Falcons sign Lefty (1 Viewer)

[Big Score]

7 mil, two years.

 

[EdwardCat]

Lefty Grove has risen from the dead, switched sports and is now playing for the Atlanta Falcons?

 

[Fallerjw]

Is this a bump for Crumpler, Jenkins, White?

 

[Raider Nation]

A week 5 start would seem logical.

 

[jurb26]

Not that I don't believe you, but got a link?

 

[NoCheese]

Lefty Grove has risen from the dead, switched sports and is now playing for the Atlanta Falcons?

I think he means Lefty Ruggerio from "Donnie Brasco"

 

[Big Score]

Not that I don't believe you, but got a link?

Not yet. Just saw it on ESPN's Breaking News channel

 

[Chase Stuart]

I don't think this is a bad fit. I always wanted to see Leftwich sling it 40 times like he did in college. He threw it 40 times or more in over half his games his last three years at Marshall, but has 40 attempts in just 6 of 46 pro games. I don't think he's a good fit for a ball control, efficient offense, but I could see him leading a high powered offense. Maybe he'd but, but I'd like to see.

And while the Falcons have two good RBs, they're going to be throwing it A LOT this year. Mighty shame they don't have any wideouts, though.

 

[Chase Stuart]

A week 5 start would seem logical.

Agreed.

 

[MrPhoenix]

I thought this was a thread about the Falcons signing Morton Anderson at first.

 

[Norseman]

nfl network

 

[Shiggy Shaol]

And while the Falcons have two good RBs, they're going to be throwing it A LOT this year. Mighty shame they don't have any wideouts, though.

Actually, maybe we can find out if they do now?

 

[Big Score]

I thought this was a thread about the Falcons signing Morton Anderson at first.

They signed him too.EDIT: For link

 

[The Shizzle]

So who is the consensus bump in a WR? What kind of player does he like throwing to the most?

- he has never had a good wr

 

[BigRed]

iffy WRs, iffy QB(s)......why the flip would they throw a lot? The Colts this aint.

 

[Raider Nation]

And while the Falcons have two good RBs, they're going to be throwing it A LOT this year. Mighty shame they don't have any wideouts, though.

Yep... he couldn't make the Jags slappy WRs look good -- I see no reason to get giddy about Atlanta's WRs.Roddy White might be worth a FA pickup just in case.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I don't think this is a bad fit. I always wanted to see Leftwich sling it 40 times like he did in college. He threw it 40 times or more in over half his games his last three years at Marshall, but has 40 attempts in just 6 of 46 pro games. I don't think he's a good fit for a ball control, efficient offense, but I could see him leading a high powered offense. Maybe he'd but, but I'd like to see.And while the Falcons have two good RBs, they're going to be throwing it A LOT this year. Mighty shame they don't have any wideouts, though.

Atlanta has "only" had 52 pass attempts this year, but I think that number shoots up soon. They've played the Vikings and Jaguars, two of the worst passing teams in the league, and yet Atlanta STILL ranks in the bottom 3 in the league in yards per pass attempt allowed. That's mind bogglingly bad.This defense can't cover anyone, and when they play a team with a QB and a WR, they will get lit up. Expect lot of 40+ pass attempt games in the future.

 

[Vanter]

Not that I don't believe you, but got a link?

Per ESPN:http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3025903

 

[Brides Maids]

Is this a bump for Crumpler, Jenkins, White?

What about Horn??

 

[jurb26]

Sweet, I guess I now have another starting QB in my dynasty league.

 

[Chase Stuart]

iffy WRs, iffy QB(s)......why the flip would they throw a lot? The Colts this aint.

What do you do when you're losing 21-3 at halftime?

 

[jurb26]

iffy WRs, iffy QB(s)......why the flip would they throw a lot? The Colts this aint.

Because they suck and have to....

 

[Chase Stuart]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/20...746439761_x.htm

Bobby Petrino said it's not fair to blame the offensive line for the high sack totals - including seven in Sunday's 13-7 loss at Jacksonville.

Petrino said Harrington is holding the ball too long.

