AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > September > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTip your cap to Petrino
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
That sound you heard … well, it was no sound at all. For the first time this calendar year, there was no storm buffeting the Falcons — no call for another town meeting; no further outcry over the absence of Matt Schaub; nary a discouraging word from DeAngelo Hall. There was only an actual team winning an actual game and luxuriating in the sound of silence.
“We’ve had to fight through the controversy,” Bobby Petrino said Sunday, and nobody has fought harder than this coach. The Falcons coulda/shoulda been a shambles by now, but one man has averted the collapse, one driven man with one heck of a plan.
The Falcons beat Houston — Schaub’s team, if you haven’t heard — and thereby exited the ranks of the winless. In the locker room afterward, Arthur Blank handed the game ball to the coach who’d just notched his first NFL victory, and never was a trophy more dearly earned. “He’s not going to let that happen,” said Blank, speaking of what many figured would be the imminent implosion of his team. “[Petrino’s] going to will it not to happen.”
He already has. Imagine if the Falcons, who opened training camp to PETA protests and a banner-streaming plane overhead and who fell to 0-3 after their Pro Bowl cornerback decided it was more important to win an argument than a game, had plunged to 0-4 by losing to the quarterback they let go. Imagine the angst that would have generated.
Now imagine its absence. Imagine instead this tempest-tossed team headed into the season’s second month on a warm wave of happiness.
Because that’s what transpired Sunday. For at least one sweet day, the Falcons stopped being a drama workshop and learned how it feels to be a normal NFL team. They did what they were supposed to do and got the result they were supposed to get. They executed Petrino’s offensive schemes and saw, for the second week running, that this stuff will work in the pros, same as it had for Louisville. They saw Hall sit out the first quarter because his coach had had enough of his raging egomania, and maybe they respected Petrino all the more for taking such a stance so soon in his stewardship.
“It’s been a tough situation,” Keith Brooking said. “But we faced it, and then we started 0-3. But we kept fighting and plugging away. … It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve moved forward.”
Petrino can work 50 more years and never have a tougher ride than his first nine months as the Falcons’ coach. Said Lawyer Milloy, who was drafted by Bill Parcells and who played for Bill Belichick: “[Petrino] has been outstanding. Being a rookie head coach, losing your starting quarterback … we are a reflection of him, and hats off to him, truly. He’s a guy you want to fight for.”
Speaking of hats: Petrino had gone without one against Carolina the previous week; he sported a white cap Sunday. The thinking? “Just trying everything to get a win,” he said, smiling. “Not that I’m superstitious, but you’ll probably be seeing a white hat for a while.”
Some teams would have waved the white flag by now. These Falcons seem to be grasping the notion that, for all they’ve endured, they can still make something of this season. Said GM Rich McKay: “Bobby hasn’t given in to the discussions or the excuses, and those are the two things you worry about.”
And now they face a more conventional worry — next week’s opponent. They’ve gotten past Michael Vick and Matt Schaub and MeAngelo Hall, and the guy in the white hat has kept his wits and his players’ attention. The Falcons don’t get a break from football for their efforts Sunday, but they did earn themselves a respite from all the stuff that has nothing to do with football.
“Since the [Vick] water-bottle incident [in January], it’s been nonstop,” Blank said. “We’re hopeful this can be a quiet week and we can focus on the Titans.”
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By SL
September 30, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
Great Win. Hats off to Petrino and the team for the effort today. Losing to Schaub would certainly have been further “salt in the wound”. Now, if someone on that team would just take MEangelo out to the shed and beat his a$$, my day would be complete. After that, stuff a Tennis ball in his mouth and duct tape it shut. Then let him play DB until after this season when we should trade him!
By Nicky
September 30, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
Yay!!! GO FALCONS!!!
By GA Native
September 30, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
Great Win!! Good play on both sides of the ball and Joey is looking more and more confident, I think we may have found a diamond in the rough. Congradulations to Jenkis on a two TD day and to the old man, timeless.
My hat is off to Malloy, leaders lead and when he got in Sanders face for blowing the coverage that was leadership and accountability. Keep stepping up like that!
By David
September 30, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Larry, shut up. Stop trolling the AJC articles. Like it or not DeAngelo is a top 5 cornerback, and one of the few “shut-down” corners in the league. While he may act like an idiot, the fact is that he’s quite good if he can keep his emotions in check. The fact that he kept Steve Smith, one of the best WRs in the NFL, to only getting one catch for like 10 yards speaks to his ability.
