ajcsportstalk

By CMS

April 11, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Obviously they need to lead the NFC South. I think they actually have enough pride to take it to New Orleans twice this year. Tampa is still in a rebuilding stage as well as Carolina, but the Falcons don’t need to do what they’re most famous for … lying down!!!

By aqg

April 11, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

two away games out of the box, thats rough. we have a tough road ahead of us for sure. cant wait for that houston game, i wonder if schaub will get a louder cheer than vick. im sure some fools will chear for schaub. it will be an interesting season for sure.

By chris andrews

April 11, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

The toughest games, by far, will be the Panthers games. They will bounce back from the fluke last year and be pretty dominant. The falcons have made terrible moves all off-season and its not looking too good.

By T-TownDawg

April 11, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

I see 6-10, possibly 7-9 if they beat Tampa both times. That’s assuming they win all the ones they’re supposed to. This looks like a pretty tough schedule for a team with a new staff, learning a new system and a lot of holes on defense.

By Madden King

April 11, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

16-0, Super Bowl Champs, Vick NFL M.V.P. and Super Bowl M.V.P. HOLLA! GO FALCONS! GO VICK!

By JJ

April 11, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

I will have nothing to do with the Falcons anymore. The arragant QB Vick and his team are no longer my favorite team.
I am now a devoted Houston Texans fan. They got Schaub and they got me too!!! Bye bye Falcons. I’ll not be renewing my 20 years of seasons tickets!!!!

By lovethedoves

April 11, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Every single game scares me. This team has holes at about 4 out of 5 positions. T-Town is right, with a new staff, new scheme it will be difficult to win more than 6 games. Don’t be fooled, whether its said publicly or not this team is in rebuilding mode.

By NCR

April 11, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

8 and 8. Tops.

By 5 wins in 2007

April 11, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Tampa & Carolina are rebuilding but no more than the Falcons. Atlanta rolled out the red carpet for the last 3 years to overpaid average athletes. Compound that with the hiring a dork head coach(Mora) and you set the team back at least 2-3 years. Petrino should be good but he ain’t no miracle worker. Blank has gone from entertaining high profile free agents at his home to serving his famous lasagne to back-up QB’s. That is where we are, folks. Because of contract values exceeding talent, the Falcons would be hard pressed to move players if all were opened up to trade. We’ve got a bunch of Chipper Jones/Mike Hampton contracts that are dead money. Rich McKay should be taken to task for this. If only our players were half as good as they think they are then we could get to .500 next season. We will win 5 games in 07’ and Houston won’t be one of them.

By marbo

April 11, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Holla JJ, have a nice life. I will be the first in line to snatch up those twenty year seats. Go Falcons!!!

By Falcons Fan

April 11, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

JJ,

Bye Bye and thanks for opening up some seats. You thought being a Falcons fan was hard? You obviously haven’t watched much of the Texans of their front office moves ever. LOL.

By mc

April 11, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

I think they’ll be 9-7 this year. The roster has talent, Mora and Co. just didn’t know what to do with it.

By 1st pick in the '08 draft

April 11, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

With the overpaid contracts on this roster and a new scheme to learn again, the falcons will top out with a 4-12 season. Congrats on getting the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Joe Horn will turn out to be a bust with missing at least half of the season due to injury and Abraham will do the same. Sorry falcons fans, this won’t be your year!!

By Clint

April 11, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

The overrated and grossly overhyped Falcons will finish the upcoming season with an at best record of 6-10 or more likely 5-11.

By James

April 11, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Yall are so quick to throw the season away. We have THE MOST ELECTRIFYING player in the NFL in Michael Vick. Teams had trouble stopping our “college option” last year. What are they going to do when we spread wide with 4 receivers, Norwood in the backfield and Vick in shotgun??? Who will they key on then?

And I’m holding true to my wish that we trade up and get Calvin Johnson. Or the next Marques Colston (who is actually this awesome receiver from Lane College in TN). With soo many weapons how do u stop us??? We have the 4th easiest schedule in the league. We now have a shutdown Secondary with Jimmy williams starting at corner. And Abraham will be injury free, yea you heard it right here, INJURY FREE. This season is all ours. 10 outta 16 games are in doors.

To sum it up, FALCONS: 15-1 SUPERBOWL BOUND!!!

By Harrington is a LOSER

April 11, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Vick is the man. Shockley should be number 2. Harrington has a long career of LOSING. I will no longer be attending Falcons games. I support Vick, I support Shockley… but why would you spend 6 million on a bust? Couldn’t they resign Schaub for 2-3 million and save cap space? What is going on in Falcon land? Just watch and see, they’ll screw up this draft too. Dump Roddy, Harrington, and Jenkins, and get some REAL NFL players. Vick should wise up and ask to be traded before this ship sinks even deeper. Keep your head up, D.J.

