Mark Bradley

By D-MAN

July 20, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Very interesting…yes very interesting indeed.

By Billy

July 20, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Definitely A LOT of things to consider!

By Andrew

July 20, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Honestly I couldn’t answer any of these questions, and I don’t think anyone can at this point. We will just have to see how it plays out.

By jerry

July 20, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Will the Falcons benefit from a dedicated coach and competent GM? Yes!!!!!!!!!!

By bobby Dowell

July 20, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

This season will require patience. Falcon fans have so little. TD will build a champion if given time..

By weights and standards

July 20, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

They are still trying to sell bad product. ( We needed Linemen)we need to win not play pr games. still waiting for Vick ,are will the still play pr Games. When Vick come back watch how fast the ticket sell. And if you don’t think so why have they not cut him. MONEY Talks!!! Still love #7 In the ATL.

By bulldog

July 20, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

the falcons will be ok if they play sound fundamental football

By mike28212

July 20, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

they haven’t cut Vick b/c they are still trying to recoup most of his signing bonus. they’ll probably wait to see what happens with his bankruptcy proceedings.

By William Byrd

July 20, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

The Falcons will be competitive. Do not expect a winning season in the first year. Falcon fans must expect QB Matt Ryan to make progress toward being a starter, and eventually an All-Pro. The offensive lines has to improve because of the lack of mobility of the quarterbacks. The running game must maintain ball control, and the defense must become our greatest asset. Falcon fans must allow this team to initiate a three-year action plan. Go Falcons!!!

By NORTHGEORGIA FALCON FAN.

July 20, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

LETS JUST PLAY FOOTBALL.I’M READY GOOD OR BAD. I’M READY FOR THE FALCONS TO GET STARTED.GO BIRDS.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

July 20, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Looks like the 43rd year of a 5 year plan to me.

By Chris

July 20, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

i’m not expecting much out of this season other than the progression of our young players such as Ryan and White. Bradley said it best they are staring over. You can’t expect a team to completely start over (with everything from coaches, QB’s, and even fans) to win right away. Look at the TB Rays. They did it the right way. With patience, sound drafting and trades, and young players who care about the game more than ego and money. Now I hope as Falcon fan it doesn’t take ten years but I do know it will take some time.

By DHD

July 20, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

You just couldn’t do it, could you? No article in the AJC concerning the Falcons can be written without Vick being mentioned.

Look…the Falcons will go 4-12 with Ryan providing some hope towards the end of the season.

By Randy

July 20, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

I still hope Blank gets fed up, sells the Falcons and buys the Braves.

By FalconFan in DC

July 20, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it the Falcons won’t have a winning record…but they won’t be as bad as predicted they could easily win 6 games. Folks are underestimating the fact they have a HC who wants to be in Atlanta and actually has gameplan. Remember Bobby Petrino had no idea what he was doing and the players knew that in September. Also, Mike Vick will never be a Falcon again after his filing for bankruptcy and the realization the Team will never see that $3m dollars of his signing bonus.

By Greg

July 20, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

You are right on target about the lines: we have NO REASON whatsoever to think either line will be above the conference average, and we have PLENTY of reason to think they will be sub-par. As the lines go, so go the Falcons. If Smith doesn’t make some moves in FA or with some trades, we’re heading for a dismal season.

By D-Cider

July 20, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Hey, Mark, are the Braves in first place yet? what a loser.. Why not predict the Falcons win the Super Bowl? At least you would be consistently wrong in the direction the Atlanta teams are headed.

By NFC South

July 20, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

The Titans sold out there single game tickets in 32 minutes. The Falcons can’t give tickets away…and the only way the AJC can cover the Falcons is to constantly bring up Vick’s name. Wasn’t Ryan supposed to be the difference maker, game changer, franchise player? Why can’t y’all get interested in him without mentioning Vick?

By Sage of Bluesland

July 20, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

The housecleaning should have extended to our vaunted Hometown Hero (Keith Brooking), who is now the 2nd highest paid linebacker in the league.

That’s right—the league.

Until King Arthur stops trying to field a ‘feel-good’ storybook team of charity-cases, will this finally be a real NFL franchise, not a quasi-charitable organization which also happens to fill out the real teams’ schedule.

I don’t ever wonder why this team is terrible…Bad decisions abound…

(and Keith Brooking was ‘never’ a great player to begin with—I witnessed his ankle-tackles at The Flats plenty of times…The most overrated, overpaid excuse of a LB that I’ve ever seen.)

By Brian F.

July 20, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

We’re going to be better than people think !!!!!

By tyler

July 20, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I am with Brian F there. We will be better than people think. I honestly believe that. If it’s with Redman or if Ryan gets most of the starts, I think that we will win at least 5 games. Some guys have us picked to win 1, others 2 or 3, no way. We will win at least 5, my goal for the 08 Falcons is 7. Anything at or over 5 is cake and a damn good showing from a first year staff and GM. Go Falcons.

