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DEL.ICIO.USFixing Falcons not as easy as heads or tails
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Given all the missteps the Falcons organization has made the past few years, it seemed strange that the first major decision facing the team’s new architect was whether to call heads or tails. (For this, Arthur Blank had to go through a search process?)
Amazingly, Thomas Dimitroff guessed right Friday. He called tails. Tails came up. Brilliant! The rest should be easy. Draft the right guys. Sign the right guys. Cut the right guys. Alter the course of history for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs in three years and has never had consecutive winning seasons.
Should be easy. Just keep flipping coins.
“Two weeks ago, I said, ‘It’s a done deal — tails,’ ” the Falcons’ general manager said by phone from Indianapolis. “Then [Thursday] night at dinner, I was sitting there with Mr. Blank and [coach] Mike Smith, and they said, ‘What’s the call?’ and I said, ‘Tails.’ But I thought I was actually supposed to flip the coin. So I went back to the room, and I was practicing flipping things. Sugar packs. Tea bags. Hotel room key cards. Anything.”
As long as Dimitroff doesn’t start testing schemes on an electronic vibrating football game, he should be fine.
The fact is, nothing can be left to chance. The Falcons can’t afford a lot of mistakes. The next two months will be the most important period of Dimitroff’s tenure, regardless of how long that tenure ends up being. This is when blueprint, structure and direction are set. These, sorry to say, are not coin-flip decisions.
“This is a very significant time for us,” he said. “This is when you start sending the right messages, not just to people in the organization, but to the support staff, personnel staff and most importantly to the players. You’re telling everybody, ‘This is what we’re doing.’ The tone and the culture are established here. You can’t be flippant. The decisions can’t be emotionally driven.”
No. Let’s leave that to DeAngelo Hall.
It’s unfortunate when an athlete’s talent comes with so little forethought or leadership. Hall, despite having a pretty good season amid the Falcons’ collapse last year, flashed his shortcomings often last season. He said the wrong things at the wrong time instead of doing what a veteran should do to hold a fractured team together. When others talked about ways to turn things around, Hall asked for a new contract. Often. Loudly. Obnoxiously.
Hall’s impeccable timing continued Friday. On the same day of a rare Falcons highlight, he was a walking, talking blast furnace, telling reporters to forget about a new contract — he just wanted out.
No need to flip a coin on this one. Hall likely was going to be dropkicked to the highest bidder anyway. This merely will add to the trajectory. The Falcons need to start over. If next year’s team ends up being young and hungry but fairly average, the last thing you want as a general manager or coach is to have a blowhard cornerback whining about his contract leading the charge, no matter how good he is.
This team suddenly is in the best of situations. If Dimitroff acquires a first-round pick for Hall as expected, the Falcons will have four selections in the first two rounds, pending other deals. With their first pick, there is a pretty good chance they will be staring at defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, running back Darren McFadden or both. (Forget quarterback Matt Ryan. Remember where Dimitroff came from: New England, which took a future Hall of Fame QB with the 199th pick.)
Dimitroff also knows there are advantages to trading down to accumulate more picks. “If you look at my past in New England, I’m preconditioned to certain things, and I realize that trading down for added commodities is an effective way to build a roster,” he said. “If there’s not a player there at three we really like, I would definitely consider it.”
Now he starts playing the game. He’ll have conversations with other GMs. He’ll express interest in one player while preferring another. He’ll be coy in the media. It’s that time of year.
Does he see a clear definition among the top three players?
“No, not yet. But I will.” (Pause) “That’s where I’m going to be a little evasive,” he said with a laugh.
Does he have a philosophy on what type of player or position should be drafted early?
“Yes. But I don’t want to play that hand yet.”
He’s learning. He knows. He has to be careful. The man was practicing flipping sugar packets in a hotel room. How much room for error do you think he has?
Permalink | Comments (91) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
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By Greg
February 22, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
I like everything I hear from Dimitroff, and I am as happy as can be about D-Hall’s wounded pride. Now he’s gone for sure, which is a big plus. The fact is, all personality issues aside, that he was an average cover corner (he was eaten alive by the good receivers, like Chad Johnson). A first-round pick can be the beginning of building an O-line that can protect the Q-back and drive block for the run. First priority. Next priority: build a tall, fit and muscular, angry D-line that is great at rushing the passer and stuffing the run. Everything else will follow. Sadly, Glenn Dorsey is likely to be gone by #3; but if he isn’t, the Birds need to grab him. If he is gone, that huge tackle from Michigan would be a good start.
By DOG THE MAN
February 22, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Get the offensive lineman from Michagan. A Quality tackle is always a safe bet. Either that draft Dorsey. We need Beef!!!!
By Sam
February 22, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Getting rid of a cancer like Hall is a must for this new team. I find it hard to beleive anyone would give up a first round pick for him. If he had say Champ Baily skills but still came with the mouth you might be able to overlook it but this guy gets torched by the better receivers in this league. They can’t trade him soon enough for me. Let him be someone else’s problem.
By captain midnight
February 22, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Thank goodness for that thug DeAngello Hall’s big mouth he makes it easier for Dimitroff to unload that hoodlum. I don’t give a damn if we get a water boy for him, get rid of him.
