Sports Columnists

By Nickie

October 18, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

As a long time Saints fan (yes, I remember the Aints), all I can say it’s lovely to see our arch rivals in worse shape! Our motto was “our favorite team is the Saints and anyone who can beat the Falcons.” Looks as if this year that is just about everyone. Yes, the Saints and Falcons have a smilar records right now. I think (and hope) that will change with the Saints no longer the celler dwellers.

By One

October 18, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

They suck, plain and simple!

And to all of the ever so critical fans (you know who you are, and who you’ve been most critical of!), HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY!!! You got what you been @itching and complaining for! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

By SonuvaDawg

October 18, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Thanks Furman- I feel alot better about our beloved Falcons now. Keep giving us hope and comfort!!

By Bill Burns

October 18, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

The Falcons deserve what they are getting. Aa an organization, they are dishonest. For Blank to say in the midst of the Vick fiasco that he did not know of the many problems that Vick was involved in, is a lie. They knew, they protected him, and it backfired on them. They deserve what they are getting

By Mark

October 18, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

BANG!!! Mr. Bisher you’ve smacked that nail right on the head. Remember that NFC champioship game against the Cowboys when we went into our prevent offense. We had that game won…..I remember something about a plateau….Poor Arthur.

By anotherdamnjack

October 18, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

IMHO, I think Joey Harrington is doing a pretty descent job. If the O line could block & give him some more time, he’s an accurate passer. It appears that it’s Leftwich’s turn to be a ‘punching bag’.

By Rob

October 18, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

This, too, will pass. (or run)

By Wayne

October 18, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Did anybody really think the Falcons would have a good season? There are just too many parts to be replaced. This team will have to be completely rebuilt. The systems are so different from the Mora era, it will take time,but I believe that Petrino will build a winner-if he is not lynched first. Sure, they are hard to watch. But as a lifelong Falcons fan, I have developed a thick skin. Vick is not coming back and they don’t have the right parts for now. I still have hope for the future and hope that we get Brohm as the #1 pick.

By RTB

October 18, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

The Falcons now have a coach who is a proven winner. Get rid of the “rock-and-roll” showboat philosophy, gradually clean house and replace them with players chosen high in the draft who have good character to back up their talent. It takes patience, but just as the Braves turned it around from worse to first—so can the Falcons.

By Jamie

October 18, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Furman,

Thank you for summing up 40+ years of disappointment in 13 paragraphs. This team has had so many more lows — drafting a UGA basketball player, Art Malone fighting with teammates in the huddle, the California Trophy, to add a few more to those you mentioned — that the occasional Big Ben pass or Dirty Bird dance leave no lasting goodwill. My first Falcons game was an exhibition against Joe Namath and the Jets at Grant Field. My last was Monday night. I’ve seen more than enough.

By BWood

October 18, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

It’s the Falcant’s! Something is wrong here. Been a fan all my life but they just can’t get right. Whoa what pain and misery they put their fans through. This cloud seems to forever hang over the good ole red and black. Our day will come. I mean come on, someone stop breaking mirrors in the locker room!!!

By Rick from PI

October 18, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Typical fair-weathered fans are the only ones with a voice. I have loved The Falcons since the Lehman Bennett days and will continue to do so. I did not believe the Petrino choice was a good one (in retrospect, we should have grabbed Lovie) simply because a college coach and NFL players don’t mix. I do not agree with his play calling skills. Soon, he will realize he is learning too and give the play calling to a more experienced person. Despite the despair and anguish that is on the Birds, they are still OURS and we need to continue to support them. Lastly- Nickie, we will never be as low as the Aints. That “fluke” of a season you guys had last year has come to pass. In the immortal words of Denny Green, “they are who we thought they were”. Lastly- Nickie, we will never be as low as the Aints. That ‘fluke” of a season you guys had last year has come to pass. In the immortal words of Denny Green, “they are who we thought they were”.

By Swatdad

October 18, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

I’ve been here for the run too. It has made me a fan that seems to be always pulling for the underdog. This team seems to be more of an underdog with every game. I don’t expect much with them.

By Kim

October 18, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

I agree with everything you said. But one thing though, you, like the players on the team do not mention the need for MICHAEL VICK. He is and was the backbone of this team. I realized something when he got canned, I am a Vick fan, not a Falcons fan. (unless they make it to the superbowl, then I will be back on the bandwagon.) lol

Care to give your opinion on Vick?

By gdg73

October 18, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Why does everyone feel so sorry for Joey Harrington? He is not the victim, he is part of the problem as well. When Joey plays bad, it’s always the offensive lines fault. Give me a f@#$%*g break!! Why doesn’t the defensive line get criticized for not putting pressure on the quarterback? Don’t you think that has something to do with our secondary constantly getting picked apart. Just wondering. It seems that you see the past better than you see the present. And one other thing, we knew all of this last year. The only difference is, it was all Vick’s fault. Blank and Co. are getting everything they deserve. The only person that can make this garbage team look somewhat competitive is Vick. Hell, he has the tract record to prove it.

