By Master of Flatulence

October 19, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this

Joey Harrington is a class act in a hopeless situation. Leftwich is going to get killed, too. The O-line is the worst in league history.

By DOG LOVER

October 19, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this

BLA BLA BLA JUST FREAKIN WIN I DONT CARE HOW YOU DO IT. FALCONS ARE ACTING LIKE A BUNCH OF SISSYS

By laved11

October 19, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this

Granted, Michael Vick has not been the best decision-maker regarding the offseason, but the struggles of this Falcons team cannot be blamed on the former Atlanta signal-caller. The reason the Falcons are not successful without Vick is the same reasons they weren’t successful with him. Poor protection, dropped passes and the complete lack of play-makers on either offense or defense is why the Falcons are 1-5. No other team (not even the Colts or Patroits) require their quarterback to play outstanding every week because it’s not possible. Eventually, great quarterbacks need to the defense, special teams or even a receiver to make a play to be successful consistently.

By No Dawgs Here

October 19, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

Even if the Falcons do draft a good QB, they will just trade him. IE Brett Farve. The main issue is not the QB. It is that horrible O-Line!! They can’t pass block and they can’t run block. Petrino has the worng personell for his offensive scheme. That is the issue! If you can’t run the ball int he NFL, chances are you lose. Unless you have Peyton Manning at QB. But, do you think Peyton Mannin would do any better in this situation? No. The QB has to have time to throw the ball. Blame this on poor coaching, and poor game plans. As long as we have Petrino as a coach the Falcons are going to SUCK. No QB can win with this team.

By PC

October 19, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

People tend to forget that the Falcons best playmaker touched the ball EVERY play!!! The threat of him running probably gave them at least 3 to 5 extra first downs a game (that estimate is probably low)…even if he couldn’t throw the ball worth a lick. But it’s time to move on. Hopefully next year the coaches will have a better game plan. Protection probably wasn’t as important with Vick since he could wiggle out of tight situations with his feet. So maybe next year they’ll concentrate more on protection.

By Don88

October 19, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this

“How good would he have been under Bobby Petrino?”…after all is said, and done this is what hurts real Falcons fans the most….damn…

By Bill Burns

October 19, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this

The Falcons deserve exactly what they are getting. They “protected” Vick many times over the years. Since the dog episode, many things have come to light showing clearly that the Falcons knew of many unsavory, if not illegal, things that he was involved in. For Arthur Blank to tell the public and his fans that they had no idea what Vick was really like, is a lie.

By galawyergirl

October 19, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

The blame goes to the news media, the NFL Commissioner, and Arthur Blank for bowing to the pressure of PETA! If Vick had not been tried by a certain faction of the public, and if the Commissioner and Blank had any balls (pardon the pun!), Vick could have played out this season. Instead, he’s watching the team die a slow death from home. Of course, PETA fanatics are not watching at all - never did!

By Brownthrasher

October 19, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

I’m still hoping for a Vick come back in an Atlanta uniform (I can hope). I thought this wasn’t a one-man team.

By Theedge

October 19, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

What a mess! Thanks Mike for being so selfish and team management for relying on one individual so much. Hopefully the first round draft pick next year will be able to play right away.

By Bird Fan

October 19, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Well said, Mr. Mark Bradley, sad but true; nevertheless, I remain a Falcon fan. Eventhough the season looks grim, it’s refeshing to see more than a “one man show”, 11 guys playing as a team. Joey is intelligent, speaks well and with more protection, passes well. I remain steadfast in my support.

By Tony

October 19, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

While I agree he has hurt this team, I am sadden by the fact I will never see him play in this offense. I truly believe this offense was made for him. It also pains me that what he did so many people find it unforgivable. Granted his passing numbers where not great, however he was able to hid many of the problems on this team ie. poor special team play, lack of a presence at MLB, soft at the Safety postions. NON Nfl linemen on offense. It is time to rebuild and it’s also time to forgive. He did some things that were wrong but he also did some good hree in the A.

By bill

October 19, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick was spectacular. This hid all of the flaws of this team.

Micheal Vick was inconsistent. This is why they always seemed to go 8-8.

Michael Vick could not be relied on. He was bound to get hurt or in trouble. This is why his leaving is not a bad thing in the long run.

You have to be able to see the problems before you can fix them.

Joey Harrington is a decent quarterback who has had the misfortune of starting for miserable teams.

Bryon Leftwich will not last two games (prediction), because the offensive line will get him clobbered.

By Captain Falcon

October 19, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Nice column, Mark. I’ve been trying to tell the tailgaters in the Gulch this all season. No one thinks it’s a four-to-five year disaster, at best. But it is. It’s like “Seinfeld” if, say, they’d ripped Jerry out halfway through the show’s run. Can’t recover. The team was built around Vick — some could argue not very well, as I would — but with him at the controls at least there was some chance of landing the plane. Sadly, like so many of us have experienced, it’s as if the team is stuck in a holding pattern at Hartsfield — while still on the ground.

