AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSaints should bury Falcons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
In what must be pure coincidence, given the timing of this week’s Embalming Bowl between the 1-5 Falcons and the 1-4 Saints, officials from the University of Illinois anthropology department said they are missing several body parts.
Of particular concern is the disappearance of a skull, prompting Steve Leigh, the head of the department, to comment: “It is very difficult to get such materials. If people insist on stealing them, we will run out.”
The Falcons wouldn’t offer any explanation Thursday, but acknowledged they are suddenly bumping up against the salary cap and issued a new quarterback depth chart that reads: Byron Leftwich-Joey Harrington-Abby Normal, according to the team’s chief of scouting, Igor “What Hump?” McKay.
Leftwich will make his first start for the Falcons on Sunday in New Orleans. For his protection, he wasn’t introduced to his offensive line, nor was he granted visitation rights to see Harrington, who has been sacked 21 times in the seven minutes that the Falcons’ offense has actually held the ball this season.
The Saints believe they have finally turned a corner after starting the year with four losses.
I’m not sure what the Falcons believe. But coach Bobby Petrino said Wednesday he is confident Leftwich is the answer. He then said he would meet the team in New Orleans and left to begin looking at property in Baton Rouge.
The Saints are favored by nine points.
Or is that working organs?
The long walk through the graveyard continues. The nine is covered. Falcons drilled.
Keggers
• Army at Georgia Tech: In the past four weeks, Tech has lost to Virginia, beaten Clemson, lost to Maryland and won at Miami. And lineman Darryl Richard said with a straight face: “I think we are definitely becoming more consistent.” All-righty then. Should be an easy win this week. But do “Tech” and “Should” ever intersect? Jackets win. But not by 24.
• Tennessee at Alabama: I’m sure when Alabama gave Nick Saban $4 million a year and a house on one of them newfangled paved roads, the last thing it expected was a three-point escape at Mississippi. On a related note, the replay official who overturned that long Rebels’ pass play last week now goes by “Governor.” Tide wins a pick ‘em.
• Canes and (Un)Ables: Miami-Florida State used to decide national championships. Now it decides who goes to Boise. Next, on ESPN, The Ocho: Noles win. But take the Windbags and 5 1/2.
• Upside Bowl: Kentucky is coming off a win over LSU, which beat Florida, which dumped Tennessee, which lost to Cal, which lost to Oregon State, which lost to Cincinnati, which nobody even realized had a football team, which leads me back to Kentucky. So take that Bear Bryant! Now who’s got the last laugh! Meanwhile, back on earth: Gators cover 6 1/2.
• Auburn at LSU: Auburn’s Josh Thompson said this week of the Baton Rouge experience: “People are mooning you, people are throwing water at you, throwing bottles at you, beating on the buses.” And that’s in the nice restaurants. So what kind of mood do you think they’re in after losing to Kentucky? The 10 1/2 is so covered.
• Vanderbilt at South Carolina: Steve Spurrier was wondering how he could win recruiting battles with Mark Richt. Turns out all he has to do is compare tapes from the Vandy games. Roosters win (but take the Commodores and 13).
NFL Smallpack
• Godzilla at Miami: New England has won games by 24, 24, 31, 21, 17 and 20. Tom Brady has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 21-to-2, which, I imagine, is slightly better than his ratio in sexual roulette. So how do you feel about giving up 16 1/2 in a road game? Yeah. Thought so. Pats cover.
• Ravens at Bills: Buffalo’s defense is allowing 421.4 yards per game, which ranks behind the Bengals, the Falcons and France. Ravens cover 3.
• Colts at Jaguars: The last time these teams met, Jacksonville ran for 375 yards and won 44-17, which clearly devastated Peyton Manning because the Colts are 11-1 since, including a Super Bowl. Some are projecting upset. Let me know when you figure out why. Indy covers a skinny 3.
TREADING WATER
• Last week: 5-4 straight up; 3-6 against the line.