By throckmorton

October 18, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

anotherdamnjack said an unintentional funny: “IMHO, I think Joey Harrington is doing a pretty descent job.”

I know you meant “decent”. See, “descent” means…going down, and in a plane descending. Or crashing. Just like the Falcons….

By David

October 18, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

The Falcons have always been hopeless, except for 1980, 1998, and 2004. But as for the worst Falcon team ever, what about 1974? Coming off of 9-5, thinking playoffs, instead scoring 111 points in 14 games, the worst until Tampa Bay came along? What about 1989? What about 1996? 1999? Any June Jones team? The Falcons are the second most wretched football franchise, only above that joke of a team in Atlantis, err, New Orleans.

By Clayton Bigsby

October 18, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

It’s very disheartening to sit threw games and the visitors team fans are enjoying the game more than you. I supported the Falcons when M.Vick came to the team only becuase he provided some optimism and hope. Now that he’s gone, there’s no one on this team that I get that optimistic feeling. I hope the next draft we could pick up a true leader this state and city deserves a winning team by now. Oh yeah, why are the fans suing the Falcons since they’re collecting M.Vicks money. The fans were the victim here.

By bigdiggy

October 18, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Ha ha is right! I am happy! This team and this city got what they deserved by worshiping at the altar of a sociopathic criminal. How did that work out for you, by the way? Right.

I find it all quite hilarious, so enjoy the rest of the season, all you “fans” who never rooted for the team but only for the quarterback.

Take heart: perhaps he’ll play on his prison team or in the Canadian league when he gets out.

By tixholdersince66

October 18, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Yes, I am a Falcoholic! have been since 1966. Too many Sundays wasted on these pitiful teams. The first step to recovery is admitting to the problem. I think there is hope for me yet. Furman, did you forget about the fist fight in our offensive huddle involving Jim Mitchell and some lineman?? A CLASSIC. BTW, support group meets at my place on Wednesday evenings. All are welcome! :)

By Cruzin

October 18, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are goners for the season. Petrino is in panic mode. Swapping quarterbacks is not going to change anything. It’s a dumb thing to do when the entire team should be replaced as well! In two or three weeks, Joey will return. At this point, the best they can do is lose “em” all, get the high draft picks, rebuild, and maybe in a few years a better team will surface..

By mike

October 18, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

I have to disagree, the Falcons have been worse.

By doctor

October 18, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Agree with Bill Burns. Arthur Blank deserves some responsibility for the plight of the Falcons. He served as apologist for Vick in spite of a sequence of ghetto activities. Used his money to buy off penalties for poor behavior. I suppose he thought “ghetto” was cool and embraced it. And “ghetto” begot what it usually does—jail time.

By Eric

October 18, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Fear NOT Falcons fans… NOW we have the WNBA! The most popular sport in Georgia this side of curling, table tennis and kick the can!

By ga_tech_92

October 18, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

This town has too much to do to support the teams we already have. How could anyone think it was a good idea to have a WNBA team added to the pathetic mix?

By Young Faith

October 18, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Your just old Furman—-don’t despair it happens You and Andy Rooney need to keep your thoughts to yourselves and let this new generation make it’s own way.

I gave up voting years ago because I am old too and got tired of being lied too. I realized seeing thing things through my daughters eyes, that she always has hope no matter how messed up things look to me.

The youth with all its optimism and energy will right this Falcon ship eventually

By Scott Seagraves

October 18, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Am I the only one who remembers the day that Jim “Meat” Mitchell and some guy I can’t remember fought in the huddle on national TV?

By Greg

October 18, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Its shameful how alot of ppl gripe about them losing, when we all saw it coming and hated one of the keys to the Sunday wn. Like Mike Vick or not, bad passing QB or not (and he was the lowest in the league we know), he added yards, and we were more successful with him on the field. His attitude and ego needed help, but his teammates responded to him, and we all loved watching him run, or use Crumpler in “must convert” situations. Were they ever great under Mike, not as a whole, but they were miles ahead of one win. The only thing I watch the game for now is kick off returns, we have one extraordinary game changer left.

By Scott

October 18, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Kim, you may be right. Perhaps Vick was the backbone of the team. Unfortunately, that makes his selfishness in getting involved in illegal activities even worse. KNOWING he was the backbone of the team, he still chose to put himself in a bad situation and eventually screw his team, his teammates, and the fans over. Yeah, he’s a helluva leader.
He let all of those people down. Now we’re left here cleaning up a mess that will take years to get past since his salary will still be on the books and kill our salary cap room. I don’t feel sorry for him one dang bit.

By ctc

October 18, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

I think most folks new going into this season that there was only a slight glimmer of hope that this Falcon’s team would be “good”. Forgot the playoffs, we are just talking good enough to win a few games, maybe get a .500 record if all expectations were exceeded. However, I think we all now know that the only fairy tales that reside on this earth are in Disney World.

