Mark Bradley

By Jeff

September 2, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Too bad Matt will lose his first game against a better all around Detroit Lions!!!! Lions 24 Falcons 10

By bigeasy830

September 2, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

The Falcons will lose to Detroit. That team went 7-9 last year and even though they lost the big nose tackle Rogers I still think they will be a good team. Johnson will have a monster second season and Roy Williams is the truth. Those 2 big WR’s will have a field day against 2 second year CB,s bith under 6ft tall. They only win I see the Falcon getting early in the season is against KC. Herm Edwards is a terrible coach. After that we may beat St. Louis at the end of the year. A couple of more teams may stumble up and lose to use, “Any Given Sunday”. I believe we are a 2-14 team but may end up with 4 wins after it is all said and done.

By Big Falcon Fan

September 2, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

2008 Regular Season

1 Lions - Falcons open season with a (W) 2 at Buccaneers - - - 1st Loss 3 Chiefs - - - 2nd Win 4 at Panthers - - - 2nd Loss 5 at Packers - - - 3rd Loss 6 Bears - - - 3rd Win 7 Bye Week 8 at Eagles - - - 4th Loss 9 at Raiders - - - 4th Win 10 Saints - - - 5th WIn 11 Broncos - - - 6th Win 12 Panthers - - - 7th Win 13 at Chargers - - - 5th Loss 14 at Saints - - - 6th Loss 15 Buccaneers - - - 8th Win 16 at Vikings - - - 7th LOss 17 Rams —————- 9th Win Falcons in Mike Smith’s first season win 9 and loss 7. Matty Ice Rookie of the YEar

By cornell

September 2, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

my predictions are 8-8 or 7-9. The teams we face this year are not that dominate to were we can not beat them. Look at all the first years of coaches the last 5 years. More success than none. jim mora 11-5, sean payton 10-6m eric mangini 10-6 , mike tomlin cant remember, mike mccarthy 7-9. I believe in the falcons you should jump on board. A lot of people are going to be surprised on how much the falcons have improved from last year. even with the loses of big name guys from last year. Lets go falcons!!!!!

By Shady

September 2, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Big Falcon Fan got it right. GO FALCONS!

By Ernie Wheelwright

September 2, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Let’s see. Last year we won four games with a sick head coach and less talent than we have this year. Had we had a kicker last year I believe we might have won a couple of more games early in the season and morale would not have gone down the drain. The NFL does not have many elite teams and most games come down to a play or two in deciding who wins. Logic says this Falcon team won’t win many games but in the NFL there’s not much difference in 10-6 or 6-10 depending on what breaks you get. My guess is we go 8-8 or 9-7.

By Keeping It Real

September 2, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

You were wrong about the Braves and you are wrong about the Falcons. There is not enough talent outside of Michael Turner. The Falcons will be 4 and 12 at best if they beat Detroit.

By Randy

September 2, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

I’m guessing 6-8 wins. But as the Wheel says there’s not much difference in 6-10 and 10-6 in the NFL these days.

By Randy

September 2, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

I’m guessing 6-8 wins. But as the Wheel says there’s not much difference in 6-10 and 10-6 in the NFL these days.

By Mark Bradley

September 2, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

So we’ve got the Falcons having a winning record. We’ve also got them losing 14 of 16. That’s a rather wide divergence of opinion, I’d say.

By Green

September 2, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

i think it’ll be an encouraging 6-10 or 7-9 season…. falcons will have another good draft, and prepare more a playoff season in 2009

By Green

September 2, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

i think it’ll be an encouraging 6-10 or 7-9 season…. falcons will have another good draft, and will prepare for a playoff season in 2009!

By FalconFanForever

September 2, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Will start the season 2 wins 6 losses, win 8 straight and lose 2nd game in playoffs. Mike Smith coach of the year and Ryan rookie of the year. Take that to the bank !!!!!! GO FALCONS

By bigeasy830

September 2, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

There is a huge difference between 6-10 and 10-6. Bill Parcell said it perfectly “we are who we are”. We are a 4 and 12 team that is starting a youth movement. Which means we have less veteran talent and overall talent in my opinion than last year. Almost all the teams on our schedule had better records than us last season and most of those teams got better including KC. But I believe we may be able to sneak a win against KC in week 3 at home. If we don’t, we may be looking ay a Miami Dolphins like, “will they win at least one game”, from last season. Thats how bad it will be in Atlanta this year. We can only hope for improvement during the course of the season. Meaning, hopefully we will be competitive with other teams after week 8. Detroit will beat us by at least 10 points.

By Mark Bradley

September 2, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

The Falcons won’t ever admit as much, but I believe they’d be ecstatic if they won seven games. And I think they’d be reasonably satisfied with 6-10.

By jarvis

September 2, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

MB-I have to ask, as a UK grad, with the recent waiving of Jerod Lorenzen, were you more surprised that Tim Couch was out of the league after 5 years or more surprised that Lorenzen almost made it 5?

