Sports Columnists

By JP

August 9, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

2 words Joey Harrington. We will not win more than 5 games. Are we kidding ourselves? I am not, we are bad and the Falcons will prove it. Andruw Jones is a Braves killer

By Robert

August 9, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Well with that the only thing to say is, out with the old in with the new. Only time will tell. “Essayons” Let us try.

By betterBgood2me

August 9, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

All we can do at this point is hope for the best…but I believe its gonna be a long season…I wonder how many games will be blacked out in our area because of non-sellouts

By Brad in KY

August 9, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

One advantage, if it can be called that, is that the team has a chance to prepare for the season knowing that Vick is out, unlike the season when he broke his leg in the preseason. No surprises as far as that’s concerned.

Also, I happen to think there’s a lot of talent on this team. There are some depth issues, and of course I’m not sure what to expect from Harrington/wide receiver and the o-line. But there’s no reason this team can’t win 7 or 8 games (assuming that Crumpler and Dunn are healthy, of course).

By Quik

August 9, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

All Falcons fans are loading up on Pepto-Bismol. There’s a sinking feeling in the stomachs of fans.

By The BlogFather

August 9, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

The games are won or lost on the front line.

Our front line?

‘muff said.

By Daniel

August 9, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Forget about Michael Vick for just one moment. Lets just say the dog incident never happened, and Michael was our starting QB, what team would the falcons be?Lets start on Offense. Would Michael be a better QB under Petrino, I say yes, but how much better?? Is Michael a smart QB under pressure, game on the line, a Brady,Peyton type thinker? I don’t think I need to answer that question.Michael is a very gifted Man with the ability to run,poor decision maker, average in completion rate, that sums him up, Offensive line, very small, poor on pass protection and not bad in run blocking. Wideouts not as bad as people think, Joe Horn will be a leader and help out and get in their face leader, something the Falcons have not had in a while.Running game, be interesting to see how it developes without the threat of Michael taking off. Without that threat will our RB’s now have all the attention of the opposing defense, I say YES!,Our running game will be hurt big time. Now on Defense, Zimmer is a better Defensive coach then Ed Donatell, there is a plus. Now the bad news, Def line can be good if Abraham plays, History says he will miss half the season with a bruised toe, Not much pressure on opposing QB’s, Linebackers mediocre at best, Our secondary has the tools to be very good, but the problem is without any pressure from the line, can thses guys cover one on one all day long, I say NO WAY!. Joey harrington is a smart guy, doesn’t have Michael athetlic abilites,but he reads defenses better then Vick, Has more acuracy throwing the ball then Vick, Still needs to improve in decision making, Too many interceptions and un neccesary sacks when with the Detroit Lions,I say with everything I have seen with this group of Falcons and the schedule they have I say 5 wins if key injuries hit this team, 7 wins if they stay healthy, Joey Harrington is not the Franchise QB that Authur Blank has in Mind, the falcons want a Steve bartkowski Media hit back in 75 when they announced to the world they would draft him, Falcons will do everything in thier power to bring a Franchise QB to Atlanta next season, Give you a little hint, Bobby Petrino knows this guy pretty well

By Boots

August 9, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

I’m certainly not an expert; but as an observer of Falcon football for years, it seems to me that the mental preparation, physical effort and motivation over the years has been sporadic. Hence, the collapse the second half of the past two years.

I have been sickened with the sight of a stoop-shouldered Vick sitting alone on the bench when things weren’t going well.

These intangibles, mental preparation and toughness and a never-say-quit attitude will determine the season. I personally think they’ll do as well as they have done over the past two seasons if they’ll just give a 110% effort. And, that’ll be the job of Petrino and his crack coaching staff.

By midnite

August 9, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Good points Bradley. I like the fact that Coach Petrino is just that, a coach, and not their buddy. That never works in business, family life or sports. Disipline and accountability are the keys here. I am pumped about tomorrows game to see what we’ve got. Lets get behind the coaching staff and Harrington and support the Falcons. Adversity can bring out the best in those that are strong and up to the task, but not for the whiners, complainers, and the losers. GO BIRDS!

By TB

August 9, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

I remember when we signed Grady Jackson right before the start of last season and he was “the missing piece”. There was optimism that we were a contender, playoff bound and possibly Super Bowl bound. We had Vick all season and we went 7-9. For all the Joey harrington haters and Vick lovers, everyone should remember that with Vick as a starter, we were 15-17 the last two years. Wow - that’s great. If we’re not going to be in the playoffs, then what’s the difference in 7-9, 5-11, or 3-13? There is none - and our record with Vick the past 2 years shows he’s not the missing piece either.

