Falcons

By jeff

August 23, 2005 04:09 PM | Link to this

Heck yeah, Finneran should start! He’s the only receiver we have that makes plays. I can’t count Roddy yet because we haven’t seen him and Vick together. But straight up, Finneran is a big target. My only problem is he drops the easy balls, but catches the hard receptions. Jenkins is a joke. He doesn’t want the ball. Are top 3 rotation? Finn, Roddy, and “Sunshine”. Yeah it doesn’t look good. But Price, D White, and Jenkins can’t do any better.

By A Real Fan

August 23, 2005 04:17 PM | Link to this

We need sure hands. Let Finneran and Sunshine Start!

By Joel

August 23, 2005 04:18 PM | Link to this

I’m with ya Jeff. Finneran should start as he is the only one who has done anything this preseason (Jenkins dropping that ball in the end zone last weekend made me sick). Over the years he has continually demonstrated that he understands how to play with Vick. He may drop a ball now and then, but so do most receivers. I was watching NFL network when they were showing the 98 playoff game between the Pack and 49ers. T.O. dropped a whole bunch of balls in that game. Point is, Finn is reliable with great work ethic. May not be fast, but has the height to compensate.

By wc nichols

August 23, 2005 04:28 PM | Link to this

TWO YEARS AGO I WOULD HAVE NEVER IMAGINED SAYING THIS,BUT FINNERAN HAS PROVEN THAT HE IS NOT ALL THUMBS AND IS DEFINITELY IN RHYTHM WITH VICK. START HIM UNTIL SOMEONE STEPS UP.

By Big Al

August 23, 2005 05:09 PM | Link to this

There never was a question about Finnernan being the best of the bunch. I don’t know where Dez White even shows up and price has his own demons.

It should be Fin, Jenkins, Roddy and Sunshine. Too much emphasis on speed and not enough on routes and hands!!!

By Rick

August 23, 2005 06:29 PM | Link to this

I always figured that there was something the coaches knew about Finn the rest of us did not know. He catches passes, he blocks and plays hurt. For some reason never started. You do not get a roster spot on a NFL team and not earn it, so why not start him?

By Stacy

August 23, 2005 06:31 PM | Link to this

Yeah,Finneran should start.He almost had a 1,000 rec. yards in 02’,with a younger Vick and a cast of others(Gaylor,McCord,Jefferson) on the other side.The Falcons actually had more of a balanced attack and Vicks numbers were a whole lot better.

I’d put Finneran on 1 side,R. White on the other….and in the 3 WR sets,move Finneran inside and let Jenkins be outside.

Price and Dez hite haven’t showed me jack.Keep sunshine around also,the kid can get better.these other 2 don’t seem to want to get any better.

Go ahead and ramble about the undrafted rookie free agent,and I’ll remind you of 1 Ed McCaffery of the Denver Broncos.

By John Manautou

August 23, 2005 06:45 PM | Link to this

I still say go with Finn and Price. Price will do well this year!

By bernard poole

August 23, 2005 06:47 PM | Link to this

maybe finn should i say sign koren robinson

By doc

August 23, 2005 06:48 PM | Link to this

guys, though i like fins effort and his size he is a posession receiver that if you really look back and are objective has had his share of drops and unfortunately doesnt stay healthy for one reason or another. he’s fragile and he doesnt get the separation to be taken seriously to spread the defense so he is one dimensional.

now why didnt we figure out a way to trade a 5th rounder to the browns to get the receiver the pats picked up? i guess we are waitihg to pick somebody up from the pats when they do their final cut. go figure, i guess it is why some have and some dont. lets begin to think out of the box folks. sunshine might be a start if he can make it through the season.

almost threw up today as mora reflected on the herrion death saying he feels his job is to look out for his players health within days of suggesting a concussion wouldnt sideline peerless and allow him to play within 5 days. i like mora but having played sports no coach looks out for the health of anyone except the qb’s. as a doc i knew it would have gone against common protocol following a bell ringing like that. it would have been malpractice in the real world and no doc would have had legs to stand on. i am glad reason took over but it may look “weak” to the uninformed.

By Jennifer Sabatier

August 23, 2005 07:10 PM | Link to this

I still haven’t seen Sunshine in action. Can someone give me some info?

By Erik

August 23, 2005 07:51 PM | Link to this

Jen, Sunshine’s not talented special telent wise, he just catch’s the ball.

By Jennifer Sabatier

August 23, 2005 08:06 PM | Link to this

Did he perform well under pressure during any preseason game? I plan to catch the next one, but I missed the first two, or was it three? Lord, I’ve been out of it this preseason….

