ajcsportstalk

By memory39

August 11, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

Can we go ahead and sign Norwood to a long-term contract?

By billy g

August 11, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

Hello, Mr. Buckner, this is Mr McKay’s assistant. Mr. McKay would like to meet with you and your agent first thing Monday morning.

By dave

August 11, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

If this game is any indication, we need T. Jackson starting at NT. He was a beast when he was in there, and out played Shropshire.

By Brian

August 11, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

Great performance by the kicker. He made some tough kicks look great. Shock leading the team to the game-winning drive was just the icing on the cake.

The bad: the run defense. The ‘birds are still getting whipped at the point of attack. They need some toughness and in a bad way. What’s with the corners playing 10 yards off…every snap? There ALWAYS seemed to be a man open for the Patriots when they needed to convert a 3rd. Always. That never happens for our offense but it seems to always happen to our defense.

But overall, I liked what I saw in the running game. Even the pass protection was solid. Norwood looked fast out there.

I know it’s just a preseason game, but the game-winning drive and field goal should give this team a boost going in to practice next week.

By DHD

August 11, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

I think with the preformance of Norwood, Duckett will be traded. I was impressed with Koenen. He kicks with authority. Shockley looks like he can fill in for Vick making Schaub a trade candidate some time during the season.

By 2realistic

August 11, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

I think there were a lot of positive things to take from tonight’s game. The offense definitely looks to be one that will be able to put some points on the board. And, hey, what about Michael Koenen? With a little confidence that guy could consistently be a threat from 60!

Enough of the gooey stuff… once again the run defense looked terrible! 1st team, 2nd team, 3rd team… didn’t matter. The Patriots were absolutely gashing our ‘D’ with the run. I don’t think Maroney was tackled by the first guy all night!

The coaching staff will have a lot of stuff to digest for sure. Jerious Norwood looked good, the QBs looked good (except for Schaub’s interception on a poorly thrown ball), several good catches, and some good runs, too. I think we’ll be reading about some up-the-middle-run-stopping drills in upcoming practices, though. Let’s wrap up, guys!

But, hey, even though it’s pre-season, it feels good to start with a ‘W.’

By supa

August 11, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

I think we found our running back of the future

By Brian

August 12, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

Nice game, but when it was starters the defense leaked like a sieve. NE had over 100 yards rushing barely out of the 1st quarter. We would’ve been wiped out if the starters had stayed in.

But it was won in glorious fashion. Normally it is NE that kicks the FG with no time left to win the game.

By JimDog

August 12, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

Keith Brooking was hurt and taken back to the locker room and we heard nothing else about it, does anyone know anything about KB?

Norwood was the truth!!!Speed Kills!!!

Get Buckner or Grady Jackson in here ASAP!!!

We still need a kicker…a back up kicker that is!!Koenen is the MAN!!!

I am a GT fan, but I must admit Shockley looked very good under pressure, but whats up with diving foward on a first and 10 with less than a min to play?

Overall a good night, a good game and I am beyond excited…FALCON FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!

By Kraig Brown

August 12, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Loved Norwood and the QB kids…but several things are obvious to me and therefore to every GM/Coach in the NFL…our defense plays SOFT, everywhere….we have no push inside and lay our corners back 10-15 yds! You have to have one or the other…you could score 40 points a game and never win with a defensive that plays read and react vs. ATTACK! Arm tackles again! Misses by Crocker! And WHERE on earth is our beloved free-agent middle backer??? He was wiped out on almost every play four and five yards from the hole! Defense wins championships and this unit needs some kind of fire…I would settle for 3 decent stops in a row, not on separate drives….HELP Mora.

By nason sucks

August 12, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

A GOOD NIGHT FOR ALL

By rob

August 12, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

shockley is already better than vick.atlanta will never win the super bowl with vick as qb.

By David

August 12, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

Good game..good comments..just wondering why s###### is always termed in a negative way? Don’t we all want someone who….

By shannon l grier

August 12, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this

good looking good the defense will be all right

By ROCKBUSTER

August 12, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

love the falcons.GO FALCONS.

By nick

August 12, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

Tonights game was a nice test for the backup players, Norwood was very impressive with her bursts of speed, Jackson was very good at tackle..we need him in the lineup thats a definite..also Jimmy Williams has some speed himself. The quarterbacks that are shooting for the 3rd backup were semi equal, both are fast, shockley I think has a canon of an arm. If the game were on the line like it was today I’d shockley. I think after Shaub is traded at some point he will beackup Vick very well..

By coleman

August 12, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

Norwood came on like gangbusters in this game. Maybe that will give Falcons brass enough confidence to trade Duckett for some run-stopping help on the D-Line.

I like what we saw out of Abraham, but we can’t count on a big play every game. Good teams win by consistenly shutting down the run. Jackson had a couple of nice stops, but we still gave up some big runs while he was in the lineup.

By Zach

August 12, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this

Perhaps an unsung positive: the offensive line wasn’t just doing a good job of pass protection for Vick and Company, they were opening lanes in the middle. Lanes big enough to serve as escape valves if things go bad. Vick always seemed to run into trouble when he started toward the line straight from the pocket to scramble last year. Having lanes to run through in the middle, intentional or not, will make the offense even smoother on the ground.

p.s. I think we just solved our kicker problem.

By Gary

August 12, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this

Lots of positive’s from one presason gane John Abraham looked great. Norwood looked awesome on his TD catch and run. Vick looked great on his 16 yard run and everybody played hard. My personal favorite was D.J. taking the time down the field with under 2 minutes for the win. And do not forget we beat a multiple Super Bowl team! Lot’s of positives and great effort. Way to go Atlanta Falcons!!!