By San Antonio Falcon

August 9, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

We’ll since Vick is currently off the team, my wife let me sign back up for my direct TV package. I am looking forward to the Vickless Falcons. It seems like I have been waiting 5 or 6 years for Vick to do something. I’ve enjoyed watching him play, but its time to move on. Harrington may not be the answer, but lots of QB’s have made an impact later in their careers after poor to mediocre starts in there career - Trent Green, Randall Cunningham, Doug Williams, Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer, Rich Gannon, Chris Chandler, et cetera.

By Boots

August 9, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Thanks Midnite for pointing out the importance of DISCIPLINE and ACCOUNTABILITY.

I’d like to think the players realize that there’s a new sheriff in town and they’re not going to be able to skate this season.

I’d also like to think that Petrino will put them on the bench if they’re not performing on the field.

This team doesn’t lack for talent nearly as much as they lack for judgement, determination and commitment. They have the ability —- the question is are they SMART enough and COMMITTED enough to get the job done.

By The BlogFather

August 9, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Football is won in the trenches on the front line. Everyone knows this, and it’s the only thing you need to know, but all scouts and owners ignore it.

Simply buy a great front line, and you can win the superbowl. No more discussion about wonder-quarterbacks or glue-hand receiver is necessary. Get a front line, and you buy time for a normal quarterback to throw, and time for the normal receivers to get open. It’s that simple.

Period.

‘muff said.

Superbowls are won by tackles, and gaurds and centers. Period. End of debate.

By toni

August 9, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

I’m very optimistic,i say 10-6 because now we have a quorterback.

By Jim P.

August 9, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

We have a lot of work to do. I see a 6-10 season.

By Chris

August 9, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

The name’s “Bradley.” Rhymes with “badly,” which is how wasted you must’ve been to write that silly Norwood article.

The name’s “Norwood.” Rhymes with “for good,” which is how long people will quite reading your articles if you keep up that nonsense.

By Chris

August 9, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

The name’s “Bradley.” Rhymes with “badly,” which is how wasted you must’ve been to write that silly Norwood article.

The name’s “Norwood.” Rhymes with “for good,” which is how long people will quit reading your articles if you keep up that nonsense.

By tp

August 9, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a longshot we make the playoffs, but I think it’s ridiculous to think we’ll completely implode without Vick as we did in 2003.

This team is much more talented than that one, both from a personnel and coaching standpoint.

I agree with you MB, there’s something about this team that makes you think we’re going to surprise a lot of folks. Personally, I can’t wait to see how Petrino manages a game from a play-calling standpoint and how our defense will play in Zimmer’s aggressive scheme.

By SC

August 9, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Luck is the intersection of preparation an opportunity. This team has a chance at a winning season, because they ostensibly will be well prepared. Finally, the Falcons have a competent professional coach.

All these predictions about the season are worthless, because there are no theories behind them which can be tested. They are exercises in flippancy. Tell me which games will be won and why.

By mart

August 9, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it for years, as long as Rankin Smith is the owner this franchise will never be a consistent winner.

By BirdMahn

August 9, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

I hope the defense is good because the offense is not going to score a lot of points with Harrington at QB. Teams will pressure him every game and he’ll fold like a cheap accordian.

By mountain jim

August 9, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

I say the reasons for optimism is not just Petrino, it’s major upgrades as well at OC, DC, and receivers coach.

Not having Knapp around is worth 2-3 wins right there. And our receivers are finally being coached by talent and not by a line coach only worried about run blocking.

I am disapointed in not being able to see what Vick could have done with this quality of coaching staff and schemes, but oh well, he did it to himself, and I am moving on.

And predicting 8-8 or 9-7. Our previous staff was that bad, that we can improve even with a total make-over and a big fat ? at QB.

By DKM

August 9, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Our issue this season is can we stop the other team? The offense will be fine with Harrington, NFL QBs mature in their fifth season and he will be very good with the Petrino system! We will be a .500 squad and make the playoffs because we will show up every week and the NFC is very weak!

By jd

August 9, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

At the very least we will no longer be known as the team with the thug dog fighting QB who cant put two sentences together. Vick was an embarassment to the city of Atlanta. Since he came here, the Georgia Dome tailgating scene has become a thug fest. A bunch of hip hpping ebonics talking gang bangers feasting on fried chicken and watermellon while shouting “where the white woman at.”

