Sports Columnists

By C tha 1

October 24, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Its raining where I’m at in Warner Robins … I guess that explains why I actually agree with T. Moore.

By MikeJones

October 24, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Maybe they meant to cut D Hall????

Oh I just woke up… Damn…

By jason

October 24, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Terrence, its not about Grady not having a good year for the birds. The Season is a wash Petrino knows this, he is just getting rid of players not in the long term plan to make way for young players like Trey Lewis to prove his worth. I wouldn’t be surprised if more players got cut…linebackers….D-mo is in his last year, and the staff seems high on Nicholas….its just a way to accurately judge the young talent and prp for next year. Grady will be fine, probably wind up on the Colts and go 2-3 games into the playoffs maybe the Superbowl.

By Falcons 1- 15 Season

October 24, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Terance at this point, any player the Falcon’s decision-makers cut from the team is better off…

If I were the players, I’d be requesting a cut. Move on to better things, better places…

From the top to the bottom this front office organization is too terrible. Bad business practices.

First mistake was turning on Vick. What that mistake will cost them, will be priceless.

I bet the Titans don’t turn on “Pacman”. I bet the Bengal don’t turn on Henry. Dallas is waiting on Tank!

Falcons! you missed the relevation

By James

October 24, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

This one is a mistake….how do you suspend DeAngelo Hall for a quarter and possibly fine (he is appealing) for the out-break he had. I must remind you the secondary is very weak, and he is the so called leader and best DB the falcons have.

Grady Jackson second on the team with tackles and the claim is that he is playing selfish….being disruptive in the locker room. Why not suspend the guy and keep him, we will need his tackles throughout the season. My hopes is that Lewis will pick up the slack and make a major contribution.

I understand that Grady is not the best and only player that can play this position, but he was part of the success of the front four of Atlanta. I just do not agree with making these kind of decisions mid-season. The DT position is not the problem for this team. They are making decisions at the wrong position…when cutting and upgrading are needed else-where and I you do not see the the cutting or upgrading at those positions(OL, MLB,DB,Punt Return,FGA at 40+ yards,and starting Jerious Norwood).

The DL was solid and consistant, the problem is that the secondary is weak in run support, and they will get burned with pass coverage when the LB do not put pressure on the QB, we need a fierce MLB.

By tracy wynn

October 24, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

THEY SHOULD CUT D.HALL AND SANDERS HALL IS NOT A SHUT DOWN CORNER IN THITHIS LEAGUE.

By shaka

October 24, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

well that just shows again that atlanta lets the good players go and keep the garbage im not surprised. atlanta is the breeding ground for athletes then we ship them off and they go win elsewhere im not an expert but i know to win in the nfl you need an oline and a dline the o line gives the qb time to throw the dline rushes the qb its simple and the blame goes to drafting.draft a oline and we can look forward to winning in the future if we draft another qb and dont fix that line first were going to have more losing seasons but cutting jackson was stupid now get ready for teams to run the ball down the middle

By A_Town_Down

October 24, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Jason,

Cut D-Mo? Didn’t he sign a contract extension this summer? Plus, he has 4 years of experience, talented, and resignabe?

If the cap hit is manageable, cutting Brooking is a better option for cutting? I hope Grady isn’t the scapegoat for Brooking’s poor play.

By D

October 24, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

I agree with T. Moore. My how things have changed.

By andy

October 24, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Since when does the falcons have d-line depth. They are not the eagles when it comes to o-line and d-line. Man Petirno is making a point—okay. But man, I remember what it was like without him….and the defense has gotten worse in other area since he arrived. Remeber how bad it was when he came he. I guess it good, I mean I want the falcons to have a good draft pick (trade it for lots of o-line or dline)—so this works perfect. I just want at least good games. It seemed there were very few good games before Grady came—because everyone was running for 200 yards—straight up the middle.

By vince

October 24, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

I have watched coach Zimmer’s defense since 1981. He will get player’s who want to play team defense. The vet’s better play or they will be gone. You will see a difference before the end of the year. Keep up the good work.

