AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSweet end to sour season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
Well, I went to a funeral Sunday afternoon and it turned into a resurrection. You know how it has been with the Falcons this season, one disaster after another, until they finally hit bottom. They were playing the Seattle Seahawks this time, already champions of their NFL division, a match guaranteed to attract a lot of green seats. You may have been shocked if you noticed in the paper that the Falcons were favored to win this game, after all the stuff they had endured.
Never doubt those odds-makers. They were giving Seattle a point and a half, which is practically no gamble at all. The Falcons were at home. They had nothing to lose, and they know how to do that efficiently. But on the other hand, the Seahawks were just running through dressed rehearsal for the playoffs. The premise was that Mike Holmgren wouldn’t over-work his lead hosses. And he didn’t. After the first half you never saw Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander again, or Deion Branch or Walter Jones at all, some of the Seahawks most treasured investments.
But still, look at the Falcons. They hadn’t won since early November, and then their victims were the sickly 49ers and Panthers. For that matter, they probably couldn’t beat their own scout team straight up. I say that carelessly, for their scout team quarterback most of the season was the quarterback who beat the Seahawks.
What a curious Georgian wants to know is, how is it that Chris Redman was the scout team quarterback for so long before he finally was “discovered” by the late, departed Bobby Petrino, who was his coach at Louisville?
Emmitt Thomas couldn’t answer that question either. The interim coach did say, “He had been running the scout team, and winning.” (Scout team, I should say, is the lineup the Falcons regulars tune up against for their upcoming opponent.) Petrino ran through Joey Harrington and wasted $4 million bucks to sign Byron Leftwich before giving Redman, who’d been there all along, a chance. Then jumped ship himself. Petrino, not Redman.
As it turned out, this was one helluva wrestling match. Neither team would quit, and as the Falcons kept putting points on the board, and this titillated crowd of 60-some-thousand, generously announced, became so waxed up they broke out into a wave, this made you sad this would be the end of their season. Through it all, Holmgren kept calling more and more of his front-liners out of their abbreviated “vacation.”
He explained: “We wanted to win the game. I was disappointed we didn’t. We had our chances.”
At the half, the score was 17-17. After three quarters the Seahawks led 27-20. Then the Falcons broke out in a rash of points, put it away, 44-41, but it was not a closed deal until time ran out. What you saw was, two angry seniors turn it on. Alge Crumpler, who had been snarly because he wasn’t seeing much of the ball, scored two touchdowns, one on a sudden burst from 55 yards out. Warrick Dunn, whose brief body has been taking some serious cuffing, ran for 70 yards and one touchdown. Redman, not to be overlooked, completed 17 of 27 passes for 251 yards, and one of those mysterious 132.9 ratings.
It’s just a shame so many of you stayed home. It didn’t rain inside the dome, except in enthusiasm. You’d also have been treated to a view of Jim Mora, the deposed Falcons coach of a year ago. He is listed as “assistant head coach/defensive backs” of the Seahawks — he said he wanted to get back to Washington, on that infamous radio interview, and he has — and his minions had a tough day’s work. And, Arthur Blank made a return appearance on the field in the gloaming. There hadn’t been much to inspire him of late.
But say this, after the Falcons got Tampa Bay out of their system, they have played Arizona to overtime and now beaten the best of the Northwest. None of which has buoyed Thomas’ expectations about this job. He’s 64 years old, has no outspoken interest in his present mission, but encourages Blank to get on with “letting the players know who their leader will be.” With no expectations it would be him, though he did enjoy his first Gatorade shower delivered by his loyal troops.
Permalink | Comments (28) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Furman Bisher
Comments
By kgod999
December 30, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
im happy for emmitt thomas. blank showed class by rewarding him for a long career in football. the best part,atlanta still gets a high draft pick.
By Chris F.
December 30, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
I would be interested in taking the G.M. job for say upwards of $100,000 a year. It beats my current job. LOL.
By JimC
December 30, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
Furman, you are still the master. I always love reading your articles. While I doubt that Mr Thomas would be awarded the head coach post, he would bring class and professionalism to the position. Here is hoping that he stays on as an important assistant. Great job Falcons! Proud of your effort…As for the detractors who whine about getting a worse draft pick, get real. There is no given in a pick. The key is getting the best athlete available. PS…I kinda hope that Emmit is really considered. A head coach is like a CEO. He brings the right people (O and D coordinators and assistants) that can fulfill his vision. Integrity, hard work and committent; along with a strong D and sound O, brings a winning team. Anything else is just bells and whistles. If you don’t believe this just look at the Pats. They are where they are not through #1, 2 or 3 picks but through a sense of team and focused vision.
By jabster
December 31, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
Dr. Bisher, Goergia Tech page, STAT!
