AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USEnd Falcons’ cursed season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Tampa — For the good of the league and all who watch it, Roger Goodell needs to act. The commissioner needs to stop the Falcons before they play again.
This is the NFL, where on any given Sunday any team is supposed to be capable of winning. The Falcons can’t even come close. On any given Sunday — and there are, pending league intervention, two games remaining — the Falcons can only heap further indignity on themselves.
First this season went bad. Then it got embarrassing. Now it’s just plain sad.
The Falcons lost to Tampa Bay 37-3 here Sunday. They managed five first downs. Their latest quarterback, the overmatched Chris Redman, had a passer rating of 1.2 in the first quarter, and it went down thereafter. (At game’s end, his rating was 0.0.) The Bucs had returned 1,864 kickoffs in their 32-season history without scoring a touchdown but, sure enough, Micheal Spurlock took one the distance in the first quarter.
“Guys were having fun [post-Petrino], and that’s something that’s been missing from our ballclub,” said DeAngelo Hall, who made a nifty interception but also committed another really silly personal foul. “But obviously that wasn’t the answer, either.”
There’s no answer for what has befallen the Falcons. No team has had a season begin with its best player going to court and wind down with its coach bolting for Arkansas. No team has ever had more reason to abrogate professional responsibility. No team has ever been more deserving of a mercy stoppage.
This was Arthur Blank, delivering a message he apparently felt was so essential that he called a reporter 10 minutes after the two spoke in the hallway: “I don’t want anyone feeling sorry for us. We’ll get back on track, and we’ll be fine.”
In that hallway conversation, Blank was asked where his franchise goes from here. “We’re going forward,” he said. “What else can we do?”
Sell the team, it was suggested.
“That’s not leadership,” Blank said.
“That’s quitting,” said his wife, interjecting an unsubtle dig at you-know-who.
“Leadership is going forward,” Blank said.
You’ll pardon the Falcons if they feel this season has been nothing less than a re- treat on roller skates. They’re professionals, yes, but they’re also human beings, and in the span of six days they saw their best player sentenced to 23 months in prison and their head coach quit to go call some Hogs and, almost as an afterthought, they lost two games by an aggregate 54 points. (And on Sunday they doubtless heard the ESPN report that Bill Cowher wants no part of coaching them.) What prepares even a rock-ribbed pro to handle all that?
Said Keith Brooking: “Obviously, this is unprecedented.”
Someone asked Brooking if, assuming he lives to a ripe old age, he’ll someday be able to look back on 2007 and laugh. Cocking an eyebrow, he said: “I’ll never be able to find that spin on this year.”
The defense actually played pretty well Sunday, but that effort was always fated to fail. Redman threw an interception that Ronde Barber took for a touchdown one minute in, and that was that. The offense didn’t covert a third down and lost the ball four times inside its 30-yard line.
“We came out with a lot of passion and hope,” said Emmitt Thomas, the stoic interim coach, and for all that the Falcons lost by 34 points. Imagine what might happen next Sunday, when they meet the Cardinals three time zones from home, or the next, when the Seahawks and Patrick Kerney (and yes, Jim Mora) come to what will be a half-filled dome.
“Pray for us as a staff,” Thomas said, “to get these guys to play like professionals.”
This wretched season, sorry to say, seems beyond even the power of prayer. A season like this calls for Goodell to announce today that, for the greater good of both the NFL and the Falcons, they’ll be granted a bye these next two weeks. Nothing good can come from them showing up to play. Nothing good can happen until this season comes to its bitter and blessed end.
Permalink | Comments (336) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Mark Bradley
Services »
Comments
By OpinionsAreLike
December 16, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
It is possible for something else go wrong, the Falcons have two weeks to do it. I’m sure they will.
By Shawn
December 16, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
First, Coach Cowher stated he had no intentions of coaching in 2008 but of course you slant this as him saying he wants no part of the Falcons. Second, implying the Falcons should just pack it up is no better than the route Petrino took. The Falcons have had a horrible season no doubt but hopefully they will bring in a good coach this time, have a top 5 draft pick, and if they can recover some Vick bonus money will be a major player in free agency.
By Westcoaster
December 16, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Mark, I generally enjoy your columns. You are typically very insightful. However, I’m not sure what you or anyone else was expecting from this team today. I expected a decisive loss —- and that’s what we got. You act like this is news. I suggest you find another topic to write about and leave the Falcons alone. It will take a few years, but they’ll get things worked out. Let it go.
By michaelgee
December 16, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
As a Falcon fan since 1966 we are still waiting, the real falcon Fans will remain here. It is time for a GM change, after that, the new regime must make the right calls.
This time we need to get it right.
At least we have a dedicated owner.
By Rod
December 16, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Dan Reeves should be on the falcons sideline next week with total control.
By Showtime
December 16, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are who we thought they were. They are who we thought they were. We saw them play all season and play like it’s bulls@@t, BULLS@@T! The Falcons are who we thought they were! And that why they took the field! If you wanna crown ‘em, then crown their @ss! But they are who we thought they were! Don’t let ‘em off the hook!
By billy g
December 16, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
I remember the season we went 3-13 and Croudip and Norwood died in separate car accidents. That was the worst season in Falcon history.
Everything that has happened this season is a temporary setback. Not life or death. Let us all collectively get a grip and forge forward. This is a rudderless ship. But, we will get a new rudder and the journey will continue.
Ask the commish for a break? I realize that you are joking. The problem is that the joke reveals your true nature. If you are inclined to quit, then step aside. This country ain’t about that.
This is the moment to act like a true American. Look to the early settlers of this country and draw courage. Stop behaving like losers.
In short: grow a pair.
By Bert Lawson
December 16, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
You need to stop blameing the Coach, who by the way made a great choice for him, and start to get rid of the Virginia Tech scum that play for the Falcons.
By Orra
December 16, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Huh, I was just sure that Harrington was the cause of all our troubles. Wait, there’s got to be some way to blame him.
By Cruzin
December 16, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
This comment is left intentionally blank. Just like the way the Falcons play….
By GW
December 16, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Meanwhile the winless Dolphins found a way to win a game. The Falcons need to at least find a way to keep these last two close.
By bob from winder
December 16, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
BRADLEY NEEDS TO GIVE IT A BREAK..ITS ONLY FOOTBALL.. the falcons still do not have the worst record in the nfl with all that has happened, whats there exscuse? bradley is a full time hater with nothing else to do but state the obvious.
By Bk Hawk
December 16, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
Another great job mark. Fire McKay tonight! Hire Dan Reeves as GM and Clean House. Put H (THUG) Hall on the road. I will never ever pay to watch a team with Hall on it,again. The whole team quit before the season started and it was not all Petrino fault.Vick and McKay sce#%@ this team. Time to start over Mr. Blank, with new GM and TOP COACH. If you let Mckay stay, its over before you start.
By lee
December 16, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Arthur Black is not a FOOTBALL man. He is a team owner. Mr McKay is a GM. Arthur needs to become invisable and let McKay take over. Marty Schottenheimer could be a candidate. But I’m sure the players will choose who they want as the next coach. He certainly will not be a man with any discipline, and the Falcons will continue the same old thing. Losers. We need a professional coach and a professional brand of football. The NFL product takes work and dedication, not what we are seeing. I think folks are tired of dropped balls, no blocking and guys who don’t respect their coach. Champion teams are alot differant from what we see.
By AL
December 16, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Once again “Me Hall” makes stupid mistakes. The good plays he makes never make up for all of the bad. Get him off of the team.
By Shaad
December 16, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
Lawson, If you think they should get rid of D-Hall and the rest of the VT players then they mind as well get rid of the whole team, D-Hall played the best out of everyone. Lets face it man the FALCONS are who we thought they were! This joke of a football team barely could win with Vick(the best player ever) occasionally They dang sure not about to win without him! So just tell to start over cause when Vick get back he gon stomp who ever they put on the field.
By B
December 16, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
Bob- Mark is not the Hatter. That’s T. Moore and Jeff S.
By who you gonna blame now
December 16, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
The players, lead by thug DeAngelo Hall, quit on Petrino around game 3. Petrino did the smart thing, pack up and leave. But the local media and the thug fans all back their thug players. You thug fans even think Vick is still innocent and deserves more chances. This has nothing to do with skin color. There are upstanding players on the Patriots and Colts who are of many colors. The Falcons and Bengals are filled with thugs and look where they are. At the bottom. Thugs never win and never will. Blank needs to cut Hall for his on-the-field actions yet again. You thug fans will then praise Hall. Get a life losers.
By Ross
December 16, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
They don’t need a coach. They need W.T. Sherman to burn the Dome to the ground so they can start over.
Personally, I think it’s the uniforms. You can’t play football looking like a gay pride parade. Go back to the basics.
Oh, is there some way to cause D-Hall to go somewhere else? I get so sick of seeing him pout and whine like a 2-year old.
-drl
By BUM
December 16, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
If you want to know why a team is on the BOTTOM, take a long hard look at the TOP.
Arthur Blank = LOSER. CLOWN. MORON.
THE FALCONS ARE THE WORST FRANCHISE IN THE NFL FOR ONE REASON, AND ONE REASON ONLY: ARTHUR BLANK.
ROCK BOTTOM = ARTHUR BLANK
By Bk Hawk
December 16, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Let McKay take over…are you crazy? He has hired 2 coaches Mora and Petrino and you want him to take over….@#$%… get a life Lee. McKays a Joke.
By Old Falcon Fan
December 16, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Get rid of the troublemakers—-we all know who fits this bill—-I must mention HALL—-Hire the best coach available—-bring back Dan Reeves as GM (if he will come)—-and prepare to be patient—-this is gonna take a long time Falcon fans.
By Shaad
December 16, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
I hate to say it man but I love what has happened to this team due to the Mike Vick situation. This organization through Mike under the bus when he needed someone in his corner but they acted like he was known for going to jail. I’m not saying they could have got him out of jail but if you really care for someone and appreciated what they did for you throwing him under the bus is not the answer give the man some moral support we convicted murders running the street and we bashing this dude like he the worst criminal ever.
By JIMMY MORA
December 16, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
HOMECOMING!
Hey, Atlanta. I’ll be back in town in less than TWO WEEKS for my homecoming game against my former employer.
So, how’s it going since you fired me? Have things improved? Are you better off?
I’m looking forward to MY return to the Georgia Dome. Are you?
See Yah in two weeks, LOSERS!!!!
JIMMY MORA
By JSS
December 16, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Loving it!!!
Never has a city or its populution deserved the fate that has befallen it as the ATL!
Whether it be the Braves, Falcons, Thrashers, or Hawks, one thing has run through it all, UNGRATEFUL and vengeful fans…
Oh for all of you crying for Dan Reeves, it was that man who got us into this mess with poor picks and personnel decision before McKay even saw Flowery “Polluted” Branch, no thank you to bringing back Chan Gailey the Elder!
You people have bad dunka!!! Look it up!!!
And Jeff Schultz still sucks!!!
By Brent
December 16, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
It is infathomable just how bad this team has become in such a short period of time.
And it’s all because Rich McKay has proven to be woefully inept at putting together a team with any degree of depth; this team hasn’t changed a lick since Dan Reeves (forgive us, Coach…we knew not what we did) was here: As Michael Vick goes, so go the Falcons.
By Larry
December 16, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Bill Cowher coach the Falcons?
Is this a joke?
There is NO WAY anyone with integrity, class, dignity or self respect EVER coaches this franchise.
The Falcons are a JOKE.
No one would want to be associated with these clowns.
EVER.
Call Chan Gailey or Dave Campo. They’ll take the job.
But Cowher? Parcells? Johnson?
NOT IN A MILLION YEARS would these guys get involved with a joke franchise and LOSER owner like Arthur Blank.
Not going to happen.
EVER.
By FalconManiac
December 16, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
The falcons need to keep after Cowher—-for $10 million per year, he will take the job. Blank’s a billionaire and can easily afford to pay big money to hire the best coach available: Bill Cowher. But, the falcons screw up everything and will hire another loser coach, like always.
By Dylan
December 16, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
* Mark whats your thoughts on Marty Schottenheimer as Falcons Coach? What about McKay, is it time for him to go?*
By Hank McCoy
December 16, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Good thing we are moving forward after Pig Sooey and getting back to falcons football…oops
By scooter
December 16, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Sell this team as quick as possible.find someone who will build in the suburbs and have some real outdoor football.We are in the south.
By popcornular
December 16, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Now the whole world really knows what an ignorant city Atlanta is. Was money from cotton worth this??
By Tyrone
December 16, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
This is all due to the racist treatment of Michael Vick, who didn’t deserve to go to prison for fighting a few dogs, since white players get off with a slap on the wrist for much worse. The whole system is designed to keep the black man down, like the old plantations. Arthur Blank should pull some strings to get Mike out of prison and beg him to come back to make the Falcons winners again. Without Vick, this team will go downhill fast.
By george
December 16, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Shaad, what the hell are you talking about? The Falcons threw Michael Vick under the bus. Are you kidding me? If the truth be known, Arthur Blank has probably bailed Michael Vick out of more trouble than we know about, including the water bottle incident in Miami. Ever wonder why a bottle that smelled like marijuana to trained law enforcement officials turned out not to be marijuana residue? Money talks, and I wouldn’t bet against money talking in that situation. Arthur Blank did everything possible for Michael Vick…paid him far more than he was truly worth as a quarterback and treated him like family. What did he get in return? Seems like Michael flat out lied to the man, along with the NFL commissioner. Then when the heat was on, and his fellow thugs rolled over on him, he copped a guilty plea. Even then he didn’t come clean, and lied to the judge, not to mention smoking another joint or two while pending sentencing. Any wonder the judge had no sympathy for him? Those actions alone bought him another 6 months in the big house. No, Arthur Blank and the Falcons, did not throw Michael Vick under the bus. Michael Vick showed everyone he didn’t give a damn about anyone but himself by becoming involved in criminal activity. In the long run, the Falcons will be much better off without his type.
By JR
December 16, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
Shadd, Please buy a dictionary and learn to use it. Your post was hurtful to read!
By george
December 16, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Tyrone, “the man” made Michael Vick break the law and end up where he belongs. Actually, the man (Arthur Blank), paid Michael Vick $130 million dollars and trusted him too much. But, I don’t think you will see him compounding that mistake by begging Michael Vick to do anything, except maybe to stay out of Atlanta.
By Boo Boo
December 16, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
A bye?!?! Let them forfeit the last two. I’m sure the Player’s Union will support the idea. No since in risking any injury to some dues paying millionaires (many of whom made guaranteed millions before ever playing a down professionally). Let them stay home in their mansions for the holidays. When’s the next strike? Maybe the Falcon’s Scab Football team from the 80’s can they be recalled to play out the last two games? If so, they can let Redman play with them, since it will be his last games as a “professional” football player. He’ll love the memories.
By Mark Bradley
December 16, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
To Dylan: My thoughts on McKay, as semi-articulated in Saturday’s paper, are that he should stay as president but cede GM duties to someone better able to pick personnel. Whether that’s also the new coach depends on the new coach: You might trust Bill Cowher to pick players — moot point now, I know — but you wouldn’t give the franchise keys to a career assistant who’d just gotten his first head coaching position. As for Schottenheimer: I think he’d be a solid choice but not an inspired one. He has proved he can get teams to the playoffs; he has also proved he can’t get one to the Super Bowl.
By ab
December 16, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
Tyrone, you are a moron
By Gene
December 16, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
This team could not possibly be as bad as they are playing. An expansion team would show more talent. Whatever else happens, I really hope that Hall goes away.
By Gene p.s.
December 16, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Footnote to George: Vick’s “water bottle” not only smelled like dope, the entire bottle mysteriously vanished from the evidence room.
By kris in alpharetta
December 16, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it, the Falcons have always been a basement team. There has been one lost Super Bowl 9 years ago, and a lost NFC championship game 3 years ago. Michael Vick brought something to the Falcons that they had not enjoyed previously: Validity. No one actually believed the Falcons would go all the way in ‘99 but they did. Reason being, the Falcons legacy had been one of failure and loss and the saga continues. I think the high profile nature of some of the players has given fans the delusional impression the Falcons are somehow an elite team and that losing is foreign to this city. The Falcons can draft, re-draft, change colors, coaches, quarterbacks, socks, MARTA buses, or play musical chairs but nothing will change. What may help is getting rid of Mckay whose only in it for a paycheck. Otherwise, the Falcons are not the Patriots, Cowboys, Packers, 49ers, orSteelers. To sum it up, losing is part of the Falcons reality. Get used to it. The players certainly have. Business as usual.
By Get the Picture
December 16, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
Not sure I have ever heard of a coach asking fans to literally pray the players play better.
I do like Blank’s attitude. He certainly seems to badly want to win, but he has not done a good job of making it happen. Books should be written about the management mistakes that have been made.
