AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPetrino’s in over his head
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Flowery Branch — Even by Falcons standards, this is bad.
Jerry Glanville’s circus had its messy stretches. So did the June Jones era, punctuated by the lovely Jeff George yelling and spitting unprintable things into the coach’s face on the sidelines.
This is worse.
This is Marion Campbell or Dan Henning bad.
No, this is even worse. This is the veteran players suggesting they wouldn’t mind dangling their NFL rookie head coach over the side of the Georgia Dome by his toes. This is that head coach doing the ridiculous in Sunday’s 20-13 loss in Nashville by going for a toss sweep on first-and-goal at the 1-yard line of Tennessee and watching his team spend that play and the next three out of the end zone.
This is that head coach spending the Tennessee game pulling his starting quarterback down the stretch and replacing him with the No. 3 quarterback. (Just so you know, we’re talking about a No. 3 quarterback who hadn’t taken a snap from the starting center during his three weeks since signing with the team. And, if that No. 3 quarterback was that significant, why wasn’t he listed as the No. 2 quarterback?).
This also is that head coach who did the highly questionable when he hired a lifetime college assistant to lead the transition of shaky offensive linemen from a cut-blocking unit to a drive-blocking unit.
Mostly, with the Falcons’ latest freefall at 1-4 and counting, this is owner Arthur Blank and general manager Rich McKay showing that they really weren’t smarter than everybody else when they ignored history before the season and hired a college coach anyway. Yeah, Jimmy Johnson won Super Bowls, but he also had Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith. Let’s just say the Falcons’ Bobby Petrino is moving rapidly toward Butch Davis, Lou Holtz, Dennis Erickson, Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier territory.
Not good. Then again, Petrino does have his positive attributes as an NFL boss. None is more impressive than his straight-forward nature. On Monday, for instance, when questioned about the implosion of the Falcons with no end in sight, he said Joey Harrington and his 23-47 record as a career NFL starter remains his guy (as in the Falcons really haven’t a quarterback controversy in Petrino’s mind). He also said he spoke with disgruntled tight end Alge Crumpler earlier in the day to clear the air (as in Petrino realizes his locker room is nearly as dysfunctional as his power spread offense).
Petrino also showed his decisiveness and wisdom when he slammed DeAngelo Hall with a $100,000 fine and a benching after the cornerback’s verbal meltdown contributed to a loss against Carolina.
It’s just that everything else shows that Petrino is another overmatched college guy passing through.
Petrino disagrees, of course. This is despite the griping throughout his roster that spans from Crumpler claiming the new regime is phasing out veterans to Petrino’s strange habit for an NFL head coach of having his team run through a full practice on the day before games. “Yeah, we have confidence in what we’re doing,” said Petrino, without the hint of doubt, suggesting the ugliness around him is fleeting given his splendid four years in charge at the University of Louisville.
Actually, the Falcons’ ugliness is stationary for a historically troubled franchise that will spend the next few weeks, months and years wallowing in the shadows of Michael Vick and his dogfighting mess. Petrino has no control over that.
Even so, Petrino has much to say about what happens on the field and in the locker room for the Falcons, and here’s the bottom line: Brutal, with the streaking New York Giants and their sack-happy bunch coming to town Monday night, and with the Falcons’ future looking bleaker beyond that, and with no NCAA recruiting trips available for Petrino to help the situation.
Permalink | Comments (174) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
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By Dan
October 8, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
Oh boy, another useless column from Terence Moore. Terence Moore’s inability to write anything meaningful is about as predictable as the Atlanta Falcons’ inability to improve the poor offensive line.
Let’s see, Offensive line plays like crap against Minnesota, Jacksonville and Tennessee and Harrington looks terrible. The O-line is good against Carolina and Houston and Joey looks great. This isn’t a good team, period. If Rich McKay did his job worth anything maybe the Falcons wouldn’t be riddled with such a sorry roster. Petrino’s system can be successful if players stop complaining and the Falcons start bringing in talent.
By kreedham
October 8, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t surprise me that you, TM, are down on Petrino. Yes he made some bad decisions yesterday but in the long run he will make the Falcons a winner.
Next year Shockley will return and I suspect we’ll draft a QB too! Unless Joey or BL step up then there will be an opportunity for someone to start. I wouldn’t be surprised if Joey or Leftwich were traded for a draft pick. We’ll also get a lineman or two and of those veterans that remain, well, they’ll have a year’s worth of experience in teh Petrino offense.
I don’t expect much this year given what Jim Mora left us with but I expect next year to be pretty good.
By DC
October 8, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
the way i see it…peyton manning and tom brady have been untouched this season (and in previous ones) due to an excellent o-line, how many sacks have we seen this year? and how has that affected our passing game? rushing game? not to defend leftwich but his INT was only because he was trying to get rid of the ball as the haynesworth bull-rush was getting to him…good teams start from the guys on the front line, if we can’t have joey standing back there like a statue with all kinds of time, we won’t see any more wins…plain and simple
By OpinionsAreLike
October 8, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
What is the point of following this team?
By John Zook
October 8, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
He may well be in over his head but it is too early to make that call. What is not too early to observe quite clearly is how in over head the GM is, as in, who drafted all these bums? Who drafted and signed candy a*, lightweight linemen who couldn’t block my grandmother. Anyone who has played this game knows you start by building the O line and the D line but somebody forgot to tell Rich Mckay.
