AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhy would anyone want to run this team
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Glendale, Ariz. — It was appropriate the Falcons spent Sunday playing inside a stadium shaped like something from outer space. That’s because their season from Mars continued against the Arizona Cardinals. In fact, the Marty Schottenheimer theories to the contrary, nobody from Earth is capable of making those little green men return this franchise to the vicinity of decency anytime soon.
There is the meantime, though, which is the Falcons’ problem. The more somebody of competency, or beyond, watches everything involved with this rebuilding process, spanning from a clueless front office to a flawed locker room, the more that somebody would rather shove a chinstrap down his throat than come to Flowery Branch.
Bill Cowher said no. Then Bill Parcells became Bill Parcells by playing the Falcons for suckers to get a better deal with the Miami Dolphins. That said, Schottenheimer and his accomplished resume as an NFL coach would do better than most with this ongoing mess, but two things: The Falcons still would need a miracle worker at general manager, and Schottenheimer still would have to agree to take the coaching job. At 64, and after a cushy stint as a football analyst for ESPN, he likely isn’t into self-inflicted pain.
This time, the Falcons went from a thrilling comeback at the end of regulation to a 30-27 loss in overtime for a slide to 3-12 overall.
“When you go out there and you put everything out there on the line, and you just come up a little bit short, it’s tough, man,” said Roddy White, who continued his coming-out party after two raggedy seasons with 12 catches for 141 yards. “I wanted to break down and cry after the game. All my teammates, we played hard. We give it our best. We just can’t get any breaks. It’s like somebody or something doesn’t want us to win football games.”
We’re back to that Mars thing involving the Falcons. Just this month, they watched their franchise quarterback go to prison for illegal dogfighting. Then their first-year head coach returned to the college ranks with three games left. Then their owner got embarrassed by watching both those high-profile NFL types say thanks but something such as “You must be kidding” when asked if they wished to run the Falcons’ football side.
So, if you’re an Atlanta player in this situation, you play hard, but you can’t focus enough to avoid the silliness that happened against the Cardinals.
There was the Falcons’ opening drive, when Chris Redman moved his offensively challenged team from its 44-yard line to the Arizona 6. He lofted a fade pass into the corner of the end zone, but courtesy of a mix-up with White, the pass was intercepted. Soon afterward, Falcons defensive backs Chris Houston and Lawyer Milloy missed tackles on a short pass play to Anquan Boldin that was turned into a long pass play.
Not only that, the Falcons were flagged for running into the punter. Twice.
Remember, too, that the Falcons were facing an Arizona team that wouldn’t be confused with anybody good. The Cardinals began the game at 6-8 and out of the playoff picture, which meant they had only pride as their motivator. The Falcons also were playing for pride, but you only can take that so far when you’re working for an interim head coach (Emmitt Thomas) with long odds of becoming permanent, and when your current general manager (Rich McKay) already has been told that he’s gone in that role at season’s end.
Even so, the Falcons had some impressive moments. There was that fake punt that went for 37 yards and led to a Falcons touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. There was Redman connecting with Laurent Robinson on a 74-yard post pattern for a score. There also was a Falcons offense going 48 yards on eight plays to tie the game at 24-24 inside the final five minutes, and then surging ahead near the end on Morten Andersen’s short field goal before the Cardinals eventually forced overtime.
None of that could change this: The Falcons still are ghastly.
From top to bottom.
Permalink | Comments (37) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
By Tyger
December 24, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Falcoons showed up Sunday and considering recent history thats progress. I can live with an OT loss, especially with the NFLs flawed OT system.
THE TEAM PLAYED HARD FOR EMMIT THOMAS IS THE BOTTOM LINE. And if you play hard, you’ll win your share of games.
WE’RE NOT AS BAD AS OUR RECORD.
1) An NFL veteran QB to hold the line for a year or two; 2) Get an experienced NFL Coach that can handle the heat; 3) Stop gambling on the draft picks and free agents; if a guy has an injury history, he’s probably injury prone. 4) Draft guys with true positions, stop trying to re-invent the wheel. 5) Join the 21st century, give a deserving black coach more than a mock interview.
By newteamgeardotcom
December 24, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
go falcons
By mike
December 24, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
TM…I am sick of you always seeing the negative side of things. All you do is dump on people. I bet xmas in your house is very pleasant. The Falcons are not that bad. We have had alot of things go wrong this year from bad coaching from a coward coach, the Vick ordeal, injuries, and plain old bad luck, but we have playmakers and promising talent on this team. And we have an owner who will do what ever it takes to win. This is not a bad deal for a new GM or coach. Yes we have alot of holes and problems, but its not an impossible challenge. Try being a glass is half full guy once and awhile. You may find that your alot happier.