By tyler

July 20, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I am with Brian F there. We will be better than people think. I honestly believe that. If it’s with Redman or if Ryan gets most of the starts, I think that we will win at least 5 games. Some guys have us picked to win 1, others 2 or 3, no way. We will win at least 5, my goal for the 08 Falcons is 7. Anything at or over 5 is cake and a damn good showing from a first year staff and GM. Go Falcons.

By PANTHA MAN

July 20, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

THIS FRANCHISE LOST EVERTHING WHEN IT LOST MIKE VICK!! VICK PUT ATL ON THE MAP! VICK MADE THE ATL!! BLANK WILL GO BROKE WITHOUT MV7!! YOU ALL WILL SEE! WHEN VICK COME BACK WITH ANOTHER TEAM AND DESTROY THE FALCONS ALL OF YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR HOW YOU ALL DONE VICK!!!!! BELIEVE THAT!!!!!!!!!!

By Michael

July 20, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Ryan probably has a decent chance to start since none of the QBs have experience in the offensive scheme. It’s a new coach, so everybody will learn. But the Falcons don’t have to rush him. If they go 4-12, they can load up on offensive linemen and start him in year 2 just like Vick did.

You’ve gotta hope Roddy White is for real. If not, McKay made a ton of horrible WR picks. I still don’t get that pick on Jenkins since he was the top receiver on a team that handed the ball off to Maurice Clarett all the time. I don’t remember if he was out the same year that Reggie Brown was, but if so…oops.

RB situation will depend on the QBs. If none of the QBs can complete passes (like last year), you can forget much running unless Turner can just run over people. Eight men in the box 24/7 is never fun.

The defense has to improve because MeAngelo George, I mean Hall, is gone. Curse this team if they ever take another player from Virginia Tech.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 20, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

The team will be significantly improved just because that awful rat Petrino scurried off this ship and took his plague infected a* to another vessel to sicken that crew. How much better? That’s why they play the games I guess. The Falcons have some excellent talent and they’ve rid themselves of several attitude problems. A fresh start was needed and it appears that’s what they’ll have. This season is going to be one of re-birth and the first steps may be tentative and they may be unstable and the team could falter. Over time though the steps will become more self-assured and confident and the team, I believe, will make great strides toward becoming the winner Atlanta has known only once.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 20, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

So, Pantha, how do you think the Falcons will do? You mention Vick being “done” wrong but you don’t say how you think think the Falcons will fare this season. If I recall correctly, and I’m fairly certain I do, the Falcons were not very good with Vick the last two seasons he played here. As for him coming back with another team that could happen but it won’t this season. He also still faces trial in Virginia and that means he may face more jail time. He also could be looking at a long suspension from Goodell. Frankly, I think we’ve seen the last of Vick in the NFL. He’s a victim of Mike Vick and of no one else!

By michaelgee

July 20, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Mark, you lost me again when you compare the new Falcons to the Vick guy.

You are obviously NOT listening to your readership who already knows that this team is a different team.

Why did I expect you to learn anything in just over a year?

What lousy writing and continued denial. Vick is in jail. Vick is a criminal. etc. Vick is history.

Why do ajc writers continue to down our team?

What is the agenda?

Mark, you are an ajc lemming.

By michaelgee

July 20, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Mark, Here is a suggestion that would greatly improve your writing. Take these questions, get off you butt and go ask the players and coaches and THEN write the article and included some of the answers to your questions. What kind of sportswriter would publish the questions and do NO RESEARCH and provide NOTHING INFORMATIVE? ajc sports writers are too lazy to leave the office and do any amount of work. sheesh!

Do they actually pay you for writing a list of cynical questions? typical ajc laziness.

By DawgBoy

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

“better than most people think” These bloggers must be on Hashish!lol…these same “feel-good” bloggers seem to be the types that Blank and Co. cater too and make STUPID knee-jerk decisions for!Its these slop headed fools, which resulted in key personell not being on the roster. This year the sheer STUPIDITY of releasing Crumpler and D. Hall will manifest itself into a disastourouse season. There is now a team of “good citizens” who will get thrashed any given sunday like they stole something!The thing about it is…there is not enough of these IDIOTS to fill the Dome and stop the incoming blackouts…..

By captain Midnight

July 20, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

What a hell of a year. We go from a over the hill, over rated spoiled bunch of Braves to a bunch of Falcons who we can only hope will win 3 or 4 games this year. I give the Falcons credit they are trying to pick up the pieces and do the best they can after all that happened to them. It’s also time to clean up the Braves. Glavin and Smolts were great in there day, but there day is gone. They are hanging around drawing 10 to 12 million a year. Give that money to a bunch of younger players with a future. Get rid of all those rejects they tried to fill holes with and that spoiled brat Frenchy too.

By not your daddy

July 20, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

I’ll take a losing season without Con-VICK. He was another story of someone who bought into his own PR. There was not a time when he did anything to get better or learn to be more than what he was.

So, win or loose I will watch and pull for the Falcons. Winning sells tickets and puts butts in the seats. Color is fading … just like Mike Vick.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 20, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Brian, how’s the leg doing?

