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Who’s the Falcons QB?

The Falcons have released quarterback Joey Harrington after just one season with the team. Reserve QB Byron Leftwich was also released by the Falcons last month.

That leaves only Chris Redman, the injured D.J. Shockley and the suspended Michael Vick as the only signal callers on the Falcons roster.

What do you think of Harrington’s release?

Does it signal to you that Redman, who recently signed a two-year contract, is the starting QB going forward? Will Shockley be his understudy, or compete for the starting job?

Or does this move give conclusive proof that the Falcons will use their third overall pick in April’s NFL draft to select a quarterback?

Sound off here.

Permalink | Comments (190) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons

Comments

By geekboy

March 5, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan will be the Falcons QB. But, I am not sure our receivers will be able to mentally grasp the notion of accurate passes.

By DavidPredHead

March 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan…welcome to Atlanta!!

By SCBird

March 5, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

I say trade down, get more picks, and draft a QB in the later rounds. Ryan is not worth the 3rd overall pick IMO. I’d rather take John David Booty in the second. Let Redman manage the game this year, and bring in an experienced guy like Jamie Martin or Gus Ferotte to back up while JDB waits in the wings.

By Greg from Marietta

March 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Joey was a good guy with a lot of heart but he just wasn’t a dynamic quarterback. I can’t say that I hate to see him go but I do wish him the best. I also believe that if the Falcon’s can draft some offensive linemen that both Chris & D.J. can develop into above average quarterbacks until another “Franchise” quarterback can be drafted.

By David

March 5, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

I still think the coaching staff will open up the position for competition. Shockley will be given the chance to compete for the starting job. I believe Redman will probably be the starting QB. We will draft a QB with the 3rd pick. If not withthe 3rd pick definately with a second round pick.

By Dee

March 5, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan will not be a Falcon. Coach Smith has already expressed how he wants to build the lines and TD has expressed how he doesn’t take first round QBs. With Trey Lewis’ injury, we’re going to draft a DT, plain and simple. Dorsey or Ellis will be in a Falcons uni next year. Our franchise QB will come from the second round.

By Charles

March 5, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

great, we’ll take Ryan, but i seriously doubt he will start next season. So the question remains - who will start? The options are not great at all.

By dadof7

March 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Trade D.Hall for Brady Quinn and draft choice.

By Ryder

March 5, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

I still say that Atlanta won’t draft a QB until Round 2. This year there really isn’t a standout QB that makes you think, “Man we’ve gotta get HIM!”

With the available QBs in Round 2 (Henne, Woodson, Flacco) Atlanta can still focus on improving the Defensive Line with Dorsey with the 3rd pick and then get a new QB in Round 2.

I think it’s best for the organization to start fresh. I still think Joey has a chance to play somewhere in the league and this way Atlanta can have Redman start until the new QB is ready.

By cosmo

March 5, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

MV7 will come back and be the QB Glenn Dorsey will be the third pick

By terrell barron

March 5, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

I think we’ll draft a DT in the 1st, and Brohm, Henne, or Flacco with our 1st second round pick. We need a stud DT and a stud LT more than we need a QB. Ryan is not much better than the before mentioned QB’s.

By Patrick

March 5, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan had better not be a Falcon. I’d rather Jake Long at 3, and Joe Flacco in the 2nd.

By joebrave

March 5, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Joe Flaccoooooooooo!!! Yeah Baby!!

By IAMWMD2

March 5, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

About time. Once we get rid of Hall and Brookings for draft picks or to free up some loot we will be fine. No need for a quarterback in the 1st round since we are gonna be a running team. We need an offensive lineman, defensive lineman and middle linebacker.

By KneeJerk

March 5, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Forget about Woodson. Slow delivery needs to be fixed. I agree with others that are high on Henne & Flacco

By kaz

March 5, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Offensive lineman for the first two picks and get Henne in the second round with the compensation pick for Matt Schaub. Falcons have not had a Pro Bowl offensive lineman since 1998 (One of two good Bob Whitfield years). We always blame our quarterbacks for their mishaps (Vick, Harrington, Redman, etc..)in the game, but never wonder about the poor offensive lineman we bring in. Just a thought.

By keith

March 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

i want jake long with the 3rd pick, trade hall for a later 1st round pick, take the kid cromarte if he’s there if not take brohmn, and if you have to you have your pick of brohmn, flacco, of henne in the 2nd round with a DT in the other 2nd pick or with the 1st pick of the 2nd round. then in round 3 take another OL, 4th a OL, 5th brandon cotu, 6th a TE, 7th anothe DL and OL.

By WeRND

March 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

They need to try and get Quinn from the Browns. He won’t get the playing time now that Anderson has re-signed.

By Jason

March 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Hey IAMWMD2, Who is Brookings? Is there a Brookings on this team? If so we should cut him. Then people wouldn’t mistake him for Keith Brooking. Didn’t they just cut Harringtons?

By Singletary

March 5, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

FALCONS DRAFT ORDER

Jake Long Chris Long & a QB to be named in the 2nd round.

Ryan is interception prone.

By GT GRAD

March 5, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Trade DHall for Brady Quinn and a draft pick, draft D-Line, draft O-Line, sign free agent O-Line and draft a solid middle linebacker so we can move Brooking back to will linebacker where he is best suited (Brooking has been for a long time and is still the best defensive player the Falcons have on the roster AND he is a leader/role model for the remaining players).