By Jim
February 22, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
I totally agree…DRAFT LINEMEN! (offenseive and defensive) Let’s do this right for the first time in the Falcons history and rebuild the team from the core out.
As for D-Hall…..the faster his a$$ is on a bus out of town he better. Trade him for draft picks. He is a star in his own mind. He ain’t worth the trouble he causes.
By Navid
February 22, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Greg, I agree that I like everything I hear from Dimitroff. However, I’m not ready to give up on DHall. I still think hes a clear #1 corner and he’s just fustrated easily by losing. Sure, he should do a better job of hiding that but I’m pretty sure Id be pretty annoyed during/after a season as this past one too. Also, there’s no one out there that can replace DHall anyways. Im from Boston and watch every Pats game and I can tell you that if anyone thinks Asante Samuel is an upgrade ur making a HUGE mistake. Also, no one in the draft can replace Hall either. We already need another corner so why get rid of the good one we already have?
On the draft note, as much as Id love to see McFadden, especially cuz i dont want to miss on another Peterson-type impact, the choice should be really easy: if he’s still there, we take OT Long from Michigan. This guy is a monster. As a lot of us have said over and over, it all starts up front. If he’s not there, I like the Cowboys trade for Barber, and their first rounder(s?). I still haven’t seen this rumor written anywhere other than on this site so if anyone can show it me id greatly appreciate it. If it is a real rumor (and then becomes a real offer) I feel we’d be idiots to pass it up, especially if its TWO first rounders.
By FalconFan
February 22, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are 4-11 , Hall intercepts a pass in a losing game, he throws up his arms like he just wond the Super Bowl, runs over and gives the ball to his mother in the stands.
Let him drive his Maserati to New York and stay there.
By David Duke
February 22, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Trading Hall for a good pick will be a very good move! There are other teams that want him, until they get him. Make that move!
By David Duke
February 22, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Navin, Duhangelo Hall is not a great corner except in his own mind. He’s actually a poor player who talks a great game. He’s now saying he wants out. Bye b***! As for the putative trade for Barber, I can’t imagine the Cowboys would let him go. He’s the best running back they have and an integral part of their offense!
By Chikara
February 22, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Oh yes Dallas will give up Barber if they are that desperate for McFadden, a Jerry Jones favorite from Arkansas. Besides he’s a restricted free agent and for them it wouldn’t be wise to pay that money for both RBs.
Atlanta can get him and both first round picks from the Cowboys if they play their cards right. That would solve a huge obstacle there.
That said, Atlanta should trade Hall to the Bengals for the 9th pick. That way they eliminate a locker room cancer and could wind up with three first round picks.
By the time the second round is over Atlanta could potentially have all major pieces in place and can use free agency to build some depth.
By Falcon Fanatic
February 22, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Would somebody tell #21 to “just shut up, already”
OMG, he sounds like my 5 year old. What? He’ll play out the final year of his contract IF the Falcons promise not to franchise him?
Sheesh! He is under contract for crying out loud. A contract he willingly and knowingly signed. He will play out the final year of his contract OR be in breach of contract.
If we didn’t need the cap space so much, I would say keep him and only let him play on special teams … or make him the long snapper. But we need the cap space and we can do without the drama.
By Navid
February 22, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
but jerry jones and the cowboys are in love with McFadden, especially since hes from jones’ alma-mater. I actually found some espn articles sayin this and that the Cowboys would love to trade up to get him…if so, we shud capitalize
By Chuck
February 22, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
The mention of the electronic vibrating football game brought back memories from my youth. My brother and I used to play that game with a commentary like “Taylor has the ball and heads upfield….now he’s turning around and spinning in circles, and now he’s stuck on one of his blocker’s butts.” Actually, it reminds me of the Falcons’ offensive line.
By eddie from acworth
February 22, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
I fell so sorry for D-hall…he should feel sooo slighted after Blank paid him all those millions….DON’T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE BUTT A*******HOLE!!!!
By eddie from acworth
February 22, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
hey 21 this is what I should have said since you are so proud of your stupid pro bowls….ALOHA YOU JERK
By kj
February 22, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
I love D hall probably more than anyone on this blog.However, Even I am beginning to think it may be better to move him. He obviously doesnt get the concept of team. No matter how much I hope this dude just relaxes and play his game its becoming clear and evident that its all about the me with D. I’ll be sad to see him go but as much as I am a D. Hall fan I will always be a falcon. It’s time man. You’ve played your last for us, good luck and good nite.
On another note, I’m really looking forward to that 1st rounder we are getting for him. Let’s get that O and D line taken care of and put some hungry dedicated players out there this year. Go Falc’s
By kj
February 22, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
I love D hall probably more than anyone on this blog.However, Even I am beginning to think it may be better to move him. He obviously doesnt get the concept of team. No matter how much I hope this dude just relaxes and play his game its becoming clear and evident that its all about the me with D. I’ll be sad to see him go but as much as I am a D. Hall fan I will always be a falcon. It’s time man. You’ve played your last for us, good luck and good nite.
