Birds Grounded

The Atlanta Falcons 2007-2008 season kicked off with an embarrassing 24-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The taglines for this game were rather obvious – will the Falcons even have an offense without quarterback Michael Vick and will the revamped defense dominate? The painfully short answer to both questions after yesterday’s game is no; however, a NFL season is long and I have faith that the Birds will get their act together.

First, the offense looked repetitive, lacked explosiveness, and provided neither pass nor run support. Although Joey Harrington went an impressive 23 of 33 for 199 yards, he threw 2 interceptions that were run back for touchdowns and he was sacked 6 times. Harrington lacked consistency in the pocket. He’d make a good play, and then on the following play he’d either hold the ball too long or throw into double coverage.

Unfortunately, Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood didn’t help Harrington, as both respectively rushed for 55 yards and 33 yards apiece. Their low numbers can be attributed to a poor offensive line and poor play calling. The offensive line allowed Minnesota to penetrate the backfield and Petrino called too many inside handoffs against a stout and strong Vikings defensive line.

Second, the revamped defense didn’t look so revamped. Minnesota ran wild on Atlanta. Rookie running back Adrian Peterson rushed for 103 yards and sporadic Vikings’ quarterback Tarvaris Jackson looked like an all-pro. The defense neither harried nor sacked Jackson and our cornerbacks allowed Minnesota wide receivers to run free.

After Michael Vick plead guilty to conspiracy, a majority of the Falcon players commented that that one man doesn’t make a team, i.e. the Falcons are a competitive and good team without Michael Vick, but it seems that when they play without him, their execution and performance are not that good. No one steps up to make the big play. No one energizes the home crowd or silences the away crowd.

I’m slowly and surely coming to the realization that Vick’s career with the Falcons is over; as a result, I’m currently in the process of finding a new favorite Falcon. The current Atlanta Falcon players need to do the same. They need to find someone else to rally behind, some else to follow because if they don’t, this season is going to be a long and filled with loses.