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 you folks don’t put your $$ where your mouth is.

By Donald Duck

August 14, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

There are some serious morons on this board. I love this quote: “The Matt Ryan pick was a move to distance themselves from Mikchael Vick” Uh, OK. Mike Vick was our QB. He’s in jail. We need a new QB. Do you think Joey F’n Harrington or Chris Redman are the answer? If a guy like Ryan is there, why not take him?

It amazes me how stupid some falcons fans are. Do you guys know anything about football, or do you just like to b*** and moan, and yank off to your Michael Vick poster.

And Bradley - Vick is gone. Why do you guys keep bringing him up? Vick era over. NEXT!

By Paddy

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

Vick Believer…. mr Blank did not turn his back on Mike Vick. It was the other way around. He lied to Mr Blank and he lied to you and the rest of his fans, me included.

Sorry about that, but MV has the rest of his life to live it in a productive manner and be a stand up guy. I for one wish him well.

By Bubba from Buckhead

August 14, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

As long as we all live or support the Atlanta Falcons there will be the rural idiots with nothing more to do than create division amongst the fans.

NEW ERA Support Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons

Focus on the future and keeping a positive fan base. Go Falcons!

By Mental Recession

August 14, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

What did the Arthur’s pet Parrot say when he was asked by Blank who should be picked with the first selection in the NFL Draft?

“Polly Wanna Cracker”

By TheAntiMe

August 14, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan isn’t Ryan Leaf nor is he Joey Harrington. Matt Ryan is the real deal. He may not be the 2nd coming of Johnny Unitas in this, his rookie year, but neither were John Elway, Troy Aikman, nor Steve Young. as rookie quarterbacks.

Anyone who is already calling Matt Ryan a bust, before he has even taken a snap in the NFL is very short-sighted and extremely ignorant.

Besides, picking a highly touted defensive player as a 1st round pick is not a sure thing either. I do believe that in 1988 a linebacker named Aundray Bruce was chosen as the overall #1 pick in the draft that year. Bruce was supposed to be the next Lawrence Taylor but as most anyone who is a football fan can tell you, Aundray Bruce was a total bust.

By Jaybo

August 14, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

When will we ever hear the end of Mike Vick and the Falcons? Mike Vick is the one blame for all of his troubles. I am a Falcons fan first and foremost. Come on everybody who claims to be a Falcon fan, support the team and the players who are here today. Dimitroff is doing a great job.

By Traceman

August 14, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Well said Lithonia Hal! I have the exact same situation. All my friends are looking forward to going down to the Dome on Saturday, doing some serious tailgating and then cheering for the team. We will ALL be rooting for Ryan to do well and we all hope that he is indeed the next coming of Peyton Manning. Go Matt Ryan! Go Falcons!

I just don’t understand why so many people seem to think that the MAJORITY of black fans won’t support Ryan as our QB. How many black QBs did we have between 1966 and 2002?

By Fred G Sanford

August 14, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Donald Duck—- Don’t tell us what to post if we want to talk about Vick we dam sure will.And as for as stupid goes you take first place.And by the way the G stands for GA you big dummy.

By KBP

August 14, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

I’m a Falcons fan. I am a Vick fan. I am a Ryan Fan and whomever else that will play quarterback for my team. Vick is not a rapist, pediphile, nor an executive at Enron. Overly demonize him and not them? I think not! They are low-life’s. Vick is being punished as he should. He is still a human being and can still make redemptive contributions to society. Now, AJC, please stop mentioning Vick as it regards the Falcons for the 2008 season and future seasons. He’s gone. Let him go.

By J Franklin

August 14, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

All of this talk is really pointless. in the end this move will be based on how Ryan plays and how well the falcons do. If 3 years from now Ryan is a pro bowl quality Qb and the Falcons are in the playoffs then all the naysayers will either shut up or say the were with the team all the way. On another note I do wanna say that the one thing I have never doubted since he became the owner is Arthurs Blank’s commitment to winning. All and all he really does want to bring a winner to Atlanta and i think he could care less whether the QB is black, white or green, as long as he wins. I’ve lived in other NFL cities and it’s easy to see when an owner just has the team as a toy and something to do on Sunday’s. Blank to his credit has always cared about the overall team image and the product on the field. He’ll eventually get a consistent winner here.

By recast

August 14, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

On every play when Shockley was in there the whole Jax team was in the backfield with him.Considering the lack of off line support he did well.

By Mental Recession

August 14, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Traceman..THEY are saying that because THEY hated that a Black QB took over this team, this city, and the league. Now that things are “BACK TO NORMAL” with low interest, diminished season tix sales, all of sudden it’s BLACK FOKES FAULT..

By @#%!

August 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

For heaven’s sake, people! Quit whining about how much you miss Vick and how much you wanted Dorsey. Vick is where he belongs, and Dorsey is already hurt. Matt Ryan is our quarterback, and judging from the way he played the other night, he will be a good one. He will certainly be a hell of a lot better than Harrington and Byron “I Don’t Know When To Throw The Ball” Leftwich.

We sucked last year because we didn’t have a good quarterback, and without a good quarterback, you are NOT going to win. By drafting Ryan, the Falcons have put Michael Vick behind them, which they needed to do, and at the same time, they gained a good quarterback who should help them have a better season than what we endured last year. I thought articles like this were done weeks and weeks ago. Bradley, you sound like Terence Moore. He wouldn’t let the Vick/Dorsey issue drop for weeks. Grow up, people!

By Mental Recession

August 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Traceman..THEY are saying that because THEY hated that a Black QB took over this team, this city, and the league.

Now that things are “BACK TO NORMAL” with low interest, diminished season tix sales, all of sudden it’s BLACK FOKES FAULT and shame on US for hating Matt Ryan. Funny how THEY always try to project their Fears and Thoughts on others to make THEM feel better about themselves…..

By Fox Called

August 14, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

They wanna know what movie they should play since the Falcons home games will not be seen here. I voted for Any Given Sunday.

By weights and standards

August 14, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

As long as you got the look and not the best players. This has been the falcon down fall since 1966. The must look the so call right way not play the right way.

They(so call fans ) may say they like the falcons with talk but do the buy Tickets the answer is look who at the dome. Back to the way the so call right falcon fans want it to be. The Best player win not the look or PR. The more thing change the more they stay the same!! Give the people what they want . The people who buy ticket! and why do you buy tickets? to see your team win Atlanta, winning is a cure all and you win with the best team of the best player you can find. Not the best way they look with the players they want. Winning people! we Know how to lose just look at our record since 1966.Not How they look but how they play. And the same goes for coaches and GM how they look!

If you don’t have the looks they want and act the part you are gone. From Deion to Farve Vick, all because they did not look or act the so call right way. People If you keep doing the same thing you will keep the same answer don’t fool your selfs!

look back in the history of AJC sport and read the papers since 1966 this just what you will fined. You don’t want to win you want the player to look like and act like the so call right way! It is time to win in this town and not be a legend in loseing Atlanta! LOOK is our down fall ! Read your history If you dair!

By humble

August 14, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

just got a txt from the falcons thanks to a verizon txt service that said coach smith has named harrington the STARTER saturday!!! WHY? thats a terrible decision imo, ryan would’ve been the better choice since it is the first home game of the pre-season. the coach’s first bad move…

By Pete

August 14, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Mike’s house ?? Please………..you’ve got to be kidding. To any true, knowledgable football fan, believe me, the Dome was NEVER considered Mike’s House. Up until the Falcons hired Thomas Dimitroff, the Dome WAS considered the home of a totally incompetent, clueless NFL franchise. TD and Mike Smith have changed all that. This all new franchise will now be one to respect and admire, just like Matt Ryan, who I doubt will end up a convicted felon.

By Keeping It Real

August 14, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

If the Falcons win, every thing will be fine. If they lose, the fans will boo him and his ridiculous salary out of the dome. For his sake, I hope Ryan is lives up to all the hype.

By Bobby

August 14, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan will be loved by Atlantans because they will remeber how bad a hurting he put on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. And no one in the state of Georgia likes Georgia Tech!

By Bobby

August 14, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan will be loved by Atlantans because they will remember how bad a hurting he put on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. And no one in the state of Georgia likes Georgia Tech!

By @#%!

August 14, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Mental Recession:

People like you disgust me. If there’s one thing in the world that I hate, it’s racists like you. Why don’t you wake up and read your own words? You people try to pass off your racism by dispensing garbage like “whites hated having a black QB” and how you believe that whites blame blacks for everything. What you are really saying is that it is YOU who hates having a WHITE quarterback! Racism will never die in this country, and it is all thanks to people like you who bring it up in EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF LIFE!!! Take your racist crap out of here and shove it where it belongs. Idiot.

By weights and standards

August 14, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

The Falcons GM maybe come a Great GM. But right now he is a want to be. Ryan his frist pick? and he is all world. Time will tell!

By BUSHWACKER

August 14, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

WE DONT NEED THE VICK LOVIN BUMS WHO PROBABLY SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT BESIDE HIM!