On another note, I’m really looking forward to that 1st rounder we are getting for him. Let’s get that O and D line taken care of and put some hungry dedicated players out there this year. Go Falc’s
By Jeremy
February 22, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
R u people mad? Y the hell do yall want d-hall gone..cuz of his mouth..wtf thats dum as hell..stupid f*cks..yall r actin like hes sorry..hes actually pretty good but i know hes gone unfortunately..the falcons dnt know how 2 keep a good corner..but it dnt matter who we take 1st as long as it helps the team
By Lavester
February 22, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
I think the Falcons should give a very serious look at someone in their own backyard….Curtis Johnson of Clark-Atlanta University. He was a DE, but is now projected as an OLB for the pros. He is 6’ 3” and 239 lbs. He has been timed as low as 4.54 in the 40 and was an absolute beast on defense which was why he is invited to the East-West Shrine game.
By Najeh Davenpoop
February 22, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Well, we do know what happens when you draft based on coin flips — this was clearly Rich McKay’s philosophy.
If D-Hall wants out, obviously the Falcons should trade him. Unfortunately now that he has publicly said he wants out the Falcons are unlikely to get full price for him, because other teams know they want to trade him. That’s too bad for the Falcons. But if they can get a high 2nd for him that should work too. Just don’t cut him or trade him for anything lower than a high 2.
And please, no first-round QBs. Build up those lines.
By Ken Strickland
February 22, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Looks like DHall wants out and is trying to orchestrate a trade. Speaking out the way he has lessens his trade value and makes him a better bargain to other teams.
Suppose we were able to trade Hall for a 1st rd pick and DT GDorsey was available when we drafted. Consider the following.
(1)We use our top pick on Dorsey. OT is one of the deepest and most talented positions in the draft. So, we use our 2nd 1st rd pick to draft one.
(2)We use our cap money to resign LB MBoley and sign a RG and MLB.
(3)That would make us very solid up the middle on both sides of the ball. (DEF) MLB-FA, OLB’s-MBoley & Nichols, DE’s JAnderson & JAbraham, DT-GDorsey & TLewis, CB’s-CHouston & DIrons, Safeties ??. (OFF) OT’s-Draft pick & TClabo, OG’s-JBlalock & FA, C-TMcClure.
(4)That would leave us with a minimum of 8 remaining picks, 2 in the 2nd rd, to find a QB, RB, SS/FS, TE and fill out the roster.
For those in love with McFadden, look at him and then look at JNorwood. They have basically the same build, simular size, running style, and both have small legs. Why draft a duplicate of what you already have when your OFF system needs a stronger more powerful and durable RB? Besides, McFadden is very fumble prone.
By ken
February 22, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Can someone tell me why Atlanta didnt trade Crumpler. I just dont understand cutting a #1 tight end. We could have gotten at least a second or third round pick.
By RichmondBirdDawg
February 22, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
I agree with all of the above coments that say get rid of MEangelo for whatever we can get. Trade the #3 pick to Dallas for their 2 #1 picks and get all the linemen we can get. We are going to have lots of cap space so fill other holes with FA’s. PLEASE build us a winning team. How cool would it be if we actually had back to back winning seasons like in 2010 and 2011. lol
By Joe
February 22, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
D. Hall just made getting rid of his a$$ much easier. I say trade him to the Raider where he will suck for he next 5 years.
By David Duke
February 22, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Simular? How about similar?
By KrisG
February 22, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Actually, DeAngelo Hall shut down Chad Johnson last time they played. He’s a good corner with some big issues… but that being said, a first rounder for him? Hell, yeah! C-Ya, DeAngelo! Wish you the best!
By Buzz
February 23, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
I told everyone when we drafted M Vick it was a mistake (they told me I was crazy), we should have drafted linemen then (both O & D), and we wouldn’t be in this mess now … and please, no more V Tech players.
By Ken Strickland
February 23, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
KEN-they may have tried and there were no takers. The fact Crumpler hasn’t been offered a contract and has to work out at the combine is an indication. Teams are aware of players that are on the bubble. They would rather wait for him to be released rather than give up a draft pick in a trade. Also, there are vets with veto power over any trade attempt. They may prefer to be released rather than traded so they can pick the team they go to.
By Ken Strickland
February 23, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
KEN-they may have tried and there were no takers. The fact Crumpler hasn’t been offered a contract and has to work out at the combine is an indication. Teams are aware of players that are on the bubble. They would rather wait for him to be released rather than give up a draft pick in a trade. Also, there are vets with veto power over any trade attempt. They may prefer to be released rather than traded so they can pick the team they go to.
By Dr. Warren
February 23, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Ken, I agree with you. Cutting rather than trading Crumpler could be Dimitroff’s first major blunder, and no one at the AJC has called him on it yet. Crumpler’s in great demand, and SI has him getting a $4 million contract.
Thanks for the vibrating football game reference, Jeff. For those of us who grew up in the 70’s, one of the great toy mysteries was how you could actually stage a real contest on one of those things…
By no id
February 23, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this
i don’t blame Hall for wanting to get the hell outta Atlanta.