By Jamaal

March 5, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Chris Redman should start. All those QB’s in the draft are weak, back-ups at best!

By Meezy

March 5, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Josh Johnson in 2nd round.

By tb

March 5, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Dorsey DT Gosder Cherilus OT Antoine Cason CB Heath Benedict OT Sam Keller QB Jeremy Jones ILB

Finish it off with a Safty and another OL or DL pick.

By Blaze

March 5, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Redman will be our starter next year & we will draft a QB!!!!I think we should draft either Ellis or Jake Long with the top spot & draft a QB either in 2nd rnd or trade back up to get Flacco or Henne. Dorsey is too big of a risk. Our new QB will be Redman’s understudy for 1 year & possibly compete for the starting spot.

Remember this guys: The Atlanta Falcons are in a rebuilding period

It’s gonna take at least 2 seasons to get where we wanna be. The last thing we need is to put a rookie QB with no supporting cast!!!!

By Brian

March 5, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Brady Quinn is no good, and Redman is better than any QB in this draft. Watch, Redman will suprise a lot of people this year.

By cosmo is a jacka$$

March 5, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Vick will never, ever, ever, QB for the falcons again. Are you insane? As for the third pick they will probably trade down. Keep on dreaming sunshine.

By Big Kev

March 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Eric Ainge is as good as any of the other guys in the early draft. He can probably be had for a 3rd round pick.

1st rd - ellis (dt) 2nd rd - trey lewis (dt) 2nd rd - Loftin (mlb) 3rd rd - ainge (qb) 4th rd - a cb for depth.

And me-angelo should be about the net another 2nd for a o-tackle

By Ron Roberts

March 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

I’m with SCBird… Matt Ryan’s probably gonna be a good quarterback, but the draft’s loaded with potential good/great QB options, and Redman showed he’s capable of running the offense.

Now that we’ve addressed the running game, let’s address the o-line and d-line and we might not be half-bad on 2008. We won’t be half-good, but we won’t be half-bad, either.

Trade down, get more picks out of a deal and let’s build from within, with those picks. If we can stockpile good linemen on both sides of the ball, the super-star players (the backs, LBs and corners) will play better as a result.

I won’t be disappointed if we draft Matt Ryan in the first round; I just think that pick can net us more picks and carry us along further.

By Singletary

March 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

GTGRAD & WeRND are absolutely on target: trade for Brady Quinn. A year of riding the clipboard is of more value to the Falcs than a college QB who is likely to hold out for mo money and not learn the playbook.

While I think DHall is a great player, I accept he may have burned his bridges. Trade him and a 2nd round for BQ… of real value to CLE that doesn’t have a first day pick this year. Now that they lost Bodden, there’s pressure for leadership in the DSec as well.

By Franchise Friend

March 5, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Redman is a ‘stop gap’ that showed quick reads and release with some mobility. The starting position will be open, but Shockley will have an uphill battle coming off injury and BOTH will have to adapt to the new scheme. The QB pick will be addressed in the late 3rd early 4th round. Aquiring ‘traditional’ pocket passer early in the draft ( Ryan, Brohm, Henne, Flacco and Booty ) would be ill-advised based on current line status and monies deemed for such an early pick. Realistically, C. Brennan of Hawaii, tough,mobile,quick read and release, 6-2’ 210 and had the best showing of ALL the QB’s ( inclusing Ryan) @ the combine, 100% accuracy rating…a really good player that will be very afforable. Remember: T.Brady,6-3’190, to New England..Scout? T. Dimitroff.

By joebrave

March 5, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Amen Cosmo!!! These ATL Retards,damn Urban Gorillas,think Queenie Vick is a Saint!!! LMFAO!!!!

By mars

March 5, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

An exciting QB with a winning percentage just above .500 is much better than a boring old signal caller that wins 80-90% of the time. Anyone can do that. WE WANT EXCITEMENT ON THE FIELD AND IN THE COURTROOMS!!! GOOOOO, FELONS!

By Ron Roberts

March 5, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Our current GM was a college scout for the Patriots, and I’m sure saw something in an unheralded QB from Michigan named Tom Brady.

Hey, isn’t Chad Henne graduating from Michigan, having run the same offense and doing fairly well with it?

Methinks he’d be available in the 2nd round or later, too.

What round was Brady snagged in?

By mars

March 5, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Hold on there, Big Kev. Why should we draft Trey Lewis, when he has become injury prone in his second year with the Falcons already? We don’t want to waste a pick on him AGAIN, do we?

By Zubie

March 5, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Bring in DJ….GO Dawgs!!

By mars

March 5, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Wish Vick was a Saint. Too bad he’s a Falcon

By fleetfeet

March 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

I’ll throw in my two cents about the Falcon’s draft since everyone else is. LEARN FROM HISTORY. Our Falcons have wasted high first round draft picks on DB’s named Bruce Pickens, Michael Brooker and Devin Bush. I know Meangelo is a whiny little chimp but drafting a DB is as big a crapshoot as drafting a quarterback. Maybe since Hall is under contract the new coach and GM should give him the option of acting like a professional NFL cornerback or benefiting the team by being used as a practice tackling dummy. I am glad to see bloggers say maybe we should draft DT Dorsey. I think it was the GM from St. Louis that downed Dorsey for injury history. Sounds like a smoke screen-every college limeman is playing injured in Dec. This is the LYING SEASON for GM’s and coaches. If Dorsey was hurt during the National Championship game then I damn sure wouldn’t be drafting any off. linemen from Ohio St.