This is what you get when you put all your eggs into one basket. This is NOT the NBA where a Michael Jordan only has to beat 5 other guys on a relatively small court/field to get a basket. This is the NFL, where you cannot seriously think one guy is gonna win you the game time and time again. However, unfortunately, it seems that is what Falcon management signed up for when they gave Mr Vick that huge contract and continued to build a team around his style, trading away more team-oriented players (like Schaub).

Now the shockwaves are hitting in the wake of the Michael Vick “exit stage right”. A huge crator exists and it will take time to fill it in.

So, play the rest of them out and look towards the Draft and free agency next year.

By the ritz blitz

October 18, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Furman, like you I have been following this franchise since the 60’s (I even was in attendence for their lone Super Bowl appearance) this is the saddest bunch of misfits I can remember. But who are we to blame…Blank, McKay or Petrino.

By Ron

October 18, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

As a kid growing up in Atlanta in the 60s, I remember the days of Tommy Nobis and Junior Coffey, the black jerseys and red helmets and good old Atlanta Fulton County Stadium (remember outdoor NFL football?) I had great season tickets and went to every game in the magical season of 1980, and rooted like hell for Bartkowski, William Andrews, William Cain, Alfred Jenkins, Wallace Francis, etc. I was at the amazing Monday night game when we beat the hated Rams (the Los Angeles Rams) by ex-bartender Tim Mazetti’s field goals. It all came crashing down when Danny White hit Drew Pearson - again - for the winning touchdown in the final minutes of the playoff game. Jerry Glanville ran the gritz blitz in those days. But later he was a terrible head coach, and his legacy tainted my love for the Falcons in many ways - the run-and-shoot offense, the black helmets and jerseys to match his black get-up, the California trophy, the tickets for Elvis - he made us a laughing stock. But the two dumbest things the Falcons ever did were trading Brett Farve and - worst of all - building that ridiculous Georgia Dome. Does Atlanta not have the most perfect weather in the world in the fall? Who wants to sit in that stale, generic coccoon on a crisp October afternoon? I used to go to every game, but since they moved into the dome I’ve been to maybe three games. I still support the team. I watch them on TV. And one day they will rise up as the Braves did in 1991 and give the city a team to be proud of. Or at least they will put together two winning seasons in a row! But please, Mr. Blank, build us another stadium - outdoors. Go Falcons!

By Acer

October 18, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

For all of you ID10T’s that wondered why MV took off running as soon as the ball was snapped, now you know. The offensive line is just that, offensive; the falcons have never had even a serviceable O-Line.
I am a long time Falcons fan and I was truly pulling for Joey to succeed but he just doesn’t have what it takes. The Monday night game was a perfect example; despite poor pass protection Joey had a number of opportunities to make a play but he was too scared. Half of the time he was throwing the ball to the hot receiver when there was no need to. There were a number of well designed plays along with good protection where he failed to throw the ball to the proper receiver because he was just too scared. Hey Nickie the Aints have most of their pieces in place from a team that made the NFC championship game last year. Must be heart breaking to suck the very next year without really having any major pieces missing.

By ATL Sports Cursed

October 18, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

This town is CURSED! Hawks have been terrible forever, Thrashers finally make the playoffs and get swept, Braves win 14 division titles but are remembered for only winning one World Series, and the Falcons have never put back to back winning seasons together in 42 years!

I was at the 1980 playoff game against Dallas. We had that game won and fans left early saying they would see us the following week. We went into the prevent defense and lost the game, Falcons have never been the same since.

By Joe

October 18, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Leftwitch must be a sadist. For one, he’s a worse passer than Harrington (as shown in his fourth quarter glory two weeks ago; line - 19 yards and an interception). Second, the Falcon’s O-line couldn’t block Papa Smurf. Don’t blame a quarterback who has two seconds to throw a ball. No one, not even Tom Brady or Peyton, could be a good passer in this blocking scheme.

By WTF

October 18, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Oh Kim, please let’s not get them started on the bashing, name calling and down right racial hatred of Vick. The AJC has fanned that flame for far too long! And to be quite honest, most people are SICK of it!!

By Leslie mcswain

October 18, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

All the people that keep trying to blame this mess on mike vick is a bunch of low life idots that don’t have a clue to what is going on here with the Atlanta falcons. keep hiding behine your one eye monster and throwing stone at mike vick, that want get you anywhere, you will still be throwing the same stones at him when he has move on with his life and football career, because if a man lose his life and career over some dogfighting, GOD to help this so called country we call home.

By Dumbing Down

October 18, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

ATL = the King of Mediocrity! Franchise Killas abound, it will never reach its potential, and it is a laughingstock around the nation.

Sherman burned Atlanta, but Vick burned a franchise. It is ultimately… THE OWNER’S FAULT!

Furman, you forgot to mention the fight in the backfield between Jim Mitchell and Art Malone.

The Falcons make me want to drink heavily on Sunday, but the liquor stores are closed! What a great town and state!

