no matter who is QB. The Vick fans can just tune into Court TV and leave the NFL to real fans.
By SMcKee
August 2, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this
Wow! Has racism really reared its ugly head here! I knew that Atlanta was a racist town, but this is embarrrassing. It is a sad day for the city if Atlanta and the state of GA. The good news is at least we know what we are dealing with. Clearly, Vick has not been proven guilty of anything and if he is guilty he will suffer the consequences.
I am a Falcons fan and a UGA fan, but this blatant racism is sickening, and I will not be attending any Falcons games as I am a season ticket holder.
I hope that this is wake up black athletes to the realization that you are only as good as your last big play! This is pathetic and your ignorance is evident. At the end of the day, all anyone cares about is how many games are won, but in this game—everyone loses when the impetus for all of your decisions is race! Where’s the white sheets and crosses? What’s the difference—you have really put yourselves out there.
By DB
August 2, 2007 6:57 AM | Link to this
Damn people! The topic here is about Joey and can he do the job, it seems as if ALL OF YOU just want to continue to talk about Vick. Well he’s not in camp and let’s discuss the ones that are. Can Joey get the job done, I don’t think so. Third team in 5 years. There is a good reason for that. Please prove me wrong. Comments are much welcomed.
By P
August 2, 2007 7:02 AM | Link to this
Falcon Fans??? is that a joke !!! Loserville = No Falcons fans !!! Do you forget this is a city where a lot of people move here from elsewhere ??? Most people who can afford season tickets and make it 2 the games adopted the Falcons when we got Vick and were winning during Dan Reaves and Mora’s 1st year!!! Start losing and the dome will be half empty!!! The Braves win and dont sell out!!! It’s just they way it is down here in Atlanta!!! So all u fans who hate Vick pray the Falcons win with Joey the loser Harrington or its back 2 the falcons being irrelevant!!! Sounds 2 familiar… maybe Billy Knight and the hawks will redeem this city!!
By cursive
August 2, 2007 7:17 AM | Link to this
Blanket statements stating that anyone who doesn’t support Vick is a racist are not only idiotic, but racist as well. I have adopted two rescued dogs that came from scum like MV7, and THAT is why I don’t support Vick. He is trash, and his supporters are racist morons.
By Daniel
August 2, 2007 7:18 AM | Link to this
Why can’t Harrington win? We all agree that Detroit is the worst NFL franchise. He never had any talent around him. Same thing in Miami. As a Falcons fan, I like to think that this year’s team is better than those of Detroit in the past and of Miami’s last year. I want to see Joey prove some people wrong.
By TONY
August 2, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this
YOU WHITE PEOPLE FINALLY GOT WHAT U WANTED.DJ SHOCKLEY THE BEST QB ON THE ROSTER. JOEYS A LOSER AND THATS ALL HE WILL EVER BE.
By P
August 2, 2007 7:28 AM | Link to this
CURSIVE!!! CRY ME A RIVER !! TELL IT TO SOMEONE WHO CARES(PETA). WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE FALCONS. THE DOG CASE WILL BE DECIDED IN A VIRGINIA COURT YOU MORON!!!
By Randy Duncan
August 2, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this
HARRINGTON MAY BE A LOSER AND DETROIT MAY STINK BUT LOOK AT DETROITS OVERALL RECORD AGAINST THE FALCONS,WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT THE FALCONS.OH YEAH LAST YEAR DETROIT OWNED THE FALCONS AND KITNA LOOKED LIKE MONTANA AND VICK LOOKED LIKE JOEY HARRINGTON.
By falconfaninMI
August 2, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
I’m a lifelong Falcon fan now living in Michigan. Give Harrington a chance - he was not the problem with the Lions. J. Garcia replaced Harrington and was even worse, but look how well he played after he left for Philly. And Kitna has not exactly been the next coming of Joe Montana.
The Lions’ O-line was inept, they had no running game, and their receiver corp made Roddy White look like Jerry Rice by comparison (I still remember Roy Williams breaking off his route and changing directions on a timing play AFTER THE BALL WAS ALREADY IN THE AIR!).
Harrington’s biggest fault was that he was too quick to check down and throw the short pass instead of going down field, which is somewhat understandable when your line cannot protect you and your receivers cannot get open. At least in Atlanta he’ll have competent running backs and won’t have to throw 40 to 50 times a game like he did in Detroit.
When Joey was on he was terrific. When he wasn’t he was mediocre. He definitely showed enough potential to warrant another shot. In the best case he becomes another Brees/Delhomme (sp?) who blossoms after moving to another team. If not - well, I assume the MV situation means that we can keep both DJ and Redman on the roster as insurance…
By It is what it is
August 2, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, Vick got himself in this situation and IF he is innocent I hope he gets out of it, comes back and wins a super bowl and then he will have everyone apologizing for the way they treated him. BUT, that doesnt look like its going to happen. If he did comit these awful actions I hope he gets the book thrown at him and that Goodell never lets him even watch and NFL game again. As for the Falcons, I wish Harrington the best, seems like he is ready for another chance and true Atlanta Falcon fans hope that you take advantage of it. GO FALCONS!!! if Vick played for anyone else I could care less.
By Big Ed
August 2, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this
It’s time to stop mourning over the fact that Vick is gone. Let’s look forward. Harrington gives us the best shot at being a consistent team this year which we desperately need. Shockley is not an NFL starting quarterback. He’s a great kid with character and maturity but Hall of Fame quaterbacks past and present have had terrible first years. I would at least like to see the players on the field that give us the best chance to win now. I’m sure the players would like that as well. Even if Shockley has a good preseason remember that he’s playing against 2nd and 3rd string players or people that will not make their respective teams. Shaub always looked good in preseason but it was a different story when the real games started. There are good teams in the NFL that just ask their quarterbacks to make good decisions and keep them out of trouble. Harringtons experience gives us the best shot.
By Chip
August 2, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this
Would anyone like to compare statistics of Vick with Harrington. Look at the players Harrington has played with. He is very capable of throwing the TD pass. He may not be someonewho improvises and throws the play scheme out the window because he wants to run (he is not very fast), but he has more TDs than Vick. Oh, Harrington hasn’t won the big one. Has Vick? It’s time to let him play. If you are a fan of the Falcons, you should root for him. If you are a fan of Vicks and feel that no one can ever take his place, then keep doing what you are doing. I say, let’s give our quarterback a boost of support, before he starts. Like it or not, he is the Falcons quarterback. I think you’ll be surprised.
By Chip
August 2, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
myconju, instead of boycotting the AJC, I actually bought a hard copy subscription when the salesman knocked on my door last night. You have your right to free speech. They have right to freedom of the press. Get over it.
By Hmmmm
August 2, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
nOT WORTH WATCHING - Is english your native language?
By Falcon4Life
August 2, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
Mike Vick is convicted in the court of public opinion because he did not keep up with what was happening at a house he owned in VA. His primary residence is ATL and this house is hundreds of miles away. “He should be responsible for everything that happens at this house” is the mantra repeated over and over by his most vocal critics including but not limited to J. Schultz. Does this apply to all sports figures or just M. Vick? Looks like it only applies to all non-Anglo athletes. Where was the public outcry when:
Wayne Gretzky’s wife charged with running, not betting, but RUNNING a gambling ring. Stays in the same house as the Great (White) One. Sleeps in the same bed every night. Does Gretzky get slammed in the media and by the dog-loving (LMAO!!!!) fans for not knowing what is going on in the house he owns? For not knowing that his wife is betting on hockey teams, including his own team, right under his nose. Don’t think the Great (White) One benefited from the huge takes that his wife pulled in nightly? All in the house he lives in probably 95% of the time. NOOOOOOO!
By Falcon4Life
August 2, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
Mike Vick is convicted in the court of public opinion because he did not keep up with what was happening at a house he owned in VA. His primary residence is ATL and this house is hundreds of miles away. “He should be responsible for everything that happens at this house” is the mantra repeated over and over by his most vocal critics including but not limited to J. Schultz. Does this apply to all sports figures or just M. Vick? Looks like it only applies to all non-Anglo athletes. Where was the public outcry when:
Wayne Gretzky’s wife charged with running, not betting, but RUNNING a gambling ring. Stays in the same house as the Great (White) One. Sleeps in the same bed every night. Does Gretzky get slammed in the media and by the dog-loving (LMAO!!!!) fans for not knowing what is going on in the house he owns? For not knowing that his wife is betting on hockey teams, including his own team, right under his nose. Don’t think the Great (White) One benefited from the huge takes that his wife pulled in nightly? All in the house he lives in probably 95% of the time. NOOOOOOO!
By KJ
August 2, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
You guys are obviously optimistic with Harrington and all, but after four years here in the D, trust me the guy is a bum! Happy feet Harry is what you guys are getting… translation? interceptions. Good luck!
By Stevo
August 2, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this
So if UGA fans are redneck racist because they hate Vick who is black. Why would they want DJ (who, by the way, is black)to start over Harrington(who is white in case you didn’t notice)?
By Falcon4Life
August 2, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
Chip, stop the madness. While you may not like Vick, don’t post half@ssed researched STATS. I’d like to compare Vick’s and Harrington’s stats. First, as far as TD’s are concerned, Harrington does have more than Vick. ONE more!!!! - with 460 more attempts than Vick also. HA!! What about INT’s? How many more INT’s does Harrington have than Vick? Did you forget to mention this or did you just conveniently leave this tidbit out? He had 25 more INT’s than Vick. His quarterback rating is also much lower than Vicks - 68.1 to 75.7 for Vick (GASP!!! Surely you just forgot to mention this again. Now lets add all other touchdowns to the mix. Vick has 3859 rushing yard with 21 TD’s….Harrington has 369 yards (career?, YES) with 0 TD’s. That’s right, none!!
Chip, you without a doubt are one of the dumbest posters EVER!!!!
