Mark Bradley

By Falcon Fan

July 27, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

great article

By Shady

July 27, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

My God, if I read one more article that mentions either #7’s name or that coward of a coach we had last year I’m going to projectile vomit. Enough!

By TROTTINGHOMETUDD

July 27, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

SHUT UP ALREADY mARK.

LIKE WE’RE GOING TO LET HIM SIT FOR 3 YEARS LIKE THE PACKERS DID WITH RODGERS.

YOU NEED TO WRITE ABOUT THE TEAM NOT THE PLAYER.

IT’S A GIVEN RYAN WILL BE IN THE LINE UP BY MID SEASON IF WE ARE STRUGGLING TO SCORE.

BOY ARE YOU SLOW AND BORING

By BravesFan79

July 27, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Look….we ALL know Ryan will be given plenty of chances by the Falcons. Its DJ Shockley that i wish was given a fair shot at being the starter. The only thing DJ has a fair shot at is being the 3rd string QB. Why not give DJ a few shots at being starter?? We all know what Redmen and Harrington bring….mediocrity at best.

By Gray Mule

July 27, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Falcon fans WILL give him a chance.

Vick fans may not.

There IS a difference.

Ryan has a lot to learn. Every rookie does. Quarterback more than any other position. His own teammates believing in him will make or break him.

Gray Mule

By twiggs falcon fan

July 27, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Well said!

By twiggs falcon fan

July 27, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Well said! Written!

By Season Ticket Holder

July 27, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

I don’t love all of your stuff, Bradley, but I will give you some props on this one. I am looking forward to the Dome being filled with Falcon Fans and not just Vick Fans. You can root for individuals, but not the way this city was the past 3-4 years. I want Ryan, Lofton, Turner…all the new guys and the old guys who are still here to succeed. They derserve and so does this city.

By Rick

July 27, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Braves fan 79….The falcons have something like 57 million reasons to start Ryan over DJ, Last year DJ had the chance to be the man, he just happened to blow out his knee before it came around. The league is full of stories of guys who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Unless the first 2 (Ryan &Redmon) go down with injuries you will not see DJ in a regular season game. They are not going to bench a 1st round pick with a huge contract to play a 7th rounder with one mediocre college season behind him.

By Schmoe

July 27, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Get over the DJ being a starter issue! Its not going to happen, it was never going to happen. Take the UGA Kool Aid back to their blog.

By Falcon 4 Life

July 27, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

I am a NFL fan because of Vick. I hate that he will probably never play for the Falcons again, but it is time to move on. I am excited about Ryan and this new Falcons team. As long as Ryan and all Falcons work hard, do their best and give us some wins we shouldn’t ask for anything more.

Please AJC reporters, do we have to discuss Vick and Petrino? If you would like for us to move on you all need to do so as well.

GO MATTY ICE!!!

By leftcoastfan

July 27, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Last year was the end of the dirty bird, or jail birds, or just plain stupid birds. Atlanta fans need to move on, especially the VIck fans. Vick was awful in 2001. He showed signs of great running ability, but just couldnt pass to save his life.

Being a great QB in the NFL takes brains. If you think Vick had brains while he was here, then maybe it is time to get that GED you have been needing.

Ryan threw for 4500 yards last year in twelve games. No Falcon QB in the teams history threw for more than 3500(see Bartkowski). Ryan also played for a head coach at BC(Jeff Jagodzinksi?) who was an ATL assistant for years. That coach was sorely missed the past few years. He would know if Ryan was capable of a great NFL career. He said hands down, this guy is great NFL material. What more do you have to know. Matty ICE will bring the city back together, and stand in the pocket like a man, and take the hits, and make the throws, and get us back to respectability, and in the playoffs.

I mean, cmon look at what Eli went threw for 3.5 years. now he has a ring, in only four years, guess the chargers got the bum deal again. think about it, they traded with us to get vick, and by far vick got more accomplished in Atl than tomlinson did in those same years, it tool LD 6 years to get to the title game. vick got there in 3!

ATL fans have patience, you certainly gave it to Vick, when he gave us all the finger in 2006. that guy lied the the fans, the city, the team, the commish, and the league.

why, why do you give him so much forgiveness when he could have come clean. treat him like petrino, and please lets move on.

thanks

By leftcoastfan

July 27, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Last year was the end of the dirty bird, or jail birds, or just plain stupid birds. Atlanta fans need to move on, especially the VIck fans. Vick was awful in 2001. He showed signs of great running ability, but just couldnt pass to save his life.

Being a great QB in the NFL takes brains. If you think Vick had brains while he was here, then maybe it is time to get that GED you have been needing.

Ryan threw for 4500 yards last year in twelve games. No Falcon QB in the teams history threw for more than 3500(see Bartkowski). Ryan also played for a head coach at BC(Jeff Jagodzinksi?) who was an ATL assistant for years. That coach was sorely missed the past few years. He would know if Ryan was capable of a great NFL career. He said hands down, this guy is great NFL material. What more do you have to know. Matty ICE will bring the city back together, and stand in the pocket like a man, and take the hits, and make the throws, and get us back to respectability, and in the playoffs.

I mean, cmon look at what Eli went threw for 3.5 years. now he has a ring, in only four years, guess the chargers got the bum deal again. think about it, they traded with us to get vick, and by far vick got more accomplished in Atl than tomlinson did in those same years, it tool LD 6 years to get to the title game. vick got there in 3!

ATL fans have patience, you certainly gave it to Vick, when he gave us all the finger in 2006. that guy lied the the fans, the city, the team, the commish, and the league.

why, why do you give him so much forgiveness when he could have come clean. treat him like petrino, and please lets move on.

thanks

By former falcon

July 27, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Sure. Atlanta fans will have to show some patience, but let’s face it… Atlanta and Miami will be fighting for the worst record in the NFL this year. Ryan is not going to pack the Georgia Dome with fans coming to see him. Yes, this is a team game, but exciting players sells tickets. Atlanta is slowing becoming like the Oakland Raiders and Arizona Cardinals. So sad….

By Trainig camp update?

July 27, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Two days of training camp in the books and zero updates from steve wyche. What a lazy POS reporter. The AJC should get someone like Sekou Smith to cover the falcons. Wyche is more interested in getting a cameo appearance on ESPN than doing his job as falcons beat writer. And even when MR. lazy A$$ puts out a blog he cuts it off after a few comments are posted. WTF? I guess he does it for pure spite to p** of the fans. Please AJC give the falcon fans and bloggers the coverage and ability to comment on our team. Thanks bradley for at least giving us a forum to discuss something falcon related. But can someone on this paper give us an update from camp?

By Are you crazy?

July 27, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Rick,

please do not use this blog to post assanine statements such as Shockley “having one mediocre college season behind him”. Obviouslly you are very bitter , probably about DJ beating your college team. True, DJ was a full time starter for only one year, but it was a helluva season: 1st team All-SEC, over 3000 yards passing and 350 yards rushing, 24 TD passes and only 5 INTs. DJ bided his time at UGA when he could have left to go start elsewhere (like many others would have). He was a great complement to Greene and was a VERY valuable TEAM player with 2 SEC Championship rings. He is a very loyal player and a great leader, not to mention a terrific human being. Sure, he probably won’t start the whole season as QB and probably won’t get a fair shake because of Ryan’s arrival. That’s fine. But for you to rip the guy and holding grudges is an immature and distaseful thing to do. Also, I suggest you do more homework before spouting off.

By former falcon

July 27, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

“Ryan threw for 4500 yards last year in twelve games. No Falcon QB in the teams history threw for more than 3500(see Bartkowski).”

Comparing a QB numbers in College to the PROs is not a valid comparison. There is a big leap in competition. There was a reason Joey Harrison was picked so high in the draft. People looked at his college number; unfortunately, those numbers did not transfer to the PROs.

By roman88

July 27, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

the other blogger had it right, true falcon fans will give ryan a chance, knowing rookies all takes their lumps, I hope he has thick enough skin to weather the storm and move the team forward, I believe the team will rally around the guy, from all aspects he’s said to be a leader, it’s the other x qb fans that need to turn the page, let it go,

By tony

July 27, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

i don’t have a problem with matt ryan being a falcon, but i do have a problem with the fact that we needed a defensive tackle worse than we needed a qb.

if u look at our season ending statistics u will find that the qb posistion was our lease worries.

glenn dorsey and sedrick ellis were there for the taken but blank and company were more concern about the other positions.

when we drafted steve bartkoski in the 1st rd in 1975 it took 5 years for us to get into the playoff only to get knock off by dallas.

this franchise have never had a dominate defense which is y we have never won a sb.

the last time i check, there are no quality free agent dts in 09 nor are there any quality dts in next yr’s draft.

we as fans will continue to suffer until they get it in their heads that good defense wins championships not good offenses with an average defense.

By Vick Supporter

July 27, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Falcon fans, but Vick is a once in a lifetime player. Matt Ryan, u could get a player like him in next years draft. Yes, it is Mike Vick’s fault that he did this to himself, but the man could play football. Ryan is gonna have his chance and then some because he’s white and fits the “profile” of what this city wants as a qb. Vick didn’t fit the profile: blonde hair, tall, blued eyed, etc etc etc, but he made us relevant. Our team is a joke again, and its a shame that Ryan won’t receive the blame and unfair criticism that Vick got when he was here. The white folks will always make excuses for him. Not trying ta make it a race issue, its just the truth. We miss u Vick if you’re reading this. Your day will come again!!!

By Rick

July 27, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Are you crazy… chill dude, I am a dogs fan. Thing is everyone acts like Greene and DJ were walking on water. They played good in college buy cannot make at the next level. Greene is on his 3rd or 4th team now and DJ can perhaps become a good 3rd stringer. They have both maxed out the career at this point.

