Sports Columnists

By Concerned Fan

November 14, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

It all boils down to wins and losses. Leftwich has not looked good in any appearance. While Harrington certainly hasn’t excelled, the team is headed in the right direction….. It won’t matter next year when Petrino drafts Brian Brohm from Louisville.

By Tim Parker

November 14, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

I think this is a BONE- HEADED MOVE. LEFTWICH, who is VERY IMMOBILE is coming off of ankle surgery and is going against a VERY FAST, VERY AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE. Harrington may not have a strong arm, but he does know how to read the field and deliver the ball accurately to receivers. LEFTWICH’S ACCURACY SUCKS!!! I can hear Bucs defenders licking their chops now.

By Rcky_Mtn_Falcon

November 14, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

If Harrington was blindsided it’s only because he hasn’t really listened to Petrino since he got here.

After about the 3rd or 4th week of the season, Coach said he had a problem with Joey holding the ball to long and not taking shots down the field. Harrington disagreed, but said the coach was entitled to his opinion.

Petrino was right, and in spite of 2 wins in a row Joey still holds the ball to long at times, and I’ve yet to see him take a shot down the field.

3 weeks ago, Petrino named Leftwich the starter for the rest of the year, and I haven’t heard the coach say anything different. Leftwich is out due to injury, not due to being benched and giving Joey another shot as starter.

So if Joey was surprised, it’s because he wasn’t listening to the coach in the first place.

By Rod

November 14, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Petrino told Joey that Leftwich was the starter for the rest of the season before he got hurt. It doesnt matter next year DJ Shockley will be the starter and Petrino will draft Oline linebacker and running back.

By Covington,Ga

November 14, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Awww….They hurt little Joey feelings and they are putting in another black QB man the world is coming to a end guys….ha ha

By Clayton

November 14, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Lets face it. Even though Harrington has won 2 games in a row, it was against probably the 2nd worst team in the league and a team that has a 43 or 44 yr old 3rd string QB that barely passed the ball.

Harrington can’t throw the ball down the field and only seems to know timing routes, if timing is not there in the 2 yrd flat, he throws it a way or gets sacked or picked

Leftwich may not be accurate but he can throw the ball down the field and check down from the first receiver to another, not just a running back.

Leftwich does give the Falcons the best chance to win. Go Falcons!!

By FalcFan

November 14, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

And Petrino can’t figure out/doesn’t believe he is losing the locker room?

Whether you believe Harrington or Leftwich should start, the fact that Petrino didn’t talk with Harrington is classless, pure and simple. What’s more, whether they say anything publically or not, you can bet the other players on the team are paying attention to how the Head Coach is treating Harrington and wondering when/if it will happen to them. For a first year coach whose job depends on these same players buying into his system and executing well for him (because, let’s face it, it’s easier to replace a coach than it is a team), and one who has already PO’d both Crumpler (the ultimate team player) and DHall (maybe not the best team player, but probably the best player on our team), he certainly stepped in it this time!

By BirdMahn

November 14, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Jeff, did you and the previous commenters miss something??? I DO remember several weeks ago that Leftwich WAS named the starter. Did you all miss that? His injury doesn’t mean he lost his starting job. I think Petrino is right to say he’ll start AGAIN when he’s healthy. Face it people. Harrington QB’ed and we barely beat two bad teams. Harrington is a good guy, but he is NOT NFL starting QB material. Jeff, I’m tired of you constantly trying to stir up controversy at Flowery Branch. You’re a putz!

By Eric

November 14, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Joey hasn’t been terrible. Didn’t he complete 70% of his passes last game? He’s not great but he at least deserves to be updated by the coaches. Why keep players in the dark like that? Petrino is just a weird bird. By the way, I just heard that McKay and Osama were hiding out in the same bunker. We’ll never find either of them.

By edith

November 14, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Covington,Ga suck your mother feces hole

By Jeff

November 14, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Does Harrington score points? Because last I checked, the team with more points, wins.

By stendec

November 14, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

I have never been a Harrington fan. HOWEVER! JH has displayed heart, desire and fire even if he sorely lacks talent. Petrino is garbage for not treating him like a man. Hey, Leftover is no great shakes either. Redman is probably the best of all Falcon quarterbacks. Petrino does not like Redman. Anyone know why? Oh well. Harrington will never be a top flight field general but he deserved better from Petrino. BP has proven to ALL Falcon watchers that he is NO D++N offensive genius! Still expect him to bolt after this season. JUST A LINGERING HUNCH! Sorry Joey. You do deserve better.

By BnB

November 14, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Jeff, why such a shrill effort to drum up some drama? As said by others, Bobby said Leftwich was his starter for the rest of the year before Byron was hurt. Because we beat two of the worst teams in the league…largely due to defense…it doesn’t change anything. Maybe if Joey didn’t throw six yard passes on third and twelve he could lock up the job? He’s done the best he can and he’s a good team guy but that garantees nothing.

By Scott Mann

November 14, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

I disagree with this move but I disagree with the way it was handled even more. Throughout his career Joey has ALWAYS treated other players and coaches with respect. It would nice if this CLASSLESS coach would do the same.

By dannycardwell

November 14, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

blank,mackay,and petrino are a class act, low class and no class. backstabbing runs in the crowd, blank and vick on reeves, mackay is a weasel and petrino showed his true colors with the tuberville throat slasing at auburn.

By John Minnix

November 14, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Terrible move! Joey is having a pretty good year. He has thrown 5 total picks, three of which were off the hands of Falcon recievers (thank you, Jenkins). He has a QB rating of 81 (which would be higher if Falcon recievers could catch) and a QB rating in the Dome of 86. A career QB rating of 86 would put you 12th all time (tied with Dan Marino), so it ain’t that bad. Leftwich may be a better long term fit, but he hasn’t practiced or played. Harrington is winning. Let him play until we lose another game.

By preston

November 14, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Schultz- you have to be kidding…..as has been pointed out already, Leftwich was publickly named the starter for the rest of the seasons weeks ago. Harrington has done fairly well while he has been on the field, and no one can dispute that, but if this coaching staff feels as if Leftwich allows them to do more things offensively than Harrington, then what is the problem??? When Leftwich first came on the field against Tennessee, the rust was apparent to everyone, his timing was way off…. but no one can deny that when he started against New Orleans, he was much better, and the team had a positively different feel to them. I know that it is difficult for Harrington, but he definitely was not in the dark on this.

By Scott Mann

November 14, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t care that BP said BL was the starter for the rest of the season; you don’t set up a media conference for the guy only to have the reporter’s inform him he’s not the starter. It’s bush league and doesn’t say much about Petrino as a professional. I’m sure he wouldn’t like to find out he was fired that way!

By quint

November 14, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

This just stinks. I mean, maybe Leftwich is the better quarterback, but remember, he got cut too. Harrington has done just about everything the coach has asked. Coach Petrino needs to realize that these are professionals, not the amateurs he has worked with in college. As a kid in school I understood that my professors, supervisors, coaches, whomever, had the right to make their decisions without consulting me first. But after I graduated, I expect my supervisor, employer, or coach to treat me with greater equality. Some professional courtesy would be nice.

Petrino has the right to name his starter, but he needs to learn some tact and sit down with these guys before he makes statements that can be construed as controversy.

Man, these Falcons need all the help they can get.

Hey Joey, don’t worry. You’ll be back in the game sometime around 4:48 in the first quarter when “Lead-Legs” Leftwich goes down with another ankle injury. So, you better start warming up. And hey, instead of being a nice guy, you need to develop into a mean a** S.O.B. and start playing football that way. Go sit next to Deangelo for a while. Maybe some of that “athletic arrogance” that Mora loved will rub off on you.

By Scott Mann

November 14, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

In truth, I don’t know what we are all arguing about. Based on his history, BL will get injured again and Petrino will turn to Joey once more. I’m not wishing it on Leftwich, that’s just his history. Why do think J’ville released him?

By Flappin Falcon

November 14, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

What’s the fuss? 3 weeks ago Petrino made it very clear to the press and anyone who can read that Byron was the starter for the rest of the season. Injuries don’t knock players off the depth chart. Now that Byron is healthy again he will start. Byron has a stronger arm and can throw the deep ball well. Every GM in the NFL will tell you BL should start over JH. Joey is a good backup QB…exactly what Petrino brought him in here to be. Please quit trying to stir up controversy when you have nothing else to write about. Just plain bad, gutter journalism, Jeff. Another painfully unoriginal Schultz article.

By bk hawk

November 14, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry Joey because Leftwick can’t take the beating you have. He will be back on DL in one or two games, just ask Jacksonville. Joey may not have the arm leftwick does but he Joey is a leader.

By Ken Strickland

November 14, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

I can understand Petrino’s position and his decision. Petrino has had to limit his OFF options to play to Harringtons strengths. However, he can’t overcome Harrington’s lack of arm strength and overall confidence problems. Harrington is very reluctant to throw into tight coverage, which is one of the reasons our redzone OFF suffers. It was shown, during a recap of the gm, that twice at least one WR was open down field but Harrington chose to throw the safe short pass. That was the reason Petrino replaced him with Leftwich the 1st time around.

Petrino is an OFF coach and he wants to maximize his OFF, not limit it. Leftwich has the arm strength and confidence to challenge DB’s down field and throw into tight coverages. He should improve our poor redzone OFF. Harrington has done a good job under the circumstances. However, Leftwich has demonstrated over his career that he can do better. If the opportunity to expand the OFF, and do better overall, why wouldn’t you make the change.

By Reggie

November 14, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Excuse me I am confused!!! Do you trust your coach or not. He is at pratice everday. Is he stupid? Does he want to win? You loved the cold delivery from your coach before why not now?

By Adrian's Perspective

November 14, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Once again, Leftwich was publicly named the starter 3 weeks ago. Harrington is a backup QB, who has some heart, but nothing more. This is the NFL people. The person that gives you the best chance to win should always be at the helm. We have always known these truths before, which still remain true to this day. Let’s move on, get thru the season, see what happens, and get to the draft.

By Diane

November 14, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Petrino is nothing more than a prize a*. He has proven it over and over.

By terrell barron

November 14, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Harrington is the only Falcon who didnt know that Byron had been named the starter and he was the backup. WOW

By mykhalc

November 14, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

RckyMtnFalcon, you said it as accurately as it could be stated. JOEY pls read his post!!! ‘nuff said!!!

By preston

November 14, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Scottman- you are funny….As has been pointed out Petrino made no secrets about Leftwich being the starter for the remainder of the season weeks ago…..so you say, “I don’t care that BP said BL was the starter for the rest of the season”…..very apathetic statement that makes no sense…..then you have another post saying of Leftwich. “Why do think J’ville released him?…..well, what does that say about Detroit and Miami releasing Harrington??? Why do you think those teams released him??? I really do not understand some of you people…..Petrino has expressed his frustrations with Harrington, and apparently he wants to do things offensively with this team, that he feels Harrington can not do……again what is the problem with that?????

By Enough

November 14, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Honestly, anyone watching the Game Sunday knows we won inspite of Joey not because. We were as inept as Carolina who had reasons to be inept. The guy is proactive and trying to give the team the best chance to win. Did Harrington even attempt a pass over 15 yards? That game should not have been close but the coaches had to play conservative and let the defense win. Garcia and Tampa will move the ball and the offense can’t put all the pressure on the defense as they have the last two weeks. Its really not even a debate, Joey is a back up, he did his job and should be ready to be a back up until needed. This is a positive week, but JS is trying to rain on the parade. The Falcons and Petrino can do the unthinkable and make a real playoff push. This game is key and call me crazy but the Colts are as vulnerable as they have been in the last two years. I believe that the Falcons will win this divison. Sunday is the key. Joey will start but look for a extremely small margin of error or his regular ineptness.

By Gary

November 14, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I agree this isn’t about who is the better quarterback. This is about whether Petrino is a jerk or if he has what it takes to be a successful NFL coach. I think this shows he still has a long way to go in the class department. (Can you say Auburn?) I know he’s looking forward to having a quarterback who can stretch the field and open up the running game but hey, with the way Joey has played the last 2 weeks, he deserves more respect from the head coach. I still don’t think Petrino’s the answer and this incident sure isn’t going to change my mind.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 14, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Some of y’all seem to be missing one key point — Harrington was never promoted back to starter. Leftwich has been the starter ever since the Saints game, and Harrington has been the backup. Just as any backup should, Harrington came in when the starter got injured and filled the hole. Now that the starter is back, he will resume his previous position. As far as the depth chart is concerned, this is no different than Matt Schaub filling in for Michael Vick for one game and going back to the bench the next game.

If you want to give Harrington the credit for the last two wins, that’s fine. Personally I don’t think two close wins against mediocre opponents erases the 1-5 record that came before it. In the brief time that Leftwich was the starter he proved he could perform at least as well as Harrington if not better. Leftwich and Harrington are both average QBs — the one advantage Leftwich has is a stronger arm. Y’all might say it’s unfair for Harrington to be benched after two wins, but I think it would be just as unfair if not more so for Leftwich to lose his starting job due to injury.