By mrdonut

September 2, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

The Falcons will be better than advertised. The defense will play better than last year and the offense will play well enough to not lose what the defense gives them. However, the Falcons need a big time tight end now and a solid backup OT.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 2, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

The Falcons, I believe, will win 9 games or more. They are much better than one would have thought. I’m really looking forward to this season. It’s a new beginning, a chance to write a positive legacy to replace the one that is shameful and sad.

By Mark Bradley

September 2, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Actually, I was never a big advocate of either Couch or Lorenzen. I thought the Hefty Lefty forced too many throws — think Jeff George plus 100 pounds — and I thought Couch was a product of that Hal Mumme system, which I never much liked. (I’m more a power-running guy.)

I’ll tell what did surprise me: Andre’ Woodson, who was being touted as a first-round pick this time a year, got cut by the Giants before landing on their practice squad.

By D-Cider

September 2, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

another great forecast from the oracle that prophesized the Braves would be in first place in july.

the falcons will lose in Oakland, probably lose to Detroit, maybe beat Denver..lose to the Rams…Ryan will miss 4 games due to injury.. Shockley will win one.

By Mark Bradley

September 2, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

But, to answer your question (which I neglected to do), I guess I’m more surprised by Couch than Lorenzen. He was, after all, the No. 1 pick in 1999.

Then again, five quarterbacks were taken among the top 12 picks that year, and only one — Donovan McNabb — still has a job. The others: Couch, Akili Smith, Daunte Culpepper and Cade McNown.

By jarvis

September 2, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I remember a year ago this past weekend all of the conversation around the UK/Louisville game surrounded who would be taken first Woodson or Brohm. What a difference a year makes.

Falcons will get 6 wins. We got a good draw with the AFC West.

By Peter Scott

September 2, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Mark - your picks are okay, but if the run game and blocking offensive linemen remain steady, all of our quarterbacks will too. The result will be points to offset what looks like a questionable defense - my picks:

Detroit, Sept. 7: Michael Turner goes for 120 yards. Matt Ryan looks pretty good. Brian VanGorder’s defense, which was terrific in preseason, looks even better. Falcons 28, Lions 18. - agree.

At Tampa Bay, Sept. 14: Ryan has his welcome-to-the-NFL moment in a place where the Falcons have had their share of crummy moments. He’s 9-for-22 but run game prevails. Bucs 21, Falcons 24.

Kansas City, Sept. 21: Showing the desired resilience, Ryan throws two touchdown passes. Chiefs rookie Glenn Dorsey, whom many wanted instead of Ryan, has a good game. Falcons 24, Chiefs 17.

At Carolina, Sept. 28: The Panthers are annually the NFL’s most overrated bunch . We finally block Julius Peppers 0 sacks and the Falcons prevail. Panthers 17, Falcons 23.

At Green Bay, Oct. 5: Lambeau Field is cold, but Ryan is colder Packers 14, Falcons 24.

Chicago, Oct. 12: Even if some Falcons fans aren’t sold on Ryan, the Bears would take him in a heartbeat. They wish they had. Bears 13, Falcons 24.

At Philadelphia, Oct. 26: first loss - They just get after people better than most, especially after we get a little overconfident.. Eagles 27, Falcons 13.

At Oakland, Nov. 2: Lo and behold, Smith’s men respond. Try hard to embarrass DeAngelo Hall. He helps by being flagged two times on a pivotal drive. Falcons 27, Raiders 17.

New Orleans, Nov. 9: The Falcons haven’t beaten the Saints since Sean Payton and Drew Brees and Reggie Bush arrived in New Orleans,this year is different . Saints 17, Falcons 20.

Denver, Nov. 16: Remember when Mike Shanahan was the Mastermind? He might, but everyone else has almost forgotten. Chance for an upset gets flubbed at the end. Broncos 23, Falcons 20.

Carolina, Nov. 23: We’re riding high. Falcons 23, Panthers 10.

At San Diego, Nov. 30: A fighting spirit is no match for an elite team. LaDanian Tomlinson outgains his former backup by 50 yards. An overmatched team suffers its worst loss. Chargers 34, Falcons 10. I might agree with this loss, but 27 - 21.

At New Orleans, Dec. 7: You have to score big to beat the Saints in the Superdome, and the Falcons aren’t yet capable. But they might be by 2009, which by now is the focus. Saints 31, Falcons 27.

Tampa Bay, Dec. 14: The Falcons shake off Saint’s loss and beat t he . Bucs 16, Falcons 23.

At Minnesota, Dec. 21: Confidence prevails. Vikings 24, Falcons 27in a squeaker..

St. Louis, Dec. 28: Ryan has his best statistical day, showing he’s not just tough but talented, and his team, all things considered, finishes a fairly honorable 5-11. Falcons 30, Saints 17.

