AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > September > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons could use more mulligans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
The Tuesday Countdown:
10: Rich McKay said the Falcons wouldn’t consider bringing in another quarterback until they were further “downstream.” On Monday, Byron Leftwich was in the building.
9: I’m guessing McKay just got a geography lesson: streams can lead to falls.
8: What would the Falcons’ primary concern be in Leftwich’s physical? That he has a pulse?
7: But wait! There’s hope! This is the 15th time in franchise history the Falcons have started at least 0-2 (ugh). They finished with a losing record 12 times. The other two years, they actually made the playoffs. If you can remember when, you truly have no life.
6: Dazzle your friends at keg parties with this: 1991 — Jerry Glanville (aaaagggh!) started 0-2 in his second season, but finished 10-6 and won a wild-card game before losing in Washington. 2002 — Dan Reeves started 0-2 but finished 9-6-1 under Michael Vick, who engineered a wildcard upset in Green Bay before losing in Philadelphia.
5: The Carolina Panthers are coming off a loss to Houston. Well. They should be in a good mood.
4: It can’t be just coincidence that Roger Goodell announced on NBC that his investigation into “Spygate” is still open only after he was criticized for not suspending Bill Belichick. Count this as the commissioner’s first reversal.
3: Nothing against Morten Andersen. But wouldn’t it be great if every NFL team received a mulligan after two games? Just think. The Falcons saying, “On second thought, we’ll take Matt Schaub back.” The Chargers: “On second thought, Norv Turner’s a wallflower.” Bobby Petrino: “On second thought, I like Louisville.”
2: If Fan Appreciation Day is like other Braves’ game, they’ll be giving away leads.
1: How do you choose sides between O.J. Simpson and whatever degenerate wants to buy or sell his memorabilia?
Permalink | Comments (70) | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Quick Hit
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Ryno
September 18, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
C’mon Jeff. Carolina lost to Houston. It was the Saints that lost to Tampa.
By Rocket20
September 18, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Right now I have no reason to be excited about this team so Leftwich sounds like a great idea. Also we need to see more norwood!!
By Not The Way to Go
September 18, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Leftwich is not the answer. The way our O-Line is playing, he’ll be injured during his first drive.
By mike
September 18, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
The panthers lost to Houston not Tampa Bay.
By me
September 18, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
5: The Carolina Panthers are coming off a loss to Tampa Bay. Well. They should be in a good mood.
Jeff,
Carolina lost to Houston? Proof read your facts before you post.
By jack
September 18, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Hopefully Leftwich won’t hurt our chances at drafting the first QB in next years draft. I hate to be pessimistic but this glass certainly looks more than half empty!
By Brad
September 18, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
The Panthers lost to the Texans. Good work.
I like Morten.
By me
September 18, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
First post, I rule!!!
By Diesel
September 18, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Hey Schultz - Carolina is coming off a loss to Houston, not Tampa.You should really slow down when you’re writing because you’ve made rash opinions (like your McKay column for example) all week…
By Mr. Obvious
September 18, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Given the current state of the franchise & offensive player personnel, it now looks like Mike Vick has raped the FALCONS worse than he did those poor, poor dogs when he had them in that rape stand at his house in Virginia.
( I just hope Vick didn’t give the FALCONS Herpes, too. )
By Jax guy
September 18, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Byron Leftwich cannot move. He will get sacked more than Harrington. Also, despite the fact he is a huge man, his arm strength is not great. Go ahead if you want to. I’m just saying he’s no David Garrard.
By #1FalconsFan
September 18, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Ummmm, Mr. Schultz, Carolina is coming off a loss to Houston, not Tampa Bay…dolt!
By FSSikes
September 18, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
1st
By JB
September 18, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
They better bring in this Leftwich guy just for the body count. I don’t see Harrington healthy much longer. He will be staring in 7 or 8 week by last man standing rules ! We gotta throw it and teams know it. Blitz mania.
By Gary
September 18, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Actually Jeff, Carolina just lost to Schaub’s Texans. It was the Saints that lost to Tampa Bay and yes i remember both of those years the Falcons started 0-2 and made the playoffs. But i do have a life, i’m just a sad ole Falcon fan.
By Survivor
September 18, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Carolina is coming off a loss to Houston.
