Giants send Falcons a message in 27-14 loss
The message that was sent to the Falcons by the Giants is…..you have to be able to throw the ball in the NFL! The Falcons had a 14-3 lead in this football game and still lost by 13 points! Michael Vick completed 14 of 27 passes for 154 yards and an INT. Vick ran the ball well, carrying the ball 8 times for 68 yards (8.5 ypc) and a TD. Warrick Dunn had a great game, carrying the ball 14 times for 146 yards (10.4 ypc) and a TD. Jerious Norwood only had 4 carries for 9 yards. TE Alge Crumpler caught 5 passes for 66 yards.
The defense played lousy today. LB Demorrio Williams had 11 tackles and S Lawyer Milloy also had 11 tackles. The Giants really pushed the Falcons around in the running game, carrying the ball 38 times for 259 yards (6.8 ypc)! The Giants completed 17 of 30 passes for 165 net yards thru the air.
The big difference between these teams is that the Giants can throw the ball and come back when they fall behind. When the Falcons fall behind….they’re done!
The defense was worn down because of the 3rd quarter. We had the quick score (Dunn 90yd TD) then the Giants had a long drive for a TD, we go 3 and out, then the Giants had another long drive. We just don’t have the quality depth on the D-line to play an entire quarter. Vick can throw the ball. He did it early in his career under Reeves. Vick is NEVER going to thrive in the West Coast Offense. He can’t read the defense quick enough. Our receivers don’t help much either. Ball control offense is the key. Keep the opponent’s defense on the field and we will start pushing people around. Reeves made a beleiver out of me with time of possession.
I don’t like the Falcons brand of offense, but it’s the only kind they can play with Vick. I’m not sure if the receivers are the problem. I think Schaub would bring out the best in them. It’s hard to win with a running back playing quarterback.
I don’t agree this is the only kind of offense Vick can run. The West Coast style demands a quick thinker and quick precise route running. We have a problem in both areas. With a special athelete like Vick, our best chance is for the ball to be in his hands. He couldn’t take the beating a running back would. I agree that Schaub is the better quarterback, however, too much money has been invested in Vick. Besides, he sales tickets. Its unfortunate Knapp will take the fall for the offensive production. Its not like you can just change what you do midseason.
There will come a time when the Falcons will have to decide what is more important…..winning games or selling tickets.