By Jock Ewing
December 16, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
Anybody with half a brain knows Blank paid off the water bottle situation to protect his boy. Problem is, his boy didnt appreciate it and lied to him about the dogs.
Vick is one stupid MF. He could have been the first to plead guilty and would have been out of jail by early 2008. He is getting what he deserves and so is Arthur for firing the Dan Reeves who commands respect in this league.
Sell the team Arthur or move it to LA. I am done and so is about 50% of your season ticket holder fanbase. You rode Bernie Marcus’ coattails and are nothing as an NFL owner.
By flafalcon
December 16, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
MIKE SINGLETARY
By flafalcon
December 16, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
MIKE SINGLETARY
By flafalcon
December 16, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
I’M GOING TO SAY IT AGAIN MIKE SINGLETARY
By flafalcon
December 16, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
I’M GOING TO SAY IT AGAIN MIKE SINGLETARY
By What Else To Say?
December 16, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
I’m not gonna be negative. This team makes it HARD for you to like them not to mention love. There is a lot of frustration on real Falcons fans heart and soul. This city is just so hateful. This team gives you a lot of bad things to say about it. But what has this team done for fans to be royal towards it? Everyone wants to “play” GM and hide behind his computer.
If I was Mr. Blank, I would uproot this whole franchise and move to a city that would actually CARE about having a NFL team.
Ask yourself, honestly, would you care or be upset if the Falcons were not HERE anymore? NOBODY CARES about sports in this town. Why should we? What do we have? The Braves used to matter, but they could only win it once.
I said I wasn’t going to be negative, but, WELCOME TO LOSERSVILLE, USA!
By flafalcon
December 16, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
AND AGAIN……. MIKE SINGLETARY
By Bucs Fan
December 17, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Take it from a Bucs fan - getting rid of Rich McKay isn’t going to help the situation. They do need to put him back in the front office handling the league matters. Rich is NOT a good judge of football talent, period. People praised his great drafts in Tampa, but he had Jerry Angelo and others doing the work while he took the credit. He had VERY little serious input.
A huge problem in perception the Falcons have outside Atlanta is that Blank is a control freak who won’t stay out of the football operation. If you want to get a coach at the level of Cowher, he’s going to have to back off and let the man run the show. I don’t see it happening.
And Falcons folks, again - stop letting McKay make personnel (players and coaches) decisions - he’s killing your franchise with his mistakes.
By flafalcon
December 17, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
DID I SAY …MIKE SINGLETARY
By jeff
December 17, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this
First, get rid of Deangelo Hall..anyone that disrespects their coach should be treated like anyone else here…You get FIRED….
By Splinter
December 17, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
Amen, the decisions made the last few years could be used in business school as primo ejemplos in how NOT to manage an organization. I’m just glad I’m not a season ticket holder to this whoa-pig sew-ee slop…
By BRING BACK REEVES
December 17, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this
Hey jss you say it was Reeves that got us into this mess? He drafted Brooking, kearney, Vick who you and everyone else thinks is still the face of the franchise..it was the other coaches that drafted our two sure handed receivers and the thug of the NFL DIRT BAG HALL, SO YOU WERE SAYING WHAT? He’s been the best we have had
By tj
December 17, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
It’s no wonder Redman had good things to say about Pigtrino, he gave him a job. Anybody even capable of playing that bad should thank the person who gave him a job. If Joey had ever played that bad his locker would have been cleaned out before the game was over. I know Joey is not the QB of the future, but this team actually was competitve most of the time until they started jerking him around and it’s been all downhill since. And now they say Redman will continue to start. Talk about rock bottom.
By Racebaiter
December 17, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
Shaad’s what’s wrong with the black race. They always have an excuse for criminal behavior. And they’d rather look good to their homies and lose than look bad to their homies and win.
By Robert S
December 17, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this
Dateline: April 15, 2008.
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank’s search for a new head coach has narrowed considerably in the last two weeks. After months of being rebuffed by such notable coaching talent like Bill Cowher (who mistakenly believed Arthur Blank was prank calling him when he was actually serious), Marty Schottenheimer (“Playoffs? Playoffs? What’s that?”) and Mike Singletary (quoted as saying “You gotta be outta yo mind, brotha!”), the Falcons have narrowed it down to three choices - Jerry Glanville, Dan Reeves, and local garbage collector Hugh “Big” Bottomley, with Bottomley seemingly getting the most consideration since he knows what stinks worst and wishes to keep, in his words, “That Falcons tradition”………
By Think about it
December 17, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
Why aren’t any white players on the team labeled “Thugs”. It seems like “Thug” is used as the new N-word.
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
December 17, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
Will Blank ever tire seeing D-Hall embarrass his team? I’m glad the team lost yesterday 1. it gets us closer to a great draft choice and 2. it exposes McKay as a terrible GM. Sunday’s game reminds me of when the really strict teacher is out sick and the students take advantage of the substitute. The only problem here is that the Falcons are supposed to be professionals. One can only hope and pray that Blank puts in a football expert and leaves the personnel decisions to him. Blank can meddle with the team’s marketing, etc. Mr. Blank you are many things but Jerry Jones you are not, you do not have adequate football knowledge, get somebody in here who does and let them do their work. Look at Kraft in New England. PS If Cowher were interested in coaching the Falcons and was tossed enough $$$ and given enough control of the personnel, he would set up shop down here. The fact of the matter is that there are about 10 other NFL destinations he would rather go to. Cowher going to a place where he has 100% control.
By Killer
December 17, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this
Shadd, Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought an idiot than to open it and remove all doubt!
By Killer
December 17, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this
Tyrone…..What an idiotic statement! The Falcons can attribute much of this season’s mess to Michael Vick! Would you not agee? Please go get educated in areas of rational thought! Geez!
By Killer
December 17, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this
Tyrone…..What an idiotic statement! The Falcons can attribute much of this season’s mess to Michael Vick! Would you not agree? Please go get educated in areas that might lead to rational thought! Geez!
By Jon Gruden
December 17, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this
I agree that Bobby Patrino is a POS, but Big Arthur Blank deserves what is happening to the Falcons. If I remember correctly, just a few years ago he told the Tampa Bay Bucs they need to act professional and let Rich McKay go ahead and leave the team before the season was over in 2003. So he should have no problem with what Bobby Patrino did. It seams to me if situations are good for him he’s all about it but at the same time if it hurts another team for him to gain he has no problem doing what’s wrong. Or is he a man only for himself? What a classless piece of garbage. Thank God he is getting what he deserves. And watching the Bucs b*$#h slap the Falcons today was so much fun to watch. You reap what you so Arthur!
By Still a True Fan
December 17, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this
Bill Cowher made a promise to his family. He’s keeping the promise. How is that a poor reflection upon the Atlanta Falcons?
This city has had two owners willing to spend what it takes to win. Arthur Blank and Ted Turner, how’d the first TEN years of Turner’s ownership turn out?
McKay was the consensus top GM candidate for the Falcons. Has he worked out? No, turns out Ruskell was the guy. Blank will get it turned around and hopefully all of you racists, buffoons, defenders of criminals and these blogs will be a bad, distant memory.
The Atlanta sports fan? Give me a break.
By they stink
December 17, 2007 2:26 AM | Link to this
well i see it wasnt the coach today it was the team theylook like the cant vene match up to the competition like their a replacement team their the worst team next to the dolphins and ravens they need to get something together because next season might look just like this one if we let mckay do another stupid draft and f@ck everything up
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 17, 2007 3:52 AM | Link to this
The worst part about this whole thing is that there are actually people wishing that the Falcons didn’t fire Jim Mora. Yeah, the Petrino experiment was a failure. But let’s not forget what a horrible game day coach Jim Mora really was. Let’s not forget how idiotic the play calling was on a weekly basis. Let’s not forget his complete inability to answer even the most basic football related questions in his press conferences without spewing nonsense cliches. Let’s not forget that his refusal to fire Greg Knapp and Ed Donatell not only kept this team out of the playoffs the last two seasons but significantly sidetracked Michael Vick’s career (before Vick finished the job himself).
Just because Rich McKay made a stupid hire in Petrino doesn’t make the decision to fire Mora a bad one. Similarly, just because McKay made a stupid decision to hire Mora doesn’t make the decision to fire Dan Reeves a bad one. If McKay had hired someone like Lovie Smith instead of Mora, who knows, maybe this team wouldn’t have underachieved so badly in 2005 and 2006. If McKay had hired someone like Mike Tomlin or Ken Whisenhunt instead of Petrino, who knows, maybe this team would have handled this season’s adversity better.
If there’s one good thing about Vick’s off field problems, it has exposed the fact that this team was really, truly, completely horrible with the exception of #7. It has exposed what a poor job Mora and McKay did acquiring and developing players. Hopefully now that this has been exposed, McKay will be replaced with someone who knows what he’s doing.
By ahmed
December 17, 2007 3:56 AM | Link to this
i think michael vick shouldn’t have been fighting those dogs. peyton manning doesn’t do that. tom brady doesn’t do that. we need more white people on the team.
By Falcons R Horrible
December 17, 2007 4:15 AM | Link to this
Just think, if the Dolphins win two games and we lose the next two—-duh——we will be tied with the worst team in the NFL.—-record wise that is. We already hold a lot of the worst categories on offense. Way to go Birds for another enjoyable season to remember———-oh sorry excuses, excuses blaa blaa
By CRIPVET
December 17, 2007 4:28 AM | Link to this
Greetings from the West coast! I do so get a kick out of reading some of the posts that appear here, borderline(?) racist rants, moronic rants in defense of the the un-defensible (Mike Vick) and BTW as a Black man i find the whole dog fighting thing mystifying and utterly disgusting, never even heard of it and i have been around and i’m over 50. Yes indeed, your team is on the critical list, look forward to next year and stop it already with the MV7 shirts, you do look VERY idiotic to the rest of the country and as for the racists, just like the song say’s: “land of cotton ol times there AIN’T forgotten”.
By PoliticalMan
December 17, 2007 5:29 AM | Link to this
During the MV era, the Falcons seemed to be unconcerned with character. It burned them. There are some in the same mold on the team now - can you say #21. Get rid of them.
Get a QB and a coach and march forward.
By Birdfan
December 17, 2007 5:30 AM | Link to this
Tyrone, If they made hats to fit brains, you would wear a peanut hull.
By Bill B
December 17, 2007 5:41 AM | Link to this
Up until yesterday, I had no sympathy for the Falcons. Today, I have a little. Blank needs to look for a coach and players with “character.” Vick had none and we see now that Petrino was missing that quality. Of course, I question how much character Blank has. He lied to the public when he actually said he did not know what the “real” Vick was like. If he didn’t know, he should have. Real character will overcomew many shortcomings. We are in this sorry situation because there in not enough of it in key areas of the team.
By Shaldon O.
December 17, 2007 5:43 AM | Link to this
Greetings to my Atlantan natives. We have been here in this position for over what 30 something years. One day the sun will shine on us brightly. I am a native Atlantan. My father made watch the Falcons growing up. And I will continue to watch them. So Arthur Blank please don’t sell. We need the FALCONS!
By Russ
December 17, 2007 5:53 AM | Link to this
Bradley, you sound just like the guy you so heavily endorsed as being the savior of this franchise just weeks before he bolted for arkansas,It’s funny how without a Mike Vick on the roster everybody wants to give up and quit,even the local media.
By Chris
December 17, 2007 6:09 AM | Link to this
Let’s see….. Defense played fairly well, however, lack of professionalism by a few players cost them. Bench them. Offensive line apparently has a difficult time blocking,and picking up defensive stunts, time to coach them. Receivers drop passes more times than they catch them, at least 500 catches per day. The QB makes a poor pass early on, more time reading defenses and film. Special teams had a difficult time staying in their lanes and fulfilling their responsibilities,giving up a touchdown, film room and practice again. These athletes make my salary in one game. Do your job. I am encouraged by Mr. Thomas. It will take time to stop the bleeding.
By Elainer
December 17, 2007 6:19 AM | Link to this
So, the Falcon players are telling us that without Vick, none of them are capable of playing football? Its very sad when a team depends solely on one player to win games. Clean house Arthur. You have more trouble makers than you have players.
By Singletary
December 17, 2007 6:23 AM | Link to this
FlaFalcon is right: Mike Singletary is a proven leader. He’d take this job and forge a new identity. I’d hoped for his selection last time. Now, I think it is even more critical.
Imagaine the kudos for (finally) hiring someone qualified who wanted the job and who didn’t come in to try to force the WC offense on a team. (Admittedly now, I think there is a complete blank slate.)
Acknowledge the fact that Mike Singletary came up through the defensive ranks and hire a power Off Coordinator. These HC’s who call plays are suspect. Have the OC call the plays, but have the HC on the mike to organize clock management. Those are both big jobs that should be done by separate people.
Finally, don’t wait until the draft. Make moves now. DHall is a top 3 cornerback, but if Mike Singletary doesn’t want him, trade him to Cleveland for Quinn or Anderson. Then, you have from February to set up a play book instead of later than April to try to sign your new #1 pick!!!!
Timeline: January: Mike Singletary named coach.
February: Mike Singletary executes brilliant trade: DHall & a 2009 2nd round pick for Brady Quinn.
Don’t wake me up. This could really happen.
By ET
December 17, 2007 6:35 AM | Link to this
Cecil Flowe announced he is also not interested in the Falcons’ job.
By Falcons Stink!
December 17, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
Oh, you misguided and ill-informed. The mark of Cain is upon you! You moron Falcon fans keep blaming McKay for hiring Petrino and Mora. You numbskulls keep forgetting that Blank wanted Mora after his meeting with him. As for Petrino, I’m sure Blank had a major influence on that decision as well. You morons and thugs are some of the worst fans and people I’ve ever had the displeasure to hear voice an opinion. Thug-Hall needs to go! Oh yes and your next coach will be black, not a racist thing, a fact, because Blank needs to fill seats and he knows that will sell tickets. Thats why Leftwich is on this team, to sell tickets not win! He could care less if your team of losers and thugs wins at anything. It’s about the money! Please Sir Arthur, may I have another? If you Morons continue to buy tickets you’ll get what you deserve! an to all who would call me racist, look in the mirror to see a real racist!
By Dumbing Down
December 17, 2007 6:39 AM | Link to this
Coach now “Franchise Killer” Vick’s legacy lives! The Falcon players sure showed Petrino a thing or two against the Bucs! Petrino did the right thing, although he could have handled it better. Cowher says no, and who can blame him. You are an idiot to be with this “snake bitten” franchise!
Keeping “MeAngelo” Hall on the roster is insane.
“Too slow” Brooking is another waste of money.
McKay and Blank.. Laurel and Hardy of the NFL?
By DR
December 17, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this
Few here go on like Bill Cowher won 4 super bowls or something. Folks, he only won one and retired. If he doesn’t want to coach, so be it. Throwing money at him and busting the salary cap is not the way to go for building this team.
Get Dan Reeves or Marty they have the experience and leadership qualities to fix this mess. Joe Gibbs went back to coach the Redskins so why not bringing reeves back. Neither one may not be the long term (10+ year) solution Mr. Blank is looking for but that goal seems way low on the list compared to immediate needs. Immediate needs would be:
Get some pride as a team Get the players motivated to play Get a coach players can respect and respect players
and finally:
Do not and I mean do not put all your eggs in one basket (bad experiment). We don’t need go out franchise players and pay them 1/3 of the salary cap instead, create an environment where players can become franchise players. High payed franchise players generally seem to work out, let us go get players with heart and soul who want to play hard and have something to prove to themselves and the foot ball world.
Brady was not super star with Patriots when he started. Rothleisberger was not a super star when he started with Steelers and nether was Favre.
This crap about media manipulating super star players and coaches is nothing but crap!
By David Lee
December 17, 2007 6:50 AM | Link to this
Falcons - The WORST team in the history of Sport
By jc_dawg
December 17, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this
1st step….
hire 1 of the following 4 people.
1)Bill Cowher
2)Marty Shottenheimer
3)Dan Reeves
4) Mike Singletary
Step 2….
Mckay needs to be replaced.
Step 3….
1st round of draft…at qb get Matt Ryan from BC. Brohm is not too bad either.
Step 4….
Load up with as much OL talent as you can. The Falcons are so weak at that position. Its so bad that the game is over before it starts! For the love of God…please focus on this position!
There is only 1 direction for this team now…and that is up.
By Steve
December 17, 2007 6:57 AM | Link to this
The Falcons should first get rid of thugs like D Hall. Just another leftover from the Vick era that is now gone. Wipe the slate clean and start over.
By Sloan
December 17, 2007 7:02 AM | Link to this
Enough already about how the Falcons lost Michael Vick. He’s one player. He didn’t play on the defense. He didn’t block on the offensive line. The Falcons are just plain awful. I don’t blame Petrino for wanting out, but he could have handled it better.
By Glenn
December 17, 2007 7:08 AM | Link to this
Keep focused!!!High draft pick…who cares if they win or lose? When is the last time you even watched?
