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 | Link to this
Hey Shell,
Your assessment is extremely accurate.
By wtf
October 8, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
Braves Fan 79 what the hell are you talking about? Stick to baseball because you are clueless when it comes to football. Blank fired Reeves not Vick. Vick was not healthy enough to come back but he did anyway and the team started winning games again. Reeves should have never been fired but Vick did not set him up. Your boy Blanky did that. It is amazing to me that the fans all of a sudden want to blame the p** poor wr’s, horrible o line, half a* defense and bad play calling . In the past it was all Vick’s fault. AMAZING ISNT IT… This team is terrible. Wont win no more than 5 games. This season is done
By mychelfromatl
October 8, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this
The only way the Falcon can compete within the next 5 years is to get a mobile quaterback who has at least 4.4 to 4.5 speed. Which is why I say next year draft Pat White out of West Virginia University, or that kid out of Oregon or hell send a few Million to the government to keep Mike Vick outta jail. Drafting Brian Brohm, or that kid out of Kentucky will do nothing because u still will have the same problem of an immobile quarterback getting punished. No pocket passer can survive in Atlanta even if it was Payton Manning, he still needs a good offensive line. This season Is done because u have 3 immobile quaterbacks who is not fast enough. In the next few years every team is going to need fast quarterback because defenses are becoming faster and more aggressive so the falcons just better hope they can luck up and find another kid with the abilty of Vick which i dont think will happen.
By Great Falconi
October 8, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blank and Rich McKay built the Falcons’ foundation on sinking sand. Vick, D-Hall, Jim Mora, gimmick offensive line, no pass blocking, undersized defense, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
We’re witnessing the crumbling of that foundation now. It’s not a surprise. Anyone that thinks Vick is the reason this team was mediocre (yeah, Vick lovers, this team was damn mediocre the last two seasons) is fooling themselves. The Falcons are in their millionth rebuilding mode. We hoped it wouldn’t have to happen, but it is. Either quit being a fan or suck it up and deal with it. 40,000 in the Dome is fine with me. No skin off my a*. When the wins come (and it’ll happen, maybe when I’m 80), I’ll be there to be happy about it.
By fromTheValley
October 8, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this
COLD HARD FACTS 1) The real Joey is showing up 2) A sad point - Petrino has recent NFL experience and is still acting like he does not know the speed and talent of today’s game. 3) Arthur Blank has infused a lot of bad karma on this team 4)Based on Alge’s comments, this team is not a team. Coaches complain one week, defensive players complain one week, offensive players complain one week, ownershiop complains one week, etc. 5) 2 more wins this season…if we are lucy 6) The defense did not play as good as u think. All of VYoung’s errors were self-induced. Falcons still cannot stop the run when they need to 7) no professional team should lose with 5 turnovers and 4 drives starting at the opponents 40 yard line or less
By JM
October 8, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
While I think Petrino is still capable of becoming a good head coach in the NFL, I’d just like to make this point…
In 2004 Arthur Blank and Rich McKay could have hired Lovie Smith. Instead they hired Jim Mora.
In 2007 Arthur Blank and Rich McKay could have hired Ken Whisenhunt. Instead they hired Bobby Petrino.
Both hires were considered curious at the time by the media and fans. Needless to say picking Mora over Smith was a huge mistake. If Petrino turns out to be another bust while Whisenhunt leads the Cardinals to success for the first time in ages (as it appears he is doing), Blank and McKay deserve heavy criticism, to say the least.
By DaNooch
October 8, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
The OL obviously needs to get better. The biggest problem for the last 3 years has been the receivers. When I say “receivers” I mean all eligible receivers, WR, TE, RB.
One of the biggest draw backs to Warrick Dunn is that on pass plays he is extremely difficult for the QB to dump the ball off to. He is so short and can’t jump either, and doesn’t have good hands. We need to have a bigger back who can pickup the blitz or catch the ball over the middle. I also don’t understand why every new coaching staff of the Falcons takes so long to learn that Warrick Dunn cannot be used in 3-1 or goal line situations. I’m not trying to bash Dunn, he just has his limitations.
He is not the biggest problem, though. Michael Jenkins can’t catch the ball. He has a game every now and then when he decides to catch the ball, but in the NFL every game counts. Any other team would have cut him long ago.
Roddy White is dropping way too many passes as well, but I wouldn’t give up on him, yet.
I would start Laurent Robinson and Joe Horn (why did we sign him if he’s going to sit on the bench?) and see what happens. I don’t think I can take watching Jenkins and White drop the ball another season.
By Matt the Brave
October 8, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
Man, this was a hard one to watch today. D-Hall screaming at the sidelines to have them play something other than cover-2? Alge making comments after the game that this isn’t a healthy football team? Two weeks ago D-Hall getting in the face of the coach? I mean, if this is happening in the media, what’s happening behind closed doors? Does Petrino even have any control at all? Is he even trying at this point, or is he padding his resume so that he can land a top-tier SEC or ACC school after next year when the Falcons go 2-14 for the second straight year? Man, this all started with 2 things. The first was the Falcons not getting Lovie Smith as head coach. The second was not getting rid of Vick before his usefulness ran out. I am so glad that the Braves, Thrashers, and Hawks can at least see the light (even with the owners of the Thrashers and Hawks being as they are, at least they don’t hire people who will make them look bad OFF the court/ice). I sincerely hope that Arthur Blank looks at these blogs and realizes that this is a bad thing that is happening, and if there aren’t some major changes in the front office and on the coaching staff, then we will return to the mid-80s form of the Falcons…perennial losers with no hopes of EVER getting back out of it.
By JM
October 8, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
Rereading the posts, I can see others have made the same point I made. Sorry, just scanned through too fast the first time.
By Braves Fan 79
October 8, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
wtf: man common were you 2 blind to see that vick wanted reeves gone that year….and he got his wish didnt he! I remember watching everygame in reeves last 2 years and it was clear that the ol coach was just 2 much discipline for vick. Dont u think the new owner who loved his star QB so much took vicks input into account? From what i can remember about reeves last season and the offseason following….vick prettymuch threw him under the bus. He shure as heck didnt give him any support…even tho that last loosing season definitly wasnt reeves fault!
By Bob from Winder
October 8, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
By Dana
October 8, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this
Just think about this: the Falcons were favorite to win the NFC a couple of years ago and many people were picking them to go to the playoffs last year. Why? Because MV7 made people believe that you guys (I am Cowboy fan)had a chance every week to win. Yet still, everybody wanted MV7 either gone or to play WR or RB. That being said, I don’t remember everybody complaining about the offensive line this much the last two years. Yes, Crumpler is right. He is not getting the ball and why in the hell they paid John Horn 4 mil dollars a year to be the third or fourth wide receiver? Dunn is not over the hill, he don’t have the same running lanes anymore since MV7 left. Petrino is like every new coach in regards of getting “their” players in the fold. But he should at least know who are his playmakers. Last and not least, MV7 should do his time and paid his debt to society. I think he should come back to the league, but not to Atlanta because he created an disaster and the fact so many people wanted him gone even before his legal troubles. But Falcons fans, MV7 once again have help you out: His absence finally show Arthur Blank, the organization and the city what kind of team you guys really have. And MV7 might help even more if the Falcons can get some of his signing bonus back. But Blank is not going to get enough money back to get three offensive linemen,a free safety, a true #1 wide receiver, a defensive tackle, a #2 corner, and another franchise quarterback. GO COWBOYS!
By JRud
October 8, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this
You can’t turn S**t into diamonds. Atlanta is a minor League football team that play their games in the NFL. If you ever look at Coach Petrino’s face (bored and depressed) he looks like he is ready to get the hell out of dodge.
By Newt G
October 8, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
Alge and Deangelo and Dunn need to go. its obvious there allegiance lies with MV and they are not going to play for joey, thats why leftwich was installed to motivate them. alge and deangelo can get some good draft picks for next year. time to remove that negative element from our team. get some ol’s and a qb like Booty or Brohm, use norwood and get a big back to pound people. Brook has a few more years and we can build around him, he a poor mans urlacher imo.
By MV7 fan
October 8, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this
IN MOST AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES, SMOKING WEED AND KILLING DOGS IS NOT SUCH A BIG DEAL.
JUST LIKE IN MOST WHITE COMMUNITIES, INSIDE TRADING AND SHOOTING UP HERION IS NOT SUCH A BIG DEAL.
By WC DAVIS JR
October 8, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this
first of all #56,28,74,62,13 they need to go.DEF.K. BROOKING NO WHERE TO BE FOUND ON THE FIELD.
By mychelfromatl
October 8, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this
*problems with the falcons** 1)The offensive line is trash and it will take years to rebuild a good one. 2)The quarterbacks are immobile which makes them sitting ducks. 3)The wide receivers has been inconsistent for years and we still truly don’t know what we have in them. 4)the running games suck because of the absence of Mike Vick’s ability(Norwood can only break through a brick wall so many times. 5)we paid a fullback 18 million dollars..hell with that type of money he should be gettin all the carries. 6)Our most consistent offensive player(Algenone Darius Crumpler) is now p** at the organization and may want to leave the team. 7)We can’t even kick a field goal. 8)Our shut down corner(Deangelo Hall) is p** and probably wants to leave the team. 9)Does Keith Brooking still play football? 10)our young-gifted linebackers probably wont resign after this year. 11)ticket prices are too DAMN high. 12)Whites and blacks still cant get along when it comes down to the color of the falcons quarterback. Did i miss anything????
By Holy cow
October 8, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this
I commute weekly about 40 minutes from the South Bronx into Manhattan to find spot at a ridiculous (over-priced) pub for the privilege of watching the Falcons fall just short every single week. I am a devoted fan and and consoled by folks of other franchises about the potential of our team. BUT WHAT THE HECK ARE WE DOING putting Leftwich in at such a critical point in the game!?! I really support Leftwich but it was pretty obvious watching the game that Harrington was afforded about two seconds to release the ball every single play. What will introducing a new quarterback into that situation accomplish other than shake the confidence of an otherwise effective offense? AND four attempts at one yard? Run the ball forward, or in the general direction of. What an extraordinary defense we suddenly have, what an arrogant let-down our offensive coaching staff was this week. Harrington should have been left in, and Crumpler should be listened to.
By Braves Fan 79
October 8, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this
MV7 fan: how can u compare smoking weed to herione u crack baby?
Im white….i love weed and i Love my Dog! And my idea of investing is buying lotto tickets because im 2 fckin poor for stocks and trading. Id rather have my dogs friendship than any of your “homies” whod probably turn there back on you just like vicks “homies” did to him! U know what i mean DOG?
By DaNooch
October 8, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this
MV7 fan,
PUT THE PIPE DOWN AND STEP AWAY FROM THE NEEDLE.
By DaNooch
October 8, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this
mychelfromatl,
Did you even watch the game today?
By mychelfromatl
October 8, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this
Man i just have to keep blooging because its absolutly mind-booging that the absence of one player can hurt a team so much. The thing many people use the excuse that Michael Vick was paid too much(Well Payton Manning is paid just as much and they still have managed to built a team that could survive for a while without him, so have the patriots with Tom Brady, hell Oakland gave Jamarcus Russull the richest rookie contract ever and he hasn’t played a snap and they are a decent ballclub) The Falcons problem go so far that draft picks cannot fix these problems. I dont even know how Arthur Blank will convince free agents to come to this team anymore. Can someone please give me a logical explanation of how we can get a good football team again?
By Najeh Davenpoop
October 8, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this
The last offensive lineman the Falcons chose with a 1st-round pick was Lincoln Kennedy in 1993. 14 years ago.
In the last seven drafts, the Falcons have drafted seven offensive linemen total. Two of them (Kynan Forney and Justin Blalock) are currently on the active roster — the others either were never signed, left as free agents, or are on injured reserve.
If you don’t invest in your offensive line, you can’t expect to have consistent quarterback play. From anyone. Period.
By DaNooch
October 8, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this
Sorry mychelfromatl I meant WC DAVIS JR. when I said:
Did you even watch the game today?
By cmorrisdee
October 8, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this
Vick could have scored from the 1!
By Kobie
October 8, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this
The Falcons spent millions on fullback Ovie Mughelli, where was he at the end of the game with 4 chances to score or for that matter where is he at during the games. He had 1 carry and got a first down with it, if he is the highest paid fullback in the league then let him earn that money by playing and not standing next to Petrino. Does anyone on the falcons sideline truly know what is going on during the games or are they just completely clueless about playcalling and who to use . Think its too much thinking and not enough reacting
By noneya
October 8, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this
This was Leftwich’s first game action since last year with a new team in an offense he is still learning, what did you expect he would look like? Where are all the Harrington is the best screamers from last week. If you have paid attention to his career, which I don’t blame you if you haven’t, you will see it is defined by inconsistency. He has games where he looks like the #3 overall pick that he was and then he turns around and has games where he looks like the first round bust that he is. We have an $18 million dollar fullback but we never utilize him. Give him some carries near the goalline if you are not going to run behind him. A long season indeed.
By noneya
October 8, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this
This was Leftwich’s first game action since last year with a new team in an offense he is still learning, what did you expect he would look like? Where are all the Harrington is the best screamers from last week. If you have paid attention to his career, which I don’t blame you if you haven’t, you will see it is defined by inconsistency. He has games where he looks like the #3 overall pick that he was and then he turns around and has games where he looks like the first round bust that he is. We have an $18 million dollar fullback but we never utilize him. Give him some carries near the goalline if you are not going to run behind him. A long season indeed.
By DaNooch
October 8, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this
Leftwich could have scored from the 1. Instead, with 4 tries from inside the 1 yard line, on first down he had Leftwich try to turn his back to the goal line and pitch the ball backwards to Warrick Dunn. How many times have any of you seen Warrick Dunn score from the 1 yard line?
By Pfunkatl
October 8, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this
this is HILLARIOUS…told you ALL that MV-7 wasn’t fightin lassie and toto, but TRUE killaz…ALSO, all you HIPPOCITES last week were kissin Petrino’s AZZ and now you are BITTIN it…sound FAMILIAR???
By surfrider
October 8, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this
One thing one can say about this current team is the score’s are not blow-outs. The frustation is coming out in the close losses. These if the team plays hard should eventually turn into wins. Maybe Chris Redman should get a chance. There is nothing wrong with some competition with the three QB’s to see who pulls apart. If they can straighten out the offense in the red zone then who knows. The good news is they are moving the ball at times and the defense is playing better than last year it appears.
By wtf
October 8, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this
Blah blah blah braves fan.. Vick did not throw Reeves under the bus, Arthur Blankie did
By DaNooch
October 8, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this
**Pfunkatl
What elementary school did you drop out of? **
By dale in newnan
October 8, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this
All you ignorant negro’s listen up. Mike vick isnt comming back to the league next year. Get over it. He effed up big time. Move on.This team needs to be blown up. especially in the front office. Everyone forgot that Lovey Smith wanted to be here; however the falcons Brasss fell for the bells and whistles and all the flashing lights any snake oil saleman shows up with.
By DaNooch
October 8, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blank took over the hiring process and hired Petrino, when the obvious choice for anyone from Atl with half a brain was Whisenhunt. Arthur Blank is a tremendous businessman with fantastic social skills and great judgment of personnel. He has to recognize that he knows next to nothing about football and let McKay run the team. He made a brilliant move getting Mckay here. Now, he needs to let McKay run the team.
By gt fan
October 8, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this
hey i have an idea.
we will trade chan ‘no guts’ gailey for petrino straight up.
it will be a pleasure to have real bonifid coach again.
By gt fan
October 8, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this
hey i have an idea.
we will trade chan ‘no guts’ gailey for petrino straight up.
it will be a pleasure to have real bonifid coach again.
By Roger
October 8, 2007 3:17 AM | Link to this
At least we aren’t New Orleans, that is 2 more wins this year.
By The Dust
October 8, 2007 3:27 AM | Link to this
It’s like this: Petrino didn’t lose this game - THE OFFENSIVE LINE DID!!!! You have to win the battle up front or you don’t win at all. This is a rebuilding year people. Harrington isn’t the answer. Do I agree with making the move today? No, but lets face it, he isn’t a winner at the NFL level. He has a bad o-line protecting him, but if you’ve noticed, he doesn’t seem to play very well on the road. He also seems to be afraid to take shots down field. Byron Leftwich isn’t afraid of anything. The man will die for his team. That’s why he is often hurt. He looked rusty as hell today, but it makes sense. He hasn’t played in a real game since last season. As far as Warrick Dunn goes, he is one of the toughest men in football period. Every yard he gains, he earns. The O-line doesn’t open anything up. Why did we lead in rushing the past 3 years (Vick for one), because we had a scheme that fit the talent we had up front. CUT BLOCKING! Algie should have known this was going to happen. Petrino likes to throw down field to wide outs. He doesn’t have HIS QB, HIS BIG O-LINE or his BIG BRUISING RUNNING BACK. Cut Petrino some slack.He inhereted an undiciplined Jim Mora team. Remember those back to back break downs under Mora? If Petrino were here, Vick would have been found out a long time ago. We need to think of the Falcons like a college team right now. We are rebuilding this team from the ground up. Love it, or leave it. In 3 years, this team will be a perenial contendor.
The Brian Brohm watch is on. HE IS THE ANSWER AT QB.
Oh and by the way, Petrino is a good coach period. Not just a solid college coach. He took Louisville from nothing and built a Big East power house (look where they are without him). On top of that, he was an NFL coach before heading to the college ranks. He used the pro style at Louisville. To bring Brohm in makes too much sense.
By Chris Redman
October 8, 2007 3:35 AM | Link to this
Give me a chance, BOB!
By KrisG
October 8, 2007 3:38 AM | Link to this
No reason to switch QB’s here. If Leftwich is better, start him next week. Don’t decide that in-game when we still have a good chance to win. Stick with the piano man, he was making progress… don’t let one bad game draw you into loopy decisions like this.
By The Dust
October 8, 2007 4:17 AM | Link to this
DaNooch,
Blank brought Mora in. McKay brought Petrino in. They are friends from way back. So, for once Blank is letting McKay do his job.
Gotta be patient on Petrino. He needs HIS guys in here.
By tb
October 8, 2007 5:19 AM | Link to this
It’s also normal to have feelings of rejection when you go from a clack “I’m your buddy coach” to a more disciplined, my way kinda coach
By P
October 8, 2007 5:24 AM | Link to this
oline is pathetic, and WARRICK DUNN IS DONE!!! HE NEEDS 2 GO DO CHARITY WORK!!!
By Glenn
October 8, 2007 5:52 AM | Link to this
1)Good bye Petrino. 2)Hello #1 pick!
By marcus
October 8, 2007 6:21 AM | Link to this
dunn and crumpler are good people who deserve better. although the qb situation has created problems, the play calling has been suspect. the idea that the team is “moving towards refining younger talent”, and adapting to petrino’s “methods” is creative at best. in all honesty, the falcons really are not that good.
By Zerevan
October 8, 2007 6:33 AM | Link to this
Michigan will be a good fit for Petrino next year, not every HOT collage coach is a succesful NFL coach. Algie is right. Harrington deserved a shot in the end. What kind of offensive WIZARD Petrino is? This is not Louville playing East Tennessee State man…! Titan did not beat the Falcon, Falcons beat the Falcons. Petrino is not going to make it here in the NFL, like Spurrier and Saban he belongs to the College Footbal. The Falcon will be just fine next yea because this year will be a bad memory soon…!
By Ryan
October 8, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !! This is all a mess !!
By jesse
October 8, 2007 6:38 AM | Link to this
Let’s admit it. The team was supposed to have a super star quarterback named Vick, Michael Vick. Petrino’s game plan was to capitalize on Vick’s talented running ability. Time for PLAN B.
By r
October 8, 2007 6:44 AM | Link to this
r The team has been going down hill ever since McKay was hired as president of the Falcons. No. 1 draft picks have never produced and you get rid of the best quarterback the Falcons had.
By AL
October 8, 2007 6:45 AM | Link to this
Some of the play calling was lame, but anyone who blames Joey is insane. That O line is HORRIBILE! Oh yeah, and if you have a Leftwich jersey, you need to go buy a number 8 to put next to the 4.
By Bill
October 8, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this
Perhaps Michael Vick was disruptive and unpredictable to raise this team to mediocrity. Maybe they were this bad all along, and Vick was able to cover it up.
By Sad
October 8, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this
I was a true fan - but those days are over. We need a new coach and VICK!
By jacky
October 8, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this
Take it from a 50 something woman only allowed to see sports on TV until the age of 16, poor coaching, why pull Mort???? changed the momentum of the game… an switching quarterbacks in a close game….it that it not dumb…what is???
By Brad
October 8, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
Deja vu all over again!!! For the first time - in a long time - the offense looks TERRIBLE! Arthur PLEASE HELP!!
By jerry
October 8, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
Schultz: What has Bobby Petrino done to you? Not kissed your a$$ or what?
By Kevin
October 8, 2007 7:00 AM | Link to this
Yea Good idea get Smiths own team see Falcons blackout again…..n play before 12,000 n next be in La land as The Los angeles Falcons u loons
By M
October 8, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this
Where is Aurther Blank? We have been season ticket holders for six years and this is the first year that we can’t give our tickets away!
By Ted Beasley
October 8, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this
Why haven’t the Falcons been using Crumpler and their new FB more? If the coaches are already planning for the future, why in the world did we waste money on Leftwitch? All he did Sunday was throw a few souvenier balls into the crowd. Joey has improved two weeks in a row, and he gets benched. Sure he looked inepts against the Titans pressure, but let him finish the game. He would have made that wide open pass in the endzone. It’s a horrible sign when your team seems this divided.
By Jim 70
October 8, 2007 7:06 AM | Link to this
the falcons were a bad team with Vick, now they are worse, and it would not matter who the coach is. Vick would have gotten them a few more victories this year, but not enough to make the playoffs.
as in many of the past years, at this point in the season I hope they are competitive but lose so we can get better draft choices. Not that the falcons really know what to do with better draft choices, but they may be like the blind pig finding an acorn once in a while. At least we can stop drafting wide receivers number one.
i believe management’s goal for this year is to get the number one draft choice for next year, at least that is how it appears on the field and with some of the moves they have made.
still a fan since 1966, but we all have our cross to bear!
By Big Ed
October 8, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are consistent in one area. They have had three different coaches with the same result over the last five years. You have an owner that wants to be buddies with the players. I get the feeling he’s living out a sports dream instead of taking a leadership role. Football is much different than Home Depot. Getting knocked down within two seconds of getting the ball almost every time will affect any quarterback. It looks like Petrino is trying to make it the Roddy White and Jerious Norwood show. The Tennesee defense knew it too. Crumpler is dead on right.