ITS NOT THE FALCONS FAULT THE MORON IS IN JAIL SO ANYONE WHO QUITS COMING TO THE GAMES BECAUASE CON-VICK IS GONE ARE NOT TRUE FALCON/FOOTBALL FANS ABYWAY!

GOOD RIDDANCE, I HOPE THEY NEVER COME BACK!

By Herschel Talker

August 14, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

We black people need to get over it. Vick is gone to the pokey. We have a great QB now. Who cares if he’s white? We blacks need to stop being racists and move on.

By Bradley You're Racist

August 14, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Let me see, Mark Bradley writes a article where he implies that because of Mike Vick, who hasn’t been in Atlanta in almost 2 years, that somehow he has this “hold” over the Falcons that will prevent people from cheering for Ryan? So its Vick’s fault? And where are these protestors anyway? Who is protesting Ryan? Are they marching around the Dome? Are people calling on everybody to wear their #7 jersey on Saturday? No they are not. This is Mark Bradley projecting his racist (and seeing some comments rightfully so) thought process on the reading public because of the fear that Ryan will never attain the popularity status of Mike Vick. So what? What if he never does? So what? Why would that be a problem? Everybody can’t be number 1, that’s why there is only ONE number 1. Get it?

What’s the problem if Ryan’s jersey never gets the sales that Vick’s did? What would be wrong with that? Does it matter? What in the Falcons history makes Bradley think people will boo Ryan when he get on the Georgia Dome field for the first time? What? When has that happened in the past for a rookie in the Georgia Dome? Where did he get the idea it would happen now? What makes him question if people will wear their #7 jsersye? Does he have a problem if they wear a William Andrews jersey? Does he have a problem with anybody wearing a former player’s jersey or just Vick’s? Why is it even an issue?

Its an issue because people like Mark Bradley can’t sleep at night knowing that one of “their’s” will not be the one that the kids wish they could play like. It bothers Mark Bradley that no teen is begging their parent for a Ryan jersey the way they did for Vick. Why is that a problem anyway? No one is protesting Ryan. No one is actively marching against Ryan. This made up non-support is just Mark Bradley’s way of saying “why cant you black people love our all-american blonde boy like we expect you too and why won’t you pay YOUR money to do so like we are entitled to you doing”. Well save it Mark Bradley. No one is protesting Matt Ryan, because no one cares.

By BC grad

August 14, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

My thinking is this, Matt ryan could be a great QB, he may not be. All I know is that he was a Great QB in college. Regardless of what anyone says, that guy is a winner and can play. part of being a QB is being a leader, and I’ll tell you ryna is a leader.. He plays smart and composed ball. Yes, there are guys out there who can throw it farther, but let me ask you.. Coiuldn;t leaf throw it further and harder than brady? being the QB of a team is akin to being the face of a franchise, and so far Ryan seems to saying and doing the rightthings. Look at Matt leinert as the perfect example of qhat a QB should NOT be doing in his 1st few years in the leaugue.. He is partying hard in arizone and suffering from it. Having watched ryan play at my alma mater for the last several years, all I can say is that I wish he was playing for my beloved Bills.. Either way, I think he will have a long career in atlanta and will represent the city and frnachise well. Give him time and he will win you all over. no doubt in my mind. none whatseo ever..

By Birddog

August 14, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Mr.Bradley if the falcons look bad losing they will be booed,like any other team,be it defense,OL,Dbs,and yes Qbs. But they win they will get the same support any winning team gets. But I would have more respect for your artical if you said black people,than Vick fans,cause anybody can read though your artical and get your true meanin. Now I only own a Vick and Hall Jersey, and just like the fan that wears an old no.10 who you seem to have no problem with. I will not buy a jersey of a kid that i’ve only seen one qt.

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Joey Harrington will indeed start Saturday night. Here’s a link to the story by esteemed colleague Steve Wyche.

And here, since you asked, is my take on that: Mike Smith is seeking to manage expectations. Matt Ryan had a nice first game, but the Falcons are trying to go slowly with him because they know there will be games that aren’t so good. He’s a rookie quarterback, after all.

There’s no chance — zero, none — that Harrington will be the No. 1 quarterback against Detroit on Sept. 6. At issue is whether the Falcons want to see how long Chris Redman can keep Ryan’s spot warm or whether it simply makes too much sense to let the best player start in Week 1.

By Bradley is Racist

August 14, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Needs to be said TWICE **Let me see, Mark Bradley writes a article where he implies that because of Mike Vick, who hasn’t been in Atlanta in almost 2 years, that somehow he has this “hold” over the Falcons that will prevent people from cheering for Ryan? So its Vick’s fault? And where are these protestors anyway? Who is protesting Ryan? Are they marching around the Dome? Are people calling on everybody to wear their #7 jersey on Saturday? No they are not. This is Mark Bradley projecting his racist (and seeing some comments rightfully so) thought process on the reading public because of the fear that Ryan will never attain the popularity status of Mike Vick. So what? What if he never does? So what? Why would that be a problem? Everybody can’t be number 1, that’s why there is only ONE number 1. Get it?

What’s the problem if Ryan’s jersey never gets the sales that Vick’s did? What would be wrong with that? Does it matter? What in the Falcons history makes Bradley think people will boo Ryan when he get on the Georgia Dome field for the first time? What? When has that happened in the past for a rookie in the Georgia Dome? Where did he get the idea it would happen now? What makes him question if people will wear their #7 jersey? Does he have a problem if they wear a William Andrews jersey? Does he have a problem with anybody wearing a former player’s jersey or just Vick’s? Why is it even an issue?

Its an issue because people like Mark Bradley can’t sleep at night knowing that one of “their’s” will not be the one that the kids wish they could play like. It bothers Mark Bradley that no teen is begging their parent for a Ryan jersey the way they did for Vick. Why is that a problem anyway? No one is protesting Ryan. No one is actively marching against Ryan. This made up non-support is just Mark Bradley’s way of saying “why cant you black people love our all-american blonde boy like we expect you too and why won’t you pay YOUR money to do so like we are entitled to you doing”. Well save it Mark Bradley. No one is protesting Matt Ryan, because no one cares.**

By newkid

August 14, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, upon reading your piece both with and without references to Mr. Vick, it’s clear the ‘with’ version is gratuitous rather than substantive. You’re better than that, aren’t you?

Most of us will not choose to ‘accept’ (or not) Lofton or Taylor based upon our memories of Jessie Tuggle or Tommy Nobis. It isn’t likely that we’ll decide to embrace (or not) the Douglas kid based upon our memories of Billy White Shoes. Our fond (or not) recollections of JAM won’t at all affect how we receive Michael Turner. Regardless of how we felt about PrimeTime, I rather doubt any of us will use that lens to determine how we’ll view Grimes.

There’s clearly no functional relationship between the degree to which we embrace Matt Ryan (now or at some future date) and our feelings (good, bad, or indifferent) towards Mr. Vick. In the endless stories you’ve written and will write about our Falcons, it’s okay to employ a ‘period, end of paragraph’ as regards Mr. Vick. You can do it, I know you can.

Substantive reporting is much appreciated, but couldn’t we all do with far less gratuity?

By Hollywould

August 14, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Mental Recession, Your name says it all although I doubt you had much to receed from. You prove how mental recessed you are everytime you post. You are truly a sad person.

By TURTSNAP

August 14, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Coach Smith, sticking true to his word, all 4 QB’s will get a chance to start. Smart move not throwing Ryan in as the starting QB in the preseason home opener. His nerves would be off the chain! I look for DJ to start next weekend, and then Ryan in the final preseason game. The next two weeks should be interesting to see the battle for number 3 qb.

By Former STH

August 14, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Thank you newkid

By davonelson

August 14, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

It is very disappointing that a highly respected journalist like yourself would have to resort to creating controversy rather than reporting on the team and it’s future. If you weren’t bent on bringing up Michael Vick we could move on rather than encourage those who ignore personal responsibility.

By Falcon

August 14, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I’ll be there wearing my Vick jersey. I’m just hoping Shockley gets a chance. And I’d like for us to keep Joey, as he is Eye Candy!

By just some girl

August 14, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

being a northerner and cheering on my great Giants this past season, i could really care less for the Falcons. i am also a HUGE Georgia Tech fan and watching Matt Ryan for BC against Tech - i was just impressed. He’s a fantastic QB and isgoing to be a great asset to the Falcons. I don’t support, or condone any behavior performed by michael vick and he did make Atlanta look bad. i’m really hoping that Ryan comes in here with his head held high. i’ll cheer for the falcons because of Ryan.

By crabapplejoe

August 14, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan will be the starter sooner or later and the fans will accept that. Joey Harrington should be the #1 backup. He has played well at times in his career. If you look at his stats from 2004 with Detroit they are almost identical to Vick’s stats here in Atlanta and that was Vick’s best year (and, yes that includes accounting for Vick’s rushing yards). Its not Joey’s fault that Detroit had no defense. Last year was a disaster for everyone. Joey would have led us to a win over Jacksonville early in the season if Falcon’s management had bothered to have a field goal kicker on the team at the time. Things just spiraled downward after that game.