Anyway, great win today by the Falcons. They finally managed to not give one away. Amazing to think that they should really be 3 - 1 right now (Minny outright whipped em). Looks like Harrington’s finally got a firm grasp of the offense, and White and Jenkins bought some rubber cement to put on their gloves.
Go Falcons!
By Kay
September 30, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
To Larry (the Stupid) I didn’t see any animals playing today, what Channel were you watching?
Why can’t we just celebrate the great win the FALCONS have instead of someone saying something as stupid as Larry said.
By that's funny
September 30, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
Larry I have a real problem with your post. Please stop being so negative and inflamatory. I honestly wish our fans would stop taking jabs AT EACH OTHER!!!!!!!!!! Nothing good will come from your post, and this blog will/could deteriorate into what all Falcon blogs become. We all want the same thing, a Super Bowl title. It ain’t happnin this year, but perhaps with this coach.? Larry please stop responding in public in such negative ways. If you truly believe what you’ve stated, please keep your thoughts to yourself. I apologize to all of those that Larry has insulted. Please do not dignify his thoughts with a response.
I hope this team continues to improve. The exciting thing is that we “could” have a coaching staff that can win with lesser talant. Good for you coach.
By GA Native
September 30, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
Come on, give the rocks some credit will ya?. The QBs that have won recent Super Bowls have had names with more than two syllables, Harrington…hmmm?
By Greg
September 30, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Finally, a coach that realizes you win by having your player’s respect, not their friendship. You’ll never see Bill Belichek snorting amonia tabs with his players. MeAngelo may miss Mora.
But he’s the only one.
By Big Poppa Pipes
September 30, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
Larry keep your racially insensitive ignorant thoughts to yourself. Believe me those with higher functioning cognitive powers realize an individual like you who spells “their” with “THAR” is working on less than a full deck. Get it together. I am a caucasian who despices ignorance and you possess the personality trait that will not be tolerated. You represent a sector in the community who are not able to be successful due to a poorly constructed gameplan for your life. I suggest you contact your Offensive Coordinator and punt. GET A LIFE!!
By They're Just Dogs
September 30, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
This team is one and three….. Why are y’all cheering? They suck, and Petrino is gone after this year, he’s a job jumper, and why would he keep this one without Vick?
By Mike L
September 30, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Eh is this tattoo Larry on here? We had a nice discussion going last year after the Redskins game. No hard feelings though. Wassup man? Anyway, hats off to coach Petrino. This team has improved every week, and you can clearly see that the players want to win for him. I’m look forward to the two day football battle between us and the state of Tennessee next week. Go Dawgs, and Fly High Birds!!
By Clarence Thomas
September 30, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Good win, maybe the falcons are not the worst team in the league after all.
Stop being so hard on Larry he is only telling everyone how he feels, and we all know deep down we would like to see a few more of our faces out there. my son got rid of his Mv jersey but he wants a norwood jersey now, but I got him a brooking instead. If we could trade dunn or norwood for brian leonard and maybe get alstott out of retirement we could have a good backfield as well.trade roddy or jenkins for drew bennett + we get finneran back next year.trade crump for dallas clark,lawyer milloy for john lynch.maybe we can get jason sehorn to replace meangelo fall
By D_Costa
September 30, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
I for 1 am proud of the way we responded today given all the negativity that followed last week’s game.
Petrino will be successful in this league and it won’t be solely because of his offensive-minded prowess, it’ll be because of his leadership and his demand for execution.
As far as looking forward, we have to address this Lewis Sanders problem opposite DeAngelo. This guy is horrible! Every big play Houston had today, outside of the Schaub to Davis TD, was caught on him. This guy stinks! He’s nothing more than a nickel, pls let’s treat him as such and finally put him in his rightful place before he actually costs us a game that matters.
By b man
September 30, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
Way to go falcons & nice win!!!
as a falcons fan, it exciting to see this team progress…each week joey is looking more comfortable in Petrino’s offense & the WR’s are benefiting from the rhythm/timing. On the flip side, the defense isn’t on the field as much so they’re rested and fresh.
If they can punch in more of their red zone attempts for TDs, this team has the potential to put up some serious points. Give Petrino time to tweak the red zone offense package and I’m sure this area will start looking better.
lets keep this up and focus on the Titans next week!
Go Falcons!!!