By Mrs. Bradley

September 2, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

“There is just something SPECIAL about these 2007 Falcons.”

• Mark Bradley

August 2007

By Mark Bradley

September 2, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Yes, and Brian Brohm was just beaten out in Green Bay for the backup quarterback job by Matt Flynn of LSU, who’s also a rookie.

By OutOnaLimb

September 2, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Here’s the way I see it as far as wins and losses for the birds this year…….10 wins & 6 losses, with an outside chance at going 11 wins and 5 losses. They wil lose at Tampa, New Orleans, Philly, Minnesota and San Diego and possibly Denver. If they can upset the Broncos or the Vikings one, then you will have the 11 wins. At this point I see the Falcons as a genuine threat in the NFL South. This group will over achieve and surprise a whole lot of prople. I watched every preseason game and this is the first time since the Dan Reeves era in which the Falcons Defense has been playing agressively yet under control. No long gainers from missed tackles or stupis stunts which always seemed to go for big gains against us. In order to win consistently in the NFL a team must play with “”controlled reckless agression”“. This team has atttitude and is damn tired of the lossing and the drama. All of the malcontent thugs have been dispatched and the current players and managment is anxious to prove the naysayers wrong. Mark it down that I said it…. so when it happens you give me my kudos and say “he was right”

By fallman

September 2, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

falcons have more positives than negatives this year. i pick them to win 8 or 9.

By crabapplejoe

September 2, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

To bigeasy830: I’m curious as to why you left Mike Furrey out of your analysis of Detroit’s receivers. He lead the NFC in receptions in 2006 and neither “Calvin” nor “Roy” has ever had as many receptions as he has. Could it be a pigmentation problem?

By saint

September 2, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Since it will be tough to get teams “up” for the Falcons, and we keep adding vets to the club, we will win 5 or 6!

By EC

September 2, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have took themselves back to the pre-Vick, pre-dirtybird days. No one really cares. Especially with the Bulldogs on the rise and GT at least putting something different on the table. Mike Smith hire makes one think of the Marion Campbell, Dan Henning days. They’ll get 4 wins because of KC, the Panthers, the Rams and they’ll slip up and beat somebody there not suppose to, happens in the NFL. There is some talent, but that talent will grow bored and complacent with the lack of support from the locals and being totally ignored on the national stage. Arthur will find out the bad publicity can sometimes trump no publicity. The writers at the AJC will soon find out that a certain guy drove their engine as well. With the lack of proven talent around him, poor Ryan could be the next David Car or worse Joey Harrington.

By Dion

September 2, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Mark, You have good insight, do you see this team being molded in the same way NE has been over the last few years minus the spygate??

By bigeasy830

September 2, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

By Dion, until the Falcons win 1 Super Bowl, please do not mention them in the same sentence with NE, a team that have won multiple Super Bowls in the same decade. You delusional fans will be in for a rude awakening against Detroit, You will realize that the rookie QB has a weak arm and that the team as a whole sucks.

By Mark Bradley

September 3, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

I think New England is the model, absolutely.

By Daniel Thomas

September 3, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

I think NE has cheated their way to the top, and the Super Bowl was thrown last year to keep the pressure off.

By Boo Boo

September 3, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

Okay, throw out all the bettor stats and look at the cosmic Falcons. The cosmic Falcons have a 42-year history that has averaged roughly 6 wins a season (including 14 game and 16 game full seasons, and strike partial seasons). The cosmic Falcons have never had back-to-back non-losing seasons, which means that jinx does not count for this season. However, in seven of the 42 seasons they have won 4 games, like they did last year. Therefore, you have to look at what followed 4-win seasons in the past, to get an idea of how the cosmic Falcons will fly this year.

The best the cosmic Falcons have done, following a 4-win season, is win 7 games. They did this twice, with one actually a winning season, at 7-6-1. The other time they were 7-7, so one of every three 4-win seasons is followed by a non-losing season.

Still, in the modern era (16-game seasons), they have twice won seven games, following 4-win seasons, finishing with a losing record (7-8-1 and 7-9). That means 2 of every 3 4-win seasons is followed by seven wins.

The bad part is, the other 1 of 3 years the 4-win seasons have been backed up with another 4-win misery.

The good thing is, since their third year of existence, the cosmic Falcons have not won less than three games (they did that 4 times, not counting their first year).

Remember, the cosmic Falcons do not have to be good to win 4 games, they do not have to be good to win 9 games. The cosmic lets the Falcons beat playoff teams like Seattle and Dallas, when no one woulda thunk that, just because that’s the way the cosmic Falcons are.

So cheer up! The cosmic Falcons could win seven games this year, with all seven being slap-your-head-and-call-yourself-dumb upsets! Of course, there is that chance that learning a new system might take another year, which means another 4-12 season. But … it don’t matter! Its the cosmic Falcons!