By michaelgee

November 14, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

You never get it do you, Joey can’t throw the deep and mid-range pass. Byron does, it is so simple but some knowledge of the game of football is required to see beyond the fact that Joey squeeked out two wins. That is what you will never get. With half the season to go we can’t afford to dink and dunk, it is time to move the ball. Jeff, have you ever even played a single snap on a football team? The obvious is just out of your range isn’t it? sheesh, doofus!

By steve79

November 14, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Very unprofessional move from Coach Petrino. How can he expect his players to respect him when he does not respect them. Harrington deserved to find out from his head coach. Don’t worry Joey, you will be in by halftime for sure. I can’t see Leftwich lasting any longer than that.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 14, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah one more thing: Harrington can be as shocked as he wants. The truth is Petrino didn’t communicate anything because there was nothing to be communicated. For four weeks now, the depth chart has read 1. Leftwich 2. Harrington. If Harrington needs to be reminded of this, then he’s the one not paying attention.

By Singletary

November 14, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Najeh makes a point in his 10:58 posting, but I’m just not sure the HR department and Petrino’s K teacher would check the box “plays well with others.”

There are great leaders who inspire and lead lesser men (and women) into battle. And there are those who threaten folks into something resembling blind loyalty without corresponding respect.

I want the Falcons to win, win, win, but I hate to see decent people trampled for lack of communication in the process. (A simple reminder email before a press conference would have been appreciated if not the most tactful manner.)

By Grant

November 14, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Why has the sports culture in America made it a coaches responsibility to tell the players who is starting and who isn’t? These guys get paid millions to play a game! A game! They should feel lucky! If you aren’t the starter, then get better.

By will

November 14, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

All this nonsense about who told who what is simply that nonsense. How many of you actually heard Petrino say JP would or would not definitely start. It seems to me that it is the same age old problem. MEDIA! The media is always stirring up something controversial in order to generate more news. If perhaps, they would simply stick to actual facts and less I heard junk there would be a lot less controversy and perhaps fans wouldn’t be so disgruntled and fail to support their teams. If Leftwich does start then that is all part of the game isn’t it. Doesn’t the coach have the right to start who he feels is better qualified. Until he is proven wrong people should simply shut up and let the team play ball.

By StupidBlank

November 14, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Petrino is not starting Black leftwich, Blank is. Stupid, stupid man. How in the hell do you get so rich being so stupid? Put the best QB in that will lead us to more victories and the blacks will follow the team. Leftwich is no longer a Jaguar because he was not good. Jesus. We need to pray for brains not rains.

By norman

November 14, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Yea, the article is right on about coach Petrino. At least tell Joey he is not the starter and should tell him he is not in the team’s future and release him so he can get with a team that needs a quarterback. Just like Alge and Warrick stated a few weeks ago about coach Petrino No-Communication!

By tj

November 14, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why anybody would be surprised at Petrino’s sneaky ways. From the looks of his face when DeAngelo went off on him he’s not man enough to face anybody. He’s known to do things in secret, ask (Tuberville at Auburn).I’m not sure he told Grady when he cut him, I believe he had Zimmer do it. And did anybody even know the Falcon’s had interviewed him when they hired him after he had just signed a new contract at Louisville. Maybe his not being willing to do things openly is why he was not in demand when he was an assistant at Jacksonville. After all, an offensive genius like him should have been flooded with offers.

By FalcFan

November 15, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

As many of you have said, this isn’t about who is the better QB…this is about leadership and communication.

Great leaders (which NFL head coaches must be) find ways to inspire others to follow, and that includes good communication skills. Poor leaders attempt to force other people to follow, and do so with little to no effort at communication.

All I can say is this: Petrino better hope this team responds well to this situation, and that Leftwich lights it up and stays injury-free. If that doesn’t happen, I can’t see how he is long for this coaching job. Regardless of the fact that this is happening to Harrington, the other players are watching, evaluating, and forming their own opinions about how effective Petrino is at coaching this team. Just because DHall, Alge, and others, aren’t publically speaking out, doesn’t mean they don’t have an opinion.

Meanwhile, I’m guessing Harrington has already been on the phone to his agent…

By mike

November 15, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

Joey did a good job sunday but even I knew if Byron was ready he would get the call.Byron will probably be injured in the 3rd quarter but hey give him another shot.

By adam cosby

November 15, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

Petrino is a joke. He is a failure as a coach, and a much worse failure as a human being. These are grown men and can handle truth whatever it is.

He is a part of the reason why there is no chemistry on this team. I wonder if Blank was this shaddy in his business dealings, and at the end of the day, this is all this is.

i dont particularly like Harrington, but Leftwich? Get real.

Professionals talk to those who they oversee with the facts. They dont rearend them.

What a joke.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 15, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

So Joey Harrington is going public with his complaint first without talking to Petrino about Petrino going public about the switch first without talking to him? Umm, okay.

GO FALCONS!

By JM

November 15, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Leftwich wasn’t cut by the Jaguars because he couldn’t play. He was cut because they had a very good QB in Garrard who simply beat him out. Leftwich wasn’t happy as a backup, and that’s why he was let go.

I’ve tried to get behind Harrington, and he did do a fine job early on, but he’s gotten worse as the season has gone on. From what I’ve seen of the two QB’s, Leftwich has much better pocket presence, and is a quicker decision-maker. He may not be mobile, but he handles the pass rush well, or at least better than Harrington. Harrington seems to often run into the rush, and is indecisive. I used to always think he got a bad rap in Detroit, but I understand their frustration now that I’ve seen him up close for several games.

I feel bad for Joey because he really is out there playing as hard as he can possibly play. He probably knows that his window for being able to start in the NFL has been pretty much slammed shut now, because no one is likely ever to give him the shot the Falcons gave him (even though it was not entirely by choice) ever again. I wish he could make it in this league because he’s a great guy and competitor, but I don’t see it.

By D_Costa

November 15, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand many of you (Jeff included)? You all say that Coach Petrino didn’t communicate w/ JH about the starting position when in actuality he stated VERY clearly that BL would be the starter for the rest of the season. [b]IT DOESN’T GET ANY CLEARER THAN THAT![/b]

Everybody knows the starter cannot lose his position because of injury. It’s a fact and it’s the way it has always been. Seriously, what is the problem here?

If JH was side-swiped by the reporter that informed him of the obvious statement made by Petrino, then it is JH’s fault that he wasn’t listening in the 1st place, not Coach Petrino’s!

What does JH expect, just because he was in the starting lineup when the Falcons actually won a game that he was directly responsible? No! The fact that we played two of the leagues worst teams had more to do w/ those wins than he did.

JH is trying to drum-up support for a cause that is fruitless! No one views him as a true starting caliber-type QB. He is a back-up! Maybe he has an issue w/ that, but that problem lies w/ him, not Coach Petrino.

By #7@Falcons

November 15, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Joey, Joey we are 3 and 6 not 6 and 3 I am unhappy too!!

By humbug

November 15, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Hey folks, The Falcons is not the first team to realize that Harrington simply is not qualified to be an NFL starting quarterback. Let Petrino run things. It amazes me that the d******* are on the field taking responsibility but all the knowledge and experts are on this blog and have no responsibility. Get a job coaching.

By #7@ATL

November 15, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

I have read some of our clueless bloger say the coach run the team and the boss tell you what to do! Joey the boos say’s you are #2 The red neck way. I don’t here any body tell Joey to just shut up ! The boss did not tell Hall when Big Grady was gone and I don’t here any Rednecks telling Joey to just shut up! Black and white? Black need to just shut up and white can speak freeley.

By Michael V.

November 15, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

This is obviously a racist move. The blacks are not buying tickets with a white quarterback. Putting Leftbench in is just to appease the black racists.

By gemini

November 15, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

people lets just be falcon supporters take the good with the bad and sink with the ship and hope someone anyone recues us

By Anthony

November 15, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

I want to win and don’t care who quarterbacks. But if we have won two games straight with JH then let him keep going. If he has a bad half then yank him. Sure Harrington isn’t the best in the world but cmon, BL isn’t either. He’ll be like standing in quick sand back there. And remember he’s gonna get hurt again. Shoot, give redmon a chance. He’s the only one not gripping. As for Petrino, he’s losing his players respect with the boneheaded ways on handling communication with his players and the media. He thinks he’s still dealing with college kids.

By tasman

November 15, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

This is funny. I am a lifelong Falcons fan and I am truely disappointed with the product that is on the feild. However, this blog is full of idiots and this S#!$ is funny. You all are a bunch of d@&% fools.

By BooBoo

November 15, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz might know where to place commas and semi-colons, but he sure lacks the sense of how to give a head coach in the NFL at least one full season before being banished to Jeff’s doggie house.

Harrington was signed as a back-up. Harrington has played like a back-up. Leftwich is CERTAINLY NOT the “long-term” answer at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons (I doubt he is able to walk well enough to finish this season healthy, once he gets back to starting games); but, as long as he can effectively hobble around and miss defensive ends, he can play like a starting NFL quarterback.

The choices (this year) are three. One: Play Harrington and get back-up quarterback-led team results. Two: Play Leftwich (when he can walk) and hope he doesn’t break both ankles before he can lead the Falcons to maybe 5 victories this year (weak opposition). Three: Forget using a QB the rest of the year and direct snap to Warrick Dunn, like Carolina did successfully against the Falcons last year.

By BooBoo

November 15, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

And another thing … Tampa Bay will eat Joey Harrington for lunch Sunday. Tampa Bay could usually eat Mike Vick for lunch and shut down the vaunted Falcon running game. If Harrington starts and begins to assume the fetal position, anticipating a hit, I can assure you Petrino will have Leftwich on the field by the second half.

By FalcFan

November 15, 2007 2:53 AM | Link to this

Again, this is not about who is or is not the better QB…

I’ll tell you what, if I were Bobby Petrino and my job depended on the players buying into my program and performing well, I surely would not be treating any one of them with the lack of respect and common decency he displayed on this day. He seems to have lost sight of the fact that, for him to keep his job, this team has to improve. Improvement is tough to come by when the players don’t respect and trust the coach - concerned that they will, one day, be treated the way Harrington was treated today.

I hate to say this because I really hoped Petrino would turn out to be the exception..a great coach for this team that came from the college ranks; however, I’m beginning to wonder if the best thing for both the Falcons and Petrino would be for BP to move on at the end of the season. Clearly there will be/needs to be alot of changes made this off season - and that would be difficult enough under the best of circumstances. The situation with Petrino and this team is not the best of circumstances…

By Jim

November 15, 2007 4:07 AM | Link to this

This team is a mistake from Petrino, to Leftwich, to… having Arthur Blake finish what Michael Vick started when he hired Petrino. This team went to having a chance to “no chance”. Hoping the TV blackouts continue and we can watch real football teams with real coaching staffs. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to play for Petrino. If he thinks bringing more Louisville players here is going to help he is in for a surprise. He should have stayed there.

By athensjack

November 15, 2007 4:16 AM | Link to this

Okay, after watching stupid move after stupid move I’ve given up. Who cares what Dumb*ss Petrino does to destroy the useless Falcons? No matter how much I root for the team, the management/ownership alway find a way to screw it up. Way to go, coach! Go back to the U.of Loserville.

By Sivart

November 15, 2007 4:59 AM | Link to this

Your entire column makes no sense at all. First off Coach Petrino made Leftwich the starting QB several weeks ago. A move serveral of your so called journalist colleagues agreeded with. When Leftwich was injured did anyone hear Coach Petrino say that Harrington would now be the starter for the remainder of the season? NO, he said Leftwich would be back once he was healthy enough to play. Case closed. And the argument that you pose that Leftwich should have been at the press conference is plain stupid as Leftwich is not certain to be healthy enough to play against Tampa Sunday so who else should come out to speak but Harrington.

In the future, please write sports articles that make some kind of sense. Not this trash journalism.

By Nix

November 15, 2007 5:31 AM | Link to this

Joey took the hits and played as hard as anyone else the last 2 weeks, i think he at least earned a face to face with Bobby Petrino to find out he’s being benched. I’m fine with the switch, but you need to be respectful to these guy’s, no matter what our record is i believe these guy’s are working as hard as they can and as a coach with the level of talent the Falcons have thats all you can ask for.

By Webspinner

November 15, 2007 5:56 AM | Link to this

Your column makes no sense. Leftwich was the starter when he got hurt. Harrington had already lost the starting job. In the NFL, the starting QB does not lose his job due to injury. If Harrington, and you, didn’t know Harrington had been designated the backup, you both need your heads examined.

