AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA Falcons town no more
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
There already were questions about the general manager’s personnel decisions. There already were obvious cracks in the quarterback’s leadership and maturity. But the Falcons really didn’t begin to jump the tracks in this town until about a year ago.
That’s when things turned goofy. That’s when a marketable product began to morph into a punch line. That’s when Jim Mora, a coach with some talent but lacking in leadership and maturity himself, went on a Seattle radio station to declare his love for the coaching job at the University of Washington.
Whether Mora was serious or joking didn’t really matter, because the two were equally disloyal and dumb in Arthur Blank’s mind. And Blank’s product was irreparably damaged. The Falcons were 7-6, coming off consecutive wins to resuscitate playoff hopes. But they lost that week to Dallas. They lost their final three games. They missed the playoffs. Mora was fired.
The Falcons mercifully close this season at home Sunday against, ironically, Seattle, which now employs Mora as a secondary coach. Mora is not the reason the Falcons are 3-12. He’s not the reason Michael Vick is in prison, or Bobby Petrino is loony, or the Falcons’ season-ticket waiting list is about to evaporate.
But Mora’s radio interview triggered the start of this franchise’s image trainwreck. And this is a town where you have to fight pretty hard to get on the radar.
Atlanta is the most fickle of sports cities. As a rule, fans pay attention to only two things: 1) The football team in Athens; 2) Something else.
The second is forever written in pencil. The Braves had their extended buzz moment in the early to mid 1990s. The Thrashers had their moment for about five minutes last season. The Hawks certainly have had their moments but locating somebody with a memory is the tricky part.
This was, from the time Blank became the owner and Vick became a starter in 2002, a Falcons town.
Even after the firing of Dan Reeves, they were viewed as a rising and vibrant franchise, largely because of their four corners: owner, general manager, coach, quarterback. Blank was invested with his checkbook and his heart. Rich McKay was bright, widely respected and had won a Super Bowl. Mora was fiery and engaging. Vick was a difference-maker.
Now Mora and Vick are gone. McKay is a name on the letterhead. Blank finds his own decision-making being questioned publicly more than ever. The only franchise considered in worse shape is the 1-14 Miami Dolphins - and they just convinced Bill Parcells that was a better job.
Blank knows. Rebuilding the front office and roster represents only part of the equation. This off-season also will be about regaining credibility, not just locally but league-wide. The Falcons have been a coveted destination for free agents. Players came here or stayed here, partly because of money but also because of perception of the team’s direction.
That’s gone now.
The Falcons’ win total the last four seasons has steadily dropped: 11, 8, 7, 3. As Blank searches for a new general manager and coach, candidates will stop to ask themselves why things haven’t been working. They didn’t stop before.
Ticket sales won’t be automatic next season. The most talented and marketable player on roster, DeAngelo Hall, also is the most disruptive one. Instead of trying to steady or unite the team last week, Hall held court in front of his locker, threatening a holdout or a trade demand if he didn’t get a new contract.
Go ahead. Try to market DeAngelo Hall.
This will make three straight seasons without a playoff game. The empty seats Sunday will serve as foreshadowing for next season. The only thing harder to do than building an image is repairing one.
This is Atlanta, and it’s not a Falcons town any more.
No. 2 is wide open again.
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Comments
By Zeke McCluskey
December 25, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
We have the population, a stadium, a piece of a roster, …DAMN,This would be a good place to put a pro football team!
By Atlanta Media walks into a bar. . .
December 25, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget to mention the sorry media coverage that stabs the team in the back whenever they get a chance.
By Dave
December 25, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
The falcons can be saved. Just keep Blank and McKay away and hire knowledgeable football people!
By Andy
December 25, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
I’ll start going to the Falcons games when they start having players who don’t act like Deangelo Hall, and they build a frickin’ different stadium. This is Georgia! There is no need for them to play in a dome on turf. Build a stadium up north and put some grass in it.The dome is a horrible atmosphere except, of course, when there is a college game going on there.
By gregw
December 25, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Atlanta, and for that matter the whole state of Georgia is football country. People relate to UGA because they are viewed as a winner. Right now, the only marketing tool that will work is winning and until that happens, expect a half filled dome. Going to the games this year, there were some empty seats, but next year promises to be ugly. What brings people to the game is BELIEVING and right now, its hard to that. I have been a fan for over 25 years, and I honestly can say I am not even looking forward to next year even.
By Racebaiter
December 25, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Excellent blog. Well said. I had high hopes too, but no more.
By boots
December 25, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Let’s give it a rest.
This is Christmas Day. Why mar a happy and joyouse ocasion by dealing with all the negativity that is that Atlanta Falcons?
Adios and a Merry Christmas to all and a New Year of patching together a professional football team with baling wire, duct tape and a decent draft.
By JSS
December 25, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
My goodness, what kind of COWARD writes and post an opinion piece on a international holiday supposedly celebrated for the birth of eternal goodness and peace? I tell you who, Jeff Schultz, the NO TALENT HACK!!!
What a spineless waste of an x and y chromosome you are! This is nothing but rehashed garbage… You and John Kincade proved over the last 3 days that it is time for you to find a new place to call home… Please let me call the moving trucks for you piece of trash!
By Red
December 25, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Yeah,…Merry Falcon Christmas!
By bulletbob
December 25, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Repair the image of this franchise? You have got to be kidding.
Real football in Georgia is spelled UGA.
By BnB
December 25, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
God bless us everyone.
By Rickster
December 25, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
I have lived in Atlanta all my life, and have always followed the Falcons, because I am proud of my home team (there are very few cities in this country that have a HOME team).
But it does seem there must be some kind of curse on this team, because over their 40 year extistance, there is no positive consistency, which is what turns a lot of fans away. Yes, there was high hopes this year, with a new coach and a quarterback that could put most NFL running backs to shame, but once again, the Gods of dome bestowed more darkness upon a team that had potential to rise again.
The question remains, as has always in the past for the Falcons; do we replace management, or do we replace players…player replacement this year certainly did not work; so the question remains. But bottomline, thick or thin, players look for the support of the fans!
Merry Christmas!
By Bobby Petrino's Bookie
December 25, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Gimmie a double dime on the white dog in the 6th match People now bet more money on dogfights than Falcons. Ironic, sick, but at least that dog gives you a chance to win some money.
By ARTHUR BLANK
December 25, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
THERE IS HOPE —- GET RID OF DEANGELO HALL (ANOTHER VT THUG) AND BEGIN TO BUILD THE FRANCHISE AROUND D.J. SHOCKLEY NEXT YEAR WHO HAS NOT ONLY THE TALENT BUT THE CHARACTER -THIS TEAM HAS BEEN LACKING - TO CARRY THE FALCONS INTO THE FUTURE
By Supes
December 25, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
All I want for christmas is for the following 3 teams to win this week!
Seahawks, Rams and Jets…resulting in Falcons getting that number 2 overall pick in the draft. That is the ONLY brightspot for this craptastic season.
After that, all I want is for them to draft Darren McFadden, Colt Brennan and O-Lineman!
2 years from now we will be laughing and making playoff plans if they take this course of action! Mark my words!
By Bill
December 25, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a Falcons fan for all the time I have seen them play here. I’me not bailing on them . The thing will get turned around and you fickle fans will not have anything to complain about. Go Falcons!!!
By Suburban W Guy
December 25, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
This is for Andy, can you please explain as to why there should be a stadium up north. Has anything negative ever happened to you personally or someone that you know DOWNTOWN at the DOME? I live in Duluth!!!! Why do they need to move?
By Zeke McCluskey
December 25, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
Get rid of MEANGELO, CRUMPLER, and all the rest of the VICK supporters and start over. These guys are only interested in themselves…that’s a MAJOR problem on this team. I Too wanted Vick as QB but, unfortunately, the project didn’t work out…..now let’s move on folks!
By Tommy Maddox
December 25, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
With all the bad, one thing comes to mind:
A fake punt - a first down.
What a great play, coach.
Tommy
By boots
December 25, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Merry Christmas to everyone, and a happy New Year. Go Dawgs, and I hope everyone’s team wins - except Tech and Rainbow fans.
Jeff, we have an owner who wants to do the right thing. That is a start. Give it a few years. We need leaders like Kenn, Kuykendall, Bartkowski and Jenkins. More guys like Tuggle, Chandler, and Anderson. We will be back.
Did I say, Go Dawgs?
By Local Yokel
December 25, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Sports loyalty is about romance, and the Falcons are about as romantic as the one who shows up at Christmas every five years to screw you and then disappear.
There are other sports teams in red & black that don’t tease, torture, and abuse their fans.
My favorite professional football team is the old Birmingham Americans of the World Football League. They won a league championship their first season and then folded, like your first love.
By Ross
December 25, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
I gave up on the Falcons in 1980, when Danny White killed the franchise the first time. Now the Falcons are like a dead possum on the side of the road drying up!
By Greg
December 25, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Jeff’s point about free agency is an important one…it’s not simply a matter of opening a checkbook; these guys will have choices. The Falcons had better get a coach with real cred if they expect to talent-up through free agency. Someone like Singletary. Also, I’m with those who say Hall has to go, for the good of the team. I actually don’t think he’s even that great a cover corner (and I have the tapes from five games this season to prove it), and beyond that he’s a lousy tackler (all talk, no hit). He lacks toughness. Jeff, don’t worry: there are enough bad judges of talent in the NFL that Hall would definitely fetch us a 1st round pick, maybe that plus something. We should take it. One last thing, and I understand others will disagree with me here: I know Roddy is starting to come on, but if we can get a first round pick for him we should do it. Why? All the great receivers have that light in their eyes; to put it as charitably as possible, Roddy is under-advantaged in the thinking department. I’m not saying it’s his fault, of course; but he’s never going to be a top receiver if he can’t remember things and think quickly on the field. And he can’t.
By AJC Writers are awful
December 25, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
Can we PLEASE get some people writing for our hometown paper that actually care? When you read Schultz/Bradley/Moore all you get is a bunch of depressing, re-run garbage.
In every article by these three, the sub-heading says “My Opinion”. Don’t get me wrong, I respect opinions. But I only respect them when they are constructive, i.e. they provide some sort of worthwhile insight and direction.
The only thing that AJC writers provide is a bunch of hindsight “I told you so” non-sense. There hasn’t been a piece of worthwhile journalism in the sports page in years (except for Dave O’Brien, you’re doing a great job as the Braves beat writer).
The only problem is that despite the fact that your readership thinks you are low-quality writers you still manage to have your jobs. Perhaps a boycott of the paper is in order.
By Moe
December 25, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
JUST TRADE DEANGELO HALL FOR SOME STUPID TEAM WHO IS STUPID ENOUGH TO WANT HIM (OVERRATED) FOR A SECOND OR MAYBE EVEN A FIRST ROUND PICK AND USE THAT FOR ANOTHER CORNER AND GET EITHER DARREN MCFADDEN OR MATT RYAN AND PICK ALL THE OTHER DRAFT PICKS ON OFFENSIVE LINEMAN AND IN TWO OR THREE YEARS THE ATLANTA FALCONS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL
By hcc
December 25, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Arthur:
All I wanted for Hanukah was for you to get rid of MEangelo, Crumpler and hire a mature football mind. Then for you to move quitely and quickly out of the picture. Please, Arthur, give this city and State a few very nice Hanukah gifts.
By Gene
December 25, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
I disagree with the point at which the Falcons began to disintegrate. That point was when Arthur signed Vick, and Mooky went straight out and invested in the dog fighting business, even before he put on a Falcons’ uniform. Subsequently I lost all respect for Arthur Blank when I saw him pushing Vick in the wheelchair the following year. That event set Blank’s favoritism and poor leadership in stone. It will haunt him more than any of his other numerous and frequent shortcomings. And, of course, he is paying for it dearly as are Atlanta fans.
By Micheal
December 25, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Ok, I am a native of Atlanta and think that this year is about the worst ever. I will not abandon the Falcons and I don’t think that everyone else should either. We need to be there and support the team. Come on Atlanta…get with it!! For once, don’t bail out!! write to Arthur Blank with your ideas and support. WE can do this!! Go Falcons!!
By kia
December 25, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
I have watched the Falcons since they were only on when they were out of town. They’re no. 2 to me. I got your back Mr Blank.
By some sense
December 25, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
Enough, Jeff. How many times and ways can you turn the knife? Anybody who cares is looking ahead, but you’re remixing the same old hash, something you’ve always done. When the Thrashers were stumbling all over themselves, they had to hear about it constantly from you. They absolutely couldn’t believe they drew you as beat writer.
Everything - yes, everything - you write is meant to demean. Don’t know whether you’re a frustrated stand-up comin or what…the Tennessee Vowels…what’s with that?
You make Terence sound sweet.
Just get over it, Jeff. Nobody needs your sour direction about how to follow the Falcons or anyone else.
By Gunner
December 25, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
This ain’t Cleveland or Pittsburg or some other cold weather place where there isn’t anything else to do in the Winter. The Hawks, don’t make me laugh. whe’s the last time they were competitive?
By Seven squirrels twirling on a brannch
December 25, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Come into my office, McKay. YOU’RE FIRED!
By Catnip
December 25, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
I have been a fan since 1997 and come from England, I usually attended 2 to 3 games a year, YES!…I travel across the pond to watch MY team!…I watch EVERY game online or on UK TV, and even stay up till 4am watching the few prime time games we’ve had this season…it repulses me to see the dome empty, you fair-weather fans are NOT real fans….you don’t have a clue!! about sports or being loyal!
It’s Christmas Day and all this negative talk hacks me off!….to ALL loyal Falcon fans, have a truly Happy Christmas and see you all in 2008!.
Go! Falcons!
By Claude
December 25, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
The Bobby Petrino situation really soured me on Arthur Blank. I recognize that every employer makes some bad hiring decisions. You interview a guy, check his work history, check his background, everything looks fine so you hire him. Then he starts work and you realize he’s not what you were hoping for so you part company and start the job search again. No one’s 100% successful in hiring.
The problem with the Petrino situation is that Arthur Blank didn’t realize until Petrino’s very last day of employment that there was a problem. After 11 months of work. The night before the resignation, Blank goes on national television and lavishes praise on the guy. How embarrassing.
Arthur Blank was fooled by Michael Vick into giving a big contract extension, he was fooled by Jim Mora and Bobby Petrino, and now he’s been fooled by Bill Parcells, who was just looking for leverage with Miami. Dealing with hardware and lumber vendors is apparently a whole lot easier.
By Ed
December 25, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Falcons have and will always be my favorite NFL team regardless of what other people say about them, it is the die hards like myself that will not budge even in hard times like these. I will not be one of the ones jumping back on the bandwagon in a few years when we’re back in the playoffs.
By Rickster
December 25, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
Hey Ross, I agree with you. I’ve been a Falcons fan for a long time, but that loss to Danny and the Boys in the playoffs in 1980 is still a dagger in the heart. But maybe that just shows what a franchise like the Falcons are all about; give the fans a hope of great things to come, but then the most improbable, uncompehensible thing happens, it makes you wonder if there is any greatness in the future for this team. I still remember that game like it was yesterday. And I think the franchise, even with different management and players, still feels that pain.
By Zeke McCluskey
December 25, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
ZEB????? Where are you bro?
By Andy
December 25, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
Can the writers at AJC write something positive about the sports teams in Atlanta. I know they are not that great but the constant negativity doesn’t help any. This has probably been the worst season thus far that I can remember as a Falcon fan. I am only 21 so there could be another one the tops this season that I don’t know off. As fans we just need to the support the team and hope for a better season next year. I know the falcons have a lot of obstacles along the way and with the proper hiring and personnel in place the falcons can a power house in the near future. We have got a lot of young players that can improve with time but the problem with having young players is the maturity level and morale within the organization which with time can be addressed and worked out. We shouldn’t make the mistake that we did a while back by trading our young players on the roster because they are not matured enough or they are not playing at the level that they should be playing to be on the team (Brett Favre). Don’t let the pessimistic “writers” at the AJC influence you to turn your back on the Falcons. If I wanted to be negative I could write about how AJC is losing lots of money because of the internet and how the future is looking grim for the newspaper but I don’t care about that instead. Instead being negative about the situatution we need to be positive about it and find ways to improve the newspaper here in Atlanta. Go Falcons!!!! There should be better days ahead for the falcons and the rest of the teams in Atlanta.
By MrKnowGood
December 25, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Jeff Schultz is full of it! And every one should get off of DeAngelo Hall’s back! Our defense has been solid this year (including D. Hall)!
Let’s face it! While we were out trying to find receivers that could actually catch the ball, we should have been focusing on the O-Line! The Falcons simply got exposed this year! Michael Vick wasn’t here to run for a 1st down on 3rd and long! The team simply got exposed! Now, we have to rebuild - starting with an O-Line that can actually block!!!
By ET
December 25, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
The next football team to be built in these parts will be the Georgia State University Panthers. Arthur Blank would be better served to bankroll that project.
By Zeke McCluskey
December 25, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
I’m with you Rickster..I’ll never forget that 1980 game. We were SO damn close, but that Cowboy magic came up and bit us…I think Blank should just blow this whole thing up and start over…go back to the red helments with white facemasks, red jersys with grey pants …..just START OVER!!!!!!
By Jonny
December 25, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
This current slide (and the Falcons have had plenty) started when Coach Reeves was unceremoniously canned by Blank. Look at Vick’s numbers: His best season came under Coach Reeves. I only wonder whether Vick would have made the choices he made if he had a real leader like Reeves coaching him instead of that infant (that Blank hired) named Mora. This is Blank’s team, through and through. The first year of Mora was only decent because Coach Reeves built it. Good job, Art!
By michaelgee
December 25, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Schultz, Haven’t you written this same anti-Falcon story every day this year? Try something different, please, this REHASH of HATE is so boring to see every single day. You and TMoore need to develop your writing approach, this is just getting old. No wonder the ajc subscriptions are so low.
By humbug
December 25, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
By dzax
December 25, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
yeah, it’s this sorry newspaper along with a certain segment north of the atl that creates an air of mistrust and dislike of a particular type player. i can remember when randy moss, t.o. and others showed interest in coming to atl and here we go with the bs. so keep up the bad work, you have your audience, just not the real fans.
By falcon
December 25, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
Hear me Arthur Blank.
The quickest way to reclaim some credibility is to hire someone from a solid program that knows how to win. That someone is Scott Pioli from the New England Patriots. Make him your VP in charge of personel and let him have at it. Let him sift thru the rubble, salvage the positive parts, and trade or release the cancerous parts. All players with the meangelo attitude are out. Hall’s a much better talker than tackler. Get him out of here. Send a message for all to see.
Next, go after a young offensive coach for your HC, like Jason Garrett, currently the O/C and former QB of the Dallas Cowboys. Somebody’s gonna give him a shot soon, let it be Atlanta.
Then get yourself an established defensive guy like Mike Singletary, Jim Haslet or Jim Johnson type for your defensive coordinator.
Draft OL/DL with your early picks. They are the foundation to build your team around. Establish the run on offense and stop the run on defense. Then go from there.
By fsjr
December 25, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
There are plenty enough Falcons fans here. I expect to see the home team featured at the local sports bars regardless of the home team’s record. The Falcons were on the tiny sets while N.E.-Mia was on the big screens with volume blasting. We don’t give a care about N.E. or Mia.
By morris
December 25, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
45 years of misery and losing. Never had back to back winning seasons. And you expect the fans not to be fickle? GEEZ. Georgia is a big time football state and people here follow high school and college football religiously. If this sorry franchise could ever gain credibility people here would be crazy for pro football. But after 40 plus years of ineptitude what the hell do you expect shultz?
By Why Not ?
December 25, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
Think McNabb will move to Atlanta ?
By fsjr
December 25, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this
Morris has a great point explaining why some fans are fickle that should have been noted in the article.
By big timer
December 25, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
IF D.J. SHOCKLEY HAD NEVER HURT HIMSELF THE FALCONS WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER THAN THEY ARE NOW
By Rickster
December 25, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
I would like to think that Bill Cowher is just waiting til the last possible minute to decide that he wants to be on the sidelines again, to lift a team off the ground; if that’s possible with the Falcons.
By Pago Pago
December 25, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Who the heck wants to watch indoor football?!