By Wakey
August 2, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
**Hey if all the Mike Vick fanboys take the year off I just might drop in to see the Saints whup some azz this year.
GO SAINTS!**
By Dennis
August 2, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
As I’ve said before, Harrington hasn’t exactly been surrounded by royalty during his time in the league. Perhaps he’s still not, but he should at least be given a fair chance.
By Falcon4Life
August 2, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Harrington’s career STATS
Vick’s career STATS
By RonPaul Save Us
August 2, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Hard to get excited about Harrington. Let’s hope for the best./
And Remember - Vote Ron Paul For Save Our Country
By Dan
August 2, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Vick was a great athlete, not a great QB Never was! All the Vick worshipers need to get a clue.
By Jerry
August 2, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Sounds like Atlanta is no longer the city that is “too busy to hate!!”
While it is logical to support a perceived slighted “role” model, it is not logical to do so against so many obvious short comings by that “role model”.
True Falcon fans are obviously long suffering…..and sometimes have short memories.
If, and I admit this is a very BIG if, Joey Harrington is successful in leading the Falcons to a winning season we will see just how short the memeory is. Mike who???
By GE
August 2, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
Vick was Mr. Excitement when he was flushed out of the pocket by a defense that knew that he could not audible at the line when the defense was stacked against the called play. I guess that because he spoke differently and was perceived to be ignorant, it was concluded that he was not capable of changing a play to escape linebackers, defensive ends and blitzing corners that were on him before he had time to deliver passes to his receivers. Since it has already been decided that Harrington has some intelligence(after all, he plays the piano), Petrino will allow him to audible thus allowing him to save his life and possibly be a better passer. Vick had to save his life by running for yards and taking many hits. When he did this, he was the most electrifying player on the field. That dynamic will never be on the field again in Atlanta. Its a shame that his association with pitt bulls and shady characters has taken this away. I will miss him very much.
By AJ GREEN WEARS #1
August 2, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
Alot tof these arguments just make me sick. How in the world can anyone defend why he should represent the Atlanta Falcons OUR TEAM! Who care what such and such did. They are NOT ATLANTA! We are Atlanta and I do not want to let Vick play and act like nothing wrong happened, when he will have to fly back and forth to court hearinf beginning in November and regular meetings with his lawyers. The rascism that is on this blog is pathetic. Grown men hiding behind your computers TYPING hate! TYPING! We are talking about TYPING! (My best Allen Iverson practice line. Thats funny Idon’t care who you are)
By Capt
August 2, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
Jeeeez….you people need to get a life. This is a thug that got caught being involved in something illegal. If he doesn’t come back…so what…it’s a flippin football team. Why are you so wound up about this???? If you want to know how insignificant this whole thing is…go visit the Cancer wards at Egleston and Scottish Rite….get upset about that. Football…..what a waste of breath and newsprint.
By Dee
August 2, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Atlanta fans are the most fickle fans ever. People were booing Harrington at training camp. I find that sickening. Vick isn’t coming back, people and Shockley isn’t experienced enought to start. Harrington is the best thing going for us and we should support him wholeheartedly.
By GE
August 2, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
Numbaonefan,
Do us all a favor. Put on your white sheet and go out and fondle your dog.
By Falconian
August 2, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
Ur, uh, Falcon4Life…..don’t want to put a damper on your rant, old buddy, but Janet Gretzky was QUESTIONED by investigators as to any knowledge of and/or possible participation in a gambling syndicate that, I believe, Rick Tocchet (spelling?) was involved in. She was NEVER accused, NEVER arrested, NEVER charged with any crime associated with this matter. But, please, don’t let facts get in the way of your making a (racist) point, lol.
By The Truth
August 2, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
WE WANT VICK
By The Truth
August 2, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
WE WANT VICK
By An Inquiring Mind
August 2, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Hey, Falcon4Life, I’ve got a few questions for YOU:
What was Vick’s record over the last two seasons?
When was the last time Vick led the Falcons to the playoffs?
Where did Vick rank in the 2006 NFL passing stats?
Why did you bring up incidents involving Reid and Gretzky’s family members that happened in other cities months or years ago?
Why did you bring up Reid and Gretzky’s race?
Why do you defend someone who has engaged in so much questionable behavior (i.e., the herpes lawsuit, giving the fans the finger, the water bottle incident, the dog fighting)?
Are you a racist?
By Theedge
August 2, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Give the Shockley stuff a rest if he is better in practice he will be out there. He is not an NFL QB he couldn’t start in front of David Greene in college and Greene is riding the NFL pine too. Shockley is right where he needs to be buried on the depth chart. As long as they are paying him maybe they can use him to return punts or get water for the starters. I wonder if he can catch?
By MJ
August 2, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
I am a Cowboy fan. This story is the most f….up situation I have seen since Lance Alworth exposed himself to kids while being drunk. I am a person who take things a face value and this is my take on things. Michael Vicks guilty by association only. He is being set up to get information from regarding others throughout the country who arre invovled. Michael Vick will beat the charges and play for a team on the west coast where he will win a super bowl and the Atlanta Falcons will never get there again. Joey Harrington, want make thru the season with that paper o line.
By Wes
August 2, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
I think Vick’s plan is acutally working…everybody’s too wrapped up in the dog fighting allegations to remember that he’s a terrible quarterback.
By Magneto
August 2, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
Funny how Vick defenders always have to bring up totally unrelated incidences that have nothing to do with this case in order to defend him.
That should tell you something right there.
By Doug
August 2, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
AJC and Schultz will turn on Harrington too very quickly. Watch yourself Harrington. Everyone in Atlanta is a Fair Weather Fan. Myself included. It will be just like ole times at Fulton County Stadium ala Grant Park with one Hibachi grill at Grant Park with hotdogs on Sundays and TV blackouts with the rabbit ears for reception. My dad’s losing team is back! The Falcons might as well go back to the white jersey’s! Atlanta and Ownership and Fair Weather Fans turned there back, I will too.
By TerryTate
August 2, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
You Georgia Rednecks got exactly what you wanted…years of more losing with your “Golden Boy” QB Harrington. Joey won’t win JACK this year or any other year. Thanks Schultz for your BIASED journalism.
By Jim P.
August 2, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
I wish the Falcons a good season. If Joey can make the offense click, the we should be ok. If this team does not jell, then it will be a long season. I wish Vick well with his personal matters in Virgina, but I really dont want him back on the team. He has embarrassed us all. Good Luck Joey, Bobby, and the rest of the Atlanta Falcons. Stay well, hit hard and execute each play as if its your last.
By Magneto
August 2, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
An inquiring mind,
Falcon4Life is not going to answer you. Black racists don’t know how to answer intelligent questions that hold them accountable, they usually remain silent like their doing with the Duke LaCrosse case until the next time they find something to fuss about.
By Meezy
August 2, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
College record … real qb … mind for the game … blah blah blah. Last I checked, David Greene is very intelligent and is the winningest QB in college football. Why isn’t he starting if that’s all you needed? Bottom line, Oregon football players go unnoticed until they have a good team. Then when the light really shines on them, they fold like napkins. See Akili Smith. Joey Harrington will not be starting for the Falcons by week 6. He just doesn’t have what it takes to be an NFL QB.
By Magneto
August 2, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
TerryTate,
Schultz interviewed the Falcons starting QB you moron, that’s all he did. If you want Vick, go get the rest of your homies and visit him over a 40 and some blunts!
By falconfaninMI
August 2, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Actually if you look at the stats for Harrington’s last full season in Detroit (2004) vs. Vick’s last season, they’re pretty comparable in terms of TD passes, interceptions, QB rating and completion %. Joey cannot run like Vick (but who can?) but he had a lot more passing yardage, he gives up a lot fewer sacks (remember what I said about checking down?) and he fumbles a lot less than Vick (in Vick’s defense he rushes a lot more than Joey, but he can be careless with the ball).
The point is that Joey is a lot better than people seem to think. He has a reputation for throwing a lot of interceptions but if you look at his stats for the last few years he is pretty comparable to Vick (Joey played in fewer games in 2005 and 2006 but his number of pass attempts are comparable).
This is not to say that Joey is a better quarterback than MV, but the fact is MV is not going to be here. Give Harrington a chance. Believe me, NOBODY was going to look good playing for the Lions. I feel sorry for Calvin Johnson.
By john
August 2, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Not to condone Vick but I grew up in the rural South and a great many men ‘coon hunted and the hounds used to hunt and kill them were called ‘coon dogs. As a boy I went on some of these ‘coon hunts and the object was to tree the raccoon then make it jump down to the ground amongst three or four blue tick hounds where it would put up a desperate fight for its life but always to no avail. The longer and harder the raccoon fought for its life the more the men enjoyed it. It was not a pretty sight but unlike a pit bull, it never had a chance. It was just pure murder. Premeditated. As far as I know it was and still is legal. The UT mascot is Smokey. A blue tick coonhound.
By TerryTate
August 2, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Magneto,
I believe you are the MORON…ya MORON!!! LOL
Did I strike a nerve with my Joey comment? Blunt? You ignoramous…you have the sense of a rock and you need to stay off your sister.
It’s evident you can’t read between the lines of Schultz’s agenda. Got back to your trailer park son.
By Vick's Pitts
August 2, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Get ready for some blacked out home games. Maybe they will show a good game on TV instead
By Daedalus
August 2, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Five Reasons Why Falcons Fans and AJC Sportswriters will not give Harrington a Chance:
(1) He’s not Michael Vick; (2) He’s not black; (3) He’s a white guy: (4) He did not go to UGA; (5) He’s a white guy.
Detroit was an overall lousy team when they drafted Harrington and started him as a rookie. They never had a decent O-line and they had some of the worst coaches and front office in the NFL. Harrington should fit right in in Atlanta — he’s used to mediocre (at best) franchises. I predict he’ll suffer at least three major concussions by the end of October. At least he has a college degree to fall back on. Maybe Harington will get lucky and the Falcons will trade him to a decent franchise.