By buster bawz
October 8, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this
Is this team “For Sale”?
By fatz
October 8, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this
do any of you actually think this configuration will succeed without Vick? so therefore, what is the point of pushing on a string? i don’t think Petrino tried to lose the game, but it is in our best interest that he did. this team begs to be rebuilt, and unfortunately, that starts with dumping vets…like Alge.. who have some value. our OL canNOT compete in this league, so we are doomed unless we have Mercury playing QB, and sorry, he’s doggone and longgone….
By bamadon
October 8, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this
THANK YOU FALCONS FOR GIVING THE TITANS A VICTORY!!! THE TITANS TRIED TO GIVE THE GAME AWAY. GEORGIA TEAMS REALLY HAD A BAD WEEKEND IN TENN. THIS WEEKEND. FALCONS FANS KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, THE WORST TEAM IN THE NFL IS THE MIAMI DOPHINS AND I HAD TO SAY, BUT THEY SUCK!!!!
By TW
October 8, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this
Somebody ought to tell Alge and D-Hall that they ain’t good enough at their job to run their mouths. The Falcons are notorious for over paying people, and these are two examples. Look around the league at the talent, then tell me how great a shut down guy D-Hall is…same with Brooking, as was the same with Vick. Petrino wants to clean the slate? Let him…
By hornet
October 8, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this
Bobby Petrino needs to be tard & feathered and run out of town on a rail. He is a special teams couch at best. And Aurther Blank hired him so what does that tell you. He can be snowed by a wanna be? Blank lost all my respect as well. I don’t care what the Falcons PR department says now. I won’t watch a disgraceful, despicable team that embarrasses Atlanta like they did this weekend. Stick a fork in it.
By Blanda
October 8, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this
GIVE PETRINO A CHANCE ! HE INHERITED A MESS ! THESE ARE NOT HIS PLAYERS ! GIVE HIM A COUPLE OF DRAFTS TO BRING IN PLAYERS CONDUCIVE TO HIS STYLE OF PLAY !
By Redneck
October 8, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
The Falcons cemented their position as losers when they picked up Byron Left Foot Leftwich after the Jaguars dropped him. Didn’t anyone in the organization look at game films before picking him up. He has to wind up before throwing the ball, can’t read coverages and decide who is open or covered, and can’t get out of the way of his own shadow.
Just a loser joining a bunch of losers!!!
By JB
October 8, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this
Dan Reeves.
By quint
October 8, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this
How does a coach say “we have to get Norwood the ball more” and then get him the ball less? Is he trying to run a pre-set game plan that is not working. Alge is a Pro Bowl tight end. He has great hands is big and hard to bring down. He needs the ball. And give Ovie the ball!! At the one yard line or short yardage downs he needs to be pounding. If they start stacking the D-line to protect against him, then toss the ball to Norwood around the end. Was Leftwich thinking he had to throw the ball back to Jacksonville? How does he overthrow so badly? And why was Redman not given a shot? He is one of Petrino’s former quarterbacks at Louisville. He was good, back in the day. Just frustrating.
To all you guys who are saying that sports writers (like Jeff Schultz) are tearing the team apart: uh, did you see the game? Those quotes were made by Falcons players. Jeff’s job is to report and comment about what he sees and hears. Did you know that? He is not on the Falcons’ public relations staff. It is his job to report, not spin. He does not work for Fox News Channel. He can tell the truth and then give his opinion.
By jeanE
October 8, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this
This is just so sad, it really is. Somewhere Jim Moron is laughing hard. I’ve seen not one bit of evidence of Bobby Petrino’s “Offensive genious.” He might as well be Greg Knapp for all the differences I’ve seen. He absolutely panicked with pulling Harrington. Joey better start next week, no way he deserves to lose his starter job. That o-line is so pathetic & now we’ve got injuries. Why on God’s earth do we never run a simple screen play??? And Alge is so right, why is Martrez Milner being thrown to instead of our probowl tight end? Warrick hasn’t lost it, nobobdy could run through the nonexistent holes in that line. So get the running backs out in space, duh! This ain’t rocket science, Petrino. And it isn’t Morten’s fault he missed that 48 yards, either. He’s money, Morten is. This team is, if possible, in an even bigger shambles than last year & that was a mess then!! I don’t understand this organization at all. Makes no sense. Is Marty Shottenheimer availabe?! Oh & by the by, look what our former Defensive coordinator is doing in Dallas, interesting. Go back to Louisville, Petrino. You lost me when you failed to bench D. Hall immediately after he chewed you out in front of everyone. No guts.
By lew morris
October 8, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this
i’ve said from the first game, the coaches are suppose to watch instruck and let the players know what’s going on, but they have their fingers up thier a* and say don’t rock the boat.what happened to mr. offence, pitrino our players are as good as any on any other team it our coaches that are not. me
By fatz
October 8, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
start leftwich. start leftwich. start leftwich…. he will be a better candidate to deliver the losses we need to crank up the team rebuild. what did this guy do while waiting to be signed? did he throw any balls? i know it takes a while to learn the playbook, but come on… he should still be able to mechanically deliver the football. how could he be so wild? unfortunately, he will probably get hurt in his first start, collect his $3MM for the year, and than harrington will find himself back in the pocket, which on this team is the equivalent of walking point in Vietnam.
By leon
October 8, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
I like the positives, very good defense overall, special teams, good.Long kick returns, good. Need more trap plays up the middle. We have the talent to get that done. The Titans were a hard hitting team. Petrino has done a good job, but has along way to go. Harrington is not getting any blocking in the backfield period. Crumpler has been very, very undependable, dropped passes. He is on the downhill side, lazy. Maybe Harrington could throw it in his mouth. Dunn has good talent, coming off neck surgery, he needs holes, blocking. We need to throw the ball down the field to keep the defense honest, but not for the sake of wasting a play. Oh, and not to mention field goals. Petrino will get more talent. At least close games with a chance to win, and I don’t have to look at Vick’s face! oooooh
By FalconFan
October 8, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this
warrick dunn up the middle, dunn over tacklem, dunn up the middle = 49 yards total.
that was how Mora was using him. He is too small, too slow, too old to be a feature back , but they still use him that way.
Offensive line stinks. Alge has lost some steps in my opinion. He does not break away and get open like he used to.
Leftwhich is not the answer on this team.
Can anyone say rebuilding.
Hey the Falcons have been rebuilding since 1971
Its nothing new. We will still support them.
By Willie Coyote
October 8, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this
It’s hard for me to blame anyone besides the O-Line. They were over-matched at just about every position. Did anyone notice who else got pulled with Joey? Big #74, Todd Weiner. Joey paid the price for the ineptness of guys like him. If your O-Line can’t get it done, noone else on the offense will either.
By Geep
October 8, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Horrible play calling……BUT, I have said this from the beginning. Petrino just does NOT have his heart in the Falcons. He is here for the $$$ and does not know anything about coaching NFL football. I have been a season ticket holder for 35+ years and this was certainly one of the worse games I have ever seen the Falcons play. It is NOT the team, but the COACHING TEAM!!! Horrible, Horrible, Horrible!
By Steelers fan in the ATL
October 8, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this
Man, I did not see so much hatred when Vick was playing. Face it people, Vick was crucial to the Falcons winning. It will take time to adjust without him. Perhaps it is another reason to be mad at him. Although the Falcons should have had a better plan B & C. (Harrington /Leftwich).
PS. Hang in their Vick, you are probably done with football, (hope not) but there are worse things in life than killing dogs. (Rape/murder/molesting kids/starting wars on fabricated information — although those things don’t cause as much of an uproar as killing dogs) Pay your penalty and have a good productive life.
By Keeping IT in my pocket
October 8, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this
Vick keeped this team hope alive because of his play now he is gone and you see what kind of team we have. The rushing game is no where to be found. People said Vick was no leader and how wrong could they be. Vick was the glue that keep this team together with hope. This team has no hope now. The new Orleans game last year when Vick ran for 166 yards in that game and we lost and he gave some drunk fans the finger it was because he played his heart out and the fan nor team gave a damn. Vick was the Man in Atlanta and we knew it and still know it. The haters at AJC and the rednecks now see what we have been trying to say all along Vick was the man. You still hate him but the truth stand out no Vick no wins. This is what kind of team you wanted now deal with it. The defense is playing the offense has no chance without Vick. You may hate what I am saying Vick was the reason for the season. Superman Gotham city is nothing with out you!
By Vol
October 8, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this
Hoooooooooooooow Bout them Dawgs hahahahahahahahahahaa
By fatz
October 8, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this
leon’s comment about crumpler is probably right. look around the league, how many fat-looking TE’s do you see? alge HAD great hands, but he’s never had the conditioning he needs, and his day is probably over. if petrino wanted to solidify the fear factor (like a jimmy johnson would in his prime)he’d cut crumpler today. it wouldn’t be a big loss on the field, it would shut the team up and send a message the team is looking forward and that he (petrino) is committed to being here…and running it his way. will that happen….nah, this is the Falcons. it will just fall apart slowly.
By real fan
October 8, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
Didnt expect much more from this rag but WOW you people are idiots. Who called the plays that ke4pt us in this game to begin with. I had no realistic expectation to beat this team yesterday. The D played there guts out. Kudos. And the O, well Joey was Joey. We really need some O linemen. If you want to rag on a team with talent but crappy coaching whine about UGA.Now they suck
By Vol
October 8, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this
Hoooooooooooooow Bout them Dawgs hahahahahahahahahahaa
By truth
October 8, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
The bad decisions by Blank (or by McKay, approved by Blank) were predictable. Bernie was the people person at HD, NOT Blank - he was just the pencil-pusher. He crunches stats but misses the human issues - like character (Vick, Hall, receivers). Look at what New England has done, hiring character even if the talent isn’t “super”. How many times have the won the Super Bowl over more talented teams (individuals)? Get a clue, Blank!
By baddog
October 8, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
Mr Blank I beg of you please bring a Coach that the players can respect. Enough with the no bodies. YOU have the loot spend a on PROVEN COACH a WINNER. If this is the way you run a shop then sell the team to someone who wants to win. Not someone who wants to just put BIC ( Butts in Chairs) to make money off us fans
By CJ
October 8, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this
well look at it like this. Usually the Falcons start out 4-1, 5-0 and end up 7-9, 8-8. This year they are 0-4…maybe they’ll end up 11-5, 10-6!
By Steve
October 8, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this
Somebody needs to call Marty Schottenheimer quick
By jedclampette
October 8, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
dA%M IF YOU DO, D*2M IF YOU DON’T. Hate Mike Vick, love Mike Vick, Hate Dan Reeves, Love Dan Reeves, Glad Mike Vick is gone, wish Mike Vick was here. Harrington is the greatest, Harrington suck. This is a sign of psychological issues Falcon fans have since the team’s inception. Now hate Pertrino, hate Arthur Blank, and whoever is trying to improve the team. You probably still hate Rankin Smith(Jed Clampette).
I bet the Smith’s are GLAD they sold the Falcons………..
:-)
By Louisville Fan
October 8, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
Get rid of Petrino. We could sure as hell use him here.
By ProfessorSack
October 8, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this
Whats wrong with the falcons five things?
(1) Offensive line is NOT mean enough (2) Offensive line is NOT mean enough (3) Offensive line is NOT mean enough (4) Offensive line can’t knock anybody down (5) P** poor coaching
You need mean physical people to play a mean physical game 5 turnovers and you still lose the game is beyond pathetic
By Glenn
October 8, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
a) Why change qb’s in a competitive game ? b) The refusal to get Jerious Norwood more involved is baffling .
I actually like Bobby Petrino but he doesn’t seem to understand the NFL & college are MUCH different .
By Moser
October 8, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
NO MIke Vick = Boring Game, losing season, worst team in league, just terrible, dont care what yall say, Mike Vick gave the city of Atlanta a identity and a sense of pride which pushed everyone else to play harder.
By Adam
October 8, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
To start, let me say I’ve been stoked about the Petrino hire since day one. For the most part, I like what I’ve seen, but yesterday’s loss Iput squarely on coach. How do you bench a guy who is getting the crap kicked out of him ALL DAY LONG. You can’t put those sacks, hurries, and hits on him for holding the ball too long either. 1.4 seconds is not enough time for anyone to make a play.
Everyone understands that it will take time for the O-line to adjust, but to penalize your QB for what you know is a work in progress is ridiculous. Harrington has proven that if you keep him clean, he’ll pick the defense apart. I would be willing to bet money, if you stick Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, heck…..even Johnny Unitas out there with that much pressure, they’d have put up the same kind of numbers. Bad call Coach….bad call!!!!
By Fat Albert
October 8, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Hey Hey Hey….I hope ya’ll liked da way I played yesterday! Tried to give you people what you like to see. I overthrew the wide rediever just like MV. Come see me at da Dome!
By mike
October 8, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Go Titans.. Man the Falcons looked bad up here in Nashville yesterday..
By Gwen
October 8, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
Joey, do not think that you are all that. You are not a QB.
Leftwich, you would be okay, you just stay sick all the time.
Can anyone spell VICKtory?
By Vick
October 8, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
First name not last! When you are on the 1 yard line you bang it in 1st, second, and third down. Make the defense work. If we can’t break the plain of the end zone from the 1, I don’t know what to say. And Leftwitch, who was he throwing to? Our receivers have a hard time catching balls thrown to their hands, let alone 10 feet over their heads. I’m still a Falcon fan!!
By Teex
October 8, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
Ooo my how do we like to throw stones at other peoples glass houses. Look the problem of this team is the O-line. It has been for sometime. Why in the hell do you think vick was always running. Hell you would to if you had a o-line that cannot stop a damn wet paperbag. O its about damn time the defense stood up once a blue damn moon is not bad at all. Joey will have some problems but damn its not his fault if you have an Defense lineman in your grill as soon as you say hike. We all know this was going to be a long season. Hell it was a long one last year and the next one well be too. The team needs alot of things QB, O-line, Defense, WR’s why in the hell would you sign Joe horn old a* i don’t know, But the biggest thing they need is HEART!! I have never seen a team, i take that back i have for years here in atl. Play with less heart than you bums!! Thats right you are a bunch of bums. But year in and year out we support your sorry a*. From the Braves, hawks,the thrashers, bulldogs, and GT. You guys are being paid alot of money but the one thing money can not buy is Heart. Why don’t all of you go find the wizard of oz and find some. Just like when you were in high school or pee wee leagues. Heart is what you are missing go out and get some you sorry BiC#$!!!!!
By dj
October 8, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are doing just what I predicted while watching yesterdays game…IMPLODING! DeAngelo yelling at the sidelines after a play, Crumpler being criticle of the coaches, Quarterback controversy (Again). I think Petrino made some bad decisions in play calling, but I also think he’s going to do what he thinks is best for the future of the team. Too many over the hill players on this team to expect much this year.
By DogGone It
October 8, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
JUST THE FACTS MA’AM
LOVE OR HATE VICK
NOW THAT HE IS GONE THE TEAM IS A DISASTER
THIS IS A FACT
By Manny
October 8, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Well,
I am beginning to see a pattern here. First of all, Mike Vick is not even in the picture here, and even if he was, Petrino would probably do something to hamper his playing ability.
Uh, and Harrington didn’t have a good game, but he really didn’t have a terrible game either. The biggest problem must be the terrible coaching staff.
I mean, WHY DID THEY BENCH HARRINGTON??? Leftwich, God love him, looked so out of his element, I actually felt sorry for him. He shouldn’t have even been out there. Harrington should have had the ball in his hands during critical times of the game.
But, alas, anger will eventually turn into apathy, and only die hard Falcon fans will watch this lousy product. And there are only a few true die hard Falcon fans. Just ask the Smith family.
I know I’m not a die hard fan. I’m a casual fan. I route for the home team, but I’m not die hard. And if the Falcons keep finding ways to lose, I’ll just watch all of the St. Louis Rams games. I’m die hard with them, and I have Directv.
By wayne
October 8, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
You know, with all of the complaints here, you’d think everyone was griping about an NFL football team in Atlanta. Everyone knows there is no such thing! Pro football in Atlanta? Ha, never!
By Charlene
October 8, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
Let Vick Play!
By M
October 8, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
Even though am very sad about this winable game. I say the falcons deserve this most importantly Mr Blank for not supporting MV. Jerry Jones went against all and his getting is reward. Do not get me wrong what MV did was wrong but his team should have supported him. We get what we deserve.
By Pual
October 8, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
When the coach can’t lead, the team is history. Mr. Blank may have been a great business man at Home Depot, but his decision making sucks when it comes to foot ball.
It all started with firing Dan Reeves after one bad season. Brought in Jim Mora who proved not ready for prime-time. Went and hired Petrino who is steadily loosing the team.
Fire the only coach that has ever taken the team to a Super Bowl, win or loose doesn’t really matter. Hires an assistant coach fires him after 4 brings in a College Coach!
Mr. Blank, if you are good business man as you claim (may be you don’t) you to be, learn from your mistakes and there are plenty to learn from, suck up your pride, admit you made a mistake (we are all humans after all) and see if you can get Dan Reeves back.
You need someone that can discipline players, motivate players and build team. The current cast of characters doesn’t appear to have any.
If you are a business man, we learn from historical data (business analyst call it “empirical data”. Successful coaches (Shula, Gibbs, Marty. S, even the hard headed Tuna) adjust their game plan according to the pool of talent they have in a team and win.
Those coaches who can’t, stay in college ranks where they can scour the country and give scholarships to those who fit with their scheme. NFL works sort of different may be due to the number of NFL caliber players available. It is highly unlikely any coach will get players to fit in with their preconceived game plan any time in the near future.
So, the moral of the story is; “coaches that can coach the available talent into s winning combination is a real coach all others are pretending to be one”.
GET A COAH and STOP FOOLING AROUND WITH PRETENDING TO BE ONE!
Yesterday’s game was pathetic coaching. Would the Falcons have scored if Harrington was still in there? We will never know the answer, would we?
By Vasily De Effrins
October 8, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
Where is Marion Campbell when you need him? At least they were laughably bad back then instead of just depressingly awful like Petrino has them working. God, it must be miserable to be on that team.
By BArry
October 8, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
I am trusting the Faclcons coaches just like Algie Crumpler. I trust the defense and Ron Zimmer and what the defensive team is doing but the offensw is stinking up the place. The offensive line was pourous again, especially when blitzes are involved. Now I see why Vick was running for his life when passin game broke down and he would make plays with is feet. He covered for the ineptitude of this offensive line. Now we all see. They cannot sustain pass blocks and blitzes. It appears they are not strong enough against to stand up against the other teams front line. It appears they cannot maintain a pocket for the quarterback yo throw. They also do not attack the defensive front they. They wait to be teed off on by the defense on many occasion. They do not play aggressive as an offensive line. They are not showing they have some dirty gog in them. They are not showing the nastiness they showed last year in run zone blocking scheme. Even though we may not be zone blockinf on some occassions, the nastiness is gone. I believe they are thinking too much and not reacting. They are not being AGGRESSIVE. I do not know who to blame for the non agressivenes of the offensive linemen but I have to place it on the coaches who are teaching these players and somethings these professional players should already know about their position. It doesn’s have to be coached. It’s what got them to the NFL. If they do not find what they lost they will be another NFL (Not For Long) will they be in the league. Get nasty offensive linemen. Please!!!! Do it for the team and the FANS. Coaches get their A*******es together NOW!! Also, throw the damn ball down the field sometimes. Gee!!!
GO FALCON DEFENSE!!!!!!! COME ON FALCON OFFENSE!!!!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEE YOU AT THE DOME!!!!!!!!!
Ringold
By Dee
October 8, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
This whole team is a mess and it started with the arrival of Petrino and the icing on the cake was with the loss of Mike Vick. Harrington and Leftwich put together cannot bring the Falcons what Vick brings to this team alone. People in the organization scared to stand up for Mike Vick is what has caused this and the Falcons should prepare for the rest of the season to look as bad as yesterday or worse. This team belongs to Mike Vick and all the haters and dog lovers who think that the righs of these killer dogs are more important to Atlanta than having a winning football team and having a winner on the field is just plain stupid. So everyone who is upset out the loosing season; just thank your local pain in the but peta rep. I’m sure there is one near you. As much as I love Crumpler, he deserves so much better, but the Falcons are getting what they deserved for not standing by one of their own during his time of need. I will never root for the Falcons as long as they are scared to defend Mike Vick and help him with this unnecessary drama brought on by animal lovers. Look forward to 0-5 next week.
By Grampus
October 8, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
Maybe we are expecting too much by expecting anything at all this year, but Petrino just doesn’t seem to have his heart and soul (if he has either) invested in this team, and it is starting to look like his much publicized brains aren’t in it either.
By Orlando
October 8, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
YOU people got what you wanted, Vick is gone and so is the Vicktory. lol. Now eat crow, harrington is not a qb, leave leftwich in, cause without VICK, they have no chance.
By War Eagle
October 8, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
VICK could not guarantee a winning season, and he is gone, out of the league forever-you can write him in prison. Face the facts people-first,this is a throw away season so that Petrino can get his boy Brohm, Second, you already paid for yoru tickets, so burning them and sending them to Mr. Blank will only make him laugh. Third, you need a new offensive line to protect the QB. Fourth, I know ALL you black people are jumping up and down clapping for Leftwich-your NEW Black QB. enjoy it because he will be gone after next season as Brohm will be the face of the Falcons in 2009, if Petrino does not bolt. Otherwise, you can request that the Falcons have an ALL BLACK team like Grambling, or FAMU or Get down and Boogie College and have break dancing contests and rap concerts or courses on mugging/hustling/ protest marching and pimping during half time. The rest of us will be spending our hard earned money on the Thrashers. At least they give souvenirs to the fans. And the Gaytors LOST again! WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!!
By duke
October 8, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
Now everyone realize that Mike vick is needed
By Moron Falcon Fans
October 8, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
this is what VICK did to your team. Nobody is to blame here except for VICK. He did this to the Falcons. He put them where they are.
Still want to support him? Of course you do because youre too stupid not to.
By Kevin
October 8, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
Can any fan cite a college coach in the last 15 years that has jumped to the pro ranks and been successful (more victories than defeats and made the playoffs)? I am sitting here and can’t think of any.
By Question Mark
October 8, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
M
The team should have support Vick how despite his admitted felony?
By Call Me Earl
October 8, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
Falcons 2008 1st Round Pick * Darren McFadden*
By S#5
October 8, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
I’m over here laughing b/c isn’t this the same Harrington & Petrino they wanted us to vote for for NFL Player & Coach of the week last week? ROTFLMAO!!!! I used to hear the term “fair-weather fans” in relation to Falcons fans and it’s blatantly week-to-week selective fan support. Falcons lose and they find a new person to blame every week. Falcons win ONE game after 3 losses and they are to be honored as player/coach of the week. Now it’s the veterans fault because they aren’t being used in the offense. This is so priceless.