By SC

August 9, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Luck and theories aside Mark, I agree with you about the general prospects of the Falcons this year. The change in attitude of the players, the competency of the coaching staff, the preparation, and the emphasis on teamwork will combine to make the Falcons a better team than most people expect.

By jd can't spell

August 9, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Hmm, jd can’t spell. What is a (watermellon)? Hip hpping? C’mon man, where the white woman at? Are you threatend?

By Russ Brock

August 9, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Sean Payton was a first year coach for New Orleans last year and look what he did. Petrino gets a new and REAL QB in Harrington or Shockley so at least hold back your dire predictions of a doomed and dismal season until you have something to base it on. Sheesh. What a pessimist!

By Vick Supporter

August 9, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Well Atlanta fans (caucasians), you got what you wanted. Vick isn’t playing, yet… We’re gonna see if all this stuff you blamed on Vick was Vick’s fault. You keep finding ways to make Harrington better in your minds, but knowing how ya’ll react to things, you’ll be booing him by midseason. Maybe then you’ll realize how important #7 is to this team. Damn, no I don’t have a f-ing team to cheer for. Falcons: 3-13. YEP!!!!

By Lavaskie

August 9, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Just because Petrino coached Brohm doesn’t mean he’s dying to get him here to be our so called franchise QB. He coached Okoye and we had the opportunity to pick him, but we didn’t. I think Mike sits out the entire year(hopefully not) and comes back with a vengance. I think our defense is gonna be pretty good. Coach Zimmer is no joke. We all will get a preview of what’s to come on tomorrow at 7pm.

By A Falcon walks into a bar. . . .

August 9, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I’m very optimistic this season too. I think we can win at least 4 games. I think we can fill at least half of the dome by week 12. I think we’ll enjoy our top 5 draft pick next season.

By midnite

August 9, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

We can’t even have decent forum here for the ignorant venom spewers showing up. Just because you support 7 doesn’t mean you have to hate the Falcons. Sorry but 7 is old news now and won’t be around this year. No training camp means he’s at home in VA, which he can’t leave by the way, getting fat sitting on his rear end. GO BIRDS!

By observer

August 9, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t seem as if too many people on this blog watch alot of football. All of a sudden, we’re 7-9 at best with Harrington at QB??? I think that’s an insult to the rest of the team. Let’s be logical about this. Last year, we went 8-8. This team compared to last year is much improved, especially the defense…anyone want to argue with that? Also, this coach and system is much better than last year….anyone want to argue with that? The receiving core is better…any takers? The O-line will at least be bigger?….still no arguements huh? So if you agree that our entire organization gets better, we loose one player, and all of a sudden we’re 7-9 at best? Stop, think, then type.

By A TFFF

August 9, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Hey A Falcon walks into a bar… . If what you say is true and we have half the dome filled by week 12, I will take it. That will mean those people will be true Falcon fans.I will take it anytime. So go ahead and stay home. Wait, you do that anyway don’t you? yeah your the same prick that sells your tickets to the other teams fans aren’t you… yeah… why don’t you give up your season tickets… do it in MV’s name. That’ll teach em…

By Boots

August 9, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Some suggested that Vick wasn’t smart enough to read defenses. I defended Vick, blaming it on the coaches. However, his lack of judgement, poor decision making and choice of friends—jeopardizing his $130 million contract, team and front office —- shows me he just not very bright. I apologize, Coach Mora, he just isn’t very smart.

By David Duke

August 9, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

The Falcons went 7-9 last season. we have a new coach who is respected and we’ve upgraded at the quarterback position. I believe the Falcons will play hard and well and go 11-5.

By jd

August 9, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Simply put, Vick was unable to read defenses. The Falcons would never be better than 500 with Vick at the helm. The african-negros will whine as long as we have a white QB. It is their nature.

By Ray

August 9, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

After what Vick has put us through, a hard working competetive, 7-9 season would make these Falcons one of the most beloved teams in franchise history, as opposed to last years hardly working barely competetive 7-9 season that was one of the most disapointing in franchise history.

By Ray

August 9, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

P.S. Mr. Kiss of Death Bradley, please don’t say any more good things about the Falcs Dogs or Braves!

By Mark Bradley

August 9, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Which is better? To have talent and be undercoached, which is what the Falcons were last season, or to have less talent and be coached well, which is how I see them this season. Guess we’ll see. My best guess: A lot of good efforts but close losses.