"I think right now Joey is playing a little bit conservative, a little bit not to throw the interception," Petrino said. "Therefore it is causing him to hold the ball. He just needs to open it up more with confidence and play to go win the game."

Harrington had a 1:24 sackass attempt ratio throughout his career. Right now, he's at 1:4 as a Falcon, with 13 sacks and 52 attempts. That's miserable.Leftwich has a 1:17 sackass attempt ratio, which isn't terrible. Harrington had one of the very best in the league before coming to Atlanta, so I'm not sure what to predict there. But if Leftwich can cut down on the sacks allowed (or just match his career numbers), I see him throwing a lot of passes and having some decent fantasy games in the last 12 weeks.

 

[Jagators]

So who is the consensus bump in a WR? What kind of player does he like throwing to the most?- he has never had a good wr

That's not entirely correct, he did have some time with Jimmy Smith, although it was at the end of his career.

 

[Gr00vus]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/20...746439761_x.htm

Bobby Petrino said it's not fair to blame the offensive line for the high sack totals - including seven in Sunday's 13-7 loss at Jacksonville.

Petrino said Harrington is holding the ball too long.

"I think right now Joey is playing a little bit conservative, a little bit not to throw the interception," Petrino said. "Therefore it is causing him to hold the ball. He just needs to open it up more with confidence and play to go win the game."

Harrington had a 1:24 sackass attempt ratio throughout his career. Right now, he's at 1:4 as a Falcon, with 13 sacks and 52 attempts. That's miserable.Leftwich has a 1:17 sackass attempt ratio, which isn't terrible. Harrington had one of the very best in the league before coming to Atlanta, so I'm not sure what to predict there. But if Leftwich can cut down on the sacks allowed (or just match his career numbers), I see him throwing a lot of passes and having some decent fantasy games in the last 12 weeks.

If what you've posted is accurate, Lefty should plan on spending a lot of time picking himself up off the turf. He's definitely not more mobile or elusive than Joey, and doesn't exactly get the ball out quickly.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

So who is the consensus bump in a WR? What kind of player does he like throwing to the most?

- he has never had a good wr

And Atlanta is a marked improvement there.

 

[BigRed]

iffy WRs, iffy QB(s)......why the flip would they throw a lot? The Colts this aint.

What do you do when you're losing 21-3 at halftime?

You throw. Then after 3 incompletions you punt.

 

[Jason Wood]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

 

[Mungo Burrows]

OK, they picked up a decent backup QB. All they need now is a starter.

 

[Avery]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons had next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

I guess I'm in the camp that thinks that anything you do to get Joey Harrington out of under center is an automatic improvement.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

Well, Petrino seems to think Harrington has been terrible as a QB. I don't disagree with that.Whether he's right or wrong, the coach is attributing the huge number of sacks to the QB. I won't ignore that.

 

[Raider Nation]

Trey Wingo: "I guess the question now is whether he wears #7 in Atlanta."

 

[BassNBrew]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

Given that you had Carr as a mortal lock to displace Delhomme, I think I'll take the side that believes Leftwich is a much better QB than he's given credit for.

 

[Bri]

And while the Falcons have two good RBs, they're going to be throwing it A LOT this year. Mighty shame they don't have any wideouts, though.

Yep... he couldn't make the Jags slappy WRs look good -- I see no reason to get giddy about Atlanta's WRs.Roddy White might be worth a FA pickup just in case.

Why is Roddy different from the underperforming high picks the Jags had at WR for Lefty?

 

[Jason Wood]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

Well, Petrino seems to think Harrington has been terrible as a QB. I don't disagree with that.Whether he's right or wrong, the coach is attributing the huge number of sacks to the QB. I won't ignore that.

Chase, you know how I feel about Harrington...I've ripped him tons of times. But you also can't ignore that for his many flaws, the guy doesn't get sacked very often and yet, has been pounded behind this line. Do you honestly think Leftwich is going to hold up behind that craptacular front five?

 

[Jason Wood]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

Given that you had Carr as a mortal lock to displace Delhomme, I think I'll take the side that believes Leftwich is a much better QB than he's given credit for.

Bass, I think you're a subscriber and in that case I beg you to re-read the Player Spotlight I wrote on Delhomme this year.