If Blank & McKay start with admitting that Vick carried this team the last few years instead of trying to take away every dime this man clearly EARNED from them over the last few years, maybe karma wouldn’t be so much of a muthaf@!%&a!!!!
By Morris Hames
October 8, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
Harrington might as well start packing. For one the diehard MV7 crowd will never support him for obvious reasons, but more importantly, Petrino obviously doesn’t like him based on his calling Joey out in the press after the first few games and then pulling him yesterday in favor of rust-bound Leftwich.
So long, Joey.
By regular guy
October 8, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
different quarterback, same result. The QB doesn’t matter when the O-line is made up of mist and smoke. Black, white, tall, short, Joey, Byron, Michael—all just names of failures as long as there is no O-line. And I agree with Alge: The play calling absolutely stinks.
By Stew
October 8, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
How about changing the GM? Bring back Dan Reeves as the GM. He made good decisions. Blank is listening to the GM. He only knows what is being told by the GM. The GM runs things.
By Ed
October 8, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
Have you forgotten that Arthur Blank presided over eight losing quarters - two years - at Home Depot before he was ousted. Owning a fortune is not always proof of ability to own a professional football team.
By gsueagle
October 8, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Whereever VanGorder goes there will be problems. Erk Russell Karma. GATA
By tyrone
October 8, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
I live on St. Simons and I’m a Falcons fan first, Jaguars fan second. When the Jaguars unloaded Leftwich, I was delighted but more dismayed when the Falcons picked him up. Leftwich has a howitzer arm. Problem is he throws the ball with the same velocity whether it’s 70 yards or 7. He has absolutely no touch. Couple that with his Stone Moutain-like mobility and you have the components for a long losing streak.
By Peter
October 8, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
Gee I didn’t watch the Falcon’s game……….the Patriots were on and that was real football !!!!!!!!!!
Wow 3 seasons ago I let my season tickets go……. we had a bad product then, and the prices were still going up after each lousy season……..
Well they priced me out of the seats……HA HA HA HA…. I cannot imagine how season ticket holders feel today.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 8, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
When you can’t score on your opponent’s ONE yard line with a 245 lb QB, things are bad. When your coach who’s known for running the rock doesn’t utilize a fullback you paid too much for doesn’t utilize him when you’re on the FREAKING ONE YARD LINE, things are real bad. When you put an ice cold QB in the game in the 4th qtr with your offensive line who couldn’t block traffic with an overturned tractor trailer, that’s just stupid. When your running game is weaker than a 85 lb girl, that’s embarrassing. Your kickers go two for five on field goals and one of your prized 1st round draft picked WRs decides to have the “dropsies”, it’s sickening. The lone bright spot was the defense. they caused turnover after turnover and all we got was TWO field goals. Doesn’t sound like offensive genius to me, but then again I don’t care how many NASCAR races you’ve won, you’re not winning the next one in a Hyundai. And to think, Michael Straham and the Giants vaunted defensive line is coming to town on MNF. Now the whole world is going to get to see how much we stink. Just great.
By sc
October 8, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Just another millionaire crybaby athlete, like a spoiled first – grader complaining about his teacher.
By die hard ATL fan
October 8, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
BRING JIM MORA JR BACK!
BOOOO PETRINO SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN HIRE!
BOOOOOOOOOOOO!
MR BLANK YOU SHOULD HAVE SOME COMPASSION FOR MIKE VICK! HE IS HUMAN AFTER ALL!
DUMB!
AT LEAST I FINALLY GOT A SHOT AT SOME SEASON TICKETS NEXT YEAR LOL
By Boss Blank
October 8, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
Funny how the absence of one “mediocre quarterback” can make our offense the worst in the league. Our team was bad all along, but the “dog-catcher” refused to be a loser and took the game in his own hands. Got some season tix for fire wood if interested!
By who cares
October 8, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Harrington will probably ask out or be traded at season’s end. He does not want to be sacked 4-5 times a game. With the first pick of the NFL draft, the Falcons select…to move to Oklahoma City! And they are taking the Hawks with them!
By meiscee
October 8, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
falcons didnt stick with vick ray lewis was accused of murder n the death of 2 men jamal lewis was accused of dealing with drug dealers went to fed prison for a while now hes back leonard little fro the rams killed a person whiel drunk diving and he had other dui convictions hes still playing last time i checked MURDER DRUGS AND DRUNK DRIVING ARE FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN DOG FIGHTING THOSE PLAYERS JUST NAMED TEAMS STUCK WIHT THEN FROM GOOD TO BAD THE FALCONS DIDNT DO THAT I MEAN ONLY TOOK THE WORSE TEAM N THE LEAGUE AND MADE EVERYBODY WANNA WATCH THEM NOW VICK IS GONE THE #1 RUSHIN OFFENSE N THE LEAGUE IS GONE ALONG WITH THE FALCONS SEASON KARMA IS HAPPENEING NOW WHAT GOES AROUND COMES BACK AROUND BETTER BRING VICK BACK ITS THE RIGHT THING TO DO
By Adam
October 8, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Ok a little sympathy for the devil in the white hat…
Yes, yesterday was pathetic and I’m not sure why we’re paying Ovie Mughelli $18m if we’re not going to give him the ball on the 1 yard line, but really what did we expect?
The Falcons are starting a rookie and couple of past their prime guys at OL and started 2 rookies on the DL yesterday (although Lewis looked good) - it is impossible to win football games in the NFL if you can’t protect the QB, can’t establish the run and can’t stop the run.
You kill Petrino for the sweep call, but Haynesworth blew right through the middle anyway and would’ve creamed Warrick or anyone else running the ball in the backfield, so why do we think the Falcons would have been magically able to punch it in from the 1 yard line had that play not happened anyway???
If Crumpler’s right and Petrino is getting the future stars ready to play… good.
By Jim P.
October 8, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
After the Leftwitch 1st series failed, he should have been left out. To put Leftwitch in was a bonehead mistake by the coaching staff. Harrington would have had a better chance on the last drive of the game to score. Leftwitch does not know enough of the offense or the team members to be effective. I question the coaching staff, and this 2nd attempt at a run and shoot offense in the NFL. Jerry G and June Jones couldnt make it work, what makes Bobby P. think his version of it will work?
By ARealFalconFan
October 8, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
I love it! 1-4 I just love it! As so many have said in the prior posts the rednecks in Atlanta wanted Vick gone and now he is gone and what have you got? 1-4 and I love it. Vick covered up so many shortcomings this offense had. All Jeff Schultz, Mark Bradley and that uncle tom Terrance Moore could find to criticize was Vick. All of us Vick fans knew he was a great player but the bigots out there hated to think of a Black quarterback with braids leading the Falcons. They never so the inept coaching, offensive line or recievers. They put it all on Vick now that the G.W.H. (Great White Hope) can’t produce either at head coach or quarterback you want to put the blame on the offensive line. The Vick supporters knew that the entire time. Look at Warrick Dunn he was full of himself while Vick was here and a little condescending when it came to Mike and his troubles but without him I promise you he won’t gain 1,000 yards. Alge knows whats up he knows the coaches are incompetent. He knows the quarterbacks suck, all three of them. Now you rednecks want to run Deangelo Hall & Alge, the only true Pro Bowlers on the team, out of town. But hey maybe thats a good thing. Allan Rossum got released and wound up in Pittsburg. I’m sure New England, Indy, Pittsburg or the Cowboys would love to have either of them. They are committed to winning not shining the pearlie whites and making United Way commercials. Some of the ignorant bigots want to get rid of any player of color that opens his mouth then accuse them of having no “class”. I guess you would prefer that they be like Keith Brooking, he does nothing and says nothing. Wonder why he isn’t being bashed the way Vick was? After all he was the “leader” of the defense. He makes NO plays. Is not an impact player and he is being exposed as nothing more than a media creation.
By Debbie
October 8, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Fire coach Petrino. All of us University of Louisville fans would love to have him back. Give him this message.
Petrino please come back to THE VILLE. We need you.
By Brad Akins
October 8, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
“Petrino has lost the room”…truer words were never spoken. Petrino is not liked, especially by the veterans who resent his drill sargent style. Hall was the first, Crumpler next. A mutiny is brewing…
By magicharp
October 8, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Petrino was a bad pick from the start. College is college, professional is professional. Ask “The Old Ball Coach.”
By reggie
October 8, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
I don’t know what game some of you guys saw yesterday, but we got man handle upfront on both side of the ball. How do you except any great things from the skill positions on the “O” and the “D”? Yes, there was a few questionable calls on Coach P, but he calls a much better game then Mora’s staff. Lets face it fellows, Crumpler is a great player, but he’s not sure handed Crumpler anymore. Dunn is a smart player, but he’s not a every down back. And your beloved Booking isn’t the stud he used to be. Yes, I see why Coach “P” is limited these guys roles, because they are not getting the job done. And last but not least, you wanted a pocket quarterback. Well you got one. So stop crying. Oh, I forgot to tell you some of you genius, do you know why L. Malloy, G. Jackson, J Horn, R. Coleman and Abe came to Atlanta in the first place? Michael Vick. Not that you ran Vick out of town, nobody wants to come and play for Atlanta. So, lets suck it up, take it like a man and lets rebuild this team with a proving leader at QB.
By AM
October 8, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Harrington has actually played very well. To pull him in favor of Leftwich was a large mistake. The special teams, offensive line blocking and play calling is terrible. As we have said in Atlanta since 1966. “Wait until next year”. Same Falcons different year!
By keyser
October 8, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Bobby, better wake up and smell the coffee! This is no longer Wonderland or Kansas… this is the NFL! You tell guys what you are going to do and you do it… smack them in the mouth! Enough with the mind games and alternative plays already!!! Give the playmakers the ball… If Brooking and Alge follow Kerney… I am moving to Charlotte… sorry!
By Tami
October 8, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
Man, O Man. I kinda had a deep, dark feeling that the Falcons’ season was over with before it even began due to the Vick mess. Started to slowly believe the Falcons when they kept characterizing their now-fluke win last week as “turning the corner”. Oh, how embarrassing yesterday was. I agree with Danny who said Petrino’s probably bolting after this dismal season is finally OVER. And, I agree to a point with Braves Fan 79 who said the team should just lay down now so they can get a decent first-rounder in the draft. But, they may botch that as well. It’s definitely an organization in chaos. My hope is that they can get themselves together and restore some semblance of dignity BEFORE the halfway point of THIS season. Going to the playoffs is just not going to happen this season, so the thing to do is start looking like an NFL team by the end of the season instead of a really bad JV team.
By I WISH MV7 WAS HERE
October 8, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
I WISH MV7 WAS HERE
By CWHATHATINVICKDID
October 8, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
NOW WE SEE WHY VICK RAN SO MUCH THEY CANT BLOCK NO TIME TO THROW YOU HAVE TO BE A FAST THUG TO PLAY QB FOR ATLANTA THE O LINE LOOKS THE SAME SIZE AS OTHER TEAMS MIDDLE LBS ATL NEED TO DO SOMETHING AND DO IT FAST BUT THE ONE MEDIOCRE QB WAS THE BESTTHING TO HAPPEN TO THE FALCONS SINCE JESSE TUGGLE AND DEION SANDERS. AND THEY NEED A REAL RB DUNN IS GOOD BUT HE CANT BANG IT UP THE MIDDLE WHAT HAPPEND TO TJ DUCKETT HE WAS A BEAST
By Sportsfan
October 8, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
What does Vick have to do with Atlanta losing? This is the same line and receivers that he had to work with. Guys stop whining and blame the overrated players. Yes, Petrino isn’t a good NFL coach, but regardless if you love or hate Vick,he brought talent, athleticism and excitement to Atlanta. Vick made the Falcons!!! If you’re a fan, then stick to being a fan. Vick had very little too work with, but he shouldered a lot of responsibility. Harrington has to do the same and step his game up. I agree with most and feel Dunn needs to go. We need receivers also.
By K-LAW
October 8, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
It goes to show that Vick was never the problem. This team now, is worst than the team of yesterday. WIth that said, I don’t care what anyone might say after reading this post, but the way the Falcon organization treated Vick after the dog incident explain why free agents shy away from this team. The offensive playing calling is terrible. I don’t support the current coaching staff because very limited “may be 1%” college to pro coaching have ever worked. Bobby, don’t worry baby, like the Dolphins, if you want to be here next here, you are here, collectively, the Fin and the Falcon must the worst non-football minded owners in the history of the NFL. I have a suggestion, may be we can combine these two crap franchies and make them one and call them Falfins and play their home games 4 in Miami and 4 in Atlanta. Man for the love og God, some buy these teams and make them good again. Bad coaches, bad owners and poor suckers, called fans. These guys take us to be fools, we spend our dollars to see terrible results. If Blank had ran homedepot as he has managed to cripple the Falcon, may be he might not have had the money to buy the team, just like that idiot in Miami, who made his wealth from trash in Cleveland and purchase a one time Super Bowl contender and made them Super Crap contender - way to go you two idiot owners. It is one thing to have money and it is another thing to know talent. Learn something from the Skins, see, they had to go back and get old school and he is winning. they are not pretenders, they are contenders up in Skin Land.
By bigtony
October 8, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
I have been a falcon and a hawks fan for at least 35yrs. Win or bust I luv my home teams, but we’ll never get to the next level until we have owners with billions and not millions. We drafted brett F. and traded him to Green Bay remember? and I won’t start with the hawks. Mike Vick was a good running back thats why we lead the NFL in rush and I like Warren Dunn for what he has done for single Mothers, but this is the NFL and to win you gotta have a big-strong and fast back who can hit people and take a licking himself. You also need a tall, strong and accurate QB. Now Mike Vick made Alge who he is today, He is battle tested, but these no names- no talented WRs we got, come on. We as die hard falcon fan deserve better and 1 day we will win it all, but don’t bet the farm on it anytime soon. “You Gotta Luv it” though.
By cb
October 8, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
That was a pathetic display of offensive execution (although the attempt at execution was OFFENSIVE). First of all, it was a major lapse in judgement to pull Harrington. While not being a franchise quarterback by any stretch of the imagination he is still the best quarterback on THIS TEAM RIGHT NOW. That is not to say that Leftwich would not be a better fit (another stretch) with another couple of weeks practicing with the ones but I doubt it. Football is a game that is won and lost in the trenches with the “big uglies” as Keith Jackson often referred to the offensive and defensive lines. This offensive line as constructed right now is the problem—period. Petrino’s playcalling at times is questionable. The problem Petrino has right now is that he is trying to implement his scheme without the proper personnel to execute it. We all understand as fans of the Falcons and the game itself that one of the greatest characteristics of all great coaches is the ability to adapt, make adjustments, think on the fly or whatever vernacular suits you best. We don’t have that right now. Petrino is trying to fit square pegs into round holes. This team has a solid nucleus of talent—but not for Petrino’s system (not right now). This coach may do a “Saban” if we read his body language right. If so Marty or Cowher would get this team where it needs to be. If not Marty or Cowher R. Grimm would be a substantial upgrade at coach or we could stay in-house and elevate Zimmer to the position. All options would be an upgrade at this point.
By DecaturMau
October 8, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
This makes no sense…I was a bit optimistic about Petrino at first, but after pulling Harrington(who is certainly not the answer but not the entire problem) for a a guy who’s only been here for 3 weeks and has yet to take any snaps with the 1st team offense? Makes me question his game management skills at the pro level. With the game on the line, we attempt a toss on 1st and goal?!?! C’mon man punch it in! And now Alge (whose been a standout player for this team) is questioning the coaching staff? This looks bad. I’ve been a fan of this team since the days of William Andrews and Gerald Riggs and I JUST WANT TO WIN. It’s hard being an Atlanta Falcon fan.
By bomerang
October 8, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE ATLANTA FALCONS. SAD BUT TRUE.
By Bill
October 8, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
You can say what you want about the coach or play calling, but the bottom line is that games are won and lost in the trenches. An offense cannot execute plays without good blocking, and the Falcons have none. If Blank really wants to win, then he needs to spend money on rebuilding the OL. Harrington isn’t that bad, nor or the RB’s and the TE. The D is good also. Need some good receivers (or a better WR coach).
By 2N4YEARS
October 8, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
I don’t even watch the Falcons —and it has nothing to do with Vick not playing. I said from the very beginning that Petrino was a joke of a hire. Laughable. When I first read that Blank hired Petrino I just shook my head in disbelief. Oh well. I’m not losing any sleep over this mess. I’ve got enough sleep to lose over UGA.
By Jackie
October 8, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Falcons fans, don’t be so down on your team or coach….remember, the THUG you had is gone….so take your medicine whether you like it or not.
By HJ
October 8, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
As much as some of you despised Michael Vick, his value on offense was way underrated because you all focused so much on the passing game. Without Vick, this team has gone from leading the league in rushing the previous two seasons to 25th this year. Why? Because Vick caused defenses to key on him as a running threat every play, which helped Dunn and Norwood tremedously and I like our chances on the 1 with Mike Vick behind center than Harrington or Leftwich. This is the same sorry offensive line from years past. And let’s be honest, I’m sure some of us thought the Falcons were underachievers with Vick the last 2 years, but a bad team, they were not. I would love to have seen the Falcons with Vick, a better O-line and a go to receiver.
By Mike
October 8, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
So tell me again how the loss was Petrino’s fault. The O-line was manhandled all game long, yet you question why Petrino tries to get the ball on the outside with Dunn? Get a clue people. These loses aren’t the coaches fault, they can’t be held responsible for the players lack of execution. The offense Petrino has to work with is a patchwork bunch of guys who were in the system before Petrino came over. Tell me again how this is his fault.
By CWHATHATINVICKDID
October 8, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
BOTTOM LINE FALCON STINK REALLY REALLY BAD AND THERE NOT GOIN TO GET BETTER HAPPY TO SAY THAT VICK WASNT THE REASON WE COULDNT DO ANYTHING ITS THE FRONT OFFICE THEY DONT BRING IN ANY HELP THEY DONT STICK WITH THERE STAR PLAYERS IM PRETTY SURE THE PEOPLE N NEW ENGLAND DIDNT WASNT MOSS BUT YOUR NOT HERE FOR A POPULARITY CONTEST YOU HERE TO WIN GAMES I KNOW THE WHITE PEOPLE AND UNCLE TOM ” TERRANCE” MOORE FEEL STUPID WATCHIN THIS SO CALLED PRO TEAM LOOK LIKE A REC TEAM . BUT YOU WANTED THIS U VICK WAS THE BESTTHING EVER REMEMBER HOW HAPPY EVERY BODY WAS WHEN HE 1ST GOT HERE AND REPLACED THAT BUM CHIRS CHANDLER BROUGHT SOME EXITEMENT TO THE DOME MADE US FEEL LIKE WE HAD A CHANCE?? THOSE EMBARRASING DAYS ARE ON THE WAY BACL GET YOU RPAPER BAGS READY CUZ THE BLACKOUTS R COMING WE WONT SEE THE FALCONS ON TV ANYMORE AFTER THIS SEASON I MEAN THE ONLY REASON PEOPLE WANTED TO SEE THEM WAS BECUZ OF VICK WE DONT WANNA C JOEY SUCK BALLS OR TINY 120 LB RB RUN INTO 300 LB D LINEMAN GET IT TOGETHER ATL I GUESS THIS IS THE REASON ATL IS THE WORST SPORTS CITY IN THE COUNTRY FAKE AZZ FANS
By Falcon Hater
October 8, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
This is my best day ever. To see all you poor Falcon fans so up-set. What more than a Falcon hater have, Vick going to the slammer after proving he was a loser on and off the field, and after this year getting the Falcons off the tv. In closing, how about some cheese to go with that Vick and Falcon whine, boo hoo.
By Cathy
October 8, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
AM I HEARING WHINING ABOUT THE PLAYERS OTHER THAN THE RECEIVERS…LOL!!! I’m a falcon fan, but Vick had the same players, but he still did a great job and played with excitement. Harrrington wasn’t a good quarterback in Detroit, lest we forget…He nor Leftwich will ever be the player that Vick was..Man up ATL, these players have to step up their game, plain and simple. Blank, Petrino or McKay have not thrown a pass, lost yardage or dropped a pass. Harrington better grow happy feet baby, that’s the only way he will avoid sacks…
By James
October 8, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Let’s face it I have said all along that if they change the name of the team to the Atlanta Flopps they may have a chance, we tried to give you guys a game after what we did to the Bull dogs and you still could not get it done, YEA THE FLOPPS FITS ATLANTA WELL….
By INGRAM III
October 8, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
The atlanta Falcon head coach Bobby Petrino play calling SUCKS from the first game Petrino has not been consistent. The Defense is not bad PLEASE START TREY LEWIS. PLEASE LET GO Lewis Sanders PLEASE! CRUMPLER KEEP IT REAL!!!!!!!!!!!! ARTHUR BLANK FACE THE TRUTH WRONG COACH. Norwood also NEEDS TO BE ON PUNT RETURN. Mughelli good back also Warrick Dunn still good. O- LINE NEEDS HELP. RICH MCKAY is hurting this team. PLEASE 2008 DARFT ONE NAME MATT RYAN.
By Lady Paula
October 8, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Mr. Blank likes to be liked. He keeps cronies and attorneys around him to prevent him from being real. He is an overgrown cheerleader. Ask anyone who has worked with him at HD. The sales job he did on the employees to work for nothing so he could have billons…same deal here.
Mr. Blank knows nothing about football or coaching.
Mr. Blank, sell the Falcons. Give us our team back.
By Austin Bailey
October 8, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
The game is won in the trenches period.The OL is the weak link. I’m impressed with Petrino being agressive the way he has when the OL plays well. Growing pains people plain and simple. GET OVER IT!!!
By GA Peach for life!
October 8, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
It goes,like this…The Falcons are SORRY… They should have stood by VICK…HE made the Falcons. He produced…..Alge made great plays,with Vick. Atlanta wont be the same. The coach is trash, with his play making decisions. I hope the Falcons lose the rest of the games.
By E
October 8, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
I understand that of alot of people in Atlanta hope that Vick will return to the league and the Falcons. I think you all need to fact some facts, he’s going to miss this year, he’ll miss 2008 because he will be incarcerated. Best case scenario: he is released in time to start the 2009 season, but there is a possiblity that he could get suspended for that season. So now you’re looking at 2010 for his comeback..3 full seasons missed. Let’s be real..how many people really think if he does come back under that scenario, that he come back as a Falcon? Im not passing judgement on what happened and all the blame game stuff, I just think that if you’re a true fan you need to support your team and face some facts. It’s a sad situation, but it is what it is and no I’m not anything close to a Falcons fan, I just live here.
