NFL FanHouse

Michael Vick Files for Bankruptcy

Michael David Smith — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:22:00 EST

Michael Vick, the former Falcons quarterback who is serving a 23-month prison sentence, filed Chapter 11 papers yesterday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Bloomberg News Service is reporting.

In the papers, Vick said he has debts of $10 million to $50 million and assets of $10 million to $50 million. Vick's debts include $3.75 million to the Falcons for a pro rated portion of his signing bonus, $4.5 million to Joel Enterprises for breach of contract, and $2.5 million to Royal Bank of Canada for a real-estate loan.

Vick's lawyers said in the filing that they hope Vick "can, after the conclusion of the bankruptcy case, rebuild his life on a personal and spiritual level, resurrect his image as a public figure, and resolve matters with the NFL such that he can resume his career."

Previously on FanHouse:
Michael Vick Buys Place in Florida: Bankruptcy Coming Next?
Bank Sues Michael Vick for $2.3 Million

Michael Vick Files for Bankruptcy originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could the Falcons Go 1-15?

JJ Cooper — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

Everyone knows that this year's Falcons team isn't a threat to go undefeated, or to go .500 for that matter.

But as Mark Bradley points out, the Sporting News has picked the Falcons to go 1-15 this year, which would rank them among the worst teams of all time--right up there with last year's Dolphins.

It's easy to say this year's Falcons team will be bad, but it's hard to see how they will be that bad. It's hard to imagine a season worse than last year (star quarterback ends up in jail, coach angers most of the team, cuts one of the team's best defensive lineman, then quits on them in the middle of the season, and the team ends season with almost no defensive tackles). Even with all that, what arguably was the worst season in Falcons history, Atlanta still won four games.

Even if Matt Ryan struggles as a rookie, Michael Turner should ensure that the offense is a tick better than last years. The defense may not be much better, but they also will have to work hard to be much worse. And last year's team had no luck at all. They may not be luckier in 2008, but it would take a run of monumental bad luck to go 1-15.

In the long run, it really doesn't matter how bad the 2008 Falcons are. As bad as it is to say, the reality is that this team is already focuses on 2009 and beyond--the offseason additions and releases have been geared that way. But even with that, 1-15 seems pretty ludicrous.

Could the Falcons Go 1-15? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Joey Harrington the Worst Quarterback of All-Time?

Tom Mantzouranis — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Falcons, Lions, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami

I think the obvious answer to that question is no. Realistically speaking, there have been far worse quarterbacks in the NFL than the piano man, I mean, there's got to be a reason guys are sitting below him on depth charts even though we're far removed from any semblance of hope that he'd live up to his draft status. But what if you take into account the whole statistical shebang, including the amount of opportunities with which to suck? That might be a different story.

Or at least that's what Pro Football Reference thinks, as they've compiled their list of worst quarterbacks in the league's history, which -- if your surname isn't Imus -- you should be smart enough to realize is headlined by Joey Harrington. The reasoning is a stew of numbers and equations (here's the method behind the madness). It's definitely worth checking out for the comprehensive perspective it takes, even if it took me three reads and the assistance of a Mensa member to understand.

That being said, I'm a firm believer in the eyeball test, and I stand by my very ~~subjective~~ scientific opinion that Harrington isn't the worst. There are surely a couple of inferior quarterbacks in history. There are even a couple of current quarterbacks who are worse. Hell, there are a couple of quarterbacks currently on the Chicago Bears who are worse than Harrington.

Or maybe I've just got a soft spot for someone who can tickle the ivories.

Is Joey Harrington the Worst Quarterback of All-Time? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atlanta Falcons Cut Jimmy Williams

Michael David Smith — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:37:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons announced today that they have released cornerback Jimmy Williams, their 2006 second-round draft pick.

The release doesn't come as a surprise, considering that Williams never played up to expectations, and that his commitment to the game was questioned when he showed up to workouts weighing more than 230 pounds, or about 20 over his listed weight.

If the release tells us anything, it's that the new regime in Atlanta, headed up by coach Mike Smith and general manager Tom Dimitroff, doesn't think very highly of the players brought in by the old regime, headed up by general manager Rich McKay and coaches Bobby Petrino and Jim Mora.

Note: Two years ago, Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he was excited about building a nucleus of players from Virginia Tech. Now all five of the Hokies who were on the Falcons' roster at the time are gone.