By shannon
December 25, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this
LINE,LINE.LINE
sign a gm and coach who will build the line on both sides of the ball. the game is played there.U can win with a mid to average qb but u cant with a sorry line. Brady and Manning are great but u notice the games they play when the line dosent hold up,they get rattled…Now imagine that being every game,would they win?
By Tommy
December 25, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
First off DJ isn’t the answer, the Falcons did’t make the playoffs with Mike Vick they sure won’t make them with DJ. I’m a UGA fan but be real here. They need an O/L and 2-3 more D/L and yes can DeAngelo for being a meat head. He has trashed talked since he got here and its time to go. Alge is OK, best Tightend in the game. Patrino forgot abot him and his feelings are hurt so he is pouting … throw him a bone he’ll be OK! Can Dunn so the real running back can play. He’s a great guy but its time to sit down.
Now to the QB, draft one low and sign Jeff Garcia when Tampa cuts him. You’ll win 6-7 just because of him.
For a coach … Hire an older guy to run the GM job. Someone who has been in the game for a while. Banks sit in the boothe and let em work. Let the GM find you a coach. YOU cant judge football talnet. THIS aint HOME DEPOT. Step away. Spend the money and clap your hands when they win.
STAY AWAY and you will win.
By Hillary
December 25, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
Hire Ron Paul! He appears to be the only leader in this country that can do impossible
Free Michael Free Arthur Free Bobby….forget that Free Mckay….forget that too Free Newt Free Mitt Free Fred Free Wet Willy Free Hall Free at last
By bIGk
December 25, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
Time to move this team to Billings,Montana and START over…
Honestly What… could be ANY worst!!
I really find it hard to believe Arthur Blank, whomade Billions with Home Depot and guided them to the future is a NOTHING BLANK as a pro owner.
Why O Why does This town have such AWFUL team owners ?
Blank, Mindless in pro football !!! To be honest a LOSER !
Sprit Boys, A bunch of NUTS in a Can Worthless and have, like Blank NO business in sports !
Braves, Great Corporate owners who
could care LESS about this team… DENVER ???
Just more of the same in a town going Back To The Future… Losersville USA
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 25, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
Can anyone answer these 3-questions?
1) What QB in Falcons history has won 38 games?
2) When was the last time the Falcons had a Corner Back make the pro bowl in consecutive seasons?
3) Name the Falcons tight end that has made 4 pro bowls.
4) Prior to this season, name the last Falcon and season, we have had a 1,000 yard receiver?
If you don’t know the answers, they are all the players “you” people want on another team - moral of this story, you don’t want to win.
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 25, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
Anybody know how well Matt Schaub is working out for Houston? I saw a different starting quarterback on the game last weekend.
By David Duke
December 25, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
In order to re-build, something must have been built previously. In regard to the Falcons, nothing has ever been built! This team started up in 1966 and since then they’ve had ten winning seasons. Ten! None of those ten has been preceded or followed by another winning season. That is an abysmal record of non-achievement. The thing to do is break this mold and build a history of pride and distinction. The way to begin this is to hire a good football mind to oversee the entire enterprise and have him bring in a coach he believes in. It can be done! The Patriots, years ago, were a laughing stock. So were the Steelers. It’s not easy and it’s not instantaneous. It’s a process composed of big losses and little victories. It involves long-term commitment and it’s the only way losers ever become winners!
By Darrin "The Vent King"
December 25, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
What do you media types do to figure exactly that Atlanta is the most fickle sports town in all of America is beyond me. Hwere was this poll? Where is the data? This town was NOT considered fickle when ALL the teams sucked in the 80’s. Where was this ATL sports suck town ish then? Back then, it was I guess okay for us to not be interested in the respective jokes all our teams were back then in each league. Now, someone, I don’t know maybe a lugnut named David Justice calls out fans who pay his @#$%ing salary for not being pumped up about what we already knew was coming- ANOTHER CHOKE! I’m an ATL sports fan, but really, what in the hell has any ATL team done to warrant the people of Atlanta to NOT be fickle? Jeff, you say this as if we are unworthy drones to even have a sports team to root for. The amount of “Matrix” sheepish rhetoric you apply to this town in regards to sports is ridiculously lame. When you have a baseball team that chokes for over a DECADE (my God, my nephew was five, and now he’s graduating high school soon!), a b-ball team that has NEEEEEEEVER done anything, and well I don’t even want to talk about the Falcons, WTF are you hating on Atlanta fans for? Is it because your feeble minds are too lazy at coming up with another more intelligent angle to look at how this town is no different than any other? Let other teams wallow in this type of inconsistent futility and I GUARANTEE they, if they never had any success at ALL like Atlanta, react the same way. NO other city has experienced this type of failure, no check that PATHETIC failure these teams have made us endure. Really, the Hawks, the Braves, and Falcons after Jerry Glanville, trading Dominique away, letting “Neon” Dieon go for nothing, the “run and crap shoot”, the Billy Jo Heberts, the Chris Millers, the J.R. Riders, the outdated and hated cut-blocking, McKay’s consitently bad drafts, the Jim Morons, the dog-fighting saga involving you-know-who and how the media here in Atlanta (yea, you ajc) mis-handled it, the Jeff Georges and June Jones, the Danny Mannings, and John Rockers are REALLY lucky anyone is paying attention to the joke that has been the sports scene in the “A” over the years. I’ve been a fan because I love this town, but any of you media types to mis-label this town in its ONLY paper is only feuling a falsehood. The whole country of America is fickle and truthfully, Atlanta is nowhere NEAR the worst. St. Louis Cardnials fans are NOT fickle. Yankee fans are. Chicago Cubs fans are NOT fickle. Florida Marlins fans are. Philly not only has fickle fans, they are actually dangerous! But since it’s easier to say Atlanta fans suck or because it sells papers faster, this is what you guys run with. It is nothing but a @#$%ing fad to point out Atlanta and no wonder- the journalist here in Atlanta are the ones promoting that bull. Half the people that say it don’t even know people that are from here, just people that moved here recently. If that is so, what is Atlanta anymore and who are the fans? If you can’t answer that, then how can you say this town is fickle when you dam well know most of the people living here now moved here in the last ten to fifteen years from somewhere else. At least that’s a fact instead of the popular rhetoric you journalist like to push. This same paper will note how this is a transient town and then in the same breathe claim how it is fickle. Well duh, if you have a bunch of strangers in the room, of course if you ask which city has the best baseball team, you’ll get thirty different answers. What are you talking ‘bout? Let the Yankees choke (matter of fact that’s all they’ve been doing for the last five years, but you all only point it out when, ummm-mm, let’s say, ATLANTA does it!). Let the Red Sox NOT make the playoffs for ten years in pathetic fashion. At least those towns have had a taste of winning championships before the rot set in. Our football team can’ even have back to back winning seasons in FORTY years and you call us fickle. What a joke.
By FAN 4 LIFE
December 25, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
How does it feel to be a New England Fan.
By Rod
December 25, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
I can support the falcons if they win. I can support the falcons if they lose, but only if they draft and play the hometown kids, like DJ Shockley. If we are going to lose there better be some local guys getting there chance. This is a local sports state. High School and College. I dont give a rats azz about some hot shot from VT.
By David Duke
December 25, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Hey Biased Blowhard, Steve Bartkowski won seventy or so games. Matt has missed four games and still has more yards passing than the dog killer had his last year in the league. Give it up Maggot!
By Seven squirrels twirling on a brannch
December 25, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
Falcons - ALL TIME NFL RECORD FOR 10 LOSS SEASONS.
All time. In the history of time. The most pitiful franchise in the history of time.
By Rod
December 25, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Darrin The Vent King, I’ll go to war with you anyday. I hear ya man.
By kris in alpharetta
December 25, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
Although Deangelo Hall’s comments were probably not needed at the precise moment the team was in the throes of another loss, I certainly can’t blame him for being unhappy. Hall shows up each and every week and plays his heart out. The rest of the team just shows up. Its one thing to be part of a losing team that plays hard and is headed in the right direction; the 2007 Falcons team is neither. Deagelo is not what is at the core of the Falcons’ problems, though many of you would prefer to use him as a scapegoat. There are glaring, overwhelming deficiencices in this franchise from the front office to the back door. They need new people. They need a purpose. And until they achieve either, the stadium will continue to be empty and it won’t matter if the games will be blacked out-no one will be watching anyway.
By GGGGGGG
December 25, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
The problem started when they signed Vick and treated him like a super hero, and it snowballed from there.
I think Mora saw the train wreck coming, wanted off before it happened and therefore started the comment about Vick being a coach killer.
The team was built around Vick being a 1 team person. Yes, he made some good plays but the entire team can’t be the QB.
Pretty much the entire team needs to go and they need to start over. There may be a couple to keep. Say Brooking and Dunn.
All the others especially the Vick supporters need to go. From what I saw they weren’t even trying to make successful plays. I think they were trying to lose just to try to make it look like they couldn’t do anything without Vick. If that is the case, then what good are they?
Get rid of D Hall, especially after the unprofessional tantrum he had on the sideline. That proved that Petrino never even had the respect of the team. I don’t blame the man for quitting, why put up with that? The current team is pretty much infected with a serious illness and until it is diagnosed correctly and treated it won’t get any better.
By 82DAWG
December 25, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Heck with the Falcons, I’ve been a Packer fan for 14 years now. GO PACK!!!
By Rhett Butler
December 25, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are the Keystone Kops of the NFL, full of bad apples and going nowhere, and you say Petrino is loony for bailing when he could? When someone willingly takes a 20% pay cut, you know it’s got to be bad.
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
hey dzax your an idiot,simple answer to solve the falcons problems,hire a new g.m.,who will hire a good coach,cut the cancers on the team,cut the vick supporters, we know who they are,draft Matt Ryan to Q.B.,build a stadium in gwinnett with grass, then the people who support the Dawgs will support the Falcons,as long as its inside I-285 we will never support it, and without our support it will continue to fail.
By Randall
December 25, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
All the franchises that have anything have one thing in common, there is a prime individual or individuals who have integrity and or character. ALAH Brett Favre,Tony Romo,Bill Beliceck or heck thier are quite a few. Keith Brooking comes to mind. A special coach/leader could revive this franchise say Marty Schotenhimer. I did the best with these names!
By Doug
December 25, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
All i can say is that this team shows a lack of profesionalism. Blank has character, but does he understand the game? We got to have a coach with control,and knowledge of the game at the pro level.
By big fabric softena'
December 25, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
Only a AJC sportswriter could put coal in the Christmas stocking, Schultz why do you continue with your negative writing focus on the positive..how ‘bput a feel good follow up story comparing the three Georgia little league champion teams…just a thought and Merry Christmas
By Dumbing Down
December 25, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
Memo to “Laurel and Hardy” (Blank and McCay)-
“Thug Lifers” will eventually destroy a franchise.
Discipline is a key to winning.
Finger-pointing and coddling “Super Stars” will also lead to a demise of a franchise.
By Chris
December 25, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
Fans are a reflection of what the team(s) do on the playing field. Everyone loves a winner, however, will abandon ship faster than rats when it goes down. Teams that win show poise, character, and an understanding to do what is needed to win do so. The Falcons have started in that direction, reflecting the new leadership it has been given. The team lost, however, they fought back to make it a game. They had the opportunity to win, which is all I will ask, for now. Players executed their jobs better this week. New faces made an impact, which I find refreshing. Thanks!
By tom robinson
December 25, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
way back in may of 2001 I made this prediction
“michael Vick will turn out to be the largest bust in Atlanta sports history”
the actual “Michael Vick has turned out to be a huge bust and set the Falcons back a decade”
By Big Bull
December 25, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Keep drafting street thugs and keep losing! Look at the colts and the Patriots.The O line has guys with smarts, and the QBs wouldn’t be caught dead at a dog fight. I thought a guy with as much class as Blank would have surrounded himself with the same. This is about equal to him hiring Al Sharpton and Ludacris to run Home Depot! He had enough sense not to do that. Why not set the same standards for the Falcons. Thugs are going to take all the dignity out, and eventually ruin the game. Look at FSU. That’s what happens!
By preston
December 25, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
I see some of you bloggers are still bashing Vick, his supporters, and players on the team who still support him……my question is why? First of all, considering that there have been others in the sports world that have done far worse things than Vick, and have been less villified, and received slaps on the wrist, Vick punishment was a bit excessive. Vick was the best player on the team, D-Hall is one of our better defensive players, Roddy White has shown himself to be a good receiver, A. Crumpler has always been solid, so why would you want to get rid of those guys?
By preston
December 25, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
ggggggg- “I think they were trying to lose just to try to make it look like they couldn’t do anything without Vick.”…………….you have got to be kidding me……that comment and observation makes absolutely no sense at all.
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
jeff you are correct in everything you said,blank needs to stay off the field and away from the t.v. he wants to be on the tube,but all he is doing is destroying this team
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
big bull your a genius, preston your an idiot!
By GA Native
December 25, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
I have been a Falcon’s fan for over 30 years. I saw them as a kid the first time at Fulton County Stadium playing the vikings in the rain and mud and fell in love with the game and team. And after all of the losing seasons the hopes of a new owner and the mess of 2007 I’m still a fan. Yes I got all happy watching Redman drive the team down and taking the lead, and for those fleeting moments the team was alive and all of the sh#t didn’t matter at all. And as a fan I’ll hang on to that moment and will wait for the next one. We can thank Author for his dedication and I know that he will get it right because this is his passion. They are down but not out and I’ll hope to get a season ticket next year and pray that what doesn’t kill us will make us stronger.
And if I find that English fan in the stands I’ll buy him a pint!
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
ggggggg,I agree with you ,there all a bunch of vick supporting thugs, V.T.,south Georgia campus
By big fabric softena'
December 25, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
Hire Prime Time..Draft only VA tech, FSU, and Miami market team to black Atl…blacks get in 1/2 price sell malt liqour and watermelon let us live and be free down with Arthur down with whitey bring MC Hammer back to the sidelines Word
By htrywe
December 25, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
Bunch of grossly overpaid dudes! Football is played in high school and college. After that, it turns into a business were everyone is paid too much. Also, college is not far behind turning into a weak game due to the inflated coaching salaries. Why would the Falcons players care or any other pro team? They get that fat check on Monday win, lose or draw. The rest of us bloggers represent the struggle baby and worry about these dudes. Shut down the pro team in Atlanta and put them boys on shiftwork without people washing their uniforms every week! YES SIR
By GaLiberal
December 25, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Atlanta is too small and fragmented a market to support pro sports teams period. No one is really attached to the Falcons like the Packers and never will be. See the problem with pro sports is that everyone sees it as a jobs and tax revenue generator. When the Hawks threatened to move unless they got a new stadium, Atlanta first balked. When Cobb county said they would pony up a stadium, Atlanta reversed course so as not to lose the jobs and tax revenue. So much for team loyalty. The same with the Falcons when Smith demanded a domed stadium or move elsewhere. POOF - The Georgia dome was born. Again, jobs and taxes were the sole motivator; not any need for a football team. So of course when the Falcons fail, there is no one around to support them. Half empty stadiums and bashing newspaper articles are the result. Look at the Braves. As long as they win, the seats are filled and everyone’s happy. Start losing, and no one cares anymore.
This is just another symptom of the “Atlanta Effect.” Atlanta proper is too small and poor to truly support a pro sports team. Most Atlanta residence only get to see a game if they work some menial minimum wage job. Forget box seats. The outlying counties (Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Carroll, etc.) just care that Atlanta allows them to turn farm land into high-priced homes so they can collect the property taxes. None of that Atlanta crime, please. Forget MARTA. And keep them wetbacks away from us good White Christian “compassionate conservative” Rethuglicons. With this attitude, why would they care about a pro sports team? In fact, they would like them to fail so they can scoop them up and take the jobs and taxes.
When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote agains your own best interests. And pro sports teams in Atlanta are living proof.
By preston
December 25, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
So can someone please tell me, what makes Vick and everyone on the team that supports him a “thug”……. p.s. While I do not condone his actions, I do support him………so, would that make me a “thug”?
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Mr.big fabric softener,you and your people are what is wrong with this team,move it to gwinnett where it will be safe to go to the games and people will support it,why dont you start supporting clark or morehouse ,there down where you stay right?
By Seven squirrels twirling on a brannch
December 25, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Lay off Shultz! You guys whining about Shultz posting something negative on Christmas are idiots. Shultz is a Jew, just like Blank. They could give a šhit about Jesus Christ.
By preston
December 25, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
hotrod- forget the immaturity and pointless escapade of name calling…….can you explain to me, what are you talking about?
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
preston,yous a thug
By emyrld
December 25, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Atlanta is a RACIST town, with RACIST fans, and all their attention is focused on HATE. HATE you, HATE me,HATE blacks, HATE whites, HATE mexicans,HATE Jews, HATE Christians, HATE Muslims… just a sorryazz city of HATERS..and the laughing stock of the country…not so much because of the poor standing we have in the NFL, but because of the way we treat our home team and each other. Atlanta…’city of mean spirited haters,hypocrites, & back-stabbers. Next time you tell someone you’re from ATL., check out their response….HATERS !!
By big fabric softena'
December 25, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Yo hotsnot ain’t it past your bedtime shouldn’t your big fat crusty white mamma be tuckin’ you in to bed with your falcon blanket why don’t u open up a team in the ole suwannee complex wave your rebel flag wear your cutoff leav’s and sleep with yer cousin redneck
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 25, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
Matt Schaud is a bust & Vick is the Falcons ALL TIME winningest quarterback (google it). So David Dukes, better known as Suzan (cross dresser) - do your homework hommie….lol
By gg
December 25, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
i agree with you htrywe. let’s shut down this team, sell it, get rid of -whatever. i have been a falcons fan for over 30 years and i am tired of watching failure after failure. i have even tried switching teams, but can’t-it’s like a sick addiction. if they were sold or moved, i could then easily find a new team, without having to feel disloyal. GO GO FALCONS, SOMEONE PLEASE BUY US
By preston
December 25, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
thx hotrod for enlightening me….”preston,yous a thug”……..lol…good stuff dude!!!
By Joe
December 25, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Preston, you do not condone MV’s actions but you support him? Why? Because he is black? Until the Falcons get rid of the Ghetto attitude and D. Hall, we’re in for a repeat of this year. He’s demanding a trade. Give it to his black a*.
By dr soul
December 25, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
First, this is an article that seems like a ‘last minute’ search for something to put together for a deadline…and, unfortunately, as we see in Atlanta, our sports reporting is ‘bush league’ at best…no nationally regarded people here.. only Bisher manages to get one through every once in a while.. the Falcons, unfortunately, are beginning to experience another Smith era in a large way; the additional negative cap is an arrogant and egotistical owner who was dumped by the company he helped launch a few years ago, but as many know, was not the instrumental leader in making it a household name..and, as one person put it earlier..to be realistic, this has never been a ‘pro’ town…pro sports south of St. Louis came too late to get the foundation we see in other stadiums and cities…fickle only for winning…flash in the pan fans in the majority…we hoped that we would have enough transplants to make a pro foundation, but not happening…look at history..the Braves are a pure example… Get rid of Blank…that will be the answer…do not believe for one moment that as long as he is owner that we will ever have a winning franchise…he cannot get away from the mirror long enough… And, Jeff, get a real job..!!!!
By Jim
December 25, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Blank has four players who on national television rub the Vick fiasco in his face by having the “Free Mike Vick” shirts shown…Blank should start his rehabilitation by benching the insuborinate idiots who praised a convicted felon.
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
the old suwanee complex has been torn down,but your right it would make a great location, its outside of I-285,up here where its safe to go out after dark, no drivebys
By preston
December 25, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Joe- please do not put words in my mouth, and then present an argument based on that……..I did not say anything close to what you are trying to insinuate……..but, no, I do not support Vick because he is black, my reasons are a little more substantive than that.
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 25, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
STEVE BARTKOWSKI LINK: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BartSt00.htm
-Contains career qb rating of 75 % (pathetic) -1-playoff appearance in 11-seasons. -2-Pro bowls (Vick had 3 in a row) -Only had 12 more touchdowns than interceptions. -Was sacked 53 times in 1983 (pathetic)
So David Duke if you spent less time cross dressing and hosting KLAN rallies or trailer park get-togethers you could learn something….lol
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
joe,you are correct sir
By David Duke
December 25, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Preston, it’s no longer debatable whether Vick is a thug. He is a convicted, self-admitted, atrocious, scum bag, felonious, imprisoned criminal. He is a thug. supporting him does indeed mean that you, like him, have no sense of morality and no qualms about living outside the law. Emyrid, you need to stop boy. This town is full of racists alright and they are majority black. Spare us any more of your poorly written garbage. Big Fab Numbnuts, you want to talk ‘bout somebody momma? let’s talk about yo’s boy. Tell her I pick her up at ten!