By LARRY W. HILTON

October 19, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

Bradley, you’re wrong.You’re paid to express a written opinion about this team, and it’s just that. When the Falcons stop depending on the quarterback to win games victories will come. A paid opinion can’t kill dreams, and winning desires of players. Leftwich has shown more heart, and desire of any modern athlete. His “essence” on this team will transcend to other players. The best games of the season start Sunday.

By Don't think so

October 19, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

Yes, MV7 did give this team a fighting chance week after week, no question about it.

No, he did not hurt this team (his shenanigans aside) in any shape, manner or form. The team was and is being hurt single handedly by the owner and the management team in place and the numerous bad decisions they seem to have propensity to make. MV7 did not draft the offensive line, defensive line or the coaches this ownership and management hired, consistently substandard.

Yes, they were not going to be one-man team, so was the announcement but there was only problem, management in their infinite wisdom fired the coach who could potentially made it happen. So, let us not a put a journalistic twist of only telling to create a “buzz”.

And you thought the Smith Family was badly managing this team. Can Taylor Smith buy this team back? Valuation is not that high at the moment. Allowing for inflation, the purchase price should be reasonable.

Being followed this team since the early 70’s, thought I would never say this. Here it goes, in comparison, Smith family’s decisions were better than the decisions made by the current cast of clowns.

Changing QB is nothing but desperation and nothing but blaming someone for your mistakes. Don’t care how good this coach was in College, it is evident, he can’t coach or build a team of professionals. Don’t know how to motivate to get the best out of them.

Would like to see everyone connected with the Falcons organization to be silent until they can show, they know how to play NFL football. Heard enough, haven’t you?

Don’t blame MV7, he did more than anyone could do or could have done surrounded by this cast of clowns who, call themselves owner, manager and coaches.

Trade Arthur, Rich and Pitiful.

By Theedge

October 19, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

Amazing galawyergirl you fail to blame Mike for any part of this. Win at all costs. He broke the law you pay the price he has been treated no differently than anyone else. Get a clue

By Traci

October 19, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this

This is such B.S.

YOU WANTED TO RUN THE MAN OUT OF TOWN Sooooooooooooooooooo BAD.

Now that he is gone you want to blame him for the teams problems for the next 3 years….that’s laughable.

The truth is —- VICK was the the TEAM.

In some of the Games - HE willed this sorry team to win, HE put them on his back and carried them. Now you get to see that - we never had an offensive line - we never had receivers that could catch, where the heck is Algie Crumpler…

Vick’s leadership and athletic ability is what made the team win all of those games….

Well not all of them, because - Morton Anderson won the games that Mike could pull off.

And you know what —- they tried to run Anderson off too…. and they HAD to bring him back as well.

YOU wanted Mike gone so bad, This is exactly what you get. Maybe you will think twice about chasing QB’s out of town.

Oh yeah….you sorry folks even chased Bret Farve out of town…

By Boots

October 19, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

The truth is that Vick, by his inappropriate and criminal behaviors, wrecked the franchise.

Vick, because he cared more about hanging with his homies watching dogs fight to the death, abandoned his team-mates, coaches and generous owner.

As Bradley said, it will take time to get over this cancer, but in the end, the franchise will be infinitely stronger for having experienced this dastardly act of betrayal.

It’s almost like an chance to start over. It’ll be interesting to see what team management does with this unique opportunity. Hopefully, they’ll take from this experience lessons for the future.

By The Barrister

October 19, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

You tell ‘em, galawyergirl!

I mean, what gives the NFL, Arthur Blank and PETA the right to demand that Vick act like a civilized human being? Don’t they realize that some people are scumbags who are just trying to keep it real?

By pat

October 19, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

Why is it MV fault? If he was here & got hurt what then. You thought he sucked when he played so agian, how is it his fault.

By Traci

October 19, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Mike used to carry this team.

It was not built around him. If so, how the heck do you explain for that sorry O-line?

Payton Manning and Tom Brady - Have a real Offensive line…..they have All Day to throw the ball.

YOU guys were trying to chase mike out of town —- way before last April. Some of you retards were calling for him to ba a running back last year. STUPID —— This is exactly what you get…

Le’t see they cut:

*Anderson during the off season *Norwood during the season *DeAngelo Hall refuse to do punt returns…. (STUPID)

Yep, all you sorry so called fans - wanted Mike gone ——

Careful - what you pray for!

By My 2 Cents

October 19, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

**Vick is not a scumbag.

The real scumbags of the earth - are the pedophiles like the one they just caught —-raping a 3 year old little girl and video taping it.

That’s a real scumbag!**

By Larry

October 19, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

Vick locked the Falcons into a morass of mediocrity. The Falcons were never going to win playoffs or championships with Vick That they are not winning now is simply the same old Falcon mindset going back for decades. Vick demeans any team on which he plays. He is clearly not worth having.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

October 19, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Mark,

You mention Ryan and Woodson in the artivle, but the natural fit is Brian Brohm. I would think he is the QB of the future and if they do not go QB then please go get Jake Long OT from Michigan!

