Collinsworth is a Turner fan

[BirdFan33]

Michael Turner the key for the Falcons

Matt Ryan gets all the attention, and he is a very good player. But when I watch tape of the Falcons, my eyes are always drawn to Michael Turner and how he impacts defenses. Offensive Coordinator Mike Mularky is a former TE and he bases his offense on power running. It is probably my favorite running game to watch.

Mularky uses very clever packages of misdirection running and blocking that sets up their play action and bootlegs. The scheme is based around one of the most underrated players in the game, Michael Turner. Turner is a rare blend of power and speed. One of the reasons the Falcons went so strongly after him was his big play ability. In limited opportunities playing with San Diego, he had a lot of dynamic plays. Turner uses his power to break the line-of-scrimmage and his speed to score. Believe me, defensive backs are not lining up to try and tackle that big guy in the open field.

Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling are good role players, but when Turner went out with the high ankle injury last year, the Falcons were not the same. Turner was well on his way to another monster season, averaging nearly 5 yards per carry prior to the injury. With Turner healthy and the return of DL Peria Jerry, who played in only 2 games last year, the Falcons are well poised to be a legitimate threat to the Saints this year.

The key questions for the Falcons are:

1) Is Matt Ryan's toe is OK.

2) Can Dunta Robinson help a weak secondary that has been re-made after taking most of the blame for a weak pass rush.

3) Can the Falcons find a pass rushing threat opposite John Abraham who saw his sack numbers collapse from a team record 16.5 in 2008 to 5.5 in 09.

4) Can Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, and Michael Turner all stay healthy and give Matt Ryan the triplets that could match points with the Saints or anybody else.

[Guest Gritz]

The key questions for the Falcons are:

1) Is Matt Ryan's toe is OK.

2) Can Dunta Robinson help a weak secondary that has been re-made after taking most of the blame for a weak pass rush.

3) Can the Falcons find a pass rushing threat opposite John Abraham who saw his sack numbers collapse from a team record 16.5 in 2008 to 5.5 in 09.

4) Can Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, and Michael Turner all stay healthy and give Matt Ryan the triplets that could match points with the Saints or anybody else.

....and the answers are:

1) Yes, he said it's fine.

2) Yes, that unit was a definite weak link last year. Dunta automatically makes it better.

3) Don't know, but with his year-to-year progression it wouldn't be far-fetched to see Biermann become that other pass rushing threat.

4) No one can predict anything concerning injuries. Pray to baby Jesus that we stay relatively injury-free.

[FalconinPA]

I think Collinsworth is a freaking idiot. However, this makes him a little more tolerable. This will only last until I hear his first game as commentator. When he starts to deep throat the usual suspects. Cowboys, Steelers, Colts Patriots, etc

[Norwood all the way!]

I think Collinsworth is a freaking idiot. However, this makes him a little more tolerable. This will only last until I hear his first game as commentator. When he starts to deep throat the usual suspects. Cowboys, Steelers, Colts Patriots, etc

agreed. i cant stand listening to that guy...especially when it comes to Tom Brady. its just a massive nut hugging festival at that point. i have to have my volume down or listen to music while playing madden also

[paulitik]

I keep hearing about how Chris Collinsworth is "The best color commentator in the business". I don't see it. I didn't mind him on Inside the NFL, but his game calling is terrible. He's really negative and condescending. I feel like the few games he called for us, he repeatedly brought up Michael Vick for no reason. Not enjoyable at all. He's the opposite of Gruden.

That said, when Turner is on, he is the most fun RB in the game to watch. He's elusive, but can still truck right over you, and drag you 15 yards before you get him down. He's awesome. It's a shame we only saw a few flashes of that last season.

[kibitzer]

I keep hearing about how Chris Collinsworth is "The best color commentator in the business". I don't see it. I didn't mind him on Inside the NFL, but his game calling is terrible. He's really negative and condescending. I feel like the few games he called for us, he repeatedly brought up Michael Vick for no reason. Not enjoyable at all. He's the opposite of Gruden.

I know, right? And they put him w/Al Michaels instead of almost anybody else???? Dude couldn't hold the skid marks in Madden's jockstrap.

[ltstorm2]

I actually like Collinsworth. I think he is one of the more unbiased commentators out there. "rare blend of power and speed" Exactly. All RB's need a good line to run behind or they won't gain many yards, but Turner has the size to push through closing holes and punish linebackers then speed past the secondary. If Michael could stiff arm he'd be unstoppable.

[Guest Gritz]

I'd like to see Collingsworth, Kornheiser and Chris Berman all in a steel cage death match......

Douse all of them in gasoline, then Bic lighters for all of the contestants.....

and referee......

and crowd.

[paulitik]

I know, right? And they put him w/Al Michaels instead of almost anybody else???? Dude couldn't hold the skid marks in Madden's jockstrap.

That's the truth. I miss Madden. Gruden, besides being a little too complementary, to the point of being a cheerleader, is the only one I actually enjoy. That saying a lot since I used to hate his arse.

[falconsd56]

....and the answers are:

1) Yes, he said it's fine.

2) Yes, that unit was a definite weak link last year. Dunta automatically makes it better.

3) Don't know, but with his year-to-year progression it wouldn't be far-fetched to see Biermann become that other pass rushing threat.