By morris

March 5, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Phil Savage has stated emphatically that the browns will not trade brady quinn, so forget that scenario. And to the guy who said josh johnson in the second round, are you kidding? He did terrible at the combine and will be lucky if he is taken by the fifth round. Thank god some of you aren’t making the decisions for this team.

1st round- dorsey or jake long 2nd round- 2 picks- henne and DT or OT ( depending on which position we draft in the first) Ideally I would like to see the falcons come away with a DT, OT, and QB after we are finished with the second round. From that point I would like to see us add depth for both lines and pick up some more secondary help.

By James

March 5, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Flacco!!!!!!!!!

By dboy

March 5, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to hear Chad Henne coming out of anyone mouths. Sure he went to the same school as Tom Brady but he is no Tom Brady! Chad was inconsistant for 4 years people. He rode the back of Michael Hart. He doesn’t win ballgames period. Draft Josh Johnson a QB with 4’4 speed or John David Booty. No Flacco he couldn’t even beat out Tyler Palco at Pitt that speaks volumes. Do you guys know anything about Football. Flacco transfered cause he didnt want to compete. Where is Tyler Palco now? Anytime a guy transfers cause he is scared of competition I don’t want him on my team.

By DJISTHEGREATESTFOOTBALLPLAYERINTHEHISTORYOFFOOTBALL

March 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

DJ SHOCKEY A STARTING QB….ROTFLMAO….

By Chris

March 5, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Are people still talking about DJ Shockley being a starting NFL QB? I know you guys all love your “dawgs,” but dude couldn’t take the starting job away from David Greene in college. And David Greene ain’t no NFL QB. Do the math.

By Great Falconi

March 5, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Greg from Marietta, I’m with you on wishing Joey Harrington the best. The guy came into a terrible situation last year, took a pounding, got benched by a head coach who apparently lost his mind during the season, and took all of this like a man. He didn’t p** and moan all year. He didn’t blame everybody else on the team for the crappy offensive stats. He just went in there, threw the ball decently, and helped the team get through a very rough year when everything was falling apart. As we all know, Joey Harrington isn’t really any good as an NFL QB, but he’s definitely not the wuss that the Detroit Lions organization and fans made him out to be. Good luck to you, Joey.

As for next year’s QB situation, I think we’re looking at Redman as the initial starter. If the Falcons pick a QB in the first or second round, my guess is that Smith and Dimitroff will not want to throw him into the fire at the start of the season. Let Redman (or another veteran free agent QB pickup) handle the reins early on and go from there.

By dboy

March 5, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Morris, You said Josh Johnson had a terrible combine? What combine was you watching. He ran a 4’4 and high jumped and long jumped better than any other QB in the draft. He threw a few passes that were not his best but overall his passes were solid throws! I don’t want him drafted in the 2nd round but 3rd will be good. Again Chad Henne and Flacco are overrated! Chad started 4 years and I can’t honestly say he improved from his Freshman to his Senior year. Flacco again transfered cause he couldn’t beat out Tyler Palco nuff said on him. I am a Football Guru. I follow athletes from Park ball all the way up to the pros. I know athletes and good players when I see them.

By Eddie

March 5, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Best possible thing to do is ride Chris Redman’s arm this year while we build the O and D lines. You can’t win without a line, and there are some good ones in the draft. Woodson in round 2 or 3 is a fine understudy.

By Ramblin Wrecker

March 5, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I realize that on an ajc.com blog it is hard to avoid the inevitable “homers” who will argue with you until blue in the face that DJ Shockley is either going to be or deserves to be the starter for the Falcons. But UGA fans please try to be realistic for once in your life. Shockley is not going to start here. He was a 7th round draft pick of a previous GM and from two coaching staffs ago. Not to mention he has an injured knee and has not completed his recovery yet. So the notion that he somehow is an option for starting is laughable. Also this QB draft is deep, although not top heavy. The Falcons could take Matt Ryan (although not my preference) or wait until the 2nd round to find a QB like Brohm, Henne, Flacco.

By east2surf

March 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

I say Jake Long or one of the DT’s(Dorsey/Ellis) in the first, and Flacco or Henne in the second.

By lngtmefalconfan

March 5, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

as much as I would love to have glenn dorsey, I really really hope that matt ryan is the #3 pick..flaco, henne, woodson are not franchise qbs. matt ryan has the most intangibles to be a franchise qb…and to you idiots who say trade hall and brookings..first of all its brooking, there is no “s” at the end of his name secondly thats two of the best players left that are on the team, so they better not trade either of them..falcons should have never released coleman.they created a bigger hole where it was not needed

By Rdw

March 5, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

can you say flacco! 3rd pick should be spent on chris long. look how strong the browns running game got after inserting joe thomas last season. you think jamal lewis just all of a sudden miraculously got better again? long’s another can’t miss kid in that mold. let’s start runnig the ball down some people’s throats.

By GT GRAD

March 5, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Strictly draft strategy: We are in rebuilding mode and we have needs at several positions; we should trade the #3 pick to the highest bidder and draft the best D-Line and O-Line players we can get with our first two picks, then take the best QB with our third pick (if we cannot work out a suitable trade involving DHall for Brady Quinn of course!).