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 20, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Dawgydooboy, Crumpler and Hall led the way to 4-12 last season. Was that not a disaster? They won’t be missed!

By gdg73

July 20, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

You brought up a lot of good points. This franchised is doomed because of its owner. He is too thin skinned. He has a good heart but doesn not have what it take to be successful in this league. The only reason this team has been good the last few years was VICK. Plain and simple. Ask anyone in the league. Once Vick left this team, no one feared us. This team lost its swagger and wild-card when Vick got locked up. Many of younovices and red-necks hate to admit it but its true. Tell me this sports fans, why is Harrington, Brooking, and Finnerean still on the team and not Crump, Hall, and Coleman. Is Brooking a better WLB than Demorrio? When was the last time HWY 56 made a big play. This guy SUCKS. But yet he is viewed by many of our dumb a* fans as Pro Bowl Caliber. The team will also regret drafting Matt Ryan, when Gleen Dorsey was there for the taking. A player of Ryan’s caliber could have been drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round. This team is a disaster.

By Mike Vick + Arthur Blank = Someone Call the CDC

July 20, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

We will send Blank’s bagel-munching azzzzz back to Boston before we will let him screw up the Braves like he has the Falcons.

May the VD got from Vick make your crotch rot away, Blank!!!!!!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 20, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Vick swaggered his way to a 15-17 record the last two years he was here. What’s swagger without performance? Now he’s swaggering his way around the yard in Leavenworth, Kansas. Harrington, Brooking and Finneran have value, while the bums you mentioned do not.

By Dirty Bird

July 20, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick is responsible for his situation, not Atlanta fans. Instead of chilling on his private yacht in the Carribean enjoying the company of beautiful women, he decided he would rather participate in illegal dog fighting and gambling out in the woods. It’s kind of hard to feel sorry for him.

By DARION

July 20, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE MICHAEL VICK IS THE BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE HISTORY OF THE FALCONS THEN YOU ARE NOTHING MORE THAN A RACIST AND A HATER

By Russ Brock

July 20, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

The only games will will get to see on TV this year will be the away games. I will be delighted if Mike Smith makes it through the season. With the exception of Johnson, has there ever been a great coach with a common name like Smith? When I think of great coaches, I think of Lombardi, Landray, Walsh, Noll, Shula, Parcells, to name a few. No Smiths.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 21, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

Darion, thanks for the subtle attempt to coerce agreement but you are completely wrong. The only quarterback ever to take the Falcons to a Super bowl is Chris Chandler. That makes him the greatest quarterback in the history of the team. By the way, he passed for twenty-five touchdowns that year. Vick had a high-water mark of twenty. Steve Bartkowski was also better than Vick. In consecutive years, he threw for thirty touchdowns. Vick, however, is the greatest Falcons’ quarterback in Leavenworth Prison! Chris Miller and Billy Joe Toliver were better than Vick. So was June Jones. Bob Lee was a cut above the animal abuser too. Vick wasn’t a very good player but I feel certain he’s a good inmate.

By Scottbravesfan

July 21, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

The Dome will be empty because Atlanta is the worst city in America. They don’t support anything, never have, never will. All of the games will be blacked out. Every other city in America at least sells out their NFL team’s games. I understand if the baseball, basketball, and hockey teams don’t draw well if they are bad because there are so many home games in those leagues. But you only have 8 home games. At least you can do Atlanta is support a team 8 times. Not 81 or 41 times, but 8 times and you can’t even do that. You don’t deserve any pro teams you are a minor league city.

By Mark Bradley

July 21, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

I agree. If the Falcons win six games, they’ll have had a nice season. I’ve picked them to go 5-11, for what that’s worth. (Probably not much.)

By Birdy

July 21, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this

Well I think those are some profound questions, Mark. I have a few answers but I will spare you the many details. Suffice to say, the OLine has plenty of work to do and — yes — Keith Brooking is grossly overpaid to the point of fraudulence.

Keith clearly has found a niche pandering to the owner’s need for charity work, P.R. and good company men. I think the next time Brooking shoots a gap and contacts a runner at the line of scrimmage will be the first. But then again, everyone who follows the team already knows this.

By KQuark

July 21, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this

You made one point abundantly clear. The Falcons have more question marks than any other team in the NFL.

By Dr. Warren

July 21, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

Mark, what is your take on two different head coaches keeping the ball out of Norwood’s hands? Why would both coaches see him primarily as a decoy? The guy runs for high average yards and has proven to have breakaway talent.

By The_Falcons

July 21, 2008 4:17 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are they way they are because of Mr. Rich “I drafted two 1st ballot HOF players in Tampa Bay but haven’t done diddly squat since then” McKay. His p** poor drafting, handling of the cap and FA pick ups are the reason we are the way we are. I hate when people say “we had a potential playoff team” that was all fool’s gold. The way this team was built we wouldn’t have EVER won a Superbowl! At the NFCCG the Eagles showed the other 30 teams how to stop the Falcons. They made it look so simple.