By BirdMahn
October 8, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Looks like the assassination of Petrino by the AJC has begun. First Schultz, now Moore. Ah, honeymoons don’t last long when you’re not winning. Petrino will take the fall for Vick’s mistakes. Face it, MV made the Falcons a better team. Without him, even Petrino can’t make this bunch winners.
They are competitive though. I’ll give them that. They could have won at least two of the games they’ve lost.
By mountain_jim
October 8, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
Good point, perhaps, questioning the credentials of the oline coach,because Sunday was one of the worst oline performances in recent years.
Otherwise, Terence just stirring the pot as usual.
By cool boy
October 8, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this
the coach made a bad call on the one yard line you would have to admit that. we have a huge qb and a huge fb that could push the pile a yard. even if a sneak was call our fb could have ran and hit the qb in the back to push him one yard. but other than that i like the switch of qb. bryon has a live arm that would work great with this offense. i look at the first completion which was an 18 yard rocket to white. with that kind of power tighter throws can be made and the wr would be able to make quicker moves once the catch is made. i think bryon should get a shot at starting for this very reason. joey is ok but his balls sail out there which gives dbs plenty of time to jump routes. i would also like to see crumpler used more and laurent move into the third wr spot because he has clearly out played jenkins all year. he gets open but the throws are off a lot when coming his way.
By mountain_jim
October 8, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
How many years has it been since Atlanta drafted an OL in the first round? 15+?
MV’s abilities hid just how bad this oline was at pass blocking, now we pay the piper.
By bc in buford
October 8, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
For the past thirty plus years I have been complaining about one thing concerning the Falcons…No Offensive Line. For all the Vick fans, the only reason the Falcons led the NFL in rushing is because Vick was fast enough to outrun the defense. The O-Line was not the reason for the Superior ground game. When a quarterback is running over a 1000 yards in a season it is because the line can’t keep anyone out of the backfield. Not until Atlanta decides to invest in an offensive line that can either pass block or open running lanes will they ever be a mediocre team. Harrington has never been on a team with a half decent offensive line, and he is not on one now. He has shown however that if you can keep some of the defense out of the backfield he can get the job done. I doubt that Tom Brady or Peyton Manning could pull a winning season out of this team! As for the receivers, if you give the quarterback time to get the ball to them, they will catch most of them. All the years I have watched the Falcons, the only thing there has been to cheer about is the defense. When you look back at most of the “Successful” years we had a great defense. Unfortunately when we did have great quarterbacks, their careers were cut short by the lack of pass protection and injuries. Look at all the successful teams in the NFL. If you want to win it starts with the line.
By tj
October 8, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
So Petrino doesn’t like “to put things like that in the press” (Algie’s comments} but two times already he’s called out Joey in the press. Whatever confidence Joey had built up is probably gone now. Come on Petrino, do like Bobby Cox and Lovie Smith, back your players to the end then make whatever change necessary. In the mean time start arranging some of those secret interviews and go back to college where they do it your way. By the way, Leftwich looks more suited for the OL than QB, maybe he could help out there.
By You Idiots
October 8, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
OH NO, do not talk about T Moore now!!! He has been on ya’ll side since the Mike Vick incident and has lashed out against Pro Vicksters and anyone who protected him. NOW since he is given this opinion you fools want to blast him. EAT THIS ARTICLE, EAT IT WITH HOT SAUCE…thanks T Moore, I will buy you a drank like T PAIN sing….make these Falcons fools eat this article…HELLO Mike Vick, I miss you and love you man. I hope you get through this and enjoy the falcons lose. Alge C, I am sorry you have to go through this man, I love you but want your team to lose because Blank is a Blank gutless check.
By Bayou Falcon Fan
October 8, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
Just some thoughts: 1. Jimmy Johnson did not go to Dallas and win the SB the first year. In Fact he only won 1 game his first year as Cowboy HC. 2. Write about how Trey Lewis is playing good. Boley too. The defense made plays and we know defense wins Championships. 3. Falcons FO spent alot of money on a FB who watches the game from the sideline. At no fault of his own, he is a highly paid spectator. Let him run it in from the 1. He moved the pile earlier in the game for a 1st down. Use one of the many TE on the roster to play FB and let the high priced FB be our power runner. Get attitude!! 4. To shore up the OL leave a TE in to help block. They did it last week, why did they stop. Especially when they placed a undrafted Tackle in the game. Help him out Petrino. Now That was a rookie coaching call from the OL coach. The OL coach should have put that bug in BP ear. 5. Alge was right about 1 thing. The middle of the field is wide open. If Safties are blitzing or helping cover the sideline… 6. Where is this silly notion that Norwood can’t bump the blitzer and slip out for a quick dump off. Apparently Dunn can’t either. It might work better with a taller target like Norwood.
By Frankie Wheat
October 8, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
This coaching staff doesn’t have a clue, to whats going on. They think the Quarterback, is the problem, but this offensive line for the Falcons that can’t hold their blocks,in any situation. And coaches don’t put in a fullback to help with the rush. Not to mention the wide recievers, that drop passes and don’t attempt to block down field.
