Mark Bradley

By Brian

June 28, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

I say shun the non-believers. The Falcons are not that bad. Granted, I am a self proclaimed homer for the Falcons. Regardless, the schedule this year is not that bad. no reason the Falcons can not realistically finish 7-9. Oh well, maybe I am just dreaming. GO FALCONS.

By Rick

June 28, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I think they win 6 or 8 games this year. They are not a bad as the world thinks and they are not as good as they want to be but 1-15? no way. Every year you have a team that has a better than expected season, New Orleans 2 years ago? Chicago? Jax Fl. They same fortune tellers who pick us at 1-15 also had the saints going to the nfc championship game last year. they had the cowboy winning the supper bowl. How many of them pick the Giants to win the whole thing last June?

By Doug

June 28, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

There is a difference in outlook here. If the expectations are high and we win only 4 then it was a bad season. If we are supposed to only win 1 and we win 4 then the season was better than expected. I like Coach Smith and his basics approach. It will be easier to integrage a rookie quarterback this way. We have two top running backs. I think successful three yards and a cloud of dust is possible.

By R

June 28, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

ok….so who’s the one win?

By Don KeBallz

June 28, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Not sure what the “supper” Bowl is Rick, but I can’t see the Birds winning more than 3 games. Expect Ryan to be starting by week 8 this team is BAD.

By Bumble B

June 28, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I know this is almost cliche now, but Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith went 1-15 in 1989. Wins aren’t even the point. The difference between 1-15 and 4-12 is negligable. With this squad, all a fan can reasonably ask for is improvment, effort, and a sound game plan. The wins will come or they won’t, but this team will keep the fans if they show they’re working to be better next year and the year after.

By Tim Gunter

June 28, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

There is no reason that the Falcons can’t finish with 5 to 8 wins this season. For the past three or four years in this division, the team that has finished in last the previous season has won the division. The Falcons lost a bunch of games this past season in the second half. This year that is not going to happen because we are going to be disciplined and for once our coaching staff is going to “out coach” the other teams. Or maybe I am a crazy optimist?

By Falcon4Life

June 28, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Dont worry about what the so called experts say, they really dont know anything. Every year they say that team X will win the superbowl and they end up dead last while they say that team Y will be aweful and they make it to the playoffs. I am not saying by any means that Atlanta will make the playoffs, but I do think they will do better than most think they will. Bottom line, its a rebuilding year. They will have to address the Oline over the next two years then we can talk about legitimate playoff type football again in the ATL, but I do think they have the right guys in charge with Dimitroff and Smith. Give’em Hell Dirty birds!!!

By jason

June 28, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

A 5-11 season +/-2 games is my expectation. The Falcons are basically the same team as last year, minus a few guys past their prime and add a bunch of rookies. But they lost a lot of close ones (most NFL games are close), and so I think they might pick up a game or two that they gave away last year. The Sporting News article is doing the Falcons a favor though. Its causing expectations to be so low, that a season like last year will make the Falcons look like they are making progress. :)

By Ben

June 28, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Who cares what the national media thinks?!! They didn’t want or think the Falcons could or would be in the Super Bowl in 98’. If the birds just win 1 game, at least we all know that they worked for it. This coaching staff isn’t going to take slackers, that is for sure.

By Wes

June 28, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Those ninny nay-say-ers… I say the Falcons will prove them all wrong and double.. maybe triple expectations. In your face! Won’t those critics feel stupid then!

By Milton Jeff

June 28, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Falcons will have a better record no doubt. The media says that bc/ they are to busy kissing a$$ of New York or more popular teams. The hell with them all!!

By deontre

June 28, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

i say that we will finish 8-8, coach smith is bringing us a plan we can believe in. our players love him and the staff, our drafting has improved over the last two years, last time we had a coach that all of our players loved was JIm Mora our players wanted to play for him. Mike is a players coach and players love that we will finish 8-8 or better

By JohninJax

June 28, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

i agree with Brian and Falcon4Life the Falcons are not going to be 1-15. You can take that to the bank. Not that it will make anyone rich but enough said. I do like what Dimitroff is doing and Coach Smith will do a great job with this team. I am glad that the Falcons finally have FOOTBALL people running the organization not business people. I am looking forward to football season. GO DAWGS and GO FALCONS!!

By TheJama

June 28, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Never too early to start targeting our top 5 first round draft pick for next April. My guess is that it will be the #1 rated DT or OT. I am going to be focused on the young players such as Ryan, Baker, etc. and enjoy their maturation over the season that should prep us to be ready to not only compete, but to compete and win in 2009.

By Dr. Warren

June 28, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Note how the national media always picks at least one suprise Super Bowl favorite who ends up bombing. Didn’t they pick us in ‘99 and in ‘02 and in ‘05 to be legitimate contenders? They were dead wrong then, and here’s better they’ll be just as wrong this time.

By Matthew

June 28, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

My expectations aren’t very high, but 1-15? That prediction is absolutely absurd.

By JM

June 28, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Projecting any team to win only one game in today’s NFL is utterly moronic. I believe that because the Falcons’ recent woes have been so publicly visible - Michael Vick going to prison, Bobby Petrino walking out mid-year, getting stood up by Bill Parcells - there is an inflated perception of how deep the problems are. And while the Falcons are undoubtedly a flawed franchise, there’s still talent on the roster and we’ve assembled a coaching staff consisting of several NFL lifers. There’s no reason this team can’t be competitive most weeks.

Think about it, we won 4 games last year with the most overmatched coaching staff in the league and a litany of off-field distractions. With better coaching and said distractions in the rear-view mirror, I believe a jump to 6-8 wins is not only possible but logical.

By Chan Gailey

June 28, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Georgia Tech won seven games? Wow, I wasn’t half bad afterall!

By saint

June 28, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Being trashed by the sports media will really give the Falcon coaches a lot to chew on. From what I have seen so far, Smith won’t keep any slackers around very long, and keying on basics is critical. Falcons should win at least as many as last year. Go underbirds!

By P

June 28, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it: it would be a minor miracle of the Falcons have a winning season this year, let alone the playoffs. With the installation of a new offense (and defense), the team needs time to develop. So, who cares if we have 1 or 2 or 3 wins next season? As long as we continue to improve thereafter, everything will be fine. Besides, what’s wrong with another high draft pick to the O-line or D-line or the secondary?

By Josh M

June 28, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Coulda had Stafford if we built up the line this year like we should have…

By ScoobySnacks

June 28, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

You can’t predict 1-15 anymore than you can predict 16-0. Each case is the cummulnation of extreme circumstances and talent (wealth or lack there of). You can say a team is good (10 wins or more)on the cusp of being good (8-9 wins)bad(5-7 wins) or aweful (less than 5 wins). But when you pin yourself to a number like 1, you basically saying that the team could only win by unexpected luck.(miami dolphins)

Remember Miami had a team with a coach that did not know what he was doing, a bunch of aging and in some cases talentless players, and zero fan base.

The Falcons have enough talent alone to go into the season with no game plan or coach and win at least 2 games.

The people at Sporting News are just showing how little they really know.

By Terrible Truth

June 28, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

You know it’s gonna take some time to undo the regime’s of Jim “I’m your buddy, right?” Mora and Bobby “Do I know you?” Petrino. Mike Smith is a coach, not a personality or in Petrino’s case, a lack of one. He may not have been on my short list or even the long one but I like what he is doing so far. And one more thing, there ain’t a damn thing wrong with “basic” football. I’ll take twelve 17-14 games anytime, so long as we have the seventeen of course!

By RJ

June 28, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

The good news is the Falcons are practically a shoe-in to get Michael Crabtree.

By Jonny

June 28, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Arthur Mind-Blank drafted a decent college QB instead of building a line. This guy would push string instead of pulling it…

By Ryder

June 28, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Thanks Josh M for predicting that Stafford will leave after his junior year to go to the pros, despite the fact that he has not even stated as such.

Atlanta will NOT go 1-15! They have good talent that will mesh as the season goes on. I think even if they go 4-12 you will see a progression that will take a couple of years, but at least we know they are going in the right direction.

National publications are usually going to shun a team that has a bad reputation and a rookie QB.

Just remember everyone that Peyton Manning went 3-13 in his first year.

By vickfan

June 28, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Bring back vick for the 09 season!!

By FalconFan4Life

June 28, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe it. The Falcons will do better than 1-15. A realistic goal for us fans should be 5-11 which is 1 more than last year. That will show us that our team is improving. However, the realistic and only acceptable goal for a professional athlete is “Win the next game.” To place any numbers beyond that is negative thinking (unless you set a goal of 16-0).

The season is drawing near and I am out-of-my-nut excited to see the Falcons take to the field with a clean slate. Anything can happen.

GO FALCONS!!!

By FalconsFan

June 28, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Sporting News is a JOKE! Any real sports fan (who has subscribed) knows that. I subscribed through my son’s middle school magazine drive. I was just purchasing magazines to help him earn some prizes. Sporting News was one of the cheapest sports magazines…so I subscribed. I soon learned why it was so cheap. It’s terrible…they ofer very few insights into the sports that they cover. Their weekly NFL reports during the season were a joke. The magazine should have stopped coming a couple of months ago but they keep sending them. I am looking forward to the day that they are no longer arriving in my mailbox. Go Falcons!!!

By DJ

June 28, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

This is only because we don’t have a offensive line. Our best prospect is a rookie. The so-called experts don’t like what they see on our o-line and D-line. We may win 3 games but I doubt it. 1-15 is actually a very fair accessment.

By Maxx

June 28, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

There is no way in hell we are going 1-15. Our schedule is not that tough and we will have a nasty running game, with 2 stud backs and a bulldozer fullback plus a dumptruck of a tight end. Chris Redman played decently at the end of last year and our receivers are going to be a lot better than people think with White, Robinson, Jenkins and Harry Douglass. I think our O-line will actually be good enough to sustain that running attack and give Ryan/Redman time. Todd Weiner has to be healthy though. Special Teams are good with Koenen and Elam and Thomas Brown/Norwood returning. The questions lie in our interior D-line and Defensive backfield. GO FALCONS!

By Maxx

June 28, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

There is no way in hell we are going 1-15. Our schedule is not that tough and we will have a nasty running game, with 2 stud backs and a bulldozer fullback plus a dumptruck of a tight end. Chris Redman played decently at the end of last year and our receivers are going to be a lot better than people think with White, Robinson, Jenkins and Harry Douglass. I think our O-line will actually be good enough to sustain that running attack and give Ryan/Redman time. Todd Weiner has to be healthy though. Special Teams are good with Koenen and Elam and Thomas Brown/Norwood returning. The questions lie in our interior D-line and Defensive backfield. GO FALCONS!

By Proud dawg

June 28, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Look at it this way… at least we all know how to bet our money!

By FalconsFan

June 28, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Sporting News is a JOKE! Any real sports fan (who has subscribed) knows that. I subscribed through my son’s middle school magazine drive. I was just purchasing magazines to help him earn some prizes. Sporting News was one of the cheapest sports magazines…so I subscribed. I soon learned why it was so cheap. It’s terrible…they ofer very few insights into the sports that they cover. Their weekly NFL reports during the season were a joke. The magazine should have stopped coming a couple of months ago but they keep sending them. I am looking forward to the day that they are no longer arriving in my mailbox. Go Falcons!!!

By Boots

June 28, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

To all the nay sayers, I say horse hockey!

By Tom

June 28, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Who cares? Give me the college game any day.

By Ima Greedy Athlete

June 28, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Who gives a sh** besides me? I gave up my season tickets 5 years ago after being extorted of my hard earned money. I WILL NOT contribute to the outrageous, criminal, salaries for these sleazy, tatooed,(many criminal) professional thugs! Get It????

Those of you who do deserve to be stiffed by these greedy morons (including coaches) who demand more and more from the ticketholder for PLAYING their favorite childhood games while pretending to be adults!

