AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPetrino’s wrath felt at halftime
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
St. Louis — They looked like they did four years ago — beleaguered backups and emotionally comatose starters, playing as if they had other career options on the back burner. They looked as if they had quit on their season, and their coach.
In 2003, the Falcons’ 36-0 belly-flop in St. Louis on national television was considered such an embarrassment that owner Arthur Blank was moved to take out a newspaper ad to apologize to fans, and he wrote a letter of apology to ABC. His players merely cashed their checks.
At least those Falcons were flattened by a good Rams team. On Sunday, they trailed a 2-9 doormat, 14-0, after 11 minutes. Suddenly there was hope for Liechtenstein as a global power.
What do you do if you’re Bobby Petrino? Exactly what he did.
“He ripped us a new one [at halftime],” Alge Crumpler said. “We deserved it.”
“We played with more emotion in the second half, but emotion shouldn’t have to come from a coach screaming at you,” Warrick Dunn said.
So suddenly that’s what it takes? The Falcons don’t need brilliant X’s and O’s. They need a blowtorch.
The Falcons lost to the Rams 28-16. The tangible impact: The teams are now tied for second in the draft order.
The bigger obvious picture: Petrino’s words and actions reaffirmed he is building his offseason hit list, assuming he returns for more of this fun.
He benched guard Kynan Forney, a starter for most of his seven seasons.
He benched defensive back Jimmy Williams, a top pick two drafts ago, who has been a bust in the secondary and has only one special teams tackle in 11 games.
He blew through the locker room like Hurricane Bobby at halftime, when the Falcons trailed 21-0 and created hope for the Rams’ future, which is more than they’ve done in Atlanta.
“We’re looking for guys who want to hang in there, be professional, work hard, compete hard, stay together and keep a positive attitude,” Petrino said.
“What I was telling the coaches and myself was, ‘Let’s make sure we know who’s with us and who’s not.’ And that’s what I was happy about in the second half — the way we competed and the attitude that we played with.”
Yes, it got better. Here’s the problem: It’s not good when Chris Redman is the highlight.
Nothing against Red-man. He’s a nice story. He hadn’t played in the NFL in three years before this season. He was selling life insurance this time a year ago. He was signed by Petrino, his former Louisville coach, as a potential No. 3. Then … well, you know all of the “then.”
But when it takes Chris Redman to wake up your offense, it’s a bad sign.
He replaced Joey Harrington in the fourth quarter. He threw touchdown passes on his first two possessions. It was the first time all year the Falcons scored touchdowns on consecutive drives. Redman hadn’t thrown a TD pass since 2002. He brought the Falcons back to 21-16 before the rally fizzled (a drive died at the Rams’ 9-yard line after a fourth-down incompletion with two minutes left).
But is it just coincidence that the Falcon who looked the best Sunday was the only Falcon who probably feels indebted to Petrino?
When the players returned from their Thanksgiving break last Monday, Petrino told them the rest of this season was about playing with emotion and saving jobs. But for too long Sunday, they looked like they didn’t care.
“He wanted us to come out and show some emotion,” Roddy White said. “He told us we were kind of flat in the first half. I totally agree with him. Nobody picked it up.”
“We did the right things all week, and then we came out here and we spotted them 21 points,” Crumpler said. “We can’t afford to spot anybody 21 points.”
And then: “We’re all playing for our future.”
They are 3-9. If and when they wake up, it would be a good time to write a letter.
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By Chad
December 2, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
WOW! A’m I the last Falcon fan in Georgia?
By NASCARfan
December 2, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
What do you expect? These are all spoiled-brat Little Jimmy Mora’s players. We have his boy, Michael Vick, the felon. We have his big-mouth, no play driving partner, MeAngelo Hall. We have big fat (even fatter than Andruw Jones) Alge Crumpler who looks like a guard and whines like a beeyotch. We have a bunch of no talent o-linemen (not named Justin Blaylock) that the cheater, Alex Gibbs forced the organization to pay money to. We have old safeties. We have the Great White Hope at middle linebacker who only knows how to make tackles from behind, because he either gets juked out of his shoes or he gets plowed over when he plays someone head’s up. We have one legit WR and no one else knows how to catch the ball.
How can anyone (who’s not an idiot, irrational Michael “Felon” Vick apologist) blame Petrino for this mess? I blame Little Jimmy Mora, that spoiled-brat, and I blame Alex Gibbs, and I blame Greg “Take A” Knapp, and I blame Ed “4th and 26” Donatell. I hope Petrino sweeps the cubbard clean, and in two more years we finally see a Falcons team built the right way.
And for God sakes, Rich McKay, DO NOT DRAFT ANY MORE THUGS FROM VATECH!!!
NO MORE FRANK BEAMER CRIMINALS!!!
By DCM
December 2, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Good for Bobby. Any pro making all that money should at least be willing to go all out. I hope he does clean house.
By Lynne
December 2, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Well…Nascarfan…yeah, OK…….the comments confirm a certan Hazzard County mindset…..I swear, these Deliverance folks really are outta control these days with their rhetoric.
By Dr. I. Q.
December 2, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
The trouble with being an NFL coach is that you’re trying to teach and motivate young millionaires who simply are not very bright.
By scott
December 2, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
I have to mention this because I continue to see this garbage from DHall. This is probably the 5th time I’ve seen it this year. After a Falcon defensive interception, instead of running up field to block for his teammate that has the ball, he stands back there with his arms stretched open as if he’s the only one that can run it back. I’m so sick of watching this pathetic showboat, I could puke. Coach please send him away for a draft pick that will help you build this team the right way. PLEASE.
By The Grinch
December 2, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
Thank god! Everyone’s starting to see the light! We’ve GOT the right coach and DC; as soon as we get rid of the 90% of Mora’s players that don’t suck we’ll have the right team. We’ll have some cap space in the off-season; with three or four good Fa’s and a decent draft, we’ll be a heckuva lot closer. I just hope Petrino sicks around long enough for the sorry fans of this city to realize the opportunity we have growing here.
By hitwriter
December 2, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Bobby Petrino can’t manage a game clock, play calling or evaluate talent.
He’s proven that all season!
I hope someone is chewing his own azz out.
By csg
December 2, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Lynne,
Nascar is dead on right. Your answer actually shows your ignorance. Let me guess, 3rd grade education?