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
I dont have a falcoons blanket,but I do have a U.G.A.blanket,can I use that fab. softner?
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
right on jim,another smart person agreeing with me
By David Duke
December 25, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Matt may not be the next Favre but he isn’t in prison either. Bartkowski won double the games Vick did in his, now finished, NFL career. Ask the wizard for a brain boy!
By emyrld
December 25, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Atlanta is a RACIST town, with RACIST fans and all their attention is focused on and filled with HATE..HATE you, HATE me,HATE blacks, HATE whites,HATE mexicans, HATE Jews, HATE Christians, HATE Muslims, and the biggest HATE of all is their SELF-HATRED! You are so filled with SELF HATE that it projects off everything you see, hear, & do. dd…take you lil’bitty wiener, put it in some beans and eat yourself…cuz we all know what the real HATE towards black men is all about…don’t we boys..and guess what…all your HATING ain’t gonna change a thing….pinkiewienee!!LOL.out!
By Billy
December 25, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Falcon fans since the 66 start, traveled in and out of town, 300 plus miles away to see the club play, last 15 seasons on a regular basis, will let season tickets go after what took place this season!
By sunshine and thunder
December 25, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
I quit watching the Falcons after about 30 years of losing. If they ever have back to back winning seasons I guess I’ll read about it somewhere.
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
david duke you state the truth,vicks a piece of trash and ANYBODY that supports him is the same,screw the falcoons,after reading all this garbage I am done with them anyway, decatur,atl,chamblee,s.w. atl out on cascade,you can have them ,bunch of gangbangers
By preston
December 25, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Ok……some of you people are the biggest hypocrites that I have ever come across in my life……concerning M.Vick, he committed a crime and he is being punished for it as he should be…..but those the punishment fit the crime? Should Vick be banished from football forever?
Wasn’t D. Heatly facing a FELONY charge for vehicular homicide, but the charge was dropped when he plea bargin his way to 3 yrs probation? Another human being loss their life as a result of Heatly’s irresponsible actions, but Heatly recieved ZERO jail time, recovered from his injuries and returned to the game he played to recieved a standing ovation from the crowd? Marv Albert faced FELONY charges of forcible sodomy, initially lied to his employer(NBC), but after DNA tests proved that the bite marks of the sodomy acts on his accuser were his, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery charges, and only recieved a 12 month suspended sentence, ZERO jail time, and was rehired by NBC. Can someone tell me what is wrong with this picture? CAn someone tell me that if Heatly and Albert were allowed to resume their careers why can’t Vick resume his? Can someone tell me why has Vick has been relugated to the lowest of lows and recieved ANY jail time, while Heatly and Albert recieved probation? Who are the real “thugs” here.
By big fabric softena'
December 25, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
I apologize hotrod got a little to heavy in the eggnog, Merry Christmas by the way Jesus of Nazereth was black everyone was black in Nazereth so can we start having a black depiction of Christ come on all you honkies give me this one and I won’t make fun of your jean shorts…put Reeves at GM hire Singletary Blank stay off the field your no JimmyJones
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 25, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
DAVID DUKE(SUZAN) - Been drinking too much of that moonshine….lol…..Matt Schaub is as big a loser as you are…..lol…..I’m glad Vick is not coming back to the Falcons….enjoy your 3-13…..lol
By preston
December 25, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
David Duke- I guess that puts him in the same category as Heatly and Albert.
By Vic
December 25, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Hey guys call me nuts but I thought Redman looked really good in the preseason and is now showing promise late in the season with a lack of real reps….. I just think he has that something that I saw in Jamal Anderson back in 97 before that great season in 98. How bout having Redman and Shockley have it out for the QB spot and crossing our fingers for McFadden. We are not in really bad shape ….we just need guys with heart. All three of these guys have it. If the football gods can read this, there would be nothing better than to draft this Arkansas running back, giving this town the better end and a bad deal.
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
what are you saying preston, that white guys get off and black guys dont?you ever hear of a thug named o.j.? talk about getting away with murder. I think marv is a pig and heatley should have done time, see thats the difference between you and me ,I see guilty and not guilty, you see black man gettin the shaft because he is black,ask those dogs he drowned if they care if he was white or black, you just dont get it man.
By JDW
December 25, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
I ceased being a Falcon Fan when they moved to the Dome. I somewhat followed them during the single Super Bowl apperance but that was quickly brought to a stop by Eugene Robinson’s little foray into the night life of Miami. Bottom line until they start playing outdoors without thugs I will get my football fix in Athens and Statesboro.
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 25, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
ATL was never a Falcons town. It’s pretty obvious that it was a Vick town the last five years, and now that Vick is gone nobody cares what happens with the team. Unless the Falcons bring him back or bring in an equally exciting player the fans are not going to watch.
But there is one good team in ATL — the Hawks. Watch them.
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 25, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
PRESTON - Very well put. We all know the reason why. That’s why this town will never win. Look how the Braves have turned out.
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
hey big fab soft, I DONT CARE WHAT COLOR you say jesus was, we are talking about the falcoons,who cares who they hire, I hate them now,you losers helped me make the decision I should have a long time ago.
By Norm Hecker
December 25, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Falcons = ghetto team. A bunch of out of control thugs running the team like a jailhouse gang.
The whole country already knows this. Has known it for years. Atlanta, being covered by the softest media in the nation, is just waking up to the fact. Great job AJC, as usual.
By Kenny From Athens
December 25, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
I think we jumped the tracks when Mora’s team lost to the Panther’s single wing offense in their second meeting last year. Petrino is not a bad guy. He was just a mercenary doing what mercenaries do. We dodged a bullet when we did not land the Big Tuna, King of all Mercenaries. We will be better for it. Mr. Schultz is right, Atlantans are fickle. However, when the Dirty Birds have it going. (Gritz Blitz, Andrews, Bartkowski years, David Archer 4-0 in ‘86, Two Legit to Quit, ‘98 Super Bowl Run, and the Vick years ‘02-‘04 ) They fire up the city like no other team. Two words to get us back on the map next year. McNabb, McFadden. Mac Squared. Oh HE—- Yes!!!! Thank you Mr. Blank for giving a darn about our city and guiding our Falcons the best way you know how.
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 25, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
NORM HECKER - You are probably right…..Patrick (rape host) Kearny was the biggest thug :)
By John Brill
December 25, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
The problem in any organization - team, business, whatever, starts at the very top. If the Falcons were a public company, the board would have fired Blank by now. That is how it is done. But Blank owns the team and it is his personal ego trip. Great investment, pal. Go back to selling plywood.
By Dennis G. Berdanis
December 25, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
I’m so sick of the AJC sports writers including you Mr. Schultz. If you aren’t trashing our teams you’re trashing us fans. That same highway that carried you into Atlanta can carry you right back out ya know.
By RWC
December 25, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
Let’s make the most of this - I have been a Falcons fan my whole life, and begin each season full of hope, only at some point in the season to have my hopes dashed, remind myself that it is just a game, then choose which team to pull for in the playoffs.
There is a curse - but we saw it broken for the White Sox, the Red Sox, and the Saints.
Notice every Cubs game is sold out? Let’s embrace the Falcons as the Cubs of the NFL - you can’t help but love them then!
It could be worse - you could live in Charlotte, like I do, and when the Panthers choke, there is no great college team (other than App State) to pull for. At least Georgia folks have dem dawgs….
By preston
December 25, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
hotrod- don’t put words in my mouth, what is it with you guys? I did not say anything close to what you just said…….if you read what I actually wrote, as opposed to what you only think you saw, you would have understood exactly what I was saying. Did not I start out by saying, “concerning M.Vick, he committed a crime and he is being punished for it as he should be”……..hell dude, you and others keep talking about race, of the which I could care less of in this forum…….that seems to be yours and others hang up……….I just pointed out that there have been other people in the sports world that have done far worse things than Vick, and they have been less scrutinize and have recieved a far less penalty than Vick………some of you people act like Vick has killed your father and raped your mother, the hatred for the guy is unprecedented. You can find others here to engage in you black and white talk, because I really do not see a difference between you and them, but you can really leave me alone about it.
By big fabric softena'
December 25, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Yo hotRod, when u die youll be happy to know the devil looks like charlie daniels and eats pigs feet like your toothless grandma goin down on your daddy in the ole doublewide must suck to be white and brokeass poor
By tom
December 25, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t spend a penny on the Falcons. Way too many thugs. How about more positive role models for my kids like DJ Shockley or Warrick Dunn!
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 25, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
TOM - You are so right. I’m glad the biggest thug of all is gone, Patrick (rape host) Kearny.
By David Duke
December 25, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
Blowhard, Kearney never raped anyone. He was never charged and, in fact, the victim and the police said he had no involvement whatsoever. Vick engaged in an interstate, organized, criminal enterprise for six years. He gambled, killed dogs, lied to his fans, the Falcons, Commissioner of Football, the government and everyone elsed who would listen. While awaiting sentencing he failed a drug test and, guess what, he admitted he needs drug rehabilitation. He is a scum bag! Prison is the right place for the maggot. Preston, who are the sports figures who have done worse? Heatley? It’s not worse, just different. Get a life moron!
By hotrod
December 25, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
big fab sofner,what happened to the apology?I dont believe in the devil or your black jesus,but I do like charlie daniels , hes a great american, if you dont know that your dumber than I thought,presidents have had him to the white house, maybe you will get an invite if obama wins,oh wait ,thats not gonna happen now is it?and as far asyou calling me brokeass poor I will match W2”s with you anytime,if you had a job.
By David Duke
December 25, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
Hey B*****, Patrick Kearney is not even a little guilty of rape or anything else. Meanwhile, yo boy got 23 months to do on this rap. virginia takes his sorry butt to trial in April. Mo’ time! Then it’s a suspension from the NFL. he’s done dirtbaq!
By rich brave
December 25, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
If DeAngelo Hall is serious about wanting out of Atlanta call Dan Snyder. He will offer Carlos Rogers, $$$$ and draft picks. PLEASE. The Redskins love outspoken and disruptive who know how to play one mean corner. And there’s a hole in the secondary with #21’s untimely demise. He’ll listen.
By Rupricht
December 25, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
I’m 45 years old and have lived here all of my life, with the exception of three years that I lived in New Orleans for business and had VHS copies of Falcon’s games mailed to me. I have an older Falcon’s logo on my watch, a miniature F-16 plane on my office desk with the Falcon’s logo. My car has a Falcon’s logo license plate on the front. I had season tickets for five years until financial matters pre-empted me from renewing them. I TIVO every game if I can’t view it because of work. No, I don’t like what is happening now; but, you have to stick it out. My 7 year old wears Falcon’s gear to school and is told that they “stink”. She just says “wait”. Who would ever have imagined the outcome of 1998 and if your were a true follower, it was unreal. Chill out and give it time.
By grunt1
December 25, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
Shultz is a sportswriter, what is he supposed to write about??? The weather? His job is to cover the sports in Atlanta, whether it’s good, bad or ugly. Face it, the Falcons suck. Period. I love an earlier poster’s idea to get McFadden first, then a good QB later. Maybe McFadden will be the next Adrian Peterson. And a final thought about one of the Free Vick 5, Roddy White. If Vick was still the QB, he would be in the unemployment line after the season because of his inablity to make plays. But this year, with poor to mediocre QB who can actually PASS, he’s having his breakout year. Coincidence? Maybe. He should be the happiest player on the squad because he’s going to have a job next year.
By preston
December 25, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
David Duke- I don’t see where you had anything of substance to say about anything concerning my 10:13pm blog, but rather thru your inablity to say anything of reason or logic you resorted to an often familiar childlike retort of namecalling…………way to go buddy!!!! Do you have any kids, or are you the one running around in diapers?
By grunt1
December 25, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
To all those who are trying to compare Vick’s crimes with Heatley, etc. When Manning, McNabb or Brady get arrested for dog fighting, then we can compare the sentences. Otherwise, it’s apples to oranges, no matter what the crime. Funny thing though, I have never seen those 3 names in the papers for anything negative. How about we compare the negative things that Vick did to them? That would be a fair comparison.
The Falcons need to follow the Braves by only investing in quality character players. You never see them bringing in players who aren’t team oriented or disruptive. I can remember when Robert Fick tried to slap a ball out of a players glove during the playoffs a few years ago and the Braves considered that to be a classless act. He was not with the team the next year. Falcons, learn from the Braves!
By 1992dawg
December 25, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this
I sold my autographed Micheal Vick football last summer. Crumpler has a hard time catching footballs. Brooking is old and slow. Deangelo Hall is way over rated. Whenever,he faces a good receiver he gets burned. How about againt TO last year at the Dome. I loved the Falcons back when Bartowski,Jenkins,Jackson, White Shoes Johnson,Kenn, and many others played for Atlanta. The Falcons need offensive linemen and much more. A good coach would be a start. Blank is not a good business man in my book.I would not hire Blank to work for me.
By kool@kat
December 25, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
maybe if we all pray…umm, no offense to the atheists…maybe Coach Richt will come and save the Falcons!!!!!!
By preston
December 25, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
grunt1- I don’t quite understand your what you are saying, and it really is a odd way to try and address things……”When Manning, McNabb or Brady get arrested for dog fighting, then we can compare the sentences”???????? I don’t even know how to respond to this one.
By tmh
December 25, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
“the most fickle of sports cities”
you got to be kidding.
this is just jeff schmidt spreading more of his hersch-schiesse around.
atlanta is a city as as tolerant of incompetent sports management (and managers) as they come.
the problem with the falcons, the braves (especially the braves), the hawks, and the thrashers
is that they have all had brain dead, self-serving management for eons.
blank is not a part of this; and does not want to be a part of this.
the falcons will change:
the braves, hawks , and thrashers will not.
By Mark
December 26, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
The Falcons deserted Atlanta years ago. They hired a quarterback that couldn’t add 2+2. Everyone talks about how Petrino lied to Atlanta. How about how Atlanta lied to him. They lied when they told him he would have a quarter back that could throw the length of the field and run like the wind. (even though he was dumber than a bag of hammers). Atlanta lied when they told Petrino he would have the support of the team. When what he really got was a bunch of gangster wannabe’s. The Falcons have also lied to the city of Atlanta. They lied and said they were a professional organization. What is professional about Michael Vick flipping the crowd off. What is professional about marijuana arrests at airports around the country. Arthur Blank should pack up the Falcons office and ship it to LA. I would say good riddance. Go Dawgs.
By KrisG
December 26, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
By rednecks tones& T moore!
December 26, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
The sport media in this town is part of the problem.
If you don’t fit the bill you are then a outcast by this city sport media. Blank is trying his best to make a change. a city that is 61 % black and the media that is 90% white. now how they view thing is when the problem start. People read the paper all over the usa. Deion sander look how the local media sport raido AJC sport dog him out because he did not fit their way a player should be. The problem will get worse unless that 90% white media mix with that 61% BLACK city views .
The 61% black views and 90% white media are not 100% right or 100% wrong. The two views must come together for the city and it’s sports teams. look at the coverage of the 4 pro sport teams. Braves coverage most of it is good most of the player are white. Hawks coverage in past was bad as of late better most of the players are black. Thasher media view thasher as a plus coverage good player are white. The Falcon the media view is down most of the players are black. until the media come together in this town pro sport is a no go. The sport media in this town hate black star why? most of the players don’t look like them and they don’t try to understand. This is why the media culture has to change in Atlanta 680 the fan, ajc sport, espen, foxsport,.
We all want the same in the end. The Views of the media has to sound and look like the city and state or there will never be any peace!
By Dan
December 26, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
I agree with the earlier D.J. Shockley comments and I’m a Tech fan. Too bad Shock got hurt. This could have been his team by now. He is a winner. He’s Vick with a brain who can find secondary receivers and run when he has to. We need big linemen who can block. The offensive line is the key to winning. The entire unit must be kept, paid and happy. Then the defense is rested, the running backs have big holes and the QB is protected. It’s not hard folks. However, you can’t keep plugging holes every year and let the good ones go. Oh, and try a tight end screen every once and awhile to Mr Crumpler. You’ll get 20 yards every time. GUARANTEED!!! I’ll be glad to coach or be your GM for half of what parcells wanted.
By rednecks tones& T moore!
December 26, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
IF YOU THINK PEOPLE ONLY WANT TO WATCH REDNECK UGA . yOU ARE CLUELESS. THAT PART OF THE PROBLEM YOU GUYS WANT THE FALCON TO BE AND ACT LIKE THE REDNECK TEAM AT REDNECK UGA. THE FALCONS SHOULD NEVER WANT TO BE LIKE A WANT -TO BE-TEAM LIKE UGA MAYBE LIKE LSU A REAL WINNER!
By mv7
December 26, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this
If blank wants to sell ticket when #7 CAN COME BACK HE HAD BETTER TRY LIKE HELL TO SIGN HIM TO THE FALCON OR THE DOME WILL BE FULL OF SEATS AND NO PEOPLE. THAT JUST THE FACTS!
By David Duke
December 26, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this
By preston December 25, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this David Duke- I don’t see where you had anything of substance to say about anything concerning my 10:13pm blog, but rather thru your inablity to say anything of reason or logic you resorted to an often familiar childlike retort of namecalling…………way to go buddy!!!
Here’s my post pertaining to Preston’s assertion that other athletes had done worse things with less condemnation and prosecution: Preston, who are the sports figures who have done worse?
Preston chose to make this diversionary attack rather than answer the question directly. In other words, he has no clear, intelligent answer. I would tell you top get lost Preston but that would be imploring you to do something you’ve already done!
By David Duke
December 26, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this
mv7132496, you are dumber than a box of rocks. Boy, the Falcons, nor any other NFL team, will ever sign this criminal. He’s a jailbird and not even an Arena League team will ever have this fool! Better recognize foo!
By smarter
December 26, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this
Look at What we gave up to get Vick, traded Dwight, a receiver and special teams guy who maid it happen, would have had Drew Bree’s from Purdue (quality and brains) and the talanted Runing Back and Philthopic Running Back that San Diego has who 60 minutes profiled a week or so ago. HOW STUPID could MR. BLANK be. My Question is how many Home Depot Employees paid over $1M a year don’t have a complete background check before they are hired.
I almost forgot their biggest hiriring screw up of all was Nardelli at Home Depot. Almost ran the Stores into the Ground. Lowes, was saying thank you Mr. Blank and Marcus for that Hire too.
Maybe Vick can work as Nardelli’s gardner, setting up for his parties for his friends like “W”, on West Wesley, when he gets out of Prison. Or Maybe Nardelli, will join Vick for back dating Executive stock options, and so will “W” for War Crimes. Amazing how is all comes around.
By Traci
December 26, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this
Between you and Terrance Moore who needs enemies?
Sports Writers in Atlanta S*ck!
Get off of the Falcons - The Trashers are playing well The Hawks won a game
By serbok
December 26, 2007 3:45 AM | Link to this
Darrin “The Vent King”
WOW!!!!!!! Dude!!!!!! what an Awesome post!!!!! I’m from ATL. I follow the Braves~not so much ‘coons. DOB Rocks! Man you hit that right on the HEAD!!!!
GO BUC’S! Impressive man!!!! Awesome post @ 8:05 PM
By Pearly Gates
December 26, 2007 4:39 AM | Link to this
Why don’t all of you get a life…there is more to living than following a losing football team. Blank is no leader. The team needs some moral leadership. Yes, Blank, with prayer. Get it? And stop that whining, please.
By blq byrd
December 26, 2007 5:16 AM | Link to this
Mr. hotrod wrote… “the old suwanee complex has been torn down,but your right it would make a great location, its outside of I-285,up here where its safe to go out after dark, no drivebys”
You sir, need to be sure and watch the local news to get your dose of reality. The only people that still believe that there is no crime in the outer suburbs are the ones living in a shell. Gwinnett and Cobb like the rest of America have their share of crime and I’d be willing to bet you that they will be featured in the news on this day (26Dec07) as they are everyday. You see sir, crime is one of the bi-products of the incredible growth that they have experienced over the years and it will continue to get worse as their population continues to increase. If you are naive enough to hang out after dark no matter what the zip, then if and when something does happen, you only have yourself to blame. And you are wrong, there are drive-bys in Gwinnett. To Mr Schultz, I am a lifelong falcon fan and I will never jump ship and I do get very frustrated with them as most fans do. They need our support now more than ever.