By Keith

July 27, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

You know what? All you guys who are doubting Ryan, this team, this coach…..none of you are true fans. And as far as Vick is concerned, I WAS a huge fan. I still have 3 of his jerseys in my closet just hoping that he’ll turn into the NFL version of Pete Rose….old, fat, and banned for life. I figure that THEN, I might be able to sell them and get the money that I paid for them back in my pocket. I’m FURIOUS with Vick, and I’m just plain disppointed with everyone who’s saying that this team has no chance to win. I have been a Falcon fan since I can remember watching football. I’ll idolized Bartkowski, William Andrews, Lynn Swann, Vick, and even Jeff George. I just want the best man in a Falcon uni that can help them win. The sad fact is that most of you people who are writing these blogs only bacame Falcons fans AFTER Vick came along. So for you guys, please give us a break. Go jump on the Giants bandwagon or something. They should have a pretty good year. That way, you can still support a winning team and feel a little better about your mediocre, sad lives. As for the true Falcons fans out there, stop your b***! This guys IS our future as a frachise. And he has the arm, smarts, and leadership to get things done and win. My prediction? He’s start by the third game and the Falcons go 8-8…..more than enough wins to make the playoffs in the mediocre NFC.

By Pete

July 27, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Attn. Atlanta Sports Media : Will you PLEASE do us all a huge favor ?? STOP writing about and relating to the past about, the CANCER known as Michael Vick !!!! It’s pointless !! If you can’t do this, then at least have the guts to point out some truthful facts about the Circus Act, No. 7……….. 1) 90% of all his successful plays were BROKEN plays. What a wonderful way to build a franchise. 2) He has an IQ two points above plant life; another great investment for the future. 3) Leadership. He wouldn’t know the meaning of the word, let alone have one ounce of it. 4) Matt Ryan has exhibited more football knowledge and class as an individual……..in six weeks, than the pitiful Circus Act, No. 7 had in his……..four YEARS !!! I could go on for hours. Enough !!!

By Rock Preston

July 27, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

That was another sly shot at the departed Mike Vick (Mark Bradley apparently is keeping up the AJC’s quota of badmouthing an individual who NO LONGER HERE!!). Ryan will get his chance and THAT will quiet the “Vick supporters.” Mark, will you and ur fellow AJC columnists do us Falcon fans a favor??? WILL YOU PLEASE CAN IT WITH THE VICK BASHING PLEASE!!!! LET IT GO!!

By mars

July 27, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Why can’t you keep that racist trash called “Vick Supporter” off the blogs? I was enjoying the comments until I ran across his ignorant racist rant for today. He always ruins everything with his close minded racism. Now I’m done for the day. Good-bye!

By Sage of Bluesland

July 27, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Besides severe spelling problems (i.e. it is “Bartkowski”), Tony, your facts are laughably wrong.

I guess you never heard of the ‘Gritz Blitz’, who holds the scoring-defense record over 14 games (when the seasons were that short).

I guess you ALSO didn’t know we made the playoffs in 1978.

Please, I beg of you, do some simple research before sharing your, umm, “wisdom”.

Oh, and I usually laugh at the tripe that sellout Mark Bradley usually whips up—but, I have to admit—this one isn’t too bad…I wonder what Arthur has given him, though (as I remember all too clearly the continued excuse-making for that buffoon Pete Babcock which our sellout-Bradley made over the YEARS)…

By TheJama

July 27, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

I really like the fact that Ryan can actually speak Enlgish in a clear and understandable maaner when he is interviewed. All to often the only thing Vick did was mumble. Can’t wait to see #2 in action at the Dome. We haven’t had a pocket passer since Chris Chandler, he need I remind you to the Falcons to their only Super Bowl.

By TheJama

July 27, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

I really like the fact that Ryan can actually speak Enlgish in a clear and understandable manner when he is interviewed. All to often the only thing Vick did was mumble. Can’t wait to see #2 in action at the Dome. We haven’t had a pocket passer since Chris Chandler, he need I remind you to the Falcons to their only Super Bowl.

By Ken Strickland

July 27, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY-I am one of those who feels MRyan was the wrong pick. It has nothing to do with Ryan or his abilities, but the greater team need. It’s not up to the fans to give him a chance, it’s up to the coaching staff. And it’s up to him to prove he deserves that chance.

My concern is with our weak interior run and pass DEF and almost nonexistent pass rush. Drafting MRyan can’t resolve those issues no matter how many chances he’s given. A strong run and pass DEF could have made a difference in the 5 gms we lost last yr by 7 or fewer points.

ABlank either forget or just didn’t know, when he insisted on drafting MRyan, that good Public relations will not create wins, but winning creates good public relations.

Signing DT GJackson will help our run DEF, but he can do little for our pass rush and overall pass DEF. Having an effective pass rush is crucial when you consider all of our CB’s are new and/or inexperienced, except 2nd yr CB CHouston.

As a fan, I’ve had enough sense to notice that teams representing the NFC in the SB have had outstanding DEF’s(Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Bucs, NY Giants, Chicago Bears, etc). Yet, we insist on neglecting our DEF needs to make draft picks designed to promote public relations and image(Golden Boy QB MRyan). Drafting either DT CEllis or GDorsey would have done far more for the DEF, and the Falcons overall, than drafting QB MRyan. AND WE CAN’T UNDERSTAND WHY THE FALCONS HAVE NEVER HAD CONSECUTIVE WINNING SEASONS IN THE FRANCHISE’S HISTORY.

By RA

July 27, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m moved. As for Ryan, I’ll cheer for him until he’s wearing another uniform. That’s the same chance I gave Vick, and I think most Atlantans are willing to do the same. As long as they don’t give him the same chance that you gave Mike Vick Mark Bradley, he might just get some half way decent support.

By CJizzle

July 27, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

What ever team signs Vick is who I will be a fan of. Who cares about the mistakes he made. The man gave his all on the football field game in and out. And Vick had a solid O line maybe he could have concentrated on throwing the ball instead of running as much. Oh and lets not forget that Vick also was not able to audible. Thanx alot Rich McKay. Vick Im wit ya bruh. Just lose them snitchin brothas ya got in ya circle.

By Bryan

July 27, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Hey look at it like this….the Falcons went out and got the best running back available through free agency and then turned around and got the best QB available in the draft.. not to mention a first round O lineman. So if we have a bad year we get a high draft pick and stock up on defense… If anything why didn’t we go after Jeremy Shockey or Jason Taylor?

By CJizzle

July 27, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

What ever team signs Vick is who I will be a fan of. Who cares about the mistakes he made. The man gave his all on the football field game in and out. And Vick had a solid O line maybe he could have concentrated on throwing the ball instead of running as much. Oh and lets not forget that Vick also was not able to audible. Thanx alot Rich McKay. Vick Im wit ya bruh. Just lose them snitchin brothas ya got in ya circle.

By Bryan

July 27, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Hey look at it like this….the Falcons went out and got the best running back available through free agency and then turned around and got the best QB available in the draft.. not to mention a first round O lineman. So if we have a bad year we get a high draft pick and stock up on defense… If anything why didn’t we go after Jeremy Shockey or Jason Taylor?

By Bryan

July 27, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Hey look at it like this….the Falcons went out and got the best running back available through free agency and then turned around and got the best QB available in the draft.. not to mention a first round O lineman. So if we have a bad year we get a high draft pick and stock up on defense… If anything why didn’t we go after Jeremy Shockey or Jason Taylor?

By think before you speak

July 27, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

TheJama, I think you need to learn how to write english before you criticize others for speaking it. ” he need I remind you to the falcons to their only super bowl”. WTF? Talk about butchering the english language. Also in you’re first entry you mispelled manner. Geez.

By Mark Bradley

July 27, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank did not insist on drafting Matt Ryan. This was Thomas Dimitroff’s pick. I know a lot of people won’t believe that, but there it is.

By king of the ring

July 27, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

By Cedrick

July 27, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

This is a good article about the Falcons team and some fans. A lot of people hate Vick so what but I remember after Vick was gone the GA dome was empty. Now where were all these vick haters after he was gone and Mr. Blank needed you to fill the staduim? Now, the Falcons have a new QB in Ryan col whatever. As long as he is tall and white he will continue to get a chance to play QB in the NFL like Redman (who was not even in the league) or Harrington (who started for years and couldn’t hold his job) but I am willing to give Ryan a chance. Vick made is own bed and has lost more than any of us. Let’s not think he did not contribute to making this team into a winner or packing the stadium with a 50K waiting list (which has vanished). I want all of the haters help Mr. Blank sell enough tickets to keep the Falcons from being blacked out in GA. Cause these tickets are going to be a hard sell (or even give away)!!

By RA

July 27, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, I know you won’t believe this, but Michael Vick is gone, he’s not comming back, and there’s no real point to talking about him anymore. “There it is.”

By tony

July 27, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

sage of blueland u mean spirited creature, don’t come on this msg trying to insult my spelling when u knew who i was talking about!

the gritz blitz was not a dominating defense, but an undersize defense that send all their linebackers up the middle to put pressure on the qb u dope head!

if the gritz blitz is what u call dominating, then u don’t know a dominating defense when u c 1.

i forgot that they made the playoff in 1978 which mean it took them 3 years after they drafted steve bartkoski before they made the playoff.

my point is that it is better to have an adverage offense with an dominating defense than to have an average defense with a good offense.

By Empty Stands

July 27, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

VICK PUT BUTTS IN THE SEATS. No denying that.

By Rod

July 27, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Mark, Can we give DJ Shockley a fair chance? The same chance you want to give Matt Ryan?

By Mark Bradley

July 27, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

I don’t see how anything I wrote — anything I’ve ever written, really — could be considered a bashing of Michael Vick. I liked him and considered him a very good quarterback who could well have become a great one under Bobby Petrino.

As far as those who keep saying, “Stop talking about him already” … I submit that talking about the Falcons without mentioning Vick is like talking about the Packers without mentioning Brett Favre. Almost everything about the 2008 Falcons — new coach, new offense, new quarterback — is directly related to Vick’s absence.