By AJC Editor

October 24, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Don’t worry everyone, the title of the article was a misprint!! The title should have been, “Falcons Unload Brookings”. Sorry for the confusion!!

AJC Editor also checking in from the Wartown. “Warner Robins”!!

By shawn

October 24, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

brooking should b next it is time for this guy to go and if d hall does not shape up get rid of him 2 but we have got to rebuild that oline it is one of the worse lines i have ever seen

By canttakeitanymore

October 24, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

I guess old Bobby Petrino is making sure that we get a high draft pick next April. I wonder if we could have traded Grady to someone and got something for him. Oops I forgot they leaked his medical records to let everyone else know that he was a serious medical risk. I think Grady was a gonner anyway when he sued the team.

By Orlando Rivera

October 24, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

There’s no way they’re cutting Brooking, the rednecks would be out in full force if that happens, even though that would make the most sense.

It’s obvious that they’re trimming off the fat of this roster (pardon the pun) and they want to see what their younger players can do. It’s all part of a rebuilding process.

Let’s not get it twisted people: Atlanta is in rebuilding mode, and Grady won’t be the last veteran cut before the season ends. If they aren’t cut then expect to see a lot of their playing time significantly reduced (Dunn and Crumpler).

As a matter of fact I can’t remember the last time this team actually decided to go into rebuilding mode. It beats their usual mantra of just sucking wind until something good happens.

By Shady

October 24, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Terence, just because Grady was 2nd in tackles by a D-Linemen, does not mean he was having a good season. He is suppose to stuff the middle and keep OG,s from getting to our Linebackers in this scheme, he seems to not want to do that. Also he takes plays off all the time. These players had better get with the program and buy into what the coach’s what them to do or they will be shown the door also. Go Falcons!

By A_Town_Down

October 24, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Tell’em “Falcons 1- 15 Season “!

This is FOOTBALL business not the peace corp. I love Brooking but good guys don’t win games and good football player do.

By IkonFan

October 24, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

According to ESPN, not only is he 2nd in tackles on team, but Grady Jackson is also #1 in entire NFL for tackles for a loss with 13.

By Rick

October 24, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I think Crumpler is the next one to go , or should be. His knees are shot. Didn’t he have surgery on one before the season. He had a good career. The avg. is 3.8 yrs. He made it longer than most. He cannot play anymore.

By Bill Heller

October 24, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

During the preseason, Falcon linebackers talked about how important he was to the team. Now when the rushing defense falters we’ll understand ourselves.

By canttakeitanymore

October 24, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Its house cleaning time. Bobby Petrino is getting rid of all the half steppers. And in three years he will have a team that he likes. Its the beginning of a dynasty. A powerhouse is in the making. Until then I could truly care less about this ” TEAM “.

By Lynne

October 24, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

You can tell who ARE NOT season ticket holders…those idiots who think its okay to start playing younger players for NEXT season and not the current one. You can tell those idiots that do not realize how it p*sses the commissioner off if a team in week 8, acts like its playing for a top draft pick instead of putting forth 100% to WIN THE GAME. Maybe they don’t know how unfair that is to the opponent, the integrity of the game and the people who pay to attend. Its one thing for a team in week 14 that has clinched a playoff spot to rest its starters….its another for a team in week 8 to act like its a pre-season game and “evaluating talent”…this franchise is a joke. This owner clearly has played the (what’s that cute word he used?)..oh yeah…”stakeholders”. Arthur Blank better count his blessings for league revenue sharing because if it wasn’t for that, he’d be in trouble next season. Its a guarantee that TV blackouts await metro Atlanta next season and many more after that.

By sonny

October 24, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

I hope this is as bad as it gets! I support Petrino all the way. The fact that we are even in these games should make him a canidate for coach of the year. I don’t understand any of the Falcon fans calling for his head. MV7 BS aside, the fact that McKay went receiver happy in those drafts a couple of years back is hurting us now. Please take an OL in the first round. If McFadden is available, take him and then use the rest of the entire draft on offensive and defensive lineman.