By tb

April 11, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Man, I love you Schaub guys….a qb with a lower rating and completion percentage than Vick, in an offense he has been running since birth.

Just get ready to begin comparing him to Scott Mitchell, a decent backup not worth a flip as a starter.

As for the schedule…The NFC is so weak, this could be a 9-7 team in the playoffs. Joe Horn is a big answer, a receiver who will actually catch the ball. AND, call me crazy, but I think Roddy WHite is gonna step up. We began to see it last year.

By G-Man

April 11, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

I’m so concerned about the defense for this upcoming year that I would accept a .500 season this year knowing that this is a result of the rebuilding. I think the offense can hold its own with Finneran, Horn, Crumpler and Dunn receiving and running the ball.

By Vegas Odds

April 11, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Vegas has the Falcons chances of winning the Superbowl at 50:1. The only teams with worse odds are Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Minnesota, Oakland, St. Louis, and Tampa. Atlanta is predicted to finish 3rd in the NFC South. One can only hope the oddsmakers have this year as wrong as they got last year’s predictions.

By QC

April 11, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

GOOD LUCK FALCONS, GO VICK

By 1st pick in the '08 draft

April 11, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Be realistic here!!!! The defense still can’t stop the run!!! Big Grady Jackson was supposed to stop the run up the middle. That didn’t happen. Deangelo Hall is the worst pro bowler I have ever seen. He reminds me of big play ray buchanan (he gives up the big plays!!!) You think Horn is going to be the answer? NO. Don’t get me wrong, Vick is a highlight maker but has nothing but mediocre stats as a QB but I guess that is the receivers fault. 4-12 nothing better than that

By Keeping it real

April 11, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Defense , defense , defense . players not getting hurt and winning 3th downs on both side ofthe ball. If we win 3th downs this year we win. Our defense must show up better than 22nd last year . The team Must (BELIVE) . When you win the hater will get on board. Win Atlanta Falcons. Let’s go hunting to Kill! To the fans we must be better fans!

By Keeping it real

April 11, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Bt JJ see yea clown! Glad you are gone and don’t come back!!

By NFL Fan

April 11, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

O Lord, yet another NFL season with high hopes for the birds…..Here is the scenario…..the Falcons will get off to a fast start like always, only to lose the last 6 games of the season…I said this every year about Atlanta, quit thinking you are a good team a just play ball….these guys are at best average….until they realize they need to play hard all 16 games they will continue to be average. I wish them well and hope they prove me wrong.

By Birddawg

April 11, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

All jokes aside, there’s a chance of having a great season, the best chance of that being if the Falcon’s make a bold move and trade up to no. 3 for Calvin Johnson. We cant risk seeing him twice a year in Tampa and we already are looking at a more than likely split in games against both Carolina and New Orleans. The additions of Calvin and Joe would lock up the recieving core with a big time play maker and a tough downs reciever. Not to mention if Roddy White does ever break out of that shell we’re now looking at great 1st 2nd and 3rd options.
Also, move Jimmie to free safety, he hasnt played so far and as a former ball player I have to assume it has something to do with the learning aspect of the game since we all know he possesses the talent. If we go out and draft Landry and pick up a defensive lineman that can stay healthy then I think we can atleast have a “bend dont break” defense.
With a high-powered numerous options offense that can spread the field and a defense that can atleast be productive I think we’d have a good shot at atleast getting deep into the playoffs from the start.

By green tea

April 11, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Sounds like a buncha haters on here. You morons run your mouths too much and don’t know jack about football.

Madden Kin= MORON JJ=MORON 1st pick=MORON Clint=MORON James=MORON

You guys go take a long walk of a short pier…

By me

April 11, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

The best they will do is 6-10 or 7-9. Too many holes on both sides on the line. It will be a long year. :(

By NFL Fan

April 11, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Birddawg

All jokes aside, if you think the Falcons are going to have a great season, please let me go see your Doctor to get the same prescription he gave you.

By section 352 row 5

April 11, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

NCR…Lovethedoves…J.J….Oh I am takin’ names of all of the haters. When the Falcons go 11-5 and make it to the playoffs, don’t come jumpin’ on the band wagon later. I see ya T-town dog.

By Keeping it real

April 11, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

we need Defense . we must up grade to a attack defense. This what worry me we get hurt to fast. Abe need some help on the front four and our DB must do better. Draft for pressure and run stopper this is key. Mckay you must make very good draft pick for the defense BAR NON! All the team look ruff. we must win at the end of the season 1th 8 game we must win 5 last 8 6 game. Player management is key to not getting player hurt! Believe believe believe you are going to win!

By John B.

April 11, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

I won’t disagree that this team has plenty of holes, but you CANNOT say this team has no talent. The Falcons were consistently outcoached the last 2 years, and it showed immensely. The biggest hole on this team were the schemes, and that has been filled with a huge upgrade.