By jc_dawg
December 17, 2007 7:16 AM | Link to this
The year was 1988…I went and saw the Falcons play the LA Rams at Atl fulton county stadium. The final score was 37-0…Rams.
At the time…I was depressed. Why do the Falcons have to be so horrible? Will they ever be good again?
The next morning…I heard the news that David croudip…db for the Falcons…had died of a cocaine overdose. That puts things into perspective.
Just a few years later…the Falcons were a playoff team.
This miserable season shall too pass. Don’t give up.
By Jim
December 17, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this
WAS PETRINO THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR TRADING SCHAUB OR WAS MckAY THE CULPRIT ALONE?
I KNOW THE COMPARISON IS A LONG WAY FROM RELEVANT, BUT THE DECISION TO SIMPLY HAVE IN ESSENCE NO BACKUP TO THE PUNK VICK WAS AT LEAST AS STUPID AS HIRING PETRINO ….
By Zerblis
December 17, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
Bring back the Clampetts!
By RichCobbGuy
December 17, 2007 7:31 AM | Link to this
How about Marion Campbell?
By WestSider
December 17, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this
I love all the typical comments when the Falcons start to play badly…Fire this guy or trade that guy, etc…sell the team, they are losers…blah, blah.
Talk about fair-weather fans! The NFL is lopsided…always has been always will be, but I think that any franchise can turn around in the span of 3-5 years and at least be a contender. Fan support is crucial…but in the ATL unfortunately you have so many fans that will show up the next week after we start losing in the opponents jersey. This is the South…college football is King. NFL is a side-line for all of the transplants, so get used to it. Have fun, support the team, tailgate your butts off, don’t invest too much emotionally, and forget about firing people…that is what got us into this mess in the first place.
By Let's all laugh
December 17, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this
**DAN REEVES WAS 0-4 in SUPER BOWL ATTEMPTS. ELWAY WAS 0-3 (or was it 0-2) UNDER REEVES.
IDIOT REEVES IS NOT THE ANSWER.**
By Greg
December 17, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this
I don’t know why anyone in his right mind is thinking a high draft pick will somehow turn around this franchise. You mean a high pick like Michael Jenkins, MeAngelo Hall, Roddy White, or Jamal Anderson. Yeah those guys really moved us to the top of the mountain. I’m also convinced now that Rich McKay knows nothing about talent - enev the guy from Tampa Bay who posted earlier said so. Let’s get rid of him at the end of the season and start fresh with a new coach and GM. Also, PLEEAASSE get rid of Meangelo Hall. Did you read his most recent stupid-@$$ comment that the team was having fun without Petrino around. That’s all this idiot cares about is getting his huge paycheck and not being held accountable for anything. We need players who don’t find fun in getting their a*******es stomped by a collective 54 points in 2 games. This guy is a total loser - DEANGELO HALL IS THE NEW FACE OF THE FALCONS !!
By Demetrius
December 17, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this
The problem isn’t the players, rather the leadership, or lack there of. A coach that commands repsect from even the most questionable of characters can still win.
As for Atlanta fans, the problem is with all of the yankee trash migrating down here. No one that lives in Atlanta is from here anymore, which creates an atmosphere where everyone is quick to jump on the band wagon and even quicker to jump off. Go back up north where you belong, no one wants you here; your ruining our city.
By yankee
December 17, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
You think this is bad? Try being from Detroit.
By Tommy Maddox
December 17, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
McKay and D. Hall should be shown the door.
As for a first draft choice - it’s awful when you could draft a top flight quarterback but have no one to protect him. They might need to draft a slew of giants first. There again, what good does it do to have a slew of giants to protect someone who can’t throw the ball?
Oh boy, I’m glad the Falcons brass gets paid the big buck to make these choices.
By pewterpower36
December 17, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this
McKay is/has done to your team, exactly what he did to The Bucs. Exceeded the cap and made very poor player choices. The sooner he is out the sooner you can start trying to rectify his mistakes and then to rebuild. In our case, it took 5 years. Good Luck!
By cooter
December 17, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Falcon fans, drop your Falcon season tickets and replace them with GT season tickets. See an exciting football team next year. Don’t waste your money at loserville.
By reb
December 17, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this
This team has 100% quit playing football on a professional level. They are clearly going through the motions and could care less about their integrity on the field. Professional’s they are not. It’s sad to see such a complete meltdown as we are having endure as their fans?
By change in the redneck media tone
December 17, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this
Read this blog page as a player or coach why would you come to this. The redneck fans are hateful and clueless and the sport media in this town is the same or worse. Build this team offense line.
By truth
December 17, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Character, character, character - Atlanta has none. Vick had none, Hall has less! The receivers collectively are the worst - including block-hands Crumbler. And all they can do after ech pitiful performance is mouth off about the coach. None have any accountability, always blaming everyone else. Dump them all, hire on character, not stats (see m.v.) and see what having a little personal accountability can mean to a team.
By duward
December 17, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
those poor, poor millionaires…hopefully the big millionaire will hire another milionaire to motivate them to work harder for their millions
By bum5Phillips
December 17, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this
Fair weather Falcon fans I hope you lose your feathers and don’t come back. Blaming Arthur Blank after 30+ years with the Smith’s, come on…………
By alan from Atlanta GA.
December 17, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
It’s time to get rid of D Hall watching him play yesterday made me sick. He’s a thug, by the way take McKay with him. The Falcons need a new start, when is Blank going to let McKay speak? Does he even know how, after licking Blanks shoes.
By change in the redneck media tone
December 17, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
redneck fan base killing this team. Black player run as fast as you can to get out of here AND uga BLACK PLAYER THEY HATE YOU TOO! Have most of the black player got their dregees at UGA HELL NO!
By ED FROM ELLIJAY
December 17, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
HALL AND VICK WERE,ARE, CANCERS. THEY RUIN A TEAM. I QUIT GOING WHEN VICK SHOT THE FANS A BIRD IN FRONT OF MY 5 YEAR OLD SON WHO WAS WEARING A VICK JERSEY!! WATER BOTTLE? YEAH RIGHT. HERPES?? HALL IS OF THE SAME MODE. HE IS A SORRY INDIVIDUAL , WHO ONLY THINKS OF HIMSELF.!! GET RID OF HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Phil C
December 17, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
We certainly looked bad yesterday but I think under all of the issues that have victimized the Falcons this season from Vick in designer stripes to The “Coach” leaving town in the middle of the night just forgetting to tell the rest of the team “we” were escaping! ;-) at this point you really can’t expect a miracle even if the headquarters was on 34th street! and it isn’t , Suwanee is as far away as it gets! !
By Hew
December 17, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
SHUT UP THE LOT OF YOU!!!!!
By Felon de Blank
December 17, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
We sucked before Mike wore stripes, we sucked before Bobby bolted. This team was designed around one man, Vick, from top to bottom. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Time to rip it apart and start all over again. Can you BELIEVE that after all these years of misery, we’re about to start the rebuilding process ALL OVER AGAIN???
By B. P'trino
December 17, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Hah, hah, hah. I bet an outstanding college team—Arkansas, for example—could beat the sorry so-called professional Falcons.
By Hamp
December 17, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Well Cower and Parcells said NO! I did not want either of them anyway. I think Singletary, Shotty, or the mad genius martz is where we need to go (though martz doesn’t like to run the ball enough for me). I think we need to make close to wholesale changes but I think there is enough young talent to build aroung. We must keep Brook, Boley and Law dawg! We are gonna have to spend some money to be it close to getting right. But the hope is looking at Green Bay they are 12-2. That is your blue print Mr. Blank
By change in the redneck media tone
December 17, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
The smith was from UGA that why this team lost for 30+ years and the falcons has UGA color That where they F-ck up frist at. they are dogging hall out, fools who would you get to replace him .you have no brains. our redneck fan base is hatefull and clueless and killing this team! Why come to this kind of hate and cluelessness!
By akawilhelm
December 17, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
On Tuesday we saw one guy quit. Then on Sunday we got to see what happens when 53 guys do it.
By dr soul
December 17, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
What this team needs is a TOTAL change at the top….we do not need a novice owner or an inept GM… as after a certain time at HD, where he had to go, Blank no longer has Bernie or anyone who can cover for him.. he has proven what many already knew, that despite his money, he is not the leader or proper management/owner for a professional football team…he should go and promote himself some other way and let this team have real ownership and leadership that will get them to the top…will not happen as long as he is around.. as the saying goes Arthur, if you really love something, let it go… and you are way overdue to let this team go from under you… bless the team for they really want to play and be winners, but they do not have the leadership to ever achieve that..
By Shenana
December 17, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
Several things to ponder Mr. Blank:
It’s not the weapon, it’s the warrior.
And these are the players that MADE the team? Good grief.
McKay, I feel is your problem.
Forty two years of poor performance. You would not let Home Depot operate that way….by the way, I was ine of your first customers the day your first Depot opened on Memorial Drive.
By DawgGrad
December 17, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
At least we’re not the Dolphins…
By Mr Negative
December 17, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
My steak’s on the grill!!
By boots
December 17, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
The only asset Mike Singletary brings to the table is that he’s black —- and that seems to be the over-riding concern of a vocal element in what is now called “the Capitol of Black America.”
So, since the team has demonstrated over the past two years that they simply will not play for a white coach or white quarterback, give Singletary the job and let Shockley start as quarterback.
I only want to see a winner. If this give us the best chance, then let’s go for it!
My guess is that whatever is done with this motely crew will be like “pulling on a duck’s neck trying to make a swan.
By jerry
December 17, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are the CESSPOOL of the NFL. Cesspools are supposed to stink and this one fits the bill.
By HereWeGoAgain
December 17, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
It’s apparant by all the THUG references that Atlanta and the AJC blog is filled w/the self proclaim righteous neocons
You all are quick to call a black athelete a Thug in a blog. I’d pay money for you cowards to find the next healthy young educated black male and call him a THUG cuase he wears corn rolls or he talks back to his coach. If Jeff George screamed at J.Jones on the sideline, noone called him a thug. You people are SICK RACIST
By What's Real
December 17, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
I’ve never seen so many racist comments before in my life. “THE THUG BLACK PLAYER!” LOL… You people truly show your colors behind a computer LOL…..Nobody did anything to Big Ben #7 in the yellow and black when he was driving crazy on the bike did they? Did anyone say they didn’t need a wild redneck on the team? You people are so quick to cast the stone. You all are so perfect! Yeah Vick lies caused his punisment to be more severe-that’s on him! But the man is an awesome quarterback(ok i’ll give you the benefit of the doubt on his accuracy lol).
Anyway….Eli Manning might be free and McNabb might be free. McKay needs to go to Pop Warner Football and Arthur Blank is the TRUTH!!!! Keep lookin for ways to win man! I don’t agree with getting rid of D. Hall he just needs anger management classes. T.O. has the same anger problems but both of them can produce game changes!
And oh yeah….DUNN, Michael Jenkins, the new cornerback and Leftwich needs to go. They purely suck…..I don’t care if DUNN does a lot for the community. That really doesn’t matter with 3 min left in the 4th qtr.
And to all you racist sports fans…look in the mirror!
By Clayton Bigsby
December 17, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
The Atlanta fans suffer from RACISM . This team will always fail, there’s too much negativity surrounding this team. You people are stupid, get rid of D.Hall. Who’s going to replace him? You talked about M.Vick like this last year, who’s going to replace him? People Steve Bartkowski is not coming back. Defenses are too fast for a pocket QB unless you have an excellent OL, which we don’t have. You people are like CANCER spreading this racist filth. You should be ashamed of yourselve, F$@*%ing self righteous idiots.
By TheItalianDawg
December 17, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Mark, good column! however, its just a bad season. the bigger problem is, i dont see any great QB in the next year draft. I think the Falcons need a guy lik Jack Del rio (Jacksonville coach), he is one heck of a football coach! Do you think the Falcons can steal Jack from the Jaguars?
By Aghast
December 17, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Hey “Think about it”; Nobody has had to refer to the white players as “thugs” - they behave themselves and show some class.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Why do these Falcons blogs attract the most uneducated, racist (black and white), and clueless people? Why can’t some people stay on topic and have discussions without showing their ignorance? If you have nothing to offer to the discussions, stay away please …
By Robert
December 17, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Well, the dome is empty, Mike is in jail, Petrino is gone, the falcons are like the hawks now, you can buy a cheap ticket and sit on the fifty yard line on the first level. The season ticket sales next year will be awful and Blanks better hope that Vick is released early so he can come back and save this franchise, or the falcons might be moving to Oklahoma?
By Peter
December 17, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Here you have it folks, as a team, the Falcon’s collectively quit.
We have a bunch of thugs on the team, and they have a bunch of guys that are not professional quality players.
At the beginning of the season there was a rating system of all the players in the NFL on either the SI site, or ESPN, I have forgotten now…… but if anyone saw where they rated our individual players, you could see why our season was doomed from the get go.
To ME that speaks about Rich McKay……… he is doing an absolutely horrible job, and until HE GOES, and someone comes in with the ability to judge talent we will be going NO WHERE FAST !
Let’s face it Rich McKay picked out last two coaches…… enough said !
By ed
December 17, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
this was the falcons statement game,unfortunately for the city of atlanta and the fans,the falcons have been playing these type games for the past thirty plus years, and you idiots actually blame petrino for leaving,I don’t buy your tickets,I don’t buy your team merchandise, I don’t support loosers on any level and loosing is just not acceptable or an option to some people unless you happen to play for the Falcons.
By J.
December 17, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
How many remember the Smith’s running the show? Hmmm? Seems that some memories are clouded by of time and beer. I remember the Smith ownership well, and he was not dedicated to winning, but to his own vices and I remember the fan frustrations and cries to sell the team to someone who cares about putting together a winning program.
I remember all the cheers to have someone who was a local fan of football buy the team. Mr. Blank has made some poor decisions, not doubt, but who is really perfect in every decision that they make? Mr. Blank may care too much for his players and overly trusts people especially when they tell him they are staying or innocent. So hopefully he will learn and adopt a little skepticism from now on.
But this season with the loss of our starting QB, plus all the media coverage and distractions from it, as well as the changing of the coaching staff and philosophy of the game prep and play would know that this season was at best going to be difficult. OK, so, it turned out to be a nightmare. The one hope is that eventually, even nightmares end. We’ve been to a Super Bowl and not all teams can claim that. So it can be done by this franchise, with a little luck and lessons learned by the leadership I have hope.
Remember the Braves were a terrible team; always sub .500, for decades. Now they are competitive and had 14 years straight of playoff’s, pennants and even a championship. And as great as this season is for the Patriots, they also had long losing streaks as well (67-75, 89-93, 99-00) plus a few thrown in between their winning ones.
By Falcon 4 Life
December 17, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
Enough with the MV7 crap we have always sucked. This season is no different and I agree at least we are not Miami. You would have thought they won the superbowl for winning one game.
Petrino is gone Vick is gone
Get over it.
Look at it this way if they lose the next two and Miami wins the next two we are tied to get a first round pick. My Choice A QB and Offensive Line that is worth a dang cause ours sucks.
Falcon 4 Life (Aimee)
By T.C
December 17, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
its amazing how people select and point out one person for the failures of this organization.1st yall say it was vick then you all was happy because of what happened to him.harrington steped in and you all was happy thinking it will be better.then yall found out how sorry harrington was and the front line then yall went back to blaming vick.then it was d.hall a top 10 corner in the NFL.saying he cant cover when the other 31 teams in the NFL will grab him in a heart beat.then it was vick again that was blamed for the team failures when yall mentioned he couldnt play but still bring his name up after all of what happened with the team.yall keep mentioning 2 players when it takes 11 men on both sides of the ball to make it happen.let me guess?it wont matter how many years go by as long as we lose it will be d.hall and vicks fault.sounds like hatred to me.blame one blame them all from the top to the bottom.it takes a whole team to win and a whole team to lose like yall band wagon blame one person pathetic so called FANS.
By Jhmeid in Downtown Dec
December 17, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Racist Fans of Atlanta please stop calling the egomaniac Deangelo Hall a Thug! All those years Brooking led the Falcons in personal fouls, I never see him called a Thug.
Deangelo is an emotional player, but take off your hoods, he did not lose the game (Getting sacked on the 5 yard line was the cause of the TD).
As a longtime Falcons fan, remember it took us 12 years to find a Pro Bowl corner, you do not…I repeat….you do not trade a Pro Bowl Corner.
We need a veteran QB (someone else’s backup), but more than that we need to come together and stop using racial inneuendos to criticize players!
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Hey boots,
Why suddenly make you the spokesperson for black people? Why does everything have to have a race agenda? The Falcons need a good coach and a good quarterback - who cares if he’s white, black, or Japanese?
To say “the team has demonstrated over the past two years that they simply will not play for a white coach or white quarterback” is so untrue - I really hope you are not as ignorant as you sound.
By .
December 17, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
What a bunch of disgusting quitting bums. This is the biggest bunch of losers ever assembled.