By GeorgiaYankeesFan

October 19, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Can we move on please? Let the rebuilding begin NOW. Vick was this team’s spackle, he covered up a ton of blemishes and weaknesses. Now he’s gone and the real deal is being exposed. The problem with this team is it needs some sort of team identity. Look at the most successful teams in the league, Pats, Colts, Steelers… they have a team 1st identity which everyone conforms to. You don’t see players melting down in key situations. And if you did it wouldn’t be the coach who had to take the player to task it would be the other 53 players. Get some players who conform to that template and you will see some results. What Blank is missing is that unlike College Ball, the charismatic coach only goes so far, you need some locker room leaders to enforce this team first attitude.

By Boots

October 19, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

I am not upset that MV7 is gone. He was a distraction. His behaviors were disruptive. He could run fast, but he was a pitiful leader —- sitting alone on the bench pouting when things did not go to his satisfaction on the field —- and admitting that he had held back during several games and giving out the second half of two consecutive seasons.

He was a cancer! He ran because that was all he could do!

MV7 is not a very bright person and he was surrounded by lesser luminaries —- mental midgets —- as demonstrated by numerous mental mistakes that cost the team dearly in at least three games this season.

Vick is gone, and will probably never suit up again in the NFL. The team will move ahead and hopefully rebuild on the ruins of an overpaid, underachiever who could never live up to his salary and hype. And, six years of stats prove this statement.

By Adam

October 19, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

No offense, Mark, but Dany Heatley did more damage to the Thrashers organization than Vick did to the Falcons. One dead teammate and a trade demand is what we got from him. The organization is still recovering from that nearly five years later.

By Dee

October 19, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

“…this franchise really did revolve around the man who’s gone.”

And there lies the huge mistake made by Blank and McKay…building a franchise around one player. Now that player is gone and the weaknesses are showing. Instead of firing head coaches, how about firing the front office? Couldn’t hurt.

By Conga

October 19, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

The Falcoons are the only NFL franchise that does not have back-to-back winning seasons, and I don’t forsee that happening anytime soon?

By Tray

October 19, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

hey 1 more thing, do you even know where leather comes from?? In the states i know it’s not made of Dog hides!! PETA people probably do watch football, just like a lot of regular people do. MIKE VICK IS GOING DOWN BECAUSE OF HIS OWN DECISIONS, CAN’T YOU ALL GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS??

There is NO ONE ELSE TO BLAME BUT HIM AND HIS DOG FIGHTING BUDDIES. If the Flacons and Blank learn anything from this, it’s should be to not spend millions of dollars on idiots!

Oh, and since some don’t keep up with current events, Mike probably can’t pay back the falcons because he blew all of his money already. If he hadn’t blown his money, then why is he getting sued for defaulting on 3 million-dollar-plus loans? Why does a many with millions have to tkae out million dollar loans?? Like i said, he blew it all-poor investment when you look back on it!

By Football Fanatic

October 19, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

The Falcons put all their eggs in one basket ie.Vick and the basket had a huge moral hole in it. From paying him too much to be able to get other free agents and current players in under the salary cap to covering up his thug behavior management blew it! Now all the eggs are laying busted and rotten on the ground. Thanks Vick and management for screwing up our team for the next several years. Please no more torn baskets and rotten eggs! Throw the basket away as soon as you realize it is defective and will tear apart!

By Adam

October 19, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

One more thing. We very easily could be 3-3 right now but for Todd Frikkin’ Prater and some atrocious playcalling at the end of the Titans game.

By Mark

October 19, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

Take it from a resident of Louisville, KY and University of Louisville fan. Coach Petrino is waiting for Brian Brohm to draft next year. Brian knows the system like the back of his hand and it’s somebody he can control. Just look at the former U of L players already on the roster.

By My 2 Cents

October 19, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

At some point in time we all need to call out the fools on the blog:

By Bird Fan

October 19, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Well said, Mr. Mark Bradley, sad but true; nevertheless, I remain a Falcon fan. Eventhough the season looks grim, it’s refeshing to see more than a “one man show”, 11 guys playing as a team. Joey is intelligent, speaks well and with more protection, passes well. I remain steadfast in my support.

What does speaking well have to do with this?

Harrington - is not that intelligent - he manages to get sacked at least 5 times per game.

Here is ANOTHER one of these people that wanted MV7 gone, Bird Fan—— you too —- get what you asked for!

By Matt

October 19, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

Always remember people… We game up that RB,”you know the one that having so much success in SD” and we gave up building up a POOR offensive line to get get that scum bag from Va.Tech!!! Sickening huh? I’m a Falcons fan,always will be a Falcons fan but when Thanksgining comes around and I talk to God and thank him for my blessings, this team will definitly not be on my list!

By My 2 Cents

October 19, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Careful what you pray for —- you just may get it.

So all of you people that want Vick gone…..

Here you go!

By Theedge

October 19, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

What does Heatley got to do with the Falcons? This year is what this year is any of those clowns at QB know they are temporary and can only hope they play well enough to get another roster spot elsewhere when the Falcons determine it is time to throw their 1st round pick in the lineup.

