AJC > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLions without a roar
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As the Falcons continue their travels to Felineworld, here’s a bit of old business from last week to tie up: Chad Johnson has zapped the Mohawk. Still waiting for photographic confirmation. While we do, Enemy Watch has four words to say to Ol’ Ocho Cinco:
Go away, would ya?
It’s one thing to jab at DeAngelo Hall. But now the Bengals’ widemouth wideout says he’s ready for a piece of Ray Lewis, and states his objective against the All-Pro LB stud succinctly: “Hit him in the mouth.”
Be careful what you wish for, Chad. Especially if the Ravens star suggests a meeting place in a dark alley in Buckhead.
All of this seems a whole lot more interesting than the Falcons meeting the 1-6 Lions. But it now seems like D. Hall is having a bit of verbal sparring with receiver Roy Williams, the best deep threat for an increasingly potent Detroit offense.
According to Hall, Williams started it all Wednesday by saying the Falcons CB might need some help covering deep pass routes. Hall called it “a good little Chad Johnson-like comment,” then added, “I play the game. I’m a Pro Bowler, he’s not. I’m considered one of the best at what I do, he’s not. So, all the other stuff, we’ll see on Sunday.”
Guess last week’s team orders to clam up about Johnson doesn’t apply here. Or D’s about to get in some trouble.
It’s no time to panic for the 1-6 Lions — but this pundit suggests that they MUST win 3 of the next 4 games No, no panic at all.
And what about the game against Falcons? “It’s also winnable because, well, they have the inconsistent Michael Vick at quarterback.”
Must not have seen No. 7’s show against the Bengals.
No, most of the attention given to the Lions is about how simply awful they are, and how worse they continue to get.
Here’s a vote for second-year wide receiver Mike Williams as “The most useless player in the NFL.”
The ex-USCer, a first-round pick last year, is blowing out the salary cap with his huge contract, and he’s appeared in only two of seven games thus far. He’s never gotten himself into proper playing shape and has shown dismal professionalism.
But the Lions, who can’t dump him, released instead veteran Az-Zahir Hakim this week without offering an explanation. He was dispensable in what’s being referred to as a “roulette” situation at receiver.
Surely, they must be aware of some of the Falcons’ secondary problems.
Much of the finger-pointing in Detroit is directed toward the front office, where GM Matt Millen is “still employed,” much to the chagrin of Lions Nation. Ex-UGA Bulldog LB Boss Bailey has been benched from what is already a very bad defense.
Some think the Lions should be in prime position to make a GOOD draft pick next year. Then again, there’s Millen’s “accrued incompetence.” That’s one of the kinder things Enemy Watch unearthed about him. Somewhere in the Lions HQ somebody is saying: “You’re doing a heckuva job, Millie!”
Bird Babe is warning to watch out for the Lions, especially with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz starting to get in a groove.
Indeed, “Lions players believe in Martz.” They have to believe in somebody. Says fullback Cory Schlesinger: “Once Martz figures out the defense, it’s hard to stop us.”
But will it be enough to turn around what’s looking to be another forgettable season in Motown?
Permalink | Comments (40) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons
Comments
By Darrin "The Vent King"
November 2, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
As far as the Lions defense vs MV7 and co. goes, I’m not very worried. But, with a secondary like ours and a more than decent OB in Kitna and a mad scientist of an offensive coach in Martz, I have BIG concerns. The rush better be on or our secondary, unless they have pride and want to silence critics after their two last funk-ups vs the Bengals and Steelers, is in for a long day. If Vick can look like he has the last two weeks, we should be okay, but if not, Detroit has the ability to take this one from us. This by no means is going to be a cake-walk. I just hope the boys remember last year when we were at 6-2 and riding high like we are now. Don’t snooze or you might just lose. If anything, I believe Mora and co. will NOT let that happen again or at least they better not! GO FALCONS
By A falcon fan
November 2, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
I usually would be concerned about this type of game because the falcons are susceptable (georgia teams in general) to let down games. But I can’t even force myself this time to be cautious. The falcons should run over this team. It won’t be close. We have way to many weapons. We could hand it off like we did the first several games and win convincingly. In fact that’s what I hope they do. Forget the pass, run it and get the w and move on.
By Edd Anderson
November 2, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
Falcons 38-10. Vick will sit out 4th quarter and Matt will get a few reps. Norwood gives Dunn a rest after 150 yards. Go Falcons !!!
