Falcons finally cut bait!

[Ben E Lou]

Falcons cut Price
Wide receiver was entering third year of $37.5M deal
Flowery Branch -- For the Falcons, the Price was wrong.

After months of speculation, the team released wide receiver Peerless Price Tuesday morning, parting with a once highly productive player who failed to live up to lofty expectations and a $37 million contract ($10 million signing bonus) after being acquired from the Buffalo Bills for a first-round draft pick in 2003.

Price was told before practice and sped out of the parking lot at team headquarters in his BMW just as the team was beginning to stretch for the day's drills.

"I hate y'all," Price said to an AJC photographer, before hustling into his car without further comment.

The waiving of Price enables him to catch on with another team before the start of the season. The Tennessee Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles, the Falcons' season-opening opponent, are thin at wide receiver and could be first in line to give Price a chance.

As for the Falcons, the biggest question looming has been answered. Now, the team has to find a fifth receiver, which could come either through picking up a veteran who has been released by another team - the Cincinnati Bengals waived former first-round pick Peter Warrick Tuesday - or by signing a player already in camp.

Rookie free agents Cole Magner, Romby Bryant and arena leaguer Will Pettis have impressed the coaching staff. The Falcons will save $2 million in salary this season by cutting Price but they will take a $5.7 million hit against the cap next year because his salary-cap figure accelerates. The financial stake with such a move was a key reason the team did not release him earlier this year.

However, the signs of his possible departure have been in the works for months. Following 64 and 45 catch seasons and with the coaching staff expressing concerns with his blocking in the run game, the Falcons selected wide receivers Michael Jenkins and Roddy White in the first round of the past two drafts.

This summer, they publicly declared Price's starting job open for competition then challenged him over offseason drills. They also kept an eye on his behavior, from how he addressed teammates and coaches to how he handled the often-critical media.

Price passed on all counts but was still demoted behind Jenkins when training camp opened. Price never openly complained and was praised for his hard work in practice. In the end, though, he was not deemed a right fit.

[Buzzbee]

You are late SD. Been there. Done that.

http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/foru...7&postcount=67


From this thread:

http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/foru...t=42160&page=2

[Ben E Lou]

Ah...I see. Peerless deserves his own thread, though. Dadgum Vol.

[Buzzbee]

True dat.

[Franklinnoble]

Originally Posted by SkyDog

"I hate y'all," Price said to an AJC photographer, before hustling into his car without further comment.

This cracks me up.

I'd love to see video of this...

[HomerJSimpson]

Originally Posted by Franklinnoble

This cracks me up.

I'd love to see video of this...

Me, too. That is a classy good-bye. Of course, he was regularly slapped-down by the press, so I can understand the statement.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by HomerJSimpson

he was regularly slapped-down by the press

..because he was a bust of monumental proportions.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by SkyDog

..because he was a bust of monumental proportions.

you'd be too if you had a RB throwing to you all game long.

[RendeR]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

you'd be too if you had a RB throwing to you all game long.

*Cackles*


Well played, VERY well played...

[HomerJSimpson]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

you'd be too if you had a RB throwing to you all game long.

I don't care if it is the punter throwing you the ball, if the ball hits your hands, you are supposed to catch it.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by RendeR

*Cackles*


Well played, VERY well played...

Not really. Two words: Alge Crumpler.

[RendeR]

THe only person who ever thought Peerles Price was a #1 wide receiver was....

Peerless Price.


The rest of the world saw through the bullshit he handed the Bills. I think the Falcons were idiots to have ever considered offering him that much money.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

you'd be too if you had a RB throwing to you all game long.

And that's why I approve of the cut while being sorry it needed to happen.

$37m for a WR is wasted money for the Falcons, there's not much point in putting that kind of cash (and cap room) into a position that really isn't utilized.

[RendeR]

Originally Posted by SkyDog

Not really. Two words: Alge Crumpler.

Isn't that a smelly sort of seaweed?


Who the hell is Alge Crumpler? I'm guesing he's the tight end, and catching passes as a tight end doesn't prove Vick has the skills as a pass thrower. I could toss 15 yarders to a massive guy in the middle. I mean puhleaze.

See my other post about price though, I won't defend him at all. I'm simply sick to death of "Michael Vick is God" routine. He's the best RB in the NFL, but he's a fairly bad QB.

[flere-imsaho]

Anyone playing a receiver position for the Falcons needs a high "Adjust to Ball" rating.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by RendeR

See my other post about price though, I won't defend him at all. I'm simply sick to death of "Michael Vick is God" routine. He's the best RB in the NFL, but he's a fairly bad QB.

That's why he's my #1 QB in my fantasy league. Can't have too many RBs on your fantasy roster

[wbatl1]

Originally Posted by RendeR

Isn't that a smelly sort of seaweed?


Who the hell is Alge Crumpler? I'm guesing he's the tight end, and catching passes as a tight end doesn't prove Vick has the skills as a pass thrower. I could toss 15 yarders to a massive guy in the middle. I mean puhleaze.

