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