AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhen losing, talk not cheap
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Flowery Branch — This is slightly confusing. Despite feelings to the contrary in some quarters of the Falcons locker room, coach Bobby Petrino suggested on Monday after practice that he doesn’t walk around his players wearing invisible ear plugs. “Yeah, I have an open-door policy, which I made very clear to all of them,” said Petrino, sounding more than convincing.
Here’s what I know: If you ask the guy a question, he’ll always give you an answer. No wavering, direct eye contact, nothing left to the imagination.
Sounds like a slew of Falcons players don’t see the same thing, or Petrino isn’t communicating his willingness for dialogue to the masses, or something else is happening here.
Whatever it is, it isn’t healthy for a team tumbling at 1-6 with no bottom in sight. Not only that, a rising number of Falcons players are fearful about giving their opinion about “whatever it is.” Petrino may have an open door, but he also isn’t terribly amused when his players have an open mouth. For instance: To the dismay of the new regime, defensive lineman Rod Coleman revealed earlier this month that he had surgery to repair his broken knee cap. He hasn’t spoken to the media in the aftermath. Instead, he has told approaching reporters, “Y’all are going to get me in trouble.”
Even the normally loquacious DeAngelo Hall made the earth spin backward Monday by telling reporters that he’ll have nothing to say in the foreseeable future until after games.
Then again, Hall’s pocket already is $100,000 lighter after he shouted his viewpoint into Petrino’s face on the sideline.
Maybe “whatever it is” is that Petrino does have an open door, but he also has a dictatorship, and citizens are allowed to approach the leader at their own peril. Even before the Falcons’ free fall, there was private grumbling among players about the supposedly standoffish nature of their first-year boss from the college ranks. The grumbling leaped from the shadows after the Falcons’ loss at Tennessee when tight end Alge Crumpler said the new regime was phasing out the veterans. Then Hall fumed last week after popular and productive defensive lineman Grady Jackson was axed out of nowhere by the coaching staff.
As for the Crumpler explosion, Petrino said, “I’ve had a number of guys walk into my office since Alge early in the year, and I’ve had good discussions with them.”
As for the Hall explosion, punctuated by the defensive back saying that neither he nor his teammates knew about the Jackson move beyond media inquiries, Petrino said, “Well, you know, we did contact a number of the players to tell them. DeAngelo actually happened to get a new phone.”
Petrino smiled. In contrast, he was straight faced when discussing his personnel decisions in general. “I’m never going to tell the press why we released somebody, and I’m not going to stand up in front of the team and tell them why we released somebody,” Petrino said. “I don’t think that’s fair to the person that you release.”
What’s fair is, Petrino having that philosophy. Or any philosophy. Just as long as he communicates it, and that’s historically been the problem with college coaches trying to make the transition to the pros.
“The players have a transition to make in dealing with a guy who comes from college, and the coach has a transition of how to deal with guys at this level — guys in their 30s, late 20s who are grown, which means you don’t have to baby-sit them,” said Chris Crocker, the veteran safety. Then he echoed the thoughts of John Abraham, Michael Boley and other teammates surveyed Monday, saying, “I haven’t had a problem with Coach Petrino where I’ve had to schedule an appointment or stuff like that. I think losing sets the mood. It doesn’t feel good. Just winning, man. If we can just start a little streak here, a lot of these issues would go away.”
Yep.
Permalink | Comments (70) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
By Greg
October 30, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this
Here we go again,,,,,Terence shows his chicken a$$ side by not getting down to brass tacks. Its easy, Terence, to point the finger at the coach , ( or owner), the fact is the Falcons, (just like the rest of pro sports), have a hand full of players that have NO IDEA what a male father figure, that demands respect, is. I mean no disrespect,,,but,,,, did Vick or Deangelo, even know what a father figure was when they were growing up,?,?,?,?,? I would say NO. Take a look at Terrel Owens. Im not saying that all fatherless jocks act the same way, nor am I sterio-typing, and NO Terence, it’s not a color issue. Why dont you do some real reporting, and take a look at some of these trouble makers that grow up fatherless, in a deprest erea that make it through high school then through greed make it through the collage ranks, and are given multi million dollar contracts. All the money and fame in the world cant buy you CLASS, it cant buy you the ability to understand respect, and it sure cant give you the ability to understand what a TEAM is. Call them what you want,,,,,,,there is a hand full of gangbangers and thugs that the Falcons need to shead there selves of;;;;;; Dont YOU get it?????? Why dont you do a report on this subject???????? Chicken?