By td
October 8, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
Not sure what you have seen this year Terrance, but it seems to me Petrino is doing a decent job,considering the talent level he has and the distractions he faced. I listened to Howie Long yesterday, someone I consider to be a bit more qualified to judge coaches and players than you. He had really good things to say about Petrino. I see progress as a whole. The offense has looked very good week to week, until this week. The defense has imporved each week. NOt sure the call at the goal line was that bad a call. O line failed to do its job then, what makes you think they could do it by running straight ahead. Petrino brings some much needed discipline to this team. I like his no nonsense approach. Give him a chance-that means more than 5 games.
By Vick_Tory7
October 8, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Petrino’s hiring was the worst hiring ever by the Falcons. It seems as if Blank and McKay are trying too hard to bring in a coach that has the potential to be with the Falcons for Bill Cowher and Jeff Fisher years. Blank and Mckay need to get with the picture and hire a proven NFL Head Coach. I am smelling Cowher or Mariucci in the next 2 years.
By Nothing w/o Vick
October 8, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
I really don’t understand why people are bringing up Michael Vick’s name in Atlanta FAlcons conversations… wait… yes I do…. this team is NOTHING WITHOUT VICK!!!!!
Hahahah!!!! Back to the Red Helmets and jerseys and it’ll be business as usual!
By johnny
October 8, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
Mr Moore failed to mention that Jimmy Johnson had a rough first year as head coach then turned it around. Petrino is going to have to rebuild this team on offense. He cannot do it in a couple of weeks.
By trottinghometudd
October 8, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
Terence you been in over your head for a long time and you haven’t drowned.
By Nothing w/o Vick
October 8, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
And you people saying “give it time”, and all that blah , blah, Petrino is NOT coming back. He is a job jumper, he jumped here for Mike Vick, Vick is gone, WHAT REASON DOES HE HAVE TO STAY???
Boley is gonna leave, Abraham is gonna leave, and Hall is gonna leave and y’all are gonna be stuck with Keith Brooking and that Mallard guy. Its gonna be HILARIOUS to see the Falcons LOSE with guys “that speak well and don’t kill dogs”. You animal protectors are, Stupid, Stupid people………
P.S., I laughed really hard when I heard that that deer killed that old man, he was an animal lover too…….. hahahahahahaha!!!
By tyger
October 8, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
Falcoons off the radar, c’mon Hawks!
By HA!
October 8, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Vick_Tory7
YOU REALLY THINK COWHER WOULD EVEN TALK ABOUT COMING HERE?? TALK ABOUT CAREER SUICIDE!!!!!!!!
By Greg
October 8, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
I’m not ready to give up on Petrino yet. He’s had to take over from a coach who wouldn’t know discipline if it was popping amonia tabs with him on the sidelines.
Right now, the players are whining. Hey, guys, trying PLAYING and executing and then see if it works.
By Georgian in CA
October 8, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
I don’t want to bail on Petrino. But you have to admit, pulling Harrington and that 1st and goal toss sweep at end of the game were horrible decisions! Awful. Disgusting. Nauseating.
By steve
October 8, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Art Blank needs to attend the George Stienbrenner school of Team ownership. Do the job or hit the road,coach.
By Good Call Terrence
October 8, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Petrino IS in over his head. He is calling plays that work in college and don’t work in the NFL. The fake punt worked, but all that did was encourage more gimmickry. !st and goal on the one? Give it to the fullback off tackle 4 straight times. He WILL get the yard.
Gonna be a loooong season. But an awesome draft pick awaits.
By Fansince73
October 8, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
Why didn’t they put Grady Jackson’s fat butt in there on first a goal at the one. If he just fell forward they would have had a touchdown. Tony Dungee was the brains behind the Yuckaneers success and Tim Ruskell was the brains behind the draft picks McKay took credit for.
Blank likes McKay because he is a corporate “pretty boy”. “Team player”, “says the right things” etc. He just likes him…..
Blank needs to fire McKay, find a true football GM and then step out of the way. The same stuff that worked at Home Depot doesn’t work in the NFL.
Great NFL teams know how to identify talent. The last time we had a coach/leader who could do that was Leeman Bennett. Come to think of it, that was the longest competative streak this team has had.
By RighteousINignation
October 8, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
To Nothing w/o Vick… You laugh at an innocent man who was killed by an animal? You are a sick puppy. Vick is going to jail where he belongs. Maybe you can be his prison be-otch.
By Super Dave
October 8, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
How about we look at hiring Shotenheimer or however it is spelled at the end of the season? Just a thought.
By gg
October 8, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
i totally disagree with TM. Despite the 1-4 record, this team is actually playing with more agressiveness and tenacity than it has in the past. Give Petrino time and he will make this team a winner. How, TM, can you judge this coach after what has gone on this offseason and after just 5 five games?
By sting
October 8, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
I promise you, Petrino willbe in Atlanta much long than you Moore. Long live the drive to number one pick and a real franchise quarterback that Atlanta hasn’t hadbeen since Bartkowski. (Unless you count the one that was traded to Green Bay.)
By Rod
October 8, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
I get really tired of people bashing Jim Mora. He wasnt the greatest coach but he wasnt as bad as people like to say either. His problem was he was to buddy buddy with the player. With that said, nobody (nfl veteran) is going to be talked to or treated like a child. Dictaters do not work as head coachs but coaches that mentor their players do work. Coaches have to earn NFL players respect too. Players respect and play hard for coaches like Dan Reeves and Bill Parcells because they go about their business professionally and they treat players like men and they mentor.
