AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLosing trust, Crumpler sees phase-out of veterans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Nashville — They changed the quarterback and lost anyway. They changed the quarterback, had an opponent try to hand them two scoring drives in the final minutes and still did a faceplant.
They changed the quarterback and the problems didn’t go away. The problems turned into Mount Vesuvius. If you believed a locker room meltdown might come late in a losing season, you were wrong. The Falcons didn’t even make it to the bye week.
“I’ve never been in a game where we had that many opportunities — and a miracle, with a [botched] punt — and we still couldn’t score,” tight end Alge Crumpler said. “When we cross the 50, we’re the worst offense in the National Football League.
“We’re trying to trust them. They keep telling us, ‘Trust us, trust us.’ We’ve been trying to trust them the whole time.”
The “we” would be the players. The “they” would be the coaches.
This is Week 5. When you’re hearing “we” and “they” on the same team, it’s not a good sign. More likely, it’s just over.
Crumpler, one of the team’s leaders, was among several players to vent after Sunday’s 20-13 loss to Tennessee. He effectively questioned Bobby Petrino’s play-calling. He suggested an “agenda” that is minimizing the roles of veterans in the offense, while increasing the roles of younger players to prepare them for the future.
Do you still believe that Byron Leftwich replacing Joey Harrington is going to change much?
“If [the defense is playing] a cover-two and we’ve got Michael Jenkins running down the middle of the field, or myself running down the middle of the field, why aren’t we getting opportunities to make plays?” Crumpler said. “That’s what I’ve been doing my whole career. But I haven’t caught the ball one time since this regime has been here, in practice or anything. So I’m scratching my head. I’m trusting, OK? I’m trusting. But 1-4 makes you think about a lot of things.”
First, Petrino lost DeAngelo Hall. Now he’s lost the room.
Tennessee tried to hand the Falcons this game. They committed five turnovers. Four of the Falcons’ last five possessions started at the Titans’ 42, 45, 21 and 19. The results: interception, missed field goal, interception, fourth-down sack.
Vince Young threw an interception at the Titans’ 21 with 4:15 left. Then Leftwich threw one back. Punter Craig Hentrich was buried by Demorrio Williams at the 21 with 2:24 remaining. An 18-yard run by Warrick Dunn moved the ball to the 1.
Then Petrino, the offensive wizard, got too cute. He had Leftwich attempt to execute a pitch to the right to Dunn. Don’t offensive wizards like to ram the ball up the middle — with four tries to get one yard?
Petrino defended the call, saying, “We had it blocked.”
Didn’t matter. The Titans’ Albert Haynesworth broke through to grab Leftwich, altering the pitch. Dunn never really got it, then fell on the fumble at the 9. The possession ended with a sack at the 12.
“Johnny Stockton,” Crumpler said when asked about the missed opportunities. “Great passer, great assist man. But we were missing layups.”
And then he blew.
“It’s weird. This is a young guys’ game we’re playing now. It’s been taken out of our hands. … It’s just been taken out of the veterans’ hands. When we get into situations, we’re not being given opportunities.”
Why? “Figure it out.”
Asked again if his role in the offense needs to be bigger, Crumpler responded: “Offense? There’s never been a time I’ve asked for the football since I’ve been in this organization.”
But?
“It just seems like the agenda that we have offensively is preparing the guys that we have in this locker room for the future. I’m not saying the coach isn’t trying to win the game. But there just seems to be too much going on.”
The offense is a mess, with any quarterback. Until the last five minutes of the first half, the Falcons’ only first down was the result of a successful fake punt.
Fullback Ovie Mughelli, signed as a free agent but seldom utilized, called this “a bad dream.”
Warrick Dunn defended Harrington, saying he has been hurt by poor pass protection. He also put the onus on the offensive line for the team’s poor running game, adding the running game’s failures “is not because Warrick Dunn is too old.”
Harrington got it right when he said, “There’s no individual story here.” One quarterback replacing another can’t fix everything. And the mountain just blew.
Permalink | Comments (533) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
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Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Danny
October 7, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
All I can say is WOW! This must be really bad if Alge is calling out the head coach.
My money says Petrino pulls a Nick Saban and bolts at year’s end.
By famuan
October 7, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
There will be 45,000 available season tickets next year - you can bet that.
By PoliticalMan
October 7, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
The Falcons played as poorly Sunday as ever. Petrino needs to get with it.
By terrence
October 7, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
Im glad somebody is finally calling out Petrino. We brought in Petrino because he supposedly had a wide open offense. So far his play calling has been anything but wide open.
By Realist
October 7, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Lost here was the best defensive/special teams performance you’ll ever see out of the Falcons. Some great work by Brooking, DHall, Boley and D Williams. Sadly wasted. Leftwich is not the answer. Harrington should have gotten a shot on one of the last two drives.
By Giordano
October 7, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Yeah, this marriage was a disaster from the wedding forward. Bad decisions all around……bad hire by Blank, bad choice of jobs by Petrino, bad job by McKay trading Schaub and saddling the new staff with QB’s fresh off the short bus. You better believe Petrino is looking over the college ranks for potential openings as we speak….no way this guy is back next year.
By kris
October 7, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Petrino is making Steve Spurrier look like an NFL Hall of Fame coach-he was here for the cash and will bolt with the cash. Blank has destroyed this team
By Tommy
October 7, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
sometime, I’d like to peek at the schedule on Schultz’ blackberry:
—Thursday—rip the Thrashers —Friday—rip the Thrashers again —Sunday—try to rip the Falcons clubhouse apart
moron… .