By "Blow" Joe Horn
December 2, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
“You don’t want to be on film — I don’t care what your record is — you don’t want be on film and everybody around the league looks at you as a quitter. You want to end up strong. Professionals do that. There are some guys around this league who feel their season is over or it’s a possibility they won’t make the playoffs and some of them jump off the ship. That’s not happening here and if I saw it, I would address the players I thought were doing it.” — Falcons WR Joe Horn.
Yeah, you got that right Joe…You and all the other Falcon Flukies have already QUIT! I hope Petrino gives ALL of you pink slips soon you pathetic bunch of NFL FLOPS!
By Edub
December 2, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Falcons Suck and I can’t wait to they play the bucs again and the bucs embarrass them down in tampa
By Bo
December 2, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks Petrino for kicking some a22. Keep it up till you come up with the right combo. Good Luck. Falcons fan forever.
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
December 2, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
Keep losing Falcs. We are thisclose to Darren McFadden playing for the Dirty Birds. The Dolphins are mailing it in no reason for the Falcons not to and gain some draft position.
By Falcon Flop
December 2, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
People who think the Falcon flop is Petrino’s fault just don’t have any sense. Nascarfan is right on. This team has little talent and NO heart. Many of the players think that being professional is showboating and stealing a paycheck. Petrino can’t be judged until he has players he’s chosen. Right now, he is playing mostly the malcontent Mora players.
By Falcon Flop
December 2, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
I want the Falcs to keep losing too. This season is lost. Let the duds on the team keep playing to their potential. Let the malcontents keep running their mouths. I hope the team trades the couple of players with value to get what we can for them. Get the first draft pick and rebuild the team. I’d rather wait two more years to rebuild with rookies rather than deal with these overpaid crybaby players who think they are stars.
By Mike in Montgomery
December 2, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
As Much as I would love to have Norwood yankfan, the simple fact is Miami will snatch him in a heart beat or trade the pick (since they have Brown and Tokey williams) for a boatload of other choices.
The Falcons need to look long at hard at thier biggest need - QUARTERBACK! Colt Brennan and Brian Brohm will both be there for the Falcons at #2.
By Whoa is me Algee Crumpler
December 2, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
“If [the defense is playing] a cover-two and we’ve got Michael Jenkins running down the middle of the field, or myself running down the middle of the field, why aren’t we getting opportunities to make plays?”
“It just seems like the agenda that we have offensively is preparing the guys that we have in this locker room for the future. I’m not saying the coach isn’t trying to win the game. But there just seems to be too much going on.”
Falcons TE Alge Crumpler.
THESE WHINING, B!TCHY MORA MORONS MUST GO COACH PETRINO!
PETRINO IS THE MAN NEXT YEAR! NO MORE BS FROM THESE OVERPAID NFL WANNABES! GO DARREN MCFADDEN AND THE NEW FALCONS 2008
By Mike in Montgomery
December 2, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
As much as I would love to have McFadden, Miami will pick him at #1 or trade the pick for some teams entire draft. I am happy with Norwood as our option.
Where the Falcons need to concetrate is at the big position need they have - QUARTERBACK!!!! Brian Brohm and Colt Brennan will be sitting there at #2 just waiting for Atlanta to pick one of them.
By lmao
December 3, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
As always Naskkkar is blaming everyone but the gm who put this team together. How can Gibbs and Mora still be blamed for this teams performance week in and week out. Last time I checked neither Mora, Knapp, Donatell, nor Vick was with this team this year so how can you still be blaming them? Correct me if im wrong but didm’t the gm put this team together? How about blaming the sorry players on the field this year instead of blaming everyone but them. No one put them in this mess but the gm and the players who show up every week and do absolutely nothing. No wonder people say fans in Altanta are ignorant. Idiots on this board continue to blame everyone not with this team instead of the guys who are collecting checks from them this year..
By NASCARfan
December 3, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
That’s right, I’m in the KKK.
I guess you missed the part where I went after the GREAT WHITE HYPE that is Keith Brooking. Dude, why don’t you go racebait over on T Moore’s blog, you stupid, ignorant, SOB?
At least put done the crack pipe.
Just like Mr. LT says in The Waterboy… Don’t do crack!
By Steve
December 3, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this
Lynne, not only is NascarFan completely accurate on his very detailed delivery, but you are actually the one with the problem. Automatically looking past the absolutely correct information and spitting out a generalistic slander based on his posting name. Personally, I think Nascar is a waste of time, but as a poster, his comments were right on the spot and you are the one showing the ignorance.
It’s time to clean house. In fact, it’s well past time. We have a bunch of aging do-nothings on this team that don’t seem to care. It’s very similar to what was going on in New Orleans. It took a coach who wasn’t afraid to let the players without any heart go and keep lesser talented players who wanted to win for New Orleans to turn things around. Granted, they have had some injuries and growing pains this year, but they look much more solid for the future than the Falcons.
Mass changes are required. I actually think DeAngelo is playing well enough to keep him around, but he still has issues. At least he is keeping his mouth shut and not hurting the team with negative speech to the media. Crumpler is past his prime, and if he becomes a detriment to the team by bad mouthing the coach, he needs to go. Worse yet, the Falcons need to stop signing aging vets past their prime and give that playing time to younger players.
An old credo in coaching … if you are going to lose, do it with young players. The reason is obvious, in that you can build a better future with young players, but you have to give them playing time to see if they are worth keeping. So, the Falcons need to clean house of old players, and no-heart players. Yes, this means fan faves like Brooking and Dunn need to go, but that the way it has to be if you want this team to get better.
By lmao
December 3, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this
Naskkkar you still did not explain how is it everyone else’s fault but the people who are actually here. Save the T moore crap and the crack pipe joke was horrible. Stick to watching racing and coon hunting. You have no knowledge about football.As far as brining up Brooking. That is like saying I cant be racist because I have had black people over before. Dude go to sleep and think about the dumb crap you continue to post.
By fred b.
December 3, 2007 2:22 AM | Link to this
Lynne, have you not been watching this team at all this season? Everything Nascarfan stated in his comments were accurate. ust proves that everyone who stated this team was Vick and everbody else saw this coming.
By doobird
December 3, 2007 4:04 AM | Link to this
Any time you give one player all the money in the bank, you have to surround him with wanna-bees that just can’t do the job. Any lessons learned Arthur????
This mess belongs in the lap of the GM and OWNER. Time for some people to look in the mirror.
By Gunner
December 3, 2007 4:21 AM | Link to this
At leat well get a high draft choice. Maybe we”ll get a decent offensive tackleor two.