By Jason

August 12, 2006 02:07 AM | Link to this

How Bout Them Dawg….errr Falcons?!?! At the GEORGIA Dome!!!!! ;-)

Man it felt like a Georgia game in the 4th.

Defense could’ve been better but a win is a win. How I missed bein’ down with the Dirty Birds in the Dome!!!!

Shockley was awesome in his debut. Vick looked…well, like classic Vick in the 1st. Lotta fun tonight.

GO FALCONS!!!!!

By dirrtybird

August 12, 2006 03:32 AM | Link to this

After just one game, I might consider trading Schaub for some defensive help and keep both Randall and Shockley. They both look worthy of back up and fit our scheme better than Schaub does. He’s good trade bait, but only for the right deal. I would lose Duckett quick too. Norwood is the man and fits our scheme exactly. Good offensive planning tonight. Lots of rollouts and opportunities to create hesitation in the defense. Offense looks solid. Defense looks awful. I think everyone was expecting more than that.

By A Thinking Fan

August 12, 2006 03:37 AM | Link to this

Let’s start this year out right - it’s M. Vick’s fault the run defense is bad! LOL!

By J

August 12, 2006 05:17 AM | Link to this

QB’s- Vick(B) Schaub(B) Randall(B+) Schockley (A) Good play mostly. Vick has to stop the panic mode and get rid of the rock. Schaub looked okay but the interception was ugly. Randall missed some easy passess but looked like a Vick clone on his scramble. Shockley was very good in the clutch.

RB’s- Dunn(A) Norwood(A+) Duckett(B) Cobb(I) Dunn and Norwood are the real goods. Duckett needs a change of scenery. Cobb not enough carries.

Offense Line (B+) Great run holes opened up tonight. Pass blocking broke down a lot when Pats. both blitzes

WR’s: (C) Not really sure we have the right combination here. Need a vet. leader in this group.

Defense: (D) It looked ugly. I hope we are prepared to be run on this season.

Special Teams: (A) for kicking and coverage (C) for the return teams.(Need to put some speed back for returns)

By Rico

August 12, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this

DJ Shockley looked great, but, the night was ruined when the “barking” started. Let’s try “DJ”, “DJ”;”DJ”…..The barking is a little ridiculous! Hopefully, if Shockley ever plays in a real situation (doubtful this year), the “Puppy Fans” can come up with somthing else.

By Melman

August 12, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this

I’m a Pat’s fan from RI. My impressions. Norwood’s a beast! Atlanta’s front four at least played hard…really pressured Cassel all night. It’s only one game and the defense will get better. Koenen was great (where can we find kickers like that?) It’s going to be tough to get the Falcon’s roster down to 53…they have a lot of good young players. I think this will be Atlanta’s best team in years. Tell the print shop to start printing the playoff tickets!

By Dawgs2006

August 12, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

The Falcons need to make a blockbuster deal for a top quality tackle. We need a stud on the line to stop the run.

By steve

August 12, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

Can anyone explain to me why Jerious Norwood lasted until the 3rd round?? Ashley Lelie is still available and the Bronco front office phone number is available by calling 1-800-555-1212. Like to see the team give Bergeron a chance instead of relagating him to the practice squad. DJ doesnon look like a rookie..This team should be penciled in for the playoffs. Kudos to Rich McKay, Jim Mora and the entire coaching staff, and can imagine this blog if it weren’t for MR. BLANK ????

By Bruce

August 12, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

Not one mention of the punishment Jordan Beck put on a host of people in the game. He plays with a attitude of inflicting pain. We gotta keep him on the field.

By kendall

August 12, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

I was able to see Norwood play last year at the UGA/MSU game over in Starkville. He looked like a great talent on a poor team. Last night, he showed it. Trade Duckett to Pittsburg, they need another Bus, trade Shaub for OL or a WR, keep both Randle and Shock and lets GO! For the nerd that wants us to stop barking….If I remember correctly, D. Sanders brought the chop to the Braves from FSU and its been here ever since.

By jedigarh

August 12, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

Nice finish to a struggle. DJ is to be congratulated on his performance. Still need run defence. Atlanta will have its Glut handed to them if run defence doesnt work. Especially in the Southern Division.

By mountain_jim

August 12, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

When are the coaches going to give Beck (who looked great returning from injury) a chance to unseat Hartwell at MLB?

I know he’s coming back from injury also, but he has yet to show a thing since brought in here.

By weatherdawg

August 12, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

Nice start to the pre-season. This was a very exciting game for pre-season action. Agree with all about run defense. We need to mak the move for a big run stuffer. Very proud of Shockley. Overall, nice start and let’s fix the holes. Great to see football back!

By AR

August 12, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

They won, good start, a win is win no matter what. I will reserve judgement on the team after the next game because the first preseason game is usually ugly and flag filled. I will say if Randall and Shockley continue to look good, we need to trade Schaub for a WR or DT yesterday. I do not trust the WR’s at all. Duckett may be gone by the time I write this blog due to the Norwood kid, he look like the real deal. If we do trade Duckett and Schaub, WE BETTER GET SOMETHING GOOD IN RETURN to make a run at the Superbowl. Let’s not get to excited because if you have been a Falcons fan you will understand why I say this…..to be continued.

By djlivesoffofhype

August 12, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

My God, people raving over a 7th round draft pick for playing two junk dives in the fourth qtr. And the press acts as if he’s the star of the team. Folks, 90% of the players on the field those last two drives won’t be in the league by the end of the summer. DJ was nothing more than a public relations pick.

