Mark Bradley

By jeanE

August 14, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

I may have to accept that M. Ryan is the “future” but I don’t have to like it & I sure as h—- don’t agree with it. It’s totally colored my perception of that veggie head, Dimitroff. And on an aside, he (Dimitroff) looked like a rumpled homeless man when they interviewed him during the game. Seemed kind of out of it, too. What’s up with that? You win with defense, period. You can’t tell me they didn’t draft Ryan b/c they desperately wanted to wipe the stench of Vick from this town. I won’t believe you, this smacks of P.R. Glen Dorsey may not have been the answer but another beast on the d-line wouldn’ve been really nice. So I am not a Ryan fan, too much money for an unproven QB. It’s very rare to find a P. Manning & Ryan ain’t Manning. Go Birds. Go Joey.

By GATORZONE

August 14, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

jeanE, you must have seen a different game last week if you really think that way. Joey was WAAAAY incompitent and Ryan had totaly control. By the way, Dorsey is already injured. Falcons did a great job drafting Ryan!

GO BIRDS!!!!!

By noneya

August 14, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

His reception will be a non issue. No one is going to boo him. Even the Vick fans have accepted the fact that he is not going to be here. Matt Ryan has nothing to do with that. I didn’t like the pick because I felt we had other needs but Ryan can’t help where he was drafted. Atlanta fans are luke warm anyway. Who have we really booed since Ray Buchanan came back as a Raider?

By Phillip

August 14, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Mark,

I would suggest to you that the fans that will never come back to the Falcons without Vick were never really Falcons fans in the first place - they were Michael Vick fans. If a “fan” does not support the Falcons after what Vick did to them (not the other way around), then I don’t really think they were much of a Falcons fan to begin.

Matt Ryan has done nothing to disappoint to date and, in fairness, he deserves some time to develop - for cryin’ out loud Peyton Manning threw 27 int’s his rookie year.

By Dirty bird

August 14, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

I am excited to see Ryan playing for the Falcons. He looked poised and confident in his first start against on of the NFL’s best d’s. I loved Vick and was crushed to lose him, now I want to love Ryan and will give him every chance he needs to suceed. I’m a fan of the team and am really fired up to see the new additions. Our first team O and D, regardless of who is QB will be very competitive. It is our depth that concerns me and will hurt us in the long run as injuries pile up. We will probably end up 6-10 and Ryan will emerge at some point as the starter. From there we continue to build. Go Falcons!

By STL Falcon

August 14, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley

I have been a life-long Falcon fan and moved from Conyers maybe 15-16 years ago. I’ve been an everyday reader of this site for years and I just wanted to say thanks for working.

Truth be told, I didn’t like this article, being one of your aforementioned “Falcon fans,” I hate to see another reference to Vick made in the same article as Ryan. You had an opportunity to try to build excitement for Ryan, but chose to turn on the “Vick fans’” sense of loyalty - and in my who-asked-you-anyway opinion, preseason football is our time for hope’s spring, not for the rain on our picnic.

That asside, with the Braves mailing it in, and the Spirit doing thier best to move the Hawks and Thrashers’ talent and fan base out of town, I just appreciate reading something, anything new about the Falcons. Some of your contemporaries keep the same healines next to thier pictures for so long I start to wonder how long thier next column is going to be.

I like to read the reactions from other fans, and while they are sometimes funny, you guys take a lot of flak. I may not always like what you write Mr. Bradley, but thanks for keeping my Falcon’s Fix in check. Even if I hate you for it, keep it coming.

GO FALCONS!

By David

August 14, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

I like the looks of the future with Ryan as QB; so much so I am looking at the schedule and trying to make the dates work, so i can attend as many games as possible.

I can proudly say i did not attend a single game during the vick era. I was so offended and disgusted at his selection by the Falcons, I wrote the team off and refused to support them in any way. All of the class and character exhibited by Mr. Dunn and Mr. Brooking (among others), was cancelled out by the mere presence of vick. It was better to forgo Atlanta Falcons football than to discard my own convictions.

Here’s wishing Mr. Ryan and the entire Falcon team much success; and for a year in which Arthur keeps his happy self in the suite, and off the sideline.

By michael

August 14, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

When the Falcons drafted Ryan in the 1st round I was not really surprised.I was hoping for a big man on the d-line like most fans, for no other reason to help free up Abe and Jamal,but looking at how Dorsey already is having knee problems in training camp I’m beginning to be relieved they didn’t draft him. Ryan has a long way to go to fill the absense Vick left in most fans eyes as far as getting fans to “buy” into the Falcons,but I’m a 30 year Falcon fan and I didn’t give up on them 20 years ago and I’m not giving up on them now or ever!! Go Falcons!!!

By STL Falcon

August 14, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley

I have been a life-long Falcon fan and moved from Conyers maybe 15-16 years ago. I’ve been an everyday reader of this site for years and I just wanted to say thanks for working.

Truth be told, I didn’t like this article, being one of your aforementioned “Falcon fans,” I hate to see another reference to Vick made in the same article as Ryan. You had an opportunity to try to build excitement for Ryan, but chose to turn on the “Vick fans’” sense of loyalty - and in my who-asked-you-anyway opinion, preseason football is our time for hope’s spring, not for the rain on our picnic.

That asside, with the Braves mailing it in, and the Spirit doing thier best to move the Hawks and Thrashers’ talent and fan base out of town, I just appreciate reading something, anything new about the Falcons. Some of your contemporaries keep the same healines next to thier pictures for so long I start to wonder how long thier next column is going to be.

I like to read the reactions from other fans, and while they are sometimes funny, you guys take a lot of flak. I may not always like what you write Mr. Bradley, but thanks for keeping my Falcon’s Fix in check. Even if I hate you for it, keep it coming.