That being said, there is no excuse for starting about 5 drives on the opponents’ side of the field and coming out with 2 field goals. Come on y’all.
Until this team upgrades the o-line, particularly at tackle, and gets a big running back for short yardage, it’s not going any better than 6-10. But there is still a nice foundation to like. A lot.
While idiots like Schultz are only happy trying to rip people, look at some positives. Three losses by 7 or less, and the team is 1-4 thanks to doing just enough dumb things to lose 3 of them. They are very reminicent of the Bears from a couple years ago, going about 5-11 and barely losing a bunch of games before going on a big run.
But instead let’s try to turn our best offensive player against the coach [and I’m sure Jeff did nothing to egg him on]. Typical AJC reporting
By Billy
October 7, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Dan, I agree, Petrino will be another Sabie Saban!!!
By kgod999
October 7, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
whats funny is i said alge’s exact words 3 hours ago over at the espn board. what i said was this: when teams play atlanta, they dont respect atlanta’s inside running game. so, what they do is drop both safeties back into the cover 2, that effectively puts a double team on the wide outs, leaving the middle of the field open for one on one coverage with the tight end and a linebacker. alge will win that everytime, or the slot receiver, like alge said, but for some reason, they are not getting the ball to the whole in that coverage which is down the field, in the middle like alge said. the only other way to get a team out of cover 2 is to have a good inside running game, which atlanta doesnt have and really hasnt had since jamal anderson was pounding the middle back in the 1990s.
By Matt
October 7, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
I love the Falcons but I was embarrassed and irrate after the game. Our coach is coaching like a rookie. Our defense played great today but our kickers (again) and our inability to run (which we use to be the best in the league at) and our offensive line can’t block me and my buddies cost us a very winnable game. Harrington missing Jenkins killed us, not only didn’t Jenkins get to turn up field but it was a pick 6. Then we still had a chance to tie it and the o-line can’t keep Haynesworth from our QB. We have had great opportunity to be 3-2 or 4-1 but we aren’t good enough to overcome missed fg’s and an inconsistent offense that doesn’t score TD’s. Our vets are solid talented guys and if our head coach is losing them then maybe he was the mistake. Crumpler is a stud and a real solid guy but if he is questioning things then something major is wrong inside the team. Thank goodness I’m a Celtic fan and the NBA season is near because these Falcon games are breaking my heart.
By Mack73
October 7, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Alge is right. The playmakers are not getting the ball(NORWOOD & CRUMPLER). At the 1 yd line, where is your fullback? Dunn is done. This is the same oline he’s always had. Vick made him the 1000 yd rusher every season. Defenses no longer have to account for MV7. That’s why it was so many holes open for rushing. He’s not that great of a rb to talking sh$$!
By Braves Fan 79
October 7, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Ive never seen a team given so many chances to win the game and not be able to do CRAP! So if were trying to get someone like crumpler out of here where does that leave the franchise? Thats a guy that can help us another 5 years!
Before this game i had a little hope of a playoff run…maybe getting to 2-3…then 3-3…then anythings possible. But NO…its over!
The best thing that could happen for this team now is to loose the rest of the games and get a hi draft pick! If we cant win now with guys like Abraham, Crumpler, ect….where in the world does that leave us 2 or 3 years from now!??
As far as draft picks goes…im hoping we get a top 3 pick and take the DT from LSU…that guys a beast!
Thank God we got the Braves!! Next year….playoffs WITHOUT A DOUBT!! Lets get Smoltz and Chipper one last shot at the World Series!
By DaNooch
October 7, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
I really don’t understand what was going on with the coaching decisions. We all heard all week how they were going to use Norwood more. What happened? He carried the ball 6 times? It’s not like the passing game or Dunn were doing anything out there today. We averaged 2.5 yards per pass attempt and 4.5 yards per rush attempt (even with Dunn’s pathetic 2.7 yards per carry). But, we still kept on trying to pass over and over and over again. And then, he took out Harrington who was really pretty accurate all day even with no blocking whatsoever and receivers dropping the ball and tipping it up in the air for interceptions. I just don’t know what the offensive Petrino was thinking. I am seriously thinking maybe the Falcons should start holding interviews for a new head coach.
By h.willis
October 7, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
we stink as a team too many breaks did not capatalize NEED NEED NEW COACHING”“”“”“”
By Ben
October 7, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
The O line lost this game, we were manhandled up front and the skill players never got a chance.
By ED ZONATELL
October 7, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
I THING CRAIG NAPP RETUN 2 THE FLACONS TODAY N E 1 ELSETHING THAT 2?
By orra
October 7, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
What an absolutely asinine decision to pull Harrinton. Way to go coach, this one is on you. By the way, the other parts of being an offensive genius is a running game and protecting your quarterback. The Titans were in the backfield all day long. Does Petrino have a clue? Long season with this moron—Alabama got another opening?
By ChronoB
October 7, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Petrino looked like the NFL rookie that he is today. Bad play calling; bad decisions.
By Birdy
October 7, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Agreed, Matt and KDog. The biggest flaw this team has is continuing to feature the Owner’s pet P.R. man, Warrick “Done”. Defenses don’t fear him — why should they? He get tackled by the first player who contacts him. He’s not like Jones-Drew who, while short, has thick and strong legs and torso. Dunn is small and thin and therefore has NO strength. He has now lost a lot of steps and is slower than most players on the field. This makes him no more deserving of being an NFL feature back than the average Internet blogger or AJC editorialist.