There will come a time when Vick is indeed a distant memory. But not just yet.

By Why?

July 27, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

This is stupid. I think the media support from the AJC sports department is more than sufficent for Ryan, don’t you think so Mark Bradley? Why does it matter if anybody else “supports” Ryan…what does that even mean? Support him how? Blank pays the dude, not anybody else. You go buy season tickets and give them to somebody since you get press credentials…..you and rest of the sports staff. You go buy Ryan’s jersey and blog about him everyday if you wish. Nobody’s stopping you, but you don’t have a right to ask it of anyone else. Its simply entertainment. You can buy tickets and merchandise or you cannot…and that’s not about support, its about CHOICE. Don’t get mad because more people are CHOOSING to not pay their money to see the Falcons and that Ryan’s jersey is being pulled back off Walmart shelves because they just won’t move.

By Ken

July 27, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

By tony ,what do you consider dominating. The Falcons defense gave up 129 points all season one of those years.The best in the HISTORY of the NFL. Thats 9 points a game- thats dominating!! They only went 7-7 that year and missed the playoffs because their offense, with June Jones at QB most of the time, was horrible.

By RA

July 27, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Okay Bradley, I mistook your vicious, weekly, and win/lose criticism of Michael Vick as bashing, sorry. Of course, Vick is directly related to what’s happened with the franchise. No one would ever say anything to the contrary. But, by the same general token, we only have frenchfries because someone accidently droped a potatoe into hot oil. We eat french fries everyday, but we’re not still talking about the guy that dropped the potatoe. Listen Mark, if indeed you want this city to unite behind this franchise, you have got to stop talking about the single most divisive factor in the history of Atlanta sports, Mike Vick. Make no mistake, I don’t think that you’re a bad columnist, and the truth is that it wouldn’t make one bit of difference if I did. You do what good newspapermen do, you get people talking. You’re great at that. That’s not the problem. It’s what people are talking about. This team really needs this city to unite behind them, win or lose, but that’s never going to happen as long as you keep the projection of number seven over these blogs. You’re smart, find something positive to write about, like your last article, just minus Michael Vick. Can you do that?

By Let Blank Support Ryan

July 27, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

From FoxSports 32 Questions for each NFL Team w/Peter Schrager Q: The Michael Vick Era is officially over, right? A: Matt Ryan was the big winner in April’s draft, despite not going first overall — signing for the most money ($72 milion), and getting an absurd $34 million in guaranteed cheddar. The money is a lot — especially for a team with holes at pretty much all 22 positions on the field. But the bigger question is this: What happens two years from now, when Ryan, one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, is manning a 5-11 team and Michael Vick is playing for Dallas, at the league minimum, lighting it up for a division leader? Talk about sleepless nights for Falcons fans.

By WesleyB

July 27, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Left tackle Sam Baker signed for $8 million guaranteed money. Paltry sum compared to Matt Ryan’s $72 million, but I am sure Sam is not complaining.

He said “right now it is about the work”. I hope he makes time to watch his money because the men in suits are after it now. “There are no guarantees. but I am sure I will triple your money in 2 years”. Uh-huh, run away from them Sam, keep your money safe, don’t open a restaurant, and stay away from Wamu…

You can finish reading this article at: http://atlantafalconsblog.blogspot.com/

By Mark Bradley

July 27, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

RA, I’d love to hear one example of my “vicious weekly criticism.” And saying he’s in jail doesn’t count — that’s a fact, not an opinion.

By How Much Is Blank Paying For This?

July 27, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Exactly how much is Blank paying you people to keep writing this “woe is me” crap about the Falcons as if there is some sort of sympathy mechanism that will compel people to just run out and buy tickets?? Oh, the poor poor Falcons..why I just need to run out and buy tickets and buy the jersey of that interception machine from…where? Some school in the ACC that played in some 3rd tier bowl game. Sorry…no can do. Ryan’s a big boy…that “classic pocket passer”, so “cerebral” that looks just like he could be your son Mark! So go whine to the folks in North Georgia to support Ryan, isnt’t that the type of fanbase more in keeping with the regime?

By Ken

July 27, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Before the draft I remember one personel guy saying that Ryan reminded him of Peyton Manning.So my question to all of you-who would you rather have Manning or Vick?

By tony

July 27, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

hey miserable ken,??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

By Scooter

July 27, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

I to was baffled at the lack of lineman selected in this years draft. But you know, if you are going to rebuild a team in a short amount of time it would make sense to fill your skill positions first (CB,S,QB). You need those guys to start developing now. The longer we wait to fill those needs the more we are behind. Linemen will not take long to develop. Am I right?

By former falcon

July 27, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Do you remember what they said about Ryan Leaf

By Ken

July 27, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

By How Much Is Blank Paying For This? Your post is purley racial and has no credibility!

By Famuan

July 27, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

That wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsment by Michael Turner in that quote. Sounds like the gave the most politically correct answer he could come up with on short notice. Maybe you should have directed this “give Ryan a chance” eulogy on some of the vets of the NFL…they’re the ones questioning him the most.

By Ken

July 27, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

By tony ,very intelligent post einstien!

By Revisionist History Again?

July 27, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradly why don’t you check the archives and do a little research with some of the local sports shows on radio and then tell us again what “chance” you think MV was given…..obviously you are dreaming up some fairytale past that did not actually happen. Ryan is getting a reception in keeping with his college QB resume, don’t you see that?

By JD

July 27, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley is right. We should give Ryan a chance. However, Matt has to realize that he will have a short honeymoon because a lot of people wanted Dorsey and Matt signed the largest rookie contract in NFL history. People are going to want results quickly and there will be even more criticism if Dorsey has an immediate impact with the Chiefs this year. Mark erred by mentioning # 7. We can’t move on if people keep bringing him up. COME ON, PEOPLE LET’S HAVE SOME CLOSURE . GET OVER IT. HE’S NOT HERE ANYMORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Rod

July 27, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, while your responding to messages how about responding to my original post. Can you give DJ a very talented UGA boy a chance. Why should I as a fan give Ryan a chance over DJ. Am I supposed to drink the kool aid just because you in the media tell me too?

By ignition

July 27, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

I’m Sorry I Am Not A Believer…

The second best quarterback in a Weak Conference, a conference that he NEVER won, who is immobile and threw 22 interceptions…

Do these people forget that we live in ACC country and were able to watch this guy play and outside of 2 games against GT & the first VT game (where he pulled a miracle in the 4th after stinkin it up for the first 3) this guy was extremely mediocre.

Sorry Don’t buy IT..

He’s a BUST and we as fans are DOOMED.!!!

By Famuan

July 27, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Chad Scott on 790am, he’s a voice of reason and should have his own show. He’s pointed out all the reasons why no one should support this team at all…but it is rather fun to watch the faces of disbelief by the Falcons brass and the whining AJC columnists when picking Ryan did not actually result in any “excitement” by the fans, and did not actually result in any “hope” as evidenced by the ongoing begging to the public to by season tickets. I do wish the Falcons would stop spamming up my email inbox with these sales pitches. How pathetic….now I just associate the Falcons with online dating, get rich scams, Viagra medication and a long lost uncle in the Ukraine who will send me $1 million dollars if I just send him $500.

By DawgBoy

July 27, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Mark, you need to be ashamed… because if you read these Blogs…the stupid bloggers on here HATE Mike Vick…the Vick Supporters left last season…Its these IDIOTS and Atlanta born Grady Babies who are left…what makes this so sad is…there not enough to fill the Dome. Whats so sad Mark is that you are STILL blaming MV for this season? I have NEVER seen one athlete responsinsible for an entire franchise!!!Mike Vick was one athlete, period!So I guess athletes are held responsible for injuring themselves and missing the entire season and if the team tanks after hes hurt...its HIS fault!!thats ridiculous!! It doesnt matter what MV did off the field..he wasnt there last year!Hes gone now, he had the equivelent of having a devestating injury and missed the season. Get over it!!!….quit talking about him!That attitude and the fact that the AJC can`t stop BASHING MV…is the reason why Sundays will be bleek indeed. The people who supported MV are GONE!!!….

By RA

July 27, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

You know what, no, almost two years removed from your coverage of Michael Vick, I couldn’t tell you one word of anything that you said about him. So, I guess you win. Now, let us all win and just leave Vick in jail, where he belongs.

By tony

July 27, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

miserable racist ken trying to get intelligent people to by into stupidity.

By DawgBoy Wins

July 27, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

That post is the winner….only a true idiot could blame one player on the state of a sports franchise. That “marketing genius” and “cap guru” sat back and kicked up their heels as the tickets got sold, national games were expected, and cha-ching! at the Falcons 365 stores…and by their own admission, they did NOTHING themselves to generate any of it. The state of this franchise right now is well deserved.

By Ken

July 27, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

By tony, so I guess that means you would rather have Vick than Manning,you idiot?Show me where I said anything racist skick!

By tony

July 27, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

hey miserable ken, i will take dj shockley over ryan u racist idiot!