GO FALCONS!

By VickBeliever

August 14, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Mr. Blank & Dimitroff can say whatever they wish when they get in front of the camera but we all know that the Matt Ryan pick was a move to further distance themselves from Mike Vick the man who by himself made the Falcons respectable. The fact that they are pushes this all but average QB in front of this franchise will back fire so hard on them. Just as Frenchy with the Braves has settled into his average play Matt (Leaf)Ryan will soon do the same after he has a good pre-season against vanilla and defenses that have not schemed for him. Just asked the last GREAT wHITE HOPE you tried to crown in Matt Schaub once teams got him on tape he lost his starting job in Houston. So Mr. Blank even though Vick made a big mistake you will regret turning your back on him.

By Falcon Fan

August 14, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Go Joey? Did you watch the game against Jax the other night? Ryan did well against the #1s and Joey looked pretty bad (other than one play by Snelling) against the #3s. People accept the fact that Ryan is our QB and give him the support he deserves.

Is it any wonder why the falcons wanted to clear the slate clean of the idiot Vick. I don’t know why people wouldn’t be falcons anymore now that Vick isn’t on the team. It isn’t the falcons fault he committed felony crimes and is in a federal prison right now. So people who make that claim are just as dumb as Vick and I don’t want them being fans of my team anyways…I hope to not see them at the games this fall like I did last year. Go Birds!

By Famuan

August 14, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

What a stupid column. People who bought season tickets are not there to boo the young man. I guess the question is how many “fans” actually bought tickets. Really Mr. Bradley, your personal PR campaign for Matt Ryan is pretty disturbing at this point. You’re proud of your golden boy, we get that…but you, nor Arthur Blank, nor any amount of gimmicks to sell those tickets will cause an great rush of people to run out and buy #2 jerseys or tailgate robustly or fill up the Georgia Dome. The fact that you wish to put out some sort of column to pre-blame the “fans” is pathetic. Get over it. The Falcons will have the crowd they had pre-Vick, what’s the problem? Isn’t that okay with you?

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

If you think Dimitroff seems out of it, you’ve obviously never met him. He’s a smart guy.

By Di

August 14, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Can we stop with the ‘missing Vick’ theme, I don’t miss him one bit and am thankful that we have had the Falcons organization working very hard to put a great team together. Can we just be over ANY comments on Vick. Go Falcons!!!!!

By Falcon Tradition

August 14, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

To jeanE,

Of course drafting Ryan is part of moving on. That’s what good organizations do in the face of tragic situations.

Go Joey???!! Did you see the game last week? Did you watch the games last year? Did you see Joey in Detroit????

And you say that Dimitroff “seemed kind of out of it”?

Enough said about your judgement!!!!

By Walkadog

August 14, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick will never be the past and Matt Ryan the future until people like you, Mark, stop writing about him. It’s as if all of you at the AJC can’t let go of Vick. If you want Falcon fans to accept Matt, please stop mentioning Vick; you sound like a jilted lover.

If Vick’s fans don’t return to the GA Dome, have Mr. Blank call PETA and all of those so-called Falcons fans who said they would not come back as long as Vick was playing. Obviously, they lied to him because they certainly didn’t show up last season, and I doubt they will show up this season either.

By Jim H.

August 14, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

I was once a big Vick supporter too, but if the Vick diehards won’t let it go, screw’em. They can go support some other team. Vick is gone. He won’t be a Falcon again. He probably won’t play in the NFL again, and if he does I doubt he will be effective (seeing as how 95 percent of his game was based on his exceptional athleticism , not his quarterback skills, and IF he makes it back to the NFL he will be pushing thirty years old and will likely have lost a step or two —- so that athletic edge will be diminished or gone). And the sad thing is HE DID ALL THIS TO HIMSELF THROUGH HIS OWN STUPIDITY! Too bad Lawyer Malloy didn’t arrive on the scene a few years earlier. Maybe he could have injected some of his fantastic character into Vick (or at least slapped some sense into him).

Go Matt Ryan! The new Falcons leadership has the franchise pointed in the right direction. Hopefully better days are coming.

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

STL Falcon, I appreciate your reservations — and I also appreciate your kind words — but here’s my take: Michael Vick was the biggest Atlanta sports figure of this decade, and to ignore the hold he had (and, in some cases, apparently still has) on this audience is to be disingenuous.

And let me restate this: I always liked Vick as a guy and always considered him a really good quarterback. And I’m sorry for what happened. It’s among the saddest stories I’ve ever covered.

By DHD

August 14, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Can anybody at the AJC write just ONE article without mentioning Vick?????????????????

Just ONE??????

Your obsession scares me.

By ATLDawgy

August 14, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Go Joey? LMAO. Please. Anyone who doesn’t welcome Ryan isn’t a Falcons fan. Ryan didn’t charge Vick and quite frankly, neither did the Falcons or the NFL. The suspension was a result of Vick committing a crime and lying to the team leadership about it.

I was a big Vick supporter until he disrespected the team by not studying the QB position more; disrespected the fans by stating that we’ll love him no matter what (said at the Falcons gala event at the Fox prior to being indicted); and finally, he disrespected himself by not making the best of the blessed opportunities he’s received in life.

He made his choice and it was a bad one. He got caught. Would be different if he were innocent. Vick is not the Falcons. Vick never led the Falcons to the Super Bowl. I was a Falcons fan before Vick was born and will be as long as I live. He let us down.

The next time I hear the “society cares about dogs more than humans” crap I’ll puke. It seems Vick cared more about dogs than himself and his family/friends who were involved because he enabled all guilty parties by funding the operation.