If there is a veteran phase-out coming, please let it reflect the overwhelming majority opinion of the fans who visit this site. Let the phase-out begin with Warrick “Done”.
By flafalcon
October 7, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
I agree worst game I have seen in a long time. No confidence at all in this team. I want to like this coach bur I do have to question his play calling. All we hear all week is want to give norwood the ball and what does he do but give it to dunn all the time. That atempted toss sweep on the goal line was sad. Just fall forward give it to your big full back.
By flafalcon
October 7, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
I agree worst game I have seen in a long time. No confidence at all in this team. I want to like this coach bur I do have to question his play calling. All we hear all week is want to give norwood the ball and what does he do but give it to dunn all the time. That atempted toss sweep on the goal line was sad. Just fall forward give it to your big full back.
By Braves Fan 79
October 7, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
No pple….Blank is a good owner and were lucky to have him. Yes hes made some bad calls…starting with firing Reeves! (we all know vick set him up for disaster) Theres no way petrino stays 3 or 4 years….i mean how is this team going to be any better next year? Just imagine this team without Crumpler, Abraham, and the other top vets we brought in….now thats gonna be a sad day! As for the NFL season…my 2nd favorite team the Packers are playing tonight…man Farves having a GREAT year…..Go Packers!!
As for the Falcons…id much rather see a 1-15 season than another meaningless 8-8 season. And FIRE Mckay! Man i wish CJ had stayed another year at GT so we coulda got him! We picked the wrong year to suck so bad! But then again they wouldnt be the falcons if everything went right!!
By Will
October 7, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Okay, the mistake was making Byron the third string quarterback. If you are thinking of playing him make him 2nd string. Once Byron came in, Petrino could not go back to Harrington on the 1 yard line. Even as bad as the offense looked, the Falcons had more than enough opportunities to win this one.
Tech, Georgia, and now the Falcons.
Bad year on the gridiron in the ATL.
By Lynne
October 7, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
People, understand that Schultz and Moore live to bash all of the pro teams because they sucked as athletes themselves…that is generally the mantra of sportswriters. However, Atlanta is cursed with two of the most vindictive, soulless clowns in sports journalism…oops, sorry, they aren’t journalist…more like tabloid gossiping tweens.
By DaNooch
October 7, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
When are we going to wake up and realize what is wrong with the offense? The biggest problem for the last 3 years is not the quarterback or the running backs. It’s the receivers dropping passes right in their hands, especially big plays at crucial times. How many times does Michael Jenkins get to drop a touchdown pass or big first down completion on third down or tip a ball right in his hands up into the air for an interception before he loses his job? On any other team in any football league in the world he would have been long gone! The same goes for Roddy White to a lesser extent, and Alge “Pro Bowl” Crumpler. How many touchdowns has Alge dropped in the last 3 years? This is the biggest problem we have. Until that is fixed the Falcons will continue to get worse and quarterbacks will continue to come and go with no success.
By UnHappyFan
October 7, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
I liked the way Petrino rolled with the punches. To get handed Arthur Blanks disgraceful and melted down business model and be tasked to manage is worthy of a book. Exactly what do we expect from him? If he did turn this around, Atlanta wouldn’t afford him next year!
And so if for some reason Petrino decided to leave, say family reasons, and not coach for Arthur Blanks losing and nationally disgraced business, I could understand the decision and even believe it was prudent on his part.
There have been enough career fatal events, it would be unfair if Petrino’s NFL career is lost because of Arthur Blanks poor business skills.
By moretime4kidz
October 7, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Well, at least the way the Falcons are playing, now I can spend more time with my kids!
By HIGHPOWEREDOFFENSE
October 7, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
TENN. DID EVERYTHING IN THERE POWER TO GIVE US THE GAME,AND WE GAVE IT BACK TIME AND TIME AGAIN. THIS WAS BAD I MEAN REALLY BAD. THE D STEPPED UP THE SPECIAL TEAM STEPPED UP, AND THE OFFENCE BLEW UP! I ALMOST GOT IN TO A FIGHT AT THE SPORTS BAR TODAY ABOUT MY FALCONS. AND ON THE WAY HOME I WAS THINKING,NOBODY ON THE TEAM IS THIS PASSIONATE SO WHY SHOULD I BE! GUYS THIS SHOULDNT BE THIS HARD BEING A FALCON FAN! SHOULD IT?
By Chris
October 7, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
How many college coaches have ever had success in their first year in the NFL? The guy has only drafted 1 class. He hasn’t had the time to get the guys to fit his system. He’s also new to the NFL. Don’t bury the man after 5 games.
This is a funny game. Everyone was praising Sean Payton last year; look where the Saints are now. The Bears went to the Super Bowl and are now 1-3.
Give Petrino some time. He has shown he can coach; he just needs some time to get the ball rolling.
By Navigator
October 7, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
One scenario could be good for a local team, maybe Tech could convince Petrino to replace Chan Gailey. At least we could hope.
Reality is a tougher thing though, if Petrino loses this team in the 5th game, then we’re in for a long season.
By Big Poppa Pipes
October 7, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
Don’t blame the head coach for everything! We have no identity at quarterback and our offensive line is pitiful. It doesn’t matter who you have calling plays when your line appears incapable of executing a blocking scheme. I believe that Joey appeared to fall back into his pattern of holding onto the ball too long. The fact of the matter is that Vick allowed us to mask our offensive line weaknesses with his scrambling abilities and our entire backfield benefited from his presence. That being said he was not the most accurate passer. Let’s support this administration in full force as they did not take the job knowing that this team would implode over a little adversity. Vets keep leading! Don’t leave your character at the door.