If you stop Vick then you stop the Falcons…..

The O-line always sucked at pass blocking but you fools were blinded by the fact that we led the league in rushing… More fool’s gold provided by the FO!

When it was time to play big boy and not pop warner football the Falcons floundered then you heard the screams and cries ” OMG our O-line sucks!”. Open your eyes, the O-line’s been sucking when it comes to pass blocking!

Good ole’ Rich thought it would be a wise idea to extend the contracts of two of our lineman even though they were getting it handed to them @ the LOS by opposing D lineman. “Oh that’s okay, we lead the league in rushing!”. Yep, more fools gold..

So here’s what we have today. 1. A horrible offensive line with a center who’s incapable of losing his starting position even though he sucks to high hell.. “Oh gee but he sure is smart!” says the FO. Hey looka here, more fools gold!

This team has always been flawed but poor management is the reason we are here today. Mike Vick showed us how flawed our team was and what did Rich McKay do?

He hid like a child and was removed from GM duties. Yep, good job McKay.

So now the FO has run out of fool’s gold to feed the fleeing Falcon fans and the team is in rebuilding mode.

Yep, we are the Atlanta Falcons. Striving for Excellence since 1966.

Don’t ever wonder why we suck, I don’t.

By The_Falcons

July 21, 2008 4:18 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are they way they are because of Mr. Rich “I drafted two 1st ballot HOF players in Tampa Bay but haven’t done diddly squat since then” McKay. His p** poor drafting, handling of the cap and FA pick ups are the reason we are the way we are. I hate when people say “we had a potential playoff team” that was all fool’s gold. The way this team was built we wouldn’t have EVER won a Superbowl! At the NFCCG the Eagles showed the other 30 teams how to stop the Falcons. They made it look so simple.

If you stop Vick then you stop the Falcons…..

The O-line always sucked at pass blocking but you fools were blinded by the fact that we led the league in rushing… More fool’s gold provided by the FO!

When it was time to play big boy and not pop warner football the Falcons floundered then you heard the screams and cries ” OMG our O-line sucks!”. Open your eyes, the O-line’s been sucking when it comes to pass blocking!

Good ole’ Rich thought it would be a wise idea to extend the contracts of two of our lineman even though they were getting it handed to them @ the LOS by opposing D lineman. “Oh that’s okay, we lead the league in rushing!”. Yep, more fools gold..

So here’s what we have today. 1. A horrible offensive line with a center who’s incapable of losing his starting position even though he sucks to high hell.. “Oh gee but he sure is smart!” says the FO. Hey looka here, more fools gold!

This team has always been flawed but poor management is the reason we are here today. Mike Vick showed us how flawed our team was and what did Rich McKay do?

He hid like a child and was removed from GM duties. Yep, good job McKay.

So now the FO has run out of fool’s gold to feed the fleeing Falcon fans and the team is in rebuilding mode.

Yep, we are the Atlanta Falcons. Striving for Excellence since 1966.

Don’t ever wonder why we suck, I don’t.

By bigeasy830

July 21, 2008 4:47 AM | Link to this

Let the MV7 thing go, its a new season. Its almost time for some football. I love the game. MV7 is gone so the rest of you, let it go. I wish these blogs were more about discussing the game or the topic than you wanna be bad internet gansters writing all that trash.

By Falcon60

July 21, 2008 5:04 AM | Link to this

To all of you poor souls that lament the Michael Vick “soap opera” I feel for you. If you can’t accept (and most of his supporters CAN’T) that he won’t be back in a Falcon uniform then it’s safe to say Vince Lombardi will be the next Falcon coach. GET OVER IT!! Regardless your feelings about him or his talent, HE and ONLY HE put himself in this position. No one can be held responsible for his stupidity but him. If he goes to another team (and that’s a big if…….Goodell still has to reinstate him) so be it. He’s gone, he won’t be back here, if you don’t like it then continue wearing his stupid jersey and supporting him. The REAL Falcon fans will do what we’ve always done, support the TEAM.

By Falcon60

July 21, 2008 5:11 AM | Link to this

Darion my friend, you are the racist. Check the stats. The only thing he was good at was running the ball. His won-loss record was 15-17 his last two years. It’s people like you that give true FALCON FANS a bad name. Take your hatred elsewhere.

By Falcon60

July 21, 2008 5:16 AM | Link to this

“Pantha man”, just how did “we” do Vick? It seems to me it was the way he did US! He lied to everyone about everything, he flipped off fans (that weren’t even saying things about him), and when things didn’t go his way on the field he pouted like the over-paid baby he was. Seems to me you and Darion are the same…..the real racists.

By hop

July 21, 2008 5:25 AM | Link to this

for the very first time the falcons have a general manager who knows what he is doing.yes, it will take TIME,but it will be worth it just look at teh colts and the pats character does make a difference,but having character and smarts is even better.

the falcon GM has both,but “Rome was not builT in a day,but AGAIN, GIVEN TIME, THE FALCONS ARE BUILDING A FOUNDATION THAT WILL LAST! THE FALCONS WILL BE A WINNER ,NOT THIS YEAR BUT SOON!