By BigBirdFan

October 18, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Coach Petrino has really screwed up this time, now we are going to get the number 2 pick in the draft.

By Jeremy

October 18, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Everyone needs to shut up about Vick he is not coming back he’ll be lucky to get out of prison. Also to everyone talking about drafting a QB the first round, well that will not help this team, we have other areas that need to be addressed. Besides haven’t you learned anything? The great QBs down come from the first round. The first round QBs usually end up flopping. Wait until the third round to draft a QB, that’s where we will find a QB for the future. I recal that Bret Farve came in the third round and he is one of the greats. Most of the great QB’s didn’t come in the first round.

By ga_tech_92

October 18, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Why do I keep reading the name Vick? The man is gone, by his own choices. MOVE ON ALREADY! Also, quit implying that ‘we got what we wished for’…are you retarded??? No one wished the team to be crippled by salary cap, no one ever wished for an offseason full of distraction, we only ever wished for a man of character to lead our team in a way we could be proud to support.

OH…and we want steak, not sizzle…steak wins and eventually sells tickets…sizzle just sells tickets.

By fatz

October 18, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

my dad was working for Coke back in the 60’s and a vendor he worked with used to give him tickets to several games. i remember sitting in the club level (but in the end zone)of Fulton County stadium just absolutely LOVING the experience. It didn’t matter that we usually lost, just sitting there in the open air with my binoculars, soaking in an NFL game, was a great joy of my childhood. And it has all gone downhill from there. I admit I hate the dome, and its noise and confusion and hassle to get to and from. I hate the uniforms and their transiency. But I also realize I’m not the market anymore for either the Falcons or the NFL. I can barely watch a game unless its the Pats or the Colts. When we moved to Atlanta from Baltimore in 1959, I pretty much knew the name of every player in the league. The cycles were lengthy, bad teams stayed bad and great teams stayed great for more than a year or two (maybe THAT is why i like the pats and colts so much….)
There was an “order” to life as a fan. Now… the owner is a promoter, the hype goes 24/7 with the NFL Channel and ESPN, free agency guts a team just as it starts to gel, blah, blah… I’m telling you, we go into a real-estate driven recession in the US and corporations start cutting expenses (tickets/boxes) and advertising (networks)pro sports is screwed. so be it

By michaelgee

October 18, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Since the only advice you ever gave Rankin Smith was terrible, maybe you should stop scribbling your obvious hate for Arthur Blank and the Falcons in the paper.

Why does the ajc want the Falcons to fail?

The ajc has ALWAYS been anti-Falcon and you did nothing to show an inkling of insight.

Why not note that the circumstances that Bobby Petrino took this job under were switched 100% after he got here and the team is struggling to find that PERFECT direction under new leadership? Which part of the rug being pulled from underneath Petrino was Petrino’s doing? So you and ajc continues to bash Blank, Petrino and the Falcon’s TEAM, the ajc agenda is so clear. Harrington took this job as a backup QB, you didn’t point that out, it was not a Falcon decision for Joey to be the starters under these dire circumstances. So the ajc bashes Joey, naturally. Your article is simply typical ajc tunnel vision. Which is all the ajc can offer, why should I come back to read anything more of this drivel and poor sports coverage?. The ajc needs new sportwriters who don’t write ONLY negative hate filled spew against EVERY Pro Sports Franchise Atlanta has ever had.

By Jeff

October 18, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

I agree w/ the majority of you. I dont think switching QBs will do anything. It will only make it worse bc/ now the Oops-Line will have to change and we see how well they’ve adjusted to that. As far as getting a good draft pick next year, have you people forgotten the horrible picks the head office has drafted over the past 5 years?? We are screwed no matter what. Thank God there is still good college football teams in this state bc/ every other team here stinks.

By Jeremy

October 18, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

To go along with my previous comment Tom Brady wasn’t drafted until the 6th round and he is one of the best QBs in the leauge right now. So Falcons don’t need to waste their first round pick on aother QB who will flop.

By Jeremy

October 18, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Frankley, I think the coaches are trying to lose this season.

By Philip

October 18, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Furman Bisher has made a point that everyone should consider.Arthur Blank came bought the Falcons with a desire to win, but as the “old falcon crumbles” where is the heart of these guys. Find 50 guys who would like to play football and recruit, pay will be modest because they are there because the love of the game. Get business out. Give Atlanta a football team that the players play hard, win, will stick together through thick and thin. I to have been a Falcon fan since 1966, the Tommy Noblis type, and I will not see a winning Falcons team here til the day I die. Wonder if I can get a refund on all my previous tickets?