Here are my Final Thoughts from the article:

Final Thoughts

Jake Delhomme is exactly what you think he is...a decent NFL QB who has more good games than bad ones. Yes, David Carr may actually be better than Delhomme if given the chance, but there's very little reason to think Carr will get that chance in 2007. Over his 4 years in Carolina, Delhomme has been the 14th most productive passer on a fantasy points per game basis; and that's about where his productivity probably will slot this year. Because I don't see much upside from him and I do believe he has one of the best backups breathing down his neck, I'm going to steer clear of him as my QB2, but I can't fault you if you choose otherwise.

 

[Wadsworth]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

David Garrard is moblie and throughout their time in Jacksonville David was always sacked at a higher rate than Byron. Being slow footed only leads to sacks if you hold onto the ball. Byron is decent at throwing the ball away when it gets bad. Beleive me, this debate has raged in Jax for years. The Garrard people say basically what you said, but time and time again David was sacked more often than Byron. Marino and P. Manning are two of the least sacked QBs per attempt ever, not exactly quicked footed, huh?

 

[TheDirtyWord]

And while the Falcons have two good RBs, they're going to be throwing it A LOT this year. Mighty shame they don't have any wideouts, though.

Yep... he couldn't make the Jags slappy WRs look good -- I see no reason to get giddy about Atlanta's WRs.Roddy White might be worth a FA pickup just in case.

Why is Roddy different from the underperforming high picks the Jags had at WR for Lefty?

To be honest, Roddy is the one offensive player on the Falcons right now that's looked pretty decent.

 

[Jason Wood]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

David Garrard is moblie and throughout their time in Jacksonville David was always sacked at a higher rate than Byron. Being slow footed only leads to sacks if you hold onto the ball. Byron is decent at throwing the ball away when it gets bad. Beleive me, this debate has raged in Jax for years. The Garrard people say basically what you said, but time and time again David was sacked more often than Byron. Marino and P. Manning are two of the least sacked QBs per attempt ever, not exactly quicked footed, huh?

Leftwich has been sacked 76 times in 1344 attempts (5.655%)Harrington had been sacked 92 times in 2190 attempt (4.201%) prior to this season

Come again?

 

[Big Score]

One thing Lefty enjoyed with the Jags, was a good pass blocking O'line. He's not going to see that kind of pass protection in Atlanta.

I honestly think Leadfoot Leftwitch, with that slow motion wind up of his, is going to get absolutely killed behind Atlanta's O'line.

 

[dino259]

So who is the consensus bump in a WR? What kind of player does he like throwing to the most?

- he has never had a good wr

And Atlanta is a marked improvement there.

Jimmy Smith Down?

 

[BRONG]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

Given that you had Carr as a mortal lock to displace Delhomme, I think I'll take the side that believes Leftwich is a much better QB than he's given credit for.

 

[Wadsworth]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

David Garrard is moblie and throughout their time in Jacksonville David was always sacked at a higher rate than Byron. Being slow footed only leads to sacks if you hold onto the ball. Byron is decent at throwing the ball away when it gets bad. Beleive me, this debate has raged in Jax for years. The Garrard people say basically what you said, but time and time again David was sacked more often than Byron. Marino and P. Manning are two of the least sacked QBs per attempt ever, not exactly quicked footed, huh?

Leftwich has been sacked 76 times in 1344 attempts (5.655%)Harrington had been sacked 92 times in 2190 attempt (4.201%) prior to this season

Come again?

You said "Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center". Well Cement-Legs Leftwich has already proven to be better able to avoid sacks on the same team in the same year repeatly than a very mobile, big and strong QB. You want to make a bet that if Leftwich starts in Atlanta this year, he'll average less than 6.5 sacks per game? Because your statement seems to imply that he'll be sacked more often. And Chase, I really thought you were above the "come again?" type of message board bravado.

 

[mrspree15]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

David Garrard is moblie and throughout their time in Jacksonville David was always sacked at a higher rate than Byron. Being slow footed only leads to sacks if you hold onto the ball. Byron is decent at throwing the ball away when it gets bad. Beleive me, this debate has raged in Jax for years. The Garrard people say basically what you said, but time and time again David was sacked more often than Byron. Marino and P. Manning are two of the least sacked QBs per attempt ever, not exactly quicked footed, huh?