Atlanta Falcons Cut Jimmy Williams originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forney Gets a Wake-Up Call

JJ Cooper — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:42:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, AFC South, Atlanta

It appears that the Falcons are trying to light a fire on Kynan Forney.

That's the most logical explanation for why Forney is working out with the second team this offseason while Harvey Dahl is taking snaps as a starter. Forney has started 89 games for the Falcons, which makes him one of the few long-term regulars still left in Atlanta. Dahl, not only hasn't started a game, he hasn't even been able to stick on an active roster in any of his three NFL seasons.

This Atlanta Journal-Constitution story says that offensive line coach Paul Bordreau likes Dahl's hot-tempered approach and his mean streak. And it is true that there have been other examples of practice squadders turning into NFL starters, but there also is a reason that Dahl has failed to stick on a roster in three tries. So it still seems like a longshot that Dahl will be starting when the season begins.

But it does mean that after a pretty disappointing 2007 season, Forney is on notice that he better pick it up if he wants to be in the starting lineup come September.

Forney Gets a Wake-Up Call originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shockley Hopes to Pull a Shocker

JJ Cooper — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:35:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

If you're a developmental quarterback, there are some fringe benefits to latching on with the local pro team after a solid college career. Your family gets to watch you play in the preseason, your friends have an easier time keeping up with your career, and most importantly, the local newspaper covers your every move like you're the starter.

If D.J. Shockley had been drafted in the seventh round by the Chiefs or Lions, he'd be just another no name third/fourth string quarterback trying to hang on to a roster spot. But since the Falcons drafted him, just an hour's drive from where he led Georgia to an SEC Championship, we get frequent updates on his recovery from a blown knee, and this report on his first day back at practice.

It may be a lot of coverage for a player who's just hoping to make the team, but Shockley does seem to have a decent chance of sticking as a No. 3 quarterback. Matt Ryan obviously will be one of the quarterbacks, and Chris Redman has likely earned the starting job until Ryan is ready with his work last year, but that leaves a battle between Joey Harrington and Shockley for the final QB spot.

If the team was worrying about being the best prepared to win in 2008, Harrington likely gets the job--he gives the team a second veteran quarterback, even if he's shown that you're best hope with him is for a string of mediocre performances.

But on a team that's still building for the future, it might make more sense to carry another developmental quarterback as the emergency QB. If Shockley shows enough in the preseason, he could prove he's worthy of grooming as an eventual backup to Ryan.

"You see D.J.'s athleticism. He brings a different dynamic then the other three guys. He feels like he's getting more comfortable moving around on his leg, which is positive. It's good for him to get out and actually run the offense and get a feel for the verbage and to get a feel for the shifts and motions of the offense."

He's still a longshot to make the team, but there is a chance, which is more than most seventh-round picks coming off of knee surgery can hope for.

Shockley Hopes to Pull a Shocker originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 28 May 2008 20:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Petrino: Leaving the Falcons Was Tough

JJ Cooper — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:55:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

Bobby Petrino isn't really sorry about what happened, but he is disappointed with the way his departure from the Falcons played out. Roughly six months after he bolted on the team in the middle of the season, Petrino says he struggled with the idea of leaving a team with games still left to be played.

"It was an unfortunate thing because of the timing," Petrino said as he arrived for his first SEC Spring Meetings as the coach of the Hogs. "The timing of it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life."

This was the first time Petrino has talked extensively about leaving since his introductory press conference. Of course, that doesn't mean that Petrino believes he erred by telling the Falcons players they had to be committed to the team, then turning and running for the hills at the first opportunity. And he doesn't believe he made a mistake by leaving without having the guts to face the team that he was abandoning--there was a press conference to attend in Arkansas, so a simple typed letter should have been enough for the players. Petrino has no regrets.

"Not that I know of," he said. "Because of the timing of it and both sides of the fence, that is kind of how it worked out. It was a situation where you have no other choice."

Actually the choice was to live up to what he had promised the Falcons or leave with three games to play, but again, in Petrino-land everything's about him, and his decisions are always right. Well, except for the decision to coach the Falcons.

"When people know me, they understand how I am," he said.