That goes for you overpaid college coaches also!

By The Thin Guy

June 28, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

What is the one team the Falcons are supposed to beat? As long as the Arkansas Pigs finish 0 and 11 and finish the career of that low of Pervertrion I’ll be happy.

By prixxon

June 28, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

I am SO glad I am not a falcons fan.

By Paddy

June 28, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

The National Media is never right. Back your team, back your coaches and sneak up on all those over-ero teams. This is football country and anything is possible.

By Jean

June 28, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

I hope the Falcons doesn’t go 1-15 or 0-16. No one can really project this team record becuz there are so many new guys on the team and we don’t know there hearts or chemistry yet. I guess the experts suppose to know. I’ve been going to see the Falcons since 1990 & most of the seasons were losing seasons. I miss Michael deeply but I will continue to support the Falcons. I predict a team of Falcons with heart and chemistry a record of 9-7. GO FALCONS.

By Dr. R

June 28, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Yeah, they’re starting over, but the right way. Instead of bringing in a college coach with a supposedly wide-open offense, they’re going back to the basics of blocking, tackling and running the ball. That’s what you do when you start over. Look at the Bills; they don’t have much firepower but they’re competitive. I think that’s the Falcons this year. You have to walk before you can run (and in football, you have to run before you can air it down the field). Back to basics. Hard-nosed, physical football still wins. Look at the Bears; they went to the Super Bowl with a lousy QB. The game is still about field position, moving chains and avoiding turnovers.

By Greg

June 28, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

They haven’t developed the O-line or the D-line, either through FA or the draft. They have real weaknesses on both sides, and don’t, frankly, currently match up with anyone. So under these circumstances 1-15 is not a stretch. This is so sad. Blank seems to believe that if you put a good running back in there and a (potentially) good quarterback, that you’ll be OK. Boy does he have a rude awakening coming. If Smith doesn’t understand that he can’t “make do” with mediocre linemen, if he thinks he can just “coach up” the current bunch, then he is as witless as Blank.

By Rob

June 28, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

screw ‘em. GO FALCONS!

By Mike In Woodstock

June 28, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

I’m hoping they go 0-16 and Arthur decides to move them to L.A.

By Mike

June 28, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

I think the Falcons will go 8-8 this year and could even finish 9-7. And I really agree with the guy who hopes Univ of Arkansas loses every game.

By Jim P.

June 28, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

1-15 is a bit harsh. I doubt that we will lose 15 games. I see another 4-12, or maybe a 6-10 season if the ball bounces our way. Our wins will be Detroit, K.C., at Carolina, at Oakland,Carolina,St. Louis. 4 home wins, and two away wins

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

June 28, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have rid themselves of the worst coach in NFL history. They’re no longer encumbered by Hall who, directly, cost them a win. They’ve gotten rid of Mister Bad Attitude Crumpler and they’ve added a quality running back. Finneran is back and the draft was very good. They have a shot at a nine win season and I think they’ll be good enough to accomplish that. You are right about none of last year’s quarterbacks being Vick. That’s another thing to be glad about!

By DJ

June 28, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

The national media is saying we will have the worst record based on the lack of a offensive & defensive line. I think we can get lucky and win three games. Too many of the posters to this site are homers, we have mavy glaring problems.

By Mark Bradley

June 28, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Let’s be honest: The NFC South doesn’t look all that imposing. Tampa Bay won it by going 9-7 last season. It would take some doing to go 1-15 with six home-and-home games in such a tepid division.

By remoley

June 28, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

The 1-15 record sounds bad but it might become real. Last year when D Orlando Ledbetter predicted the Falcons would go 4-12, I was truly upset, but he proved to be 100% correct in that case. Now take a look at our defensive line, the tackles in particular and they are worst than last year at this time. There is no standouts just adequates (Babineaux and Lewis), and career “Backups” with no upsides. The Falcons Brass did not seem to think that no one in the Draft was better than or had a larger upside than this group. This gave me plenty of reason to doubt their personnel judgement. The end of the season will be the true judge but I do not believe this group can stop the run or put pressure on the QB consistently enough for the Falcons to win more than 2 games. The strength of the middle of the line of scrimmage is the key to victories and our denfensive middle of the line of scrimmage is very weak (the worst in the NFL)!

By HIGHPOWEREDOFFENSE

June 28, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS WILL DO BETTER THAN THAT. THE HEALING PROCESS HAS BEGUN! 7-9

By David C

June 28, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

all is not lost. The 89-90 cowboys went 1-15. 3 years later they started their run. They did have Aikman, Smith and Irvin and 10 other future pro-bowlers on the roster though.

On second thought all is lost.

By ray

June 28, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Well, I think Mike Smith is going for the only kind of predictability that you want to have: the kind where the opposition knows what we’re going to do to them. There’s a difference between them knowing what we’ll try to do and knowing that we will do it. He wants to run the ball and he wants to play tough, stingy defense.

If the team really buys into this, it will happen. As others have said, it won’t happen at the rate that people think it will. We won’t have a winning record (most likely). However, the effort and attitude that it takes, as well as setting the goal to be a winning team is the biggest difference between going 1-15 and 6-10.

You have to win in your mind first, or you’ll never do it in reality. That alone is worth a few wins by itself.

By ABeliever

June 28, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

THE SAME NON-BELIEVERS WILL BE ON THE BANDWAGON WHEN THE FALCONS PROVE THOSE PEOPLE WRONG. WAIT AND SEE

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

June 28, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

I agree Mark. This coming season is a chance to begin a new, more positive legacy. When i was growing up the Steelers were God-awful and they were that way for a very long time. Chuck Knoll turned the team around but it took him some time. They got better gradually until, all of a sudden, they were really good. The Falcons have a chance to establish the sort of tradition the Steelers now have. When folks talk of the Steelers it’s no longer about the forty years they were a punching bag. All people remember now is Bradshaw and Swann and Jack Hamm and other heroes. The road is winding sometimes and it’s not easy to change a culture but that’s what has to happen to turn fatalism into optimism.

By steve bates

June 28, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Come Guys give us a chance , I think we will go 8 & 8 this Season

By Greg

June 28, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe the optimism expressed by so many people here! Is this simply wishful thinking? “remoley” has it right: if you don’t build the lines, you don’t win. Period. We have not built the lines. Therefore, we will lose. This is the sorry truth. We all want the Birds to win; but they will get murdered by most of the teams they play, and beaten by most of the rest.

By I Hope it true really

June 28, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

I am still upset with Arthur and company I hope they lose them all.

By Jim P.

June 28, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

This season, 6-10, fill the holes we spot after this season, beef up the defense and the ‘09 season we should be looking pretty between 9-7 and 10-6. 2010, we will be back on Monday Night Football, and making a run deep into the playoffs.

By roman88

June 28, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

sporting news also picked detroit vs the mets in their spring training issue, enough said. probably around 5 wins, 3 or so vs the division and hopefully 1 against the raiders, if they could manage a win early enough, and give them some marginal hope, lol

By BIRDDAWG

June 28, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

if im not mistaken they predicted 6 wins for us in 98 and we went to the super bowl with 14 reg season wins bet over 6 wins its a sure thing

By Ryder

June 28, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Some of you complanining about the offensive line need to give it a rest. Outside of New England, there isn’t a team in this league with a dominant o-line, and even they got crushed in the Super Bowl. Great skill players (LT and Peyton) are what it takes to win games, and the Falcons have a solid beginning. No I don’t expect them to be 10-6, even in this sorry division, but they won’t be as bad as many of you say they will.

Will Atlanta take their lumps? You better believe it, but then again no one predicted the Browns becoming as good as they did last year. Let’s see, rookie offensive tackle, skill position vets trying to prove a point (Jamal Lewis, Derek Anderson), easy schedule. Hmmmmmm, may be some promise in Atlanta this year after all.

By Phat Phil

June 28, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

The Falcons won’t be as bad as the Bulldogs this year. The stinking Pups are WAY OVER-RATED this year. Look for maybe 7-5, or 6-6. The Vols will lay an old fashioned “Tennessee Dog Whooping” on them in Athens this year. Stafford will crumble and look like the p*y he is…cannot wait! GO VOLS!

By T. Lee

June 28, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

We NEED Mike Vick!!!!

By Jack G

June 28, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Outside of a few bad apples, the Falcons were not that bad last year.

What we had last year was a lot of distractions and a lousy coaching staff. Both are now gone. I look for a big improvement this year. Last year we should have been 0-16. I look for at least 6 and 8 this year, and with a little luck better than that

By Steve

June 28, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

if they go 1-11 at least we have the best pick in the draft lol! and there is some talent for next year but i doubt we will do that bad we will win about 7 or 8 i like the new look falcons

By Fred

June 28, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Why do I have this crappy feeling the Falcons will “pull a Hawks” and win 1 this year, 2 the next year, then 3 then 4 and everybody connected to the team will boast how we are improving every year! UGH.

By Jack G

June 28, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Correction to my post. 6 and 8 should have been 6 or 8 wins.

By Glenn

June 28, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Think of this,number one draft pick!One year under our future QB,lots of playing time!Heck lets go in the record book,0-16!!!

By Hillbilly Deluxe

June 28, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

I’m not a Falcon fan but when have ESPN and Sports Illustrated ever been right about anything?

By Rob

June 28, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

No they wont!! Mark You Have Lost Touch Buddy! Dont get me wrong they will be bad but more like 4-12 again, not 1-15. They have enough talent on this team, good coaching and a lot of parity in the leaque which will get them to 4-12 and this will still get them a top 5 pick for next year too! Also Ryan will be starting by week 5, which will be great for this team in 2009!!! Go Cowboys!!!

By wxwax

June 28, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

I think the Sporting News just did the Falcons a huuuuge favor.

By lowering expectations so dramatically, by conditioning fans and people like Mark Bradley into thinking that 2 wins will be a swell achievement, they’ve taken the pressure off of the team, the coaches and the front office.

Basically, the team gets a pass this year. And if they actually win 5 or 6 games, their praises will be sung from Toco Hills to Northside Drive.

By Robert

June 28, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Why should we listen to predictions. How often are they right.

This is just as pointless as having college preseason polls.

By VICK 4EVER

June 28, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS AINT GOING NOWHERE WITHOUT MIKE VICK!!! MIKE VICK PUT ATL ON THE MAP!!! VICK BEST THING EVER HAPPEN TO THIS TOWN!!! AND THE RACIST HATERS HERE RUN VICK OUT OF TOWN FOR SOME WHITE BOY PRETTY BOY QB!! ALL YOU HATERS GOING TO GET PAYBACK WHEN VICK COME BACK WITH THE COWBOYS RAIDERS OR TAMPA BAY AND WIN THE SUPER BOW!!!!! YOU ALL WILL BE SORRY FOR THE SORRY WAY YOU DID VICK THEN!!!! BELIEVE THAT!!!!!

By sxs

June 28, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Heck the Dolphins were 1-15 so why are they even talking about the Falcons being the worst team in football? They overachieved inspite of the team being in disarray last year. They should have talked about the worst team from last year.

By probird

June 28, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Haven’t you dribbled here long enough? Why don’t sports”writers” move on after a few years like ball players? You’ve said all you can say and the vast majority of readers are sick of your crap. Go. Just go.

By Dave

June 28, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

The Falcons need Michael “Con” Vick like they need a sulfuric acid enema. The improved atmosphere alone will garner at least a couple of wins.

By Bergen Belsen

June 28, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Vick is a convicted felon. Instead of being coddled in a federal pen, he should have been castrated. A herpes-ridden thug, Vick is a monster who should die in prison. His “fans” are deluded lint-headed cretins. And, the owner of the Falcons, clueless Arthur Blank, remains a pen-pal of Vick’s. How would he like it if a ‘friend’ of his continued to exchange epistles with an old guard at Auschwitz?