4) No one can predict anything concerning injuries. Pray to baby Jesus that we stay relatively injury-free.

why does it have to be baby jesus?

Why cant it be full grown bearded jesus?

Maybe its the one with a tuxedo shirt....... because he wants to look formal but likes to party as well....

I think this would be a good tome for a " please god lay you hands on" thread... it worked wonders for Abe in 08 after he has his groin layed on.....wait that did not sound right.........

[MashDaddy]

I like Chris. For the most part he shows love when it is due

[FalconTough]

Collingsworth is a Falcon-hater, glad to finally see him show us some love

[BirdFan33]

Collinsworth is pretty good but I don't think you get any better than Joe Buck. He is by far my favorite

[kibitzer]

Collinsworth is pretty good but I don't think you get any better than Joe Buck. He is by far my favorite

Eeeeeeewwwww!

[ltstorm2]

Collinsworth is pretty good but I don't think you get any better than Joe Buck. He is by far my favorite

I wonder what Joe Buck really sounds like. I'd be awful if his constant announcer voice was how he talked everyday. He's like the Michael Buffer of sports telivision.

[FalconinPA]

Collinsworth is pretty good but I don't think you get any better than Joe Buck. He is by far my favorite

That's funny, I hate Joe Buck as much as I hate Collinsworth. I think I would (holding my nose)give the slight to Collinsworth for being less annoying. JMO

[BirdFan33]

That's funny, I hate Joe Buck as much as I hate Collinsworth. I think I would (holding my nose)give the slight to Collinsworth for being less annoying. JMO

Joe Buck is great. I think he has the best voice in football...besides our own Wes Durham

[JD dirtybird21]

I keep hearing about how Chris Collinsworth is "The best color commentator in the business". I don't see it. I didn't mind him on Inside the NFL, but his game calling is terrible. He's really negative and condescending. I feel like the few games he called for us, he repeatedly brought up Michael Vick for no reason. Not enjoyable at all. He's the opposite of Gruden.

That said, when Turner is on, he is the most fun RB in the game to watch. He's elusive, but can still truck right over you, and drag you 15 yards before you get him down. He's awesome. It's a shame we only saw a few flashes of that last season.

That is exactly why Collinsworth is excellent, he's honest and speaks the truth regardless if its trash talking the player or not. I absolutely despise guys like Mike Patrick, Paul Mcguire, and Tony Kornheiser because all they do is PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE! Look at last years monday night game against the Saints, I honestly thought Gruden and Kornheiser had gay loving feelings for Drew Brees. We already know Kornheiser has them for Favre, but that game was horrible. Collinsworth praises when its actually appropriate. He'll compliment a player for making a good play, and he'll call a player out for making a mistake. Collinsworth actually has the nutz to say "That was a bad pass by Peyton Manning." Rather than Gruden and Kornheiser making excuses for him. I'll listen to him any day over most commentators.

Edited July 5, 2010 by JD dirtybird21

[paulitik]

That is exactly why Collinsworth is excellent, he's honest and speaks the truth regardless if its trash talking the player or not. I absolutely despise guys like Mike Patrick, Paul Mcguire, and Tony Kornheiser because all they do is PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE! Look at last years monday night game against the Saints, I honestly thought Gruden and Kornheiser had gay loving feelings for Drew Brees. We already know Kornheiser has them for Favre, but that game was horrible. Collinsworth praises when its actually appropriate. He'll compliment a player for making a good play, and he'll call a player out for making a mistake. Collinsworth actually has the nutz to say "That was a bad pass by Peyton Manning." Rather than Gruden and Kornheiser making excuses for him. I'll listen to him any day over most commentators.

To a point, I understand where you are coming from, but there is a point where it gets too much. Collinsworth always crosses the line to where it's almost impossible to listen to. It's one thing to be snarky, but he comes off like he's whining. Can't stand it. To each his own, I guess.

[Voice of Reason]

Joe Buck is great. I think he has the best voice in football...besides our own Wes Durham

I thought Joe was more of the play-by-play guy.

As for color commentators, I really like Charles Davis. It's just too bad he's always teamed up with D!ck Stockton (who use to be great, but is rather senile these days ).

[AutoMax]

I keep hearing about how Chris Collinsworth is "The best color commentator in the business". I don't see it. I didn't mind him on Inside the NFL, but his game calling is terrible. He's really negative and condescending. I feel like the few games he called for us, he repeatedly brought up Michael Vick for no reason. Not enjoyable at all. He's the opposite of Gruden.

That said, when Turner is on, he is the most fun RB in the game to watch. He's elusive, but can still truck right over you, and drag you 15 yards before you get him down. He's awesome. It's a shame we only saw a few flashes of that last season.

Seriously. As much as I hate to admit it, Gruden has been pretty good.

[CraigSmackDaddy]

That's the truth. I miss Madden. Gruden, besides being a little too complementary, to the point of being a cheerleader, is the only one I actually enjoy. That saying a lot since I used to hate his arse.

Don't miss Madden but X2 on the rest.

[Goal Line D]

I'd like to see Collingsworth, Kornheiser and Chris Berman all in a steel cage death match......

Douse all of them in gasoline, then Bic lighters for all of the contestants.....

and referee......

and crowd.

YES!!! Now that's entertainment!!!!