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this
Dumb@sses,Crumpler could not (NOT) be Traded,First of all He is coming off a Knee injury,secondly S.I. does not run a team,and Thirdly The Falcons,Need the Salary Relief and be the Time related move in cutting Him when they Did the team,maximized it’s Savings,In the NFL teams just don’t trade for $ million dollar salaries,this is not M.L.B.!!!! And Phuck D.Hall,Lousy B2stard!!!
By Duce
February 23, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this
I was a big fan of D-Hall from when we drafted him until this past year, defending him often to friends that said he wasn’t that good. It’s hard to admit this but they were right. He has had flashes of greatness but overall he is nowhere near the top corners in the league. What’s worse is that he is just plain ignorant.
“Dimitroff said earlier this week that Hall makes the team better. Coach Mike Smith has said he wants Hall to remain with the team.
“Maybe that’s a sign that they don’t want to be good, if they’re saying I make the team better when I’m on it, and they’re trying to move me and trade me,” Hall said.”
If anyone can make sense of that please let me know.
By Paddy
February 23, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
D. Hall has done our work for us. We don’t have to(Falcons GM) go looking for the evil in the dressing room. He has come to us and made it easy for the team to improve off the field. If Hall is the guy you have determined must go, then do it and let the rebuilding begin. Now the on field job begins and it now can be fun for all us fans to watch.
By Neckville Rednecks
February 23, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
who is going to be Atlanta CB? a draft pick for a unproven player Atlanta Falcon have lost their minds.
Un less we have a good draft and get some very good free agents . THE FANS CAN’T KNOW JACK ABOUT THE GAME If they want a unproven player for Hall from the draft pick clueless.
Hall run his mouth but if you look at the numbers he is a very good CB in the top five in the NFL. If you are a Black player and run your mouth some in the fan base will hate you in Atlanta(Deion Sander same thing) clueless.
You are sending Hall to a super bowl team “man you are hurting this guy”. you clowns have lost your minds you are not football minded at all can’t be.
Now to see who we draft , this is now becomming a real joke but it’s not funny!
By taco slammer
February 23, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
D Hall lost me when he imploded right in front of our eyes and cost us the Carolina game last year. There is no team in Deangelo. It’s all about him. Glad he made his exit from the Falcons mandatory with his cancerous comments yesterday. It will be refreshing to get a player with a postive attitude when the trade is made.
I hope the Falcons begin their rebuilding process on both the OL and DL. This could lead to a pretty boring first year for the new management team, but lay the building blocks for a very solid football team of the future. We don’t need flash. We need big tough linemen who are ready to go to war.
By Chris
February 23, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Good Morning,
In a team sport, the team comes first, individual player second. Pro baseball teams put the whiny loudmouths together in one room on the road, so their vitriole does not spread to the rest of the team. Mr. Hall, though excellent at what he does, has a tendency to have knee jerk reactions to things that happen to the team or himself. The meltdown in the Carolina game this past year was inexcusable, especially at the professional level, where he is drawing a very high salary for playing cornerback. Apparently, Mr. Hall missed the lesson in life on letting your actions speak louder than your words, and it is costing him at this time. The organization is in team building mode, and looking for the personnel to do just that. Most professionals I know end up moving around during their careers…. it is part of the job. Be part of the team, or find another one. There are plenty of other teams that would employ his skills, so I do believe we will see him this next season in a football uniform, just not an Atlanta one.
By Ben Hill Phil
February 23, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
D.Hall has to go!!! If we could grab an extra first round pick + 3rd or 4th round pick, dammit then let that mofo go. I was on D.Hall’s side until the Carolina blow up
It’s time we get these kids off our team. As big as some of these guys are, you’d think we had more men. This team was full of whinning punks, who cared more about how many karats are in their ear than winning games. We need some grown men on this team. On that note I’d love to get a Healthy Glen Dorsey or Jake Long. If neither are available trade down for more players. Let’s get it done TD!
By bob
February 23, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
trade d. hall. he has a sin filled heart! it is full of self pride.he needs JESUS.JESUS will forgive him and change his life. he can show his new nature in a new town,with a lot less trouble. a good example of this is D. SANDERS! DO WE LOVE THIS MAN ENOUGH TO OFFER HIM A NEW HEART WITH JESUS AS HIS SAVIOR!
By bob
February 23, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
trade d. hall. he has a sin filled heart! it is full of self pride.he needs JESUS.JESUS will forgive him and change his life. he can show his new nature in a new town,with a lot less trouble. a good example of this is D. SANDERS! DO WE LOVE THIS MAN ENOUGH TO OFFER HIM A NEW HEART WITH JESUS AS HIS SAVIOR!
By OhMyGosh
February 23, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Psycho alert
Bob how in the world do you know what’s in a mans heart. Are you Jesus? Now that’s a crazy mofo! Why are you even a football fan, shouldn’t you be in church during the game? Stop judging people.
The guy is a whinner. That’s a fact. He shows immaturity, that’s proven. Sin filled heart, I’m not sure either of us is qualified to judge a mans heart.