By DE Falcon Fan
August 2, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
The press is talking about Vick enough. Why don’t we stop talking about him and discuss the team. Last tim e I checked he was not at camp, or allowed there. Look, our team is what it is, I think we have a decent shot this year. Petrino is a great coach, and he can get players to buy into a system. That is key. Mock if you like, but I like the Falcons to have a winnign record this year. The schedule is not that tough and the team has time to prepare for the new system and personel changes.
Vick is not a Falcon, leave it at that and move on.
By Gary
August 2, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
My wife and myself have been the biggest Vick fans in the world all the way back to Va. Tech. We rescue abused and abandonded dogs and currently have 8. After reading the indictment, about the executions of not performing dogs and the** horrible torture, we will never watch or go to a game Michael Vick is in. He needs to go to prison for what he was involved with and let him be a hero for the thugs and gangsters there, but not in the NFL.
By RIP
August 2, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Ok let’s leave Vick out of this. If he killed a couple of dogs SO WHAT. PETA kills around 2000 puppies a year. The ones they put up for adoption and can’t get rid of.
Now on to Harrington. This is what happens when the media puts their brand on one of these sorry quarterbacks(mainly white guys) who are supposed to be the next great quarterback. This guy played in the PAC-10 against nobody. His career highlight is being on a video game cover. If he was so great Miami would have made an effort to keep him. Give Shockley a try. We already know that Redmond can’t get it done. He had the Ravens defense and couldn’t win a game.
But then again you people want anybody who does not have a dark complexion. You are showing it now with the Braves, and it really shows with the Falcons. I don’t recall the team winning many games that #7 hasn’t played. Oh wait didn’t the Falcons win the Super Bowl the year he hurt his ankle? Get a real coach, get a clue and don’t waste the number one pick next year. I am glad I live in Savannah where they don’t cover the Falcons on the news, and we do not have any Atlanta stations so I don’t have to watch the games.
By Glen
August 2, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
I’m not going to spew venom like most people who comment on the Mick Vick situation; because usually that just means that they really don’t have anything meaningful to say. I don’t know if this young man is guilty or innocent, and if he is guilty he should definitely be punished. As much as I like to watch football, I am a bigger fan of justice. Innocent ‘til proven guilty has to be more that just lip service or only subscribed to as long as it doesn’t affect the bottom $$$.
I think it’s misguided when folks try to differentiate between the court of public opinion and the court of law. The effects of errant judgment in the court of public opinion can have as equal a punitive outcome as a guilty verdict in many instances. Let’s say for a moment that Mr. Vick is found innocent - as far fetched as that might seem to some! What happens to his career, his public image, his livelihood? With all the judgment that has been reached by the public, the league, and his endorsement companies, does anyone truly believe he could recover from this? Do you think any of these folks would offer any form of public retraction for their decisions before a jury decided? Like most people I find the allegations sickening, but I am also deeply disturbed by how we as a society are so impatient to wait on the outcome of our justice system before we pound our gavel in the court of public opinion…may be we don’t have as much faith in a system we like to boast to as being the best in the world! Whatever the reason it’s just deeply distrubing.
By Geoff
August 2, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
I for one didn’t read most of the article, and couldn’t care less about Joey Harrington, or the fate of the Atlanta Falcons. They all made their beds, now they can enjoy lieing in them. No the reason I am commenting is simply this. No-one ever anywhere has though Joey Harrington should be the quarterback for the Blue Bombers. The CFL is a better game, with better rules, and a bum like Harrington could never cut it.
By Theedge
August 2, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
You people act as if the AJC, Nike, Rawlings, etc. made Mike do the things he is accused of. If he did them it was his own free will. And their free will to disassociate themselves from anything that is going to cost them money. It is just business. Mike is getting paid sitting there and no one has wronged him.
True fans will watch this team and pull for them no matter what. It is not about one guy it is a group of 53 guys and a coaching staff performing together. Maximizing each persons strengths to represent this city and their employer as best they possibly can. That can only be accomplished by the people in camp. I for one am excited about allowing lineman to be real OL’s and the running game with Dunn and Norwood behind the new fullback. Seeing if the secondary is improved over last year. Football is football and life will go on!
By midnite
August 2, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Let’s put something in perspective here. One thing that is obvious is how few supporters showed up for that rally last Sunday. Less than 200 people. That is the reality of this group of supporters, they are few. Also why do you folks keep bringing other people that have broken the law? Where is the logic in those statements? Vick is immature and selfish, and gave all the fans, teammates, management, and the city the royal shaft.
By Dude
August 2, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
I love how people here attack Jeff. Sad thing is he’s the best and writes the truth so you hacks must either be stupid, jealous or both. Remember, Harrington wouldn’t be in the position if not for the incredibly dumb decisions Vick has made in the past five years. If you back Vick now, you are not far removed from his accusations.
By Clay
August 2, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Falcon’s Fans - Read this. Vick fans - don’t read this.
Michael Vick’s days in an Atlanta uniform are over. In fact, the closest he is to wearing a uniform is an orange jumpsuit. This is coming from a former MV7 fan who always believed “This is the year he puts it all together!”
The fact of the situation at QB is this: Joey Harrington will get the first chance to win some games. DJ Shockley will get to play if JH fails to perform. You have to believe expectations for the team have been lowered to a 7 or 8 win season now.
If Joey succeeds in getting the Falcons to 8 wins, then let’s build an offense around what he can do and run with it.
If Joey doesn’t succeed, let DJ Shockley try to prove he can win at this level and build a team around what he does well.
Whoever is at QB is still going to be playing behind a suspect offensive line that wasn’t fully addressed in free agency or the draft.
Let’s support the ‘new look’ Falcons whoever is playing QB and hope for the best.
By Dunk
August 2, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Hey Vick Fans: Way to get behind such a class act! You found another great role model to get behind. Somehow you’ve managed to turn it around and blame the Falcons, the ajc, whitey, etc. for his ignorance. Maybe some of you will even be sentenced to the same cell block and you can get his autograph.
By doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Just because we are unfortunate enough to live in this rat-hole city full of thugs doesn’t mean you have to pull for the home team. Go Buccaneers! They have for the last several years OWNED the Falcons and its only 7 hours south. It’s a nice city, clean, not as many thugs, pretty beaches and water…and a nice stadium, not that dumpy dome. Why have a dome in the south anyway. Stupid!! Go BUCS!!
By D-Man
August 2, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Dam the falcons as long as Vick doesn’t play and Shockley doesn’t start, no one wants Redman nor Harrington at the helm of this team and if you do you are from Loserville!!
By D-Man
August 2, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Hey doodiebuddy,
Your mother is a THUG and I could have been your father but I didn’t have change for $5.00!!
By Wanda
August 2, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Harringon deserves our support during Vick’s absence. Vick should play, since he has not been convicted of anything! If he is convicted, he should be gone. Shockley deserves to back-up Harrington, without question, he’s earned it!
By Chris
August 2, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see people boo Harrington for no other reason than he is not Michael Vick.
The man has yet to take a snap for the Falcons. But when he throws his first interception, the house is coming down.
I’ll cheer for him. But the people who thought Vick could do no wrong will think Harrington can do nothing right. Dude’s screwed.
Unless the Falcons have a black QB, a lot of folks will be angry.
Then again, hopefully those folks just won’t show up at the games and the Dome will be filled with actual football fans. That would be nice.
By Falcon4Life
August 2, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
An Inquiring excuse of a Mind,
What was Keith Brookings, Patrick Kerney (our leaders on defense) and the Great White Hype Schaubs record the last two years? The same as Vick’s, except Schaub who did not contribute to anything but losses.
When was the last time the afore-mentioned leaders led the Falcons to the playoffs? Last time Vick did, i guess.
Where did the defense rank last year - the same defense led by Brookings and Kerney? 22nd in the league while the offense led by Vick ranked 11th. Sounds like the offense let us down. How stupid are you?
Why not bring up incidents that highlight how selective “fans” are when deciding which sports stars to tear down and which to treat as if they’re teflon? It’s kind of obvious which one’s they tear down.
Why not bring up their race? I don’t beat around the bush and use code words that describe a person by color like you choose to do. We all know what word you substitute “THUG” for. Why not be a man and say what you mean? But that’s asking too much for a scared, sniveling wimp such as yourself (and the always lurking Magneto, a comic book geek).
I don’t have to defend any of the things you’ve listed because M. Vick has never been convicted of any of those things or proven to have herpes. If he has herpes, SO WHAT!!! There are plenty of people in your family/life that have herpes and other STD’s. You’ve given someone the finger before but unlike M. Vick you didn’t have the guts to do it in the person’s face. You were going 70 MPH down the interstate and refused to pull over when challenged to fight. You actually called the police. A grown man scared of an @ss whooping, HA!!! The water bottle was found not to contain any drugs by the FEDS. The same FEDS you’re lauding now in the dog-fighting case. You can’t have it both ways. The FEDS were accused of being bribed by Vick and Blank in that instance but now they’re seen as the calvary. You people are hilarious and pathetic.
No sir, I am not a racist. I’m also not a sheep ready to fall in line with all the others as soon as PETA or the oh-so-sensitive Senator Byrd tells us. How can a man who advocated the killing/lynching of human beings be not only forgiven but elected to the US Senate? Yet, you are wishing that M. Vick burn in hell for something you think he did.
ONLY IN AMERICA CAN YOU SUGGEST THAT SOMEONE ELSE IS THE RACIST….YOU’RE AMUSING.
By Steven
August 2, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
No playoffs for Atlanta. Vick is gone, and everyone should be happy because thats what everyone wanted….for Vick to leave. So lets all get happy for a non playoff season, and good ol JOEY!!
By Doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Hey D-man: You are a really funny guy. Do you make it a habit of buying pu$$y for under 5 dollars? Stay away from me D-man…I don’t want “the clap”!
GO BUCS!!!
By the way: Vick should be covered in hamburger meat and tossed into a pit with some hungry pit bulls from “Bad Newz Kennelz”. (Love it when you thugs spell words with a “z”.) GO BUCS!