See my other post about price though, I won't defend him at all. I'm simply sick to death of "Michael Vick is God" routine. He's the best RB in the NFL, but he's a fairly bad QB.

Problem is Price had way, way too many drops last season when Vick managed to hit him in the hands. I'm talking at least 1-2 a game.

[Poli]

Originally Posted by SkyDog

..because he was a bust of monumental proportions.

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by RendeR

He's the best RB in the NFL

You've got to be kidding me. Do you mean "best" in that being played at QB he's the most dangerous runner out there? Or do you mean that if he started at RB, he'd be the best RB?

If it's the former, you probably have a point. If it's the latter, I seriously doubt it.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by SkyDog

Not really. Two words: Alge Crumpler.

what passer *can't* throw an adequate ball 5-10 yards downfield? in Tennesee guys like Derrick Mason put up some big numebrs the last 3 or 4 years even though TE Frank Wycheck was one of the focal points of the offense.

if you can't throw a 10 yard out pattern to your TE then you should be in a different career. call me when the Falcons offense consists of more than Alge Crumpler and dumping off to Warrick Dunn.

[Poli]

Go Sooners.

[RendeR]

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

You've got to be kidding me. Do you mean "best" in that being played at QB he's the most dangerous runner out there? Or do you mean that if he started at RB, he'd be the best RB?

If it's the former, you probably have a point. If it's the latter, I seriously doubt it.

THe fact is, once you have the ball and start running, everyone is a RB. There isn't another player in the league that can touch this guys moves ball-in-hand, period.

He's just can't hit the broad side of a barn from 10 feet away trying to throw it. "Adjust to the ball" rating, no shit, some of his receivers are lucky to still be walking after getting hung out by his passes.

Stick to the ground game Mike, the Falcons will appreciate it

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

what passer *can't* throw an adequate ball 5-10 yards downfield?

| 2004 atl | 14 | 48 774 16.1 6

Alge must have had some incredible YAC, huh?

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by RendeR

Who the hell is Alge Crumpler?

A Pro-Bowler. I'm really impressed with your football knowledge.

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by RendeR

THe fact is, once you have the ball and start running, everyone is a RB. There isn't another player in the league that can touch this guys moves ball-in-hand, period.

You don't watch Chargers games much, do you?

[Franklinnoble]

I like this game, Ardent...

[Anthony]

this is what i don't get, and i *really* want to avoid having this become a racial issue:

why is it that Vick has to be a QB? there isn't anyone who will argue that he wouldn't be the best damn RB since Barry Sanders if he were to move to that position. it's almost as if saying Vick isn't a good QB is underhandedly saying black QBs aren't good. he would be more of an asset to his team touching the ball 25 times a game, throwing HB Option passes than having his OC mask his weak passing skills via the gameplan. i don't want to get Rush Limbaugh on you guys here, but does anyone think if Vick were white he'd be a backup on someone's team by now? out of the league? Tim Couch/Cade McNown ring a bell?

my point is this - why is it so wrong to say "Vick should be a RB"? his skills would make him utterly dominant as a RB. why should he be forced to play in a role where he may or may not be using his skills to the best of abilities?

again, i understand it might be hard to keep emotions from getting flared since i brought up the race card, but i honestly want to keep this topic on why he shouldn't be in a different role.

[Franklinnoble]

The SuperCharger!

[Poli]

Originally Posted by Franklinnoble

I like this game, Ardent...

Only a matter of time.

[jeff061]

Would Vick really be as good as you guys are saying as a 100% RB? He'd be good, but picking and choosing out of the backfield is a bit different than taking a handoff and hitting a gap.

[Poli]

Originally Posted by Franklinnoble

I like this game, Ardent...

He was better here:

Tennessee quarterback Heath Shuler goes airborne for a touchdown during the Louisville game in 1993.

[Poli]

This guy was OK. I liked Branndon Stewart more, though.

[Poli]

Darn. Stewart is hiding.

[RendeR]

Originally Posted by SkyDog

A Pro-Bowler. I'm really impressed with your football knowledge.

Hey don't get all pissy with me just because I don't know your team dude =) I don't give a rats buttocks who the Tight End is, he still doesn't make Vick a Valid QB.

Mike is a runner, pure and simple, I'll be really impressed if he ever becomes a true QB and throws the ball more effectively than he runs it.

I love watching the man run, but he makes my skin crawl with his lack of real skill throwing it. he's got a fucking CANNON for an arm, unfortunately the goal of the NFL QB is not to throw the ball THROUGH people. He needs refinement and a serious reigning in of his fight or flight reaction.


And to comment on the San Diego bit: He IS a better natural runner than Tomlinson, but LT would still probably be the better runner if they both had to start out in the I-formation. But taking teh ball in the open field, Nobody touches Vick there.

[VPI97]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

my point is this - why is it so wrong to say "Vick should be a RB"? his skills would make him utterly dominant as a RB. why should he be forced to play in a role where he may or may not be using his skills to the best of abilities?