By green tea

April 11, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

TO: “Keeping it real”

I’m gonna keep it real with YOU

No one on this blog has a clue what you are talking about, especially with your last post. The only excuse acceptable would be that English is a second language for you.

How do all the haters on here know SOOO much about football? They don’t and they are the same people that were crying for Matt Schaub to take over as starter last season.

Buncha real geniuses…

By JJ

April 11, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Vick was the man in his rookie years. Blank gave him WAY too much money. He hasn’t done anything to earn $137,000,000.
Schaub was the best b/u qb in the entire league. They should have played him more, and Vick less. Vick should have pulled a Peyton Manning, and cut his salary to keep Schaub.
Michael Vick is nothing but an over-paid, over-rated thug!!! He wasn’t carrying jewelry in that water bottle. What a load of crap. We all know what was in that bottle. I hope you all enjoy my seats, they are on the 50 yard line, row F…..

By Jim P.

April 11, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Not an easy schedule. 1st two away…we should go 1-1, then two at home, we should go 1-1, we should beat Tenn and NYG, Joe Horn will motivate for NO x 2, we should split TB and Carolina….we can go 9-7, 10-6..but knowing the Falcons…you can bet on 7-9 or 8-8.

By Matthew At The SLC

April 11, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

I think the schedule is a bit rough, but I can see a 10-6 season, easy. And for the guy who thinks the Panthers will be good, that last year was a fluke… what the heck are you smoking? They have no offensive line. It’s worse than ours. They have a defensive secondary that is terrible. They have a good d-line and linebackers (led by Thomas Davis). Their special teams is a mess. And their QB is truly the most overrated QB in football not named Matt Schaub. That last one is for tito… who we all found out last night is a Bug. Which explains a lot about tito.

Remember people, Vick has a chance to prove that he can build on the promise of his first year as a starter. He has a chance to prove that it was The Moron Twins (Mora and Knapp) who stunted his growth. Petrino has won with every single type of QB. Option, drop-back, scrambler, gunslinger, strong arm, and weak arm. He’s won with them all. If he can’t win with Vick, then we’ll know for sure that it was Vick all along. But at least we’ll know and it won’t be conjecture anymore. As for Vick’s off the field problems, I suggest y’all take a minute to realize that Vick isn’t the first QB to act a fool. Y’all need to watch “America’s Game: The Super Bowl Champions - The 1968 New York Jets,” and then you’ll see a team truly exasperated with their QB and his off the field foolishness. Yes, I’m talking about Joe Namath. But that team gave Joe more responsibility on the field and he responded well. Let’s see if that same tact will work with Vick.

Let’s get some perspective, Falcons fans.

By RSC

April 11, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

If we pick up Laron Landry in the 1st round, Sidney Rice in the 2nd and Michael Bush in the 3rd, along with another pick, we will be on our way…

By falcon

April 11, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

3 Primetime games for a team coming off 7-9? Though I won’t be following JJ off to Houston (and curious decision making to “give up” 50 Yard line seats. I would think you could get more than you paid for them) I think MARTA will be packed early in the 4th Quarter. At least the schedule doesn’t appear to set up 5-2 and a collapse. All I know is they better win week1 in MN because 0-2 coming home for Carolina would be ugly.

By Jim P.

April 11, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Green Tea, I watched every game last year. I watched Mike Vick quit when we had chances to win late in the game and but get a case of the tail, and sit on the bench with “fake” injuries. Mike should have been benched in favor of Matt Schaub, to give him a reality check. Vick’s lack of leadership helped sink the Falcons ship last year. Mike Vick was a coach killer last season, and if he does not buy in to the new new coaches game plans…then again, we will have the same issues as before. Vick has talent, alot of it. I hope he grows up enough to use it and show some leadership skills that every quarterback must have. At QB, he as to be the leader of the team. If he is not, the God help us with another long season.

By Mike Vick

April 11, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Think Mike Vick will keep from being stoned during these games? and hey how about some decent fans instead of the Thug/Pimp fest.

GO BRONCOS!

By Pepe

April 11, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

The Falcons will win the NFC South with a 10-6 record.

Wins = Vikings, Panthers, Texans, Titans, 49ers, Bucs, Rams, Saints, Bucs, Cardnials

Losses = Jags, Giants, Saints, Panthers, Colts, Seahawks

By T-TownDawg

April 11, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

352 row 5, Put me at the very top of the list of “haters”. I am a huge Falcon fan, but I try to “keep it real”. Vick is not a professional QB, the O-line is too small for pass protection, the receivers cannot catch the ball, and the D is full of huge holes. For those reasons, the record next year will be 6-10 or 7-9 at best. I hope they prove me wrong, but I just don’t see it. There is talent on this team, just not enough to overcome the others.