By sl
October 30, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
GREG- While some of your points are valid, I think you may need to go back and take some English courses so that you may better convey your thoughts….geez!!!
By DJ
October 30, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Great column Terence, keep up the good work. It is obvious there are serious communication problems on this team.I said all along Petrino appears to be a guy who can steal all of the heart and passion from the game. I wish the Falcons the best but they will be lucky to win one or two more games.
By D
October 30, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
any manager that I ever met, anywhere, that said they had an open door policy, was completely full of it. they all just use it as an opportunity to identify the troublemakers, the people that might rock the boat, then save that information and throw their words up in their faces later review time or dismissal. open door policy means ‘shut your mouth and play along’.
By Myrtle Beach
October 30, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
Greg you will write it before he does, Moore knows once he does he has just got his last quote from any of them and without them he has nothing to write about at all.
By Dr. Warren
October 30, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
Cool down, Greg. Terence is just describing the challenges autocratic college coaches typically face when transitioning to the NFL, which, like any professional setting, requires more finesse and employee-centered communication. Although Coughlin in NY has basically been forced to transform himself this year into a gentler—and more effective—coach, I suspect Petrino is not going to change so readily. His back isn’t against the wall because he knows he probably gets a free pass this year, and he can fall back on a major college job later, if need be. Blank and McKay, and whichever firm happens to be consulting them on personnel, just seem to misread personalities. Perhaps it’s because they don’t have a strong enough sense of their own brand—or just don’t understand how to win in the business of football. Whatever the case, Billy Knight is looking bad still, but bad with company these days.
By Kevin
October 30, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Hail to Petrino! Finally the Falcons have a coach willing to make the tough decisions needed to change the culture of this team. Give him time Mr. Moore, it took Jimmy Johnson a couple of years, it took the coach at New England a couple of years and I could go on. The fact is get on the bus with Petrino or get off, it makes no difference to me. There is a new sheriff in town so get use to it, changes for the better are on the way. By the way MeAngelo Hall is by far the most over-rated player in the NFL.
By The right(W)rong
October 30, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
The redneck fans love to tell the players to shut there mouth. shutting your mouth and still loseing what are you clown want then. when a black man is out spoken the rednecks hate it history has prove that fact. The real deal is that we should win that is the answer. Being a task master only make you rednecks feel in charge that’s your mind set . This coach was hired to win his play calling skills was to be the best and it is not happening. He said he was going to run the ball what has he done? The coaches action is not what he said he was brought here to do. The player know this guy is full of $hit by his action. This coach is paid a ton of money to win. Me and any other want to be coach can go 1and 6 .His action tell the story. we dog the player for the plays the coaches put on the game plan. Right now he is worse than Mora by the numbers. This coach is fool gold!
By JP
October 30, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
I’m just sick and tired of these fans and players complaining. Last year when we had Jim Mora as head coach people complained about his style of relating to the players. Now that we have a coach who is demanding of what he wants from the players people are still complaining. The coaches need to coach and the players need to play. Stop all this talking. Because whether you believe it or not Petrino is going to be here and the players who don’t buy in are not. The players doing the talking are not being productive themselves so they need to shut up. I’m not saying the coaches are doing everything they need to but they aint complaining to the media about the players. And with the hand they were dealt I think they could. Lets play some football and stop crying.
By JP
October 30, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
The right(W)rong, you are damn fool. Being a redneck has nothing to do with it. Hall needs to shut his damn mouth because he is not doing a damn thing. Coaches can only call the plays, the players have to execute them. Do you call your boss out at your job because he makes a decision you don’t like…. No. So what gives these players that right?
By GT GRAD
October 30, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Come on people, it is VERY obvious……
Petrino has an open door policy; he is very direct; and he is probably being honest and as open as he can with each player. More than likely, the problem is the players do not like what they are hearing!