I agree 100% that dog fighting is a dumb reason for such a promising career to end or be halted. That is why I don’t understand why Vick would make such a bad choice. If I were Vick, I’m sure I could have found better things to spend my money on and occupy my time doing than dog fighting.

For the record, I wanted the Falcons to go OL/DL first but they didn’t. Turn the page. Ryan is the QB and looks more promising than anyone else on the roster. I do want to see Shockley get more opportunities in preseason games though. Hopefully he’ll get in the 2nd or 3rd quarter soon.

Go Falcons!

By tj

August 14, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

I just want to know why is the media and the Falcons forcing this QB on us, He is not a great QB, I saw the game against Jax, and just about every pass he threw was off!!!! Shockley on the other hand, was the Impressive QB, he actually made me cheer for the falcons during the game, where the other QB’s were just boring to watch…. Mr. Blank, You are going to LOSE alot of money over the next few years, with this slow average QB leading us to years of losing seasons!!!!!

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

I know many of you have expressed fears over the guys who’ll be blocking for Matt Ryan. If you’ll allow me this bit of cross-promotion, I should note that I wrote a little something about the Falcons’ offensive line for today’s paper. Feel free to click the link.

By stonoguy

August 14, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Hey VickBeliever,…..Please believe that Michael Vick is in prison…..Believe that Michael Vick will never play for the Falcons again!

I believe that Matt Ryan is the Falcons’ QB!!! Reality…what a concept!!

It’ll be nice going to the Dome and not being exposed to the hip-hop atmosphere that we were forced to experience the past few years!!!

By Hollywould

August 14, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Falcon fans will welcome Matt Ryan 100%. Vick lovers will support Vick and Vick only unless we start winning. Who cares if they show up anyway? They will come with their #7 jerseys ready to pounce on any mistake Ryan might make. They are in denial. Do you see any other people in the world wearing jerseys of somebody in jail? I think not. Anyway, I hope they don’t show as now I can take my son back to the game and throw with him before the game without having to listen to the n,f,ho words that spew out of the speakers of people who do not respect anyone. The hell with them and Vick. True fans will be there.

By GIlley

August 14, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Well speaking for myself and as a Mike Vick fan, I am not excited about the Falcons at all and I will not be attending any games. Not that I would if Vick was here anyway.

But I have nothing against Matt Ryan. He just will never do what Mike Vick did for me every time he touched the field. I was a fan of the Falcons and I will root for them again soon but I can’t do it right now and plus I am still not 100% healed from losing the most exciting player I ever seen on the football field.

July 9th is the Road to Redemption though but good luck Falcons….Go Hawks!!!

By TROTTINGHOMETUDD

August 14, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Let’s see Mark if you can correlate 90% of the Falcon fans who swore off the Falcon’s come rushiong back with African American attendance.

Does that mean we will AGAIN lead the league in African American attendance?

I personally think that their were a lot of Vick fans in the stands because of his unigue ability to make something out of nothing.

And in your last article you alluded to the former staff as not always being as professional or intellegent as the current.

So that means Vick had to overcome some coachs who weren’t as professional or intellegent as they might have should have been.

Oh Yea, your ideas are all guesses I see.

Ideas that are on the tip of everyone’s tongue (nothing original). Try doing a personal survey of the people in the city and quit guessing.

Your right not many would miss you if you went on vacation, unless you wrote an article that could realy move people or at least make them think of something they hadn’t before.

By doityboid

August 14, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry that Vick didn’t get to play last year for one reason. Under the coaching staff the Falcons began the season with, he was going to have show that he could stand in the pocket in a pro type offensive set, check down receivers and deliver the ball ACURATELY. I doubt very seriously that he would be a Falcon this season due to that performance. He’d have been traded. Good defenses had already found out how to deal with him. Other mediocre teams never would have been able to contain him. That’s my opinion and it’s worth what you paid for it.

By Jeff

August 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

If the fans boo Ryan, i will burn my falcons jersey on the spot. There’s no reason to boo a man who wants to turn this franchise around, and win some games. Still amazes me that grown adults still wear Vick Jerseys!

By Bubba from Buckhead

August 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

He’s an Atlanta Falcon, the fans will love him and scream his name when he comes out the tunnel regardless of the bipartisan nature of the fanbase. Good luck Matt, hope you throw 20-20 with 10TD in the preseason home opener.

By Mental Recession

August 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Dear Mark,

You have your QB, why keep crying about Who will show up, who will boo, and how it all relates to MV.

Question how many of your articles have talked about the TEAM…seems like you only want to talk about how much Better and how much MORE we should support Matt Ryan…. Hmmmm if I like and support Matt Ryan wouldn’t THAT make me a Matt Ryan Fan, as opposed to an Atlanta Falcon Fan?

But it is what it is… this country was, is, and will continue to be built on Double Standards. Justice isn’t quite for all, JUST US… You can’t pee on me and convince me it’s raining Mark.

By Glenn

August 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

If he plays well he will be embraced . If he does not he won’t . It really is as simple as that . I never liked taking him over Glenn Dorsey . It seems to me that in the NFL victory is achieved in the trenches . Our offense seems rather conservative now as well . Hopefully he won’t be the second coming of Alex Smith or JP losman . The NFL is full of first round qb’s that didn’t live up to their billing . Wasn’t Joey Harrington a number 3 pick as well ?