By tony

July 21, 2008 5:53 AM | Link to this

this team is doing the same thing they did in 1975 when they drafted a qb in the 1st rd believing that offense wins championships.

the sad thing about this season is that we needed a defensive tackle more than any other position.

we had a chance to draft 1 of the most dominate dt(dorsey) to ever come out college, but blank takes a qb.

until they learn that great defenses win championships this franchise will remain mediocre.

By toshie

July 21, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

Vick is wearing the uniform that he earned to wear. I hope the NFL never gives him another chance to play. He lied to everyone that trusted him, including his teammates. He does not deserve another chance. The reason the Falcons have not cut him is they are waiting to try to re-croup some money or draft picks from another team that might be crazy enough to take a crook. He has no character and the people that keep screaming for him back in ATL does not have any either. He is a BIG LOSER!!!

By STH NOT

July 21, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

Welcome back to 1973 “real” Falcon Fans! You wanted this, well you got it! Blackouts, irrelevance, every analyst picking you to DRAFT FIRST NEXT YEAR, poor attendance at ANY Falcons event no matter if its free or not! You wanted it, now you got it! ENJOY! Now watch the AJC bash you and bring up Vick every single time they care to write something about this sorry franchise.

By Paddy

July 21, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this

Great stuff. The fans will give Ryan the necessary time to develop. This town is not split on Mike Vick, they are so glad he is gone. Majority also hopes he continues his career in the NFL when he is done serving his time in Levenworth. Everybody deserves a second chance, just not in ATL with the Falcons.

By bob

July 21, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this

Last year we were playing the fourth and fifth string offensive linemen after all the injuries. We also had a first year offensive line coach, and a head coach(if you want to call him that) calling plays the team hadn’t even practiced. This year you have a more disciplined head coach and and offensive line coach with over 20 years experience in the NFL. With Michael Turner and Norwood in the Backfield I think the Falcons will surprise some folks.

By Tim Parker

July 21, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

I am still amazed that there are people that are so ignorant as to state garbage like this:

IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE MICHAEL VICK IS THE BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE HISTORY OF THE FALCONS THEN YOU ARE NOTHING MORE THAN A RACIST AND A HATER

The best QB in the history of the Falcons was Steve Bartkowski followed by Chris Miller…not CON-Vick. I am so ticked at Blank and McKay for putting all of their eggs in a basket-case like Vick. Now every aspect of the offense has to be rebuilt to match a REAL QB, not a glorified RB that could throw the ball.

NOTE: The great experiment is over: Running QBs cannot win consistently in the NFL. Next up on the failed running QB list: Vince Young. Sound offensive football is about a balance of running (by RBs) and passing. See New England Patriots, New York Giants, Indy Colts, etc.

By Brad

July 21, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

Last year the Falcons could have won about 4-5 more games, and that was with terrible coaching. Dimitroff will make some moves and this team will be competitive—- should be around 8-8.

By Paddy

July 21, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

Pantha Man..you have it all wrong, this town did not do anything to hurt M.Vick. He brought it on himself and then was not man enough to tell the truth. Staring at us on TV and lie to our face is not going to endear yourself to this city. He is what my “Grandma” calls one of the poor souls. Never get too close to them again. You might catch whatever it is they have and bring it home.

By Submariner683

July 21, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Hey Tony,

Glad to see you are on the same page as T Moore and have already sized up Dorsey for his yellow jacket at Canton. I really don’t know how you could call him the most dominate DT to come out of college. His numbers don’t pan out that way. He was also injured a lot the last two years, not something you want out of an interior lineman.

DT was a need, but so was QB. If they are both equal needs, you draft a QB. Unless the QB wasn’t worthy of being drafted that high. Most of the draft experts feel that he was. So Tony, you’re the Falcons GM, (insert hyperbole here) you have a chance to either have Tom Brady or the best DT in the league. Which do you chose? (Insert Jeopardy music here)….. QBs make a much bigger impact (win or lose) than a DT does. QBs touch the ball on every offensive play while few if any DTs play every snap on defense.

I’m not saying that Ryan is going to be anything. He may very well be the next in the long line of highly drafted QB busts. It’s just as foolish to say that Dorsey is the next and even better Sapp. But, knowing the Falcons luck, you and Moore will be vindicated.

Pantha man and all the people who are still on the Mick Vick kick. First of all, the reason he is not still the starting QB had nothing to do with a management decision or fan on-line blogging or race. He broke the law. It wasn’t even the state of Georgia that had anything to do with his prosecution. Go yell at federal prosecutors and the state of Virginia. The Atlanta fan base didn’t “DO” anything to Vick. He’s in prison and is likely to face a suspension of some kind from the NFL when he comes back. So what are the Falcons to do? Not play a QB for 3-4 seasons while they wait for Vick to come back?