Draft some mean spirited, sin filled, angry, and pridefull young men who’ll knock the snot out you for disrespecting ATL. We don’t need preachers
By MrKnowGood
February 23, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
This is horrible…first, you release Alge Crumpler and Rod Coleman; now you’re trying to trade D. Hall. He may have been arrogant, but he at least he was effective. Besides, there were a few situations when his mouth was justified (releasing Grady Jackson, talking back to Petrino, etc). Petrino came into the NFL with a college coach’s arrogance and he got what he deserved…a mutiny in the locker room.
The only problem with our defense last season was the fact that they spent the majority of the game on the field. And why did they spend the majority of the game on the field…BECAUSE OUR OFFENSE COULDN’T GET A FIRST DOWN…MUCH LESS A TOUCHDOWN! And why couldn’t our offense get a first down…BECAUSE OUR OFFENSIVE LINE HAS SUCKED FOR YEARS!!!
As far as I see it, the Falcons owe Warrick Dunn, D. Hall, Alge Crumpler, and Grady Jackson a public apology for hiring Petrino in the first place.
By Steve
February 23, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Good riddance D-Hall! Falcons are better off without that cancer. First priority should to draft on both sides of the line! It will do us no good to have somebody like McFadden or Ryan without somebody to block or protect them! Oh, and please, don’t draft anymore players from Virginia Tech!!
By toshie
February 23, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Hall gets to the combine and says he feels betrayed. Poor little pitiful thing. All we have heard from the mouth piece since last year is that he wants out of Atlanta. So here is his opportunity. Good for Atlanta. They show the only 6 good plays he made in the past 3 years on TV. How about all the times he got burned. Oh well I don’t guess they have that much air time to give to Hall.
By cj
February 23, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Trade Trade Trade D Hall to the Lions for Calvin Johnson and there first pick we give they are first pick and we get there first pick. Then with are first pick we take CB Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie to replace D Hall. With are 2 pick we take OL Gosder Cherilus are other 2 pick we take LB Philip Wheeler.are 3 pick we take TE Martin Rucker. are 4 pick we take DT Frank Okam. are 5 pick take QB Josh Johnson a great QB. are 6 pick we take RB Thomas Brown.
By toshie
February 23, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
The Falcons don’t owe anyone an apology. Those guys get paid well to play their best regardless of who their coach is. They have played ball most of their life. They should be able to make some plays without any coach which they never even tried to. All they wanted to do was put a #7 on their face or run out of the tunnel with a picture of Vick.
By BOB
February 23, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
I DO NOT JUDGE HEARTS,GOD DOES. ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD! A TREE IS KNOWN BY THE FRUIT IT PRODUCES.IT IS APPOINTED TO DIE AND AFTER THAT THE JUDGEMENT.
By cj
February 23, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
The free agent is not that good this year so the Falcons need some good player so we need to get WR Donte Stallworth. OR WR Bernard Berrian. LB Lance Briggs. DT Tommy Kelly.CB Eric Green.OL David Stewart and SS Hamza Abdullah. And one more DE Justin Smith and that is all we need. Amen his name is JESUS
By pactheman
February 23, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Thank goodness!! Hey meangelo, let the door hit you in the a* on the way out. Loser!!
By Vasily D'Efferins
February 23, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
For God’s sake stop talking about DeAngelo Hall. That’s exactly what the stupid punk wants us to do. Send him packing - send them all packing. They climbed up Michael Vick’s butt and now they are paying the price. Out with the old; in with the new. Move along. Nothing more to see here. A new day is dawning, etc, etc, etc ……………..
By Joseph Allen McWhorter
February 23, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Good article. And if Dimitroff can acquire a higher draft pick in this April’s draft by trading Hall, by all means he should do it! Hall has expressed clearly that he wants out of Atlanta and he should be traded. He has done nothing but turned into a trouble maker for the Falcons anyway. He has an inflated ego and a big mouth. I personally think that Dimitroff is a smart football man and if he plays his cards right in April, the Falcons will have an outstanding draft. I still think that it will take at least two years to turn the Falcons around and get them back in the playoffs no matter how good of an offseason they have. I mean, with all of the issues they have had in the past twelve months, they are basically starting from scratch. Let’s face the facts-this franchise is a full blown mess right now and it will take a lot of hard work to fix it! But, I do think that Dimitroff is a good man and he will do his part. Good article.
By Ted Beck
February 23, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
If we get rid of Hall, we still have to replace him. It isn’t like we get an “extra” first round pick. He is still the best DB on the team by far. Houston did not show much last year so if we trade Hall, we will create a serious positional need on this team. Not to mention our weaknesses at safety…..we will have one of the weakest defensive backfields in the NFL. Better be careful what you wish for.
By Geryalder
February 23, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Vick will be back. Vick be back. He picks up the pieces and puts arthur Blanks mess back togather again. Vick comes back to fight for whats is right and gets justice in the end. Vick will be back for the Fans that need him and want to see HIM play and he wants to placy fore and not the crackers. HE will be back! For us!