Falcons management is also to blame for not building a solid team, overpaying one player, and allowing one person to destroy the franchise. Mike is to blame for his own demise and pulling the keystone from the house of cards at Flowery Branch.

By The Murf

October 19, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Biggest no-brainer in the history of sports. I’m surprised T. Moore didn’t break this story…..

By Kelley

October 19, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

I guess all the people who bashed Vick’s ability as a football player feel a little silly right now.

His character obviuosly was very flawed, but all those people who screamed he was not a “pocket passer” probably wish we had someone who could get out of that “pocket” everytime it collapses right now.

My question is: At what point do we begin to look at Rich McKay? There are just way too many weak points on this team year after year.

By Phil

October 19, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Traci,

Can you explain how anyone other than Mike Vick himself is responsible for “chasing” Vick out of town?

I’m tired of hearing people making emotional arguments and spewing the, “you got what you wanted, you got what you deserved” line while turning a blind idea to the ugly reality that Vick was violating federal laws from day one of his contract by bankrolling a freaking dogfighting ring. What an imbecile. When you say, “you got what you wanted, you wanted to chase him off, blah, blah, blah,” you sound like an absolute fool. So please, just quit your whining.

By jt

October 19, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

sorry mr. bradley, im not buying this excuse.

The only way one man can wreck an entire multi-million dollar corporation is if that man is the CEO.

Vick was just an employee.

By no_id

October 19, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

i agree mark that the team was built around vick to a certain degree..but u have to look at mckay and some of the boneheaded decisions he made or didnt make..no o line for years, some decent free agent signings but mostly bad signings, no BIG NAME wide receivers when publicly they said they would play for the falcons cause of vick, etc…vick created plays.. so now we are seeing how much vick did carry this team on his back.

By ck

October 19, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

Falcons must get the offensive line retooled and then worry about who is behind center.

A good O-line makes all the difference… Ask Farve or maybe Chris Chandler. This team will rebound from the disaster that Vick built.

Vick is no longer responsible for the Falcons since he is not in unicform. What happens now is up to the coach and manager… I strongly believe the Falcons should beg Reeves back as GM and send McKay to the showers.

Keep Petrino though the end of the year and pay top dollar to bring Cowher out of retirement. If Cphwer wants complete control then forget Reeves and give it to him. We need management that can evaluate players and get them ready to play.

By cart268

October 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Don’t blame Michael Vick for what the Falcons is not doing. I am a native Atlantan and the Falcons have never been a winning team in the first place. This team just need a total face lift. Granted I love the Falcons, but don’t put the blame on one man when it takes the entire team to win games.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

October 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

C’mon Bradley, how could you-know-who have set this franchise back? It is totally the front office’s fault for not building a TEAM around him. Is it his fault that he covered it up with his unique abilities? I blame the state of this franchise on the bad personnel decisions by Rich McKay. He brought and wasted money on Ed “Hurt”well, old men Lawyer Milloy and Joe Horn, barely average Crocker, two plays and I’m out of breath Grady Jackson, spent high draft picks on suspect wideouts, an exciting but light in the kiester RB, a seemingly bust at safety in J Williams, traded away Rossum for nothing, and went the cheap route on offensive linemen. Vick did NONE of that nor was he in control of those decisions. Yes, he made stupid decisions off the field, but that has NOTHING to do with having control of where this franchise was headed. Saying that HE set this franchise is a complete farce. You can’t set back what was already SET back. This franchise had this history of joke personnel decisions since its inception and just got lucky on Vick (except for the offseason stuff) as far as talent goes. If they never had drafted Vick we would have stunk like we did the seasons before and EVERYONE knows that. If anything, Vick kept this team from being “back” where we should and would have been anyway judging from this franchise’s personnel decisions. The Falcons are my team, but get real, they’ve never been great at putting teams together. Every once in awhile the sun would shine on there you know what, but most of the time- dung. So don’t sit there and say Vick set this already sorry franchise back, he kept it from being there where it would have been anyway while he was here playing here and this situation is totally the GM and his cronies’ fault IMO. THEY put this team together poorly, not Vick.

By Rob

October 19, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

I still can’t understand why everyone thinks things would be so much better with Vick in at QB. Rose colored glasses are fine, but with Vick at the helm the Falcons were still a .500 ball club. Michael Vick is no Tom Brady.

By Charlie

October 19, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley,

NO team should NEVER EVER depend on one person in order to be a success. What money did he cause them??? Please let’s not forget about ALL the MONEY they made of this MAN. Everyone else on the FALCONS team need to earn the paycheck they receive. You can make excuses all you want…….if without Vick on the Falcons team is causing them to have such a bad season. Then they deserve it!!!! A great team consist of many great players not just one.

He should have been looked as an asset to the team and not looked at as the team!!!!! Please tell old Arthur to do a better job when creating a team.

If you left your job will the AJC crumble???? NO. The Falcons is a business and the head people in charge made bad choices by allowing one man to be the team.

GET OVER IT! THEY SUCK!!