By William Kitchens

August 23, 2005 08:24 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the new blog…

I have always been a fan of Finneran and had hoped he would have played more in previous seasons.

It doesn’t matter if he starts or not, the Falcons bring him in on most 3 outs anyway… we still need a healthy and smart Roddy White and/or speed threat to make this passing game work.

But I would prefer Finneran full-time with a healthy speed threat that can play.

By FalcoW810

August 23, 2005 09:07 PM | Link to this

Jeff, considering what we have, I agree with you, but we should be very concerned that Finneran is our go to guy, with all respect to Brian. Let the young guys develope, you cannot burn young talent this early in their learning phase.

By Evan

August 23, 2005 10:26 PM | Link to this

Doc - I thought your comments were a little off regarding Finneran. No offense, but your whole entry disentegrated into a rambling off-topic mess. Anyway, Finneran has had some injuries, but has played through many of those injuries. I think he’s extremely tough.

Finneran is currently the best possession receiver on the team by far. A possession receiver, while not the sexy position, is very important. He should be on the field more often - he should start.

Lastly, Fin is a great blocking WR. He set up Duckett’s long TD run against the Titans.

I agree with many though that he needs to work on consistency with catching the easier passes.

By Falconsbeliever

August 23, 2005 11:04 PM | Link to this

Those of you who think Jenkins shouls start are crazy. he has proven absolutely nothing. Finneran has performed better than all other WR’s this preseason and should start. Not to mention, the chemistry between he a Vick.

The other WR should be Peerless. Like or not, he’s currently the second best WR on our team. Sure, that will change once Roddy develops, but he isn’t there yet. It’s sad, but Peerless gives us a much better chance to win than Jenkins.

By doc

August 23, 2005 11:16 PM | Link to this

evan the ramble was about receivers that we seem to have few of and in a sense to answer peerless detractors before they get started on his toughness.

it is interesting that after i said what i did and you felt i was a little off you agreed with my thoughts on finneran that he was a possession receiver who isnt as consistant as he needs to be but may be the best we have. i agree he is tough and has come back from injury as quick as possible but he thus far is unreliable for avoiding injury therefore not the answer.

for those who think he is another mccaffery or even like the guy that tampa couldnt agree with to sign last year he has two problems; one, he doesnt have elway to throw to him as vick’s ball is a tough one to catch and two, he doesnt have the speed around him as mccafrey had at two outside positions not to forget a great running game to take the pressure off of him. if you listen to the experts they say the major problem is the atlanta receivers dont create space and finneran cant do that either.

finally, right now i dont see anything to make me believe we upgraded the receiver position significantly.now, is finneran the answer? NO, he doesnt catch them, as you said, consistently and he cant get open on his own which is what we have now spent three first round draft choices, on not blockers. need more clarity?

By Stacy

August 24, 2005 12:23 AM | Link to this

Doc,do you have a clue as to what your talking about?

Finneran has missed 6 games in 3 seasons.4 in 03’,2 in 04’,none in 02’.I don’t see that as being injury plagued.

As for the Ed McCaffery comment,guy we just led the NFL in rushing,other teams usually stack the box to stop this.Amd I’m sorry,but Rod Smith has never been blessed with sprinters speed.Sharpe was the 1 of the best TEs in the game ever,but I think Crumpler is good also,so it’s not like that position takes away from any where else.

The bottom line is,you can have all the speed in the world…but if you can’t run a route or get “open”,that speed is a waste.Sure Finn has problems with the “easy” catches,but alot of WRs have the occasional hiccup.Find me one who has never had a drop,and I’ll call you a liar…which brings me to this about your comments on coach Mora.

8-23-05 press conference *per AtlantaFalcons.com-

Q-“Is Peerless out for this weeks game?”

Mora-“I haven’t heard that yet. I know that if he’s having headaches,then he’s out.As of this morning,he had a little bit of a headache.I don’t think it’s to serious.That’s something you don’t won’t to mess with.It’s like the heat related-illnesses.You just don’t mess with those things.It’s different than a sprain or a bruise.”

What was that garbage you shoveled about not caring about other players other than a QB? Pffft…I feel sorry for the sick who come to see you.Save your “long winded-ness” for those who are paying for it.