By Falcon4Life
August 2, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Falconian,
Gretzky can be heard on wiretaps made within the past month discussing with Tocchet how his wife could avoid being implicated, a source told The Associated Press, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing
By shannon
August 2, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Im tired of these we’re better with Harrington comments.. Harrington has sucked ever sense he came into the league. Take away Vick’s allegations and he is a better qb on the field. Anyone thats thinks different just ask a lions or Dolphins fan……
By Adam
August 2, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Vick is indeed gone. With him, the fans can kiss the Falcons’ future hopes and dreams goodbye. The Falcons will play so poorly thtat you’ll be at the top of the draft AGAIN! That translates to rebuilding AGAIN with a new inexperienced quarterback! It will be another four or five years before the Falcons can accomplish much of anything. Given this franchise’s history, I sincerely doubt that they will make a smart decision. They haven’t made one yet. As for the rat-hole city full of thugs comment, I just have to ask you one question. Why are you living here if it sucks this bad?
By Chris
August 2, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Hey doodiebuddy, how do you figure Tampa Bay owns the Falcons?
Over the last 4 seasons, the teams are even (4-4) against each other, and the Falcons won both games last year.
Check your stats before running your mouth, homey.
By Mr. Gilley
August 2, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
OK I didn’t want to comment on Vick, because I am still trying to heal and recover from the realization that he won’t be playing this year. But I have been reading these posts and laughing how ignorant and contradicting these Vick Haters have been, I feel obliged to comment. In three points, I will explain why Joey Harrington doesn’t compare to Vick and how despite his QB statistics, Vick is still the Falcons best bet at Quarterback. I know that you guys LOVE DOGS and HATE VICK but try to read and understand as an UNBIASED FALCONS FAN and student of the game. 1. Vick is a double threat, and has helped the Falcons lead the league in rushing for the last two years! Try to pretend that the offensive line was the only reason but if you look at the numbers, (1,000 plus rushing) Vick did this himself. And people continue to forget he is a different type of Quarterback. You can’t have cake and eat it to. You can’t get 100 QB rating and a 1000 yd rushing Quarterback….But him being able to throw and pass is what makes him the ideal guy. He is the only player that makes the defense prepare for him and make a guy mimic him in practice but never matches his speed. You guys must stop pretending that Michael Vick isn’t a great talent and great addition to the Falcons. Be real 100% of the time and stop pretending that Joey Harrington is better than him.
By RIP
August 2, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
DUNK,
Why does anyone who supports Vick have to be a thug? Let’s say this was one of your family members or someone that you know personally( a true friend)? Would you want them to have a fair shake or are you going to throw them under the bus. That is why things are not fair today because people like you can only see things from one side.
By Doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Oh Chris, trivial little details my friend, inconsequential at best. What do “stats” have to do with sports, anyway?
Besides, the Bucs have a nicer stadium. Steer clear of that dirty dome! You’ll catch the clap from D-man!
By Mr. Gilley
August 2, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Then yall hunting animal killing PETA HYPOCRITES..ANd the poll yall say Kill the dogs taken from Vick’s home and use the excuse they’ve suffered too long..What a hypocrisy!!! It just shows its not about the dogs, its about VICK and the HATE FOR HIM EVEN B4 the DOGFIGHTING ALLEGATIONS!!!!http://www.petakillsanimals.com/
By Chris
August 2, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Who cares if Vick is a better QB than Harrington? He’s a P.O.S. as far as human beings go.
If Vick ever again took a snap for the Falcons, people would be at the Dome wearing dog collars and barking.
Then again, lots of Vick fans probably already wear dog collars and bark at each other, so maybe it could all work.
WOOF WOOF! BOW WOW WOW YIPPEE YO YIPPEE YAY!
I really hope the Vick backers just stay at home on Sundays and watch the game on their 50-inch HDTV with a 75% interest rate. Can you put rims on a big-screen?
By DetroitSufferer
August 2, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
*”Harrington will make his Falcons debut in a preseason game next week. Are you ready, Atlanta?
Understand, this isn’t a preview of what happens if Michael Vick turns his ankle. It’s more likely a preview of the season.”*
Uh, no it isn’t. Joey always looks good in the pre-season. He may turn out alright in ATL but you’re stupid if you think the first pre-season game will tell you anything at all.
By GE
August 2, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Falcon4life,
You hit it right on the head. Isn’t it interesting how intelligent and moral people(this is racial code for white people) love to use racial codes(thugs, subculture,Vick apologists, morons, welfare cheats, etc.) while trying to lump black people into their mindset but scream bloody murder when we protest. If we are racists(and we are not), I wonder why we became so sensitive. Could it be that dogs are given more respect. I also wonder why they(whites) try to hide their sensitivity to racism by saying that it does not exist. To see an old fart and Klansman like Robert Byrd cry on the Senate floor over dogs and knowing full well how his kind lynched and beat blacks in the past(they beat Latinos today) was the ultimate insult. For anyone who thinks that the Mike Vick issue is not racial…. just read the blogs like this.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Trivial details, huh?
When you say one team “owns” another, it usually means that there is a big difference between the number of wins each team has against the other.
Fool.
By WMD
August 2, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Matt Stafford has a better chance of leading the Falcons to a winning season than Joey. I guarantee he has more interceptions than touchdowns before he’s benched during a 4-12 season, playing in an empty remodeled dome unless PETA members fill the dome.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
I love how the same people who trot out the old “innocent until proven guilty” line are the same people who call President Bush a “criminal,” among other (usually worse things).
He hasn’t been convicted of anything. Yet people want him to be impeached; people would even burn down the White House if they were able do.
Swallow your own rhetoric. YOU people are the sheep. YOU are the ones blindly following a man who has led you (and the entire Falcons organization, the city of Atlanta, yada yada) astray. Your shepherd has wandered, and he has led you all right into the dog pit.
By DIEHARD FALCON FAN
August 2, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
GIVE HARRINGTON A CHANCE PEOPLE. HE HAS NFL EXPERIENCE, SHOCKLEY DOESN’T. JOEY ISN’T PLAYING FOR DETROIT ANYMORE. SO GIVE THE GUY A CHANCE TO PROVE HIMSELF OK??
By Doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
OK, Chris, I will formally withdraw that comment but in doing that you must admit that the dome is filthy and in a crummy part of town. C’mon, give me that much. They don’t even have a pirate ship! The dome is horrible! No pirate ship, Sheesh! It’s almost disrepectful.
D-man, take some penicillan for your “problem”, should clear it right up in a few days.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
GE, you call out white people and then use a phrase like “his kind”?
I like how black folks think all white people had slaves in their families at one point in time. There were no poor white people, right? No white folks making their own moonshine, or working in factories, or policing the streets to keep people safe, or boxing in bars to make money to feed their family, right?
All white people were plantation-living, slave-owning racists, right?
Well, GE, perhaps YOUR KIND needs to look in the mirror and stop blaming others for your own shortcomings or perceived discrimination.
That’s what MY KIND does.
By b4real
August 2, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
joey harrington is not a nfl qb. he sucks! mike vick has been on a decline since he played in the playoffs at greenbay. so i don’t mind him being gone either. as far as the dog controversey i could care less. mike vick has no one to blame but himself. as a african american male it’s sad to see us as a people direct our energy in the wrong place. what contributions has mike vick made to our communities and you fools are out there marching at the dome in support of him. he will plead and let all of you fools down. if you want to march for something march for the little girl who was shot while sitting in her home doing nothing wrong. get a life!
By june_baby
August 2, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
i beleive j harrington will do a credible job as qb this year. he got a lot of bad press(AS USUAL), but a lot of it wasn’t his fault. detroit was(and still is) an awful franchise. there was a lot of blame to go around in that situation(MATT MILLEN). he was starting to come around in miami, but they wanted an all-world qb(but there will be no more MARINO’S in miami).i hope the falcon’s ol will make his job a lot easier. ifso i expect the falcons to win at least 8 games, but no playoffs. now to all the vick bashers, at least he didn’t go around molesting little children, or cheat old people out of their life savings, have sex with his relatives, cheat the government out of billions of dollars, build bridges and tunnels that collapse and kill hundreds of commuters, so a few contractors make money off shoddy construction. we all know who does those types of things, and it certainly isn’t a qb from va. now what’s worse watching dog fights or those things just listed???
By Chris
August 2, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
I wonder where the Vick apologists will be when he pleads guilty to lessen his sentence. I believe this blog will lose about half of its posters, who will be shamed and embarrassed by their defense of such a vile human being.
But those people already know he’s guilty. They just think if they say “he’s innocent!” enough, somehow it will magically be so. But this will not be the case.
And to those who think the Dome will be empty: I’d rather have a dome half-full of real Falcons football fans, than overcrowded with a bunch of fools acting like idiots. The Dome has become a circus the past 5 years, and the animals are in the seats, not on the field.
By RIP
August 2, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Chris you are a very brave soul over the net, but how much of this would you say to a BROTHER’S face. I have a 50 inch that I paid cash for from Circuit City. I have an Impala with rims so what. Its SALTINES like you that give white people in general a bad wrap with us.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Doodie, I wish they would blow up the damn Dome and build a real stadium. Why the hell do we need a Dome in Atlanta? I used to love sitting outside at Fulton County Stadium watching some football.
Football is meant to be played outdoors, especially in the South.
By wmd
August 2, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Blank Barnes of UGA has a better chance of leading the Falcons to a winning season than Joey. Joey couldn’t quarterback in the Arena Footbal league. This guy will screw up so bad he’ll be benched by midseason. Hopefully PETA will by some of those Falcons tickets that are on sale in order to make it look like someone will be supporting the Falcons.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Hey june_baby, according to you, if one crime is “worse” than another, then the “lesser” crime is acceptable, correct?
So, since people are being killed, we shouldn’t worry at all about dogfighting, theft, rape or the like, correct?
I’m sure you’d agree that killing someone is worse than the above-mentioned crimes, so why worry about them? At least that way, we can cut our police force by about 80%, since all they should worry about is murder!
By Theedge
August 2, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Why is it black people will only be happy with a black QB? I don’t agree with the announcement of Harrington is the starting QB before camp even opened, but I don’t care who the QB is as long as he does his job and wins ball games.