By The Murf

October 19, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Can we please have a Vick-Free Friday?

By Leslie mcswain

October 19, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Larrry you and all the rest of the writers and fans, need to move an with your lives and stop blaming MIKE VICK for the way the falcon team is now, if MIKE VICK is not on the team, the other players still get paid to do a job, they are not kids. This only prove to me that you people need MIKE VICK just as bad as the other players on the falcon team, because if you didn’t, you wouldn’t dam keep talking about the man, keep MIKE VICK name out of your no good mouth.

By DeltaGirl82

October 19, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

All you Vick Haters keep saying Vick was not the team, but you seem to keep blaming *HIM AND ONLY HIM for all the teams flaws. Vick is gone and you still want to blame him for everything that this team has not done this season and that’s *WIN SOME GAMES, oh they did win one, didn’t they?

**Instead of Arthur Blank trying to get back $20 million in bonus money from Vick, he needs to try to get back millions of dollars in bonus money from the ones who are still there and not performing!

By JustMe

October 19, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Yes the Falcons SUCK this season! THere I said it. But being the die hard Falcon fan that I am, I can not wait until Vick’s return in a Falcon’s uniform!

I have no doubt that he will return as a Falcon. There are too many teams in the NFL that need a QB (let alone a great one)and surely A. Blank is smart enough to remember what the seats in the Dome looked like prior to Vick’s arrival!

How awful would it be to have Vick playing for TB or TN, or NO - perish the thought. Brett Farve has to retire sooner or later, Oakland and St. Louis could use an upgrade too. No way is Blank gonna let his billion dollar baby go elsewhere to play!

Vick may not be the best human on earth, but he is and will be again one of the best QB’s in the league.

Truth be told, I would mind seeing him play RB for a season. He ran more yards that a few RB’s in the NFL while he was a starting QB. Imagine how good he could be as a full time RB. I still have a pic of VIck lined up as a RB in his early seasons with the Falcons!

By noneya

October 19, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

As I said before Bradley you are the only columnist at the AJC that makes any sense. Think what you want about Vick as a person but you can’t deny what his abilities did for the Falcons. It was amazing to hear the criticism of Vick as a QB. Everybody talks about how bad the receivers and the O-Line are and offer that as excuses as to why Harrington can’t do well. But didn’t Vick play behind basically the same O-Line and throw to the same receivers? And in my opinion he played for horrible coaches under Mora Jr and Knapp. We just played in the lowest rated game on MNF in over 30 years. Hope you enjoyed it and enjoy the one against the Saints later on this year (if they don’t switch it) because we won’t be on MNF again anytime soon.

By Blame Game

October 19, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

MV7 will always be given the responsibility for this team. First he didn’t sit in the pocket long enough for you fans. The guy has obviously been playing with mediocre talent around him and at no time did we as fans support him. We as fans should analyze ourselves. We won 8 games last year with this mediocre team, only MV7 gave them the opportunity to win. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. You all wanted MV7 out of town, cause of his corn rolls. Now you really have something to blame on him when you all should be blaming yourselves. In no way do I condone MV7’s actions, but he never felt support from his own fan base when he had been giving 150% every game. MV7 is the reason we were successful. Now all of your psuedo-football experts can waddle in your mud of discontent and bias

Shame on all of you fans for the continued bashing of this guy, you all still haven’t learned your lessons. This team will always be losers cause the fans are losers. Learn to support your players, whether they are green, purple, tall, or short. As long as they’re a Falcon

By dave

October 19, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

I agree to someone elses post about Blank getting what he deserves. He knew Mike was up to no good througout his tenure here. It is like someone who knows that their wife or husband is cheating on them but do not want to believe it. They stick their head in the sand and hope it goes away. It never does. Blank chose to ignore the obvious because he wanted to be the new owner on the block and impress his peers. Throwing money at someone and hoping they will improve their behavior was a million dollar mistake. People say that Vick has put this franchise back years it really can all be layed at the feet of blank. It is ironic that HomeDepot is having so many problems now and it will take years for them to recover from their mistakes and the Falcons are in the same boat. Last point I have to make is that the Falcons just dont seem to have ny heart or courage. I am not a huge sports fan but I can see effort. If the Falcons fall behind to a team they lose their will and desire right then. If it is the first 7 minutes of a game or the last 7 minutes and they are behind then the game is over. Your cannot coach desire.

By So True

October 19, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

PETA makes me sick. It amazes me that the same people that claim to love animals dont love or care for human beings.

I will say this MONEY TALKS !! Wether people want to admit it or not VIck was a one man team. The only reason that we got as many wins as we did last season is because he could run out of the pocket. The Dome has not and WILL not sell out. The Falcons are going to feel the pinch until then and they are going to have to lower there prices.

I can bet that when all is said and done Vick is going to stay a Falcon.

By travis

October 19, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

I have 3 pairs of Falcons’ season tix and I would sell them on Stubhub and make a nice profit, when MV7 was here. Now, the tix are not worth the paper that they are printed on. The tix have 1/4 of their face value. I gaurantee that there won’t be a waiting list next year, there won’t be any sellouts, and all games will be blacked out next year.