By Atlanta fan?
October 7, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
You people are a joke. The o-line gave Harrington NOTHING. I repeat, NOTHING! How is this Petrino’s fault? The Falcons are a bunch of over paid cry babies.
Time after time, plays were called to go down the field, and there was NO protection.
Should the Falcons have won this game, yes…but it was not Petrino’s fault.
Jenkins could not catch a cold.
By Bulldog_Ed
October 7, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
May be the good news out of all this is that Georgia gets Brian Van Gorder back next year as it’s Defensive Co-ordinator.
By augger
October 7, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Offensive Line ….Its the Offensive Line .. right now it Offesive !!!!!
By DaNooch
October 7, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
UnHappyFan,
You are the true epitome of a moron. How many dogs did Arthur Blank kill? How many passes did he drop? How many times did he miss a blocking assignment? Was Arthur Blank the one calling the plays? Did he decide to continue to sit Norwood on the bench? You are an idiot.
By Well Put
October 7, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
This game boils down to Albert Haynesworth harassing our quarterback and our new “coach” putting Fat Albert in the game in crunch time. We got what Petrino deserved for giving up too early on Joey against one of the to five defenses in the NFL.
By State of Tennessee put something in the water
October 7, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
I have never seen Georgia or the Falcons play as bad. Coincidence? I think not.
By The Grinch
October 7, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
OF COURSE he’s trying to shift the focus to the younger guys; he’s trying to rebuild the team. What part of installing a new system and replacing the roster with the appropriate types of players do you people not understand? OF COURSE the running game stinks right now; the coach’s scheme calls for a power running back and we don’t have one. He’s trying to start from the beginning and get a foundation in place for the next crop of draft picks who come in to fill these obviously defficient spots so we can finally have a decent team from top to bottom. THIS DOESN’T HAPPEN IN A WEEK. Schultz, you sure as hell aren’t helping anything; you ought to know better than to feed these ignorant, fair-weather morons.
By dave
October 7, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Nothing w/o Vick - you’re an idiot. You’ll never get it.
By MVBO Supporter
October 7, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Last week the Falcon’s won and Joey Harrington was the next best thing to Joe Montana. The week before that the Falcon’s loss and it was DeAngelo Hall’s fault. The week before that it was Joey Harrington holding the ball too long. The week before that the offensive line was weak. This week it was the Coach.
Enough already. The Falcon’s are just a p** poor team.
By Long time fan
October 7, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Everyone saw this coming. We short-changed the offensive line when all the money went to Vick. We knew we had some malcontents on the team. I don’t care how good a player Crumpler is, get rid of him. Get rid of Hall. It’s time to blow this thing up and clean out dead wood. Blank has to send a message: This isn’t the NBA, it’s not run by the players.
By scribe
October 7, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
First- Shultz, your a hack, better suited to the national enquirer. Second, Crumpler, shut up and play football and then feel free to comment after the season you spoiled brat. Third, it will take 3 years for the Falcons to rebuild after the liar MV7, so give them a chance and stop whinning.
By devil lover
October 7, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Why couldn’t any Falcons coaches in the last 7 or 8 yrs have drafted or traded for a high quality offensive linemen who could perform at a NFL level in terms of strength, metal ability, passion and determination. They look like they are just going through the motions.
By Father Falcon
October 7, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
Petrino the offensive genius pulled our starting QB for a guy who had NEVER RUN A PLAY WITH THE FIRST TEAM OFFENSE. Incredible. I was speechless until I watched Leftoverwich bumble 2 golden scoring opportunities. Then I spent the next 20 min screaming profanities at my TV.
I have to believe that Joey’s competetiveness would have led us to at least one TD for a tie and overtime. What the F* was Petrino thinking? If that big, fat, slow, stupid, left over excuse for a QB starts next week I will burn my season tickets and mail the ashes to A Blank.
By Vick Supporter
October 7, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
No Vick = Losing season
By Chris
October 7, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Joey Harrington completes 1 of the 3 passes Byron Leftfeet launched into the crowd and it’s a tie game.
SkilletHands makes a catch, and it’s a different game.
I have 2 faults with Petrino today. 1. (and most important): Norwood only touches the ball 6 times on O? Didn’t they say earlier this week that he would get the ball more? WTF? Give the man 15-20 touches and he takes at least 1 to the house. Guaranteed. 2. Pulling Joey. If Leftwich is going ot play, it needs to be after a week of practicing with the 1st team. He obviously was rusty and not very comfortable. Harrington didn’t look good, but that wasn’t all his fault. Down 1 score, if not injured, he should have been able to stay in the game and fight for the win.
By David
October 7, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are history this year people. Next year you’ll be able to sit anywhere in the Dome you want. This seasons over. Poor Coaching, Poor Plays, Poor Quarterback!
By Jock Ewing
October 7, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
All is I can say is, where the hell is Dan Reeves Arthur? Blank has systematically put this team back into the late 1980s in a matter of 5 years.
God, I long for the days of the Smith Family, not Rankin, but Taylor owning the team.
Blank did nothing at Home Depot but ride Bernie Marcus’ coattails. He got lucky and now us long time season ticket holders long before Blank came along have to give up on OUR team because of the that SORRY ARTHUR BLANK!!