Sorry, but I think in this case first impressions mean a lot. Petrino did bail on the Falcons. He did fail miserably by trying to bully a team of NFL players before learning that his college success didn't guarantee instant respect. The Falcons may be better off for his departure, but that doesn't mean that wasn't a gutless thing to do, and it still is six months later.

Petrino: Leaving the Falcons Was Tough originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 27 May 2008 20:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unhappy Horn Stays Home

JJ Cooper — Sat, 24 May 2008 22:33:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

As long as the offseason workouts are voluntary, Joe Horn isn't going to come anywhere near the Falcons' training facility at Flowery Branch. Playing the role of the unhappy egotistical receiver, Horn is requesting a trade because he's worried he won't be one of the team's primary targets next year. So until he gets traded, he'll stay home, hoping it helps speed his way out of town.

Now usually there's plenty of reasons to back a player for deciding to skip voluntary workouts--that's why they're called voluntary. But when a 36-year-old receiver who caught 23 passes for 243 yards in the first year of a four-year, $19 million deal starts complaining, it's hard to have much sympathy.

Horn's hopes to be traded are pretty laughable. It's hard to find a whole lot of teams who are looking to trade for an old receiver whose last good season was in 2004. And it's especially tough to deal a guy like that when he'll make $2.5 million next year.

What's less clear is why the Falcons haven't cut him already. With Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and Laurent Robinson all on the roster, the Falcons don't need a headache as a fourth receiver. The stupid decision was signing Horn in the first place, but waiving him and getting the salary cap pain of dumping him out of the way makes sense for a team whose focus already is to get this thing turned around by 2010 or 2011. By then, Horn will be out of the league.

Unhappy Horn Stays Home originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 24 May 2008 22:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ryan Already Among Falcons Highest Paid

JJ Cooper — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:19:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

While Falcons fans may be happy to have Matt Ryan under contract, it's pretty clear that his deal is not exactly a popular one for veterans around the league.

But how popular will it be in the Falcons locker room? At the bare minimum, Ryan's deal will earn him roughly $6 million a year in salary cap--and probably a good bit more. That will make him one of the richest men in a Falcons locker room that purged most of last year's highest paid players--of the six players who carried a cap number of more than $4 million last year four are now gone.

So Ryan will have to prove he's worthy of the money to guys like Roddy White and Michael Boley--who have made less during their careers than Ryan did the minute he signed his name to the contract. He's making the same kind of money as John Abraham and Keith Brooking, even though they are Pro Bowl-caliber veterans.

It's how the system works, but it also means that Ryan faces a pretty significant burden with his mega-millions deal. Now he has to prove that he's worth the money.

Ryan Already Among Falcons Highest Paid originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 22:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ryan's Deal Makes Mawae Mad

JJ Cooper — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:06:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

Matt Ryan can pick up the check at dinner with his offensive lineman for years to come, but he's not particularly popular with veterans around the league. It's not as much Ryan, as the simple fact that rookies are getting contracts that make the average solid NFL veteran jealous.

NFL Association President Kevin Mawae is clearly ready to push for some changes:

"As a guy who has been in the league for 14 now going on 15 years and being around other veteran guys, for a young guy to get paid that kind of money and never steps foot on an NFL football field, it's a little disheartening to think of," Mawae said. "It makes it tough for a guy who's proven himself to say 'I want that kind of money' when the owners, all they're going to say is, 'Well, you weren't a first-round pick.' "

Jay Feely may be a kicker, but he's a veteran who's also complaining about the new deal.

He said veteran players don't believe rookies should be "paid more than Tom Brady or be paid more than Peyton Manning" on their first contract. "After three or four years if they come in and prove something, then they get that big contract."

Expect to see more comments like these in the next couple of days. With the timing of the Ryan deal coming at the same time that the owners have junked the current collective bargaining agreement, it's possible that his deal could end up being one of the points that led to a potential rookie salary scale.

Ryan's Deal Makes Mawae Mad originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 22:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ryan's New Deal Is a Record-Breaker

JJ Cooper — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:15:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

So how does Matt Ryan's new deal compare to the deals of recent quarterbacks? Let's just say that his agent Tom Condon will be using this deal to woo his next set of clients.

Few seem to be mentioning it, but Ryan's $34.75 million in guaranteed money is a record for a rookie--topping Jamarcus Russell's $32 million guaranteed last year--and Ryan didn't have to miss part of the season to get the deal.