By KrisG
December 3, 2007 5:25 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry, but anyone keeps referencing Terrence Moore as a race baiter shows how focused on race they really are. Terrence Moore is so clearly a miserable angry human being on a broad basis, and race is only a tool he uses to share his hate with anyone who will listen.
By Greg
December 3, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this
Everyone surely noticed how much better the pass blocking got after Redman came in. Can someone please explain what THAT was about?
In parceling out responsibility for the poor talent level, I agree that although Mora bears a lot of it, the primary culpable agent here is the GM. He has botched numerous draft picks and FA signings. His record must be one of the worst in the NFL.
By #1 reggin
December 3, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait for 12/10/2007 for the lid to be nailed shut on Vick ever coming back to the Falcons , then Petrino can get to the task of getting rid of all the no heart, meely-mouthed crybabies infecting the team.
By Mark Kelly
December 3, 2007 7:16 AM | Link to this
This is the worst Falcons team I’ve seen in many, many years. The blame can go to any number of folks, but put the owner and GM at the top of the list. And you can throw in those terrible uniforms. Go back to the Glanville era uniforms, at least they have a little class — unlike the organization!
By Meat
December 3, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
Take Eli…PLEASE! We’re done with that ‘tard in NY - he’d be a perfect fit for you Bubbas…hell, we’ll even toss in a few gallons of kiwi black polish if you think it’ll help.
By Meat
December 3, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
Take Eli…PLEASE! We’re done with that ‘tard in NY - he’d be a perfect fit for you Bubbas…hell, we’ll even toss in a few gallons of kiwi black polish if you think it’ll help.
By Meat
December 3, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
Take Eli…PLEASE! We’re done with that ‘tard in NY - he’d be a perfect fit for you Bubbas…hell, we’ll even toss in a few gallons of kiwi black polish if you think it’ll help.
By hop
December 3, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this
the blame for the falcons rest squarely with the owner,as harry truman once said the “the buck stops here”. arthur blank is the one who fired dan reese who was able to get production from vick,since we fired dan, and hired our present gm and coach mora things have gotten progressly worse. arthur blank does not a glue about what is going on and we now have the worst franchise in pro footbaLL football, and i thought the smith’s were bad AS OWNERS.
ARTHUR, YOUR MODEL IS NOT WORKING! you need to sell the francise because you have made one mistake after another and THE MAKEUP OF THE TEAM IS A reflectION all of your bad discision. rich mccay, jim mora and your CURRENT STAFF have done a horrrible job and the jury is still out on your present coach,but i am sure he will be gone shortly because who wants to work in this type of environment.
By leon
December 3, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this
I don’t think anyone denies the Falcons are starting over. Jerius Norwood looks good every time out. He hustles, so do a couple of 3 guys on defense. We all know who those 3 are. I don’t know about the other 40. Morton does his job. Falcons are presently upholding the tradition. On the negative side 2-3 more wins and they would be right up with an MV7 team!
By jerry
December 3, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Where are all the people who declared Blank as the “smart businessman” who would rescue this tainted damsel who has been gang-banged by the NFL for over forty years?
By GT81
December 3, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
I don’t know why people assume having high draft picks will fix this team. There is little evidence that the team knows how to judge talent.
By SealT2
December 3, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
Is this a football blog about the Atlanta Falcons or a place for name calling? It is easy to insult someone when no one knows who you are and you are not required to back up your insults. Any of you willing to back up your insults in person?
By black bee
December 3, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
Wrath or no wrath the Petrino and his Assistants are college coaches. Its a shame that this city is going to have to go through 3-4 years for all parties to understand this. The offensive system, the blocking schemes etc are college and ain’t gonna work in the pros to put us in the playoffs anytime in the forseeable future!
By Whatthehellisgoingonoutthere
December 3, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
What the hell is going on out there?? Bobby, I didn’t give you any props at the beginning of the year. College coach who became a pro coach and all. But, you have inherited a team of bufoons. Period, Point Blank. DeFailure Hall, trade him. ALL-G (Gas) Fumbler, catch the ball and run UP field, The entire “O” Line, do you understand the term “BLOCK?” Joey “I’m on the Lions” Harrington, why is this bozo still taking snaps? Byron was damaged good when you got him, what made you think he was not going to be damaged goods WITH OUR “O” LINE? Vick, who knew? But he’s not there, so let’s move on. These guys don’t play hard. They are not winners. They don’t want to possess a winning mentality. That is the difference. Successful teams embrace the winning mentality and exhibit it on the field. The Ravens (who suck)perform with a swagger. My beloved Redskins (RIP Sean T), play with a swagger, hell the Texans/Raiders/Saints play with a swagger. An expectation to win. The Falcons just show up. I think if we were to play the Dolphins we’d get beat because we do not have an expectation to win. That stems from the players, not the coach, Mr. Blank, The fan base, the news media. This is all on the players. Clear the roster and get players that want to win. That will commit to winning. Grambling State University dropped over half of its football team this year to find players that have a desire to win. There record is 60% better than it was last year and with that bold move, they will be a powerhouse by next year. Players have to commit to winning.
By jeanE
December 3, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe we lost the the pathetic Rams. What does that make us? I have given Joey the benefit of the doubt all season but that’s it, I’m done supporting him. He had his chance & he blew it. Bye. Good for Chris Redman who was finally given an opportunity to play & made the most of it. What’s with the rest of these players? Hope you’re not too fond of your jobs cause most of you won’t be here next year. It’s just shameful to come out flat like that. Where’s your manhood and your pride? Guess you have none of either. And Arthur, please don’t let Rich McKay choose out draft pick next year, he’s proved he is clueless when it comes to evalutating talent. We could still have Shaub & Amobi Okaye (sp?) both but no, we traded Shaub & drafted Jamal the 2nd who looks lost out there & have no sacks at all. Disgusting.