By robo
December 17, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Yes, its official- this is the worst season in the history of this franchise regardless if they win the next two games. What has happened to the Falcons no one could have written anything worse. Rather than piling it on like Bradley tends to do, it can only get better and it will. There are a number of issues to address in the offseason, but it starts by getting the right coach for this team, and then getting the right players for this team. I hear McNabb wants out of Philly. If the birds can land him and draft a QB to learn, that will at least be a positive start. Sorry Harrington and Leftwich, your days are done, and I wouldnt be surprised if MeAngelo is gone too.
By Peter
December 17, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Gotta love the Black folks who call everyone a racist, when someone speaks of Vick and D Hall……
When was the last time we saw a white GUY finger the crowd at HOME in the Dome?
When was the last time a white guy berated the team publicly ?
Funny I have a buddy who is like a BROTHER to me, a guy I have known for 22 years, he is Black I am White.
He even thinks this town is filled with Raciest blacks….. so he moved out of Atlanta.
I am NOT racist, and never have been……
I don’t want to hear about Mike Vick and more or D Hall any more, and how we need them.
BOTH of these guys have zero leadership skills, and neither behave as Professionals !
By Me
December 17, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Bye, call-in sick whatever you want to call it. I just don’t understand what people thought would happen without Vick. THIS WAS TO BE EXPECTED. Good, bad or ugly, Vick was their friend and field leader. We are talking about human beings, not just football players. Vick was wrong but he should not be destroyed for this error. People must realize that most Falcons cannot accept what has happened for his poor judgment. So bye, call-in sick whatever, they don’t have the heart to play and I certainly don’t intend to watch. Vick was the fire of the team and the fire was put out.
By Soryu
December 17, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Rod:
Might I remind you that Dan left the Falcons with a losing record and left before the season ended just like you know who? That he left the Giants with a losing record as well and won in Denver because of one man—John Elway. Care to recall Dan’s great Super Bowl moments? 55-10? 42-10? 34-19?
Dan might be better than some liar who came from some second rate university to go coach at another second rate univeristy, but he wasn’t going to take you anyplace either. The Falcons don’t and never will have a John Elway behind center.
By Frank Werhun
December 17, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Cowher let everyone know that he’s not interested in coaching in 2008. He didn’t say that he “didn’t want any part of the wretched Falcons”. How did that come out of what he said?????? This year was ruined when Vick got indicted. Rebuild, have a good draft, get back on track. It can be done. I’m throwing a flag on everyone who’s been piling on an already demoralized franchise. They’ll be fine.
By Tracy
December 17, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
I agree with several others. Bring back Dan Reeves. And get rid of Rich McKay…quick, fast and in a hurry!
By Greg
December 17, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
What a way of spinning quotes!!, write about the precious Bulldogs or maybe the Hawks, there’s a change. Let the Falcons finish flying south for the winter and regroup for next year.
By T.C
December 17, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
hey race baiter whats wrong with the white race?pettitte and 78% of baseball is using steroids and just because several players told the truth in americas eyes there exempt.let me guess? baseball is over 75%white,so i guess they wont get thrown under the bus and need help(steroids)to perform.lets see if they go after your fellow white players like they went after bonds. i doubt it.
By Paul From Milton
December 17, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Tell me again why Arthur Blank should take the advice of some reporter or a bunch of fans whose opinions change week-to-week?
Blank may have his faults, but he knows leadership, he knows success and he knows that every business has it’s ups and downs. Unlike others, he is done sitting around feeling sorry and lashing out. Instead, he will sit down and roll up his sleves and get to work with a belief that he can and his people can get this done. This is what successful people do while losers live in the past and throw rocks and whine.
Mark Bradley can play to his audience and whine all he wants. Arthur Blank is already at work fixing the problems.
By JR
December 17, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Did any of you Hall supporters notice that his after the whistle cheap shot was to the head. It was meant for one reason only and that was to cause an injury. In my book that makes him a THUG. Put a racist spin on it if you wish but it won’t change facts!
By Roadrunner
December 17, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
The Falcons need to start over by rebyuilding this team from the foundation up. That means spend the draft picks, spend the money hopefully freed up by Vick’s departure and build themselves offensive & defensive lines. Only then, can skill players make an impact on this team. If they draft another QB with their first round pick he’ll be knocked senseless long before a team can be built around him. This won’t be a quick fix and if that’s what the Falcons try to do next year they are doomed to fail, again.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
All I hear is “we have a bunch of thugs on this team”.
What is the definition of a thug?
American Dictionary:
thug:
–noun 1. a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer.
an aggressive and violent young criminal.
Rap (street) Dictionary:
thug:
Someone who has gone through a lot of hardship in life and becomes a thug — you don’t have any money so you make money by any means necessary. Livin’ life thug style — Tupac (To live and die in L.A. [1996]).
I’d like to know the names of the players on the Falcons that are considered thugs.
Sure, you say D. Hall is a thug … what has he done to merit that tag? Has he been arrested recently or shown violent tendencies?
Give the “thug” talk a rest. It just doesn’t apply.
By Terry
December 17, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
It’s really funny that, not so long ago, the AJC actually expected people to pay for the privilege of reading their columnists on-line. It would be nice to have the occasional column contain some original insight or thought-provoking perspective or even constructive criticism! The only AJC columnist who brings an interesting perspective is Furman Bisher. There is a surplus of negative, unoriginal thoughts that do stir up the bloggers but don’t give sports fans much to think about.
Give Arthur Blank a break! He has put his money where his mouth is and has taken some chances in order to bring success to the Falcons. His approach to player relationships may not have panned out (and, in combination with Mora’s and then Petrino’s management style, it must have given some of the players whiplash!) but give him credit for working at it. I can’t believe that Mark Bradley has the gall to be dismissive of someone like Arthur Blank who is at least trying to do something constructive.
If Blank is as good a businessman as it appears, he will have learned from his experiences to date. And I am encouraged by the fact that he wouldn’t take the advice of a sportswriter (although they really do know everything, right?) and sell. I would rather not have a new owner who has to go through another learning curve.
For better or worse, I am a Falcons fan and I look forward to better days.
By ginger
December 17, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
My goodness!! What was the point of this article??? Please explain this to me!!! Why in the world was it neccessary to repeat it over and over that this is bad year???? You know I’ve had enough!! No not of the Falcons I’m a fan come rain,come shine, come hurricane, earthquake or fire!! I was fan before the fake quarter back,and big whimpy lying coach, I was a fan long before there was a Georgia Dome! I am a FALCON through it ALL!!! I’ll stay that way…it’s what I was taught..it’s a rare word these days in all realtionships, business and other ways, it’s called LOYALTY!! I suggest you folks try a dose and quit YOUR WHINING!! Now move on we know it’s been a terrible nightmare of a year, so if you had been around a while you would already know this was not the first time and it won’t be the last!! SO MOVE ON!! Let’s fix it and let’s talk rebulding not tearing down what’s already down!!!
ginger
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Hey Peter,
You say you’re not a racist - yet you make the following comments:
“When was the last time we saw a white GUY finger the crowd at HOME in the Dome?”
“When was the last time a white guy berated the team publicly?”
You may not be racist, but your comments speak volumes.
By the way, you are correct - the town is filled with racist blacks - AND racist whites.
By mike
December 17, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
I think the bottom line is that the Falcons need our support. The fan base is really all they have left to work with and from. Besides the Braves, pro sports in Atlanta generally suck. But, we, as fans, have a real chance to through off the Vick stuff, the Petrino stuff, the years of frustration, anger, and resentment, and start over. If the Cubs fans stick around, so can we. I think the AJC should start a grass roots movement among Atlantans to support the Falcons. Let Falcons’ management and owenership work out the bloody mess, but let us fans support our team and become the glue that binds.
By bob from winder
December 17, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
so what cowher does not want to come here. he coached in pittsburgh for so long because pitt is loyal to their coaches. he had a few consecutive losing seasons that would have gotten any other coach fired but pitt was loyal to him.. A Blank cannot win, he has a vocal white fanbase that detests everything black and looks for exscuses to blame a blackperson. If he hires a black coach he will catch hell. Mr blank should get rid off D. Hall,A. crumpler, and any other black player who expressed an opinion this year. He should keep keith brooking and shore up the o line with players who dont have tatts or braids. he can build an offense around harrington because all of the black players quit on joey and the team this year, so once we get some boys who know their place we will be ok. Dunn is showing his true colors too, i heard him whining about petrino too. Petrino was smart to leave this ghetto thug team, tupac should be the mascot or they should give out gold grills during the game.hire charlie weiss now!!
By THiley
December 17, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Petrino was smart to abandon this sinking ship…Blank and players can blame Petrino but in truth it’s ownership meddling and a bunch of players who actually think Michael Vick got a bad deal. Acting coach talked about losing character yesterday…hey, that took place a long time ago…and it’s been evident for quite some time. ju…Another Charactr
By THiley
December 17, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Petrino was smart to abandon this sinking ship…Blank and players can blame Petrino but in truth it’s ownership meddling and a bunch of players who actually think Michael Vick got a bad deal. Acting coach talked about losing character yesterday…hey, that took place a long time ago…and it’s been evident for quite some time. ju…Another Charactr
By Bob from winder
December 17, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Give the “thug” talk a rest. It just doesn’t apply.
Look at how D hall acts and talks, he has a tattoo on his neck for chrissakes, would you trust your kids around him? Most of those black guys come from broken ghetto homes and if they could not run fast they would be robbing me or you..as it is they are still robbing us with their attitudes and play on the field…does brooking or joey look like thugs, NO!! they look like all american men
By The Big Boss Man
December 17, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick deserves to be put to death for his crimes.
By Rich in Tampa
December 17, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
After the way we were treated in Atlanta a few years ago, and after Rich MckAY QUIT on the Bucs, I can’t think of a better bunch of fans, players and management to have to go through the suffering that now is tha FalClowns. YOUR AGONY IS A THING OF BEAUTY!!!!
By jlaneusmc
December 17, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Get on a plane and go beg Marty Shottenheimer to be your coach for 08. He brings instant credibility and professionalism to the organization. Draft Matt Ryan with your first pick—the most polished QB in the draft. Trade some marquee names to load up on 2nd and 3rd round picks. Get O’lineman and receivers and let them compete for the positions with the veterans. Hire an underling from the NE patriots or colts front office who have learned the art of personnel turnover in the “salary cap era” and have been successfull with it. Success breeds success. Rip the top off the dome and let the GA sunshine in. Why are we playing indoor games in the south?
By rob1988
December 17, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
I follow the recommendations of one or two intelligent souls, let or allow Mike Singletary to coach this team of losers, he will bring some respect and discipline to this team. MIKE SINGLETARY
PS I saw the first game in 1966 at the Atlanta Stadium, lost then and nothing else has changed.
By shannon
December 17, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
God will never give this team anything they can’t handle. These trying times, I am hoping will draw them closer in their faith and closer together as a team. I have a feeling something really amazing will come out of this team and those who stick around to be apart of it instead of jumping off the bandwaggon will reap the benefits of experiencing His Grace.
By Shannon Mundy
December 17, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
God will never give this team anything they can’t handle. These trying times, I am hoping will draw them closer in their faith and closer together as a team. I have a feeling something really amazing will come out of this team and those who stick around to be apart of it instead of jumping off the bandwaggon will reap the benefits of experiencing His Grace.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Ok, Bob from winder …
You say,
“Look at how D hall acts and talks, he has a tattoo on his neck for chrissakes, would you trust your kids around him?”
—- How can you judge the man solely by his actions on the football field? Just because he has a tattoo on his neck he’s a bad person? Yes … I would trust my kids around him.
You say,
“Most of those black guys come from broken ghetto homes and if they could not run fast they would be robbing me or you..as it is they are still robbing us with their attitudes and play on the field…”
—- Can you possibly make a more bigoted and ignorant statement? Unfortunately, you probably can.
You say,
“does brooking or joey look like thugs, NO!! they look like all american men.”
—- Translation: If you don’t look white and are not clean cut, you look like a thug and not a true representation of America.
I really hope you don’t have any children … by the way, I wouldn’t trust my kids around YOU!
By Don Eyemus
December 17, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
SHAAD, You are an idiot
By T.J
December 17, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
ginger who cares you were a falcons fan before and after,shut up and go cook some eggs and toast and do what a woman suppose to do.and if your a man and your name is ginger,i see why you have been a fan before and after,you like men in there gear.LOL!!!
By ginger
December 17, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
My goodness!! What was the point of this article??? Please explain this to me!!! Why in the world was it neccessary to repeat it over and over that this is bad year???? You know I’ve had enough!! No not of the Falcons I’m a fan come rain,come shine, come hurricane, earthquake or fire!! I was fan before the fake quarter back,and big whimpy lying coach, I was a fan long before there was a Georgia Dome! I am a FALCON through it ALL!!! I’ll stay that way…it’s what I was taught..it’s a rare word these days in all realtionships, business and other ways, it’s called LOYALTY!! I suggest you folks try a dose and quit YOUR WHINING!! Now move on we know it’s been a terrible nightmare of a year, so if you had been around a while you would already know this was not the first time and it won’t be the last!! SO MOVE ON!! Let’s fix it and let’s talk rebulding not tearing down what’s already down!!!
ginger
By Real Fan
December 17, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Mark, Schultz and Moore, you make sure you donot write any articles when we turn this thing around in the future, I know you supposed to report the truth, but you guys beat a man when he is down, the falcons have been through alot of adversity this season, let patriots, colts or even the rams loose their starting qb before the season and get stuck with joey harrington and see how they perform. So I guess next week they loose again , you will write more bs. Why dont you guys tell who is actually your team, I think you are falcon haters
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Hey Big Boss Man,
C’mon … just say “No” … crack kills.
By BUSHWACKER
December 17, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
What a bunch of gutless babies.
Good luck to next coach.
Let’s see, who is the kinda guy the team still plays for even when the record sucks??
Let’s see??
1997, we start 0-6!! But we finish strong at 7-9 winning 6 out of the last 9 games and carrying momentum in to the next season, 1998 ..
I believe we went to the Super Bowl that year… what kind of man is out there that commands respect and that players want to play for even when you start 0-6 which is worse than this years team started.
Oh yea, his name is DAN REEVES!!!!!
By Robert S
December 17, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
The incessant racism - from both blacks and caucasians - is why I moved away from Atlanta. And all I’ve read in this blog is just that. And there’s too many names to mention. It’s so easy to incite race when no one ever gets to see you face to face.
Cowardly? You bet.
This has nothing to do with race. It has to do with a lack of competence and character in the Falcons organization - players, coaches, evaluators, and ownership. And for 42 mostly sorry years, it’s been this way.
You win as a team, you lose (OK, mostly lose) as a team. And maybe one day, actually become a team instead of a collection of football players who happen to wear the same uniform.
No matter what skin color you are…..
By dean
December 17, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Why does anyone think things will get better with this leadership in control. The same fools whom chose Vick, Hall, and all those other thugs from VT will no doubt continue in their stooper and make sorry choice after sorry choice. STOP EMBRASSING ATLANTA MORE AND MORE. GET THE FALCONS THE HELL OUT OF GA. AND the idiot Blank’s blankett, blank wife needs to keep her trap shut.
By Dubby
December 17, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
I would guess by Bradleys suggestion that the Falcons Quit for the rest of the season is par for a “sportswriter”. Probably never donned a jock in his life. Quitting is for inept coaches and jocksniffing sportswriters. We can only hope that not many people like Petrino and Bradley ever reproduce.
By KZ_Guy
December 17, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
One of the worst games ever for the Falcons. Tampa started running out the clock in the 3rd qtr and playing the backups. The score could have been 57 - 3. Get rid of the Me Me Me mouth D Hall. Besides a lack of talent the team has no leadership. None of the veteran players produced up this year.
By emyrld
December 17, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
** ATLANTANS….. YOU ARE BY FAR the most RACIST, IGNORANT,INBRED,GROUP OF NON-FANS, in the history of the games. Do the Falcons a favor…’SHUT THE HELL UP’ you have nothing worth reading about and are a total disgrace and embarassment to your city, your heritage, and your Creator.
By maurice L Zackery
December 17, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Kick a dog when he’s down is obviously a term that journalists live and breathe. You are a complete J…A.. I read the first few words and a snip and have decided that you are on my S… list. I don’t like people like you Bradley… just in case you are confused about who I’m writing about. I will refuse to read your column from here on out. Whether it is good, positive, professionally opinionated or funny as hell, you will not get a moments pause, a second thought, or a hand up when your girlfriend kicks you in your family jewels. I’ll look at you spit on your shiny white (horse), and step over your i’ll begotten soul.
By Thomas
December 17, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
You are officially an idiot. Win or lose; players, coaches and fans love the game, and they will always suit up and go play.
Goodell and Blank are businessmen and there is more money in playing with a busted and demoralized team than not playing at all.