By Gator

August 12, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

I’ve gotta tell you, as a Gator fan, Shockley has the goods for this offensive scheme. An incredible arm, great mobility. Good thing the Gators didn’t have to deal with him last season! :)

And Norwood is a STUD. Book it. Draft him in your fantasy league as a backup and hold on tight.

By Mwilk

August 12, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

Norwood is a winner He displayed great vision, showed he could block, and did anyone mention his speed? 3rd QB will be interesting Both Shockly and Randall played well. Hopefully one will distance the other over the next three games. Right now, Shockley would win purely on fan support and Randall purely on knowledge of the system. Kicker amazing Koenen deserved the game ball. What a performance! We will need to have insurance (in the form of another player) if he runs out of gas during the season. Run defense disappointing I was excited going into this game looking to see what to expect for the season with our defense acquisitions. NE pretty much ran at will. Was it the linebackers or the defense line? Pass defense embarrassing When a team has a fourth and 1 and calls a pass play, and the same pass play they had called two or three plays before (running back out of the back field) and it works, hold your head low. Both Hall and Williams seemed to play off the ball most of the game along with the other DBs except Cash. And when their sideline zones were flooded, DBs showed no ability to accelerate to the ball. Torrence scares me with lack of tackling. We have three weeks to show significant improvement else is going to be a tough start to the year.

By Brad Webb

August 12, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

The Falcons looked great and nobody has commented about the lack of penalties. First games are normally filled with penalties. I’m incouraged by their lack.

By chichi

August 12, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

Its pre season i was a bit disappointed with the d but it is preason and both teams played a little rusty plus the playbook is somewhat vanilla this time of year i think the d will improve but get a veteran nt pls both teams gave up 400yds of total offense NE d didnt look to hot either well see go falcons

By just4fun

August 12, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Don’t get too carried away about last night’s game … even though everyone looked suprisingly great, but against what caliber? When the hammer falls and you are facing the best of the opposition things can change drastically. I agree with the assessment of the QBs … they all may eventually be playing in the NFL. They seem to have enough talent to play for some team if not the Birds. LUCKY WE HAVE THEM ALL … just don’t get rid of the wrong one. He may come back and haunt you later! As for the defense … what the h—-? Can you not attack? Middle linebacker needs to show up at some point and Brooking too! Pass defense needs more work, always giving up the big play to keep the chains moving. Over-all the whole defense needs HELP … maybe in a new coach?

By Sam

August 12, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

It’s too soon to annoint Shockley the heir apparent. Bryan Randall always finds a way to win and has a huge heart. Let’s see what happens in the next 3 games.

By Darrin

August 12, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

The good: D.J. Shockley- very impressed with his poise. Kept hearing about how poised he was in TC, but wonder how’d he react in a real game. Also, he was faster than I thought. He seems to have “it”. Liked what I saw alot and that’s coming from a Gator fan! Now let’s get him in their against the 2nd string and see what’s up… Koenen- Now I’m not as worried about the kicking situation as I was before, I mean 4 for 4 plus the game winner- can’t get better than that. J. Norwood- the future may have arrived. This guy looks like the real deal. “Nuff said-kid is fast! M. Jenkins-looks like he’s ready to make some plays, could be an Irvin-like WR for us. Is big and played like it. The bad: RUN DEFENSE,RUN DEFENSE, RUN DEFENSE- Luckily I’m bald already or I would have pulled my hair out. Play after play, everyone on that D-line seemed to be in the wrong spot. This eerily looked like last year- RB’s just running right thru the middle. We aren’t going anywhere if this keeps up. They have GOT TO fix this! T.J. “tip-toes” Duckett- Man, this dude has got to get it going on this WILL be his last year here GUARANTEED. Yeah, he had one nice long run, but its like everything has to line up perfectly for him for that to happen. Get your big butt in their and bust some skulls dude, you weigh 245 plus, PLAY LIKE IT ALREADY!! Overall- I’m not really worried about the offense, with Vick, Crump, Dunn- we will score enough. We just need that run defense to get it together. I’m sick to my stomach watching runningbacks run right thru the heart of our “D”. If Randall and Shockley keep looking as nice as they do, it may be time to trade Schaub for a defensive lineman while the getting is good. THAT D-LINE IS GOING TO KILL THIS WHOLE SEASON if they don’t fix that by bringing some big butt physical NT in here pronto! That is the biggest concern right now and I hope Mora, Donatell, and McKay do something quick!!! Other than that, it was so nice to get back in the Dome and see some NFL action. The off season is way-yyyy too long. GO FALCONS!

By K-Willy

August 12, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Let’s get something straight…WE CAN NOT TRADE SCHAUB RIGHT NOW…WHY?? Because he becomes a Restricted free agent after this year, meaning if anyone wants to sign him, we can either match their offer, or they have to give us something for him (i.e. a draft pick, a high draft pick)….As for TJ…yes we can trade him, cause we wont resign him, and he will be unrestricted….and No Ashley will not be a good fit here, Porter from Oakland would fit much better…we need a third down guy, not another deep threat…

By Pago Pago

August 12, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

Super Bowl baby!!!!! Bring on college football…

By gary

August 12, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

“DJ will outVick Mr.Vick”,and I think Mr. Vick is starting to hear DJ’s footsteps.As for the barking,I’m sure DJ appreciates the support,and if that’s the way the fans want to express their support, So Be It.PEACE!!!!