By Falcon

April 11, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Shaub and Pimps/Thugs = I hate black people. If that’s your view that’s fine (though its got to be hard to watch a sport dominated by Blacks), but you prove that you no nothing about football w/ every Shaub is great reference. I think Shaub has a chance to be a solid starter but do you think he is going to carry the Texans on his back? Are going to win more than 5 games particularly since they just gave us prime picks?

A safety w/ a top 10 pick is absurd - Lott definitely, Easley great player, Taylor (maybe he is really good? Maybe) …. Look at Landry’s accolades at LSU - slightly less every year. We can get a solid DB at 39 and use 8 on a big body either side of the ball.

By Matthew At The SLC

April 11, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Okay, AJC monitors… I get stuff erased off of yesterday’s Steve Wyche Blog for trying to set tito straight, and you let these guys talk this way… let blatant racist speech and other hateful speech stay on the page? You guys who monitor the blogs are a bunch of hypocrites.

By Jim P.

April 11, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

The Faclons 16-0 and winning the Superbowl? Wow! What are you smoking?! Pass the Peace Pipe this way!!!!

By LizDawg

April 11, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

My biggest worry is when Vick is in the slot. Sometime he’s going to get hammered (probably against the awesome Jacksonville D) and then Harrington or Shocker will have to come in and save our whatchmacallits!

By green tea

April 11, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Jim you are one of the few on here with actual knowledge of the game and I too watched all the games except for the Eagles game and quite frankly I am glad I could only hear it on the radio. Mike isn’t a grown up leader like your Montanas and Elways and now Manning were when they won their rings. If the guys around him can’t buy into the fact that he is a winner and a fierce competitor then they need to be shown the door. Maybe they didn’t show on tv him getting his block knocked off every game while making passes that were dropped by his guys. I know I saw it happen in a majority of the home games I attended.

I almost am going to have to take back my compliment about you on that comment about him being a coach killer. You are defending Mora?? OK, I do in fact take it back. Jim P.=MORON

By Mike Vick

April 11, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

My name is Mike Vick and Ill flip all of you the bird!

By green tea

April 11, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

And Madden Kin, you prove why I added you in with the other morons by your last post. From 15-1 to 16-0… Wow, I’m speechless. maybe you can help “Keeping it Real” with his grammar. Maybe you can write another post on here with some more creative words that have #’s in the place of letters for curse words. That’d be great.

By JohnnyReb

April 11, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Dirty Turdz go 6-10 to 8-8 at best. They lost a stud at DE with Kearny going to Seattle. That pansy Abraham is a “walking Bandaid” who’ll miss half-3/4 of the season. Vick’s extremely overrated. The mug can’t read defenses, can’t pass consistently & will never be able master a complex offensive systems. You Vick fans need to let go of his jockstrap…and don’t give me this ebonics lingo about being a “Hater”. I don’t hate the mug…I just don’t nuttride him like ya’ll sheeple do! Get’cha pulla that!!!

By Jim P.

April 11, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Green Tea, Am I defending Mora? Maybe. If that makes me a MORON then so be it. But to say that Mike Vick is a fierce competitor???? Last year vs. the Browns, Mike Vick QUIT at the end of the game, a game we could have won! He QUIT with a fake injury. A fierce competitor would never quit unless he was knocked out, carried off the field with a broke leg or had a heart attack and died. Mike Vick left the game with a boo-boo and left the game. Not only the Browns game but the last few games of the season he did the same thing, and yes Mike Vick killed any chance of Mora’s return for this season making him a coach killer. As far as you saying that Mike Vick is a fierce competitor, makes you an IDIOT. JimP= MORON Green Tea = IDIOT

By Jim P.

April 11, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

I dont see this Black VS. White thing….

I just see football players. Not black players, not white players…just players. I dont care what they are, its WHO they are that matters. I got so ticked off at ESPN that kept calling Mike Vick a good Black QB…to me, he is just a Good QB. How many times has ESPN said that Joe Montana is a great White QB? Never. They only say that Joe Montana was a great QB. No color needed. Why is Color so damn important?
Problem I am seeing is everybody is so up in arms about race, they forget that we are supposed to be talking football…not race.

By Wow

April 11, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Wow, Michael Vick was cleared of everything that had to do with that water bottle, but people still are saying the man is guilty. Damn, what else is it going to take? With that said, I see an 8-8 season, and my predictions were quite accurate the last 2 seasons.

By green tea

April 11, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

I left early during the game against the Browns too (made me want to vomit) and if his teammates had ever stepped on the field to win that day maybe the outcome would have been different. Do you go to the games or do you watch them on TV . Because if you actually attend in person then I’ll respect your opinion 10X more than if you watch at home.