You forge ahead instead of quitting. I’m sick of whiney journalism that can’t see beyond it’s own pen and is severely mired in it’s own self-righteousness and ego.
Boooo! You fail!
By BS Aplenty
December 17, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Dan Reeves is happily organizing & raising funds for the soon-to-be Kennesaw State University football team. It would be a real coup for KSU to get Dan as a coach but I don’t know if he wants the job.
To the nutjob who said ALL Dan did was get the Broncos & Falcons & Giants to the SuperBowl four times and lost - OK, you’re correct. But you missed the bigger point which is: Dan Reeves-coached teams get to the SuperBowl consistently.
As a Falcon fan, that’s a pretty good start.
By a true falcon fan (big meche)
December 17, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Let me start off by saying this Mike Vick for the longest has hed the falcons problems b/c everybody knew that with mike vick we had a chance now the truth shows. what we need to do is somehow draft mcfadden and let DJ shockley be our QB there is NO QB in college better than DJ and run with that.
By Jim Bullard
December 17, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are bad with or without Petrino! Why doesn’t anyone notice that former NFL coaches (Weis & Callahan)haven’t faired too well on the college level???? All we hear is that college coaches can’t coach ont the NFL level. Where did all the NFL coaches come from at one time or another? I enjoy reading your coverage……JB
By jerry jones
December 17, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are all a bunch of thugs.
By jay
December 17, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
first off I am tired of hearing Mike Vicks name in this blog. he is gone, move on. second this confirms to me that all you Harrington haters who blamed him for everything just slapped you in the face with yesterdays game. until we get a team and I mean a real team with class which Dunn and Harrington has shown they have this organization will never be a winner.
By Peter
December 17, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Tiger Woo…….. I can appreciate your thoughts after what I wrote….
“By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Hey Peter,
You say you’re not a racist - yet you make the following comments:
“When was the last time we saw a white GUY finger the crowd at HOME in the Dome?”
“When was the last time a white guy berated the team publicly?”
You may not be racist, but your comments speak volumes.
By the way, you are correct - the town is filled with racist blacks - AND racist whites.”
My buddy Dave’s parents I spoke about, own two restaurants in town…… Southern cooking……. Dave’s dad has a 8th grade education, yet has made it in America by working hard, being his own boss, and marring a very smart woman who is his accountant.
The whole family is filled with wonderful caring folks. I have some GREAT guys I do business with as well that are Black folks. We do allot of talking about the Black community and the over all attitude.
I also really appreciate that columns that Cynthia Tucker writes for the AJC……one column she wrote recently is titled “Two black Americas, one badly lagging”.
I would recommend you read that column. I think she hits it on the head.
Unfortunately the NFL has a disproportionate of thugs in the league as compared to any other Pro sport.
I see many Black guys that are TRUE leaders in America, unfortunately I don’t see that on the Falcons.
I also see allot of fans that want to win, and it doesn’t matter to them who is playing, and what they are about.
Let’s face it Mike Vick was doing what he did from the time he was a Rookie……. that is 7 years of doing wrong.
How can anyone say this is a guy that is a leader, a guy we want to represent our town, when he KNEW he was committing a crime from the moment he put on a Falcon uniform?
Also D. Hall…… when he actually can play the game the way it is suppose to be played, and with a level head, he has little value to the team as well.
By DxB
December 17, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Mark Bradley OFFICIAL DUMBA* OF THE WORLD!!! All he does is write BS about D-Hall and talk S about the Falcons.. the day you (Mark Bradley) play in the NFL and have better stats than D-Hall, then you can say s* but until then STFU!!!
By Robert
December 17, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
How about we let Donk coach the Falcons, and find a new manager for the Braves?
I mean, how much harm can Donk do on a 3-win team? And it would certainly help the Braves 10 games or so in the standings
By Debbie G. Bush
December 17, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
I take exception to the “Virginia Tech scum” remark made earlier. I love dogs as much as anyone else, but there are worse things that Michael could have done (Ray Lewis ring a bell?). And DeAngelo likes to mouth off a lot! So what!?! He is an adult and has the right to do that - what was ridiculous was the $100,000 fine made by Petrino. Good riddance to him.Dan should have never been fired, but that’s over now and we must move on, but to just ditch the season is a quitter and a coward like Petrino. I have been a fan since I moved here in the 70’s and I’m not about to abandon ship now. What about you?
By Traci
December 17, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
emyrld,
Your life is worthless.
Please kill yourself and stop taking up space that other, VIABLE human beings could use.
Additionally, you type (and like talk) like an uneducated simpleton.
Our tax dollars for education were obviously wasted on you and BLIND HATE and RACISM.
By H Garren
December 17, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
Give us your tired and hungry and over the hill players and Blank and company will sign said players. Petrino did it the wrong way but who in his or her right mind would sign Leftwich. Surely there are ab’s out there for the taking that dont drive milk trucks. Sad is right description of this band of merry men
By Curious George
December 17, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
Why do all the VICK LOVERS write and articulate (so much) more poorly than the beloved, polite, clean-mouthed CHICK-FIL-A Cows???
By GT
December 17, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
Now I see why writing the company line is easier. The Falcons suck and Bradley is right on the money. I kind of thought the fight in the huddle with Mitchell and Malone was the low point of the franchise (poor Mitchell just died last month), but Hall and the Virginia Tech mafia has brought this to a new low. The inmates have taken over. How did the coach handle all that at Va. Tech, and make it look civilized. Maybe old Frank is the guy we need down here or the warden at the Atlanta Pen. What we don’t need is any more of Blank’s PR machine, good for Bradley having the guts to call it like it is. Now tell Blank to get the hell back to selling hammers and let a football person handle this before he chases off another coach
By ROC
December 17, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Might I suggest the Falcons go after Mike Singletary as the new head coach. It will take a “strong” winner with leadership adn courage to get this team back on track. Mike has all these traits.
By Jim
December 17, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
It’s not rocket science. Look at all the years before McKay and all the years since. Yes, we need a good new coach and a less involved owner (less involved in the football part, not the business part), but most of all we need to recognize that the buck stops in the front office. Look at the draft picks, look at the productivity of the trades, look at the coaching hires. It’s not so hard to see where the problems begin if you really look.
By Bob
December 17, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
I have to begin by saying, I have never been and probably never will be a fan of the Falcons. I am consumed with the “Dawgs. I live less than an hour from downtown Atlanta and I can count on one hand the number of Falcons games I’ve been to in my life. They have always been laughable from the Taylors and their taxrightoffs to Vick and Hall and their thugery. The only way to change this is to clean house from top to bottom. McKay should do whatever it takes to get Mike Singletary and start fresh. By fresh I mean move everyone out, Brooking, Hall, the whole lot, these players have trade potential. Follow Jones/Johnson method and draft your way to success.
By BS Aplenty (Apoligizes)
December 17, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
My apologies, in my previous post I mentioned that Dan Reeves was working/developing Kennesaw State’s football program. That is incorrect.
He is working/developing the Georgia State University football program.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Peter,
Thanks for the intelligent response - it’s nice to have a mature discussion without all of the racist nonsense.
I agree with what you are saying - I did read Cynthia Tucker’s column and she was on the money in what she was saying.
I agree that the NFL has people who have unfortunately committed crimes and have made bad decisions - however, the majority of players are honest, law abiding citizens. The so-called thugs (I don’t like to use that term) make it look bad for everyone else.
People that say the Falcons are a bunch of thugs are guilty of that generalization. A bad team? Yes. A bunch of thugs? No.
Unfortunately, some of these players are thrown wads of money and are expected to suddenly grow up and make adult decisions - when they have been pampered and spoiled throughout high school and college.
Vick is a perfect example of that.
By WTF
December 17, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
I’m still laughing about Tyrone’s comment. I bet he thinks President Bush is to blame too.
By Adam
December 17, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Bradley: You offer neither interesting facts nor interesting opinion. It seems more realistic for AJC to let YOU forfeit the next two weeks of pathetic performance. BOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Falcons: Petrino leaving was AWESOME timing and presents a great opportunity to rebuild. Commit to an offensive scheme, trade down draft picks and get the best young linemen on both sides of the ball over next 3 years.
Blank: Hire Schottenheimer and get Tony Robbins to coach the coach on how to execute in the playoffs. Get Jerry Rice in the organization.
Players: Free Vick? Idiots, he’s guilty and hosed you for 6 years. Thugs out, class acts in.
Fans: the last 5 years NFC South winners were at the bottom the year before. Let’s focus on beating Tampa, Carolina and NOLA’s a* for the next decade and the rest will fall into place.
By George
December 17, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Call me crazy, but that “let’s just quit” mentality is partly to blame for the mess we’re in now. Absolutely not. No quitting. We play until the end. I refuse to believe that somehow all of our players have had their spirits so vanquished that they aren’t in control of their talents. Bull. Let’s get back in the game!
By D P 3
December 17, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
If You really think about it, the demise of the Falcons started when they fired the most class act coach they have ever had, Dan Reeves. Think about it !
By jmt
December 17, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Mark why dont you and the rest of the AJC people that have opinions about the Atlanta Falcons hold your words until after the holidays give these people a break and stop the hating on this blog for a few weeks, you still have April coming when the state charges come up where you can spew more hatred in the mean time this is the Christmas season remember ( Jesus the reason for the season) or maybe you are not a believer, whether you are or not give the people a break so that the these haters on her can move on and maybe they can find some people to help instead of continually writing the same hate over and over and over. You can stop it if you chose to. I hoping there is a heart somewhere in this paper.
By scott
December 17, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
SUPPOTR THE FALCONS AT ALL COST THEY MIGHT BE DOWN BUT LET THEM GO DOWN LIKES MENS I’M SICK OF THESE SILLY BLOG , THE FALCONS HAVE MY SUPPORT . I’M DAM SURE BLANK AND ALL THE OTHER MEMEBERS OF THE FALCONS STAFF KNOW THAT THE FANS WILL NOT EXCEPT NOTHING LEST THAN IMPROVMENT OF THIS TEAM . GIVE THEM TIME THE DIRTY BIRDS WILL BE BACK ,GO FALCONS
By The Big Bug
December 17, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
It makes you long for the days of the equally inept but loveable days of Randy Johnson,Nobis,Harmon Wages,Alec Hawkins,Claude Humphrey,Norb Hecker.I’d like to see Norm VanBrocklin coach these brats. He would have a nervous breakdown.
By Peter
December 17, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
No problem Tiger, I actually enjoy the debate….. if you really want to have some FUN go to Jim Whooten’s column, and voice your opinion there.
The Right Winger there are off the wall……
Personally as an independent, I don’t really care for all the Democrat’s do, and I certainly do NOT agree with the Bush policies…. especially when it comes to the WAR, the lack of education funding, and the way he cares less for poor American’s, and our failing infrastructure.
Seems like if I ran my business the way Bush ran the country, I would be out of business instead of enjoying the success I have been Blessed with !
By Doug
December 17, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Let them play the last two games. I was one of the original Falcon Season Ticket holders and suffered through much worse than the present debacle. It is time for a new generation to see what an egotistical management without a clue operates like. Fisr spend big bucks on a know quanity of the hoodville and try to make a purse out of a sows ear. Suiffer through it “fans”—I did—it got so bad I had tickets on the 50 yard line front row second deck out of the sun at Fulton County Stadium and couldn’t give them away. LET THE GAMES BEGIN..
By Katie
December 17, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
I have a friend in Iraq who says he still gets to watch the Falcons via website- his highlight of the week - so remember the guys and gals over there who are fighting the good fight. So, Falcons, coaches, Arthur Blank —-keep you heads held high, no pity — just keep fightin! KE
By g. ryan
December 17, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Why doesn’t the NFL look at itself and explain why so many coaches leave and return to college coaching.
By Mina
December 17, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
I don’t care how many people disagree with me but I hope Vick is released earlier and Arthur Blank and the Commisioner find forgivenss in their heart and invite Vick back to play on the team. I knew things would go down without Vick but the commisioner did not seem to care.
He was their best player. I’m not trying to take anything away from any of the other players and especially not from our veteran players, it just Vick did some things for the team and it was exciting when ever he ran with the ball. He knew how to make some things happen even if they still loss. It’s too bad that Arther felt let down by Vick and it was too bad that Vick let himself down. Hopefully he will redeem himself. No he could not play the game by himself but sometimes it felt like he was. I’m still a fan of his talent. Now, its up to Norwood, Dunn, Crumpler, Brooking, White… and yes, Redman to show what they can do but it’s not happening. They have had a rouph season and with all that has been happening, makes things harder for them to be all the way there mentally. Petrino is a quitter if you ask me. No I don’t think the Falcons should forfiet the last two games because unlike Petrino, I don’t think they are quitters and I will always be a fan of the falcons. I was with them while they were winning and I am with them while they are losing. I hate it for them but I believe they will get back on track sooner or later.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
The Falcons need to put this season behind them (when it ends), hire a good coach, make some sound personnel decisions, and really focus and prepare during the off-season to turn this thing around.
Tampa Bay was 4-12 last year - - now they are 9-5 so far this year and have clinched the division crown. They may be more talented than the Falcons and a division crown is probably not realistic next year for the Falcons, but they have enough talent to be a respectable team in this league, with the right off-season moves and focus for next year.
By Urban Knight
December 17, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Indeed, why do the VICK FANS on these blogs talk and act as if stupidity, ignorance and illiteracy, combined with seething emotion, are some types of “Street Cred” or “Badges of Honor?”
By GT
December 17, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
it is just a game.
By PuckFetrino
December 17, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Ok,
So my only question is why does everyone want to get rid of deangelo? Granted he seems like a loud-mouth, selfish player who has to showboat after everyplay…but then again at leat he shows some fire. I saw his personal foul and it wasn’t that stupid. And for once when he made that interception, he didn’t do that stupid hands raised in the air thing.
By Fools for Falcons
December 17, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
The defenders of these sorry assed Falcons must come from the Arthur Blank School of Picking Coaches!
By Hal
December 17, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
The Falcons have been cursed since 1966. Why? I have no idea but you would think in the heart of southern football we could consistently field a decent professional football team year after year.
By Bucster79
December 17, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Thats the Breaks! What more can I say!
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Mina,
Vick was the Falcons best player and most exciting commodity - unfortunately, we may have to move on - Vick’s return to the Falcons is highly unlikely …
Most seem to believe Vick will at least get a second chance in the NFL, assuming he keeps his nose clean in prison and comes out with the proper amount of remorse for taking part in a gruesome dogfighting ring.
But one thing seems certain: Vick won’t get his second chance with the Falcons.
The team kept him on the roster only while it pursues efforts to recover nearly $20 million in bonus money. The Falcons already won the first round of the legal fight, which has now gone to a federal judge in Minnesota.
Owner Arthur Blank, who gave Vick what was then the richest contract in NFL history near the end of the 2005 season, sounded as though the Falcons are moving on without any plans for bringing back No. 7.
“I would never use the work ‘never,’” Blank said in an interview broadcast over the team’s Web site. “I would say there’s always a chance. But quite candidly, we as an organization, as a football team, we have to look forward. We have to go forward assuming Michael will not be back.”
Blank predicts Vick will miss three full seasons. After all, the quarterback still faces state charges in Virginia that could mean more time behind bars. And Goodell has not indicated when he will lift the suspension, which could run longer than any prison sentences.
By jay
December 17, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
GIVE ME A BREAK PEOPLE…LEAVE THE COMMENTS ABOUT BUSH AND THE WAR OUT OF THIS BLOG THIS IS ABOUT FOOTBALL. IF YOU WANT THAT KIND OF DISCUSSION GO TO ANOTHER WEB-SITE.
By I HAVE A DREAM...
December 17, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
My Christmas Wish: All those who still truly love & support Michael Vick could join him behind those prison bars where all of their kind belong
So Say We All!
By Muhammed
December 17, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
With Thug life, we got Vick and he got prison. Now we got MeAngelo and we lost 37-3. But, according to MeAngelo, it’s more fun now that Petrino is gone. Is Blank that clueless to allow this cancer to spread further. TAKE CHARGE someone, or is this the “mad-genius” plan to get a #1 draft pick?
What a bunch of BAFFOONS.., from Owner on down to the players.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Hey Urban Knight,
Please don’t paint ALL of the Vick fans on these blogs with a broad brush and call them stupid, ignorant and illiterate.
I’m a fan of Vick - maybe not as passionate as some (not a defender and I don’t condone what he did or make excuses) however, I wish him well after he serves his time - he played his heart out for the Falcons and he deserves a chance to redeem himself.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Peter, while I’m appreciative of your faint praise of my football comentary, nobody needs your ‘Dudley Do-Right’ Democratic nutbag comments concerning W or the administration.
Save that drivel for your jailhouse booty-pals and BTW - grow yourself a nut$ack.
By Muhammed
December 17, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
To all of Vick Fans….