By Matthew Cafaro

August 24, 2005 12:41 AM | Link to this

Finn should definately start. Not only does he catch the damn ball, he’s the only wide out who doesn’t stop running around when Vick is scrambling. He actually gets open so Vick can toss the ‘skin instead of putting down his head and running upfield. Remember the Pittsburgh game, y’all? Finn catching those balls on like 3rd and 20?

But y’all who keep calling for Worthless… I just don’t get you. Especially you, John M. You actually believe he’s going to have a “great” year? What planet are you on. Here’s a direct quote from Mora:

When asked last week to assess the value he sees in a top-five group of receivers that includes Dez White , Finneran, Jenkins, Price and Roddy White, Mora was unexpectedly candid.

“Maybe with Finn and Dez. I mean, I feel comfortable knowing exactly what they are as players,” Mora said. “With the other three guys we’re focusing on, I can’t say that. You certainly can’t say that about Roddy and Michael because none of us have really seen them play at this level.

“And with Peerless, there’s issues of how’s he responding to being demoted. Has his blocking improved to the point where he’s not a liability on runs but he becomes an asset? It’s kind of funny we’re still saying that about a five- or six-year veteran, but that’s the facts of the matter.”

This is what Mora says about Worthless. Why would any of you still be in this guy’s corner? What particular reason? Are y’all in trouble with the law and trying to establish a pattern of insanity to help your case? ‘Cause that’s the only reason I can think of.

Where are you Worthless’s Mama?

By Casey Hudson

August 24, 2005 01:18 AM | Link to this

Here’s a crazy idea. Why not play all of them and see who plays the best?

By Neil McDougall

August 24, 2005 07:55 AM | Link to this

hey guys, how about some more coverage? We are deep in the preseason and the falcons coverage is thinner than a supermodel. One 3 paragraph blog every few days just isn’t cutting it. Give us more detailed information on the races, more extensive game reports for people thst didn’t see the games. Overall the Falcons coverage is WAY worse than last year. You can all do better.

By A.K.A. Tay

August 24, 2005 08:22 AM | Link to this

“Atlanta Falcons STOMP 2006!” Download the MP3 HOT NEW Theme Song!

I know you remember the hot 2CRUNK.com hit we released late last year the “Atlanta Falcons STOMP” by BIG Tw@n & A.K.A. Tay. We have remade the track adding booming, rolling bass drops accompanied by hard, driving rock guitar along with clearer instruments and hotter vocals! References to Atlanta Falcons players by name have also been updated to reflect the new 2005-2006 Atlanta Falcons roster. We made the song too late in the season last year so here it is early fresh from the mastering house. It’s time for the Atlanta Falcons to swoop on the Superbowl and we will be stompin’ opponents on our way to the top!!!

Here is the link to listen or download the “Atlanta Falcons STOMP 2006” for FREE: http://www.2crunk.com/mp3s/atlantafalconsstomp2006.mp3

Atlanta Falcons Forum comments on the original “Atlanta Falcons STOMP” from last year: “That was really dang good! When I get home from work I am going to have to burn it to a CD so I can play it before the games. Beats the ###### out of the music they normally play before the game. Good job on the song akatay!”…. Posts: 512 Member No.: 15,803

“Man, I finally checked out the song because this threads been on the top 15 for the longest. I don’t like the song………… I love it!!! Lyrically, it’s ok, but if u wanna get hype, this is definately the song. yeah, pretty good song, but excellent hype song.” Posts: 337 Member No.: 17,944

“Tay man that s### bumpin it should sho nuff be the the theme song for them. And yall should listen to it is a legit website. I had play it like three times cuz it is so crunk.” Posts: 39 Member No.: 14,652

By doc

August 24, 2005 08:30 AM | Link to this

stacy for three days the coverage after the injury was peerless was going to start. even the 680 guys were questioniong that from the get go. i am glad mora has clarified his position on head trauma as it is truly one of the more serious injuries that can occuring football and is often overlooked form high school up.

i have agreed with you that finn is the best we have and has been for the last 3 years but he is not the answer.if he were people wouldnt have been screaming on blogs like this or sports radio to improve the wide receivers and for the falcons to draft first rounders or trade first round draft choices the last three years. all that time fin has been here.

finally, this is a running team with a running qb who is an unbelievable asset because of his present capabilities to somehow win the games like a favre or even a jordon. we may say just get the ball in his hands but we alll agree this is true only if he can stay healthy in a very assaulting sport. his liabilities regarding a heavy ball and not being as acurate as one would like and not leading the receiver correctly have been adjectives that we have heard repeatedly that make it hard for any receiver fin, des, worthless or sunshine, or whoever it might be . he is a work in progress playing behind a line that hasnt put it together to make anyone compare it to the old broncos or 49ers.

now, maybe tolerance is something we can all learn from free access to blogs like this as we share opinions. lighten up man, what do they say about opinions?