I am simply livid once again, but you know I have been saying this for the past 4 years. Blank is the biggest problem with this team along with his blind love affair with Rich McKay.
We are now circling the drain just like 1989.
By Najeh Davenpoop
October 7, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
Alge may be right about the coaching staff seeming to prepare for the future, and it wouldn’t surprise me. Petrino seems to realize that the talent level on this team has been severely depleted thanks to the Mora regime’s inability to draft good talent and develop the talent available. It’s not surprising that he would rather give young rookies playing time over flawed veterans.
Petrino is a first-year coach taking over a team severely lacking in talent and discipline. I wasn’t thrilled with hiring him, but at least give him a chance to succeed with his players before declaring him a failure. It’s impossible to write off an NFL coach after just 5 games.
Neither one of these average QBs is going to be the answer as long as this O-line continues to be the same inconsistent mess a certain #7 had to play behind the last few years. Michael Vick — 2004, 2005, 2006 NFL MVP. This team was in contention in December the last three seasons. Hard to believe, isn’t it?
By primetime
October 7, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see Petrino as the next Clemson Tigers coach next year…
By Vick Supporter
October 7, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
I will say this, I have nothing against Arthur Blank, besides trying to get back money from Vick that Vick earned. Look at this team. Are “you people” saying that Vick wasn’t worth the money? The Falcons were never an embarrassment like this team is now when #7 was playing. I can’t wait till he comes back.
By DaNooch
October 7, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
Jock Ewing,
I guess you missed my earlier response to UnHappyFan. So I will tell you the same thing.
You are the true epitome of a moron. How many dogs did Arthur Blank kill? How many passes did he drop? How many times did he miss a blocking assignment? Was Arthur Blank the one calling the plays? Did he decide to continue to sit Norwood on the bench? You are an idiot.
By Vick Supporter
October 7, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
That Najeh Davenpoop is a smart guy. He and I are the only ones on this blog that makes any sense. these fans loved Petrino and Harrington just last week,lol. Now they want him fired. Our fans are idiots.
By Fann Mann
October 7, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
The word is out: Petrino is a lame duck who will leave for Auburn in 2008.
Who cares? This team employs dog-killers: Vick & Babineaux are still on the roster.
Next season buzzzards will be in the BLACKout Dome.
By JD
October 7, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
I’m not a Harrington fan but I don’t like to see ANYBODY scapegoated. I think it was a bad move to pull Harrington at that point because it was still a one possession game and he wasn’t the reason for the offense’s woes. The O line didn’t pass protect YET AGAIN and there was no running game YET AGAIN and Leftwich was not in sync with the starters because he had not been practicing with them. Harrington has played well the last few weeks and it was unfortunate that ONLY HIS 2ND INTERCEPTION SINCE WEEK ONE was returned for 6 by Tenn. If Leftwich starts next Mon. night, he’ll have to complete at least 70% of his passes(because that’s what Harrington was doing)to justify the QB change.
By Big Bull
October 7, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
What’s this team going to do with a#1 pick????? McKay has already shown He can’t draft crap!! Joey could have won this game today.Byrun Leftankle can’t win with this team.. this was just an appeasment for that crowd that ain’t comin back next year because #7 got da mean treatment cuz he didn’t do nottin wrong. Just tryin to sell those tickets ..Right Mr. Blank.How the hell is Harrington supposed to play his game any better than any other QB with the O line playing like they did today. What the heck is Petrino afraid of? I know the guy can coach, but He’s doing one hell of a lousy job now. Putting Leftankle in was down right uncalled for. If Joey doesn’t start next game after the way He,s progressed in this screwed up system anyway, then I’m finished with this bunch. He didn’t deserve the way he was jerked around today!!
By Big Bull
October 7, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
What’s this team going to do with a#1 pick????? McKay has already shown He can’t draft crap!! Joey could have won this game today.Byrun Leftankle can’t win with this team.. this was just an appeasment for that crowd that ain’t comin back next year because #7 got da mean treatment cuz he didn’t do nottin wrong. Just tryin to sell those tickets ..Right Mr. Blank.How the hell is Harrington supposed to play his game any better than any other QB with the O line playing like they did today. What the heck is Petrino afraid of? I know the guy can coach, but He’s doing one hell of a lousy job now. Putting Leftankle in was down right uncalled for. If Joey doesn’t start next game after the way He,s progressed in this screwed up system anyway, then I’m finished with this bunch. He didn’t deserve the way he was jerked around today!!
By adam
October 7, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
I am a long time falcons fan and I have seen some pretty bad teams but this has got to be the worst one I have ever seen in my life. Blank and Mckay have really made some bad decisions. I knew when they hired Jim Mora that it wasnt going to work out and I knew when they hired Petrino that it wasnt going to work out. Blank had a good opportunity to get ken wisenhunt or ron rivera or another pro coach..but no they had to hire a college coach who has really never coached in the nfl. Joey Harrington should have NEVER EVER been signed even as a backup. He just isnt good enough and he has shown that he is good enough. The Schaub trade was an excellant trade but they should have gone after daunte culpepper. At least Daunte would have given us some hope. Its pretty bad when only 3 games into your season that your season is already over…oh well maybe Blank and Mckay will FINALLY get it and hire someone with more experience next year
By Jim
October 7, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
I don’t care what happened during the first 59 minutes — you have the ball on the one and you pound it between the tackles. Hell, you have four chances to get one yard.