By We ain't Marshall

November 15, 2007 6:13 AM | Link to this

I think that it should be pretty clear by now…The move to “Leftfoot” was made to put more of the Vick contingent back into the stands. It is obvious that wins will not fill up the stands this year, so Blank and Co. are desperate to salvage some fan base. Harrington deserves better than this, and I wish him well next year with a team that is more concerned with substance rather than petty symbolism.

By TD

November 15, 2007 6:23 AM | Link to this

Hey Jeff, Falcons didnt fumble anything. You’re the one that fumbled. Did you actually hear Petrino’s comments. I just watched them on falcons.com and sounds like to me it was business as usual. He commented that it was all a health issue. Leftwich was named as starter before he was injured and nothing has changed. Not an issue of “not telling Joey” before the decision was made. It’s called “coaching and managing” the situation. Why do you try to make something out of nothing. What a jerk!

By Tommy

November 15, 2007 6:28 AM | Link to this

Patrino in this WIDE open offense has left out Alge Clumpler an All-Pro. Its time to can this joke and beg DAN REEVES into coming back. Alge plays about 25% of the time now. It won’t be long before he’ll want to be traded and who can blame him. Its sick to watch, by next season the dome will be empty again. All games will be blacked out back to the old days of radio. Thanks Author and MV

By Falcon Faithful

November 15, 2007 6:44 AM | Link to this

Just hang in there, Joey. You will get your chance again. Fragile Leftwich will get hurt …again … and you will get to play. In fact, be ready Sunday, it will probably happen then.

By FatAlbert

November 15, 2007 6:58 AM | Link to this

Petrino will be out of here after this season anyway. He’ll be back in his element coaching college ball at Auburn. Then maybe we can get Dan Reeves back and make some progress. Anyone remember when Wade Phillips was our coach?

By davo

November 15, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this

Petrino is a classless, unprofessional jerk. He has polarized the entire team and most of the city against him. He has made countless foolish mistakes and appears to be over his head in pro football. The Falcons need to package him and McKay, and start over again. Just wait until the season is over and see all the veteran’s he let’s go!

By jimmythec

November 15, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this

Amazing this coach. He has the off-field skills of a guy clearly over his head. The pro game is much more than just X’s and O’s and he has looked pedestrian in that regards ever since arriving here. “Chicks dig the long ball”…complete, incomplete, or 20 years in the stands (like the Jags game), it does not matter. I suppose we should be calling him Mrs. Coach Petrino.

By h3

November 15, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Joey has worked his butt off and deserves he respect of not being left in the lurch at a press conferce like this.

I’m pulling for Patrino but if he doesn’t have the awareness that he should take care of a player who’s worked as hard as Joey has and not leave him open for a blind shot like this…well…he’s got a lot to learn.

By carman563

November 15, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

the falcons are a joke, no matter the qb, not aggressive at all, when you need 8 yards for a first down, you have to throw the ball over 8 down field, is just not happening, their are a lot of good qbs in texas football, maybe they should get one, a good teas highschool football team, could beat the falcons,

By Myrtle Beach

November 15, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

If we are not going to the playoffs, which we are not! It does not matter who’s at QB, Joey makes 3 mill a year to keep his mouth shut and do what he’s told. Anybody out there who would not trade places with him? Let’s take it like men and get a high enough pick to take Bobby’s golden boy. Give the guy a few years to put together his roster then we’ll take off, Schultz this is high school girl locker room reporting: Come on you have to have something better to talk about?

By SA

November 15, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

What differfence does it make on which QB starts? The Falcons stink. That is what matters! Petrino stinks and should be FIRED! The Falcons need to start all over beginning with a new QUALITY PROVEN head Coach.

By Gunner

November 15, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

I give Lefwich about a Quarter before he blows his other ankle, then Joey will be back in. Hurry up and get well D.J.

By JR

November 15, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

Petrino is looking more like Jerry Glanville with his personla likes and dislikes of players.

Yep, Glanville didn’t like Favre, traded to GB and rest is in history books, literally I mean.

Coach Petrino, if you don’t know how to handle professional players professionally, you will not build a team.

Where is Dan Reeves? Call him coach, take advise and you need it badly. If that is not possible, read his book!

By John McEnroe

November 15, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

CLUELESS FANS YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!!

Joey Harrington wouldn’t start in the Arena Football League. HOW MANY (3 AND OUT) SHORT THIRD DOWN PASSES DOES HE HAVE TO THROW FOR YOU TO REALIZE THAT WE WE GOT A LITTLE LUCKY TO WIN THOSE TWO GAMES??

Leftwich can get the ball downfield and stretch the defense..this will in the long run open up our running game —just give Bobby a chance he knows how to manage an offense HE JUST NEEDS PLAYERS THAT CAN EXECUTE!! NUFF SAID BP TOLD THE WORLD THAT BLEFT WAS THE STARTING QB—NO QB CONTROVERSY HERE….ya’ll just a bunch of punks looking to put flys in the soup bowl….suck it up and be a real fan!!

By Techster

November 15, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Michael ConVick and Jim Mora screwed up this season and the team and now reporters are looking to keep things stirred up and pile on the current Falcons coaches and players so they’ll have more negative stories to print. I couldn’t care less about Joey Harrington’s little feelings getting hurt or anyone else’s there. Jim Mora spent three years kissing all the players a$$@s and look what that got the team. Petrino is a coach, not a counselor, or best friend, or big brother. I hope he continues to kick a$$ and get rid of players with bad attitudes like ones who sue their own team, or like Me-angelo Hall.

By Mark

November 15, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

I will admit that Petrino should have told Harrington, but that doesn’t mean that he should be the starting QB. It was his TERRIBLE play at the beginning of the season that caused them to sign Leftwich. People don’t put too much stock in the past two games. Let’s not forget that Joey was signed to be a BACKUP in the beginning. He doesn’t deserve to start. We have only scored an average of 20 points the past two games.

One final thought Petrino could care less about some of the players on this team because most of them will be gone next year. Mora made babies of them and they can’t handle being treated like men. The coach isn’t suppose to be your best friend. Harrington needs to accept that he is nothing more than a NFL BACKUP. There is a reason he has been on 3 teams in the past 3 years.

By ZO

November 15, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

I sure hope Mike only gets probation! It will be in DEC, maybe the judge will be in the christmas spirit! W.V.(With Vick) We need a pocket passer a smart Q.B. A.V. (After Vick) we need to win a game, sell tickest so there is no blackout. Mr. Blank don’t be stupid again you can’t please fans/ armchair gm’s. If you get the chance to get Mike back use your head over your heart!!!

By samjam

November 15, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

I feel much less aggravated since I stopped reading Terrence Moore’s pathetically structured hackneyed cliched attempts at writing. Now I will start skipping over Jeff Putz’s downer and unfunny columns and go straight to Najeh Davenpoope’s comments where I can find logic and substance, and not constantly conjured panty-waste negativity towards OUR sports teams here in OUR home city.

Go Mark Bradley!!!! You Rule the AJC’s writers.

By Jim P.

November 15, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

To the coach of the falcons…. I question your leadership skills, I question your COMMUNICATIONS skills I question your coaching skills. Sir, In a nut shell, YOU SUCK!

GOD, were is Marty S. when you need him!!! Fire this idiot and Lets have MARTY BALL in GA!!!

By JP

November 15, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

I don’t see the purpose of this article. Petrino made it clear that leftwich was his qb a couple of weeks ago. Harrington hasn’t done anything special in the past two wins for him to get all this attention. The offense has looked terrible with harrington in there and thats just a fact. Petrino needs a qb who can stretch the field and harrington can’t do that. The defense is the reason we have been winning. Find something else to write about because whether you white guys believe it or not leftwich is the better qb.

By Mossback

November 15, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

I hope the Falcons win, whoever plays. But Bobby Petrino is a slug with no class, much like that other “genius,” the Smith’s hired, Dan Henning. I fear his results will be similar.

By mountain jim

November 15, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

**Q: Is there any question on who will start at quarterback on Sunday? A: “If we were going today, Joey (Harrington) would start because we don’t know how Byron’s health is.

Q: Do you worry about changing the quarterback after you have had a couple of wins? A: “Sure. It is something you worry about but, to be honest with you, it’s a decision we made a while back. Bryon would be the starter and Joey would be the backup. Right now, it’s a health issue.”**

After a night to think on this, and reading exactly what Petrino was asked and what he stated, this ‘controvery’ was once again created and fan-flamed by the ajc hacks who live to create controversy and sell it to us via page-views and newspapers. Again. Wyche started it, and Jeff gleefully piles on, as usual.

By mark

November 15, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

This is such a retarded article and stupid responses… Oh Joey has heart… he has played well… Not true… He checks down way too often and Petrino says so in EVERY post game presser. He named Leftwich the starter for the REST OF THE SEASON before he got hurt a few weeks back. Leftwich was 15-23 (65% completion percentage) for 145 yards in one half before he got hurt. That is 9.6 yards per completion in his first start in this offense.

By KB

November 15, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Lets use the term correctly … the “starter” is the player who begins the game. Quite clearly, Joey has been the starter the last two games (despite whatever Petrino said three weeks ago about Leftwich). Incidentally, do we know who the “starter” is this Sunday? It still seems to me to be up in the air.

By Mike

November 15, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

I just think the organization sucks in general - from the top down.

By JD

November 15, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

The main reason people think BL should start over JH is that BL can get the ball downfield. Well it seems to me that the reason JH is opting for shorter passes and/or dump offs to Dunn/Norwood is because the O line is not giving him time to stand in the pocket and wait for downfield routes to open up. The O line didn’t give that much time for him to throw the winning TD pass to Crumpler in Carolina last week that’s why JH took such a huge hit and that wasn’t even a deep pass route. I would rather a QB take a sack rather than throw a pick any day and JH has only 5 picks all year. Romo threw 5 picks in one game against Buffalo and the great P. Manning had 6 picks last week against San Diego. For the people who say BL was named the starter last month and you don’t lose your job due to injury well Tom Brady got his opportunity in NEW ENGLAND because Bledsoe got hurt and he led them to their 1st Superbowl win that year. In 1998 Randall Cunningham was brought to Minnesota as a back up. Brad Johnson got hurt and Cunningham stayed the starter and led them to a 15-1 regular season and to the NFC champ. game only to lose to the Falcons ironically.BL played one good half against the Saints who got exposed last week by the Rams, a team who had not won a game all year.

By Zoomie

November 15, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Sorry, Jeff. You’re way off base on this one. Petrino didn’t do anything wrong. Harrington was not named the starting quarterback. He was never led to believe that he was in competition for the starter’s role. Based on the information available to us, Leftwich is the current starting quarterback for the Falcons. A simple statement from the coach reaffirming this fact shouldn’t be construed as a knife in Harrington’s back. If Joey thought he was in competition for the starter’s job, he only deluded himself and is solely responsible for any disappointment he is experiencing.

Jeff, you normally do okay, but this is s**t-stirring at its most base level …

By BUSHWACKER

November 15, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

PETRINO is an idiot,what he ahs done is send a signal to the rest of the team that it does not matter if you are one of the few players that actually help the team win, you can still lose your job to a guy that has done zero to justify being handed the satrting job.

It’s like Lucy pulling the ball away at the last second, GOOD GRIEF CHARLIE BROWN!

Ask the receivers who they would rather throwing them the ball, the acurate passer or the guy or not only cannot hit ths side of the barn, he throws it overr the barn!

DOH!!!!

By BUSHWACKER

November 15, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Zoomie, what has LEADFOOT done to deserve being the starter?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

By sam

November 15, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

just wait til next year….

By B-nard

November 15, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

For the people who are bashing the Falcons, are you true fans or the ones who fell off the bandwagon? I’m so sick you, and yes I’m talking to you, who only have words of dumbdom when things are low, but get happy when things are better. Just stay off the wagon and go back to the state you came from and don’t talk about a city’s family when you not from here. Go Falcons

By BUSHWACKER

November 15, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Keep your head upJoey, I imagine the next time LEADFOOT starts it will be just like the last time,he will play maybe a 1/2 before he stubs his toe or something and is back on the sideline.

By BUSHWACKER

November 15, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

WEBSPINNER, tell DREW BLEDSOE about not losing your job due to injury while Brady is wearing his 3 rings!!

By Dante is stupid

November 15, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Falcons suck, Falcons alway have sucked, Falcons always will suck. The reason is the owner. Art Blank should stay involved in his Orange BIG BOX store and stay the hell out of football.

By Big Man

November 15, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

stendec please lay off the weed. Redman is horrible. Petrino doesn’t not like him, he just has enough sense to know they would be worse than the Dolphins with him. There is a reason Kyle “I should have been a” Boller was drafted and we all know how bad he has been(although he has played well this year). Redman gives you the best chance at drafting number 1.

By Rutuger

November 15, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Petrino’s alarming lack of even the most rudimentary coaching tact is reminiscent of a previous failure of a head coach whose name need not be mentioned… let’s just say it began with “M” and ended with “ora.”