You are correct. However, Joey has had a good sack rate for all his years, but now its horrible. I have to think something is up with Petrino's system that Joey can't (won't?) check down anymore. Joey isn't exactly the perfect QB, so maybe Leftwich will be able to pick up the system mentally and physically quicker than Joey.

 

[Wadsworth]

One thing Lefty enjoyed with the Jags, was a good pass blocking O'line. He's not going to see that kind of pass protection in Atlanta.I honestly think Leadfoot Leftwitch, with that slow motion wind up of his, is going to get absolutely killed behind Atlanta's O'line.

I wouldn't call Jacksonville's O-line a good pass blocking line. Certainly better than Atlanta, but overall I think the Jags are average at best in terms of passing blocking. Also, Leftwich has never had the kind of quality safety values he'll have in Atlanta. Alge, Dunn and Norwood are all better than Byron has ever played with in that role(other than the 4 games he played with MJD last season).

 

[Spartans Rule]

And while the Falcons have two good RBs, they're going to be throwing it A LOT this year. Mighty shame they don't have any wideouts, though.

Yep... he couldn't make the Jags slappy WRs look good -- I see no reason to get giddy about Atlanta's WRs.Roddy White might be worth a FA pickup just in case.

Why is Roddy different from the underperforming high picks the Jags had at WR for Lefty?

To be honest, Roddy is the one offensive player on the Falcons right now that's looked pretty decent.

Maybe it's just because I'm seeing it through the eyes of a guy who was desperate for WR help and picked up White to be his No. 4 WR, but he seems like he's on the verge of a mild breakout, if they just had someone who could get him the ball.

 

[Sinrman]

Again, as soon as he was released I thought he'd fit in Atlanta. It's nice to see that they finally listened to me..

Anywho... I think he'll be a decent fit there. I wouldn't expect him to turn into some 25+ TD monster there or anything, but he's going to be a helluva lot better than Joey Harrington. How many times do I have to tell people that Joey ISN'T VERY GOOD!?

 

[az_prof]

And while the Falcons have two good RBs, they're going to be throwing it A LOT this year. Mighty shame they don't have any wideouts, though.

Yep... he couldn't make the Jags slappy WRs look good -- I see no reason to get giddy about Atlanta's WRs.Roddy White might be worth a FA pickup just in case.

Why is Roddy different from the underperforming high picks the Jags had at WR for Lefty?

To be honest, Roddy is the one offensive player on the Falcons right now that's looked pretty decent.

But a new Qb actually throws that advantage of White's into doubt. Will Leftwich favor one of the other WRs more? I think the jury is out on whether this helps the WRs in general or not, and also which one in particular. I would say any of their WRs are now viable players to roster at least until the situation plays out. We really don't know if Leftwich is any good or if the ATL WRs are any good, and we don't know which of them will benefit the most. My gut tells me that someone will do well there because of Petrino's history.

 

[kensat30]

Roddy White just caught my attention.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Explain to me how a team that's given up 13 sacks in 2 games, is going to IMPROVE with Cement-Legs Leftwich under center?

Petrino can already see Brohm walking up to the podium to put on a Falcons hat next April.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/18/by...ve-the-falcons/

Well, Petrino seems to think Harrington has been terrible as a QB. I don't disagree with that.Whether he's right or wrong, the coach is attributing the huge number of sacks to the QB. I won't ignore that.

Chase, you know how I feel about Harrington...I've ripped him tons of times. But you also can't ignore that for his many flaws, the guy doesn't get sacked very often and yet, has been pounded behind this line. Do you honestly think Leftwich is going to hold up behind that craptacular front five?

In the few minutes I have been able to stand to watch the Falcons play this year, Harrington is holding the ball a lot. Back in the old days, he'd have sailed the pass into the stands before he finished his three step drop. Now he's actually looking to make a play, and just holds the ball too much. Take that with a grain of salt as I've watched maybe 15 minutes of Falcons coverage each week.