By Whatthehellisgoingonoutthere
December 3, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
What the hell is going on out there?? Bobby, I didn’t give you any props at the beginning of the year. College coach who became a pro coach and all. But, you have inherited a team of bufoons. Period, Point Blank. DeFailure Hall, trade him. ALL-G (Gas) Fumbler, catch the ball and run UP field, The entire “O” Line, do you understand the term “BLOCK?” Joey “I’m on the Lions” Harrington, why is this bozo still taking snaps? Byron was damaged good when you got him, what made you think he was not going to be damaged goods WITH OUR “O” LINE? Vick, who knew? But he’s not there, so let’s move on. These guys don’t play hard. They are not winners. They don’t want to possess a winning mentality. That is the difference. Successful teams embrace the winning mentality and exhibit it on the field. The Ravens (who suck)perform with a swagger. My beloved Redskins (RIP Sean T), play with a swagger, hell the Texans/Raiders/Saints play with a swagger. An expectation to win. The Falcons just show up. I think if we were to play the Dolphins we’d get beat because we do not have an expectation to win. That stems from the players, not the coach, Mr. Blank, The fan base, the news media. This is all on the players. Clear the roster and get players that want to win. That will commit to winning. Grambling State University dropped over half of its football team this year to find players that have a desire to win. There record is 60% better than it was last year and with that bold move, they will be a powerhouse by next year. Players have to commit to winning.
By the militnt marker
December 3, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
You mean another 4-5+ wins leon, to sniff the chances Vick gave us. Oh well, a mess, is a mess, is a mess.
By Hernandos
December 3, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
The teams performance and lack of response from ownership, goes to show that Arthur Blank no longer gives a damn about the fans, the team, or the product he brings to the NFL. Perhaps if the team gets so bad, we’ll agree to build a new stadium to resurrect the franchise and we’ll line Blank and his buddies pockets with taxpayer money.
By georgiadawgg
December 3, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
rich mckay is like his daddy was at tampa bay,not worth the powder to blow his brains out. warrick dunn is (done) stick a fork in him. the whole falcons team and coaches suck. the team is only good as the coaches. ita time to let this team go.
By bootsiebanty
December 3, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
The root of the problem is Blank. I doubt very seriously that any of the players (or coaches) love the man. Also because of an owner like Blank, the Falcons will never attract top coaching talent. The Falcons had a bit of the same problem through all those years with the Smith family as owners.
By Joshua Barlowe
December 3, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
The signs are pointing more and more to a deeper problem - Rich McKay. He has had so many trades and drafts that have been complete busts — and paying people wayyy to much money to be average players.
He’s put Petrino in a place where it’s hard to compete.
By morris
December 3, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
All the falcon fans who blame jimmy mora for this current personnel are living in a fantasy world. Mora had very little authority when it came to draft day decisions and personnel matters. Sure he told mckay his opinion and relayed the positional needs he thought was important but it was ultimately Rich Mckay who “bought the groceries”. Fans who blame mora for this mess are in denial that our top management is simply incompetent. Want proof? How is that top draft pick from this year working out for us? In case you have been living under a rock, jamaal anderson has yet to be in the same zip code as QB this season even though he has started almost every game. So I guess it must be jim mora’s fault that our #1 pick this year is aundre bruce jr? Blank and Mckay are the culprits who have destroyed this franchise not jimmy mora. I didn’t like mora as a coach and he deserved to be fired but he is not to blame for this teams sorry personnel decisions.
By Lucius
December 3, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Petrino, McKay and Blank gave up on Vick so why shouldn’t the team follow the leader and give up on the Falcons administrators and coaches? Life is a double-edged sword isn’t it?
By newteamgeardotcom
December 3, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
sorry birdfans. at least you still have the dawgs to cheer for. so dawg fans make sure you show your spirit it may rub off on the dirty birds.
By clint ellison
December 3, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Four years ago I moved from Atlanta to Dallas, Texas. I have always been a Falcons fan and have continued to follow the team as closely as I can from this distance. I like Arthur Blank—-a gentleman who really cares. What a shame all this has happened to him. In the meantime, my loathing for the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones has evolved into one of respect and admiration for the way the man has built a great team of winners. Sure, Jerry Jones is an a** and always will be, but he’s got the coaches and players all on the same page. They are winners. The falcons are a rudderless ship. What a horrible franchise.
By Supes
December 3, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Keep losing and moving up on next year’s draft order! At least one positive out of this year.
Dolphins will be draft McFadden, they have Ronnie Brown and have so many other glaring needs, they may draft Dorsey.
Falcons will have to compete for the 2-4 draft position with the Jets and 49ers most likley. I can see either of those teams taking McFadden either, 49ers have Gore and Jets just paid Thomas Jones a lot of money this past off-season to go and play for them (results still to be seen, but they have spend the cash on a RB already)
Leaving McFadden right to Atlanta. I’m thinking he will look good in that number 5 Falcons jersey! Let’s face it…Dunn is near retirement and is not the back Petrino wants, and J-Rock is a 3rd down back. Falcons need run DMC more than they know, more than a QB or a DT through the draft. Draft McFadden and rebuild the O-line should be priority number 1 in the draft/off-season.
Alan Faneca is a free agent and will not be staying in Pitt. They will not offer him the money he wants. Falcons should pull a “Minnesotta” and sign Faneca, and then draft McFadden…it’s similar to what they did with Steve Hutchinson and drafting Adrian Peterson. Look at them now!!! That can be the Falcons in 1-2 years but better, as I think the Falcons will be better defensively by then as well.
Darren McFadden is the future!
By VickBeliever
December 3, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Falcons fan you can place the blame on one person for this terrible display of football. Joey Harrington by himself has killed any chance of Falcons winning games. He does not deserve to even put his uniform on again. He should have been released instead of Grady Jackson. But hey kids it goes to show you that you don’t have t be the best player just say and do the right things and opportunities will come your way if you are white.
By Bob from Winder
December 3, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Petrino did a poor job of clock mgmt in the 4th qtr. use the hurry up then on 4th with 2+ min left kick the fg, now you are down by 2. stop the rams and give yourself a chance to win with a FG. that plus throwing that red flag against indy 2 plays late was amateurish and incompetent. Joey should start next week he did not play bad. its the O line that needs upgrading
By Shamus Thacker
December 3, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
McKay’s success at Tampa was blind luck.
An NFL coach or gm can build a long career on one, short, successful, stint. Reputation goes a long way in the NFL. McKay will have no problem landing a job when he’s gone. Prospective employers will completely overlook what he did here, choosing instead to marvel at his long-ago genius, (BLIND LUCK), at Tampa Bay.
Rich McKay SUX! We’ve seen enough to know Tampa Bay was a fluke. If we’re gonna give Petrino a REAL chance, then let him build his own team. How the Hell could he possibly do worse than McKay!?
By GE
December 3, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
There are issues between the coach and the players. That is very evident. Is the coach more important than the players? Do we cut all the players with issues with Petrino and let the college coach rebuild instead of tweak the team? Petrino does not fit in if he has lost the respect of the players. He needs to go back to college coaching and save all of us further frustration.