And oh by the way — we have no o-line. No one could run behind that crew.
March Madness just a week away….
By Braves Fan 79
October 7, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
Navigator: good call man…im hoping the same thing! Lets get Gailey out of tech and get Petrino to a place where he actually has a chance to win!
Both there play calling sucks if you ask me thou.
By T.P.
October 7, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
I’m sure Jow Horn and Abraham are p** that they signed with this team.
Folks PLEASE stop crying about the O-line and the receivers, during the preseason most of you claimed they were much better than last year. This O-line and the receivers are better than they were the past 3 or 4 years. Whether Mike Vick played well or had a bad game like Joey, you blamed him ONLY!!
Don’t DARE blame Leftwich for that lost. He’s only been with the team for 2 weeks…why didn’t Petrino play Redman????? Isn’t he the #2 QB???
Joey Harrington has played pretty good for 2 out of 5 games and all you do is make excuses for him. He has sucked his ENTIRE career… what makes you think he will come here and become Tom Brady??
Deal with it….I’ve been a season ticket holder for 4 years. I’m selling every ticket this year and WILL NOT be renewing next year and that’s a FACT!! I don’t care if they win 10 straight.
Petrino’s coaching skills are no better than Jim Mora’s!!
By Andy Moler
October 7, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
I do not see why the Falcons can’t bring back Vick (No seriously), he will only be losing a year and they can get some PR going to say he has been rehabilitated. He can still be a good QB because he was a good QB under Reeves. At the very least, he can put some people in the seats.
Artie should go against public opinion for once and go “Al Davis” and bring back #7
By Nothing w/o Vick
October 7, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
Hey dave, by saying I “don’t get it”, are you saying that;
-I should not think dogs are more than a waste of air? -I should Really think a person should go to jail because of what they did to a dog? -I should not think a dog is no different than a cockroach? -I should not think people who waste a minute of their lives defending “animal’s rights” are retarded? -I should not think looking out for HOMELESS PEOPLE and struggling people are more important than the life of a worthless dog? -I should not think people can do what they want to with THEIR dog?
YOU don’t get it, but your favortie team sure is getting it and I love it! “Its just dogs” is what Blank shoulda told you people and told you he didn’t pay $545 million to not have Michael Vick on his team. He’s gonna have to sell the lowere level tickets for $150 next year to make people THINK about showing up.
By Vick Supporter
October 7, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
As we all know, I’m a Vick Supporter, but Harrington got shi%@ed on today. No way should he have been pulled.
By Pop
October 7, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
You wanted a “pocket passer” and now you have one…DEAL WITH IT!! Stop making excuses.
When Mike Vick was getting sacked…you said he couldn’t read defenses and that he was holding the ball too long. Now that Joey is getting sacked and playing like the bomb that he is, it’s the O-line and receivers fault…you rednecks are a JOKE!!
By phil
October 7, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking about getting rid of NFL sunday ticket on Direct TV. Even with the blackout that will be in effect for all of the homes games next year, I still don’t want to have the ability to see the games on Direct TV! I’m hoping Petrino stays and gets rid of some of the cry babies. There is a decent base of talent. With a decent draft and a free agent or two, two years from now should be a good year. Until then, they will suck. Try not to raise tickets prices again this year Arthur. Lower might be a good idea for 08!
By Vick Supporter
October 7, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Arthur Blank, swallow your pride and do what you do best, try to make money. Bring back Vick. Al Davis and Jerry Jones have done worse and people see them as smart men, well maybe not Al Davis, but you get the point. Bring him back. Winning cures everything. If he comes back a wins, these idiots on here won’t give a damn about dogfighting.
By DaNooch
October 7, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Adam,
I couldn’t agree with you more about Whisenhunt. Arthur Blank was responsible for this decision all the way. They interviewed Whisenhunt and to anyone from Atl with half a brain that should been the end of the process. But, Blank fell in love with Petrino. This decision should have been made by McKay, but Arthur Blank butted in when he should have stayed out of it. But, that is one of the only decisions by Blank that I can criticize. The only other problem I have with him is his being overly close to Vick. I mean pushing his wheelchair on the sideline?!!
But, Blank is a new owner. If he didn’t make mistakes it would be a miracle. To blame all of this team’s problems on him is just stupid.
By phil
October 7, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking about getting rid of NFL sunday ticket on Direct TV. Even with the blackout that will be in effect for all of the homes games next year, I still don’t want to have the ability to see the games on Direct TV! I’m hoping Petrino stays and gets rid of some of the cry babies. There is a decent base of talent. With a decent draft and a free agent or two, two years from now should be a good year. Until then, they will suck. Try not to raise tickets prices again this year Arthur. Lower might be a good idea for 08! And once again, get the ball more to Norwood and Alge! What happend to getting the ball to Norwood more? I guess the game plan was to have the Titans keep kicking off! lol.. Norwood looked great returning the kicks. Dunn is DONE!
By Jock Ewing
October 7, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
DaNooch,
No you are the idiot BOY. You have no clue what is going on with this team or you have to be blind.
Arthur is a meddling owner just like jerry jones. But in worse because he wants to run the team by committee. He has even stated the fact.
I just assume you not post if you only want to call names without any back up.
The Falcons started their demise once he wheeled vick around in his wheelchair and anybody with half a brain knows it.
Go play with you crayons!!!
By falconman
October 7, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
How can the lost of one player make this team look so bad? This team sucks without you know who!!