By clarke

October 18, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

You forgot to mention the trade of Brett Favre. The worst teams actually had to be those ones in the mid-80’s. Horrible! But I have to say, I really think we have the right ownership. He made a big move to get a marquee quarterback. It’s not his fault the guy turned out to be a felon. It is blank’s fault that he keeps hiring these coaches. Petrino only proved to me with his pitifull decision to put Leftwich in that game againt Tennessee that he will never be able to handle this job. We never should have fired Reeves! We just need to crash, fire the coach then get a proven one and start building up again. I have faith that we can do this and Blank is a good owner with desire. He needs to find his coach that can win and then, the rest of the NFL will have to deal with us rather than laughing at us. They’ve been laughing for an awfull long time.

By Clarke

October 18, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Jeremy is exactly right. Get some other talent in here 4besides these terrible first round quarterbacks. The best gb’s are the ones that get taken later. Probably because they have something to prove. We need some lineman to get us some protection for our skill players. Jarious Norwood has great potential. some recievers that can catch and a few more linebakcers.

By tds

October 18, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Furman, who cares what you think. I too have watched them since they arrived in ATL-although I have had the priviledge of having free seats. You actually sound surprised about the results of the season to this point. What did you expect after the crap Petrino has had to deal with since day 1! Except for Monday night’s game, I have seen decent effort by this group, especially the defense. I dont know if Petrino is the answer, but he has to be given the opportunity to acquire the talent that fits his plan. I dont think there is much of that in place now.
Just as I have pointed out before, most real strong teams and their coaches have had minimal early success as they build and develop. Lets see how the rest of the season develops and what transpires in the off season and 2008 draft.

By Robert A. Hunter

October 18, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

This article is ridicolous this is pretty much the same team that started out 6-2 in 2005 and 5-2 in 2006 except with out it’s star QB M.Vick. It’s funny who quickly we forget. Our defense is much better than any defense that played under June Jones or Jerry Glanville. We got blindsided with the Vick case but we will bounce back. The reason why I’m saying this team isn’t hopless is because I wasn’t expecting much from Joey H. anyway. We’ll be fine.

By Bobby Dowell

October 18, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Mr Bisher- what a well written and comical article..and it’a all true. They are the bad news bears of the NFL, no doubt. But I will support them always because like a stray dog (no pun intended)they picked me, I didn’t pick them and I cannot turn my back on them or the ATL. Can anyone relate?

By bill

October 18, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

The team will sting this year, new coach,new system,new philosophy. If we’re going to lose this badly, let’s get in the running for the Darren Mcfadden sweepstakes. Let’s get a runner who is strong, fast, and more importantly BIG. No more Warrick Dunn! Forget the midget!

By a falcon realist

October 18, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

This team hasn’t been good since Vick broke his leg in and Dan Reeves got fired in ‘03. The worst thing that happen to this franchise before the whole Vick dog fighting case was going 11-5 in ‘04 in Jim Mora’s 1st year. That was fool’s gold and Mr. Blank thought that he had pulled off a brilliant move. The NFC was worse than it is now (the Eagles and the Falcons were the only two teams with more than 8 wins). So everyone thought that this Blank, Mora and Vick era would bring us a Super Bowl. Wrong. Even though I wanted it to happen it couldn’t happen with the pieces that were (and many still are) in place on this team. The foundation of any championship caliber team in the NFL is a solid offensive and defensive line. The skill players are just icing on the cake (which we don’t have either). The Blank, Mora and Vick era was all icing. Vick was exciting and maybe good for 3 to 4 wins a year just on his athletic ability alone but he’s not coming back and that’s his own fault. So the past 2 seasons (7-9) is what we should have expected from the falcons even with Vick. So without him 3 to 5 wins is what we should expect. This team has been poorly constructed and we are going to have to wait until it can be rebuilt the right way. There is no quick fix. This is going to have to be a slow process that is done correctly so that we can be competive every year and only have to fill in the pieces we need to maintain the franchises competiveness.

By Master of Flatulence

October 18, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

When the Eddie Lebaron, Leeman Bennett regime took office, the first two first-round draft picks were spent on giant tackles Warren Bryant and Mike Kenn.

Repeat that lesson Blank. Then, they got some young linebackers and secondary folks (Bobby Butler). The offense could score now with either Harrington or Leftwich IF there was ANY push or protection from that sorry offensive line.

By Jeff

October 18, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

As a lifelong Falcon fan, we should have known we were in for a long, hard ride from the outset. Remember the first ever Falcons home game, when the Falcon was released to circle high above the satdium and return to it’s perch but promptly disappeared forever? Poor sap is probably still nesting somewhere near Brasstown Bald in utter shame!

By Robert A. Hunter

October 18, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

That’s a retarted statement. Tom Brady is the abberation, not the norm. With Matt Ryan & Brohm coming out of the draft we need to get our guy there it’s the quickest way to get things turned around. From Peyton Manning all the way back to Joe Nammath & Bradshaw. A star QB is the way to go if you want to see immediate results. Steve young I could go on and on, Marino, Jim Kelly. Get the QB it’s a no brainer

By Ashamed to be 4m Ga.