By dirtybyrd
February 23, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
ok we have all seen d-hall get burned by the real all pros not just once but anytime they needed a first down.so ok cya best of luck, now if we do have same ol same in locker room hows that going to make for real change in 2008? yea we will not win s/b next yr that said we will be better off over the long term no quick fix hear.. ok i cut the plastic off the bottoms of all the lineman on my vibrating game so they would not move then took the one that would go straight on the vibrating board made them the running backs the ones that just went in circles they were the receivers because you could not pass hardley at all any way had several friends that i played against i all ways won because i had modifyed the players putting them in best place to win sound familar, relax folks falcons are truely gonna change for the better.
By Bruce
February 23, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
paddy’s right, we don’t have to look to hard for the “turds” in the locker room. It’s like my old coach said, “Turds always float to the top of the bowl!”
By Bruce
February 23, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
paddy’s right, we don’t have to look to hard for the “turds” in the locker room. It’s like my old coach said, “Turds always float to the top of the bowl!”
By Scooter
February 23, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
According to the nfl draft chart (teams use this as a tool to solidify values to all picks in the draft) Dallas would have to give us every pick they have in the NFL draft to move up to our 3 pick worth 2,200 points. Dallas’s 22nd and 28th picks in the first round combined are worth 1,440 points.
By Chris
February 23, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
I’m not gonna lie, I am or should I say was a huge D-Hall fan until his recent ranting about not wanting to come back. At this time, our organization only needs players that want to be here. As an ex Hall fan, I hope he gets the trade he wants, while we get some players that want to be here. If we gonna trade classy players like Crumpler and Coleman, then a player like Hall should not be far behind. It is really hard to evaluate some of our players because that BUSTER Petrino put everybody in a bad position, so I say please keep Dunn, Milloy and Abraham though and go after some linemen. Go Falcons!!!
By Kenneth
February 23, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
I’m a Georgian living in Denver. What few times I’ve seen Hall you couldn’t trade him for a bucket of muddy water. Running his mouth is all I’ve seen from him and he certainly hasn’t backed none of the mouth up!
By jcarson
February 23, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
The talk about getting Barber AND draft pick(s) for the #3 needs to stop. That is not going to happen. Barber is a proven stud only beginning to realize his potential….they will not let him go. I’m sure the Cowboys would love to have McFadden to go along with Barber, but that doesn’t help us. We need to move on from that.
By The Moongoose
February 23, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
hey jcarson, why should we not explore the trade rumor from dallas? jerry jones has made it clear he would like to have mcfadden and would trade both 1st round picks to move up.if we do that coupled with trading deangelo hall (whom i would love to see packing) we would have 3 1st round and 2 second round picks in the top 50 selections. i agree that marion barber would be a bonus but dallas would have to get rid of someone cause they would have 3 rb’s. we all know this team has alot of holes to fill and this way we could solidify our o-line and d-line. if we don’t do the trade i would like to see either jake long or glenn dorsey with the third pick.
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
You,Godamn stupid sonsab1tches,listen,Mike C******** Vick,Will Never Play for this Team AGAIN!!! Besides It’s about time You Nappy headed scum learn the world don’t just move for you B@stards!!!!
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
He11 Yes I HATE that piece of $hit Mike (bubba’s b1tch)Prick……. Sonofawhore Has never been,and never will be An NFL QB!!!!!!!!! He Does not have the Intelligence,Under that Monkey Shaped Cranium,To do anything more than what he has done,Which is Phuck Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Mark
February 23, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Too bad Meangelo couldn’t cover recievers as well as he runs his mouth. Dump the nog now, and pick up someone with class.
By Dawggy Style
February 23, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
I can get excited about an extra first round pick and losing a cancer like MeAngelo Hall at the same time. It’s icing on the cake hearing that he might be going to the Giants and having to live with Tom Coughlin riding his a* on a daily basis! Good luck in NY and good riddance!
By Jim
February 23, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
DEANGELO HALL is nothing more than another VIRGINIA TECH THUG like his buddy VICK….
Oh how sweet it will be to see him gone… and to know that somehow he’ll end up being the cancer he is on any team but the Falcons….
He is nothing but a punk, pure and simple….good riddance
By Eddie
February 23, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
I agree with the comments about building the O and D lines. There’s no question we have a keeper in Redman, so don’t freaking waste a first round pick on a QB.
By D-Bear
February 23, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Everytime T.O. beat you for a T.D. I felt stabbed in the back. Beat it out of here you loser and don’t come back.
Better yet come back with another team so we can smoke you too.
By caddie
February 23, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
forget about deangelo for now the future of that deffense is michael boley… if we make the right moves this offseason we could maybe end up with johnathan vilma (jets) and tradeing d-hall means we have 4 picks in the first day could get some nice young talent =)
By Jimmy
February 23, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say most of the Vick/Hall backers are black and their haters are white. Hilarous. Yup, that’s Atlanta, the city too busy to hate!
By saint
February 23, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Dimitroff might surprise us and not use the #3 pick on a player: trade it for two players. Or work out something involving the #3 pick AND D-Hall.
By David Duke
February 23, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
There was no market for Crumpler. Teams view him as, potentially, damaged goods and they want to see for themselves that he is healthy and capable of playing at a high level. There is a market for Hall and the Falcons would be wise to move him now. The next guy they need to move is Shoddy White. There may be a market for him. A mid-level draft pick would be about all he would command.