By preston
December 26, 2007 6:17 AM | Link to this
Some of you people here really can’t be taken seriously….infact, I could probaly go to any elementary school and find kids with a better sense of logic and reason than some of you guys…..it is actually quite comical. I made a few comments (9:19pm and 10:13pm), and two guys (“Joe” December 25, 2007 9:38 PM, and “hotrod’ December 25, 2007 10:23 PM), proceeded to challenge my position based on things that I didn’t even say….they argured 100% with themselves about race this and that more than anything that I wrote. Then, you have this guy that calls himself “David Duke” for reasons only known to him, and he who wants to be taken seriously??? He goes into this diatribe about answering my question (10:13pm blog) with a question (David Duke December 26, 2007 1:49 AM) that ignores everything that I wrote in my 10:13pm blog. Isn’t the real David Duke the same guy that sympathizes with the Nazis and other supremists beliefs, and yet he wanted to be taken seriously as a viable political candidate who rpresented the views of his constituency? Lol, those two really do have a lot in common, and at least the guy on this blog aptly chose a name to represent himself and his views…..like I said, you guys are more comical than profound, infact, I think that you all would probaly give the “blue collar comedy tour” guys, a better run for their money, than having anything of substance to contribute to this blog…….in the meantime, I will keep laughing with you!!!
By KD
December 26, 2007 6:33 AM | Link to this
I would not resign DeAngelo Hall. He is soooo overrated. Go Rainbow Warriors!
By No Name
December 26, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
People get behind their teams, not a joke. Blank buys the team, ups ticket pricing, blackouts for games not sold out, Vick is a total jerk and is thrown in jail, then members of the team honor him by wearing his number.
I dont blame the coach for walking out and I dont blame the fans for not having any interest. You want interest, clean it up, get players that are worth watching and stop blacking out the games that arent sold out. They dont have that kinda clout anymore. They want their fans back, put the jokes aside and earn them back. Play hard, stop with the players who think they are GOD and play football.
Quite frankly I am fed up with all professional sports. Football, baseball (steriod heads in the making) and hocky. They all are over paid drug heads who think they can break laws and hurt the innocent and still be loved. Its payday folks and were not caughing up the money.
By Big Bad Bear
December 26, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this
Am I to understand that that the comments by the local yokal are that the Falcons would be a better franchise if located in Birmingham. What effect would that have on Atlanta?
By Larry
December 26, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this
The Falcons deserted Atlanta long before Atlanta deserted the Falcons. I had season tickets from 1976-1989; and, before that I regularly went to the games and supported the teams from the beginning. Enough, however, is and was enough. The Falcons will never be any good; and the latest incarnation with its cadre of Vick advocate prima donnas is the worst of all 39 Falcons teams. They left us before we, quite justifiably, left them.
By underroddoe
December 26, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this
i think the falcons neeed to get rid of d.hall if he don’t want to be a part of the team then leave that’s first then try to get a coach that is a nfl coach,and don’t be so fast to get rid of michal vick give him a chance to come back remembr kobe bryant i think the falcon will turn it around this is atlanta the #1 city in the world.
By Fal-can't
December 26, 2007 7:34 AM | Link to this
So what Va Tech guy is the falcons going to draft this year? They all have such good reputations and have served the Falcons so well!
By MP
December 26, 2007 7:40 AM | Link to this
ATL,ATL,ATL,ATL,ATL….I’m so sick of this rag referring to my town as the ATL. It’s ATLANTA you bunch of suck ups. Right now maybe it is the ATL FALCONS. When they get some discipline, get the thug out and get an outdoor stadium they will be the ATLANTA FALCONS again. What a disgrace the Falcons and the city are to the rest of the country (and maybe the world).
By DR
December 26, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
To all AJC Sports Writers:
Michael Vick is in PRISON and no longer connected with Atlanta, NFL, Falcons or the local sports scene. Almost an year has passed and all of you still refer to him in his article.
Please give us a New Year Gift; STOP REFERRING TO MICHAEL VICK in 2008.
By Hal
December 26, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
Before the Falcons we were fed via TV either the Redskins or the Colts football games. I bought season tickets for 3 years and realized that the Falcons are cursed. I went back to the Redskins and the Colts. I have never regreted that decision.
By glen
December 26, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blank is proof that success in one career does not guarantee success in another…even when money is not an concern.Blank made an unwise,prideful and emotional decision to fire Mora. Mora would have learned from his foolish mistake and would have been able to successfully regroup,rally and successfully manage the team after the Michael Vick incident. Vick was always more of a problem than Mora.
So what if Mora’s dream job was to coach Washington,that does not necessarily translate into a lack of commitment as coach of the Falcons. I’m sure Arthur Blank had a dream job in mind while at Home Depot and that did not deter him from being a success there. Pride,arrogance and greed come with wealth and power.
By Dan
December 26, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this
I dont think you can blame this on one person as many columns and broadcasts locally and nationally have alluded to.
One day its Petrino, then Blank, then McKay now Mora. Its really all of the above.
This is a team sport and a team business. As the old saing goes, “There is no I or U in Team and this year definitely no US”.
Blank owns the team and it is his right to handle things the way he wants. But the firing of Reeves was not the way to do things. Building a francise around one player was not smart either. (I guess McKay has to take some responsibility there too.)
Just like parents should be parents 1st and friends only after successfully parenting the child, ownership and management should be management and ownership 1st and “Family second.
Players should know who the boss is and fear that regardless of how much money or noteriety they have.
I cant imagine this season happening to Rooney, Halas, Lombardi or Landry.
Coddling players, undermining coaches, lying to owners, tolerating gangster behavior on and off the field… doesnt sound like team to me. And that has nothing to so with the playbook or talent
Depriving players of individuality and cultivating team has to be Job 1 regardless of who plays, coaches or manages here in Atlanta.
The problem here in Atlanta is despite having personnel, there has been NO TEAM.
AND THE OVERALL STRATEGY FOR ACCOMPLISHING THAT HAS TO BE ADDRESSED 1ST IN THE OFF SEASON.
By Bernard Brooks
December 26, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
JEFF, PLEASE SUGGEST ARTHUR BLANK HIRE DAN REEVES!! THINK ABOUT IT, YEAH, DAN REEVES, THE ONLY COACH TO TAKE US TO THE SUPER BOWL IS “AVAILABLE”???!!!
By Bud
December 26, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
I think that we should all keep in mind that professional sports in America is 1)A mindless diversion and 2)A relentless mechanism to sell beer and potato chips and sneakers to the American people.
Sports fans in Atlanta are fickle because we have a life!!! If a team creates a lousy product on and off the field year after year, we’ll turn away and do something else. We aren’t in Green Bay, WI where the weather sucks and football is the only big diversion.
By JBS 1HK82
December 26, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
I beg to differ on Item# 1: Some of us care more about the team that plays in Baton Rouge (and Ruston…and Monroe).
Regardless, GEAUX ELLESSUU!
By whyatlanta
December 26, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
Does Atlanta really deserve a Pro football team? There is so much hatred with black and white in this town. Looking at some of these blogs is so disturbing that racist attitudes here is much more of a problem than whether the Falcons win on sunday or not. I don’t see this problem in Tampa, New Orleans, or Carolina just to name a few. People need to look at themselves before blaming the Falcon franchise for their misery. Is it something to get all this upset about? I will support the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and Thrashers because they are Atlanta not because the color of the players skin. These sports teams don’t run my life. They are there for something to pass time and enjoy, not get upset over and bring out all this hatred. Come on Atlanta, we are better than this. We need to support our teams and not be divided by them. This is a black eye for our city as other cities are taking note of our problems. The media should listen as well. Think about it.
By 82DAWG
December 26, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
The mistake wasn’t firing Mora, it was firing Reeves.
Dan, you are right on the money.
In addition, Atlantans don’t identify with the Falcons because most people are transplants. The Falcons, at best, would be 90% of Atlanta football fans second team. When they are an embarrassment, then not even that. The same pretty much holds true with the Braves, but to a lesser extent. I am a Packer fan in football but a Braves fan in baseball. The Braves are a class act, I just am not willing to pay $100 to see a non playoff game. I will however pay $125 per ticket to see Georgia in New Orleans!
By Gwen
December 26, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
DR
Save your words, the sports writer would have a dumb attack if they couldn’t write about Vick.
I didn’t see anything wrong with the team members wearing MV7. We wear #7 jerseys to every game and will continue to do so.
Blank was not so smart to allow PETA to take away his cash cow; now there no need to cry over spilled milk.
I love the Falcons and Michael Vick and he will return; maybe not with the Falcons, but he will return and the Sport Writers will have a hay day.
By Terry
December 26, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Excellent article. No way this team recovers quickly from the perfect storm until Arthur understands he is not a football man, get off the field and out of the front office. Doesn’t he have another rich friend other than Jerry Jones to explain this to him because he is not listening to the AJC, the fans or common sense.
By Tray
December 26, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
How about sell the team to alska and start over, they all suck anyways. And Dangelo Hall, you suck too!
By Reggie
December 26, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
Great post why atlanta….I will leave it at that……
By Bee bee
December 26, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
Rich blew it. I guess Tampa was glad when Blank took him off of their hand. I would trade everything of valve (4 yrs or more here) and get new blood. Get rid of everyone who’s been here w/Dan Reeves and every free agent that was sign when Mora was coach. Remember the Falcon were a 500 team with Vick so why do you think they were going to be better without him. MV blew it but with 52 MEN (?) on this team, i’m tired of people putting everything on him. Everyone talks about character, what about heart. These guys do not have heart. Let me put it another way they lack pride. I would not keep any of them because this team has too many veterans to be playing like that.
By CDS
December 26, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
What are you smoking Schultz? This was never a Falcons town. Too many people moving in from all over the country. I’m a season-ticket holder, and over half of the fans in attendance are fans of the visiting team. That was when even Vick was playing. Also, too many people worship that garbage college football team in Athens to give a damn about a bunch of misguided talentless players who care more about showing support for a felon than preparing for a nationally televised game.
By D
December 26, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
vick is an idiot that basically crapped on everybody that supported him. yet his supporters are still there, going past loyalty to divide this city based on race, not whether mike was actually a good qb or not, because he wasn’t. a good college qb but not even as good as redman as a nfl qb. flashes of brilliance help no one, remember the run and shoot? consistency is what makes a good nfl qb. in 10 years when mike does something stupid again, his supporters will finally be gone, just like they abandoned oj, and without a word acknowledging their mistake, their racial tunnlevision. it’s sad that the child in this column’s picture has been so manipulated and brain-washed by his parents to be part of perpetuating hate-filled and wrong racial issues. this should be about football, the team, and winning with honor. not blind support for someone based on the color of their skin. mike didn’t get it done as nfl qb and never will, he may come back as a qb and he may shine initially, but he will always be the college qb that he is. and remember the same people that support mike vick are the same people that support scumbags like rodney king, oj, the jena 6, the duke accuser and the burglars that got their sorry butts shot in texas. but it’s everybody else that is causing the racial divide right? what other group does racial tension benefit? it only benefits those who wish to use the race card as a crutch. people that think mike vick is being picked on, not because he is an extreme moron, but just because everybody’s out to get him just because his mother and father had dark skin. ridiculous stuff and it’s time to end this crap!
By fatz
December 26, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
If you bought a car and it ran like crap, would you walk around telling everybody you need to support the auto company that built it because you want to be patriotic or whatever and maybe they’ll get next years model right..and rah, rah, rah? … i think not. anybody who buys a ticket, watches a game on TV (which keeps the ad dollars flowing to these teams)has the right to say what they feel. and journalists have the RESPONSIBILITY to call what they see, to be the voice of the “masses”. judging from this blog there is an awful lot of ill will out there towards this train-wreck franchise. I think Arthur cares, both from a personal and a business perspective, but i think he has made a series of high-profile mistake that have made a bad situation laughable. letting him off the hook and cheering him will only feed his ego more, and you will get more of the same garbage product. letting him know you are about to walk is the best thing you can do right now. he needs to make deep, long-term decisions, not shallow marketing fixes.
By Myrtle Beach
December 26, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this
First off “Bobby Petrion’s Bookie” i took the 11 points and cleaned up this weekend. Second If the team had the Patriots, Colts or Cowgirls OL’s they would be in the playoffs this year. You put Jake Long beside Blaylock and get a real center and we are set because the right side is solid when healthy. It does not matter if Jim Brown runs the ball without a “Bring tears” to the DL offensive line, we have no base for an offensive. Every year we’ve been to the playoffs we’ve had that type of line. Mckay is a joke and Blank is just a guilty. We paid the Great Black hope all the money when we should have put the money were it needed to go then we would not be in this mess to begin with. Pray the Jets and Rams win this weekend and we lose. Long at LT paired with Blaylock will give us the best we’ve had since Kenn and RC in the 80’s. Then all we need is a number 57 at center and we can play with Redman and win 10 games next year because we’ll be able to create holes and pass block. We’ll be able to keep the defense fresh which is it’s biggest problem. It ain’t that bad, hell if we have a kicker that could make one over 30 yards we’d be at 500 now. Bring in Marty give him total control and in 2 years we are playing for the big one! WERE is the LOVE!
By Archie Bunker
December 26, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
The Falcons stink because King Arthur Blank tried to go the “thug route” because Atlanta is a black town. Vick is a straight-up ghetto thug. MeAngelo Hall is a straight-up thug. As my grandfather always said “You can’t make chicken salad out of chickensh!t.” King Arthur may know a lot about business but he does not not crap about football. He is just a rich man who wanted a “toy”..now look where the Falcons are…in the toilet. Just like my wife Edith..Blank is a “dingbat”!
By MP
December 26, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Speaking of transplants….has anyone noticed how quiet the roads have been the last 4 days? Meanwhile there are a hell of a lot of cars parked at the airport. Everyone went “home” for the holidays.
By Billy P.
December 26, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
this Vick thing being turned into a racial issue is hurting this team and this city, is that what black people want, they lost their Vick because of his selfishness and stupidity and so now they are going to punish everybody and attempt to ruin this team just because some guy who just happened to be black acted like a total jerk? but that is exactly why I decide to go to Miami. who would want to go work in a city where if one side doesn’t always get their way they are going to throw a temper tantrum and take all their toys and go home. Miami is so much more diverse than Atlanta and still they don’t have to pull race or ethnicity into their football team, especially over a person who cares about nobody but themself and who’s IQ is only average at best.
By truth
December 26, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Want to turn the Falcons around? Simple - hire character, not statistics. The Patriots have won 3 superbowls with no more talent than the Falcons. They just happen to work and play well as a team. Their quarterback makes less than half of the great vick made, but refused pay increases so the owner would surround him with better players on the team. could you ever imagine vick, hall or crumpler doing that?Get a decent coach, get the wrong people off the bus (those mentioned above and the wide receivers)and hire some character. Thank you.
By longtimefan
December 26, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
I am one of a minority who says we don’t need to spend a draft pick on a new QB. We have in our current stable plenty of QB talent if we can get them some protection. Let’s spend some money, draft picks, and current players to assemble the best o-line out there. They’ll last a lot longer, we’ll have free agents wanting to come to Atlanta, and even mediocre QB’s will begin to look like pro-bowlers.
By bjohndawg
December 26, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
I think the biggest problem is sportswriters who expect Atlanta sports fans to act like northern sports fans and cheer and root for a team no matter how sorry a season or product they produce. IE Green Bay in the years they sux, or Detroit or Chicago or San Fran, or New York or Washington.
Why should fans cheer for players with multi million dollar contract who stink up the field with sorry play,poor sportsmanship, and a me only mentality. why should they care spend $ buying tickets or spend time watching tv watching the teams that give those millions away to crappy players or coaches who worry about their next gig rather then the Xs and Os.
I think the Falcons, Hawks and others are getting the type of fans support they deserve.
They want to change it. Provide a competitive product week in and week out…and they will see the support.
By WarParty
December 26, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
I feel some radical changes are to be made to win back the fans. If I were Arthur Blank, I’d consider the following:
1) Admit publicly that he has screwed up the franchise but remains intent on getting things right.
2) Consider the team an expansion franchise by asking the league for a nickname change, team colors change and a new image.
3) Strongly consider selling stock in the team to the public, similar to the Green Bay faithful. How much and at what price would be his decision but letting go of a signficant, but not controlling, piece of the team’s stock would get the locals involved and excited again.
4) Get rid of all the underachieving and malcontent players. Restock through the draft mainly, because again, this team is being sold as a newly minted franchise.
5) Hire Marty Schottenheimer as head coach/GM, leave him alone and let him build the team the way he wants.
6) Arthur Blank goes LOW profile. No more standing on the sidelines, hogging the mike at press conferences and generally take a huge step BACK from the limelight.
The above steps may not be the total answer but it’s a good start.
By FS!
December 26, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Schultz, you moron. Its Jim Mora’s fault the falcons are in this mess? You, sir, like all falcons fans, are a world class maroon! This train wreck started when Sir Artie put all his eggs in one basket by giving Thug-7 $130 million dollars and then not holding him accountable for any of his actions, on or off the field. From quitting in games, to the finger, to the water bottle, to murdering animals, you reap what you sow! And you maroons still support Oookie-thug. Maroons or morons for those of you who’ve never watched Bugs Bunny. As I have stated so many times, until Sir Blunk, yes thats how I intended to spell it, gets rid of thug-hall, alger-thug and the rest of these bad apples this team will reek! And just so all you maroons know how I really feel about you and your so called team of losers, I hope this team never recovers and eventually leaves Atlanta. The city of Atlanta and the Falcons truly are sin city and have the mark of Cain upon them! Ha! Ha! Ha! I couldn’t say Ho, because one of you maroons would get offended! Idiots the lot of you. One last tidbit. This team would be lucky to hire Schottenheimer, and if it is so lucky then give the man time to build a real team. Of course this is thug city and you idiots will hail him, then the next year run him out of town on a rail! Ask yourselves, why would any semi-intellgent person want to coach in this town. The answer is they wouldn’t! I hope Schottenheimer stays way and turns down this city and this team. You do not deserve a world class coach in a third world city!
By Crabkilla
December 26, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
I hate you Jeff Schultz. I hate you.
By lou
December 26, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
does anyone know where taylor smith is. maybe he could use a job
By lou
December 26, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
does anyone know where taylor smith is. maybe he could use a job
By scott
December 26, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
i’m done dogging the falcons i don’t have the millions to buy this team from blank so my two cent don’t matter here on this blog . i can only hope you guys that say the flacons suck and this is not falcon country any more but still wasting your x”s and o on this blog realy know what your talking about , how about all of you take up a pool to buy these falcons that way your have a real say in which way they are headed , i”m sick of the bashing from the sideline owners here .try giving a litle support to the falcons . the falcons is a mess but have my support for better days, this is dirty bird country , but until they show up go dawgs
By Mark
December 26, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
My family has been season ticket holders for 25+ years. Mr. Blank has annually increased the seat price to pay for the circus that just left town! I wonder how the per seat price will reflect this dismal situation. “Arthur you need management, just throwing money at an issue never solves the problem, (of course you know this, you helped build Home Depot or did you?).”
By rawls
December 26, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
lets face it as long as the good old boys control this city u will never have a good sports team.
By jay
December 26, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
Your words “the football team in Athens” are just dripping with hostility. What the heck did the UGA football program ever do to you. Its one of the few bright spots in this state, sports wise and you constantly treat it like a leper.
I don’t get you Schultz. You “poke” fun at everything sports in this state. Obviously your columns are some passive, agressive way of criticizing them. Yet, when some fans decide to be more straightforward in their criticism, you blame the fan. Don’t shoot the messenger, idiot.
By jay
December 26, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
Your words “the football team in Athens” are just dripping with hostility. What the heck did the UGA football program ever do to you. Its one of the few bright spots in this state, sports wise and you constantly treat it like a leper.