I think it’s a downright classless move for the coach of a 3-6 team to bench the only guy who has done anything offensively (other than Dunn’s strong one-time performance), and who has put together consecutive wins virtually by himself. And to have him have to hear about it from the media? Wow.

Sounds like Petrino needs to take Tony Dungy’s Coaching Tact 101—I think he may be offering it in the spring semester.

By Darlington County

November 15, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Edith, does you son do that for you? Ya Ho!

By schoolingthem

November 15, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Who really cares the Falcons suck anyhow. Joey, Wrongwich..etc, its doesn’t matter. Blank and his officials did it to themselves giving Vick the money knowingly, he was dog fighting.

By NY, NY

November 15, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Get off BP’s back. Hell. Get off the Teams back. When BP came in here, he had the best raw talent at QB a coach could ever dream of coachng. JH was brought in as a backup, not a starter. JH is a good person, but being a good person doesn’t win games. Being a QB who can throw down the field wins games. And this O-Line doesn’t allow any QB to do that. We all know that this has not changed. MV couldn’t even be a great QB here due to this issue with teh line. Redman might actually be the best QB in camp right now, but for some reason BP will not play him. He looked good in preseason. And Leftwich has the best arm, but he can’t stay healthy. Not with a line that allows the QB to be pressured on every down. He will soon be njured again due to lack of mobility.

Let’s face it. This season, once Vick chose crime over football, was completely lost. He was the only hope for this offense to produce points with this line. We need to be good fans and team supporters and give this group a few years to build on. Next year’s draft needs to focus on a 1st round QB to replace MV, at least 2 O-Lineman that can rdo both run and pass block, and 2 D-Linemen that can apply pressure on a QB. Oh yeah. We will also need a new fresh TB. Hopefully over the next two years this team will build a strong team and we will not lose too many more of our good vteran players to free agency during the process.

By Jeremy

November 15, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Leftwich is not the better QB. Watch he’ll be injured first thing this Sunday, or just like last thime he won’t make it past the third quarter. He’s no better than Harrington, and for those of you who still think Joey can’t throw it far, he threw one over 20 yards this past Sunday, and during another game. The reason he doesn’t throw long ones much is because of the crappy plays the coach has him doing. The idiot coach won’t trust him and give him a chance. Not that I expected more from that jerk. So if Lefwich is injured agian are they going to keep letting him be starter once he is well and keep watching him get injured over and over?

By MARK

November 15, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Hey Joey - don’t worry about it. You will be in the game before the first quarter is up and will finish the game leading the dirty birds to 3 in a row…

By Rod

November 15, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Let’s see….

Joey is 3-4 as a Falcons starter, and should be 4-3 if we’d had even an average kicker to start the season…

Byron is 0-2… and always hurt….

Joey has been a class guy the entire year and deserves better than this

By ZO

November 15, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Keep in mind the reason they gave him that money is because he made them a lot more!!! There is a reason we get to see “our” team blew out on Thanksgiving, here a hint: The dog fighting thug!! I like blackouts better anyway! Three cheers for blackouts! And by no means am I making excuses for Mike he did it. But let’s br realistic, can we all agree we were much better with Mike? We atleast felt like we were always in it!

By Ron Roberts

November 15, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Joey Harrington has embraced the franchise, the city and the opportunity. Joey’s said all the right things and gone out there and implemented the plays called to the best of his ability.

Coach Petrino, meanwhile, put this offensive scheme together; that’s important to note, folks, because it’s Coach Petrino who decided to get away from the shift-blocking scheme that our U N D E R S I Z E D offensive linemen were performing well in, to a straight-up, “smash-mouth, run-the-ball-down-your-throat” approach - only with the same undersized linemen that have been obviously overmatched most of the season. BONE-HEADED decision. That one single, solitary decision killed the run game, and because we have Harrington and Leftwich, two not-so-mobile QBs, the passing game’s suffered, as well.

The O N L Y coaching decision (and was it his?) Petrino’s made is in hiring the defensive coordinator away from Dallas.

Petrino’s shown T H I S Falcons’ fan that he’s no “uniter.” What this team, this franchise, and this fan-base, needed more than A N Y T H I N G after Michael Vick’s debacle, was a coach to rally the troops and make the players a more cohesive “team” unit.

Instead, he’s doing his damnedest to disillusion a QB who came here wanting to give blood, sweat and tears to make things work for his team. He’s ” ” this close to losing Harrington; I watched Sunday, actually, amazed that he still had that “run through a brick wall for the team” attitude despite the snub once Leftwich arrived and got the call to play. But he’s still out there, giving all.

So Petrino’s close to losing Harrington… he essentially lost D. Hall (hard to defend Hall, but you can see that Hall’s not alone here…)… Petrino’s lost Alge (Pro Bowl) Crumpler… who’s next?

And Coach P. hasn’t exactly ingratiated himself to the fanbase, either. Crack a grin after a win, ya smug s.o.b. Better yet, try and (again, just once…) rally the troops. Tell ‘em (and your fans) that this season’s not lost, that because the division’s struggled, we have a shot to turn heads and make a charge to the playoffs. The players (and fans) are looking to YOU, Coach Petrino, to give ‘em a reason to believe.

Instead, you just burn another player. Good job.

Folks, Dan Reeves was a no-nonsense, “business-as-usual” coach, too. But he was personable, and managed to act like he enjoyed his job from time-to-time, too. And I don’t recall very many players (other than Elway and his scheming coordinator working Elway behind his back) walking away from playing for Reeves with anything other than high regards for the guy and his ability to lead.

We have (I believe) a top-tier defense, good young recievers (really… can we complain about the play of Laurent Robinson or Roddy White?), two RBs with game-breaking speed, a Pro Bowl TE who never gets caleld and two capable starting QBs, and we’re 3-6 and have locker-room dis-harmony.

That same formula, minus the squabbling, was enough to win the Baltimore Ravnes a Super Bowl not so long ago. But then Petrino’s an offensively-minded guy and didn’t realize that screwing up the blocking scheme would ruin the run game, would keep the defense on the field longer than necessary, and would, essentially cost us games.

Actually, let me re-phase that… Petrino’s not offensively-minded. Just offensive.

By William

November 15, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

BooBoo is right on the money. Personnel moves in pro football are not about political correctness, boosting self-esteem or being a “sport”. Harrington was signed as a back-up and has played accordingly. He deserves credit for working hard, being competitive and maintaining his professionalism. But, blame the o-line all you want, he has also demonstrated glaring weaknesses in passing skills, downfield vision and pocket presence. His demonstrated inability to do much more than complete short passes to check down receivers has clearly contributed to the Falcons’ limited offensive production (23rd in passing yards, 25th in passing yards per play, 27th in passing touchdowns and 28th in total touchdowns) this season. I don’t think anybody regards Leftwich as a long-term solution, but by contrast, in that one half he played a good Saints defense, he moved the ball aggressively and decisively, showed off a real gun in completing several intermediate and deep passes to wide receivers, and clearly motivated the team. While it would have been “nice” if Petrino had met with Harrington in private to discuss his status, the writing was on the wall weeks ago when Leftwich was signed and Harrington’s been around long enough to have figured this out. Petrino was not hired for his sparkling personality, he was brought in to re-vamp a mediocre team that had devolved into a disorganized fraternity under the Mora regime. Pro football is a fast-paced, violent and ruthless business where the sole measure of success is wins. That’s why journeymen like Harrington get paid $3 million a year to play. Corporate America isn’t any nicer and the paychecks aren’t nearly as big. Moreover, nobody ever accused Parcells or Belichick of being sweethearts, so please don’t hold Petrino to a different standard after only 9 games and stop trying to create drama where none exists. If you want Petrino to improve his people skills, ask Mr. Blank to send him to a management seminar - in the off-season.

By mountain jim

November 15, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

JD: “Well it seems to me that the reason JH is opting for shorter passes and/or dump offs to Dunn/Norwood is because the O line is not giving him time to stand in the pocket and wait for downfield routes to open up.”

Disagree strongly. Sure the oline is poor, but even with time Joey does not see downfield and has proved to be unable to get it there. Did you see his hail-mary attempt? He winds up and it still only flutters for 40 yards. All he has is a noodle-arm, so he manages the game by checking down short of the first down 80% of the time, severely limiting Petrino’s offensive possibilities and frustrating the wide-open deep receivers.

By OpinionsAreLike

November 15, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

When there is no news make something up. What not an article on water restrictions at Flower Branch. That would be more informative.

By ATL Sports Guy

November 15, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

It’s like choosing between your cousin or that fat chick down the street to be your prom date. Your cousin (Harrington) looks okay sometimes but you know you’re limited in what you can do. The fat chick (Leftwich) down the street rarely looks pretty and has health issues, but you know that she put out for her last boyfriend (Jax with a winning record). Neither are a desirable. What you really want is to have Tony Dungy’s date (Peyton), but you can’t and you know you can’t go stag. So you’re left to pick the fat chick and hope no one sees you enjoying it, and if she gets sick and has to leave early, at least your cousin will come try to help you save face, to no avail of course. Next year though, you’re hoping to be bringing the prom queen (Matt Ryan, Andre Woodson) or at least your old, hot girlfriend (Brian Brohm).

But seriously though, I think Schultz doesn’t give Petrino enough credit. I think Petrino understands that competition is key and that Harrington has responded in the past to having his starting status challenged. I think he may just be trying to get Joey to force him (Petrino) thru good play to stick with him.

By Just my Opinion

November 15, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

First, I played football with some classless coaches, and Petrino makes them look like Nobel Prize Candidates. Sure, we all know that Leftwich was named the starter 3 weeks ago, but to people that say you can’t lose your starting job because of injury, I have 2 words for you: Tom Brady.

Don’t get me wrong, I know Harrington is no Brady, but if you look at the stats this season, all 3 Falcon wins came when he was at the helm.

And if you want stats, there are these:

Harrington is completing 63.6% of his passes, averaging 6.58 yards per attempt with a rating of 81. Leftwich is completing 54.8% of his passes, averaging 5.58 yards per attempt with a rating of 68.3.

Take away the names and ask who you would prefer as your start.

By GE

November 15, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Start Harrington. If he fails to move the team on the first three possessions, put him on the bench and bring in Leftwich and play ball. He is better than Harrington on his worst day.

By Dee

November 15, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Why is it that the AJC continues to try to submarine the Falcons coach? Joey Harrington is a perinneal loser in the NFL. He won two games, great, but he also lost more games than he’s won. If it wasn’t for Petrino, Joey wouldn’t be in the NFL.

By Mike Vick

November 15, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Was Grady Jackson blindsided when he was cut? Now that it happens to the Great White hope of Suburban Atl, Now Petrino is Trash. News flash to all of you Cross Burners…MOVE TO IDAHO OR MONTANA…This isn’t 1960, Look at College Programs, if your guy can’t RUN and THROW, then you are only going to get so far. Teams don’t have the luxury of paying 5 probowlers on the Oline to protect a SLOW pocket Passer. If Peyton gets any HINT of pressue he folds like a tent. The SAME excuses you all are giving for Joey (no protection, dropped passes) are the SAME issues we’ve BEEN having here….yet it’s only when your Great white HOPE is lining up at QB that you want to point it out. Face it, We were spoiled for 6 years, and Unless we get some REAL Olinemen in here, then you’ll continue to blame everyone except your Noodle Armed yet Articulate Career LOOSER. Funny how hatred makes you. You’d rather LOOSE with a White Guy , then Win with anything else. No wonder this country is how it is…..Too many idiots in control.

By mountain jim

November 15, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Look at the exact quotes. Petrino did not name Leftwich as starter for this week, he re-iterated who the starter would be if no health issues. The ajc reporter manufactured this controversy by telling Joey Petrino said he was not the starter. Typical AJC rabble-rousing. I bet Blank wishes their was another local paper to allow coverage to, so they could punt the ajc right out of Flowery Branch for good.

By mountain jim

November 15, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Lets review exactly what Petrino said, and you tell me where he demoted Joey for this week (as ajc reporters claim) without telling him first:

Q: Is there any question on who will start at quarterback on Sunday? A: “If we were going today, Joey (Harrington) would start because we don’t know how Byron’s health is. I don’t want to put myself in a corner by saying if Bryon was 100 percent healthy we wouldn’t do it because we might.”

Q: Will you err on the side of caution regarding Leftwich? A: “I don’t want to error. We just need to make the right decision. We’ll have to see how it reacts and how he does tomorrow. I was happy with the way Joey (Harrington) practiced today and I was concerned about him. He got hit on the last play (against Carolina) and banged up his shoulder a little bit. He threw the ball well today and that was good to see too.”

Q: How is the team dealing with the quarterback situation? A: “I think the team is comfortable with both of them. Whatever guy is in there first, we’re going to go play hard and get going.”

Q: Do you worry about changing the quarterback after you have had a couple of wins? A: “Sure. It is something you worry about but, to be honest with you, it’s a decision we made a while back. Bryon would be the starter and Joey would be the backup. Right now, it’s a health issue.”