By mrman

July 27, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

In the words of Michael “The Burner” Turner, You’ve got to respect the quarterback. He’s the leader of the team, whether he wants to be or not.” Vick never wanted to be the leader of the Falcons no matter how hard Blank and the coaching staff wanted him to be. And even if Vick wanted to be, he doesn’t have what it takes to be the leader of a professional football team. It takes guts and hard work, brains and determination, intelligence, things Vick could only have someone read to him about. If you ever heard Vick speak, or try to, you would know that he is practically illiterate, and all the tutors and handlers that Blank assigned to educate him failed, because he was either to lazy, indifferent, dumb, or all of the latter, to learn. You could not find two individuals more different, Ryan and Vick. And that’s a big plus for the Falcons and the fans. There is nothing wrong with Ryan’s profile, a professional qb, intelligent, focused, dedicated, prepared, and no criminal record that I’m aware of. Unfortunately, there was a lot wrong with Vick’s profile. As far as Vick giving his all on the field, does that include flipping off the Falcon fans, quitting on his teammate during a game, and hanging out with his posse, rather than his playbook. Yeah, I’m going to miss all of Vick’s negative publicity. And the Falcons were relevant without Vick as late as 1998; when the Chandler\Anderson led offense put them in the Super Bowl. Shockley had a chance to start and all he did was run around and tear up his knee. Yeah, if you want a qb that is another tailback, start Shock. But if you want a qb that can make plays with his arm and has the sense to tuck it and run it when all else fails, play Ryan, Redman, or Harrington. Even Elway, Young, Farve, and McNabb, could all throw the ball when they had to. For all you fans complaining about our lack of pass rush, why didn’t the Falcons resign Kerney? And if we can’t win without a pass rush, tell Abraham to give us one. That’s what he was brought here to do. The ignorance of the “Vick Supporter” is only surpassed by his racial hatred. As a Christian I can truly feel sorry for him, however, as an educated individual, I can understand why he has such poor self-esteem. Anyone who thinks Ryan was drafted because he is White is a fool, a racist, or both. We already had two white qb’s so why draft another one? Why, because Ryan has the makeup to become a great qb. Not trying to make the drafting of Ryan a race issue, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Everything in Atlanta becomes a race issue. I’m glad Ryan’s here, but I feel bad for him coming to a town so full of racists and haters’.

By Atl70

July 27, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Mark,,, i know this is off subject,,, but could all of you @ AJC PLEASE ! PLEASE! PLEASE ! Stop reporting on Joe Horn,,, he talks TOO MUCH and does too little to matter. As for giving Ryan a chance,,, DO WE HAVE A CHOICE ? As for DJ—— he should’ve become a WR or FS a long time ago. I am a fan of Shockley,,, but he and the rest of BLACK Atlanta need to realize he is NOT a NFL QB. Oh yeah,,, AND PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD,,,,, NOBODY CARES TO HEAR ANYMORE FROM JOE HORN!!!!!!!!!!!!

By michaelgee

July 27, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

It continues to look like the only group not willing to let the Vick PAST be the PAST is MARK BRADLEY.

However, today you got one thing right, “It’s nobody’s fault but Vick’s”.

I don’t think any of the ajc writers have ever put the REAL BLAME where it deservedly belongs. This time it was said honestly.

Now Mark, if you and the ajc sortswriter’s “klan” get off Blank’s jock and let the team move forward, the readership and Falcon fans can focus on t he building that started after the draft but is still yet to be covered by some of the ajc guys..

Believe me, the 7 supporters that you continue to milk for reaction is dqwindleing, maybe you can’t see that but the Falcon Fans have moved on without the ajc’s support. Do you and the ajc purposely cater to those who support 7 and illegal dog fighting activities??

Maybe PETA should be circling YOUR ajc headquarters. After all, the ajc has supported 7 in the press daily for over a year after his conviction and imprisonment. Maybe the Falcon Fans who want to move forward should all write PETA and complain about the constant and unending 7 support at the ajc.

By Ken

July 27, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

By tony . O.K.— you would rather have Shockley than Ryan, obviously because D.J’s black and Matt is white. Who’s the racist idiot?Any one that can read knows it’s you!

By brandon

July 27, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

I cant believe I actually am going to agree with something Mark Bradley wrote. I was not thrilled at the time with Ryan being the #1 pick but the rate the second tier QB’a went was way to high. Now if we can put a solid O-line out there for Turner and company to run behind and to protect Ryan when he throws he will develop into a solid QB.

By Dane

July 27, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

I am a Falcons Fan!!! Matt will get his chance. I for one wishes that he starts day one!!! Lets stink it up now. He will have some bad games, maybe some good ones(hopefully)!! All in all Vick was the man, but Matt will have to be now. No love lost for Vick, just the business of football. I hope Matt proves all the nay-sayers wrong. I just wanna win!!!! Lets get the party started game one!!!!

By falconfansince1978

July 27, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

I was a huge Vick supporter. I had his ‘fathead’ on my wall, his jersey, his autograph, and was hanging on every move he made on the football field. He led us to the 04 NFC championship game and dominated the Green Bay Packers giving them there only playoff loss in Lambeau Field history. However, he screwed up big time in a disturbing and inhumane manner and was only sorry because he got caught. Also his overall body of work as a Falcon was not all that great. He IS dumb as a box of rocks and everyone knows it. He got by on shear athletic ability and nothing else. An offensive line couldn’t know how to block for him cause he was like a bull in a china closet. Point is, he is gone and the only man that will take him when he gets out of prison is that old senile stupid fart….AL DAVIS whose motto has gone from “Just win baby” to “Win one, maybe!” Give Ryan a chance!!! I think he has some brains and ability which is more than I can say for a lot of QB’s that have come down I-75 to grace us in the ATL. To all Vick supporters, GET A LIFE!!!! I hope he gets his AZZ chomped off by an offspring of one of those pitbulls that were saved. Go Falcons!!!! Do what you can!!! I’ll be there watching always and forever!!! Win or lose!!!! Bring me another Super Bowl!!!Shame on you Eugene Robinson, but I forgive you!!! OUT.

By tony

July 27, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

no miserable ken, i always believed that dj was the best qb on the roster even when vick was here, so stop reaching u racist idiot!

By Support the Titans

July 27, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Here’s a story you’ll never see about the Falcons EVER AGAIN! Titans Tickets Sell Out in Half Hour Posted: July 12, 2008 06:41 PM EDT NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Dozens of fans lined up at LP field Saturday for a chance to snatch up single-game Titans tickets. The Titans had 23,000 single game tickets on sale Saturday. It took only 32 minutes to sell all eight regular season home games for the 2008 season. The Packers, Colts and Steelers games were gone within five minutes. This is the 10th consecutive year for a sell out. Nearly 50 people were in line when the window opened at 10:00 Saturday morning. The crowd is getting smaller because more and more fans are using the internet to purchase tickets. “The people who gave all their time to camp out here were able to get the tickets that they wanted. It’s a fantastic day for our organization, and a true testament of how great our fans are,” said Titans Executive vice president, Don MacLachlan. The Titans first pre-season game is set for August 9th against the St. Louis Rams.

By James Adams

July 27, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

leftcoastmoron: Jeff George threw for over 4,000 yards in 1995.

By Ken

July 27, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

By tony ,so that makes you an idiot-not a racist idiot. My bad!

By Sage of Bluesland

July 27, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Wow, Shockley better than Vick? Put the crack pipe down very slowly, special Tony…

Have you ever been right about anything?

ESPN has recognized the 1977 Falcons defenses as one of the top ten of all time. I guess that’s not “dominating” enough for you? It was the offense who let the team down that year.

Hey, I stand corrected: You WERE able to recalculate the ‘correct’ number of years after Bartkowski (note the spelling, again) was drafted until our first playoff berth…

Congratulations! You’re making progress, however small it is…

By Tickets Still Available!

July 27, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Well all you diehard Falcons fans sure don’t wanna put your money where your “support” is….I guess its just words. Go on ticketmaster, you can get blocks of 6 tickets to sit in about 60% of the Dome. So for all this “support”, what is that? Just posts on the AJC blog? LMAO!!! Oh…back to complete irrelevance!! No national games, no one cares..but I guess that’s what some of you wanted all along anyway, and you got it! You wanted your traditional Falcons back…Here they are…ENJOY!

By Mark Bradley

July 27, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan is a bust? Really? And how exactly do we know this? Because he threw a few incompletions in the second practice of his first NFL training camp?

By Ken

July 27, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

By Sage of Bluesland —I guess now you are a racist idiot for calling out short bus Tony.THANKS

By Famuan

July 27, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Since you asked…he’s a bust because of the insane amount of interceptions he threw as a 5th year senior and not one compelling ability as a game-changing, defenses plan around, difference maker that a #3 QB should be. He might be a game manager, a pretty good, ok QB…but as a game-changing, scare the Ravens defense QB?? Please, ain’t nobody planning around Matt Ryan, and you know it. Just give this pathetic attempt to appease King Arthur up. He made his comfy bed, let him lie in it. Tell, all the people that told how well received Ryan would be to buy his season tickets and stop spamming up my inbox with requests.

By wins not PR

July 27, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

matt is a good kid QB not. Vick is the best offense player in this team. And if you want to win you play ypur best player. The count down has stated for our best player comming back and put the falcon back on the map. I hope matt Rayan becomes a good QB with time . He is not ready nor is the offense line. Ticket sell will come back with vick and wins bank on it. I love the Falcon but most fans don’t like dumb move by the Gm.

We need lineman more than a 1th round draft pick. The media push this team management to draft Matt but the fan base show Blank what they think about the draft. More that any thing we want to win and to hell with PR move. we had all those draft dick and we need lineman bad. He may have come from New england but his draft move this year drafts was weak at best> I want to win vick is this team best chance to win for the next four years and still bring matt along with out getting him killed untill we get frist class lineman on both side 0f the ball Gm , please get a clue not PR Mr. GM and Mr. Blank.

Watch ticket sell when you bring Vick back at the dome and the game he plays all over the NFL!!!! Winning make you team a LEGEND!! Mr. GM winning not PR!!!

By Tokyo Tom

July 27, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

I remember back to when Bob Berry, June Jones, Steve Bartkowski, Dave Archer, Bobby Hebert, Chris Miller, and NFC Championship QB Chris Chandler all heard the boo birds when their play was sub-par- but mention a point like “Gee, #7 missed the open receiver” and what got thrown back in your face: “You’re a hater because he doesn’t look like what you want as a QB!” That logic is what makes Atlanta such a great city! Don’t worry; if the new QB plays like a bunch of previous Falcon QB’s he will hear the boo birds soon enough. I also hope DJ gets his chance to be a part of the team this year.