By Burton DeWitt
December 31, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this
The next head coach of the Atlanta Falcons lies in Emmitt Thomas. So what if he’s 64? The players want to play for him. And in my decade of being a fan, there has NEVER been a coach before that the Falcons wanted to play for.
Look at the Miami Dolphins: in 2004 they wanted to play for Jim Bates, even beating the New England Patriots in a remarkable comeback. But instead they hired Nick Saban and look where they are three years later?
Even if you only get three years out of Thomas, you’re going to get three years of tough, grind-it-out football, the type of football that no previous coach had been able to motivate the Falcons to play. Thomas is the right choice and should be offered the job. That’s my two cents.
By bob
December 31, 2007 7:00 AM | Link to this
I agree. The current coaches have done a remarkable job, considering everything that has happened and all the injuries. Remember we were using third and fourth string lineman and had almost no pass rush this year. Keep the current coaches and draft lineman on both sides of the ball. The Patriots have three pro bowlers on their offensive line and Brady has all the time in the world to throw. Redman can handle the QB job until we train a young one.
By John Lovelace
December 31, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
Emmit Thomas? What is wrong with you people? Yeah, Emmit is a nice guy, but ONE win! Give me a break! Thats whats wrong with this franchise right now. Everybody gets hyped up over one game and that gives them the answer to their problems. But it really does’nt surprise me. This is Atlanta! They win one game that was probably given to them by a team that had nothing to lose and now they are contenders. I hope that Arthur Blank has learned a little bit about football this season. ONE GAME IS NOT GOING TO GET IT!
By BnB
December 31, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
Though I enjoyed the win I have to agree…let’s not go sentimental on hiring the next coach. Fourth and short with a max jumbo package and we attempt a toss sweep to Snelling? Hmmmm…kind of reminds me of Petrino. It was a fun win but I wouldn’t read too much more into it than that. We seem to have a roster that is choosy as to which coach they will play for….a less than desirable trait.
By Gene
December 31, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
It is good that the Falcons salvaged an inkling of professionalism in the win yesterday. It would be nice for fans, players, and sportswriters to let that close the miserable season. If the Falcons draft wisely, there is nowhere to go but up. Now Arthur Blank must find some good management people and resolve to stay off the field and out of the locker room.
By Chris
December 31, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
So I get to work today and my neighbor calls the Falcons “a bunch of idiots” for not losing an assuring themselves a better draft pick. Well, a few things on that topic:
Many of these players will not be here next year. They couldn’t care less about the Falcons’ draft position in 2008.
You play to win. Every game, every snap. The players banded together, rallied and scored more points than any Falcons team since 1990 (according to a report I saw last night).
The fans pay to see wins, not losses. I was one of the few people at the Dome yesterday, and I left with a smile on my face, something that has rarely happened this year.
A #2 or #3 draft pick does not assure you of anything. Adrian Peterson was #7 last year. Does anyone think Minnesota would rather have Joe Thomas (#3), Gaines Adams (#4), Levi Brown (#5) or LaRon Landry (#6)?
Several players are likely to jump ship after the season. Yesterday’s win, the vibe in the Dome, and the way the players fought for each other may make some of those decisions a bit tougher. Perhaps someone saw a spark, saw the guy next to him fighting hard all day, and thought that they may like to give it another shot with these guys and these fans. The wave went around the Dome like 7 times, for crying out loud.
The season was an absolute and miserable. But I can’t think of a better way to end such a heartbreaking year. I got my $42 worth yesterday, thank you very much.
By Greg
December 31, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Hire Marion Campbell.
By Chris
December 31, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
“The season was an absolute and miserable disaster (omitted).” Guess I haven’t yet had enough caffeine today.
Aside: So I guess Joe Horn earned his $4.75 mil with his TD yesterday, huh?
By jeff schultz
December 31, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Furman what a bunch of croc. why on earth are you praising the dirty birds? don’t you know that you are supposed to criticize them. come on furman.
newteamgear.com
By big fabric softena'
December 31, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
we need prime time as head ball coach…andre “bad moon” rison as gm and mc hammer as ceo word out
By Singletary
December 31, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
Even more important than the new coach is smart free agency and draft. GM needs to 1/ really re-interview Mike Singletary, 2/ make an offer to the Browns for the QB they don’t want (so we don’t lose time or waste a high draft pick on a QB that will charge us more than Vick will ever return to us and hold out, not learning the playbook,) and 3/ look hard at the tape of the last three games post Petrino debacle. Which players should we keep? My opinion is Horn, Harrington, Leftwich should be gone. Dunn & Norwood are still playing hard every down and should be retained, but we have never adequately replaced TJ Duckett with another earthmover, 4th-and-1 at the goal line back. Brooking should be retained but moved back to the weak side, and keep DeAngelo (or trade him for that QB we say need.) I’d keep Redman but make him compete for the #1 job in training camp.