By sicem

August 12, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

To Djlivesoffhype, If you dont think Shock can play then you obviously did not follow the SEC (toughest confrence in the NCAA) CHAMPION GEORGIA BULLDAWGS last season. The guy has all the tools and then some. Just keep watching fella and you will see that he is not called Shock just because of his name it is also because he has SHOCK AND AWE in his game. You had better ground yourself dude cause youre gonna be SHOCKED!!! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

By jmoss

August 12, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

I was extremely excited about Falcons football until last night. Michael Vick hasn’t improved at all. He still panics too quickly and holds the ball too long. The defense is as horrible now as it was last year. As a Georgia grad, I was very impressed with DJ’s performance, as well as the other QBs. It could be argued that we would be better with the 2nd or 3rd string quarterbadk. But, let’s wait and see. We have to see some improvement next week.

By BS

August 12, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Vick hasn’t improved?????? He was 3 for 4 on passing last night, that is 75%…you have to be kidding me that people are trying to make judgement on the VERY first Preseason game…..This is unbelievable

By DTL

August 12, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

It wasn’t a bad game. Now I can understand why Deion Branch will never see the money. That Patriot offense is changing again. They upgraded their running game and will be doing an awful lot more of it this year. The only question remains how much? Well enough to allow Brady the time to sit in the pocket and wait for his receivers to open up but I get the impression that Belichick wants a well balanced offense and remember that tight ends and running backs can also catch balls. The Falcons were okay for the first game. I would like to have seen more of this new pocket passer qb that Michael Vick has become and get some idea how it will affect the Falcon offense. It’s really hard to keep your attention on the events downfield as well as those going around you at the same time. It’s something that you develop by yourself from your experience but you also need a sixth sense. Bledsoe is a great passer but he’s a statue in the pocket. He’ll stand there and wait but once the pocket breaks down you’ve got him. Other qbs keep their cool and move up one or two steps for an extra second or so and feel the world moving by them. Some guys got it and other guys don’t. Which brings me back to Vick. I hope Mora isn’t going to try to make him something that he isn’t. And I certainly hope both Vick and the Falcons possess the wisdom to stop if it’s just not working.

By Tyler

August 12, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Greetings from Charlotte! GO PANTHERS! I like to see Carolina- Atlanta game to become a bitter rivalry. I’m a Panther fan but wish I live back in Atlanta again.

By James

August 12, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

Run defense is terrible again. Everyone looks at the D-line and talks about all the sacks they’ll get but the reality is that this is the smallest D-line in the NFL and they can’t hold up vs the run.

By sammy sam`

August 12, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

I was at the game last night and i want to say that the falcons will be something serious to deal with this year . Shock all way man , i say move vick and lets have shock in there ….. By the way if ur the guy sittin in club level with me and u wanted to fight me in front of your kids and wife , man get a life i would have crushed you .

By tech fan in sc

August 12, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

Norwood looked great as did all of the QBs. The safety from Auburn stood out to me too. #40 I believe was his number. I am a Tech fan, but I hope Shockley does well because from what I have read he is a good guy and he is a local kid and a Falcon now.

Dawg fans, please do not bark at the Falcons games. Birds do not bark, and to Kendall with the statement about the tomahawk chop, Deion came from the Seminoles and then he was a Brave. They are both Indians.

By Mike L.

August 12, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

Here is the problem i see - we play in the NFC South. All the teams are hard core rushing teams. If we do not figure out how to stop the run we are not going to the playoffs.

Ofcourse everyone is focused on the NT spot - and honestly Lavalis, Lake, and Shropshire had the whole last season to prove themselves and they didnt do it … how many more chances are they going to get at such a ciritcal position for the Falcons … honestly Jackson looked better than all of them - we definitley need to bring a veteran in … also

Stopping the run is not only about the NT position though - where were the linebackers yesterday? i know Brooking lef the game … but as far as I remember Hartwell was brought in to stuff the middle, stop the run and lay a wood on some running backs … i think the linebackers had a bad game yesterday. that brings up a question - should D. Williams really be a back up?

By KD

August 12, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

How many missed tackles can one team have. The defense may be worse than last years. There is no way this team can compete in the NFL with this defense. Venus Williams could run for 100 yards against this team. I hate to rain on the dog nation however, D.J. is not the third best quarterback on this team and does not look good. B.R. will win the 3rd string job and is a much better option.

By derrick

August 12, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

can we PLEASE get a PA announcer that knows what the heck he’s talking about? Too many times last night this “guy” was butchering the players names, calling the wrong down and distance, and actually didn’t know what quarter the game was in at one point! AWFUL!

By Wayne

August 12, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Brookings needs to be traded. He rarely tackles anyone for a loss or for no gain. He can’t cover anyone and he is ALWAYS out of position. Now, I’m not sold on Hartwell completely either, but I have totally given up on Brookings. Trade him now while he still has his unearned Pro Bowl value.

By Wayne

August 12, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Before “IDIOT” calls me a moron again for misspelling a name, let me take back the “s” from Brooking. There, I’ve done it Keith,…er,I mean IDIOT.

By purpledog

August 12, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

KD. How did Shockley not “look good”? That’s a bizarre comment. In the context of another meaningless preseason game, he actually looked like Elway vs. Browns on the final drive. On the other hand, Schaub looked incompetent on at least one throw.

By E. Hill

August 12, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Fellow fan mates, We have some big question marks still on defense. Man that$$$$ look like last season from week 8 on. One thing i did notice, mark me if im wrong, when Vic was in, did the play calling look more like pocket pass play calling. I mean he had no roll outs and no slant plays thrown, or was it Vic. If it was Vic, than Shaub needs to play, or this offense cordinator needs to go.

By joe

August 12, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

More of the same. Defense cannot stop the run. We looked terrible. The whole defense. Without defense we will get killed again this year. And the offense. Why is everyone so excited about all the field goals. Settling for the same as last year, kick, kick, miss, lose. What are they doing in practice, get tough.