By John Coffey
September 30, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
AJC-
I’m officially done with you. It is absolutely unreal that I cannot come onto your site to read sports news without your providing a forum to idiots like Larry to insult African-Americans. I will not visit your site, buy your paper, or otherwise support the AJC anymore. And don’t give me any guff about the First Amendment. The Constitution limits GOVERNMENT’S ability to regulate speech, not private enterprises. As a private economic concern, the AJC could stop this mess if it wanted to. The fact that it continues tells me all I need to know.
Signed, A former AJC customer
By MVBO Supporter
September 30, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
Well, I’m glad you all finally won a game. Oh and against Matt Shaub and the Houston Texans. Y’all must feel right proud. You should’ve won against the Panthers who barely scored on the Bucs today. And the Saints, where are they on the radar.
Just think, this could have been the Falcon’s year. Now it’s going to be Tampa Bay’s year. Go Bucs!!!
By Del Watson
September 30, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
Bradley says…Matt Schaub is just a career backup QB? The very talented Michael Vick with all his exciting capabilities will be sorrowfully missed because the Falcons will have a problem winning with Harrington under center. I think Bradley needs to go back to covering a high school football beat or maybe PoP Warner and work his way back. Bradley, just doesn’t know enough about professional football to be making a living reporting about it.
By GODAWGS
September 30, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
The “real” Falcon fans are excited about this win and happy to see improvement. Vick fans say the Falcons would be 4-0 if Vick was QB. This is hilarious.
Remember, they’re just dogs, LOL
THUGS
By Najeh Davenpoop
September 30, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
Petrino deserves a lot of credit for what he’s done with Harrington. In both his previous stops at Detroit and Miami, Harrington never looked so decisive and accurate with his passes, and even in the first two games he struggled making the right decision on where to go with the ball. Petrino has clearly changed the game plan, simplifying some of the routes and designing plays that force Harrington to get rid of the ball quickly. This has been a rare sight for the last three years in Atlanta — a coaching staff that actually makes adjustments to get the most out of their players. Harrington also deserves a lot of credit for making such a dramatic 180 from his first two weeks. In particular the play when he rolled out of the pocket and threw across his body accurately to Roddy White near the sidelines was a very impressive play that not a lot of QBs can make.
This team is still nowhere near contending — too many defensive miscommunications, too many players who don’t seem to know where they are supposed to be, not to mention an overall lack of talent at a lot of positions. But it was nice to see them win a game convincingly, and winning against Matt Schaub was just icing on the cake. I gotta admit though, seeing Harrington play so well makes you wonder how good the clearly more talented Michael Vick could have been in this offense.
By jc_atl
September 30, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
Great win - Petrino can get it done and Harrington has been great 2 weeks in a row. Keep it up Falcons!
By HIGHPOWEREDOFFENSE
September 30, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
LARRY YOU MY FRIEND ARE A WORLD CLASS JACKASS! YOU’RE ONLY SMART IN YOUR SMALL LITTLE WORLD. LIKE IN THE WIZARD OF OZ, COME FROM BEHIND THE CURTAIN LITTLE MAN! YOU SIR ARE A LOSER, IF YOU DONT BELIEVE ME, YELL UPSTAIRS AND ASK YOUR MOM!
By Singletary
September 30, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
Let it go, people. D-Hall made a mistake last week, a bad one, and the team paid the price. But we will pay a bigger price if we lose him, because he’s the only shut-down corner we have. Sanders was really bad today, and we need to keep all the talent possible on this team right now.
The fact that Petrino may trade DHall in the post season — to Seattle? — is not my worry. He is a great player feared by every NFL QB.
Let’s keep rolling with the Harrington Renaissance, the D that “brung us” and a coach that seems to have a plan.
By Mike L
September 30, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
LOL, Larry why do you keep starting trouble man? Why can’t you just enjoy a win? You must be really insecure about something. Anyway, the only negative I took from that game was the fact the Lewis Sanders struggled to cover Houston’s backup WRs. Looks like we still need another corner opposite D Hall. Go Birds!!!
By T Rock
September 30, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
“I know I’m supremely inteligent, and you think your are!”
Well I don’t know about you but if I were trying to be an “intelligent racist” [not that this can truly exist], I’d at least try to spell properly and use correct grammar.
Supreme idiot…
By Micah
September 30, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Wow Larry, I see you dug deep into you vocabulary to say what you had to say. You’re the perfect example of what’s wrong in America. You’re ignorance bewilders me. Well not really, I figured for every decent person who’s trying to create harmony, there’s a person like you that talks out his butt.