By Bob
October 8, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Way to go Petrino pass the blame on to everyone else. I’ll try this, now I’ll try this, opps maybe this will work. Reminds me of rec. ball.
By Jim P.
October 8, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
ARealFalconFan, I would much rather cheer for a 1-4 vickless football team, than root for a team that 5-0 with a dog killing QB.
By yknot
October 8, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
with that horrible blocking no wonder the QB had problems. But, what’s with no fullback at the 2 yd line. C’mon coach.
By jdub
October 8, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
honestly we are getting no where. we have bigger players but no results. Aleg and Norwood are taken out of the picture, but they are very effective. As a head coach shouldnt he know that from watching old videos. there are other players on the team that havent been on the field. what is the catch???Petrino has made the defense step up but what about the offense.
By jokurone
October 8, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
strange, but only blank repsonse from Blank hmmm.. van this franchise get any more weird than this? this is surreal what is going on. Professional? but i keep telling myself we are talking about the Falcons not the NE Pats. this train is out of control and will end up in a big pile of rubble by seasons end.
By morris
October 8, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
We can question the coach all day long and that might be justified but the falcons true problem is an overall lack of talent. And that falls squarely on the shoulders of our “administrative type” ( blanks words when he was hired) GM. Folks we have No QB. No offensive line. Midget running backs( I like norwood but we need a big back to compliment). Below average receivers. The only position of strength on our offense is our tight end and he just blew a gasket. I could pick a part the defense as well but I think most true fans know where I’m coming from. We can hire and fire coaches until doomsday but until we get someone who can get us some talent it’s not going to matter much. I have been saying this for a few years now and believe it more than ever today- RICH MCKAY MUST BE FIRED or we will never have a good team in Atlanta. I don’t care how great a coach we hire he can’t win with a no talent team like the falcons.
By Soryu
October 8, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
To the troll Vick Supporter:
Last year with Vick the Falcons had a losing season and even with Vick the Falcons would have had a losing season this year. But I can’t see Vick not scoring from the 1 yard line on that last drive.
By co
October 8, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Why doesn’t McKay stand-up and take some of the heat? He hired a college coach whose scheme was the exact opposite of the personnel in place, he drafted the guys, he signs Ovie, etc…I think he’s been mailing it in for years…
By Soulfinger
October 8, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
What has happened to my Falcons?? That was one of the hardest things to watch all Sunday!! How I miss the Glory Days :-(
By HJ
October 8, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
To piggyback what some people are saying, I don’t think Petrino can get the bulk of blame here. He’s in his first year working with personnel that doesn’t fit his scheme and his best weapon (Vick) was lost before the start of the season. Give him an opportunity to right this ship.
I put the blunt of the blame on the Falcons front office. I think Harrington and Leftwich are easy targets, but I honestly don’t thin Schaub could have done much better with the Falcons O-line and average receivers (at best) and I can only laugh at you fairweather fans. People didn’t want to hear how bad the Falcons O-line and receivers were when he was behind center, but all of a sudden, it’s so obvious.
P.S. Where are the people who said that the Falcons are better off without Vick??
By ucfgt
October 8, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Players are n ot making plays. The line is not blocking, the QB is not accurate, and the recievers are not getting open and catching the ball. However, the coaches are to blame. maybe in High School, but these are so called professional players who are not fundamantally sound. Algie, what did you win last year? nothing. They were better at this point, but not good. The team needs an overhaul, starting with the players that do not keep these matters in house. Those players, no matter how good, will bring the team down anyways.
By ucfgt
October 8, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Players are n ot making plays. The line is not blocking, the QB is not accurate, and the recievers are not getting open and catching the ball. However, the coaches are to blame. maybe in High School, but these are so called professional players who are not fundamantally sound. Algie, what did you win last year? nothing. They were better at this point, but not good. The team needs an overhaul, starting with the players that do not keep these matters in house. Those players, no matter how good, will bring the team down anyways.
By Tonyg
October 8, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
We all know that the only reason Petrino came to Atlanta was for Vick, no Vick and now he’s lost. The Falcons staff did nothing to try and help the one man who packed the dome, sold the tickets and brought all of the excitement to the dome. So you got what you wanted and now your team is what it is, a bunch of uncoached, unmotivated, but talented players that are looking for every opportunity to bail out of Atlanta.
By Girlzgotgame
October 8, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
I think the Falcons are getting just what they deserve. I hope MV7 is laughing- I know I sure am. Next week when he gets to keep his all of his money- which he definitely earned, he’ll be laughing all the way back to the bank!
Even with the O-line as pitful as they are, MV7 still made it happen- and none of you can deny that! Bobby who??? That’s exactly what I said when he was hired and I’m still asking the question!
By Andre Jones
October 8, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
As much as Arthur Blank and the rest of the Front office wants to put Mike Vick and his mistakes behind them. The two quarterbacks combined, Harrington/Leftwich cannot compare to what Mike Vick would have did in that situation. They need to help Mike Vick get his situation straight and put him back on the team. Falcons are garbage without him as you can seed 1-4.
By Dave
October 8, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Never thought I’d say this , but here goes….THE FALCONS SUCK ! ! !
By Jim P.
October 8, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
HJ, the Falcons are better without vick. What vick did was disgusting. How the Falcons played yesterday was disgusting. But I will take a qestionable QB like Harrington or Leftwitch vs. a dog killing QB any day of the week. Yea, the Faclons suck right now. New QB’s, New coaches, just about new everything. In time, they will find themselves. If your a fair weather fan, then go jump on the Cowboy bandwagon. We dont need or want you. I have been a Falcon fan for 30 years. I can tough out another bad season. Its obvious that you cant, so go watch the cowboys or the Titans. Buy there caps and root for them while they are winning. You dont deserve to be a Falcon fan.
By Don
October 8, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Easy fixes for this team. 1. Leave the defense alone Trey Lewis is doing great along with Boley. 2. Leave a TE in to block. They did that last week and Harrington ate up the defense. The middle of the field is wide open. 3. Give the FB with the millions the ball with one of the reserve TEs at FB. They gave the ball to the FB yesterday and he got a 1st down. He moved the pile. 4. Put Norwood in. He can bump the blitzer (no worse than Dunn and bigger target) and get the quick dump for big yards.
By simplyspoiledbygreg
October 8, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Oh people, hush it up!! You haters who want to bash MV7 are all hypocrites. The whole while he was on the field playing his heart out for the team, you all loved and supported him. Keywords: LOVE AND SUPPORT. When you love a person it’s through the good and the bad as well. MV7 may have made a few mistakes, and he’s the only person who has to deal with them and face the consequences, NOT US. But the least we can do as fans of his is to CONTINUE to love and support him, hope that he gets through it ok and come on back on the home field where he belongs. It’s obvious that we need and miss him. Well anyway…when will the world learn that NOT everything you hear about a person is true. We don’t know all of the circumstances involved in MV7’s case and believe you me WE NEVER WILL!!!(and I work Criminal Investigations) The media can make a mountain out of a mole hill and some of us are so foolish and naive that we believe every word of it (or either we pick out the negatives and hold on to them) and quickly pass judgement on a person. MV7 made some mistakes, but HE’s HUMAN PEOPLE!!!, HE’S HUMAN AND HE’S YOUNG. Take a minute and think back on your life and own up to some of the HORRENDOUS things that you’ve done and could have been prosecuted for, BUT YOU JUST DIDN’T GET CAUGHT. Most of you who criticize MV7 are sick and the things you write tells people, especially me, about the type of persons you are. Since when did a dog, or any animal become more important than a human life? If you want to criticize someone, take your punches at those people who value a dogs life more so than a human’s. I’m not saying what he did was right, but IN MY OPINION, and I did say IN MY OPINION, the extent in which they are taking this case, the mere possibility of destroying a humans life, a promising life over a dog is ridiculous. Most of you, who tend to treat an animal better than you do other human beings need to find yourselves anyway. I don’t condome MV7’s actions, but I do however feel that those of you who are slinging such harsh words about MV7 are sad people, not to mention selfish idiots. You blame the failing season on the players, but if you are so good and so into a football team, why aren’t you on the field for one, player? coach? Most of you talk as though you have all the keys and answers to the existing problems, if so, why aren’t you on the sidelines for anybody’s team? Damn! people, wake up. Stop criticizing everything and everybody. Yes, Crumpler spoke up, but bottom line, his words aren’t up for debate. He’s on the field, he’s part of the team, he has that right. For those of you who like to jump on the blog and criticize, you’re not real fans, check yourselves. True to fact that opinions are like aholes, everyone has one**, and this is mine.
By Dee
October 8, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Congrats Falcons. You did exactly what I wanted you to do. Way to go on a 1-15 season.I was hoping for 0-16.
By Soryu
October 8, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Sorry to break it to you, but a year from now the only uniform Vick will be wearing is a prison uniform.
And if he ever does get back to the NFL, he’ll never be wearing a Falcon uniform as long as they are in Atlanta.
Be great if the Falcons did move though and took the Hawks with them. Sorry, but I am afraid you are stuck with both.
By cj
October 8, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Someone locate Marcus Vick & throw a jersey on him(let him play on Sundays and place him on an isolated island during the rest of the week to keep him out of trouble).
Seriously, the Falcons offense has major problems: 1. No consistent blocking (offensive line) 2. No consistent catching (receivers) 3. Team has a bad habit of trading high impact players (Favre and Schaub). The Falcons are imploding without Mora, Vick or Schaub. Both Vick & Schaub could adjust quickly if blocking assignments were missed. I think Joey Harrington needs to adjust to pressure. The offensive line does not or will not offer adequate protection. Alge Crumpler is the only receiver who can catch and hold on to the ball. I don’t understand why such highly drafted receivers (Jenkins and White) can drop balls when they are wide open or when in a critical situations. It seems like the wide receivers do not concentrate at all or are inept. They would make Brett Favre or Peyton Manning look bad. Ever hear of Jerry Rice or Lynn Swann guys? Ask Alge for help or something. And why was a fullback added when he’s never used? And why isn’t Jerious Norwood used more often. The guy is super talented and he’s very exciting to watch. Also, I do not like the idea of hiring collegiate coaches for NFL head coach positions. Professional football is more intricate and involves managing established veterans(not students)and complex plays. At least Jim Mora could relate to his players. If leadership is questionable, chaos will develop. Heck, sometimes pro coaches stink in the college ranks (Notre Dame should call Lou Holtz out of retirement)
I give the Falcons defense an “A” for effort. At least they are trying to win.
By gnupe
October 8, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
All the talk about what MV7 coulda, shoulda, woulda, blah, blah, yada, yada..is futile. Vick is a NON-FACTOR this season and the next!!
Bottom line is the playcalling near the goaline was suspect, pulling the starting QB in the 4th quarter and replacing him with a QB who NEVER practiced with the 1st team was senseless.
If the organization wants to go “younger” then they need to start trade talks and start shopping Crumpler and other vets around, while they still have trade value and try to beef up the O-Line. Hate to say it but Alge has also been a non-factor this season thus far.
By SeminoleWarrior
October 8, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Bring on the 2008 draft! First QB is not as dire a need as RB is for ATL. With the first pick, take either Jonathan Stewart or Darren McFadden if they are there. Be sure to use those two second round picks and address the offensive line by taking two studs at the tackle positions. Barry Richardson, Kirk Barton and Chris Williams will be available and will be immediate upgrades over what we have now. Speaking of upgrades, I love Morten Andersen but let’s make it a point now to seriously look at either Brandon Coutu or OU’s Garret Hartley next year. I have the keys to the future Mr. Blank. Call me if you TRULY want to lift the Lombardi trophy one day.
By Dennis
October 8, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
I wonder how much of this crap is holdover from the failed “buddy-buddy” tact of the failed Mora era. Petrino was hired to be their coach, not their friend.
The players have to understand that he, and he alone, is the boss, and not the collective 53 on the active roster. Petrino has a boss named Arthur who will can his a* if need be.
Those players who are whining need to shut up and do their job.
Oh, and the offensive line should have been pulled, not Harrington.
Leftwich should be Leftbehind. He is not the answer, now or ever.
By Devon
October 8, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Why are all the posters on here defending Mike Vick so unable to type in basic English?
They sound SO uneducated… Of course, so does Mike Vick.
By newteamgeardotcom
October 8, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Bulldog fans there is still hope please visit my website. Go Falcons Go dawgs
By Rick
October 8, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Now I know we are an awful football team, the Titans tried so hard to hand us the win on a silver platter and we still couldn’t put it under the “W”. Sorry, I can’t climb on the Byron bandwagon, does he really think our receivers are 20 feet tall? Hope we do well with the #1 pick in the 08’ draft!
By lexnekst
October 8, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
We can all blame coaching, but everyone knew the truth before this season started….THE FALCONS WEREN’T GOING TO WIN WITHOUT VICK. So all you Falcons fans, who so badly wanted to see Vick gone- enjoy.
By willdave
October 8, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Man, what can I say that hasn’t already been said about the Falcons for the past 42 years now? They are the only team in the NFL that would find a way to lose a game in which their opponent allowed five turnovers. That has been their trademark for over four decades now: They always find a way to lose. Either Harrington plays brilliantly and the defense gives up too many points, or the defense plays brilliantly and the offense can’t get going. And so on and so on. It does no good to blame Petrino or Harrington or Leftwich or any one person. The problem is with the entire organization. The Falcons cannot commit themselves to winning on a consistent basis. They instead seem to be committed to failure. Even when they signed “one of the most exciting players ever to play quarterback” to a long-term contract, the dude found a way to bring his playing career to a premature end. Losing, failure, ineptitude—those are permanent trademarks of my beloved Atlanta Falcons.
By DaveM
October 8, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
PATHETIC! Suggestion: Fire McKay and get someone in there who has a winning track record. So far his decisions are really questionable. AND, advice to Arthur Blank - become a absentee owner, and stay out of it. Oh, yeah - and stay off the field! If you can’t do that - sell the team to real football people! As for Petrino - who’s next?
By Jackie
October 8, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Its amazing how one person/player makes a difference (MIKE VICK) the O line oh boy…..Please bring MV7 back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I miss U Vick !!!!!!
By BETTERWITHOUTVICK?
October 8, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
THOUGHT EVERYTHING WOULD BE BETTER WITH OUT VICK TRUE HE DID HAVE A LOSING SEASON WITH THE SAME TEAM BUT HE GAVE YOU A CHANCE TO WIN WITHE THE SAME TEAM . THE FALCONS LOOK LIKE THE CHICAGO BULLS WITHOUT MIKE JUS LOST AND NO IDENTITY THEY REALLY STINK AND THEY WOULD BE #1 IN THE NFC SOUTH IF VICK WAS PLAYING.. HOW MANY PLAYOFF WINS DOES HOEY HARRINGTON HAVE? HOW MANY WINNNING SEASONS DID HE HAVE? NONE AND THEY GO SIGN THIS BUMM. RICH MCKAY AND BLANK NEED TO BE SHOT DEAD FOR DESTROYING R TEAM AND TURNIGN THEIR BACK ON VICK DOWN WITH THE MANAGEMENT
By Tonyg
October 8, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Questions that I never got answered:
Whats dog fighting got to do with football?
Shouldn’t a coach cheating in games (that has everything to do with football)be punished more severely by the NFL than players that does nothing to affect the game?
What’s Gene Upshaw’s position all about?
Finally, will the Falcons have a winning season? NO
By D-Man
October 8, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
This is what this franchise deserves, this happens when you turn your back on your best players!!!!
So wallo in your misery!!
By Frustrated Falcons GIRL
October 8, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
For Author Blanks to be a so called “Business MAN” he has made some pretty DUMB MOVES this season. How does he expect the fans and the city to have his back when he has gone out and gotten an OLD QUARTERBACK, an OLD KICKER, and an OLD COACH. Basically Mr. Blank and McKay have set the Falcons back 10 years. Yeah, the MIKE VICK drama should be in the past and I don’t see him coming back anytime soon, but DAMN, you had the talent before you lost VICK, so why in the HELL did you get rid of all of your talented players and coaches. I know Michael Vick, Matt Shaub and Jim Mora are laughing their ASSES off on how ridiculous the FALCONS look now. I totally agree that next season we will have 45,000 season tickets available, because NO ONE will be interested in seeing the FALCONS if they continue on this track.
Although they are old “HAS BEENS”, I do give Joey Harrington and Morton Anderson credit for at least hanging in there and TRYING. But as far as Petrino….it’s time for him to go back to LOUISVILLE, they need him more than WE DO!
I know that businessmen make a lot a bad moves and decisions, but this one is OVER THE TOP!! BLANKS GET IT TOGETHER or sell the team to someone who can!!
By keoffry
October 8, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Don’t everyone now which we had a owner with balls to stand behind Vick, but no he’s worried about people boycotting Home Depot. My whole point is when you do people wrong this is what you get take the Chargers for example fired a legend with a 14-2 season they won yesterday to a Bronco team who doesn’t have it together. I MISS VICK!!!!
By BETTERWITHOUTVICK?
October 8, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
I BET THE SAME PEOPLE WHO WAS HAPPY VICK SCREWED ARE THE SAME ONES WHO WERE CRYING WHEN OJ WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY DOTN GET MAD THE BLACK QB IS JUS BETTER THAN THE WHITE MEANING THE FALCONS SITUATION WE ALL KNOW VICK WAS SCRWED WIT NO CONDOM BUT LETS FOCUS ON THIS HE DIDNT RAPE KILL ROB ANYBODY ITS DOG FIGHTING PEOPLE I SEE DOGS FIGHTING ALL THE TIME N THE CITY DIDNT KNOW THEY WERE GIVING OUT FED TIME FOR IT
By bulldog
October 8, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
To the clown called Vick Supporter;; Vick played 6 years we still didn’t do squat !!! We would have won the game yesterday if not for the QB swap. That was stupid. If you can’t win with your first string QB, then you should loose with him !
By Bruce in Smyrna
October 8, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Falcons bore me. The Hawks WILL bore me. How many days until Braves Spring Training…..can’t wait!!
By telfairgirl
October 8, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Maybe Petrino can use Andruw Jones’ moving van….(no, I don’t want Andruw to go)
By Barry
October 8, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry, Alge was wrong in what he said. It is as clear as the nose on his face that the Falcons are going to struggle to win games this year. They have no depth. Their first string O-line is really only a second string. Their starting quarterback is a re-tread. Their backups are re-tread re-treads. The bottom line is you can’t win consistently without depth at key positions and a credible offensive line.
IF Petrino is playing young guys to give them experience, so what? That’s how you build depth. Besides, given the talent of the Falcons starters, I don’t think he has much choice. Crump is not a perfect player either…or a perfect human being.
By Dee
October 8, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Bobby Petrino, ex-Head Football Coach at Louisville, hell, they should have hired Rick Pitino. At least he knows how to run!!
By ed
October 8, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
I am not a Mike Vick fan anymore because of the stupid things he did off the field mainly (spoking weed), but at least the falcons was ranked 1st in rushing. Now the Falcons can’t run or pass the ball consistently. Petrino SHOULD NOT have pull Harrington because the guy had started to build some confidence, and now all of that confidence has been destroyed. Leftwich is not the answer; I do not have anything against the guy but the Falcons need a mobile QB because of our O-Line. Sometimes I think that the falcons are going to tank the season so they can get their hands on Brohm, Woodson, or Ryan.
By interloper
October 8, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Hey ARealFalconFan regarding your 9:13 post…DeAngelo Hall is “committed to winning?” LMAO, what a stupid comment. DeAngelo is committed to DeAngelo…you know, making money and going to pro bowls. Remember the (Saints?) game last year when he tried for the interception in the end zone instead of knocking the pass down, ending up in a TD? And this year, melting down and being a main factor in our loss to Carolina? Yup, there’s our man DeAngelo, committed to winning. What a joke.
By HJ
October 8, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Jim P, Nobody is denying what Vick did was horrible and nobody should be denying his actions warrant his suspension. My strife with much of the Falcon “white” fan base is how they despised Vick long before the dog fighting allegations came to light. He was constantly criticized, even though he had an inadequate O-line and no go to receiver. I have a problem with much of the Atlanta fan base because despite this man’s shortcomings, his talent was under appreciated. Let’s not hide the fact that many of you were calling for his head the things unfolded this summer.
As far as fairweather fans, I think any fan that can’t admit the obivious is worse. The obvious is Vick had some success with a sorry O-line and sorry receivers. As far as the team’s performance this year, no one player is to play, the coaches definitely aren’t to blame, and the Falcons now have to try to improve their personnel instead of relying heavily on one player.
P.S. No way in hell do the Falcons and Blank deserve a refund of the bonus money to Vick. Criminal charges aside, he was responsible for the sellouts the last couple of years.
By Dee
October 8, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Bobby Petrino, Ex-Head Football Coach of Louisville, HELL, they should have hired “Rick Pitino” instead, at least he knows how to run!!
By kris in alpharetta
October 8, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
I think its clear what w are now viewing is The Great Unraveling of The Falcons. Nothing the Falcons organization has done this year has made anysense at all. Effective, game-winning players have been traded. And new schemes just aren’t working. Arthur Blank is admirable for his dedication to people on his team, however, a reality check is needed here. Things are going downhill fast, and Atlanta the city is losing patience with Atlanta the football team. Change the plays, learn how to win, and listen to the fans and the people on the field for a change, Blank!
By fatz
October 8, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
no…. do NOT use the 1st round pick to draft a running back! you can get seviceable running backs all the time, and you always need a bunch becuase they get hurt…granted there are some standout backs on certain teams, but their success is ALWAYS a product of a good OL and balanced passing game. we have to start with the OL. there are always, always free agent backs who can tote the ball if you can give them a hole
By Mark
October 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Vick supporters: He’s a felon. He’s gone, and will never play for the falcons again. Quit crying and get over it.
Why would anyone change QB’S at that point of the game? Was it to make the dark fans happy? It was a totally idiotic move. Leftwich sucks as a passer as Vick did.
By jokurone
October 8, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Falcons= Failure Always Lurks Closely Over New Strategies
By Brooklyn Falcon
October 8, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
The O-LINE cant block. This has been the problem for years. Against any good defense they get crushed. Idont care of you got Vick, Harrington, Brohm, Young, Leftwitch, who ever, If you cant block or run the ball down teams throats. You cant win…. D
By chris abell
October 8, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
I think that we have to patient. The Falcons will get worse before we get better. I think Joey should stay as the falcons QB. Petrino is doing a good job with this inhertace of a football team. The Falcons have not been blowed out yet even with all mistakes. They have been in every game they played so far. Give them time!