October 18, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

I think Vick was stupid for what he did, but you people make me sick for some of the things you are saying about him. As long as he was winning games for you jack@sses nothing was said, bt as soon as he did the dogfighting thing you turn your back on him. Yea I know dude was stupid for his part in it , but go to any black neighborhood an dogfighting is as common to black people as deer hunting is to white people.

Atlanta fans are getting what they deserved for turning on a dude instead of saying well I hope he gets help for his wrong doings. People in the South are hypocrits an racists in shapes of the words. An to the people who are dissing the dirty bird dance you didn’t think it was so dumb at the time ATL went to the Super Bowl. Everyone an they momma knew Atlanta didn’t have a o-line but Vick made up for it with his legs , but people were quick to say he runs too much now poor Joey is feeling Vicks pain now aint he hahaha lmbao.

You people need to get on your d@mn knees an pray for all the mean an hateful things you have said an that is in your hearts. I use to love the Falcons but after hearing all the things you pricks said about Vick I hope they never win again. Again I know what he did was illegal but as long as he was winning games for you yall didn’t seem to mind. Peace

By Pago Pago

October 18, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

We agree with “RON”, who the heck wants to watch football indoors!!!!

By Boots

October 18, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

The simple truth of the situation is that Blank and the GM had the mistaken notion that Vick was the answer to all that ailed the Falcons and mortgaged the franchise to secure the services of this tremendous athlete and fun-to-watch scrambler.

Unfortunately, it takes a team to win —- blockers, tacklers and people who can run and catch the ball.

Even Vick was 15 and 17 over the past two years.

Hopefully, when management deals with the salary cap fiasco —- due primarily to the un-freakin’- believeable Vick contract —- it can begin to rebuild a TEAM.

TEAMS win Super Bowls, not 10 mediocre players and a Super Hero who can’t read a defense.

In the meantime, it’s just a game!

**Adios, a go Falcons.

By To Robert A. "No Brain" Hunter

October 18, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Ryan, Brohm and Woodson are the same college quarterback Joey Harrington was. I think the master flatulator and others have the right idea. Get the giant O-line men who are going to knock defenders on their keisters and go from there.

By Jack

October 18, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Mr. Blank if we are to ever have a winner you have to change your ways.

Start with running the Falcons like a business and not a playtoy hobby.

You should quit trying to be buddy buddy with the players. Get off the sidelines, lockeroom and into the owners box and stay there.

One blogger cited MV as being the cause of the 20 million shortfall in payroll (no money for the OL). This is not true——You are the reason for the poor decision to make MV the highest paid player in the league. MV is dumb, but not dumb enough to turn all that money down.

As Truman said—-The Buck Stops Here.

By Dion

October 18, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

You know Atlanta doesn’t have a good team this year, and maybe we didn’t know how much Vick meant to this team. He is not here anymore and with ATL trying to recoup his money, he ain’t coming back. We as fans need to support the Falcons Team, the ones that care more about football than Dog-Fighting. It may be a rough couple of years, but Atlanta will be back on top and then everyone will finally forget about this season, All it takes is a few wins and the bandwagon folks will jump back on board. Falcon fans support your team, if anyone here can name a team that has won the SB every year since their inception, let me know. It’s rough now but it will get better!!

By Lisa from Dallas

October 18, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Atlantans give up!!!!!!!!!Who in their right minds would want to come to ATLANTA and play for the FALCONS..a city that is full of hipocrits…When Vick gets out maybe he’ll go to a real team like THE DALLAS COWBOYS.

By NC State Fan

October 18, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Does anyone in their right mind believe that Bobby Petrino is going to stay a part of this organization’s mess? He is bound for maybe Clemson or Nebraska or East Carolina (if Holtz goes to Clemson). I’d say Arkansas, but they are eyeing them favorite son, Butch Davis for next season….The Falcons need to redo their organizational chart with proven NFL personnel guys and let them hire a coach to straighten this mess out!

By Robert H.

October 18, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Actually, I feel the same way about Mr. Bisher’s columns. Considering Mr. Bisher has been around since the first kickoff, I have one word for you………RETIREMENT!!!!!!!

By Scott

October 18, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Remember when the city went nuts when Smith threatened to move the team to Jacksonville. We should have helped them pack. We are now forever cursed for keeping them here.

By canttakeitanymore

October 18, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Have a fire sale. Get rid of all the dead weight on this team. Get as many draft picks as you can for them and start anew. I think Petrino is ok but he has to go. Hire Marty Shcottemhiemer and tell Mckay that the coach calls the shots not the gm. I dont care what Martys record in the playoffs is. He is known for building consistently competitive teams at the NFL level. And that my friends that is what Atlanta fans are starving for. Please give us 8 years of winning football. And I will think I died and went to heaven.

By Jimmy Etheridge

October 18, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Thank goodness I’m a Cowboy fan.

By supporter

October 18, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Petrino will find a way to make this franchise a winner. He was dealt a bad hand and must be given time to get rid of the bad and replace it with winners. Give the man a chance. I have been impressed with some of the things he has done even though it has not amounted to victories. Hang in there Bobby!!!