By TROTTINGHOMETUDD

August 14, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

And as you can see I don’t use spell check and sometimes confuse their with there

By TURTSNAP

August 14, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Good article Mark. A true Falcon fan will welcome Matt warmly. I agree with your opinion, there will be no thunderous applause, as a certain #7 received when he was drafted. Over time, though, he will receive that thunderous applause. Starting this year, “true” Falcon fans will notice a huge difference in the overall play of the team. I do not mean, necessarily, that the Falcons will have a good year record wise, but their overall play will be different than what we have witnessed here since the Dan Reeves days. When Mora came in, he inherited some of Reeve’s left over talent and thrived his first year with that talent. Since then we have witnessed collapse after collapse, and then last year, well… lets just forget about that debacle.

The Falcons will be coached this year, unlike last year and frankly, unlike any of the years Mora was here. Coach Smith will not stand for some of the goofiness that has occurred here over the past few years. Dimitroff will not either.

Man, I can’t wait for the season to begin. Go Birds.

By Falcon Fan

August 14, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

I was a huge Vick fan but the man is in jail so it’s time to move on. I’ve already replaced my Vick jersey with Matty Ice’s and I can’t wait to support him at the dome. Vick has no one to blame but himself and he brought all of this upon himself and the Falcons. Once he pays his debt and comes back to the NFL, I will welcome him with open arms…but we probably won’t need him because Ryan looks pretty legit. Give the new guy a chance to show what he’s got and then make your judgements. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!

By LithoniaHal

August 14, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

I think he will get a good reception. I like Ryan alot. I am a fan of Vicks athletic ability but I really like this Ryan kid because he seems much more like a person who studies his craft. Really enjoyed the way he stepped to the line and was able to audible on the first play. That shows that he is thinking and not just improvising. Dont get me wrong, I was mesmerized by what my man Vick would bring on Sundays but I was also mesmerized by the almost chess-like way Manning has went about his business and mark my word I think this is the same type of QB. Go Birds!!!!

By kerryb

August 14, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

TJ, I’m a big georgia fan too but can we PLEASE get off of the Shockley thing. They are not paying DJ 72 Million dollars and I don’t know what game you were watching but Ryan looked confident and sharp, DJ threw an interception on 3rd down in the end zone on the 5 yard line that could have won the game. We saw enough of that kind of stuff last year. DJ will never be more than a backup or third teamer.

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Doitybird, we’ll obviously never know how Vick would have fared under Bobby Petrino, but I should tell you this: People who work for the Falcons — and who weren’t necessarily big fans of Petrino personally — believe Vick would have been sensational in that offense.

Not merely good. Sensational.

By Jerry

August 14, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Boy I sure did like the way we looked against Jacksonville. A positive direction, I see. Injuries will of course kill us but we must maintain the vision and I somehow trust our GM and Coach.

Most of ya’ll need to let go of the past.

You have a right to say “Should of drafted him or him” but that’s over. Last year was like a junkie with withdrawls. We hit bottom.

Let the healing begin.

I hold the envelope to mind head and what is this I see. All key members of the offense and defence stay healthy for the year and the FALCONS go 9-7 and receive a wild card berth.

Hop on board the RYAN EXPRESS.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

DA BIRDS!

By ATLDawgy

August 14, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Kerryb,

The clock was running out and it’s not uncommon to see an INT in the endzone when the game is on the line and the offense isn’t settling for a field goal. Tell me a good QB who hasn’t thrown an INT in the endzone. I’d pay more attention to how well DJ moved the team down the field.

By BullDawg Rick

August 14, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Trotting…

Vick never played for the last coaching staff… Petrino, ya know..

I was a #7 fan but HE - YES MICHAEL VICK, HIMSELF caused all the trouble.. If you cannot see this all of you are really STUPID!!!

Blank put his money where his mouth & heart is in MV… MV let himself, his teammates, his TEAM, the city of Atlanta & yes, his fans DOWN…

I was not crazy about the pick of Matt Ryan, but I have to say I trust the new regime. Smith is a D coach (it’s been a while since we’ve not had a gimmic coach as a HC). & Dimitroff has the track record from the best NFL organization this century… So yeah, if you are a fan of the Falcons ya better get on board, because this staff & organization is again trying to build a winner..

It’s time to move on..

Go Birds!!

By NCFalconFan

August 14, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

What is wrong with you people? If I lived in Atlanta I would be there cheering Ryan and the Falcons on. If you were a Vick fan, then stay home and wallow. Vick made me a fan of the NFL, I hate that he is not here, but I refuse to allow his boneheaded mistakes make miss the greatest sport on Earth.

By SickandTired

August 14, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Here’s the word falcon fans, Vick is gone, DJ will never start for an NFL team and Matt Ryan is our QB. Deal with it. You don’t have to like it but if you can’t still be a fan in light of those facts, you weren’t a fan to begin with.

By wes

August 14, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Atlanta has consistently been rated as the WORST SPORTS CITY IN AMERICA/ WORST SPORTS FANS IN THE NATION…or whatever they call us these days.

Now, what in the hell would we be if we didn’t have idiots in #7 jerseys booing Matt Ryan this Saturday?

We have a reputation to uphold, MB!! Of course there will be booing! We’re ATLANTA!!!!!!!

By Bubba from Buckhead

August 14, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

The problem is that the MV7haters want the Dome to themselves, while the MV7huggers just want a competitive team. Vickhaters only want a clean cut American QB who stands tall in the pocket and not run around like MV7. Vickhuggers love watching MV7 for his elusivness and mobility. MV7huggers continue to support the player cause they feel he was and continues to be a Falcon. MV7haters want no parts of the guy, they’d like to burn his jersey if given an opportunity. MV7huggers get to upset over the MV7 issue. MV7haters create the propaganda on these blogs to enjoy the emotion displayed by MV7huggers. They both have too much time on their hands. Who’s right and who’s wrong? They both have valid points. MV7 screwed us all. Am I upset no, he doesn’t pay my bills. I am disappointed. Am I not a fan cause I want him to come back and see MV7 play again in Atlanta. I wouldn’t lose an ounce of sleep if he doesn’t. Really if you feel so passionate about football whether you’re a MV7hater or MV7hugger, then you both should consider other priorities. It’s not that serious, we all want to see the Atlanta Falcons win. No one cares how the coach, QB, Safety, or owner looks, we just want to win and beat the shyt out of Tampa and New Orleans. Let’s all stop the foolishness and come together as fans on Saturday. Leave your bipartisan attitudes at home and lets support Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. MV7huggers stop making excuses and whinning about spilled milk.