By priceless
October 8, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
When are people going to look in the mirror and accept responsibility. There are more people to blame here than Bobby Petrino people. The offensive line was horrible. I don’t think Bobby Petrino missed those 3 field goals or threw those interceptions either. I disappointed in Algae and DHall the last several weeks, and you call yourselves team leaders………. It’s easy to play the blame game when things aren’t going well. Look in the mirror boys. Also, you could handle things in house instead of blabbling to the media. This team is a joke. The ship is sinking….
By Gene
October 8, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
I don’t care for coaches whose only loyalty is to their bank account, but Petrino was handed a terrible mess that degenerated with the firing of Dan Reeves. Mora was an incompetent coach who wanted to be one of the boys. He had the maturity of an adolescent. Arthur Blank winked at and facilitated Vick’s bad behavior. Crumpler is a good football player, but he is accustomed to playing on a team with no discipline or rules of any kind. Crumpler would find himself in another city this morning if he played for someone like Lombardy or Shula. The Falcons are nothing more than an expansion team, and it will take years to get over Mora, Blank, and Vick. Petrino didn’t bargain for any of this, and he will certainly fly at the first opportunity.
By The Ultimate Choptimist
October 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Just step back, take a deep breath, and understand that this season was a lost cause before it even got started…hell, it was over before Bobby P. ever stepped foot in Flowery Branch. This season is basically a long preseason/training camp to prepare for a future run of success like this franchise has never known. That certainly explains Algae’s comments/observations.
Don’t you think there was a lot of dissention in Jimmy Johnson’s first season in Dallas (circa 1-15)? And what about the pitiful 49ers in the early years of the Bill Walsh era. Relax, peeps.
By VickBeliever
October 8, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Like I said before Joey Harrington is single handily sucking the life out of this team. For those of you who have tried to forget about Mike Vick. How do you like your new pocket passer. Harrington is the same one good game followed by the worst performance of the week. Harrington Sucks and the defense played very good.
By fatz
October 8, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
the MV/ Blank bonus fiasco exposes the underbelly of the salary cap system. you pay outsized bonus to keep your stars and fit the annual cap. maybe the owners ought to think about this. i hope blank loses and vick keeps the money. its blank’s problem. i know lawyers will say the services required by the contract weren’t rendered. but the NFL puts all the risks on the players. the owners can just eat their mistakes. i have no sympathy for them, particularly for the way the beat-up, crippled, retired players are left on the street with nothing, not even a bed to go die in.
By KP
October 8, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Espn.com lists Byron Leftwich as 6’5”, 250 lbs. No one can convince me that 4 Leftwich QB sneaks with a 4 wideout set from the 1 yard line would have not resulted in a TD.
KP
By E
October 8, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Ok you morons, here’s how we’re going to fix the falcons: 1. Win no more than 4 games to ensure a top 4 pick 2. Draft Darren McFadden out of Arkansas. He can put butts in the seats and fills a REAL need. 3. Trade Crump and/or D. Hall to land more picks and draft a QB and some linemen
That’s all we have to do and we’ll be back in the playoffs in 2 years. It worked for the Cowboys and I don’t see why it won’t work for us. And who knows, maybe we’ll ALL forgive MV7 and let him come back….but we all have to admit he covered up all of these problems we’re seeing now. We suck and the ONLY reason we had a chance every week was because of MV7. Say what you want but he is a WINNER and one hell of a talent. I here he’s a good scout too (he knows a champion when he fights one).
Keep losing and wait till next year. I’ll be highly p** if we dno’t get a top 5 pick…if we blow that then we can safely say we’re always getting bit.
By reality check
October 8, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry, did the falcons win a superbowl with Vick? I think they made the playoffs once with vick and were 500. or below the last few years with him. True, vick is better than harrington/leftwich and more exciting to watch - but with vick this falcon’s team produces 6 or 7 wins instead of the 3 or 4 they’ll get this year.
I also agree that Vick took too much blame when the team lost, and that is apparent this year, this team as a whole is poor. But let’s put vick behind us…
The truth is Blank is to blame. He has never gone after an experienced NFL coach, he seems to like to cherry pick non-proven head coaches, so he has yes men who are indebted to him for their oppotunity and not ones he might but heads with.
By fatz
October 8, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
i guess i should also place as much blame on the NFLPA for the sorry state of football retirees..too….
By FalconsFan
October 8, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
You can’t blame Petrino that the falcons built there team around 1 player (michael Vick)for the past 4 years. He is gone and won’t be coming back, the falcons have to rebuild the team and it will take a few years to get a solid team. I don’t blame his play calling, I blame the personel for not being able to carry it out. The team needs to keep its issues in house otherwise the problem with the team are its members.
By Jim P.
October 8, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
HJ,
I for one was very excited when Dan Reeves picked vick in the draft, many moons ago. As I watched vick play, I never before or sense seen such a fast runner. Mike was quick on his feet but very inconsistant with his arm. I only started not liking vick when he flipped off the fans, and when he quit playing last season. vick would act like he got hurt and then would be out for the rest of the 4th Qtr. He did this knowing Mora would get fired at the end of the season. It was when he quit trying, that I lost respect for him, and when he pleaded guilty, I lost all respect for him. Never once did his race enter into play. I give less than a damn about anyones race. I look at the person not the color of the person. As far as the Falcons are now, we will get past it all. In time, vick will be as well known as Dave Archer(remember him) probably not.
By David
October 8, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
I really think that Atlanta has the worst fans in football. Personally I think they should SHUT UP and realize what the Falcons have gone thru this season. I think “under the circumstances” Petino has done an excellent job. He is rebuilding a team that was going nowhere with Mora and if the Falcon’s fans would just ‘SHUT UP” and be patient they might have a good team in a couple of years.
Falcon Fans must really be STUPID because most fans understand how hard it is to rebuild a team, and on top of that having to go thru the Vick circus this summer.
Man, I think I have had it with Atlanta Fans, I think I am going to become some other team’s fan, maybe they have an IQ over 50.
Packers here I come.
By warren buffet
October 8, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
If I were a market analyst reviewing the Falcons enterprise, I would say price has just gone below the 200 day moving avg., and is in free fall. The bottom has not been reached, so beware the falling knife. Once the bottom is reached, maybe game #10 or #11, watch for the next low. Is it higher or lower than the bottom we are now putting in. If the coach leaves, it will be a lower low and the Falcon bear market will extend another 2 or 3 years. Performance this year: 2-14. It takes time to acquire personnel capable of playing Petrino’s scheme and there were lots of indicators in the off-season that Mora’s players did not fit the bill (i.e., telling linemen to get heavier, getting a blocking back for a one back offense). I believe J. Schultz has correctly been short the Falcons from the season’s beginning, so why are you blasting him? Smart management would be blowing up this team and start measuring their progress once the bottom is put in.
By Lynn
October 8, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
I’m so glad the Falcons are losing. They did not support MV and we should not support them. MV was wrong for dogfighting but women have abortions and KILL BABIES everyday. What about Dan Heatley and Dan Snyder????? He killed his best friend in a speeding car accident and he is playing hockey now. MV killed a dog and is banned from playing. It’s all about the color of your skin. Close Grady Hospital - watch POOKIE and NEM start hitting white folks over the head.
By Tim in Detroit
October 8, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Joey Harrington will never be a good or even a decent NFL quarterback. He still blames his time in Detroit for his shortcomings, even when he was in Miami. He’s not man enough to own up to his mistakes.
By think about it
October 8, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
We tried to tell you idiots that the falcons are nothing without MV7. he made them feel that they always had a chance as long as he was on the field. Every winning team has that one player that they can ride, we have no one. Enjoy all you vick haters. I’m enjoying the hell out of this. Blank and Mckay better find a why to keep Mv out of jail and bring him back.
By My 2 Cents
October 8, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
FIRST -I give total props to the SPECIAL TEAMS. You guys rock and gave us some great field positions. Don’t blame the kickers. Most NFL booters can’t hit those either. SECOND -I give enormous props to our DEFENSE. My god so many takeaways! Excellent work. MIKE BOLEY gettin more awesome every week. (Exception J. Abraham who got shut down,but he has played great the rest of time so I’ll give him a pass.) THIRD- Who is OGLIE MOOHAVILLI? What’s he here for? FOURTH- ALGE’S comments disturbing. If he’s not onboard I’m really worried. FIFTH- Coach looks really lost. Benching JOEY was bad call and smells of grasping at straws. Coach’s offensive plays lack creativity or SPARK! Coach has no enthusiasm for this team. SIXTH- Remember last week how many of you thought we had turned a corner? Fact is Titans defense is for real and our poor offense got man handled. SEVENTH - If Any of u season tik holders(lower level 30—30 yard line)want to sell yours or give em up:Let me know. This is still the greatest entertainment in this town.
By jerry
October 8, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
A disgruntled player and a sportswriter who writes not because he knows but because he is paid to write and people take it for the gospel. For what it’s worth:
Jimmie Johnson: 1-15 1st year Chuck Noll: 1-13 1st year Tom Landry: 0-11-1 1st year
Bobby Petrino might not make it as an NFL head coach but it is not up to Jeff Shultz or Algee Crumpler. Give him a chance for God’s sake!
By Barry
October 8, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Petrino is NOT the problem. Half the people on this blog are idiots. He inherited an O-line that is undersized and under skilled. And while I think Joey Harrington has done a decent job, it is Petrino’s system and coaching that has helped with his performance. If he had an o-line, who knows how good a quarterback he could be.
Alge was wrong to vent with the media. He is a star only because Vick couldn’t read defenses and pass downfield. Of course he’s going to feel underutilized in a REAL offense.
I don’t fault anyone for being upset at losing. But Crump is making things worse for the team, just like DeAngelo did. They are only contributing to making the season even worse that it would have been anyway.
Petrino needs time to get some real linemen in here. And he needs players who will show some discipline and keep their mouths shut for the good of the team. They aren’t going to make things better by acting like children.
By Dennis
October 8, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
The raw stupidity of some of you people is amazing. Vick can’t be brought back.
He’s done. Gone. Finis.
Get over it.
By Shamus Thacker
October 8, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Is Norm Van Brocklyn still dead?
By jc_atl
October 8, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Blaming Petrino solely for this team’s problems is wrong. He probably should have let Harrington finish the game yesterday - he’s played well the past 2 weeks and may have been able to make something happen. Leftwich looks too large to be a good QB, and rusty as he can be. Our offensive line is well … offensive - both Atlanta QB’s were hurried, knocked down and sacked multiple times yesterday - when the FOX broadcast starts showing stats after each play you know your OL is not getting the job done. Petrino came in to coach what I consider to be damaged goods. He’s actually done well to win the games he’s won, but Tennessee’s defense was enough to overcome our weak offense despite the 5 turnovers. I think Petrino gets it done in the long run but not without some serious offseason moves to acquire a good QB. Harrington is capable of running the offense, but not reliable in tight situations. We need a guy that can make plays happen when it seems there is no play.
By On Strike
October 8, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
BRING BACK VICK!!!!!! Get him a slap on the wrist and get him back in the huddle. A couple of dogs stand between this horrible play and a winning season. Even if it weren’t a winning season, the game would be entertaining.
By BC
October 8, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
They should have kept Mora and traded Vick and all of his baggage with him instead of Blank coddling to Vick on the sidelines! Problem is that the Falcons was built around one player and that was the looser Michael Vick! Now that he is finally gone, they don’t know how to function as a TEAM! Atlanta’s only hope is that the Falcons move to another state and I mean far, far away!
By Jonny
October 8, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
I believe many of these problems, the Vick thing, losing the locker room, the D Hall out of control ego, started when Reeves was unceremoniously booted as head coach. Say what you want about Reeves, he was too conservative, etc, but Vick’s best year came under Reeves, the Falcons last Super Bowl came under Reeves, and foolishness seemed to dissipate under Reeves. Mora had a good year b/c Reeves built this club quickly back after the Super Bowl. I wonder what could have been if not for Blank.
By jc_atl
October 8, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Oh, by the way fools, Michael Vick will probably never play professional football again and certainly never for the Falcons. Arthur Blank would never allow it after the way Vick abused his trust the first time.
Michael Vick is toast - put a fork in him.
By Munson's Biographer
October 8, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
What a disaster. This year has proven that a team shows it true makeup in the midst of adversity. The Vick thing happened. Yes, it happened because Blank created, empowered, and endorsed a stupid criminal. Then Blank showed his lack of managerial prowess and integrity. He has handled the whole Vick fiasco obviously hoping and holding out for the Parolee’s return. MISTAKE 1: Blank hired Petrino because he mistakenly believed he could craft a Louisville styled, high-power offense around Vick. The flaw: Petrino is a rah-rah college coach, AND the college players are required to have discipline. MISTAKE 2: Harrington. Harrington. Harrington. MISTAKE 3: Leftwich. Leftwich. Leftwich. MISTAKE 4: Petrino, Harrington, and Leftwich are still here. The coaching staff is inept, evidenced by ridiculous schemes and a lack of spirit among talented players. So Blank, if you care, here’s how you save the season. Fire Petrino and the Offensive Coordinator. Waive Harrington and Leftwich. Trade for Kerry Collins or go get Brad Johnson, just somebody who can complete a 15 yard out or a wide open deep ball. Swallow hard, win 4 or 5 games as these young studs develop; forget about Vick FOREVER, and develop a plan to acquire a top line QB by trading your #1 or #2 draft pick for next year. And oh yeah, please take Norwood off the kickoff team. HE IS NOT EXPENDABLE. He is the future of our running game. Geez……………
By Tony.H
October 8, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
U Vick Haters still think he was not the team after the last 5 weeks. It looks like he was everything to this team I fill nothing for U Vick haters you are getting what you deserve.
By Vick + Stupid People = VICK SUPPORTERS
October 8, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Don’t Worry, Vick Supporters!
After Vick gets out of prison in 3-7 years, he will be able to join you all in the Food Services industry and be there for you to worship him all during your shift.
“Hi, my name is Mike. What’ll ya,…you know…have?”
By SeasonTicketHolder
October 8, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
BRING BACK JIM MORA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Tony Taylor
October 8, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Let Petrino finish out the year, hopefully he will quit. We can get a 1st round draft pick. There are some proven head coaches in the waiting, Bill Cowher, Marty S and of course Jimmy Johnson, hire one.
By Eugene
October 8, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
I wonder what Mike Singletary’s Defense did Sunday.. Hey didn’t he apply for the Falcons’s job and was told they wanted someone who had Head Coaching experience.. Just a thought!!
By hater
October 8, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Hey bruce, since you’re so bored why don’t you kill yourself? The Braves suck too, and now with BROKEN DOWN chipper and HAS BEEN smoltz you can cry about how awful they will be once again next year. Atlanta is LOSER TOWN USA. You belong there bruce.
By HJ
October 8, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Jim P,
I take you for your word when you say your dislike for Vick has nothing to do with race, but I can’t say the same for all folks. While I agree that some of his actions (prior to indictments) have warranted criticism, I think the things you mentioned were done out of frustration, not deliberate acts to be disrespectful or lack of loyalty to coach and team. It doesn’t excuse it, but I would much rather have a player committed to winning and passionate about losing than someone who’s not. Case in point, I think D. Hall is a great player, but I think he would be content with gaining personal accolades than team success. I think for all the bad things M. Vick, there were a lot of good things about him and one was his desire to win. I don’t think nobody took loses as personal as he did. I think a lot of Vick’s shortcomings had to deal with maturity, a fact he even admitted. I just think he should have been treated a little different and little more appreciated.
By lin
October 8, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
gee falcons are we going to faulter this season well win some for vick at least he deserves it despite what problems he got off field and gee time watch another team go pats ya
By OnMyNeez4Vick
October 8, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
MIKE VICK!!!! You are the man DAWG! You mean everything to me Vick! The Falcons aint nothing without you Mike you are the BEST QB EVER!! I would give my life for you Mike Vick!!! MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bily
October 8, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
I could see Petrino leaving and going back to college if Auburn fires Tuberville.
By peacemaker
October 8, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
So Schulz writes a column about one of the team’s veterans and leaders questioning his coaches after a loss. That’s pretty big news. And what follows is…hundreds of people resorting to racial bickering and name-calling? This is insane, folks. It’s a sad commentary not on our team, but on our city.
By tim
October 8, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
BRING BACK DAN REEVES!!!!!!!!!
By SV
October 8, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
VICK IS NOT A LOSER AND NEVER HAS BEEN. STOP CALLING HIM A DAMN LOSER. HE IS NOT WITH THE FALCONS ANYMORE SO LEAVE HIM OUT OF THE CONVERSATIONS. FOCUS ON THE GIRLS THAT YOU HAVE PLAYING. MY 1 YEAR OLD SON CAN GET OUT THERE AND MAKE BETTER PLAYS. YOU STUPID B’s.
By Shamus Thacker
October 8, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
I’ve NEVER seen a worse looking quarterback, IN MY LIFE, than Leftwitch. It’s like Herman Munster in a Falcons uni!
By Barry
October 8, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
If Petrino doesn’t make it as an NFL head coach it is because he started with the Falcons and had to deal with the ignorant ranting of spoiled players and the super ignorant ranting of sorry “fans” in Atlanta.
Vick is gone. I liked him, but he was not Atlanta’s answer. He is not a passer…pocket or otherwise. He might have developed under Petrino…but we will never know. I am SICK of hearing about him now. Vick is gone. I never disparaged him. I loved to watch him play.
Vick is gone. I know some of you are in grief. It’s ok to cry. Let it out. Then move on.
By Tradub1906
October 8, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
I know that this is gonna cause some severe backlash amongst the Vick Nay-sayers but, BRING BACK MV7. Let’s put race aside for a minute people and focus on the issue at hand. We are losing. We are losing BAD to teams that we would have otherwise beaten. I do think that Vick should be properly punished, but once that is over he needs to be back on the field with the Atlanta Falcons. Let him keep that bonus money and allow him to come back to Atlanta and redeem himself. We need him.
By prettyeyez
October 8, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
I bet you all wish you still had Vick. At least he would make attempts to make touchdowns. This year is horrible and next year will be the same. LOL!!! I love it I love it!!!
By dissedby McKay
October 8, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
This is a MESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 But I fault McKay. Fans don’t forget the Falcons have had the top rushing units with the zone blocking schemes. Petrino is getting 25 million but yet he brings in college OFF. Line COACHES. Please make Petrino at least hire some more Assistants with NFL experience-this L-ville college stuff just doesn’t work in the NFL. Please ARTHUR BLANK, all the money in the world can’t help you-YOU GOT TO PRAY -PRAY HARD FOR THE LORD TO FORGIVE YOU FOR YOUR SINS AND SHOW YOU THE WAY OUT OF THIS MESS.
By James
October 8, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
This mess is a result of Arthur Blank’s biggest mistake..Firing Dan Reeves.And he passes on Lovie Smith who took the Bears to the Super Bowl last year because he didnt interview well.Petrino is losing controll of this team because he’s following a coach who was everybody’s buddy and the players dont appear to like the change.
By Reggie L
October 8, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Petrino is a moron. Norwood..not passes would have gotten the ball in the end zone. Missed field goals….silver platter opportunities thrown away…a gimme at the end of the game..c’mon!!!!Even with a bum knee Leftwich could have waltzed into the end zone on 2 possessions. This was hard to watch and harder to digest. The Falcons are going to be the laughing stock of the NFL this year. Harrington should not have been pulled. They don’t know how to utilize the talent they have. Back to college Booby (spelled it like I meant it)boy..back to college…
By Leo
October 8, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Maybe Mckay can get some draft tips from Billy Knight? The fact of the matter is the rest of this year and the dollars I already paid for season tickets are wasted! I can’t even give the tickets to clients because of the poor product we recieve from this Franchise. Perhaps Blank will reduce beer prices as a way to get people in the seats? I Prefer a winning and competitive team. I say we take a page out of the Northeast Sports fan and BOO the home team when they play poorly in our HOUSE! That way we get some satisfaction for our wasted money and they get an ear full (Everyone from Blank on down) during home games.
By JSS
October 8, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
HA!!! HA!!! HA!!! HA!!! HA!!! HA!!!
I’m loving it!!!
And now suddenly 90% of the readers finally see that Jeff Schultz is a NO TALENT HACK!!!
On a very serious note, I do have a question for Atlanta sports fans… What do the following names have in common: Pete Mavarich, Julius Erving, David Thompson, Henry Aaron, Claude Humphrey, Dale Murphy, Deion Sanders, Gary Matthews, Dominique Wilkins, Cliff Levingston, and Dany Heatley have in common? They were all ran out of Atlanta by the so-called AJC columnists and a small but vocal group of “fans…” Think about it…
It is time for this city to grow up!!!
By bulldogbubba
October 8, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Is Steve Bartkowski available?Alfred Jenkins?Van Note?Come on Falcon players step up and earn your pay.If you are really professionals then play the game on the field and quit whining.It makes sense that if you see opportunity to make a play to advance the ball, then DO IT! If the coach is stupid enough to penalize you for making a GOOD play then Arthur Blank can do “his”job and deal with the coach instead of “petting” his players on the sidelines!!!!!!WAKE UP PEOPLE
By Cadman
October 8, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
If Alge is questioning the coaching staff then things have to be in the toilet. It will be intersting to hear what else he has to say when he appears on the Fox 5 morning show. The O-line has got to be fixed. Blalock is just not getting it done at guard. Every time we play a team with a good D-line they eat him up. Not that Gandy appears to be hurt that means the entire left side of the line will be rookies. Nothing but troubles ahead there. I have to agree that pulling Harrington was a mistake. What does that do to his confidence and the the teams confidence in him? Throws all that work right down the toilet. Again I have to agree that running a pitch on the 1 yard line was not the right call. We paid all this money to sign Mughelli and haven’t utilized him hardly at all. This guy needs to be getting the ball in those situations and we need to pound it in between the tackles. Not running sweeps or tosses to the outide when the opposing teams D-line has been playing on our side of the ball all day so we can loose yardage. I’m sick to my stomach watching all that this team has had to go through and now it’s being torn apart at the seams. Will it ever end?
By falcon philly
October 8, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Yes it’s true, there are falcon fans in Philly! Looking at this inept offense only a superman could make this offense effective. Who else could throw 20tds with these slop of recievers (i’m still scratching my head) & run for a 1000 yds in the same season? I love Dunn, no nfl rb has more heart in my opinion but only a superman can open up holes for him with this line. Defense wins games, anybody with a brain knows that. Last seasons pass defense ranked near the bottom!! Maybe, it was the supporting cast that needed an upgrade. I challenge anyone who thinks the falcons wouldn’t be undefeated with superman this year, the way this defense is playing. They were in every game but they lack a difference maker, but as the saying goes you never know what you got until it’s gone. P.S. I’m not defending his acts off the field, but I’m defending the harsh criticism of him on the field. Looking at this season he unmasked a lot of weaknesses some of which we thought were strengths.