They need to realize change is coming and they need to start playing up to expectations if they plan to be an Atlanta Falcon in the future!!
By SealT2
October 30, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Related blog: “…Meangelo has proved himself over and over to be an egotistical, loud-mouthed, clueless, spoiled, immature and classless player. Shutting up can ONLY be an improvement.” These were the same comments made about Dion Sanders and how many Super Bowl Rings did he get after being forced away from the Falcons? Is there any chance D. Hall is right? Most of the talented defensive backs and wide receivers, who are the young “stars” in the NFL carry the characteristics mentioned above.The Falcons should not immune.
By JP
October 30, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
SealT2, Hall is in no way shape or form a Deion Sanders. People kill me with the comparision. Sanders with all the mouth he had was a team player. He did whatever the coaches asked of him. Not once do I remember him calling out his coach while on that team. He did talk about the falcons once he left but thats different. Hall couldn’t hold that mans jock strap so miss me with that. He is just a spoiled lil country boy who has never been made accountable. If he was about the team he would get back there and return punts, Deion did it. It would help his team win. But he isn’t about winning. He is about himself. And i’m glad he is not being successful on the field this year so we can get off his azz at seasons end. I’m tired of him and the ignorant fans who support him.
By pbe
October 30, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
I just have one question where’s the qb Rodman and why is he not playing? Does any know, please enlighten me.
By VickTheLiar
October 30, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Terence the son of 2 fools.
By BRIAN HUNT
October 30, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why Petrino isn’t close to these players. He knows that he has to completely overhaul this roster for this team to consistently contend. That means that most of the current players will not be around long term. Why buddy up to guys you are going to have to cut or trade? This team needs a lot more talent. There’s only about 8 of the 53 players on the team that have a shot at sticking around long term. That’s not a lot.
By pbe
October 30, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
correction: Redman
By pbe
October 30, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
I just have one question where’s the qb Rodman and why is he not playing? Does any know, please enlighten me.
By CL
October 30, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Hall does run his mouth a lil too much but he does have the best defensive stats on the team. He shut down Steve Smith and got pentalized alot, take the good with the bad. Who else is fired up on the team besides him and Alge. No one. Brooking suppose to be the leader of the team but just sits there. Did anyone see him try to calm D. Hall down after that incident. We have leaders and they need to act like leaders.
By DR
October 30, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Simply put, Petrino doesn’t know how to communicate and doesn’t want to take responsibility. Petrino tells the world, Harrington holds on to the ball too long and that is the reason for all the sacks. Nothing about OL or coaching on that front. He has blamed one player or the other for every single loss.
What a nice way to build a team. My be it will work and may be not.
Another Falcon coaching experiment gone bad!
By VickBeliever
October 30, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
This mess all started when the Falcons front office would not let the team support Vick during his troubled times. That team knew how important he was to them and not to be able to talk and support your leader has affected them. They were force to turn thier attention to Joey (lose game) Harrington and that has destroted the morale of the team and now they are just looking for anyone to vent on. Bring Vick back and a supportting cast and all will be forgiven. Send Joey on a permenant vacation.
By Chris
October 30, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Anyone think Bill Belichick has an open-door policy? Do the Patriots come talk about their “feelings” with the coach? You think Bill Parcells gave a damn if someone was “upset”? Think Tom Landry invited his players over for tea & crumpets?
Nope. This is a man’s game. This is football. My boss doesn’t gather everyone around if someone is fired. There’s no explanation or memo. That’s the job of management; to run things efficiently and if someone doesn’t buy in, they are replaced.
Any time that a disciplinarian takes over a situation that has lacked discipline, there will be tough times. Employees still want things to be fun like they were before.
Well, it may not be fun, but if you buy in and play along, in a little while, everyone is more productive, people start seeing results of their hard work and focus, and some of the fun comes back. Then, eventually, you’re successful and you’re having fun all the time. This is just that downturn before the train climbs back onto the tracks and starts heading uphill.
By Sid
October 30, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
personally, when you play as poorly as they play then they really should shut their mouths. Act like professionals you are supposed to be. Study the players that are winners: Colts, Pats, Steelers. They do their jobs and do them well and for the most part shut their traps.