By JustAnotherGuy

October 24, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

I’m glad they got rid of Jabba the Hut.

He was a cardiac risk every time he hit the grass walking!

It also sounds like he was either too stupid to play within the confines of the defensive plan, or didn’t care to. Probably the latter. Either way, not good.

Bye, now, blubbo, go eat some ribs.

By Juno1977

October 24, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Cutting Grady is a mistake I would have just benched him. Brookings should be cut. Brookings is always around the ball but he never makes the play and if he does it’s 5-6 yards down field. He sucks…..The Birds need an everydown back that can establish a running game and what’s the point of having the highest paid fullback ever if you never use him?

By Dee

October 24, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Reports are that Grady refused to play the scheme employed by Zimmer and that he was instead trying to make “highlight plays” by tackling in the backfield. When he didn’t comform to the defensive scheme he was constantly out of place, which would allow a run play to progress further than it should. More hardheadedness by veteran players equals cut by Petrino and I can’t blame him. Good job, coach!

By Darrell

October 24, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

I think it’s one of many moves to come. Sometimes you have to make a statement to get peoples attention. I would say that everyone in that locker room has been put on notice.

By Marietta Falcon

October 24, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

I agree with the move. The falcons are not going to be a playoff team unless they do the impossible and win the remaining 9 games. That won’t happen. Anyways since we are not going anywhere why not give the youger ones a chance to gain some exprience this year to be ready by next year. They won’t have to start from the bottom next year. The next cut should be Warrick Dunn, love the guy but gotta go…

By Shamus Thacker

October 24, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, I’m a redneck, and I think Brooking is WAAAAAAAAY overrated!

I also think MeAngeblow should be thrown out the door on his azz! My dead Granny has better man-to-man coverage skills… It’s a shame Christopher Reeve died; the Falcons sure coulda used him in Me-Blow’s spot.

By nativefalcon

October 24, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Wow Terrance, I have liked everything you have written since the whole debacle started. On jackson, a flat out mistake, When The colts pick him up in a week and we get to play him on Thanksgiving that will be fun :). They lost Booger Mcfarland and he would fit in nicely there. This team wants to lose, the decisions they are making. Letting grady go was like screaming to the other teams. PLEASE RUN ON US. They will. They couldn’t get rid of the other dog killer? because he had some sacks?* Grady was brought here for run stuffing not sacking.* That was a by product. Any way, its going to be great watching the falcons lose to every time as they run up the gut because no one can stop them. MCKAY NEEDS TO GO. And Arthur Blank needs to go to owners school and hang out with the Krafts and other winning owners and know how to run a NFL team instead of trying to run it like a HOME DEPOT.

By Dr. Sigmund Football

October 24, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Petrino will have a team he likes, or at least likes better than the Falcons next year. He’s gone.

My analysis is that he’d deliberately making moves to hurt the team to passively agressively lash out at the organization for all that has gone wrong since he arrived.

However, his psyche will not allow him to admit that a good deal of what has gone wrong, he is responsible for.

By ga_tech_92

October 24, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

First mistake was turning on Vick. What that mistake will cost them, will be priceless.

That sounds like the statement of a Mike Vick fan, not a Falcons fan. Since you are clearly the fan of an ex NFL player, and not a Falcon’s fan, no one cares what you have to say on the FALCONS FAN BLOG.

Want to find the real problem? Look in the mirror.

By Dr. Sigmund Football

October 24, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Petrino will have a team he likes, at least better than the Falcons by next season. He’s gone.

My analysis is that he is passively agressively doing things to hurt the team as a way of lashing out at the organization for all that has gone wrong since he arrived.

However, his psyche will not allow him to admit that a good portion of what has gone wrong he is responsible for.