By tony

July 27, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

sage of blueland, in 1998 when i saw the falcons 1st game i told my brother and uncles that the falcons was going to the sb but accourse they didn’t believe me.

in 1991 i told some of the people who i use to work with that they will see a major change in the way our employer treated the black employees if they would just be patient.

a few years later there were 5 black supervisors when there was none, 3 black maintenance workers when there was none, 3 black quality control technicians when there was none.

i told my sons back in 2004 that i was going to get my own trucking company. well, in 2004 i got my own trucking company.

let me make a small prediction - i believe the saints will get to the sb this season and the falcon will win 3 games this season.

if dj shockley is given a fair opportunity and stays healthy, he will be our starting qb.

miserable ken u r a racist idiot!

By Ken

July 28, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

By tony ,what you just described is affirmative action—where you have to have a certain amount of blacks regardless if they are more qualified or not- what does this have to do with the QB position for the Falcons.Your racism becomes more obvious with every post.Every time someone comes at you with enlightening information you throw your racist drivel back at them.That is what ignorant racists do when they are not able to make intelligent points-they play the race card.People like you are a discredit to your race.

By tony

July 28, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

miserable ken, i havn’t change my mind about u - u r still a racist idiot no matter what u post concerning me.

By Ken Strickland

July 28, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY-if you say MRyan was the GM’s pick and not ABlanks, I’ll accept that. I remember vividly both he and Smith stating how they wanted to get stronger up the middle on both sides of the ball. I don’t see how drafting Ryan with the 3rd pick helped us achieve that goal. And drafting Lofton to play MLB doesn’t quit get it done either, although he’ll likely be an improvement.

At any rate, what’s done has been done. We have to move forward with what we have and hope it will be enough to have a successful season. I still say that if our run and pass DEF improves, we could have a successful season like the 1st seasons after DReeves and JMora were 1st hired.

COME ON PEOPLE, LET’S NOT MAKE RACE AN ISSUE HERE. LET’S JUST TALK FALCON FOOTBALL.

By Tron5000

July 28, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

DJ Shockley? Starting in the NFL? In 2008? For the Falcons? With 3 other QBs signed in the last 6 months? Even I’m not that high.

By Dr. Warren

July 28, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

Mark, I remember last fall when BC came to play GT, you wrote a column extolling the virtues of one Matt Ryan. You raved about his performance and, from what I remember, hinted that he was the top quarterback in college football, though most eyes at the time were still on Brohm. How well do your throughts of him in training camp gibe with that first impression? Even better? Same?

By hop

July 28, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this

the falcons have been made to go in another direction because vick is not here and may not play in the NFL for some time.

they had NO choice, they supported MV the entire time that he was the qb ,only when he was convicted did the falcons decide they had no choice but to move on.

matt ryan will be a great qb because he has the tools and a strong desire to succeed. he will do whatever it takes to prepare himself and he has a very strong work ethic.

if the falcons fans do not give him a chance that is their choice, but he will make it here or somewhere else.

i believe the great DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING SAID” DO NOT JUDGE A MAN BY HIS COLOR,BUT BY HIS CHARACTER.

I BELIEVE ALL man are do that and when MV does return he deserves the same as well for “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”.

By Ryan is just a PR Move

July 28, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this

Ryan is just a PR move, and a bad one considering exactly how that move didn’t bring in any new fans. Obviously all it did was show exactly how many “fans” the Falcons have…the same 30,000 they always did. So I don’t know why Bradley is asking this dumb question and making this stupid plea. Those 30,000 ARE supporting Matt Ryan. The question he really wants to ask is why won’t the 30,000 that gave up their season tickets, and all those people who loved Vick, why won’t they do that for Ryan…and the answer to that is because they don’t want too. Get over it. You’ve got your Falcons fans…..whose fault is it that its not enough to fill up 50% of the Dome? You never had a serios fanbase, and you never will.

By B.Mo

July 28, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this

No, I won’t.

Ryan over Dorsey is still one of the stupidest decisions I’ve ever seen the Falcons make, and that’s saying something.

We could have drafted Stafford in 09 if we had just waited!!

By Birdfan

July 28, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

How about a column where you discuss what is going on now with the players who are actually on the team and attending camp. Since he hasn’t played a lick yet, comparing Ryan to anyone is fantasy. Get yourself out to Flowery Branch and tell us what is happening out there and forget this what if comparison.

By Paddy

July 28, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this

MB.. very good article. There was a whole community full of MV fans. He lost them when he looked in the camera and lied about the issues of which he was accused. Don’t care what part of the country you come from. If someone you admire and trust lies to your face, he’s toast. Hope he tells the truth in his Commonwealth of Virginia trial or he is going back in the slammer.

By Blank Got What He Deserved

July 28, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this

Blank got what he wanted (what other owners showed up for any potential draftee’s proday and interview except one who is also the GM like Jerry Jones?). I don’t know what this fallacy is that Blank is such a great owner, he’s just like the other ones. Ticket prices were steadily increasing at a pace far exceeding the rate of inflation - how is that great? Oh, he dropped them this season, but not by choice, by force - that’s what he gets for not caring as he raised them when he had a “draw” to keep cashing in on. So let him and his organization wallow in the mire. He’s got support for his team…exactly the amount he deserves to have.

By Wrong Paddy

July 28, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

The reason for this article is supposedly not about Vick, but why “Vick” fans won’t buy season tickets and be “Ryan” fans…its not even about the Falcons team, which is what the complaint was about before…but we knew that was a lie. The only thing that mattered was that one player was getting all that attention that is supposed to be reserved for the “golden haired traditional pocket passer”….well now Blank falls for the okie-doke and because the WURL-WIDE LEADER network says oh you gotta get Ryan! The fans will forget #7! Well, he mandated Dimitroff to draft Ryan, and what do ya know?? Looks like you CAN’T make people forget and buy tickets anyway. Who’d a thunk it?? I can really not renew!! How bout that! I guess they forgot to read the fine print in the memo that says you cant force people to patronize you…and you can’t stop them from criticizing and bashing you either.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 28, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Blank should go back to 2002 and sell upper level season tickets @ $10 a game. That was a great value. Now season ticket prices start at 250. If ya wanna fill the Dome up ya gotta go, as Huey Lewis said “Back in time”.

By Mark Bradley

July 28, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Thanks for remembering, Dr. Warren. And, since you asked, I’ve seen nothing to make me believe my first impression of Ryan was anything but accurate. He’s a very impressive quarterback. He looked good to me in minicamp and and again Sunday morning. And the Falcons, I must say, are very pleased with what they’ve seen.

And as far as saying he wasn’t a game-changer at Boston College: That is simply not true. Without Matt Ryan, BC would have been a sub-.500 team. (Didn’t see a slew of other Eagles being drafted in Round 1, did you?) With him it rose to No. 2 in the nation and played for the ACC championship.

By Zaporah

July 28, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Give Ryan A Chance Did the Falcons given Vick a chance when he most needed their support? No. They threw him to the wolves. You reap what you sow. Let’s stand back and observe what happens. Ryan will never be another Vick. His name is Ryan. He should be given the same chance that Vick was given which was none. Vick had to earn his way along a narrow path and confront those who continuously taunted him. He was constantly required to prove himself when he often did not have the support he needed on the field. Give Ryan a chance. Why wasn’t Vick given another chance. I have no respect for the Falcons or Goodell. I admire Arthur Blank who dared to communicate with Vick. That took courage when there are no many cowards. Love you today and hate you tomorrow.

By What a nightmare

July 28, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

What happens if Joey Harrington outplays everyone in the preseason? With 90 percent of the fans thinking he can’t tie his own shoes, what happens if he outplays Ryan, Redman and Shockley? It could easily happen. I wouldn’t want to be Smith and Mularky if that does indeed occur.

Sure he hasn’t won, but then again he was with Detroit, Miami and ‘07 Falcons where Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Terry Bradshaw or Roger Staubach couldn’t have won in any of those situations.

Still, I wouldn’t want to be on the Falcons coaching staff if Harrington outplays the field in preseason.

By San

July 28, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

If this is the “new era” for the falcons organization and all of the “thugs” are gone…..why aren’t you hypocrits buying tickets to support this team?? Everytime I turn on the radio or TV, I hear Arthur Blank BEGGING folks to buy tickets.

I didn’t hear him begging in 2001 - 2006 when the “dogfighter” was behind center.

Put your money where your mouth is hillbillies!!

By Maniac is accurate

July 28, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Zaporah, in what way could Vick have been given another chance. The Falcons had no say in what happened to him because of the dogfighting case. Goodell suspended him, his cohorts in the dogfighting ring rolled over on him and he pleaded guilty.

As for all that other crud you wrote, Michael Vick’s arrival here was greeted with great enthusiasm and he was the man the whole time he was here. He had to overcome nothing. He was treated like a star from the first minute he was drafted until his suspension.

By Pop

July 28, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

It’s obvious to me that Mike Vick has support from white fans also, if you think differently, please explain what happened to the 50,000 people on the waiting list for season tickets?

By Former season ticket holder

July 28, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Looks like MV7 kept the lights on in Flowery Branch, the GA Dome and at the ajc.

Don’t expect to watch the home games….those WILL BE blacked-out!! The days of selling out away stadiums is over too.

Go Cowboys & Titans!!

By willdave

July 28, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, I agree. I’ve seen or heard absolutely nothing about Matt Ryan so far that would cause me to question that he at least has the potential to be a great QB for the Falcons. He has already demonstrated that he is an affable, upstanding young man. He has always spoken enthusiastically about becoming a member of this troubled team and doing whatever he can to turn it around. He’s shown a lot of character for a 23-year-old rookie. As a lifelong Falcon fan, I am pleased and proud to have Matt on this team. I look forward to cheering him on this season and many more.