By FalconsFan

August 14, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

I just wonder how much of this hatred from Vick fans is due to the skin color of Matt Ryan. One of worst attributes of the black community in the Atlanta area is how many racists we have among us. Mike Vick was easy for much of the black community in Atlanta to relate to, I just wonder how much backlash a black rookie QB would be getting right now.

A Falcons Fan, who just happens to be black.

By hunterj6

August 14, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Hi,…I am taking over this article…

Lets talk about Vick…Your thoughts?…

Oh by the way, huge Vick fan, even have the Authentic Jersey. But, I now keep it in a draw and so should you…

By NFL Fans

August 14, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Well the ESPN poll of greatest Falcon player ever has Deion at #1 and Vick at #2 with over 30,000 votes nationwide. Ryan will just have to earn his fan paparazzi like they did, putting a team on his back and being the unquestionable star. If he can’t do that, maybe lukewarm support is all he should get. What did he do at Boston College anyway? Did they ever win a natl championship or even play a big bowl game?

By just some girl

August 14, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

do you have to win a bowl game to be considered exceptional?

matt ryan is fantastic. but a team can’t rely on just one person to win every game. he’s a good QB. mike vick was a good QB but they couldn’t win every game because he played.

By Calvin G. sims, Sr.

August 14, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

If Mike Vick is a part of the past (and I totally agree), why write this ridiculous article. Let’s move on, already.

*Go Falcons!!! * (and Matt Ryan, too)

By Smitty

August 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Vick was an ICON; not just in Atlanta but in the world. MJ status. That said, he threw that away. So few people in the world have that type to talent but talent alone is not enough. We have all made bad choices and I honestly beleive that Vick was persecuted more than prosecuted but that is the nature of being young, black, and successful. When you are the face of a franchise and the international face of a sport, you cannot afford any grey areas much less felonies. Vick was electric and will be missed but I was a Falcons fan before Vick and will continue to be now that he is gone.

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

My guess — just my guess — is that Ryan will start next week against Tennessee. The third exhibition is universally considered the most important. (The fourth is essentially an exercise in trying not to get anybody hurt.)

By Dennis

August 14, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Hey VickBeliever. Believe this: 1. Vick was fun to watch, but, 2. Vick was a good as he was ever going to get. 3. Vick got himself where he is, not the Falcons. 4. Vick is lucky he didn’t get 40 years like a guy in S.C. did for the same thing. 5. Vick is history; move on with life.

By bobby

August 14, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

People, it’s ok to like Mike Vick and the Falcons. Some people feel they have to choose. I like Vick the player and can’t wait until he gets back in the league but that has nothing to do with me rooting for the Falcons. I was born here and didn’t like a lot of things that went down. I didn’t like losing Deion. If you boo the Falcons because you don’t like Ryan then you were never a Falcon true fan. The team is set, we have what we have now lets support them until we see something truly to boo about. With the number of picks we had in top rounds, I expected to see some impact and those expectations have not changed because the Falcons basically decided put most of their eggs in one basket.

By Bart Kowski

August 14, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

What happened last season (and the year Vick broke his leg) shows what happens when you build a team around one player and not a system. When Michael was good, he was very, very good, and when he was off (and that became more and more frequent as time went on) the Falcons lost, and lost badly.

Matt Ryan may be a good QB (we’ll see) but I’m much more interested in seeing a solid, winning system and philosophy than seeing one superstar running around the field, making things up as he goes.

By Jeffrey

August 14, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I was a big Vick fan prior to and when he came to Atlanta. I was excited to see him play and make those rushing yards. But the fact is, we was not a good Pro quarterback. He had happy feet and no control or touch on his passes. He had a shot gun arm all the time and errant tracking. He was fast, but defenses, particularly Tampa Bay, figuered him out. He became show player but not a winner. Then he lied to Blank and the NFL Commisioner and to us. So, I am glad he is gone and for you Vick or Bust fans, go away, its about team and winning and not just show.

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

AAAAHHHH….. Falcons Fans…., you people are just to dumb (racist or just plain hurt) to admit that the Great Mike Vick is the best thing that ever happened to Atlanta since Hank Aaron. This man was even bigger than Dominique.

Look, you can talk all the s** you want about Vick, say how bad of a Qb he was, but ol’ Mark Bradley seems to know the truth. Mike Vick was an icon. he was just hitting his stride as a passer before he went to jail, and its really sad for him to do this to himself. Its gonna be great when he returns to the NFL. As you know, #7 is gonna sign with the UFL when he gets out at 4 mil a year, and a UFL team will sell more tickets than the Falcons, just thought i would throw that in.

Now,the bottom line is, Matt Ryan cannot and will not do what Vick did for this team and this city. The Falcons were actually exciting, and all of you people talkin sh!t about him were right there cheering for him. The Falcons think they have a franchise QB, lol. You can get a Matt Ryan in damn near every NFL Draft, Vick is a once in a lifetime player, who was not developed the right way. Did #7 have his flaws? YES. Did he study the playbook? We don’t know that. But the man could play some damn football.

IF I ever come to a game, I will have on my Vick jersey, because it reminds me when we had some real football in this town, not some Joey “Field Goal” Harrington, or Matt “Matty Ice” Ryan, lol. Cmon man. These are sad days here in the A, but when Vick comes back to Atlanta, we will get t feel the electricity again. Vick will redeem himself

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

I’ll disagree somewhat here: I always believed Vick was a good — sometimes better than good — pro quarterback. I also believed Greg Knapp’s West Coast scheme was poorly suited for Vick’s skills. I also believed — and will forever believe — Petrino’s offense would have maximized Vick to the degree that we wouldn’t have been talking about his potential any longer. We’d have been talking about the realization of that potential.

By AugustaDawg

August 14, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Vick is a pot smoking, dog fighting, bird flipping, orange jump suit wearing convict who couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with a football.

Go Falcons!

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

To Bart Kowski, is it Vick’s fault that the team didn’t build around him the right way? he made us relevant and a damn one man show. cmon man

By g munney

August 14, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

It is very simple, either you are a Falcons fan or you aren’t. I root for any player that is wearing the uniform during the games. Sure, we have had idiots like Deangelo Hall and Vick, but if you don’t root for Matt Ryan, go root for another team, because you sure aren’t a Falcons fan.

By Michael

August 14, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I am (not was), a huge fan and one that appreciated the talents that Michael Vick brought to the table. Having said that, I am extremely upset over the notion that since I am a MV7 fan, that I can’t appreciate the talents and skill level of Matt Ryan, and therefore, I am going to continue to pout and stomp because MV7 is no longer the Falcons QB! How insane is that premise. You assert that just because people love the qualities of one player on the field, that this must cloud our judgements regarding ANYONE else that may have to assume that mantel. Case in point, are the fans in Green Bay! Are you insinuating that because everyone there loved, breathed, slept, and digested Brett Favre, that Aaron Rodgers will never be accepted? That wayward theory has already been dismissed by those fans greeting the offense & Aaron with a standing ovation when they took the field! Why then we you presume and pre-judge the fans of Atlanta & and those of MV7 but asserting that we are sooo stupid and blind that there is absolutely no way that we could be as gracious and cordial as the fans of Green Bay? There are alot of people (inclusive of myself) that still have our MV7 jerseys. I will continue to keep those jerseys and wear them! One reason is do you have any idea of how much authentic NFL jerseys cost? I am not about to throw good money away, because a player made a horrendous mistake and is serving time for it. We all have made mistakes before, and some of us continue to make the same mistakes over & over again, (like some of your contempories at AJC by publishing these never - ending stories about MV7 and how things used to be. Okay already! That was last year, and this is this season! How about you guys getting over it and moving on for Christ sake! Enough is enough! I will wait and see how Matty Ice performs, and I will reserve my opinions until a couple of seasons have gotten under his belt. It took Peyton 9 years to win his Super Bowl, and it took Eli 4 years. The only reason that Ben R. (Pittsburgh Steelers) got his in one year, is because the team was already in place, and unfortunately, Matt won’t have that same luxury. Atlantans (and Falcon Fans in general) are rabid footaball fans (just ask Bulldog Nation & Techsters, and simply want to WIN. I said W-I-N…that doesn’t have Michael Vick’s name in it, nor does it have Matt Ryan’s name in it, but if you look closely, I mean really closely, you may see T-E-A-M, and that’s what your article should be really focusing on.

By AugustaDawg

August 14, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick’s career QB rating is 75.7

Can you say Mediocre?

Falcons Record under Vick

2001 7-9 2002 9-6-1 2003 5-11 2004 11-5 2005 8-8 2006 7-9

The guy had TWO winning seasons in his tenure as Atlanta Falcons QB and some people want to make him out to be a hall of famer.