Name another player in the league that gets laid out on his back more frequent and harder than Vick does game in and game out the entire season. Name just one.

By Dumbing Down

April 11, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

O.K. Now the country gets to see the “FRANCHISE KILLA” three times! Interesting! Hope he doesn’t “mess up.”

By not with vick

April 11, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Vick is the most overated player in the league and is not worth 1/3 of his 137 million dollar contract. How many Super Sowls has he brought to Atlanta? He has no leadership skills nor the brains to run an offense. All you Vick jockstrap riders need to lget back to reality. It’s not ever going to happen with Vick.

By Jim P.

April 11, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Green Tea,

I will name two.

Drew Brees and Steve Bartkowski.

If your an old Falcon fan like I am, then you will know that Steve Bartkowski took more hits stayed in the pocket and did everything he could do to help the falcons win…and try to when even though the game was way out of reach.

Drew Brees took plenty of hits last year and his years with the Chargers and never quit.

Dont get me wrong, I dont hate Vick. I want Mike to win so bad. Its just up to him on how he is going to handle things.

Yes, I do go to games. The first time I seen Mike Vick in person run, and fire his rifle arm, I got a woody! He has the talent, Its up to him to grow up and use it with leadership, guts, and with HIM not Horn, rallying the troops. Green Tea, you and I both are hardcore Falcon fans. I respect your thoughts, and I want nothing more than a championship, but it all starts and ends with Vicks leadership.

By Falcon

April 11, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Green Tea

2006 - Carr and whoever the Raiders roll out 2007 - Schaub and whoever the Raiders roll out

I actually missed the Browns game - Isn’t that the one with the loaf of bread fumble at the end when in range to tie or take the lead in closing minutes

By falcon

April 11, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

No one looked as glassy eyed and wobbly as Chandler. That dude took a Beating.

By Wow

April 11, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

The only thing Vick knows how to do is pass a blunt or water bottle well? Man, say something intelligent and stop bringing up that damn incident. I will admit that Vick has made some questionable decisions on and off the field, but this is not golf, football has more than one person on the team. Get over the past like people tell Black folks to do all the time and wait to see if things change in the future. Like somebody said earlier, if the team is not successful this year with the new coaching staff, then it may be Vick’s fault. Hell, I will say some of the loses last year Vick contributed to, but you people act like if we get rid of him, all the Falcon’s worries will be over. Think again. From a bsiness stand point, the Falcon’s stand to lose a lot of money if they get rid of Vick too soon, because whether you want to admit it, the Dome is sold out because of the so called gangstas and thugs. So you know what I say to that, THUG LIFE FOREVER!

By Jay Black

April 11, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

The falcons were outcoached last year! That’s why we lost. Not many of those losses can be blamed on Vick or any other one player. Like when there’s no QB in the opponents backfield, what do you think the play will be. Cleveland outcoached us. Detroit, Carolina, Philly all outcoached us. WE WILL DO BETTER WITH THIS COACHING STAFF!

By slg

April 11, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

They will be lucky to win 4 games and that comes from me a long time season ticket holder and Falcons fan

By Falcon

April 11, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Wow you bring up a very good point - From a true “business” decision paying Vick the 137M was well worth it (even with the worst concession and parking arrangement in the NFL for the Falcons) GA Dome sold out (well sort of) every week.

From a salary cap perspective it is killing the TEAM. With so much tied up in 1 player you can see what we rollout at other positions. On top of that (particularly addressed to all of the Vick haters) we can not part ways with Vick even if we wanted to due to the Salary Cap implications - we would need to cut our whole team if you accelerated all the guaranteed $ in his contract

By Justin Gay

April 11, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Looks like another 7-9 season for the cons.

Go Bucs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 11, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

This blog is idiotic. In case it has slipped everyone’s mind, there are 10 PLAYERS who are still yet to join this team! The Falcons haven’t even used their 10 draft picks yet. Y’all don’t even know who half the Falcons’ defensive starters are going to be next year, let alone what this team’s record will be. Maybe they pick LaRon Landry and Charles Johnson and enter next year with a great pass defense. Maybe they get Levi Brown and Marshawn Lynch and end up with an excellent offense. Maybe they pick a bunch of stiffs and end up sucking. And I haven’t even mentioned the June 1 cuts and the possible impact those will have on the Falcons. Bottom line is, you all have no idea! How the hell do you expect to know how good this team will be?

I have no idea what the Falcons’ record will be next year, and neither do any of you. As of right now, I think the passing offense will be significantly better, the rushing offense will be slightly worse, the pass defense will be abysmal and the run defense will be mediocre. But none of this matters, because after the draft the Falcons may have as many as ten new starters on the team, and the outlook for this team could (and probably will) change dramatically. You people saying this team will go 15-1 or 3-13 are ridiculous.