By Ed

August 12, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

Look folks, let’s not get too excited or too critical. This was the opening pre-season game and it was played 90% of time with players that will NEVER see the field during the regular season unless the first two units are injured.

ATL kicker looked impressive, you may have a good one there, PATS Maroney looked great, could be the featured back by mid season if Dillon doesn’t put up the numbers.

All and all it’s just nice to have football back. Enjoyed the break from the depressing Red Sox and Braves!

By ILL-logical

August 12, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

Some points to consider going forword: 1.If you have your one and only kicker performing kickoffs,punting and field goals,what are the odds of him getting hurt making a tackle or being blocked? And what do you do then?

2.Why hasn’t the coaching staff figured out a way to play Dunn and Duckett in the same backfield at the same time?TJ could be a 260 lb lead blocker-at times; a good pass receiver and most of all, take some of the emphasis on # 7 by opposing defenses by having an additional threat on the field. Guess the coaching staff is smarter than I.

3.Is there a deep threat at wide receiver? One who can catch the ball when it’s thrown to him? See comment # 2 re additional offensive weapons.

By down with the vickness

August 12, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

what about turnbull he reminds me of scott case except bigger those kind of hits will translate into nightmares with some good coaching he could be a real player he did over pursue some sign t.jackson and get buckner in here NOWW!! stropshire and lavaleis showed absolutely nothing and the fans talking about benching vick stop it you have to be smoked out i will have to admit he could take some notes from shockley on selling the play action did anybody else see that it was nasty….

By Taz

August 12, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what this love affair is with Schaub, but he did not impress me. Was I the only one who saw him throw into double coverage to a receiver who wasn’t remotely open from the 15 yard line and got a interception. Forceing shockley to have to run a 2 minute drill to win the game. UM

By k.mill

August 12, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

For those of you that keep worring about Vick, he is the least of our problems. Our run defense is what you should be complaining about. We won’t win the super bowl if the defense can’t stop the run. So for all of you guys that say we will neve win with Vick, he has already done wonders for this organization. If it wasn’t for Vick, this would still be a no name football team that nobody cares about. So get off Vick’s back just b/c he was the only one to admitt he didn’t play hard in the last game b/c NOBODY played a 100% that game. Shaub was average at best in two quarters. Shockly and Randell made their presents felt. But the defense is what you should be worried about. Not Vick. If you dislike Vick as our QB, go else where.

By Georgian in Oklahoma

August 12, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

Birds looked good… big plays on offense were exciting. I expected WAY MORE from the defense.

I don’t know if this is a repost, but:

From the Washington Post.

The Atlanta Falcons are the leading candidate to trade for Lelie, who has a year left on his contract and will be a free agent in March if he plays this season. The Falcons lost No. 3 receiver Brian Finneran to a season-ending knee injury and have unproven starters in Michael Jenkins and Roddy White.

STEVE… any truth?

By Juliett

August 12, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Oh Run Defense, Run Defense Wherefore art thou, Run Defense?

By RBG

August 12, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have just become the most fan unfriendly team in town! If you plan to go see the Falcons and do not have lower level seats do yourselves a favor and eat before you arrive because they have closed all the consessions to the lower level to anyone outside the level. I am in section 213 and I am now out of luck if I want to eat at the game because all the concessions I enjoy are on the first level. I have been a Falcons season ticket holder for 8 yrs and every year the ticket prices go up and now this. This is my last season as a Falcons season ticket holder I will spend that money on a dish so I can watch ALL the games at home. Good work Falcons you finally managed to run me off.

By Larry J

August 12, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

You UGA fans are unbelievable.

Shockley goes 4 of 10 agains the Patriots’ third-string (or worse) defense and we have some people saying he’s better than Vick and others saying deal Schaub and make Shockley the back-up.

Schaub needs to stay. If Vick gets hurt, which seems to always make him miss a game or two, neither Randall nor Shockley is close to ready to go up against starting defenses in the NFL.

By Larry J

August 12, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

Hey RBG,

I, for one, like the move. The lower level was entirely too crowded last year. This cuts down on crowds at all of the stands - making it more convenient for everyone.

Prefer the lower-level concessions? Buy lower-level tickets - or eat before you come to the game.

By maya lucia

August 12, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

By THL

August 12, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

We’re a defensive tackle away from being real good defensively.

By Kevin Harrison

August 12, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Lets not get carried away here, Bulldawg Nation. No one seems to remember the qb sneak with time winding down, the errant passes, and especially the miracle grab by a fully extended 6’7” Youngblood late in the game to get the Birds in field goal range.(not a great pass by Shockley but instead an incredible play by Youngblood) You wouldn’t have thought Youngblood had played last night by reading the AJC and notes from the Dawg fans!!

I admit I’m a Jacket, but will say that Shockley showed some poise and performed better than I expected. But lets not go off giving him the nod over Randall yet. He’s still got a lot to prove.

By Kevin Harrison

August 12, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

Forgot to mention that Hartwell is a joke. Never understood that acquisition to begin with- I really didn’t think he was all that good in Baltimore. Maybe his stats were padded bc every team was running away from Ray Lewis. But he looked soft last year before the injury, and looks soft again this year. Looks like he’s playing DB half the time.

By Kendall

August 12, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

I only have this comment for those that so astutely point out that Shock did his work against people that wont be in the league at the end of preseason…HEY MORONS>>>>He did it WITH people that wont be there either…get it? Good.

By cc

August 12, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it…..Hall and Jasper are truly missed. They both wanted to play here but represented the old regime/Reeves. Fish/Jasper solidified the line with Rod. All you gurus have failed to realize this. The offense has always been good up enough to play post season football. I’m just calling it like it is.

