Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino called it quits today. Thirteen games into his first year as leader of the Falcons, coach Petrino resigned. He just walked out on his team. I can’t tell you how much I think that stinks. I could understand if he had some sort of health problem or urgent family matter that simply couldn’t allow the rigors of an NFL season anymore. But he left the ATL to return to coaching at the collegiate level with Arkansas. Right away. If I were hiring in Fayetteville, I wouldn’t want this guy. He may be a good college football coach, but what kind of message does walking out on your previous team send to your future players? The very least he could’ve done was finish the last three games with his team and then address them with some kind of season-ending message that he was choosing to move in a different direction. I would respect that and I’m sure any reasonably minded player would, too. The Falcons have announced a presser tomorrow and it should be interesting to hear the explanation behind his decision.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Bobby Petrino Walks Out on Atlanta Falcons, Head Coach Resigns After 13 Games

Since being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars a couple weeks ago, Byron Leftwich has been job hunting. His search is over as the Atlanta Falcons signed him to a two-year, $7 million deal today. While Byron didn’t impress the Jags enough during their training camp and preseason to help him keep a roster spot, he passed a physical and his workout was good for the Falcons to grab him from the open market.

There are two reasons why this is a good move for Atlanta. First of all, the Falcons are desperate for QB help. They claim Joey Harrington is still their starting QB, but for how long? He’s already been sacked 13 times (in two games) and head coach Bobby Petrino says Joey is holding the ball too long and lacking confidence. Secondly, I believe Byron Leftwich can still be an effective quarterback in this league. Sure, he’s had a history of injury problems, but he’s only 27-years-old and should have a lot of football ahead of him. Byron is a high-risk, high-reward commodity right now, but I believe he’ll emerge as Atlanta’s starting QB before long.

AFP/Getty Images/File/Doug Benc

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Byron Leftwich Signs With Atlanta Falcons

I’m tired of posting news on Michael Vick’s legal troubles. It’s time to start talking about the Atlanta Falcons and what they are going to do this season. ATL fans, do not worry. Preseason indications from QB Joey Harrington are pretty good, but I think everyone is wondering if he can keep it going? After all, his history has not been an All-Pro one. The best passer rating Joey earned was a 77.5 in 2004. Then again, he played on some pretty bad teams (Lions and Dolphins). Joey’s had a nice preseason so far. And he’s coming off a “dress rehearsal” against Cincinnati on MNF (13-21, 164 yards, 2 TDs, 118.0 QB rating), but can he carry that over to the regular season? The jury is still out on Joey Harrington’s ability to perform at a high level for an entire season. I’d like to believe he’ll be just fine running coach Bobby Petrino’s spread offense. But part of me needs more proof. He’s no Michael Vick, but he might put up better passing numbers in this system. We’ll see how he fares against the Vikings, Jags, Panthers and Texans in September. At that time we’ll have a better idea if he’s the answer in Atlanta.

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Can Joey Harrington Replace Michael Vick?