By falcon

April 11, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

1st off - CJ is a nice fantasy, he will not be a Falcon. Secondly, if we have 10 rookie starters I am going with 3-13.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 11, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

I said ten new starters, not ten rookie starters. That includes Joe Horn, Toniu Fonoti, etc.

By marietta falcon

April 11, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

Tampa game in December will be a great time to visit Florida. Make your hotel reservations NOW!!!

WINS Giants, Bucs, Panthers, and Texans

By Kay

April 11, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

First of all Petrino is making his first real mistake by not having D.J Shockley as #2 Quarterback. This young man has been very patient to get his chance at the second string quarterback position since beating out Randall last year who was previously with the Falcons for 2 years as 3rd string. He is the perfect back up to because he plays similar to Michael Vick but with less mistakes. It’s obvious that when he was with the Georgia Bulldogs he took them to the SEC championship in the only year he started as quarterback. Not to mention he’s from the Atlanta Area and the fans love him. Petrino you come here thinking you know what you’re doing by getting signing Harrington and he has had many chances at other teams to reach his potential but has failed. You may yes but Harrington has more experience and I say at what being a failure so far? D. J Shockley hasn’t even been given a true opportunity besides last years pre-season to show what he’s got and even after that became 3rd string. You should have given this more thought before you made such an immature decision. Remember Coach, we are the ones that keep the Ga. dome filled. This is not college football this is the NFL it’s no room for error especially with the falcons trying to rebuild. I hope this decision making your doing now won’t be a taste of what the new season will bring. If so were doomed again. The people of Atlanta are disappointed in you so far.

By sugarlee

April 11, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are doing what ever team has got to do from time to time. Shape up and ship out. Most of these same people said the same thing about how the Braves would be this season. Already they’re playing like a wolrd series team. I’ve learned not to listen to half of the people on this blog. Last year was a hard schedule. This year is just as hard. I don’t want an easy schedule. I want to play with the big boys. Don’t be afraid, just play hard. Schaub is the one who got the best deal. Only thing is, he got pick up by a misfit organization. He will earn every bit of his money getting off the ground all season. This is the year you make you judgement about The Falcons. A good do or die schedule, will make a good do or die year.

By lovethedoves

April 11, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

I dont understand why people on this blog think that if they predict a superbowl then they are better fans than those of us who know this team will not be good this year. I knew this before I renewed my season tickets, but I did it anyway because I will root for them to win every game….however I know we have no talent on the offensive line, which means all the talent behind them will be hard pressed to score enough to win. Also, the defense will be significantly worse than last year. Even if you draft nothing but defense, it is unlikely more than 1 or 2 tops will be starters in their rookie year. If you are counting on the rookies to take this team from a 4-6 win team, to a 10 win team then you know nothing of the history of rookies in this league. A low percentage start and very few dominate in their first year. We are rebuilding. I can accept that and give Petrino the requisite 2-3 years to implement his plan with his players. For now, I stick by my prediction of a 6 win maximum for this season.

By e.b.

April 11, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I don’t know how you can say the Falcons made “terrible” moves in the off season. The only key player they lost was Kerney. The got a veterean receiver in Horn, they got a pretty good O-Lineman in Fonoti, they got a really good blocking Fullback in Mughelli. I’m not sure what you expect them to do with not a lot of money. I mean there’s only so much they can do, and I think they will only get better in the draft.

By Joe Schmoe

April 11, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I will be happy if the Falcons trade Grady Jackson for Kris Jenkins, swap the 1st round picks and pick up another mid round pick. That way the Falcons can land Nelson in the 1st, Charles Johnson or Jarvus Moss along with Ben Grubbs or another lineman in the 2nd. That gives the Falcons a big man upfront that can also collapse the pocket, a hard hitting center field type safety, a situational pass rusher to spell Chauncy Davis, and a big man to help shore up the Offensive Line. In the 3rd round they can then look to pick up the WR Hill from Washington State or maybe Leonard from Rutgers to play HB for Petrino. 4th round the Falcons should pick up another MLB like Buster Davis from Florida State then continue to upgrade the OL and DL and maybe the DB’s. From then on the Falcons should be free to pick the best athlete available.

By e.b.

April 11, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

The IDIOT calling himself Ron Mexico. That’s old and not funny. get lost.

By Green

April 11, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

I think the Falcons will go 10 and 6, and make the playoffs. The Falcons are under new management, who seem more serious about the TEAM. Also, Vick will have more freedom, more weapons, and more experience. Our defense will be slightly better than last year. Its been a good 2007 for Atlanta teams so far, so GO FALCONS!