By EC

September 3, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

Yeah, the NE blueprint was a joke. Those guys cheated to no end which is why they could just plug anybody in, they knew what the opponent was doing. Not to mention the illegal radio communications that has changed the way the entire league operates. Thats they they could win with a bunch of nobodies, old guys and free agents. They had the cheating to a science. Atlanta, nor anyone else will be able to duplicate it. Its why they exceled. Dungy and Manning should be your blueprint. Let Ryan study him, and the Falcons should have went after one of Dungys understudies. You have to be really, really realistic and the Falcons are void of top rate talent and speed. The young guys could develope but we won’t be able to keep them. I really think the Falcons will be the Los Angeles Falcons in a few years. Blank won’t have the stomach to rebuild after this current project fails in the next couple of years.

By BCS Slave

September 3, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

This team as the potential to win 6-7 games. There are a few things that could complicate matters:

Still, given all of the above, I think if this team plays hard, they will win more games than most people expect. I do think they will play hard.

By tlittle58

September 3, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

falcons lose to chargers packers and vikings finish 13-3 ryan gets rookie of the year and smith gets coach of the year birds finish 3rd in nfc behind dallas and an emerging elite vikings team and we say one down 1 to go for consecutive winning seasons. something we was so close to back in tampa week 16 a few years ago when a game winning field goal was blocked and we lost in o.t. with 15 secs left. yes falcons fans our consecutive winning seasons are on our doorstep and all we have to do is take it

By captain Midnight

September 3, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this

You need to quit making these predictions. You need to get a better grade of pot. When you get your next order of pot give Terrance a joint he looks depressed.

By drethompson

September 3, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

all of you are talking out of the side of your knecks. the falcons will be 9-7

By ShanghaiATL

September 3, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

Were the ‘91 Braves supposed to be above .500? Were the ‘07 Hawks supposed to take the Celtics to 7? Were the loser ‘97 Birds supposed to land the next year in the Super Bowl? Didn’t McCain just choose a “hockey mom” with less foreign policy experience than a kid with a EuroRail pass to be VP? Let’s think positively, people. I say the Falcons season could be anywhere from 4-12 to 12-4. Call me unrealistic but that is how life works, always.

By Is the Dome Sold Out?

September 3, 2008 5:32 AM | Link to this

I say we lose the opener only because our offense is still having trouble converting third downs and our red zone percentage is poor but rising. I think we are have the right pieces but it takes a while.

The defense is awesome looking and keeps us in the game but Kitna to Williams or Johnson will happen all too much and eventually break us.

It could have been worse——Joey could be leading the charge and playing dink & dunk.

Lets hope everyone stays healthy and Jammal gets a damn sack and for God’s sake we sell out!!!

By Birdfan

September 3, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this

What a surprise! People actually discussing football on this blog.

By Mrytle Beach

September 3, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

Give Paddy his credit he “Knows team sports” and if he say’s it put the Mortgage on it! Based on what he say’s i have already taken Detroit giving the points. Thanks Paddy you are the “MAN”! Can’t wait to here what you have to say about next week so i’ll have my wheel barrel ready.

By Mrytle Beach

September 3, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

Oh i was wrong sorry Paddy it was none other that bigeasy830, should have had my coffie but it’s even more of a lock since bigeasy830 quotes it…..Amen!

By Bugman

September 3, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Interesting prognostication.

Printed and tacked to the fridge. I’ll check back in at mid-season!

Bug

By Phil

September 3, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Hey Bradley, Are the Braves “pulling away” now that we’re in September???

As for the Falcons, you’re making more sense. I say 4-12.

By donald

September 3, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

This is a 3-13 team without the injuries. Enough said!!

By rob 10

September 3, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

just wondering if i was the only one who watched the Falcons defense yield ZEREO touchdowns in 13 that’s right 13 quarters this pre-season. if so just let me remind you that DEFENSE wins championships! Having said that we should be optomistic about this season. In order to win in this league you have to do 2 things, RUN the football and stop the RUN!! From what I saw in the pre-season we are at least capable of doing both! So, if by week 12 or 14 we find ourselves in the top 6 or 7 in both of these catagories then guess what??? We could very well be 7-5 or 6-6 and not anywhere near 2-10 or 4-8!!! Remember RUN the football and stop the RUN and you will have success in this league!!!

By Curtis

September 3, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Your “The Panthers are annually the NFL’s most overrated bunch…” rhetoric may be the red meat your fans are begging for but it’s not rooted in reality. The Panthers (if healthy) will blow the Falcons off the field both times this year. Matt Ryan will get a great view of both the Georgia Dome ceiling and the North Carolina sky from his back. Got news for you… Peppers (and the Panthers) are back. That said, I like what the Falcons are doing. It’s no secret that Vick was as much an asset with his legs as he was a liability with his arm. Ryan will be a much better pocket passer and Roddy White and Michael Jenkins may finally have an opportunity to get their careers off the ground. If I were the Falcons, I’d focus on putting a quality front 5 in place to protect Ryan. The Panthers did this in the off season and it will show on the field this fall.