By Amazed

November 15, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Ab…. solutely…. AAAAA…. mazing!! I feel like saying: “Joey, I back you all the way. When the chance comes, get outta here and save the respect you’ve worked hard to earn.” But, Joey, I know you don’t want to do that, though you’re going to feel like it. If you stay and give your best ‘til the end (whenever and however that comes), you won’t need any coach to validate you as a quality NFL player. We know.

Now —- on top of all this, Leftwich keeps saying he’s never been 100% since college days. So, then, tell me in terms I can understand (you can’t do it) why he’s paid so much?

Sorry, Coach Petrino. I’m quickly losing respect for what I thought you were bringing to the Falcons. My bad.

Your bad.

By Ken Strickland

November 15, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Hey JEFF SHULTZ, in your column you stated,”AS MUCH AS PETRINO MAY BE A TERRIFIC X AND O COACH, HIS COMMUNICATION SKILLS ARE STILL LACKING”. It’s easy to single out a specific incident to support your preconceived opinions, but consider this. A few wks ago, on different occassions, both DHall and ACrumpler publically criticized Petrino. Instead of making it an issue, Petrino called both players in seperately and communicated his position, expectations and possible goals. Look at the results since. Both players are playing well, especially DHall, and contributing to us winning of late. It appears as though he managed to communicate just fine to both of them.

Harrington was replaced by Leftwich during the 4th qtr of a gm because he either refused or consistently couldn’t see open WR’s down field. In recaps of our last win the same problem was revealed. Harrington knows this might be his last chance as a QB, especially a starter, in this league. Therefore, he could be playing up to the media by saying all of the politically correct things and fainting suprise at obvious decisions.

Consider the following: (1)Petrino communicated loudly and clearly, on national TV, “LEFTWICH WOULD BE THE STARTING QB FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON” (Maybe you missed that communication JEFF SHULTZ). (2)By not declaring the starter for the next gm, and giving Leftwich snaps with the 1st team, maybe Joey(and you too JEFF SHULTZ) should have had a clue.

There have already been clowns with severly limited football IQ’s calling for Petrino to be fired. The Falcons have a losing record, but a chance to win the division title and make the playoffs. Why would Petrino put all of that on the line by sticking with a QB that has consistently demonstated his inability to effectively run his OFF? TELL US JEFF SHULTZ, HOW MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE YOU HEARD FROM ANY OF THE FALCON PLAYERS ABOUT THE DECISION? After all, they’ve shown no reluctance, to this point, at publically expressing their opinions.

By ButlerDawg

November 15, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

See Shultz’s story for what it is: One liberal’s love for another.

By Falcan't

November 15, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

So what Schultz?? Petrino doesn’t have to tell players anything…isn’t that what was said when Grady got cut?? All of Altanta media had NO problem with bashing DeAngelo for talking about the team not being told…so what’s the big deal here??

By Ryder

November 15, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

All of you will be in for a big surprise when Leftwich comes out firing on Sunday.

By barry

November 15, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

As usual, only the media thinks this is a mix up because Harrington quartebacked two wins. This does not mean he qualifies as the starter. Leftwich,with his passes, makes the Falcons a better team. hat is what this is about, making the Falcons a better team in the event we play stiffer competition. We have seen how Joey responds under pressure against good teams. He has a tendancy to CHOKE, sorry to say. The two wins, again, sorry to say, were against mediocre teams. Petrino is staffing for the long haul of this season. And Leftwitch is the best option. He is a proven winner who can quarterback a team under pressure. He also can make any throw, short and long passes, when necessary to win a game. That is what this is about. Being in position to win games against against any team. LEFTWICH GIVES US THAT OPPORTUNITY, EVEN IF CANNOT RUN. THE MAN CAN THROW. Joey is an excellent backup for this team. Regadless of what he thinks. This is not a popularity contest. This is about winning football games with the best product on the field. Leftwich represents and adds to that product of winning on the field.

LETS GO FALCONS!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. Tell Everbody!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By East Beast

November 15, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

They’re both 2nd stringers at best. Joey has better stats and all three of the wins but he’s the wrong skin tone for the Vick fan base, so he’ll be the bench warmer. Ever notice what all the really good QB’s (Manning, Brady, Roethlisberger, Romo) have in common?

By JS

November 15, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Go ahead and start Leftwich the rest of the season. Hopefully they will lose every game they play. This will do two things. First and foremost prove to King Arthur that he hired the wrong coach! Come on Bobby Petrino. NO pro experience and a winning record at what Division 1A powerhouse?????? The same man that tried to back stab Tommy T. @ Auburn. Don’t get me wrong I am no Auburn fan but, it should be of no suprise how he is treating the players now given those circumstances. Secondly this gives them a very high 1st round draft pick. And PLEASE don’t waste it on Brian Brohm. Use it wisely with Darren McFadden. What a stud running back. He and Jerious Norwood would back an awesome backfield. I like Warrick Dunn very much. Probably the classiest player in the NFL. Definitely the person in the Falcon’s entire organization with the MOST CLASS. That being said he is getting up there is age and has taken a beating between his early Tampa Bay days and being in Atlanta. Let him go out with class the way he should. As far as the quarterback situation, we have two that can’t play the game. Face it, neither one is worth the money they are being paid. Both need to go. I know everyone in Atlanta wants an African American quarterback to take Mr. Dog Killers place!!! We haven’t had a decent quarterback since the likes of a Mr. Steve Bartkowski. Dennis Dixon is NOT the answer. I would rather wait til the 2nd round and pick up the kid out of Hawaii. He definitely has the strong arm to throw down field and has set numerous records. Plays for an offensive genious. I know that won’t set well in Atlanta with June Jones history and all but, he does know football no matter what anyone says. Also this would satisfy all the people in Atlanta as he, the kid from Hawaii, is neither African American or Causcasion. I have been a fan of the Falcons since their beginnings in 1966. Most of you can’t remember that far back. Watching players like Tommy Nobis,Mike Kenn,Claude Humphrey, Jesse Tuggle, William Andrews and yes Steve Bartkowski playing their hearts out even though they weren’t going anywhere. These guys didn’t do it for the money but, for the LOVE of the game. It is time we got players with HEART who aren’t so concerned with SELF (see Michael Vick or DeAngelo Hall) to improve this team. Let the coach take a hike and get someone who knows the game and cares about it. Mike Singletary would have been a better hire than Petrino. At least he has ATTITUDE!!!!!!!!

By joey apologist

November 15, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

I have never seen so much crying over a dude that has never been to the playoffs, has thrown 5 tds this season, won 3games and I heard Lion players talk about how distant Joey is in the lockeroom, so no wonder he gets no respect! Joey 2454 att 14,215 yds 56% 69.5 rating 77td 82 int 25 fumbles 118 sacks Byron 1375 att 9215 yds 58.6% 80 rating 29 fumbles 52 tds 37 int 78 sacks

don’t let facts get in the way of a good whining session Da’wite

By mountain jim

November 15, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

EastBeast way to play the race card, nimrod. I am white and I gave Joey every benefit of the doubt, but he has proved to me over the course of the season that he has no arm and no willingness or ability to stretch the field with his throws, thus severely restricting the offense. Defense won these games, not Joey. Before going down, Leftwich showed the arm and the passing ability in the first half of that game which dwarfed Joey’s passing demonstrations for this year. You really want to defend Joey’s passing stats this season? How about touchdowns and points scored?

So I am white and I support starting Leftwich when he is healthy. Oh, I also support Petrino to make the football decisons and I support AJC to misrepresent quotes and stir up controversy, as they did with Vick and now that they don’t have him to kick around they do with Petrino.

By j harrington sr

November 15, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

If Joey was on the Patriots he would be Tom Brady.. its obvious the FALCOONS only want thugs and potheads on this team. they think they cant sellout unless they cater to the Blacks out there and that means tatoos and cornrows and broken english..

go COONS

By ron

November 15, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

You know Joey Harrington thank he did a good job come on now that was the worst profroming as a quarterback can do yes he should be replace the fan we are sick of seeing Harrington we reater see Chris Redman take over Harrington not doing nothing but running fans away Rich Mckay i don’t know what he throught of when he sign Harrington

By Stop Making Uninformed Comment If You Not A Season Ticket Holder...I GOTS MINE, YA DIG

November 15, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Spoken like a true “victim of circumstance” Mike Vick. If the REAL MV7 had that mind-set, we would not be in this boat….none-the-less…I love how the Falcons organization is in such disarray. I am a die-hard Falcon fan love rooting for my home team, even when the odds are grossly against us. But the lack of support that organization show their players(All of them) is almost heartwarming to me. MV7 gets railroaded(although he did put himself in that situation) and everyone immediately turned against him. Sloey Harrington is not the quaterback that so many people want him to be. He is, at least, a decent 3rd string QB. With the recent decline in ticket sales, blacked-out games, and overall drop in appeal for the Falcons organization, the only solution I see is to either acquire a new true face of the franchise or help to expedite MV7’s time away from the game and then, bring him back. We know controversy sells. Bring him back and let him repay what he owes to this franchise and this city. Because unless the Falcons plan to win @ least 5 of the remaining eight games…….it’s a wrap.

By Ghandi

November 15, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Leftwich will likely do about as good a job as Harrington has. One’s stats are not overwhelmingly better than the others. Byron was fortunate to play for a decent team, while Harrington is on this third seriously crappy team. What I cannot understand is people saying Harrington is not tough. He has taken a beating and keeps playing. If he’s not tough, which of you geniuses is going to walk up to him and shove him? Oh, and on those three seriously crappy teams, it was Harrington who had any success in the win column.

By ryan

November 15, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Does anybody have the rights to www.firebobbypatrino.com yet?

By jamaal

November 15, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Joey sucks! I agree it was poorly handled but was he disillusioned into believing he was going to start. Byron played against the Saints and looked well, very well before the injury, Joey has being horrible nearly everygame/everyear except 2 games this year, so was he really thinking he was “The Man”??? Although, Petrino seems to be a little shaky, I’m scared of how he runs the team. Veterans don’t like him, weird transactions and poor communciation, all the things good coached don’t do!

http://sportsbreakdown.blogspot.com/

By wstrntrvlr

November 15, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

I love to read all the comments from Falcon fans. Better to have Leftwich start against Tampa Bay and get put on IR for the rest of the year. Then draft Brain Brohm and find out you have another rookie bust at QB, and still no offensive line and no skill players at receiver or running back. The Falcons are going to be REALLY bad for at least three years after Petrino runs back to college where he belongs.

By in the round 1980

November 15, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, etc. Same O same O. I was 30 something back then, now I am 60 something. My damn bad for spending the years on pipe-dreams. Winning is a habit which this southern town lost with Sherman’s march and will never experience again. Call it a slow “southern screw”, if you please. And add the Viagra, it does help, but time for me has run out. Give’em hell Furman and T.M. Castigation should know no end. And by the way, I observed the initial interstate construction as it begain by the former internal revenue building across from the “dome”. circa 1955.

By Famuan

November 15, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

East Beast, The answer is great offensive lines and probowl receivers, but I bet you probably ignored all that.

By jamaal

November 15, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

EAST BEAST, I know exactly what those QB’s have in common, white media/marketing and public support. Black QB’s are constantly scrutinized. When Vick played, eveyr week they scrutnized him on how bad a QB is, but no Joey ‘trash’ Harrington has sucked his whole career, and he gets no where near the scrutiny as Vick or any other black QB. Name a black Qb who continues to suck yet continues to start at QB? There is none, but they’re plenty of white ones. Do you know why there is no mediocre black QB’s, there is no Black Joey Harrington’s, Alex Smith’s, etc. because to make it as a black QB you have to be GREAT not, good, or ok like the aforementioned. You have to be excellent; Mcnabb, Vick, etc.

By NC-FAN

November 15, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I HATE TO SAY IT THIS EARLY IN HIS CAREER,BUT PETRINO MUST GO!!IF HE CANT EVEN KEEP HIS QBS INFORMED AS TO WHATS GOING ON HOW CAN HE RUN AN ENTIRE TEAM?

By JP

November 15, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Ghandi, Its no doubt that harrington is tough but can he play? He hasn’t done anything special to me to deserve not being replaced. The defense has won the games not harrington. The game plan is so conservative because harrington can’t throw the ball 10 yards on a line. He isn’t trusted to throw the ball on 3rd and long and why? HE CAN’T MAKE THE THROWS! And for you guys who says the line is garbage what about the sacks harrington walks into trying to run. THROW THE DAMN BALL! This dude sucks and yall no it. Yall justs what to keep the great white hope alive but you can’t. Leftwich is better accept it.

By Darrin "The Vent Queen"

November 15, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Cleo Lemon and the dude in Minnesota are mediocre at best, jamaal. McNair is mediocre now. Vince Young is playing mediocre. Are people complaining about them? Some, but it’s not like what Harrington and Vick got here.