Mike Vick was a great running back, but was a terrible QB and an even worse leader.

Go Falcons!

By Mouthin Falcons

August 14, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan might not end up a felon, but he will end up on the Injured Reserve list. With that offensive line the Falcons have it’s ony a matter of time. Of course we will never know because of all the black-outs. Can you say, Mary Poppins reruns?

By Brad

August 14, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Ryan cant help where he was drafted, would you be happier if he was drafted 23rd instead of 3rd. Falcons actually caught a huge break by drafting Ryan instead of Dorsey—-Dorsey is apparently very injury prone. If the OL can hold up like it did last week we may actually have a pretty competitive team here. Everyone was bashing the Sam Baker pick, but he looked very good in his first start. If the birds can create a pass rush,we may be able to surprise the league this year. Dont be surprised with a 8-8 or 9-7 record.

By BigTone

August 14, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

I for one would like to see DJ get some time with the first team. Its only fair. They put him out there on an island at the end of the game and he still almost scores on his on. Fair is fair, play DJ with the first teamers.

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

AugustaDawg, lol. Those records tha you just posted, thats by a man doing it damn near by himself. Please tell me that you know that Rich McKay was a horrible GM and the Falcons DID NOT build the team the right away around Vick. I’ll throw some names out there… Peerless Price, Ashley Lelie, Dez White, freakin weak a* Michael Jenkins. Are any of those players a #1 WR? NO!!! Roddy White sucked too until recently. His best WRs was Finneran adn Crumpler, who a TE. We’ve never had an o-line, ever. Still don’t. That explains those numbers you put up. It takes more than one person to WIN!

By Matty Heisman

August 14, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Give the ball to Matty and jump on board!!!!

By JD

August 14, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

First of all, as a city we need to move past the whole Michael Vick saga that has this city gripped and split in two. There is no denying that Vick was a dynamic quarterback and personality, but let’s face it people he got himself into a situation he didn’t need to and he got caught. Argue the semantics of it all you want (he’s a scapegoat, they’re only picking on him because he’s black, the Falcons don’t want to win because Vick’s not in the lineup) Michael Vick is the reason why the Falcons had to move on in another direction. The last time I checked, he can’t throw a touchdown pass in the Georgia Dome from Leavenworth, KS.

As for the others that are so ‘concerned’ that the Falcons won’t draw any fans in because Vick’s not here, were you going to the games just to see what he would do (how is he gonna get out of this because we all know the O-line’s not gonna block for him) or did you come to support a football team? I don’t get in the business of telling people who they can or can’t root for, I could care less about skin color, but usually you want to see your TEAM win. And when the team is successful, usually the success is heaped upon the teams most visible player, and vice versa. That being said, Michael Vick was (and is) a product of hype. Yes, he could get away from defenses closing in on him; yes he had blazing speed and could outrun most defenders; yes, he had a rocket of an arm (accurate, inaccurate, who’s to say) but truth be told, Vick’s hype carried him further than he carried the Falcons. Yeah, he got them to the NFC Championship game, he didn’t get any further than that in any year following). And for those of you who didn’t like it when Vick was playing for the Falcons, the ones who say you didn’t watch one game or go to one game because you didn’t like this felon, that’s pure garbage. You know you were rooting for this team (if you’re a true Falcons fan) and as long as they won (some of you may say in spite of Vick). So take a step back, take your emotions of the whole Vick thing out of the equation, and think a bit before you put ink to paper.

I’ll admit, I liked watching the games to see what Vick would do next, but I was the same way with Jordan (let’s see who he’ll dunk on next) before he started winning championships. It SHOULD have been that way with Mike, but he let his boys get him into something he couldn’t get out of. That’s the real tragedy in all this. So promising, yet didn’t get a chance to realize his potential. That’s the common theme with all young athletes (see Leon Smith, Lawrence Phillips, Ryan Leaf and the list goes on). But this team, as a business entity, can’t lay on it’s past successes in hopes of going forward from this point. At some point, you’ve got to let go of what was and embrace what is. If you can’t do that, that’s perfectly fine, it’s your right. But regardless of what your feelings are, the Falcons are planning on moving forward, and they’ve chosen who they want to move forward with. Hop on or stay off…..it’s your choice.

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

JD, great comment.

By Chris

August 14, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

This is an easy one. The thugs in the stands will hate him and cry for their “role model” Vick to come back. The white people, who are much more educated and smarter, will appreciate having a QB who will not be going to jail, smoking pot, killing dogs, etc. As we all know, when an athlete gets into trouble, 99.9% of the time, they are black thugs. I laugh so hard watching them throw away all of that money. Morons.

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Chris, you’re what makes this city the worst sports city in America. A F’ing racist. I forgot, white players nerver get in trouble…. forgive me, my caucasian friend

By RxDawg

August 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Despite what the “experts” say, and despite my obvious bias, I truly hope that Shock gets a shot in the regular season to see what he can do. He was a great QB at UGA and I really believe that he can be a great QB in the NFL. I think he can help the Falcons win some football games which is the bottom line. It made me so sick last year when he went down with that knee injury. I really felt like he was going to take hold of the QB position last year. Good luck DJ, and go Falcons.

By Green Tea

August 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

OK another question Mark, AJC is reporting Joey to start against Colts. My question for you is WHY? Why start him, does he really even have a chance of starting? I’d say it’s about 1 in a million that he goes into the season a starter. Are they hoping to see how many sacks he can take? Or how many 5 to 7 yard passes he can complete because his arm strength is worse off than Brett Favres after a week of training camp in NY? I read yesterday on CNNSI that Ryan was poised to start the season as starter. Why not give him reps against a good defense’s 1st squad?? Or Redman if he’s close then bring in Ryan after a few series. I’m sure Joey is a cool guy in all but C’mon…

By Matt Hype

August 14, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

the same people hating on Vick are the same ones that wont be going to the games

What is this about supporting the “Team”? No, its about filling up the seats first and foremost for those who think the Falcons only play for pride and honor, this is not a movie, its real life. All that rah-rah for the team doesn’t keep the lights on. All pro sports have players people like more so dont get mad because the Falcons dont have anyone on the team that motivates ticket sales or motivates the league to put them on a Monday or Sunday night.

take that support the team back to high school, this is the pros, stars cost real dollars and blog comments dont pay

By mark

August 14, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I thought for being a rookie that Matt Ryan did one heck of a job last week. Hey, i’m just like the rest and I still have my white and red #7 jerseys yet, but I do plan on getting a #2 jersey before the season starts. Nobody in the NFL compares to what Mike Vick did or brought to the table but for Matt Ryan to do what he did against a top ranked defensive team last week was just down right awesome!! Still wondering what the Falcons are going to do with Vick next year? But for this year Matt is the “MAN” and will bring a winning attitude back to the Falcons!! I don’t care what people say, I still think the Falcons will make the playoffs this year as a wildcard team!!

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

No Vick = Losing Season…AGAIN

By Munson

August 14, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter, please get real. Vick is the best thing to happen to ATL since Hank Aaron???? Have you never heard of names such as John Smoltz, Greg Madduz, or Tom Glavine. They at least have a championship ring, how many of those did Vick bring to town? Oh, that’s right, none!

I know, he did not have a team around him right, what a great excuse. I seem to recall that Jamal Anderson did not have a great team around him, but he still took that team to the Superbowl. Go ahead and make up more excuses…

By Al

August 14, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter is nothing but a thug himself and he knows it. I am sure he lives in SW Atlanta where the bullets are constantly flying by. Instead of working, I am sure he has 11 kids so that he can get free money from the government.

By JD

August 14, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

I seem to recall a certain tight end for the Green Bay Packers in trouble w/ the law (raping the babysitter). I also seem to recall a certain soon-to-be Hall of Fame QB admitting to addiction to painkillers. What’s the common thread? They’re white. But somehow, society always finds a way to embrace them again as a part of society after they make a mistake.

I’ll say this, too. Yes, SOME black professional athletes don’t know how to act, and I’ll be the first one to call them out on it (Chris Henry - stupid; Brandon Marshall - stupid; Adam Jones - real stupid) but they get continually vilified by folks like you (and it doesn’t help that the media CONSTANTLY re-hashes a subject that people are tired of discussing).

Whenever the topic of Michael Vick comes up, someone claims ‘felon’, ‘criminal’, ‘thug’. He wasn’t any one of those names when he was out there putting his heart and soul into winning for YOUR football team. Now that he’s in jail (and let’s be clear, it IS his own fault that he’s in there) no one has any sympathy for him and wants nothing to do with him. As I’ve stated before, I rooted for Vick, and when the news of what he’d done came out, I was also one of the first in my circle of friends (who are by the way a mixed bag of Asian, black, white) to say he was stupid as hell for getting caught up in something like this. So don’t sit back and label everyone that liked Michael Vick a thug; you don’t know everyone’s feelings on the matter. All you’re subject to is the OPINIONS of a few people that rooted for their player. Not everyone that is of a different skin color condoned what he did, nor do they agree with the assumption that because the face of the Falcons franchise is a white QB that the organization will fail.