He is in prison for numerous felonies. He flipped off the fans after a game last year. He admitted to not giving 100% after a game. He NEVER learned all of the plays completely and could not read defenses adequately therefore limited the audible use.
And your still his fan and love him!
PATHETIC!!!
Moveon… dotorg… on Imprisoned, Thug living, dog killing-coach killing, franchise killing idiot!
By sherman crockett
December 17, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
I think Eugene Robinson is available at free “safety.”
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Hey I HAVE A DREAM,
What’s wrong with “loving and supporting” Michael Vick?
Sure, what he did was a serious crime and he deserves jail time, but should we just lock him up throw him away the key?
What would you do if a family member or friend committed a serious crime and ended up in jail - would you be there for them in tough times or kick them to the curb?
A lot of people looked up to Vick and sure, he has dissapointed an lot of people and an entire organization, including me. He made a serious error in judgement and is now paying the price for that.
The people that can’t understand why people still support him never liked him from the beginning.
By Varodan
December 17, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Bradley, aren’t you the “expert” who said “The Falcons should sign Byron Leftwich now!”? Look at how that turned out! You don’t have any credibility, so please stop writing idiotic commentary like this.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
Whowever wrote that nonsense to Peter using my name (December 17, 2007 12:17 PM), grow yourself a nut$ack and use you own name - speak for yourself.
Coward !!
Thanks …
By Peter
December 17, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Tiger, oh stop, you’re killin’ me…can’t breathe…
You already know I’m not much of a “Peter” and now you want me to grow a substantial “nut$ack”?
Might as well ask a Democrat to grow a brain.
bwahahahaha.
By Tell 'em
December 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Both Shaad and Tyrone’s comments are right on the money. You all don’t ever want to hear the truth—that’s why you get so mad about it. It’s always about race…period!!
By randy
December 17, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
If I were any self-respecting coach with opportunities elsewhere, I wouldn’t take the Falcons’ coaching job. They certainly aren’t going to get Cower. They don’t have decent QB, RB, OL. There only bright spot is their defense that just gave away 37 points to Tampa. Not much to work with, thus not much to lure anyone to ATL. Only thing they can do is try and hire an NFL offensive coordinator and pick Matt Ryan in the draft, load up on big O-Lineman and pray for some luck.
By Tell 'em
December 17, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
To PuckFetrino: …because it’s about race..as always!
By CG
December 17, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
People, please leave Dan Reeves alone & leave him wherever he is!!! We were all on board w/replacing Dan Reeves b/c of his penchant for drafting tight end after tight end. And for all the Vick bashers, it was Reeves who orchestrated that deal!! And for all the Schaub lovers, Sage Rosenfels has as much to do w/Houston’s resurgence as Matt Schaub(have ya been watchin’), there could even be a QB controversy next year b/c Schaub is always hurt, so @ least lay off Mckay on that one. But Reeves wouldn’t work 2day, the NFL is more than just play action! Would he know how to spread the offense out? I doubt it..
By die hard falcons fan
December 17, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Let see - are you the problem or the answer to the problem?
If not then be the solution!
Regardless of whom Mr. Blank hires to be the coach, the new coach will have to restore order to a dyfunctional team.
As far as Michael Vick is concern, he is in prison. He messed up, and folks will debate this till the cows come home or till we get a Super Bowl Trophy.
There isn’t an “I” in team.
D’Angelo Hall is not living up to the original #21 Prime Time. Deion Sanders always back up his talk with his actions.
As far as the QB situation - all 3 sucks.
As far as the Offensive line, it sucks.
As far as Warrick Dunn, he isn’t nothing without Vick. Because the Defense have to focus on Vick as well, and if you look at past # when Vick was the QB, you will see Dunn’s # are partly due to Vick being in the backfield as well.
As far as the WR’s and TE’s the suck too. If I was Mr. Blank I would get Finneran an injury settlement. Two straight year is just awful and make Finneran a WR coach.
As for the Defense - let me focus on the stupid mistakes
1) Letting Kearney go was a big NO NO! 2) Let Gravy Train Grady Jackson go was a slap in the face. They beat the steeler thanks to Grady’s presence on the d-line 3) Jimmy WeedHead Williams = a bust (what happened to the Williams/Hall tandem- must have been all smoke and hype and mirrors 4) Linebackers sucks 5) Safety sucks 6) the whole defense sucks
Even if Vick get out of jail next year (2008) the commissoner whom is the most racist person I ever met is not going to let him play until 2009. Vick’s lawyers are the worst lawyers I ever seen. Any deal with the NFL should have been tied in the deal that he took with the Federal prison. And he should have instructed the lawyer to strike a deal with the state or at least agree to a pbj and a big fine settlement with the state on the state charges.
Even if Vick comes back to Atlanta as a result of abritation - I know Mr. Blank is going to cut him loose or try to trade him if the Falcons are unable to recoup that bonus $$$.
The bottom line Mr. Blank you don’t know football. This isnt a hammer and nails business, this is a professional sport business that you need to surround yourself with successful people with the same agenda as yours (to win game and go to the Super Bowl!!!)
By Mike
December 17, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Personally, I like Ross’ comments from this blog …
This is beyond embarrassing - beyond humiliating. If Blank wants to move forward, the best way I know is to give away, trade, sell or give outright releases to everyone associated with these prima-dona whinners and cry-babies and start all over again. A bad attitude is like a virus - it spreads uncontrollably. Actually, I’m quite serious. The Falcons are an embarrassement to a great city, it’s fans and (financial) supporters. Anyone who buys a ticket to see this mess at this point is a real chump!
By Peter
December 17, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Hey Tiger…..we have an idiot using OUR names here ……
I didn’t write this crap either…..
“By Peter
December 17, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Tiger, oh stop, you’re killin’ me…can’t breathe…
You already know I’m not much of a “Peter” and now you want me to grow a substantial “nut$ack”?
Might as well ask a Democrat to grow a brain.
bwahahahaha.”
Poor guy has a hard time coming up something intelligent to say!
By Tiwas
December 17, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
From the last week press conference and watching the interaction between McKay and Artur Blank, I think Mr. McKay’s days in the organization are numbered. That’s a good thing. If he was left as team president could you trust him negotiating future contracts. This is his last season and a new GM, team president and coach will be necessary. I vote for Dan Reeves as GM and Mike Singletary as coach. I’m tired of coaches being recycled, give someone else who’s been in the game a chance. Look at Cleveland, Chicago and Pittsburgh. The next year is going to be a very trying year. Resign Mike Boley and John Abraham now to long terms. Trade D. Hall before you have to renegotiate his contract or sign him for another 4 years. Good Luck Falcons in 2008.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Tell ‘em,
It’s NOT always about race - however, some people just can’t see that. How unfortunate.
By JSS
December 17, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
I challenge anyone who praises or should I say, condones the on field “professional play” of MEHa21 to show me how his play in recent weeks has been a positive or actually helped the TEAM win.
He has recently assumed the role of “face of the franchise” by speaking out to the media and as such sets himself to be considered a team leader. Therefore, as a leader he is subject to scrutiny as a player.
I am old MLB who enjoys the defensive side of the game and in the last two games I have begun to focus exclusively on MEHa21 during play to watch his technique and demeanor. It is obvious to me he is either afraid of being hurt or he is just indifferent to contributing to the team as a whole. What I saw is a player who refuses to tackle. On most every play, though he ended up in the near vicintity of the ball, he never attempted to put a helmet on the ballcarrier. He always would pull up rather than sticking the ballcarrier.
It seems the only times he is singled out on the field is when he is penalized for his fouls. Generally, in his case, these are done out of anger and loss of control which anyone who has played this sport knows are detrimental to playing at one’s best and with skill.
Yesterday, he purposely ran through a receiver to cause a pass interference call to make a point that he was unhappy. I thought he said the team was happy this week due to Petrino leaving.
On Monday, I saw him push at a receiver he was “covering” 20 yds down in the middle of the field with his hands when he could have easily put a hard tackle on the receiver. It took Boley to actually tackle the ballcarrier. And what was he doing playing medic for the NO receiver he was covering that got dinged in the endzone. I really think he was “interviewing” for a job there next year.
The one time yesterday he dove into a pile he was taking a cheap shot at no one of consequence. Nice takedown by that old man ref on him on that play. Why did he go after a blocker off to the side of the pile rather than trying to knock back the ballcarrier? Just another loss of control. MEHa21 (MEHa = Jackass, say it 3x) does not want to be here (his words) and it shows by his play on the field.
If I was on this team I would knock him on his arse everytime I see him standing around an unfinished play until he learns it is important for everyone on the defensive side to be involved and to “put a hat” on the ballcarrier. I challenge the Falcon LBs to do this until he learns what playing defense is really about - hitting the opponent (see Jack Tatum) until they are intimidated.
Hell, no receiver is afraid of him because he won’t hit them. In other words, MeHa21 is soft. His speed is worthless if he does not utilize it to FINISH the play. Hit someone, MeHa, when it within the rules. And if you are going to get a PI penalty make it count - knock the hell out of the receiver. Don’t just fondle him like you did yesterday. And please don’t make the excuse that you are a cornerback and not a safety as if that somehow means you can play soft on the opponent. American football is a contact sport, he must think he is playing soccer.
MEHa21 is SOFT, SOFT, SOFT. And I hope this p** him off. Get off the pitypot MEHa or move on! I would be pleased to hear that some teammate (Boley can you hear me) is knocking him on his arse daily.
By Boo Boo
December 17, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
Anyone who says the Falcons just have a bunch of fair-weather fans is missing the point of 41 years of mostly incliment weather. Fair weather comes 2 out of every 10 years. I see a weather pattern repeating … like back in 1966. Three and eleven. Not bad for an expansion team. We can “go forward” from there … to 2-12 and 1-11-1. Then, since we are in the mood for erradicating Tampa Bay odious records, maybe we could be the first team to go 0 - 16!!! Our name finally emblazoned in the annals of NFL history as the absolute worst!!! Naaaaaaahhh. The Falcons are too bad to win such a title. They will always win one game.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
I agree with CG …
Bringing back Dan Reeves is not the answer. If he was, why let him go in the first place?
Reeves is more than likely out of touch with the NFL anyway. There are many better choices out there. The million dollar question is: can we convince anyone to come in and clean up this mess?
By Dave
December 17, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
The Jim Mora era is looking pretty good right about now.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
That’s cool, Peter … that didn’t sound like something you would say about yourself anyway!
Whoever is making these bogus postings must be having a slow day cleaning toilets.
By D. HALL
December 17, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
I am tired of people throwing out the race card whenever they get a chance. D. Hall is a second rate corner at best. Problem is, D Hall is the best we have at his position. I say trade him while there is still value with him. He runs his mouth too much, and his on-field behavior is terrible. We need to trade for a QB, hire a good coach, and reassess our GM. Lets look at the Green Bay model. The team was built from the ground up, and they did not quit on their HOF QB. Lets tear this thing down, burn it to the ground and collect the insurance. Now we can move on.
By boots
December 17, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
My guess is you couldn’t hogtie and drag Reeves back to coach this bunch motely crew of inept quitters.
They are overpaid and lazy. It wouldn’t be any more apparent if each one of them wore a sandwich board that said: I QUIT!
Screw them and the Bentleys they rode in on.
By Pfunkatl
December 17, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
careful what you wish for people…I have lived in a city that run pro sports teams OUT and NEVER got another one…this city wouldn’t be LIVEABLE without a pro football franchise
By LB
December 17, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
They could wake Lombardi from his dirt nap to coach this team and it wouldn’t matter because we have the worst talent in the NFL! Both lines are too small and slow so our QB-of-the-Week has no time and the opposing QB has all the time in the world. (Of course he doesn’t need it because his receivers are always open!) The rest of our team either can’t catch a simple pass or will throw a 15-yard temper tantrum because someone ‘dissed’ him. The only way to fix this team is to clean house and start over. Until then, this team is a joke!
By destin
December 17, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Randy - you are basically right. WE MUST USE THE #1 PICK ON RYAN. I think both Leftwich and Harrington are under contract next year, and although they both suck, maybe one will do enough to allow Ryan to work in slowly. Two high #2 picks should be used for the O-line. Then — pray!
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Hey D. HALL,
It’s funny you mention the Green Bay model.
The irony in all of this is that the Falcons had Brett Favre and let him go. Just think, if they had kept him, we wouldn’t be dealing with the Michael Vick situation right now.
By atlgator
December 17, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
The main problem with the fan base is that you guys act as if you’ve had a legacy of the Steelers or 49ers. You have never won consistently. You have never won in 2 consecutive seasons. You get a guy in Vick that filled the seats, polarized the community…black & white…then start crapping on him long before dog fighting, as if he was the reason you were losing. You now see all the holes he covered up…you now see how the guy made defenses cringe and game plan differently for him. I’m not defending his actions, for they were the catalyst to this season’s demise…but many wanted to “move him to receiver and let Schaub play”. Anyone witness Shaub this year??? So let’s not be hypocritical, fan base….many of you were calling for Vick’s head waaaaaay before he went after Fido…yes a lot of it was definitely racism…but many of my boys were calling for his head too…and they too look like idiots that don’t know football.
My Bucs were the worst franchise in sports, but they always filled the stadium…and continue to do so.
Bottom line is this franchise, like the Hawks have fairweather fans that complain and don’t support until they are absolutely winning, yet you run away coaches like you’re old school Steinbrenner. You are what you are…so stop fronting and gear up for the college season, for that’s where yoru passion is
By atlgator
December 17, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
The main problem with the fan base is that you guys act as if you’ve had a legacy of the Steelers or 49ers. You have never won consistently. You have never won in 2 consecutive seasons. You get a guy in Vick that filled the seats, polarized the community…black & white…then start crapping on him long before dog fighting, as if he was the reason you were losing. You now see all the holes he covered up…you now see how the guy made defenses cringe and game plan differently for him. I’m not defending his actions, for they were the catalyst to this season’s demise…but many wanted to “move him to receiver and let Schaub play”. Anyone witness Shaub this year??? So let’s not be hypocritical, fan base….many of you were calling for Vick’s head waaaaaay before he went after Fido…yes a lot of it was definitely racism…but many of my boys were calling for his head too…and they too look like idiots that don’t know football.
My Bucs were the worst franchise in sports, but they always filled the stadium…and continue to do so.
Bottom line is this franchise, like the Hawks have fairweather fans that complain and don’t support until they are absolutely winning, yet you run away coaches like you’re old school Steinbrenner. You are what you are…so stop fronting and gear up for the college season, for that’s where yoru passion is
By JSS
December 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
CB DeANGELO HALL
(On if the coaching by Emmitt Thomas was different) “Not too different, not too different. Still business as usual, we had a great week of practice. You know, guys were a little bit loose in practice and guys were having fun. Guys were having fun and that was something that I think was missing from this ball club for a while now, but obviously that wasn’t the answer either. You know, we just came out, just didn’t execute at all, on both sides of the ball, special teams. We just got dominated from the start of the game until the end of the game.”
(On if the lopsided loss was surprising after having a good week of practice) “I wouldn’t say surprising, I mean, it was very frustrating. It’s very frustrating obviously when you feel like you’ve prepared to the best of your ability and you still come out and get just ran all up and down all over the field. It’s definitely frustrating.”
(On Interim Head Coach Emmitt Thomas saying his team has to play with character) “Just we got a lot of penalties. You know, we got a lot of penalties, we had a bunch of brawls going on, you know and that’s definitely not the way football is supposed to be played. But, that’s probably the main thing he was talking about, we have a certain standard that we play with, and we definitely didn’t live up to that and didn’t play it today in this game.”
Please, will some teammate just kick his arse. Who is this “we” he speaks of?
By Dr.Dirt
December 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
The only way to see good football in the Atlanta area is to take a short drive to Athens…Mark Richt has a program of young black and white men who have proven themselves to be winners both on and off the field. Maybe the so called professional athletes playing for Big Art should remember what it was to play the game with heart and dignity. the Falcons are a joke…nothing short of a full housecleaning will change that.
By What's Real
December 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
GO AFTER ELI AND MCNABB!!!!!!!!!!
I JUST CAN’T TRUST SHOCKLEY!!!!!!
By It's amazing
December 17, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing how all these white racists on this blog accused Mike Vick of not being a stay-in the pocket, get the hell knock out of you because you have no O-line, drop-back passer. Y’all called him every name under the sun, but as soon as Vick isn’t the quarter, and you get sorry a$$ J. Harrington, you still accusing Vick for this team’s downfall. But if you would be honest, and I know that y’all don’t know the meaning of the word, Vick was the only bright light of this team. Just like the G-Bay Packers would be crap w/o Favre, so goes the Falcons w/o Vick.
By ck
December 17, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
It is time for Mr. Blank to do what he did when he first bought the birds… assess the problems with the team and address them in a logical manner.
As owner he must look at the bottom line and determine if his GM is getting the job done. Where was this team when he brought in McKay and where is the team now? Logically he will see that McKay has done nothing to improve this team and thus must be released. His performance has put this team in a the unenviable position of being one of the worst in franchise history. He can even assume form past history that Vick wouldn’t have been much help had he remained with the club.