By David Duke
February 23, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Much has been made of Dimitroff and Smith saying they wanted Hall on their team. That’s just something they had to say! If they had said there was no place for him on the Falcons, no General Manager would give anything for him. They would, instead, wait for him to be released. Now, Hall has made it easy for them by loudly proclaiming he wants to be traded. He will be traded! He, Crumpler and Shoddy White assured themselves of being moved with their unseemly, ridiculous and shameful tributes to the felon Mike Vick on national television. That was an embarrassment to Mr. Blank, one he did not countenance at that time and he made up his mind those participating had to go! Go they shall!
By Ken Strickland
February 23, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
JOEBRAVE-judging from your foul mouth and obviously dulled mentality, you must hate almost everything and everyone. You especially hate yourself because you can never seem to measure up to anyone. So, you attempt to reduce everything down your subterranean level so you feel better about yourself. I can only imagine how awful it must be for you to live a lifetime of stupidity and mediocrity. To be limited to vulgarity and gutteral expressions in order to communicate must be equally painful.
Many of you are so quick to attach negative labels to people and then pass judgement on others by association. This is the action and mentality that breeds racism, sexism and discrimination in general. You catagorize MVick and DHall as thugs then associate them with all players and students from VTech. Has DHall broken any laws or committed any crimes that any of you know about? I don’t see any of you referring to LLohan, BSpears, TBrady, BBelicheck, PManning, MSchaub, GBush or his daughters as thugs for any of their behavior and/or indiscretions.
MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, THE WORD “THUG” IS THE NEW RACIALLY MOVATED CODE WORD FOR REFERRING TO BLACKS ONLY. MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, THAT’S WHY THE WORD IS NEVER USED IN ASSOCIATION WITH OVER 90% OF THE PEOPLE WHO COMMIT VILE UNSPEAKABLE CRIMES LIKE SERIAL KILLING, BOMBING AND RAPE, CHILD MOLESTATION, MASS MURDER, INCEST, CANNIBALISM, ANIMAL SEX, ETC.
By kj
February 23, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Man, We almost made it through an entire blog without the race card being dealt. There may be hope in this city afterall. Black or white D.Hall is an average cover corner at best and we would be smart to move him while we can get the highest value for him. As for my fellow atlantans who seem to have problems realizing that it’s 2008 and not 1958 c’mon. Honestly, When is it going to stop? A wise man once said that change starts with one’s self so how about it? We still pride ourselves on southern hospitality here right? right?
By David Duke
February 23, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
That Mike Vick is a thug is documented! Before Mike Vick copped a plea, it is well known that Duhangelo Hall was going to be called as a witness, by the prosecution, at his trial. At his home, Hall’s, there are about a dozen pit bulls. He has the tattoos, the pit bulls and the bling associated with “thug life.” Now, it was argued for a long time that Mike Vick was merely adhering to a style popularized in hip-hop music. That, as we all now know, was not the case. He was, for six years, the mastermind and the money behind a criminal enterprise. As for labeling blacks thugs, they did that! The concept of “thug life” was popularized and articulated by Tupac Shakur, may he rest in peace. You can not have it both ways. You can not call it a style when black people embrace the term and become incensed when whites use the same label to identify those who portray themselves in this manner. Vick is a thug and he’s in prison for his thug life. Hall adheres to the style and, I suspect, it’s more than just fashion. Criminals are criminals and it has nothing to do with what ethnicity they call home. Thug life, however, carries with it a threat that may or may not come to pass. It is this menacing component that sets it apart. Have you watched any of the hip-hop, rap videos? Have you driven or, worse, walked down a street with a group of menacing, young blacks standing there staring a hole through you? It really doesn’t matter whether you are black or white, these chumps don’t seem to like anyone. Now, there are whites who have been infected. You see them everywhere. The problem originated with music and music videos and its spreading. By the way, these young whites are definitely thugs. Anyone who purposely poses a threat to others, be it spoken or unspoken is a thug!
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Well said David Duke!!!! As for You Ken, Te Next time You Address Me!!! it better be with Sir!!!!
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Ken,why do You feel it neccessary,to interject Yourself,into a line of Fire that has never,been aimed your way?????? My comments are aimed directly to the ignorance,of those that purposely,call me out,or continue to Rant,and Rave,for a convicted felon to lead this Football team,I don’t condone the Actions of many of either Race,I don’t care what color,from Arohn Kee,to Charles Manson,one is Black,the other White….. it is not Your skin color,that labels you it is your IGNORANCE,and Your Actions!!!!!! I have never seperated you from Myself,it is always the Ignorant Racist Black MAn,that has seperated themselves from me!!!! I consider all born here American,not AfricanAmerican,Dutch-American,Kenyan_American,Asian-American,You People Label yourselves then try to justify it by What an anscestor went through,then claim it for yourselves,and to that I say Bu11sh1t,Don’t blame this society Today for Yesterday’s Transgressions,and Don’t even come back with that Crap,about 400,or 40 Years ago!!! it is what it is an unfortunate place in History that has tried to be rectified,But who Won’t or refuses to let it Die,,Look in the Mirror,you will see the real Racist,and until you stop thinking that Every one,everywhere,Owes you individually,thaen you sir will remain Ignorant,and Racist….