By VickBeliever

July 28, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Who cares what Brian Finneran has to say he probably won’t even make the team. I can agree its time to move on but what is even more important people need to stop HATING and BASHING Vick. He did a lot for this city and this football team and his legacy will forever live on and he will be missed. I will try to support the new Coaches and players. So there should be no problem selling out the DOME NOW THA WE HAVE THE 6’5 BLUE EYED qb BACK IN PLACE.

By NC

July 28, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

I don’t think I’m the only one that’s tired of hearing about Mike Vick…He’s not here any longer. He should have been a running back anyhow. He wasn’t ever a good quarterback…Ryan may not turn out to be the leagues best quarterback either, but at least give him the chance…

By wins not PR

July 28, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Vick The fan base is showing you Mr. Blank. The media pushed for Ryan. Let me say this I don;t want to get Ryan gone in time he may become a good QB but not now he needs to grow 4 or five years. And the media is saying our new GM is god sent that pure bull. He has no balls or leadship . this team needed lineman and more lineman on both sides of the ball. AJC, FoX ESPN, Nbc will push for ryan the hope.

Put vick and ryan side by side ans see who wins. yes Vick mess up and he is paying for it. when he come back all of that is history. this guy will be focus like none before. Mr. Gm you are in Atlanta you give the people what they want that is if you want them to pay for your tickets.

The point you are trying to prove is loseing in the PR game. Bring Mr. Falcon himself back and watch the wins and the dome fill up. Mr. GM and blank you can’t make us thing the way the media want s us to think.

we need vick and I say in the long run Matt will make us proud to. The fan base wants Vick Blank please don’t throw away vick or all the money he will make you and the nfl. The media don’t buy season ticket. But Vick and Falcon fans do. Just do the math!

By Ken Strickland

July 28, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Every NFL gm MVick ever started was a sellout. At one time, his jersey was the NFL’s #1 seller, period. That means just about every NFL fan from virtually every walk of life lined up to see him perform. Only certain disturbed people with their own personal issues try to make everything he did, both good and bad, an issue of race.

He was a flawed QB, there’s no doubt about that. However, he was the most exciting football player, and the most successful, and winningest, Falcons QB in NFL history, despite his flaws and indiscretions. Only people that are unable to get past their own personal, cultural and/or phychological demons are unable or unwilling to accept these facts.

ZAPORAH-MVick’s demise is of his own doing and no one elses. Your comments and way of thinking display your inability to deal with reality. His involvement in illigal dogfighting had nothing to do with a lack of support from the Falcons or anyone else. It was his financial support of those who made it possible for him to maintain an illegal dogfighting operation that got his stupid anus caught and convicted. He knew what he was doing was illegal, and he ended up exactly where he belongs, along with anyone else involved in this uncivilized endeavor.

STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR HIM. STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES, AND HE WAS SUPREMELY STUPID. How else would you classify a person that would risk, and sacrifice, tens of millions of guaranteed dollars for the sake of being involved in an illegal hobby that probably cost him tens of thousands, if not more. HOW WOULD YOU CLASSIFY A PERSON, OR PERSONS, STUPID ENOUGH TO DEFEND THIS TYPE OF STUPID, UNCIVILIZED BEHAVIOR?

DO YOU GET MY POINT ZAPORAH? AND I WAS A BIG MVICK FAN AND SUPPORTED HIM UNTIL I FOUND OUT HE ACTUALLY COMMITTED THESE VILE ACTS.

By tryanx

July 28, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

“Sorry, Falcon fans, but Vick is a once in a lifetime player. Matt Ryan, you could get a player like him in next year’s draft.” I guess if you consider a career passing percentage 53.8 percent a once in a lifetime player. Peyton career percentage is 64.2 and Tom Brady has a 63.0 percentage. Between these two they have 4 super bowl rings: If that is not enough then how about the fact that Tom Brady has a quarter back rating of 92 with 197 touchdowns to 86 interceptions. Peyton has a rating of 94.7 with 306 touchdowns and 153 interceptions. Vick had a poor 75.7 rating with 71 to 52. Those truly are once in a lifetime stats. Ok so Vick had 3800 yard rushing but that’s not what my quarter back is suppose to be doing is it. That is why a team has a running back or two. I am so sick of fans talking about what a great quarter back number seven was, come on people stats don’t lie. Yes he was exciting to watch but that did not translate to wins and that is what we as fan really wants. I am so ready for this season to begin. We have a very promising new coaching staff and new GM as well as a possible true franchise Quarterback.

By Falcon supporter

July 28, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Falcon fans and NFL fan swill give Ryan a chance. But as you can see from the comments Vick fans NEVER will. They want nothing more than Ryan to fail so they can cry racism. They want that more than a superbowl. Just as they say Ryan is the “right color” for the falcons, Ryan is the “wrong color” for them. They are the true definition of the term “Hater”. These haters will put on whatever jersey Vick wears next and claim that team. Because before Vick they were wearing some other teams jersey. These are the same people that cried racism when Jamal Anderson ( the running back) could not get his contract extension, but did not make a peep when Vick signed him his mobster contract.

By presdog

July 28, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Good article. He should get his chance but I hope we show patience more than we did with Favre when we traded the future Hall of Famer, 3 time MVP, Super Bowl winning QB after one season in Atlanta. Ryan has the talent and temperment to become a great NFL QB.

By T.O.

July 28, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

The media continues to bring up Mike Vick in every facet of Atlanta Falcons Football. We are focused on who’s on the field with Falcons Jerseys….We don’t want to hear about Vick, Dunn, Crumpler, Hall, Hartwell, Price, or anybody else who’s not playing for the ATLANTA FALCONS!!! Whoever starts the season as our QB deserves a shot. I just want to win!!!!!!!!!

By THE TRUTH

July 28, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

People who love Vick are in love with his color - nothing more nothing less. There are those who don’t like Vick for the same reason - color.

Vick wasn’t a great quarterback, he wasn’t really a good quarterback. If the Falcon’s played option football then Vick could have been something special.

Ryan could be the real deal - shut up and give him a chance.

By KB

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

Good morning everyone. After reading the blogs before me, I have come to realize that the majority of the Atlanta fans really need a hug. We have a race problem. People use racism as a tool to make themselves feel superior to other people. Men do it to women. Women do it men. It is sad. It has spilled into every aspect of our lives.

MV7 made some plays for this team both good and bad. We also fought out the hard way that he has made some personnel choices at both ends of the spectum as well. We as fans have idolized him and demonize him as well. Because of our racial problems, we have taken this MV& thing way overboard. Let it go. He was just one part of the team, not the entire team.

M. Ryan is going to be a good qb if we give him a chance. Yes, the rest of the team must pull its weight. I am pretty sure M. Ryan will pull his. We need to support him. We also need to build a team too. MV7 & M. Ryan are just pieces of a team, not the entire team. I hope that we build a team to rely on the team instead of relyin on one piece of the team’s success/failure.

By Famuan

July 28, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Umm…Maybe you need to look again Mark Bradley, an Offensive Lineman went in the first round from BC…and the starting receivers are …..still at BC!! They didn’t enter the draft…Ryan was #3 because idiots let “expert” Mike Mayock manipulate them into thinking he was worth #3…I guess its a coincidence that he was roommates with Ryan’s uncle and played at BC himself…yeah…no bias there.

Whatever….its still no reason to suggest he should get some some undying support simply because its the “nice” thing to do. Nobody is wishing ill on that boy…you just think he should get the same “sold out jerseys everywhere, people clamoring to see him play” treatment that Vick got….not gonna happen. Is that wrong? No its not. Get over it…he won’t be a icon in Atlanta, sorry to be the bearer of bad news for you today…and please tell Blank to stop spamming up people’s inboxes.

By Sorry A* Falcons

July 28, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

The Sorry A* Falcons have Returned for another glorious season.

If you thought last year was bad wait till this year. Why do you think Joe Horn is asking to leave? This team is a joke.

New Head Coach

New QB who was an interception throwing machine in a weak conference.

New RB never a starter.

New TE never a starter.

New untested CBs.

Get the picture?

This is the NFL and if you do not have studs or experienced players you get man handled.

I see nothing positive for the Falcons this year or anytime soon.

By Mark Bradley

July 28, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I stand corrected: Gosder Cherilus, OT, to Detroit with the 17th pick overall. But I would submit that BC’s receivers were not — and won’t be — of Round 1 quality. And I have a serious question:

Do you really think Thomas Dimitroff, who has spent 20 years evaluating personnel, picked Matt Ryan because Mike Mayock said so? (Having covered the NFL for three decades, I can attest that pro personnel people tend to giggle over our draft “analysis.”)

By JOE

July 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Hey, “Empty Seats”! Your comment was dead on the money…”Vick put BUTTS in the seats”…

My issue, though, is that I didn’t like attending games with a bunch of “BUTTS”…I’d much rather enjoy the games with some fellow “FANS”, not the crude, profanity-spewing, marijuana-scented “gangstas” that Vick’s thug-a$$ attracted.

If you want to be a “fan”, great! Watch your language (there are kids present), and pull up your pants.

-J

By Famuan

July 28, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

No, I think Thomas Dimitroff, who was on nobody’s short list for GM, picked Matt Ryan because King Arthur said so. Please spare me the “that’s not true” speech. I have yet to see a press conference where Dimitroff is actually allowed to speak for himself…and gee, I guess EVERY owner goes to the prodays for prospective draftees….right?? Nope. Mike Mayock just created the hype that proceeded the pick - and what hype it was.

Ryan isn’t a once in a lifetime pick at #3…there is always a Matt Ryan in the draft..every single year.

Now how did Ryan’s teammates cause him to throw that ridiculous number of interceptions again? He makes the decision to throw and its their fault he did? Damn…well, when you control the goalposts, you can move them at will.