By Jeff Schultz
September 18, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Yeesh, one mistake, 10 million copy editors — thanks for the catch, everyone. JS
By cityofdecatur
September 18, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
*JEFF SAID TEXAS NOT TAMPA BAY * get past the T u idiots
By The Murf
September 18, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
How’s Jeff George’s arm these days?
By IAMWMD2
September 18, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Given the current state of the franchise & offensive player personnel, it now looks like PETA has raped the FALCONS worse than they do those poor, poor dogs when he have them in those animal shelters. Ha, Ha, Ha Mrs Obvious
By Jeff Schultz
September 18, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
What are you people talking about? It says Carolina lost to Houston. (Sound of me whistling.) JS
By tp
September 18, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Note to Rich McKay: The player we chose with the pick from Houston (Blalock) and the player we choose with the second-round pick next year better be (or close to being) Pro Bowl players. If not, it’ll be back to being a Tampa ball boy, this time working for Gruden, your favorite coach!
Seriously, Harrington has maybe two quarters of next week’s game to show something or he’s riding the pines.
By Reggie
September 18, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
The line is not good. You are kidding right? Anything is better that your “classic” drop back quarterback that can see ove the line.
By Mr. Peng
September 18, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
Has any team ever had any worse personnel luck than to lose their starting quarterback to prison only a few weeks after whimsically trading away their (future star) back-up? Okay, the trading Schaub was not really bad luck, more like stupidity. Is this a bad dream? Is Joey Harrington really our quarterback? Is Byron (turtle-foot) Leftwich really our greatest hope? Does this mean we will be Karma- compensated by a Hawks playoff run? Or does it mean that, once again, we will have to take solace in the fact that, despite once again being Loserville, USA, we at least have a better quality of life than all those other NFL cities that enjoy winning teams. Well, sort of a better quality of life…except for the pollution and traffic.
By Eric C.
September 18, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Hey Jeff…
Did you know that Carolina lost to Houston? LOL. Wanted to make sure you knew that since no one else has filled you in. ;)
Vick is GONE!! He was sub .500 the past 2 seasons…I suppose a bit of prison time will make him a better QB? Get over it!
In hind-sight Keeping Prater was one of the dumbest move the Falcons have made…and that is saying a lot.
I’m sorry, but Leftwich isn’t going to solve a dam-n thing.
By Observer
September 18, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
If Leftwich is the answer, what’s the question?
By BUSHWACKER
September 18, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
I know, I know, “nobody ever saw the dog thing coming”,but there was a pattern of questionable behavior developing.
NOW, can some one tell me again how Blank and McKay were the only people in Atlanta that never at least considered, maybe we should hang on to a guy who completed more passes than anyone in COLLEGE FOOTBALL HISTORY and had shown signs that “this guy might be the real deal, as in your prototypical 6’4” , cerebral,athletic, mobile, strong armed LEADER” for at least one more season, especially when comments had already been circulating about this being Vick’s last year to get it done, some of those comments form the FALCONS.
I think McKay is good guy and pretty good GM, but you know what, people lose their jobs for making really bad decisions.
You cannot deny that with the history that was already part of VICK’s career, not planning for a change after this year was not doing what was best for the team!!!
I think if we do not make the playoffs this year, YOU HAVE TO BLAME MCKAY ,because we HAD a guy on the team that could it done and we traded him.
Now we DON’T HAVE a guy that can get it done!
It’s that simple, therefore Blank must fire McKay.
By Bubba Da-baller
September 18, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
If David Garrad the Jags QB is better than Byron Leftoverwich, what does that mean in the grand scheme of things? After watching the “Coons vs Spotted Kitty’s” Sunday I think Byron Nelson might be a better choice (at least the O-Line can carry him down the field)…
By Bill H
September 18, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Joey Harrigton will be out of football after this year. This is the last stop on the train. He is what he is.
By Bama #22
September 18, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Da Falcons are in need of more than a QB at the Georgia Dome. Vick has let his team, owner, and fans down.
You are not getting Saban, he is our HAVEN………. Beating GA on Saturday in TITLETOWN, ALABAMA.
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By James
September 18, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Finally the Falcons are making some positive moves. Harrington is not the answer and maybe not Byron. And to those thinking we should dump the season for a top first round pick are already crazy and love the hype that comes on draft day. We need to find the right mix of people and personnel
By think about it
September 18, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Hopefully Arthur and Roger will realize that the NFL shoudn’t be controlled or dominated by special interest groups like PETA who are a bunch of nerds and soccer moms who are not football fans anyway. We are the real fans. Keep VIck lets roll.