By ch

October 24, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

The falcons defense cannot hold a lead and no one on the front four of the defense have been doing a good job. I am tried of watching a team that places no effort into winning and Grady Jackson made no effort. The linebackers are not playing well and Lewis Sander’s need to go… He let Reggie overrate Bush scored last week. There are players that are just making a paycheck and the effort is SAD. Coach P see what I have been seen since Vick was fired by the NFL. They all was sitting around waiting for VICK.. He is not here guys so put in the effort and win.. Since Jackson was cut .. watch the falcons play better and probably will win some games..

By Smitty

October 24, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should have kept Schaub. Had they known what was in the future for Vick, they would have held on to him.

Big mistake letting Schaub go. Harrintgon is useless and now Leftwich is out……..

By ga_tech_92

October 24, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

I love it. Since Petrino arrived, we’ve had our first good draft overall. We’ve seen miracles considering we are operating with 20 mil or so less payroll than our competitors (plus the distractions, loss of every QB from last year, etc). Now he is addressing the other problem ATL teams notoriously have………lack of heart and bad attitude…He is cleaning house my friends. If you have a bad attitude, mouth, you are going to be out on your ars. There are good draft picks waiting to “make a nam’ fo’ de’ sel’s” Winners draft well and have a good attitude and chemistry.

This is a team game, which requires good attitudes and chemistry.

By boots

October 24, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Let’s begin the five-year re-building program by dumping all of the high paid and old players.

It’s the beginning of a youth movement!

Patience. It’ll pay off in the long run. O-Line and a young quarterback to underwrite the future of the franchise.

This year is shot. Again, thanks Michael for you absolute stupidity.

By Keith S.

October 24, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe….Here we are, the World Series about the begin, and Clarence Moore hasn’t written one article about the lack of African Americans on the Rockies.

By Jeremy

October 24, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Maybe Petrino is trying to turn the Falcons into a college team? This was another bad decision. I’m starting to think that Crumpler was right and Petrino’s is trying to get rid of all the veterens. To those who think we should get rid of veterens because they are old, well let me say this. You can’t go to the playoffs must less win a superbowl without any veterens. If you get rid of all the veterens and just keep the young players then the team will start to look like a college team and get murdered on the field. But then again maybe Petrino wants it to be a college team.

By canttakeitanymore

October 24, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

I truly wonder if people in Dallas were having similar conversations in 1989 when Jimmy Johnson took over. Maybe we can trade one of our players and get six draft picks for him and build a ” TEAM “. A ” TEAM ” with one purpose and thats to win the Super Bowl. Not to see themselves on the ESPN Highlight film making a great play but still losing the game. I guess it will really get worse before it gets any better. These next two seasons are really going to be painful to watch. But its like that every year for Atlanta.

By Najeh Davenpoop

October 24, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

It makes sense since the Falcons are rebuilding and Petrino obviously wants to get his younger players on the field, so from that point of view he actually did Grady a favor by allowing him to go to a contender. It sucks to see Grady go though… I’m going to miss seeing that whale belly-flop onto running backs in the backfield. Trey Lewis, time to hit the buffet line, you’re next.

By Tommy

October 24, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing that in a part of the country that follows football so passionately that we can have this many fans who don’t have a clue how the game works.

Bobby Petrino is the exact opposite of Jim Mora. In attitude, leadership, and especially offense and defensive schemes. In today’s NFL, scheme, system and coaching is 90% of it, because the salary cap has spread the talent. The remaining 10% is finding a true stud like Manning, Brady or Tomlinson to put you over the top.

Petrino is implementing a spread offense and a pressure defense using personnel that were brought in to run something totally different. Of COURSE there were going to be difficulties and players who didn’t fit the system.

Some of the players are getting it—look at Roddy White and Michael Boley. Some, like Jackson, did not. So get rid of them and let someone else try. It’s not like we’re going to the Super Bowl any time soon.

And why should we CARE about the veterans on this team?? The same veterans that stood around waiting for vick to do something, the vets who were the core of a team that always threw away 3 or 4 winnable games a year? Heck with them. Clean ‘em out.