By Vick Supporter

July 28, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Tryanx, thats typical of you, throwing out qb ratings and completion percentages. That stuff doesn’t mean anything when you WIN. Vick has a winning record as a starter in the NFL, which is something that alot of NFL QBs don’t have. Vick had his flaws as a qb, but its all directly tied to the team, no blocking, NUMEROUS DROPPED PASSES, and you can’t dispute that. Just think, if alot of his passes weren’t dropped what his percentages would be. What would you have to say then? OOPS!! you would find something else to criticize. The reason I use race in my posts is because its the truth. WE DO HAVE A RACE PROBLEM IN THIS CITY, there’s no doubt about it, and its sad. White people don’t like Vick, thats all there is to it. You people talk about how bad a qb Vick was, why has the whole frachise fallen apart if he was so bad? that just proves that qb ratings don’t mean a whole lot. Those “low ratings” and percentages that Vick had had us winnig, even without capable recievers or an o-line, which I think is amazing. I’ve never denied that Vick did this to himself, but don’t blame him for how terrible the team was built around him. The bottom line is Ryan will not recieve the amount of criticism that Vick recieved and he will be protected by excuses from his white fans. Thats what i believe and what half of the city believes. Sorry, Falcons fans, but the dome will be empty and the team will suck for years to come. Where are these so called “true falcon fans to fill those empty seats, lol? Vick will redeem himself given the chance, I gurantee it. We love you #7!!

By Mark Bradley

July 28, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Apparently you’ve attended different press conferences than I have. Dimitroff introduced Mike Smith when the new coach was hired, and he was the only management type who spoke at length when the Falcons introduced their four free-agent signings. (Blank wasn’t even there that day.)

By Mental Recession

July 28, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

QUIT WHINNING!!!!!!!!!!!! there was a chick on Fox News Network last night that was being just GRILLED by Sean Hanity and she was like…I’m so tired of hearing McCain Crying about the media’s coverage of “Obama.” She said McCain was the media Darling in 2000 and she didn’t recall him complaining about fair coverage at that time.. of course Sean had to change the topic. Please Stop Whinning.

You wanted to appeal to a different demographic….I have no problem with that. But when those people aren’t BUYING into what you are selling then why Berate the consumer that you Abandoned and blame THEM for what your NEW demographic isn’t doing???? And all this time we thought that Blank was some Advertising Guru…. Time for you ALL to do what it appears you can’t…. MOVE ON!!!! It appears several thousand FORMER season Tix holders have.

By T.C

July 28, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

You know i have never seen a so called fan base so divided.i thought fans support there team with each other and jaw at other NFL fans.atlanta fans got it backwards.but i think i know what the problem is.i read a article that states the state of GA is the #1 state that people come to reside,262 people daily.so that mean as of now you can walk up to 10 people and maybe 2 of them are GA natives.that explains why the ajc reporters always slam atlanta teams and players(also ex players).many of you who post your comments wasn’t born here but livr here,and that explains the division of the fans i would say racism but that will never end.but its another level of racism and this is just sports talk.thats how bad racism is when race clash and were just talking sports.thats my theory why atlanta fans are so divided when we suppose to share the same dome and team.

By Famuan

July 28, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Oh…you mean Dimitroff introduced the new head coach that wasn’t on HIS list for HCs, but was on BLANK’S list of potential HCs?? LMAO!!…and Blank was there and he DID speak - to correct Dimitroff..check the tape. Yep, Mike Smith….wow, he and Dimitroff must have really made connection, having not known each other at ALL and then just like that…they’re best buds…wow. Its just a littley cowinky-dink that Blank gave Dimitroff a list (just suggestions…nothing more…wink-wink)of potential Head Coaches and Dimitroff went with one from THAT list…yeaaahhhh….riiiiighhht. Keep reaching Mark, that circle is almost complete.

By Vick Supporter

July 28, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, I think that was an excellent article by the way. Ryan does and will recieve a chance. He will have a better chance because he will not be villified like Vick was. Vick is a once in a lifetime QB that wasn’t developed the right way. The man had several different coaches and schemes, but thats not even mentioned by these so called “real fans”. great article Mark.

By CA

July 28, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I have read thru this thread and obviously some of you Rocket Scientist have no clue as to why Ryan was drafted. Matt Ryan has the Mental composure that you simply DO NOT pass up.

When you look at positions of need and QB was one of our needs. Matt is far and above the Best available.

How many good QB’s will be available in next years draft? Slim. How many top not linemen O and D will be in the draft? A bunch.

Many of you will simply Look at the W-L this season. I will be looking at the situational stats of all the players. That my friends will tell us if we are on point towards building the next NFL dynasty, and those do not happen until you have a QB with a strong mindset.

You need to give this 3 years.

Mark I am starting to like your post, they are animated.

By no_id

July 28, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Been a falcons fan b4 Vick and i’ll continue to be one now..With that being said, i can’t support the team but i can’t support some decisions the front office has made since this Vick thing..Granted that Ryan might be a good qb but, he was the wrong pick at the wrong time..Blank an Co. can spin this all kinds of ways but this was about getting a new face of the franchise..I’m not going to bash Ryan but we needed to address other needs at the time and i believe we could have gotten a qb just as good as Ryan in a later round..For those people that keep bashing Vick for running all the time and not being a pocket passer..Please, if you was behind an O-line that had NO pass protection, you’ll be running for your life too..So if Ryan has that same O-line he’ll have some long Sundays ahead of him..

By Country Ham

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

So Mark, you really think Blank had nothing to do with this pick? Ok, I guess! But you know what they say about people and opinions! I just can’t get over the fact that Bill Parcells could have had personnel control of this franchise and I wonder which way he would have gone with this 3rd pick? If Ryan is the end-all be-all, why didn’t Parcells take him w/the first pick w/the Dolphins? Surely you’re not gonna tell me that he has his “franchise” QB in John Bond! I mean, talent-wise, these 2 two teams are mirror images of each other, but the one difference is Miami is stockpiling future draft picks & looking to bolster their offensive & defensive lines(THE PROVEN WAY TO WIN IN THE NFL). If Dimitroff really had some gonads, he should have dangled Brooking to see what future draft picks he could have gotten out of that! Lastly, keep your head up Vick- not sure why these journalists keep piling on if the organization has supposedly “turned the other page” but I guess they gotta sell papers to keep from being on the streets!

By Mental Recession

July 28, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Has to be a AJC first… Mark just got Owned in his OWN blog. Famuan you are Dead on, I remember that whole diatribe on how Blank had a list that he “Suggested” to Thomas and Thomas went with the Guy on THAT list…I also remember Blank Correcting and speaking for Thomas SEVERAL times when he first got here…Nor do I recall seeing or hearing Thomas on anyone’s short list…

You keep hearing about this guy from New England and how we are going to MIRROR them…yet you Drafted a QB with the #1 pick, Gave him Record Money, and then didn’t address the D-line until…(still waiting) Look at NE, Seymour, Wilkcox, (1st rounders and D-linemen) and Dorsey was sitting there for the taking. Our Draft Resembled an Arthur Blank Rich Mckay Ran draft…. Not a New England Draft…but if it Looks, Walks, and Quacks like a Duck…. well you know the rest. Mark Bradley 0 Everyone else Undefeated… LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mental Recession

July 28, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Famuman- It makes no sense how you just MURDERED a professional Journalist on his own blog. I mean in BROAD DAYLIGHT you just committed a 187 on Mark.

We might have to call you the Brian Nichols of the Blog-o-sphere.. someone call APD… a Crime has been committed in front of tons of witnesses.

By Famuan

July 28, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I’m still trying to figure out what “give Ryan a chance” is supposed to mean according to Mr. Bradley. Ryan is an employee, he has a job, he is being paid -what other support is necesssary? Payment is his support. At #3 he shouldn’t need the “emotional support”…he was a #3 pick, he’s suppose to rise above all adversity on the field even if the Dome is half-full and half of them are booing you. He gets paid to overcome that. So what is Bradley’s point here?

By Mark Bradley

July 28, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

As noted above, Blank didn’t attend the news conference introducing the four free agents. He wasn’t even in the country. Blank did attend — and speak at — Smith’s introduction, but Dimitroff spoke first, which seemed rather symbolic. And if you listen to people who work in Flowery Branch, they’ll tell you the most impressive thing about Dimitroff is that he’s not intimidated by the owner.

Obviously you’re free to believe otherwise. But I know what I see (and hear).

By Mental Recession

July 28, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Valid question was raised regarding the topic of your story, what chance are you asking of people to give Ryan?

I know personally I’ve read many stories from the AJC on how mentally tough he is, how intelligent he is, how good his character is, how much of a Leader he is… If anyone embodies all of these qualities in abundance…then why should/would anyone need someone to be a PR machine for a guy who has it all?

I’ve never seen so many articles or Blogs Written that are crying to the Fans to GIVE support to this guy. Don’t give me the Recession story… Titan’s Sold out in less than 45 minutes for the season. Race? Nope Metro Nashville is Predominately White… Win’s and Losses? Falcons had 3 National TV appearances after going 7-9….how many do we have scheduled this year to showcase Matt Ryan?

I think AJC, 790 the zone, and other mediums needs to do like Many Former season Tix holders have….MOVE ON! Cater to the People and the fans that you have targeted. Stop Trashing and questioning the OLD fan base. Only serves to make the Falcon’s and the AJC look desperate…. BTW judging by the layoffs that took place at AJC maybe that’s more FACT than Fiction…

By Erik

July 28, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

I love the way all of the Vick supporters continue to say stuff like “the golden-haired, blue-eyed QB we all wanted.” I’m white and I don’t give a F what color hair, eyes and skin my QB has. I just want our QB to be a leader (which Vick did OK at), a winner (again, decent, some great wins, but some baffling losses too), and stay out of trouble (which Vick obviously did NOT).