By Chris
October 30, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Actually, DR, Petrino never blames one player. When Joey had his problems, Petrino blamed the OL AND Joey. He said they weren’t protecting well, and he also said that Joey was holding onto the ball. Both were true. Can’t replace the OL; can replace the QB.
After every loss, he has mentioned more than 1 reason for the loss. He has blamed the team for not playing well all around. I’d love for you to show me a quote where Petrino blamed 1 player for a loss (good luck looking; you won’t find it).
Why don’t you actually learn what you’re talking about? That would be great, thanks.
By David Lee
October 30, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Moore have you apologized to Coach Richt for being a jerk? Calling him soft without intensity. Then calling him a fool for getting the DAWGS excited. Show some CLASS and apologize yourself you jackleg hack.
By JP
October 30, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Why does every blog or conversation that you have about the falcons have to go back to michael vick. Hey say what you want, he put himself in the position he’s in. And his actions have hurt the team period. So people let it go. He aint coming back. As far as petrino communicating with the players thats BS. Do your job. This man is at work 12 to 16 hours a day from the reports you hear. So I think he’s doing his part. But what about these cry baby players? Are they totally committed? Players who are, are not complaining about what others are doing they are going to see what they can do better to help make this team a success. Stop B***!
By Chris
October 30, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
David Lee, if your definition of “class” is the whole team running onto the field after a score in the 1st quarter, you need some help.
Motivational? Absolutely. Classy? Not even close.
So don’t tell someone else to show “class” by apologizing for making comments about someone who lacked it.
By Chris
October 30, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
BTW, asking someone to show CLASS and then calling them a “jackleg hack?” Yeah, real classy. Nice job there, junior.
By Carl
October 30, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Hall is the kind of DB, that after the receiver makes the catch, runs 40yds, hall makes the play, gets up and pumps his fist like he is the great db of all time and all the time we are down by 30 points. What have any of the players done lately to get to the play-offs? Keep the good TEAM plears and get rid of the rest!! GO COACH
By Pitbull
October 30, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Terence, you erased my comments from your previous column. Obviously you hide behind the First Ammendment, but do not extend the right to your readers. Erase it again and I will post it again and again. Terence, you can lick my Bulldog a—. You have no leadership skills and do not have the qualifications to coach (although you do have the qualifications to write for the AJC since you are are an ignorant slut) so all you can do to call attention to yourself is to criticize CMR. If you cannot write something positive about UGA then keep your sorry butt out of Athens. We don’t want you there anyway. Keep your night job servicing the Yellow Jacket players.
By Chris
October 30, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Real classy there, Michael Vick’s Pet (that’s you, PitBull, in case you’re too stupid/drunk to realize it). Way to give UGA fans a good name. Real show of class there, brother! Only things being serviced around here is are your neighbors by your wife/sister/cousin.
By Phil
October 30, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Terence describes exactly the type of coach this team needs. He’s probably intentionally smoking out the problem players. Per an earlier post, why get cuddly when you knew you were going to likely remake the roster drastically. Time for these pampered whiners to move along. I can’t think of many of the great football coaches who were warm and fuzzy with great communication style. Certainly not: Lombardi, Landry, Allen, Billicheck, Parcells, or Ditka. I’ll bet every whiner that pops his mouth is gone next year. Alge better show something to support his whining. He looks like he’s about done. Brooking may not be a force anymore, but at least he keeps his mouth shut, works hard and puts the team first. That’s a great example for the young linebackers and DBs on this team. I don’t want multiple years of 7-9, 8-8, 9-7 which is the best we’d get with this bunch even with Mike Vick at QB. I’d prefer to take our lumps now, remake the roster and go.
By Willie Coyote
October 30, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
This is the same group of guys that started off 6/2 & 5-3 the last two years and still missed the playoffs both times. They are a mentally weak bunch and they lack the discipline or heart to win consistently. All the adversity this team faced in the off season was too much for them to get past. They said it was all business but they were beaten before. I think there needs to be personnell changes at several positions so some real professionals can bbrought in. I think it’s premature to blame the coach when this team has shown that their attitude limits their talent because this is still a very talented team.