By tiff
October 8, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
YEAH!!!!! THE FALCONS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL. It amazes me Vick is not even a member of this team anymore but all the haters are still blaming him for the Falcons loss. That says to the rest of us who feel like Vick made a mistake, and should be given a second chance “the same way any of you idiots would want to be given a second chance had you done something wrong” that you all are bitter, evil, and full of hate. But get over it. Remember last week how all the losers were posting about what a great job Joey was doing, and how he was stepping into his game, were are they now. They thought that because the Falcons won one game with Joey, they were on their way to the super-bowl. But I predicted that this week you would all look like a bunch of dumb clucks. And believe me that’s what you all sound like. Now don’t you all feel like a bunch of a’holes.
By Mike
October 8, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Vick will be in good enough shape to contribute very much when he’s released from prison. Too much sex saps your strength and he’ll be getting all the sex he can handle from the homeboys in the slammer!
By Bob
October 8, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Well, I vowed not to watch them again this year,—and now wish I hadnt. Actually, Im glad Harrington was pulled—-before the Titans killed him. The Offensive Line is just terrible, the O Line coach needs to just resign, and apologize to the team and fans on his way OUT. Warrick Dunn is a really good and caring man. He is no longer however, a dominant NFL Running Back. As I have mentioned in earlier posts, the Falcons are a complete and total mess— from the ownership, the Administration, the Coaching Staff, the Players, the Concession Stands,to the parking lots. And it never seems to change— the only legacy of the Falcons is Ineptitude, or as some might naively say —-Wait Til Next Year!!!!
By Gary
October 8, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
There are many places to stake blame. But, if we don’t give Petrino a chance it’ll be another 3-4 years. You don’t enter the league as a HC and goto the Super Bowl. Mora went to the Champ. game with Dan’s players and system. Not his. Bobby will be ok if given the time to do so. The o-line is bad, really bad. I really didn’t agree with alot of the play calling. If after 2 qtrs you have minus yds rushing, spread the ball out. The last 3 weeks, we have been most successful with 5 wides and Joey taking a 3 step drop. Hitting the quick slants and whatnot. The D is playing their asses off and they are on the field all the time. Too many 3 and out’s. As for the kicking game we need to add another kicker. Keep Koenan as punter and Mort as short distance, but get someone with a strong leg for kickoffs and 40 + fg’s. Really thought Cundiff was the guy, maybe it’s something we didn’t see on the field. I still say we can turn this thing around and finish around 6-10 or 7-9.
By SSW
October 8, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Jim Crow,,, I mean Jim P,
If you look at most of the postings, they do support MV7. Regardless of race. Mike is human and humans make mistakes, but to not be forgiving is un-human. He didn’t deserve to be ridiculed as he was by so many and I feel, as others, that Blank and the Falcon’s staff should have stood behind him and helped him to get through what is apparently a very hard time… I have been a Falcon’s fan since I moved here in ‘98, but I am happy to say that this season I only watch to see them lose…. simply for the reason the so-called MV7 fans and mgmt turned their backs on MV7. THIS IS VICK’s HOUSE !!! and he did make the team successful and put money into the economy. People came and tuned in to watch the Falcons because of Mike, whether you like it or not ! Mgmt needs to suppot him and bring him back.
By Sparta Man
October 8, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Give the Falcons back to the Smith Brothers. No one would buy it now.
By Barry
October 8, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Blank is not the problem. He’s not suiting up on Sunday. McKay is not the problem. Petrino is not the problem. Vick being gone is not the problem.
The problem is that it takes time to fix the Mora mess and to transition from a cut-block scheme. It is a lack of discipline with some of the veterans. It is dealing with the pressure of the MV crap. It is having a quarterback who is just “ok”.
You can question Blank’s decision to treat MV with respect and care. You can question McKay’s personnel decisions without any inside knowledge as to how he made them. And you can question Petrino’s play calling despite the fact he has to call plays tailored to his players poor skills.
But the bottom line is these guys have brought in some talent. They erred by going with the former offensive system. They erred by allowing team discipline to be so poor under Mora. And they erred by letting the Mora thing and the MV thing get so out of control. They didn’t drop the pass, fumble the ball, or miss the block.
By jeb
October 8, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Too bad our owner isn’t Jerry Jones. He stick with players that want to win. It shows He will stuck with players that have a desire to WIN WIN WIN EVEN IF THEY HAVE HAD SOME OBSTACLES..DALLAS 5-0…MY ATLANTA FALCONS 1-4 ARTHUR BLANK WITHOUT MICAHAEL VICK.I was at the Dome before Michael Vick came. I could count the number of fans still there on one hand in my section. I am disappointed in the way Atlanta media and people has handled Vick. Oh, I forgot 90% of them are not really Falcons fans or a supporter living the city with PRO TEAMS. The AJC has bashed the FALCONS like DEAD BIRDS FOR YEARS.AJC WILL HEADLINE MICAHAEL VICK BEFORE THE WIN ON LAST SUNDAY. Atlanta does not deserve a SUPERSTAR that draws a sell out crowd. They are known for letting superstars go and they go on to win rings elsewhere.
By bill
October 8, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Highlights of the interception appears to show that the receiver had the ball but bobbled it allowing the defender to snatch it away. Why would that be Joey’s fault? Why not put the blame on the receiver?
The greatest problem with the team is that the coach has leadership difficulties and it is beginning to manifest itself. He’s accostomed to dealing with high school players and college players now he’s trying to lead men. As an ex officer and combat veteran I’ve seen this many times in a leader - you can see the fear in his eyes which usually leads to underhanded manipulation of personnel. He clearly lacks the skill to lead this team and needs to go back to the college game.
By bill
October 8, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Highlights of the interception appears to show that the receiver had the ball but bobbled it allowing the defender to snatch it away. Why would that be Joey’s fault? Why not put the blame on the receiver?
The greatest problem with the team is that the coach has leadership difficulties and it is beginning to manifest itself. He’s accostomed to dealing with high school players and college players now he’s trying to lead men. As an ex officer and combat veteran I’ve seen this many times in a leader - you can see the fear in his eyes which usually leads to underhanded manipulation of personnel. He clearly lacks the skill to lead this team and needs to go back to the college game.
By kia
October 8, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
Roddy White is finally catching balls. Jerious Norwood is making spectacular runs. These guys are coming into their own. We all know how great a player Crumpler is, and Dunn and Hall and Brookings and many, MANY others. We having the makings of a pretty good team, but are the coaches utilizing them? No. What I saw Sunday looked like high school football. Is it the coaches fault? Yeah, I think so. The play calling didn’t make any sense whatsoever. Changing the quarterback did not help one bit. Someone needs to tell Leftwich that we don’t have any 10 feet tall receivers! FIVE TITAN TURNOVERS and we still lost? Are the coaches bucking for a first round draft pick next year already?
By JPFLEM
October 8, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
With the scheme Petrino have in place, the Falcons will be lucky to finish 3-13. Leftwich might be the answer with a litte playing time. Any coach knows that you have to rely on the veterans. There is to much talent in the veterans on this team to be wasted.
By Barry
October 8, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
JSS,
You don’t know what you are talking about. Some of the folks you named in your list of talent that’s come through Atlanta and been “run off” by media and fans are still here with their organization. A couple spent were never really in Atlanta to be run off. You are just another example of the true problem with Atlanta fans.
By RayRay
October 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Sundays,meltdown can be attributed to the offensive line.Tennesse stayed in our backfield the whole game.Coach Petrino I do question some of your play calling.As a former Jr.High Coach for many years,even at that level.With 1st and goal from the ONE yard line.I’m showing enough faith in my O-Line(although the had been beat up all afternoon)to give them 3-shots at punching it in.Before reluctenly running something play action. Mr.Blank/Mr.McKay please tell me why You build your whole offense around MV7 and sign a stiff as a backup? DJ Shockey was the only backup quarterback that had any of Mike’s tendencies. Joey Harrington is not the answer,He’ll fold just like he did in Miami.A couple of good games here and there.Then the same Old Joey I’ve gained a lot of respect for MV7 not for what he did that caused him to rein his career but as a football player, carrying this offense(especially this o-line).Did you prepare for anything? Remember when Mike broke his leg and all we had was Doug Johnson for a backup! You learn by your mistakes.WAKE-UP
By Joey...Joey
October 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
VickSupporter:
1) Vick is never coming back - He lied to Arthur Blank and Art Goodell to their faces, and they both took it personally, so forget Vick coming back; 2) Remember ATL vs Detroit, 2006? Vick was an embarrassment that day when the winless Lions beat the Falcons. Vick was sacked multiple times and the offense under Vick was anemic at best: no running game and he was inaccurate. And remember this? The Lions front four consistently boxed Vick in and did not let him out of the box.* Jon Kitna was much better as the Lions QB that day. *
And that was just one game. The Falcons finished 7-9 in 2006 and Vick was the QB in most every game.
By Brownthrasher
October 8, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Why would Petrino want to win. Winning would lessen his chances of getting his college QB to go along with his college coaches.
Regardless, I think it is classless for the players to be pointing fingers and crying like they’re really done something all year. You turned your backs on Vick in psite of his problems. You blamed Deangelo for a game loss. You want to blame Leftwich (who I would not have signed) when Joey had three quarters to get the job done. Now you are whining it’s the coaches. Win as a team. Lose as a team.
By derrick
October 8, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
this is vick team,and everybody knows it. joey sucked in detriot.they are winning ,cause they got a qb that can throw 50 yards or more. also byron,gets put in the game,when thier are no room for eroors! why wait until then. put him in early,and things will be different. can anyone tell me who did mr blanks bring to atlanta beside mike. who did mike have to play with beside the te,and dunn on offensive. know people are seeing that mike never had what the other top qb’s have in the nfl. bring mike back next year,and allow he to fix this mess,or we will lose all our top players soon,and no one will come here!
By Nate
October 8, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
To Mr. Blanks, Mr. McKay and the Falcon team: Now you see how it feels to be thrown under the bus by your home town fans…. I bet MV7 is really laughing at you now. And to think you really thought this team could win games without him…… I’m loving it!!!!! This is going to be a looooooooong season!!!!
By Shamus Thacker
October 8, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Vick is gone.
Vick is never coming back.
Vick, most likely, will never play another down in the NFL.
Vick is about to go to prison, where he and other snitches learn to be tailbacks.
VICK IS GONE FOREVER!!!!
GET OVER IT!!!
HE SUCKED ANYWAY!!!!!
By Amazed
October 8, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
I guess it was Petrino that threw everything high at the end of the game and missed a receiver that was wide open in the end zone. Pulling Harrington was insane yet Petrino did not throw those passes into the stands.
One other thing, it must be great to have a job where you can trash a boss as MeAngelo and now Crumpler have done and still stay employeed.
By Brownthrasher
October 8, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Cowboys stuck with Michael Irvin through all his legal issues. Baltimore stuck with Ray Lewis with his legal issues. Baltimore sticks with Jamal after having served time in federal jail. Cowboys - Superbowl. Ravens - Superbowl. Hmmmmmmm. Call them Arthur. Now!
By LD
October 8, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
I have the Directv NFL package,so I am not forced to watch the Falcons but I thought Joe Horn was supposed to be the guy to move the chains on 3rd down.Where is Joe Horn?Ask the Saints if they wish they still had him. PS Matt Schaub couldn’t save this offense.They need to draft offensive linemen in the first 3 rounds next year.
By Embarrased Falcons Fan
October 8, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Reading this Blog really shows how stupid our fans are… Last week, yall were praising Harrington, and now you want him benched? I really miss VICK even more now, because I really don’t have the stomach to watch this sinking ship anymore. I never knew dogs had rights in America?
By Lynn
October 8, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
MV7 Fan Forever - you are right. I am Ghetto Trash; however, I am married, work in midtown, live in the country club, drive a Benz, have a Masters Degree, son goes to private school, family income $300k+…. on a one-on-one basis, I don’t think you can compete with me. Like everyone else this is a way to express our personal feelings, go take a self-help or psychology class - YOU STUPID B.
By Mike
October 8, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
SSW - You must have been smoking the same stuff as Michael Vick. If anything, the Falcons stayed behind Vick for too long. The put up with all of his nonsense and repaid them and the fans by flat-out lying to everyone. I believe in redemption and forgiveness and after Vick serves his 3-5 years in Federal prision, his 2-3 years in Virginia State Prison, and his 1-2 year NFL suspension, he should be allowed to play again.
By Steve Young
October 8, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
HA! HA! HA! NO VICK, NO SEASON! FALCONS LOSE, FALCONS LOSE, FALCONS LOSE!
By a falcons fan
October 8, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
I cant believe these fans.Shure it was a heart breaking loss,but what did you expect this season to be?Vick decided to end his NFL career buy doing something illegal.That is not Petrinos fault.This offensive line CANT pass block,CANT run block against some of the league’s better defensive fronts,also not Petrinos fault.When the QB change was made I rolled my eyes,I knew things would be different and they werent.Even more embarrasing are these sports writers and fans who want Petrino run after 5 games.Moore,Shultz you guys should be doing something else with your time other than ripping this staff becuase they havent worked a miracle.To these whining insubordinate”veteran” players,you need to learn to keep your mouths shut,you dont run this team.To these false fans,leave your tickets ,take off your gear,and dont be fans anymore.This team needs REAL support right now.Nuff Said.
By A_Town_Down
October 8, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Remember Petrino didn’t use a TE to help out our rookie tackle who came into the game COLD! Oh yeah, that rookie was faced up against VandenBosch… one of the BEST DE’s in the game.
But hey, Petrino passed the Falcon filter and put Vick in his place. Yeah… Yeah…
Is Brohm the answer? hahahahahahahah!!
Woodson? hehehehehehehahah!!
Matt Ryan? maybe (but No O-line, No-WR) ahhahahahahahahhahahahaah!!
Tebow? OK…ROTFL!! ahahahahahhahaha!!
But they are handsome, articulate, and can pass the “Falcon filter.” Well, PETA can buy all the season tickets. Don’t think the suites would be that much a draw either unless Arthur is sponsoring dog-fights and Safari hunts in them.
By Nolan School
October 8, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
Can’t we all just….get along?
By IT'S OVER - ATL
October 8, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
Blank…Think we need to go back to the drawing board. 1st, you bring a new/rookie coach in! 2nd, he brings in a Quarter Back (who has not been successful anywhere)…how do you think the TEAM should feel? Let’s apologize (like Vick) and start all over. We have a good TEAM in Atl, and you have made another BAD BUSINESS DECISSION. We need the Falcons to STAY TOGETHER…What will it be?
By Falcon & Lovie Smith Fan
October 8, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
FYI:
The reason the FALCONS said Lovie Smith “didn’t interview well” with the team was because he REFUSED to throw his entire coaching philosophy out the window for the sake of Michael Vick.
Jim Mora, on the other hand, was PERFECTLY WILLING to prostitute himself and his coaching methodologies for Mike Vick.
Jim Mora got a second interview, and subsequently, the FALCONS Head Coaching Position.
Lovie Smith did NOT even get a “Thank you for your time, but decided to go in a different direction.” letter from McKay and Blank.
How did that decision work out for ya, McKay and Blank ?????
By Barney
October 8, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait for Vick to return to the NFL playing for another team. Everything in America is about race. Yes, this is a white/black issue and always will be. Every one is prejudice to a certain extent. If white people don’t like blacks, stop eating in the expensive restaurants because we’re the ones in there cooking.
By pepper
October 8, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
OJ, YOU SO RIGHT. THEY SHOULD STICK WITH HOCKEY AND GYMNASTICS, A GAME (NOT SPORT) THEY ONLY KNOW ABOUT. MISS YOU MV7.
By Came Here to Talk About FALCONS FOOTBALL
October 8, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
“Lynn” - No one here cares about how much you make or where you live or how much better you THINK you are than the rest of us.
This is a F-O-O-T-B-A-L-L blog, NOT your place to brag to make yourself in order to make you feel better than everyone else. Go take your racism and your narcissism somewhere else.
By Mark
October 8, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
VickBeliever
You use the term “blue eyes”, and call me a racist?? Vick wasn’t cut from the team, he instead chose to be a thug, and throw millions away. Maybe when he gets out of prison, he can carry spit buckets on the sidelines. BTW, I never said Harrington was a better QB than Vick. They both are far from QB material. The only difference is that Harrington will be throwing a football, and Vick will be throwing “good ones” in prison as a convicted felon.
By MrKnowGood
October 8, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
We were the top rushing team in the NFL because Michael Vick turned broken plays into positive yards. Our O-Line was horrible even with Michael Vick in the back field. That’s why Warrick Dunn has always had to earn every yard he got…because he was always getting hit in the backfield. No O-Line + No Vick = A Defensive Coordinator’s dream!!!
Now, that Michael Vick’s legs can no longer cover for our lacking Offensive Line, we are seeing exactly what would have happened to Matt Schaub (had he stayed), Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, Byron Leftwich, and DJ Shockley, (and what will happen to Bryan Bhorm (sp?) next year). WE NEED AN O-LINE!!!! FIX THE O-lINE!!!!!! and then get some deep threat receivers!
By HJ
October 8, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Voice of Reason
Can we all be honest and obvious to the facts here.
1 Vick messed up, he’s the only one to blame for his downfall and suspension. The Falcons (and their fans) didn’t suspend or convict him..the NFL and court system did. 2 It turns out that Vick was more valuable than his haters gave him credit for. 3 The Falcons suck! There’s no one person to blame for this.By BOBO
October 8, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
BOY OH BOY OH BOY! THIS IS ONE VERY BAD (TEAM)!
COACHES COME ON.STOP TRYING TO BE SO SMART. SOMETIMES IT TAKES STRAIGHT UP MUSCLE TO GET IT IN,NOT SOME FUNKY PLAY CALLING. THIS IS HORRIBLE. HAVE ALMOST GIVIN UP ON YOU GUYS. HOW BOARING CAN THIS BE?
By littleman
October 8, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe all of the hatred I am reading. How about we all cancel our season tickets until Mr. Blanks get it right?
By Dan
October 8, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Where is Jerry Glanville when you really need him???
By Itoro in Nashville
October 8, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Simply put, the Titans gave the game to Atlanta. But, Atlanta didn’t want it. How in the world can ALge Crumpler run down the seam in a Cover 2 defense, and JH-13 can’t get the ball to him?
Which brings me to my next point: Vick was the glue that held this moribund franchise together. I am a MV7 supporter and I firmly believe they would’ve had at least 3 wins so far (the other two coming in Nashville and Jacksonville). It also makes for great comedy when 1/2 of ATL is for MV7 and 1/2 is against him. To the outsider, it seems to me Michael Vick is the most polarizing figure in Atlanta since General Sherman…or Bill Campbell! That’s why Blank is throwing Duffle Bags filled with millions at the Feds so he can get Vick’s sentence reduced. Blank is a good guy, but he has to stop meddling.
MV7 was able to mask the inconsistencies, attract free agents and kept us coming down to the Dome from the 615. However…the difference between Tennessee and Atlanta lies here: Coaching and Management. Petrino will fall to the same fate of Steve Spurrier and Nick Saban. Furthermore, Arthur Blank needs to get a Robert Kraft starter kit and hire football people and not meddle in the process. Anyone with half a brain would’ve hired Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm.
Also, you wanted Mike gone. You have your wish and look what happened: THE FALCONS ARE THE LAUGHING-STOCK OF THE NFL. Wait…that distinction belongs to the Miami Dolphins. A dog-fighting Mike Vick is better than a no-talent piano player (referring to JH-13). A dog-fighting Mike Vick is better than an immobile choir boy.
Meanwhile, I think I can snap up great seats in the Georgia Dome. You can find me wearing a Brown Paper Bag in section 115.
By Mike
October 8, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Well what do you know it is time to blame the coach again? Maybe there are too many egos on the team and not enough talent. Last year everyone blamed Mora, so we got a new coach now it is his entire fault. Get real how about we drop some egos from the team and see where it gets us. Alge needs to be traded to another team point blank, along with D Hall, but you know what most coaches don’t’ want to put up with D Halls mouth. We got rid of one loser now we need to get rid of the rest and free up some money. Once Vick pays back what he owes which I doubt he will he can be dropped and there will be more money for next year. You drop these three you can replace them with 5 or 6 good all around players.
Let’s talk about the play calling, you have a QB with no Vision, Harrington reminds me of Quincy Carter see receiver throw to receiver oh crap where did that DB come from. We have a QB problem we have a Defense problem, we have an Off. Line problem. I agree we need more vets on the team. Better yet we need more players on the team that can keep their mouths closed and play football. How many times do you hear about Jason Witten talking junk, how about Champ Bailey, Tome Brady, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo, I can go on all day.
Alge wants to pound the ball in for 1 yard well I don’t see it happening, we have established the OL is not in the blocking mood, but you know tell me when they have been in the last few years, last time I check Vick spent most of his time being chased out of the pocket, we are a team geared for a running quarterback not a pocket passer. Either we find one of those or you rethink the whole OL.
By Joe Joe
October 8, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Why can’t we go after an established coach? Two rookie coaches in a row??!!
By Lidababy
October 8, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Arthur - wake up and smell the stinking fish. This is a wasted season (and you thought you could do it without #7). If you stop worring about getting your money back from Vick, you can focus on winning! You got your $20 million dollars worth in the first season. Are you kidding me? Sunday, the Falcons look clumsy and Harrington looked like he saw the boogey man!
By KimmieK
October 8, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Alge is right… what are the coaches doing?? Don’t trust it! Folks who hire Joe Horn and Ovie Mughelli and don’t use them… duds! In addition, we have great talent in Alge, Norwood, and Dunn. But, you have to utilize them… correctly. Why do you have Warrick trying to pound the middle on a short yardage situation? That’s not the type of back he is. That’s when you should use Ovie or Pinner, since that’s Pinner’s specialty. Once again, we are our own worst enemy. We STILL have the talent to win and by all accounts should be at least 3 wins in this first quarter of the season… but, bad coaches, poor play calling, and horrible execution have been our downfall.
P.S. Dunn is a great back, but, he’s not the back the trucks up the middle. We need a guy to pound the middle and better yet we need to use the guys we have that can do it… that’s not Dunn’s game.
By Lidababy
October 8, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Arthur - wake up and smell the stinking fish. This is a wasted season (and you thought you could do it without #7). If you stop worring about getting your money back from Vick, you can focus on winning! You got your $20 million dollars worth in the first season. Are you kidding me? Sunday, the Falcons look clumsy and Harrington looked like he saw the boogey man!