By sxs

June 28, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

The Dolphins were 1-15 so why are they even talking about the Falcons being the worst team in the NFL? Although the team was in disarray they did overachieved as most didn’t expect them to have a 4-12 record.(I sure didn’t)

By d.b. cooper

June 28, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Before anyone gets too upset about TSN’s projections, take a look at the by-line to see who authored their Falcon preview…

Many areas of this year’s team are untested. But untested doesn’t mean they are guaranteed to be bad. It simply means nobody knows what kind of team they’ll be.

By ChrisFromChattanooga

June 28, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Bergen Belson, You hit the nail on the head about Mick “Canker Sore” CONVick. This guy is a wart on the butt of society and anyone who is a “fan” of a “cancer to humanity” like him has no redeeming societal skills themselves. I’m sure their lifestyles PROVE that.

By The Grinch

June 28, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Why is the Dallas Morning News getting my hopes up saying the Cowboys want Joe Horn if Terry Glenn doesn’t resign. Glenn’s base salary is 1.74 mil and the Cowboys are trying to low-ball him. Horn’s making about three times that over the next two years and is jogging around with a giant fork hanging out of his back. Jerry Jones isn’t that stupid, I don’t think, but we can always hope. Cap room is a good thing.

Also, I don’t see the Falcons having a worse record than last year. Easier schedule, and players finally being happy will sway the balance for a couple of close ones. We’re on the right track. Another 2-3 seasons and I think we’ll at least be a perennial 10-6/11-5 team like Jacksonville, and thug-free (after they get rid of Babineaux). I can live with that.

By Armond Hill

June 29, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Check out the cream-puff schedule. We’ll be diciplined enough to win 8 and a possible wild card berth.

By bsmith

June 29, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

ESPN…this is the same politically correct group that convinced the voters to put LSU in front of UGA for the NC…they make up their own rules and have enough pull to convince others. The Falcons could have won at least 3 more game this past year, and now that that have a coaching staff and have gotten rid of the VT cancer (all of them), I look for the Falcons to turn the corner…maybe not record wise this year (5-11?), but become a franchise to deal with in the future.

By ha ha ha

June 29, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Algonquin J. Calhoun if not having Mike Vick last year was so great then why did this team only win 4 games? EXACTLY. To the poster who thinks having a great o line and d line is overrated , I have some beach front property in North Dakota I want to sell you. You win in the trenches. With great o line and d line play. Yea its nice to have a great qb like Peyton but teams have showed that you can win it without great qb play. The Ravens and Steelers did it. Guess what they had, yep great play by their o line and d line. Thinking you dont need great play from both lines is like Billy Knight thinking you dont need a pg and center

By Todd Green

June 29, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this

I love the Falcons, in fact all the Atlanta teams. BUT :) justice will start to be served from how this whole Vick thing has been handled. You have players beating their wives and girlfriends, doing and selling drugs and a coach who cheats in the game and the league does nothing. This country hate to see black QB’s do well enought to prevent them from being converted to WR’s and RB’s. 1-15 is too good for the Falcons. I hope it’s 0-16; BUT I will still watch and cheer but without vick, I hope for 5 or 6 years of 0-16!!!

By Andy G

June 29, 2008 3:27 AM | Link to this

Yeah, you can say that now, but when the Falcons go 7-9 or 8-8 to make a run at the wildcard, don’t be jumping on this band wagon. What about Miami? They really suck and have absolutely no QB, WR, TE, etc. As for all you Vick lovers, let it go. Go join Vick’s entourage in prison if you wish more bad luck on the Falcons. He fu—ed up just like Pacman, Cedric Benson, and Chris Henry. Yeah I think they were harder on him to make an example to all the other dog fighters/killers, but he DID IT! He admitted he did it! Why in the hell would you kill dogs being the highest paid player in the NFL?! Stupid. When will these young stars learn that the thug life bullsh-t does nothin but get you in trouble or get you killed? I loved Vick, but he and Petrino ruined our season. I can never forgive them for putting me through that torture last year. Arthur Blank does more for this town than any of you bums put together, so leave the man alone. The only thing Blank is guilty of is believing in the wrong people. We all have been duped one time or another. He just happened to get fooled by everyone all in one year. I hope you guys are ready to eat your words. GO FALCONS!

By The Grinch

June 29, 2008 5:40 AM | Link to this

Todd Green can’t possibly be a real person. Nobody’s that horrifyingly, hopelessly ignorant. Yeah, man; hope the curse of Vick will cause us to have 5 or 6 years of something that’s proven to be impossible even once in the history of the NFL, but you’re still a fan. If you’re a real person, I hope you have velcro shoes, a helmet (not a football one, but a special one) and a state check to keep you from working. Feel free to migrate.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

June 29, 2008 6:03 AM | Link to this

Algonquin J. Calhoun if not having Mike Vick last year was so great then why did this team only win 4 games?

Not having the criminal on the team was far better than having him. The Falcons were a losing team with Vick. The main problem last season was the Falcons’ lack of a professional coach. Petrino was absolutely awful! Also, Hall was a liability and Crumpler was sullen and useless. Things will be different now and I believe they’ll be better. The Falcons have some talented players and a new coach. The quarterback position looks to be better than it has in many years. It will look even better once D.J. Shoddy is freed up to be in the Arena League, which is where he belongs. A top priority now should be moving Bad Attitude Horn on to his next unhappy situation.

By toshie

June 29, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this

These people that are not Falcons fans why don’t you get off this blob. Why would you even want to read about the Falcons? I’ve always heard if you can’t say something good about someone, then just don’t say anything. I think some of you Falcons critics should abide by that saying. I’m a Falcon season ticket holder and will continue to be. I will back my team and some of you need to get off of here if you can’t back the Falcons. Go to He**. GO FALCONS!!!!

By Saturday's the Day!

June 29, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

The NFL is a league full of 7-9; 8-8, and 9-7 teams. Most years, the last two records qualify for the playoffs, the difference between the three being a few field goals. The Falcons will indeed stink (there’s a newsflash, Atlanta!) but we would do well to rememeber its in comparison to the parity barometer!

By Pete Rozelle

June 29, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

All those years ago, I convinced NFL owners that expansion into cities like Atlanta was a great idea, and recommended Rankin Smith to pilot the new franchise there. Four-decades plus later, how’s that working out for the city and the overall level of play in the NFL?

By G

June 29, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

1-15? No way. 6-10 is realistic.

By P

June 29, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

1st off I still think that Vick is a was the best thing to happen to the Falcons and if not that then why havent Blank released him yet,thats because he also knows that last year if the Falcons had Vick with the defense they had to start the season the Falcons may have whom mayb 9-10 games if not more bescause most of their loses came with in 7-10 points in 04 and 05 we won most of our games because of Vick and I can agree we may stink this year but we cant do no worse then when we had Chandler are George and we have much more talent now then we had then.

By Football Wizard

June 29, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

I’m not expert (like the ajc, espn, etc.), but i’ll wait to predict how the falcons will fare in 2008-2009. the day after the Super Bowl might be a good target. i know newspapermen have to sell newspapers and talking heads have to sell air time; but i will “forecast” the falcons’ season when mark bradley et al start predicting their performances.

By yankee

June 29, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Joey gets them into the play offs, count on it.

By Whitey Johnson

June 29, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Hey VICK 4EVER..while your BOY is in prison being somebody’s woman why don’t you spend some time taking English grammar lessons. You are the racist…Vick was and is a straight-up ghetto thug hoodrat who did not know how to let go of his thug past. He will be tried on state charges as soon as he gets out of Federal prison. He will be given another 2-3 years in the slammer. So think really really hard and maybe you can understand this…your boy thug-master Vick will never play in the NFL again. By the way, as an NFL QB your boy was pitiful. Yes, he was fast but that will not win championships. He was too stupid to even audible at the line. The coaches knew that and would not let him. So get a copy of the Longest Yard and pretend you see Vick playing in that. LMWAO at you!!

By Boses

June 29, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Mark, another good article. I think you could write about dirt and I’d enjoy it.

By Ole dawg

June 29, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Regardless of record, I think this will be a team that we won’t be ashamed of. They are on the right track and will show promise of things to come.

By ozzfest

June 29, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

Call OZZY…let him bite Blank’s head off. Authur Blank is a JERK. Look at the mess that arrogant weiner has on his hands. $540 MILLION worth of GARBAGE. When you gonna build that new stadium Art??…I am sure you can pony up another $425 MILLION…just sell some more stock. LOSER!

By Pete

June 29, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

The more under the radar, the better for the all new Falcons. And new they are. In a league filled with dissention, agony, egos, mistakes galore, and rosters that change like the weather, the Falcons could go 12-6, win their Div., and go to the Super Bowl. They will be 53 dedicated guys all on the same page with a mission. They just may……..shock the world !!!

By Manny

June 29, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

I don’t believe that the Falcons will win only one game, either. I think they’ll win about 2 or 3. 3 is the max, though.

There’s simply too many holes to win more than that. But they’ll catch some unorganized team sleeping… thinking that the Falcons would be an easy win. And there’ll be at least 2 of those teams out there: one early in the season and one late in the season.

By JackP

June 29, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

I think that Blank is laying the ground work for the return of Vick. A 1 and 15 record will induce the fickle Falcon fans to forget the crimes of Vick and they will open up their arms to his return in 09. You fans are about to be manipulated. You just don’t know it yet.

By black bee

June 29, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

the Falcons set this up by making several questionable moves; Drafting M. Ryan instead of G. Dorsey and taking maybe C.Henne in the second round, getting rid of a still valuable A. Crumpler, hiring so many coaches from last year’s Miami Dolphins staff that are used to winning only one game, not making any impact OFF. Line or Def. Line impact free agent additions, inexperienced Def. Coor.inexperienced Head Coach and GM-this team has been set up to fail 1-4 games won will not bring the passion back-no one in their right mind expect the Falcons to go to the Super Bowl BUT WITH THE RIGHT MOVES THIS TEAM COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE HUNT. Arthur Blank a supposingly smart man continues to amaze me -he just doesn’t know how to spend his money as it pretains to football-he might as well take a big bag of $$$ and drop on BANKHEAD

By Roy

June 29, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I think we win 3. The only thing i know is we have a coach that has never been a head coach, a GM that has never been a GM and a owner who has no clue, and we just over paid a rookie who’s only going to be alittle better than an average QB. Does Blank know there’s a salary cap, well given how we screwed up the draft maybe we will win only one.

By Tom

June 29, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

By VICK 4EVER

June 28, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

“THE FALCONS AINT GOING NOWHERE WITHOUT MIKE VICK!!! MIKE VICK PUT ATL ON THE MAP!!! VICK BEST THING EVER HAPPEN TO THIS TOWN!!! AND THE RACIST HATERS HERE RUN VICK OUT OF TOWN FOR SOME WHITE BOY PRETTY BOY QB!! ALL YOU HATERS GOING TO GET PAYBACK WHEN VICK COME BACK WITH THE COWBOYS RAIDERS OR TAMPA BAY AND WIN THE SUPER BOW!!!!! YOU ALL WILL BE SORRY FOR THE SORRY WAY YOU DID VICK THEN!!!! BELIEVE THAT!!!!!”

This posting is so funny that I had to copy and re-post. Hilarious (and) typical.

By Jack Schitt

June 29, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Hello, my name is Jack Schitt. While most of you don’t know me, I will give you the real scoop on the Foulcons. They stink…always have..and always will. Arthur Blank bought himself a TOY…nothing else. He may know how to run Home Depot but he does not have a clue with the Foulcons. Why does he troll the sideline in the $3,000 suit sucking up to the thug players? He thinks that will make them play harder..let it go Artie. Keep your rear in the owners box smoking a cigar. You are NOT needed on the sidelines. I bet you could not get $300M for the Foulcons now. By the way, your boy Herpes Vick stuck it in you and broke it off!