By BIG BLANK FAN

April 11, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

MARK MY WORDS! This board will be filled with the same bloggers by mid year praising Michael Vick, the best QB to run through Atlanta bar none. Yes I said BEST, Michael Vick will far exceed Brett Favre as a QB. We need Jenkins to step up and become Vick’s #1. But for now, the TE’s will have record breaking years. I am not sold on Petrino yet, but if he does what he “SAYS” he will and stay the he!! out of Vicks way then we will WIN! VICK MUST RUN, this is our weapon, this opens up the passing lanes, it is the only way! VICK MUST RUN, RUN VICK RUN.

By Madden King

April 11, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Wow, you have the nerve to tell Black people to get over the past when you have people like Imus making racist comments on radio and off radio in the comfort of their own home and on this blog in the 21st Century. HOLLA! GO FALCONS! GO VICK! VICK FOR M.V.P.

By san jose

April 11, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

newsflash:Adam Morrison a white basketball player was fined by the NBA for giving the middle finger to fans who were calling him racist names. sound familiar? why hasn’t he been called a thug in the media?? Anyway falcons will win 8 to 9 games this year,the Texans will win 3 or 4 games and will draft a quaterback in the 1st round next year and matt schaub will be the 2nd string qb,by 2009 he will be playing in the Arena football leauge!

By garrett

April 11, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

You can’t judge any of them this far out. All I know is the Falcs need to do whatever it takes to get Detroit’s pick and take CJ. I mean, our pick at #8 and whatever player they want off our roster. CJ is a freak that comes along once a decade, if that. There’s a reason Gibbs is rumored to be all about getting him—-he knows what he’s doing.

By E.Hill

April 11, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

This is the first indication of what kind of coach the Falcons will have, Jim Mora replica. The iniability to make affective leadership decisions to improve The Atlanta Football program is what i’m talking about. No,I mean no Defensive front line improvement. Keith Brooken at MLB, come on. Grady Jackson, the only D-lineman to play in all 16 games isn’t even in camp. Looks like some more of the last two years but worst because we can see it coming.

By Titothebear

April 12, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Matthew, custodian at the SLC, in order to set someone straight you, first, have to be straight yourself. You are not! What have you been smokin’? The Foulcons were 15-17 over the past two seasons and they’ve lost some of the better players from the team that put up those lackluster numbers. Kerney is gone and the ‘dog killer’ won’t be available either. 7-9 will be an unattainable goal for this untalented bunch. Despite Reeves having a speech-therapist work with Vick, his utterings are still unintelligible. So, audibiling won’t be of any help should he be lucky enough to have a clue as to coverage. Looks like a really bad year coming up for the Foulcons. I couldn’t be happier!

By Reality Check

April 12, 2007 4:21 AM | Link to this

funny how everybody wants to point out how bad Harrington is. just look at his last full season in 2004. Vick went to the pro bowl that season and Harrington had better numbers all the way around. this team is almost bankrupt talent wise. with Vicks slow or never learning curve along with a complex offense we will be lucky to match last season. 6-10 is what should be expected.

By trip

April 12, 2007 6:15 AM | Link to this

Why is everyone always quick to put an obviously talented if not one of the leagues best quaterbacks down. Can’t you see football as a game without color, you racist always see black and figure we don’t have feelings. There are too many fool bloggers who always jump Vick for every little thing he does. I wish someone would follow you around with a camera. No one is talking about the good he has done for the black community. I know he works with children and opened a wine bar for you middle age over weight crackers to go smoke your cigars and talk trash about Vick. You people are racist slave owners, and listen to Imus. Vick is great.

By bucko

April 12, 2007 6:52 AM | Link to this

we will never have a winning team as long as we have dumb vick. i don’t think petrino has his hands tie with vick so maybe he want take all his sh— off him. bench vick if the falcons had not give him all that money that they can’t get out of. he would have been gone this year. pis- on the falcons. you people who still think vick is so damn good should join him in lala land maybe you can get you a bottle like him.

By savannah falcon

April 12, 2007 7:02 AM | Link to this

I don’t care for the Monday night games or the 4:15pm games. We should stick with the 1:00pm games.

By Shady

April 12, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this

The first half of the season, I can see us at 5-3 or even 6-2, that’s playing against some really physical football teams who like to run the ball too.

The last eight games are going to be more difficult. I would say 3-5 or 2-6, so we will be lucky to finish 8-8.

Of course I hope I’m wrong about 8-8 and we can steal a win somewhere along the way. Were going to need some luck to make it to the playoffs again this year.

This years draft will be key for not only this year but also years to come. If McKay blows this, we will be rebuilding for several more years, but if he drafts like the gridiron guru we know he is, then we will win this year and even finally have back-to-back winning seasons.

By CQ

April 12, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this

Im looking forward to the Texans game. Thats the game thats going to put an end to this Matt Schaub/Vick thing, although I dont think Schaub is going to make it to thatgame behind that Offensive line.