By jack
September 18, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
I have watched every type QB play for Atlanta; mostly losers. Bart, Miller, Mike were better than most. The Falcons lost to the Eagles in Aug. 1966 and then lost their next 9 games before beating the Giants. It never got any better for years. Yeah, we did have a couple of good years but never back to back. What a miserable existence the Smiths gave us and now Arthur throws $$$ around for “has beens” and “low character” loudmouths, has terrible upper mgmt., A finger pointing Coach and worst of all, the most vicious fair weather fans, except maybe the Eagles, in the USA. 10, 20, or however many key factors are just too many to call upon the “Little Dutch Boy” to try to plug up the holes in the dam of this, once again, woefull organization. And you know what? I think Arthur may be trying to unload this mess onto some other foolish group or individual who has blinders on and thinks they may have the answer to this debacle. WELL, GOOD LUCK WITH ALL THAT!!!!! I am going to pull for Payton and the Colts and God forgive me, the Pats.
By samiam
September 18, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
What am I missing? He said that the Panthers lost to Houston and you guys are saying that he said Tampa.
By Manny
September 18, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are close to signing Leftwich. Terrible. Now we’re going to have two immobile quarterbacks that are going to be sacked out of their minds behind the O-line!
Can someone please page Joe Hamilton? He’s mobile and local. Heck, I saw Tee Martin at a local Walmart a couple of days ago. I’m sure he’ll do! Sheesh!
By BUSHWACKER
September 18, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
The article is about McKay and you asked us to DISCUSS.
So far me message was the only one that even mentions McKay yet you haven’t printed my comments??
May be I do not understand the concept of blogging about the subject the article is about?
By truckstop
September 18, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Look at it this way - when Bobby Petrino accepted the Falcons’ job, Joey Harrington was no where in the picture. Of course Vick craps out and now Petrino is stuck trying to make establish a pro career with Harrington (yuck) as his quarterback. I’m sure at this point he’ll take anybody (i.e 47 yr old Morton Anderson and can’t stay healthy Leftwich) over what he’s had to work with so far.
By BUSHWACKER
September 18, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Excuse me, 9 & 10 were about McKay, I was thinking about yesterday’s article about McKay, but part of today’s is also about GM R MCKAY.
By BirdMahn
September 18, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Leftwich has no where near Michael Vick’s talent and is NOT the longterm answer at QB in Atlanta. God I hope they don’t overpay for yet another castoff!
By falconsfan
September 18, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
I know this really doesn’t mean alot but I was looking at Byron Leftwitch’s page on Foxsports.com and for his upcoming games it has these listed: Panthers, Texans, @ Titans, and Giants(Hummm… seem familiar?) wonder if they have already signed him and it just isn’t out yet?, also Harrington has already been sacked more times in 2 games than Leftwitch was sacked all of last year.
By Bill
September 18, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
I remember when Byron came to Jax. We were told how hard he worked, and the crazy amount of time he spent studying the playbook, and the opposition. Well, do you remember that kid in school that had to study all of the time just so he could barely pass? His name was Byron. Falcon buyers beware! Signed… An Atlanta Jags fan that wishes Leftwich would quit following him around!
By Paul in J-ville
September 18, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
I’m a transplanted Atlanta fan in Jax and I will assure everybody that Leftwich is less mobile than Joey and also has one of the slowest releases of any quarterback in the history of the NFL.
I was at the game Sunday vs Jags and Joey is larger in person but also slower in person than I had even realized. The O-line clearly has no clue in picking up the SAME blitz package thrown at them 8 times and Harrington is as bad as MVick in reading the blitz.
These are both 2nd string qbacks and the disasterous upper management has no eye for talent in the most critical positions. We all have to suffer another year of absolute waste of time and efforts in supporting another poorly assembeled team. Too bad for Petrino, I know he is a good coach and his schemes are terrific, he just hasn’t anyone who can execute them. He really inherited a bad team.
A. Blank, do yourself a favor and start over with this team.
By MLB
September 18, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
This is all about Depht in the QB position. If Joey was to get injuried, the Falcons only have back-up Redman who hasn’t played in the NFL in 4 years and this other guy who hasn’t play in NFL at all…. Leftwich at least has the most recent experience and a veteran starter…. The Falcon’s backs are against the wall….