Vick is not even in that equation the NFL will not let him play end of story. Support the team on the field or GO AWAY!
By Chris
August 2, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t say it to a brother’s face. I live in the suburbs. Last time I said something to a brother’s face, I ended up losing my wallet. Won’t happen again.
By Falconian
August 2, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Falcon4Life,
Wake me up when JG get’s either ARRESTED or CHARGED in that matter. Unfortunately, such is not the case with MV. I TOTALLY agree with you that we, the general public, should refrain from judging MV until he has had his day in court. Nevertheless, the FACT remains that we will not be starting this season with MV as the quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons. I also agree with you that PETA, the ASPCA, and any other ‘alphabet-soup group’ — including the NAACP (guess MV’s not a ‘Tom’ like one of their executives accused D. McNabb of being) — should refrain from fanning the flame$ of this i$$ue. GO FALCONS!
By Joey the loser Harrington
August 2, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Even I know I’m a bum!! The Falcons gave me 6 million for 2yrs 2 back up MV7 but it looks like I will be the one playing this season or until they realize that I am the same guy who got drafted 3rd overall in the 2002 Draft and was a bust in Detroit and Miami. Ask Steve Mariucci how good I am and see what coach says. I say we will go 0 and 4 and then the Falcons will bench me for that Redman Fella!!! who is even worse of a bum than me!! As for DJ he is just not a Petrino guy tough luck if he even makes the team!!!
By Chris
August 2, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
I would go protest against Vick, but I have a job. You know, unlike those people who have time to go stand around the Dome with signs jibberjabbering and a-hootin’ and a hollerin’. How did they get those Vick jerseys without jobs? Makes no sense.
By BigJohn767
August 2, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
I really liked Vick and was a big fan UNTIL a game last year when, instead of being the leader, he hung his head and sulked on the sidelines. Right then I lost respect for him as a leader.
I agree with a poster that said Shockly isn’t ready yet. Give him another year as backup to pick Harrington’s brain and then he might be ready to start. Harrington may not have the physical abilities but he does have the brains.
And Chris, I agree 100%! Let’s get back to OUTDOOR football!!!!
By Expert
August 2, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Joey Harrington will have a respectable season under coach Petrino’s offense. Petrino’s system is tailored to Joey’s strengths and abilities.The receiving corp should improve because of petrino usage of differing and complex personnal packages, similar to the patriots complex packages,this system should put the receivers in position to make plays.Playoffs!
By Falcons Dude
August 2, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
To the guy who said Vick = Super Bowl. Ummm…let’s see, Vick has been here how long? and how many Super Bowl rings does he have? ZERO! So I don’t think Vick = anything but another year of disappointment if he was going to be QB this year.
Now, let’s get real here. Every year Vick has been with us, the year has been just a little bit worse than the year before. That is why Mora is gone. And, that is why we have Harrington now, because, like it or not, this was Vick’s last gasp as a Falcon, had it not been for the dogfighting. If he didn’t produce this year, he was tradebait next year. And Harrington and Shockley were going to be fighting it out.
Harrington has been playing for the worst team in football, the Lions. No QB could look good with them. Then, he gets sent to one of the more mediocre teams in football, the Dolphins, and actually looks fairly decent. My prediction? This year, he does a better than decent job, and the Falcons go maybe 9-7 or 10-6. They may make the playoffs, or may not. But, this is at best what they would have done with Vick, for you people crying over the dogfighter. And maybe next year, we draft a couple of good linemen, another good receiver, and Shockley works out more, and then we see the Falcons pull it all together and all of sudden, we are not the Michael Convick show, we are a real football team. Something we haven’t been in a really, REALLY long time.
By jfleezy
August 2, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
8-8 and 7-9 in the last two seasons. I wouldn’t say that Vick has been the answer the last two years. Harrington was a stud in college and was forced to play in Detroit, no one could win there. He will be great in the new system in Atlanta. I am a huge UGA fan and graduate from there, Shockley may be good in the NFL one day, but is not ready to start right now. Harrington is the man right now
By Crybaby Ron
August 2, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
You losers are pathetic. Vick is gone, Harrington will be starter. If you don’t like that then just stay home with the TV off.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
NO ONE looks good on the Lions.
Compare Jon Kitna’s stats from the last year he started in Cleveland (2003) to his first year in Detroit (2006).
2003 TDs/INTs: 26/15
2006 TDs/INTs: 21/22
Same completion percentage, but his rating dropped 8 points. Coincidence, or the Curse of the Lions? You decide.
By RIP
August 2, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Chris,
Thats funny. I am about to die laughing. As you can tell I’m black and I don’t think any of this stuf with Vick is important. He should not have had the fights on his property. Do like any other southerner does and have the fights out on a county road so that everyone is on their own. Dog fighting goes on all over our great state of Georgia. You just have to have a system. The Falcons need a better Player Personel Director. You have teams that hire former players as all like to do, but if you are going to do that make sure they are trained. The 49ers had Dr. Harry Edwards for many years. He then trained Guy McIntyre. But Dr. Edwards was front and center with Civil Rights marches of the 60’s so he knows something. But the Falcons have other concerns besides the QB position. Can the receivers catch a cold? Can the DB’s cover, I saw for myself what alot of people called a washed up T.O. skin D.Hall alive. And also can the LB’s tackle. The Falcons have always wanted to hit and not wrap up since Glanville was there, maybe we should go back to Bennet.
By ExVickFan
August 2, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Give Joey a chance. Let’s support him. I already like him since he isn’t into dogfighting.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
RIP, did you really just say you need a “system” to fight dogs?
OK, guess what: it’s illegal. So having a “system” for fighting dogs is like having a “system” to sell drugs or run guns.
You obviously think fighting dogs is OK. Therefore (more than I already did), I will take every post from you as what it is: nothing but propaganda from a brainless, clueless, di**less idiot. You have proved you and your opinions are of no worth. Go away.
By D-Man
August 2, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
Hey doodiebuddy!! LOL
Its your so called clap THUG, Your momma called and said she doesn’t know why your mad, you were born for under $5.00. Besides its okay pure, clean, americans as yourself sometimes forget where they come from sometimes it happens often, just think about this the next time you call someone a THUG you should realize we all come from simular backgrounds and we all bleed red. So that said if I am a THUG….what are you? You lawful law-biding citizen, THUGS come on many levels, we have THUGS in the WHITE-HOUSE right now and if THUGGING is a virus than we are ALL infected.
Another thing oh mighty w******* sprung doodiebuddy, If Atlanta is Rat infested than its because you still reside here!!
By Falcons Dude
August 2, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
The only Super Bowl the Falcons were in had Chris Chandler as QB. The only consistent Falcons team we had were the three years with Leeman Bennett as head coach.
So, where does that leave Michael Vick? I guess in jail. Certainly does not leave him with any lasting memory of greatness for Falcon fans other than some great runs on occasion.
Where does that leave us? Hoping that Joey Harrington can give us a decent year, and Petrino can draft the right players next year to turn this into a solid contender of a team for the next few years.
Where does that leave the Falcons? Wishing that they had traded Michael Vick last year instead of Matt Schaub. Think of what they could have gotten for him in a trade…oh, what might have been…..
By RIP
August 2, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
I know what goes on. I am not clueless like most of you are. Take a trip to South Ga. where over half of the Dog fighters are your color and not mine.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Just checked out the Free Agent QB list for ‘08: http://www.kffl.com/static/nfl/features/freeagents/fa.php?y=2008
Not pretty. Looks like the Birds will be drafting, not shopping.
By David Duke
August 2, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick is going to prison. Forget that creep! Joey has played one less year than Vick and has thrown for a thousand yards more and has thrown one more touchdown than has Vick. Joey would have won the starting job even if Vick had escaped indictment. The disparagement of joey is being done by the sooty for obvious reasons.
By RIP
August 2, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
I know what goes on. I am not clueless like most of you are. Take a trip to South Ga. where over half of the Dog fighters are your color and not mine.
By wildbillhiltner
August 2, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
man, evebn deon saidt it, sometime a man love his dog, but wanna see if he be the baddest dog on the streedt. They be trying to genarlow Mike over nuthin.
By Adam
August 2, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
PETA doesn’t hunt and kill animals, Mr. Gilley. They are and always have been strongly opposed to harming animals in anyway. If the allegations are true, which I believe they are, Vick deserves to be ostracized by them. As for the few Vick supporters left, his career is probably over. You definitely won’t see him at the Georgia Dome ever again. If this means you stop buying season tickets, then I guess you will have extra cash in your pocket and extra time on your hands.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
I’m with you, FalconsDude. Imagine if we could’ve traded Vick and taken Calvin in the draft. Schaub to Calvin for the next 6 years would’ve been nice.
However, the Falcons are now officially starting over. New coaching staff, we’ll have to draft a new QB, we have Norwood (hopefully) ready to take the reins from Dunn, questions on D…
Face it, folks. This team is starting over and rebuilding from the ground up. And I’m happy about it.
By KD
August 2, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
The QB order is: 1) Harrington, 2) Redman, 3) Shockley. Get use to it UGA fans. Bobby P. is never going to start DJ over Chris Redman. Heck, I wish he would start DJ all year so we’re sure to get Brian Brohm next year. Catch the theme here….UofL QB before UGA QB anytime, everytime.
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Come on guys Harrington may not have a good NFL history so far, but he does have the ability, which Joey we’ll see is the question. He may not be great, but if he doesn’t produce you have to give Shockley the start. D.J is pretty much the same size and strength of Vick (I saw Shock throw an almost 40 yard TD pass off his heels while scrambling backwards against LSU in the SEC Champ game). He may even be more accurate than Vick. And he’s not exacetly slow either. The future may be #3. I think he may be ready.