• (Pro/Re) gress report: 43-29 straight up; 31-37-4 against the line.
• Weekend Predictions Book Club: Buy any three selections and win a copy of “Hawks’ Secrets to Being Atlanta’s Best Sports Hope.” Chapter 1: “Don’t play a game. The end.”
Permalink | Comments (45) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz, Tech / ACC, UGA / SEC
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By PlusSizeModel
October 18, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Just thought I’d take the opportunity to thank Rich McKay & Co. for their astute assessment of offensive line talent. Adding the least mobile quarterback imaginable to the mix is another stroke of genius. Is there a betting line for number of times Leftwich picks himself up off the Superdome floor Sunday?
By Buford
October 18, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Dogs will beat SC
By Danny O
October 18, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Not quite as hilarious as usual, but still pretty funny.
By FatAlbert
October 18, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Let’s not blame McKay too early. He drafted the best wide receiver/punt returner/dog fighter in the draft……and decided to play him at QB. Now it’s my turn to overthrow the receivers….Hey Hey Hey!!!!
By jay
October 18, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
Thanks to sports writers like you and all the others at AJC. Wanted to sack mick vick so bad, how stupid? now you got you wish! stop complaining he really was a (one man team)! the only hope of atlanta having a winning season! how stupid and racist, now why won’t you and your fellow sports writer and take Mckay too and LEAVE!!!
By Alan
October 18, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
This entire disaster that is the Atlanta Falcons is Arthur Blank’s responsibility. This is a dishonest franchise that deserves the beatings that it’s receiving on the field and in the media. Management has been inept at best. Petrino — not exactly a pillar of integrity himself — is not the problem. It’s the lack of talent across the board and how poorly its stacks up with the elite teams in the league. Even the great Vick, although exciting to watch, would not be considered in the top 5 at his position. Anyone who may have wondered about how Home Depot became so successful now knows that it was Bernie not Arthur that deserves this credit. If not for Bernie, King Arthur would still be still be selling lumber in California. By the way I’m certain that Blank is quietly looking for a buyer. His toy is not turning out to be so much fun.
By Curt in Atlanta
October 18, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Well, Jeff, I have read through your column three times, concerning the Falcons, and I have to tell you that it is probably one of your most incoherent pieces that I have ever read. And that say a lot! Put down the Stoli, or whatever it is you are using to addle your brain, and at least write something worth reading.
By sydney
October 18, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
I would like to talk about the Thrashers and the recent demise of Coach Hartley, the key here seems to be that this team needs redressment and direction quickly,Gm Waddell will be on borrowed time unless he finds someone who can bring in this turn around, hockey people know thst John Paris Jr. ex Knights coach is reputed for this aspect and I am not saying in my opinion that he would be a long term answer but most certainly the preparation and turn around one, why, they have not thought of this or if they have, get it done now. Let us worry about the now at this time.
By sydney
October 18, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
I would like to talk about the Thrashers and the recent demise of Coach Hartley, the key here seems to be that this team needs redressment and direction quickly,Gm Waddell will be on borrowed time unless he finds someone who can bring in this turn around, hockey people know thst John Paris Jr. ex Knights coach is reputed for this aspect and I am not saying in my opinion that he would be a long term answer but most certainly the preparation and turn around one, why, they have not thought of this or if they have, get it done now. Let us worry about the now at this time.
By sydney
October 18, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
I would like to talk about the Thrashers and the recent demise of Coach Hartley, the key here seems to be that this team needs redressment and direction quickly,Gm Waddell will be on borrowed time unless he finds someone who can bring in this turn around, hockey people know thst John Paris Jr. ex Knights coach is reputed for this aspect and I am not saying in my opinion that he would be a long term answer but most certainly the preparation and turn around one, why, they have not thought of this or if they have, get it done now. Let us worry about the now at this time.
By Nostradamus
October 18, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
Too bad you can’t write anymore bashing article about Mike Vick. Your are out of material and it shows your ineptitude … just like the Falcons without MV7.