By Space Mountain

September 3, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Wait and see. I think you are right Bradley the birds are not as bad as advertised. If they make it to .500 this season will definetley be a success. Especially compared to last years travesty.

By Sun Tzu 7

September 3, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

The fact we’ve just added two CB’s a few days for the opener doesn’t exactly make me feel great about the tandem of Grimes and Houston.

The running game only works if our corners can keep the other WRs out of the endzone. If we get behind by 2 TD’s then Turner and the running game goes right out the window.

And that’s what we REALLY don’t want to happen. Ryan needs a strong running game but if we can’t stop the other team from scoring….

By Curtis

September 3, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Left off my prediction. Falcons will go 1-5 in the South with a split with the Bucs. They’ll finish 3-13 overall with defense being the difference vs. KC. Then week 15, they’ll manage to take down the Bucs at home and will surprise the Rams in Week 17 as the offense begins to gel behind Ryan. Build an O-Line in the off season and week 17 could be a sign of good things to come for the Falcons in ‘09. Only other chances for wins are vs. DET and CHI but I think the DET offense and CHI defense will be enough to hand the birds a couple of losses. So optimistically the Falcons top out at 5 wins.

By wes

September 3, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

What are the odds set at in Vegas for over/under TOTAL WINS (Regular Season) for the Falcs?

Bueller?

By Barry

September 3, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

I have been hearing all you guys comments, both negative and positive, and I tell you none of us can predict how these new and old falcons will play under, what I perceive, a damn good, hard nosed footbal coaching staff. Concidering the Falcons had to previous caoches who went brain dead: One while going to the playoff wishing he was caoching the Washington Huskies and another, last year, who completely lost his professional coaching mind by leaving his team in the middle of the season, I say since the Falcons were going to the playoff that previous year, I believe we still have some pretty good players from that squad and a wealth of new great players picked up these last two years. Therefore, making predictions on how this team will fair with this coaching staff is wat too premature. I am going to love this season enjoying footbal watching the Falcons play one game at a time. One win at a time. I will be looking at the surge in confidence and unity of this team as the win each game. I will be looking to see this team play with “ONE HEART BEAT”: Playing together, with confidence, as a unified TEAM. I look to the Falcons taking vengeance on all NFL teams due to their losing to them for situations beyond the players control. This year, it is their time to “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!”. And we, the fans, as a COMMUNITY, will be behind them as part of their team and part of their “ONE HEART BEAT”. Together, we will make believers out of the naysayers throughout the country. I say “YES WE CAN!!!” as “ONE HEART BEAT”.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“ONE HEART BEAT!!!”

“SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!

Ringold

By bigeasy830

September 3, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

By crabapplejoe, first of all I am not a Detroit fan. SO I really don’t know who Mike Furrey is. Mike Furrey can be purple like Barney, if you are suggesting he is a better receiver than Roy or CJ then thats your opinion. Like Some may suggest that Wes Walker is better receiver than Randy Moss since he had more receptions than Randy and guess what, thats their opinion. But, I believe that Mike Furrey like Wes Walker benefited from having to play with 2 dominate receivers that demand double teams and free him up, or he could have been the benefactor of playing in Mike Martz offense or he may be one hell of a receiver. Either way it still spells bad news for the Falcons. Lets keep it about football today CRAB.

By Barry

September 3, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

I have been hearing all you guys comments, both negative and positive, and I tell you none of us can predict how these new and old falcons will play under, what I perceive, a damn good, hard nosed footbal coaching staff. Concidering the Falcons had to previous caoches who went brain dead: One while going to the playoff wishing he was caoching the Washington Huskies and another, last year, who completely lost his professional coaching mind by leaving his team in the middle of the season, I say since the Falcons were going to the playoff that previous year, I believe we still have some pretty good players from that squad and a wealth of new great players picked up these last two years. Therefore, making predictions on how this team will fair with this coaching staff is wat too premature. I am going to love this season enjoying footbal watching the Falcons play one game at a time. One win at a time. I will be looking at the surge in confidence and unity of this team as the win each game. I will be looking to see this team play with “ONE HEART BEAT”: Playing together, with confidence, as a unified TEAM. I look to the Falcons taking vengeance on all NFL teams due to their losing to them for situations beyond the players control. This year, it is their time to “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!”. And we, the fans, as a COMMUNITY, will be behind them as part of their team and part of their “ONE HEART BEAT”. Together, we will make believers out of the naysayers throughout the country. I say “YES WE CAN!!!” as “ONE HEART BEAT”.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“ONE HEART BEAT!!!”

“SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!

Ringold

By Joe

September 3, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Vegas has the Falcons at 4.5

I say take the over.