By michaelgee
December 24, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Mr Hindsight strikes with more cheap attacks.
Terance, if you are so wise why don’t you lay a plan out for us to read? Nope, your hindsight is all you have, you are Atlanta’s favorite one trick pony.
After an event is done you come crawling out to attack the participants left standing. Slimey work again, but we all know what to expect from you.
By DR
December 24, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Hi Terrence,
Falcons didn’t play bad yesterday at all. They played hard and almost won the game. Coaches did a great job getting the players motivated to play well and that is progress.
You are up to your normal self of being a nay sayer.
Will you please stop referring to Michael Vick in every single article of yours. The city of Atlanta, Georgia and rest of the United States knows he went to jail. He is not playing for the Falcons any longer, STOP.
Just in case you don’t know, Michael Vick is not involved in the local sports scene at all. Unless you are writing about the local crime scene which I wish you would, there is no reason to include Michael Vick in any articles related to sports, PERIOD.
By Mike
December 24, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
This writer never ceases to amaze me with his negativity toward the Falcons. If you hate the team so much, stop writing for the newspaper that covers them. This team has a good foundation of players and will get better soon. Don’t jump back on the bandwagon when they do because you, Terence Moore, are not welcome.
By Gene
December 24, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Terrence has already worn out his criticism of the Falcons by writing about things a school kid could recognize by watching the game. Actually, I think the Falcons regained some small measure of self respect yesterday, and Redmond showed a spark of talent.
By GT
December 24, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
You can talk about your global warming and credit meltdowns; the real news is Terence Moore though negative as ever actually knows what he is talking about. I agreed part and parcel with several of his latest editorials. I wonder if the paper sometimes has its most unpopular writers write in favor of something their popular writers have spun the other way in order to have backlash from the public and sway public opinion the opposite direction. I think Blank throwing McKay under the bus is cowardly in the least, and if he is going to dictate an operation stop finding fall guys for his failures. Lead or get out of the way.
By Paul
December 24, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
TM has a point… this job is rapidly becoming less and less attractive to anyone in their right mind. Makes me think we need to hire someone who has past ties to the Falcons, someone who has at least a bit of a stake in the Falcons’ reputation and legacy. Reeves’ past with Blank may be a little too checkered in the recent past. So, why not go after someone who has had a little distance? How about Norm Van Brocklin? Let’s dip into our past and see if Van Brocklin would be interested in taking the helm as our GM and/or coach for at least the next season.
By Chris
December 24, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Here’s a crazy idea:
You’re already done. You have 3 wins on the season. Less than 2 minutes in regulation, tie game, 1st and Goal, you go for the end zone. You don’t run the ball 3 times and make them use their TOs. You go for the damn win, because holding them off isn’t getting you to the playoffs anyway. Horrible, horrible playcalling. Go for the end zone, go for the win. Freaking retarded.
By Voice of Reason
December 24, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Terrance, take a deep breath and relax. Things are not good, but not hopeless either. If you fix the offensive line, you will go a long way toward reviving this team. As well as Chris Redamn played, I am convinced that the major reason he is playing is that he is the only QB we have who can run for his life and not get caught every tim. We desparately need (2) decent tackles and an extra guard, if we are to achieve any ofensive consistency. On defence, we need a safety and CB to replace Crocker and Houston who are our glaring weak spots. While these are hard players to find, the situation is NOT IMPOSSIBLE. Enough with the defeatist attitude. Build no what you have.
By Veteran Fan
December 24, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
Please draft an offensive lineman with the first round pick! Or trade the rights to Vick and a draft pick to the Giants for Eli and two picks to rebuild the offensive line! Also, please do not win next Sunday as we are in a tight race with the Jets for the second pick in the draft and every year we win a meaningless game at the end of the season to screw it up! Redmond or Eli released from the media circus in NY can get the job done with the addition of two quality offensive lineman.
By Flip Flop
December 24, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
A year ago, “Flippy” Moore said that criticism of Vick was racially motivated when fans wanted “The Great Matt Schaub” to have a chance. Now he blames the Falcons’ management for Michael’s criminal behavior. Therrence must think that our memory is as flawed as his own.