By Mike In Woodstock
October 18, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
ALAN SAID IT ALL!!!!! Nothing left to post after that. POST OF THE DAY! CONGRATS!!!
The Falcons will be playing in Los Angeles by 2010.
FACT!!!!!
By DaNooch
October 18, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Petrino just proved why he should be fired by benching Harrington for Leftwich. What does he think Leftwich is going to do, block, throw the ball, catch the ball, and run the ball? I guess he’s going to play defense and kick field goals from beyond 45 yards, too. Only a coward would make his QB the scapegoat to save his own skin like this. Petrino is a backstabbing snake. He obviously knows nothing about how to win football games. If he looked at that game film and the solution he came up with was to change QB’s, he doesn’t have a clue. The QB is not even in the top 10 problems the Falcons have. But, that is all he can come up with? He is using Harrington as a human shield. Petrino is a COWARD!!! He has lost all respect he ever had from his players and this move just ended any chance he might of had of ever getting their confidence back. You don’t treat your players like that, if you want to win. He has lost this team. It’s time to move on with a new coach. Petrino will NEVER win in Atlanta.
By ustink
October 18, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Let MV7 play! Why yall care about morals? Haters.
By DaNooch
October 18, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Why are you idiots still talking about Vick? This article didn’t have one single word about Vick in it. At least read the article before you send your moronic racist replies.
By Devoted Falcon Fan
October 18, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
I don’t condone the mistake MV7 made but I am appalled about the way he was treated in the media. He has already been punished more than most criminals in America. Furthermore, it is offensive that the local media continues to beat him down.
With the current state of our team fans and the city should finally notice how talented MV7 is as a football player. We are all smart enough to make up our mind and don’t need the continued negative articles to try a sway our perspective.
The Falcons have a better coach and a better team than MV7 played on and well - you see the results. The only hope for this franchise is to bring him back and draft a top college QB to develop behind him over the years. I can’t think of anyone I know that haven’t mad a mistake in their life. Also, contrary to some of the past thoughts, the Falcons proved Schaub was not the answer either.
I read the article about how bad theoffensive line is and guess it would have been okay for MV7 to play behind the offensive line. If MV& was hear and the Falcons lost you have blamed him for every lost, as you did in the past. Whewn he is not hear the writers still blame him for the lost, six games in the season (refernce M.B. article today).
Please AJC writers, MV7 and this city has suffered enough. Please don’t continue to try and divide the city and look for any positives of the Falcons to accent and write about. Please move on and don’t continue to find every opportunity to mention MV7 in every negative situation possible or blame him for the Falcons lack of success. Please pass this along to your counetrparts.
In todays society kids need to hear about role models and not how bad someone is even after they have apologized to the world. If the Falcons are adimant about not being associated with MV7 they should just move on a ask the media to do so too.
Don’t you think enough is enough?
Thank you, A Devoted Falcon Fan
By AFnPC
October 18, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
DaNooch
Why is it that you feel the need to blast a head coach who, after only six games, has decided that it is time to make a change? You must be a fantastic talent evaluator in your own right, if you feel you know more about how to fix this team than Coach Petrino…After all, this guy must not know anything about football…Check out his record at Louisville, and the record prior to his arrival. Check out what the major programs in college football were willing to do to get this guy to coach at their school. Check out his resume. Give him a chance to get used to this league, get some of his own players that fit his offensive schemes, and time for those players to learn those schemes. Then, and only then, should you sit here and blast him for a 1-5 start to a season. Otherwise, go write a comment on Terrance Moore’s garbage articles, because I believe you two are one in the same. Then hop on the bandwagon here in a couple of years, 2009, when our Falcons are the offensive juggerknot that Coach Petrino will make them. Until then, go cheer for the Saints.