By Matt

August 14, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

First off Mark, you were completely right by saying that Ryan was the best QB in the field last Saturday. And if a true Falcon fan isnt excited about that, then they are not a TRUE fan.

People who support Vick need to get over themselves and come to reality that the biggest fellon in Atlanta Sports History is no longer apart of this hurting franchise. THANK GOD!!! I liked Vick when he played too, but we never went to a Super Bowl, had more losing seasons than winning, and his feet were the only part of him that kept us in games, he wasnt a great QB. If you put Norwood in the QB spot, he could have down 80% of the things Vick could.

Ryan wont get the hype and love that Vick got for 2 simple reasons. 1) Hes not Vick 2)He is white. Now I am sure everyone is going to blast me now calling me a racist and so forth but its the truth. You wont see young inner city youth wearing #2 jerseys, you wont see Ryans highlights making the front page of the AJC and you wont see him lead the top 10 plays on ESPN. But what you will see is a talented, young, smart, eager, divoted, not easily distracted, more worried about the team than in Nike player. Who with time wil become a great QB in the NFL.

My ending statement is for all the people who say “I really dont care too much about the Falcons, because Vick isnt there” DONT GO TO THE GAMES! You are not a true fan, youre a WANNA BE! You root for a team when theyre losing and you root for a team when their winning! Thats what a true fan is….I dont care if the Falcons go 0 and 16. But as long as the are moving forward with out distractions, fellons, thugs, and attitudes than I am a happy Falcons fan!

Go Falcons…us true fans are proud of ya!

By Traceman

August 14, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

NO ONE was (is) a bigger Mike Vick fan than me but no one is a bigger FALCONS’ fan than me either. Why would a Falcons’s fan boo Ryan before he even plays in a game? I was a proponent of drafting Dorsey but I will be cheering Ryan Saturday night and I hope to be cheering him for the next 10+ years.

Also, I think there is an erroneous perception out there that the MAJORITY of BLACK Falcons’ fans won’t cheer for Ryan and I think that percption is absolutely RIDICULOUS. There will likely be a FEW black Falcons’ fans who won’t give Ryan a chance but the vast majority will support him 100%.

By TROTTINGHOMETUDD

August 14, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

BullDawg,

Mark Bradley wasn’t necessarily talking about just the last staff

By Freddie Falcon

August 14, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, not the one on the back.

By Mental Recession

August 14, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

NO ONE was crying and making a big stink telling folks to support Vick and come to the games….

Oh wait…………the games were SOLD OUT……..they didn’t have to!!!!!!

Mad because Billy Bob from Dahlonega isn’t ponying up the $$ but Jerome and Shaniqua were buying BOX seats… Don’t hate the Pay-a Hate the Game….

By tj

August 14, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

kerryb,

that interception was on a 4 down situation, not 3rd down, we could have tied the game and sent to overtme with Shockleys performance… You also did not see all of the dropped passes that were on target.. Those WR that Shockley was throwing too, are not NFL material, Roddy White, Finneran, and even Joe Horn would have cought every pass thrown by shockly… weems is not a good reciever..

Shockley was an outstanding QB in the SEC, which is clearly the strongest conference in the NCAA.. He threw only 5 interceptions in that conference during his senior year… Ryan, threw 19 interceptions in the ACC which is a weaker conference… Do the math, Shockley should be starting for the falcons!!!!!!! If he gets cut, then there will be no more exciting QB’s on the roster to keep the ATLANTA fans interested in the team!!!! Go ahead Mr. Blank, its your money on the line, and you should listen to the fans, so what if the team loses?? You still sold out the Dome every home game !!!!

By Famuan

August 14, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I personally look forward to the blacked out games, sparse tailgating and non-existent national games…its what most want anyway, and have wanted back for the last 7 years, so why not embrace it?

By Mental Recession

August 14, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Dear Mark,

You have your QB, why keep crying about Who will show up, who will boo, and how it all relates to MV.

Question how many of your articles have talked about the TEAM…seems like you only want to talk about how much Better and how much MORE we should support Matt Ryan…. Hmmmm if I like and support Matt Ryan wouldn’t THAT make me a Matt Ryan Fan, as opposed to an Atlanta Falcon Fan?

But it is what it is… this country was, is, and will continue to be built on Double Standards. Justice isn’t quite for all, JUST US… You can’t pee on me and convince me it’s raining Mark.

By Princeton Grad

August 14, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Stonoguy and Hollywould,

Your comments are just that, yours, but they are very inappropriate. Please talk football and keep the racial undertones to yourselves gentlemen.

There is a scripture in the Bible that states “Do not try to pull the speck out of your brothers eye, when there is a plank in your eye.”

We all have our thingm we just haven’t gotten caught. Please don’t be so quick to judge Vick. Yes, he made a huge mistake, but that doesn;t mean that he is the worst guy on the planet as many of you may believe.

What about John Edwards, Mayor Kirkpatrick, the senators who have made the headlines? No one is perfect, our private matters are just not blasted in the media.

Note: This is in NO way to make excuses for what he did.

Hell, I’ve done it before and I graduated from Princeton. That doesn’t make me a bad person. I should have used better judgement.