They had a good draft last year and hopefully will have one this year. couple that with a free agent or two and you may be working with something.
I wish #21 would just play and stop acting like every decision should get his approval or he’ll run off at the mouth about it. He’s an incredible talent but his attitude limits his value to a team. They should have traded him for a couple of draft picks when they had the chance.
By Be Real..
October 30, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Actually Chris, your ranting has proven another huge point. Petrino seems to always put the blame on the players but never admits to his coaching mistakes…i.e., asking Jenkins to block Van Den Bosch on a short yardage running play or not providing help to a rookie O-Lineman who comes in for his first play against a pro bowl D-Lineman. Maybe he feels that he’s not going to discuss his mistakes with the fans.
Maybe you should learn a little more about what you’re talking about.
By jrod
October 30, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Alot of you people on this forum are complete hypocrites. If your boss told you to shutup, or fined you, or didnt give you a day off you asked for, you would look for a job immediately, probably in the same field. You people make it sound like you dont have a problem when you are not included in the loop on something at your job that affects you. Turnover rate is high at almost every job because employees dont like the way the are treated. I hear people at my job complain when the coffee runs out, you dont think that football players will too. Dictatorships dont work in America any more.
By The right(W)rong
October 30, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
JP what has Petino done? Has he showed any skill at any thing? If every player shut there mouth and you get the same thing then what? If he can’t deal with people he won’t be here long. Being in control only mean one thing in the Business world your world are you getting results that the issues. On any job no matter how much you know if you can’t get along with people you won’t be there long. My way are the highway watch and see who last long if you don’t win in this NFL clowns. The redneck way I am In charge! I guess W is in charge too clowns!!! He has never said he was wrong at nothing but he is in charge!!!
By darien
October 30, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
you see what happen when the outspoken BLACK men get runoff? you notice that only the BLACKS get runoff this team?? mgmt wants the uppity blacks OUT! thats why vick gone, deangelo gets fined, grady gone. WAKE UP poeples!!
By BUSHWACKER
October 30, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
All I know is BELLICHIK probably does not hold his players hands and ask “how they feel” about their buddies getting cut. What a bunch of girly men, I THINK I’M GOING TO CRY.
By Steve clonts
October 30, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Bold Lets all shut the F up and get ready to play the God Damned San Francisco 49ers.
By VickBeliever
October 30, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Two reason Falcons are having a bad season and its plain and simple but sad at the sametime. The loss of Mike Vick and the addition of Joey Harringtion….Oooops the fact that you rednecks thought Vick was not important and you people thought it would be better with ole blue eyes. This racist city is getting what they deserve.
By jrod
October 30, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
JP,
Vick gets included in any discussion because without him this team isnt relevant to talk about even in atlanta. Also he did put himself in a bad position, but if you dont think the falcons stance made it worse you are kidding yourself. Football players rally around one another, they also know who their better players are, so when you cut a grady jackson or show no support for vick alot of players will think if i have any options at the end of the season i will leave here. My question is what quality player can you get to come here? The team is sorry and the coach is a tyrant. Dont be surprise if atlanta is blackballed by alot of players in the NFL.
By Kevin
October 30, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
The fact is if the Miami Hurricanes would have done what the Dawgs did on Saturday, would anybody say it was good coaching…? I don’t think so. Petrino clean house buddy, what we have been doing around here for 42 years has not worked so you have nothing to lose. Mr. Terence Moore you continue to make me sick, but I guess that’s what you liberal media folks consider success. I read your stuff it normally p** me off for a second till I remind myself that you are a joke. Nothing will ever make you happy.
By bobby
October 30, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
The only problem I have is as a Falcon fan looking for some kind of light, is releasing a guy who seems to be one of the bright spots on the team with no apparent reason. As a fan who supports the team, I would like to know what the heck are the plans. My assumption from what has happened lately is that we are rebuilding and that a lot of players we have now will be gone and we are at least 2 years from making any noise in the division. I’m not going to judge the coach just yet but when other players see what is going on and you are cutting productive guys for no reason; then Atlanta becomes less attractive for free agents. At this point he is either going to change things around in 2-3 years or screw the team up for many more. I’m going to support him as just about every player was expendable except Vick “to me”. Vick is not here so I’ll see if the coach can make salad out of garbage.