By mikey
August 2, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
I agree with Daniel. Harrington has been on teams with the worst offensive lines you could imagine. I have a gut feeling he will have a great year
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Come on guys Harrington may not have a good NFL history so far, but he does have the ability, which Joey we’ll see is the question. He may not be great, but if he doesn’t produce you have to give Shockley the start. D.J is pretty much the same size and strength of Vick (I saw Shock throw an almost 40 yard TD pass off his heels while scrambling backwards against LSU in the SEC Champ game). He may even be more accurate than Vick. And he’s not exacetly slow either. The future may be #3. I think he may be ready.
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Come on guys Harrington may not have a good NFL history so far, but he does have the ability, which Joey we’ll see is the question. He may not be great, but if he doesn’t produce you have to give Shockley the start. D.J is pretty much the same size and strength of Vick (I saw Shock throw an almost 40 yard TD pass off his heels while scrambling backwards against LSU in the SEC Champ game). He may even be more accurate than Vick. And he’s not exacetly slow either. The future may be #3. I think he may be ready.
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Come on guys Harrington may not have a good NFL history so far, but he does have the ability, which Joey we’ll see is the question. He may not be great, but if he doesn’t produce you have to give Shockley the start. D.J is pretty much the same size and strength of Vick (I saw Shock throw an almost 40 yard TD pass off his heels while scrambling backwards against LSU in the SEC Champ game). He may even be more accurate than Vick. And he’s not exacetly slow either. The future may be #3. I think he may be ready.
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Come on guys Harrington may not have a good NFL history so far, but he does have the ability, which Joey we’ll see is the question. He may not be great, but if he doesn’t produce you have to give Shockley the start. D.J is pretty much the same size and strength of Vick (I saw Shock throw an almost 40 yard TD pass off his heels while scrambling backwards against LSU in the SEC Champ game). He may even be more accurate than Vick. And he’s not exacetly slow either. The future may be #3. I think he may be ready.
By Kelvin
August 2, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
As a black man I get so sick and tired of other black folks using lame excuses and idiotic analogies to justify their support and the behavior of Michael Vick. How Vick could jeopardize a 130 mil dollar contract, his football career, and possibly his freedom by hanging around low lives like “P-Funk” and “Q” is beyond me. To all the Vick supporters your anger is misplaced. You should be angry with Vick, for putting himself, his teammates, and the organization in this position. I don’t wish Vick any ill will. I hope that he can find a way to get out of this situation if for no other reason than I would hate to see him go out like this. I think the odds are 50/50 whether Vick ever plays football again for any team not just the Falcons. Vick is receiving due process in the court of law. The NFL, the Falcons organization, nor the sponsorship has to wait to see if he is convicted to pass judgment. The fact that he broad this type of publicity on himself is a reflection on them as well as Vick and they have the right to cut ties and/or suspend him regardless of the outcome of the case. So, get a grip Vick supporters. Stop using racial language to vilify people for criticizing your QB. Michael Vick plays, or should I say played the most high profile position on the team. Criticism comes with the position. If Vick never quite understood that before, I think he understands it now.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
Hey Doc, I think you got the point across.
By noneya
August 2, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Wait is he already giving Harrington built in excuses as to why he might not be succesful as a QB for the Falcons? “But suspect linemen will keep him fleeing at a considerably slower speed than Vick. The receivers are largely unproven. Warrick Dunn is coming off back surgery.” But yet Vick got criticized for being a bad quaterback with the same “suspect lineman” and “unproven receivers.” Go figure….. Harrington does not impress me. The QB situation should be an open competition. Give all of them reps and let the best man win.
By Rell
August 2, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Ha anyone forgot that this team was a bad team before Vick got here? Before Vick got here the only two times the Falcons went to the playoffs that I call remember was 95(or 96) and 98. The Falcons have never won consistently. All you people talking about the Lions sucked thats why Joey didnt do well needs to get a grip on reality cause guess what? So do the Falcons!!! The teams troubles went way beyond Vick. The D couldnt stop the pass and had problems stopping the run the last 2 years. Its not like our D was ranked in the top 10. Not even the top 15 the past few years. And did anyone forget that we couldnt block anyone on the o-line. Im going to miss Vick but im a Falcons fan first. If any of you think Joey is going to solve our problems you better get a grip… 100 bucks says we finish .500 or worse this year.
By MIKE
August 2, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
KD, Redman sux. And u forget who runs the falcons, Blank, not petrino. blank knows what attracts and excites falcon fans….talented local players. True falcon fans love Shock and want to see him play…..so get used to seeing more UGA/GT players get drafted or acquired by the Falcons.
By noneya
August 2, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Kelvin,
Let me ask you a question. What if Vick is completely innocent of these charges. Meaning he has absoulutely nothing to do with them. People are so prejudiced by what they hear in the media and what they read on the indictment that they haven’t even considered that he might be innocent. I believe that is where the anger comes from and it’s not a black/white issue. There are blacks and whites who support Vick and there are black and whites who believe he is guilty. No FACTS have been presented in this case yet. People have seemed to to forget the definition of the word fact. An indictment is a one sided formal accusation. You’re on the Internet. Look it up on dictionary.com Now back to the crux of this article. Open up the QB competition, don’t just give it to Harrington.
By RIP
August 2, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
At least is still on the Falcons for the new Madden Game. If the falcons cut him, he will end up in Oakland after all is said and done.
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Whoever thinks Petrino would start a QB he coached at UL (Redman) over a more talented QB (Shockley) is a solid Idiot. I dont even remember Redman what legacy did this guy leave at UL. I know if Shockley had been starting at UGA in stead of Green he UGA might have a BCS title, but WHATEVER.
Fact is Petrino is here to win, and despite what Louisville fans think Redman (or whatever his name is) is not a sure thing IF Joey drops the ball. WAIT AND SEE!!!
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Whoever thinks Petrino would start a QB he coached at UL (Redman) over a more talented QB (Shockley) is a solid Idiot. I dont even remember Redman what legacy did this guy leave at UL. I know if Shockley had been starting at UGA in stead of Green then UGA might have a BCS title, but WHATEVER.
Fact is Petrino is here to win, and despite what Louisville fans think Redman (or whatever his name is) is not a sure thing IF Joey drops the ball. WAIT AND SEE!!!
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Whoever thinks Petrino would start a QB he coached at UL (Redman) over a more talented QB (Shockley) is a solid Idiot. I dont even remember Redman what legacy did this guy leave at UL. I know if Shockley had been starting at UGA in stead of Green then UGA might have a BCS title, but WHATEVER.
Fact is Petrino is here to win, and despite what Louisville fans think Redman (or whatever his name is) is not a sure thing IF Joey drops the ball. WAIT AND SEE!!!
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Whoever thinks Petrino would start a QB he coached at UL (Redman) over a more talented QB (Shockley) is a solid Idiot. I dont even remember Redman what legacy did this guy leave at UL. I know if Shockley had been starting at UGA in stead of Green then UGA might have a BCS title, but WHATEVER.
Fact is Petrino is here to win, and despite what Louisville fans think Redman (or whatever his name is) is not a sure thing IF Joey drops the ball. WAIT AND SEE!!!
By Look at where we are...
August 2, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Why is it that we are now arguing over who the starting QB should be? Before Vick did this it was fine to have Harrington as a backup, but now that he is a starter we have a problem? Why is that? WTF! Reverse Rascism folks, us white people better get used to having to be politically correct b/c we can’t offend the black man. So it has to be DJ starting. Can’t be no white QB in the Dome. This is pathetic.
By doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
D-man, I was speaking of your neck of the woods down by the rat-hole dome. I don’t fo’get where I be from neitha! You may have picked up that I’m from Tampa. (Carrollwood, north Tampa. Right down the street from the fabulous Raymond James stadium where true fans witness greatness win or lose. Not the THUGS who attend/play games here in the rat infested dome.) Put that in your crack pipe and smoke it, Clap-boy who pays under 5 dollars for some a$$.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Hey noneya, you say no FACTS have been presented in the case.
Here are some facts for you:
Dogs were fought and killed on that property. FACT
Vick owns the property. FACT
Vick says he was never at the property. FACT
Neighbors and townspeople report seeing Vick in the area frequently. FACT
The 3 other indicted men, with whom Vick was certainly involved for the past several years, all have prior criminal convictions. FACT
Someone in the group paid for the whole operation. Vick is the only one with enough money to do so. FACT
One of the co-defendants has sworn under penalty of perjury that Vick was heavily involved. FACT
Since you’re so interested in FACTS, perhaps you should actually pay attention to some of them.
By Jon
August 2, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Joey will get 5 games to see if he can take this team to a winning season or else DJ Shockley should get the oppurtunity. Signing redman was a waste can look back to spurrier and his Florida experiment with awful Wurffel and Shane Matthews. Not going after Culpepper makes me wonder too, guess Harrington is better then him? Though seriously when is baby dog killer babineux going to get the axe? Or is this Falcons team still believing in keeping a prestige image? Forget the depth at dline, show some responsibility!
By noneya
August 2, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Are these really facts? I will answer this and then I’m done because it’s a waste of energy.
Dogs were fought and killed on that property. FACT
How is this a fact? Has it been proven that dogs were fought and killed on the property. No. This is an allegation.
Vick owns the property. FACT Good job. This is a fact.
Vick says he was never at the property. FACT I have never heard him say he has never been at the property. Please produce this. I doubt that you can.
Neighbors and townspeople report seeing Vick in the area frequently. FACT- You have to be kidding me right? Ok I got one for you. I report seeing President Bush walking out of Magic City frequently. Does that make it a fact?
The 3 other indicted men, with whom Vick was certainly involved for the past several years, all have prior criminal convictions. FACT-This is probably true but what does this mean?
Someone in the group paid for the whole operation. Vick is the only one with enough money to do so. FACT Are you serious? This is what you are passing off as fact. This is your opinion. Please tell me you know the difference?
One of the co-defendants has sworn under penalty of perjury that Vick was heavily involved. FACT-You are making me laugh over here. So no one has ever lied under oath? You can’t be serious?