By Mark

August 24, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this

I agree I think that Finn. should start, but also think he drops a few that are dead on the numbers. It is important to have somebody out there to catch the ball and build Vick’s passing confidence early in the season, otherwise we may have a long season of getting Vick going.

By Billy

August 24, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this

I am enjoying the banter (and I don’t mean that negatively) about our receivers. I am glad that the fans are concerned, in a place they need to be concerned. Good news is- we look ok everywhere else. I am actually excited about our depth at DB. Never thought I would ever be able to say that. McKay has made some good draft picks and FA pickups there. Gotta give him his props. As for Finn- noone can deny he has dropped key- WIDE OPEN-passes in the past, but yes, so has everyone. Crump has the best hands (besides Dunn)- but even Crump dropped key passes. The advantage of Finn is his height. It is a real advantage…ala- Joe Jurovicious with Tampa a few years back, and the Harold Carmichaels of old. Speed is important, and we need that speed guy. But combine a speed guy, with a guy with height, and then a sure hander- and you have yourself a good assembly of receivers. All are not going to be stars. Check Marino’s group in the past- check Elway’s tandem of receivers in the past- that was their makeup. Height, speed, and sure hands…and different guys had different attributes. Cliff Branch (for those who can remember)- was speed. Charlie Joiner- was sure hands. Art Monk- was height. All can bring success. Jenkins has nice height as well (6-4 compared to Finn at 6-5) and more speed than Finn. I am sure that is why the coaches are pushing him. He probably has more upside potential than the other starters we have had. Roddy White is the best receiver we have however- and I know- “he has not proven himself in the NFL yet”. When he can- he will. He is only 6’0, but plays taller because of his leaping ability. He has good hands and the breakway moves, needed for a successful receiver. However- we will have to wait to see Roddy. Better get ready to have mmore blogs on receivers, as this will be an ongoing debate. OH- and where could Sunshine fit in (by the way- any news on his twisted ankle?-… Sunshine is the “sure hands” you need. I am hoping he will be able to continue to prove himself.

By Jean

August 24, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this

Go Finn!!! I am a huge Finneran fan—he’s awesome & the best receiver we have, by far. He’s got great hands & is a superb blocker & the only reciver on the same wavelength as Vick. He’s totally unappreciated, he should start definitely. A couple of yrs ago, he caught 56 balls & could have more this year, give him a chance!!

By J.T.

August 24, 2005 10:39 AM | Link to this

To “AKA Tay”- Keep that crap off the Falcons blog. AJC- you guys need to filter this shameless self promotion a little better.

By Billy

August 24, 2005 11:03 AM | Link to this

I agree with J.T. and “AKA Tay”- if you are going to write something- speak real English will you? What did anything you write have to do with the topic. The real shame is the people who took the time to go listen to and then comment on it to AKA. I am for the song, just not for plugging it on this blog.

By Ernest

August 24, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this

Here we go again!!!
“Doug Johnson should start over Vick, he stays in the pocket and the O-line is able to block for him because they know where he is at all times.”

“Shaub should start over Vick, he’s smart and is the only QB who can get the ball to the WR’s.”

Now this years additions to the jokes of the preseason.

“Start Cole Manger?, he’s the only receiver that’s catching the ball and he has such long beautiful blonde hair.”

“Start Brian Finneran, he’s got height and he catches every ball thrown his way as long as he’s not 20 yards behind the DB in the 4th QTR with the game on the line.”

When will you pathetic people realize that all of your golden boys (Shaub, Finneran, Manger and formerly Johnson) are doing this in the preseason against players who will be landscapers come the 1st week of Sept. What did Shaub do last year in his only start against one of the worst, if not the worst, defenses last year? He looked like a lost rookie. Go back and check the stats. I know how short your collective memories can be regarding such things, unless it’s Vick that has a bad game. And while I am pleasantly surprised with Finneran’s play thus far, he is not a starter on this team. Never will be again. He drops the most important pass of every game that he plays in. He has gotten much better while taking reps with Vick but a starter he is not. Manger is doing everything that you’d want an undrafted rookie to do. However, it’s against undrafted rookies by the time he gets in the game. A starting DB in the league would make Manger look SILLY.
As a life-long Falcons fan, I am embarrassed by the total lack of knowledge most “fans” have. Most of you should stick to Braves games where you can get drunk, take swings at players, tomahawk chop, heckle the players and cheer for hometown heroes (Way to go Jeff F!!!) because you know nothing about football. Just ask Jeff F. if I’m right. He was a heckuva football player at Parkview.