By Joseph Allen McWhorter
December 24, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Terrance, this is one very intelligent perception of the Falcons mess! And let me add that as far as getting a new head coach, I don’t even think that if Vince Lombardi were still alive that he would want to inherit this mess. And if he did, it would even take him about two or three years to turn this crazy thing around. The Falcons are just at absolutely rock bottom right now. Not only do they need an established veteran N.F.L coach such as a Marty Schottenheimer or someone of that caliber, they need to reshape the entire front office. I just hope that Arthur Blank has learned his lesson about Bobby Petrino. He should never make a mistake like that again. Anyway, Atlanta sports fans can enjoy the Hawks and Thrashers for the next few years. Atleast those teams are playing above .500. It appears that the Falcons are going to be clueless on the football field for at least a few more years. My goodness, what a mess they have right now! Great article, Terrance.
By Get Real
December 24, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
I don’t normally agreee with TM but he’s right about this team. Some of you are in serious denial. The Falcons do not have a good foundation of players. Are you kidding me??? They are terrible on both sides of the ball. I particularly love the comment about having an owner who will do whatever it takes to win. Are you people living on another planet? Blank hasn’t done one thing to make this an elite team. In fact, they are much worse now than when he bought them and I did not think that was possible. Unless Blank gets off the sideline and out of the picture, he will not attract the leadership this organization needs. He may know hardware but he is clueless about the NFL. Wakeup people!
By Howard
December 24, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Terence…you and the other AJC writers are still not getting the big picture. The Falcons are in great shape compared to the disaster that is the Miami Dolphins. I’ve lived down here since retiring from Georgia in 2001 and watched the Dolphins get worse and worse. I pity “The Tuna.” He should have taken the Falcons’ job…it was just that he could basically live in his lavish home in down here in Jupiter and still collect a king’s ransom from Wayne Huizenga. He has a job akin to saving the Titanic. Huizenga and Blank are both outta their league in this league…collecting garbage and renting out videos and selling home improvement goods doesn’t qualify you to run an NFL franchise. Look at the Patriots and compare them to Atlanta and Miami and ask yourself this: 1) Would the Pats have tolerated Vick’s behavior like Blank?? 2) Would the Pats, if Bellichek were to leave, retire, die, or be fired…go out and hire snake oil salesmen like Dave Wannstedt, Jim Mora, Bobby Petrino, Nick Saban or Cam Cameron?? Finally…compare the Pats’ drfat record and how they get the talent they need…to teams like the Dolphins and Falcons! Small wonder they are a dynasty and the Falcons and Dolphins are…oh well, you finish that one. Anyone majoring in sports management in college should be required to study Atlanta and Miami and do a comparison study with the New England organization. Wow!! Talk about comparing apples and…well…how about Exlax!! Still…the Falcons are still a light year or two ahead of Miami!!
By scott
December 24, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
good blog moore you done it again getting these ga. rednecks idiots blood running . i love the falcons but they need to continue to get kick around until blank get it right. the falcons show up sunday but i’m hoping for a lost every time they play now a good draft pick is what the falcons are playing for these games mean nothing
By JS
December 24, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
I watched the second half of the latest installment in Falcon fan humiliation yesterday (although I have no idea why) and read many of the bloggers to the AJC this morning. I think the fact that so many fans say that it may be a good thing that we lost another game, in order to get a better draft pick, says it all. Is there really some great player out there that we might miss out on if our draft pick was moved down a couple of notches because of a win. This is such a loser mentality. Of course the Falcons lost in a way that longtime fans have come to expect. Why can’t we just by like Miami and lose with dignity? Why does this team always find a way to rub it in to their befuddled fans. After a great comeback in the 4th quarter, every longtime follower of this team was waiting for the moment when humiliation would, as always, pull the rug out from under them. Is there one person who watched that game that didn’t know how that overtime was going to turn out? At least the hapless Cardinals made it quick; going right down the field to put the Falcons out of their misery. So we preserve our shot at a higher draft pick. So what? We need 22 first round picks. By the way, the demeanor of the interim coach on the sidelines is a perfect fit for the Falcons. Hopelessly lost.
By John
December 24, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
TM wins because all who criticize him read his article. He cannot write but gets readers via being controversial (negative). The only time I agreed with him was when he said it was over in 1996 when the Braves won 2 at Yankee Stadium. Wrong! BTW Paul, Van Brocklin cannot come back from the dead.
By shaka
December 24, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
terrance why do you constantly put vick in your article we know what he did the whole world knows what he did you starting to make me think your a hater get another job if you dont like the falcons every time you write its something negative about them when vick left it exposed alot of weaknesses about the team who f%$#!@# cares what you think
By Country Ham
December 24, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
To “Veteran Fan:” Eli Manning, are you serious!! You are trying to set us back even more!!! But most definitely shore up these lines on both sides of the ball.