By melvin armstrong

March 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

get vick back

By melvin armstrong

March 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

get vick back

By melvin armstrong

March 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

get vick back at QB

By RecklessRedneck

March 5, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

If the Falcons draft Matt Ryan that should take care of their quarterback dilema. When Vick returns from prison, Vick will mentor Ryan and help Ryan ease into the starting qb position. In fact, Vick may even start games in the beginning, but if Ryan is drafted, then Ryan will be the future qb of the Falcons. As for Mike Vick, Vick is versatile enough that if he isnt playing quarterback, he can play half back, full back, flanker, tight end or even wide receiver. We havent seen or heard the last of Michael Vick.

By fleetfeet

March 5, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Rdw - - Chris Long is a top rated DEFENSIVE lineman and probably will not do too well blocking for running backs. I’ll speak to GM Dimitroff to consider your sagely and insightful advice.

By Nick

March 5, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Peyton Manning could’ve been the QB this year for the falcons and he would’ve done only slightly better than Harrington. NO ONE in the history of the NFL could ever be successful with 1.5 seconds to throw a pass. I feel so bad for Harrington, just once he needs to play on a team that isn’t terrible so he can at least have a chance!

By jmr

March 5, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Well all the looneys are out again in full force. Never played a game in their life and havent been to very many from the look of it. It does not matter who the quarterback is if they dont fix the OL, it does not matter and neither does the running back.

By MV7

March 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

i agree, mv7 is an idiot. but i want to see the 42yd minnesota run to win the game again. dogs or 42yd run? i’m sorry, i choose the highlight.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 5, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Chris Redman this year, Michael Vick next year.

By mars

March 5, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

For crying out loud!!! He could die of a heart attack while hitting the pipe in his cell, and we still wouldn’t hear the last of Vickie! There are those who would demand he be dug up and put in the line-up, and accusing anyone who complained about the odor of decay to be racist.

By Tyger

March 5, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Vick will resume his role in Spring 09, although he’ll be released from prison around Fall 08, the NFL wont re-instate him immediately.

The Falcons cant go wrong drafting a QB in 2008 although not a #1 pick. A 2nd/3rd pick for Andre Woodson is the best option. He sit for a year anyway. Vick will return and he’ll back up Vick. If Vick doesnt have the goods, turn the reigns over to Woodson.

Falcons need to focus on the interior offensive and defensive lines. Without those, it doesnt matter who the QB is.

By Navigator

March 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

The Falcons spent two number ones on Vick, and forgetting his demise, he still couldn’t reach the top echelon of NFL quarterbacks. Why bring this up, because you don’t waste number ones ones on QB’s. Great linemen, great LB’s or or CB’s, but never a QB. A sleeper in the second or later, and the NFL knows who these guys are. On Placco, remember Brady (NE Pats) couldn’t win a starting job a Mich. What the NFL is looking for is different from what most colleges want. Forget about another running QB, and think this new GM did not lose his mind before he got here. Running QB’s make good receivers, DB’s or sometimes running backs. Only the foolish think otherwise!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 5, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Agree with Tyger. I don’t see the Falcons burning the first-rounder on a QB with all the holes on the team, but it’s a deep QB draft even if there’s not much at the top. Brohm in the 2nd or Woodson in the 3rd seems likely to me. I like Brohm a lot more than Woodson, but we’ll see. Regardless, Redman should start this year and Vick should compete with the rookie for the job in 2009.

By mars

March 5, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

My apologies. There appears to be racism on both sides of the issue. Well, I’m a FORMER Vick fan who truly enjoyed the highlights. Now, I would enjoy it much more if he would just go away. Please, Tom D! Cut out this cancer. DO NOT draft a QB! The Bears went to the big dance last year without the benefit of a QB at all. While this is unlikely, I think we can rebuild in the right places the next year or two while looking for the next franchise QB to help ease the pain of scrapping this #7 crap we stepped in from the bottom of our collective boots.

By Historian

March 5, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have taken a big hit on running QB’s, so don’t even think they will try that anytime soon. I like Andre Woodson (Kentucky), but he seems to be a bit slow to release the ball (or out of bounds). He got a lot of sacks that way, and history proves it’s almost impossible to break them of that habit. He’s accurate, throws a very catchable ball, has a long distant arm, an will be there in the second, maybe third round. Placco could be another Brady, or maybe not. I wouldn’t draft him any higher than 5th round.

By Rod

March 5, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Shockley will be the STARTER. Shockley is NOT injured anymore. It time Shockley gets his chance this year.

By EarlyCuyler

March 5, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Folks - this ain’t fantasy football! Nobody’s trading up to get to #3 - how many teams have done this recently? If we don’t want #3, what makes you think somebody else does?

DHall for a #1 pick was just a rumor - nobody’s giving up a #1 for a guy going into his free agent year. Cleveland’s not moving Quinn, Brohm and Cromartie probably both go in the late 1st round, so pretty much we’ve got to go with what’s there and make smart picks for a change! In other words - we need linemen, linemen, and more linemen. We need bodies to run a ball-control offense to keep pressure off poor Defense and either our mediocre QBs or our rookie QB - whoever gets the job.