By Chris
December 31, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
I have no problem with keeping both Redman and Harrington. I guess that depends on Shockley’s situation with the team/new coach, but you do need 3 QBs. But I want our new franchise QB to be drafted and developed, not some cast-off from another team. Let the new guy learn the system from Joey and the throws from Redman.
By Chris
December 31, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
A freaking coin flip? Are you kidding me? “Hey, thanks for playing all 16 games, but we’ll just decide where you draft by flipping a coin.”
It’s 2007. We have statistics for days. And the best the NFL can come up with is a coin flip? Give me a break.
By NCBravesFan
December 31, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Is Norb Hecker still dead?
Just a thought …
By Falcon Fan 89
December 31, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
I just read the article on Singletary. PLEASE don’t hire this man! I’m sure he’s a nice guy…I’m sure he’s an emaotional, firey guy, full of sound and fury, but singifying nothing at the end of the day (to borrow from Hamlet).
We’ve had that already…we had it with Glanville, we had it with Mora. We’ve also had the pencil-headed, studious offensive “geniuses” (Petrino, june Jones, etc). We NEED a guy with solid NFL pedigree and that man is Marty. Why is this even a debate?!?!?!?
I mean…did you read Singletary’s comments? Basically, his approach is that he would want to win really really badly….and if you want something badly ebnough you will succeed. Are you freaking kidding me?!?! And his offensive philosophy? Basically he says he wants to have balance and a good QB. Jesus Christ where do I sign up to ba an NFL head coach?!
Be honest….the vast majority of you only want him because you recognize his name, and/or because he’s black. What a pathetic, pitiful city and franchise.
By jrod
December 31, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Falcon Fan 89,
I seriously seriously doubt Marty wants this job. If Singletary gets the job fine if he doesnt fine, Either way we still dont have any talent on the team. Please stop with the “”you want him because he black” personally right now i want him beacuse he is a hot name and is the only coach to show ANY interest in this team. If I was him if offer the job i would turn it down. This team is horrible and has the worst, football illiterate, racially charged, lives to hate everyone and everything fanbase in all of prosports. Case in point entire fanbase b@thch and moans about the players qutting, they win a game and you complain they should have lost. If any quality coach takes this job i would be surprised. I mean why come to a city where it seems blacks and whites hate each other. This town is so depressing
By Billy
December 31, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Just another Falcon coaching mistake about to occur! Happy New Year
By Chris
December 31, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
No, NCBravesFan, I want Mike Singletary because he will instill a sense of integrity and pride in our players and organization. Everyone who has played with or under Singletary says, almost to a man, that they will go to war for him any time. You hire coordinators for the X’s and O’s. Your HC is there to motivate your players and to get them to play hard every game, every snap. I think he’s a great choice.
By ki
December 31, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Mr Blank,why not Emmit thomas as head coach.You can get the best players in the world and if you do not have coach that play the card right,you will have nothing but a mess again.Give the man a chance.
By Blind Homer
December 31, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
Good News - Roddy White is coming around. Bad News - Everythng else! Struggling until the last minute to barely beat the 2nd string of a mediocre team (playoff bound and division winners yes, but in the weakest division in football, playing the softest schedule in the NFL with only 1 quality win (the opener against Tampa) the entire season). We Falcon fans are doomed to double-digit losses for the next several years. There’s a lot of sadness in professional sports, especially when you live in Loserville!
By CDS
December 31, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Delusional doesn’t even begin to describe some of you Falcon fans. Emmitt Thomas is suddenly some kind of great coach because the team won a game against the backups of a division winner, and Redman is the future of the Falcons at QB because he played well against backups, a mediocre Arizona defense, and a horrible St. Louis defense? Please wake up. I’m glad the guy won a game, and Redman played well. But he is not a head coach for this team at the age of 65 with no prior experience. Redman is a fantastic backup, but they can go get a free agent QB for cheap. The team needs to be blown up. There are plenty of good assistants and experienced head coaches (Brian Billick just got canned) to choose from instead of choosing to rebuild with an old coach who’s probably ready to retire.
By NCBravesFan
December 31, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Chris I hear ya man. I was trying to make a little funny here on New Year’s Eve. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with the front office and coaching position.
They played hard yesterday and that’s a good thing. I hope the rebuilding process is not as long as many of us may fear.
By Chris
December 31, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Hey NC Braves Fan, my comment was actually directed to Falcons Fan 89, I just messed up. Yeah, so take that, Falcons Fan!
By Billy
December 31, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
can’t post the truth here!