By Joe
December 3, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Well done Nascar Fan.
This team needs a good house cleaning and then rebuilding the right way. I believe Coach Petrino is the right person for the task and things can change on a dime in the NFL. Two to three years and we can be at the top of the NFC rather than the struggling MoraMEss we are now. We already have some nice young pieces in place in Blaylock, White, Anderson…and a group of Linebackers, along with Houston at one Corner (DeAndelo at the other if he can learn to be a TEAM player.)
I say go with either Dorsey to anchor the D-line for years to come…or McFadden to anchor your offense for years to come - in the 1st round (if we are fortunate enough to get one of the top three picks.)
Next, draft the future at QB in the 2nd round.
Follow that up with linemen, linemen & more linemen the following rounds.
By Phil
December 3, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
List of current Falcons who called their agent this morning, asking him to get a trade put together:
List of current Falcons who called their financial advisor this morning, asking if they had enough money to retire:
It’s gonna get alot worse before it starts getting any better. One good 2008 draft pick will not fix this miserable team.
By Im Sick Of It
December 3, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE BLAMING MV7 SALARY ON WHY THIS TEAM HAS NO TALENT! AS IF MANNING, BRADY, FARVE, AND MCBNABB, PLAY FOR PEANUTS?! IT IS RICH MCKAY’S FAULT AND HIS ALONE AS TO WHY THIS TEAM SUCKS AND HAS SUCKED FOR PAST THREE SEASONS. YOU SURROUND YOUR BEST PLAYER WITH MEDIOCRE TALENT, AND MEDIOCRE COACHING AND THEN EXPECT HIM TO PUT UP PEYTON MANNING NUMBERS? YOU CAN’T PUT MARIO ANDRETTI IN A PICK-UP TRUCK AND EXPECT HIM TO WIN THE DAMN INDY 500!
By Ryder
December 3, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
I understand there are some players who are really trying hard out there ( Roddy White) but it’s obvious that this team will not become winners until they get that playmaker who can keep defenses on edge and rest their own defense…ooops that person is about to serve 18 months in prison.
That said, I do believe that Atlanta will go after McFadden in the draft. Not only is the that special playmaker that Petrino can base his offense around, but it will also help them to keep building that defense.
Remember what got Atlanta to the Super Bowl before? It was a great running game buoyed by a clutch defense. Hopefully Petrino will remember that.
There’s no QB in this draft worth building a franchise around.
By Dr. Warren
December 3, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
GET A DAMN QUARTERBACK. That’s a start for this, our 10th NFL expansion franchise in Atlanta.
By Dr. Warren
December 3, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
GET A DAMN QUARTERBACK. That’s a start for this, our 10th NFL expansion franchise in Atlanta.
By Mike T
December 3, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Coach Petrino I glade to here you set fire to some of the draging wantobees who don’ deserve to be in a Falcon Uniform -Jimmy Williams , No blocking Forney and if Mr Mouth from Virginia Tech can’t cover any one any better he’s got to go. I can’t stand to see a team lay down the way the Falcon did the first half. Coach I agree we need big competative linemen and for God’s sake if anyway we can draft a McFadden or Dorsey next spring, make that a done deal. I a faithful Falcon fan BUT I am tired of the Embrassment CLEAN HOUSE Mr Blank and the Falcon fan’s deserve better.
By Gizmo
December 3, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
I agree with others on this blog. All overpaid, under achieving whiners must go. Several of these guys could be traded for draft picks to build a Petrino team. Petrino can not be blamed for the poor performance of this team. Let’s not forget these are the same players that thru in the towel in the second half of the last two seasons.But the problems with the Falcons is above coaches and players. One mistake Sir Arthur made was not hiring interim head coach Wade Phillips to continue as head coach. Another big mistake made by this organization was to build the franchise around one player, being (Michael Vick). Have you ever heard the saying “Putting all your eggs in one basket”?. When the franchise player goes down the entire team goes down with him. But with all this commentary aside I have been a Falcon fan from day one and I will keep my hopes up for next year or the year after that. Rest assured this organization makes it hard to be loyal but I am not one to throw in the towel.
By dzac
December 3, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Say Patrino wants to know who’s with them and who’s not,Well if I were a falcon player,I wouldn’t depend on that considering how they stuck with Vick after he made Blank all the sellouts since he came to the ATL in ‘02. And this rag is a farce. Who monitors this blog for content David Duke?
By HIGHPOWEREDOFFENSE
December 3, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
THE FIRST HALF OF THE GAME IT WAS THE PLAYERS AND THE QB! THE 2ND HALF REDMAN DO GOOD, BUT PETRINO BLEW THE GAME HE CANT COACH. HE SHOULD HAVE CALL A TIME OUT AND KICKED A FIELD GOAL! NOT GO FOR IT ON 4TH DOWN AND LIKE 4! GOT A DEFENSIVE STOP,AND MAYBE KICKED ANOTHER FIELD GOAL OR TD AND WON THE GAME! IF YOU KNOW REAL REAL FOOTBALL YOU KNOW THIS!
By dzac
December 3, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Say Patrino wants to know who’s with them and who’s not,Well if I were a falcon player,I wouldn’t depend on that considering how they stuck with Vick after he made Blank all the sellouts since he came to the ATL in ‘02. And this rag is a farce. Who monitors this blog for content David Duke?
By Boo
December 3, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Dan Reeves! Where are you??
By Tim McDaniel
December 3, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
When are ya’ll going to realize that the “turkey buzzards” ARE already playing for next year. They just want the games to be close to make it look like they are trying. How else can you explain that Dunn is still getting alot of carries when his average is 3.2 and Norwood’s is 6.4 yards per rush. Seems pretty obvious to me.
By BIRDMAN,SR.
December 3, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
I WILL 4 EVER LOVE MY BIRDS, BUT DAAYUM! ALL I WANT 4 CHRISTMAS IS AN NFL FRANCHISE. NOT A DEVELOPMENTAL TEAM, 4 THE OTHER 31 TEAMS TO PICK PLAYERS TO MAKE A CHAMPION, OR FOR THE STATE TO MAKE ANOTHER CONVICT. THANK GOD 4 DEM DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Jim P.
December 3, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank, all I want for Christmas ia a NFL coach. Not a NCAA coach. Bobby, PLEASEEEEEEEE take the Michigan job!