By blackfalcons
October 8, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6VMiCgoyed0
GET DEMO ON THE FIELD. Who had the game changing plays against Titans? It was DEMO
By sting
October 8, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
This what happens when you bank the franchise on a classless imbecile who can’t entertain himself enough in the offseason without breaking the law. I say blow it all up and start over. But you do at least have the right coach. Now give him time to clean up the mess of morons he inhereted. Get on board morons or walk the plank, either way Petrino WILL win.
By JM
October 8, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
Prediction: Petrino takes his money and runs at the end of this year. Bill Cowher expresses interest in the Falcons job, where he can be close to his home in North Carolina. Falcons interview Cowher. Then hire Kirk Ferentz.
By Home Despot Falcon
October 8, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are as much or more dysfunctional now than they ever were under the Clampett’s ownership.
Does Dan Reeves have another few years of coaching left in him ?
By Home Despot Falcon
October 8, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are as much or more dysfunctional now than they ever were under the Clampett’s ownership.
Arthur, you have a real mess on your hands now.
Would Dan Reeves consider coming back to coach the Falcons again ?
By The Grinch
October 8, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
This is absolutely disgusting. Petrino’s doing EXACTLY the best he can with the roster full of crap he inherited from Mora. Most of you were (rightly) expecting an 8-8 season at best this year with Vick at the helm going from a terrible system to a good one. Now we have Joey freakin’ Harrington instead, along with only one new lineman so far and no power running back for the “power” part of the power spread and you all act like Petrino’s a moron because it’s not working yet. If everyone would LEAVE HIM ALONE, let him put the system in place, get another OL, RB and QB in next year’s draft, etc. then you’d probably be surprised at how well things turn out. It takes a coach with a new system at least three years to turn something around normally, and this is a worse setup than most to inherit. But he sucks and needs to go after 5 games. All of you deserve what you get. Shultz and Moore need to be run out of town before Petrino for perpetuating this crap.
By Dawgma
October 8, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
Damn TM! You’re a frickin sucker, dude. You probably sit around with all those other AJC sports writer hacks and dream up some deriding theme for today’s press. You need to retire before the fish wrapper loses anymore readers. What a loser attitude. Give Petrino a chance you bum. At least more than five games. You pessimistic hunk of coal. Petrino will be a diamond long before you even get a chance.
By Rod
October 8, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
BILL COWHER!! COOL Love that idea! Jim (Howdy Dudey) Mora. Bobby (Sadum Hussain) Patrino. The point is Bill Cowher and Dan Reeves are in between those two extremes. You have to treat players like men and not like children and playground buddys.
By Old goat Jim
October 8, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
Terrence. Stretch your vocabulary. Your use of the word “lovely” gets so old after ten plus years.
By hoochblues
October 8, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
Thank god no one pays attention to the drivel that comes from you.
By THAD
October 8, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
come on…those players are over paid morons who think the world owes them something. let the guy coach the team. give him a few years and he will have them playing well.
problem is those guys dont want to play for a white quarterback.
By Ringleader
October 8, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
Petrino is a Disciple of the Saben school of good faith, ehics, and I never knew the jet was comming for me………. Would you ever trust what he told you?????? It’s all about me.
By kreedham
October 8, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
I don’t follow it like most of you guys. Let’s say the Falcon’s want to pick a QB #1 and things fall into place draft wise and they can get the best now in college! Who would be that pick?
By humbug
October 8, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Petrino came to Atlanta to coach Vick and who could blame him. Vick screwed that, and without him what coach would want to stay? What’s making us look so pitiful is the qb on the ground under 3 or 4 defensive players and 5 or 6 of our offensive players standing around watching. Then too many of our defensive players grab at the ball carrier instead of trying to tackle him and standing back to watch a receiver make a catch. It ain’t going to get any better till we hire more dedicated and better players. Most Falcons could not make it on another team. We do have a few good ones but they must be getting very disheartened by now. Petrino might not be the answer but he sure ain’t the problem considering what he’s stuck with. He has to get tough and get what Mr. Blank is paying for.
By thad
October 8, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Those are pretty harsh words for a sports writer. This is the guys first year coaching. Give the man a break. The players need to learn some respect. If they held a regular job they would be fired for such comments.
By Dawgma
October 8, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
TM, I’ll give you this much, You’re entertaining for a college grad. You did graduate didn’t you? No matter, as long as you continue to slam people and systems before they have a chance to prove themselves, they can’t be any worse than someone like you, you’ve had a chance to be objective for how long? How long have you been here in Atlanta? Try some positive reinforcement sometime. Maybe it’s time for the AJC and sports staff to learn how to recognize a positive instead of looking for a way to find fault. Jay Bookman you’ve got COMPANY!
By Taylor
October 8, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Enough with bashing Petrino people. He came to Atlanta to work with Michael Vick, and then everything came crashing down. For all he’s had to deal with, he’s done a fine job as the head coach for the Falcons. Give him time. The Falcons are still built around Michael Vick, and that’s a tough thing to overcome. Sure, Petrino’s had some questionable play calls and decisions, but this guy knows football. Let’s give him a chance and show him that the people of Atlanta are behind him 100%.
By ED ZONATELL
October 8, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
My friend Greg Knapp does not look so bad now does he?