Bottom line - this draft is not for next year, it’s for 2-4 years down the road…

By hoop235

March 5, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

I say we take Jake Long or Ellis with the 3rd pick. Can’t go wrong with either one of them. 1st pick in 2nd rd would be DT or OL and then look for a QB - Eric Angie, Henne or maybe Booty with the next pick.

By aaron

March 5, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

i think that just for now, the falcons should bring in Daunte Culpeper for a work out. just for a year or two so matt ryan will to be able to pick up the system and learn the pro life.

By Tron

March 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

A team will trade a #1 pick for DeAngelo Hall, provided they work out a contract extension at the same time.

By Fan Sense Birth

March 5, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

I hope they give DJ Shockley a chance to compete for the starting job at QB. I would love to see Vick behind a good o-line and some recievers. Vick was only 2nd in the NFC before the fiasco broke loose. I am about 2nd chances. All you idiots who forget about the times you have had to say sorry………..Go play tag during rush hour on 285 ( spaghetti junction)!!!!!!!!!!! LOL……… just kidding. Learn to forgive.

By Unbiased_Blogger

March 5, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

It’s about time!!!!! Sorry BIRD BABE :) They are building a good team for Vick :) Why do you think they have not cut him yet.

By Mequanent Berihun

March 5, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

DJ Shockley is the beast a strong arm and very mobile. I hope he starts he is younger and better than redman. But we should draft a qb just in case.

By KB

March 5, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

I like what the blog “morris” said. Don’t think for one second if Brooking is not willing restructure his contact, that he will be an Atlanta Falcon next year. They got his replacement already. Get J. Long round 1 first (if he is still there) and then look for a qb possible in the late 2nd or 3rd round. Gang, football is still won in the trenches first. We still need a middle linebacker too…..

By Duce

March 5, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Chris, Shockley couldn’t take the starting QB position from Greene at UGA. How many QB’s do you think could have taken the starting job from the winningest college football QB ever? I’m not saying that Shockley is the answer, but I and many other season ticket holders in this state would like to see DJ get a shot. I guess the fact that David Greene has been playing behind Hasselbeck in Seattle, and Brady in New England has no bearing on the fact that he’s not starting in the NFL, in your mind?

By Joseph Allen McWhorter

March 5, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Well, if the Falcons are able to draft Matt Ryan with their number 3 pick, he would be the starter next year and then you could read between the lines-that would mean, bye bye Michael Vick.

By ugaman

March 5, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Here’s the deal,

Pro Football is won in the trenches and at linebacker. I believe we should draft a defensive lineman first, (I prefer Ellis, Dorsey had too many injuries), then load up on offensive and defensive lineman and linebackers and a hard hitting safety. I still believe that qb to pick is Eric Ainge. He was great at Tennessee and is used to playing in big time games. I’m not sold on Ryan, Woodson is overrated, Flacco has a big arm, but no accuracy (kind of like Vick) and Brennan is a joke. Ainge is tall, mobile and smart, and he is a good leader. Sounds like the potential to be a great qb in the league.

By hal

March 5, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

i’d rather have Harrington that Redman!! what do you expect from the falcons when they hire Brian VanGorder who tried to ruin ga. southern football. thank goodness for coach hatcher!!

By BJ

March 5, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Jake Long at 3, then Brohm. I’m at UGA, so I say let DJ throw too.

By BJ

March 5, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

People please — hit the Post button only once

By drmaryb

March 5, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Joebrave

Wash your filthy mouth out with SOAP!

To use God’s name in vain is not PRUDENT! Do you know who GOD is?

He created your ignorant butt and he can take your ignorant butt outa here! So hold your emotions in CHECK buddy!

By Jack

March 5, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Hey, joebrave You are a pathetic inbred moron. How do you find so much time to spew your ignorant opinions? Does your girlfriend/sister approve of your comments? What a loser! Oh, and you are so brave - hiding behind your keyboard.

By jmr

March 5, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Loser Losers why would Michael Vick ever come back to this racist town matter of fact why would anyone with any sense want to play for this town a bunch of losers that blog never been to a game poor trash, hateful that someone with talent has something they dont have. Losers now and forever. Michael Vick will be fine somewhere else trust me he is better off out of Atlanta as was Bret Farve, Deion Sanders, Patrick Kereny, Alge, Warrick asked to be released, Grady Jackson is doing fine. Losers hateful losers

By drmaryb

March 5, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Hey JoeBrave Man it’s so easy to talk that ISH! behind a keyboard…in person you probably can’t even squeeze off a wimper…there is no need for senseless rhetoric from some cave-man who’s probably pushing a 4-cylinder Ford-Focus around town.

Ignore that IDIOT guys, any one who curses GOD’s Name is not worth acknowledging. - yawn -

By Get Real Bros

March 5, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Joe Brave is just saying what smart people are thinking. Rock on, JB!