Mr. Blank, I am so sick of losing. Been a Falcon fan since almost the beginning of the franchise. I have no faith in Bobby Petrino’s football style. It may be good at the NCAA level, but it sucks at the NFL level. Bobby Petrino is another version of the Glanville,June Jones Run and Shoot offense. It did not work then, its not going to work now. Fire him now, lets move on.
By BIRDMAN,SR.
December 3, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
DEAR MR. BLANK : I AM A DIE-HARD BIRD, & SINCE I HAVE NO ONE ELSE TO TALK TO, I HOPE YOU’RE LISTENING. GET IN YOUR CAR , DRIVE TO A PLACE CALLED ATHENS, GA., & ON SATURDAY’S YOU WILL SEE A TEAM (& I REPEAT, T.E.A.M.) THATS PLAYS W/ EMOTION , PRIDE, AND THAT IS NOT SELFISH…THEN TAKE YOUR PICS FROM THERE. EVERY SUNDAY I TURN ON MY T.V. TO SEE THE SPORT I LOVE, & ALL I SEE IS G.E.O.R.G.I.A. BOYS ON ALL OTHER TEAMS MAKING BIG PLAYS, TO HELP THIER TEAMS WIN. LAST I CHECKED ATLANTA WAS IN GEORGIA, NOT VIRGINIA. AND YALL WONDER WHY YOU HAVE TO BEG US TO COME SEE THAT CRAP……………………………P.S. PLEASE TELL RICH MCKAY, WHAT YOU FOUND ON YOUR JOURNEY TO YOUR OWN BACK YARD. THE ANSWER IS RIGHT UP THE ROAD ! OR ATLEAST IN THE S.E.C. WHERE FOOTBALL IS KING!!!!!!!!
By Gary
December 3, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
zzzzzzzzz… Huh? Falcons?… Good team… Great coach… Fun to watch… Super Bowl… huh? what? … oh just a dream… go back to sleep… the season will be over in just a few weeks…. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
By G. A. W.
December 3, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
I am a FALCONS FAN. Always have been and always will be. I am so disappointed in the way way this season has turned out. The Falcons need a major overhaul from top to bottom.
Petrino is not to blame for this disaster of a season. He came her to coach a professional football team not a team of misfits, which is what he got.
Boley, Abraham, Roddy White, Norwood-Thank you for stepping up.
DeAngelo Hall is the biggest waste of money on the team. But that is just my opinion. He is not doing his job. However, he does a good job at faking it.
By hop
December 3, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
birdman, you thrust arthur blank to make the proper deicsions on building a winner.
lets see, mr. blank hired jim mora,rick mcay,the falcon souting staff that continues to blow draft choices. when was the last time the falcons had a decent draft or even selected a good #1 pick other than d. hall who is a mal content.
the smith’s were terrible owner’s and we have arthur blant who records is mirroring the smith’s what bad company that is.
By NS @ Kennesaw
December 3, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
Schultz,
What’s wrong with Redman? He proved that he can play and he’s not afraid to go deep. That last INT would have been a better throw if the man had more play time in live game !!!
Hey, for a guy who played his first game in 3 yrs and get 2 TD in 2 poss, I say it’s pretty darn good.
Why not play him again? Why not audition him for all remaining games - to see what is his made up?
Remember Kurt Werner? He was putting cans on shelf before he had his chance with the RAMS.
By die hard cowboys fan
December 3, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
HOW BOUT EM COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!! HEE HAW!!!
I will bet the house that MR BLANK will take another VA TECH Player in the first round!
Cut Jimmy Williams pronto to show the other you mean BUSINESS!
I am sorry I became a Cowboys fan because I didnt like the way yall threw Vick under the bus.
TO alllllllll day long!!!
By Change in the air
December 3, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Uga has more criminal with no degrees than any other school in the nation . At lest VT player get there degrees. Vick number in 2006 were 1039 rushing 2 TD rushing 20TD passing. Hate him if you want to he made this team. No other player with the people the falcons have playing for them could do what vick did with this team none Manning, Brady , with this offense line. The haters said he can’t read defenses he could if we had a offense line. We need more good offense linemen and defense line.This is what Mckay refuse to see. He thinks you can pick lineman up a any yard sale. Oh how wrong this GM is. Blank if you want the stands and some Win’s and CASH, in 2009 Vick should be back on this team. ARKANSA #5 SHOULD BE THE FIRST PICK, LINEMEN AND A SAFTY. ANY GOOD GM COULD SEE THIS.DRAFTING A QB FIRST IS NUTS ? WHY IT WILL TAKE 4 TO 5 YEAR TO BRING HIM UP TO SPEED . PLUS VICK AND SCHOCKLEY WILL BE BACK! UGA FANS I WISH YOU CLOWN COULD HAVE PLAYED USC THEY WOULD HAVE BEAT THE BRAKE OFF OF YOU. BUT U CLOWNS WILL BEAT HAWAII ! UGA FOOTBALL PLAYER PLEASE GET YOUR DEGREE THERE IS LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL. PLEASE TALK TO OLD UGA FOOTBALL PLAYER THEY NOT THE FANS WILL TELL YOU THE REAL DEAL!
By die hard ATL fan
December 3, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
Please please in the name of Sweet Baby Jesus start CHRIS REDMAN!
COME ON HE CAN THROW!!!!!!!!!!!
By exfalconfan
December 3, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
Another group of loser, overpaid falcon players, sitting around doing nothing except collecting money and doing the clubs at night. I stopped going last year and will not return until they get a competitive product on the field.
By Black Panther
December 3, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
HA, HA, HA!!! Did you see that comedy show called the Falcons? Where are all you Vick haters now? Who do we blame now? It serves all you rednecks right!! Vick was the only thing we ever had. You whined and cried for Joey so what happened? I thought Joey “the great all american white bread” was our savior? WE NEED BLACK PLAYERS!! If we don’t choose Darren McFadden over Brian Brohm, we will suck for the next ten yrs. And even though, I’m a Falcons fan, you rednecks would deserve every minute of it!! HA, HA, HA!!
By The Realist
December 3, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Funny how the commentators praise DeAngelo Hall for being a shutdown corner…funny how their take is that he’s having a great season…funny how lots of opposing QB’s are afraid to even throw his way…YET the only people that DON’T recognize him as one of the premier CB’s in the NFL are Falcons “fans.” By the way, the “MeAngelo” joke is so tired. Aside from his blowup against the Panthers, D. Hall has been nothing less than the pro bowl caliber CB that he is…and before people start to bring up the few times he’s been burned this season…recognize that ALL great CB’s have been beaten at times. Learn football, unlearn your personal biases!