A look at all of the quarterbacks taken in the top 15 picks of the past five years shows just how crazy these rookie deals are getting. Five years ago, Rivers got $14.5 million as the No. 4 pick, now Ryan is getting $20 million more in guaranteed money for going one pick earlier. If the deal had been tied to simple salary cap inflation, it would be $10 million less in guaranteed money.

It also makes it clear just how valuable it is to be picked in the top five. While the overall numbers may be pretty similar, the guaranteed money is the true measure of these deals--if a quarterback proves himself, he'll never play out the original deal, as Ben Roethlisberger showed. And if he busts, that guaranteed money is the anchor around the team's salary cap, which is why Alex Smith becoming a bust ($24 million guaranteed) would be much more painful then Matt Leinart ($14 million) falling flat.

After the jump, you can see the full rundown of the past nine top quarterback contracts.
Years

Player	Total	Guaranteed
Matt Ryan	6	$72 million	$34.75 million
Jamarcus Russell	6	$64 million	$32 million
Vince Young	6	$58 million	$25.74 million
Matt Leinart	6	$50.8 million	$14 million
Jay Cutler	6	$48 million	$11 million
Alex Smith	6	$49.5 million	$24 million
Eli Manning	6	$54 million	$20 million
Philip Rivers	6	$40.5 million	$14.5 million
Ben Roethlisberger	6	$24 million	$9 million

Ryan's New Deal Is a Record-Breaker originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 20 May 2008 22:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ryan Smart To Avoid the Quinn Plan

JJ Cooper — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:28:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

Matt Ryan may have learned something from Brady Quinn--it's best for a first-round quarterback to quickly sign a contract.

Quinn missed most of the preseason last year with a contract holdout and watched his chance to quickly become the Browns starter disappear. A year later, he's still waiting for his chance, and he'll likely be waiting for a couple of years to come.

Is it highly unlikely that Chris Redman would have played well enough to keep Ryan on the bench no matter if Ryan had held out until September? Absolutely. But then, at this time last year, did anyone think that Derek Anderson would play well enough to earn a long-term contract extension? By signing early, Ryan avoids the distractions, avoids alienating the fans who will eventually be lining up to buy his No. 2 jersey and ensures he'll get the boat load of reps during training camp.

Now the only questions is whether Ryan will be under center when the Falcons play their season opener on Sept. 7. If he plays well in the preseason, there will be plenty of pressure to get on with the new era, but unless offensive line coach Paul Boudreau does some miracles, it might be best to wait until the line solidifies before throwing Ryan out there. Boudreau knows how to deal with crisis--his Rams offensive lines have been injury-plagued in recent years, but the Falcons are guaranteed to have some missed assignments with a line that will likely feature rookie Sam Baker and second-year guard Justin Blalock on the left side.

But at some point this season, Ryan will be the Falcons quarterback. Now we'll have to see how quick a learned he is.

Ryan Smart To Avoid the Quinn Plan originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 20 May 2008 20:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atlanta Falcons Sign Matt Ryan

Michael David Smith — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:54:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons have announced the signing of first-round draft pick Matt Ryan, the third overall pick in last month's NFL draft.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the contract is a six-year, $72 million deal, with $34.75 million guaranteed. That would make it a more valuable contract than the one first overall pick Jake Long signed with the Dolphins, although Long gets to become a free agent a year earlier than Ryan does.

The Falcons got Ryan locked up incredibly early, clearly working hard to avoid the holdouts that first-round quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn had last year. Although Russell and Quinn hardly played last year, Ryan is now the favorite to be the Falcons' starter on opening day.

Atlanta Falcons Sign Matt Ryan originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 20 May 2008 15:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anderson's Sack-less Streak May Continue

JJ Cooper — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:36:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

A year ago, the Falcons drafted Jamaal Anderson with the idea that he could be the long-term answer at defensive end--a stud who would be equally comfortable stuffing the run or rushing the quarterback.

Just one year in, there seem to already be some questions about how effective a pass rusher the former Arkansas product is. It's not Anderson's zero sacks in 16 games that's most troubling--it's how the Falcons coaching staff views him. It appears he's already being written off as a force off the edge.