By Buzz
October 18, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
I agree with DaNooch; Harrington is the least of the Falcons’ problems. He has thrown 4 int’s, but credit 2 of them to his receivers who handed the ball to db’s. Just think what his QB rating would be if his receivers would catch the ball and he had a line. The Falcons could be 3-3 if it weren’t for D Hall’s meltdown and poor play calling in TN. I am disappointed as well in Petrino’s handling of Harrington. Wake up Falcons/McKay, championship win with good lines (offense & defense)…
By ustink
October 18, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
MV7 could get weekends out to play and maybe stay a little longer in jail during the weeks.
By Big Bull
October 18, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
When Joey hurt his ankle mon. night, Petrino should have given Redman a shot. He’s the 2nd string QB and deserved a chance.It’s obvious the teams playing with no heart, and that’s coaching.Petrino says Leftwich is the man for the rest of the season. What if he goes o-6 with 22 sacks..is he still the man? That was a stupid thing to say, given the sorry state of this team. No wonder this team plays like they’re uncoached..they are. One example..We’re trying to get more playing time for Norwood. Maybe it’s time to bring Glanville back . At least he coaches and puts some fire under his player’s butts.
By DaNooch
October 18, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
**GIVE IT UP!!! VICK WILL NEVER WHERE A FALCONS UNIFORM AGAIN!!!
GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK HEADS!!!**
It’s not like the Falcons were winning with Vick at QB anyway. The biggest reason for that was Crumpler, Jenkins, and White drop more passes than they catch. Wake up!
By Adam
October 18, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, ESPN, the Ocho!!! If only Leftwhich was as mobile as Robocop.
By BobPatrino
October 18, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
My team has won only ONE GAME and I am criticized for making a quarterback change??
WTF?? I think 98% of ALL unemployed professional football coaches live in or near ATLANTA
By DLT
October 18, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
Fisrt of all I really liked today’s column. That being said, I think it is time to call a moratorium on Mike Vick. From now on any blogger who makes any reference to the afoementioned name should not be posted! Talking about beating a dead horse! SHEESH!
By Buzz
October 18, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
BP (want-to-be) - The point is Harrington is not the reason the Falcons are losing, and the way you have handled your start QB stinks - you should be fired and bring the percentage up to 99%.
By Mark
October 18, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
DaNooch I think you will say anything to get a rise out of people. MV7 WILL WEAR A FALCON UNIFORM AGAIN he is not cut from the team yet. WHEN HE COMES BACK HE WILL OUT THE DOME, SO QUIT BEING A VICK HATTER, PROBALLY NEVER LIKED HIM ANYWAY OR MABEY YOUR JUST LIKE LOSING TEAMS BECAUSE YOUR A LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Braves Fan 79
October 19, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
leftwich should do a even better job than harringtont helping us assure a top 3 pick in the draft!
By DaNooch
October 19, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this
Mark,
I was as big a fan of Vick as anyone, but if you can’t see that this team would still lose with Vick or any other QB, you are either stupid, crazy, you don’t watch the games, or you just don’t know a damn thing about football.
By VickisGone
October 19, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this
What was VICK’S record the last two seasons and where did we play in the playoffs. Stop the lunacy about where we are now. We are bad, just like the last two years. Playoffs 0.
By Dumbing Down
October 19, 2007 4:31 AM | Link to this
Yes we should…. but this is the FALCAN’Ts! We will find a way to lose.
Thank you Mike Vick for not only being a “COACH KILLER” or a “DOG KILLER” but now a “FRANCHISE KILLER.”
By Happy
October 19, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this
Thank you so very much Ashame to be 4m Ga. You have said everything that I was thinking. Leave Mike alone one thing I can tell white writers and black writer. so what they are saying get rid of all the black player. Keith Brooking have not been a factory nobody have mention that. I also notice anytime black player speaks there minds you people want to throw them under the bus. You people makes me sick, Mike has done no worth than anybody eles.
By Deno
October 19, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this
I am sorry that Mike Vick is not with the falcons.I’ll always be a friend of your Mike even if you don know me.and remember this vick when you had money everyone love you. your fans turn there back on you when you needed them.God have something better for you vick.and god have something better for the falcons as well.i have a been falcons fan over 35 years.