By nitrodust
December 24, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Why would anyone want to run this team? Money, power and ego.If all else fails you do have an asset sitting on ice at some federal pen in Virginia.
By Ken Strickland
December 24, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
TERRENCE, not everyone is a quitter or affraid to accept a challenge. There are people that have supreme confidence in their abilities and would relish an opportunity to prove it. These are the types of people that would want to run this team. The mere fact you asked this question shows you aren’t one that understands these concepts.
This team has talent, but it’s lacking in structure and purpose. There are some glaring weaknesses, talent wise, but those can be addressed through free agency and the draft. Isn’t it amazing how this OFF was so productive in the OC’s 2nd gm calling plays. His play calling and overall aggressiveness has made such a difference over Petrino’s efforts.
The new coaching staff needs to work on the following to make us respectable.
(1)Upgrade the OL and install a blocking scheme that better suits their talents. Mora and Petrino were inflexable and tried to force their blocking schemes on OLinemen that weren’t suited. Upgrade our RB position. We need more power and endurance at the position. Take a long look at DJ Shockey and CRedmon as the teams primary QB’s and draft a QB in the 2nd or 3rd rds. DEFENSIVELY (2)Take a look at upgrading the DT positions. Trey Lewis seems to be a keeper, but RColeman has been injury prone and his production has drastically fallen off the last 2yrs. Get a more physical MLB. Upgrade our safety positions. LMolloy is still a beast at the line of scrimmage, but he’s a liability in pass coverage. CCrocker is a natural SS that’s being used as a FS. His speed and aggressiveness would be an overall upgrade at SS. Our CB, and overall secondary play will drastically improve with a better pass rush.
Petrino made a big mistake trading Rossum. Our punt return production has fallen off dractically without him. Bringing in the right HC and GM can make a tremendous difference in this franchise. Attitude, confidence and expectations are often the difference between a winning and a losing franchise. Compare the attitudes, confidence and expectations of the Cowboy, Patriot, Packer organizaions, fans, players and sportwriters to those of the Falcons, Saints and Cardinals. The latter group lacks consistency and a winning tradition, while the others are the complete opposite. When you’re constantly being fed negative crap by your local paper, and its sports writers, it goes a long way toward establishing a losing mentality and lower expectations among fans. CHANGE THE WAY THE ORGANIZATION AND PLAYERS THINK, AND YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY REALIZE HOW MUCH MORE TALENT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU.
By theseadaddy
December 24, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
First, Authur Blank should enjoy his christmas as the rest of us. Then, he should try to think of what Idenity he wants his team to have. Im one of the few who thinks Mcay should stay. Although he has made a few bad decisions over the years (just like any other GM), he is still one of the best minds in football. Letting him get away will only allow him to resurface in a better situation and build a superbowl contender. I would like to see this team take on a Jacksonville/Pitsburgh mantality. First, I would trade Deangelo, Warrick Dunn, and our #4 pick (as of now) to Miami for their #1. Draft Mcfadden!!! Mcfadden already has the star power we despretly need and miss since falcon # 7. He will get fans in the stands as Barry sanders did in detroit although detroit had losing seasons. In round two, draft a CB to replace D-hall. In rounds 3 - 5 should be all O-linemen. You can get great linemen in those rounds. Round 6, draft a freakin kicker and let Anderson retire already. Round 7, draft a DT or a FB/RB with good blocking ability. In free agency, go full court press on a LT. Finding a difference making QB this year is hard and any attemt to make a splash via FA or the draft will likely bust. Stick with Redmen for next year and see who comes out of college in 08. (Matt Staford from UGA!! or even Tim Tebow). Our HC should be M. Shottenhiemer with a young assistant who will learn from him and eventually be handed the team. Contrary to popular belief, the owner can still be hands on without micromanaging, as long as everyone from the owner on down to the towellboy is on the same page.
By Gwen
December 24, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Yes, the Falcons stink. They have unsuccessfully struggled to become even mediocre. Mediocrity would, in fact, be a huge improvement for them. And no big time coach wants anything to do with them. The answer? Hire a coach with NFL experience who has shown he can at least produce a mediocre team with a marginal win record until this mess is stabilized. And you have just the man for the job right there in town. The Falcons should immediately hire Chan Gailey. He’s not a major winner, but he is a winner. He needs a new job. You won’t have to pay relocation expenses, and he has an NFL track record that beats the heck out of what you have now. Give him a try. It sure won’t be any worse!!!
By Anit-Terence
December 24, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Terence + Public Platform = Idiot! Good job buddy!