By JP

November 15, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

j harrington sr, you’re just ignorant. Thats a slap in Tom Brady’s face sir. Brady knows when to get rid of the ball, Harrington runs into sacks. I can’t believe you said that. You have to be kidding.

By Buc You

November 15, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope the Bucs put both Joey and LeftNut in Grady Memorial so you ConVick fans have something else to argue about next week. Go Bucs!

By JP

November 15, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

NC-FAN, you want him to come coach your team. You selfish SOB. This guy has been successful everywhere he’s been and you want to run him off after one year. The man told you a month ago who is qb was. I don’t think he has to sit harrington done everytime he wants to make a change. Harrington knows the deal. You are a backup. Is a definition needed for this dude.

By NotInAtlanta

November 15, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I got the impression it wasn’t that Joey thought he was the starter for the rest of the year, but that he didn’t know that he probably wouldn’t be starting on Sunday. That was the blindside.

By Famuan

November 15, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Darrin, both those dudes have been benched, McNair is about to be, even though he has had a solid career and Vince Young’s team is 6-3, not 3-6. The point is NONE of them will ever get paid millions to be #2 as a career position, after 2 teams they’ll be at the house. Hell….Redman hadn’t been in the league since 2003 and the Falcons giving him a check every week….and sadly you have people hollering to let him have a chance…4 years out the league, but no one has a problem with it…unbelievable.

By die hard cowboys fan

November 15, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Until the Falcons get Vick back or grow some balls and makes an offer for Brady Quinn or hell even go after Matt Leinart or Kurt Warner.

The Falcons stinks.

But to be honest I have been a fan of the falcons since the original Prime Time Dieon Sanders was on this team. Vick was just a bonus.

However, the problem is the prior owner gave Brett Favre for nothing and Brett Favre is having a Cinderalla season HALL OF FAME # …

Joey deserve to be the starting QB because he took a heck of a hit throwing that TD and it made me like ok this dude is crazy enough to stay in the pocket that long hoping to find a reciever in the red zone. That some balls.

Even if Joey doesnt come back he really need to work on a few things and make a few adjustment to his game.

But yall got to understand there are a lot of sleepers in the draft.. heck ask NE Partiots how they luck out on Tom Brady?????

But what really p** me off is how Mr Blank threw Vick under the bus. That just #@$@$@#$ up… you dont do that to your fans or your teams. It wasnt like he commit mass murderers but nevertheless the NFL gonna really be boring if you got this fool as commissoner he want to make it the CFL … For WHITES only

and that is my 2 cents.

By Mike Vick

November 15, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

It is what it is, people want to see a white guy succeed in a role traditionally reserved for the ALL AMERICAN guy. They hate change, and hate seeing their kids idolize things that they hate. Cornrows, and hiphop. Newflash to all those that are afraid of their American way of life getting away…Rap music’s biggest audience are white suburban MALES, not young black men in the Hood. Secondly you NEED to be worried about your ability to speak spanish and not black guys taking over the QB position. Again this is 2007, not 1847

By Nunna Yo BIznezz

November 15, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Mr.Shultz,im not suprised at this article.U,the house boy Terrence Moore,are as misinformed as anyone..

Petrino,said to Joey and to all that he was riding with Byron the rest of the year,when he named him the starter before he was injured.And joey,is crying like a “B”,about how he didn’t know..

Joey,needs to grow up and act like a man..He knew that he is not the #1 QB,and that he is assuming the role only because of the injury to Leftwich..He sucks as a QB,i’d rather have that underthrowing Matt Schaub as our QB..P.S.,the Texan fans are already questioning the trade,u should see their message board!!

By diamond dave

November 15, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

FIRE PETRINO NOW, GOSH DARN IT, HE SUX, AND THE CITY OF ATLANTA DESERVES A REAL COACH. MR SHOTTENHEIMER IS AWAITING HIS TURN.

By Chains

November 15, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Screw the Falcon’s… Who cares about the NFL in this town anyway, Ask Harrington or Leftwich whats more FUN , playing on Saturday or Sunday… Sell your tickets and get in line GSU Football Baby!!!!!Go Dawgs…..

By catchem

November 15, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Well, DUH, Jeff !! The Falcons are a BLACK product. Who fills the stands? Who laments the demise of Vick? Who would forgive him murder? It’s all about super-black athletes in a super-black industry - professional sports. Who spends all the money with Nike, and Russell and every other ‘athletic-wear’ mfg.? The great black myth of being a super-athlete, period, drives pro sports and of the peripheral industries that live off them. Black people dump tons of money into these industries. Why should the Falcons NOT dump Joey, no matter what he does? Surprises me they have even ONE white person in, on, or around the Falcons.

By kris in alpharetta

November 15, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Am I the only fan who gets nervous every time Harrington has the ball in his hands? I agree with Petrino on this issue-let Lefty play and let Harrington watch. Either way, neither of them is Joe Montana. However, I think Leftwich is clearly better than Harrington, the team responds better to him, and his overall leadership abilities and timing are superior to Joey’s. He has the size to get the ball moving in ways Harrington cannot. Further, we have seen Harrington help us lose several games this season. Leftwich has not lost anything for us. If Harrington’s feelings are hurt, tell him to think of the feelings of fans who have spent hundreds of dollars on tickets, and overpriced memorabilia, and have wasted energy and emotion while he-as in Harrington-excelled miserably in mediocrity this season. Harrington deserves the bench, these last two games don’t erase his lack of ability or for that matter culpability.

By PDN

November 15, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS WILL NEVER WIN A SUPERBOWL WHEN THEY KEEP MAKING BAD DECISIONS LIKE THESE.IF HARRINGTON IS WINNING GAMES THEN HE SHOULD REMAIN AT QUARTERBACK.

By The Realist

November 15, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Can you say ‘double standard?’ When DeAngelo & Alge spoke their minds about the coach’s decisions, they were written off for the rest of the year as ‘whiners.’ Now Joey, in his subtle but obvious way, states his disagreement & it’s “POOR, POOR, JOEY!” Before Leftwich went down, Petrino made it clear who the new starting QB was. Now that Leftwich is healthy, it’s his job to lose. I know some of you would rather have another ‘type’ at QB (I won’t even go there) but that’s the NFL way! Stop coddling the QB w/ the career losing record! He stated his dissatisfaction w/ the coaches decision…rip him like you guys ripped DeAngelo & Alge!!!

By East Beast

November 15, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

There’s a reason Leftwich was available for the loserville Falcons for peanuts, he’s a big loser himself. We will draft a QB in the 1st or 2nd round guaranteed because right now we have three losers on the team. Joey clearly gives us a better chance to win this week. But he probably won’t start, and that’s because they’ve given up on winning for the season in favor of racially motivated marketing.

By jamaal

November 15, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Darrin, I agree, Tavaris from the Vikes, it’s only his 2nd year, but he does suck, but Lemon is defintely better than Medicore. He has a total of 7 tds 4 ints, and 1,000 yd passing, in like 5 games. Sounds good to me. How can you complain when the rest of the team completely sucks. I feel you though, cause Tavaris is a joke!

By Ron Roberts

November 15, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if your’e white, black, yellow, or green… if you’re still blogging in support of Michael Vick, you’re an i g n o r a n t idiot, and a discredit to your heritage.

Your ballyhooed MV7 got the Falcons where in 2006? How about 2005? The man broke laws, lied about that, oh, and by the way, killed dogs. Stupid is stupid, and guess what? “Stupid” is going to jail for it.

This isn’t a black/white issue. Do you H O N E S T L Y think the Falcons signed Byron Leftwich to placate (that’s “to make happy”) the african-american fan base? Please. He was available, and we needed viable options at QB since you’re golden-boy (idiot) got himself thrown (soon) in prison.

I’ll say this; I believe this franchise played to the african-american fanbase when, after drafting and signing Vick, they followed that up with these ridiculous FUBU knock-off uniforms a few years later. But I’m betting they soon correct that horrid sight, too.

This team’s best days were in the “Gritz Blitz” era of the early 1980s, and when Dan Reeves orhcestrated the ‘Miracle of ‘98.” Then, and in every season in the franchise’ history, there have been african-american players, some even star players, on the roster.

And yet, for some reason, there’s this arrogant drive to make noise about “needing” there to be a black quarterback. Who cares? Furthermore, how insulting do you people not realize you are to the William Andrews, the Stacey Baileys, The Billy “White Shoes” Johnsons, the Deion Sanders, the Jamal Andersons, the Andre Risons, et al, when you weren’t filling the stadium/dome to see them play?

Lay off the “crunk juice” a bit and think like color-blind sports fan.

Vick’s never coming back; and if you’re hoping he would because he represnted your way of living… then you need to realize that your life’s going nowhere good, either.

By Stop Making Uninformed Comment If You Not A Season Ticket Holder...I GOTS MINE, YA DIG

November 15, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Wow. Mike Vick, you and Die-hard Cowboy Fan speaks words of wisdom that resounds throughout and around the soon-to-be empty Ga Dome, formally known as the House that Vick built. It suprises me how Blank can be the co-founder of a multi-billion dollar empire in Home Depot, but cannot manage the efforts of a Football franchise. Makes very little sense. I wonder if the Board of Directors voted him a* out b/c of his apparent inabilities. While I’m sure neither myself or any other MV7 supporters in here condone what MV7 did, but damn. But it’s not surprising. We’ve been getting railroaded for 500 plus years but as a businessman, I was shocked that the NFL and the Falcons organization did not/would not support their franchise player. Did they not see this decline coming? LISTEN folks, it’s not just the black folks who are causing these games to be blacked out. White folks who are TRUE fans of the game could give a damn about MV7’s race, as long as he does everything in his powers to win games and contine to excite the league enough to put asses in the seats both @ home and on the road. AMAZING. Few NFL players today can sellout a visiting stadium like MV7 would. I hate this happen and would love to see him back here. But why would he want to? The organization nor the NFL shouwed my man no love at all. Damn Shame.

By jamaal

November 15, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

haha. I want all supporters of Joey to go view his career stats. He’s patheitc. We shoudn’t even have signed him. Only white QB’s continue to be signed regardless of how bad they are, and how bad they perform. At what point are GM’s going to say, Joey sucks, Chad Pennignton sucks, Kyle Boller sucks, Damon Huard sucks, ec., lets drop them and go get a rookie or recently graduated QB.

By Barry

November 15, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Joey Harrington has been the laughing stock of the league ever since he was drafted and now White falcons fans are defending him like he was Steve Bartkowski. Give me a break people. Just like White fans did not want Vick, they do not want Byron. No one on this blog can honestly say they feel JH is better than Byron. And as rational people on this blog have said, Petrino never renamed JH as the starter and Petrino did not secretly send a reporter to ask JH about not being the starter. This is just the media creating a story. JH knows how this thing works, what did he just start playig football yesterday. Yeah they won, but JH was not coming in and shooting lights out either. THEY BARELY WON for crying out loud. Give me a break!!!!

By The Realist

November 15, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

EastBeast…’racially motivated marketing’? Wow. Funny how you turned the coach’s lack of confidence in a QB who’s NEVER had a winning season into a non-football issue. By the way, in case you didn’t notice…your racism is showing. Yeah, you might want to do something about that. LOL.

By Barry

November 15, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

EastBeast, that’s a good one. This only becomes about race when you guys make it and make it so obvious so that it warrants a response. Blank is a businessman and guess what, JH is not putting them in the seats and he is not a good QB anyway. Leftwich is better, not great, but better and maybe he might just get some fans to show up. That does not mean its because he is black, it means people want to pay to see the best product we can put out there and that is not JH. People were coming to the games before JH proved he sucks and now they are not. Starting BL is good for business, ie filling up the stadium and good for the Falcons, better chance to win. Nothing wrong there and certainly not as you say “racially motivated marketing.”

By Ray Neagin

November 15, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is a chocolate city and only a chocolate quattabake is going to be accepted there. Get over it.

By Ron Roberts

November 15, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

It’s “I have mine, you understand?” Not “I gots mine, ya dig?”

Simple grammar.

Oh, and before Vick “built” the Georgia Dome, it was the taxpaying citizens of the state of Georgia, and before that, it was filled by fans watching Deion Sanders, Jamal Anderson, Chris Chandler, etc.

And if you’re going to steal a phrase (House that Ruth Built), how about making the phrases similar in more ways than just words? Ruth actually propelled his team to championships, and managed to never kill innocent animals in the offseason.

Huge difference, ya think?