By Girlie

August 12, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

Awesome Team this Year! I can hardly wait for the playoff!

I am Bulldog lover! Congrats Shockley! We are glad to get a winning team in Atlanta! I think we got it, now!

By Cindy

August 12, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

I agree with RBG concerning the lack of access to all of the concession areas. My boyfriend has been a season ticket holder since 1992 and has good upper level seats on the 50-yard line.They may be upper level, but they are certainly not the “cheap seats”. He pays about the same for those tickets as the people on the other levels. We would not have a problem with staying on the upper level for concessions if we were provided the same number and type of concessions on our level. This was not the case last night. Many of the concession areas were closed. We spotted at least 15 concession areas closed in a walk halfway around the upper level. At times, the lines were 15 and 20 people deep for the Cactus Grill, the only concession that sells food other than hamburgers and hotdogs. We discussed this new policy with a few people on staff at the Dome. They said that the decision to close off access to all concession areas did not come from the Georgia Dome, but the Atlanta Falcons organization. So people in the upper levels, if you want to make your complaints heard, please send a complaint directly to Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons. Apparently, they don’t care about “enhancing our game day experience” in the upper levels. They just seem to care about the ones on the lower level. After last night, the only thing I think would enhance my game day experience would be to stay home and watch it on TV. Better yet - NOT watch the game! I’d rather watch a good college football game any day.

By Nola

August 12, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

It appeared to me that on Shockley’s first play he faked a handoff and when the runner was brought down and didn’t have the ball, the Patriots thought he had fumbled and were looking around for the ball. Meanwhile, Shockley was doing a Michael Vick run around the end. Did anyone else get this take ???

By dirrtybird

August 12, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

I lost track of where the ball was on that play myself. A great fake. I like Shockley and Randall both. Trade Schaub, the young guys fit our scheme much better.

By Ex Coach

August 12, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

It seems to me that the game was a chance to see the base schemes of the offense and defense. Before I made any palyer moves, I would make some scheme adjustments. Defense Instead of shooting gaps along the line, try to hold some ground and keep blockers off the linebackers. If a 300 lb dl shoots a gap and the back scoots past him, the ol is usually already onto the linebackers…that is where all the big middle runs were coming from. If the ol is busy fighting with the dl and trying to create holes, the linebackers can see the play and make the tackles most of the time. It’s like having your big brother fight the bigger kid and you fighting the smaller one, or having your big brother run past the big kid to chase the smaller one and leaving you to fight the big kid he just ran past.

Offense Let’s be real. Keep Schaub, Keep Randall, put Shockley on the Practice squad and develop him a little bit. Schaub and Randall both have some time in the system. Shockley may ultimately be better than Randall, and catch up to Schaub..but let him have a “redshirt year” (dawg fans) to get things under his belt. I would not trade Duckett yet. Norwood is fast as anything, but he needs to see the field when it counts a little more. As far as another receiver, we can wait another week or 2. Someone like Rod Garner on the Packers may come cheaper, or somebody may get cut before the season opens. My only player movement would be to bring in 1 big body dl to press the issue with what we’ve got, 1 DE (brady smith, unretire) to help with relief efforts), and maybe another TE with some skills. The coach sees it all!!

By Cdogswin

August 12, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

Miss. State Fan here. Some of you were wondering how Norwood or J-Rock as he is called in Miss. lasted until the third round. He ran behind the worst line in the SEC. Most of the games he was behind after the first half. J-Rock was the one guy everyone tried to stop and he still ran for back to back 1,000 yard seasons. You guys have a great player and a even better person off the field.

By RA from Down South GA

August 12, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Let’s see where to start. There hasn’t been a lot of vick bashing, which is surprising he always seems to get bashed even if he plays well. Vick played good even though it was just for one series (had some good throws one in which was drop and one good scramble) which should have been a td. For the people that say schaub was good his stats were bloated. He made some terrible passes, terrible reads and got sack twice. Randall and Shockley played well but not spectacular. It is kind of hard to say vick was panicky in the pocket b/c he only played one series and he played well for that series. I think I am the only one that notices the changes in playcalling when vick was in the game and when schaub is in the game. It is run first with vick in the game and pass later, then when schaub is in the its playaction pass and then run. Can we please get someone else to call the plays please. Schaub got away with a lot of high passes that his receivers when up and got for him even the touchdown pass was terrible it just was a good catch. Vick looked poised and patient didn’t force anything and made good reads. All he needs is time and he will find the open receiver just look at his stats from the no.1 defense last year when he had time to throw. So can we leave the only good thing that has happened to this team since the superbowl. The man has took you to the playoffs 2 out of 3 full seasons as a starter. How many past qb can you say that about. I am not worried about the defense that is what the preseason is for to work out the kinks and get everything straight. But we do need to stuff the run and stop playing 10 yards off on 3 and 3. We need to play more man to man and less zone.

By johnmrog

August 12, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

ROTFL at all the dawgies proclaiming Shockley as the best QB on the field last night!!! (1) He was playing against NE’s third and fourth stringers, and (2) he was freakin’ 4 for 10 passing the ball!

I like Shockley… and I think he’s a good kid. But for gosh sake, if the dawgie fans want to make the Ga Dome into Sanford Stadium Lite every time he touches the ball, then all I’ve got to say is: GO BRYAN RANDALL.

By johnmrog

August 12, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

ILL-logical, I guess you haven’t noticed how the big bull Duckett tippy-toes up to the line every time he gets the ball. And you want to make him a LEAD blocker for Warrick? Why do you hate Warrick done so much that you want to give him a lead blocker that will want to avoid contact with anybody?