By Sicem
November 2, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Mike Williams is just another fine example of how over rated USC as well as the PAC 10 is. Its easy to look good when you play high school caliber teams every week. Weak conference produces weak players and it shows when they get to the pros. Take a look at the Hiesman Trophy winner LOL Reggie Bushes stats this year. Vince Young was without a doubt the best player in the NCAA last season as well as 03 and 04 but was robbed by lesser talented USC players every time. What a joke! I cant believe that the sports writers as well as the coaches dont see the Pac 10 for what it is THE WORST CONFERENCE IN NCAA DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL! Anyway enough about that. The Falcons will easily dominate a much weaker team this week as well as next. GO YOU DIRTY BIRDS!
By Edward
November 2, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
This is the NFL…Any Given Sunday…Our pass defense has me very worried about this game…
By Sicem
November 2, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
Mike williams is just another player from over rated USC to show up to be poor to average when they get to the pros! Look at Hiesman LOL winner Reggie Bushes stats this year best player in the NCAA last year? YEA RIGHT! ITS EASY TO LOOK GOOD WHEN YOU PLAY HIGH SCHOOL CALIBER TEAMS ALL THE TIME. PAC 10 WHAT A JOKE! Vince Young was robbed by over rated USC players 3 years for the trophy and he showed it when he played them. Anyway the Falcons will demolish a lesser team the next 2 weeks for sure! GO YOU DIRTY BIRDS!
By dbarron
November 2, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
Has anybody noticed that the bears have gooten fat on crappy teams. The only playoff calibur team they played so far has been the seahawks without shaun alexander, their big threat.
they have crucial games coming up soon against the patriots, and giants. chalk up tow losses of the bears!
go birds, moving on to 6-2! 37-7 atl prevails over the cowardly lions!
By bushwacker
November 2, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
We kicked Detroits butt last year when we sucked, that was the last game we won last season on Thanksgiving Day. It’s gonna ugly Sunday, mike is going to get stupid on em!
By Dave
November 2, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this
As a Lion’s fan, I say fan because that’s where I’m from, so I’m stuck with the team (don’t beleve in bandwagon fans). We do have some hope Sunday, keep your D on the field by controlling the line and running K.Jones. Kitna can hit his wideouts. Also Det will have all it’s starters on the O line together for the first time this year that will make the line better. Defense is our biggest weakness we made L.Washington from the Jets look like a hall of famer, but we are at home and 22-9 all time aganst the Falcons.
By singletary
November 2, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
I may live to eat these words (it is snoclaF football, after all,) but they are professionals. They should win this game.
I’m intending to be worried next about Ravens. (Sez me, always fretting on Sundays.)
By SICEM
November 2, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the two similar posts. My computer is dragging its feet and I thought the first one didnt submit.
By A falcon fan
November 2, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
Dave,
I respect your loyalty for your team. Going out on a falcons blog shows you are a true fan. From the other sides perspective, k.jones will be going against our better lineup against the run. Our best pass rushers are down so Detroit could probably better exploit our pass defense. It will probably be a situation where Kitna’s got to pass you into a w. From the outside looking in, I think if we jump out in front he is going to have tough day.
By Anthony
November 2, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
How bout we change his name to Edgertoon Hurtwell! What a Peerless LowPrice waste! I wonder if he can be claimed as a “Dependent” on my taxes next year?
By Richard
November 2, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
mora as long as you keep Jwebster in there we have a large hold in D, let J william get his feet wet, although he should know they will try him all day until he shows them he dont play that!the 10 to 12 yard that webster have to give is killing us on short yardage, yes he’s a good tackler but his 0-60 in 1 min has turned to 0-60 in 5mins, I know you are aware of cleveland,baltimore and N.O 3 tough games coming and the defense isnt totally healthy yet at least take away the deep ball, lawyer, dAngelo& crockett will keep jimmy focus, trust me he wants to start, GO FALCONS
By nawdydawg
November 3, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are undoubtedly the better team coming into this game against the Lions, but they will lose this one if they think the Lions are just going to “hand” it to them! I guarantee the Lions are going to throw everything they have at us. Don’t forget that we always seem to have problems with these guys every year even though they are having a woeful season. Falcons, you need to treat this game like a playoff game or we lose this one. Go Birds !!!!!!!!!!!!
By savannah falcon
November 3, 2006 06:30 AM | Link to this
Webster plays 10 yards off the line, because he is too slow to keep up with a receiver. He depends on the strong safety for help. We need a younger, stronger and faster CB. The only tackles Webster have this year, is pushing the receiver out of bounds. Think about it coach! We need help! Mathis can fill that position or Williams.
By Eric C.
November 3, 2006 07:01 AM | Link to this
What the he!! are people thinking? Believe me, I’d be tickled to pieces if the Falcons gave up less than 2 TDs in this game…but there’s no way that’s going to happen with an injured Coleman and Kitna picking apart the secondary. The Falcons are going to have win another shoot-out…something like 37-28 perhaps.