Oh yeah, I won’t be renewing next year either. Imagine that 6 years of sellouts all gone in one year.

By Donald Johnson

October 19, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

I am giddy as a schoolgirl watching the Falcons lose. I cannot fully describe how much I abhor this team and have been rewarded with all of the misery this team has suffered through this year.

I must admit I was disappointed in the Saints who gave this team a ill-earned win. Every year I hope for a winless season and each year they mange to win at least one. As is said in sports talk, “Well, there is always next year.”

The only way this year could get better is….. Oh, I will set down the poison pen and relish the thoughts for myself.

1-15…….

By Falcon4Life

October 19, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Bradley I love your articles. You are a class act when it comes to your insight

By Donald Johnson

October 19, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Oops! I meant to state disappointment in the Texans…

I digress.

By Mr. Gilley

October 19, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

Although I agree that the actions of Mr. Vick caused him to go to jail and his team to suffer, I feel this is an eye-opening realization for all the Vick critics who questioned his contributions to the team and worth as a talent. They say he was overrated but he alone made the Falcons compete and people actually said we finally have a real QB in JOey Harrington. Get that outta here. Regardless of how you feel about Vick, all I wanted was consistency and people to be honest. He was a good QB on the field. What he did was remarkable, he filled the seats and he brought life to the Falcons. Monday night football’s 5.7 ratings is a prime example. Just be HONEST people… MV7 was worth the money but it is sad for him to have to go to jail for people to finally notice the losses weren’t his fault. Receivers dropped passes all last season, but it was Vick fault. It wasn’t…It was just pure dislike of him as a untraditional Quarterback. Don’t fall for the Marketing!!!

By I See Your Argument Noneya but....

October 19, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Good points. But the real people who have set the team back is ownership and the front office. I never liked the hires of Mora Jr., Knapp and Donatell. Remember the NFC Championship game year was preceded by the Falcons going to the playoffs two years prior, the next season MV7 is hurt in the preseason and what a horrible year it was but when he came back it was electric how we closed out the year. Look at Vick’s stats under Dan Reeves’s staff. You might be surprised. And McKay’s track record is highly questionable. Look at his draft picks? Who is consistently contributing to the team besides Boley? If we had more talent we would be able to soften the blow of losing MV7

By C Brown

October 19, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Bradley you are all over the place. Make up your mind already! A couple of weeks ago you said that the Falcons would be okay, now you sing a different tune. Moore and Schultz have already written about this along with all the other writers across the country! How many other columnists could get away with this flip/flopping. Grow a pair and write something other than the status quo!

By sc

October 19, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Falcons were never going to win anything with Vick,he was a one man sideshow to entertain shallow minded football fans and even a shallower minded owner who hasn’t a clue.

By Conga

October 19, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

The Falcoons are the only NFL franchise that does not have back-to-back winning seasons and I do not forsee any winning seasons in the immediate future?

By Traci

October 19, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

PHIL…et al

ALL YOU FOLKS COMPLAINING THE FALCONS ARE DAMAGED FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS —- ARE THE SAME PEOPLE THAT WEEK AFTER WEEK, WHEN HE WAS PLAYING —- WANTED HIM GONE.

I never said MV7 didn’t have anything to do with his demise.

What I am recalling and YELLING —- is every week on these posts all yall Vick haters was talking about he wasn’t a “true quarter back”, “he scrambles too much” “We need some one else” Yada yadah yadah…

SHALL I PULL OUT THE ARCHIVES…

ALL YOU HATERS - GET WHAT YOU DESERVE.

This team is cursed - because the fans are wishy washy fair weather - whiners and complainers!

By Eric

October 19, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Losing sucks, but not as much as MV7…

By Boots

October 19, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Blame Game: You’re wrong on at least two counts: The Falcons only won 7 games last year — and based on Vick’s own confession, HE DID NOT GIVE 150% EVERY GAME! He GAVE UP on his team and confessed to doing so! And, who can forget the second half collapses over the past TWO years?

By trdofUvickH8rs

October 19, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

I’m tired of all of you hating on Vick. When he was helping ATL win you were happy. It doesn’t matter what he has done in his personal time the Falcons were STUPID to build a team around 1 person. So you can’t blame the losing on Vick. You should blame it on the FAlcons for having a bunch of non-professional players on their team. This is suppose to be professional football. But I can’t tell. Harrington is washed up. He is like the guy from the movie “the Great White Hype”. No matter what he try to do he is a loser. That’s all he is “HYPE”. The Falcons are done, face it. Blame the coaches, owners, who ever else, but don’t blame Vick he can’t lose a game if he is not playing. And when he comes back to the league whatever team he plays for will win because, he is a winner in his heart and he can play football.

So don’t h8, APPRECi8,,you losers

By Traci

October 19, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

Mike was not a ONE MAN TEAM -

He had the will to win. And that brought out the best in everbody else. He got everyone else to play to their potential.

Everyone loves to associated with a winner!