By KevAlb

August 9, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Maybe with Michael gone we can start to focus on what REALLY wins games in the NFL. DEFENSE! Ours has been horrible for as long as I can remember. Maybe thats why the Falcons have been inconsistent as winners for as long as I can remember. Our offense will be just as good as it was last year…mediocre. But if our DEFENSE improves, so will this team. If not, then 7-9 or 5-11 is the best we can hope for. Give me Defense or give me Death! PRESSURE! + HITTING! = DEFENSE & WINNING!!!!

By ATLslimG

August 9, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Mike plays until convicted and sentenced. We need some return on our investment. Only good thing about this whole mess is I’ll be able to see the games once they are blacked out locally(season ticket holder). How’s the progress on the pardon mr. president? Pardon Mike Vick!

By Ray

August 9, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Talent and integrity will always take you further than just talent.

By AtlFALCON

August 9, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Even though this year looks pretty grimm, I’m excited for Falcons future. We have a new coach and a new QB (I know its JH, and we’ll likely need someone else to lead us to the promise land) But we’re getting a FRESH START.

As far as the fans, after MV leaves ATL, the Falcons need to get some real fans and not MV fans. Hopefully I’m wrong about this and everyone comes still comes out to support the Falcons, but I doubt it.

Go Falcons!

By A Falcon walks into a bar. . . .

August 9, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Ray,

No Talent and Integrity DO NOT take you farther than just talent though.

By Ken Strickland

August 9, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

The real improvement on this team will be on DEF. Our OFF improvement will come from our overall balance. We will no longer be a conservative, predictable, one dimensional OFF. Our DEF will be improved in every aspect, and will be better able to withstand injuries. DEF wins, and you only need to see what generated the Bears success last yr to understand that. We have reason to be optimistic.

By A Falcon walks into a bar. . . .

August 9, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

SATAN,

I have no idea how teams like the Braves, who had cheaters on their team such as Gary Sheffield(roids), Brett Boone(roids), Rafael Furcal(lied about age), and Chipper Jones(wife cheater)did so well. The Pats are clearly concerned with Character, which is why they signed Randy Moss. The Colts are truly the Character examples of the NFL. Did you know that Peyton Manning recently settled a sexual harrasment lawsuit from college? He voluntarily paid out of pocket for sexual harrasment. Look it up. Then we have the Yankees, whose payroll doubles and triples most other teams in the MLB. I’m sure they were successful because they had a buch of nice, standup guys on their team. That’s how Barry Bonds just broke the Home run record as well. He’s a nice, stand up guy. Great points that you’re making though.

By midnite

August 9, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

To set the record straight on Bonds. The Braves had made a deal late at night. John Schurholz(its in his book) was set to have a press conference the next morning, only to have the Pirates GM get “cold feet” and back out of the deal. The characterthing was not an issue. I guess you people think the Braves are racists too. Get it right or you will be called out.

By A Falcon walks into a bar. . . .

August 9, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Satan,

Forgot to mention that the Braves were never THAT good, and that Bobby Cox is a wife Beater. How’s that for character? I don’t know about you guys, but beating my wife seems like a more serious crime than killing my dog.

By The Real SATAN

August 9, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Bar, Is there any integrity in sports and if not why do you follow the lack of intergrity so closely? Why not just give up?

By The Real SATAN

August 9, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Midnite, Bonds was still clean at the time of the deal you refer too

By The Real SATAN

August 9, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

As Michael Jackson once said “one bad apple don’t spoil the whole bunch girl, give it one more chance before you give up on love, babe”,

By The Real SATAN

August 9, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

As Michael Jackson once said “one bad apple don’t spoil the whole bunch girl, give it one more chance before you give up on love, babe”,

By A Falcon walks into a bar. . . .

August 9, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Brad,

That’s the Peyton Manning side of the story. Mooning someone isn’t exactly worth an out of court settlement either, is it?.

By The Real SATAN

August 9, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks Brad, just for that you won”t have to come here.

By Waddington Wadsworth Wadfellow VIII

August 9, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Falcons fan for 40-years. I’ve been ravaged by past bouts of optimism that would make Chuck Tanner look like a doomsdayer by comparison. With that said, I’m VERY optimistic about our present bunch. I honestly believe we have the coaching staff and players to go far, THIS year!! Don’t call me a foolish optimist dammitt!! Don’t say I’m fulla false hopes!! Please don’t call the dudes in the white coats!!?? OK, OK, you’re right, I need professional help….

BTW Bradley, dude was right about the piece on Norwood. I cringed each and every time I read the rhymes. I genuinely felt sorry for Ya guy… I personally think you’re a great writer; that one definitely being your Edsel….