By FRD
October 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Why does Vick’s pops on this board all the time. People, he is going to jail and if you want to be close to him, go plead guilty with him and be Vick’s cell mate and keep him company.
GET A CLUE.
He is gone and not coming back EVER. GET IT
By T.C
October 30, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
you know it amaze me how many people have so many answers to somebody elses problems and cant figure out or solve there own.i read some of these comments and some people think there sooooo perfect.you gotta be a boring person to follow somebody elses life knowing every little detail.if this pertains to you,i call you the 5 minutes of AJC wanna be.
By corey
October 30, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
i dont give a hoot if we have sister mary coaching the falcons or monica kaufman playing qb can we just get some damn WINS!!!!!!!!
By bobby
October 30, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
The only problem I have is as a Falcon fan looking for some kind of light, is releasing a guy who seems to be one of the bright spots on the team with no apparent reason. As a fan who supports the team, I would like to know what the heck are the plans. My assumption from what has happened lately is that we are rebuilding and that a lot of players we have now will be gone and we are at least 2 years from making any noise in the division. I’m not going to judge the coach just yet but when other players see what is going on and you are cutting productive guys for no reason; then Atlanta becomes less attractive for free agents. At this point he is either going to change things around in 2-3 years or screw the team up for many more. I’m going to support him as just about every player was expendable except Vick “to me”. Vick is not here so I’ll see if the coach can make salad out of garbage.
By corey
October 30, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
and may i add the only 2 people who have made any kind of big play this year is hall and roddy
By bk hawk
October 30, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Moore was you abused as a child? Where did all the hate come from? Now, remove my blog again! Give’m he!! PETRINO Luv it.
By Kenneth
October 30, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
The Falcons need to make more changes. Let’s start with the Coaching Staff. I think we could have survived with Mora with this team, BUT THE OC had to go ! Then we trade D Hall (he is a HUGE BUST and how he made the PB , I still don’t know). This coaching staff will never win with this team. Let’s write this season off and clean house for next season. Marty will do GREAT in Atlanta ! I know he will get a QB with exp. Remember MV7 IS GONE ANDS WILL NOT RETURN. FOLKS TALK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE ! Go get MARTY and play Marty Ball !
By Jay
October 30, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Culture has once again overwhelmed the people, black and white. This is so unfortunate. All people have the potential to make worthwhile contributions, one way or another, but anger rules society today. The comments above make it very clear that we are doomed to cultural fractures and there seems to be no end to the disease and no cure. But, the opportunity to publicly say things that otherwise cannot be said for fear of a fist in the mouth or a gun to blow away the other guy has made otherwise ignorance and prejudice king in the lives of those feeding their egos via the blogs. What a fearful thing to consider…”No Fear” means absolutely no respect for those of different opinions. Reason and love of fellow-humans are being tossed out the window for the opportunity to publicly display hate. Sad, sad day. If this is the purpose of the Falcons, it’s time to close shop!
By Jim P.
October 30, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Fire Bobby P. and Hire Marty S.
ITS TIME FOR MARTY BALL!!!!
By The right(W)rong
October 30, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
If you clowns think the coach we have now is Bill Belichick you are nuts. This clown is in over his head. I want to see his head coaching skills. Bilichick has one of the worst player as in Randy Moss( the so call sports writers said ) and now look at them. Player know Bull$hit after a few game . Management has brought in some more bull$hit as a coach. Has petino the know how and skill to win in the NFL? 1 and 6 But he is in charge. More money down the drain for a actor as coach! we will get a good Draft picks like we have had for the last 40 years ! no winning skills and no skills on management in the NFL!
By sea of rednecks
October 30, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
The Rednecks have all the answer! But they know best for the world!
By JP
October 30, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
The right(W)rong, at this point petrino hasn’t proven anything at this level but hall hasn’t either. They both had success in college. D. Hall gets picked on like a rookie. If you read my post you would see that I said the coaches could do a better job also. You missed that huh? Petrino may be a good coach and he may not but at this point who knows. Its been half a season and you fools are trying to run the man off.
jrod, This s** is partly Vick’s fault. I’m glad he won’t be back here because he wasn’t that damn great anyway. This team has been average the last two seasons with him but the coach was the problem then too. Give me a damn break!