Every week on these posts while he was playing —- all you haters were complaining. We want Schaub. —-well look at Schaub NOW!

All you HATERS —- You Got WHAT YOU ASKED FOR

By Jack

October 19, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Question: Where was Falcon management/leadership during all of Vick’s early missteps? (Ron Mexico, the finger incident, the magic bottle in Miami, and standing up Congress — surely the dog fighting incidents didn’t come as a total shock to management). If anything, Falcon’s management were enablers!! How many other players who were injured were pushed around in a wheelchair by Mr. Blank. For Pete’s sake, for anyone with an investment worth millions, think that Falcons management would have protected their investment just a bit more than they had the spine to do!!

By hank

October 19, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

You hit several nails on the head. The change to Leftwich is purely psychoogical. Sometimes it works. More often it is a moment in time only.

The most noticeable problem will be the inability of Leftwich to move in the pocket. The offensive line has not exhibited any sign of being able to come together and Leftwich will spend a lot of time on his back

By Denise

October 19, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

You have to stop blaming Mike Vick for everything wrong with the Falcons. And now that he is gone, ATL really sees just how bad the Falcons really are. They have no direction no leadership right now. Why don’t you and let this team rebuild…and leave Mike Vick alone and let him attempt to live his life the best that he can.

By Bryant

October 19, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Vick was an excellant quaterback however the Falcons failed to build an strong offensive line around him na draft some go to receivers. They still suffer from the same problem now. I believe if Vick played this season the Falcons would still have a loosing record. Lets not blame the loosing season on Vick not being there. Lets get to the root of the problem.

By WTF???

October 19, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Matt, thats not god your talking to buddy. LOL

You guys sit around and act like you never go above the speed limit, cheat on taxes, or your wives, take paper form the office. Your all a bunch of angels and everybody else is wicked and should be sent to the 7th ring of hell. Get a grip. MV made a mistake. Humans tend to do that. If someone hadn’t forgiven you along the road you wouldn’t be here to cheer on someone elses fall from glory.

If I were a professional athlete I’d play for money because the loyalty you display I can live without.

BTW, I never liked Atlanta with Vick.

I can see why this city has such a losing tradition (minus the Braves), the fans are pathetic.

Go Falcons and take the Hawks with you. LOL

If they got the 1st pick in the draft they’d draft Hershel Walker. LOL

Finally, you could get an O line from the Hall of Fame and they couldn’t turn around a team that has such a tradition of losing. You don’t want a team, you want a scapegoat.

The whole city reaks of an ambush waiting to happen.

By Randy

October 19, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Whoa! Don’t put all of the blame on Vick. Sure what he did was stupid and self-destructive but wouldn’t we be in this same position if he had been hit by a truck on 285. Seems like the real problem we’ve had all along is average (or below average) players at the skill positions. That seems to be more of a GM problem to me!

By Conga

October 19, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are the only NFL franchise that does not have back-to-back winning seasons, and I do not forsee winning anytime soon?

By queeniez3

October 19, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I argee with galawyergirl PETA made sure that Vick would never play again, which goes to show you that they are not going in the backwoods and stopping people who dogfight all the time. He made more money that PETA and they are jealous. Somebody pay the commisioner off so VIck can come back and salvage a bad season. This is too painful to watch.

By gwc

October 19, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

We are expecting a winning team when in four years they have NEVER had to play as a TEAM. As long as the shinning star Vick was in the game everyone let him work. Now the Falcons have to become a REAL football team with EVERYONE pulling their weight, this will take time to sink in. Mora had it right “VICK IS A COACH KILLER, DURING AND AFTER HIS TIME!”

By Greg

October 19, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Funny how MV7 was the blame when he was here, and how he is the blame now that he is gone, somebody explain it to me. I see Schaub is doing marginally better with a good line. He wouldnt do crap here either. As bad as the moral decisions of MV7 was It is by far not the worst. Is he being treated unfairly, you et he is. How many Federal dog fighting cases have you ever heard of. You get a NBA ref with mob ties fixing games and it that story gets trumped by a dogfighting case, go figure. Fair you say. That speaks a whole lot about who you are and your whack some of your views of justice are. The Falcons have been a average team at best in the past 5 sewasons. We were just luckyenough to have a UPERSTAR although not the best human being QBing for this team.

By Robert

October 19, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Well, Well, Well, I suggested in another post that when the season started people would be begging to have Mike back at the controls. Atlanta fans it is just the begining, by next years 0-7 start, Blanks will be plea barganing to get Vick back in the saddle.

By Dr. I.Q.

October 19, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

*Traci *In all my years of dealing with those who are mentally deficient, I think you stand at the top of my list —- along with a few others who saw in Vick a great messianic hope for the black community.

I’m sure his demise is devastating for you, but you must move on. Life is move than football and Vick. Vick is going to jail and as disappointing as it is to see a person self-destruct, his playing years are gone. He seems destined to follow in the footsteps of Mike Tyson. Sad. Truly, sad.

By Get-over-it!