By Flappin' Falcon
October 8, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
There are a lot of positives from the game. The Falcon’s defense played well and is getting better each week under Zimmer. Norwood looked great. Trey Lewis played well. D. Williams responded well to less playing time after Nicholas went down. Unfortunately, the O-line is horrendous. If Crumpler wants to get upset talk to the O-line. They have been manhandled by Minn, Jax and Tenn. Not Petrino’s fault he has to make due with small linemen leftover from the Gibbs regime. Petrino’s only mistake was benching Harrington. He would have completed that pass to Robinson in the end zone. Leftwich looked awful.
By John Dayton
October 8, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Terrence,
Your an idiot. So far what we have this year is a rookie head coach - who lost the starting QB and a starting DL before taking the field.
He is attempting to implement a completely new offensive structure and defensive structure. If it is so terribly ineffective, how does a QB with a lifetime rating of 68 complete 75% of his passes - for 600 yards in 2 games with a rating of 110!!
IF I’m reading correctly - coaching staff #2 is the problem? Not the same group of players that laid down halfway through last year? DeAngelo with his inane ‘I don’t give respect if I don’t get it?? Grow up, shut your mouth and stop getting beat 40 yards down field.
The problem, wise and esteemed sage of the media, are the freakin players - not a coach who is 5 games into a season. Were you writing in Cleveland on the same bandwagon to run Bellichick out of town? For those who might be interested - check out Belichick’s popularity in Cleveland (if you want to be an ‘informed’ fan - you may wish to research a little how popular Jimmy Johnson and Bill Belichick were with holdover players their first season). Sometimes to move on - some folks have to move out!
By John Kennesaw
October 8, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
Oh - and one more thing Terrence - seems you left out Bobby Ross, Tom Coughlin from those who did go from college to the NFL with more than middling success.
I find it comical that 2 weeks ago Leftwich ‘offers more hope’ than Harrington. But now Petrino is ‘in over his head’ for using him??
AT LEAST he recognized that an off-tackle dive play with Warrick wasn’t going to gain a yard just because you run it for the 9th time!!!
Maybe you should go write for the Akron rag - I think you might be in over your head writing for a major metro paper.
By ak47
October 8, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
I think it is too early to say that the coach is in over his head. I’m also not sure if the o-line is strickly McKay’s fault. Remember, the old regime favored small o=linemen, and Gibbs thought that you could find them late, so McKay was doign his job, which was getting the players that the coaching staff wanted. Now the philosophy has changed ( see blaylock in round 2) and that change is goign to take a couple of years to complete. Add that plus MV personal destruction of the franchince, and no wonder we are 1 and 4. Except for parts on Sun. you could tell that the calls and sthe system are far superior to anything we’ve ever had, but hte playres don’t fit.
By Naydean
October 8, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
There is a reason why everything happens in this world. MV7 made a mistake that I am sure he will regret for the rest of his life but all you Falcons fans were nothing before MV7 came to town. He gave it his best most of the times. The new coach was place in a precorious situation so give him some time and don’t blame Arthur Blank he is only human. Every years when the Met’s fans say next year so give the Falcons maybe 7-8 years. Have Faith and learn to appreciate what you have because you might just get up one day and its gone.
By Bluemark
October 8, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Alex Gibbs deserves alot of the blame he believed no lineman be wasted on 1st or 2nd round picks on draft day. His zone blocking scheme worked in Denver, but going at players knees is a lousy way to block. USC does the same zone blocking scheme. I would kick the face of lineman going after my knees. It is legal but a poor way to play. I still think Blankbrain and Mccay were the fools for buying into this school of thought. Hey Arthur you want to be like Ted Turner, his motto is Lead, Follow or get out of the way. There is your sign.
By Mark
October 8, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
You know some of yaw kill me, you were praising T.M when he was talking about Micheal Vick,now you want to say he’s article is pointless because he’s talking about Joey Harrington, come on. EVERBODY knows HARRINGTON IS GARBAGE. AUTHUR BLANK UNLESS THERE IS SOME WAY YOU CAN GET MICHEAL VICK BACK, SELL THE TEAM GET OUT AND GO OPEN ANOTHER HOME DEPOT, YOU HAD BETTER LUCK DOING THAT!
By 79Falcons
October 8, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore your solid in your analysis. Don’t be surprised if this team completely implodes within the next few weeks. Petrino will wish he never left Louisville and Blank will wish Reeves was still here.
By wilkun
October 8, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
This is a new low. We’re now calling out a coach 5 games into his tenure? Pathetic. How about calling out the players that aren’t getting it done? And if you must go after the coach, TM, how about giving him time enough to get his own players in, especially since the QB he was brought in to mentor is now a thug awaiting jail time? Would that be too much to ask?
By Dawgs2007
October 8, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
If I remember correctly, Coach Dan Reeves lost his first seven games in 1997. Hmmm. That team eventually went on a run to finsh 7-9. That was with Jamal Anderson and Chris Chandler. 0 - 7 to start the year and I never heard this kind of garbage.
You people are a bunch of low-lifes. Give the man a couple of years to work things out. The damage is already done.
By Hank King
October 9, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
It has been five games with the worst imaginable off-season ever. Give us a break, Terrence - you are an idiot - Hank King
By T.C
October 9, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
hey dan dont blame it on the offensive line for harrington failures,truth is he’s just plain out sorry and been showing it since the day he step foot in the NFL.as long as he’s in the ATL he will never not even take us to the playoffs.grossman in chicago is better than him.