Now to Football…

Matt Ryan is a good quarterback who has the potential to be great in this league. If he works hard and commits himself to getting better daily, he will be a star in the league.

The Falcons will be FINE!

Go FALCONS

By Famuan

August 14, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Oh Matt….that comment makes no sense. Surely there are 70,000 white people capable of buying season tickets since you make it clear in your idiotic posts that no one will support Matt Ryan because he’s white. If there aren’t 70,000 white people to support him, one can only assume its because there aren’t 70,000 white folks that DO.

By MrKnowGood

August 14, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Mark,

As a self proclaimed “Vick fan,” I will admit that I am hoping the Falcons do well this year. However, (and don’t get me wrong…Michael Vick is responsible for his numerous mistakes) the most troubling part of this continuing saga was that even when Michael Vick was playing for the Falcons, he was never afforded the “benefit of the doubt.”

If the Offensive Line performed poorly, according to the AJC, it was Michael Vick’s fault for “running to much and not staying in the pocket” (and we all saw how well that worked out for Joey Harrington); if the receivers continuously dropped the ball, it was Vick’s fault for “not being accurate enough”.

Only after it became obvious that the Offensive line was the REAL and continuing problem for the Falcons did you or any of your colleagues ever “call out” the horrible Offensive Line. Michael Vick would always run for a 1st down on the numerous 3rd and long situations the Falcons were in and he was criticized for “running too much.” Even though his running was the only thing that kept us in the game.

So this year, I’m hoping the Falcons do well, but I am curious to see how the AJC sports columnists react to Matt Ryan when he is continuously sacked or when he throws too many interceptions. Will he be afforded the “benefit of a doubt” that Michael Vick was never given (talking to you Jeff Schultz)? Or will he be scapegoated like Joey Harrington and Bryon Leftwhich?

By willdave

August 14, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, some of the comments posted here demonstrate why you still have to mention the Vickster every time you write about the current Falcons: Some diehard fans just will not let this felon be a part of the past. Let me offer these folk a reality check. The Falcons were 100% correct to draft Matt Ryan as their new franchise QB. Vick never won an MVP or took the Falcons to a SB. He constantly got into trouble. HE IS A CONVICTED FELON. This is the second of at least two full seasons that he will not play in the NFL due to serving time in a federal prison. Then, once that time is served, we do not know how many more seasons he might miss due to serving time in state prison. Then, once that time is served, we would have to wait to see if or when the commissioner decides to reinstate this lying felon. By then, Vick would not have played professional football for several seasons and would be well into his thirties. Even if the Falcons were crazy enough to bring back a washed up player like that, they would still have to deal with PETA and all the other protesters who would take offense to his return. Thus, I am completely puzzled as to why the diehard Vick supporters cannot face the facts and admit that his days as a “star” QB for the Falcons are over and have absolutely no realistic chance of ever being revived. So get over it. Go Matt Ryan!

By The Grinch

August 14, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Hey, I liked Vick too. Time to move on. Ryan looks to me like he’ll be a good QB. Perhaps a great one, though it’s too early to tell for sure. It’s not too early to tell that we have a real coaching staff, though, and I believe a real GM. It took guts to pick Ryan over Dorsey and early returns look positive. Dorsey’s blown his knee out, by the way. And I hate to laugh at injuries, but D-Hall breaking his hand already is a prime example of karma. Now he’ll have to count his money with only one. Anyhoo, I like the way this team’s shaping up (though it’s early); they’re giving me hope for the future. Give Dimitroff at least three years before you start jumping on his GM skills; who knows, he might actually have a plan beyond this season. I will be at the dome. I may not be here much though, if the collective intelligence of the posters doesn’t improve a bit. This is like being in High School detention hall.

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Not that it means much, but D.J. Shockley’s interception was indeed on third down. Here’s the link.

By MrKnowGood

August 14, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Mark,

As a self proclaimed “Vick fan,” I will admit that I am hoping the Falcons do well this year. However, (and don’t get me wrong…Michael Vick is responsible for his numerous mistakes) the most troubling part of this continuing saga was that even when Michael Vick was playing for the Falcons, he was never afforded the “benefit of the doubt.”

If the Offensive Line performed poorly, according to the AJC, it was Michael Vick’s fault for “running to much and not staying in the pocket” (and we all saw how well that worked out for Joey Harrington); if the receivers continuously dropped the ball, it was Vick’s fault for “not being accurate enough”.

Only after it became obvious that the Offensive line was the REAL and continuing problem for the Falcons did you or any of your colleagues ever “call out” the horrible Offensive Line. Michael Vick would always run for a 1st down on the numerous 3rd and long situations the Falcons were in and he was criticized for “running too much.” Even though his running was the only thing that kept us in the game.

So this year, I’m hoping the Falcons do well, but I am curious to see how the AJC sports columnists react to Matt Ryan when he is continuously sacked or when he throws too many interceptions. Will he be afforded the “benefit of a doubt” that Michael Vick was never given (talking to you Jeff Schultz)? Or will he be scapegoated like Joey Harrington and Bryon Leftwhich?

By LithoniaHal

August 14, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Traceman!!! Thanks for the comment. I echo the same sentiments. Like I stated earlier I’m a huge Vick fan but hey he messed up its his fault its now time to move onto the Ryan era. I am going to cheer for him just as much as I cheered for Vick because I am a Falcons fan!!!! and guess what I am black and the majority of my friends are black and guess what?! They feel the same way I do!!!! Go Ryan #2! Lets win some games BABY!!!! :)

By Former STH

August 14, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, I know you get a press pass, but how many season tickets did YOU buy for family or friends to show your great support for the team?