The fault lies with McKay. It is his job to bring in the talent to make this a winning franchise and protect it from total failure in the event of the loss of one player.
He has done nothing to improve this team and most of his decisions have backfired dramatically. He got lucky in Tampa but his luck has ran its course.
Do yourself a favor Mr. Blank… Admit your mistake and release McKay before he does any further damage.
You have an excellent opportunity now to right the wrongs and set the sails in another direction by starting at the top with McKay.
Coach Cowher feels he made the right choice because he like everyone else knows that as long as McKay is in charge then this will always be an underachieving franchise.
The empty seats at the dome, dissatisfied fans and the unsold Falcons merchandise will only get worse until you put someone in charge who knows how to build a franchise from the inside out. I would love to see Bill Parcells get a chance to bring in the talent necessary to establish a winning attitude in this team… If there is a way to lure Parcells or Jimmy Johnson here then you should do whatever they ask and let them run the franchise while you play the role of owner and stay in your box. Sit back and let a good management team do the work while you are once again placed in high esteem for making a decision to let the proper people do what they do best.
By Dap
December 17, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Terrance Moore is clueless. How does he keep a job.
By GhettoIce
December 17, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
This season is a total mess and I am so glad it’s coming to an end. As a ticket holder, I continue to go and root for my home team(cause I paid my hard earned money for these tickets). This team needs to be fine tuned on both sides of the ball. Whoever the new coach is, I hope they can come in and instill of sense of pride in this team. These players have no pride. They play for the money. If pride is not the case, then they still should be released b/c they are under-performers.
I dont kno what’s in the Falcon’s future, but it’s looking bleek from here.
Keep ur head up MV7.
By noned
December 17, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
bring reeves as a GM or a consulsant to Authur Blank on who to hire for coaches and players.
There are many good coaches out there such as Marty, Singleterry, or Garret. If Jerry Jones opts to keep Garret by promoting him to head coach, make the move for Wade Phillips. That guy has been on the playoffs for the falcons, chargers and will for the boys.
If possible, make a trade for Derek Anderson. Hes young with a cannon arm and experience. It will take a couple of years to build around Derek Anderson. Then trade D Hall and Couple players for 2nd and 3rd round picks to stock up on Linemens on both side of the ball.
There will be some good veterian backs on the market such as Michael Turner from the chargers, or even Justin Fargas who could be a temporary fix for a couple yrs.
I bet Randy Moss will become a free agent since the Patriots are those teams that find new players through Free Agency, or even possible trade for Chad Johnson. Either those two guys paired up with Roddy White, Norwood, Jenkins will become a scary offense.
Only prob is defense will suck, but you can only build one side of the ball at a time and I say we rebuild around the offense this year.
By Al
December 17, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
BS article. Change the QB and its a completely different game. The defense gave up 10 legitimate points. The QB (and Dunn) gave up the rest. Try watching the game next time Mark
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Hey What’s Real,
I agree with you regarding D.J. Shockley - he deserves a chance, but he’s hardly ready to run a professional team.
I don’t think McNabb is the answer. In three of the last five years McNabb had gone down with six or more games remaining in the regular season. Unfortuantely, with our offensive line, he would be hard pressed to complete a full season healthy.
By Fred Masci
December 17, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
The Players Are The Problem
After watching yesterday’s game there is only one conclusion - The players are the problem We need to clean house and get rid of all veterans. In addition, bring in a GM who can evaluate talent. The current GM has no clue. Look at our top two draft choices. One has no sacks and almost no tackles. The other is inactive and sitting on the bench in street clothes. Great evaluator of talen — McKay.
By noned
December 17, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Ill love to go after Eli other than Dereck Anderson, but not McNabb, he’s too injury prone and Eli needs a fresh start somewhere where the fans arent too hard on him.
McNabb will be going to the bears.
Possibly look at Deuce McAllister if possible, Stecker has been good too.
By Entrepeneur
December 17, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons folded as a franchise tomorrow, MAYBE 7 players would start on other NFL teams. That’s all on Rich McKay. This guy has made horrible draft and free-agent decisions since his arrival and losing Vick has totally exposed him. Who has McKay brought to this team that is a standout player? Nobody. How many marginal players has McKay overpayed? Many(where is Peerless Price now?). The ONLY way this team recovers from this debaucle is by removing McKay and bringing in a qualified GM who can clean house(70% of the team) and recruit current/future talent. Don’t be fooled- this is a TOTAL rebuild and there is no reason to have players like Brooking, Dunn, Crumpler, Abraham, and Hall, dragging down the payroll. They are not leaders on the field or in the lockerroom so why keep them around? Time to start over in ATL from the top down. I can only hope that Mr. Blank realizes that he must turn over the reigns to a professional if he ever wants to win the Lombardi trophy. It definitely ain’t going to happen with Moe, Larry, & Curly making football decisions.
By GE
December 17, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
There is one thing for sure. You cannot have any worse quarterbacking than Harrington and Redmond. Redmond can now go back to selling insurance. Harrington can join him. No use playing either one of these turkeys the rest of the season. Let Leftwich play the remaining two games to see if there is any way he is worthy of the money he got. If not, get him out of here too or make him the the backup to someone. Get a good QB and build the OL.The Falcons will be OK in 2008.
By mickey
December 17, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
the falcons should play those 2 games one does not give up in pro football meet them head on and deal with it latter a falcon fan
By Edd
December 17, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Glanville ?
By Tim
December 17, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
The players are quick to call Petrino a coward. They need to look in the mirror, they are playing like cowardly sissies. I hope Deangelo reads this.
By RichCobbGuy
December 17, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Is Marion Campbell available?
By rob
December 17, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
The Falcons always suck….sell them to Alabama in exchange for water.
By Thrash
December 17, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
How appropriate yesterday’s game was during this holiday season. All the pushing, shoving and smack talk after the plays were over reminded me of shopping at the mall. Send this whole team back to the “Island of Misfit Toys”.
By Dee
December 17, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
No way is NOT PLAYING is a answer. What a dumb and cowardly plan. You should be glad you are a writer, because you would suck at any leadership role.
By What's Real
December 17, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Yeah Tiger you have a point there. I can see McNabb being out for the season in game 3 lol.
I tend to disagree with you on some players Entrepeneur. Abraham is an awesome player! Crumpler is as well so I don’t think they should go. However, as much as I like D. Hall I wouldn’t mind a forefit in his position because we could really pick up some good players in his release. Let’s be real though…..Brooking hasn’t been the impact he was at Georgia Tech either so I wouldn’t mind saying b-bye to him either. But Eli has my vote for sure….I think he and Joe Horn would be a great connection. (Oh yeah I do think we overpaid Joe Horn). Also….I think we should take a chance on Ricky Williams!
That’s What’s Real!
By Dylan
December 17, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks Mark for taking the time to answer my question. I did read you Post. Keep up the good work.
By TRyan
December 17, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Let D hall coach the falcons ….. he has all the answers
By TRyan
December 17, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
No Fair blaming Mike Vick for anything ….. those dogs deserved it anyway,,,,, didn’t they? Plus Vick led the falcons to a Super Bowl, right? :-)
By ro
December 17, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Mark, the Falcons need to play out this schedule, of just to complete this free fall. At the end of the season, I would like the entire franchise to stop and take a personal assessment of this season and take accountability for their part in it. The individuals on this blog that have made racist remarks should take a hard look at themselves,too, and realize how cowardly they are. Most of you would NEVER open your mouths and PUBLICLY spew some of the hateful things that have been written on this blog.
The truth is, the Falcons were not a very good football team for the last 6 or 7 years. The year that they made the championship game was really a fluke based on MV heroics, not solid team play. The O-line has been inconsistent for the last 5 to 6 years. The best wide receiver on the team was Finneran who was injured. Jenkins, Roddy White, Peerless Price and Ashlee Lele were awful. The defense (for whatever reason) has been porous against the run. Last year, many folks blamed everything on Michael Vick. He didn’t pay himself and he didn’t draft the players around him. This MESS is a concerted effort of all that were involved!
First, Mr. Blank needs to realize that he is NOT Jerry Jones. Jerry Jones is a football MAN who has made sound decisions during his ownership in Dallas. He also knows how to please his fan base. Secondly, we need a quality GM who can properly assess talent. thirdly, hire a coach with a reputation that players can respect (someone who can enforce discipline and be encouraging). Fourth, we need players who will PLAY and please SHUT UP and PLAY. Now last but not least, anyone on this blog who calls people THUGS and REDNECKS, please just go away. YOU ARE COWARDS WHO SITS BEHIND A KEYBOARD. WE ARE ATLANTA, THE CITY TOO BUSY TO HATE!!!!!
By jc
December 17, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
the Dolphins won their fist game and watching how happy they were you would have thought they won the super bowl but that is what a true team is all about..they never gave up and went out there every game and gave 100% unlike the falcons. our players blamed the Vick and Patrino situation for their poor performace. while some of our players went all out in support of our felon ex-QB by wearing their free MV shirts and and his number 7 under their eyes and if they took that same passion in to the game we might not look so worthless as a team in front of the whole world.
By TRyan
December 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
“Busy” doing what?
By T.C
December 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
jay class dont win football games if that was the case then harrington would have this team in the win column.now do your home work about football and go and smoke some more crack you jay.
By KrisG
December 17, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Having Joey Harrington as a starter is only a symptom of the trouble- the trouble being, we have no one decisively better than Joey Harrington.
That was a real odd comment, since I’ve heard nothing but “it’s not Joey’s fault” all year long. Some people complained, because now the blame was being placed on receiver and a line that a certain other QB always seemed to take all the blame for. Not that it is Joey’s fault, but Joey has never been considered the answer to anyone’s question wherever he’s gone. I like him. Good guy. But if he can start for you, you have no QB.
By RIP
December 17, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Why would any big name coach want to come into coach theses players. Let’s forget about the organization and deal with the lack of talent on the field. There is nor much after Norwood and Crumpler. Keep those two Anderson and the young linebackers. After that everyone must go. Brooking, Hall, Milloy are all has-beens or never were’s. So please forget about the big name coach. Therre is no reason for them to come there. The Birdz are going to have to go after a lesser known coordinator who would love the job to make a name for themselves, So that means forget Jason Garrett.
Also forget the free agency deal. If they get the money back from Vick why in the he!! would anybody want to play fro this team. Next year is going to be about the same.
Reality is hard to deal with but it will be at least 3 years before the Falcons get back to being a .500 ball club.
By Marc
December 17, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank, see if the politicians in Cobb or Gwinnett will go halves on a new, state of the art outdoor stadium. Move out of the downtown tomb and change the name to the Georgia Falcons. At least you might attract a better class of fans.
Get rid of Mckay. Bring in a salary cap guru to handle the contracts. Give Marty Schottenheimer the job and let him decide on player personnel as well. At least he has proven he can GET to the playoffs. Who knows, he might actually get to the Super Bowl eventually. And a thug is a thug, regardless of color. Schottenhemer wouldn’t put up with those antics.
By I HAVE A DREAM...
December 17, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
RE: *Hey I HAVE A DREAM,
What’s wrong with “loving and supporting” Michael Vick?*
Tiger Woo,
From the early reports, Michael Vick already has several other inmates “loving” on and “supporting” him there in his cell, in the shower, etc.
Hopefully, they are being gentle with MV7 and using some type of gel or liquid to help smooth things along.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Marc,
I don’t think you will attract a better “class” of fans by moving the Falcons to Cobb or Gwinnett.
I guess my question would be - what are you implying when you say “class” of fans? What would make fans from Cobb or Gwinnett better? I kinda sense a racial undertone in your comment - I hope I’m wrong.
By Gordon
December 17, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
There is only one problem with the Atlanta Falcons. Instead of going after players that have character, they keep going after players that are characters.
By Pat
December 17, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
For all those drooling for Cowher, how many championship rings does he sport on his fingers? ONE-his players hated him for his belligerence, and he spent many years with the Steelers. Big Ben even commented that one of the reasons that they like the new coach is because he talks to them like they are men. Dan and Bill ARE TOO OLD! There is need to raid the nursing home. Plus Dan has a h/0 heart problems. If the Patriots do not win the championship this year with a perfect season-not one person will criticize them. All of those hating Atlanta and its residents b/o a football team, Delta,United, Greyhound, and American can take you any where you want to go. Do not blame your continued stay and your job, that shows how limited you really are and not only mentally. Since you fans believe you can do better than Mr. Blank, why don’t you pool your pennies together, form a coalition and buy the team? Bloggers, expand your vocabulary. Thugs, morons and idiots are being run into the ground. Lastly, the racists blacks and whites really need to tolerate each other. It is sad that Americans have stooped this low-hating each other, while our soldiers are dying to keep us free. Now it seems they are dying to keep the freedom of hatred alive in America. Mr. Blank, you are a man of integrity, love and honor! One day soon, the Falcons will bring home the championship!
By ck
December 17, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
TRyan…. Vick never played in the superbowl… It was a journeyman qb named Chris Chandler playing on about his 30th team for a coach named Dan Reeves. Vick only cost us Drew Brees, Ladamion Tomlinson and someone I can’t think of…not to mention Coach Reeves. Heck of a price tag for him.
By cursed
December 17, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
IT ALL STARTED WITH JOEY HARRINGTON
THAT MAN IS CURSED 4 LIFE AND HE BROUGHT IT 2 THE FALCONS
By Wanda
December 17, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Look Guys,
Believe it or not, the Falcons are a much better team than what they appear to be. They just have so much to deal with mentally.
They can only be spoilers the last two games. So be it.
But, Arthur Blank deserves better, and the team should remember that!!
By noned
December 17, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
how bout trading Brooking, D Hall and a draft pick for Chad Johnson. The bengals are loaded w talent players and will be willing to part ways with him for defensive help.
By jmt
December 17, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
Looks like all the sick people blog AJC this is a sad day for humanity to see the sick things these people put on the blog and this newspaper does not care at all about it. It is bad when you can’t let your kids read about the falcons because of these sick, ignorant no same people spitting hatred all over this paper and they will not do a thing about it. I wrote a letter to the editor asking them to please clean up this mess on the blogs they will not may this is what they want. So let me say this for all of you people that have lost your minds about these dogs and cannot forgive or forget (no one is saying breaking the log is right) but maybe you are so comfortable with dogs because you are dogs this is to the extremist that want a man dead for killing a dog. What if every black person wanting you hateful people killed for every black person you and your relatives have killed figuretively and literally? What if you needed to die and the commit about all of needing to be locked up is proof how sick you really are. Maybe you should try going to let see where can we send you where you do not have to look at black people, how about hell.
By jmt
December 17, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
Looks like all the sick people blog AJC this is a sad day for humanity to see the sick things these people put on the blog and this newspaper does not care at all about it. It is bad when you can’t let your kids read about the falcons because of these sick, ignorant no same people spitting hatred all over this paper and they will not do a thing about it. I wrote a letter to the editor asking them to please clean up this mess on the blogs they will not may this is what they want. So let me say this for all of you people that have lost your minds about these dogs and cannot forgive or forget (no one is saying breaking the log is right) but maybe you are so comfortable with dogs because you are dogs this is to the extremist that want a man dead for killing a dog. What if every black person wanting you hateful people killed for every black person you and your relatives have killed figuretively and literally? What if you needed to die and the commit about all of needing to be locked up is proof how sick you really are. Maybe you should try going to let see where can we send you where you do not have to look at black people, how about hell.
By jmt
December 17, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
Looks like all the sick people blog AJC this is a sad day for humanity to see the sick things these people put on the blog and this newspaper does not care at all about it. It is bad when you can’t let your kids read about the falcons because of these sick, ignorant no same people spitting hatred all over this paper and they will not do a thing about it. I wrote a letter to the editor asking them to please clean up this mess on the blogs they will not may this is what they want. So let me say this for all of you people that have lost your minds about these dogs and cannot forgive or forget (no one is saying breaking the log is right) but maybe you are so comfortable with dogs because you are dogs this is to the extremist that want a man dead for killing a dog. What if every black person wanting you hateful people killed for every black person you and your relatives have killed figuretively and literally? What if you needed to die and the commit about all of needing to be locked up is proof how sick you really are. Maybe you should try going to let see where can we send you where you do not have to look at black people, how about hell.
By Curt Moore
December 17, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
I’m a long time Falcon fan(first 10 yrs did not miss a home game), this is the worst display of poor effort ever seen in a sports franchise. I’m with your Mark this team should be disbanded. Maybe they could start over as an expansion team. Ug!
By falconinjax
December 17, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
Yes. It was a sad Sunday. Yes. We look terrible. No. We should NEVER give up. Let’s not let Petrino’s work ethic infect our hopes for a strong team. REAL FANS stay true. Through the thin times as well. I realize that’s what we as fans have experienced more often than not, however, we must stay true. Artie will get the right personel in there eventually, but for now my team doesn’t have a quarterback, a coach, or much hope. I’ll be damned if they loose me as their fan.