By Sri
December 3, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
I loved this line, Jeff:
“Suddenly there was hope for Liechtenstein as a global power.”
Ha ha ha ha ha ha.
That is very funny.
By Jim P.
December 3, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Put a fork in the Falcons, this bird is done for they year…no reason not to start Redmen for the rest of the season. We already know Leftwitch and Harrington suck, lets see how bad Redmen is as well.
Of course Petrino’s coaching sucks just a bad. God I wish he would go back to the NCAA.
By John Lovelace
December 3, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
for Falcons Flop: You are right about everything you said except the Falcons being a team in two years. I have watched them for over fourty years and they have’nt gotten there yet, and they have had all sorts of good players. This team has been jinxed from day one and the only reason I can come up with is: They are in the wrong city. Atlanta does not have the right people for a football team. The team is bad, but listen to their so called fans. Nothing is ever going to change!
By Jim P.
December 3, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Hey The Realist,
GET REAL!!!! MeAngelo Hall is a jackass that does not deserve his paycheck. I hope he is gone at the end of the season. He is a bad egg that needs to go before he spoils the dozen….to late….throw out the whole dozen and start over.
By Keefer
December 3, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Falcon’s QB next season: Donovan McNabb. He’s still got some gas in the tank, Philly doesn’t want him so he’ll be fired up to go somewhere they NEED him, and he would be the perfect vet to mentor DJ Shockley into a possible NFL-caliber QB.
No Brainer. Draft McFadden and a slew of Linemen. Sign McNabb.
By One_more_Falcon_Fan
December 3, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
I agree with most of what the first blogger here said and especially that Petrino definitely needs to clean house. I loved Vick for all that he did on the field (not off) to help us be the NFC south team to be reckoned with. Clearly if we had him this season our record would have been a helluva lot better. But thats neither here nor there. We the fans will just have to understand that yes we are going to be in yet again another re-building phase. Too bad we couldn’t have had Petrino a few years back instead of Mora and Knapp. Other than Vick’s dog fighting scandal, with Petrino who knows if we could or would have won a Super Bowl by now.
By MrsBanks
December 3, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…UNTIL THE FALCONS/BLANK/MCKAY DO RIGHT BY VICK, EVERYTHING THEY ATTEMPT TO DO WILL FAIL…KARMA IS A BEEYOTCH!!!
By The Realist
December 3, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
JIM P: A bad egg? Outside of the Carolina incident, he’s done nothing but shut down #1 receivers more often than not. For you to think that the team’s best d-back (by far) is part of the problem just proves my point. Interesting, all the analysts & commentators don’t see him as a bad egg. How about this: The run defense & lack of offense are the bad eggs!
By twon
December 3, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
I was talking to a friend yesterday after the game and sadly in Dec. as Falcons fans we are forced to look foward to the Draft… Darren MacFaddan come on down.
By One_more_Falcon_Fan
December 3, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
I agree with John Lovelace. I love my city but it’s fans literally SUCK. I think its because most of Atlanta are transplants. I mean when is the last time you actually met someone that grew up in this town. When the Falcons are doing great(which is rare in itself) then the fans come out the woodworks. But as soon as they start losing, then the fans become fans of the football team of there own hometown. From the Falcons, to the Hawks.
By bali
December 3, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Poor Jeff, You drew the short straw.Having to write a column on the falcons must bite big time. Of all the stories you could have written about you picked the falcons. Hmmmmmmmmm. Guess someone had to do it. What a nothing game. Tried to watch , tried to care, tried to like redman and the comeback effort. Did not work. Think I will begin devoting my life to higher calling………… BCS Math. Subtract 1 and 2 add 7 and 2 = 1 and 2……… Hey Ill figure it out soon enough.
By kenlevy_99
December 3, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
I used to have season tickets and never missed an “away” game on TV. But after the Vick fiasco and the way this season begun (and has played out) I simply don’t care anymore. I have watched less football than I have ever in my adult life and look forward to spending Sun afternoons with my wife and children at either museums, parks, golfing and even ASO events. Thank you Falcons for being so bad and uninteresting and making my life so much richer and diverse.
By KB
December 3, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
To all of the haters of the Falcons, may you all stay away from the Georgia Dome!!! I have never in my entire life hear about a bunch of wimpy, skittish, and fair-weathered fans. You people should be ashamed of yourselves. Yes, the Falcons, Hawks, and Braves have had a tough time at it. But when the team was winning, you people were all over them. But when the team is obvious rebuilding mode, you fans want to cuss and fuss like there is no tommorrow.
Yes Petrino knew up front this team needs to be rebuilt. Let us not kid ourselves. Call it what you will. The Falcons’ play reflect the fanbase there….Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!
Give Petrino a chance. He didn’t create this mess, but he has to clean it up…..
By mike
December 3, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Lets see. We keep Buttrino and fire all the current players. Then we have try out for all these armchair football wannebees that feel the need to expound so much football knowledge on this blog. Maybe even get Jeff to try out and see if he has any talent other than writing the wrong columns
By roger
December 3, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
can’t wait until season is over with, Falcons and Saints next week just like the old days baby!! the puke bowl coming this Monday! boy ESPN is happy!
By roger
December 3, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Hey KB don’t call out the fans, it’s not like the falcons have a storied pass, hell, the one time we went to the super bowl and got smoked, the very next year we won 4 games, we go to the NFC championship, next year 8-8, we had teams to grow on.. and keep us happy! but ownership sits back and is not proactive, look at New Engaland, they go to AFC championship, and next year, they get Welker, Stalworth and Moss, Ownership needs to be persistent on our needs across the board. Heck we’re still waiting on 2 seasons in a row of winning football!!!!
By Ken Thompson
December 3, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Who knows? Johnny Unitas was playing semipro when he got a shot in Baltimore
By DR
December 3, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Keefer is hallucinating.
On the other hand Mrs. Blank has already fried his brain. You hero is not coming back. You will find out on 12/10/08.
Yes indeed Karma is a bit¢h and that is why yourt hero is going away for a while or may be longer.
Will you please move to WVA and SFU
By BCS Bleauxs
December 3, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
If DJ Shockley hadn’t gone down in preseason we would be in the hunt.
By Jim P.
December 3, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Me Angelo Hall is not a great player. Me-Angelo Hall as been burnt so many times, that his skin is no longer brown, it black! So good bye me angelo dont let the door knob hit you on the way out!