By d

March 5, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

I agree that taking a qb 3rd overall is too risky. Go with Dorsey and let Redman and DJ battle it out.

by the way, any of you heard of Joe Flacco? don’t know much, but dude’s 6’6” with a cannon for an arm. He does have a weird release, but could be someone to keep an eye on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxW_RdJjtos

By mary daddy

March 5, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

drmaryb will have her lips around my schwantz as we both descend into Hell together…

By RETNAV

March 5, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

I hear people saying Quinn is not the answer. I would take him before a QB draft chose. I watched a few games he came in and was impressed. Yes he threw some picks but so did both Manning boys and they were starters. I would love to see us package MeAngelo and maybe a late round draft chose for Quinn. I doubt that the Browns would go for it, but I like it. Take the 3rd pick and get Long from MI or the DT from USC. I think Dorsey is a great talent but his health scares me when it comes to chancing a 3rd pick in the draft. But all and all I think the Birds organization is heading in the right direction. Being a season ticket holder since 1988 I love it.

By Dont Feed The Trolls

March 5, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Wow. I’m amazed at how many of you fell for JoeBrave’s rhetoric. Didn’t your Mama teach you not to feed the trolls?

But Vick won’t be back. Mr. Blank doesn’t like to be made a fool of, even though some of this mess is his own fault. Additionally, Vick is a marketing nightmare. He will not be playing here.

By Coleman

March 5, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

GT Grad had some intelligent comments earlier before this devolved into the usual race-baiting nonsense from the fourteen year olds.

We’re clearly rebuilding this year. There’s no magic bullet that’s going to take us to the Super Bowl this year. Unless Dorsey’s available at #3, trade down for more picks (if anybody’s buying) and stock up on linemen in the early rounds. Pick up a solid QB in the second or third round.

I’m no fan of D. Hall, and I’m not against getting rid of him, but whom do we start if we trade him? He’s not the shutdown corner he thinks he is, but he’s still a solid corner for the Age of Offense that’s he’s playing in.

By Ted Beck

March 5, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Trade down and get more first and second round picks. We can dramatically improve the overall talent on this team by bringing in 4 or 5 picks from the first 2 rounds. We need 2DTs, 1 or 2OTs, ILB, S, QB and possibly a corner if we lose D. Hall. The third pick in the draft will command huge dollars. They are rarely worth the cost and they will command huge money for as long as they are with the team. We can trade down and get 3 or 4 good players from this one high pick. We are taking too much risk if we strike out with this one very high pick.

By edward

March 5, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

I think tjey will take a lineman in the first and probably a QB in the second. I hear Joe Flacco will be in the second round and the only knock on him is he has a huge windup. I think a year as a backup will get his throwing motion a bit quicker. It looks like it is Redman as the starter and Shockley as the #2. I would love for DJ to have a shot at the starters job this year. He is very underrated by many people but he has the skills.

By jwill

March 5, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan aint no franchise qb.draft Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey and a qb in the later rounds

By jwill

March 5, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

hate the dawgs but how can ya not like dj shockley just hope hes healthy

By bravesnfalcons

March 5, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Does anyone think that we have the curse of Brett Farve?

  • Farve arguably the best Qb of all time.
  • Has a ticket to canton which no falcon has ever done
  • Won a super bowl which we have never done. 4. We trade a first round pick for Jeff George, and we all know how that panned out. 5.When we do make it to our first super bowl instead of Bret Farve undercenter, we have Chris Chandler. Decent ball player, but no Bret Farve. 6 .In 01 we trade up to get Vick and we all know what happened with that. And on a side note we could have LT instead and he could have been our first hall of famer, and by the way instead of having him we now ironically have his back up. 7. And last but not least we believe everything is ok so we trade Schaub who does have a lot of potential, and we sign Harrington and Leftwich.
  • CURSE?

    By SIMPLE & PLAIN

    March 5, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

    VICK COMING BACK, MATT RYAN THE STARTING QB DJ COMING BACK HEALTHY REDMAN GONE GET BETTER SIMPLE AS THAT

    By Manny

    March 5, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

    It looks like Matt Ryan would be the pick. I’m not happy, because Matt Ryan is not accurate. He’s prone to the Interception.

    Personally, I think you can get a serviceable QB in the later rounds.

    But what I’m thinking that is so funny that it makes me laugh out loud in an empty room, is imagine if the QB situation is not properly addressed this year. And next year comes around. And Mike Vick gets out of prison. And the Falcons have all that money tied into him.

    Now THAT’S COMEDY!!!

    By anotherdamnjack

    March 5, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

    Michael Vick will NEVER play another down for the Falcons!!!! Move On! Get over it! He’s a felon. The NFL has yet to take any action against him…yet! I hope they ban him for life!! That’ll show the rest of the league that bad behavior won’t be tolerated!!!

    By bravesnfalcons

    March 5, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

    All right so it might be a little far fetched to think we have a curse, but the evidince sure is damning. And to “By Niel”, I have to ask you with a great team like the Bears used to be and still could, if they would ever dump Rex. And with the White Sox winnin the Series not to long ago, what on earth makes you an Atlanta fan. Not that i dont agree, its just hard to find true fans these days. Plus I agree on everything other than UGA, Go BOISE STATE!!

    By Boy George

    March 5, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

    I can’t let my boy Joe Brave near a type writer. He wants to be so butch, but he’s really just a p*** cat. Well I have to take Joe to the bed room, it’s time for monkey love.

    By TheJama

    March 5, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

    Here is what will happen. Falcons swop 1st round picks with the Jets who take McFadden. We then use the 6th pick to select either Dorsey or Ellis (whoever is on the board), as we are the only team drafting in the top 10 that really needs DT’s. With our (3)2nd round picks we select an OT, QB Chad Henne, and finally a starting Inside Linebacker. This allows Brooking to move back to weakside and allow us to field an actual NFL LB corp.