No not everyone shares the same view as the ignorant few here that want,That insepid,dirtbag,Mike Vick back here,No he should NEVER be Allowed back on an NFL field!!! He is a disease spreading,herpes infested,lying,dog-killin,thieving THUG!!!!!!
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
And by the way,the guttertramps,Lindsay Lohan,and Bittany Spears,and George (the sado-masicist)Bush,nor Hannibal Lechter(the worst of all the scumbags,play Football for The Falcons,that is what’s being dealt with here!!!! We as White men,(that would be Cracker,Snow-flake,honky,ghost)to you,do not sit around and Fantasize about Gutter tramps,like that,as for George B2stard Bush,he should sit his worthless @ss on the Font lines in Iraq for a while himsel,I have,I know what my Military,Brothers,and Sisters,are going through!!!! Can you say that Ken????????????????
By Tommy Maddox
February 23, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
It’s too bad D. Hall can’t read - then he’d really know that we want him gone as bad as he wants himself gone.
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Lo and Behold even as we speak here look what the AJC does,who is that on the sports front page????? well well it’s Bubba’s girlfriend,Ol mikey the Dog killa!!!!
By T-Ball
February 23, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Michael Vick rule this towne and will again once more. Blank knows the compelxion here and whose city it is here. Crackers can leave as the migraition is back to the city to take OUR towne back for us!!
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
T_Ball,is a prime Example of Ignorance!!!!!!Shut up ghetto Trash!!!!
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Hey,TBall,The only thing Mike Vick,Is ruling,is the time slots at the Prison shower stalls,That way Bubba don’t have to b1tch slap him for not soaping up dat azz !!!!!!!!
By quint
February 23, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
I can actually empathize with Deangelo Hall. I shoot off my mouth without thinking, too. But, I am a pretty good teammate and I know when I am wrong. I know how to sincerely apologize and regain the trust that I might have damaged.
That being said, his money-grubbing, self-promoting, overrated tail needs to be gone. He started all of this by shooting off his mouth about not playing this year if he doesn’t get a contract extension before the season. Now he is saying that he feels betrayed? Arrogant little turd should shut up.
Hey, D: if you read these blogs I hope you know that a whole lot of us have defended and supported you over the years. But now, you have worn out your welcome. Good riddance. Grow up. You are always talking about being treated like a man, well you have to act like a man, first. Learn your lesson. (And learn to tackle, Deion-Wannabe!)
By T-Ball
February 23, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
The Braves will soon be changing colores to when Obama sweepes into the “House”. The day of Katrina is over JoeBRAVE. No more levyes No more trades of only Blacks NO more lynhcing of BLACK quaterbacks. No more JOEYs for the Crackers to make them feel good. Turners Field will get renamed. The DOME will be to. You can keep the ICE hocky for the snow cones!
By neckville redneck
February 23, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
your home home town redneck !Joe Brave have you fixed that one green tooth in yo head yet. go some where ans set yo redneck @$$ down some where you are a clown!
By Son of a Gun
February 23, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
MeAngelo needs to go. Hopefully we can get a first rounder from him. His persistent bad attitude and childish behavior is the last thing this team needs. I completely commend the Falcons management for cutting the fat last week. We need a fresh start. I think the only people we need back are Dunn and Brooking. I know Brooking is aging but he’s the heart of the defense and will be necessary for helping a young defense mature next season. We need to keep Dunn for the same reasons. He’s a character guy that will help the young offense mature.
I’m confused as to why so many people want to draft McFadden. Sure he was good in college… but so was Reggie Bush, and look how that ended up. He’s probably only going to be as good as our offensive line. Thankfully, Dimitroff knows what’s best for the team and will likely draft someone with more upside, like Jake Long, Glenn Dorsey or Matt Ryan.
This draft is going to be interesting.
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
You Idiot Nigs,need to crawl back into your Ghetto trailers,and creep yourselves to sleep!!! OBAMA AIN’T WINNING $HIT,Besides,That sonofawhore isn’t even Black,you Phukkin retards,don’t know $hit!!!Dumb@ss Koons!!!!
By joebrave
February 23, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Hey,Yo T_Ball,and Neckville,How bout you Dumb B@stards Learn how to Spell,before you even try to compete!!!!Stupid Illeterate,Crackheads!!!!!
By David Duke
February 23, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
T-Ball, your lack of intellect is appalling and your paucity of education is glaringly apparent. What will you rename Turner Field? Will it be Rap Brown Field? What about the Dome? Mombulu Round Concrete Mess?
Who lynched Vick? Seems to me he did it all to himself. So, you’re going to run all the white people off huh? Boy, the city of Atlanta is run by picaninnys but the real power in the economy comes from white people. if all the whites left, who would you hate? how would you eat? Within six months there would be complete lawlessness here just as New orleans fell into total chaos when the whites were gone.
As for Barack Osama, he won’t be elected. White people, even life-long Democrats, will cross over in droves to vote against him. I’ll be one of them! See ya T-Bone!