As far as Vick being the GREATEST QB in Falcon franchise history…Well, even if he was, isn’t that like being the valedictorian of summer school? I mean really, as it’s been pointed out, not a very rich history of great football in 43 years. No consecutive winning seasons, how many playoff appearances? 8? ZERO Hall of Famers. Being king of crap is nothing to write home about. And imo, he was not the greatest. Having watched Bartkowski and Miller play, I’d pick Chris Chandler over all. Just my personal favorite. Fantastic deep ball passer.

Vick did put butts in the seats. For right or wrong. I haven’t lived in Atlanta in 20 years, but when I grew up there, I remember being forced to watch the crappy sunday afternoon movie because the Falcons NEVER sold out. I remember the last time they were on MNF in the 80s and they had the pregame on, then when kickoff started, on to crap local programming. But now I see them every week thanks to Direct TV ( I should get some money for the nice promo here). Although that’s just a way for me to be angry every Sunday btwn 1 and 4 EST. But Vick did make the Falcons news worthy. People outside of Atlanta paid attention to Falcons football.

As far as Mckay and his draft picks. Given the history of the franchise, he didn’t do that bad. He did get snake bit by free agent signings. Justin Blaylock I’m hoping will pan out. As far as him being drated in the 2nd round, that’s where the “experts” thought he should go. It wasn’t a surprise pick at that position. He was a 3 time All Big 12 first team pick 1st team all american. For what that was worth. The people that make these lists thought he was really good. Now, I don’t know the credentials of these people are. But on paper, he seemed like a guy that kicked some butt at the college level. My best friend is a huge Texas fan and told me he was as good as any college lineman he’d ever seen. I think he’ll be ok. I think he just was adjusting to the vast difference in talent level he was facing week to week. Every week he faced a better DT than he’d seen in his career. As far as Jamaal Anderson, I’ll admit, I’m a little worried. He only had one season of dominance in college. At least Blaylock was a 4-year starter and had all the press clippings coming into draft day. Anderson had one great season. But there was another DE in recent history that was a very slow starter, Patrick Kerney. I don’t remember his exact numbers, I do think he did get a sack, maybe 2 his rookie year. But it took him a few seasons to make his impact. Maybe Anderson can do the same.

By Ken Strickland

July 21, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

There can be no definitive answer to most of those questions, but there can be some logical ones.

(1)QB wasn’t our most pressing need. Certainly not pressing enough to waste our #3 pick on one in a draft that was deep at the position. Drafting MRyan was a public relations pick by ABlank who over reacted to the negative MVick publicity and oversaturation by the media, particularily the AJC. DT was our most pressing need. After an embarrassing 3-37 loss to Tampa Bay last yr, veteran QB CRedman took an OL comprised of 2nd and 3rd stringers and converted OG’s(ROT TClabo) and won one(a 44-41 win over Seattle) and lost one(a 27-30 OT loss to Arizona). He showed poise, accuracy, leadership and the ability to manage the OFF. But, for reasons strickly public relations and image related, some of you want to force feed us Matt Ryan, an unknown, untested entity, with zero NFL experience.

(2)The OL, as it was constructed, certainly did a good job the last 2 gms of last season. They had to function within a system that utilized a one on one drive blocking scheme that’s better suited for high school, and to some degree college, but not the pros. We didn’t even have an experience, qualified OL coach last yr. Our OL coach before that was part-time. The current staff feels our current OLinemen are talented enough, and just needs to be properly coached. So, they hired the Rams OL coach, who is one of the NFL’s most experienced and successful. There will be an improvement. We’ll have to wait and see on Baker and Blalock. I believe our new OL coach and new blocking scheme will allow both to be successful.

(3)Turner doesn’t have to gain 1500yds for our running gm to be successful. Our passing gm will have a lot to do with those results, don’t you think. Turner is approximately 50lbs heavier and just as fast as WDunn. Therefore, there won’t have to be as many holes and they won’t have to be as big for him to be successful. Look at how the Steelers running gm went down after the BUS retired, and with the same OL. Having a big RB does make a difference. Just ask the Saints what happened to their OL when they lost DMcAlister, their big RB.

(4)Roddy White was our primary WR and faced constant double teams. Our WR corp will be improved over last yr’s and there’s no reason he shouldn’t at least do as well as last yr. He was simply outstanding, although everything else about our OFF was unsettled, especially the QB position.

(5)This was/is our greatest area of need. A quick, strong, athletic, quality DT like Dorsey or Ellis could have improved our overall DEF, especially our near bottom of the NFL pass rush and run DEF. A strong DEF would take a lot of pressure off our OFF and make it easier to win those close gms that we’ve lost so often in the past.

(6)With MBoley at LB, Brookings doesn’t have to be the big time play maker. He simply has to be a consistent play maker, and he can still do that.

(7)Getting rid of DHall was a stupid move, especially for a 2nd rd pick. His absence only makes the lack of a playmaking pass rushing DT that much more of a crucial need, rather than wasting our #3 pick on a clipboard toting rookie QB.