By Gene
September 30, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
There are fine athletes and decent people playing for the Falcons. It would be nice if Petrino brings some respect back for the city and franchise that has become a national laughingstock, with the help of ESPN. Perhaps the Falcons have turned a corner.
By Andre
September 30, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
I commented on a blog regarding dog fighting in the AJC right after the Mike Vick incicient. In this blog, I wrote how many victims had been killed and mauled by Pit Bulls (278)in 2006. I was not justifying dog fighting but showing both sides of the story. My blog did not have anything negative in it about anyone or any one’s race, yet it was removed because some bloggers asked for it to be removed, it struck a nerve. Now I am asking for any blogger who say anything racial to have that garbage removed. When Larry use the term APE, THAT strikes a nerve. If you are going to take my blog down for speaking about facts then you better well take his down for being RACIST and DISPICABLE!!!!!
By Rich
September 30, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
When did the AJC become the KKK? I mean, I know its a liberally slanted paper and only gives facts that suits its agenda in the news portions, but the Sports blogs have become unreal.
I am a white guy who grew up with a father who was racist. It disturbed me to no end, and I have done everything I can to make certain I raise my children to treat everyone the same.
The racism that flows from both white and black postes here has gone entirely too far. It comes from both sides, and it is no longer worth my time to filter through the crap to get to an intelligent message.
I thought the AJC screened these messages, thus the delay. Apparently they do not, or they just don’t care what sort of content makes it through to the site.
Goodbye.
By Andre
September 30, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU RICH, my point exactly, it is like the AJC is feeding into this racial nonsense!!! It needs to stop TODAY!!!
By mike
September 30, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Larry
How exactly do you hear someone shut up? If you shut up, there would be no sound for us to hear. In your case, that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
I was glad to see the Falcons win today. We still have a lot of work to do in the running game. I’m not completely sold on the defense but it was good to get the first win out of the way.
By Rod
September 30, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley, If Jim Mora was here would you want to tip your cap to him for being 1 and 3??????? Thats whats wrong with Atlanta and the AJC. Nothing but a bunch of losers. AJC do you have any writers that will call a spade a spade without any agendas. This is not anyway to make a Superbowl or bowls for years maybe decades. What playoffs? Did you say playoffs? Geeze yall can we just win a couple games? What Playoffs?
By Kelly
September 30, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Larry,
Your supreme intelligence notwithstanding, your thought processes on racial stereotypes for legitimate quarterback material is simply, well, ignorant. The good news is that either you are joking (poorly, mind you) or you are too stupid to be of any serious consideration.
I happen to agree with those that think unmonitored forums such as this are disgraceful. A column on a football team’s winning or losing is fine, but in a sports column there is no excuse for racial flamethrowing. The fact it is anonymous simply emboldens people’s willingness to be disgusting. The AJC should monitor this and all columns. I know that there are trustworthy persons out there willing to serve as moderators. I find it curious that the AJC doesn’t care enough about its readers to protect us from thoughts of morons as stupid as Larry.
By Mon Rexico
September 30, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to get Vick back on this roster…Anyone who has watched the games this year can see that one of the Falcons most obvious needs is a quality punt returner.
By falconeddy
September 30, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Larry did come off as a narrow minded biggot, and lacks football knowledge if he’s knocking on the cognitive skills of Vince Young.
Everyone who defends Deangelo Hall also comes off as lacking football knowledge. Yes he should be a shut down corner, but his skills have far exceeded his on field consistancy. Not to mention he is a cancer, who himself promises every year this will be the year he’ll focus on team and not individual needs. I’d rather have a team of Vicks and his poor off field judgement any day, than that piece self involved crap that wears #21 and single handedly cost us a 2-2 start with his big fat mouth. Getting outsmarted by Steve Smith doesn’t make you one of Larry’s earring wearing apes, but it does cost any credibility you had left with this season ticket holder.
Trade Deangelo Hall Please.
ed
By FalconFaninMI
September 30, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Great win! Let’s give Joey some credit too - he has been excellent in the past two games (almost 600 yards, 4 TDs, and NO INTs). Everyone’s quick to jump on the guy when he struggles, so it’s only fair. If it weren’t for D. Hall we’d be 2 and 2 right now - not great, but a lot better than anyone would have suspected back in August…
By Rufus
September 30, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Today’s win was a lot of fun. Congrats to the Birds and Coach. Both the offense and defense played well. I am happy our Team won and choose to have hopes for a good season. I get weary of the trash talk in this blog - simple minds with small brains. The most entertaining part of the game was saying 4 times…” and with that kick he breaks the NFL all time scoring record, again” (smile) Thanks Mort! Go Falcons!