By Gerard

June 29, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Only a Klan member would not want a football Superman like Mike Vick to be their team’s Quarterback. Atlanta and Blank showed just how racist they are by putting Mr. Vick in jail for NO REASON and trying to take away his money. Shameful!

By G-men

June 29, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

UGA National Championship Update:

Jeremy Lomax and offensive lineman Clint Boling have pending legal problems; Lomax was arrested on concealed weapons charges and Boling was charged with DUI

By C-men

June 29, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Clemson - ACC championship update:

Clemson safety DeAndre McDaniel has been arrested on charges he covered his girlfriend’s head with a comforter and began choking her.

By ginger

June 29, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

I still believe!! I was raised a Falcons fan!! Will always be a FALCONS fan!! Just like I grew up a Braves and Dawg fan. WIN OR LOSE they are MY team!!

I suggest those who still worship the stupidity(Who shamed not only himself,his name, his team, his city his race, but his own HIS FAMILY) of the former wanna be quarterback get off the train and move on to worship some other piece of garbage!! GET OVER IT!! HE IS WHAT HE IS!! MOVE ON!!!

g

By Red

June 29, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Let’s all hope the Razorbacks achieve an 0’fer season this year!

By Edgar

June 29, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

I’ve placed no expectations on winning and losing this year. What I do expect is football and not a bunch of idiots putting on a sideshow on national TV in support of an idiot QB that couldn’t handle his money OR his friends. I went to exactly 2 regular season games last year and came real close to not buying my season tickets again this year. Am I a bandwagon fan? I’d say not. If 18 years isn’t enough then I don’t know. I was embarrassed last year and the year before by a team that was supposedly destined to get to the super bowl. Now we all see that these guys couldn’t handle it. For all that are gone I say good riddance. Are we moving in the right direction? I hope we are. When Leeman Bennett was fired and Dan Henning was hired the Falcons said we had reached a plateau. I hope this new coach isn’t the same. Build a great team and win us a Super Bowl. That’s all I ask.

By MV7

June 29, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

VICK IS THE MAN!

By Ken

June 29, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Mike Smith is a Del Rio deciple.Look at Del Rio,s first season at Jacksonville.They started 1-7 and finished 5-11. By the end of the season they had began to establish themselves as a hardnosed defensive team and had started to rebuild their roster with physical team oriented guys that came to work hard.I think he will employ a similar style as jacksonville did with Leftwich(close to the vest,no audibles etc..)with Ryan(who is much better than Leftwich)for the first year or two to limit his mistakes and allow him to gain confidence.By then the back side of the roster will be rebuilt and the team will have an identity as a tough defensive team with an emerging star quaterback.Looks like a recipe for tremedous long term sucess.Skeptical? JUST LOOK 350 MILES SOUTH!

By Ken

June 29, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Hey Edgar, I,m A Jaguar seson ticket holder. Trust me, soon you are not going to feel this kind of embarrassment.I think with Mike Smith soon win,loose, or tie you will be proud to be a fan.

By blackjacket

June 29, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

TO ALGONQUIN J. CALHOUN: Now if we had your buddy “kingfish” playing quarterback, we maybe could con the league into letting us win one game. Without him, all is lost. Utter failure. 0-16

By Ralex

June 29, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

A team without that dog killer is still a better team.period.

By Ralex

June 29, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

A team without that dog killer is still a better team.period.

By Anthony

June 29, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

They could easily go 0 - 16, especially if Owners and Coaches insist on playing Matt Ryan more than 1 series a game!

By Ken

June 29, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

You racist haters need to get a clue.It wouldn’t matter if Vick or Manning quarterbacked last year the outcome will be the same.this is football people not gangstaz in the hood.I doubt the new manegement will bow to the predominently black fanbase.The best players will play period.Vick will never play in Atl again,because they wont need him and it will not have anything to do with race.

By Cammee

June 29, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

The Falcons will not win more than 3 games. They had a horrible draft. Made bad choices especially taking Ryan(will be a mediocre QB at best) onstead of Dorsey.

By Edgar

June 29, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

I’ve watched these guys that are 350 miles south and I’m very impressed with what they have accomplished over the past several years. The only thing they have done is win games and they have done it without all the hype. In fact when they went up against the Pats in the playoffs it was stated that this was a team, and I say the word team with a lot of emphasis, that has quietly moved into one of the NFL’s elite teams. That’s the main reason I decided to again purchase tickets this year. Mike smith is a football coach, a professional football coach and that’s what I was hoping for. I went to one away game last year and that was to the Jacksonville game. I watched as they beat down a team that couldn’t take the heat. Jacksonville was in better shape physically, mentally and spiritually. They didn’t panic when they were down. They just systematically squeezed the life out of a team that couldn’t last. By the way, Jacksonville fans are great. They treat visitors with respect and allowed us to pull for our team without all the stupidity you find in other NFL cities. Thanks J’ville for giving us your coach. Let’s hope we can move forward at the same level as the Jags have. One last thing, it was our owner that convinced the other owners to give Jacksonville the NFL team it deserved. When Rankin Smith was trying to get a new stadium back in the late 80’s he told the GA legislature he was moving the Falcons to Jacksonville if they didn’t build a new home for the Falcons. Thank goodness they built the GA Dome for the Falcons but in his appreciation to a city that had allowed him the leverage he needed to get his new stadium he pulled hard for Jacksonville and Charlotte as the cities to get the new teams. St. Louis lost out even though they had Walter Payton as one of the members of the ownership group vying for one of the franchises. If Mike Smith can win like Del Rio I consider it great payback. See ya guys at the games this year.

By Mark Bradley

June 29, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Boses. But I’m afraid you’re in the minority if you’re a fan of mine.

By NORTHGEORGIA FALCON FAN.

June 29, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

win or lose i’m just glad it’s time for football season to start.GO FALCONS GOOD LUCK.

By Ken

June 29, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Edgar, I remember well- I’m an Atlanta native and a Falcon fan.I moved to Jacksonville 4 games into the inaugural season of 95.I started going to games down here but was a Falcon fan.The final game of season 2 was against the Falcons.I was delighted to be going to see my hometown team who were horrible that season against the Jags who needed to win to make the playoffs.I started the game pulling for mt beloved Falcons.As the game wore on it started becoming apparent the 2-14 Falcons were going to win and keep the upstart Jaguars from going to the playoffs.Much to my suprise I began to wish for a miricle as Morten Anderson lined up for the kill shot,chip shot field goal- he hadn’t missed inside 40 yards in years.His plant leg slipped and he hooked it wide left and I jumped for joy!Two wins later we shocked Denver in the AFC championship game and as the team plane approched for landing they flew over a stadium with 70,000 fans that had come to welcome the team home.It was like the 91 Braves,such a special time that it could never quite be the same and the Falcons are forever linked in our history.I guess you have figured out that I became a die hard Jaguar during this period, but I still keep a constant watch out the corner of my eye at the Falcons.I truly believe good days are right around the corner when I can go see my Jags and rush home to see my other team(Falcons) kick some butt!

By FRANK

June 29, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

1-15 NFL TEAMS.

1971 BILLS 1-13 1976 BUCCANEER 0-14 1980 SAINTS 1-15 1989 COWBOYS 1-15 1990 PATRIOTS 1-15 1991 COLTS 1-15 1996 JETS 1-15 2000 CHARGERS 1-15 2001 PANTHERS 1-15 2007 DOLPHINS 1-15 2008 Any of the 32 teams name could be in this list, anything could happen in the NFL.

By Ken

June 29, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Frank, I was in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium the day the 1991, 1-15 Colts won their one and only game- one of my worst memories of all time.

By Georgia Boy

June 29, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are basically a notch above an expansion team. I took a look at the 2008 schedule and the Falcons will be definitely be underdogs in seven games ( Jacksonville, Indy, Green Bay, Tennessee, Philadelphia, San Diego and Minnesota) .After that , things get murky. Is TB any good? They really did not make quantum upgrades in their team. Will Carolina be rejuvenated now that Jake is back? Or will the Carolina decline continue in 2008? Chicago is breaking in a new running back and sticking with Grossman. Good enough for W or an L when they play the Falcons ? Detroit and KC had nice drafts, but will they find increased W’s at the end of the season? Only way to find out how the Falcons will fare is to watch the games, but I don’t think 1-15 is in the cards. Having a real coach and a real FG kicker should be worth at least a couple of wins.

By dronett

June 29, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

I trust the new regime, especially now that McKay does not pick our players anymore. I will miss Algee but I understand the new direction, power run blocking. Hartstock is a beast, he knocked out Merriman last year with the Titans. The defence is not far off either (pray we resign Grady) We will be successful, remember we are in the flacky NFC South anybody can win this thing. We will win more than 5 games Mark. We also play the AFC West. The Falcons tradtionaly play well agaist those 4 teams as well. 9-7 in 08 for the dirty birds!

By Bill

June 29, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Ah, the 1-15 Patriots, coached by none other than Rod Rust! Seems SO long ago I suffered through those HORRIBLE late-80s seasons!!!

(and their only win came against the next year’s 1-15 team!!!)

By Ken

June 29, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

This is going to take some time.M.Smith plays a strict gap control defensive system without a lot of blitzing and freelancing.If you beat your man you’re in position to stop the play.You have good running backs and O-linemen can be found,coached,and developed quickly.By mid-season this team will stop the run and will run the ball.This will result in most games being close and low scoring and will allow the rookie QB to play conservative and not make a lot of mistakes.Special teams and overall roster depth will probably determine who wins these close games.Given their background I believe Demitroff and M. Smith will focus on building a deep and talented roster over the next couple of years with the draft and undrafted free agents.By that time the dead weight and malcontents will be gone,you’ll have a tough physical team with an emerging star QB.The future is very bright, just have a little patience.I think they have made a commitment to building a football team the right way as opposed to just throwing the rookie out there and asking him to win games with his arm.After the peices are in place he,ll start doing that and then-look out!

By saint

June 29, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

REDMAN is very UNDERATED. It will take a couple of games for the OL to gel, then he will pick the DL apart.

By WesleyB

June 29, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

No question the sports media in general are entertaining, talented writers and have worked hard to get to their levels, and I applaud them for it, but it must be nice to earn good money by publishing nonsense.

You have to give sportswriters credit though, because they can wrongly espouse predictions all day long and it does not matter, as long as sports hungry fans read their articles.

ESPN & SI saying the Falcons will finish the 2008 year with a 1-15 record is the height of lazy journalism because the soothsayers obviously did not pay attention to last year, as well as our most productive administration and player personnel off-season moves…

Read the rest of this article at: http://atlantafalconsblog.blogspot.com/

By george

June 29, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

New coaching staff; new disclipine; new perspective & opportunity to be competitive! I say 6 wins! Go Falcons!

By Ken

June 29, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

The media is predicating everything on a rookie playing behind a weak offensive line.They all say he will be sacked a hundred times.This will not happen because they will not put him in that position and if they do they should all lose their jobs after one year.Hey Redman might be pretty good, but they didn,t give Ryan that huge contract to hold a clipboard.look for him to be eased in by game 4-5 if not sooner with a limited ball contol gameplan to limit mistakes and accelerate the learning curve.Stop thinking in terms of this year.5-11 or 6-10 this year,8-8 or 9-7 next year,then10-11 wins and playoffs year 3.Then if Ryan is Manning- like as some experts predict you will have a long window of opportunity to compete for a championship.