By Mark Bradley

September 3, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

I have to confess: There’s more optimism in your responses than I would have imagined. I’m sure Arthur Blank appreciates your support.

By VickBeliever

September 3, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Are you telling me the savior Mr. Matt Ryan does not have 2,500 fans so we can avoid a blackout. Now poor Aurthr Blank has to lower ticket prices. Like I have always said Matt Ryan, Joey Harrington go ve great interviews but listen people that does not win games. The blackout begins Sunday in the dome. hahahah….Guess all the Vick haters are not Falcons fans either….

By jordan

September 3, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

the falcons are going to be dominate this year.. once they whoop the dog snout out of detroit there going to love that win so much that there not goin to stop untill they win every one

By Chris Jackson

September 3, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Once again you are drinking the yellow liquid from Furman Bisher’s penis you are a stupid human being and I hope you and Bisher die on a car crash I hate you both and pray AJC fires your a*!! you truly are a piece of s** the falcons suck always have always will!!! they WON”T win 3 games this year yo idiot!!!!!

By Sam

September 3, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the thoughtful articles Mark. I’m looking forward to the season…for the moment. I, too, think we’ll be better than the follow everything-so know little NFL experts. Here’s to hoping, anyway.

BTW, can you start a petition started to have TM removed from his position. He’s an extremely poor writer and an even worse columnist.

]Sure, you get what you pay for, but his performance is bordering on incompetent and he’s alienating AJC readers. His bounce rate has got to be the highest in the sports department by a lopsided margin.

Her’s my slogan - No More MOORE In 09.

By Tim McDaniel

September 3, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

This team will go somewhere between 5-11 to 7-9 for the simple fact that even in a bad year we win just enough where we don’t get a top 2 pick. A 3-13 would get us there, a 4-12 might do it. A 5-11 would make it into the top 5, and a 6-10 (my pick) would barely make it into a top 10 pick.

By TLC.

September 3, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Bradley,you were wrong many of times just like the so called experts.What are you trying to do get points from the fans?Your not gonna fool me and im not gonna fool myself.The falcons will be as advertised,1-15/2-14.

By TLC.

September 3, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Bradley,you were wrong many of times just like the so called experts.What are you trying to do get points from the fans?Your not gonna fool me and im not gonna fool myself.The falcons will be as advertised,1-15/2-14.

By willdave

September 3, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

VickBeliever, this was a reasonably intelligent, upbeat string of comments until you put your two cents in. Actually, that the Falcons were only 2,500 seats away from a sell out is very encouraging when you consider that this team is coming off that disastrous 2007 season. We finished 4-12, Punky Petrino just walked away as head coach with three games left in the season, and your boy, our former QB, became a convict and got his butt suspended from the league. Now, keep in mind that we do not know how many of those 2,500 unsold seats have been sold since Monday. The Falcons have discounted these seats $10.00 to encourage sales. Thus, the game could very well be a sell out by the deadline of Thursday at 1:00 pm, which would lift the blackout. But even if it does not sell out, that is no reflection whatsoever on Matt Ryan. It is more a reflection on the failure of your boy, that convict, to develop into the franchise QB that his diehard fans like you tagged him to be. Most true Falcon fans like me are absolutely ecstatic to have Ryan as our new QB. As he is given the opportunity to play in the NFL, even more people will become fans of his. If your boy was released from prison tomorrow and reinstated by the commissioner, which of course would never happen, most true Falcon fans wouldn’t even consider taking him back over Ryan. So you go ahead keep up with prison-yard football while the rest of us support this improved, encouraging NFL team. GO FALCONS!!!

By bigeasy830

September 3, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

By Chris Jackson, You need a role model, a hug, some counseling or something. Damn. Mark, my brother from another mother, I got your back. But if Chris is a 6”4” 250lbs goone. I still got your back, way back. I will be just a little father back so I won’t catch one of those blows.hahahahahahahaha. Just kidding Mark, when I say rush him, I hit him high, you hit him low, thats how we use to do it in my hood.

Holla

By Andy Griffin

September 3, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

This Chris Jackson sounds like a nut.At least Barney got one bullet this guy can’t have any.

By McRly?

September 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

I think I’m ready for the GAME. Run the ball, eat some clock, Play action over the top every once in a while to keep em honest and take your shots, and have some defensive 3 and outs, and WHAM-O. You got yourself a good chance to win a ballgame. Easy squeezy Jap-o-nesey. I’m so glad this coaching staff gets it. You don’t have to dazzle them with dexterity or baffle them with Bllsht, just go helmet to helmet, play catch, run hard and outwork em.
Nuff Said.

GO FALCONS

By Bo

September 3, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Sam:

I agree with your assessments of Mark’s and Terence Moore’s pieces.

I don’t always agree with Mark, but I admire and respect his skill in making a point and supporting his argument. And when he criticizes, it’s not done in a childish and confrontational manner.

