Another Sportswriter Writing About Nothing

I read an article today by one Jeremy Green at ESPN.com that talked about the relationship between Falcons head coach Jim Mora, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, and quarterback Michael Vick. Green commented that nobody has spoken up between the three of them and complained publicly about the relationship and yet he (Green) knows there is tension there. He compares the situation to ex-Cleveland Browns quarterback (and #1 pick out of Kentucky) Tim Couch, whose football career may be all but over now.

While Greg Knapp and Vick were definitely not in sync in their first year together, Vick still lead the team to an 11-5 record and all the way to the NFC Championship Game. They clicked better last year, but oddly enough, the Falcons finished the season at 8-8. This was not due to the offense's ineffectiveness. They ranked 12th in the NFL in total offense. The defense was ranked toward the very bottom. Jim Mora has defended his offensive coordinator and quarterback every time he's had to.

The 2006-2007 season hasn't even started yet and already writers are getting on Vick's back. The pass protection was shoddy at best last season, and oddly enough, improved from the season before. The running game started off great, but faded down the stretch. The only two consistent receivers were tight end Alge Crumpler and veteran wideout Brian Finneran. The two first round draft picks, Roddy White and Michael Jenkins showed improvements throughout the season, but were anything but consistent. The defense was so banged up that the offense had to score 30 points regularly just to win the games. Unless you're the Indianapolis Colts, that's not going to happen.

Four factors have to work in order for the passing offense to be consistently successful: 1) The right plays have to be called, 2) there has to be solid pass protection, 3) the ball has to be thrown accurately, and 4) the receiver needs to make the catch. Vick cannot call the play, block for himself, throw the ball, and catch the darn thing.

What will sportswriters write about next? How coach Bill Belichek should dress during the season, because through the interpretation of hand gestures by players as he walks out onto the field, it can be construed that they disapprove and are ashamed of their head coach? Even though he's lead them to three Super Bowls? The season hasn't started and yet the soap operas are already unfolding for sportswriters. Enjoy the daytime soaps on television and before we know it, the football soaps will be unfolding before our eyes, but again, that's still just over a month away.