By Barry
October 8, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
MrKnowGood,
How right you are! The O-line is the foundation of every offense. No matter what style offense you run, the linemen must block. Everyone who thinks the problems lie elsewhere are mistaken.
Under Dan Reeves, the personnel decisions were routinely criticized. People said he was a great coach but terrible at judging talent. Now people say Dan Reeves player decisions helped Mora win in his first year. Now it’s McKay’s turn to take the stupid criticism from “fans”.
The Falcons are bad right now because they hitched their wagon to MV7 and Mora. They built a team around a quarterback who couldn’t pass and an offensive line who couldn’t block well even when using a cut-block scheme. It’s not the coach or owner or anyone else in the organization.
It will take time to fix this year’s mess. It will take patience while young players develop. And it will take a lot of prayer for whichever quarterback has the misfortune of playing behind our overmatched o-line.
By JSS
October 8, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah Barry…
Henry Aaron did not come back to the Braves organization until his best friend the late Bill Lucas was named GM and brought him back in the Braves family in the late 70’s. And we all know (except for you it seems) that Wilkins did not come until the new ownership saw that Nique wanted to reconcile with the organization and they need to reach to the fan base that has abandon the sinking ship that is the Atlanta Hawks… Know your role!!!
By SSW
October 8, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Why does anyone that supports and forgives Mike Vick have to be smoking anything? Maybe it’s just being able to forgive. I don’t condone what he did and it was illegal, but we are speaking of dogs that are born and bred to fight, that’s what they do. He is paying for his mistakes and there are enough naysayers out there that will never let him forget. But, he is a very talented athlete and should pay his dues and be able to continue playing. If I were him, I don’t know that I would ever want to play for the Falcons again. I hope that he keeps the faith and stays strong.
By jagfan95
October 8, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
It looks like a few of you have been able to draw some conclusions about Leftwich after watching him for a couple of series. Try watching him for four years. He is a statue. Trips over his own feet at least once a game. Not fast enough to check down. It’s like watching an old car rust.
By jp
October 8, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Now people can see what Vick meant to this team! McKay gave his coaches the flexibility they needed so the talent is a direct reflection on the coaches. All of the drafts since McKay has been here were deemed as excellent drafts by the pro’s. They seem bad to ATL fans because of the losses and the coaching change. With a coaching change, there will be excellent talent that fit one scheme that may not fit another scheme. All of that said, I think falcon fans need to support the owner, the gm and the coach. Remember, the same fans that blames Rich, Arthur and Petrino are the same ones that thought Vick was the problem when there was a collective problem with O-line and receivers.
By Barry
October 8, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
JSS,
You need to find a way to make coherent arguments. You said those players were “ran off” by media and fans. They weren’t. I was in Atlanta for most of the years you reference and your assertion is just false. Sure Maravich might have been mistreated. But while Dominque was criticized by the media…he was not chased away. And Heatley? He chose to leave Atlanta after a horrible incident nearly wrecked his life and career.
One more thing…these players are supposed to be professionals. They are supposed to understand that criticism is part of the game. You’re the one who sounds like he cheers for 18 year olds. If a player can’t take the heat of criticism with his wildly insane salary and his privilege to play a pro sport…then he better NEVER go to New York to play.
.he was criticized by the media. The players who left Atlanta did so
By JSS
October 8, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah Barry…
Henry Aaron did not come back to the Braves organization until his best friend the late Bill Lucas was named GM and brought him back into the Braves family in the late 70’s. And we all know (except for you it seems) that Wilkins did not come back until the new ownership saw that Nique wanted to reconcile with the organization and they needed to reach to the fan base that has abandoned the sinking ship that is the Atlanta Hawks… So here is lesson for today Barry, stay off “the Clear” and Know your role!!! If you don’t know something about Atlanta sports history, don’t talk about the history of Atlanta sports… Phwwwwetttt!!!
By Hadessah
October 8, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Bring Vick Back
By vick supporter
October 8, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
well, well, well. what do we have here. seem like a lot of the atlanta fans are ticked off cause their team cant move the ball no more. i BET you wish you had mike vick now huh? u wanted him gone and now that he is, you are still complaining. a wise man always told me to be careful of what you wish for cause you just might get it. now, take your defeats like a real fan. i’ve told you same fans over and over again, you take away vick, you have nothing. #1 rushing team…gone. dunn’s thousand yd seasons…gone. crumpler catching days…gone. you now realize how important mike vick was to this team, dont you? and what’s going to hurt worse is when vick comes back to atlanta, on a different team, and shreds your defense, you all are going to be saying “damn, we shoulda kept him!’ mike, i’m with you buddy, every sunday, laughing and at the same time shaking your head in disgust. they did you wrong player..they’ll see in 2 yrs what coulda been if they had only gotten you help. vick took this subpar team to the nfc championship game and ya’ll think ya’ll are going back without him? please. read my lips, no qb can play with that o-line. NONE
By Barry
October 8, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
JSS,
LOL, they are not children. It doesn’t matter why Aaron or Nique came back. They did. They apparently were not too hurt by the media or their teams to return.
Don’t try to make logical arguments…know your role!!!
By Mark
October 8, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
SSW
No, he hasn’t paid for his mistakes. You can say that when the felon is released from prison.
NO NMAE PLEASE Have you ever gone fishing, and caught ALL the fish??
By Mike
October 8, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
SSW - Good post. Well thought out. You believe in what you say and that’s a good thing. But Management stood behind him for a long time. Lying is a tough thing to overcome. Any potential owners and coaches will have a tough time trusting him.
By Itoro in Nashville
October 8, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
The reason why Blank doesn’t go after established coaches (or reputable coordinators) is because he’s got the Jerry Jones’ starter kit circa 1994-2002.
Hire coaches….excuse me….puppets to run the team. You’ve got Rich McKay. USE HIM! You’ve got Alge Crumpler. USE HIM! You’ve got Jerious Norwood. USE HIM! DeAngelo Hall took back a fumble for a TD. Michael Boley had 14 takles and 1 INT.
However….you wanted Vick gone….and this is the thanks you get.
I’d take a dog-fighting MV7 over a no-talent piano player.
And to Terrance Moore: Since when did you become the be-all, end-all of Atlanta sports?!?!? You get on ESPN and proclaim Mike Vick will never play in the league again. How soon we forget in the 70s and 80s, there were wifebeaters, steroid-users, and Coke dealers….but we turned a blind eye. Terrance, I used to respect your work…but as Black male….I simply shudder and change the channel/radio station when you come on air and spew your garbage.
P.S. Lynn, you and your husband are my new rolemodels…lol!
Itoro, Tennessee State University, Class of 2006
By salt
October 8, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
JIM P, YOU ARE LOSING IT. HATING MV THIS MUCH IS NOT WORTH HAVING A HEART ATTACK OVER. YOU HAVE SO MUCH HATE IN YOUR HEART FOR A MAN WHO DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO YOU. SAY GOODBYE TO THE BLOGS AND GO WATCH GYMNASTICS.
By WJB
October 8, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why anyone is surprised by the Falcon’s record. I am sure all you haters of Mike Vick should be pleased at the outcome. You didn’t want what Mike Vick brought to the game….EXCITEMENT. You were too busy judging and destroying Mike’s life. Since you wanted a boring, loosing team then you are getting what you asked for since you didn’t want the most exciting player every to play the game of football to be in this league. Hope you are havy Arthur Blank.
By Cobby
October 8, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Coaches coach Players play—-Crumpler
By KZ_Guy
October 8, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
The main problem with the Falcons is the offensive line. They can’t protect the QB when he tries to pass not can they open holes for the running backs. We didn’t have an O-line to start with and we are using the 2d & 3rd stringers. I hope the Falcons didn’t sign Leftwich for more than one year. He is the slowest QB I’ve ever seen.
By JSS
October 8, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Barry, Look in the mirror… Tell Larry Craig and Jeff Schultz to move out of thway so you can take a gander…
By whoever
October 8, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Vick Supporter….why would we want to keep a 53% career passer as our QB of the future? He is a terrible quarterback…notice i didnt say athlete. He is a gifted athlete, but as an NFL quarterback he’s probably ranked somewhere in the teens to 20’s.
dont confuse athleticism with ability.
The only way Vick will be coming back to the dome to beat the falcons is if they schedule a scrimmage with the Virgina State Pen team.
By whoever
October 8, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
WBJ
You were too busy judging and destroying Mike’s life
I’m pretty sure Mike was doing a good job of ruining his own life without my help….but if you want to cast the blame on society and say that the white man went after him just because he was rich black man, then that’s fine…either way…your homie is going to jail.
Oh by the way…the falcons are having a LOSING season, not a LOOSING season. Get educated you ignorant Mississippi Dirt-Farmers
By monty
October 8, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Does anyone in their right mind think that a MV led team would have lost that game yesterday? Please answer without prejudice. THE obvious answer is no way in you know what. What most people don’t recognize is that MV was the only thing ATl had going for them last year. The team was just as bad last year but they believed in MV. It’s obvious they don’t believe in anyone at this point, not even the coaches. So many bloggers were calling for a “pocket passer” last year. Well you got what you wished for and now he is “shell-shocked” becasues the O-line can’t block for him as it didn’t for Vick. But at least he could turn a potential sack into a 40 yard gain with his legs.
By GOD OF WAR
October 8, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Ha ha ha now we know how great of a QB Vick really was.. Now imagine him in the Chicago or Dallas back field at QB.. Title after Superbowl Title.. Heck even imagine him in any backfield that has some blocking going on, he would be a MAN amoungst boys even more so than he was in Atlanta.. They better be up there lobbying for 6 months in Jail so Vick can come on back and get us back in the playoffs.. Oh and in case you couldnt tell I’m still a Vick fan.. Lucky number 7 my man!!!
By Barry
October 8, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
No quarterback who wasn’t desperate to save his career would come to Atlanta with the o-line we have. We’re stuck with it this year. If I were Harrington, I wouldn’t mind getting pulled after taking the beating he did.
Leftwich is not the answer either. We need some STARTING pitching…wait, where have I heard that before in Atlanta?
By Dub
October 8, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t know which loss is more pathetic: this one or the one against Carolina last year when they didn’t even have a quarteback half of the game.
By ck
October 8, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
petrino deserves better then he is getting from the players and the fans. he left a cuhy job at loiusville to come in here and starighten out MV7 and the Falcons. he had no idea harrington would be his Starter and that this team would just quit on him before midseason.
Atl and the Falcons have let Vick ruin this frnachise for years to come because they just can’t get over not having MV& run his way to a 8-8 season again.
get over it and grow up.
petrino is the coach and he will put the players on the field that play his system. if the vets want to quit then let em go.
By whoever
October 8, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
GOD OF WAR
Even Vick’s homies weren’t as loyal as you…they ratted his a* out.
why the high degree of loyalty from you? You say you want Vick to come back and get us “back in the playoffs”
you’ll have to refresh my memory, when was the last time he got us to the playoffs?
By bwildman
October 8, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
He should had left Harrington in the game. Leftwich is rusty and doesn’t know the plays. Patrino getting disparate for a win! The Falcons will only win 4 games maybe six.
By LouCardFan
October 8, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Looks like Arthur Blank will get burnt again — Coach Petrino. Get rid of him while the blood still boiling in your veins. He’ll do the Nick Saban dance - tip toe thru window.
By GOD OF WAR
October 8, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Well I’ll say this.. The Falcons were a hell of alot better with Vick in the backfield.. Now run and tell that to Whomever it may concern. Ha ha ha ha ha.. Ya’ll mad but I dont understand why, you got what you wanted Vick outta here and now deal with it.. I’m still a fan win lose or draw cause I’m used to it I’ve been a Falcon fan since the Fulton County Stadium days.. I’m used to them being 2-14 and making bad drafts and such, hell might as well bring Rankin back to life so he can see whats going on.. He would love the way everybody is stinking up the place.. Ha ha ha ha.. I’ll be there after the bye with the bag over my head with a number 7 on it..
By vicksupporter
October 8, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
FREE MIKE VICK, FREE MIKE VICK, W/ HIM BEHIND CENTER, THE FALCON’S WOULD HAVE MOVED THE STICKS!!!!!
everybody needs to be honest to themselves. now the team without vick doesn’t exist. w/o his leadership the team is falling apart.
By Dawg Rant
October 8, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
Petrino’s offense has never utilized the tight end very much, dating back to Louisville. It’s WR heavy. Crumpler should have known this was coming.
I don’t know what he’s b*** about. The goal line call wasn’t a terrible call by any means. As Petrino said, they had blocked if Haynesworth doesn’t reach over and grab Leftwich. The decision to bring in Leftwich at all turned out to be a poor decisiion when he over threw the wide open receiver, but hands down the players flat out lost that game. I thought Petrino had an very good game plan as did our D for stopping Young.
We need to work on our red zone stuff, but I put more of that on O line pass blocking and Harrington not getting rid of it quicker. Petrino is going to be a great coach in the NFL before it’s all said and done…let’s hope it’s with Atlanta.
By JJ
October 8, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
The falcons are in it waist deep. I knew when they couldn’t capitalize on the Norwood kick return it was over. They had the chance to make a field goal on the same drive and missed. I knew the game was over. The falcons & the red zone just don’t mix. Joey is not the problem. He still had a decent game & the defense was great, they kept the falcons in the game causing the turnovers. The coaches are not on the same page with the players & they are not using all their resources. On paper Atlanta has a good team but with poor coaching that doesn’t mean a thing.
By Eric
October 8, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick is history. Forget about him. It’s over. Note to Coach Petrino: if Leftwich could come off the bench and win games, he’d still be in JAX. I think if Joey had stayed in the game, the Falcons would’ve won. Whatnahell were you thinking?
By offensive line suks
October 8, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Now everyone can say with certainty tha t it was not Mikes’ fault. The o line is horrible. Why invest 140 million in a quarterback and invest nothing in the line that protects that investment? It’s equivalent to having no homeowners insurance.
By teegee
October 8, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
If the Smiths “the Clampetts”, then Arty Blank must be “Boss Hog”. Firing Reeves/Hiring Jimmy Jr./Backdoor Petrino,Pearless Price,”Coach”Horn,1-1 Mughelli to mention a few misteps. What a genius.
By tootsie
October 8, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Wait kids, there’s more….
By notmvfan$
October 8, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
To the Atlanta fans, and mv supporters. MV history! Move on and support the team. You definitely don’t have the right coach that has your best interest — get him out while you can. Best Arthur Blanks sell the team & new owner start from scratch — rebuild & rid everything that is a reminder of MV. Stop the race card & prejudice tongue lashing, it is what it is - MV is going to jail & rightful he deserves it. MV don’t really care about his supporters - think about it! So many underpriviledge children & programs could been funded by MV rather than a dog scheme. Work with what you got, support Joey, Byron, support each other! I pray MV never return to the NFL unless he has been totally REDEEM. Now go with GOD & be @ peace!
By Robert
October 8, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
I don’t get it. We went out and signed all these guys (Horn, the fullback guy,etc), we have existing talent (dunn, norwood,etc), and hardly any of these guys are being used.
Our O-Line couldn’t stop Tennessee yesterday, and you can’t blame that on Joey when he’s got .00001 seconds to find a receiver. Taking him out of the game was a momentum changer, and probably destroyed the confidence Joey had gotten from improved performance the past two weeks.
Petrino is an idiot, he’s not using his talent, the rushing game is a nightmare, and he seems more lost than Gregg Knapp was (if that’s even possible) with how to run an NFL offense.
The players are right to be mad because Petrino doesn’t make a lick of sense. Get rid of him after this year.
By Keeping IT in my pocket
October 8, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
The city, state ,AJC, brother ,rednecks owner, coaches, players, fans, hater, lovers, Vick haters and lover and all that is left need to pull together. This is our team we all hate loseing and we all love to win. New England should be the blue print on how to build a team we need a good offense line a mobile QB a great defense and great coaches and fans this is what will take a lot of work the fans. New England has been to the super bowl and they have won and lost but they put out a good product most every year. I belive the Falcons Brass do not want to win . First they don’t know how. One super bowl in over 40 years. Get a winner or just sell the team. I am tired of loseing. I am a season ticket holder 1700 hundred bucks for this. A first round draft pick is not the answer. a New England style system is what is need. Vick was the hope and superman is gone . He was the falcons, love him or hate him he keep this team close. To many Haters that don’t know Jack about football. Vick had players wanting to come to Atlanta but not now!! The players are telling you Petiro is lost and I belive them just like they said about Mora. The Falcons team is lost in space. Danger Danger . Blank you are after Vick for money he keep the house packed for six year and now your ticket is gone. If you know best If he can come back you had better let him(Vick). But you will listen to the haters and your Dome will be empty watch and see!!!!! Keep listening to the haters. They don’t buy tickets any ways. Vick can’t read defense, he can’t pass, he is a thug. That so call Thug had people in the stands and we always had hope because of Vick. Blank Keep listening to the Haters and keep loseing. The people who know football were saying the offense line was weak no but it Vick. Hate will keep you blind!!
By Petrino a Genius
October 8, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
I get it, don’t you? So what if we get a touchdown, we still would have only tied it up and then lost by a field goal. We missed how many field goals?
Keep morten. Now you know he can only hit 45 yrds or less. Don’t use the other kicker anymore. He is gone. Teach Leftwich to break tackles, he is a big QB. If the offensive coach doesn’t turn it up. Let him go.
Sorry, he is a rookie coach. He has to find out the teams shortcomings. One is offensive play calling, another is the team’s ATTITUDE. If the veterans are too ‘tied up with Vick’ then they have to be let go.
Sorry falcon fans, this is a build up year. You knew this once Vick was indicted. Sorry Alge, quit complaining and the pipedream.
Lastly, it’s attitude. Falcons team has the wrong attitude. Vick’s favorite catch phrase was like, “I didn’t give it my all. Next year I will be firing on all pistons.” Screw that! Always give it your all. Vick’s was all dopped and his mind was on his side business. Even if it was legal, you make enough, concentrate on your job! Doing endorsement is your second job. No way in hell do you want Vick back. Get over it, people!
By Loyal Falcon's fan
October 8, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
I am a supporter of the Atlanta Falcons football team but they really need to get rid of Coach Bobby Petrino, GM Rich McKay and D’Angelo Hall and any other players with rude behaviors. I will not renew my season pass any longer.
By Dr.Strangelove
October 8, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Wow Victoria, I’m black and I’m offended by those comments.Petrino, please just use Dunn to catch screens or a halfback go route. He’s finished as a productive runner now that Vick can’t cover for him. Leave the racist comments out of it though.
By Aaron
October 8, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Vick will never play for the Atlanta Falcons again but he will play in the NFL.
By browneyes64
October 8, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
It’s so sad to see this happening.
By Mike
October 8, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
GOD OF WAR - The only team Vick will be quarterbacking will be the Federal Prison team in Atlanta! You’re right - the Falcons would be a much better team with Vick. There’s no doubt about that. However his arrogance and stupidity screwed that up. Remember what Vick said in April, “No matter what I do the fans will still love me.” In some cases that’s true.
By Ariel
October 8, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
My big brother is GIVING away his season tickets to any man who will go out on a date with him. He is looking for a long term relationship but wants to have fun until he finds the right partner.
By Laughing at Falcons
October 8, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick won games period. I dont see the Falcons doing no more than what they are doing now loosing. I love my Ga. teams but this year they all suck Braves, Falcons, Hawks{yea they will too}, Thrashers, Bulldogs, an Ga. Tech. They wanted Vick gone even when he lead them to the N.F.C championship an wanted a immobile white QB.
I hope the Falcons never win another game again.As long as Vick was winning games for all yall ungrateful b@stards in ATL nothing was said. As soon as the dogfighting $hit came too yall wanted to hang a brother. I say good for you.
Hate to see a black man walk around not dressed in a suit but in baggy jeans tee-shirt an Timbaland boots with ear rings. First thing said oh he a thug he a bad influence bull$hit. When D.J Shockley got hurt in the preseason I knew it was over because he was the closest thing to Mike Vike on the team an I felt they would have done better with him as QB this year
By Mike
October 8, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Shouldn’t have gotten unceremoniously ditched Dan Reeves. Shouldn’t have fired Mora after three years. You cannot keep changing coaching staffs every three to four years, rebuild your team around that coachings staff’s system and enjoy success. Crumpler coming out against the coaching staff is the most disheartening thing that I’ve seen thus far this season, because he is a pro and a leader. Same, same with Dunn. At this point though, if you fire Petrino, what quality coach is going to take a job with this organization? Give Petrino a chance, but he has GOT to regain the trust and confidence of his players. Bobby, leadership is the art of getting things done through people.
By William
October 8, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
Atlanta is and always will be a black city. If you do not like it, MOVE.
By NS at Kennesaw
October 8, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Yes, I agree and want to emphaize the following:
(1) Joey was not the problem It wasn’t him, “”It’s the O’ line that needs to be fixed and fast !!!**
(2) Offensive play calling has been poor Particularly the running game. Why not use the big guy recently signed to run on short yardage !!! Dunn is still great but he can’t go hitting the wall of D’ line or D’ Back every time
(3) Use the talents available This off season, Falcons signed a couple of great players … why not use them. J. Horn and a few other guys. If they are no good then why bother signing them here !!
(3) Leftwich is still not “game ready” When coach Patrino decided to switch Q’back - why not having Redman (who is no 2) play ??? why switch to rusty and not ready no 3 !!!
Falcons could have won by 2 TD yesterday, but coach you lost it.
**Is this a sign of a strong ego coach about to loose the locker room ???”
By Titans in Your Face
October 8, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Kudos Cadman! Now that is “Well Put”!!
By Mike
October 8, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Malcolm Excrement - I’m not a Vick hater. But Vick haters didn’t throw him away. Vick through his career away himself. Wait until he starts snitching. Remember that was part of his plea bargain - to become a Federal Informant. We’ll see how everyone feels after that.
By Chad
October 8, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
PLEASE CLOSE THIS BLOG SESSION ASAP. BLOGGERS - GO BACK TO WORK!!!
By Ryan H
October 8, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Petrino stinks. I hated the hire when it happened, and I hate it more now. He coddled Michael Vick. Can’t stand up to Deangelo Hall. Can’t call a play to save his life. Flips QB’s like he changes clothes. Seriously, last week everyone sang Harrington’s praises and he comes in and has a mediocre game and he’s pulled??? It’s for this very reason, I’m so glad Brett Favre went to Green Bay. The Falcons have never known how to treat a QB under any regime. Go back to college Petrino where you scare tactics and cute plays work.
By Jennifer
October 8, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Dancing Dunn just can’t do it anymore. Stop giving him the ball. Norwood is the man!