By JP
October 9, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Okay Terrence, what were you saying when Jimmy Johnson went 1-15 in his first season. You have to give a guy some time. Don’t run him into the ground after 5 games. Thats stupid. I’m sure people were saying the same about Jimmy Johnson. Lets show some patience fellas.
By Falcons Hater!!
October 9, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
They’re just pathetic…Atlanta is to big of a popular city to have such loosers!!
Sorry, U guys defintely won’t be $hit w/out Vick!!!!!
I was born & raised right here in Atlanta on NFL football…& the Falcons are the WORSE!!
Way to go home team……..
By Wilson
October 9, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore pumps out more ridiculous drivel. And the sun came up today, too. Petrino deserves a free pass for at least a season, because this team simply has too many personnel holes. The defense is actually pretty good, but the offense is flat putrid. That said, the players aren’t helping things by whining and sulking about the current state of affairs. I bet if Petrino were black, he’d be a much better coach. Right, Terence?
By J T
October 9, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
The falcons look like the three stooges. Thanks Vick, for not playing with those losers. TM has an identity crisis.
By KZ_Guy
October 9, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Hey Terence, Vince Lombardi would be in over his head with this team. Every offensive snap looks like a jail break on the QB.
By HomerSimpson
October 9, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Do you dawg fans really think D. J. Shockley is going to come back and save the day?! Your blind confidence in ex dawgs borders on the ridiculous, but it is good for an occasional laugh!
By Wilson
October 9, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Falcons Hater:
Actually, it’s your ability to compose a proper sentence that’s the “worse.” Next time you come here to bash an entire city and their team, try to do it at better than a second grade level. But thanks for your thoughts; they’re “defintely” appreciated by this bunch of “loosers.” You really make it too easy.
By Wilson
October 9, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Falcons Hater:
Actually, it’s your ability to compose a proper sentence that’s the “worse.” Next time you come here to bash an entire city and their team, try to do it at better than a second grade level. But thanks for your thoughts; they’re “defintely” appreciated by this bunch of “loosers.” You really make it too easy.
By Peter
October 9, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
I would say for starters the coach has little to work with after the Mora years of wasted time, and he has to still cleanse the locker room of guys like to MeAngelo Hall…….
Best of luck to him next year, maybe Buffalo for him !!!
Please remember Mora was kissing the helmet of his players before games…….and riding in their cars to team events…….
It seems the best teams in the league start with the O and D lines, and then work to put the rest of the pieces in place.
The Patriots are using a guy at running back that is a 8 year guy who was tough, but not a big producer, and with their O line he is a 100 yard a game guy.
We need to trade for, or pick up O linemen before consistent winning happens…… until then we won’t see anything too exciting, unless watching our QBs, and running backs getting hammered is deemed that!
I also liked the post that pointed out some of the best coaches that ever worked in the NFL started with horrible first season’s as well…… so it really is too early to tell what will happen with this team under this coach !
Lighten up folks we knew this team was stinky after watching the Mora years !!!!
By The Ultimate Choptimist
October 9, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
As for the notion that Petrino is somehow “in over his head” because he didn’t run little Warrick Dunn up the middle on the goal line…does anyone remember a crucial game against the Browns in 2002 when we were desperate for a win to clinch a playoff berth? We were at the goal line, and ran Dunn—Not Vick, not Duckett—up the middle 4 straight times. The result: we lost the game. I think the toss is about the ONLY thing you could do with Dunn in that spot.
By HomerSimpson
October 9, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
It is obvious that most of these bloggers on here are vick lovers who are just mad because their boy has been sent down the river where he belongs. Go ahead and let it out boys cause he ain’t coming back! Comprende?
By regular guy
October 9, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
I think it is way too early to close the book on Bobby. Heck, he is still working with the same bunch of bozos that Jim Mora created! How can you expect the team to be better. It took Dan Reeves, what, three seasons to get the Falcons to the Super Bowl. Why should we think it will take Bobby any less to get the Falcons to play as a winning team. He still has half an O-line that was never made to be a pass protecting line. I agree that the play calling stinks and that Bobby has something to learn about the speed of NFL defenses, but let’s give him a little time, huh. If next year we are still as bad as this year, then let’s close the book on Bobby.
By Rob HIcks
October 9, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
The only reason TMoore wrote this column is because his next one will be calls for a black NFL headcoach in the ATL.
By falconess
October 9, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Petrino has not made very good decisions. He lies about changes coming. He has said Norwood would get more touches. When? He choses not to use his fullback. He releases the teams leading rushing in preseason(J Snelling). He brings in a reject to learn his complicated system, why not keep Robinson a veteran with comparable size and speed who spent camp learning the system. Better yet why not use the rookie who proved himself. Petrino speaks with fork tongue. He first said the rookie was drafted a running back. He starts with the veterans and handles things very well. Now his latest reasons for releasing him was he is converting him back to a fullback. Why? This kid needs to jump ship asap. He will lose out trusting Petrino.