To the contrary, Terence Moore lacks the basic composition skills most 9th graders possess (even in GA). His opinions are laughable, and he rarely provides fresh insight or perspective. A poster on TM’s blog suggested that Mark and Terence were engaging in good-cop-bad-cop banter given their opposing viewpoints. In reality, it’s good-writer-bad-writer, and I doubt it’s scripted. The evidence of TM’s ignorance is abundant and overwhelming. I’m sure the alumni base of Purdue cringes when TM notes his graduation from that fine institution.

By DC Dawg

September 3, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I somewhat don’t put a lot of emphieses on amount of wins this year. I just want ot see ateam that hustles on every play, never give up, ateam that sticks together Plays hard for the Coaches and orgainization. The things I read about the team are positive things. Just rise above the terrible and disasterous season from last year.Which in my oponion was not the players fault. Well the ones that are still here. It was necessary to purge the team of some of the selfish and childish players, now move on. Please you writers in the ATL don’t mention that V word any more, we are tired of hearing that name.

By VP

September 3, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

If they win 5-6 games this year, I’m happy! Has anyone noticed that the Falcons have learned how to lock-up and tackle? They even swarm the person with the ball now! That along saves a few big plays. I’m encouraged.

By Obama Man

September 3, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Hey Bo,

We are talking about football and not your prejuidice and/or dislike for Terrence. Stop feeling so great about yourself. You sound like a McCain supporter and a Jawja Dawg…lots of bark and no substance. Go Trojans.

By VickBeliever

September 3, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Willdave your hillbilly mentality is the reason this town will never win nothing. I bet you don’t even have sason tickets but yet probably have a loud voice on what the Falcons should do with Vick. Your boy the Great White Hope is probably a great kid. But his mission here is to WIN football games not just say the right things all the time. I bet Arthur hate he had to discount and beg fans to come to the game when we had the man he was able to raise ticket prices. By game 6 the dome will be empty because you and your redneck friends will be out killing bambi and friends.

By bookie

September 3, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

willdave, how is it that if someone is not ecstatic to have Ryan as our new QB, then that means we are not true Atlanta fans? Alot of people on here did not support vick, so does that mean they are not true fans either? There are things about the team we like and there are things we do not. It just so happen the one thing we do not support is yo boy Matt. Now when yo boy get sacked 9times a game DO NOT blame it on the line cause Vick played behind a worse line and you said he ran too much. Lowering the ticket prices will not help the team cause thats less money to keep and buy free agents.

By falconidiot

September 3, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Attitude is everything, and the Newbirds have a positive, but nasty attitude.

By bookie

September 3, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

BIRDFAN,

Whether you know it or not.. You cant talk about slavery without talking about the slaves. You cant talk about a restaurant without talking about what they serve. Therefor you cant talk about football without talking about the players who play/played

By Keeping It Real

September 3, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Ryan will be getting up off his butt every time he drops back to pass. At least Vick could get out of the pocket to make something out of busted assignment created by the offensive line. Ryan has a good completion percentage but I never saw that he was given enough time to go deep. I am assuming that he can go deep. If Turner cannot get the running game going with an offensive line that except for Baker has not changed that much, the season will be long and the dome will be partially full. Ryan is no Vick ability wise but he is the great white hope with high social values. I hope that he is successful. If he is not, the redneck hicks in this town will turn on him just like they did on Francouer with the Braves.

By bookie

September 3, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

ShanghaiATL , I guess its a good thing you try to look on the positive side but lets not go too crazy. For every one team you named i could name 8 teams that was not expected to make it and they did not. And MCcain only picked the that lady because she has 5 kids. So that means she knows how to change a diaper. An MCcain knows he will need his diaper changed every now and then Just playen people. I heard some one say that

By alan

September 3, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

this team is goin to surprise us in a lot of areas. First the offensive line was hurt at both tackle spots and guard last year. now healthy and a new right guard that shows how they want it done in Harvy dahl with being nasty and being very physical from start to finish. the line looked solid in preseason, even tho preseason, it still matters, it builds confidence and thats what they need starting this season off. Second is our new running back Michael Turner, this guy is goin to be something special, you just watch. 510 145 pounds and has the power of brandon jacobs, and the speed of norwood( a little faster). how can you not see special in that, theres hardly anywhere you can tackle him to get him down, he always falls foward. he will get well beyond 1000 yards this season and show you how hungry he is after four long seasons as a back up, you really think he is goin to give that up? you wait and see. Third is that defense. they have been quielty making plays, from there starting unit all the way to there 2nd and 3rd string players. There isnt many big names on this team but that doesnt mean they will lose a lot of games. this defense has made sacks ints, pass break ups all preseason. the last team to score on us was jacksonville.( the first unit 13 quarters ago). thats it, not even the titans could, we picked vince young off with a rookie( chevis jackson ). since thomas brown has been put ont IR, if they put norwood back at KR, then this speacial teams will be very good this year, i expect this staff to use norwood effectivly this year. 2008 predictions: i am a falcons fan, i support mat rayan all the way i like him, i still love vick, but i like what i see with this team. i think if they can run the football which they can( preseason in INDY ) they will win some games. they will go at least 7-9

there are teams we can beat with full out effort for 60 minutes

By Bo

September 3, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Obama Man:

McCain supporter, yes; Jawja Dawg, no.