By eb

October 24, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

The defense hasn’t been part of the problem. other than the game with the Giants, the defense has done their part. The coaching stinks, and obviously the offense has stunk to high heaven.

By DR

October 24, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Petrino’s reason is absurd, playing selfish and disruptive in the locker room. Do these people know the absurdity they spewing out every day?

Only thing this tells me is that this coaching staff has lost the locker room and can’t control and motivate the players, so they are being disruptive. It doesn’t matter who in the h*ll players you bring in, you do the same things, you will get the same result.

I would have fired Petrino for lack of performance and for impersonating as an NFL coach.

There is no limit to the stupidity of this coaching staff and the front office.

Never thought I will say this, Smiths were better than these morons.

Arthur, please sell the team and stop shaming Atlanta.

By phil

October 24, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Atlanta needs every player thay have especially as poorly as they are playing. Grady did a good job over the years. At least trade him if you feel like you have to terminate him and get something in return. The Falcons continue to make terrible decisions like trading Shaub, not signing Morten Anderson for another year and dumping Jackson.

By This Gets Really Old

October 24, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Bobby Petrino isn’t suppossed to pick the players. The GM and Director of Pro Personnel are suppossed to do that. Petrino doesn’t have the stature of a Jimmy Johnson (who had that authority when he went to Dallas. And JJ’s teams weren’t full of undrafted free agemts from the U) or of a Belechik in NE.

The one not playing any system is Jamal Anderson. Chauncy Davis replaced him after Anderson over pursued on both of Reggie’s cut back runs in N.O.

And if Petrino is so ready for the pro game why doesn’t anyone talk about bringing in a college OL coach in connection with the putrid running game?

Vick is going to jail but that doesn’t make Harrington an NFL starter. You can’t have it both ways. You get on Petrino for not wanting to start him but Petrino is the guy under whom Joey looks like an NFL’er to you!

He hasn’t suddenly found himself here. Haven’t you noticed the number of times that he leaves the reciever or back wide open to a brutal hit on a pass. Look at the state of Quarterbacking in the league this season and last. Was anybody crying out to get Joey Harrington?

In addition what makes you guys think that Petrino is bringing a winner here? The Vick situation hasn’t a damned thing to do with some of the decisions made on this team. Wssn’t it Petrino who was responsible for wanting Cundiff cut so late in camp after handing the job to him virtually from the start of camp?

That hasn’t cost us? Didn’t that missed tackle on the first punt last week allow the Saints to have a 45 yrd punt return? Vick’s responsible for the putrid special teams? Is he responsible for the wasted time outs because the play doesn’t get in? Did HE decide to go with an undrafted rookie from Louisville behind Gandy?

What if Brohm is a “system” QB? What if we get him and Petrino leaves for whatever reason and then the new guy doesn’t think that Brian can fit HIS system?

If Petrino is so good at bringing in players then why didn’t he bring in more than undrafted guys from the ‘ville?

Nobody is in control of the franchise now and some of us didn’t pay to watch the team get rid of all of the vets and tank the season. I’m tired of them and tired of all of the excuses that watch on TV fans give some coach that they don’t even know. No wonder this city has such losers in professional sports. The fans are so accepting.

In cities where fans expect a winner nobody, NOBODY would write “let Joey play”

By Rico

October 24, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

What an absolute joke! The Falcons have given up on the season. I like Keith Brooking but he is playing out of position and out of his league. If anyone should have been cut, it should have been him. I don’t understand any of the moves the Falcons are making but they will pay for it dearly at the box office next year. They already have the money this year because everyone purchased tickets pre-Vick debacle. Just wait until next year!