By tiff
October 9, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
I knew this “UNCLE TOM” would not be able to get threw one article without mentioning Michael Vick. Terrance, you are just as I thought you were a loser, and a disgrace to yourself and your profession. If this junk your writing is supposed to be about the woes of Petrino and the Falcons. How did Vick and his dog-fighting troubles get thrown in. They have brought you to an all time low. And the problem is you are so much of a “TOM” you don’t even realize it. Vick is no longer a member of this team but you still blame him for all the ills of this team. That makes me certain of one fact, what this man meant to so many people, and still mean to so many, you could never mean to anyone. And by the way the people that post here saying how much they agree with you, they have the same sorry, torrid life as you. Remember birds of a feather flock together.
By tds
October 9, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Hey Terrance-what do you expect. BP doesn’t exactly have the best talent pool with which to operate. The talent he inherited was awful(see last two years-even w MV. Algie may be right. He is working to get rid of some of the deadwood. I am satisfied by what I see him doing with what he has to work with. I see what kind of players he has drafted this year and I’m impressed. He’s getting more from Roddy and Michael J. than Mora did in the 2-3 years he had them. Most of this years draft picks are playing and contributing. Thats a good sign!! BP just doesnt have the OL and powerful running back to set up run game. Come on give him time and get off his back. By the way check out the 1st year records of Walsh, Parcells, Dungy, Shanahan. Hey, check out Chuck Knoll’s record in 69-71! They all struggle in the first year or two. Every coach deserves a chance to get people to fit his scheme. This is what’s wrong with most “fans” and “sports writers/media”. They truly don’t understand the process. All of you probably sit in front of the microwave and say “hurry-up” when heating up your tv dinner! And, Terrance by the way, I thought you were in over your head when I began reading your stuff 55 years ago. You’re not over your head now-I believe you already drowned!
By are you kidding?
October 9, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Bringing up Jimmy Johnson as the only coach to make the leap from the college ranks is kind of premature. Petrino has been on the job for a few months and we’re already trying to throw him under the bus. JJ went 1-15 his first year (1989). He traded his best player (Herschel Walker) for I believe 6 draft picks( Aikman, Irvin, Smith included in that draft). They won the Superbowl at the end of JJ’s 4th year. Petrino lost his best player with no compensation because of the dogfighting charges against Vick. That sure could have made a difference ! Alanta drafted 8 players this year and began the process of rebuilding everything that Mora brought in. A new blocking scheme that needs larger players( we got a start by drafting Blalock) will take a couple of drafts and free agents. And don’t forget JJ coached before the salary cap was created. All of the others you mentioned were post salary cap.
By C.B
October 9, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
the grinch your trippen listen at how you sound,”leave him alone”(patrino)LOL.he’s getting paid millions to coach he was labeled the master mind.well this is not college this is the NFL that stands for Not For Long when you make crappy play calls like that.people sure love to point fingers at players when it starts from up top.STOP CRYING LIKE A …….
By VickBeliever
October 9, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Terrance I told you as long as you are talking negative about Vick your reader’s with the white hoods on were loving you. But once you talk about one of thier own then they have a problem with you. The problem with the Falcons this year is not Bobby Petrino, not play calling, not the defense it all lays on the shoulder of one Mr. Joey Harrington.
By Im'ma go now
October 9, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Taylor says:
“The Falcons are still built around Michael Vick..”
Thank you so much for acknowleging that MV WAS the Atlanta Falcons, because we all see clearly what was built around him - NOTHING!
By Rue Knee
October 9, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Petrino will leave after this season anyway, so it matters little what he does with this sorry franchise in 2007. Blank and his flunkies are clueless idiots, but the Smith were degenerate half-witted hillbillies, so it’s not that noticeable — except for the vick debacle. I wish I could meet the the jabbering ‘Sapphire’ who jabbed her bony finger in my chest after the falcons edged the Steelers in OT last year and, boasting about the Super bowl-bound Falcons, chided me for “livin’ in da passs.” Wonder how the cackling idiot feels now?
By NC State Wolfpack Fan
October 9, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Moore has issued some valid points. However, there hasn’t been enough time to for anyone, including Petrino himself, to evaluate his coaching performance. He’s in a transition season as well…..What Moore fails to say is that Petrino walked into a situation that even the late Vincent T. Lombardi could have rectified during his first season: the Vick debacle and the previous culture of the team and organization….Arthur Blank is a fine owner, but he needs to get the right football wheels in place to compete in the NFL….My guess, Petrino will be back in college next year, and like Holtz, did, never look back! Perhaps the Falcons will go to experienced NFL personnel in the future.
By ARTHUR BLANK SUCKS
October 9, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
You people thought you had it bad with the Smith Family, look at what Arthur Blank has done as an owner.
The only reason he owns the team is because he’s a Jew, and Jews, for whatever reason, like to own sports teams (probably because they can’t, in general, actually play sports).
I’m glad I’m not a Falcons fan…
By moore
October 9, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
dang moore the same people who was on your nuts were praising you when you slammed vick.but they turned on you when you spoke against the other color,go figure.
By George
October 9, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Thank you For saying what needed to be said. Petrino has made bad decisions since he got here. Kept our first kicker. Kept Sanders to play CB & Jennings to return kicks. Let rossum go. He want big o-line. He is not not now and never will be a NFL head coach I think he needs to be FIRED NOW.