By bigeasy830

June 29, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Those publications are right the Falcons are that bad. They were that bad last year and they a little more talent than now. The Falcons won 4 games last year. Any team can stumble to 4 wins that is why Miami’s coach was fired after 1 season. If a team win only one game then the coach must go. The Falcons will win more than one game but they are terrible. Last year they should have won only 3 games the forth win was from a Seattle team that pulled all its starters midway the first quarter and the Falcons still barely won 44-41. One of the losses were to a terrible St. Louis team that won only 2 games. 2 of the wins were against Houston and Carolina only because we caught them on their worst day. That is why any team should be able to stumble to at least 4 wins. When your team is that bad you should start building on the line first that is why most knowledgeable football people believe that Matt Ryan was the wrong choice. You see people, we are yet to start building a successful franchise so I can’t say we are rebuilding. We stink period. MV7 was the only good player this team had in recent years. Next year when we have the number one overall pick and Stafford and Teabow, two true franchise quarterbacks are there the falcons will pass over them because they picked the wrong player this year and overpaid him. And the chances of them coming out are greater after Goddell’s remarks about a rookie salary cap, and I bet that Matty Ice contract had something to do with those remarks. If we would have drafted Dorsey then 2 O lineman and Lofton in the second round then we would have been in a better position to put a young QB in a good situation for him to learn and grow. But, The Falcons did not do that. That is why they are and will be the worst franchise in all of sports for some time.

By The Original (and former) Falcon4Life

June 29, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

They will be lucky to win 1 with K. Brooking moved back into open space…can’t wait to see him meet DMC when the Falcons play the Raiders. That will be some funny sh!t!!!

By The Realist

June 29, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

You can always tell the “Falcons fans” that haven’t necessarily been lifelong “fans” & been subject to what seems to be a vicious cycle. They say, “Hey, let’s give the new coach/new GM a chance.” Fact is, as a lifelong Falcons fan, I won’t be satisfied w/ the team simply showing “improvement” this season unless they finish w/ a winning record (okay, I’d honestly settle for 8-8). Otherwise, let’s say they “improve” by a couple of wins per season. That means we’d be fortunate to go 8-8 by the 2010 season. Call it what you want, but since 1998 I’ve suffered through (w/ the exception of the ‘02 season) a few too many losing or .500 seasons. So what, we wait a few years to find out whether or not Smith and/or Dimitroff have a clue…then the cycle starts all over? A few years to see if Ryan was a good pick or a dud? You’ve got to be kidding me. A shame how low our standards have become around here…

By tony

June 29, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

u people are mediocre at best. u people are part of the reason these franchises havn’t won a championship except the braves.

1st of all you don’t demand greatness from these teams like other cities like ny, boston, phili, and washington.

bobby cox would not have last 6 years in those cities with 1 championship. the braves and falcons are more concern with character issures than winning. real loyal fans want to win!

take a long hard look at falcon’s transitions from pass to present. most of the time they draft against the book in terms of teams statisticals catagories.

this team needed a defensive tackle more than any other position on this team.

the less position this team needed was a qb statistically. the media sucker this team into taking ryan so there would be no chance of vick returning.

the city of atlanta has thousands of out of state residents who could care less if these team wins or not because they still support the teams where they came from which by the way is another reason we don’t demand greatnest from these teams.

before they made their prediction i predict that we will win 1 or 2 games because we are going up agaisnt teams who have a strong running gain.

we did not fix the biggest obstical against us and that is stopping the run. we have mediocre defensive tackles at best and teams will wear down our defense especially late in games.

some of u think we improve our team more so than the other teams we will face this season-well i got news for u, i don’t think so! just take a look at what they did oppose to what we did.

the people from this state need to get off their butts and demand greatness from these teams!

By Ken Strickland

June 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

On two occasions in the Falcons history they have had a simular situation. The 1st was when the Smith family hired Eddie Lebaron as the GM who hired Leeman Bennett as the HC. This union created the infamous GRITS BLITZ, which came within a play of going to the Superbowl.

The next time was when the team hired RMcKay, who brought TRuskill with him, and then hired HC DReeves. This union created the infamous DIRTY BIRDS which made it to the Superbowl. I’m not saying this team will make it to the Superbowl next yr, but they will win far more gms than predicted.

This team is simular in talent and philosophy to the DIRTY BIRDS.

(1)Both have/had a big, fast RB and a strong blocking FB.

(2)Both have/had atrong blocking TE’s.

(3)Both have/had a quick, fast WR’s and we deep at the position.

(4)Both have/had an accurate QB with the ability to manage an OFF.

(5)Both have/had an OL that was, or will be, relatively new to the system. There maybe as many as 3 starters on this yrs OL that started for HC Dan Reeves(LG KForney, C TMcClure and RT TWeiner).

(6)The DEF’s are also simular, except for experience. This yrs DEF will have a more talented secondary. They will have comprable LB’s, except for MLB. We have no MLB that can compare to THE HAMMER, Jessie Tuggle. The question mark will be the DL, expecially LDE and DT.

(7)Each of the previously mentioned teams started the season with a weak schedule do to having an unsuccessful season the previous yr.

(8)With good player utilization, implimentation, scheme, play calling and good overall coaching, all of which was missing from our previous 2 HC’s, we should have a suprisingly successful upcoming season. GOOOOOOOOOOO FALCONS(THE RETURN OF THE DIRTY BIRDS).

By Thomas Cianfrogna

June 29, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

They will be just fine….just fine. Easy schedule, not a great division. First year coaches have decent luck here…remember. Oh, the power of positive thinking. Ouch…reality just hit…ok…maybe four wins. We shall see.

By tony

June 29, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

ken strickland, mckay did not hire dan reeves and he was not part of the creation of the dirty birds. tell us, what team will they beat?

By Mike

June 29, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

The Falcons will go 11 and 5 and make it to the NFC championship game Why? They have already dumped all of their attitude problems except for Joe ‘Shorty’ Horn. He isn’t worth a box of friggin PopTarts. You non-believers are a bunch of wrinkled old Vick-sucking t**. Bring it on if you think you got anything.

By Ken

June 29, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Realist, you need to be a realist.The reason for the vicious cycle is not building a team the right way and always going for the quikest fix.Look at all the teams Parcells turned around.Every time he took the first year to change the attitude and get the right pieces in place.You gotta get a coach that can make the players buy in to working hard every day.You got that guy now.Mora was too much one of the boys and Patrino never had any respect.I don,t know much about M.Smith personality wise, but I know he had the respect of the defensive players and he,s bringing the D-line,and secondary coach from Jacksonville,and Van Gorder who was on his defensive staff also.Eventually you have to do it the right way and that probably means more losses than wins this year.If you are that frustrated maybe you could pull for Jacksonville for a year as the roll to their first Super Bowl!

By Ken

June 30, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Mr Strickland, I must correct you.The schedule has nothing to do with the privious years record.The schedule is set years in advance.You can find out right now who you will play in 09,10,11,12 etc…It amazes me how unknoweledgeable the fan base is there in Atlanta!

By Skyler

June 30, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

I dont think the O-Line is really that bad. Remember that everyone was injured last year. If everyone stays healthy and doesnt let the fact that they arent winning the division get to their head they can easily go 7-8 or so. Im looking forward to this season to see how everything works out. Itll be a crap shoot. PEACE!

By Ken Strickland

June 30, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

BY KEN-Don’t be so quick to call someone else UNKNOWELEDGEABLE(is this suppose to be a word). The specific opponents a team plays is determined by the previous yrs record. It’s the conferences those teams come out of that is determined yrs in advance. It would appear Atlanta fans aren’t as uninformed as certain others, like yourself.

TONEY-you are right, I lost track of my timeline. I forgot Dan Reeves was both GM and HC during the DIRTY BIRD ERA. He was the one that put that team together and his poor decision making as GM tore it apart. DEF-he released MLB JTuggle and his entire secondary, except CB BIG PLAY Ray Buchanan. He released DE CSmith and allowed DE LArchanbeau to leave as a FA. OFF-he released WR TMartin, TE Santiago and allowed his best and most important OL, C RTobeck, to leave as a FA. With the season opening injury to RB Jamaal Anderson, the team collapsed.

My point was, whenever we’ve hired a competent HC who implimented a solid traditional OFF/DEF approach, solid staff, scheme and use of personell to building a winning team, we’ve done well. I don’t see this season and this staff as an exception.

By Neil19Atl

June 30, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

Bumble B, Emmitt Smith didn’t arrive at Dallas until 1990 (Troy Aikman was Dallas’s first pick in 1989, Emmitt was the first pick in 1990). That 1989 Dallas team was in a dismal rebuilding year, not completely different from our own, but I agree with Mark, 1-15 is horrid and I really doubt that we’ll be as bad as we were last year. If nothing else, the players will want to play for Smith more than they did for Petrino. I think 5-11 or 6-10 is more likely.

By weights and standards

June 30, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

yes they are going to be bad . They draft no good d-line help. when the Gm gets defense and offense line help mabe the fan will come back. O they did get a new face for 37 millions. I want to win not play PR Games.

The new Gm is a dork he let the best defense player go that could help us right now . O o well 4-12 year.

I paid the last four years to see a loseing team. The product Blank is putting on the field is a no go! At plus 4 dollar a gal. to pay to see this team The Gm Blank and Marketing for the Falcons don’t know what they are doing > black out for years to come until they get there act together. Good Football player and wins not PR is what this team and city needs .

By BIZZLE

June 30, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

1-15 is quite rediculous dont ya think… Out of all the distractions from last year, the MV drama, the D. Hall tandrums, the quarterback carosel, and the non existant running game and not to mention the high school coach, we still managed to fo 4-12… I dont by any means expect us to go to the playoffs but 5-11 is more than realistic… We have the same offense from last year but with upgrades in the running game and we just have to be optomistic that a couple of our rookies play big… Progress is all I’m looking for… Oh yeah I we pray that Matt Ryan was worth the 3rd pick… GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!

By JROD

June 30, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Alot of you are in denial. We have a immobile rookie qb, unproven rb, ditto at wr, no TE, and lost two of our dbs. Who exactly do you see us beating. Cause I dont see more than two or three wins max. This team is garbaged. Stop making excuses. Whether they win 1 game or 4 games they suck. And please stop comparing them to the 1989 cowboys. Not one of their players is close to the talent of irvin, emmit, or aikman.

By Ken Strickland

June 30, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

WEIGHTS AN STANDARDS-don’t blame the GM for that move. In fact, don’t blame anyone but ABlank. This was an ABlank immage makeover decision. QB MRyan was picked to make the team LOOK BETTER, while drafting DT Dorsey or CEllis would have made the team perform better.

There’s no doubt, Ellis or Dorsey would have had an immediately and far ranging effect on the DEF, and team overall. A quick, strong, athletic, playmaking RDT would have drastically reduced the double and triple teams on RDE JAbraham, our premier pass rusher. Not having to fight through these double/triple teams could also reduce Abraham’s problems with injuries, especially the muscle pulls. Teams would have been forced to keep a RB in to provide extra protection for the QB’s blind side. Getting a solid pass rush from your front four allows a DC to drop his LB’s into pass coverage and flood the underneath patterns. It also reduces the amount of time the CB’s have to maintain tight coverage and reduces the length and complexities of the WR’s pass routes. A strong DL reduces the responsibilities of the LB’s, especially the MLB, where we are rather weak and inexperienced.

Instead of marketing a player we should market a team immage, like the GRITS BLITZ AND THE DIRTY BIRDS. With an allpro type talent at DT, we could have marketed the DEF. Remember the DOOMS DAY DEF(Cowboys), THE PURPLE GANG(Vikings), THE ORANGE CRUSH(Broncos), THE STEEL CURTAIN(Steelers), THE MONSTERS OF THE MIDWAY(Bears), and the DEF that started it all, THE FEARSOME FOURSOME(LA Rams). On OFF, remember the HOGS(Redskins) and the GREATEST SHOW ON TURF(SL Rams).