By dj

August 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

For 5 years we had a QB that couldn’t quite grasp the cerebral part of the game. Atlanta, get ready for something you haven’t seen in a while - a QB that can read a defense. You saw it in Saturday’s game when Ryan threw wild but, at least, he threw the ball - quickly - because he recognized the defense. Take notice, the rest of the NFL will, and the rest of the teams will need to defense this guy.

By Green Tea

August 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Matt Hype: What are you talking about dude… Winning puts butts in the seats plain and simple.

Ever see the movie white men can’t jump? Remember the comment about Wesley Snipes charecter “rather look good and lose than look bad and win”?? It’s not far from that with a lot of people in our town who got o Falcons games but winning will fill that Dome regardless of what you think…

By Green Tea

August 14, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Matt Hype: What are you talking about dude… Winning puts butts in the seats plain and simple.

Ever see the movie white men can’t jump? Remember the comment about Wesley Snipes character “rather look good and lose than look bad and win”?? It’s not far from that with a lot of people in our town who got o Falcons games but winning will fill that Dome regardless of what you think…

By Clinton Bastin

August 14, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Falcon fan since their first day in Atlanta -and for the first time belkieve that their will be a sustained move to the top - with Ryan.

good article!

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Munson, John Smoltz, Greg Madduz, and Tom Glavine, lol? They were great players, indeed. One thing though, if you lose them, its like nothing even happened. Who cares? Think what you want about Vick, but you were there screaming your a* of when he was here. John Smoltz, Greg Madduz, and Tom Glavine didn’t have the impact on the city the way #7 did, great players though

By Matt Hype

August 14, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Green Tea, did the Falcons sell out season tickets for the 1999 season? Nope…and that was after going to the SuperBowl. So spare me the “winning puts butts in the seats”…because it didnt. People can watch another game if the Falcons are blacked out, its not like they dont have other options. So it must have been more reasons the Dome was sold out while MV was the starting QB. Too bad McKay didnt want to build a team around him. Instead everybody at Flowery Branch kicked up their heels and watched the money roll in.

You are in dreamland if you think some little 9-7 season in 3 years will get that Dome filled up. It won’t. You’ll be saying the same thing next year this time when Mark Bradley writes the same tired line about why won’t people come to the Dome. Copy your little comment and archive it. We’ll read it again next August.

By Hold on JD

August 14, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Well spoken argument, but to say that Chmura, the Green Bay TE, was embraced by society again is just false. The guys career was over as soon as those charges surfaced.

Why was Favre embraced again? His addiction to pain killers only hurt himself. Had Favre raped someone or tortured dogs, he would have been villified, just like Chmura and Vick were.

There are victims in the Chmura and Vick cases, that is a HUGE difference! Not everything is about race.

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Al, so much for your stereo typical thinking. I happen to be a Cisco Certified Networking PROFESSIONAL WITH A BACHELORS DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE. Cisco happens to be the #1 networking company in the country. Sorry to disappoint you, you piece of dirt.

By Carlos21

August 14, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

YOU CAN SAY WHAT YA’LL WANT! BUT I’VE WATCH EVERY FALCONS GAME IN THE LAST 30 YEARS. I MEAN EVERY! AND NO ONE NEVER MADE YOU WANT TO WATCH OR BE AT A GAME LIKE MV7. AND ALL RYAN HAVE DONE IS GOTTEN PAID THE MOST WITH A 1QT OF NOTHING GREAT TO MAKE HIM A 1#. SO FOR LIFE THIS CITY WILL BE VICK HATE IT OR LOVE IT! YOUR FALCONS FAN FOR LIFE!

By AJC Needs Vick

August 14, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Make no mistake, the AJC will continue to put Vick’s name in all these articles and columns because its the only way to get any interest. The same people saying its so great to have Ryan wouldn’t comment at all if Vick’s name wasn’t mentioned by Bradley. Then you have the ones that even if Vick’s name is not in the article, they bring it up because they are really the ones obsessed with him (like AugustaDawg). Well evidently Ryan’s name alone doesn’t insprire anyone to care. He has to be attached to Vick for anyone to talk about him. Ryan needs Vick just like he NEEDS a all-pro offensive line and he NEEDS for Roddy White to have a pro-bowl season….because Ryan can’t elevate himself above it. That’s not his fault, its just what is. But who wants to pay $80 a ticket to watch a QB that can’t put a team on his back if he has too? Actually who wants to pay $25 for that? Apparently not enough to sell out those tickets.

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

“For 5 years we had a QB that couldn’t quite grasp the cerebral part of the game. Atlanta, get ready for something you haven’t seen in a while - a QB that can read a defense. You saw it in Saturday’s game when Ryan threw wild but, at least, he threw the ball - quickly - because he recognized the defense” LMFAO!! It already starting, folks. Just like I predicted, making excuses for Matt Ryan. I guess he’s allowed to throw wild passes because he throws them “quickly” lol. Man this town is a joke as a sports town

By Roger Rodgers

August 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I hope Joey Harrington earns the No. 2 spot, just to spite all the irrational haters. He didn’t play that badly last year. People point to Detroit and Miami, two totally sucky teams that got even worse after he left. Brett Farve would have floundered with the teams Harrington has been cursed to play on. So anyway, I appreciate that he doesn’t suck, works hard and has class. And I hope that translates into him earning the No. 2 spot. Rail on haters, it’s not you who will make the decision. I hope Harrington earns the spot so you all can choke on it.

By Bruce

August 14, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

As a Falcon fan for many years (about 30+)I have gotten used to the revolving door at the QB position with the Falcons. I say give the boy the ball and build him a line that will protect him and let’s see just what he can do. If not we’ll be looking for another QB in 3 years.

Everyone has said for years “and the Falcons traded Farve to GB”. Well, not even the great Farve would have been great in Atlanta. The only reason Vick was as sucessful was his ability to get out of the way of the trains coming through the holes in the O-line. No O-line means a hurt QB every time….

By JD

August 14, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Good points, Hold on, but it seems like every time this whole argument about Vick comes up, regardless of if you support him or not, it’s always about race; he’s black, he’s got cornrows, he’s a thug, he’s this, he’s that. First and foremost, he’s a MAN, a man that has his flaws, as I’m sure all of us do. What he did was dead @ss wrong, but he’s still a man. You don’t have to respect him in the least, and you’re entitled to your opinion, but let’s keep the color of skin or education level out of it. Root for and support the TEAM (regardless of who the QB is or isn’t) or don’t, that’s all I’m saying…

By Bruce

August 14, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

As a Falcon fan for many years (about 30+)I have gotten used to the revolving door at the QB position with the Falcons. I say give the boy the ball and build him a line that will protect him and let’s see just what he can do. If not we’ll be looking for another QB in 3 years.

Everyone has said for years “and the Falcons traded Farve to GB”. Well, not even the great Farve would have been great in Atlanta. The only reason Vick was as sucessful was his ability to get out of the way of the trains coming through the holes in the O-line. No O-line means a hurt QB every time….

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

AJC Needs Vick, AMEN!!!!!!!

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

No Vick + No O-line + 1 Reciever + No Defense or CBs =……..LOSING SEASON, LOL….AGAIN

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

August 14, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Mark, your practice of diplomacy is admirable and exemplary. The real reason the Vick fans are going to hate Ryan is the same reason they cheered for Chandler to be hurt-racism. As for the Athletic Supporter’ post, what a joke. Vick was horrible and the team, when it won, won despite his play. He’s in prison now and he could remain in prison for a considerable time to come. His career in the NFL is over and I applaud that fact. People like Athletic Supporter proclaim him great but the truth is he was below average in every respect except in violating laws. Once the allegations of dog fighting came out he led the league in b****** excuses but that’s the extent of his leadership. Once he’s finished his punishment he may find work in the NFL and if he does it’s alright with me. The thing I find most amazing about people like Athletic Supporter is they blame others for Vick’s lousy performance on and off the field. The guy was, and is, a bum!

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Green Tea, I posted above what I thought about Harrington starting this week. I think it’s a combination of Mike Smith trying to be fair but mostly trying to tamp down expectations for Ryan. I would guess Ryan will start the third exhibition and, as all NFL-watchers know, the third exhibition is the one that will most closely mirror an actual game.

I would say the chances of Ryan being the No. 1 quarterback on Sept. 6 are 60-40. I would say the chances of anyone but Ryan or Redman being No. 1 are nil.

By DawginLex

August 14, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

As a Falcon fan for all of my life(47 years), I have endured manure for the majority of those years. I cheered for Vick and respected his athletic ability. I still hope he can overcome adversity and get back into the league.

That being said, the Falcons are trying desperately to turn this franchise into something to be respected, not laughed at. It will take time but drafting Ryan was a good first step. All the other QB’s on the roster are NOT CAPABLE OF LEADING THIS TEAM TO THE PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The coach and the ownership are trying. give them and Ryan a chance.