By steve
October 7, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
the falcons will win the divison the nfc south is garbage and i have seen them all and the falcons smell a little bit better!guarantee it
By Vick Apologist
October 7, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
FOR ALL YOU DUMB @SSES THAT WANTED THE HIP-HOP, BRAIDED HAIR, JEWELRY WEARING, HERPES SPREADING, INACCURATE QB GONE. NOW THAT YOU GOT WHAT YOU WANTED AND HE IS GONE, SHUT UP AND KEEP TAKING YOUR DAMN LOSSES!
By FALCON TRADITION
October 7, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
PREDICTION: 1. Michael Boley leaves via free agency..I have talked to him after losses and he HATES to be on losing teams 2. Les Miles leaves LSU to go back to Michigan 3. LSU hires Bobby Petrio (he came to Atlanta to coach a player that is no longer active)
BOLD PREDICTION Again….I want to go on record and be the first to let everyone know that Blank will sell the team in 2009 - 2010.
By steve
October 7, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
the falcons will win the division.i have seen the nfc south teams and their garbage.and the falcons smell a little bit better.guarantee it!!!!!!!!!!!!!hit me back in december.
By Jock Ewing
October 7, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
Falcon Tradition,
Hell at this point, I say let Arthur move them to Los Angeles and let Atlanta go a few years without a franchise.
Maybe we can get a new owner and new name as a new expansion team around 2012.
I mean you would think we could somehow screw up and just accidentially with win 9 games two years back to back. But no, this is the Falcons, the cursed franchise for over 40 years.
Arthur did nothing but fill the dome with el cheapo seats and crowded the dome with people who had rather been seen on Sundays instead of watching the game.
How bout them Cowboys!!!
By Nostradamus
October 7, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
To think that MV7 was able to hide this huge mess and actually generate not only wins but a reason to watch this team … is simply mind-boggling!
By UnHappyFan
October 7, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
Said above- “To blame all of this team’s problems on him is just stupid.”
The debate has to do with the idea to make the NFL sports entertainment. There is a line of thought which suggests the goal of an NFL franchise is to sell seats. To create an ‘experience’ if you will.
Then there is another camp in which the goal is to win games and be respected while doing so. Football indeed has an element of respect and sometimes in leu of wins.
You can do the math to see which camp the Falcons were in.
You may be unable to see the logic here, and so as to clear up any confusion I am not suggesting Arthur Blanks performance using metrics such as pass dropping is indicative of his inability to effectively own and manage an NFL franchise.
The very fact the face of his franchise is going to federal and possibly state prison and has in the process damaged the franchise and even still the team itself has not recovered, makes the point much better.
Look at the Titans. They lost Jones but can still play. Atlanta loses Vick and cannot. This is Blanks responsiblity though I’ve little doubt he hasn’t the courage to own up to his mistakes. Hasn’t so far.
Why do I think part of the reason Petrino is here is only so many people want to work for Blank. And after this season surely the list shrunk.
By sean
October 7, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
what about our field goal unit ? I have never seen anything like it, absolutely horrible. As a GM , how can you ever let something like this happen ?
By Scott Miner
October 7, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
Now y’all see what Detroit had to deal with when Joey was there QB…and where is Matt Schaub?
By Scott Miner
October 7, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
Now y’all see what Detroit had to deal with when Joey was their QB…and where is Matt Schaub?
By FALCON TRADITION
October 7, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
Hey Jock,
Stanger things have happened….don’t be surprised if a scenario like the one you describe happens. The ironic twist is that Jacksonville could be the team that would provide Atlanta with an opportunity to re-enter the NFL. Ironic, because that is the city that the Smith family almost moved to, before the construction of the Dome.
It sounds crazy now…but this is a very probable situation over the next 4 - 5 years.
By Mark Anthony
October 7, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
Well, IF we were going to pull Harrington, wouldn’t it make more sense to put in Redmon, who has taken the snaps, learned the plays, and had the experience in preseason, and pretty successful experience at that?
Beyond that, I think we need to all realize that Petrino is a good coach, and he is going to make this team his team, and we’re going to have to wait and see if that includes Crumpler et al, or if he is moving towards the future and the youth.
I’ve been a Falcon’s fan for as long as I can remember, which at 43 is pretty far back, and I’ve been through much worse than this. I’m glad we have higher expectations now, but we really have to put this season and the Vick circus in perspective and given all that’s going on, I think we’re doing pretty well over all.
We’ve been told by the AJC reports and others all along that this isn’t our year. We look better than they thought we’d be, but we also are playing about like they said we would, “W” wise…
I say give the coach a chance, and measuring him by the first half of this carnival season isn’t very productive long term … GO FALCONS!!!!
By steve
October 7, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
you guys are funny what did you guys expect, petrino is in his first year and he took over a lousy team he needs time, its not the coach its the team
By FALCON TRADITION
October 7, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
Jock,
Your earlier post was correct.
Taylor Smith ran a good organization. It was under his watch that the team experienced the most success. AB came in and fired a coach that ran his teams the correct way. I personally know two players form the 98 squad….and the will tell you that they enjoyed playing for “Mr. Charlie”(that was the lockeroom nickname for Reeves)
By FALCON TRADITION
October 8, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
UnHappyFan,
Let me make you aware of a couple of things. Coaches in the league are not and have not been extremely anxious to work for AB. They did want the opportunity to work with Vick…inspite of AB.
Players around the league have learned that you can come to the team and cash in while also establishing bisiness ties in the region to use after ending their careers.