Blank should have realized that marketing players can cause a fan split, like what happened when they marketed MVick. Trying to use MRyan to replace or erase the MVick image will still cause a fan split. But marketing a team image, like we did with the GRITS BLITZ AND DIRTY BIRDS, brings all fans together. Then, each fan can choose the player that he or she favors, instead of having one shoved down our collective throats by marketing.

I would feel much more confident about this team and the upcoming season with GDorsey or CEllis starting at DT, than I do having the new FACE OF THE FRANCHISE, QB MRyan, standing on the sidelines carrying a clipboard.

By JROD

June 30, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Is vick the only criminal you care about? This is why you cant win, half of you are trying to get a church squad in a game that can paralyze people. Bottom line talking about vick is still more exciting than talking about this pathetic team. Why are some are you people trying to trick yourself in believing this team will be ok. Vick was good for this team if for no other reason than higher expectations. I have read more than a few boasting about winning 4 to 6 games. LOL! Are you serious? having no shot at the playoffs before the season starts is already getting old. And this team is boring to watch. That hatred for vick must really run deep to convince yourself you like watching this crap better.

By Greg from Marietta

June 30, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

I’m no expert but to say that the Falcons will go 1-15 is absolutely ridiculous. If they won 4 games last year with a college coach then they, by logic, they should do as well or better this year with a real NFL coaching staff and the addition of some quality players. Besides,if you believe everything these prognosticators predict then why even play the season? Oh, I know, because games are played by the players on the field and not by computers and stat sheets. These guys seem to forget that when you add the human element that anything can happen - just ask the Patriots!!

By P

June 30, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

I hate to Bring Back more Vick Discussion, but come on guys. Mike Vick was awesome a couple years ago, most exciting thing to ever happen to the falcons no doubt. The last several he’d been struggling to do much at all passing the ball and that was not translating into wins like it did early on before Derrick Brooks basically showed everyone how to beat him. I liked Vick too but he wasn’t translating into wins on his own like he did early in his career. I’ve made all the excuses in the book for him. I’ve blamed to offense etc…but Obviously given his transgressions he cared less about being a great football player than we thought. He had to be smarter than to keep idiots like those in Virginia around him. He failed, and is paying a harsh price as are we. That being said. If Mckay had even thought about addressing the embarrassing situation at Kicker prior to last season… they would have had 6 wins at least.

By JROD

June 30, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

By Edgar

June 29, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

“I’ve placed no expectations on winning and losing this year. What I do expect is football and not a bunch of idiots putting on a sideshow on national TV in support of an idiot QB that couldn’t handle his money OR his friends.”

Yep, that basically sums up why this team sucks. You are not interested in winning. You are interested in dogs (and no other animals by the way) rights. Which is fine but you people are taking it to the extreme. Since when is winning not important? Talk about laughing stock; We are the only team not fully committed to winning. Let this dog thing go.
And you know why so many people think this is a race thing? Cause we NEVER EVER see white people get this mad when the person(s) victimized is black (Jena 6 same year as vick dogfighting). That doesnt make those people racist but you cant deny race or culture doesnt play into it.

By Chris

June 30, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

The only thing sadder than this article is that I have season tickets and the fact that Blank has been raising the prices for the last 3 years. Putting the product on the field my a*, and I’m sad to say that I look forward to the upcoming season. Even though we gave away about half of the original team…

By Brad

June 30, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Last year the Birds could easily won 8 or 9 games. And that was with terrible coaching, and Harrington and Leftwich. This year better coaching and better players. Dont be surprised if the Birds stay around .500 all season and possible contend for a wild-card. Good chance they pick up OL & DL help when teams start cutting during training camp.

By bigeasy830

June 30, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Great post JROD. I agree with you, do not compare this sorry team to the 1989 Cowboys. Eventhough the Cowboys went 1-15 they were clearly rebuilding. They drafted a true franchise QB in Aikmen, a big play reciever in Irvin and 2 great O linemen in the 2nd and 3rd rounds in Wisniewski and Stepnoski. They then concentrated on the D line and linebacker. The next year the drafted Emmitt Smith then acquired The Moose. You see Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had a plan. What do the Falcons have. The Falcons act as if they are only a couple of players away from being in contention. Sorry folks for the bad news but we are a long way from being competitive. That is Why we Should have drafted the best player in the draft in Dorsey and then two O linemen in the secon round along with Lofton at LB then got the QB next year. Stafford and Teabow will be there when we Draft 1st overall next year but we will not draft either because of the mistake we made this year. Matt Ryan is just not a no brainer franchise QB, that is simply my opinion. I hope I am wrong but I just do not see it that way. The mistakes we made this year in the draft will set this franchise even farther behind for years to come. And, for a lifelong Falcons fan that has been the story of this franchise from the beginning.

By T.C

June 30, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Some of us are so decieved thinking the sorry falcons will be successful.they have too many negatives,just because a guy(coach)comes in and make changes dont mean this team is better.you have too many ifs.the coach is unproven at his position,the Q.B,DT,OL,ECT….this team might win 8 games in 3years and might start being successful after that 5th year.by that time the players that will groom will be seeking more money and look for a better team(a winning organization).then the this cycle could continue.i also cant see how so many people think ryan is the best thing since sliced bread.ill say get ready to form your mouth in a boooooo!!! position.

By T.C

June 30, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Some of us are so decieved thinking the sorry falcons will be successful.they have too many negatives,just because a guy(coach)comes in and make changes dont mean this team is better.you have too many ifs.the coach is unproven at his position,the Q.B,DT,OL,ECT….this team might win 8 games in 3years and might start being successful after that 5th year.by that time the players that will groom will be seeking more money and look for a better team(a winning organization).then this cycle could continue.i also cant see how so many people think ryan is the best thing since sliced bread.ill say get ready to form your mouth in a boooooo!!! position.

By B.J

June 30, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Bergen belsen,if you think that poorly of a man killing a couple of dogs then that mean you feel 10times as worse about human being killing eachother.reality is no matter what were all gonna die and i say that to say this,maybe you have time to get that hatred out of your heart before you clock out of here.yo doo doo stank too ya know.

By B.J

June 30, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Bergen belsen,if you think that poorly of a man killing a couple of dogs then that mean you feel 10times as worse about human being killing eachother.reality is no matter what were all gonna die and i say that to say this,maybe you have time to get that hatred out of your heart before you clock out of here.yo doo doo stank too ya know.

By B.J

June 30, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Bergen belsen,if you think that poorly of a man killing a couple of dogs then that mean you feel 10times as worse about human being killing eachother.reality is no matter what were all gonna die and i say that to say this,maybe you have time to get that hatred out of your heart before you clock out of here.yo doo doo stank too ya know.

By Ken Strickland

June 30, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

BIGEASY830-I agree with a lot of what you said. If we had drafted Dorsey, or traded down and drafted Ellis, we might have gotten Flacco in the 2nd rd. The Ravens would have traded up to draft Ryan instead of Flacco. If we had traded down and drafted Ellis, we could have used the extra pick to trade up into the 1st rd twice. That way, we could have gotten both QB Flacco and OT Baker. A playmaking DT would have been far more valuable to us than wasting our #3 pick on a face of the franchise QB who’ll start out on the sidelines carrying a clipboard.

This yrs team will not have an OFF built around deception, gimmicks and one talented player like we had under Mora and friends. We will not have to deal with a volatile, egotistical, noncommunicative HC like Petrino, who’s OFF approach was better suited for college than the pros. A DC can create a good DEF based as much on a DEF scheme that maximizes usage of available talent. Philly and Tampa Bay are good examples of that.

If we’d eliminated last yrs QB and HC controversies, negative player attitudes, OL injuries, poor player utilization, especially JNorwood, and played better DEF, we could have easily added 5-6 more wins. This coaching staff, and players, can make certain none of those previous issues become problems this yr, except for injuries. We managed 4 victories last yr under tremdously adverse circumstances, and managed to be very competitive in 5 others, which we lost be a TD or less. This yrs team will be more talented overall and is better suited for our new HC’s OFF/DEF schemes. The determining factor on how successful this yrs team will be is how many of those 5gms we lost last yr by a TD or less can we win.

Our players will enter this season with a far better attitude and more confidence in this coaching staff and it’s OFF/DEF schemes. WE WILL COMPETE FOR THE NFC SOUTH TITLE AND A WILDCARD PLAYOFF SPOT.

By Dee

June 30, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

1-15? Yeah, right. If we could win 4 games with a Petrino-coached team, Coach Smith could double that total easily.

By Ken

June 30, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Mr.Strickland, again you are only partially correct on the scheduling matter.Teams play specific divisions out of each conference on a rotation basis determined years in advance.To a very small degree record determines which teams out of these divisions you may or not play but 90% is pre determined.I apologize for the insult as I have read some of your posts and you make your points very well, although I dont agree with them.My remark was aimed more toward all the ignorant racially motivated garbage on this blog that are an embarrassment to the city.Now for some football dicussion-I see your point on starting with a stud DT- very valid argument.Think of the list of great nickname teams you gave us.Take each one and think of who the QB was.For the most part the ones that had franchise QB’s won championships and the ones that had average QB’s were just ok teams with great defenses.I don,t think they are trying to market Ryan as much as they are trying to develope a franchise QB.We can agree to disagree on where to start building a team, but one thing is for certain- once the pieces are in place- you have to have the franchise QB to get you over the top.Case in point my Jaguars- they have built a deep and talented roster but the could only go as far as Leftwich could take them.Now they have identified their franchise QB who is playing lights out and now they are a favorite to go all the way.Demitof mentored under Scott Pieoli,maybe the best GM in the game and Smith has been with Del Rio who took a team whose roster was decimated by salary cap purge and has builtone of the top 5 teams in the NFL.I dont know if Ryan is a franchise QB but they obviously believe he is.Judging from all I,ve read and heard from national radio callers from Atl, the biggest knock on Ryan is he is white and Dorsey,Ellis are black.I hope you dont factor these things in to your opinions

By santa clause

June 30, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I dont like the sorry falcons,dont like racist pushing ajc and definately dont like these wishy washy racist so called atlanta fans.you all are the worst fan base in all of sports and dont deserve a team in any sport.AJC,why dont you all screan these posts? you have kids logging on here reading this mess.that shows how racist and hatred you are and thats what AJC stands for.this is not the early 1900s but you will never know by reading this trash……

By santa clause

June 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

I dont like the sorry falcons,dont like racist pushing ajc and definately dont like these wishy washy racist so called atlanta fans.you all are the worst fan base in all of sports and dont deserve a team in any sport.AJC,why dont you all screan these posts? you have kids logging on here reading this mess.that shows how racist and hatred you are and thats what AJC stands for.this is not the early 1900s but you will never know by reading this trash……

By santa clause

June 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

I dont like the sorry falcons,dont like racist pushing ajc and definately dont like these wishy washy racist so called atlanta fans.you all are the worst fan base in all of sports and dont deserve a team in any sport.AJC,why dont you all screan these posts? you have kids logging on here reading this mess.that shows how racist and hatred you are and thats what AJC stands for.this is not the early 1900s but you will never know by reading this trash……

By santa clause

June 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

I dont like the sorry falcons,dont like racist pushing ajc and definately dont like these wishy washy racist so called atlanta fans.you all are the worst fan base in all of sports and dont deserve a team in any sport.AJC,why dont you all screan these posts? you have kids logging on here reading this mess.that shows how racist and hatred you are and thats what AJC stands for.this is not the early 1900s but you will never know by reading this trash……

By santa clause

June 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

I dont like the sorry falcons,dont like racist pushing ajc and definately dont like these wishy washy racist so called atlanta fans.you all are the worst fan base in all of sports and dont deserve a team in any sport.AJC,why dont you all screan these posts? you have kids logging on here reading this mess.that shows how racist and hatred you are and thats what AJC stands for.this is not the early 1900s but you will never know by reading this trash……

By bigeasy830

June 30, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Ken Strickland you are the most optimistic Falcons fan on this blog. I hope you are right but, I just do not see it that way. I believe that this team will be one of the 3 worst teams in the league, maybe the worst. I believe we should have drafted linemen O and D linemen. I love Dorsey not because he is black, as some on this blog suggest but because this young man played injured for most of the season and put his team ahead of his NFL draft status, now that is warrior you can build around. But, I would have been satisfied if we would have reached on a top ten pick O linemen. We were crazy to give up 2 second round picks for Baker who was projected as being no better than a second round pick. He would have been there when we drafted in the second round. Ken Strickland, I know your logic is based on the Falcons being a good team this year, but answer this, If the Falcons suck and have a top 3 pick again or the 1st overall pick, do you believe Matt Ryan will be a better QB for the future of the Franchise than either Matt Stafford or Tim Teabow. You see I believe you must have foresight and not hindsight. As twisted as his mind was, I think that was Billy Knights logic in drafting all those forwards. He was eventually going to make a trade and tweak the team, foresight, but he didn’t see himself being forced out of a job before he could make this happen. But, back to the Falcons, If the team sucks this year can you then see my point of view. MV7 and race has nothing to do with my logic. I am black and am a MV7 fan. But, I have been a lifelong Falcons fan and will continue to be one. I only want the team to win a Championship. MV7 is gone I know that. I just want the owner, GM and coach to build that championship team.