"If we can find other fast guys, good pass rushers, then we could move him," defensive line coach Ray Hamilton said of Anderson. "We could use him as a first- and second-down defensive end and on third down move him inside where he could be like [Jacksonville's Stroud and Henderson] in there, beating guards upfield and batting balls down."

So let's get this straight. The defensive end the Falcons took eighth overall last year might end up moving inside so he can hopefully knock down some balls. It's safe to say that the Colts don't move Dwight Freeney inside on third down, and Jared Allen doesn't slide inside to hopefully tip some passes. Collapsing the pocket and knocking down passes are the jobs of run pluggers who have the size but not the speed to pick up sacks. The Giants have had success with moving Justin Tuck around inside, but that's a matter of necessity--Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora give the Giants a pair of elite defensive ends. Last I checked, the Falcons have no one else to book end with John Abraham.

We can throw out the standard stuff about it still being early in Anderson's career and how he may make adjustments this year, but if the Falcons are thinking about moving him inside in pass rushing situations, they don't believe that he can consistently win the one-on-one battle on the edge. It appears that the Falcons have some serious concerns about whether Anderson has the quick first step to ever become a big-time pass rusher. If not, he can have a long career as a run stuffer, but you don't take run stuffers wiht the eighth overall pick.

Hat Tip: The Falcoholic.

Anderson's Sack-less Streak May Continue originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 19 May 2008 21:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Falcons Can't Take a Chance on Thurman

JJ Cooper — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta

When Brian Van Gorder was the Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator, he had a very versatile weapon in linebacker Odell Thurman, a talented, if troubled linebacker who combined big plays and plenty of off-field problems. Now Van Gorder is the Falcons defensive coordinator, and he has the opportunity to take another chance on Thurman, who was released by the Bengals on Monday.

In some ways, it would seem to be the perfect marriage--Thurman would be coming home to a team who has his old college coach. And he'd immediately become one of the most talented members of a rebuilding defense.

With Van Gorder on staff, Atlanta has an edge in inside info on figuring out whether Thurman is worth taking a chance on. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution speculates on whether Thurman could be coming home.

If the team wasn't just getting out from under the Michael Vick era, they could maybe take a chance on a linebacker who could definitely improve the team's talent level. But this isn't a team who can add headaches, especially one who would be only a hundred or so miles from his hometown in Monticello--Thurman's problems seem to increase the closer he gets to home. There's a chance that Thurman will stay on the straight and narrow now that he's seen the possibility that his football career will end before it ever really got started, but Atlanta doesn't have the leeway to take that chance.

So expect to see draftee Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker this year, while Thurman will be causing ulcers elsewhere.

Falcons Can't Take a Chance on Thurman originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 19 May 2008 20:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Vick Ordered to Pay $1.1 Million to Bank for Winery Loan

Sportz Assassin — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:32:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, Atlanta, NFL Police Blotter

Ya know, when I wonder aloud about where I want to go to have a nice glass of wine ... I usually end up thinking of Michael Vick.

In an effort to diversify his debts, Michael Vick was loaned $1.3 million from Wachovia Bank in order to open Atlantic Wine and Spirits and the adjacent Tasting Room Restaurant. Both are located in the Atlanta area -- slightly north of Buckhead (or, as the official website reads, S.N.O.B.). Now, he needs to pay those loans back.

a summary judgment in favor of Wachovia against Vick was granted in the amount of $1,117,908.85. The figure represents the initial principal balance outstanding ($937,907.61), interest accrued as of Dec. 4, 2007 ($14,596.97), additional interest accruing from Dec. 4, 2007 to May 13, 2008 ($32,507.51 â€" 161 days at $201.91 per day), outstanding fees ($305.83), overdrawn accounts ($34,064.72) and attorneys fees ($98,526.21). Further interest could be accrued.

Vick is currently serving a nearly two year bid for some dogfighting ring or something. Last week, Vick was ordered to pay $2.5 million for a defaulted loan to the Royal Bank of Canada.

My favorite line in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's article was the final one:

Phone numbers for Atlantic Wine and Tasting Room restaurant have been disconnected.

Michael Vick Ordered to Pay $1.1 Million to Bank for Winery Loan originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 15 May 2008 02:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joe Horn Wants Falcons to Trade Him

Michael David Smith — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, Atlanta

Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn says he wants the team to trade him, based mostly on his belief that he won't get enough playing time In Atlanta. From Steve Wyche of the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

"I want to win a Super Bowl and I want to win a Super Bowl here in Atlanta, but I don't think I can help this team win a Super Bowl sitting on the bench, waiting for third down," Horn said.