By JP
October 30, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
The right(W)rong, I guess you just started watching football but Belichick was in this same situation in Cleveland some years ago. Do you remember? And guess what they ran him off saying he couldn’t coach and he was a dictator. I bet you the Browns wish they would have kept him. You are very ignorant when it comes to football. What have you been watching. You have to be 18 years old.
By A_Town_Down
October 30, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
This is a great example of why college athletes should take better advantage of their academic scholarships. You have grown men who make $400K a season on average. They have links to very wealthy and influential people from college and the pros. Yet they have been scared into silence by an unproven NFL head coach.
Honestly, I would not play in the NFL based upon the violence and the impact on your body alone, regardless of the salary and fame. If I chose, it would only be based upon my love for the game. I love football but not that much.
I guess because I completed my education and observe players after their careers I know that I can earn a sufficient living without risking my life or long-term health. To think that millions of dollars is enough to risk that is INSANE. If compile this by the fact that most players are BROKE after football, you really have to think.
So given this risk and sacrifice, you are afraid to speak your mind? I hope young people realize that their lives are NOT really dictated by their salaries but the options they create for themselves through vocational and formal education.
The NFL is a great example of this. The GMs and coaches all generally have their college degree, most GMs are lawyers. Also, they are the only people in a professional football franchise that have guaranteed contracts. On the other hand, the players take ALL the risks and are left without guaranted contracts and sufficient long-term medical insurance.
As William Rhoden says, this is the essence of slavery.
By westsidebob
October 30, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
What’s up with Matt Schaub. I do not hear any body talking about the great white hope any more he’s a bust just like Harrington. The Falcons need a QB that can win that’s the problem.
By Timothy
October 30, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
Ok, everybody. Most of your rantings and ravings are much ado about nothing. I am a Vick fan (and some of you who are saying that you aren’t, you really are) and the truth of the matter is, he put himself in the position that he is in; however, we must realize that he is not here, so to place the blame on him isn’t making much sense.
Vick would have had to learn a new offense just like everybody else. I think the Falcons would have a better record if he was still the starting qb, but then again, with a new coaching regime, probably not. I think we all agree that Michael Vick is a far better option than Joey Harrington; yet, Vick is not here. Plus to say that he will not be back is a bit premature.
Let see what the Bobby Petrino and Co. Coaching Regime can do with all of the changes that need to be made before we get down on them. The open door policy, let’s see if it is one there. The players play - the coaches coach - they need to talk about it some time. Is Petrino the right man for the job? Only time will tell.
By English Major
October 30, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
Can some of you please turn on spell check? for God’s sake, the right(W)rong, do you even speak english. if you didn’t sound so ignorant, we might be able to take what you say seriously. But alas, a bunch of answers from those of you who weren’t even asked a question. there has to be a reason that Petrino is making millions and you are b***, unintelligibly, about things you know nothing about. Enough already!
By JP
October 30, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
ATownDown, I feel all that you said but these guys are choosing not to finish their education. Choosing to blow money. Those are the choices they are making. They chose to play football. So good posts but whatever. The bottom line is if you are not your own boss, you can’t go off like hall does. Against his boss. If you don’t want to conform to rules choose another profession. Be your own boss then you can say what you want about your brand. Good posts though bra!
By jrod
October 30, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
“Vick is gone and he is never coming back. You people should let it go”“
That may happen but for right now he is on the roster and there is no point in talking about anybody else on this team because they suck. The truth is alot of you hope he doesnt come back to the falcons or the NFL. You hope he gets a long sentence, you hope he ends up broke and serving you fries at MCdonalds. It is amazing how much hatred it is towards vick in Atlanta! Dallas would have never threw their best player under the bus no matter what happen. i.e. (Nate Newton Michael Irvin) Of course thats why they play for titles and we play for last place. I want to win period, by hook or by crook. It sound to me like alot of you so called fans are not committed to winning.
By JP
October 30, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
jrod, the falcons have not won anything. What are you saying? Vick hasn’t won anything.