By Jerry

August 12, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

Its the same old story with the run defense! The birds’ defense still plays very timid against the run. That rookie on the Pats ripped the defense a new one. The sorry play of run D will not be good enough against the tough runners in the NFC south. Once again this proves Rick McKay doesn’t recognize the importance stopping the run. Pass rush doesn’t matter when the opponent averages 5 yards a carry. ATL fans get ready for a long and miserable season!

By johnmrog

August 12, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Kendall… good point about Shockley when you said “He did it WITH people that wont be there either…get it? Good.” But you didn’t ask the follow-up question: why is Shockley having to do it “WITH people that wont be there either”? Now c’mon Kendall… you know the answer, don’t you? You can say it along with me: because Shockley is included with those “people”!!! How many times have you seen an NFL team put a high-value player or draft choice out on the field behind a 4th string offensive line, hmm?

By Tommy

August 12, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Vick is horrible. Trade him while we can still get valuable players for him. Falcons will never win the Super Bowl, no let me rephrase it, never get to the Super Bowl, with Vick at QB. Wake up Coaching Staff and Front Office.

By diehard falcons fans

August 12, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

DEFENSE need some help badly! We got good pash rushers but we need some rush specialist! Can somebody get jesse tuggle out of retirement?!?!

Is youngblood the new nbr 3 WR.. if i was mora i would bump youngblood to the nbr 2 WR slot… and keep jenkins at the nbr 1 slot and put Roddy White to the nbr 3 WR slot

anyway that kicker is on the money….

norwood hottttt .. i defintely gonna draft him for my fantasy league along with that marhoney dude

Did J-Abraham cause that fumble?!?!?

Shockley was cool… and he follows instructions well.. and he did the 2 minute drill almost flawless….

Trade Vick? Are u crazy?!?!

imo Falcons fudge it up when they didnt even bother to offer to get Terrell Owens or make an effort to go after boldin or friztelaad from the cardinals… them two cats were vicks fav target during the pro bowl…

as for brookings and kearney they need to step it up

cuz its going down in the ATL in 2007 SUPER BOWL baby!

mark my words!

By will c.

August 12, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

I was very impressed with the 2nd and 3rd unit wide receivers. I’m wondering who’s going to step up and win the 3rd receiving spot.

Kevin Youngblood made a spectacular catch in the 4th quarter to put us in position to win the game. I like his size at 6’5”, it’s very similar to Finneran.

http://www.williamcoit.com

By John

August 12, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Micheal Vick isn’t as jovial when Shockley is in the game..I wonder why? He would prefer to have Randall backing him up, because there’s no chance of him taking his position. Pull that hammy again Vick, you may never see the field again..perhaps as a receiver.

By al b sure

August 12, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

John, you are an absolute fool. first of all, if vick favors randall over shockley (which may or may not be true) it has to do with their VA Tech ties and nothing else.

By John

August 12, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

Shockley was 4 of 10…Let’s count them twice he spiked the ball to kill the clock, twice the ball did hit the receiver hands but they were dropped, and once he threw it away to avoid the sack, just as the veterans Vick and Schaub should have done, but they took the sack. I would say Shock graded out pretty good!

By Ladydawg

August 12, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

LOL - Shockley did well so all ya’ll can do is criticize the Dawg fans for barking for him??? Once you’ve played for the Dawgs, you’re a Dawg for life. If I can put up with the Noles and Crocs doing the chomp and chop for their former players at Bucs’ games, ya’ll can live with a little barking for Shockley.

By John

August 12, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Al B Sure..was you at the game?..probably not! Read the blog, I’m not the only one that noticed his behavior. I was making a statement based on observation…another thing..Why the name calling? Do your mother know you’re online?

By John

August 12, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

Al B Sure..I suppose you just got off the phone with Mr.Vick and you’re his spokesman on this matter..or do you read minds? You internet bullys that get online name calling, never cease to amaze me…what are you going to do? Hit me with a virus! Bring it? I’m protected…LOL

By seth

August 12, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

A lot of people talking about the Run Defense but if you go back and look at the tape (I love Tivo) you will see that we ran a lot of what looked like nickel or dime packages with our outside LBs playing up on the the line. In order to sop the run you need to keep the 4-3 look and blitz from those positions rather that the 5-2 and 6-1 that we started with last night. So I blame Donatell. I also think Boley was a disappointment he got ran over all day, I’d like to see if Beck can transition to that position he is a bigger play maker and that would beef up our Linebacker presence.

By RA

August 12, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

I saw one thing on defense that just scared the crap out me! I saw our starting defensive line get showed up by another rookie running back! It’s not the offense we need to worry about. It’s not even the offense we need to be talking about. It’s the middle of that defensive line and the seeming inability of either the linemen or the linebackers to tackle and bring a player down on first contact. Jackson showed flashes at nosetackle, but on the whole I was fairly disappointed at the performance of the front seven throughout the game. Now, I thought that the pass defense was good for the most part, but if a team can run at will, why would they pass?

By Harry

August 12, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

I think both back up QB’s played well. Matt Shaub looked very inexperienced. I think the next preseason game will make or break him. He will need to step up or he is going to be trade bait. The Falcons should sign Norwood asap,he would make a potent attack for the offense. Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood are well suited for the falcons run game. T.J. Duckett needs to go now. Rich Mckay, please trade him to the Steelers, he will make them a better runner. He runs like he is playing Pop Warner Football, with ballerina shoes on. I was very excited to hear about the falcons new upgraded defense,although,some parts of it was very good, some peices may need to be scrapped for better pieces. If the defense ever get their act together,the Falcons will certainly go deep in the playoffs, barring injury.