By Ken Strickland

June 30, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

BY KEN-sounds like we are saying the same thing, but in different ways. Your apology is accepted and I am with you 100% when it comes to Falcon fans who use football as a forum for promoting their racist agendas. That’s why I feel ABlank should have found a way to promote the team rather than another player(QB MRyan).

Every Falcon fan supported the DIRTY BIRDS and their was no racial, ethnic, cultural or social animosity attached to that support. As we all know, that wasn’t the case with MVick and it’s not the case with MRyan, unfortunately.

SANTA CLAUS-I agree with you about the AJC, but not about Atlanta fans. You’re labeling all by the actions and negative attitudes of the few. Remember, when MVick was our QB, the Falcons sold out every NFL gm in which he played and his jersey was the #1 selling jersey in the NFL. That kind of support and admiration didn’t come from racist, negative minded fans.

I was a Falcon fan more than a MVick fan, but I appreciated what he did for this franchise until his ultimate demise. In his 4+yrs as our starter, he won more playoff gms and gms overall, had a higher winning %, won more conference titles, had more playoff appearances and garnered more probowl appearances than any other QB in Falcon history. In some cases, he accomplished more individually than all other Falcon QB’s combined. Only individuals with cultural and/or racist mentalities would completely overlook all of that and focus exclusively on his perceived shortcomings. You will find these types of individuals and mentalities expressing the same racist crap in every NFL city under the same set of circumstances, but maybe to varying degrees.

So, don’t be so quick to prejudge the whole by the actions of a select few. That’s how all of this crap gets started in the first place.

By Ken Strickland

June 30, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

One more thing. I want to thank all of you for keeping this discussion civilized and free of any animosity. LOL.

By pale white sausage

June 30, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

I thought the 08 season would mark the end of the Mike Vick talk. He’s gone - Redman is our starter until the golden boy Ryan can take the helm. Let’s see what he’s got and quit talking about Vick - he’ll never suit up for the Falcons again, and his career here is finished. I hope he plays somewhere again, but it won’t be here so let it die already. GEEZ!

By Ken

June 30, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Well said Mr.Strickland!

By bigeasy830

June 30, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

By Ken, I hate to call a man a liar, but earlier you blogged that you were in Fulton county stadium when the Falcons lost to the Colts in 1991 for the Colts only win. I looked it up. The Falcons did not play the Colts that year. The Colts beat The Jets for their one and only win. Come on bud, we are serious about this thing on this blog don’t try to fool anyone with nonsense your gonna get called on it.

By Ken

June 30, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

I thought about that later and I realized 91 was the wrong year.It was another time in the late eighties when the colts were winless,0-12,0-13 or something like that.Ron Meyer,the ex-SMU coach and they came to the old stadium and beat the Falcons for their first win of the season.Look that up slick,it happened!I guess the Colts might have one 1 more and went 2-14 that year-honest mistake- not a lie.

By Ken

June 30, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Hey easy here’s another onr to call me out on.I saw the Falcons and the 49’ers play to a tie one time in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium.

By Dan McSwain

June 30, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

You all call yourself fans? Come on, think positive here, the team is going to win division and go 9-7 or maybe even 10-6, between two great running backs, a run blocking O-line a terrific set of linebackers, our recievers are great. If the team can establish the run early and utilize play action they will win games for sure. Besides all of that, they have a weak schedule and will be underestimated by many teams. There are some moves they need to make such as perhaps trading for Lito Shepphard and getting rid of Joe Horn. Sam Baker should probably play guard in his first season and move Weiner to LT, and move Kynan Forney to RT. If they manage to do those things they could sneak up on alot of teams

By Ken

June 30, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Hey Bigeasy,here’s another one to look up. I once saw the Falcons defeat the Rams and their starting QB Steve Bartkowski at Atlanta FC Stadium.

By Ken

June 30, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

By Dan McSwain, it could happen, but I think your being a bit optimistic for year one.

By Ken

June 30, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

By Dan McSwain,I love your optimism but I think it will go more like this.Teams will load the box against the run early in the season and dare the QB to beat them.I don’t know if Redman is good enough or Ryan is experienced enough to make the saftey,s back off just yet.Hopefully by midseason the QB play will be good enough that the running game can create playaction opportunities as you suggest.I just think its gonna take a little more time tha you.

By Theedge

June 30, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

That my friends is why they play the games.

By ct dirtybird

June 30, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Everyone needs to quit their b@$R@# and moaning. I loved Vick and still do. That said, I love the Falcons more. For all you young bandwagoners, the Falcons have never been great, but they have always competed. Vick was never the Falcons, Vick was the face. As exciting as he was, and as proud of him as I was, Names like Jesse Tuggle, Deion Sanders, Terrance Mathis, etc etc Stand out too! Why you ask? Because I am a true Falcon fan. Vick did what he did and he’s paying for it…..His stupidity is unmatched, no matter how unfairly he was treated. Yes, Unfairly. Racist, maybe. But you don’t go steal a candybar, get caught and blame it on the people who blew it out of proportion. You just don’t steal the candybar. Now being the TRUE falcon fan I am, Vick is done, can’t wait for the season to begin…all the doubters were Vick fans, not Falcon fans. Vick never played a single play in the SuperBowl. The Falcons did. And if not for another bonehead name Eugene, we might’ve won. We have a lot of talent on this year’s team, and that’s excluding our #1 draft pick(it’ll take time). Redman did a good job last year, but I still think if DJ Shockley didn’t get injured, we would’ve been way better, he was beating Harrington out for the #2 spot…….Lastly, to all the true FalconFans, this isn’t the first and won’t be the last year People will say we suck!! Let’s just wish for another 1998.

By bigeasy830

June 30, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

By Ken, you know I had to research it. I never knew Bartowski went to the Rams. Now that is my favorite Falcons QB of all time. I doing this research I see that Bartowski was the 1st pick in the 1975 draft 2nd pick Randy White and 4th pick Walter “Sweetness” Payton. I say we still did the right thing by picking Bartowski no one in the history of the game threw a better or prettier deep ball than the “MAD BOMBER”. I saw him compete in a QB competition against Marino, Elway, Young and a couple more young QB’s after he retired and his knees were shot to hell on one of those TV networks that held the competition every year. In the event where they try to hit those targets that move across the field he out threw them all. They were in their prime he was old and out of the game. But, I always believed that he is one of the greatest pure passers of all time. He was hitting that 40 yard target bull’s eye. Those younger QB’s weren’t even competition to him in that event. Now, if Matt Ryan can be half the passer that the “MAD BOMBER” was,and have half the heart. Then sign me up for the ride.

By bigeasy830

June 30, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Great post ct dirtybird, but the difference between the 98 team and this years team is Dan Reeves was a proven winner as head coach. Now, I like what I hear about Smith but, the players respected what Dan Reeves brought to the table from the jump. Secondly. Dan Reeves went out and got very good and proven vet free agents. That team was stacked with great vet talent. Many doubters are true Falcons fans but we just believe that this team is not going in the right direction. It is only our opinion. Because no one knows how good the team will be until the season starts and no one knows what the record will be until the season ends. As someone posted earlier. “Thats Why They Play The Games”.

By John in Marietta

June 30, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

My questions is, who are they going to beat?

By Ken Strickland

July 1, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

PALE WHITE SAUGAGE-you seem to have a problem talking about, or having someone else talk about MVick. I see nothing wrong with referencing a past player. We reference former Falcons like SBartkowski, WAndrews, JTuggle, JVan Note, MKenn, DSanders, etc, without anyone making it an issue. Why make an issue of mentioning MVick, who is a former Falcon. My comments had absolutely nothing to do with him playing again, especially for the Falcons.

THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT MAKE AN ISSUE OF MENTIONING MVICK ARE PEOPLE THAT HAVE MVICK ISSUES, AND I DON’T.

By The Realist

July 1, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

bigeasy830, I agree. As a longtime Falcon fan myself, my dissatisfaction w/ the direction of the team doesn’t mean that I’m not a “true fan.” In fact, it’s BECAUSE I’m pulling for the team that I’m frustrated when I see what seems to be a familiar scenario. What “true fan” doesn’t want something to be excited about other than another new coach & gm? Sorry, but the idea of Ryan behind a OL that’s questionable at best just isn’t doing it for me. Let it be known, I’ll be watching & hoping for a miracle…

By SaltyDawg

July 1, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

I call B.S. on the 1 and 15 prediction. When was the last time you could accurately predict a 1-15 season by any NFL team. The fact is that this team is not where it wants to be, but it is in definitely in a better place than it was last year. I am cautiously optimistic about the return of Finneran. But aside from that, even if Redman is the starter I have to think he pulled things together a little toward the end of last year and should carry that into this season. Even if the young gun gets called to action early, could he be any worse than what we had last year? And Turner is certainly a better option at RB than Dunn was last year. I’m not saying that the Falcons are going to contend this year, but they shouldn’t be any worse than last year.

By Edd

July 1, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

Sporting News ?? Who buys that junk magazine anyway.!!!!!!!!! Go Falcons !!

By SimpleDawg

July 1, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

The Birds will be much better than most people think. Their greateast additions, outside of the new coach and GM, are the subtractions of the malcontents. Those who destroy a team from within with their me-first attitudes and their “Free Mick Vick” t-shirts. I’d rather have a team of average talent who play within the system and for the good of the team first, than a bunch of selfish superstars who bicker about everything.

This will be a linebacker rich defense with a bunch of young cover guys. If we can find 2 big tackles to clog the middle, the ends and LB’s should be able to shine. We’ll get beat deep some, but not very often if our pass rush lives up to their abilities - and Abraham can get through a full season at full speed.

We need a tight end to step up as a reliable threat up the middle of the field to combine with a running game and take pressure off of the QB and wideouts. Matt Ryan needs to be the QB - win or lose, we need to build for the future. In the NFL, the future is only a season away if you can run the ball and stop the run consistently. The rest of the equation is just fine tuning.

Arthur, no micro-managing, stay in the owner’s box, office, or at home, and let the professionals do their jobs.

It could be pretty good year.

By Mark Bradley

July 1, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Last year the Falcons kept games close but didn’t have a quarterback capable of making plays at the end. Matt Ryan will be capable of making plays, given time (as in seasoning) and time (as in protection).

By disgruntled

July 1, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

The Sporting News also picked the Braves to be dead last in 1991 and we saw how that turned out. Last year was a nightmare…a majority of the players laid down later in the season as well and that is not what inspires people. If I see more effort I’ll be happy but ARTIE still needs to drop my ticket prices!!!!!