By cb
December 24, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Very unusual defensive playcalling on the Cardinals final drive to tie the game in regulation. Up until that point, the last half of the third quarter and all of the fourth, Zimmer had the defense applying pressure and it worked. I can’t get my mind wrapped around playing a “soft zone/prevent defense” on their final drive when we had their offense off balance until that point. Questionable.
By Hammond
December 24, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Who wouldn’t want to come coach the Falcons? You have a dedicated owner like Blank who is willing to spend anything to give Atlanta the winning team they want. The new coach would have no where to go but up.
I think the only negative thing he faces is a hot head D Hall who talks much better than he plays and puts his ego in front of the team every time. He is not going to control his ego or temper and will continue to drag the team down. I’d rather have Petrino back next year instaed of Hall.
By Charles
December 24, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Like your columns which I read on a regular basis. My suggestion to Mr. Blank is that he hire Mr. Thomas as head coach on an annual renewal based on performance. Times of transition need his experience, character, expertise and likability. True, he is not the charismatic type. Who cares as long as he knows what he’s doing and gets others to like what they do!? Enough of this talk about some BIG NAME guy who is so narcissistic that he craves all the glory! Give the glory to the guys on the field who play their hearts out and make the plays. If anyone on the team cannot work with a guy like Emmitt, there is no coach in America he could work for, and is not worth the money he’s paid to keep him. Even Hall could get along with Mr. Graham and not cuss him out in front of national TV! Give the guy a chance. I predict he would come through. But then, lest I forget, there appears to be no place at the top for the humble yet tough coache who sticks with you through good times and bad times. If Mr. Blank could bring himself down a notch or two and go with armor rather than glamour, he might be in for a big surprise at the end of the 2008 season when the Falcons go at least 8-8 with the team they already have plus one or two reinforcements.
By DJ
December 24, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Have to agree with Chris’ post (@11:06 AM). They were driving down the field executing solid pass plays and should have gone for the touchdown. Instead, they left way too much time on the clock. I would rather they be up by 7 with AZ having their timeouts but having to drive all the way down the field, rather than have a 3-point lead where AZ only has to get in field goal range even w/out timeouts which was very doable. I’m just wondering why more people aren’t talking about this.
By NCBravesFan
December 24, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Saying the Falcons stink at this point is akin to saying the sky is blue or the moon orbits the earth. This column could not have taken more than five minutes to write.
I know folks are busy this time of the year and work often takes a back seat to life. That certainly appears to be the case here.
By Titan
December 24, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
In your second paragraph you failed to mention one other point: the sorriest damn newspaper in the country. And, Furman Bisher aside, a group of sportswriters that nationally are a joke!! I travel a lot and everytime the AJC Sports page is mentioned everybody laughs— what an embarrassment you folks are to the city!!!!
By SnuffySmith
December 24, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
I vote for Terrence Moore to be hired as the next head coach, Vice President and General Manager of the Falcons. Obviously, he is the ONLY person on planet earth capable of moving the Falcons in the right direction. So Arthur if you are listening, bring Terrence Moore aboard and watch him wreck the Falcons as all the others have as well.
By joe
December 24, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
As long as we try to rebuild from a winning organization, such as Dallas, New England or Indianapolis. We will be fine. We need a winner brought in and it will spread like a cancer throughout the locker room! Parcells is great but he isnt the answer, Marty is much too old! Mike Singletary was a awesome linebacker, but the 49ers are not that great, so he wont make the impact that we need.
By shanny
December 24, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore is only reporting what he observes. Which is one lousy football team. Quit dumping on a good reporter. Don’t you think other reporters from other NFL towns that have lousy teams write the same kind of articles? Of course they do…..
If the Falcons were like the Patriots everyone would be falling all over themselves.
By Jon
December 24, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
GT… 1. Blank is not throwing McKay under the bus. He is holding him accountable. Blank relies on the recommendations of his football operations, aka, McKay. It was McKay who recommended both Mora and Petrino. It has been McKay who has muffed drafts and free agent signings. In business, if you rely on another person to give you solid advice and they show a pattern of bad recommendations, you replace them. That is precisely what Blank is doing with McKay. People are always complaining that Blank needs to stay out of football operations. If he is writing the checks, he needs to be involved to a certain degree. Blind trust is not responsible business.
2. Lead or get out of the way???? Great movie line, not applicable to this scenario. 3. Hope everyone has a Merry CHRISTmas!
By rich brave
December 24, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
TMo:
If D’Angelo Hall really wants out of Atlanta please call Dan Snyder. He will offer Carlos Rogers and $$$$ plus draft picks. PLEASE!!