By Stop Making Uninformed Comment If You Not A Season Ticket Holder...I GOTS MINE, YA DIG

November 15, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts. You, my friend, are one of those “Pseudo-Falcons Fan” that I have referenced in all of my previous blogs about this team. You continue to make uninformed statements by speaking the names of all those former players and acknowledging them and the black fan base as, “you people”. LOL. Good one. Did you make that up? If you were a true Falcon fan you would know that MV7 was our best option in winning. The Falcon’s, I dont believe, drafted MV7 to appease the black fan base. That in itself was a racist comment. FUBU uniforms….need I continue. I need you to continue blogging in here b/c I have much more to convey to you but contrary to your beliefs……I have a job. but I will check back for your com

By Stop Making Uninformed Comment If You Not A Season Ticket Holder...I GOTS MINE, YA DIG

November 15, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts. You, my friend, are one of those “Pseudo-Falcons Fan” that I have referenced in all of my previous blogs about this team. You continue to make uninformed statements by speaking the names of all those former players and acknowledging them and the black fan base as, “you people”. LOL. Good one. Did you make that up? If you were a true Falcon fan you would know that MV7 was our best option in winning. The Falcon’s, I dont believe, drafted MV7 to appease the black fan base. That in itself was a racist comment. FUBU uniforms….need I continue. I need you to continue blogging in here b/c I have much more to convey to you but contrary to your beliefs……I have a job. but I will check back for your comments.

By Ray Neagin's Mama

November 15, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Ray! Git back in the house and worsh your sheet for tonight’s meetin’!

By will

November 15, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Many of you are truly idiots. Those of you who are making a racial issue out of this situation is truly crazy. Everything doesn’t revolve around whether someone is black or white. Grow up. Perhaps you have a problem because you can’t think for yourselves and the only way you can make comments is to base them on race. I’m tired of this nonsense. Now as to the Falcons. Why not give the team the coaches the chance to prove whether you are right or wrong. YOu might find out things aren’t always what you think. Petrino did communicate but it just happened he didn’t update his statement about Leftwich being the starter just to please many of you. Once should have been sufficient. Let him return from his injury and play and show what he can do. Can’t do much worse can he. The media needs to stop causing so much controversy and try to look for something positive. The Falcons need a little support not a lot of controversy if they are to get fans behind them again. Let them PLAY!

By Big Daddy in Dville

November 15, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

JUST LIKE POKER, I KEEP PLAYING THE HOT HAND TILL IT BUMPS ME. COACH, LET’S RIDE JOEY TILL HE HICCUPS.

By d-man

November 15, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, it really doesn’t matter if Leftwich or Harrington start, because Leftwich will get hurt (again) and Harrington will HAVE TO start. Leftwich definitely has the better arm, but he cannot take the pounding this offensive line allows. The reason Harrington doesn’t go downfield is because he is smart enough to get rid of the ball early before getting massacred by the defense. NO QB is going to do anything with this team until they get the O-line situation straightened out.

By Soryu

November 15, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Going to be funny watching Leftwich get torn into little pieces by the Bucs defense.

By Ron Roberts

November 15, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Uh, when did I say you didn’t have a job? What you lack is football sense, and halfway decent grammatical skills (or skillz).

Michael Vick won zero NFC championships or Super Bowls. The team, with him as quarterback, was regressing, not progressing. End of story.

Oh, and he broke the damned law. Why don’t you consider that before you next try to promote him as some sort of “franchise savior?”

In fact, his actions off the field have done exactly the opposite of “save” this franchise. He and his ignorant decisions have all but ruined this franchise.

But we, as Falcons fans, are supposed to turn a blind eye to that and pronounce any attempt our team makes to move on w/out him (even if it means turning to a - God forbid - white quarterback) as blasphemous.

Dude, you’re a joke. But you have to have some intelligence to even get the joke. Rest assured, I’m guessing you don’t get it. But that’s a guess that comes with high odds.

By one and done

November 15, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

None of this is going to matter to petrino next year anyway. The guy is going back to the college ranks where he can reign superior over kids b/c he can’t with grown men. The players can’t even talk during meals or the plane. From one extreme (Jim “can-I-come-over-and-play-with-your-dogs-mike-vick” Mora) to the other.

By This is hilarous

November 15, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

I find it funny that of all the places I have lived, Atlanta is the fastest to turn to race on any issue. In this case, race has nothing to do with this issue, the issue here is who gives the team a better chance to win.

In the past, yes, BL has had better numbers than JH. This season, however, is a different story. JH has outperformed BL, stats don’t lie about that.

In the last 2 games, the offense has begun to mesh under JH, while the defense has made the plays necessary to win the game. Now, we are going to risk the chemistry the offense has built by playing a QB that is coming off (minor) surgery for a severely sprained ankle. It just does not seem logical to risk the team chemistry at this point.

I know the Falcons are not going to win the Super Bowl, and even the playoffs are a long shot, but we might as well take that shot.

BP is always complaining that JH doesn’t go deep often enough. Well here was his chance, but instead, he just threw a little dump pass.

By Mary

November 15, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

The press conference with Joey Harrington was unbelievable. After all this guy has had to put with trying to keep this team together after the MV problem, I can’t believe how poorly he has been treated. Watching him stumble while he spoke about the starting quarter back Sunday was so unfair to him. Petrino should have told him before the press did. Say what you want about his play, the guy is a decent man who deserves some respect.

By Famuan

November 15, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, What Falcons QB led his team to a SuperBowl victory?? Its a 40 year franchise….which one? None?? Oh…so because Mike Vick didn’t do it in his first 6 years in the league, one of which he was out injured…the team was regressing?? So damn..what where the Colts doing for Peyton’s first 9 seasons?? Or what about Farve’s first 5 seasons?? The Colts and Packers were regressing too?? Please….next time you’re trying to hide your racist agenda, come up with something that makes just a little bit of sense.

By simple solution

November 15, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Let the blacks fill up the Dome on sundays and the whites can have grant field and sanford stadium. Problem solved. This is the mentality of most people on this blog. Let’s stop talking about race and focus on pure performance after all this is a SPORTS BLOG. Vick is never playing here again. Get over it, quit living in the past and focus on the present and the future. Lets try to not mention the guy’s name again.

By Lynne

November 15, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Mary, And the rest of the team is not decent?? So DHall isn’t decent because he was upset that the team wasn’t informed of Grady being cut, but now we should chastise Petrino because he played his “coach card” with Joey?? Gimme a break. Why is there sympathy for Joey, but there was NONE for DeAngelo?? Its the same principle….Petrino didn’t communicate with them…but NOW its a problem because Joey’s feelings are hurt?? whatever.

By tim(new hockey fan)

November 15, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Did you see Byron play? Let’s not pretend that he was awesome. He has a better arm than Joey Harrington and I saw him stretch the field. I saw him stink up the joint against the Titans and played ok vs Saints before getting hurt. Why do you think the Jaguars let him go for NOTHING? I think Harrington and Leftwich are good 2nd stringers but not someone that is taking you to the superbowl.

By East Beast

November 15, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Racism is a fundamental belief in the superiority or inferiority of one race compared to another. All I’m saying is Moon, Cunningham, Kordell, McNair, McNabb, and MV7 never won the big one, and all but MV7 had great teams, O-lines and defenses around them. Leftwich isn’t even a Kordell (the weakest of the bunch) and most of his wins came from the Jax D not his mediocre passing. Stronger arm than Joey, sure, but I’d rather have accurate 12 yard passes than Lefty’s hail mary heaves. And he’s a little banged up and a lot out of practice. Best advice is take the Bucs and lay the points if Leftwich starts. And none of that is fundamental belief, just the facts, black and white.

By Manny

November 15, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Well Joey has only thrown 5 touchdown passes all season, he sucks, Leftwitch is too much better but he can open up the down the field game and break some holes for Dunn and Norwood. Plain and simple get ready to see Mike Vick on the field next year after the 6 months he does!

By Quit Making Excuses

November 15, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

The reason that Joey Harrington won the last two games is because the Falcons were playing teams as bad, if not worse than they are.

Put him in against Tampa Bay and Joey will freeze when he hears the pitter-patter of feet coming up behind him.

By Stop Making Uninformed Comment If You Not A Season Ticket Holder...I GOTS MINE, YA DIG

November 15, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

My man Ron. I appreciate your acknowledging my “halfway decent grammatical skills (or skillz).” LOL. You need you write a manual with these. Excellent work. LOL. No one is debating the fact that MV7 broke the law, but for the sake of the franchise, the NFL and the organization should have realized what the plight of this franchise would be going forward and exhaust all possibilities before writing him off. And obviously YOU didn’t get the joke b/c don’t “you people” often times assume that most blacks are either under/uneducated? I thought you were a bit more savvy than that, my friend. You right, Vick didnt win no SuperBowl but he gave this organization a postion within the football world. This franchise has never been as popular as it was under MV7. Pull the hood off your face so you can see the BIG and admit it. I bet if the Cialis was working and you were able to bear offspring and since you say you are a Falcon fan, I would almost bet that your child would don a MV7 jersey, as would you. Lastly Ron, as an avid Falcon fan, I would not care if your probably unathelethically inclined a* was the QB, as long as we were winning and you played your a* off, I would support you too. But since you think that blacks only support black QB’s, I guess we will never know. Get a clue my man. Cause you AINT got one. There you go….I gave you something to talk about. Another uninformed fake a* Falcon fan bites the dust.

By I WISH MV7 WAS HERE

November 15, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

I WISH MV7 WAS HERE!!!!!!!!

By Stop Making Uninformed Comment If You Not A Season Ticket Holder...I GOTS MINE, YA DIG

November 15, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

To to the group: Yes it is unfortunate that race is a factor but unfortunately, that’s the world that we live in. Whether some want to agree or not, disparities continue to exist in 2007. Points need to be made. Until we as a whole can see GRAY as opposed to BLACK and WHITE, this will always continue to be a topic of discussions. EVERYWHERE.

By Drez

November 15, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Joey should’ve played dumb until the first offensive snap of the game on Sunday and ran onto the field with Byron and look at him as to say, “What are you doing out here? i’m the starter!” That would have been priceless!

By Richie

November 15, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz should be fired for creating a false controversy. He plays to the sympathy of the racists in the Metro Atlanta area and not the true Falcons Fan. To hear spoken words and make mistakes is an error anyone can make, but to read words from the paper that he works for and create confusion is unmistakenly deliberate and the results should be his position. He made a jubilant Joey Harrington very upset and Falcons Fans angry at him and each other. AJC, if Jeff Schultz is the best you can give us, you need to close down. Elevate jeff to writing about Little League games or get rid of him period!

By Ron Roberts

November 15, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Hey FAMUan, name the quarterback who was the Falcons’ starter the year they got to the Super Bowl. My point, FAMU-an (Florida A&M…SWAC school right?), is that Michael Vick wasn’t so damned special to the point that he should have fans still clamoring about his being some franchise savior. He was anything but a team savior. He’s come close to killing this franchise with his moronic off-field behavior.

If Michael Vick were a caucasian QB with the same off-field FELONIOUS activities on his record, I’m damned sure the FAMU fans wouldn’t be quite so quick to defend him, get my drift?

Racism is a two-way street, folks. S O M E people want to turn a blind eye to justice when it affects somebody of the same ethnicity - and that’s just not right. Period. End of story.

I want to see caucasian criminals behind bars every bit as much as I want to see criminals of every other ethnicity locked up. That’s where I’ll go ahead and say I’m above the nit-wits who continue to ramble on about Vick here in a positive light.

Face it; he B L E W it. If you were a Falcons fan because Michael Vick was the starting QB, then get off the blog and go support another team. Jacksonville should suit you. Or Tennessee, Minnesota, Baltimore or Philly.

It’s an ignorant reason to support a team, and the fanbsae could stand to shed some ignorance here in Atlanta.

I don’t pick my team(s) based on the skin tone of their coaches or marquee players. No, I instead throw my loyalty to the teams that represent my home state. God forbid.

By scott

November 15, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

kill the coach he’s a idiot who don’t have any cumunication skills , treat the players the way you want to be treated with repect and they wiil play hard far you . i think both QB’S should be fire but harrigton have gotten a little repect back for the falcons these last two game he have played ,well ok . i think the way coach handle this really suck no respect for harrigton at all .blank made another bad choice for this falcon coaching job from the begining this man don’t fit in get him out of atlanta fire the coach

By Tupac

November 15, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

You idiot Vick supporters will not be happy until Arthur Blank sells the team to Suge Knight and the magic city girls are the Cheerleaders. I hear Reggie Ball is looking for a job too!

By DHD

November 15, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Joey was signed to be the backup. He has already played more then he thought, so just shutup and enjoy an outrageous paycheck.

By Fresh meat

November 15, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, there’s a fresh UGA blog. Everybody go over there for some fresh race bashing.

Except Darrin “The VD Queen.” You stay here.

By Soryu

November 15, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Famuan:

2004—11-5

2005—8-8

2006—7-9

7 is less than 8 and 8 is less than 11. That is called regressing.

Does your name indicate a connection to FAMU? That figures. Not a strong background in math there in Tallahassee?

By Panther Forever

November 15, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

JUST PICK ONE, THEY ARE BOTH BACK UP’S.