He's still learning the pro passing game. When he was at VT, he would have led the nation in pass efficiency if we had thrown the ball enough to get him the required attempts. He's got the arm strength to be a pro quarterback, the rest will come with time.

[RendeR]

If people really want him to be a QB then put in the wishbone offense, he'll dominate every game that way. When he throws the ball, he detracts from the offense.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

i don't want to get Rush Limbaugh on you guys here, but does anyone think if Vick were white he'd be a backup on someone's team by now? out of the league? Tim Couch/Cade McNown ring a bell?

I don't think this is a racial issue at all. I think it's pretty much be proven that black athletes can play the QB position (McNabb, Culpepper, etc.). It's a dead issue that was concoctited by small minded people.

If Tim Couch could run the ball as well as Vick he would likely be a starting QB in the league. When you're evaluating a QB you can't simply isolate "throwing" from "running" from "leadership", they are all part of the package.

Jeff061 raises a good point. There is a difference between running the ball as part of scrambling and simply taking the handoff and hitting the hole. Perhaps Vick wouldn't be/isn't any good at that.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

why is it that Vick has to be a QB? there isn't anyone who will argue that he wouldn't be the best damn RB since Barry Sanders if he were to move to that position.

I'd argue that he's too small to take the pounding.

it's almost as if saying Vick isn't a good QB is underhandedly saying black QBs aren't good. he would be more of an asset to his team touching the ball 25 times a game, throwing HB Option passes than having his OC mask his weak passing skills via the gameplan. i don't want to get Rush Limbaugh on you guys here, but does anyone think if Vick were white he'd be a backup on someone's team by now? out of the league? Tim Couch/Cade McNown ring a bell?

my point is this - why is it so wrong to say "Vick should be a RB"? his skills would make him utterly dominant as a RB. why should he be forced to play in a role where he may or may not be using his skills to the best of abilities?

again, i understand it might be hard to keep emotions from getting flared since i brought up the race card, but i honestly want to keep this topic on why he shouldn't be in a different role.

I don't perceive it as saying that black QBs aren't good, although I do recall you saying that you don't like black QBs.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by VPI97

He's still learning the pro passing game. When he was at VT, he would have led the nation in pass efficiency if we had thrown the ball enough to get him the required attempts. He's got the arm strength to be a pro quarterback, the rest will come with time.

still learning the pro passing game? dude, he's been in the league, for what? 5 years?

if you ask me, this season is make or break. either he gets it or he doesn't. this will be his 2nd season in a QB-friendly offense (West Coast). now or never.

i like his talent. i saw him live (vs. the Giants in Eli Manning's first start ever), one of the most electrifying players i've ever seen. he's one of the "everyone holds their breath as soon as he takes off" kind of players. why not just make him a full time runner and maximize the entertainment value and maximize their chances of winning? i want to like Vick because of the way he runs, but him as a passer...no, i'm just not seeing it.

[jeff061]

I think he'd make a better kick/punt returner than a RB.

[JasonC23]

If Dez White beats you out for a starting WR spot...

...you really really really really suck.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by SkyDog

I don't perceive it as saying that black QBs aren't good, although I do recall you saying that you don't like black QBs.

i don't like black QBs because they don't go through their progressions enough. i saw a game on tv, forget which one it was - Culpepper or McNabb - and he literally held the ball for about 2 seconds before taking off. 2 seconds. granted, he might have seen an opening that i didn't see from the camera's angle, but c'mon man, hold the thing a little longer!

i like Steve McNair, fwiw. to me he's the black version of my favorite QB of all time - Steve Young. they both scrambled when the play broke down, and not a second sooner. that's when i don't mind QB's who run. QB's who scramble should do so to *save* a play, not *make* a play.

again, i don't want this to devolve into white vs. black QB, just want to hear why it's so taboo to say Vick should be a RB.

[HomerJSimpson]

Originally Posted by jeff061

I think he'd make a better kick/punt returner than a RB.

He really would be amazing in that role. He is even better in the role he is playing now, though.

[Ben E Lou]

Just found this...my thoughts haven't changed....

SkyDog
H.N.I.C.

Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Tucker, GA
Posts: 12,666
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[HomerJSimpson]

Originally Posted by JasonC23

If Dez White beats you out for a starting WR spot...

...you really really really really suck.

No joke, but really Dez White is a place-holder for Rod White. I imagine Rod will be starting by week 6 or so, and Dez may be replaced by Finneran by week 3.

[jeff061]

I agree. As long as he holds up physically I don't think he'll ever need to be a great passer. With everyone on the defense worried about him he'llk make everyone else on his side of the line better, no matter if he ends up looking good or bad. He also seems to be a great and respected figure in the locker room.

[Poli]

Michael Bishop was the man. Too bad Branndon and Sirr beat him down.

[jeff061]

Michael Bishop. Hehe.

/Patriots Fan.

[Karlifornia]

Hell Atlantic..Steve Young started out poorly, but then look what happened....

[Poli]

What a great movie.