Aloha frum Nawth Jawjuh…

By media black bias or color bias

August 9, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

I got my season ticket no vick .This is my last season. the necks can have it . The media hate black stars . Of the most hated sports stars the top 12 are black because the media only outcast black or player of color. The sport media is mostly white, the NFL front office is white but the player that make them all money are mostly black. love you Falcons to many haters as fans . Sports media is to bias! the dog fighting was dumb but the way they went after him was over kill. I have been a sports fan for 40 years no player has been lynched like they did vick and that is no lie! over a damn bunch of dogs that they all hate pit bull dogs that the law is going to kill any way i don’t hear you peta ! pure hipocrites! you don’t hear manning moon a lady oh yea white you are right!

By Vick Supporter

August 9, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Earth to white people. THE FALCONS ARE GOING DOWN HARD THIS YEAR. YOU GOT WHAT YOU WANTED, AND WHAT YOU SEEM TO LOVE, A LOSING A* TEAM. THEN YOU SIT AROUND AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THINGS AFTER YOU RUIN THE TEAM. NOW ATLANTA HAS NO TEAM TO BE PROUD OF. HAWKS SUCK, BRAVES SUCK, THRASHERS SUCK. NOW THE FALCONS SUCK. GO TO YOUR IRISH PUBS AND CELEBRATE!! YOU’VE EARNED IT!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

By Waddington Wadsworth Wadfellow VIII

August 9, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Oh Yeah, my prediction….

How bout 11-5…

Don’t forget, you heard it here first!!

By A Falcon walks into a bar. . . .

August 9, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Brad,

That and the fact that the media decided not to run with that story. I’m sure the story will be a little different and watered down in Mike Vick’s book too. A trainer sues the team that Peyton Manning is the captain of. I wouldn’t dispute anything either if I was collecting settlements from UT.

The point is that, sure, you’d like to have guys with Character, but that isn’t what wins championships. Talent is talent, you just hope it stays out of jail when you let it go home from practice. All of these athletes live above the law that you and I live under. It’s just a fact of life. Being a nice guy doesn’t entitle you to any more wins or records than being a d*ck does.

By supa

August 9, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

I think this will be a breakout season for Norwood. And our defense isn’t bad. If Joey doesn’t turn the ball over too much, I think we got a decent chance. He can’t be as bad as Doug Johnson. I say 8-8 would be a great season given the distractions and learning a new system.

By Vick Supporter

August 9, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

No!!!!!!!!!!! Not the Great Peyton Manning!!!! I thought he was perfect?

By Brad in KY

August 9, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

The Peyton Manning stuff aside, I think I should distance myself somewhat from some of the comments made by others here.

First, I like Mike Vick as a player and hope that he’s innocent. On the one hand, I think the move to bar him from training camp is wrong since it’s simply based on publiic relations and not on the facts of the case or his presumed innocence. That being said, it works well for Vick who needs to focus on his defense (and he’s still getting paid, after all).

Second, if he commited the crime, then he should pay the price. And I hope he never wears a Falcons uniform again in that case. If he’s acquitted then I hope he’s able to return to the team asap.

Third, dog fighting is cruel and deserves punishment. One reason for this is because cruelty to animals is often associated with cruelty to humans. So it follows that society should enforce animal cruelty laws (this doesn’t imply anything about Vick, I’m speaking generally).

Some people seem to think that hurting animals isn’t such a big deal and that we should only worry about harm done to other people. The point of this argument is to show otherwise.

Fourth, one can hold that animal cruelty should result in stiff punishment and still hold that crimes against other people are as bad or worse (depending on the case, I suppose). It’s not an “either/or” proposition.

Finally, assuming it’s true that a larger extent of the African American population commits crimes than other races, it doesn’t follow from this that it’s because they’re black. That’s a false cause. Socio-economic conditions are one factor, although it would be absurd to think that this is the only reason (after all, plenty of poor people are in fact very good people and fine citizens).

At any rate, that is all. I leave the rest of you to your incoherent ramblings.

By the teacher

August 9, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Atlanta sports teams had many players with class and talent but you guys still didn’t support them.We had Hank Aaron but yall booed him,gave death threats to him.We had Qb’s in Atlanta who had class like Bartkowski,Chris Miller,and Chandler,but the stadium was still empty.We had Dale Murphy here who was a 2 time MVP and all around goody 2 shoes,but no one still came to the games.The Hawks had good guys like Mutombo and Steve Smith,but yall still didn’t support them.The Braves had good guys during their 14 yr playoff run,but it was more fans from other teams than ours.Now that Vick is gone lets see how many of you guys support the Falcons if we have a losing season.