I like the Joe Horn pick up. He is a leader and this is the first receiver that will show Jenkins and White how to get get better.

By CQ

April 12, 2007 7:34 AM | Link to this

All you Matt Schaub supporters please go out and buy your Houston texans Jerseys and wear them to the Dome on game day.

By tix for sale

April 12, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this

I will have tix for sale on visitor’s side for Colts, Giants , and Saints. I’ve already sold 49’ers. That will pay for the amount Mr. Blank has overcharged me this year and last for the crap we saw and are about to see. They are looking at 5-11 , 6 -10 at best, unless they draft a whole starting offensive and defensive line. Also, NFL should scrap MNF . It’s just a pain to go to a game on the East coast. But don’t worry, it won’t go anywhere, Vegas won’t let it happen.

By Barry

April 12, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

Hey Y”all:

None of the games on the Falcons schedule worry me. All the teams the Falcons play have better worry about the Falcons due to they do not know what they are going to get with a new oach and sytem and all. This going to be a refreshing year of Falcon football.

Are you ready for some football!!! Hell Yeah!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! This is a SECRET from us FALCON fans. Tell EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By destin

April 12, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Poop - you’re right, it’s way too early to predict a won/loss record. It is interesting to point out that with the exception of Kerney, this team is as good or better right now (before the draft) than last year’s squad. OFFENSE: OL - with Forney back and Lehr gone we have to be better. We’ll see if Fonoti or Clabo can handle the other guard slot and if Omiyale and/or Ojinnaka have developed into decent backup tackles. Still, a quality O-lineman should be drafted. WR - Again, with Finn back and the addition of Horn, we should be better here. Mughelli is supposed to be an upgrade at FB and Norwood has gained experience - so running back shouldn’t be any worse. The key is if Petrino’s system and his effect on Vick can move offensive production to a higher, more consistent level. DEFENSE: This is where the draft must bring significant upgrades. Our first 2 picks should be DE and FS (assuming Petrino’s truthful about JWilliams at CB). If we could land one of the top 3 (Adams,Carriker or Anderson), I don’t think the loss of Kerney would be felt - plus CDavis would be a better backup with the game experience he got last year. If JWilliams can fulfill his potential at CB it would be a substantial upgrade over Webster. If a quality FS is drafted and Crocker moved to nickel (and backup to Milloy) our overall secondary should be much improved. Gravy Train has created another problem we didn’t need. A vet would be better to fill this hole (unless they shift gears and take ABranch with 1st pick). We need a middle linebacker - but hey, we’ve been without one for the 2 years Hartwell stole our money. We’ll see what Beck can do and need to draft LB in the 3rd or 4th round. All this being said, predicting how good or bad the team will be, at this stage, is pure speculation.

By J

April 12, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

May I just complain about one thing for a quick second?

Dear AJC Online editors,

Please quit this practice of posting the exact same writeup under a bunch of different headlines / titles in order to make it look as if there is more coverage than there is. Either write more stories or only post them once. This practice of yours is about ridiculous.

Thanks.

By The Genius of Love

April 12, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

CQ, you have GOT to be the most intellectually dishonest poster on this board.

Of course, that’s not saying much, since most of the folks who post here lack any kind of inntellect, but that’s another story …

Anyway, you keep making excuses for Vick: you say he’s had bad coaching, poor protection, unreliable receivers.

Now, Matt Schaub has been traded to a Houston team that is worst than the Falcons in every single way … and yet you have decided that Schaub is responsible for turning the team around ALL BY HIMSELF. You say that the Texans game against the Falcons in and of itself will determine who the better QB is … even though there is a significant difference in the talent level of the two TEAMS.

With all due respect, CQ, that may be the most asinine, childish, ignorant excuse for logic that I’ve ever read here.

Please enlighten me: why do you say that Vick needs help, but Schaub doesn’t?

By VickBeliever

April 12, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

JJ you are just as ignorant as Mr. Don Imus hope you don’t look like the old dried up prick. For you to say they should have played Schaub more further explains your ignorance to the game and your deep racial hatred. There are no facts that your theory should exist. Schaub has done nothing in the NFL his next VICKtory will be his first. So thank you for not renewing your tickets now some real fan can enjoy your seats.

By green tea

April 12, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately all leaders aren’t born. Some are made and it’s only obvious Mora was leading Mike in the wrong direction. That’s what happens when there is a lack of motivation from a coaching staff who wants to be everyone’s homeboy first then head coach second. Let’s hope Petrino has the right tools to get through to him so he can see the bigger picture. So we’ll agree to disagree on a few things but you know football Jim, I’ll give you that. Now 80% of the other posters on here aren’t even close to knowing football.

By Beanman

April 12, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Which games worry me, all of them. Been behind them for 29 years-25 rebuilding. Whats new, we’re the falcons. Whats new.