There are a few problems with that. For one, Horn says he hasn't yet told the team of his desire to be traded. Huh? If you want to get traded, don't you think the general manager you're hoping will trade you should know about it?

Secondly, the Falcons' receivers stink. If Horn can't get playing time in Atlanta, which team does he think is prepared to make him more than just a guy "sitting on the bench, waiting for third down"?

And finally, Joe: You're a 36-year-old coming off a 27-catch, 243-yard season. How much of a trade market do you think there is for your services?

Falcons general manager Tom Dimitroff says Horn is still in the team's plans. But if Horn isn't happy in Atlanta, cutting him might be the best option for all involved.

Joe Horn Wants Falcons to Trade Him originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 12 May 2008 16:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Vick Didn't Scare Nike Away From Falcons Quarterbacks, Matt Ryan Signs Deal

Michael David Smith — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, Atlanta

Last year, as evidence that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was involved in dog fighting went from circumstantial to overwhelming, Nike remained in Vick's corner.

In fact, Nike still kept its endorsement deal with Vick going even after Vick had been indicted and the NFL had suspended him, even though Nike's deal with Vick specifically stated that the company could get out of it if Vick were charged with a felony. It was only after pressure from groups like the Humane Society intensified that Nike executives finally faced the reality that Vick was costing them a lot more money than he was making for them.

Nike got a PR black eye from the Vick ordeal, but the company hasn't been scared off endorsement deals with Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that new Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has signed a contract with the company.

No financial details of Ryan's contract were reported, but it's fair to say he's making less than the estimated $5 million a year Vick was making from Nike. The apparel maker, which also signed Darren McFadden to an endorsement deal, had a big Vick-oriented marketing campaign planned last year that had to be scrapped. Ryan and McFadden represent the next generation of Nike NFL stars, and I think it's safe to say these deals will represent a better long-term investment.

Michael Vick Didn't Scare Nike Away From Falcons Quarterbacks, Matt Ryan Signs Deal originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 11 May 2008 15:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Falcons LB Boley Arrested

JJ Cooper — Sun, 04 May 2008 23:28:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, Atlanta, NFL Police Blotter

New coach Mike Smith has the first major challenge of his young head coaching career.

Linebacker Michael Boley, one of the teams few stars, was arrested and charged with battery on Saturday night. No details on exactly what caused him to be charged had come out by Sunday night, but his arrest is the first significant legal troubles for the Falcons since Michael Vick became the best quarterback in the prison football season.

On a normal team, an arrest like this would be something to simply wait out, but the Falcons aren't exactly a normal team. With the Vick conviction still hanging over the team, it will put more pressure on the Falcons to deal harshly with Boley--if he's convicted.

But for now, we're left waiting for the police to release more details. It's something that must sound very familiar to Falcons fans.

Falcons LB Boley Arrested originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 04 May 2008 23:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arthur Blank Disappointed, Not Surprised, He Never Heard From Bobby Petrino

Michael David Smith — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:41:00 EST

Filed under: Falcons, NFL Coaching, Atlanta

For all the things that went wrong with the Atlanta Falcons in 2007, the biggest stunner may have been the way head coach Bobby Petrino simply walked out the door one Tuesday morning and was doing the famous "pig sooey" cheer at the Arkansas head coach by Tuesday night.

Petrino never seemed to feel the least bit bothered by leaving the Falcons in the lurch in the middle of the season, and owner Arthur Blank says to this day, Petrino hasn't said a thing to him about it, no apology, no explanation, nothing. And how does that make him feel? He tells Peter King:

"I'm not surprised. But I am disappointed.''

I completely understand why Blank is disappointed, but the lack of surprise is a reminder that Blank really should have seen this coming. Everyone who knows anything about the football coaching business knows that Petrino will leave any job at any time if he thinks there's a better job out there for him. That Blank hired Petrino despite that well-earned reputation is his own fault. Just as it will be Arkansas' own fault if Petrino bolts, which he unquestionably will do if a better program comes calling.

Arthur Blank Disappointed, Not Surprised, He Never Heard From Bobby Petrino originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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