By Paddy

August 14, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Smitty….You make some good points and well said until you came to the part about MV being an international ICON. International ICONS will have statues, busts, images and paintings done of them to comemerate their international great deeds. Fermi, Oppenheimer, Churchill and Alexander the Great come to mind but MV??? He can’t even qualify as a national ICON. For a short period of time he did captivate the professional sports fan. ICON’s don’t go down in a blaze of glory standing outside a dog fighting ring and grabbing $10.00 from those who picked the wrong animal. Not a good image for a statue, would you not agree?

By SeeingIsBelieving

August 14, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

VickBeliever… Did you REALLY just type that MV7 made the Falcons “respectable?”

HAHAHAHA. Oh wow. Great laugh.

He could’ve spoken up and been a team leader when the man who DID once make the Falcons respectable - Dan Reeves - had his neck on the chopping block. Did MV7 stand behind his coach? You know, the coach who dumbed down the playbook for him? The one who got this team to the Super Bowl B E F O R E MV7 was drafted and arrived to camp?

Mark Bradley, shame on you for even providing yet another canvas for the MV7 morons to display their myopic ignorance. This isn’t Favre v. Rodgers, here. Far from it. Brett didn’t leave Green Bay in the back of a police van in a prison jumpsuit.

As for Ryan and the reception he’ll recieve… I suspect it’ll be positive, regardless of his play. The Falcons’ fans who remain with this team are just thankful to have a future to look towards, and a QB who doesn’t come with an offseason of suspicious activity looming over our collective heads.

By Green Tea

August 14, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

By winning I should have said “consistently winning”. And by that it includes winning in the playoffs. That’s what grows a true fan fan base. Look at the teams up north like N.E. and Pittsburgh, do they sell out every game because of 1 player? Spare me your “It’s a pro blah blah blah sport and they make the big bucks” or whatever you I’were preaching about in your earlier post.

By Green Tea

August 14, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

By winning I should have said “consistently winning”. And by that it includes winning in the playoffs. That’s what grows a true fan fan base. Look at the teams up north like N.E. and Pittsburgh, do they sell out every game because of 1 player? Spare me your “It’s a pro blah blah blah sport and they make the big bucks” or whatever you were preaching about in your earlier post.

By Zman

August 14, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I have been a season ticket holder since 88, and suffered a lot. Lets be honest we have not had a true NFL QB since Chandler(like it or not he did get us to the promise land). Vick was a freak of nature, and not in a bad way. But he was not an NFL QB. He should have taken a page from Hines Ward’s book, and that is where he would have been more successful. When it comes to Ryan the jury is still out because it is so early in his career. What makes me upset is that Joey is starting this week instead of Matt or DJ. These guys are who the true fans want to see. And I beleave the future of this Falcons team. Joey should have been held out till the last game so he can show what he has for other teams. But either way I will be at the Dome this Saturday cheering on the Birds.

By JD

August 14, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Now that we’ve got the social commentary out of the way, let’s talk football.

I don’t know what everyone else was watching last Saturday, but it was clear that Matt Ryan has a grasp of how to be a pro-style QB. I wouldn’t say he’s there yet, but he’ll get there. He got hit a couple of times, but for the most part, he was able to step up in the pocket and make some pretty good throws.

I felt that Chris Redman and Joey Harrington were pressing a bit. I don’t know if they perceive the writing on the wall or not, but it’s clear they weren’t comfortable (Redman calmed down after the first series, but Harrington had happy feet whenever he thought his protection broke down - he holds the ball way too long, that’s his problem).

DJ Shockley had an impressive game. He made some accurate passes (yes, he did. All you people who root against the young man because he went to UGA and couldn’t win the starting job from David Greene need to open your eyes and stop hating on him for that reason). As a matter of fact, he threw a TD that the receiver dropped. That’s not his fault, that’s on the receiver. He should have eaten the ball and taken the sack on the last play of the game, but he’s still learning the pro game. And he can create for himself when his protection breaks down. That’s an invaluable asset to have as a QB. Ask Drew Bledsoe if he wished he could scramble like that.

Should Shockley start? No; but it doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t be afforded the chance to, like the coaches are giving to each QB. It’s a little different when you’re running w/ the first string thoroughbreds instead of the third string nags.

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Its funny how the AJC is “advertising” Matt Ryan, lol. You damn sure didn’t have to do that with #7. The whole country was ready for him to play when he got here. Now you have to “build excitement” for you “franchise qb”. What a shame.

By Mark Bradley

August 14, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

I should probably note that, for all the excitement over Michael Vick’s arrival, he wasn’t the No. 1 quarterback his rookie season. (To be precise, he started two of the 16 games.) Chris Chandler was the starter in 2001.

By Jack Mehoff

August 14, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Hey “Vick Supporter”, go beat off to your Vick posters already, the dudes in jail and AINT comin’ back to your team. Wake the ef up…

By Seeing Is Believing

August 14, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 1:38 PM

AAAAHHHH….. Falcons Fans…., you people are just to dumb (racist or just plain hurt) to admit that the Great Mike Vick is the best thing that ever happened to Atlanta since Hank Aaron. This man was even bigger than Dominique.

Vick Supporter has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and works for Cisco, but doesn’t know the difference between “to” and “too.”

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

No Vick = Losing Season. I’m out b#*ches. Workday is over! The Falcons suck and will always suck. peace

By JD

August 14, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter,

I don’t think that the AJC had to advertise or any build up for excitement was needed for Mike, he’d done that himself when he was at VaTech. I think everyone was itching for him to start because Chris Chandler was visibly in decline, and I think that Dan Reeves was a little pressured by the Smiths to go ahead and put Mike into the fray. That being said, the same thing is being done for Matt Ryan. It’s the same cycle of the professional athlete.

All I’m saying dude, is that you’re entitled to like and support Vick, and some people want to see him come back and get his retribution, but until then, this TEAM is moving forward. They’ve got to or else they’ll be living in the shadows with this whole mess hanging over their heads forever. They’re in the business to win and they’re gonna do whatever is necessary to achieve that goal.

By Vick Supporter Too

August 14, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Amazing how NOW its racism because people aren’t flocking to buy up tickets and support the Falcons…LOL Yeah, its “racism” that’s why all the stores are stocked full of #2 jerseys that won’t move off the shelves..its “racism”. Its “racism” that is keeping the Falcons off national TV (and off local TV too!! LOL)…yep…its good ole RACISM.

By JROD

August 14, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

alot of people will never realize why vick means so much to so many blacks. For so long athletic blacks were never given the opportunity to play qb. they tried to make us a rb or cb, or wr. And when vick came along he was going to change that perception. And every criticism he got about being rb playing qb alot of us felt as if it was a shot at all of us. And when he failed in a way we all felt we failed. And when we see anger at a level towards him we cant compare to anyone else except maybe a few other black players (bonds, OJ, TO, Iverson) it makes us support him that much more. Not cause we think what he did was right but cause the level of hate directed towards him isnt right either, and alot of us believe that hate could just as easily be directed towards any of us.

By Gotta Luvitt

August 14, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

@Vick Supporter

Mike, is that you? I’m glad to see that they let you use the internet. I’ve been telling these crazy folks that you are without equal when it comes to execution.

Execution by hanging, execution by drowning, execution by electrocution.

That last one kind of has a nice ring to it, dontcha think?

By Mookie Blaylock

August 14, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

JROD, Ever heard of oh I don’t know… Doug Williams?? Ever heard of Warren Moon? I guess they don’t count as black QB’s since Vick was the first one apparently.

By Former STH

August 14, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Why is this even a column? What people are protesting Ryan? Who is marching around Flowery Branch with protest signs? Who is stopping people from buying tickets? Who?? What is this nonsense about whether “fans” will support Ryan??

Face it, the Falcons never had a huge fanbase and probably never will. Its not Vick’s fault that HE was the draw for many people and that those people don’t care to support the Falcons anymore with their dollars. Guess what? That’s THEIR PEROGATIVE. Just like its anybody else’s perogative to buy tickets or not. Just like its their perogative to wear whatever jersey they feel like wearing. What Mark Bradley is whinning about is APATHY. He wants to dress it up, but his real problem along with all these people whinning about “the black people” and the “Vick fans” is that now you have the real fanbase back..yep…all 40,000 of you. Now you’re mad that you have to come face to face with what was there all along. THat’s your fanbase you nitwits. Its not Mike Vick’s fault that its the same fanbase that was here BEFORE he was ever drafted. Its not his fault, mine or anybody else’s that general APATHY is the problem, not non-support of Ryan. No one CARES That’s why you’re mad, because NO ONE CARES - well too bad. You can’t make people spend their discretionary income on something that doesn’t interest them. Would you?? So all these people hollering about supporting the TEAM. Ask yourself? Who are you talking too? Who is it that is not supporting the “Team”? Have you seen them marching around? Is it a boycott going on? Nope. So who is it that you’re talking too? Who is protesting the TEAM? Its not a matter of support of non-support. You spend your money where you want too and stay out of my pockets. I don’t want to buy tickets to see the Falcons and I don’t have too. That doesn’t mean I dont support Ryan, it means I don’t CARE. But since Bradley and Schultz like to put up these distracting columns, I do care about not letting them think they’ve fooled everybody!