I don’t get you Schultz. You “poke” fun at everything sports in this state. Obviously your columns are some passive, agressive way of criticizing them. Yet, when some fans decide to be more straightforward in their criticism, you blame the fan. Don’t shoot the messenger, idiot.
By scott
December 26, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
this is for that guy CDS you must be a GT FAN calling out the mighty g dawgs as trash footballer what a cheap shot you redneck idiot the georgia dwags are true winner with great traditions your welcome to bash those falcons right now but leave my dawgs out of this mess
By Jeff Schultz
December 26, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Jeff Schultz still works here? Didn’t get my Christmas Wish after all.
By c2w3
December 26, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
An Atlanta native, now in my 30s, I’ve never really been a Falcons fan. The team has never won a Super Bowl game in my lifetime, and from the direction the team’s gone these past years it never will.
Just one more reason to be ashamed of living in the city I call “home” and being a sucker for believing the Falcons could ever achieve any semblance of success.
By Tim Foster
December 26, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
I think that the Falcons are still a team with a lot of talent but, no leadership. This has been proven by the remarks made by DeAngelo Hall. To me DeAngelo may be one of the best corner backs in the NFL but, at time he seems to be the most selfish.I am very glad that we have such a talent on our team and, I know that in time as he matures his attitude will change because, birthdays will do that to you. Players like DeAngelo Hall, Warrick Dunn & Alge Crumpler need to fire this team up. Mr.Blank needs to hire knowlegable football personel and allow them to do thier jobs without the micro-managing that he does. We are trying to build a football team, not another Home Depot. Falcons. Do not allow anyone to take away your passion for the game that I know that you all love so very much. In essence, stop having pitty parties and get up off of your muscular butts and play some damn football. Remember what you learned as far back as Elementary School. “When the going get tough, The tough get going”. So get your A_ _ es up and play as a team. Be concerned for all of your team’s players, not just you as an individual.
By ck
December 26, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
hey if you fans want to be rid of da birds we will take em here in Oklahoma. Then we will watch them turn it around and win big … They need support not headbashing. I have been a Flacon fan for 30 years and i love em every year.
By Tim Foster
December 26, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah, and just so you don’t get my last post twisted. THIS IS STILL AND WILL ALWAYS BE…A FALCONS TOWN!
By The Ole Ball Coach
December 26, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Trade Hall for Champ Bailey, trade for Hines Ward, or Thomas Davis pick up some great former Dawgs or even Jackets would be good for the Falcons fan base.
Hire a Great VP, GM and Coach who Knows football and who have a track record of staying put a few years. Easier said than done by the evidence. Hire me I’d get the job done….
By Homet
December 26, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
You “IDIOT” the Thrashers are STILL having their “MOMENT”…!!! Try attending a game and see how excited their fans are!!!
By Bob from Winder
December 26, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
TOMMORROW IT WILL BE BRADLEYS OR THE BLACK GUYS TURN TO REHASH THE SAME OLD S** OVER AND OVER WE KNOW THE FALCONS STINK NOW AND THEY HAVE ISSUES BUT MUST YOU WRITE ABOUT IT CONSTANTLY? sO FAR THE HAWKS ARE PLAYING OKAY AND THE BULLDOGS HAVE A BOWL GAME COMING UP. WRITE SOMETHING ABOUT THAT. S** JUST TRY TO WRITE SOMETHING POSITIVE FOR A CHANGE
By Kelley
December 26, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Atlanta should be a Braves town. The Braves organization is the only franchise in Georgia who has provided the fans with something to be proud of.
I would even be so bold as to say they are more successful than Georgia football (I know, I should be shot for daring to say it).
14 straight years of going to the playoffs, the last franchise to give us a championship (95, the Bulldogs last did it in 80 I believe)
More importantly, they set a standard of excellence and professionalism and expect everyone in thier organization, no matter how talented, to follow their rules.
Some say they are “boring and have no passion”, but my, my wouldn’t we all take some of their boring consistency right now in exchange for all the “excitement” the Falcons have given us in the last few weeks?
AND, if DeAngelo Hall is an example of passionate, I’ll take boring and professional any day of the week. If DHall wore a Braves uniform, Bobby Cox would straighten him out or his bags would be packed so fast that he wouldn’t know what hit him.
Maybe we should all begin to appreciate what a classy organization that JS has built in Atlanta, especially when compared to the other one in Atlanta.
By ATL
December 26, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
I am not from here,,,but I have lived here for 10 years. This town SUCKS…I can’t stand it! THe thuggish people make it unbearable….New Years Resolution…I’m Outta Here!
By Jim P.
December 26, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
I say TRADE MEANGELO HALL!!! Trade him for a 2nd round draft pick!!! GET THAT SORRY GOOD FOR NOTHING PIECE OF CRAP OFF MY TEAM! I CAN’T STAND A CRY BABY LIKE THAT!
By Al Sharptongue
December 26, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Think McNabb will move to Atlanta ?
I Hope not, we do not need anymore Black Qb’s or 1t round draft picks in this town. We need someone the fans north and south of here to respect. this is the south and a Blackman in a position of leadership is frowned upon by the majority of southern White males. Funny how the Falcons could not sellout this year without MV7. * Where were all of the White fans who are so vocal on talk radio and the blogs? They Had Joey Franchise at the helm for chrissake and still did not fill up the stands. The people doing all the HATING dont even like the falcons they just like bashing *naggers and Arthur Blank because he looks like a Jew and fired a Redneck cracka in Dan Reeves, who was garbage also minus the superbowl season
By The Big E
December 26, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
The Falcons have jumped track for sure… It will only take a winner like Arthur Blank to get this back on track. He has the mentality to go out there and make it happen. In a time where there is huge dissapointment, time will be on our side for sure! Atlanta, don’t give up on Arthur B. And dem Falcoons! Stay tuned!
By BossLady
December 26, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
I agree, this is worst than T Moore because it seems that Jeff has sat there and ridiculed the Falcons every since last year. The AJC should not continue to tolerate this bias journalism. But, AJC is bias themselves so what do your expect?
By The Ole Ball Coach
December 26, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
To The AJC Management: Fire Terence Moore and My New Year will be Happy.
By Paul M
December 26, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
nail on the proverbial head Mr. Schultz.
This is a gigantic strike out, from the ritualitstic leadership shake up that all CEO’s or owners like to make when they come in to new organizations to now. This is a catestrophic failure, the falcons regardless of record are by far the worst team in the league. Out of sorts at every position, No QB; No Coach; no GM; no direction.
We must write off next season and look to the next for hope. That means there is no real reason for those outside of us 40K strong or so die hards to watch the Falcons.
Some things are in explicable this season… but last week the makeshift coachings staff both coached them back in it and then blew it with conservative plays and prevent defense. That can’t happen any more. Consistant winning is the only thing that will make this team draw consistantly. Even then they will never be bigger than college fb in this region, and that’s no crime. I love the Falcons and I always will, I just don’t expect anyone else to.
What we (The Falcons) need now is for Jason Snelling to play more… geez they signed Artose Pinner when this guy converts 4th downs consistantly and scores TD’s when asked? He’s TJ Duckett only he hits the hole quickly.
We need a QB, We need Two Starting OT’s. We need another OG. We need a 10-12 year starter solid MLB who will be the QB of the defense (no disrespect to KB but he’s out of position and he’s just not Jessie Tuggle. We need a couple of Safeties and some humble winning attitudes.
Thanks.
By ROBERTO
December 26, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
I don’t think anyone has took into consideration that the owner might be causing the problems that the Falcons are having, it dsen’t seem like any one wants to work for him for some reason.
By Jim P.
December 26, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Jeff,
Sorry to inform you, but you saying the Falcons were the #2 Atlanta team is funny!!! The Falcons have NEVER been #2! The Fans of Atlanta are the WORST FANS EVER!! If Mr. Blank wants to have a winning team, he needs to MOVE the Falcons from Georgia! I can name 3 cities off top of my head that would love to have the Falcons. Portland, OR. Los Angles, CA. and San Antonio, Texas. At least Fans would show up. Yes, this has been the worst year in the history of the Atlanta Falcons, but look at teams like Green Bay, Chicago, and Oakland. Green Bay for years was a bad team before Farve, and after Bart Starr, but season ticket holders put tickets in their wills! Oakland and Chicago are the same way. It just baffels me how Atlanta cannot sell out, and expect to have a team put forth 100% effort. The City of Atlanta does not deserve the Falcons. I would much rather cheer for the San Antonio Falcons, or the Portland Falcons, maybe even the L.A. Falcons. The Fans of Atlanta (or lack of) are as discusting as Vick, or D Hall.
By Larry
December 26, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
The reason Atlantans prefer that “football team over in Athens” is because Atlantans appreciate quality football played by athletes of character. That’s not something we see practiced here in town.
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 26, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
This whole city sucks - there should be “REDNECK” cleansing, and ATL may have a winning team and be a good city. No more ATLANTA it’s now ATL - ATLANTA was the KLAN name.
By Pacquer
December 26, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
I’ve not noticed this to be a Falcons town. Except during “fair weather”. College football is King down here, and always will be. Up in the Frozen Tundra all we had were the Packers. Win or lose, every game, every year, is sold out.
To rejuvenate the Falcons: Hire Jessica Simpson as coach, Beyonce as GM,and add another part-time QB such as McNab.
By SportsChic
December 26, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
I’ve been here for 13 years and hate it. The white people here have this holier than thou attitude. The white folks here make it unbearable. They smile in your face and stab you in the back. When Vick was winning and not performing all of his crimes, you people (whites) loved him, you would drink the man’s bathwater. Get over yourselves. It’s ridiculous how you all act. You racist SOB’s. EVERY single FREAKIN blog on the AJC turns into a race war… It’s time for this to stop! It’s not a VA Tech or a Miami thing, with these players who have a lack of respect, it’s their own home training. Where were you guys when John Rocker was saying some of the nonsense that he spoke? You were right there agreeing with him, but he’s not a racist or a thug, right?
Get over yourselves Atlanta!
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 26, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Round up all these “backwards” hillbillies, pack them up and transport them to Mississippi, then use the whole state of Mississippi for a test experiment, then feed their remains to pitbulls. Now that would be cool :) That’s what those THUGS deserve.
By BamaBrave
December 26, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
As someone who gets paid to cover professional sports, Schultz should know that the fortunes of an NFL team can change suddenly, and go in either direction. What other sport props up it’s weaker teams so? You stink this year? No problem! Here…next year, we’ll give you an easy schedule, and please, take these great college draft choices. For years now, the division winning team in the NFC South, finished LAST the previous year. Try some decaf Schultz. Things will work out, and at least the city will have purged itself of the subhuman named Vick.
By newteamgeardotcom
December 26, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
Merry christmas and a happy new year. may all the falcons fanss dreams come true in 2008.
By jobo
December 26, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Get some outside talent scout to get rid of all the bums (could be all)and start over.Get ball players and not mouths .Remind ALL players they are NOT coaches nor radio announcers.DO NOT draft any Thug, no matter how good he is (or thinks he is).Remember they try to put someone from each team on the Prow Bowl Team. Crump was the only one on the team that could catch the ball.That made him look good when a Falcon finally caught a ball.
By GoldenRichards
December 26, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
I know that everything went sour for the Falcons beginning when Jim Mora was here and he failed to recognize the greatness of the great Matt Schaub. Schaub has gone on to the Houston Texans and he is on the verge of getting the Texans into the playoffs and and destined to guide the Texans to become superbowl champions this year. Schaub has become the same thing that Brett Farve was when he was inadvertently dispatched away by Elvis impersonator Jerry Glanville. Every single time that I would write a blog about Schaubs greatness people would cut down my blogs and inform me that Matt Schaub was in reality Matt Fraud. Schaub is about to get his first superbowl ring while Vick is sitting in a jail cell paying for his indiscretions.
By Adrian
December 26, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
GET RID OF D-Hall. I can’t stand watching this thug play for us. I could care less if he has talent- he tarnishes everthing he is involved in.
By Jim P.
December 26, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Another REASON the Falcons should leave Atlanta, RACISM!!! I see RACISM on BOTH SIDES. The whites blame the blacks- the Black QB’s (rigthfully so this time)but not all Black QB’s are bad. Look at Randall Cunningham, or Warren Moon, or Doug Williams (McNabb well the jury’s still out on him) The blacks blame the whites and want a Black QB, a Black Coach, a black jersy, a black owner, a black jock strap…the list goes on and on and on for BOTH SIDES! This IS NOT WHAT Martin Luther King Had in his Dream! When all races stop BLAMING each other, then and ONLY then will the ATLANTA FALCONS ever have a chance at being a winner.
By FalconManiac
December 26, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Step #1: dump McKay, bring in a real GM
Step #2: hire a real NFL coach, even an assistant, who knows how to win
Step 3: clean house and get rid of all the thugs, nonproducers and malcontents, starting with Meangelo Hall—-the most overrated player in the NFL
By GT
December 26, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
This team was going downhill even with Vick as quarterback. I get the picture of Reeves coming to work and listening to a goofy Blank dressed like the queen was coming to tea everyday, that New York know it all mentality, with no clue about football, and Dan suffering this fool about as much as he could. Then Mora comes in like a teenager so west coast spacey that even Blank was blocked out of his mind, but so was any disciple for the team. McKay was a refugee from Tampa. There is not a huge field of opportunity for general managers in the NFL, unlike coaches and the college ranks; I can’t remember too many gms getting recruited by anyone outside the NFL. McKay had no choice but to humor Blank. Where else in America can a man be making and demanding such a high salary and be on such thin ice from the day he begins work. The papers have been victim to a rich man’s PR firm spinning the news ignoring the obvious. Even this weekend there was the front page article about the foundation Blank runs and the good it is doing for minority students in college. Wonder if the other wonderful foundations in Atlanta are still in business? One thing I notice the rich don’t control and that is reality. Oh they may b******* it for a period but no man is strength against nature forever. I kind of miss the Smiths. As bad as they were they never sugarcoated anything and at the end when Taylor took over I think they were getting it right. Maybe if they had just hired that PR firm that writes the articles for the paper old Taylor would still be there.
By kie
December 26, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
I love how unbiased blogger is calling for redneck cleansing. Nice reverse racism dude. It works both ways. You’re no better than some of the trash posting the ugly stuff about Vick.
By bootsiebanty
December 26, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
How many times do you have to be told? Blank is the problem. Nobody want to work for him.
By ginger
December 26, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
I haven’t abandoned them…never have and never will. It’s sad that the Fair Weather Fans and Nah saying media can kick a team when it’s down and sinking…but it’s always the easy way out. We all know that now days the easy way is always the way to go..don’t we? I mean ask the former Quarter Back that the media and fair weather fans worshipped!! This is the same media and coat tail followers who thought the Quarter Back was a Godm when after 6 years in the NFL he still couldn’t throw a pass worth catching. He was NEVER a team player and he was nothing more than what he has finally proven to be…just a lying, sneaking, low life, THUG TRASH, was kept taking and taking and taking. He never ever GAVE BACK!! Yet, there are those who still defend the lying low life and will because they can’t see the BOY he is but only see his color as something to defend. I’m saddened by my own race!!! PITIFUL!! I’m tired of the same ole beating down of the Falcons…it’s pointless a 3rd grader can do it!! It’s easy!! So pick up something positive and move forward!! Learn to write an article!!
ginger
By Mark
December 26, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Sit meangelo, crumbled, and the rest of the Vick supporting thugs down and tell them : Vick is gone, shut your pieholes, and get ready for a new season with a new coach. It’s a shame how the blacks have turned a good sport into racial mayhem
By Chris F.
December 26, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
What the Falcons need:
A New GM (I’m waiting for AB to contact me)
New coach (I have a few candidates in mind)
upgrade coaching staff and front office
QB RB FB TE WR to compliment White OL DL (Stanley is about the only one worth keeping) LB (Brookings is on the downside; I like Boley) DB (Crocker and Houston are keepers, but Milloy is maybe another year from retirement and Hall needs to be cut loose) PK Andersen should be coaching P a dime a dozen
This about covers it
By sports Media is bias
December 26, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
The Braves most are white the media is which is white loves them. The thasher are all white and the media is white they love them.
The hawks are mostly black media is white and coverage has been better as of late but they don’t love them .
The Falcons most of the players are black and the media throws them under the bus. Atlanta media hates black stars. Read the sport writer posts. The fact of the matter is color is in every thing we do in america. who is the most hated sport players in america? Black sport stars. The sport s media is very bias.
And that the cold hard facts. read espn , fox sport cbs ,nbc, sporting news, Ajc sport. They hate on black pro sport players 10 to 1 over any others in pro sports players!The media wants player that look like them to stand outand people of color wants the same.
Only one problem the people who own the media are white and they win It all about who is in control. The man with the gold makes the rules!
By Panther Forever
December 26, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
atl is a football city, and as soon as we rid our selfs of ” the redneck influence” that follow this team, and for that matter every other team in the city, we as fans will be better off….. and to the people who swear that if the teams were ALL WHITE they would be winners….well look at your ALL WHITE thrasers, and your ALL WHITE braves, BOTH LOSERS,i dont know why race comes up every time we talk about the falcons…nevermind….i’m just sick of you people…people like Jim P. ,Tim Foster ,David Duke idiots like these, ya know it’s funny how you people talk a great game….but….if you came face to face with me…none of you…and i do mean none of you would say anything like that to my face…why is that?…i tell ya….it’s because ALL RACIST ARE COWARDS.
By MP
December 26, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
Kelley, College football is not a franchise and Georgia Tech won a national title in 1990.
Blank is too involved in the team. It’s too bad. He means well, but he needs to back off a little (not totally). He does need to totally “re-brand” the franchise including a new stadium north of downtown.
By Sport
December 26, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
For me personally,I love the Falcons but I will never attend a game as long as they play inside.This is the deep south the last time I checked.
New England plays outside,we need some atmosphere,not a theatre feeling.It stinks…
By TDone
December 26, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
There is a football team in Athens?
By Whiners go home
December 26, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
All you whiners who keep crying about a dome and no grass…
…did it ever occur to you that the Dome wasn’t built only for the Falcons? It was built in an effort to attract big-time events- events that have a huge impact on the local and state economy- to town: Final Fours, Super Bowls, SEC basketball tourneys, SEC football championship games, ACC tourneys, etc. The dome wasn’t built b/c someone forgot that we live in Ga and that it doesn’t get that cold here. The bottom line is that if the Falcons were winning, no one would be saying a negative word about the stadium. So if you think that building an outdoor stadium in the suburbs would address any problems or fix anything, you have no idea what you’re talking about.
By Unbiased_Blogger
December 26, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
SPORTS MEDIA IS BIAS - You are absolutely right and these hillbillies love it.
By Whiners go home
December 26, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Sport writes:
New England plays outside,we need some atmosphere,not a theatre feeling.It stinks…
Huh? What is your point? Oh wait, I see- New England is 15-0 and they play outdoors… so the Falcons should build an outdoor stadium too.
By Mark
December 26, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
sports Media is bias
You are a ignorant racist fool..
By rich brave
December 26, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
sPORTS MEDIA IS bIAS:
People love a winner. That’s sane. Insanity is loving a loser. By definition either is a sports fan. Loving a loser is hardcore and sports writers get depressed following a loser.
The gist of this rant is its follow the winner, not follow the bias. When the Hawks were good they got love (and as you said, they’re beginning to again). When the Falcons were good they got love(they were good ONCE weren’t they? After all, Univ. of Richmond gave them Ray Easterling and Brian Jordan). The Braves are good - they’ve been good since Eddie Mathews’ rookie season in ‘52. I should know. I’ve been a fan of theirs since then. Yes, even througth Ted Turner’s learning years.
Now professional ice hockey that’s something else. Even the game is insane and winners or losers usually don’t matter to a hockey fan. It’s more who won the last fight. Whew!
My man. Stick with the winners, and pray your sports team becomes one again. And all with be right with the quixotic sports writers who love those W’s.
By sports Media is bias
December 26, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
It is always good in the good o boy days let you clowns tell it. The blacks have never been in control of nothing this is not our mess. we are pure consumers that a fact.
you clowns know how to mess up a flood just look at the historys of the Atlanta falcons, or in charge of any thing to do with the team.The power people who is in control no black man has ever pick the first player. Just the facts man! we only buy the product the people in control let us buys. If we were in control we would have played the best players and better talant. why? the best player know the game because they played it ! The teams with a black Gm have at lest won a super bowl? All we need is the power and we will get the best team!