By VickBeliever
December 17, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Let’s be real here. Who is responsible for Joe Harrington, Byron Leftwich,Chris Redman, Lewis Sanders,the entire offensive line and a Head coach that quit 13 games into the season. The person who employeed this people deserves all the blame for this downfall….Hmmm that would be Rich McKay. No coach could coach them scrubs. Look Blank and Mckay the hell with the character issue go and find a football player first and deal with the other issues later.
By Gloria
December 17, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
I cannot believe some of what your people are saying sounds like more COWARDS to me throw the rock and hide you hand why dont you cowards go out and become free agents since you know so much about football and thugs which it takes one to know one.After this what will you hide behind next Cowards.
By Falconator
December 17, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Obviously, the purpose of the Falcons playing as they did went right over your collective heads. They are trying to help us land the #1 draft choice. Such an unselfish attitude should be rewarded with accolades and praise, not criticism.
As for Petrino? He had no idea we expected to win this year. After all, this was his first year as a head coach in the NFL. He thought we would give him at least a couple of years to get acclimated. Just like his pronouncement that if we were to draft a quarterback next year, he wanted a commitment from team management that he would not play for at least the first year.
By the way, McKay was noticeably conspicuous by his absence at the Tampa Bay game. Guess if he couldn’t return as a hero, he didn’t want to return at all.
I say bring back Marion “Swamp Fox” Campbell again. And by the way, whatever happened to the fried chicken and french fries?
By RICH
December 17, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
If you have never played organized sports, backoff.
The way a team plays is a matter of coaching, inspiration, quality players and a decent game plan. Our record is not the worst this season, but due to external circumstance, we are exposed week-to-week. Arthur Blank is a fine owner and when we extricate ourselves from the current situation (4th round pick coming), we will probably be all right. Hey if you aren’t a ticketing paying fan or season ticket holder. Shut your pie hole!
By Ump
December 17, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Can you explain this to me? When Vick was here and the Falcons lose.some of you so call Falcons fans say the Falcons can’t win with Vick under the center. Now that Vick is gone some of the same fans say the reasons the Falcons are losing is because Vick let the team down by not being here. Now so called Falcons fan which is it? You can’t have it both ways. And oh by the way you can’t say that I must be black because I don’t agree with your racist behaivor because I’m not.I am white. You need to keep the racist comments out, this is about sports.
By Rob
December 17, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Going Forward: Need excitement going forward? Check out June Jones and his outrageous Hawaii offense in the Sugar Bowl. His contract is up at the end of the year. What he did with what he was given is outstanding. Include Colt Brennan as the franchise’s #1 pick, and it’s game on from there! His delivery speed and accuracy is unmatched, and it comes in a 6’3” package. Sundays could be for ATLANTA what Saturday’s have been for Hawaii - Exciting!
By Chiefs fan
December 17, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Y’all need to hire Herm Edwards.
By Gloria
December 17, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
why are you so jealous of all these young rich guys i think i know but i want say you can have the same thing just get out of the trailor and stop being a brokeback cry baby and just go into sports because cleary thats where all of your talents are. Go for the gusto guys, Call Blank because he has no answers like you people dont overlook his accomplishments why he is rich and smart maybe you should go into consulting you people have SMARTS.
By Joseph Allen McWhorter
December 17, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley, if Roger Goodell were to actually excuse the Atlanta Falcons from playing their last two games simply because they are such a pitiful excuse for a professional football team and they have had a season from hell, it would then get even worse for them. That would undoubtedly make the Atlanta Falcons the laughing stock of the entire N.F.L. Mark, the Falcons have had a terrible season, this is true, but it is not the worst in N.F.L. history. The 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold that distinction-they never won a game that season. The falcons are one huge mess right now and the first major step to turning this mess around is to hire a real veteran N.F.L. coach. I was really disappointed to see that Bill Cowher is not interested in the job because he would have been perfect. But, they need a man with that type of personality. Mike Ditka is a name which comes to mind. Somebody of that caliber. I am just hoping Arthur Blank and Rich McKay have learned their lesson about hiring a college coach for an N.F.L. team. That is something that just doesn’t work! The N.F.L. is much different than college football. Steve Spurrier found that out too! It will take at least two years to turn the Falcons around. I don’t know if I have ever seen a team with so many issues to address in the offseason! I do know one thing-hell will freeze over before Bobby Petrino will coach in Atlanta again!! You can bank on that!!!
By Tell 'em
December 17, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
To Ump and Tiger Woo: … because it is always, always, always about race.
By Richie
December 17, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
I am surprised at the comments written by Mark Bradley. He has always been the most supportive and upbeat AJC Columnist. The frustration that he vented should not have been put in print. This is a bad season but we have to play it out to see what direction is needed for the future. I know that strong positive leadership is top priority even above the potential draft choices and free agents we may acquire. There are several holes that need filling, others that need supporting and some that are good and we need to keep. I am not going to comment on those needs but I will leave it up to the new leadership for direction because whoever is selected will be a Professional and not like me an armchair general with plenty of opinions. Now is just the time to tough the last two games out and look forward to a new beginning. Mark, hold your head up and keep writing about the positives.
By Dee
December 17, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Falcons have too many fair weather fans. They spew out verbal garbage when things do not go their way. Its not about a disgraced QB, a quitter coach, or a GM who has not recruited a decent player. The fans never stand by the team when things get tough. Every franchise has gone through tough times. Real fans hang in there and see their franchise through the challenging times. This FAN BASE sucks in Atlanta. I can see that Jimmy Johnson is needed to come here and rebuild this team. I hope that some real fans come in from out of town because most of you are not worthy of buying a ticket.
By Rod
December 17, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Hey, for the league minimum, I’ll come play QB, and put up a passer rating of 0.0
By bill
December 17, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Mark,
Please remember, there is at leasat one NFL team worse than the Falcons. That is the Miami Dolphins, who were once a perinial Champion.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Rob,
In case you didn’t know, June Jones was the Falcons coach from 1994 - 1996. In 1996, the Falcons posted a 3-13 record, leading to Jones’ dismissal. Jones’ coaching record over three seasons in Atlanta was nineteen wins and twenty-nine losses.
Do you really think June Jones would leave a successful job in Hawaii and return to the Falcons in their current situation - even if asked?
By jason
December 17, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
I think Blank should be on his knees admitting he was wrong and asking for forgiveness. I know neither of the two egos would comprimise. I wish Dan would come back to coach ATL. I was begging for Singletary last year at this time. What’s the excuse now ? The only excuse is to bring back Dan Reeves. And sad to say, I don’t think that will happen.
By jason
December 17, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
I think Blank should be on his knees admitting he was wrong and asking for forgiveness. I know neither of the two egos would comprimise. I wish Dan would come back to coach ATL. I was begging for Singletary last year at this time. What’s the excuse now ? The only excuse is to bring back Dan Reeves. And sad to say, I don’t think that will happen.
By Harry Black
December 17, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
Bradely’s column is a cheap pooly written “Pile on” We need more positive suggestions and encouragement, than a list of crass cheap shots. I would expect more out of class newspaper.
By Harry Black
December 17, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
Bradely’s column is a cheap pooly written “Pile on” We need more positive suggestions and encouragement, than a list of crass cheap shots. I would expect more out of class newspaper.
By Harry Black
December 17, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
Bradely’s column is a cheap pooly written “Pile on” We need more positive suggestions and encouragement, than a list of crass cheap shots. I would expect more out of class newspaper.
By Ed
December 17, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
I can’t even imagine a coach with as much class and success as Bill Cowher ever being the coach of the Atlanta Falcons. After Cowher spent 14 years as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the winningest football teams in NFL history why on earth would he want to in turn come to Atlanta to coach one of the losingest franchises in NFL history. There is a reason the Falcons are terrible every year and the Steelers, Patriots, Colts, and Chargers are always atop the league, its unselfish players, our whole team plays like they could care less whether they win or not, just so they are there to pick up a paycheck.
By Long Time Fan
December 17, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
You cannot build a team around 1 player. That was proven this year. You also cannot put up with ungrateful, childish players that make more in 6 months that most of us make in several years working long hours twelve months a year.
I say, do like corporate America. If they do not play, act out as children or get numerous personal fouls, fire them. Make a few examples and the rest will fall in line. Now is the season to do it. What else do we have to loose?
As for the former coach, you have now damaged your career beyond repair. You better make it work out where you are now, you will be a hard sell to any other team, college or pro.
By ck
December 17, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
Tigerwoo… I for one wouldn’t mind at all seeing the birds nab Jones and his qb. I think that perhaps he has matured as a coach and he certainly has experience in the NFL and not just with the Falcons… if I remeber correctly he built quite an offense i detroit which got him the Atlanta gig. But we still need a GM… who can analyze the talent and the needs of the franchise… Mckay is not now nor never has been the right man for the job.
By Cathy
December 17, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
As for the quarter backs, no one they will put in is going to do well UNTIL HE GETS BLOCKING and time to throw the ball and has recievers that can actually catch it when he does.
How many times did the ball actually hit off their hands in the game?
In regards to the comment from Mark Bradley, we are in the south. Here, we do not quit. We act as adults, try hard to make better plays and pray for a better year. Otherwise, what signals do we send our youth? Quit if you have trouble winning or when others around you leave, it is ok to quit too?
March on Falcons!!!!
By Tim
December 17, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
The solutiuon is simple: Get more talent. We don’t need a bunch of superstars on this team; we need a few new starters and depth.
Sign Faneca & Wharton to provide a stable left side of the OL; Haynesworth at NT; Resign Williams, Boley, Babineaux, and Davis.
Draft a QB for the future, a power back, and focus on depth.
Head coach: Mike Zimmer. Problems solved.
By jay
December 17, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
TC you moran you should smoke something youself…see you would not know anything about class just by your remarks..I am sure your from the same hood as Vick and the others like him…I suppose you think Leftovers was and still is the answer and yes class may not win football games but who knows how any of our QB could have done had they not pulled them out every other game but Joey took it like a man unlike all the other hot heads in this league like D Hall who should have been pulled like these QB’s but he would have been screaming like a baby like he has shown on the sidelines and his sorry butt has not been winning football games so why don’t just pull all the players
By GE
December 17, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Racism, money and class. White people, this has nothing to do with putting a good football team on the field. Please keep your issues to yourself if you can.
By Tiger Woo
December 17, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
ck,
You may be correct … June Jones may have matured as a coach and may be able to kick start the Falcons offense if given another opportunity. Colt Brennan would certainly be a major upgrade from the current Falcons quarterbacks.
However, as I stated before, I really couldn’t see Jones leaving a very successful situation in Hawaii to go to team that has a lot of question marks. I guess if they threw enough dollars at him, anything is possible.
By Rick
December 17, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
I like Miami, but I wouldn’t want to be a Dolphin.
By dannotdan
December 17, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
Bring in Singletary and let him get rid of Hall, Crumpler, Brooking and the rest of the weak a** leaders of this sorry team.
Singletary would be a step in te right direction but as long as Blank is in charge expect more drama and less winning.
By willdave
December 17, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
I was cautiously optimistic when Arthur Blank purchased the Falcons five years ago. I was hoping he would bring to this long-suffering franchise the formula for success that he had obviously developed so well as a co-founder of The Home Depot. Unfortunately, it’s beginning to look as though Mr. Blank has gotten in over his head. He has overseen some of the most bone-headed moves that have now left this organization in much worse shape than it was five years ago. His first big mistake was holding on to Vick after it had become painfully obvious that this former number one pick would never truly live up his forced role as a franchise quarterback. His next big mistake was hiring Bobby Petrino as head coach. Any shrewd owner would have concluded that Petrino lacked the qualifications to win in the NFL and would return to college the first chance he got. But Blank hired him anyway and must now resume the hunt for a head coach less than a year later. Sad, very sad.
By albee
December 17, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
All right, I’ll say it. Put Harrington back in as quarterback and at least we’ll have a chance of winning the next two games. Without him we might as well not show up.
By NC_Falconfan
December 17, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
How the hell can you ‘have fun’ when getting your a$$ beat 37-3 ??? That IS sad.Sell this team while you might can still recoup some of your losses Blank and go open another hardware store somewhere,cause you ain’t very good at this NFL thing.
By Falcon Fan For Life
December 17, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
If you really want to know how Atlanta feels just read this Blog. Take away all the RACIST remarks, and talk football, x’s and o’s. Atlanta was horrible this year and NOT because of Vick. You said for the last few years we need a pocket QB, but when we have had disposal at 3 pocket QB’s this year none of them could perform, or attempt to walk in Vick’s shadow. All his personal things aside, he turned Atlanta around and gave us hope. He wasnt your child or family member so his business off the field is for him to deal with, as yours is to yourself. Hopefully we Draft good in the off season, cut sorry a#$ Brooking, and hopefully D.J. Shockley stays healthy, b/c believe it or not, he’s probably the closest thing we will ever get to #7
By dannotdan
December 17, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
Short of the Commissioner disbanding this band of misfits based on their gross incompetence and moving them to LA the best move would be for Bernie Marcus to step in and provide Blank the leadership and vision he clearly is not capable of on his own,
As bad as Hall, Petrino, and McKay have performed this season no single player, coach or executive is capable of the systemic harm Blank has inflected on this team. Bring in Bernie for a couple of years to get this mess cleaned up and let Prince Arthur take tickets at the aquarium.
By Benny Hayes
December 17, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Does Mckay sound familiar to that former Hawks GM Pete Babcock? Willing to own up to his mistakes, being a nice guy, etc. Sounds a lot like him. Overmatched for the job, made horrendous picks. Took some time un-doing his mess. Very familiar…
By A-ville Ranger
December 17, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
If Mr Blank is more interested in winning than having a broken toy to play with he’ll do what it takes to hire Marty Schottenheimer,give him complete control and get the hell out of his way and off the sideline.If he insist on pretending he’s a football man he’ll end up playing in an empty staduim.
By Coach Dan "The H-Back" Henning
December 17, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
I’d love to come back!!
Thanks so much for asking!
By JSS
December 17, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
“I thought the pile was still moving,” Hall said. “I’ve seen a lot of piles getting pushed from the back. I wanted to go in there and stick my head in there. That’s what I did. After that, the guy just pushed me to the ground.”
The “guy” Hall was referring to here in this interview after the game Sunday was TB OL Trueblood. Unfortunately, it was the old white ref that did that takedown on him which must have been really embarrassing to tough guy Hall who has never hit anyone legally all year.
By jdwolfejr
December 17, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
You are all fools to care. This team, this league, and this country are bankrupt. You are wasting your time.
By blq byrd
December 18, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
So does that mean that the commissioner should also cancel the remaining games of the Rams,Raiders and the Dolphins? They stink just as bad without all of the distractions that the Falcons have had to deal with.
By Matt
December 18, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
Are you serious? Are you singing the same tune for the Miami Dolphins who took 14 weeks to win one game? We at least have a few wins under our belt. Yes, we suck, there’s no doubt about that, but just as Bobby Petrino gave up on the Falcons and you scorned him for that, you now want the NFL to give up on us too? That’s pretty hypocritical, don’t you think? Perhaps you should do some writing in another NFL city instead of this one. Instead of making matters worse, why don’t you write about something positive? I don’t know, maybe a piece about the good deeds our men are doing off the field. But that’s right, negativity sells in your industry, right?
By mark
December 18, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
You have to admit that this team has no class..How awful was it to have 5 players embarrass the city, the league, even the Justice system in our country. These players actually feel Mr. Vick receieved a unfair sentancing , gosh most of us would have gotten years in prison , Vick could be out in 3 months!What has Blank created? Who do these guys think they are? They are a 3-11 football team that stopped playing football when their mighty michael got poped, they don’t care about the fans who pay to see this trash or the sponsors who paid big money to support them. If Blank was any man at all he would cut those 5 players from the team right now.I have never in my life seen a team of any kind so disrespectful to professional sports.YTes there are some respectful players on this team..they are being overshawdowed by the scum of the NFL.I think the League should fine Blank for what he has let happen. Its okay Mr. Vick did illegal gambling had illegal dog fights electrcuted dogs , threw them on cement til they splattered to their death and on and on , meanwhile the big dummy upstairs paying the peice of trash 13million a year..This is a shame and a _disgrace.Im sorry I had to get this off my chest Mercy!
By Mr. Justice
December 18, 2007 2:48 AM | Link to this
In a related story, word out of Arkansas is that University officials are feeling buyers remorse after Coach Betrayus asked there be no buyout clause in his contract…you know, just in case.
By The Judge
December 18, 2007 2:54 AM | Link to this
Team Owner faces jail time for falcon fighting. Special house in Atlanta where fights were held was the scene of falcon mutilation, electrocution, hanging by the neck and other awful stuff. Film at 11.