By PRAYLEE

August 14, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

In my opinion this was a great draft pick in getting Matt Ryan. The other quarterbacks from the draft have not done anything of note. Michael Vick did this to himself. It is time for the real Falcon fans to stand up and be counted. As soon as Matt Ryan starts doing well then we are going to have all of these fake fans jumping on the bandwagon! We don’t need you now and we won’t need you then! True Falcons fans know what I am talking about! Go Falcons!

By S#5

August 14, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

So let me understand this:

NO ONE was crying and making a big stink telling folks like David (8:58am - I can proudly say i did not attend a single game during the vick era. I was so offended and disgusted at his selection by the Falcons, I wrote the team off and refused to support them in any way.) to support Vick and come to the games and support the Falcons. NO ONE called them out on not being “true Falcons fans.” NO ONE said anything negative to those people. Yet, for those who are/were disgusted at Ryan’s pick (whether because of Vick or because they wanted other players, i.e. Dorsey), they are constantly called racists and being reamed daily in the AJC because they won’t support a QB that hasn’t proved anything or earned anything yet. Why is that?

Oh wait…………the games were SOLD OUT then……..they didn’t have to!!!!!!

By KB

August 14, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley and the rest of the fans of the Atlanta fans,

Let’s give M. Ryan a chance. I have no problem of drafting Him over G. Dorsey. I am M. Vick’s true blue fan, but even I know that M. Vick is not going back to the Falcons. He will be in the league two years from now. He will be a top qb eventually. But for now, I have to root for M. Ryan now.

Personally, I would like the Falcons get a veteran qb to start infront of M. Ryan. If the Falcons don’t Ryan will end up like David Carr. This team isn’t going to win no more than four games anyway. So let’s get a veteran in to get beat up when the rest of the offensive line grows up before putting Ryan in there.

By Native Atlantan

August 14, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Oddly enough, the last game I attended, #7 gave some fans the one fingered salute. I had a miserable time the whole day. A Falcons team that seemed to have so much promise, was once again, as in previous seasons, dropping passes and playing as if they were not prepared. The whole experience before the game, during the game with the blasting noise, and after was literally nauseating. I swore things would have to change for me to go back.

Well, thanks to Mr. Blank and his new organizing effort, things have changed. I am excited about Matt Ryan and I will cheer.

Thanks for bringing us articles about the birds.

Go Falcons!

By Former STH

August 14, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Come again Mark Bradley? You wrote this: “The guess is also that 90 percent of those self-described Vick fans who swore they’d never again support the Falcons will rush back once this team starts to win. Let’s face it: If you live in Atlanta, there’s only one NFL team to support. You can hold your breath until you’re blue in the face, or you can choose to live in the present tense.”

CARE TO EXPLAIN 1966 through 2002??

By terrell barron

August 14, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

BORING! You’re the only one thinking about Michael Vick these days. MORON! Quit trying to start an argument. If Ryan wins, people will show up. It’s that simple. Vick took us to the Playoffs in his 1st year as the starter, IN AN ELECTRIFYING WAY, MAY I ADD. That’s why people showed up. Falcon fans just want a winner. I also wanted Dorsey, at the time, but I got over it. I’m a falcons fan, so if you are wearing a uniform, I support you. PERIOD. And Dorsey has already been injured, so good thing I’m not the GM. Go Birds! And will you guys take some lessons from Sekou? Talk about things that we WANT to hear about. If some fans boo, WHO FREAKIN CARES? If he has the mental toughness that you guys speak of, it should’nt be that much of a deal. It should only make him tougher. And like I said, WIN AND THEY WILL COME.

By Hollywould

August 14, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Princeton Boy,

Sounds like a little sterotyping coming out of you Ivy League mouth. I never mentioned any color of anyone. Just goes to show …..

By tj

August 14, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

The AJC (media) is doing thier job, they are hyping this QB up, doing any and everything they can to sell tickets!!! We, as fans, are buying into it, we think these guys actually know how to spot talent.. I bet Mark Bradley, and Jeff Schults never played football for a team, not in high school, probably not in pee wee league… How can these guys write an article about a sports figure who is not going to be able to live up to this “hype” that they (AJC) keep shoving in our faces ?? Ryan is not exciting to watch. I am sorry, I was bored watching him along with Redman and Harrington…

Face it, fans in Atlanta, will not pay those ticket prices, to watch a boring football game, I did not buy season tickets this year, because of those reasons i stated above. Get me excited about the team, and my perception may change!

By AugustaDawg

August 14, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

TJ - and all other UGA fans - we need to recognize that DJ Shockley is a marginal QB that is just hoping to get a roster spot on what many feel is the worst team in the NFL.

TJ - when you make up facts (the INT being on 4th down, the “dropped” passes, etc.) it makes all Dawg fans look bad. People that saw the game know that DJ is not now and never has been an accurate passer. He has a strong arm, no doubt, but he went 4 for 15 for a reason. He’s not a pro caliber QB. Fortunately for the Falcons, Matt Ryan is.

Face it, Ryan is a stud and as a Dawg fan AND a Falcon Fan, I am ready for the Matt Ryan era to begin.

By J Franklin

August 14, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Ryan will be embraced on Saturday and he will continue to be embraced as long as continues to improve and shows the promise of being a franchise QB. I understand the choice of Ryan over Dorsey. Other than Dilfer with Baltimore Super Bowl champs have had a pro bowl caliber QB at the helm, and the Falcons felt Ryan was one. If you think two players are pro bowl caliber, one being a DT and the other a QB, you take the QB every time. If Ryan is that guy then the Falcons have gained the most important piece of a championship caliber team.