Black fans want people that look like the to shine just like white fans want player they look like to shine . we all want the same thing. Blacks are power less when don’t own any thing, and this is what you get. the power to only to buy tickers!
By fatz
December 26, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
dear “sports Media is bias” (sic)…whites know the black athlete is essential to the game, and that there is no turning back to clock…. I’m not sure blacks know or understand that white fans are essential to the game too. there is an awful lot of money being thrown around in player compensation to take a chance in completely alienating white fans… there is nothing mandatory concerning following or supporting the NFL and its teams. It is completely discretionary, and the $’s spent could be spent somewhere else…
By Jim P.
December 26, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Panther Forever How am I a coward? You are the bigott here, not me! STUPID BIGOTTS WHITE AND BLACK ARE THE COWARDS! I LEFT THE SOUTH BECAUSE OF IDOTS LIKE YOU! AS FAR AS ME BEING A COWARD I HAVE NO TROUBLE COMING TO ATLANTA JUST TO WHIP YOUR DUMB AZS! THEN YOU CAN GO HOME AND TELL YOUR MOMMA, YOU JUST GOT YOUR ASZ WHIPPED BY A SO CALLED COWARD!
By Mark
December 26, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
big fabric softena’
You are a perfect example of your race. You are a typical nog.
By Jim P.
December 26, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Please God…send a dream to Mr. Blank and have him move the Falcons out of Atlanta…There are too many Racist people here…black and white.
The Falcons dont need such stupidity, please move the team away from all these idiots.
By Zeb McCluskey
December 26, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Hey Zeke, what this town needs is a Zeke and Zeb reunion. We could have a “Speak of the Haint 08” kickoff at the dome sponsored by Lem Motloe distillaries. We could have headliners like Buck Owens, Vern Gosdin and the Desert Rose band. We could put some daisey dukes on Dusty and Lusty and just turn ‘em loose!!!
By Mark
December 26, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Blacks are merely puppets in the game of football. Us whites profit from that puppetry. What will you nogs do for a living when the superior white race have used you up?
By sports Media is bias
December 26, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
mark the truth hurts
By Whiners go home
December 26, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
If you use the “New England has an outdoor stadium, so we should too” logic, then what do you make of the Colts? Indy plays in a dome, and they are the defending Super Bowl champs… so where does that leave you?
By Scott Hornibrook
December 26, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
I’ve been a Falcons fan since the day the were born in 1966. It’been 41 years of losing that has this town staying away, In 1980 when we won big, Atlanta Stadiun rocked like a college football game every Sunday. All we want is a consistent winner, we’ve never had back to back winning seasons, it would be nice to enjoy Sunday’s like other fans do year in and year out. I’ve always been envious of other fans enjoying their hometown teams. I’m still waiting…..
By Bob Carle
December 26, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Instead of watching some fat hoodlums running around the field dissing anyone that disagrees with them , go see some real athletes that are in shape, and act like adults. ” Go Thrashers”…..
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Hey JSS,
You talk about Jeff Schultz posting a negative opinion piece on a international holiday supposedly celebrated for the birth of eternal goodness and peace - then you proceed to post a name-calling diatribe against Jeff.
Does that make any sense?
By Mark
December 26, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
sports Media is bias
What hurts is the way you nogs are destroying the game of football with your illiterate racist attitudes. Now dance, puppet.
By bootsiebanty
December 26, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Hey Panther Forever, the only racist I see here is YOU. 50 bucks says you wouldn’t spew that anti-white racist lip quiver of yours to MY face.
By jerry jones
December 26, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Preston,GaLiberal,emyrld, You are a bunch of hube lovers. That is whats wrong with Atlanta. You people should be made to live in San Francisco where you would be happy (soap droppers). Who wants to go to that dirty scummy downtown Atlanta and listen to a bunch of hube music and watch a bunch of thugs play crappy football?
Arthur, Wake up!!! Get rid of all of the thugs on the Falcons. Let D.J. be quarterback, built a stadium up 85 in Gwinnett (with a fence around 285) and you will fill the place up every week i promise you. Dont try to make the hube thugs in atlanta happy. They want everything given to them. It wont work.
PS- David Duke, Hotrod, Big Bull, Joe and Dumbing Down, you all speak the truth. Keep telling it like it is brothers.
By ROD GRIFFIN
December 26, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Close your eyes, now open them Mike is back and the dome is packed
By Scott
December 26, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
You know, Shultzie, you make some good points about the Falcons. The thing of it is, you’re still a tool. First, the rule is that Atlanta pays attention to the team in Athens first? The lack of a winning history at UGA should probably be more of a concern than the Falcons problems. Secondly, it is interesting how you wrote about the public questioning of Blank. Does that mean that yourself, Moore, and the morons that are the AJC Sports Dept. make up the “public”. If you guys make up this city’s “think tank” then we do have many more problems than the woes of the Falcons.
By sports Media is bias
December 26, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
Is it racist to call it like it is. people on both side don’t like the truth. The media is a big problem. most sports writers write about how they feel less the facts? yes.
It is easy to write about how you feel. Getting the facts takes work and most writer just feed red meat to the readers! The problem with the Falcons is management. The Gm is clue less on talant. to win the first thing you need is great linemen offense and defense. the winners have great lines! Atlanta has never under stood that!
By falconsux
December 26, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
right on Bob Carle
By Kelley
December 26, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
To MP:
Yes, I know college football is not really a franchise, but really? You don’t think Georgia football generates much money? Thanks for pointing it out to me, but I was simply making a point that the Braves have been more consistent than any other major sporting team in Georgia, period. And, honsetly, I like Georgia football, but I just think credit should be given where credit is due, the Braves have been much more consistent than anyone in Georgia since 91.
Also, if you had read my post carefully, you would have noticed that I wrote that the Braves gave us our last championship, which was 95. If Tech won a championship in 90, which quite frankly I don’t even remember, then their title in 90 proceeds the Braves’ championship in 95, so I’m still right.
By don eyemus
December 26, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Falcons are a bunch of nappy headed hos.
By Mark
December 26, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Interesting column! Here’s the deal, I am on of those who have loved, “died”, breathed, etc,. Falcons’ football since ‘66. Yes, I have been born and raised in Georgia. Frankly, I ‘ve never been too comfortable with a “New Yorker” owning the team in Atlanta. And as painful as this is to say, Los Angles is WIDE OPEN…..Mr. Blank, move the team to LA! Then, NFL, replace the Atlanta Falcons with a brand new team, clean slate, and start over here in Atlanta! I realize that the Vick situation is not Mr. Blank’s fault, but this team has now been soiled with a “dirtiness” that only the most radical measures (as I have mentioned above) will allow an NFL franchise to exist in Atlanta. Start over, and go forward. I hope that in two or three years I have the chance to eat these words.
By sports Media is bias
December 26, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Keep the dome
By crob in H-Town
December 26, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
I can’t help but get a kick out of some of the comments on this blog…I guess that’s why I laugh out loud when my fiance goes on about how progressive her hometown (ATL) is… The bottom line is what I’ve witnessed everytime I’ve gone to a pro sports event in Atlanta…it is indeed the worse professional sports market in America.
By rich brave
December 26, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
sPORTS MEDIA is bIAS:
No response to my post? Did it not suit your mind-set, or did you just consider it too lame for existance!! No matter bIAS, its all good.
By ajax
December 26, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
David DoDo, softrod ,little bull, and dumbing up they are not season ticket holder . They are clueless and Kid Rock is there DADDY! The love hate! pay them no mind!Just back ground noise!
By Rog
December 26, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Well, if someone wants excellent seats from an 18-year season ticket holder…be my guest. Been here through good (a few), bad (a lot), and ugly times but I feel its time to spend my hard-earned money wisely. Good luck (I really mean it cause you’ll need it)!!
By Mark
December 26, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Only girlie men play in domes. Real men play on an open field. The way football was meant to be played.
By Chazz
December 26, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
Only 7 weeks until pitchers and catchers report to spring training!!
To Mr. Blank: Attend a college game and get a sense of the excitement. You cannot create atmosphere that with video screens and blaring music. Heck, just attend a game in Pittsburgh or Green Bay and feel the excitement.
To MARTA: Keep up the good job of not running trains any more frequently on game days. Nothing makes the day more exciting than waiting 20 minutes between trains to get to a game.
To the NFL: Do we need SO many time outs for commercials? It makes being at the game boring.
To Falcons fans: As everyone bails on the team, this is the chance to improve your season ticket seat location.
To my wife: I love you!!!
By Jim P.
December 26, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
crob in H-Town,
Can’t agree with you more!
By CuriousKJ
December 26, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Hey guys…what does the term “fan” mean? First of all it is short for “fanatic”. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “fanatic” as the following: marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion. Now ask yourself, have you ever really been an Atlanta Pro Sports Fan? Most have not!
Most Atlanta sports so-called fans whine and complain about the franchises, players, coaches and facilities. We are a town that’s blessed to have MLB, NFL, NBA NHL, Arena Football, etc! Let’s support our teams!
As for the media…look around…negativity sales! The local news, national news, reality shows, and the like all grab us by selling us negative crap! We are a country that loves to hear the gloomy side of life! The AJC sports writers really do suck! Use your minds and writing skills to report our news creatively, no like everyone else. Make us want to read your articles and anticipate your spin and views.
I am a Falcons Fan! I’ve been watching and attending Falcons games since the days of the old outdoors stadium and Steve Barkowski! Good or bad, I support the teams here! They’re presence brings our local economy many jobs, national events and lots of money!
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
By tom
December 25, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t spend a penny on the Falcons. Way too many thugs.
Tom,
Can you please provide the names of all the so-called thugs on the Falcons since you claim there are so many? I’ll be waiting for your response.
By rich brave
December 26, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
THUG: DeAngelo Hall. Let’s trade Carlos Rogers, $$$$ and draft picks for Hall. Have Blank call Snyder.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
hotrod says …
“Simple answer to solve the falcons problems,hire a new g.m.,who will hire a good coach,cut the cancers on the team,cut the vick supporters, we know who they are,draft Matt Ryan to Q.B.,build a stadium in gwinnett with grass, then the people who support the Dawgs will support the Falcons,as long as its inside I-285 we will never support it, and without our support it will continue to fail.”
What a bunch of nonsense. Look at all of the support the Falcons received during Vick’s tenure - sold out stadium, waiting list for tickets - at the Georgia Dome.
Once the Vick era ended and the team started losing - that’s when the bandwagon started to get empty.
Believe me, you can build a stadium in gwinnett with grass but, without a winning product, support will be lacking. It’s not the location that matters - it’s the team.
By GE
December 26, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Schultz, please stop complaining about what could have been and concentrate on the future. I like what I saw last Sunday. The team is young and has faced a lot of adversity this year including the stupid rants in this newspaper. This will make them more of a cohesive unit.With the right coach , a QB and an improved OL, they could go 9 and 7 next year. I will take that in a mini second.
By T.C
December 26, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
its clear that none of you people who post your comment dont have a clue what your talking about.you all post woulda,coulda,shoulda, comments when if you knew it all you would be apart of a franchise.people want to be a coach,owner,ect…from what i read like you got all the answers.
By TW
December 26, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
The Falcons demise had to do with two really bad football decisions. Period.
Mike Vick: combine quarterback with wheels, occasional play-off - never a Super Bowl, sell a ton of Jerseys.
Keith Brooking: Top 5 money? Say what?!!! Hometown boy will sell alot Jerseys.
This thing was all about Jersey sales, never about a ring. Only in the ‘A’. Towns like Dallas, GB, NE, Wash, NY never would have bought into it. Only in the ‘A’.
By red
December 26, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
I want a winner, not a team of boy scouts.
We’ll keep running everyone out of town. Keeping good players from coming here.
Everyone is a sports genius and only has sort-term memory.
Worst sports city in the world.
We deserve our misery.
By Jim P.
December 26, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
Amen Tiger Woo! When it comes to fans in Atlanta, or surrounding areas, Win and you have fans, lose and you have empty seats.
This is not Chicago were its cold as hell, and losing record or not, the seats are full….Green Bay and Oakland are the same way.
I still think Mr. Blank needs to move the Falcons out of Ga.
By Space Mountain
December 26, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
If Blank does it right this team is 2-4 years away from being a winner. There is no quick fix for this one. They need to completely overhaul this organization. Players who do not want to be here trade them and get what you can for them. Bring in a coach who first wants to be here and is a very good football person.(dedicated, motivator, a leader of men.) General Manager someone who can judge real talent and potential from the flash in the pan / flavor of the week stuff. I think Floyd Reese and Marty Schottemhiemer would do a good job. I am a little concerned over Martys age. I do like Mike Singletary but I dont think he is seasoned enough for a head coaching position.( hopefully I am wrong). Good Luck Mr. Blank. It is going to take a miracle.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
OK rich brave …
THUG: DeAngelo Hall.
That’s one … now - who are all of the other thugs on the Falcons that I keep hearing about - since there are supposed to be so many?
By Mark
December 26, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Tiger Woo
It would be much easier to list the players who aren’t thugs
By reality check
December 26, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
This is not some recent occurence for the Falcons. Throughout the history of the franchise the Falcons have been absolutely terrible with the aberration of a few good years sprinkled here and there.
I am a serious football fan, so I quit paying attention to them decades ago and have been better off for it. In a moment of weakness I watched part of the first half of the Super Bowl they somehow got in a decade or so ago, but they were toast halfway through the first quarter. I haven’t watched them since.
By Rudy
December 26, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Marketing “ME-angelo” Hall you say? That would be like marketing the Tasmanian Devil to the priesthood. Insane.
By Ted Turner
December 26, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
The problem starts with Blank. Once he found out Parcells had another offer, he should have inquired as to what was most important to Parcells and then negotiate from there, not just “end the deal.”…What did he expect? He obviously, has terrible negotiation skills…
By Lifetime Falcon Fan
December 26, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are in dire need of someone who can lay a foundation for success. The only current coach able to do that is Marty Schottemhiemer. He has won at every stop that he has been a head coach. He even turned it around for the Redskins. I think Mr. Blank is committed to a winner (Remember the Smith’s??) here in Atlanta and we need a proven winner this time around.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Ok Mark … that will work.
Go ahead and list the players who aren’t thugs on the Falcons. Then we can analyze what makes all of the other players thugs - because I just don’t see it.
By Rebecca
December 26, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
When does the Georgia Force season start again?
By Brownthrasher
December 26, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
By Atlanta Media walks into a bar… Don’t forget to mention the sorry media coverage that stabs the team in the back whenever they get a chance.
The BEST comment I have read all day.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Right Jim P. - Maybe Mr. Blank needs to move the Falcons out of Ga.
A lot of people in Atlanta don’t appreciate the privilege of having a professional football team - good or bad. A lot of cities would love to have a pro football team.
By Mark
December 26, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Tiger Woo
All the white players
By Jim P.
December 26, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
San Antonio Falcons….HMMM, has a nice ring to it! I live in Colorado now….that would about 900 miles away…Hmmm, I’d buy season tkts and drive down for a few games a year, and give a few tickets away to games I cant make!
Mr. Blank, consider moving this wonderful team out of Georgia…PLEASE!!!
By Atlanta Fan
December 26, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
As a lifelong resident of Atlanta I still love the Braves, Falcons, Hawks and Thrashers. There are a lot of towns who don’t even have sports franchises. We also have some of the worst damn sports writers in history who take great pride in criticizing our sports teams. If our sports teams are so sorry then you sports writers are even worse. If I could fire all of your sorry butts I would!
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Ok … thanks Mark - I understand now.
thug = black
At least you aren’t trying to hide your true feelings like some people on here with their false agendas.
I guess that means all of the good teams such as the Patriots, Colts, Cowboys, etc. should get rid of their thugs as well, huh? That will really help their teams, right?
By Jim P.
December 26, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Ok mark,
Excluding white players, lets look at the black players you put on the Thug list.
1st. W. Dunn- Mother was a police officer that was killed in the line of duty. He help raise his bothers and sisters while he was in school and now helps single mothers buy homes…Thug? I think not.
2nd J. Horn has done alot with the city of New Orleans after the Hurricane/Flood disaster. Thug? I think not.
mark, I am a white guy not black. you sir are a sick, sick, sick person. You are so sick, that I will not capitalize your name. Its idiot’s like you that I am ashamed of.
By jimdawg
December 26, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank needs to spend more time at Home Depot and less time pushing the the wheelchair of the walking wounded around the sidelines. HD has slipped about as much as the Falcons in the last couple of years…..
By Tray
December 26, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
The falcons need to leave, plain and simple. If Blank knew what was good for him, he’d stop throwing money down this bottomless pit called the falcons and do something better with his time, like finding out why all his big aquarium fish are dying.
Plain and simple, there are too many race issues in ATL to have a team of ‘mixed’ races. Take this for example-
There is hardly ever any whining about the hawks, and they suck…they’re mostly black, with mostly black viewers.
There is hardly ever any whining about the thrashers, and they suck…they’re mostly white with mostly white viewers.
there is whining about the Braves, but they had a great 10+ year winning streak-so no one is whining much, and they are a pretty mixed black/white team. But like I’ve said, they’ve been winning mostly.
now we have the falcons…mostly black, some white. #1 star player was a black guy who is now convicted of a felony-Whites go crazy with ridicule, blacks support him blindly whether he broke the law or not. Then black players supported a felon (as shown in the Monday night game), which did nothing to help any cause besides their own stupidity.
Whites- Shut the hell up, there’s nothing you can do to change anything that has happened, and no, you couldn’t do it better, so shut up! After all, the GM and owner and coach are white, and they don’t have the answers, do they? Lemme check-nope, no superbowl rings for Atlanta!
Blacks-Realize that your opinion on the law doesn’t matter, and no matter what Vick did, he broke the law and it was a felony. Get over it, he’s not coming back to ATL (maybe NFL, but not for the falcons unless the are in another city).
There’s my 2 cents, now can anyone tell me what race i am??
By Space Mountain
December 26, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
It looks like the birds are courting Marty Schottemhiemer for coach and Buddy Nix(assistant GM San Diego) for general manager. Could a match made in heaven be in order. I really am interested in this move. I wonder if Blank can make it happen. I think this might be the best choice he has available to him if he can seal the deal.
By MovetheFalcons
December 26, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
The Falcons need a new owner and totally new management, who will recognize that most of their fans don’t live near downtown and don’t want to go down there and deal with all the homeless and thugs that hang around the dome area. It’s dangerous—-marta’s a joke and it’s too hard to park. Move the team to Gwinett or Woodstock, build a huge, outdoor stadium with retractable roof and put it near a lot of restaurants, bars, etc. Fans will come and the team can make big money. Right now, it’s a money loser down in the Atl ghetto.
By CuriousKJ
December 26, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
The main reason that many “intelligent” people don’t blog in Atlanta is because every subject turns “black vs white”. I’m so ashamed of the fact that fairly intelligent people of all races, religions, creeds and colors can not have a conversation without throwing racial slangs out to each other.
The Falcons and the team’s perceived problems are not racial problems! There are hard decisions that have to be made by ownership and hopefully new management that has a true passion for football and the players.
Please let’s stick to the issues at hand. This is not a race blog!
Be grateful to have the professional teams here. Each and every team brings our Metro economy lots of jobs and money, not to mention lots to look forward to and great outings! If you love sports like my family and I you’ll learn to look for the sunny side of all the teams! Let’s be greatful!
By bennie
December 26, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
So much hate,anger,and a complete feeling of hopelessness regarding the Falcons. The true fans do care but what a sorry mess. I was born and raised in Athens and live on the outskirts now,and yes, I bleed Red and Black, but I’ve also been a Falcons fan since day one and believe it or not, their losses hurt me more. I can understand college kids losing focus (somewhat),but not paid professionals. I agree with a lot of the previous vents—-get rid of the malcontents and excuse searchers… yes, D.(overrated) Hall,and Alge (doesn’t scare any defense) Crumpler. When the announcers repeat every Sunday that Norwood scares opponents the most and he doesn’t factor into the game plan there’s an obvious problem… That said,on kickoff returns he seems to be looking for the easiest place to fall… No speed at all anywhere else and that doesn’t win. As much as they need a QB, having no playmakers is the bigger picture… Someone suggested McFadden,Brennan,and O-line… Sounds good to me… And here’s another thought(s}… A receiver who can stretch the field, a tight end who can both block and do the same, and please get rid of Brooking and Jenkins—-One can’t cover anyone who catches passes and the other can’t catch a pass!!! I’m through now…except, Arthur,hire me, I know what your team needs!! BFH
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Ok MovetheFalcons,
How do you explain ths sold-out stadium (with a long waiting list for tickets) from 2002 - present in the Michael Vick era? Somebody was sure making a ton of money.