By English as 2nd language
October 19, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this
Do any Mike Vick defenders know how to spell, or even form complete sentences? Almost every post that defends or promotes Vick reads as if it was written by an uneducated 3 year old. Hey, learn the language before you start typing!!!
By Top Dawg
October 19, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this
Hey “Jay”, get back to your 3rd grade grammar homework, and leave the blogging to the literate.
By DOG LOVER
October 19, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
IM A DOG LOVER AND I FORGIVE VICK.HE WILL LEARN HIS LESSON. THIS GUY DESRVES ANOTHER CHANCE. HE DIDNT KILL A HUMAN. SO PUNISH HIM AND LEAVE HIM ALONE. SO MANY FREAKS OUT THERE. OTHER PEPLE HAVE DONE MUCH WORSE AND GOTTEN OFF WITH MUCH LESS THAN VICK. HOP HE COMES BACK TO FALCONS.IF NOT I HOPE HE BEATS THE CRAP OUT OF THE FALCONS.THAT WOULD BE GR8T. I LOVE THE FALCONS,BUT UHHH THEY REALLY REALLY SUCK.WORST IVE SEEN. ITS HORRIBLE.SHAMEFUL. LETS START A NEW TEAM.JUST GET RID OF THE WHOLE TEAM,BUT NOT NORWOOD.HE WILL BE GR8T ALSO. ANYWAYS HANG IN MV7 YOUR TIME WILL COME AGAIN.SOME DAY!@?
By carroll
October 19, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this
Mark,
I hope those were typos….HATTER is spelled HATER…PROBALLY is spelled PROBABLY… and MABEY is spelled MAYBE. Dumb, illiterate mofo’s like you should keep your comments to yourself. Obviously you are an IDIOT
By DR
October 19, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Petrino is an amazing coach indeed. There is no end to his stupidity in team building.
All the crap aside, no one killed this team other than the owner and the management.
By the way Rich wasn’t here when MV7 was drafted. It was the best choice at the time. Who knows how the whole thing would have turned if we the highly intelligent owner kept the then coach?
A coach who played for the Cowboys under Tom Landry (rest his soul) knew something about team discipline and team spirit. Owner fires him and gets Mora the moron.
Ownership, GM and the Head Coach needs to take responsibility for this disaster. Blaming the QB and players is not going to cut it. Good management principle say: “Be stingy in your criticism and be generous in your praise”!
UTTER DISAPPOINTMENT.
By Eric
October 19, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
Hey Jay you should be paying attention in Language Arts class instead of posting to blogs. Michael Vick is a has been. How long did he think using his legs to cover up his lack of passing ability would last?
By JustAnotherGuy
October 19, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
We need spell and grammar check on these blogs.
Sad statement regarding the efficacy of primary and secondary education in Georgia.
By njdawg
October 19, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
Hey PlusSizeModel, I believe the over under on sacks is 10.
By coastal jim
October 19, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
Happy, that’s some really funny stuff. Thanx, we’ll be here all week. Don’t forget to tip your waitperson.
By dylan
October 19, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
falcons are screwed this year anyway, so it doesn’t matter. if they aren’t going to go with shockley next year then they need to draft a qb. perhaps woodson from kentucky? and jeremiah johnson so we can have a power back to go with norwoods speed. as a georgia fan of course, i would rather see them start shockley and get thomas brown or kregg lumpkin, but i know that those two, while great back, aren’t the best in the draft, especially with the other problems the falcons have
By big'un
October 19, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
I say, who gives a rat’s hiney about the Falcons?
By Get a clue
October 19, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Fat Albert, In order o make a joke why not ge your facts straight——-McKaay did not draft the “receiver/punt returner/dog fighter in the draft……and decided to play him at QB”.
By dr. frankinsteen
October 19, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Igor, help with the bags.