By Dick
December 3, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
Same result, just different coach. No one can save the Falcons
By hamm - season ticket holder
December 3, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
people , people, people stop haten so much, what did you think was going to happen, this is no new. when you cheer when they good and you hate when they are bad. the fans could make it better they still may not win but if the fans don’t quit the players won’t quit. soooooooooooo if the writers and the fan would stay behind the team and show some love. This team is ours good or bad. I seen then bad and I have seen them good and I see them this year and I am still here.
By Jim P.
December 3, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Give Bobby P a chance? A coach that does not talk to his players, makes bad moves on and off the field…like the Grady Jackson move, and not telling his former team mates why? No. Booby P. needs to go.
I am cheering on Jacksonville. I hope they go deep in the playoffs, Grady will still be playing while the rest of the Atlanta misfits are out dog fighting, smacking their spouses, or just getting high.
By Robert H.
December 3, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
Comments made about D. Hall sound a lot like comments made about D. Sanders. BEFORE he went on to two SUPER BOWL rings on his way to Canton. Bobby P. is a joke and I hope he’s coaching on Saturday’s next fall.
By BA
December 3, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
By BA
December 3, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
go falcons
By Lee
December 3, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Why have the Falcons never drafted any or many players from UGA or GA Tech? They went to small colleges UAB to get Roddy White who can’t catch a cold. Just think how much better the Falcons would be if they had drafted from UGA or other SEC schools.
By BA
December 3, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
“we truss ‘em. But we o and fo.” -Alge Crumpler
By Danielle
December 3, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
I bet ATL won’t see another Monday night football game again after this season much less a game on Thanksgiving…
By SM
December 3, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
Why are any of you people still following this team??? There are plenty of other options out there for your time and money. Donate to charity, spend time with your family, take up a hobby. Don’t waste any more of your life on overpaid, underacheiving pro sports.
By TLW
December 3, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
I concur with everything stated below:
What do you expect? These are all spoiled-brat Little Jimmy Mora’s players. We have his boy, Michael Vick, the felon. We have his big-mouth, no play driving partner, MeAngelo Hall. We have big fat (even fatter than Andruw Jones) Alge Crumpler who looks like a guard and whines like a beeyotch. We have a bunch of no talent o-linemen (not named Justin Blaylock) that the cheater, Alex Gibbs forced the organization to pay money to. We have old safeties. We have the Great White Hope at middle linebacker who only knows how to make tackles from behind, because he either gets juked out of his shoes or he gets plowed over when he plays someone head’s up. We have one legit WR and no one else knows how to catch the ball.
How can anyone (who’s not an idiot, irrational Michael “Felon” Vick apologist) blame Petrino for this mess? I blame Little Jimmy Mora, that spoiled-brat, and I blame Alex Gibbs, and I blame Greg “Take A” Knapp, and I blame Ed “4th and 26” Donatell. I hope Petrino sweeps the cubbard clean, and in two more years we finally see a Falcons team built the right way.
And for God sakes, Rich McKay, DO NOT DRAFT ANY MORE THUGS FROM VATECH!!!
NO MORE FRANK BEAMER CRIMINALS!!!
By JERMAINE WILLIAMS
December 3, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
reggin and nascare are a dik!
By charles corley
December 3, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
The Falcons need to change pharmacist. According to Don Strock’s book “The Locker Room” Don Shular’s drug of choice for the team was ritalin. Gimme my ritalin and where is my helmet.
By charles corley
December 3, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
The Falcons need to change pharmacist. According to Don Strock’s book “The Locker Room” Don Shular’s drug of choice for the team was ritalin. Gimme my ritalin and where is my helmet.
By charles corley
December 3, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
The Falcons need to change pharmacist. According to Don Strock’s book “The Locker Room” Don Shular’s drug of choice for the team was ritalin. Gimme my ritalin and where is my helmet.
By Tiger Woo
December 3, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
TLW,
How can you call the players you mentioned “Little Jimmy Mora’s players”?
Jim Mora Jr. was hired in 2004.
Michael Vick joined the team in 2001. Alge Crumpler - 2001 Keith Brooking - 1998 Warrick Dunn - 2002 Kynan Forney - 2001
The only one you mentioned that may be considered a “Mora player” is Deangelo Hall - drafted in 2004 (not sure how much imput Mora had in this selection).
By cityofdecatur
December 3, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
By wirthlots
December 3, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
Lets be honest grinch.. we dont have an opportunity growing. What we have is a decent coach with bad players.Petrino needs to cut half the team, make good picks, and give a new meaning to the falcons team.
By david
December 3, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
VICKBELIEVER you are a stupid little monkey to even think that. Vick is guilty so get over it.. How many inocent people turn themselves in early to do jail time??? You stupid a**….
By Tiger Woo
December 3, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Hey cityofdecatur,
Petrino may not be fully to blame, but he’s partly to blame. He’s the coach, so he’s expected to get the best out of his team. Some of his decisions this year have been questionable. Sure, this isn’t the team he put together, but most new coaches are working with players that they didn’t sign or draft. I guess Petrino deserves a chance to make some player personnel moves and have a chance to mold a team of his choice before the jury is fully out on him.
By Tiger Woo
December 3, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
wirthlots,
These are basically the same so-called “bad players” that Mora Jr. was working with - why is Mora labeled as a “bad” coach (and fired)but Petrino is labeled a decent coach with bad players? I’m not overly impressed with Petrino’s performance this year. What has he really accomplished?
By russell sorrells
December 3, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
I would like to hear what Dan Reeves thinks about this mess. It sounds like there is a lot of guessing going on, but the owner and GM deserve the waiver wire for sure.
By Justin Case
December 3, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
I just do not understand why some of you do not see what is really wrong with the Birds.The two you must hold responsible for this mess is MRs Blank and MaKay. Blank needs to put his ego in check and Hire a REAL Head Coach!!!!We havent had one since Dan Reeves or Better still Wade Phillips…Yes I said Wade…Mr.Phillips was Head Coach here during the remainder of Dan’s last season(I think about 5 games)Blank had a Coach right under his nose and let him get away. He goes out and gets wet behind the ears Jim jr. Now we got Bobby P. Never walked a NFL sideline in his life.Blank needs to take a que from Ted Turner. Get out of the way and Hire SOMEONE to run this time or become the new Rankin Smith of the NFL.
By T
December 3, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
I know it’s not possible, but I would cut the entire team and start completely over. You think that would send the right message?