By Billy

August 24, 2005 12:06 PM | Link to this

And by the way…I am a big Warrick Dunn fan. However- I found his “I want to be appreciated on the field” comments very self serving. Don’t he get it? What made him so special is he WASN’T self serving. Sure- we want yo to perform on the field, and appreciate when you do- what we don’t want is yet ANOTHER ATHLETE who wants to get commended for what he is being paid to do. If Dunn thought that article would help get the fans to appreciate him more- he just lost the respect of this one.

By Rick

August 24, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Matt, What is the deal about you a nd Worthless’s mama? I keep seeing comments, did I miss something?

By Todd

August 24, 2005 12:35 PM | Link to this

Billy, you’re an idiot. By your logic, a teacher who performs charity work is self centered because she wants people to appreciate the fact that she’s a teacher. What’s wrong with wanting to be commended for waht you are paid to do? Every person, whether a columnist, doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc… wants people to acknowledge the fact that they are good at their professions.

By falcon guy

August 24, 2005 12:56 PM | Link to this

I’ve always liked Finneran. He makes the plays that keep drives going. He’s not a burner, but he doesn’t need to be. All they need him to do is make short and intermediate catches and get 1st downs. Let Roddy and Jenkins do the down field, burn the corner type work. Couple that with Alge and Price in the slot on 3 WR sets and I think you have the makings of a good unit, but still using the run as the staple. If Finneran is 4th or 5th on the depth chart, then you might as well cut him and let him find a place where he will be appreciated. He’s too good to not be used.

By L.J.

August 24, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this

Yes, Billy, you are an idiot. Go back and read the article to make sure you comprehend the theme of it. Kind of like that part on the SAT, if you took it…”Don’t he get it” or is it “Doesn’t he get it”?

By Evan

August 24, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this

Ernest - You make some very valid points about the difference between preseason and the regular season. I’ve seen this a lot on the Falcons MB. People rave about players who’ve yet to see the light of day in the regular season when it really counts. However, I disagree with lumping Finneran in the same category as the other players. Fin is a veteran who has shown what he can do on the field. He’s been a leading receiver for the Falcons in the past. Is he an elite WR in the NFL? No. Yet, right now, he appears to be the best WR for the Falcons.

The issue here is the need for a “break-out” deep-threat WR which hopefully Roddy will become. There are so many factors that go into a good passing game. Deep-threath WR (playmakers) are certainly important, but possession receivers with good blocking skills - a la Hines Ward - are important too. I think Fin fits this mold, and coupled with his rapport with Vick, makes me think he should be a starter.

As for Magner, I think you need to cut people a little slack. I agree with you that he has not proven anything against 1st teamers or played in the regular season which makes him really an unknown factor. However, for a fan base that has been starving for a passing game years he’s a bright shining star at the moment. Give them that at least.

By Billy

August 24, 2005 01:15 PM | Link to this

Todd and LJ- Maybe the both of YOU need to re-read the article. Todd- using a comeback that begins with ‘you’re an idiot” certainly should have followed with something more intelligent yourself. Listen guys- I stated before- I am a Dunn fan- but the facts are this- whether you are a teacher, fire fighter, ball player or otherwise (whatever it is you two do)- we should all do our best just because. Not because we want or need the pats on the back to go along with it. That very mindset is what produces the poor role models we have today in every facet of society. “Me, Me, Me”. My point was that we saw his performance on the field, others that matter evidentally have as well- otherwise he would not have the contract he does. Nothing wrong with wanting people to like what you do- but to say openly you are not appreciated in that matter- again- no matter how you package it- reflects someone focusing on self. There is no “i” in team. It is more of the Peerless mentality than the Dunn we have come to know and love.