By dean

November 15, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Has this coach done anything right since he has been here? I think not. He is probably going to go down in history as the worst coach the “coons” have ever had, dan henning and the man in black included.

By Lil E

November 15, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

“OMG! OMG! Blank and Petrino are only playing Leftwich because he’s black! Black people are racists because they don’t like the Falcons with Joey Harrington starting! The Falcons are playing Leftwich for their racially motivated marketing! Waaa!”

Haha, you are all a bunch of punks. Dumb punks, too, if you really believe the things you type. Get a grip.

EastBeast, What about Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams ?

By Famuan

November 15, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

See how easy it is for the sheets to come off?? Ron Roberts..proving once again that, like Cornel West says…race matters.

Oh…LOL…Vick came close to killing this franchise?? Now that’s funny…actually he put it right back where it was before he ever got drafted…the Falcons are in their rightful place…and this week’s pending TV blackout (to be announced tomorrow) is proof. Why in the world would you blame Mike Vick for this franchise unless you were completely moronic and biased?? LOL! Yeah, you’re one of those haters that’s now so delusional with your madness, that you’re blaming someone who never got to training camp on where the franchise is right now! LOL!! Please, these are YOUR Atlanta Falcons…3-6, TV blackouts, fan apathy…just like they always were! The only reason YOU’RE on this blog at all…hell..the only reason there IS a blog at all is Mike Vick! You really think the AJC stirs up a fake QB controversy NOT knowing that it will undoubtedly bring in #7??? LOLOL! Yeah…us so-called “Vick fans” are finding the hypocrisy of STILL blaming him for a sorry azz team quite comical. Sadly, you don’t even realize that your “he’s never won a SB” comment is verification of how good he really was….you raised the standard especially for him….oh well…it is what it is. LOL!!!

By Famuan

November 15, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

So kinda like how the Packers were in 2004, 2005 & 2006?? okay…of course I doubt you place the blame on just the QB in that situation…wonder why…guess it was the other 52 players on the squad that caused that drop.

By Lynne

November 15, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Looks like Blank got the sponsors to buy up all those tickets…..too bad it’ll still be only 65% full..but I guess a Dome that’s 2/3’s full is better than the blackout.

By James Spradling

November 15, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

the tampa bay buccaneers are going to stomp the atlanta falcons no matter who is QB so rest your little typing fingers and sit back and enjoy a good a* whooooopin !!!!

By James Spradling

November 15, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

the tampa bay buccaneers are going to stomp the atlanta falcons no matter who is QB so rest your little typing fingers and sit back and enjoy a good a* whooooopin !!!!

By James Spradling

November 15, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

the tampa bay buccaneers are going to stomp the atlanta falcons no matter who is QB so rest your little typing fingers and sit back and enjoy a good a* whooooopin !!!!

By James Spradling

November 15, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

the tampa bay buccaneers are going to stomp the atlanta falcons no matter who is QB so rest your little typing fingers and sit back and enjoy a good a* whooooopin !!!!

By Soryu

November 15, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Lil E:

Oh I’ll explain Doug Williams and Timmy Smith in two words—Dan Reeves. Basically a poor high school team can beat a Dan Reeves Super Bowl team—once there the Broncos (and Falcons) would simply fold like a lawn chair.

My all time favorite Reeves performance was 1990. At least the Broncos showed up for a quarter against the Redskins, this one was over after the kickoff. 27-3 at half time, 55-10 when finally it was over.

By Rick in St. Marys GA

November 15, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

I live within minutes of Jacksonville. Leftwich is a smug, self-centered, no talent QB. Watch him Falcon fans, you’ll agree!

It also appears that Petrino will be Atlanta’s version of Spurrier in Washington. (way to go Mr. Blank)

The Falcons need to start over (again), clean house, bring in people who recognize NFL talent, and coaches who can do the job of player development.

Where is Dan Reeves?

By Ron Roberts

November 15, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

FAMUan you’re a discredit to your race, dude. Plain and simple. You manage to contradict Y O U R S E L F. How can your beloved Vick be the franchise savior for being so gifted on the field, but not be what almost killed this franchise by being such a moron off the field and landing himself in prison with his team scrambling at the last second to fill the void his ignornace left the team with?

You can’t have it both ways. Please, do FAMU alums a favor and distance yourself from that school. You’re killing its reputation.

“Race matters” in this case only because you keep bringing it up. This column wasn’t about black QB vs. white QB… this column was about a head coach who has no people skills; a head coach unable to communicate clearly to his players enough that they understand their place on this team. But the far-too-typical Vick supporters can’t resist logging on to tell us all again (ad nauseum) how much we Falcons fans gave Vick no credit, and how much we regret not having him on the field.

You’re an idiot; of C O U R S E we regret not having him play for us this season. But that’s nobody’s fault but his. Debate that if you wish, but you’ll only make me (and countless others) further believe you’re a tunnel-visioned proponent of uplifting those of your ethnicity no matter their shortcomings.

See, the difference (and there are M A N Y) between you and I is I was a Falcons fan before Vick, during Vick, and will continue to be A F T E R he’s locked up and sent away (rightfully).

And don’t be so stupid to believe there’d be no blog for the Falcons w/out Vick; again, this column wasn’t at A L L about Michael Vick. So we “haters” were actually here to discuss the post-Michael Vick-era Falcons’ quarterback situation.

Her’s one for ya… I openly Hoped and applauded when the Falcons signed Leftwich. G A S P. So much for me being a hater, eh?

I also got goosebumps, when, as a young Falcons fan, I got to meet William Andrews and take photos with him and get his autograph. As a UGA fan, I was also T H R I L L E D when we signed D.J. Shockley, and was pulling for him to earn his way into the lineup.

Shocking, eh? No, not really. Not to myself, and not to those that know me, my african-american friends included.

The only “hate” crossing racial lines here is coming from your side of the spectrum.

By WhiteFan

November 15, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

I am white and I support Leftwich..not all white people are racist and stuck on Stoopid. Left makes the Falcon offense more formidible because Joey will only be able to throw the ball 5 yards downfield-this won’t scare anybody and soon teams will start to crowd the line of scrimmage against us.

To my knoledge both Black and WHITE fans supported all of the ‘WHITE” coaches the falcons have hired…the black fan base did not depart when Blank passed over Lovie Smith??..they supported Chris Chandler, Bartkowski, Bob Berry and a few other WHITE quarterbacks—so this chit about the bLack fanbase will only support a Black quarterback is based on what EVIDENCE??

PLEASE DON’T EMBARRASS INTELLIGENT WHITE FOLKS WITH STUPIDITY PLEASE thanks!!

By Soryu

November 15, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

And Leftwich won’t be able to throw more than 5 yards either because by the time he winds up his slower than a glacier arm to throw down field, someone will have broken his bambi-like legs again.

And if my some chance he is able to and not get killed in the process, he’ll throw it 15 yards over their heads or the receivers that can’t catch a cold will drop it if the ball is actually thrown to them.

Both are about as bad as the other, but at least the one starting now has 3 wins.

By Stop Making Uninformed Comment If You Not A Season Ticket Holder...I GOTS MINE, YA DIG

November 15, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Wow Ron. You bojangled your way outta that one, huh? It’s mighty funny how you are the only one that continuously reference MV7 as “the franchise savior”. I don’t really get your point but since you are adamant about it, I will let you relish in your stupidity. I got this comment from “WhiteFan”. Good looking out. FAMUan. Must respect to you. There’s nothing more fierce than an informed football fan in these blogs.

By FatAlbert

November 15, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Hey hey hey….why ya’ll talking bout Vick? You gonna get to see me this chuck it down field this weekend…

By Mike from Warner Robins

November 15, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Joey Harrington has won three games and has a QB rating of 81.0.

Byron Leftwich has lost two games and has a QB rating of 68.3.

Leftwich is now the Falcon’s starter.

Can somebody explain to Petrino that he was hired to make the Falcons suck less?

He seems determined to make them suck more.

By Mr. Lane

November 15, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

When has Byron Leftwich ever been accused of anything? I went to Marshall University with Byron and he has ALWAYS proven to be a class citizen and a leader on and off the field. Do not make stupid comments that have nothing to do with reality. I like both QB’s and we are lucky to have either of them after the Vick thing happened so late during training camp. I think that Byron is the right player to lead this team, but he has to be healthy and he has to have some sort of an offensive line. So many “experts” talk about his poor accuracy, but if he was completely healthy and was able to stand on two legs, then everyone would see that he is a very accurate qb. Just in case someone says that he is inaccurate, I will reiterate that he HAS TO BE HEALTHY AND ABLE TO STAND ON BOTH LEGS TO BE ACCURATE. Because of that, I feel that Joey should start against Tampa. One thing that I have noticed about both qb’s is that they are far better leaders than Mike Vick was on the field. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Mike Vick and I still have two of his jerseys but when the team got down he wasn’t the type to pick-up his teammates. I don’t know about Harrington, but I guarantee that Leftwich is as good of a leader as any player in any sport in Atlanta. I still completely believe that our biggest problem is the o-line. That is the reason that we have been inconsistent with every qb we have played in the last 5 years. Even with Vick’s immense talent, that horrible line is a big reason he never made the leap as a passer that other qb’s have made. To be honest, I have been reading other comments trying to figure out how to end this one and it is just ridiculous that there has been so much complaining about the race of either qb. We have never had back to back winning seasons, so I dont think anyone on this forum would care if it was Harrington, Leftwich, or Daisuke Matsuka making a change from baseball to football and playing qb for us as long as we were winning. For those who are making this about something other than football:grow up and join me in the year 2007. Go Falcons!

By Mary

November 15, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Lynne, the article that I am responding to is about Joey Harrington, not D. Hall. Give ME a break!

By James Spradling

November 15, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

the bucs are going to destroy any QB the d-birds play so why all the fuss

By Ken Strickland

November 15, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

DEAN, if you could manage to get out of the way of your own ignorance you might rethink you comments.

(1)He inherited an OFF that was last overall in passing, pass attempts, pass receiving, 3rd down and redzone efficiency. The OL he inherited was in the bottom 3 in sacks allowed.

Since Petrino has been coach our OFF has been in the middle of the pack in overall passing OFF, receiving, attempts, and is 5th in 3rd down efficiency. We are still a work in progress in redzone efficiency, but we are no longer at the bottom of the league. Because of financial committments made by mgt, Petrino has achieve these feats with all but 2 of last yrs starters(QB & OG). He’s also coached through a lot of key injuries. That’s something his last 2 predesessors(DReeves & JMora) were unable to do.

(2)The DEF he inherited was also last in passing DEF, 1st in completions allowed over 20yds and in the bottom 3 in rushing DEF.

Petrino and Zimmerman have elevated the DEF to the upper half of the league in every atatistical catagory. Since our bye week, the Falcons DEF has become one of the stoutest and hardest to score a TD against.

Only a fool, someone with a very limited football IQ ,or both, would say the above accomplishments amounts to nothing. There are too many fans with limited football IQ’s on these blogs showing their obvious ignorance. Too many supporting individual players rather than the team. A lot of people, and players(DHall)openly questioned Petrino’s decision to release GJackson. However, look at the results. Grady was signed last yr because we were last the yr before in rushing DEF. Over the last season and a half, we didn’t signigicantly improve until Grady was replaced by a quicker, and a more mobile, disciplined player. Now, some of these same no nothing clowns are upset about another decision being made by Petrino. He is the coach, it’s his OFF, and he should be allowed to decide who he wants to run it. After all, no one else is better qualified to determine how he wants his OFF to function. Certainly not a bunch of arm chair morons, which includes AJC sports writers.

By Dave

November 15, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Sorry Joey H. that you get no respect. I think things have improved a bit and I was thinking that under your leadrship at QB that we could squeak out a win of the Tampa Bay Buncha-aholes! I’ve seen Leftwich look very inept against you guessed it the Falcons, si he is not the answer!

By Dave

November 15, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Sorry Joey H. that you get no respect. I think things have improved a bit and I was thinking that under your leadrship at QB that we could squeak out a win of the Tampa Bay Buncha-aholes! I’ve seen Leftwich look very inept against you guessed it the Falcons, so he is not the answer!

By Ken Strickland

November 16, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

DAVE, let’s consider your assessment of Leftwich. In your post you stated: “I’VE SEEN LEFTWICH LOOK VERY INEPT AGAINST YOU GUESSED IT THE FALCONS, SO HE IS NOT THE ANSWER”! Let’s see what you can come up with if you use that as a measuring rod. You could say PManning is not the answer since he has looked very inept against New England, Pittsburg and most his most recent fiasco against San Diego. For the last 2yrs, Brett Farve led the NFL in total INT’s, and by a large margin. He certainly wasn’t the answer, but look at him now. The only thing that’s certain is JHarrington is not the answer, and Petrino knows it.

By Torpedo

November 16, 2007 2:50 AM | Link to this

Makes no sense, specially since they seem to be getting on a streak.