By Jonathan

October 24, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Yes the chicken soup man needs to sale the yard birds to someone that dos not have the 5 n 10 cent attitude.A owner that will stay in his owners box and not push his star hurt player around in a wheel chair looking like the man in the yellow hat an #7 curious George. Shame on Blank putting all focus on one player. The team needs to be rebuilt from top to bottom.You had Harrington play 2 of the best games games 3 and 4 this season only to break his spirit with a another washed up quarter back that cant stay off crutches.Remember he was brought here to be a back up player.We are all aware the season is a bust but make him your # 1 guy and just let him play.Seems he is the only one with any fight left in him. They are still our team but we do deserve better

By Chris

October 24, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

OK, Grady Jackson SUED the Falcons during the offseason. I can assume this probably did not allow for a peaceful employer-employee relationship.

None of us know what Grady was like in the locker room. I would think that the word “divisive” could be used to describe someone who sues his employer, then wants to stay (get paid). Give me a freaking break, people.

By Jeremy

October 24, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Would any free agents want to come to Atlanta after the way this coaching staff has treated it’s veterens? If I were them I’ld stay away. I’m sure that players around the NFL are watching and thinking that they would rather die a horrible death than to come to Atlanta.

By humbug

October 24, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Finally Petrino has learned that some of his players refuse to exert too much energy toward team work. I think he has made a valid statement and more of these losers will be sent packing. I suggest Hall be next. What have these “veteran” players done to deserve their jobs? Not much. They can only watch the films and think they do what they are paid to do because they have no character or pride.Good riddance to them. Good job coach.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

October 24, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Hell where’s Marion Campbell. If we are just gonna be terrible again lets bring back the Swamp Fox and the RED HELMETS!

By Business Mind

October 24, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

If the Falcons were Home Depot, a bankruptcy filing would be looming. This team and organization is a 100% mess. None of their moves over the past few years have worked and most have flat backfired. They have overpaid for players like Brooking, D Hall, Vick, and others that play mediocre at best on the field. They recruit heavily from the ACC which is a far weaker conference than the Big 10, SEC, and others. I don’t get it. Then they cut Jackson while leaving a dogkiller -Babineaux- on the roster. Go figure. They are looking towards the future but continue to give Dunn the carries over Norwood. Why? They make Ovie the highest paid FB in the league but he never gets the ball in short yardage. Huh? As an outsider, I get the impression the front office has turned into a bunch of finger pointers trying to protect their jobs. As a fan, I am left to wonder how and who will ever turn this mess around. What I know is Sundays at the Dome will be empty and hollow. I am having difficulty just trying to give my tickets away. All I hear is bad team and $10 beers. Nobody wants to go. Thanks Flowery Branch for sinking the USS Falcon.

By boots

October 24, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

If DeAngelo could play defense as well as he runs his mouth, the team wouldn’t be 1 and 6.

DeAngelo: Shut your freakin’ mouth! Just play ball!

DeAngelo, you’re nothing but a hired hand. You’re not in management. You are not charged with making personnel decisions. You do not hire and you do not fire.

DeAngelo, get this through your hard head: No one has to have your permission to make personnel decisions.

Just play ball and leave running the team up to management. And, your job is to get along with the coach like I have to get along with my boss. It’s not the other way around.

Personally, DeAngelo, you come across as a malcontent and if I was in management, you would be gone.

I’m tire of watching your mediocre play and hearing your loud, negative and obnoxious mouth.

Adios, bro! And, don’t let the door hit you in the tail.

By jack

October 24, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

This team has been soiled ever since Black shoved Vick aroung in the wheel chair. Too many overpaid veterans have been signed. No discipline on the team. Vick has caused all this. He split the team members, killed coaches careers, ruined his homies attitudes, LIED TO US ALL YEAH, TO US ALL. The owners, the players the coaches and you dummies who support this cancer on our team need to see just what a screwed up mess we have. NOW, if it takes getting rid of all the b*** in the locker room and start over, then get on with it….AND QUIT RUINING MY LIFE, as a real fan.