By True Braves Fan
September 18, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
I am a Braves fan who just happened to wander over to a Falcons blog. The falcons already have a journeyman backup QB(Harrington.) Do they need another one (Leftwich?) Take the lumps this year, and draft a QB with NFL potential next year. Also, it has not yet been determined what Vick’s future is. (Do not interpret this as being in support of Michal Vick. He kills dogs—Pit Bulls and birds—Falcons!)
By Rick
September 18, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Great article again Jeff
By james
September 18, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
This team cannot get into the red zone and the kicker is shooting 25%. But, it is the kicker that gets canned. So, are we planning on winning and entertaining with FG’s? And now, here comes another QB. Do not sign him unless you plan to start him now. Otherwise, save your money and let the backups have their shot. That’s why they get paid. With new coach, this was already going to be a tough year. Why not just say we are rebuilding and get it over with.
By ronald
September 18, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
I would like to know how Rich Mckay fill after all the mistake he have made one signing Joey Harrington and two signing that place kicker who could’nt hit a standing hole and then giving Vick that big contract I throught that he new what he was doing and then he did’nt go after a quarterback like he should have the team need? how long is we going to have to wait to get someone in their that is going to bring the right people in to the organization to help bring a winning team to the falcons
By tj
September 18, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
I’ll give Petrino maybe until the end of this season before he decides to go back to college. If he thinks QB is the problem with this team that’s probably where he needs to be. If you can’t run the ball in the NFL you’re going to face what Joey has faced, blitz,blitz,blitz. I don’t remember him being in great demand as a Head Coach when he was an assistant coach at Jacksonville. Spurrier brought his offensive genius mind to the NFL and that didn’t work out too well. There are no UConn, Pitt and Temples on this schedule. Leftwich won’t be any better, and probably not as good, as Joey without fixing the other parts.
By Showme$$$
September 18, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
By FSSikes
September 18, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Go Coons!
I sure hope you mean your son’s little league team. Otherwise, I hope you make a wrong turn into the wrong neighborhood on day when the people to whom you may be referring are in a bad mood.
By Paul
September 18, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Leftwich, sandwich….both will make a great meal for opposing defensive ends. How bout we sign somebody that can block somebody??
By BUSHWACKER
September 18, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
HELLO!!!! Anybody in there? It’s 4pm you cannot still be at lunch?
By ATL
September 18, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Can you say 0 and 16 ? The Falcons can’t beat any team in the NFL or NCAA top 10
Why mess up having the first pick in the upcoming draft. Can you say Brian Brohm (I think Petrino knows him) or even Matt Ryan ?
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 18, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Bring back George Blanda, hell he can kick AND play QB.
By .bj.
September 18, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
First, I like the mulligan item. Funny. Second, why is it we keep coming back to the Great Dane? Why not Todd Peterson? (Go Dawgs!) Third, just make Joey throw it away OR make the receivers play a little more dirty to get some separation.
Joey can get it done, but it looks like we’re sinking money into another backup.
By ck
September 18, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
maybe all you guys that keep telling JS that Panthers lost to houston should reread the article…he already knows that.
By j.t.
September 18, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
Not only is the article inaccurate, but not timely. ESPN reports that the Falcons signed Leftwich to a 2 year 7 million dollar deal. He enters as the number 3 man. No mention about how much was guranteed.
By Ben
September 18, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
THANKS JEFF!!!!1!111!!11!
Now I am reminded as to why I don’t read what you write.
By Bozo
September 18, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
Actually one of the years that the Falcons started the season 0-2 was 1998 the year we went to the Super Bowl so it isn’t all gloom and doom I don’t guess. While I certainly don’t think Byron Leftwich is the answer to our quarterback problem he certainly can’t hurt.
By Rod
September 18, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Leftwich will gives a better chance to compete until we draft Darrin McFadden at running back because Norwood is NOT a every down back and Dunn is Done. DJ Shockley will takeover after two games of next years schedule, he will healthy then and dam it We owe DJ Shockley a true opportunity because he has done everything asked of him from high school to college to the pros. Lets honestly let shockley play next year. Get well soon and take care of that knee Shockley! Go Dawgs, Beat Bama!!!
By jeff stinks
September 18, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Come on Jeff that stinks I don’t think your title has “comedian” in it. So please stop trying to be one you just don’t have it
By GS
September 18, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
Mr. Obvious, shut up.