Since you’re so interested in FACTS, perhaps you should actually pay attention to some of them- You just tried to pass off several allegations and opinions as fact. If you don’t realize that maybe you should look up the definitions of the words. Again arguing with people with your viewpoint is useless so I will bow out gracefully. Open the QB competition up.
By Doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Jon, Take a look in the stands. Arthur is just playing to the fan base unfortunately. As long as we have THUGS (had to use that word for the D-man) on the team then the thug element that is so prevalent in this rat-hole town will still show up to games. hey D-man, still dripping?
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Whoever thinks Petrino would start a QB he coached at UL (Redman) over a more talented QB (Shockley) is a solid Idiot. I dont even remember Redman what legacy did this guy leave at UL. I know if Shockley had been starting at UGA in stead of Green then UGA might have a BCS title, but WHATEVER.
Fact is Petrino is here to win, and despite what Louisville fans think Redman (or whatever his name is) is not a sure thing IF Joey drops the ball. WAIT AND SEE!!!
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Whoever thinks Petrino would start a QB he coached at UL (Redman) over a more talented QB (Shockley) is a solid Idiot. I dont even remember Redman what legacy did this guy leave at UL. I know if Shockley had been starting at UGA in stead of Green then UGA might have a BCS title, but WHATEVER.
Fact is Petrino is here to win, and despite what Louisville fans think Redman (or whatever his name is) is not a sure thing IF Joey drops the ball. WAIT AND SEE!!!
By doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Noneya is an idiot- FACT
Noneya is wearing blinders - FACT
Noneya has about as much common sense as a bag of hammers - FACT
By doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Noneya is an idiot- FACT
Noneya is wearing blinders - FACT
Noneya has about as much common sense as a bag of hammers - FACT
President Bush shops at Magic City - FACT
By Chris
August 2, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
OK, noneya, I’ll try to explain this very carefully, as I would to a 3-year-old.
People in the area report seeing Vick there frequently. This is a FACT. Whether or not he actually was there, the courts will determine. But it is a FACT that people REPORT seeing him there, numbnuts.
It is a FACT (which was reported in the AJC, as well as many other places; look it up yourself. I’m not your stooge. But then again, if you look for something, you may actually find what you don’t want to find, so just stay ignorant) that Vick told Goodell during their April meeting that he was never at the property. Oh, here is the quote:
“I’m never there. I’m never at the house,” Vick said. “I left the house with my family members and my cousin.”
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/04/27/michael-vick-blames-family-for-neglected-dogs/
The person swore under oath against Vick. This is FACT. The court will determine the validity of T’s statements, but it is FACT that he flipped.
The other 3 idiots had criminal records. FACT. Vick hung out with them. FACT. What does this mean? That he spends his time hanging around with criminals. FACT.
You are a blithering idiot. Go to bed now, little one.
By Doc E.
August 2, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Guys, seriously dont worry about racism. Nobody should even bring it up. Its about who you like as QB. Its great to be talking about a new QB. Vick has not lived up to the hype he got out of college.
There is enough talent on the Falcons to really not worry about. Screw Louisville, but Petrino is a good coach. He will start whoever is best. There is no need to worry. Watch atlanta finally make the NFC champ game with this season. I never really liked Vick anyway, whether he comes back or not, I dont think he is the right QB for the job.
Falcons players will hopefully take it as an extra challenge and step up even more.
Sorry about posting the same message 1,000 times earlier.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
By the way, noneya, does stupidity physically hurt, or is it mostly mental and emotional anguish?
You got served. FACT
By falconfan
August 2, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
I would rather lose with Harrington’s grandmother as qb than put up with that thug Vick.
By A.Richey
August 2, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
I have been a falcon fan all my life and i live in california.I hope everyone can calm down and let Vick have his day in court.The lesson for vick is all your homies cant always be around you when they will not change the way they act and dont be so nice to all of your so called friends.I hope it is a lesson he learns.I am pulling for mike stay strong and let the court decide not the ignorance of a few!!!!!!!
By doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
Hey noneya: Say this out loud: I AM SOFA KING READ TODD DID.
By Chris
August 2, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
By the way, noneya, you said it hasn’t been proven (sic) that dogfighting occurred. OK, then, here are some facts:
Police recovered 54 pit bulls from the property. FACT
Police recovered the remains of dead dogs in the back yard of the property. FACT
Police found evidence associated with dogfighting, including “rape stands,” heavy logging chains, and a blood-stained pit. FACT
The property was found and purchased less than 2 months after Michael Vick (the only one in the group with an NFL career and, presumably, the wealthiest) signed his rookie contract. FACT
When you are a rational person, you can string together lots of facts to reach one conclusion. FACT
By Chris
August 2, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
A. Richey, so you say Vick’s homies brought him down, huh?
How do you know he wasn’t the ringleader of the whole operation?
This nonsense of blaming things on your friends is ridiculous. People need to take responsibility for their own actions.
By A.Richey
August 2, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Hey Vick let the court decide and if blank lets you go let see how many empty seat there are in the dome.Like it or not he is the reason people even know atlanta exsist in the NFL.
By JACUUP
August 2, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Simply said, let’s let the players play. Harrington wants to be successful, and if he wants something bad enough, he will be successful in winning with the Falcons. Even if the Falcons have a real downer of a year, They will get a great draft pick in hopes that Ookie will never return. I never liked Vick as a QB, He would make an excellent RB with his skills for the Oakland Raiders one day, if he’s not too old to return to football as an ex-con dogfighter who couldn’t complete a pass if his life depended on it. Harrington will have a great year passing the ball. It is finally time that we see an air attack for Falcons football. We haven’t seen that since Chandler was here six years ago. AIR IT OUT ATLANTA FALCONS!
By Tony H
August 2, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Well U rebel flag pickup truck driving fans got your wish Vick will not play this season fill better AJC and the Lost fans of Justice. You can have what we are about to see coming from the Falcons this year and it will all be on your hands. All I can say is A. Blank I can’t beleive you fell for the Hype sad sad.
By doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Well A. Richey, when Vick is gone and Atlanta does a little house cleaning (And hopefully that rat infested dome gets a good scrubbing, too) you will have your home town team of Oakland to pull for! There’s no shortage of trash on that team for you to root for!
By FalconFan1
August 2, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
I find all of this speculating to be humorous. Why don’t we hold up and wait til JH proves himself good or bad. We all know Vick wasn’t bringing us a championship. All of you speaking negatively will be the first to jump on the Harrington train if he does give us a winning season. We haven’t had one for so long I know it is hard to remember. Oh yeah, whose fault was that? Vick.
By notsofast
August 2, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
To TOM - If Vick=SuperBowl - then why haven’t the Birds been there the past few seasons?? They couldn’t even make the playoffs last 2 years. Everyone just needs to get over Vick - he is toast
By EB
August 2, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Petrino might have to shrink the playbook with Joey Harrington? Like he wouldn’t have to shrink it with Rhodes Scholar No. 7? If anything, the playbook may expand to more than quarterback sprints and deep throws and hope beyond hope Alge’s open (and healthy).
By Look at where we are...
August 2, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Tony H,
I before E except after C! This is one redneck fan who at least knows that much! HOLLA!
By Chris
August 2, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Tony, you mean “rebel flag pickup truck driving” as opposed to “gun-toting, crack-smoking, Escalade-driving?”
Thanks there, buddy. Go hate yourself a bit more.
By A.Richey
August 2, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Look vick is the reason for all of this make no mistake.All i am saying is he should not be so trusting of to many people.Again give the system a chance decide his fate.It blows me away that so many people can get on this topic and not no this guy at all.But it is what it is.America giving us the newest trend in what is in at this time animal cruelty,give it a year and i promise you it will be something else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By skebum69
August 2, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Why hate on Harrington, it’s because he’s WHITE!
By skebum69
August 2, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Why hate on Harrington, it’s because he’s WHITE!
By gangus cobb
August 2, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
all you guys have to remember vick is the most overated and over-paid q.b. in the buissnes he has done nothing but bring shame to this organization. joey, is one of the smartest guys in the league i think you will be very suprised to ses what he can do with a good team like the falcons. the first 2 weeks might be shakey but by seasons end all of you atlanta fans will be very glad vick is not your q.b. play-offs in the picture.
By bushwacker
August 2, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Fortunately for us decent folk, none of the VICK LOVERS get to decide if Vick plays again for the Falcons, that decesion has already been made by MR BLANK and he will NEVER let VICK any where near his team ever again!!!
So don’t hate on us, talk to Arthur!!!
By Theedge
August 2, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Where is the outrage over the four Home Depot employees fired for allegedly accepting kickbacks without their day in court. Mike sits there collecting a paycheck and these guys are out on the street. Seems like a bit of a double standard from the founder of Home Depot.
By GE
August 2, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Chris,
You make me proud to be in the presence of a white man who is not like Robert Byrd. I have always felt that there were some good and honest white men out there who did not want to exterminate black people. Its also good to see that you do not want to treat us “like a dog”.You are better than some of these other dog loving hypoctites out to crucify Mike Vick.
Finally, I suggest that you join the natinoal guard and show your support for Mr. Bush by taking your self righteous behind to Iraq. Take your damn dog with you.
By Theedge
August 2, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
The real question is this:
Harrington definitely can be as good as a T Dilfer. He has the capability to be a system QB. Is the system good enough to work at the NFL level? Many college coaches have brought their systems to the NFL only to be sent packing with their tails between their legs. Will the Petrino system work at this level. Petrino feels Harrington can execute the system will the system work?
All I can go on is the veteran players comments on the system and they seem to be excited. Time will tell will he be another Spurrier or a Vermiel?
By VickBeliever
August 2, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
To all you Vick haters you got your wish. Now when Harrington duplicates what he has done with his last two teams I don’t want t ohear your boos. OOOPS you want be there becasue you were not there before Vick. Anyway I hope Vick returns and look out if we are 0-2 coming to the Dome for our first game. You haters will sing a different song. So think about it at the end of the day we lost our franchise player over some damn dogs and fighting which 1000 of other people are doing daily. Yeah I said it a damn dog Pit Bulls need not to be in a home anyway. None of the protesters had pitbulls they had dogs like real pet lovers have poodles, cocker spaniels etc. Vick when you win a Super Bowl with your new team. I wonder what the bad wagon Falcon fans will have to say TO PETA for running you out of town. OVER SOME DOGS….