By Ken

July 1, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

By bigeasy830,Bartkowski was great when they finally got a team around him.Apologies to the Dirty Bird team, but the 80 Falcons with Bartkowski were better.Once in a blue moon NFL network will show an old film called “Duel In Dixie”about how we blew theNFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl by siiting on a 10 point lead with 5 minutes left.The video has Dallas players being interviewed saying they knew the Falcon were the best team that day,and in the league,and they really got lucky and stole one from us.It is my most painful memorie as a sports fan,and it still makes me ill everytime I recall it.I,m a pretty tough guy but that was the only time I ever wept in disappointment over a sporting event and I was 20 then.I saw that NFL films video a year or two ago and I felt like throwing up the rest of the day.

By jc_dawg

July 1, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

The boys in Vegas have got this team pegged. 5 Wins this year. Thats the over/under

What will make it a successful first season will be if they can minimize the blowouts and keep the games somewhat close.

By bigeasy830

July 1, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, we kept the games somewhat close in the first half then gave up in the second half. We had a little more talet on D fense then. I am not a Deangelo fan but, he was considered one of the better CBs in this league. The only way we win more than 4 games will be because of coaching not talent. i love our coaching staff. The O-coordinator has proven track record and Smith and Van Gorder will have that D-fense well coached. So, we will see. I just have no faith in the O-line or the D-line. By, Ken I agree with you on that 80’s Falcons team. We have to give respect and much love to the Dirty birds our only Super Bowl appearance team. But, that 80’s team with Bartowski, Alfred Jenkins and Alfred Jackson, Junior Miller, Lynn Caine, Wiliam Andrews, Mike Kenn, Jeff Van Note was a great offensive team. The 98 Dirty birds took the city by storm but the pure Falcons fans were just crushed after that NFC championship game. We had a real shot at the Championship that year. If we would have beaten Dallas, a win in the super bowl would have brought this franchise great karma. Maybe we would not be so up and down as a franchise and so unpredictable. You see the Falcons have always surprised some great teams when they were bad, we were terrible and beat a great SF team and Dallas team in the 90’s that won the Super Bowls those years. But, we also loose to teams that we should beat. I just hope we can turn it around. We will see.

By Tom Smith

July 1, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

I cant believe they are STILL hating on MV. Hes gone people…GET OVER IT!!!You have a Team of “good character” guys now….quit talking about Vick, Hall, Crumpler, hell even Petrino. Those guys are GONE, period…Lets give the old hate a rest PLEASE, its a sad, scratched, broken record. Deal with the current FALCONS and leave the old ones alone….

By dan

July 1, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

There is too much parity in the NFL to predict that any team can go 1-15. You can have a horrible team that can eek out a few wins. I have to admit on paper, the Falcons don’t look very strong especially on defense, which was how they kept games close last season. Also strength of schedule doesn’t mean a whole lot in the NFL, b/c teams are so different from one year to the next. I can forsee the season going like this: the team will start off 0-8 or 1-7 and then finish 4-12 or 5-11. Also, I’ll make the bold prediction that the Falcons will split a game with Carolina( which they have done the last two seasons), New Orleans( which they haven’t beaten since 2005 but came close last season in a 22-15 loss) and Tampa Bay ( which they beat twice in 2006). In the last 15 years, the Falcons have never gone winless in their own division, not even in 1996 when they were 3-13. So at the very least, they will win one division game and one or two others.

By Unbiased_Blogger

July 1, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

You people are delusional! 1-15 sounds about right and maybe 0-16. Where are the wins going to come from? Who on this team has won anything on the pro level? This team will be the door mat of the league - embarrassing. What team has Redman or Harrington ever won more than 4-games as starters? Sure you want to believe this is an okay team but where are your facts to prove they can win? You spent all that money for the “face of the franchise” and the best you can do is finish 1-15. Sounds like a great deal to me.

By Unbiased_Blogger

July 1, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

You people are delusional! 1-15 sounds about right and maybe 0-16. Where are the wins going to come from? Who on this team has won anything on the pro level? This team will be the door mat of the league - embarrassing. What team has Redman or Harrington ever won more than 4-games as starters? Sure you want to believe this is an okay team but where are your facts to prove they can win? You spent all that money for the “face of the franchise” and the best you can do is finish 1-15. Sounds like a great deal to me.

By Hamad Meander

July 1, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Well, I haven’t looked at the schedule yet, but this is the NFL, and the Falcons have less talent than just about every other NFL team, so 1-15 looks possible.

If we had put together a coherant draft, focused on true needs instead of flash, I think this franchise could be on the PATH to being better. That is not the case, so as a die-hard Falcons fan, I am pessimistic that things are turning around this quickly.

Being someone who enjoys the critique of football instead of glossy-eyed fanatical worship of this team, I think the Falcons are in a lot of trouble this year and next.

By cursive

July 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Gonna be a long season regardless…

By Ralph Swietz

July 1, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Sombody`s drinking bong water, the Falcons will get viscerated this year!!! 0-16….

By mars

July 1, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

I’ve got it! Let’s get ATL off of the map, and get Hotlanta back on it. I miss the days before we became simply an airline destination.

By Edgar

July 2, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

I still don’t see 1-15. When you look at the source of this it makes me want to laugh. ESPN has become nothing more than a rest home for out of work almost famous athletes. Believing what those unemployed kooks say is like hiring Don Imus as the clown for your kids birthday party. Most NFL fans today are up on nearly all the teams. Not just the Falcons. So what happens here in a couple of years with Matt Ryan. I see A-Rod is off and gone with Madonna on his day off and when he gets placed on the 15 day disabled roster with a, get this, strained groin muscle. HA! So he, Matt Ryan agrees with Goodell about the rookie cap huh?

By ct dirtybird

July 2, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

first, the “TrueFan” comment was directed at those who believe Vick was the entire team and we’ll no longer be good without him. Note the Superbowl comment from the prior post. By no means do I say he wasn’t great—-I’d even go as far to say, if he plays again, I wish its for us, give the man his 2nd chance. As for those of you who say, he’s a criminal blah blah blah, you probably voted for George Bush….the question I pose for you guys is which is worse….better yet which comes first, animal rights or human rights….but I’ll leave that alone….Back to Falcons season…My cousin is a diehard Dallas fan….I sat with him thru their horrendous season….but not once did he think they couldn’t win the next one…and that’s what I mean by “TrueFan”….Herman Edwards said it best….”We Play to win the game” Lastly, those of you who say we’ll suck, what happens if we go from last to first which just happens to be the thing that keeps happening in our division. Be proud of your post Men!!! The last time we had a first year coach other than Petrino, we went to the NFC championship….The first year is always the best year for a new coach to get his team to believe in his philosphy. When the losses add up is where a team loses respect. Ask Petrino that!!!

By Keanu

July 3, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this

1-15 please man ain’t know way the falcons are doing that it’s stunning to say that I just got to say anything can happen in the NFL the falcons are a pro team and they can beat anyone if they play hard with Matt Ryan as the potential starter and Micheal Turner as the running back and Roddy White as the wide reciever and he did good last year.So the falcons have weapons on offense and the other thing they have a coach in Mike Smith which is a defensive coach that can turn that defensive in to a really good defense and they were good last year so I will have to say 11-6 as my prediction.GO FALCONS!!!

By ray

July 3, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

With fans like these, the Falcons probably look forward to playing away games…..

As for building the line: you can’t just put “good” players in there. You have to coach them right and get them to believe in your philosophy and their teammates. All the talent in the world doesn’t make up for dedicated teammwork, unless you believe that two or even three offensive linemen can block 11 defenders. If you do, then you’re a typical idiot.

I’ll take decent well-coached players over one or two stinkin’ rookie offensive linemen that have yet to take an NFL snap. Good grief….

By ray

July 3, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Oh, and by the way. You kinda need for the team to believe in the quarterback and the coaching staff.

I think the coaching staff has that covered now, and Ryan is the type of guy that inspires confidence in his team.

For all those still lamenting Vick, I seem to recall that not even his receivers believed in him. I mean, unless your name was Crumpler or Dunn (and White, to a lesser degree towards the end), you weren’t going to catch a ball. Didn’t matter who the f* you were. So let’s stop that foolishness. Imagine being an offensive linemen. Pass-blocking for absolutely no reason unless Crumpler is open….

By kreese31

July 4, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

All of you MV7 haters want to point to the fact that he is a convicted felon, you know what I say to that, “SO What!!” do you know how many felons are in the NFL!!! The Entertainment industry dont give a hoot about a persons status as long as that person ENTERTAINS!!! and MV7 darn sure did that. I am not condoning his actions, but if you want to say that he is a horrible person b/c he treated animals wrong, then guess what, turn to your dad, brother, uncle, and grandpa-if they HUNT and tell them and look at them the same way you feel about MV7!!! I can’t wait 4 MV7 to come back

By ray

July 4, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

By my count, you’ve still got some months to go….

By kreese31

July 4, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Ray, u don’t know Diddley Squat!!! do you remember that B. Finn was his favorite rec.? do you remember that P. Price couldn’t get open?, do you remember that All of Vick’s Rec loved him? did you know that he went to the RB’s b/c the rec. were ineffective!!! No, so you don’t know SQUAT!!!! Everyone believed in VICK if you don’t bleieve that then ask those dudes that got fined for standing up for him!! All of you MV7 Haters are ridiculous!!! You all are FAIR WEATHER FANS, Vick brought excitement and winning to this depleted franchise and all you all can think to say is that he is a felon. SO WHAT!!! what do TIM ALLEN, Leonard Litte, Winona Rider, and Vick have in common? a Felonius status. But I bet you all still love the others—you hypocritical fair weather Jerks!!!!

By ray

July 4, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Uh, I remember that the coaching sucked and Vick could run like the wind. Yes he did bring excitement to the game. And we did pretty good for a year or two. And then teams figured out how to stop him (by using a “spy”).

Oh, and his favorite receiver was Alge Crumpler, hate to tell you that. Yes, I know he’s a tight end. He bailed Vick out numerous times. No, all of his receivers didn’t love him. They even made some comments in that direction, though most of it was kept quiet.

By the way, I believe the courts named Vick a convicted felon. I’ve never called him anything other than a speedy, strong-armed, inaccurate quarterback. Apparently you forgot about when he flipped off the fans. Yep, that finger’s for you. Both of them. I don’t hate Vick. I don’t care anything about Leonard Little, Tim Allen used to be kinda funny, and Winona Ryder is a little skank.

But you’re right. So what. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a felon. Upstanding members of the community, I tell ya. The neighborhood should be full of them. Have you hugged a felon today?

Yeeesh….

By Unbiased_Blogger

July 5, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

Can anybody tell me how you give a college qb with all those interceptions a 72 million dollar contract, yet the experts predict the team will finish no better than 1-15? Oh yeah, why is Vick still on the roster? I mean if he is as bad as Blanks and the rest of the “exclusive” club members and we all know what “exclusive” club I’m refering to - he is still on the roster. Why not cut him? Could it be because Carolina has beefed up their offensive line, got great receivers, good running backs, good defense, but no quarterback? What is Blanks so afraid of? Maybe he deep down knows Ryan is going to suck more than he did in College. If he couldn’t win an ACC title, how is he going to win a conference championship at the NFL level, let alone win a superbowl. Yes, Vick definitely got the best of this deal. Say hello to Carolina, superbowl champs.

By ray

July 5, 2008 3:32 AM | Link to this

Gee, that was a completely unbiased statement. Ha.

Yep, Vick definitely got a better deal. 23 months in prison and an indefinite suspension (which may or may not be rescinded). Gosh, where can I sign up?

By Pete

July 8, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

All these pre-season predictions made by Talking Heads. Talking Heads = Empty Heads End of story.