By Max Cady
September 18, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Get rid of Sorrington now and start Leftwich this Sunday. Don’t wait till the Falcons are 0-6,7,8. What a joke for a NFL football team. One thing about the Falcons, they never prove critics wrong. Oh, and yes, Bobby Pet-wennie. What an offensive genius! 10pts in 2 games. They have Norwood, a young, speedy,crafty RB and who does he start? An old washed up RB named Dunn. Averaging only 1-2 yards a carry. What a freaking joke!!!!
By jeanE
September 18, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Morten, great to have you back! Don’t know why they didn’t keep you this year in the 1st place but the Falcons love to make things difficult for themselves, don’t they? As for Leftwich (sp?), why not, I can’t see it being any worse, he could only help. Maybe Joey needs a little prod with some competition to get rid of the da— ball quicker!! I weep at the thought of what could’ve been with Shaubie, sigh. I said it even before the dogfighting came to light, I had a bad feeling about trading him & lo & behold!!! Go Birds, yikes.
By Orlando Rivera
September 18, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
For the record, you people are pathetic….go watch the Hawks lose their usual 60 games and leave the blog to people who can put together a coherent sentence on a blog. Why on earth would the Falcons draft a nobody like Brian Brohm (oh yeah, to satisfy those type of “fans”) when they can get someone like McFadden, a true stud in the making? I think they need to bring in Leftwich to hold up the fort at QB while they get their running game going. They need to see if Norwood can carry the load and if not, get an RB who can be the man.
By WhyNow
September 18, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
If the bottom line was to improve the “overall team”, then we can all agree that Byron Leftwich is an upgrade over Redman, Bramlet (and Joey) once he knows the offense, but at what cost and how long will it that take for that improvement to manifest itself into something that we can hang our hopes on this year?
My main concern with this acquisition is, at best Byron Leftwich is only going to add 2 or 3 more wins than Joey, (possibly improving us to a 5 - 12 record) and that’s just enough “wins” to push us out of the top 3 draft picks, ruining any chance to get any of the top 2 quarterbacks. To me, this is just another failure in a long list of screw ups by McKay. If he truly thinks Byron can help us, he should have done this 3 freaking weeks ago when Byron was first released by Jacksonville, thus Byron would have had 5 weeks now under his belt to learn the offense and thus salvage the season heading into game 3. There is nothing NEW that has been discovered about Joey’s limitations and abilities that this coaching staff and the Falcons front office did not know before today. Granted, Joey was not brought in here to start, nevertheless, after 6 weeks of training camp and preseason knowing Vick was not going to be a part of this team, there is nothing new they just discovered about Joey after 2 games. So they can try and spin what ever crap they want about waiting until now to see how things went with Joey and the offensive line.
As Bill Parcell once said: “You are what you are” - Joey.
By Glenn
September 18, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
Hey in loserville, awesome qbs in this years draft, 2-14 or so and welllll…#1 pick!
By W. Threlkeld
September 18, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
Mr. Shultz:
Byron Leftwich is not the answer. As a matter of fact, Michael Vick was not the answer, Jim Mora was not the answer, Mr. Blank is not the answer, Rich Mckay is not the answer, Bobby Petrino is not the answer. Someone killed the Albatross back in 1966 and forever doomed this team. Blank should sell them to someone who will agree to move them to the Northern suburbs and install them in an outdoor stadium where real Southern football is played. Perhaps this will rid them of the curse of the franchise who is “too stupid to draft anyone who isn’t a bust or a budding felon”.
By dirty byrd
September 18, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
2 little 2 late seems thats the way that the falcons brass is running things these days but glad to have morten back he should have never been let go in the first place and for our new musical chair player we have a hurt qb with bad ankles that wants to get paid to play behind a o line that has given up how many sacks in 2 weeks?AINT LIFE GRAND!
By Max Cady
September 18, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe all the people that want the Falcons to keep losing just to get the #1 pick next year. Losing breeds more losing. Getting the #1 pick doesn’t guarantee a winning season. Coaching and being able to install a “never give up” winning attitude is the determiming factor whether teams become winners or losers
By Rick in Warner Robins
September 18, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
You’ve got to be kidding me! Six million for a mediocre at best quarterback with no mobility. The money should’ve been spent on linemen, not another no-count QB.