It’s funny, the only people talking about blue-eyed blonde haired QBs are the Vick supporters. I don’t see any of the rest of the posters mentioning that. Playing the victim card constantly is so transparent.

As for Ryan himself, I wanted Glen Dorsey instead, but we did need a franchise QB and he was clearly the best one available. But, man, wait for that first pick and all the Vick supporters will boo like hell.. even though Vick himself threw picks and fumbled all the time.

And for what it’s worth, I loved having Vick here and hated never seeing him never reach his full potential. He’s gone now. He screwed up and screwed the Falcons, not the other way around.

By Famuan

July 28, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Symbolic??….OMG…he actually wrote “Dimitroff spoke first, which seemed rather symbolic”. Symbolic of what?? That he’s a big boy now?? What did it symbolize when Blank would step in and start speaking OVER him and when he ACTUALLY said “what Thomas means is….” I’m not sure what symbols you see in the General Manager speaking first at a press conference to introduce the Head Coach but I gotta tell ya, sometimes Lambchop speaks before Shari Lewis in their act too.

By Mental Recession

July 28, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Well Erik,

One thing is certain…You won’t have to worry about Vick Supporters boo’ing Matt Ryan at the Dome this or any year…

Why Else do you think “Operators are still standing by?”

By Mental Recession

July 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

LOL…. isn’t it SAD when you based ERE thing on what you paid Gallop to inform you?

Would you be a falcon fan if Mike Vick was no longer on this team? Yes No_ Maybe_

And now they are wondering what happened to the 70% that said yes….that 70% is the same place it was before Vick ever got drafted…. out in Cherokee County somewhere shooting possums.

By Ken Strickland

July 28, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY-if we employ a power rushing OFF like they’ve said, do you think TWeiner will be a serious consideration at RT? After all, he was brought here in the 1st place to provide blind side pass protection for MVick. He’s not known as a strong run blocker, but Clabo is, although his pass blocking is rather weak at this point. Also, over the last 2 gms of last yr, the OL of LT-Ojinnaka, LG-Blalock, C-McClue, RG-Forney and RT-Clabo did a very good job of pass protection, run blocking and putting points on the scoreboard. What are the chances of this lineup being our starting OL in the season opener? Based on your own observations, what can you say about OT RFoster overall abilities?

How do you rate our DL? I believe it is the key to us having a successful season.

By Lady T

July 28, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Famuan & Mental Recession

Tell the truth and shame the devil!! LMAO

By Mark Bradley

July 28, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I think Weiner will get every consideration as the starter at right tackle. I would think Clabo is Plan B. And if Foster winds up starting again at left tackle, I think that would be a reflection on Sam Baker, whose job it is to lose.

I wonder about the defensive line. Jamaal Anderson has to get meaner in a hurry. Grady Jackson figures to wind up here eventually — look for him at the end of August — and could well start at tackle again.

By Mental Recession

July 28, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Mark,

What did you mean by this statement,

“Dimitroff spoke first, which seemed rather symbolic”

Thanks in advance

By Vick Supporter

July 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

The whole Falcons franchise is a joke. The laughing stock of the NFL. I wish all ill will upon them.

By Kno Doubt

July 28, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

To Former Season Ticket Holder,

You rightfully mentioned that MV7 kept the lights on at Flowery Branch, The Georgia Dome and the AJC. However, you forgot a few… 680 The Fan, 790 The Zone, Fox Sports South, etc. I’m convinced that all of these entities are on King Arthur’s payroll. It was sad and disgusting listening to 790 The Zone beg people to support Matt Ryan and buy tickets this morning while broadcasting live from Flowery Branch. This is unprecedented. We actually have supposedly unbiased sports journalist in this town actually telling people how they SHOULD feel about a local sports franchise… Unbelievable.

Nothing against Matt Ryan, but if someone pays their hard-earned money to go down to the Georgia Dome and decide to boo Matt for any reason… well that’s their right. He’s a big boy making a big-boy salary. You don’t have to hold his hand or better yet… CODDLE HIM! Where have we heard that before.

By Ken Strickland

July 28, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY-thanks for your response. Personally, I think our OFF will be just fine regardless who starts at QB. We simply have too much versatility and too many weapons(RB’s-MTurner, HBrown & JNorwood, WR’s-RWhite, LRobinson, MJenkins, BFinneran & Douglas, QB’s CRedmon & MRyan). Our OL won’t be the most talented by a longshot, but it will certainly be as talented as the ones fielded by HC Dan Reeves or HC JMora when they had their sucesses running the ball. It’s as much a matter of how you utilize your talent, scheme wise, as much as snything else. I think Smith’s OFF scheme is very well suited to take advantage of the OFF talent we have, especially the OL talent

Our DEF has question marks at almost every position.

(1)Will DE JAbraham stay healthy?

(2)Will DE JAnderson improve last yrs ineffective pass rush?

(3)Will we be able to get an effective interior pass rush, especially with GJackson at DT?

(4)Will CLofton or TTaylor give us the stopper we’ve needed at MLB?

(5)Will inexperience, and the absence of a probowl calibur CB like DHall, hurt our overall pass DEF?

(6)Will DB Coleman be the answer at FS?

If we can get positive answers to these questions, we’ll have a very successful season.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE MATTER MR BRADLEY?

By HOGAN

July 28, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Ryan will fail like all Falcons QBs. He needs an O-line that can protect him. He will get Killed with the current O-line. Another bad draft choice. They should have selected Dorsey.

By bigeasy830

July 28, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

No one has to give Matt Ryan a chance, just let his play do the talking. This is a show and prove league. Many true fans just believed that Ryan was the wrong pick, nothing against Ryan, many like myself just thought that Dorsey is the better player and would help the Falcons immediately and in the long term goals of getting this team to a Super Bowl. Many true fans like myself felt disappointment in the MV7 situation but, oh well, things happen time to move on and rebuild the team. Many, like myself think that we should have started the rebuilding process with the lines O and D lines. Nothing against Matt Ryan, I hope he is a very successful QB in this league for years to come but, I still believe that he was the wrong pick. But since we have him, I will not and do not have to give him a chance just like I did not give MV7 a chance, I disagreed in Dan Reaves picking him, I thought we should have taken the RB, LT and the QB, Brees in the second round, But Vick play not his character issues I say again his play did the talking. Now its time for Matt Ryan play to do the talking for him and not you in a “Give Him a Chance” article. All the stats he has amassed up to now playing football means nothing this is the NFL, (Not For Long) if he does not produce on this level. So damn all the candy coated articles and the goody goody stories, damn all the MV7 comments good or bad. Its all about the here and now. Its all about this year team, this year players and their performance on the field. Its time to play some football.

By mars

July 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Hopefully by the third or fourth game of the season all of these racist, hateful and close-minded “Vick fans” will disappear so that we Falcon fans can enjoy a little discourse. I also hope that Matt Ryan is given at least a fraction of the many chances that were wasted on Vick over and over and over and over and…..

By tryanx

July 28, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Vick supporter, I love how you accuse me of typically throwing out stats. Just so you know this is my first post also just so you know I have 2 Vick jerseys and was a big supporter until 2006 when I realized that MV didn’t have the mind set to be a quarterback. I will give you that he was a great runner and very exciting but if your quarterback throws the ball out of bonds on 4th down with less than two minute left in the game. That says to me that he is not thinking like a quarterback. The problem is that your arguments are based on emotions and not facts. This is not a fact but maybe the problem wasn’t the receivers but the velocity that the ball was traveling. The ball does not need to be thrown 90 miles an hour every time. You also stated that Vick had a winning record for his career as a starter but the fact is that the Falcons were 47-48 over the seven years he was here. I will give you that he was injured one year and didn’t start his first but still, other than his 11-5 season he was an even 500. I never once brought up race you did and this is not a race issue. How about Donavan McNabb 2189 comp with 79 interceptions and an 85.8 quarterback rating. Maybe Steve McNair will suit you better, 2733 comp. with 119 int’s and a QB rating of 82.8. Both of these quarterbacks are African-American and they are good Quarterbacks. The fact of the matter is that beyond his ability to run Michael had nothing else that one would look for in a quarterback. He didn’t win as much as people would like to think, revisionist history being what it is and all. Vick supporter try using facts to back up your opinions instead of your emotions, then someone might take you seriously. These stats came from www.nfl.com.

By Keeping It Real

July 28, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Same old story. Ryan is no Vick. Who on this this team is entertaining. There will be few wins with a boring offense and no defense. There will be some folks from Gwinnett and Cobb in the seats who love character and high morals. Of course this has nothing to do with race. It is culture and the way one group epresses itself.

I miss No. 7 because you could always expect some excitement. If Ryan wins games, then Vick will be removed from my thoughts over time. I hope that Ryan is successful, but I will not spend my money on tickets. There will be no EXCITEMENT on the field.

By Mark Bradley

July 28, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Shows what I know. I thought the Falcons would wait until the end of camp to bring in Grady Jackson. Turns out they signed him today.

By bigeasy830

July 28, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Grady has been used and abused by the Falcons the last couple of years more than a 2 dollar you know what at port of call by the Navy. What happened with that law suit. I guess when you cannot find another team, money talks an bulls*&^ walks. I don’t know if Grady got a family to feed but Grady got 365 lbs of Grady to feed.

By mars

July 28, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Actually bigeasy830, other teams, including Green Bay, Jacksonville, Oakland, and some team called New England were all interested in Grady’s services. He wanted to be in Atlanta. Poor guy, so few choices!

By Ken

July 28, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

By bigeasy830, you have hit the nail on the head! If Matt Ryan turns out to be a Manning or Brady type QB then it was a great pick and there will be plenty of opportunity to build the lines around him. Conversly, if he becomes just a journeyman QB it will have been a wasted opportunity to get a big time lineman. It really doesn,t matter what you or I think—the proof will be in the pudding,so to speak. It,s gonna be real fun to watch and see how it plays out. I can,t wait!