By Maui Jim

August 14, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

fyi Former STD, people do care

By BFM

August 14, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan will make people forget about the disgraceful Mike Vick.

Go Falcons.

By Former STH

August 14, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Maui Jim, if they do, why was this column necessary? Why is Arthur Blank continuing to clog up my email inbox with season ticket offers? What’s up with that 3-game set for sell? I agree that people do care….about 40,000 - that’s it. Unfortunately the Dome seats 73,000

By You Wish BFM

August 14, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

BFM, You will never forget about Mike Vick. You’ll be bringing him up every chance you get…just like AugustaDawg.

By d-man

August 14, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

without vick i agree the falcons are not good in fact they suck but, for vick fans what are the chances vick will come back to us, we drafted ryan for many reasons, one reason being ryan has a clean rep,you dont hear about him in the news, i loved vick on the field becasue he made you sit on the edge of your seat, but just beacuse he iz vick does not me he gonna get off

you never know what ryan can if we win the superbowl in the next 3 years you all will forget the 7’s and rock the 2’s give ryan a shot he can play you never kno i say ryan iz the future and vick iz the past

By Vick Supporter

August 14, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

MAAAAATTTYYYY….. MAAAAATTTTYYYYYYY “ICE!!, LOL”….. MAAAAATTTTTYY…. YOU SUCK!!!!

Thats the cheer that he’s gonna be having in about week 7.

By mars

August 14, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Nice article. By the way, anyone remember Mike Vick? What ever happened to Mike Vick? You just don’t hear about Mike Vick these days. Anyone know what Mike Vick is up to these days? Gosh, I wish I could read something about Mike Vick!

By Maui Jim

August 14, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

I would suppose you get those emails is because there are season tickets available. Did you follow the circus surrounding this franchise last season? Kinda hard to miss. People want to see winning football like the other poster said, most people are aware it’s gonna take the Falcons a few years to get there and don’t feel like dropping the close to $1000 for a season ticket that isn’t in the nose bleed section. Not for a team that is coming off the year they had last season. Doesn’t mean people don’t care, just means they are soured a bit after enduring being the laughing stock of professional sports.

By ATLien

August 14, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Nope Vick Supporter, the only thing you’ll be hearing if you’re at the Dome is

….crickets chirping….

By Tha'ts Not a Falcon Fan

August 14, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry Maui Jim! But from what you said, that’s not a “real” fan! Fans of the Atlanta Falcons go thru the thick and thin. So if thousands dont care to renew their tickets and that waiting list has withered down to ZILCH, I guess that means they dont care! And I guess those aren’t Falcon fans! Its true, the Falcons always had a small fanbase and they STILL DO. Nothing changed. Vick didn’t DECREASE the fanbase, he just increased the ATTENDANCE and attracted national games. Now its back to NORMAL.

By JROD

August 14, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

By Mookie Blaylock

August 14, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

JROD, Ever heard of oh I don’t know… Doug Williams?? Ever heard of Warren Moon? I guess they don’t count as black QB’s since Vick was the first one apparently

I said athletic qb’s who can run as well, both of those qb’s were traditional style qb’s

By Mookie Blaylock

August 14, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

They weren’t atheletic? Doug Williams was a pretty athletic dude and Moon was no slouch either. How about McNabb? He was an option QB in college and in the leauge before Vick. Yes the black QB took a while to catch on but I just don’t see the love affair that people still have for him after what he did to this franchise. It’s obvious it’s solely based on color and that’s fine by me, people can pull for whoever they want but I see a lot of Ryan bashers on here that dislike him based solely on his color. That I have a problem with. The kid wants to win in a Falcon’s uniform, why not give him a chance before slamming him on blogs(not you, others)?

By Birddog

August 14, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley has started a column that really contains nothing but race. What drifferents does it make,if Vick fans(black people) stay away?will Ryan fans sell out the Dome? and if so,whats the problem?All fans BOO when their teams play bad.We the fans pay. Now I know this(Ryan)was your guy.Well I’m sorry he was not mine.And it has nothing to do with Vick.Beleive it or not,alot of Vick fans have moved on.I just wish the ajc.would do the same.

By Maui Jim

August 14, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Oh so in order to be a true “fan” you have to have or renew your season tickets? Get real guy, just because you don’t renew your season tickets following last years joke of a season doesn’t mean you aren’t a fan. I guess you renewed yours?

By That's Not a Falcon Fan

August 14, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

LOL…so Maui Jim…you just believe in “spiritual support”..is that it?? LOL That must be what MOST Falcon fans do! Support the team in a “spiritual” way. I didn’t know Arthur Blank got to pay his lease on the Georgia Dome with “spirit”. I didn’t know players got paid in “spirit”. A “true” Falcon fan wouldn’t just be posting comments, put your money where your “support” is…otherwise don’t get offended when the people that DID put their money up decide, “oh well, nothing to see here, not interested.”

By Maui Jim

August 14, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

You’re a complete imbecile btw. I suppose in your little world people who are from Atl (or the state of Ga) but don’t live there can’t be “fans” since they can’t attend games? Wow that’ makes a ton of sense. Or cents as you see it. I’ve have season tickets since ‘01 when I moved back to Atl from the military and now live in Charlotte, how about you Mr. Superfan?

By This Gets Old

August 14, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

My god, please end these blogs! It’s pointless and while you’re at it please refrain from printing every bit of Vick news in the sports secttion.

It’s a dirty, nasty fire and the ajc just keeps adding fuel to it.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

By LMAO

August 14, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

The proof is in the numbers folks…if the “majority” of falcons fans are soooo happy that Vick is gone….why aren’t you buying tickets?? Arthur Blank is now selling (3) three game packages…is this the Georgia Force or an NFL team??? Are you KIDDING ME?

The bottom line is, MOST of the white racists on this blog and in this city don’t give a “d&mn” about the falcons. They just hate the fact that a black QB, that didn’t look and speak the way you wanted him to, and the MAIN reason you hated him and still do is because he was making MILLIONS!! Money that you hillbillies will NEVER see in your lifetimes. And I hate to spoil your day, but MV is not broke…if he was, HOW could he keep those “million $$” attorneys on his payroll??? HELLO???

The majority of you are GA bulldog fans and you loved D.J. Shockley when he was winning games for you…BUT NOW…you don’t give a d&mn about him.

DJ Shockey is a MUCH better QB than Joey “sack me” Harrington AND he’s better than Redman(insurance salesman). If Harrington and Redman were black they would be in the league.

I PRAY D.J. gets picked up by another team, he isn’t getting a CHANCE to prove himself here. If Arthur had an ounce of business sense he would at least make D.J. the #2 QB….that’s the ONLY way he will get a few more butts in the seats. Can you say BLACKOUT??

Please calm down with crowning Matt Ryan the next Tom Brady….last preseason you said the SAME thing about Joey..how did that turn out for ya???

By hunterj6

August 14, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, ……………………

By #1 falcon

August 14, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Its crazy what Im hearin, people keep bringin up the fact that we had greater needs. What greater need is there than the leader of your team? Lets be real, a team is NO team without a leader. Im just thankful we have atrue leader in the front office now who sees this, and is not scared to ruffle a few feathers to make the right decision!WELCOME HOME MATT! GO FALCONS!! p.s long time vick suppoter

By Poor Maui Jim

August 14, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

So in denial. Well Maui Jim, jersey sells contribute to the revenue for the Falcons, a person can buy a jersey ANYWHERE (you know that online thing makes it easy). Now for 4 years in a row, you had one person on the Falcons team with a top ten jersey, but that’s over. In fact that one person was 85% of all Falcons merchandise sales per FORBES MAGAZINE. So there are ways that Falcons fans no matter where they are to support the team WITH THEIR WALLETS. But, alas, they choose not to do so, which means they must not really be Falcons fans at all. Nope. What you have is the actual fanbase so I don’t know what the complaints are about. Why are people so shocked that the tickets didn’t sell out or that there are no national games? Its not like its a part of Falcons history. No, that was a part of Vick history. Well Vick is gone, so now you have the normal Falcons season back. Its all back to how it SHOULD BE.

By Dead Horse Abuse Hotline

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

How ‘bout them Dawgs!

Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Well, anyway…

By I Dislike Racists

August 14, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

The COON VickFanz will boo any non-black QB who ever plays for the Falcons again.

Vick’s Supporters, mostly black (not all), are the biggest and most evil-hearted racists this town has seen since the Klan.

By T.D. Jakes

August 14, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Make no mistake, Michael Vick WILL burn in HELL…

…just like HIS KIND deserves.