    Both Dimitroff and Smith have stated this team will be strong up the middle on both sides of the ball. Michael Turner, free agent safety Coleman, drafted inside linebacker, and future starting QB is doing just what they said they would.

    By Gunner

    March 5, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

    D.J.will be the back-up-up and they’ll draft another rookie.

    By bravesnfalcons

    March 5, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

    By the Jama other then Henne instead of Denis Dixon, nice comment.

    By Boo Boo

    March 5, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

    Unless the Falcons get some quality up the middle (offensive line & defensive line especially) it would be stupid to draft a QB high and let him sit or be killed. The philosophy seems to be going back to the early days of Norm Van Brocklin - three yards and a cloud of dust. Anyone can hand off the ball. We need kickers to keep the other team with the long field and someone to kick 45 yard field goals, just in case a RB runs for 20 years.

    By JerryFromGA

    March 5, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

    I think trading for Quinn might be a great idea, but knowing the Falcons-they will have some wash up (Steve DeBurg anyone?) playing QB. Thank god they sell beer at the Falcons games, since watching them sober would be torture.

    By Kyle

    March 6, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

    If the Falcons draft a QB, any QB, prior to, say, the 3rd round or later, I will officially turn in my fan card and look for another team to support.

    You do not take a QB unless he is an absolute can’t miss, ala Peyton Manning. There are no Peyton Mannings in this draft.

    The Falcons must get help on either line. Now that we paid so much for a between the tackles free agent RB (and thereby taking (to my disappointment)McFadden (and, because of cap issues), Matt Ryan off the board, we must, absolutely must, get help on either line.

    By rayskee

    March 6, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

    I believe our main purpose should be to stock up our interior lines. This is something we’ve been missing and it really needs to be fixed. Like it or not, everyone critized Vick for his quaterback play, but do you think Tom Brady or Peyton Manning could have played better behind that offensive line? Do you think L.T. would be on his way to Canton running behind that line? Uhh, don’t think so. Sure up the line with Dorsey or Long and we can’t go wrong.

    By bravesnfalcons

    March 6, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

    Hey By Kyle guess what round Tom Brady went. Um the sixth round, what about Alex Smith, Ryan Leaf, Tim Couch, Mick Vick to name a few first round busts. Just because you get drafted in the first round doesnt mean jack.

    By John

    March 6, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

    EVER HEARD OF THE GUY JOSH JOHNSON FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO… 43 TOUCHDOWNS AND 1 INTERCEPTION AS A SENIOR… THIS GUY WIEGHED IN AT 213 AND RAN A 4.4… MUCH MORE ACCURATE THAN VICK… HE OUR 2ND ROUND PICK

    By Thomas Dimitroff

    March 6, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

    According to the NFL and Draft website, Andre Woodson is going to have a private workout with the Atlanta Falcons next Wed according to a source. He is one of the few being considered by the Falcons, very similar to Jason Campbell and they like the fact that they can use the first three picks to get a DT, OT, MLB then take Woodson.

    By highflyrep

    March 6, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

    In the beginning, it was the sheets that most of you “RACIST” pigs hid behind! Now you’re hiding in sports blogs under an alias names being an idiot! Life must be grand being a coward! MV7 is still welcomed in an ATLANTA FALCONS uniform !!!!!

    By michael

    March 6, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

    accurate and Matt Ryan dont go 2gether. He threw 17 picks in college last season? how many do you think he will throw against professional defences?

    By marko

    March 6, 2008 6:14 AM | Link to this

    Every year you take what the draft has to offer. This looks like a banner year for lineman. I really don’t see any quarterbacks that look any better than our insurance salesman. With a proper supporting cast we might find ourselves pleasantly suprised with what we already have. We went to the super bowl with Chris Chandler for God’s sake.

    By Eternal Optimist

    March 6, 2008 6:18 AM | Link to this

    By week 7 Vick will be in the starting line-up. We will make the play-offs this year.

    By ATL4Ever

    March 6, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this

    Ellis will be the 3rd pick. We’ll trade Hall for a high 1st and draft Clady or another OT. We’ll pick up Brohm, Henne or Flacco in the second with an OT or DL following that pick.

    By eddie

    March 6, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this

    No the Falcons wont use the third pick to draft a QB, but they will draft one later in the draft. I believe Redman will be starter but Shockley or WOODSON will contend. Let’s face it, Falcons need a lot of help on both sides of the ball and until they get an effective offensive line NO QB is going do well.

    By fatal

    March 6, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

    Probably gonna trade the pick to Buffalo and end up with Losman.

    By Steve

    March 6, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this

    I think Joey Harrington was put in an impossible situation. A non mobile QB with a line that made MV7 run for his life and a coach that was a real idiot. He never really had a chance. Any QB with this line is in danger of ending their carear early. I think he’d be a valuable back up because he study’s and dosn’t whine and if he has confidence in his line, throws a very good ball. I too wish him luck and thank him for the beatings he took last year. GO FALCONS!!!