(8)YES, and the fact he’s hired experienced, qualified assistants proves he’s far ahead of both Mora and Petrino in that regard.

(9)It’s really ironic that you would ask this last question, especially with you touting MRyan and his abilities. If winning is the primary focus for the upcoming season, why draft a QB that will likely start the season on the sidelines carrying a clipboard. Instead, why not draft a top DT like Dorsey or CEllis who would would improve the overall DEF, thus improving our overall chances of winning.

STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES. Tampa Bay abd Chicago have been having QB and overall OFF problems over the yrs. Yet, they have enough sense to realize if they keep a solid DEF, they can continue winning, and they have. We’re the STUPID fools that keep going after the OFF star, especially QB, and losing because we continue to neglect our DEF.

By Tree Rollins

July 21, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

It’s going to be a long, boring and losing season. But take heart, Matt Ryan looks like he will be a future star in the NFL. And the “hip hop” culture is finally gone and for that I’m thankful.

Turner looks like a good running back and it’s been a long time since Atlanta had a running back with ANY toughness. So I’m thankful for his addition.

Now as for the defense - that’s an ugly looking bunch so I hope new coach Smith knows how to “coach them up” on defense. Everybody please remember this team was on the way down the 2 prior seasons to last season so this didn’t really fall apart overnight.

By Eddie

July 21, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

It is amazing to me that Arthur Blank spent what he spent on a QB and left so many other holes to fill. Chris Redman is a very competent quarterback with a lot of miles still left on him. I guess you have to say that having a lot of money doesn’t give you good judgment. I can only think that Mr Blank believes that the addition of one young man at QB is going to turn this team around. The only thing that will be turned around will be Ryan who will be looking up at the dome ceiling.

By mike grysko

July 21, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan maybe the most ready to play Quarterback to ever come out of college.

Ryan played in the same city as Tom Brady for 3 years. This exposure to excellence via T.V., games to view, attitude, etc. gives Ryan a hugh advantage.

By jeanE

July 21, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

I’m not too optimistic about our record this year, it’s the dreaded “rebuilding year”. If they start Ryan, no matter how good he looks in camp, they’re beyond stupid. Can anyone spell concussion? Get that knee brace ready, Matty. You’ll need 2. Start Redmon or Joey, Joey can take a licking but keep on ticking! I am a huge Finn fan, so I pray he can make it back. He just needs a fair shot, he’ll play special teams, whatever it takes. Bye Joe Horn! I think we’ll really miss Alge, I wish him all the best. The o-line will be atrocious, mark my words. The fake Jamal was a bust in my opinion but let’s hope I’m wrong. And yes, there’s a reason Rich McKay only works with season tickets now! Keith Brooking is a fabulous leader who is past his prime, as is Malloy. I am still furious we didn’t get more help on the defensive side. As much of a big mouth selfish baby D. Hall was, we will miss him big time at corner. We are toast this year, it’s gonna be a long one. Go Birds!!

By Mark Bradley

July 21, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

For the record, Michael Vick’s name was mentioned once in the above posting. I don’t believe that constitutes harping on anything. I also believe it’s impossible to assess this Falcons season without viewing it in light of the immediate past, a big part of which was … you know who.

By Trainwreck

July 21, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I’m glad someone finally mentioned the fact that Redmond didn’t really do all that bad last year in his four games. It’s not like we are starting Doug Johnson or Kurt Kittner in week 1. (shudder) btw… why were they left off the ajc.com cool or cruel picture slideshow thing? I wanted to see a 100% agreement on SOMETHING

By Mike

July 21, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

“I also believe it’s impossible to assess this Falcons season without viewing it in light of the immediate past, a big part of which was … you know who.”

Mark,

It’s going on year 2 without #7 here as our QB. He has been off the team since before last year’s Training camp. I have moved on, like most of the fans of this team…why can’t the AJC do the same? I am tired of reading stories about him. Our starting QB last season was Joey “effing” Harrington not #7. Let it go. #7 is our past but not worth talking about.

By STH No More

July 21, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Good God, you couldn’t even comment without bringing him up in your tired defense of BRINGING HIM UP. Face it Mark Bradley….you need Vick to get responses, that’s cool, its okay, it does indeed work….so go with that and stop pretending like its for some “comparisons sakes” reason. Heck, do what you gotta do, isn’t that the AJC mantra? If Vick gets more internet hits, then by golly, bring him up everyday. Afterall, what else you got?

By Falcons Stink!

July 21, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley is a BOOB! Of course he thinks he can answer these questions. He’s all knowing and all seeing!

Bradley, Please leave Atlanta!

Idiot!

As for the Falcons, they might stink this year, and I’m not convinced about the coach, yet I am optiomistic this team is headed in the right direction. It might take 3 years but we should see a team develop over the next few seasons all Falcon fans can be proud of!