By amazed

October 18, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Worst Falcons Team? That’s like the, “Worst French Army”.

By ga_tech_92

October 18, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Anyone who is talking about spending a top draft pick on a skill position, is the exact reason the Falcons stink forever. GREAT teams build the OLine and DLine first as the foundation…skill players are icing…we don’t have enough people who get it…let’s hope the Team ignores the short sighted and builds a foundation.

By Shamus Thacker

October 18, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

I think Marion Campbell’s second coming was the lowest point ever.

Kim McQuilken/June Jones taking the field as Steve Bartkowski writhed in pain was always a low point.

Each and every minute of the Dan Henning era was an extremely low point.

Jeff George cussing-out June was a low point.

Remember all those Nick Mike-Mayer field goals hooking far left? Low points.

Remember Bill Bell tattooing the impression of a football on Van Note’s butt during a field goal attempt? I do. Low point.

Jim Mitchell, Art Malone, stepping out of the huddle to throw hay-makers at one another? Low Point.

There have been so many low points for this franchise. We could haggle all day over the cake-taker…

By tony

October 18, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Someone on this blog mentioned that Atlanta is a curse city. I agree with his thought process as I’ve being saying for a long time now. This is y? RACISM! Let me prove my point on this issue. Before Mike Vick this franchise only had white qbs but I never heard anyone call them dumb, thug, low IQ, from the getto when many of them were worse performers than Vick. By the way, it’s not Vick’s fault that he recieved a 120 million $ contract - it’s Arthur Blank fault people! Racism is a sin and sin create hate and division amonst people. That’s what is going on in the City of Atlanta. The hate and division between blacks and whites have given birth to failure and disappointment in this city.

By Pete

October 18, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Yes, I have an answer to solving the Falcon’s woes. GIVE the team to the inmates at the Federal Pen in Atlanta, burn the uniforms, bulldoze the stupid Dome, change the name, and START OVER. Anything short of this is a total waste of time.

By dawggonegaboy

October 18, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Too bad the Falcon ownership didn’t at least bring in former UGA David Greene to finish out the season … while he is never going to be a superstar he became the college QB with the most wins ever by being an above average talent, consistant leader at the position … something the Falcons sure could have used. I can’t believe this bunch of never been, has been excuses for QB … too bad DJ got hurt as he would have had his chance this year! …

By Tom

October 18, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Deangelo Hall says it all to me. Having played lots of sports (never professionally) the TEAM always has a leader (Bad or Good). I have been a Falcons fan since 1974 when I moved to Atlanta. I moved away in 1996 but still love all of the Atl teams. Right now this team still has a hangover form Vick and Hall. Vick is gone and Hall should be next. Let him poison another team like the Aints. Petrino would never have applied for this job without Vick as the QB. Bad move but I have seen lots of coaches and he has a look I like. But I wish he would stand up to Hall. Find someone who can catch the ball. I always thought Vick threw too hard and that’s why they dropped so many. I was wrong, these guys even make TO look like he has glue on his hands. Hang in there and maybe the Falcons will go the way of the Braves and get some real men with manners and ethics . The Hawks they’re in the NBA so there is no hope there. That is a wasteland.

Tom, trying to find the Falcons & Braves on TV like I used to do everyday in ATL.

By Proud Dawg

October 18, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Please drop it all you Mike Vick apologists! He is in the mess he is in because of his own stupid decisions, not all the “haters” or the front office. This team sucks and is imploding quickly thanks to the veterans who talk the talk but cannot walk the walk. BTW its time to face facts and realize that Vick is NEVER coming back to the falcons and he will never have any true impact with another NFL team again!

By chad

October 18, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Are they hopeless? No….nothing is hopeless in todays NFL. What I dont understand is Petrino. Should Leftwich start this week. Sure why not? nothing else is working, but to name him the starter for the rest of the year. Thats dumb coaching. Harrington has shown nothing but guts this year. Going through all the Vick crap and having to deal with the criticism all year amd than monday night refusing to come out when he was hurt becuase he wants to help this team. I hope Leftwich makes this team win, but I dont think it will happen and if hes worse than harrington are great offensive minded coach has given him the starting job for the rest of the year. I hope Petrino goes back to college becuase obviously with his decisions this year he needs more schooling.

By die hard falcons fan

October 18, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

The Atlanta Falcons NEED an extreme makeover.

1- Get rid of Warrick Dunn with his lack of leadership. You dont put down your fellow peer players 2- get some 300 lbs Grady Jackson types on the Offensive line. Shoot give them a bonus for each game they can defend the QB for at least 5 seconds (Colts/Patriots/Cowboys hold that line up to 30 seconds top) 3- Get rid of the folks who aint performing 4- Bring back Patrick Kearney he was the heart and soul of the offense line 5- Why did yall let Allen rossum go? look what he doing for the special teams in Pittsburgh?!?!? 6- I was excited to see a 5 WR set for a change USE THAT MORE 7- AND FOR the love of my GA PEACHES please start JERIOUS NORWOOD. what else does he have to do TO START Run 200 yards in a game? He cant do that if he isnt getting the carries. 8- A NEW Outdoor stadium.. heck use the one at turner field and imploe the ga dome and rebuilt over the same box. 9- Mr Blank take out a full page ad in the ajc and apologize to the fans and citizens of Atlanta nad the NFL for such an embrassment. 10- FIRE MCKAY 11- see 10 12 - see 10 13- I want my season ticket holders to hollar at me!