By garrett
October 8, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
Simple questions: why is Morten trying to kick a 48 yarder? Why are you getting fancy on first and goal from the one? Why are you adding a qb controversy when it’s clear that the O-line is the problem? And for godssakes, why are you punting from the opponent’s 35 yard line, regardless of the situation? Unreal.
By FALCON TRADITION
October 8, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this
Mark Anthony,
You are correct. Petrino is a good coach. I am sorry to let you know that he will leave Atlanta next year for LSU.
Miles is going to leave LSU to go back to Michigan.
By Fred
October 8, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this
I particularly liked seeing Leftwich hitting the open man thruout the late drives. Unfortunately, the open man was always sitting in the 5th row of the bleachers.
Tank the season & grab McFadden!
By shell
October 8, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this
I said it all last year, and during the off season and Im saying it again now. The problem with the Falcons is not th e QB position, it is and has been the O-line for some years now. MV7 just had the ability to compensate for the lack of an effective o-line, but you people, and I mean the term in the worst possible way, blamed MV7 for everything. Why do you all act surprised that Harrington is getting beat up? You thought that MV7 couldnt read defenses? He could and he saw the same thing Harrington is seeing, no one open and not enough time to pass to them if they were, and receivers who dont make plays on the ball whether to catch it themselves or to keep the other team from intercepting.
By I Like Mike
October 8, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
I NEW ALL ALONG THAT VICK WAS THE GREATEST TALENT ATLANTA HAS HAD, I SAY IT SERVES DUNN RIGHT TO NOT BE ABLE TO GET ANY YARDS. HE KNEW ALL ALONG THAT VICK MADE HIM AND THE TEAM LOOK GOOD. ALSO BLANK IS GETTING EXZCTLY WHAT HE DESERVES HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD GOODWELL VICK IS PLAYING NO MATTER WHAT AND THOSE PETA PEOPLE WOULD HAVE PICKETED A FEW GAMES BUT WHEN THEY SAW NO ONE CARED THEY WOULD HAVE SCURRIED BACK INTO THERE LITTLE HOLE.I DON’T SEE THEM FILLING THE GA DOME AND CHEERING THE FALCONS ON. SO THE HELL WITH BLANK HE IS GETTING EXACLTY WHAT HE DESERVES. GOOOOOOOO VICK.
By MV7 fan
October 8, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
WE’LL KEEP LES MILES AT LSU (LOL)
WE DON’T WANT PETRINO IN BATON ROUGE!
ANYTHING CONNECTED TO THE FALCONS HAVE BEEN CURSED!
ARTHUR BLANK, DAMN WHAT COLUMNIST SAY, YOU NEED TO DRAFT FROM LSU AND GET SOME REAL ATHLETES OR FORGET WHAT THE ANIMAL RIGHTS FOLKS SAY AND WIN YOU SOME DAMN GAMES…
By Madden King
October 8, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
Once the heart, “that being Vick” got taken out of the body, that being the team” it was a lost cause and there’s nothing that anybody can do to repair this team. From what Alge’s saying, lets me know that there was distrust from the players to the coaches camp on up until know, thats bad business. Whether white people want to believe it or not Vick was the leader of this team. He was close with everybody that was a big part of this offense and defense exept for Dunn and Brooking. Joe Horn wanted to come here because of the relationship he had with Vick because they come from the same background, the same goes for Abraham and Milloy. Most of the big time free agents consider coming to the Falcons because of Vick and nothing else. I know you white folks don’t listen to HIP-HOP radio stations but Torry Holt said on Hot 97 in New York a couple of years ago If he could play with any other quarterback in the NFL besides Marc Bulger it would be Mike Vick, and I quote “Playing with Vick I would have 1 on 1 every snap and thats a win for me,and Vick could throw the ball 100 miles an hour and I would still catch it with 1 hand and walk to the endzone.” Holt also said, “I caught Vick’s passes in the probowl and I had no problem with catching his balls. Would Torry Holt consider coming to the Falcons if Matt Schaub or Joey Harrington ran the team, HELL NAW HE WOULDN’T. Arthur is begging Roger Goodell to bring Vick back next year so he make his money and win more games than he has children. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR VICK IN A FALCONS UNIFORM, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP.
By FALCON TRADITION
October 8, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
I Like Mike,
You are correct to say that Vick was the Greatest Talent thet Atlanta had, but you are totally wrong in thinking that he could have or should have played this season. The bottom line is that he broke the law and violated league policy. I have been a fan of his since VA Tech, but since he has been in Atlanta his private life has consistenly, been a train wreck wating to happen. When he lost Dan Reeves as a coach….the demise began. Did not have a ggod team of people around him (in his personal life)
By FALCON TRADITION
October 8, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
MV7,
You may want to keep Miles at LSU….but Michigan is gearing up to bring him back to the Maze & Blue..the would be home for him
By Mack73
October 8, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
Mike Tomlin 1st yr(steelers)4-1 Wade Phillips 1st yr(cowboys)5-0(we could have had Wade but Arthur passed him up for Mora) Being new coach is not an excuse. Get the ball to the playmakers(Alge,Norwood). Alge is the best on this team. Finneran was the best receiver. Blank did not give anything to Vick, it’s obvious he earned every penny. The players who don’t earn their pay is Mughhelli and Brooking. Take back some of that money and buy a big RB and a OL!
By FALCON TRADITION
October 8, 2007 12:30 AM |