By John

August 12, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

Defense needs help, and I’m afraid we will have to give something, to get something of quality. No one is going to cut good players now. A trade for Duckett or Shaub would be nice. Although Duckett did play very well last night.

By Kendall

August 12, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

Johnmrog, here is your answer. I will type slow so you can understand. Currently, Shock is the fourth string QB. He came into camp with that position since the other three were already there. Ok, with me so far? If you want to belabor the point that he was 4-10 passing, take a good hard look at who he was throwing to. 4th stringers, which he will not be a part of long. If you are a Falcons fan and Shock becomes the second or third string QB, are you going to hate him because he was a DAWG? I dont hate Brooking because he is a NERD.

By David

August 12, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

brooking isn’t a nerd..he went to East coweta H.S. Just a bunch of hicks out there.

By gary

August 12, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Why is it that a certain segment of this collective population is so afraid that DJ will succeed? Whenever a positive statement is offered, on behalf of DJ’s performance,the fangs of Mr.Vick’s coven are bared and unleashed in attack mode. The last time I checked, DJ was a member of the TEAM. PEACE!!!!

By David

August 12, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this

and bulldog fans want to praise every single movement DJ makes. he went late in the draft for a reason. Is he a good qb? yes, of course, but to say that he will move up the rankings in qb status on the falcons ahead of schaub is nuts.

By johnmrog

August 12, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks for typing slow, Kendall. Now I’ll use the simplest words I can so that YOU can understand. Shockley is playing with FOURTH STRING players for a reason. Because he IS a FOURTH STRING PLAYER. And FOURTH STRING PLAYERS don’t tend to have long and successful careers in the NFL.

And let me keep it simple for you again… I never said that I dislike or would dislike Shockley. The only thing I said was that if you idiot trailer-trash dawg fans continue to insist upon treating the Ga Dome like Sanford-and-Son Stadium Lite, that I will be hoping beyond hope that Bryan Randall wins the back-up QB job so that I don’t have to listen to your childish WOOFING in the Ga Dome. Capice? (<—- that’s Italian for “understand?” since you’ve probably never had the opportunity to travel beyond the borders of the state of Georgia)

By keeping it real

August 12, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

RUN DEFENSE WE ARE IN DEEP DO DO. WE NEED A RUN STOPER .MORA YOU GOT TO GET THIS RIGHT NOW!. KICKER LOOKED GREAT. SHOCKLEY LOOK ALL RIGHT. NORWOOD HE IS THE MAN WE NEED TO GO TO ON DUMP OFF PASSES. HE HAS SPEEDAND SPEED KILLS.VICK LOOKED OK. RUN DEFENSE WE LOOK BAD THIS IS A PROBLEM.(FIX IT NOW)

By Ctstyle

August 12, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

The play of the starting defense reminded me of the Kansas City game in 2004. We were gashed up the middle often. We couldn’t hold the corner on the sweep. A lot of the Patriots plays, were simple sweeps, traps, dives and counters. I think Mora needs to go back to the correction he made after that game in 2004, in order to get the defense back on track.

By odawg

August 13, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

Good game, Norwood, Schaub, Randall, Koenen, and Shockley…..Mr.Vick, you’re going to have grow up and figure this system out. It looks as though the other QB’s have a grasp. Why do you look so lost and willing to run as soon as the ball is snapped?

By odawg

August 13, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

Hey David, Dj went late in the draft just like Brady, so don’t judge your book by its cover

By Kendall

August 13, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this

Oh Johnmrog…I guess the next comment you will pull out is your tired little “want fries with that?”. Just make sure that when DJ makes the team, is a success in the NFL, you come back on here and eat crow. Now on to you. I remember some really stupid buzzing sound you nerds made over at that rat trap stadium last year. I will take barking any day over that nerdy crap. And there was also some dancing to some geeky techno song from some movie like mortal combat or something like that. The color green has become such a staple over there, but you are beginning to look good in it, so keep it coming. And as far as the attacks on my living situation and my travel plans…what a joke, you wish you had my life. Trust me on that one. (this is where you respond with your McDonalds and trailer comment)

By Ken Strickland

August 13, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

Unlike last yr, this yrs team will have quality depth at every position. McKay, and the rest of his braintrust, know how to judge talent. Look at the talent they have consistently drafted in rounds 2-5, it’s amazing. Beck might be one of the 2 or 3 best LB’s drafted in the last 4/5yrs. He’s not going to start in the middle because they’ve invested so much in Hartwell. I’ll give it one more yr and if Hartwell does a good job, he will be valuable enough to trade. Don’t look for the Falcons to panick and sign a big name DT until they’ve judged the DEF performance after the next game. We shouldn’t panick at the DEF’s performance. There was no stunting, blitzing, or coordinated defensive effort, of any kind, to stop the run or pass. They are evaluating individual talent and that requires letting the players perform on an individual basis. We started having problems with our run DEF when we lost Ed Jasper. He and Coleman were about the same size, but their talent and experience, not size, got the job done. Our depth will help us win a lot of games and carry us through the season. GO FALCONS!!!!

By johnmrog

August 13, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

Wrong guess, Kendall, wrong guess. Expand your little mind and try again. Here’s a hint: we own you and your stadium.

By Catch222

August 13, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Cautiously optimistic. Obviously the D line needs improvement in the middle but overall a good show! We’ll miss Duckett, maybe Webster!

By Kendall

August 13, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

OHHHHH, you must be from cow college. NICE, but too easy a target. I am done.

By johnmrog

August 13, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Good idea, Kendall. When you can finally bring more wins against us than losses (which you can’t), then you may be considered in the game.