By Ernest

August 24, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this

Evan - I could have been a little harsh with the Finneran comments but the loss to Green Bay in Vick’s 1st season as a starter at Lambeau stays in my mind. Finneran, and I did say that I was pleasantly surprised by his play thus far, still drops too many of the easy passes that would keep drives alive. He is not a bum by any means. He will be a valuable part of the team (if for nothing other than blocking FG’s…LOL) but he is not the answer as a starter. I’d rather see Peerless (gag!) as a starter. I think he can be used as a third receiver in some sets - especially in the red zone for fade routes. As for Manger, you don’t make an NFL squad by playing better than sub-CFL players. If he made the team, the fan base would still be longing for a passing game. All of this talk about the receivers is irrelavent anyway. Until the Falcons learn to pass-block and get rid of Shaeffer (who is worse than an older, one-eyed O-lineman named Whitfield), the receivers will continue to be used as nothing but downfield blockers for Warrick Dunn & Vick. Notice I didn’t mention Duckett - that’s because I should have included him on the list with DJ and the rest. The O-line is the only thing that I would question the new leadership about now. How do you give Vick $130 million and not get him a line? That’s stupid. They were hoping that Gibbs would work some sort of miracle with this group. Forney, Lehr, & Moore should stay - send the rest packing, they’re worthless. Maybe we could find some sucker to take TJ for an OLineman. Or maybe make TJ a tackle since he likes to tip-toe in the backfield. Anyway Evan you seem to think more with your brain than your heart unlike most of the “fans” who have posted.

By Marty

August 24, 2005 01:26 PM | Link to this

Brian is a great safety net for Vick, if all else fails he can usually count on Brian to catch the ball. Brian seems to catch everything thrown his way, and always seems to be in the right spot.

By jally7

August 24, 2005 01:34 PM | Link to this

I trust Finneran to make the tough, over the middle, amazing snag type catches, but he just continues to drop the easy ball. I want to see him consistently make the easy as well as the hard catches, before I annoint him the great hope.

By Walter

August 24, 2005 01:52 PM | Link to this

Billy, Why do you think Dunn’s comments were so self-serving? When you think of a comparable NFL player, say, Brian Westbrook, you think “He’s a versatile back, McNabb’s favorite weapon, etc” When you think of Dunn you think of the homes he builds for single mothers, but never what he brings to the field. I took from the article that he’d like to be recognized for all of his hard work ON the field. Doesn’t sound self-serving to me. But it could be worse — at least you don’t think “Wife beater, or running over teenagers with a car after a pickup football game” when you hear Warrick Dunn!

By Michael Hall

August 24, 2005 01:55 PM | Link to this

I say play Finneran. We know we have a running game, a QB, and at least a good tight end. Lets give Finneran another chance. He has shown great ability as possession receiver and could be good for the birds. If he stinks, bench him again.

By William Kitchens

August 24, 2005 02:22 PM | Link to this

Dunn does deserves more ink for his skills… If the AJC had a real sports page, they could cover that instead of Dunn wishing for more coverage?

Cafaro - From your posts I take it you don’t like Price? :-)

A.K.A. Tay - Crap rap Didn’t hear the song yet but figured if you gotta post a free ad here you can’t move it. I will however go download it, burn a CD and STOMP it.

By William Kitchens

August 24, 2005 02:28 PM | Link to this

OK… I listened to the song and…

I was right. You guys got a country music version?

By Jeff

August 24, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this

Good point Ernest. No WR will succeed in ATL so long as we don’t improve along the offensive line.

By Ernest

August 24, 2005 03:57 PM | Link to this

There’s no way that Vick should lead the league in sacks taken. He’s the one quarterback in the league that if he does hold the ball longer than 3 seconds he’s probably at an advantage. Vick is new to the WC offense. He needs game action where he can actually stand in the pocket without it imploded around him. That’s the only way he’s going to thrive in this offense (just ask Favre and McNabb). It took these guys 4-5 years to grasp this offense. They both experienced meteoric raises in their level of play once their O-lines were were solidified. Once you get to this level as a QB, just about anyone could put up guady numbers with a line that affords you 5 plus seconds in the pocket consistently…see Peyton M., possibly the slowest guy in the league, but the least sacked. And he doesn’t give up on plays and throw ball away often. It’s because he can stand back there - with the mobility of Hank Aaron’s statue at Turner Field - and scan the field forever looking for a receiver. We don’t need 5 Pro Bowl O-Linemen. We just need 5 steady, tough, mean guys to play as a unit. With a passing game, our defense and our rushing attack, we’d be unstoppable.

By Evan

August 24, 2005 09:15 PM | Link to this

Ernest - can’t argue with any of your points - all valid. Finnerin is ultimately not the answer. I do like him as a player. I view is as one of those utilitarian type receivers. Unfortunately, with the current cast, I think he should be a starter until someone steps up, hopefully Roddy. I think Price can fill that second WR alongside a playmaker whenever that happened.

Ha..thanks. Sometimes I do think with my heart, but try to use my brain as much as possible.