    By WILL

    March 6, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this

    FALCONS NEED TO WAIT ON QB THIS YEAR,DRAFT ALL OL, DL, DE,AND LINBACKERS,AND ONE YOUNG RUNNING BACK, THERE IS A QB NEXT YEAR AT FLORIDA WAITING FOR STARDOM, THE HEISMAN QB, THIS SHOULD BE THE FALCONS,ONLY THINKING,TAMPABAY, JUST GOT GRIESE,THERE ARE GOOD BACKUPS OUT THERE,YOU NEED TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK THIS IS WHY THE FALCONS HAVE NEVER HAD 2WINNING SEASONS SINCE 66, DAN REEVES,AND LEEMAN BENNETWERE THE BEST AND ATLANTA FIRED THEM HOW MANY TIMES DO WE THW FALCON TRUE FAN HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THIS CRAP,GET WITH THE PROGRAM ARTHUR,HIRE BETTER PERSONALL,TO MAKE DECISIONS,THIS HAS BEEN YOUR DOWNFALL, TONS OF MONEY AND YOUR ONLY KNOWLEDGE TO TOO SELL NUTS AND BOLTS.

    By toshie

    March 6, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this

    I agree you don’t waste a third round pick on a QB. We can get just as good a one later in the draft. We need everything else worse. Good defense and lineman win football games not QB’s. Redmond can hold down the job with a good line in front of him. I’m loving the moves that the GM and Coach are making.

    By dj dirty

    March 6, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

    if we need a mid linebacker why we let demo williams get away put Nichols at mid Boley Strong Williams weak and Brookings Cut him it free up 5 million of cap money with that we spend money defense line make sense brooking never be as good on paper has it

    By Bernie

    March 6, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

    So now they have played their cards ahead of time and Matt Ryan’s agent will own them and a good % of what Blank has to over pay for him.

    Way to learn from past mistakes guys

    By Atown

    March 6, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

    I think Vick will be the starter when he gets back!!

    By Paddy

    March 6, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

    To Cosmo, et al…..MV7 will never be a Falcon again. He is hated for what he did to this team and community. When he gets his chance to play again I hope it is on the West coast, no one ever sees those teams play much. Out of sight Out of mind. Do not worry, Mr Blank would never let this player within 200 miles of Flowery Branch. You don’t mess with people like Mr Blank, they have very long memories.

    By Jack Dawg

    March 6, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

    The Falcons are in a major (I hope) rebuilding situation. That means start with the O-Line..Jake Long to help protect whomever is playing QB. Then address the d-line in the second round. I do like what I saw of Joe Flacco, very athletic and could possibly be there mid to late second round. I’d consider some trading around with picks to try to move up slightly to get him. Best of all worlds…get Jake Long, then get significant help on d-line with 2nd round pick , or possibly trade Hall to pick a d-line guy in 1st round and then grab Flacco. So far I like what I see the Falcons doing. I do wish Harrington the best, he was in a terrible football situation.

    By Greg P.

    March 6, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

    Why are the Falcons holding on to Shockley?Joey never had a chance. How can you release someone when the people who were supposed to be protecting him never did there job.

    By The Coach

    March 6, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

    The release of several big money players off the Falcons roster gives all the signs that they are freeing money to keep the one and only Mike Vick. There will be no Matt Ryan or Brady Quinn for that matter. Mike will be released in July and back in that famous #7 jersey in August. The opinion of you cyber thugs don’t matter, only the opinion of the ticket holders matter. Mark my word Vick will be behind center in August and all of you self righteous animal people that eat meat(halarious) will either roll with them or get rolled on. Vick will start

    By SirReal

    March 6, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

    I think the best options are still there. Redman and Shockley. We had to dump the other two. Honestly, I dont see why so many people are caught up on Matt Ryan. The whole crop of QBs is just above mediocre at best. I agree with what someone said earlier, we should draft a DT. (Is that a cursed position for ATL? Didn’t Rod Coleman also have a “freak accident”?) We should bring in another free agent lineman to mesh with whoever we decide to draft to help our dismal O-line. The Falcons havent made bad moves. We’ll see the results soon enough….

    By Jay

    March 6, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

    I thought these coaches were going to build up the lines before going after skill positions. It does not matter who is at quarterback if they don’t get time to throw. Take Jake Long because left tackles are hard to find. Then draft Flacco or someone in the second round. After that it has to be D tackles! We have nobody to stop the run!

    By Hasavior

    March 6, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

    In my opinion, the Falcons are in a better situation now that they have been in a long while. with MV& out of the picture for a moment, all of us were able to witness how much unbalance there was in terms of a system. If MV7 got hurt, the Falcons would have been in the same situation.

    With Mughelli, Turner, Norwood with a revamp of the O-line, the responsibility is more spread out. Crumpler was phased out of the offense dispite his injuries because the scheme forced the QB to look sideline to sidline vs. north to south endzone to endzone.

    Now with a stronger and finesse running game it will keep defenses honest.

    But the Falcons, must invest in Defense this entire draft.

    By RA

    March 6, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

    Difficult to see the future is. Meditate on this I must…

    By Paul Mac

    March 6, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

    People agonize needlessly over QB’s. Who cares. This is a 6 win team right now. The best players at the top of this draft that we need are Defensive Linemen. Hopefully we can get Dorsey, get Lewis healthy and pickup Grady in free agency for a 1 year deal and then pickup some depth at DE Then we need all the offensive linemen we can get and that kicker from UGA or the one from Louisville.. not drafting a freaking kicker cost 2 games last year. Get over the QB they obviously feel better a