By Howard

October 24, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

As with most failed organizations this goes all the way to the top. Arthur Blank needs to get off the sideline and get someone capable of building a franchise (take a page from Ted Turner, e.g., Scheurholz)What did McKay really accomplish at Tampa? Now look what he has done here. Why did they pay so much for a fullback who never carries the ball? Why did they give Crumpler such a big contract and now he seems done? When will they learn that it all begins up front. They need to get linemen and keep them. Everyone in football needs to learn this. Look at all the losing teams - no linemen and look at the winners - they have lines. Trade those first round picks for multiple 2nd and 3rds and draft linemen. Forget MCfaden and the likes. By the time the Falcons rebuild he will be over the hill as a rb. Every look at rosters. See how few first rounders are even on teams. 1st rounders should be used only to get a premium quarterback for a team with an o-line that can protect him. This is partly because no team should be paying first round money for anything else. Not with a cap. Thats why you don’t need an expensive fullback.

By Realistic Ricky

October 24, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Terence, it is obvious you could not come up with anything else to write a column about, and the Grady Jackson deal just sort of fell in your lap. If the Falcons were 6-1 and Grady was having an “All Pro” season, then you might have some basis to question Petrino’s decision to cut Grady loose. However, as several others have pointed out on this blog, I have not seen ONE Falcons player this season whose performances have made themselves “untouchable” when it comes to being traded or cut. One can understand why the fans of the Bears, Saints or Chargers are disappointed and upset about their teams’ play so far this season, as each of those teams had an outstanding 2006 season and more of the same was expected in 2007. But the Falcons, coming off 8-8 and 7-9 the past two seasons? Whether we like him or not, Bill Belichick is now considered the “genius” of all NFL coaches and has no doubt done a remarkable job with New England. In my opinion, even Belichick would not have had a winning record in 2007 with these Falcons, given the same players, injuries and off the field events Petrino has had to deal with.

By Chris

October 24, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Ovie was brought here to not to run the ball (but he did have his number called twice Sunday) but to lay out linebackers, thus springing our running backs.

Problem his, there are too many people for him to block. When your O-line can’t stop anyone, the defense is going to send the house. Ovie can block 1, but not 2 or 3. Not his fault.

By The Grinch

October 24, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

At this point, every single one of these overpaid d-bags who runs his mouth should be cut. You don’t question your coach, EVER, in public. It’s Petrino’s job to turn this horrible franchise around, and he knows exactly how to do it. God bless him for not taking crap from these morons. I’d love to see them in the Marines running their mouth to their commanding officer.

By TrueATLFan

October 24, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Bobby P. should get fired. I think Big Grady should have sat on him. Anyways, this is looking bad for the football fans in the ATL including me but i cant wait Nov.2 when the ATL Hawks start. They are giving this city a chance now. GOOOOOOO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Traceman

October 24, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Realistic Ricky, perhaps Petrino should cut himself loose. His offense can’t score and he can’t seem to get along with high character veteran players like Dunn and Crumpler. I won’t go so far as to say that he is the problem but he damn sure hasn’t proven that he has the solution either.

By Rob johnson

October 24, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Again, we discuss the same things, Jakcson was the big load, he carried his weight. The old addage, wait until next year, well when the falcons went to their only superbowl, I told everyone then, next year will never come again; not in our life time. Opportunity is the bald head man, you get one chance to grap the bald head. It is sad to deal with the same issues year, afer year.

By bk hawk

October 24, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Does anything ever please you Moore? The Falcons owner, GM, and Coach have the right to cut who they please as they pay the salary. Just as you have the right to write about what ever you wish or AJC tells you to. Give the Falcons time to correct their problem and see what happens. If nothing, Fire the GM and Coach. If I was the owner I would have fired McKay last year and Hired Dan Reeves as GMand he could have hired the new coach.Moore, I really like you but you are like my blood hound, always after somebody. Whats your take on T HUNTER or COCO Crisp in CF for Braves next year?

By JC

October 24, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Hall will be traded next! he’s a trouble maker. When you run your mouth you or the Coach must go.

By Me

October 24, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Grady Jackson will be picked up by another team, probably even a contender. The Falcons have obviously written off this season and want to evaluate their young talent. Life goes on.