By Falcon Man
October 30, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
COME ON GUYS, GIVE THE MAN A CHANCE, HE WILL GET RID OF THE LOUD MOUTH, LASY, OVERRATED, OVERPAID BIG HEADED BUMS THAT ARE ON THIS TEAM, THIS DOES INCLUDE D. HALL AND A CRUMPLER, JUST TO NAME A FEW. HE HAS BEEN THERE LONG ENOUGH NOW TO KNOW WHO WILL HELP THIS TEAM GET TO WHERE IT NEEDS TO GO. IT WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO, POSSIBLE THREE YEARS AND THEN THE FALCONS WILL BE COMPETITIVE AND WE CAN START THINKING PLAY OFFS, UNTIL THEN WE WHOULD JUST CHILL OUT AND WATCH WHAT THE COACH DOES AND BE SUPPORTAVE OF HIM. WE NEED A GOOD OLE HOUSE CLEANING, ABOUT 75% OF THE PLAYERS THAT ARE THERE NEED TO BE GONE. CHILL, WATCH, WAIT, SUPPORT, YOU WILL SEE, GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT……
By Pitbull
October 30, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Hey Chris, you can service me too just like your wife does on all fours.
By Lurker
October 30, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
AJC, can’t believe you’re allowing comments like the latest Pitbull posting. Totally inappropriate for this or any other forum …
By jrod
October 30, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
JP,
You are right we havent won a title and we never will without talent, and it took vick leaving for people to realize this team is pathetic. My point is it seems alot of you so called falcons fans have decided harming dogs is unforgivable and would rather lose than have him on your team ever. The team struggled (by Vick standards) the last two years, but alot of you act like 8-8 is unacceptable for the falcons. Since when? Maybe since vick got there? Alot of people are comparing him against himself. There was no standards for winning in this organization before vick. Everybody would be happy if the team won eight or nine games in any season. Now you are expecting playoffs? Why? I can only think of one player. Vick. And that is why his name is always brought up on this forum. Before vick nobody would even care if this team stunk or not. and you know it.
By Darryn
October 30, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
VickBeliever, you are just as racist as you want to call the rednecks. Vick is a felon. He’s not coming back. GET OVER IT!! He wasn’t improving as a QB anyway. With this team, Petrino should have at least phased in the new blocking scheme for the OL instead of throwing it in right away. As with some of you thinking Harrington is the ONLY problem, he’s not the one who dropped passes thrown right to them (Horn, Crumpler, Dunn, Norwood, et al). He’s not the one who can’t hold a block past one second or miss the block all together. He’s not the one who tells the defense “We give up” by keeping everyone but 2 receivers for blocking, and it still didn’t work. He’s not the only problem, and just changing QBs will not be the only answer. Not even Manning or Brady would succeed here the way it is right now.
By Peter
October 30, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
I am waiting for the day ME-Angelo gets to be on another team………then we can all watch as he is AFRAID to make a tackle for someone else…….
He has got to be one of the few DB’s in the league who watches others make tackles…….
By True Sports Fan
October 30, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Hey Terence,
Great column on the UGA-Florida game. You nailed it on calling out Richt… see his letter of apology for evidence.
All you know-nothing UGA fans out there who have been crapping on Terence: it’s time for y’all to get a clue about sports before you start going off on your stupid tirades. Oh yeah, and learn to use real grammar too. You’re doing the “school” you root for a disservice.
Keep up the good work Terence!
By Tom
October 30, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
VickBeliever writes:
“This mess all started when the Falcons front office would not let the team support Vick during his troubled times. “
VickBeliever, What in the heck are you talking about???
No, this mess all started when Mike Vick started bankrolling a freaking dogfighting operation. Didn’t start with the ownership, didn’t start with the front office, didn’t start with the coaches, didn’t start with anybody else. This started when Mike said, “I’ve got some $$ now… I can fund it.”
To everyone who takes the “the team should have defended Vick” line… JUST SHUT UP!! We are tired of your crying, whining, and lame-brained fingerpointing. We are where we are, MV7 wanted to freaking fight dogs more than he wanted to play football. It’ll take us a while to get out of this fix.