By me
September 30, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Can’t you people understand that Larry has done what he or she intended? He/she has hijacked this blog to fan the flames of his/her insecurities. If you ignore the spoiled child, it will go elsewhere to gain attention. DO NOT RESPOND AND IT WILL GO AWAY
By preston
September 30, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
I agree ME……that guy’s comments have nothing to do with sports, but rather his own personal agenda…..he is thriving behind the anonymity of this board to say something that he would not have the nerve or balls to say to anybody face to face……..let him drown in his own misery.
By Starting to Believe
September 30, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Wow, great win today. Harrington is starting to make these wide outs look “average” Funny how when a little pressure is applied to somebody, he performs better. If D.Hall wouldn’t have acted a FOOL, this team could be 2-2. If we would have had Mort from the beginning, this team could be 3-1. I love the Falcons. It breaks my heart when they make bad decisions. As bad as the NFC South is, we still got a shot at this thing! If anything, I’m just glad this team beat Schaub. I have nothing against Schaub, I wish him complete success, but the good ole boys would NEVER shut up about him beating the Falcons! You think if the Falcons KNEW that a certain QB was going to do the things that came to life, the Falcons would have gotten rid of Schaub?
By preston
September 30, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
Petrino is one of the better decisions regarding personnel that Arthur Bank has made since he took over the team. After two questionable decisions, such as the premature firing of Reeves, and the hiring of the very immature Mora, it appears that Petrino is bringing back respect, discipline and intelligence to the sidelines. You can see and feel that this staff is heading in the right direction, and given time they will make the proper adjustments to put this team in a winning position……hec’ even Joey Harrington is looking like a bona fide QB for this team…..if he keeps playing like this, the fans will come back and the dome will fill again…………GO FALCONS!!!!!!
By Rich
September 30, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
No, Larry.
I grew up to be a real man; the kind of who isn’t afraid of gays or people of another race. I grew up to respect people and overlook differences. I grew up not thinking I was above other people…well, except for idiots suc as yourself.
By long time falcon
September 30, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Jamal anderson is a complete and total bust. I have never in my life seen an NFL defensive end get manhandled today like he did. And the worst part of all was he was being blocked by a below average offensive tackle. Arthur blank better man up and realize that this team is devoid of any talent at many key positions. And the blame lies at the feet of his distinguished and polished attorney GM. For pete sake I hope this organization can hire a GM with an eye for talent before I am dead and gone. Over fourty something years and still no falcon player has ever been elected to the pro football hall of fame. Heck have we even ever had a guy on the ballot?
By Ryder
September 30, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Rod, you’re an idiot! A grade A moron. I’m sure you’re one of those bandwagon riders who suck up to the flavor of the month team. Bet you were sporting your Tony H*mo jersey while you were typing this as well weren’t you? But enough of you, today was about the Falcons overcoming a lot of drama over the past 9 months and finally being able to win. Yes they may be 1-3, but to those real fans we understand that there was going to be some difficult times of adjustment with a new coach and a new offense.
Harrington was branded a loser for most of his career, and he will have to continue working hard to erase that image, but over the past two weeks the offense is beginning to get into a groove. Atlanta never got into a rhythm last year or at all during the Greg Knapp days.
No matter what happens the rest of the way, it has to be understood that Atlanta is on the way to developing consistency, growth, and a system that will be easy on the eyes. Go Falcons!
By JJFalcon4Life
September 30, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
I wonder which segment of the population Larry was referring to as “apes with earrings”? It’s sad that we as Falcons fans can’t together enjoy a win without someone making veiled racial references? I just want everybody to realize that these comments come from someone’s heart, not having to face the one he’s speaking about.He’s just like the cowards that have gotten away with killing and maiming Americans for decades just by covering their faces with sheets and hoods.
These are the real terrorists of our day. This guy probably sits in the cubicle or office next to yours. Jesus tried to warn us about it not being what we put into our mouths that defiles us but what comes out of our mouths and hearts. I pray for guys like him, but I still warn my kids not to be alone with him.
Oh, by the way, nice game Falcons.