By VickBeliever
October 9, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
It’s amazing Mike Vick never got the kind of excuses like Harrington is getting. He has been nothing less than terrible. If Mike Vick had been 1-4 and throwing touchdowns to the other team you would be reading things like this. He is not smart, he can’t read a defense, he is not a leader, what could we trade him for. Mike Vick you getting caught with them dogs was a blessing for you. This town will not realize what we had in you until you are playing for another team and growing thier fan base just as you did here, getting your new team Prime time games. While we will continue to make excuses for Joey Harrington.
By Richard Gallo
October 9, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Terence I think you are a master at “Yellow Journalism” During the Michael Vick thing you used every opportunity to sensationalize every little event that happened. Your grabbing “white space” made a very sad situation much much worse for all of us and Michael and his family.
I have no idea if Petrino will be a productive coach or not and I doubt that you do either. Somehow you failed to note that he inherited a team whose offense was built around one man and may not suit a more traditional quarterback. To me the Falcon’s not having a plan B even if Michael were there but not able to play was a lot more bad judgement on Rich McKay’s part than a reason to judge Patrino after 5 games. All in all this email is more a commentary on your greediness, self absorbtion and shallow unprofessional tactics than a response to Patrino being over his head.
Normally it gives me great pleasure to ignore everythingyou write and not buy the rag that pays you.
By OTIS
October 9, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
FIRST LET ME SAY THAT I AM NO FOOTBALL COACH,WHAT I SEE IS A MANAGEMENT PROBLEM,YOU MUST PUT TALENTED PEOPLE THERE AS WELL AS ON THE FIELD.THERE SHOULD BE NO PROBLEMS AIRED IN THE NEWS,TAKE CARE OF THOSE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.YOU CANNOT HAVE 50 PEOPLE TRYING TO RUN ANYTHING.MY ADVICE-USE A BUSINESS STRUCTURE AND THINGS MAY CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
By threedeep
October 9, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
How ‘bout dem Cowboys?!!!
By SMT
October 9, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
There is a lot of blame to go around with the front office owning most of it. They got rid of Duckett, got rid of Schaub, brought in Harrington (plays like it is his first time on the field - - every play), missed an opportunity to get T owens, they got rid of Finneran, they brought in a college coach with no chance in hell to win (based on the decisions I mention above). There is no passion on the team. They are still suffereing from post traumatic stress. Get over it! The Saints put Katina in their rear view mirrors and moved on. They played every game away from home and never really had a home field advantage. Of course they have other issues this season but the point here is that the Falcons (Arthur, I am talking to you!) need to re-evaluate the decisions they have made and those who made the decisions!
By michaelgee
October 9, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Gee Terance, How can you expect all of the mess left by Vick and Mora to be fixed in 5 weeks? Are you really that nieve? The things Petrino came here for were removed just weeks before the season, the man is doing what he can with what he has to work with. The Falcons are actually a win ahead of New Orleans who was crowned NFC South Champs before the season. They lost one player weeks into the season and I don’t hear you calling them names and certainly Sean Payton gets no criticism from you, the Saints have NO EXCUSE. The Rams are also winless as well. No team has blown us out, the inexperience of this team shows when a couple of bad plays cost us the game, Petrino said “We have to learn how to win”. Why do you and Jeff Schultz have to try to undermine the City of Atlanta’s Sports teams every chance you guys get? Your beating down a team that has good reason to be rebuilding is beyond being a TRAITOR. The team should ban you and Jeff Schultz from the locker room and media events since it is clear that you two clowns just want to get the Pro Franchises moved out of Atlanta. This is your same old typical Knee Jerk column isn’t it? michaelgee
By Jeff in Roswell
October 9, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore should have been fired long, long ago. He is an idiot that tries to sensationalize every article he writes. He tries to get the edge and jump the gun on his opinions to be the “first” among his fellow writers. Look at his track record… - he falls flat on his face every time. Does he realize that every time people see his face, hear his voice or read his article, that they dismiss him immediately? He has too much of a useless past. Hang it up.
By michaelgee
October 9, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Terance, Will it be any easier for Petrino to Coach the Falcons with the knives that you and Jeff Schultz placed in his back this week?
michaelgee
By Hal
October 9, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Whoa—Hmmmmm didn’t a coach named DAN REEVES take the Falcons to a SUPER BOWL. Seems I read that somewhere. Too bad, Reeves was fired cause he didn’t know how to coach. His marching orders came from McCay. Thats where the problem lies.
By Foot
October 9, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
THe falcons could have won every game. It’s the play calling. Most people know how to play call after a play fails, but ask them what to call next, and you a worse play.
I could save the falcons with my own game plan each week and get us to the superbowl. Leave the coach where he is, just let me talk to him during the game, like it’s obvious blank is doing.
WE can still make the playoffs. Start with a toss sweep left, no right, no a quarterback sneak, no a draw play, no an off tackle option pass to the tight end for a touchdown, a touchdown A TOUCHDOWN!!!
morons.
By Kent G. Washburn
October 9, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore has hit the nail on the head here, and any “ouch” we hear from Coach Petrino or his dwindling number of supporters means that they must have been holding the nail in just as stupid a way as the Petrino cadre has been coaching. I have a little insight into the Falcon locker room from an insider who says little, but whose silence is as eloquent as another man’s tirade. With Vick playing and the media in a state of normal frenzy it would have taken longer for this crew to demonstrate how over-matched they are.
By