October 19, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

blame game You hit the nail square on the head! The Falcons were just a mediocre franchise with Vick on the field. When ever he hit the field he gave his all. The reason he was forced to run so much is because he didn’t have adequate blocking. His speed was the reason they won the few games they did. Let’s not forget how many 1st downs he obtained on his own. I don’t condone his off the field actions either; however, Blank, the media and the haters got exactly what they wanted. There was so much talk on these blogs when he was playing about trading him away. Well guess what? He’s gone now and look at the bullst they have to work with. It’s evident now that he carried the team. And as for the person who said he sat on the side lines pouting. He was disgusted with the screwed up plays that were given to him by Reeves and Mora. The Falcons stunk before Vick got here. If he had been traded or hurt I wonder what would be the excuse these so-called football experts on these blogs would use then. **FOOD FOR THOUGHT

By MrKnowGood

October 19, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

When are the AJC sports writers going to stop blaming Michael Vick for this team’s failure…SORRY AJC…YOUR’RE WRONG! THE OFFENSIVE LINE HAS BEEN HORRIBLE FOR YEARS! AND NOT EVEN TOM BRADY COULD SURVIVE BEHIND CENTER!

And when Byron Leftwich runs for his life to avoid being sacked again, I’m sure you’ll find a way to blame that on Michael Vick as well. It’s beginning to look like the real reason why the AJC came down so hard on Michael Vick is because he wouldn’t give you an interview when the story broke. But that is old news.

I wonder what will be written on Monday morning after the Falcons have lost another game. Maybe someday, the sports writers at the AJC will finally realize that Michaell Vick was never the problem with this team…he was just its scapegoat!

By Get-over-it!

October 19, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Boots You are just as wrong my friend. You have to be kidding me! The Falcons were never a second half team even before Vick arrived, so there’s now way you can blame second half folds on Vick alone. It amazes me how some of you clowns convinced yourselves that you are football experts.

By Bo Diddley

October 19, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Ok Bill Burns..Name 3 things that came to light showing clearly that the Falcons knew of many unsavory, if not illegal, things that Vick was involved in. Just like the radical “don’t cook a chicken, we don’t know a damn thing about football PETA crowd…you are a bunch of hot air. The Falcon organization deserves every thing coming their way. As a former Blank and lifelong Falcon and yes Vick fan, I could have sworn I saw the ghost of Rankin Smith on MFN. Vick was the ticket we had to a chance of making the playoffs and we were dogged by PETA to make a feel good non-football decision. Ray Lewis shot up Buckhead and he’s still around because the Ravens did not make rash decisions…Last time I heard the captain goes down with the ship, seems like Arthur said hell no to that and let Vick drown in the media storm! By the way Joey..Petrino saved you a few concussions from that offensive line that couldn’t block six old ladies wearing Depends.

By Chris

October 19, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

It is so sad that we live in a world where people kick people when they are down. Ask yourself first what have I done that’s against the law and haven’t got caught yet? The problem with people is that we want to pass judgement on people. God is the only one that can judge us. Mike has asked God for forgiveness and it doesn’t matter whether we forgive him or not. Maybe God had this to happen because as fans we don’t know how to appreciate a good thing. The season thus far says it all. Mike might now have been the best quarterback in the league, but he was damn good and brought excitement to the game. So Mike if you are reading this I forgive you and I hope one day that you play football again with another team, because it’s obvious that when someone has made a mistake as we all do all the time, they will kick you to the curb. I’m a Dallas Cowboy fan and I have been one forever, but Atlanta is where I live so I try to support the hometown team. Mike keep your head up and know that God has forgiven you, even though some of the ignorant people that make stupid comments in this column don’t know what to say, and obviously aren’t God fearing people. Mike much love and respect for you and what you brought to Atlanta when they had nothing to build on.

By Falconian

October 19, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Gee Mark, That’s a pretty firm grasp of the obvious you have there. But MV didn’t put the O-line together; he just survived it’s inadequacies better than most.

Yeah, JH isn’t that bad; he also isn’t that good, either. That his record as a pro. Mediocre.

By Boots

October 19, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Vick was an athletic specimen who had flashes of brilliance with his speed and agility. He possessed the body of an Adonis and the brain of a 9 year old.

Hence, his poor choices and judgement!**

By BUSHWACKER

October 19, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

adam, no body cares about hockey so let it go!!

By DR

October 19, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

It is an irony that 70% of posts here has nothing to do with the current state of Falcons. It is all about people pushing their on agendas and blaming everyone else for the current sorry state.

Mr. Mark Bradley, the only people responsible for screwing up this team is the owner and GM and the clowns they hired. Just like in any business, it succeeds or fails on the basis of how good or bad the management is.

Mark, it is pathetic of you to bring up someone who is not here and blame him for this sorry state the Falcons are in. You are giving way too much credit, power and assigning responsibility to someone who is not here, can’t defend themselves and did not have the power the shape anything other than donning the uniform to get on the field and do the best.

Everything that happened to this team, happening to this team and will happen to this team will happen because of the clowns running this organization.

You know w