By xCaliber52

August 14, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Why would a Falcon Fan do anything other than cheer for Ryan at this point? I would be shocked if people didn’t erupt in cheers. Isn’t that what “FANS” are supposed to do?

By Token Gringo

August 14, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

I was initially against drafting a QB so high, since so few pan out, but I’m impressed with how he carries himself so far. I could care less that he’s not Glen Dorsey who may not turn out either, nor were there may quality linemen on either side of the ball available in this draft. I like the “Veggiehead” as he was referred to earlier, based upon the fact that he realizes that Brooking is not a middle player and we needed a mlb. The whole draft was a good one and I’m excited about the season.
I liked to watch Vick run, but winced when he passed. It is no coincidence that Roddy White suddenly got good when Vick was gone, even with subpar QBs throwing it to him.
I like the team concept we have now, at least we should have some effort this year, the veterans let us give up last year, but those guys are gone, so we can move on.

By Mental Recession

August 14, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Face it..SOME wanted and needed a Hero. SOME Dads got tired of seeing their sons asking for #7 Jerseys, and SOME Businessmen got tired of seeing their mistresses lick their lips at seeing the RAW athletism that “YKW” displayed Week in and Week out. There is no way this BOY should be taking good jobs away from REAL All American Men.

According to the season Tix Renewals it doesn’t appear that ANYONE is buying into the Manufactored Hero for this team. BLACK, OR WHITE… The PEOPLE have spoken..now give it a rest already. Get ready for something we haven’t said for a while in this city….. BLACKOUT

By weights and standards

August 14, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

I I have not given up that vick is gone Why? one he is still the best player on this team. QB none of the three right now can do better than vick. Only people who don’t want the best team and player to be on the field just for PR. Matt Ryan is pure PR. Line all the QB up and see who move the team. Not PR. Now I do think in time Matt will become a good QB. Vick has paid the price. I know a focus vick is bad new for any defense. The guy has a record no other has in the NFl has 20TD and 1039 yard in a season, with a bad offense line and reciver that could not catch a cold. You may hate the guy but the real facts stand for them self. There is room for both player on this team.

Pr don’t win games. Look at Dallas they are trying to win superbowls with good player not saints like Atlanta that just want to be a team in the NFL win or lose Just as long as they look like some want them to look. The season ticket holder would love to have Vick Back and the dome will be full and no black outs. There is room for both player on this ( look no sell outs now)team. Qb get hurt a lot in the NFL. I say Don’t be a fool Blank. This is a win win !! 7-20-2009 superman will be back and the fan base most of them will love it!!!!!!!!

By Former STH

August 14, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

WHO BOUGHT SEASON TICKETS?? ALL THESE PEOPLE SO HAPPY #7 IS GONE, DID YOU BUY TICKETS OR ARE Y’ALL JUST “FALCON BLOG” FANS?? POSTING ON THE AJC DOES NOT EQUAL PAYING FOR TICKETS SO ALL THIS SUPPORT MEANS NOTHING AT ALL IF ITS NOT BACKED UP WITH A SOLD OUT GAME. DID YOU AT LEAST BUY THE MINI PACKAGE THAT THE FALCONS HAVE TO SELL TO AT LEAST GET SOME GAMES SOLD OUT? NO YOU DIDNT. OH WELL. I GUESS MARK BRADLEY’S PLEA IS ALL FOR NAUGHT!

By JD

August 14, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Vick mite be the best player ever to put on an NFL uniform. That said he let stupity get in the way.I for one think the Falcons are moving in the right direction.The Falcons needed a new PR face for the Franchise and thats why Ryan is here.They all so wanted a super pick with the #3 first round and i think they got thier man with Ryan.Go Falcons

By Keith

August 14, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Glenn Dorsey is not a Falcon, Matt Ryan is. They never admitted it, but the Falcons probably didn’t draft Dorsey due to nagging injuries he suffered in college. He has allready suffered an injury in his young NFL career. Ryan is the Falcon’s QB. While he is not Peyton Manning now, Peyton Manning 2008 was not the same QB as Peyton Manning the rookie. I know the colts are thankful he improved and won a super bowl.

By MikeJones

August 14, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Bringing up vick at this point is completely asinine

By BigTimeGaTechFan

August 14, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

I still can’t get over the fact we didn’t draft Reggie Ball. But I think Ryan looked very good, timing off some but seem to make a lot of good reads. Must play him now, no better QB on the team. Hoped we could have got Pennington for one year fix to let Ryan grow a little but with the QB on the roster Ryan should play now. Think he may be great (Brady) or may be average (Cris Miller, Chandler), but not bad (Leaf). Over very good pick unless they could have traded for 2 1st rounded between 10-20. By the way I like the db who replaced Hall, he looks like he could be playmaker. Cut Thomas Brown and keep Sneeling (sp?) Start the Rookie from Oklahoma at LB. Birds will win more then 3 games they are being predicted to win. Will have nice running game, D will get better as year goes by. Beat N.O, I’m out

By Tee-Pain

August 14, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

I have a question, why aren’t you Mike Vick haters buying season tickets? D-hall, Alge and every other player that supported MV or should I say, every player that spoke the truth about the incompetence of the coaching staff and ownership are GONE.

Everytime I turn on the radio or TV, I hear commercials BEGGING folks to buy tickets. That didn’t happen when the “Dogfighting thug” was on the team.

Word on the street is Arthur gave free bus rides and snacks to local schools and churches so they could show up at Flowery Branch for training camp….SAD!!

Matt, why don’t you save Arthur some money and load up some of your buddy’s after your Klan meetings and head down to Flowery Branch…..oh yeah, and please ask them to buy up those d&mn season tickets. Arthur’s going to be passing them out to the homeless very soon if yo