By Romeo
October 8, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
I come to work faithfully so I can get on my job’s computer and blog!!!
By Michael T. Brown
October 8, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
I TEND TO TOTALLY AGREE WITH MOST OF THE COMMENTS HERE CONCERNING THE 45,000 SEASON TICKETS, AND PETRINO PULLING A NICK SABAN. I’VE SAID ALL ALONG THAT VICK MADE THE “BIRDS” NFL CONTENDERS, NOW ? ONLY HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE !
By Bobo Fell on His Head
October 8, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
GO (to prison) VICK GO (to prison) VICK GO (to prison) VICK GO (to prison) VICK
By Christian
October 8, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are looking good on Defence. They just need to try to ddo something with the Offence. Do not lose hope Falcons… You can Recover and still make it to the playoffs. Win the rest of you division games… plus win other games and i promise you will make it to the playoffs. I like the way the team comes out every week and plays very hard. Keeep that up and you will make it to the playoffs. I know yhey can do it. GOOD JOB DEFENCE… KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
By HB
October 8, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t believe when they brought in Leftwich to replace Harrington. Leftwich hasn’t spent much time in a game since he was hurt against Houston last year and was replaced by Gerrard. There is a reason why he was cut by Jacksonville. Leftwich looked befuddled, confused, scared and quite frankly like he doesn’t belong on an NFL field.
I fully support Algae’s position. The coaches are trying to imitate Arizona, and it just isn’t going to work here. Way to go knuckleheads. Put Harrington back in. Did I actually just say that!
By reebok
October 8, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
What made the Falcons decide to hire a college coach again? Anyway, Tech needs to fire Gailey and hire Petrino. Neither team can be any good with the current head coaches. Not too sure about Georgia either, but they’re the best thing going in-state right now.
By SMT
October 8, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
To all of you Mike Vick haters who sat around yesterday watching the game(s), eating buffalo wings (thanks to the chicken who got his neck cut off) and hamburgers (thanks to the cow that got his head bashed in) I say to you, how dare you point fingers! You are all hypocrites and animal abusers!
By BOBO PUT HIMSELF BACK TO GETHER AGAIN
October 8, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
GO VICK GO VICK GO VICK GO
By tyger
October 8, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick made the Falcoons look better than they really were and everybody knows it now.
“We” let PETA run off our only superstar in franchise history over some crap, we need him back now more than ever.
He has to pay for what he did, but after that, it should be over. More now than ever, ATL should believe in “redemption”.
By Big Donnie
October 8, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Tell it Alge! Hey PETRINO: Alge Crumpler is the best, most sure-handed receiver on the atlanta Falsons. Have you not watched a game over the past 5 seasons?
Get him the ball! 1st & Goal on the 1… we end up on the 12. POUND THE BALL, but run off a lead blocker Petrino, not with a single back (who weighs 180 pounds) — this ain’t college!
By frankie
October 8, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Joey Harrington is SCARED and that was before he was getting sacked. WHy in the world would you put a ROOKIE OFFENSIVE TACKLE up against a VETERAN DE in the last few minutes without any help. Dunn should have been lines up on the left and help contain that DE.
THE coaching stinks and the players aren’t playing to their potential to put it mildly….Putting LEFTWICH in at the end of the game was stupid, give him a chance he should have been put it after the half or not at all…
Schottenheimer is still available, the season is already gone, might as well call him in to consult this year and begin as head coach next year……Draft an evry down Running Back …..my little league team could have beat the falcons this weekend…..Season tickets fors sale 75% off…..
By Think about it
October 8, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
WE NEED VICK!!!!! WE NEED VICK!!!!!
By frankie
October 8, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Have you noticed in the last three games, Joey will NOT RUN with the ball. He had three opportunities to runfor a score being inside the 10 yard line and one person between him and the goal….HELL Schaub ran for the damn goal line even Philip rivers ran for a score…
Joey “can’t take a hit” harrington SUCKS and the falcons should have never wasted their money on him… I would have rather went after culpepper or trent green …their are at least 10 second string QBs avaialble who are better than Joey…what a punk….
By Adam
October 8, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Petrino deserves a pass on this season. All of the supposed Falcons fans need to get off his back. You’re whining about his offense?? Get serious. Half the teams in the NFL would suffer a similar fate if their star quarterback was suddenly kicked off the team!! Think about what’s happened to the Falcons this year. This is a head coach’s worst nightmare. Let’s hold off on the ‘Fire Petrino’ chants. Or at the very least, rephrase them to ‘Fire McKay’. I say give him another year or two. This was going to be a lost year. If anyone thought otherwise, they are kidding themselves. I knew the Falcons were destined for the top 10 of the draft.
By Joe
October 8, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Honestly I think the best thing for the Falcons is have a new owner. Blank is a complete idiot when it comes to running this francise. How can someone have that kind of faith in Mike Vick to just give him a $130 million dollar contract. Now he’s bringing in another virus in Leftwich. Blank is a fool and he needs to step back and let McKay run this team. I don’t even want to see his dumbass at the game anymore….
By Miz Rose
October 8, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
GO TITANS
By THE DAWG
October 8, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
QUIT YOUR WHINING CRUMPLER YOU WERE NO BETTER WITH VICK.IF YOU WOULD CATCH THE BALL MAYBE THEY WOULD THROW IT TO YOU.
By Adam
October 8, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Get serious. You’re blaming Arthur Blank?! McKay deserves all of the blame for putting this pitiful team together. I wouldn’t trust him with anything.
By makes me wonder
October 8, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
It’s a football game people. Is it really worth getting this worked up over? Does it affect your lives this much? Seriously….
By Jimmy H.
October 8, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Leftwich isn’t your answer, unless your question is “which QB can imitate a garden statue the best?” Remember, he got fired in Jacksonville, where he was awful, and the fans hated him the entire time he was there.
By Titans in Your Face
October 8, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Thank you Miz Rose!
By Mark
October 8, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
All you idiots comparing deer hunting to killing dogs are fools. Deer are hunted for sport and food, and is legal. Slamming an innocent dog to the ground has no such qualities, nor is it legal. I suppose all you fools don’t eat chicken, beef or pork? You illiterate fools are amusing. If most of you blacks would have stayed in school, you might have learned the difference between right and wrong.Racist azzholes!
By GotMYwish
October 8, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Vick’s headed to jail, who cares if we ever see him on Sundays, or any other day again? The world is a better place when nutcases who enjoy wiring dogs get locked up. Playing football ain’t all that important—unless you’re obsessed with what guys do with balls.
The .002 percent of the population who want him loose in society just to carry a chunk of pig can type in caps all day long. It won’t cut one second off of Vick’s sentence.
Oh, and putting Leftwich in? Dumb. The dude just signed on two weeks ago. Why do the Falcons have a way of bringing out the worst in anyone around the organization? The word “draft” has a more traditional meaning for this club. It’s like being sent to ‘Nam.
By Gator Steve
October 8, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Kris: Blank did not destroy the team. You remember Mike Vick who used to play here. Blank did not manage this asset very well which is surprising for the guy who was BMOC at home depot… Trading Schaub, big mistake, to believe Vick, bigger mistake, Schaub was the insurance policy, and it was so apparent, but they believed Vick and nobody asked the question what if?? Blank is asking himself, what was I thinking??? and the Smith family is laughing all the way to the bank…The Falcons are a mucking fess even bigger than Terrance Moore thought it would be…Rich Mckay for what they pay him is the biggest stick up since the Brinks robbery..I used to love to go see the Falcons play, now you couldn’t pay me enough money to watch trainwreck.. its sad!!!
By jeb
October 8, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
All of the Georgia sports from College to Pro are just mediocre. The colleges are just ok if they go the Peach Bowl every year not contending for #1 Bowl. My falcons are ok if don’t not go to playoffs at all never return to SUPERBOWL. The Patriots and Cowboys are about winning. You don’t want your players. WE WILL TAKE THEM AND WIN..WIN..WIN..
By gift
October 8, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
man i miss vick. Mike vick you need to get your life back together so you can restore the falcons so i’ll continue to pray for you that you will be back out there.
By July Jones
October 8, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Petrino is quickly going the way of Spurrier in terms of his NFL career.
Algie got it exactly right. This is the WORST offense in the NFL and perhaps the worst in many years. Not only that, but Petrino is now losing the faith of his best players because of his stupid approach.
Does anyone think that Vick would have made a difference with this guy running the show?!?!?!
By Aldo
October 8, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
The problem with this franchise is Mr. Blank. He has continually made poor decisions with everything from his coaching hires to his free agents to his marketing of the team and the entire dome “experience”. The NFL un-employment line is littered with ex-college gurus who could not get it done in the NFL. Blank cast off Dan Reaves to get “his guy” on board. I liked Mora, but the team and Vick regressed under his tutelage. When given the opportunity to correct his mistake, Blank went for an even more inexperienced coach. It is hard for me to believe that Rich McKay is actually making these decisions as well. If he is, he should be gone too.
We are back to the Pat Peppler/Marion Campell era, and it’s not going to get fixed anytime soon. Balnks coddeling of Vick, combined with poor personnel & coaching decisions has divided the fanbase and set us back thity five years.
There is an underlying black versus white thing going on that may never go away. It used to not be that way; especially at the old stadium during the Bennett years. Black & white players were cheered and supported by all and a Falcon game felt like a football game; not some kind of pre-fab, packaged entertainment stunt. I will keep our season tickets (original family season ticket holders from 1965) until my son gets out of college. We go to his games on Saturday and give our Falcon tix away. If something doesn’t change, I’ll give up on the birds and stick to the college game.
By DOG LOVER
October 8, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
TO ALL THE VICK HATERS
SHOW SOME LOVE WE ALL CAME FROM THE SAME PLACE!
By john
October 8, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Vick is not coming back. But Vickie is.
By Corporate Lady
October 8, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
This is exactly what the Falcons Deserve..I’m from Atlanta so I’ve seen the Falcons go from bad to worse in the past..but what goes around comes around. (they shouldn’t have just turned their back on VICK like that) We’ve known for years that the Falcons have lacked a solid defense and offense, but everyone wanted to put the weight of the world (games) on 1 person; VICK..so now with him gone we see the limited development and improvement from the offense, defense, and special teams. And all of a sudden the team is the worse in the league..we were not that good with VICK, but he was able to enhance the game and some players stats. We might as well forget about watching this local team on TV next year b/c media coverage isn’t going to be an option. And we also might as well forget about having any type of decent season for the next few years. WE SUCK..notice I didn’t say they suck..I’m a try fan..WE SUCK..
By R. Stroz
October 8, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Hey everybody, the racial crap is making the city look horrible. I’ve lived here my entire life and this blog sounds like the Blank Panthers versus the Klan with a little reason sprinkled in.
My observations:
1) Harrington is scared to get hit.
2) The offensive line is horrible.
3) The play calling is lame.
4) Brooking is over the hill and gets taken out of too many plays.
5) Boley is the linebacker for the Falcons future.
6) Alge didn’t critize Mora, so Petrino must really be bad.
7) If you watched the Texans vs. Falcons game live, Schwab is better than Harrington. Schwab was missing his number one running back and two of the Texans best receivers and still damn near beat the Falcons.
8) I’m not comparing Schwab to Vick.
9) Even Brooking knew the Falcons needed to pressure Schwab; but, our coaching staff didn’t blitz and didn’t run stunts.
10) If your team has +4 turnover ratio and you don’t win, something is really mucked up with your team.
Everyone, white or black, listen to Alge. He has been neutral during everything that has gone on with the Falcons. Alge, Warrick, and Keith (even though he really isn’t effective anymore) have been rocks during the storm. If Alge is talking everyone should pay attention.
By Orlando Rivera
October 8, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Up until now I have always tried to give you Atlanta “fans” the benefit of the doubt, and that you could be smart enough to realize that change doesn’t come overnight. Now I realize that ALL OF YOU ARE JUST PLAIN IDIOTS!
Ok, so they had a bad game offensively, the veterans are trying to determine their role in the offense. Petrino made some mistakes, but these are the kinds of things that will happen as he’s trying to put his mark on the team. He’ll see this through as long as management will allow him to.
I don’t think it was wise to bring in Leftwich when he was so rusty, but you only learn by doing. Eventually I do see him being the QB over Joey Harrington.
It won’t matter who’s behind center with this p** poor offensive line, but Atlanta needs a true playmaker at RB, no question. Dunn is no longer a starter but a third down back. Norwood needs more carries, and the receivers should stop complaining and make plays.
Kudos to the defense continuing to improve, especially Anderson. I see Atlanta coming out and smoking the Giants next Monday night!
By SAL
October 8, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Everyone is saying Joey had a bad game,but Vince Young Did not do any better. We should have stuck with joey in the game. Blank Hired a coach to early. We should have waited and got Marty.
By Larry
October 8, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Petrino has not show anything about how good a coach he is. Personally I don’t really think he will make a good Pro Coach. You can not run a college offense in the pros. Others have tried it and failed and Petrino will fail also. Spurrier, Saban, and others have all failed and returned to the college game where they are excellent coaches. Crumpler is right when he says the coaches are playing to the younger guys. After the Vick mess I think Petrino has decided he needs to get the #1 draft pick from the college ranks and to do that the Falcons need the worst record in the league. Then GM will go after a top notch college QB to replace Vick and get a few more top college players to replace some of the non performing veterans. The Falcons need offensive linemen and they also need another running back for blocking. If a big coaching job comes open in the college ranks next year look for Petrino to return to college where he belongs. Blank needs to just sell the Falcons. Why he wanted a college coach and not another pro coach with experience I just don’t know. There were some available at the time.
By Mark
October 8, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
it would be so cool if the Falcons would move away and we got a new team what a mess..Blank you are like your name blank
By geechee
October 8, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Petrino is simply another in a long line of talented college coaches, such as; Spurrier, Sabin, Carroll, etc, etc, that thought there was no difference between the NCAA and the NFL. The field is the same size and the ball is the same shape but, after that, everything else beginning with the motivation factor is a totally different animal. You can also add to this that, just because you can sell the most hammers and nails in the universe, that does not mean you can run an NFL team.
By lowel
October 8, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Aldo I agree, I don’t think Vick would have made a difference with Pat. calling the shots. Look at the coaching line up. Some of these guys has never played college football nor coached college. I thing Aurthor and his GM made a bad decision bringing in Pat. Look at Saban. Even though he was a good college coach, NFL is very diffrent.
By R. Stroz
October 8, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
McKay prefers coaches he can bully, so he picks college coaches. Does anyone think Bill Cowher is going to answer to a GM who can’t draft and sign decent players. McKay can always make the college coach the fall guy and keep his job.
FIRE MCKAY INSTEAD!
By Leo
October 8, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Corporate Lady, the Falcons did not turn their back on Mike Vick. I wish we could get past this issue. Vick broke the law. The Surrey County Prosecutor is a Black Man doing the job he was sworn to do….up hold the laws of this land. I wish Vick was still playing with the Falcons if for no other reason than the excitement he brought to the team. Arthur Blank cannot make the NFL Commissioner change his ruling. If everyone wants to outlaw the killing of Pigs, Cows and Deer, talk to your State Rep, for law changes. In the mean time, this Franchise has serious issues with personnel as well as the continued lose of the fan base. We all want the same thing….A Winning Team.
By AL
October 8, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
SCREW THE ATLANTA FALCOLNS YOU GUYS NEED 2 SUPPORT A REAL TEAM THE ATLANTA HAWKS THEY ARE GOING 2 DO BIG THINGS THIS YEAR WITH J-SMOOVE AND JOE JOHNSON LEADING US
By ray
October 8, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
Not to knock on the college coaches, but Blank should know better. Petrino is not dealing with college kids….. Take a good look at Steve Superior (wrong spelling?) (Petrino’s style is similar to Steve’s), and see what happened to the Redskins.
Bring back Mora, or whoever else who had a decent chance to survive. But please never and never again bring someone from the college ranks.
Blank has talked about his players to have the community orientation, etc., etc., but take a good look at Vick. Don’t tell me you never investigate his background, while pushing his wheel chair. Running a corporation is one thing, but running a football team must be a totally different animal, especially the coaches.
By Mr. Obvious
October 8, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Mike Vick is the HIGHEST Draft Choice the FALCONS have ever had, even HIGHER than Ricky Williams.
—
FYI:
Dogs are unconditionally LOYAL. Homeboys are NOT.
However, “Vick the Genius” elected to torture and murder his loyal dogs and get HIGH and love his Homeboys.
Vick’s Homeboys ratted him out to the FEDS, while Vick’s dogs (at least those dogs still living) still loved him and remained loyal to him.
Boys and Girls, Don’t Be Stupid in Life: DON’T BE A VICK!
By jimbob
October 8, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Coach Brian Van Gorder is behind this. He always makes a good team suck, takes talented personnel and makes them incapable of playing effectively. Just see what he did at his last job. Give him the boot and the whole team will improve.
By GotMYwish
October 8, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
And it doesn’t make you gay to ask to have something like that sucked? Hm.
Anyway, Former Falcon Fan, relax. it’s just a game. Those were just dogs that Vick tortured. Crumpler is just another guy who had a bad day at work. Petrino is just another bad coach. Vick is just another criminal going to prison. And you seem to be just another guy who took elocution and anger management lessons from your jailbound hero.
By The Duke
October 8, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
You can always question coaching in any game of football. But what good teams do is execute the plays that the coaches call. Coach Petrino never got on the field on Sunday so don’t put all the blame on him.
I’ve seen this Atlanta Falcon franchise underperform most of the past 25 years. Coaches coach and players play so our high-paid pros should do all their talking on the field.
I’m a fan of Alge but he needs to shut up and just make plays on Sundays like he is paid to do.
The Duke
By Former Hawks Fan
October 8, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Former Falcon Fan, are you addressing your mommy???
By Laura
October 8, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
Hats off to our DEFENSE, you guys rocked on Sunday. I only wish that our coaching had been up to your level and that our offensive line had been able to give Harrington some protection for more than about 1 second. With all of the talent we have on our offense, Algie, Norwood, Jenkins, Horn and our QB Harrington coming off two really good passing games before this week - why are we using plays that make no sense… 3rd and 18 oh sure lets run the ball - ugh, lets try a goofy side toss play instead of running it up the middle with Mughelli when we need 1 yard to score… and on and on it went. Defense you were awesome, Offense y’all need to pool your money and maybe buy a new head coach - one that actually knows what the NFL is all about!
Can you bench a coach!!??!!
By golfdawg24
October 8, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
do you think Arthur Blank regrets not hiring Ken Whisenhunt? Petrino will bolt at the first opportunity. remember when he was going to put a knife in Tommy Tuberville’s back
By donna johnson
October 8, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
I think that Joey is doing all he can, that was the stupidest thing I have seen so far( taking Joey out of the game). IF you haven’t got a line that can BLOCK!!! then whats a quaterback or running back to do? Its a team sport, use ALL your guys no just the young one!
By Enough Already
October 8, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Some of you seem to be taking the “race case” a little too far. If you are taking this issue that personally, maybe you should log off and find something constructive (not destructive) to do.
Several good points have been made here regarding players and coaches.
The fact remains that the game over with now. Relax.
Go enjoy your families and stop letting these bloggers p*ss you off.
Happy Monday!!
GO DALLAS!!
By Steve
October 8, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
How can you blame Petrino for the worst showing by an offensive line since the last strike?
Dunn still has plenty of spring in his legs, though he might not be able to do the big break away runs or 25 carries. For him to get swalloped up three yards deep four out of five times he touches is a problem with the O-Line. To make things worse, we signed a big Fullback, who is only on the field for less than half the running plays.
Petrino’s style will bring up lots of third down plays where we are in short yardage, and the running game isn’t making those plays because the line is horrible.
As for Crumpler .. STFU.
As for the moron who talked about the cover two leaving the middle of the field wide open, have you been noticing that the other team is dropping two or three LB’s back there? Crumpler, and all receivers, always want to whine about how they are open and not getting the ball, it’s what receivers do. The simple fact is the Falcons O-Line is so horrible that the running game poses no threat and that hurts every other aspect of the offense.
The future does not involve stroking Alge’s ego, and despite what he claims, he HAS whined about stuff like this before. The future involves getting rid of high-priced contracts at positions of depth in the NFL, and throwing some money at some HOGS to fill the trenches that aare not five years before their prime or five years after it. Petrino’s style relies on have at least an average offensive line, and the Falcons have one of the worst in the NFL.
By Saxnan 7
October 8, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
Gosh, I almost never criticize head coaches, but pulling a starting QB, who has literally been on fire, out of a close game is pure nonsense, especially given that Leftwich just got here.
I think that bad decision PERMEATED through the ranks. The veterans, I am sure, were scratching their heads.
Just bad, bad, bad. What’s next, platooning?
By tony
October 8, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
the root of the falcon’s problem is mr blank. he has know clue how to run an nfl franchise. He come in here and fired the only coach to take us to the sb. He hire a cheerleader(jim mora jr) to coach an nfl team and a coach(petrino)who has the wrong personality to coach grown men. lovie smith or mike tomlin were the perfect fit for our team but mr blank doesn’t have the experience to recognize that. mr blank when petrino fail u need to hire ron rivera. players will respond to his style of coaching and he is a proven winner.
By Pat White to the Falcons
October 8, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
When you draft me, Pat White #1 I will cure the ATL!!!
By DOG LOVER
October 8, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
IT ALL JUST MAKES ME WANNA BARFF!
By Shawn
October 8, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
Jeff, when you were conducting this interview, did you bother to question whether or not the Falcons lack of offensive execution for the majority of this pathetic game and 3 of the 4 previous ones had anything to do with poor play or lack of talent? It’s funny how some guys on this team derided the last coaching staff for poor play calling, and now they are questioning this staff as well. Maybe Mr. Blank should by them all mirrors for their lockers because they obviously haven’t seen the real problems with this team.
As for Coach Petrino, I hope we don’t all ride him out of town after one year. Does anyone remember Jimmy Johnson’s record after one year (even two) with the Cowboys? The fact is the defense is playing well, the receiving team is playing well, and unfortunately the offensive side of the ball is not holding up it’s end of the bargain. The team needs personnel changes and that takes time.
By Rocket
October 8, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
People you are wasting your time venting over this team. This has been going on since 1966 and nothing is going to change.
Just be glad you have pro football in this city and whatever happens postively for the Falcons is icing on the cake. Just don’t expect anything out of them, you will enjoy your Sunday’s a lot more.
By big bank
October 8, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
the defense has played good all season but the offense doesnt help with the 3 and outs . alge is right and i m still waiting to see norwood or snelling (didnt he lead the team in pre-season)get more carries. pulling joey was bad but were not on the sidline . the only joy i can get is that the saints havent won a game yet .