By Chris

October 18, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

To the first poster:

A Saints fan talking trash? Really?

REALLY???

By Jerry

October 18, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Imperfect storm? Furman … you must mean PERFECT STORM. The Falcons are toast … again!

By BUSHWACKER

October 18, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Furman Bisher is correct, this team is doomed for ineptness. Joey’s is not the problem, it’s the O Line, so what do we do, we replace Joey with the least mobile QB in the league, UNBELIEVABLE!!

By OpinionsAreLike

October 18, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Oh the mistakes the Falcon organization make.The Brett Farve deal, (how many quarterbacks have we had in the time he has been with Green Bay?) Aundrea Bruce, Marrion Campbell, hired the second time because they blew the deal with their initial coaching choice. What about all the first round draft choice busts and the injuries and the fatal car accidents involving players. William Andrews blows out his knee in practice. If there is a poor decision to be made, or just bad luck, count on the Falcons to be part of it. Oh, by the way, the tickets for Elvis, that was not Jerry’s idea, that was June Jones brainchild. Don’t belive me google it! Hey Jerry did take us to the playoff.

By itsme

October 18, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

“a descent job” That’s hilarious, even if unintended.

By Shamus Thacker

October 18, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Vick signed a 130 mil. contract. Even then, was either too lazy, or too intellectually challenged, to learn the entire playbook. Couldn’t read a defense if the opponent held up cue cards!

I’m personally overjoyed that he’s gone. If it takes a year of losing to draft a REAL quarterback, then so be it…

By Shay

October 18, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

FALCONS SUCK** and YES I AM A FAN..so I can say that!!

By bk hawk

October 18, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Blank blew it when he fired Dan Reeves. The only coach to win and get team to SB. What did Blank do? FIRED him! Since then all down hill and now you almost made it to the bottom. When you reach bottom there is only one way to go and that up.

By Falcon Lover

October 18, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

* TO ALL THE NAYSAYERS, VICK WAS THE SPARK FOR THE FALCONS. WHETHER YOU LIKE HIM OR NOT. HE COULDNT DO IT ALL BY HIMSELF. THIS SEASON NEW QB, EVEN WORSE RECORD. SO HATE HIM ALL YOU WANT AND YEAH HE MESSED UP, BUT THE FALCONS ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE THIS YEAR BUT HOME BY THE END OF THE SEASON. NOW THAT VICK ISNT THERE WHO ARE YOU ALL GOING TO BLAME DUNN?? RODDY? HORN?? YOU GUYS ARE JUST PICKING PEOPLE FOR TARGET PRATICE!!**

By smartguy

October 18, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

RICH MCKAY SUCKS.

RICH MCKAY SUCKS!

By Change in the air

October 18, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Shamus Thacker does Joey know the play book is he smart ? You don’t know what the hell you are talking about loser. Vick was and still is the best thing to happen to the falcons all 130 million worth. What so call real quaterback is out there and if they had one he would have on offense line. the offense line is needed more than a QB. Dumb @sses always want a QB, But people who know football know we have a line problem. You hate Vick so much you bleed hate and dumbness! watch UGA that’s move of the redneck team you need to watch! and they are loser too!

By Ashamed to be 4m Ga.

October 18, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Hahahaha d@mn dawg you are too damn funny but you forget the Braves only won their lone World Series when they had black stars I remind you dumd @ss prick

By TiredofThis

October 18, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bisher: I agree with a lot of what you have to say. I pray Curtis Martin wins the lottery and buys this team. Blank is a joke and this hip-hop crap we endure at every game is a bigger joke. Why not mix it up some? Naah, Arthur wants to be down with the dudes!! Then, Monday night, there were fights galore from Giants fans who moved down from the upper levels despite the “big time” gates and the honorable people manning them for the Dome who take $10 in their hand and let them through…our aisle didn’t even have a stinking usher to check, so all the dregs came to sit with us and fight. It was a disgrace. It’s not even enjoyable anymore. For 20+ years, I’ve spent my money for season tickets and I am sick of financing these idiots with their lack of play and their off-season idiot behavior. Watch Comcast on-demand right now folks and look at the 1980 Falcons. Sure, they weren’t perfect but they played the game without quitting. This crowd here now plays with all the enthusiasm of stomach cramps. No, I take that back. I’ve had stomach cramps, they definitely have more enthusiasm. What a joke, and we’re funding this mess. Who’s the real idiots? We are.