By gabluesdude

July 21, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Im glad those 10,000 people didnt renew their season tickets this year. Time to get rid of all those mv7 lovers! Wanna see some true fans? Watch Sept. 7 if it ain`t blacked out. I would rather see the dome half full of fans than packed out with a bunch of losers, I mean mike vick groupies.

By Ted Striker

July 21, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

It’s nice to see a journalist willing to take his licks by leaving posting open for more than just long enough to appease the publisher.

Especially since so many who comment read each one of his articles with a premeditated intent to vehemently disagree — no matter what it says.

I’ll be over Macho Grande before some of you posters get over yourselves.

By Mark Bradley

July 21, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Ted.

By Sharon

July 22, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Everytime I go to a restaurant these days and see “Tossed Salad” on the menu, I giggle and think about Mike Vick biting into the pillow in his prison cell as his fellow inmates drill on his bottom like a Texas Oil Well.

By mike

July 22, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

gabluesdude and sharon,I LOVE YOU!could not have said anything better.

By cb

July 22, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

If you recall a guy named Dan came in a few years back and went back to basics,, the Falcons ended up in the superbowl,,, basics is a good starting point,

By Darth Hater

July 22, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Just like the Falcons under Dan Reeves, I think Mike Vick will benefit from the Basics as well:

Basic English, Basic Math, Basic Reading, Basic Speaking…

By Maurice

July 23, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Ok… if you are a true falcon fan please stand up. This team is heading in the right direction. The Falcons will be a contender this year, believe it or not. I know a lot fans are down because of the foolish actions of Vick, D.Hall, Petrino and a 4-12 season. Those days are behind us now. The falcons have a fine core of young player that will get the opportunity to show what they can do under head coach Mike Smith. This year the falcons will have a good TEAM, not a one man show. Vick had tallent, but never master the play book. D.Hall had speed, lip, ability to give up the long ball and lick of tackling skills. Petrino and his college play book in the NFL.(Joke) We were doomed for the jump. This season we will have talented, strong, smart, young TEAM players on both sides of the ball. Yes there are still some O line needs. But there are some 1st and 2nd year players the have not had their shot. Think about it? Check out the falcons roster on atlantafalcon.com. Its Hot! Go Birds!

By Freud

July 23, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Oh Sharon, is that what you think about? That says a lot about your thoughts now doesn’t it?…now go find the scared cat that’s hiding from you again and abuse it some more. Were those the kind of responses you wanted Mr. Bradley? The kind that Sharon provided? Figures.

By T.C

July 23, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Falcons this falcons that.the falcons are sorry just like the ajc and the hateraid fans.this team and organization is so sorry the only thing they can talk about is mike vick.mv7 have more funds sitting than 99.9% of you racist who post your worthless comment and will have more when he returns to the nfl.for all of you who will be holding up your hatred signes when he return to the game,i will hold up mines too.it will say,”kill a human you get a pass but kill a dog you get harrassed.it will also read from the early 1900’s to present.

By T.C

July 23, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Falcons this falcons that.the falcons are sorry just like the ajc and the hateraid fans.this team and organization is so sorry the only thing they can talk about is mike vick.mv7 have more funds sitting than 99.9% of you racist who post your worthless comment and will have more when he returns to the nfl.for all of you who will be holding up your hatred signes when he return to the game,i will hold up mines too.it will say,”kill a human you get a pass but kill a dog you get harrassed.it will also read from the early 1900’s to present.

By T.C

July 23, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Falcons this falcons that.the falcons are sorry just like the ajc and the hateraid fans.this team and organization is so sorry the only thing they can talk about is mike vick.mv7 have more funds sitting than 99.9% of you racist who post your worthless comment and will have more when he returns to the nfl.for all of you who will be holding up your hatred signes when he return to the game,i will hold up mines too.it will say,”kill a human you get a pass but kill a dog you get harrassed.it will also read from the early 1900’s to present.

By T.C

July 23, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Falcons this falcons that.the falcons are sorry just like the ajc and the hateraid fans.this team and organization is so sorry the only thing they can talk about is mike vick.mv7 have more funds sitting than 99.9% of you racist who post your worthless comment and will have more when he returns to the nfl.for all of you who will be holding up your hatred signes when he return to the game,i will hold up mines too.it will say,”kill a human you get a pass but kill a dog you get harrassed.it will also read from the early 1900’s to present”.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 23, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Mr. T.C., I don’t think anyone can argue with your post due to the fact of it’s total unintelligibility. Keep up the good work.

By Algonquin You R Not

July 24, 2008 6:04 AM | Link to this

Please, TC’s point was clear and you know it….and how funny people are complaining that the games may be “blacked out”….YA GOT THAT RIGHT.

By eazy

July 24, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Are we even considering giving D.J. Shockely a chance. That was a real slap in the face if that kidd dont get a chane to play or see if he can play. What are we looking for the GREAT-WHITE-HYPE or something. The samething that happened to him at Georgia is happening again. Didnt get a chance at UGA because of the boosters. Now he is not going to get a chance because of the media saying that we dont need another black QB because of Vick. If Shockely dont get a chance i hope the FALC