By RickNole

August 14, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

The same people who still support Vick will most likely vote for Obama…In both cases those people tend to ignore the facts that they(Vick and Obama fo’ yo’ mama) are not the ones to lead us to the promised land.

By Stinky Taylor

August 14, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark Bradley,

Remember this from May 26th?

Braves on road to greatness By Mark Bradley | Monday, May 26, 2008, 07:34 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Memorial Day arrived with the Braves in second place. They’ll be in first by the Fourth of July, and come Labor Day they’ll be pulling away

Oh, really? Good luck managing your 401K with insights like this.

By Real Nice Bradley

August 15, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

I see your insightful questions made such intellectual luminaries such as RickNole, IDislikeRacists and the TD Jakes impersonators crawl out from under their rocks to share their ignorance.

So when did you say “screw my integrity” and decide to join the ranks of your racist AJC peers to continuously use Vick as bait for these lines you throw out as columns? Jan? April? I know 5 years from now whoever is trying to write in your place will still be trying to throw Vick in a column to blame for the state of the woeful Falcons.

By the way, did you get some tickets to show your support and belief in Miracle Matt yet? I bet you didn’t. Not for a friend, a family member, nope. I bet your belief in Matty didn’t involve a dime from ya.

By Poste Haste

August 15, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Venus in Beijing:

Oh, she slipped the surly bonds of earth, (turned cartwheels ‘cross the floo-or), and flung her eager task through footless falls of air. She danced on a lark, and chased her laughter’s burning blues. She wheeled, soared and swung high on bars in silent gasps. Arched and alone, she held a sport hostage, dangling dreams amidst the tumbling mirth, and, with delerious pace, she struck the clear chord of freedom’s easy grace.

By Steve

August 15, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

PLEASE LET THE VICK THING GO. He is gone and not coming back. Move on. Falcons fans will get behind Ryan.

By Poste Haste

August 15, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Steve, R U saying that dog wont hunt? The only thing Vick cant do anymore is the flea-flicker play, (sorry).

With a healthy, leashed and sober Team Vick, we could go full superbowl.

A real coach would know that Vick is a passing fullback. If you Use an ordinary good Qback, with Two Arms back there, the Falcons would be invincible. The defense would have to hang back, they’d be fools to blitz with two passers back there. It would be a massacre every game.

We’d get ten touchdowns per game. (and that’s just the halftime stats).

But no, because a bunch of no talent self aggrandizing fools have the falcons by the short hairs, we will never win anything.

Never.

By neckville rednecks - Georgia

August 15, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

mike vick in ufl a new team! pay 4 million a year then back to nfl where ? we miss the hell out of you VICK! we will follow you mike and they can have snow cone matt at QB .to hell with the loserville Falcons!! You can get your copy of the new book look pal a must !lose atlanta Falcon. The Team for loser!! By!!

By ROLL TIDE

August 15, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Bradley and others, LET IT GO. Vick is history to everyone except a few idiots that will live in the projects, mentally, all their lives. Why do you have to foul the air with Vick when mentioning Matt Ryan? To get a rise, that’s why. Vick will not be remembered as a so-so quarterback (highly overrated) he will be remembered as the dumbest person on the planet that went from being the 19th highest paid celebrity to being a convicted felon. The irony is that all but one of his fighting dogs found great homes, one had to be put down, but Vick is broke and getting boned in prison using the grease from fried chicken as lube.

By ROLL TIDE

August 15, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

My father hurt me bad, thats why I say these things

By JJ

August 15, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

wow, some of you guys need to realize this was a good pick. Ok, you want dorsey, thats cool, i think dorsey is a beast, but think about this, what is more important, a QB or DT?

now if we took Dorsey, who is lining up at QB for us? redman? he might no ok but he was selling insurance 2 years ago after not cutting it in the league and only played good against 2nd string defense’s. Also, one big knock on dorsey coming out was injuries, now guess what, he is injured for 4 weeks without even taking a snap. now matt ryan was the only good QB last year besides o’connel who will take 3 years, truth is, if we dont take ryan we can have as good as defense as we want but another franchise QB doesnt come out until probably matt barkley who is in his senior year of high school right now. and dont go saying mike vick, that ship has selled and he wasnt even a good QB while he was playing everyday, now he is in jail for a year and a half and is gonna slower and even worse at throwing the ball. the truth is, he was an athlete, to win a superbowl you need a QB.

answer this, would you rather have a ryan at QB and the gravy train, lewis, and babs at DT.

or

nobody at QB for 5 years, and lewis, dorsey, and babs at DT.

also, lay off dimitroff, he made the right pick in ryan, who shreaded Jax’s defense after his first drive. he traded up for sam baker, something i didnt like but have grown on, and guess what, sam baker had the best debut out of any OT from the draft. then he picked lofton, he has stud MLB written all over him. Then Decoud, he has the chance to be the starter at SS next year. Then Harry douglas who was a steal/sleeper, he is a stud, goona be a great slot reciever for us, he is exaclty the type of person we want on this team, a football player who just goes out and does his buisness, very tough, great hands, and not afraid to go over the middle. Then we got chevis jackson, who is a perfect fit for our cover 2 scheme.

also answer this, what dont you like about ryan? his size? looks like a prototypical QB to me. his arm? he can throw it a nice deep ball and absolutly shreads intermidate passes and underneath. those 19 int’s in college? its called having your tallest reciever being 5’11” and fastest reciever running a 4.54. o yeah, that no oline besides cherilus who is more of a run blocker didnt help at all either. not to mention his coach wanted him to take risks and have a favre mentality. His intangables? coming out it was said he has the work ethic of peyton manning and the intangables of tom brady. he has ice in his veins and is a true leader. Matt Ryan in his first game in the nfl looked better passing the ball than mike vick did in all but the pitt and cincy games in vicks last year.

Matt Ryan will be the best QB since carson palmer came out. he will be top 5 with brady, manning, romo, palmer, and then ryan.

You can go ahead on not like him now but we all know when matt ryan leads us to the playoffs in 2010 possibly 2009 since our divison sucks then dont come crawling back. a real falcon fan sports his team, they arent a player fan.

what do you like about vick anyways, he flipped off fans, fought dogs and killed them, smoked pot, only lead us to the playoffs twice in 6 years, once was when he was in his 2nd year and was a phenomean and no one knew how to stop him, then again in 04 but that was as much dunn and duckett as it was vick. lets see his final two years, well we missed the playoffs. blame mora all you want, it wasnt his fault as much as vicks. vicks last year we went 7-9, and 2-7 in the final 9 games. last year with nobodys at QB we went 4-12 only 3 games worse and did better by a game in the last 9 games.

Matt Ryan is the franchise, if you dont like it switch teams and dont come back when ryan is owning.

By March Hare

August 15, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Falcons fan since 1968. In the span of years (and decades) since, I’ve seen ‘em come and I’ve seen ‘em go. That goes for players and fans alike.

I am not terribly happy with the Blank front office or the way that they treat old time fans on their website. But be that as it may, my love for the franchise lives on, and no matter who takes the snap, I will be cheering.

That’s what a fan is, by the way. You are for the team - not the GM or the head coach… or the owner, or the QB in the in the pen…

By Mark Bradley

August 15, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

March Hare, I’ve got a question: What do you mean about “the way they treat old-time fans on their Web site”? I’m not trying to be a smart aleck. I’d really like to know.

By March Hare

August 15, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Regarding the AF website, I was going to email you with a full details but unfortunately, you aren’t listed in the online AJC staff directory… not that I could find anyway.

The reader’s digest version is basically that I and a few other older fans found ourselves getting flame broiled regularly on AF.com because we were relative newcomers… not to the team, just to the website.

They (senior members and mods) insisted on referring to us a ‘newbies’… and basically treated us like we just walked off of Grady’s maternity ward. We were like… we’ve been Falcon’s fans since Nixon was still in his first term in office!

Now, we never wanted special treatment but geez… most of the people there can’t remember a Falcon’s game that was played before Jerry Glanville’s second tour. (This would include the so-called ‘senior members’ and mods.)

Just a little common decency would have been nice.

We just didn’t have enough posts to make us ‘real’ fans, I guess.

We all tried to contact the AF.com administrators to find out why some of those ‘senior’ members were allowed to flame and disrupt the board while some of us ‘newbies’ were banned for merely complaining about it. To date, the only answer we ever got was that those with more posts get consideration when there was a dispute.

I stopped visiting the AF boards in 2006. Most of my friends have since stopped going there as well.

Problem solved.

PS - Speaking of the Glanville era, I sent $25 for an autographed team picture in the early 90s. I got the cancelled check but still haven’t gotten that pic.

…

By Mark Bradley

August 16, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

March Hare, I’m mbradley@ajc.com.

As for Internet etiquette … I have to confess that I don’t understand all the “rules,” either.

As for the $25: I’m guessing the Falcons used it to buy Glanville’s infamous California Trophy.