By Kelvin
August 2, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hey Chris, doodiebuddy. I was going to respond to noneya for attacking me, but you guys have put him in his place quite nicely. Thanks.
By Falcons Dude
August 2, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Michael Vick stats - First year - NFC Championship…since the first year…failure after failure. Every year the win-loss ratio got worse. No playoffs the past two years. Lots of excuses, but no wins. Everyone says Mike Vick is great, but why aren’t the Falcons a contender every year? Why aren’t they consistently good? why haven’t they EVER had back to back winning seasons?
Mike Vick is an exciting ball player, but after 6 years, he still didn’t get the job done. All of you can talk all you want, but the FACT is, he didn’t win. At least, didn’t win enough and didn’t win when it counted. 1000 yards rushing and hitting a pass every now and then makes for great highlights, but personally, I want MY highlight to be seeing my QB lifting that Super Bowl trophy at the end of the year.
I wish Mike Vick the best at his trial. I wish that he is found not guilty. I have nothing against him, but if he is found guilty, I hope he gets all that he deserves. There is no excuse for mistreatment of animals, that is just cruel and shows the man has a cruel and something slightly less than human streak in him. And, the Falcons do not need someone like that as a leader of the team and representing for them in the community.
By dawg
August 2, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Let’s focus on the positive. I’m positive I’m gonna make a pile of money this season betting the Falcons will lose.
By Theedge
August 2, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Not over some dogs over a felony! Get it through your heads! He may have broke the law.
Nike, Rawlings, Air Tran etc. may be bowing to PETA but Mike won’t play again because of the felony conviction or he will play again after he pleads to a lesser charge and serves a suspension which is likely a full year.
By Falcons Dude
August 2, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Dawg, how are you going to make money betting on a sure thing?
By VickBeliever
August 2, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
skeburn69 the hate for Harrington is because he SUCKS…..tHE SUPPORT FOR vICK IS BECAUSE HE IS A DIFFERENCE MAKER. Ask the other Falcon players off record I guarantee you they will say the same. Vick is better than Harrington with a broke leg.Why do you think the Dolphins sign a QB that was not even healed from a knee surgery.
By doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Kelvin, Jump on the wagon. I want to spew some very caustic criticism to Vickbeliever next.
You call Vick a “franchise player” only because he got the highest paid contract at the time for a long time, even though he proved nothing other than he can run. His passing is crummy, his attitude is crummy, his home town of Newport News is disgusting, (I was just passing through the airport last week coming back from the place white people vacation, Outer Banks). The only difference now is that we’ll have a QB under center instead of a RB. Why didn’t we save some money and just have Dunn under center for the majority of the season. Arthur Blank is a great business man but I find flaws with him with his Falcons business model.
By doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, and the dome SUCKS and is rat infested. And one of their fans has the Clap!
Just be real and pull for the Bucs! Its straight down the road. Head south ‘til your hat floats and you are there. Actually, now with Harrington at the helm, this could be interesting.
By allyallcrazy
August 2, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
STOP THE MADDNESS!!! MICHAEL WILL BE FINE BECAUSE THE CREATOR OF THIS WORLD IS LOOKING DOWN ON ALL THIS MADDNESS AGAINST HIM. DON’T FORGET PEOPLE THAT IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW YOU FEEL OR WHAT YOU SAY BUT THE WILL OF GOD FOR MICHAEL’S LIFE AND I DO BELIEVE HE WILL BE ALRIGHT. NOW GO DO SOMETHING USEFUL WITH YOUR TIME, PLEASE.
By doodiebuddy
August 2, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Good idea “Allyallcrazy”. I think we should all form a prayer circle for Michael Vick and hope he gets out of this trouble so he can get back to killing dogs for fun. Gosh, why didn’t I think of that!
God loves all creatures, even people who consider dog fighting entertainment. When Vick finally passes through those pearly gates, Jesus might as well just move it on over!
Now go handle some snakes!
By VickBeliever
August 2, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
Falcon Dude do you think its rude and cruel to shoot deer and rabbits whom can be pets? At least them dogs got in the Pit and saw what they were up against. Them Deers are out looking for food for thier bambi’s only to get shot up and ate by your redneck brothers.
By rlynn
August 2, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
You got it Wes, as a QB Vick is a dog.
By D-man
August 2, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
SOMEBODY KILL ME, IT WON’T STOP DRIPPING AND I HAVE NO HEALTH INSURANCE! I THINK IT IS THE CLAP!
By Falcons Dude
August 2, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Vick a difference maker? Please, someone tell me: in 6 years, what difference did Vick make with the Falcons? What are the Falcons after 6 years of Vick, that they aren’t with 34 years without Vick? They found lots of ways to lose with Vick, they found lots of ways to lose without him.
Come on people, the only time they made it to the Super Bowl, it was WITHOUT Michael Vick (Chris Chandler, QB)! They made it to the playoffs more times WITHOUT Michael Vick than with him (1978, 1980, 1982, 1991, 1995, 1998)! The highest ranked offense they ever had in the NFL was WITHOUT Michael VICK (1980 Falcons, Steve Bartkowski with Lynn Caine and William Andrews, ranked #3).
So, the only difference I can see Vick made was…he made them worse…he made them supporting players to the Michael Vick show. He filled stands, no question, but who cares? HE DIDN”T WIN A SEASON!!! He is not a QB who will win season after season and get you Super Bowl rings. He has PROVEN that.
You can all argue all you want, his stats, his seasons, his losses, are all the proof anyone needs.
By Theedge
August 2, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
VickBeliever why can you not see hunting is a legal activity and dog fighting is not. If you want to ban all hunting sign up with those kooks at PETA they would love to have you. Or if you think dog fighting is fight start campaigning to make it legal. But none of that is going to change the fact Vick will not play a down this year. You speed in the car as I do it is breaking the law you do it based on the risk which here in Atlanta are not too great. He potentially took a big risk either participating, bankrolling, or hiding the fact this was going on. Hopefully he can stay out of jail and get back on the field one day but it ain’t happening this year.
And all you people comparing Vick and Harrington remember that with close to equal stats one is costins $130 million and the other is $6 million. With close to the same ints, tds. yards I know where my money would be. Upgrading the porous secondary and o lines. Upgrading the everyday fan experience not some suites in the sky!
By Falcons Dude
August 2, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
VickBeliever, why do you resort to prejudice and bigotry? You apparently have drawn conclusions about 1) my race and 2) my hobbies. You assume I hunt, and you assume I am white and southern. I don’t know how you have drawn those conclusions, but attacking me when I have said nothing to you or about you says volumes about your character, as does your apparent support of dogfighting and the treatment of animals.
I would be interested in knowing why you have concluded I am white, southern and like to hunt, when I have said nothing at all to indicate any of the above. And, please indicate why you would attack me with apparent hate when I have said nothing to you or about you. Unless you just have a particular hatred for people who are whte, southern and like to hunt. Which means you must really hate a lot of people around here.
Please enlighten me.
By VickBeliever
August 2, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
I am not prejudice just stating the facts. They say the truth hurts. Its ok be who you are. Harrington’s play will have the fans screaming for Vick.
By GE
August 2, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Hey Vick Supporters,
Just think that all these jerks bashing Mike are of the opinion that it really matters what they think. It is not for us to wonder why they write laws to protect dogs so that they can lay with them and pick up fleas. We are just providing reasons for them to offer their infinite wisdom so they can forget about their sorry a* lives. Vick envy is pervasive even when he is down and out. He is a poster child now for all those moralistic , republican, right- wing fanatics who want his blood.
The jury will be chosen by a republican appointed judge so there will be no forgiveness even if he is not guilty.Hopefully, he has hidden his money so the Feds cannot get it when they charge him with racketeering. He needs to move forward with his life.
By Slapnuts
August 2, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
My only hope is that being in Detroit for Harrington will be like Steve Young starting his career with the hapless Tampa Bay Bucs. Maybe this will be Harringtons turnaround place. Then again, I am a homer for the Falcons, regardless.
By PR
August 2, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
People will always be able to say Shockley “isn’t ready” until he gets his chance. Put him in Petrino… the kid is a winner!
By UGA Fan
August 2, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this
Jeff: if you check todays stats of the Canadian Football League, you will find that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers could beat half of the NFL teams right now. So don’t insult the league.
By JoeyFan
August 2, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
Joey has been one of my favorite QB. Yes, The Falcons gain many points from me when they got smart and selected Harrington. People, Open your eyes. There is a higher power working to keep Mr. Harrington in a starting position. Backup in two system and had to lead. Joey was born to do this ATL will be conquer by Joey Harrington, and all the haters well they will do what they do best “HATE” Joey, don’t let me down, I spending half a weeks pay on your Falcons Jersey
By scouts out
August 2, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Atlanta, We need to give Joey a chance at least he can QB. Vick did not only had embarresed our franchise,and our community, he has done nothing for the Falcons since he was draf it. Him and his brother gangster deserved it. Joey I have faith in you, prove every one wrong. Give this franchise a hope.
By ATLfanomo
August 2, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Give Joey a chance, people! What if he gets the birds to the playoffs, with or without Shockley? What if Shockley does it with Joey>? Still gonna be crying for Vick the Sick? Please, Ive never seen so much over-hyped rigamarow over an athlete that has still yet to produce only one thing consistently every season: embarrassment!Dirty Bird, oh yeah! Off the field, flipping you off on the field and still cant get a win past the first playoff game…..YAWN! Arthur was blanked and so are the Falcons……time to press on….
By Dennis S.
August 3, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
Ok…..whatever. I don’t care about Joey Harrington or the Atlanta Falcons…, but being from Winnipeg, Canada and a MAJOR Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan I do take offense to any derogatory comments made about the team. That being said….no Joey Harrington could not make our team…..