Clipped Wings

The Atlanta Falcons are in the middle of a serious breakdown as division rival New Orleans handed them their fourth straight loss in an embarrassing 31 – 13 home loss. The team is below .500 for the first time since 2003. A season of promise is quickly turning into a season of despair as Atlanta seems to be on the verge of imploding. Team owner Arthur Blank has made it perfectly clear that changes will be made if the team doesn’t make the playoffs, and more importantly, no one is beyond examination. The Dirty Birds offense is averaging one touchdown per game in the last four outings. Our three first-round pick wide receivers, Michael Jenkins, Ashley Lelie, and “Rowdy” Roddy White have a dismissal 60 receptions between the three of them. They each are guaranteed at least two dropped passes per game and never seem to get open. Their poor play is killing drives and killing team confidence, especially with quarterback Michael Vick. To make matters worst, the Falcons offensive line is terrible. They’ve allowed five sacks in each of the last two games and they are not creating running lanes for tailback Warrick Dunn. People can criticize Vick all they want, but if the wide outs and offensive line aren’t making plays, then how in the world is Vick suppose to have good games.

Maybe I’m being delusional, but Vick isn’t the central problem with this team. I’ve watched every game this season, and he’s probably one of the only offensive players, beside Warrick Dunn, on the team making plays. I’ll admit that Vick has had a lot of turnovers this season and may not be the most accurate passer, but you can’t fault him if passes are catchable and not being caught. People can plead for Matt Schaub or even D.J. Shockley, but I honestly believe they can’t save this team. If Atlanta trades Vick or release him, then they’ll be making a terrible mistake because if he goes to a team with a good offensive line, consistent wide receivers, and a decent running back, it’s over with – he won’t be stopped.

One good thing came from Sunday’s game; Vick once again showed that he gives 100% on the football field. He rushed for 166 yards although the offensive line was atrocious and he went 9 of 24 for 52 yards passing. The passing yards suck, but when you keep it in perspective by looking at the 5 drops, some of which resulted in 3 and out, you start realize that he can only work with what’s given.

Of course, for all the good Vick did, he cancelled it out by shooting the bird at booing Atlanta fans. I’m disappointed at his actions, and more disappointed at his “written apology”. The city of Atlanta, through his good and bad play has embraced Michael Vick. He’s the king of Atlanta by far. Vick owes Atlanta an apology out his mouth, and not one that was probably prepared by a Falcons’ publicist. His actions may have been understandable, depending on what the hacklers said, but he needs to properly mend the wombs he caused.

Last, I’ve seen several people suggest on Falcons message boards that Atlanta should rehire Dan Reeves. If you look at the numbers, that’s a bad idea. Reeves coached the Dirty Birds from 1996 to 2003. His coaching record was 54 – 73. He only had two winning seasons, 1998 and 2002. In 1998, he went to the Super Bowl and lost, riding the back of Jamal Anderson, and in 2002, he rode the back of Michael Vick and scored a playoff victory at Lambeau Field. Rehiring Reeves would be a step in the wrong direction. The Falcons should keep Jim Mora, Jr. and probably hire a new defensive coordinator and wide receivers coach.