Apparently, there are lots of fans (black and white) who aren’t afraid to go downtown like you are.
Moving the Falcons to suburbia will accomplish nothing - except likely protests from the residents about the team bringing the negative “black” element to town.
By timmy jones
December 26, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
mike vick raped puppies.
By Joe
December 26, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Preston, here you go again. What does Danny Heatley have to do with Michael Vick. Heatley did not run an interstate gambling and dogfighting organization. He had an accident and unfortunately his friend died. He did not spend 5 years developing a criminal enterprise. This HAS to be whitey’s fault. Surely African Americans cannot be responsible for their own actions. It’s always someone else’s fault…….
By Tray
December 26, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Timmy Jones, i seriously doubt he raped puppies, what the hell was that? Vick’s a moron, but i don’t think he’s that dumb.
By OpinionsAreLike
December 26, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Most 10 games losses in the history of the NFL? That is totally cool! It is better the be the worse than to be in the middle.
By MJK
December 26, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Jeff - you are my favorite AJC columnist and I look forward to your work each time I pick up the AJC sports page.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
By Joe
December 26, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
This HAS to be whitey’s fault. Surely African Americans cannot be responsible for their own actions. It’s always someone else’s fault…….
Joe,
Where did you come up with that silly comment? Way to go!
By preston
December 26, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Jerry Jones- Can you and others complete a sentence….just one….without the pointless and immature recourse of ignorant namecalling. Just state your point and let’s have an intelligent grown-up debate. You specifically mentioned my name…even put it in big bold prints, but you failed to specifically explain your point of disagreement with me……..did I hit a nerve in your body with something that I said of the which you had no logical or common sensed explanation for? Was saying that I am a “hube lover (whatever the hell that is)” the best that you could do?…..Are you that intellectually challenged? I, mean good grief….I am wondering just how many of you people are parents, because most of you act like a bunch of immature, spoiled brats, who have just been told to turn off the video game and clean up your room.
By MJK
December 26, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
And please don’t allow the Falcons to consider drafting Matt Ryan. He’s not a franchise (savior) quarterback, especially not in the near term. He certainly can’t run for his life, which will be part of the job description for any Falcons quarterback next season.
By Vince L.
December 26, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
there are no domes and no dancing in a real man’s football game. if you can’t handle that, you need to find another sport, maybe figure skating is for you, it’s indoors, you got music and a dance partner. so for anybody that likes domes and dancing during a football game, go put on your frilly little tutu!
By Preston
December 26, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Joe- Here I go again? You guys are so full of it. Vick committed a crime and he should be punished for it……how many times do I have to say that???? Where did I ever write anthing remotely close to attributing Vick’s demise to anyone but himself???? “This HAS to be whitey’s fault. Surely African Americans cannot be responsible for their own actions. It’s always someone else’s fault”……those are your words not mine. Do you people read anything before you blog, or are you just giving your own preconcieved views and opinion about the subject.
By Something to cheer for
December 26, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait for the WNBA season.
By toshie
December 26, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
We need to get a paper in this town that has a sports writer that acts like he lives in Atlanta. Jeff Schultz is the poorest excuse for a sports writer ever. And how in the world does he get his ugly mug on TV ever once in a while. Acting like he is some kind of expert. They must really be hurting to interview someone. If he is such an expert why is he not the millionaire instead of Mr. Blank.
By fatz
December 26, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
put the new stadium in what used to be lake lanier. the lands already been cleared. would be easy………Warrick Dunn is a saint. how could anybody see anything bad in him. besides all the good things he does off the field, has he ever lost his temper on it….man, it is really scary if people stereotype folks that easily.
By Letonsha
December 26, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
The falcons and blank better hope that Vick wants to come back to Atl after the bad way they treated him. After his prison time, Blank and the Atlanta fans better beg Mr. Vick to come back to town and give him millions for all the pain that he’s caused Michael. Vick might decide to play somewhere else where there aren’t so many white racists trying to keep him down.
By fatz
December 26, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
look at the length of this blog. schultz is accomplishing EXACTLY what he is supposed to. get people thinking, arouse emotions. its ok to have an opinion, and its ok if people don’t agree with it. think of how many eyeballs have been on this page. that is worth alot, friends
By the Judge
December 26, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
too many times today some idiot tries the ‘two wrongs make a right’ logic, they don’t and they never will. even if heatley and hunting could be proven to be bad, how in the world can that be a supporting factor to any worthwhile cause? it’s just like the dumb bulldog fans saying ‘well oklahoma didn’t win their conference and they got to go to the title game’, that was wrong too dummy! so in closing let’s all remember one thing about life, just because somebody else does something stupid, just because someone else is treated well unfairly, it will never justify more negative or bad behavior, never. so for anybody that wants to use that stupid logic I just want you to know that some guy just jumped off of a cliff, now it’s your turn, do us all a favor.
By Honey
December 26, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Atlanta does not have a hate problem, it’s the rest of the state of Georgia, with the problem. Most of these hateful folks on this blog, don’t live in the “A”, they ran from Atlanta, when Maynard was elected mayor. They hate everything about Atlanta and they get on these blogs, spreading that hate, just to get people stirred up. Ignore them, they don’t represent Atlanta. Go Falcons and thanks Vick for bringing excitement to the dome, even if it was for a short time. The way our team looks this year, I thing Blank owes Vick some money, he certainly earned every penny that he was given. Peace be unto you all.
By possum
December 26, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Tray, can’t tell what race you are but I’d have you as a neighbor.
By MJK
December 26, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
toshie - who would you consider to be the greatest excuse for a sports writer ever, if Jeff Schultz is the poorest? Sportswriters shouldn’t function as the lap-dog for local sports teams. They should call attention the shortcomings of the same and hold their feet to the fire so that they fear the wrath of the community if they don’t strive for excellence.
I think Jeff acts like he lives in Atlanta as well or better than other writers. What he doesn’t act like is a homer or an apologist for incompetence.
By preston
December 26, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Joe- and concerning Heatly…no, he did not run an interstate gambling and dogfighting organization….no, he did not spend 5 years developing a criminal enterprise, but what he did do was to deliberately and willfully disobeyed the speed limit and reckless driving laws of this state, which directly lead to the death of his teamate. He was facing a felony charge of vehicular homicide, but plea bargained a deal which allowed him to serve ZERO jail time, recover from his injuries and return to the game he played and recieved a standing ovation from the crowd…….you can water this down, and sugar coat this all you want, you can talk about black this and white that……but the injustice here is quite clear,……and sure, domesticated animals should be treated gently and responsibly, but there is no way in hell that you can place an animals life above a humans, and since you seem to be think that there was no hypocrisy done here……what if it had been Vick that was driving that night, and Warrick Dunn had been the passenger, and Vick received the same deal as Heatly, and returned to the football field months later to resume his career? People like you, Hotrod, David Duke, and the rest, would have been up in arms, ready to die before Vick saw anther day of Freedom. You guys are just a bunch of hypocrites yourselves and it shows each time you all open your mouths.
By david
December 26, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t afford to buy season tix anymore when Blank took ownership. He has almost doubled tix prices. A $54.00 tix cost before Blank has now risen to $104.00. I am glad I stopped geting season tix after Blank took over. I really feel sorry for the season tix holders today. They are paying double what the used to pay and still have a sorry product on the field.
By Tray
December 26, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks Possum!!
I do have one thing to say about a recent blog-Letonsha Are you out of your MIND??? Us begging Vick to come back?? After the bad way WE treated him?? Get your facts right sweet-heart, holy crap. let’s see, did Vick shell out dollars on tickets to watch me play football? NO. Did he act like a role model for my children who looked up to him?? NO! Why in the hell would ATL want him back? I’d rather a QB that didn’t know how to throw a ball instead of a QB who knew how to play, but decided he was above the law becasue of the millions he was making! NO ONE IN ATLANTA caused MV any grief but himself. Blank and the falcon’s fans didn’t cause any of Vick’s problems…what rock have you been hiding under the last year, geez!
By truth
December 26, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Blank was half the team that built Home Depot, and not the “people” half at that. And look who they hired as their replacement - Bob Nardelli. So why does ANYONE think this man knows how to pick talent to lead?
By Albino
December 26, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
stop complaining about white people, excuse me caucasian-americans using the word thug as a racial slur against black people. whitey is admitting that ‘n’ word - bad, or at least bypassing it completely. now those crackers, hillbillies and rednecks can use a word to defame black people that isn’t the ‘n’ word, which by the way is just a word, a word that only has power if the receiver chooses to give away that power to the giver of the ‘n’ word, but now thug can be used equally with it’s cousins redneck, hillbillie and cracker, and since they aren’t wrong, and thug isn’t the ‘n’ word, oops look there I almost said it again, then that makes thug equal to those racial slurs and if those racial slurs aren’t wrong than surely thug must not be wrong too. so shut up and let people call you the equivalent to what you call them or even better how about let’s not use any racial slurs. don’t you think Martin and Mohandas would like that?
By Mark
December 26, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Letonsha
Vick will never play in Atl again. Or even the NFL. H’s a convicted felon.
Nice name. Sounds like a disease. Why do nogs name their niglets foolish names?
By preston
December 26, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Tiger Woo - I am glad that you picked up on what Joe said there……..I, mean, where did he get that from????? If he wanted to attribute that to someone other than me, I would not have questioned him……but, that just shows that these guys have their little own preconcieved views that reveal more of what their agenda is all about………according to them every point presented that does not follow their line of logic is racist, and all about black this and white that…..it is just a cop out…they can’t logically or rationally say anything to the contrary, so they resort to that same old BS………they are so full of it…..give me something that is intellectually sound, or move on.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Tray,
My guess is you are of Chinese heritage :-)
LOL !!
By and the winner is....
December 26, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
and without further ado, I would now like to present Preston with the very prestigious award of ‘Idiot for a Day’, congratulations Preston, in your honor a child of every race has just been kicked and we have made sure to ridicule anyone with common sense and color-blindness so you can have more free time to fully enjoy this ground breaking award. so good luck Preston and good grief your therapist must be proud.
By KenFromCalifornia
December 26, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
atlanta is definitely a fickle nfl town. examples: 1) falcons go to the superbowl, season ticket sales sell out the following year. but jamal anderson holds out, misses training camp, breaks his leg, the team loses so badly (the monday night finale against the sf 49ers is blacked out locally), season ticket sales are dismal the following year. 2) michael vick beats green bay in the playoffs, and season ticket sales sell out the following year. but michael vick gets hurt at the beginning of the season and misses most of the games. the team finishes out of the playoffs, resulting again in dismal season ticket sales the following year. 3) michael vick is rumored to be indicted by the feds on the eve of the final payments coming due for season ticket renewals. espn announces (erroneously) that michael will not be indicted, which convinces some people to go ahead and renew their season tickets. shortly after that deadline, michael actually is indicted. he is suspended indefinitely from the nfl, the falcons have a poor season, and it looks very likely that dismal season ticket sales will be the result for next season. unless joe montana and jerry rice come out of retirement to play for the falcons next year, there isn’t one person currently coaching or playing for that team that will motivate enough people to sell out the dome.
By timmy jones
December 26, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
the feds found a rape stand in vick’s house he confessed to buying and using on the those poor puppies.
mike vick is a confessed dog rapist.
By preston
December 26, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Wow, thank you “and the winner is”, I feel so proud, I have never won anything in my life before. P.S. Sounds like you are another one that was unable to directly address anything that I said, so instead of walking away like a dog with his tail between his legs, and keeping your mouth shut….you came up with this beauty………..lol…thanks, though for the award….too bad you can’t actually send it to me though…….what a bummer!!!!
By DE Falcon Fan
December 26, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Yes, we all should be disappointed with this season, however real fans aren’t gone. We stand by the team and will be waiting for moves to made to make this team better. It takes time to build something, and unfortunately the world in which we live has little patience. I do. I will be a Falcons fan until the day I die, regardless of records and seasons.
Faith, hope and loyalty are not dead, but they are hard to find today. The TRUE fans are still here. We are not blind to the problems, but we do believe that the answer is out there and the organization will find it.
Mr. Blank, please keep the faith and keep working to right the ship. I will be supporting you and the organization regardless of scores and rankings, because the Falcons are my #1.
By Deloris
December 26, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
Why do people and sport writers refers to Micheal Vick, Barry Bonds, Ray Lewis and others well known athletes who get into trouble as thugs. Thugs do not go to college,thugs do not make deals with the government to stay of out jail,thugs do not receive million dollars endorsement deals and thugs genrally do not do charity works or set up chartiy foundation. A thugs is about me , myself, and I. Since these men and others African- American who are called thugs by people and sport writers had foundations, visit sick children with cameras, and made deals with the government to stay out of jail they can’t be thugs but indivduals who made mistakes and being punish for those mistakes. God did not create us to be perfect.
By jrod
December 26, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
I have heard countless people here blame vick for everything and say blacks only support him because he is black and that everything is race with us. To that i say you are partially right. I do support vick because he is black, but not because i want someone of my own color to get a break that another race wouldnt but because it seem because of his color he is receiving a level of hatred i have never seen aim at an athlete before.
Why is that? Why is there so much anger not just at vick but all those who hope vick gets a second chance to succeed. Why are they thugs also? People who support vick for the most part think dogfighting is wrong, but want to see him redeem himself. Yet it seem so many of you never want this to happen. Why?
If this is not about race what is it about? Dogs? Why do dogs get more sympathy from so many of you than people. Jena 6, Catholic preist abusing little boys, Scooter Libby, pro-slavery Confederate flags flying from state capitals; all of these things pale in terms of anger combined compare to the level of hate towards vick.
I understand the law has consequences, I also understand that this particular law involving dogfighting isnt prosecuted in poor urban neighborhoods (I know because i come from them). This does not justify his involvement but explains it. I could be wrong but in my opinion i think quite a few number of whites have a problem with blacks. I say this because i have only heard blacks being referred to as thugs. I dont even know what constitute a thug in your eyes except for he most be black. If you want to call vick a thug fine, he is currently a criminal, but D. Hall is not, Neither is crumpler, nor black players from VA tech or a supporter of vick. We just care for him and hopes he succeed. Hating people does no one any good be it, vick, britney spears, paris hilton, d. hall or who ever. There is no need to list all those who have done worse than vick and received far less hatred because there are many, are regardless of others it doesnt excuse him from his crime. However his crime shed a light on our own. In your heart each of you knows why you feel the way you do about him. You can say dogfighting is a felony. He lied to others, he had other non-criminal infractions, which are all true, yet it doesnt change why you feel the way you do about it him.
By BamaBrave
December 26, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
Dogs get more sympathy, you effing idiot, because they’re innocents…they depend on people for life’s essentials. They’re domesticated animals, completely at our mercy, without any control over their destiny. People, on the other hand, have control over their own actions. They are RESPONSIBLE for their own actions, good, bad or ugly.
WHY would that need to be explained to someone?
By Loyal Falcons Fan
December 26, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Honestly Jeff - How many more times can you find ways to rewrite the same trash? What has happend to the Atlanta Falcons is completely unprecedented - having your team, coach, GM, owner suffer through the public scrutiny that Vick has put them through has never happened. Give them a year to get back on their feet and we’ll see this team turnaround. C’mon Falcons Fans - show Atlanta what you’re made of and that this city truly isn’t filled with a bunch of flaky, negative armchair quarterbacks. McKay has a Super Bowl ring - Blank should have realized his 15 years of success is worth a little more than the time he gave him.
By Loyal Falcons Fan
December 26, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Honestly Jeff - How many more times can you find ways to rewrite the same trash? What has happend to the Atlanta Falcons is completely unprecedented - having your team, coach, GM, owner suffer through the public scrutiny that Vick has put them through has never happened. Give them a year to get back on their feet and we’ll see this team turnaround. C’mon Falcons Fans - show Atlanta what you’re made of and that this city truly isn’t filled with a bunch of flaky, negative armchair quarterbacks. McKay has a Super Bowl ring - Blank should have realized his 15 years of success is worth a little more than the time he gave him.
By rich brave
December 26, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
RUDY:
Yours of 1:08 p.m. Sorry I missed you old man. My honey do list is OUTSTANDING and so I found myself STANDING OUT - in the rain, doing!!
The priesthood resides in DC my man -see Vinnie Cerrano and/or Dan Snyder. The insanity is they are seriously interested in D. Hall and will give up mucho to get him. Just have Blank gingle the Redskin hotline, ask, and the Falcons will receive. Hall is totally disenchanted with Blank and his entire ops. He has good value and as you know the ‘Skins have a hole to fill in the defensive secondary. And until recently, Taylor was trying to play the thug role. It’s really ironic that he wised-up and then lost everything he’d found. But that’s another matter entirely. The Redskins hotline is 1-800-LUV-THUG.
By chipdip
December 26, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
michael vick…..al jolston.
By Laila
December 26, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
WOW!! Merry Christmas to you too, Jeff. It would only make me feel better if you were not writing for the AJC, and were not in the Atlanta market.
With all that this team has gone through this season, why kick them when they are down? The only way to go right now, is up!! This article will feed into the “Fickle Fans” mentality that you spoke of.
So what you want about the ownership mistake and the mishaps … but DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING AWAY FROM OUR (SPEAKING OF THE TRUE FANS, AND NOT THE FAIR WEATHERED FANS) TEAM!! Our team has played with heart. It takes real men to go out and play their hearts out every Sunday, with the media stabbing at their franchise, their coaching staff, and their owners.
Say what you want from behind your keyboards, but remember … these MEN could take any of you Sunday night QB’s!!
If you want to contribute, show some SUPPORT for the team instead of pointing out mistakes. What happens when people make mistakes? THEY LEARN FROM THEM AND MOVE FORWARD!! So why don’t we all be MEN and WOMEN … and MOVE FORWARD!!!
By john
December 26, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
I think that it is possible that Arthur Blank has made up his mind to sell the team. This is just a hunch, but by Blank stepping back and wanting a person in charge of football operations like Bill Parcells would let him sell the team at any point and still maintain coherence in the falcons program. Blank himself has admitted becoming dismayed at his current situation.
By LAILA
December 26, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
WOW!! I see that the new code word for Black men is “Thug” now. I am a white woman, and I am disturbed reading through this. Let’s talk about the MEN that are on this team. They are NOT thugs. They are educated, MEN who play football.
If anyone is acting like a “THUG”, it would be the All-American QB … Tom Brady with his baby mommas!!
Don Imus … thanks for giving idiots an excuse to call women “Ho’s” and making it mainstream, you idiot!!! I’ve never heard white people use the word “Ho” so much. I guess “THUG” will be the next “N” word!!
By Georgia guy
December 26, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
There are several players on the roster who need to be cut. Hall is prominent on that list. If I had been the coach he would have been on the waiver wire after he talked to Petrino like he did on the sidelines. The rest on “Vick’s Boyz” need to be gone, too. Football is a team sport- not “me”. Many on the team can’t grasp that concept.
By Mike D.
December 26, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
Jeff Schultz, if you don’t like Atlanta, or the falcons, or anything about Atlanta for that matter, just move! Go to a city that has a team that you like, so you can tell everybody who wants to read your bull* how great they are. The Falcons are down,sure things are bad, but have some ba, give the team something to look forward to, say something good about a team that needs all the help it can get. And for all of you out there that are still backing the falcons, good and the rest of you … well you know what you can to. Go Falcons.
By Nicholas Devereaux
December 26, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
Thank you JROD! That is an excellent post. This blog has been another sorry outburst of racsists spewing pure unadulterared HATRED from behind their keyboards. The word THUG is defined as a violent, brutal person. Anyone can be defined as a THUG regardless of their race. PRESTON made a valid point about the difference in perception concerning Dan Heatley’s vehicular homicide vs. Michael Vick’s dogfighting conviction. Of course, some of the HATERS decided to call this apple vs. oranges. Actually, that comparison is HUMAN vs. ANIMAL!