By Eric C.
November 3, 2006 07:10 AM | Link to this
Dave,
If your Lions win…it isn’t going to be from handing off to K. Jones. Lions will get big passing numbers…but they will probably need at least a +2 TO margin to win.
By Barry
November 3, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this
Hey Yall:
This game with the Lions will be text book coaching. Run the ball. Keep the ball away from the opposing teams potential quick strike offense. I say potential because they are 1 and 6. What ever they are trying in their passing game it currently is not working too well. Nevertheless, the Falcons defense must keep it that way. This is a great time to see a lot of interceptions ang quarterback sacks. Therefore, let’s get those blitz packages together and let’s play some NASTY, DIRTY, SMASHMOUTH DEFENSE. Lets Go FALCONS!!!!!!! SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! This is a SECRET. Don’t tell nobody.
Ringold
By Dave
November 3, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
Sicem should check his facts before shooting off his mouth. U.S.C. is four and zero with about two hundred points scored against S.E.C. schools including the most likely S.E.C champion!
By Rutuger
November 3, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
When I saw the title of this blog I thought it was surely a piece on Ed Hartwell.
By CK
November 3, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
rutuger….me too
By Edgar
November 3, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
Looks like we all feel the same about this LB. For the most part he’s just a high priced sub. All that talk about him being the second coming of Ray Lewis was bull. The thing I remember most was when Ray was injured that year the Raven D went into the toilet. I’ll say this though, with Boley, Williams and Brooking it seems that corp does a good job. Where we need that extra pop is with John Abraham. When he’s healthy the defense just seems to jack up on run defense and the secondary becomes second to none. Without him we’re just average. I really hope the surgery he had will give him a chance to be the player we know he is. This game Sunday concerns me too. I’m a true believer in the “Any Given Sunday” scenario and this team looks like it can do it to us. I’m sure they remember what happened last Thanksgiving day when we went in totally embarrassed them. They lost their coach but they also lost the easy going leave at 2pm type situation for a new coach that stays on their tails 24/7. If we go in and beat these guys down then I’ll breath a little easier about the rest of the season barring some bad injuries. Anyway, lets go take care of business this Sunday.
By Robert Sagoes
November 3, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
Would someone please tell me where is Jordan Beck? Why have a back up and nnot use him? All the games I’ve seen him play, he was stout in the middle. Moved to the ball really good, and yet, from the powers that be don’t play him. Is he hurt? I know he is a second year man, but how do he get any experience, if he’s not played? I’m sure if he got in he would play great. Help someoone tell me something..
By JJ Falcon for Life
November 3, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
I really want to see the Falcons have a great day running the ball. I want to see Mike look good throwing the ball and most of all play “ball control offense”. Hopefully the defense can get on top of the Lions and keep them down the whole game. I would like nothing better than for the outcome of this game to be obviously in our favor from the opening possesion. I think to give Jimmy Williams extended playing time this week would be a good idea!
By Darryl Woods
November 3, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this
Hey layoff “Ocho Cinco”. I like the trash talk. It seems to me that certain segments of society are always belittling some aspects or behavior by “brothers” in big time sports. Trash talk is part of our culture, and it’s about time the NFL(No Fun League) and NBA stop tryin to squash a very entertaining part of the game, and expression of us(African Americans)
By sharon
November 3, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
Rutger I thought the same thing.
By Justin
November 3, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this
I’ve Read The Comments On Here.And It Seems Some Of You Feel How I Do,About The CB Position.I Just Wished Mora And Co. Actually Read Some Of These Things.Do You All Know That Mora Brought Webster With Him From San Fran,So A Change Might Not Happen.But One Thing I Do Know.If He Keep Getting Beat On Converages He And Webster Might End Up Back In San Fran.Thats Not What You Want Is It Mora.PLEASE GIVE THE YOUNG GUY A CHANCE(START JIMMY)It’s For The Better Of The Team.(NOW AND FOR THE LONG HAUL)P.S.From A REAL CONCERNED FAN.GO FALCONS
By Scooter11
November 3, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
Hey, Darryl: It’s ‘sport’, not a cultural festival. Certain aspects of ‘culture’ diminish the ‘entertainment’ value, and show no respect for the sport itself or the majority of its patrons. It ain’t always all about the ‘brothers’, and it ain’t always entertaining. And the word is ‘quash’.