It is very simple, People forgive and forget what they want! For those who want to cut out the Vick-supporters, they are still showing up to the game. Many still proudly display their #7 jerseys and that is their right! BTW, has the PETA people purchased any tickets?
Jonathan Babineaux was acused of bludgeoning his girlfriend’s dog after an argument. PETA never said a WORD! It proves that PETA is really not concerned about the animal abuse but the name of the abuser. This does not in anyway vindicate Michael Vick but it is food for thought.
Now, lets talk football. I thought Chris Redman did a good job, this week directing the offense. He got the ball out quickly and decisively. Why Petrino didn’t start him earlier is still a mystery. Of course, there is still a need to upgrade the O-line so that QBs can get through their reads. We haven’t seen this type of O-line play since 1998. D-line play will suffer as long as Abraham and Coleman are not at 100%. They also miss Grady Jackson. Good D-line play keep the opposing team’s blockers away from the linebackers, who in turn make most of the tackles. K Brookings and M Boley have played well. Is Brooking still playing out of position as middle linebacker? Secondary play has been sporadic but D Hall and L Milloy has been consistent.
Fixes: Falcons need to take their time to hire new leadership. hire a GM with a reputation for rebuilding. The GM will need to be able to work with the head coach. (Checkout San Diego 2006-2007). Present a schedule for improvement. This will take a GM with foresight and understanding of the salary cap and who is contractually obligated to the Falcons and whose contracts will expire.
By shawn
December 26, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this
who ever the idiot was that said that d hall shows up every week are u looking at the same games that im looking or are u just on dope this guy is a piece of crap that plays not to get hurt and it is time for the piece of crap to go draft some real football players that really try to win and not just sit there and run his mouth and get burnt every single week get rid of this thug
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
Hey Georgia guy,
So you’re suggesting that the Falcons should just “cut” the following Vick supporters?
Joe Horn Roddy White Alge Crumpler DeAngelo Hall Chris Houston
I don’t think it’s that simple - and not the greatest move to release 3 of your best receivers and your top defensive back. It’s a good thing you’re not the owner.
What they did in support of Vick may have been wrong in the league’s eyes, but that doesn’t mean they are not team players.
By gdd30
December 26, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
There are many reasons why UGA gets the attention, support and respect the Faclons can not. I love football but can no longer stomach the majority of professional athletes. They are the most unprofessional employees I can think of. At least in the college ranks, you have a better chance of seeing the right combination of talent and humility. Most Pros would be otherwise qualified to dig a ditch yet they act a fool and no amount of money can buy the respect they think they deserve. Pathetic fools be it the NFL, NBA or whatever. And yes, I know it’s Christmas. Maybe as a society, we’ll push pro sports further down the priority stack. Probably not.
By Lowell Lawson
December 26, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
How fickle fans are. It was not that many years ago that everyone was clammering for the hiring of Rich McKay. He was seen as the answer to building a dynasty and making great choices as he was reported to have done in Tampa Bay. What happened to all of that urging to hire Rich? Yes, we are fickle.
By SCBird
December 26, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
Most of you turds in the Atlanta media have turned on the Falcons also. And for all of you who are so quick to throw the “Thug” word around need to take a look in the mirror. You all aren’t so perfect either………..
By preston
December 26, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
Nicholas Devereaux- good post…….you are one the few, that actually has something to say of substance…….the “thug” talk, and the “sweeping under the rug” incident with D. Heatlty,(who coincidentally, recovered from his injuries and demanded a trade because he wanted nothing to do with this city because it reminded him too much of his actions…in other words…guilt-ridden), is all obvious……it doesn’t take a genius to see the obvious signs of hypocrisy……Vick has been called every vile name that there is to imagine….the people here that do not like him, actually hate him and can find no place in society for him to have a second chance or be forgiven…..but people like Heatly and Marv Albert, who both faced felony charges, but plea dealed their way out of serving any jail time, can be forgiven and accepted by society, and be allowed to resume their lives and careers. This is why I support Vick…….not his activites……not even because he is black( sorry to disappoint you guys…”David Duke”, “Hotrod”, “Joe”, “and the winner is”…etc,) but the fact that he, just as Heatly and Albert, should be allowed to be accepted and forgiven by society, and also resume his career, if he choses.
By Rodney
December 26, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Don’t speak for me, I don’t remember you asking me about my loyalty to the Falcons. I am a fan and I have not left.
By PV=nRT
December 26, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
Reading all these sensitive African posts, I’m feeling sad. Is there a foundation, or organization I could contribute to? Oh yeah, I already do. It’s called the government of the United States of America.
What a bunch of whiny babies. The “Free Mick Vick” group = group of thugs. Deal with it.
By yknot
December 26, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
Watching losing football sucks so bad. There is nothing to root for this season. Just play your last game, pack it up, and go home. Don’t stir up what has to be the season to forget forever. What a mess of a franchise.
By preston
December 26, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
reading your posts PV reminds me of a kid in grade school that hasn’t yet learned his ABC’s, but yet his parents insist that he is “gifted”………thanks for enlightening us all with your profound knowledge.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
Geez … all of this “thug” talk is getting old and a bit lame now. Can’t you guys come up with something a little more original and creative?
By chipdip
December 26, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
watermelon and fried chicken.
By Morris Hames
December 26, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Why shouldn’t the fans be fickle. After all, the players quit so why shouldn’t the fans be accorded the same option? The star player screws us all by getting mixed up in a bunch of nonsense, and the idiot players spend their time offering “support” to him instead of pulling together and doing their level best to prove to their anxious fans that they weren’t just sidemen to the Michael Vick show. All we got was a bunch of whining losers who only proved they are a collective of individuals and not a team. Screw them and the Vick supporters too.
By Sue
December 26, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
Don’t hate folks, not mad, a lot sympathetic about the turn of events. In every life, some tears must fall.
Let’s get it back together and have a football team! I watched every disastrous moment of this season on the edge of my seat!
I am there, screaming, and hoping for a playoff or Superbowl!! I even ATTENDED Monday Night Football!
Let’s go, Atlanta!!!!!!!!!!
By Other Andy
December 26, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
Atlanta is the biggest fickle/fair-weather fan city in the south and it doesn’t take scientific evidence to prove it.
I guarantee you if I were locked in a soundproof room shut off from the rest of the world for any 3 consecutive weeks during Falcon or UGA football season I could tell you whether either team had a winning or losing record for those 3 weeks. How could this be? Is this guy Nostradamus?
Funny but all I would have to do is drive all the way around I-285 or from Henry to Cherokee County on I-75 one single time.
Now what sense does that make? You sorry fair-weathered fans remove the UGA/Flacon vinyl off your back windows and/or remove your license plates when these teams lose 2 or more games in a row! Think I’m wrong? Then pay attention next season.
I wonder how many of you fair-weather fans were in the student section back in the 90’s in your Polo khakis and white Polo shirts LOOKING UP THE STANDS WITH YOUR BACK TOWARD THE FIELD DURING THE GAME?
How pathetic it was to be invited up from Georgia Southern to party with UGA buddies on a rival game weekend only to tailgate and return all the while the visiting team such as TN fans seemed to have better fan attendance at a UGA home game than UGA fans!
Your Bulldogs are only cool because Mark Richt left Florida State and made them cool for you. The fair-weather UGA fans didn’t play a role in UGA’s success whatsoever.
By john mcall
December 26, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons were a public corporation, the board of directors would fire Blank. Leadership starts at the top. When so many things go so wrong, you have to change leadership. Isn’t that what happened when Blank got pushed out of his job at Home Depot. Same leader, different company. But the team ain’t a public company, it’s an ego trip for Blank. This was supposed to be his second chance. Nu ‘uh. Last chance (maybe).
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Now, that’s what I’m talking about !!
chipdip says:
“watermelon and fried chicken” - now that’s creative and a bit of brilliance !! Good stuff, chipdip !! I’m impressed - none of the usual “thug” talk.
By PV=nRT
December 26, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
If you can’t make it with the TRILLIONS of dollars spent of you, you never will. Keep having all your b******* children, though. I tear up everytime I hear about the poor ghetto grandmammy raising 10 kids. Or the daily 3-7 black murderers on the lose.
Good ‘ol AJC.
By STOPTHEMADNESS
December 26, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
Okay people ….stop the madness. All these posts talking about trading and cutting people?
Who the HELL do you think wants to come to Atlanta and be a Falcon? We better keep who we have and try to rebuild from there.
And as far as DJ Shockley is concerned …..how many SEC championships or BCS crowns did he bring to Athens? He is neither the solution or even part of the question. He is a third rate quarterback at best.
The path to Falcon redemption can start with 3 basic steps:
Atl has had problems for years (and it did not just start with the Vick situation … although that didn’t help). Losing one player should NOT (if a team has good leadership) destroy a franchise. If Tom Brady was out of NE tomorrow, that team could still tred water for a while until the ship righted because of its leadership at the top.
Just because an owner manages a corporate mega-store does not mean he can run an NFL team. We need help ….ask for it. Take your hand out of the cookie jar and delegate the business of running the team to those with the know how.
Just reading the comments here and listening to radio/tv comments over the past several months, it is obvious that the professional football pulse in Atl. is near extinction. We need somthing to bring this football community back together. We need to hear from Blank and not from a pre-manufactured, rehearsed speech. Something from the heart that makes fans eagerly want to drive up 75/285/20, spending their precious time and money.
I wish the Falcon organization the best of luck …..they are gonna need it.
Peace:)
By Glenn
December 26, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Ah the sound of loserville yet again…my sleepy ones go back to sleep…dream of things never to be…for tears fill buckets of fools that tote forever and ever and never fill!Alas in a small town called Twin City comes the greatest running back of all time and he must be ours!
By FormerFalcon
December 26, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
When the falcons get rid of mckay and the incompetent coaching staff, trade or cut all these me-thugs like meangelo hall and roddy white, I’ll consider going back. Until then, I’ll pull against the falcons and support whoever they play. Also, Blank should move the team to the suburbs——much better environment for a pro game than some dumpy area in a dead end downtown with a bunch of bums and criminals.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Hey PV=nRT,
Don’t be naive - all of those TRILLIONS you are talking about are not spent on poor blacks exclusively.
Also, save some of your “tears” for the poor white folks - there are quite a few - and the white mass murderers shooting up folks in the malls and at schools.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
Hey FormerFalcon,
Looks like you will continue to be a former Falcon - the Falcons are not moving to the suburbs - thank goodness.
Go ahead and pull against the Falcons - who really cares?
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
By the way, FormerFalcon … I really don’t think Roddy White is going anywhere - he’s about the best thing they have at wide receiver.
Also, when did Roddy White become a thug? What did he do? Oh, I forgot - he’s black …
By PV=nRT
December 26, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Trillions. Year after year of multi-billion dollar programs for AFRICAN descended Americans. Affirmative Action ring a bell? The lost opportunities for poor whites is incalcuable. What did it bring? It brought a dumbed-down version of education, law enforcement, the judiciary, medicine, journalism. The only thing that can’t be skewed is science. Science can only be retarded (slowed, for you <90IQers). Science is the only truth.
By Chris
December 26, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Falcons became a joke long before Mora: Have we forgotten Jerry Glanville, an all-time clown?
Hey Mr. Blank: Get your big nose out of football operations, hire a real coach, get rid of DePunkalo Hall, knock down the stupid dome and go back to playing outdoors like real football teams. Then I’ll start buying tickets again.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
PV=nRT,
Do you really think Affirmative Action is a multi-billion dollar program? Get real …
Don’t be foolish - poor whites are where they are due to bad decisions or bad luck - not due to a lack of opportunities.
By PV=nRT
December 26, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
African b***. For example, what have the Chinese done in America? They were virtual slaves in California. Working on the railroad, trying to mine gold, the were routinely killed with little provocation. The country of China was violated and run by European countries through the 19th and 20th centuries. Britian went to war for the right to export opium to China!
Where is China now? How do the Chinese in America fare? How about the Koreans? Korean was a suzerain province of China. Let’s see, when was the last bank robbery/murder done by a Chinese or Korean? Hmmm, I can’t recall. On the other hand, when was the lastest murder, robbery, carjacking done by an African? About 12 seconds ago, that’s when.
Yeah, that hip-hop culture is really working for you.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Geez, you all act like getting rid of DeAngelo Hall is the answer to all of the Falcon problems. Not hardly. I’m not a fan of D Hall but why is he suddenly the scapegoat?
I know some of you hate the Georgia Dome, but do you really think the Falcons are planning to raze the dome anytime soon?
By lastseasonticket
December 26, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
No real offense to the current tired old crew….but does the AJC ever hire new sportswriters? Can’t we have a sportswriters draft or something? These guys have been here forever and are probably as tired of these joke teams as we are.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
PV=nRT,
So, you’re saying there are no poor Chinese and Koreans in America? No criminals? Of course, you aren’t familiar with the Chinese gangs out there. Of course not - too focused on the Africans.
Don’t be misled - murder, robbery, and carjacking are not exclusively African crimes.
Also, all blacks aren’t into hip-hop.
Man, you are so blind.
By preston
December 26, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
PV- I am sure that all the kings of late night t.v……Letterman, Leno, O’Brian are ringing your phone off the hook to get the exclusive rights to get you on their shows to educate the clueless public about the true state of America……..problem, this is a football blog…….I’m sure those guys would love to hear what you to say, but we would like to hear you address an issue about football…..read over some blogs which discussed Atlanta Falcons football (I have posted several), and give us your opinion…..your profound philosophical views about different cultures are interesting, but not really worth debating because this is actually not the forum for it……….you have the floor….we are listening.
By BUZZ
December 26, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
Boy I’m telling you….all you losers and whiners out there….what happened is a GOOD thing……Vick is gone and he should have been….he was NEVER a quarterback but only a running back who could throw the ball every now and then….good riddance. Petrino is gone and he should be…he was NOT the coach we needed…..Now Arthur can get a good coach. THIS season might just be the best thing that’s happened to the Falcons. NOW we can start from scratch and rebuild a winner. Sure we had a lousy season….so what. NOW’S the time to get it together. Let’s ALL pull for Arthur. Remember….he didn’t HAVE to buy the team. He’s tried….give him the encouragement he needs. Let him know you are behind him and pulling for him. What are you? A bunch of losers? I hope not.
By PV=nRT
December 26, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Check the prison population by race, and crimes by race. Compute the over-representation by race (which I’m completely sure you’re incapable of).
Yeah, you two are really interesting fellows .
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Preston,
PV=nRT is one of those types that think black people have cornered the market on crime, poverty, murder and all that is evil in America.
I didn’t mean to contribute to the process of turning this blog into a political and cultural forum - however, it’s difficult to read some of this nonsense and not respond.
Maybe PV=nRT can ultimately learn that you can’t paint a race or culture with a broad brush. Unfortunately, he probably won’t.
With that said, Go Falcons !!
By rich brave
December 26, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Hall haters. Relief is only a phone-call away. Redskins Park. Mr. Cerrano please. Thugs and Gangstas welcome. Coach Joe is waiting.
By PV=nRT
December 26, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
When you guys are cooking your crack cocaine tonight, would you PLEASE turn off the f-ing stove??? So you don’t burn down your apartment building??? So I don’t have to look at your grotesque women babble on before a television camera?? Thank you!
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
PV=nRT,
Since I’m incapable (as you say) of computing the prison population by race, and crimes by race, why don’t you provide the “over-representation by race” statistics that you are more that capable of providing, I’m sure.
Of course, we are all aware that prisons are filled with young blacks - what else is new? If you had your way, I’m sure you would like to lock all of the Africans up - or send them back where they came from, right?
By jay
December 26, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
NOW IF WE CAN GET YOU TO LEAVE TOWN JEFF…THIS CITY CAN BECOME A UNDIVIDED UNRACIAL TEAM LIKE BEFORE!! WE ARE STILL SPORTS FANS AND M. VICK FANS TOO! LEAVE TOWN AND WATCH FROM ANOTHER STATE OR COUNTRY!!!
By Preston
December 26, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
I know what you mean Tiger Woo, I know that is gets difficult to read some of the nonsense that some of these people write, without wanting to trade jabs……I fight the urge myself, and even come close to entertaining and engaging these clowns……..but I just have to sit back and laugh, because these people are not only immature, they are the biggest hypocrites, and even bigger cowards. I truly wonder just how many of them are actually parents because they are the ones acting like little kids…….very funny.
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
By PV=nRT
December 26, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
“When you guys are cooking your crack cocaine tonight, would you PLEASE turn off the f-ing stove??? So you don’t burn down your apartment building??? So I don’t have to look at your grotesque women babble on before a television camera?? Thank you!”
Well stated PV=nRT … that’s what I’ve been waiting for - you to show your true colors.
I know it has been difficult for you to hold an intelligent dialogue for very long. You were actually making some thought-provoking comments. Now you go the “ignorant” route which is not surprising.
By preston
December 26, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
PV- what are you babbling about? Are you incabable of completing one sentence without going on and on about your philosophical views…….who cares about your statistics about human culture here? If that is the best that you can, why don’t you find a blog on the internet with those of like mind and do your thing….I am sure you can find at least one site on the web that suits your needs. Nobody here is impressed……THIS IS A FOOTBALL BLOG, NOT THE WORLD ACCORDING TO PV=NRT 101. Again, what do you have to say about football, and the pertinent topics of discussion????
By Georgia Guy
December 26, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Tiger Woo- I agree with one thing you said- placing “Vick’s Boyz” on waivers would not slove all the Falcon’s problems. The heart of the matter is their inability/unwillingness to recognize that the best NFL quarterback on the team was Schaub. When the made that choice they doomed the franchaise to failure, with or without Vick’s sandlot football play. They were a loser organization with the Smith ownership and now the current one. I really feel that someone off the street could run that organization better than what “leadreship” it enjoys now. Gdd30 is spot on- many of the current NFL players are loudmouth hoods who don’t deserve any respect from anyone. Hall, for example, continues to run his mouth even though he gets beat regularly by good receivers. He should just look at himself from what the observer sees. If that wouldn’t shame him there would be no hope.
By StillFalconFan
December 26, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
I say give Redman a chance to start next year. I think given a whole season, he could be pretty good. Reminds me of Schaub with a stronger arm. If not, go after McNabb. Hell, he wants out of Philly. He’s been playing hurt all season. I think he will be awesome next year. McNabb will be good for the city and will bring some veteran leadership to this team. Please don’t draft a quarterback in the high rounds. We can’t wait for another 3 year project. Falcons need to win ASAP. Get McFadden, OL and DL, and then draft a project quarterback. Get rid of Harrington and Michael Brick (Leftwich). Give DJ a chance to compete for backup QB. I still don’t think he’s ready to start. He looked horrible in preseason. Sign a few more free agent veterans for leadership - specially on Defense. Definitely, KEEP Michael Boley and let Dunn and Brooking finish their careers in the ATL.
By Chlamydia Jones
December 26, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
DeAngelo Hall is an arrogant idiot who continually whines about stuff because he and his team stink out the dome. Ship his butt out of town and let some other team put up with his BS…
By Tiger Woo
December 26, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
Georgia Guy,
Yes … I agree that trading Schaub turned out to be a bad decision - but who knew that Vick would be suspended and end up in jail. The Falcons gambled that Coach Petrino would come in and enhance Vick’s performance - now they are both gone.
In defense of Vick, he did all he could to help an obviously flawed team. He wasn’t your proto-typical quarterback, but he sure was a playmaker.
I agree that some of the NFL players are less than honorable - however, the majority of the players appear to be good guys.
Regarding D Hall, a change of scenery and a fresh start with another team would probably be best for all parties. People kick around the “thug” label regarding D Hall - I don’t think he’s a bad person - I think he’s just frustrated and I have to admit - a bit selfish.
By rich brave
December 27, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
TIGER WOO:
Please see that Hall is on the plane for Washington. Name your price. Let’s talk. Va. Tech country. He should be right at home with Beamer-ball every fall Saturday. Then he can club it up ‘till all hours and play Sunday. Since he’s no good for Atlanta encourage Mr. Blank to call Dan Snyder. Highest payroll in the league. Dialing for $$$$ Mr. Hall. Have your agent call Coach Joe.