By Eternal Optimist
November 3, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
I was as critical of Mora as anyone. Especially during the two game skid that we suffered from a few weeks ago. But after the recent improvements I’m willing to give the guy at least the benefit of the doubt,at least for now. Our offense has made conciderable improvements. Now our main problem is the defense. We are weak at middle line backer (Hartwell consistently hurt) and at DEnd (JAbraham-groin). Brooking filling for Hartwell doesnt play to his strengths. Middle LB is a runn stopper, and Brooking is undersized to fill that role. And the cornerback play opposite of DHall has been terrible. It is obvious that teams are just picking on Webster and I don’t see any end to it. I can’t understand why our coaching staff is in love with all these under sized players. Wether it be on the offensive/defensive lines or secondary it seems as if we find the smallest players to fill that role. Yeah speed gives you an small advantage in the 1-3rd quarters but the fourth quarter is all about smash mouth football and the small guys just can’t do it. Lets keep a mix of speed, size and strength in front of Vick and opposing QB’s and we’ll go far
By cj
November 3, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
I’m really excited about what the falcons are doing right now. I’m thinking these two new linemen should be mainstays in the offense with the type of time their giving vick. As for Martz the mad scientist, don’t forget the unmerciful beating we unleashed on the rams just two years ago on our way to the NFC championship. And that was without a healthy D Hall. I’m just thinking that if you take the fact that Mike Furrey is no Isaac Bruce and Roy Williams is no Torry Holt and will be getting D Halled all day, the Birds should take care of business. That is so long as they don’t play to the level of their competition, as has been the case in the past. No Shaun Rogers (Run All DAY) 30 th pass defense (throw all DAY)… I’m calling a big game for J. Norwood and War Dizzle.
By Dodge Carithers
November 3, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
Falcon will win at all cost and Detoit will contiue to be Detroit Birds pecks Lions for Sunday dinner
By cj
November 3, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
Scooter11… I find your comments to be very condescending in regards to Darryl’s statement. There is a great deal of humor attached to Johnson’s comments and in all honesty it adds intrigue to the game. I’m sure that his comments didn’t make you want to see the game any less, if anything you were probably happy when Crocker took him down. But would you have felt that if Chad Johnson had not evoked that emotion? Perhaps that isn’t the case, but for you to assume that “most patrons” dislike the verbal jousting is to make a general and uninformed statement. And if not for the brothers and their culture in this game we all know and love, how entertaining would it actually be? —> (A brother that doesn’t want smack talk ‘quashed’)
By SD
November 3, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
I don’t appreciate most smack-talking, but c’mon! Chad Johnson is hilarious! He’s not even trying to be a bad-a*, he’s trying to be funny and entertaining (not that there’s a lack of confidence, or anything).
It’s the same reason I think Shaq is funny as hell. They are intelligent men, having fun playing a game. Don’t think that, because they are athletes, they are not smart. Charles Barkley was the same way.
YOu really think Chad wants a piece of Ray Lewis in the middle? He was really insulting their CB’s if you saw the entire conversation.
He continues to do this and when he gets beat, he admits it.
Oh… and I’m white. I mean, SUV driving, two dogs, wife, kid, house in the suburbs-white. (Oh I thought we were making it necessary to disclose what color we were). No reason to read between the lines. That WAS a criticism.
By Justin
November 3, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
The whole defense has me worried right now. Everyone keeps mentioning webster’s faults, which are true, but what about the run defense everyone is so proud of? If the Bengals would have kept running the ball last week, we lose that game. They didn’t stop rudi johnson (or his backup for that matter)not even once in the backfield. the secondary as a whole is playing pretty badly, two weeks ago they made one of the worst quaterbacks in the league, big ben, and his backup charlie batch look like peyton manning. I live in sw missouri where i’m swamped with chiefs fans. And the last few years the chiefs offense has been amazing and their defense loses games for them, which is what this falcons team is looking like this year. Abraham, Coleman need to get back asap. Abraham looked amazing in the opener, if he can just stay healthy enough to compete.
By Justin in MO
November 3, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Martz is no genious, actually far from it. In St. Louis it was Vermiel who ran that teams offense so perfectly, and this year we are seeing what Martz can do without the talents of Holt, Bruce, Faulk and all the other Hall of Famers, which turns out, isnt much.
By T-Dog
November 3, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does Jason Webster look like the second coming of former Falcons cornerbacks Rick Bias or Bobby Butler?
By cj
November 3, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
hey guys have you ever seen our 2002 draft picks… horrible, i don’t think any of them are on the team anymore. I just found that interesting. (we picked duckett in first round and Clinton Portis was available).
By Stewart
November 4, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this
If we can stop the run, we will win the division.
By Justin in MO
November 4, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
We miss Duckett in the red zone this year.