The only prejudice I feel against Terence Moore relates to his writing skills. They’re indefensible, and certainly not of professional quality.

Since you feel compelled to defend Terence and label me as prejudiced, you should at least learn to spell his name and the word “prejudiced”.

By SaintintheATL

September 3, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Obama Man……

I thought this was about football……….not about your decidedly simple mind. Drink your kool-aid and keep hoping for the change “you” can believe in…..

Now as far as the Falcan’ts go………HAR HAR HAR. Not this year kids. I would love to see them beat a Tampa or Carolina once this year……….since they will loose to the Saints twice……but rookie QB’s are just not known for taking a rookie team to 7, 8, or 9 wins. I think he will be a good QB for the team….eventually. This year though is going to be just like any other rookie’s year……painful, long and on the good side a great learning experience for him. I am actually hoping he doesn’t have any games this year were his “O” line lets him get sacked for an NFL record number of times. It is all up to your offensive line and I do not think they are up to protecting him, or opening lanes for Turner. SO………….GEAUX SAINTS and good luck to them DirtyBirds…………see you at the GA Dome in November…..I will be there with the other 60,00 Saints fans.

By A_Town_Down

September 3, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Sell those tickets Bradley!!

Falcons 2-10.
1. Detroit-lost: 2 talented 6’4” WR, veteran QB 2. Tampa Bay - lost, solid defense, veteran QB 3. Kansas City, solid defense, Dorsey sack Ryan twice in the first half. 4. Carolina, Steve Smith will go off in his second game back from suspension 5. Green Bay, solid all-around team 6.Chicago, Grossman has big game 7. Philadelphia, the Eagle will score 40+ points 8. Oakland, D-Mac scores 2 TDs and D Hall has a pick-six 9. New Orleans, Saints score 40+ points 10. Denver, this could be an upset 11. Carolina, Panthers brings us back to life 12. San Diego, “elite team” 13. New Orleans, another lost 14. Tampa Bay, no way the Bucs lose in their fight for the playoffs 15. Minnesota, Vikes are desperate for the playoffs 16. St. Louis, I gave us a victory.

By Mark Bradley

September 3, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the kind words, and also the advice regarding self-protection.

The reason this season won’t get completely out of hand is that Mike Smith and Brian VanGorder and Ray Hamilton and Emmitt Smith are splendid defensive coaches. Defense will keep the Falcons in just about every game. I’m saying 5-11 because — and note the low-ish scores I predicted above — I’m not sure the offense will be ready yet.

Then again, I’m often wrong.

By bigeasy830

September 3, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Mark I say we win only 2 to 4 games but I will be the happiest person in Atlanta if I am wrong. I agree with you on the coaching. I think we have a great coaching staff and as I have said in the past, If we win more than 4 games it will be because of our coaching staff. I will go one further. I think Mike Mularkey is a fine offensive coordinator. But, that int. that I saw Matt Ryan throw in that 2nd preseason game worries me. It seemed like that ball floated. Like he did not or could not get enough mustard behind it. If his arm strength limits Mularkeys play calling we are in for a long season. But, hopefully that int. was just and anomaly and not truely indicative of Ryan’s skills.

By Trainwreck

September 3, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Gotta admire Bradley willing to stick his neck out like that given the fact that even if everything goes the way he says except Dorsey breaks a leg instead of tweaking a hammy every1 will be calling him the worst writer in history. anyway… I say 6-10 and one of those will be against the Saints…

By Ryan2

September 3, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

The Falons record this year will be 7-9. Matt Ryan will surprise a lot of people this year. Ryan is alrady ahead of the curve with his ability read defenses and he will continue to progress throughout the year. He will make his share of mistakes, but he is quick study and will start to win games towards the end of the year.

By Jay

September 3, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

The schedule is ridiculously difficult for a bottom team. Winning five games will a decent result.

By Nate

September 3, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

some of you people just don’t get the fundamentals of football..this game is won @ the line of scrimmage folks…..Matt Ryan is good…I’ll give him that…but he is SLOW….when you have Defensive Lineman that can run @ 4.4 speeds..he’s gonna get killed backed there trying to be the “smart” QB..why?!?! because the front office did not address the offensive line…hence the reason VICK had to constantly run for his life when he was here…..don’t expect the falcons to win more than 4 games this season because of this…ESPECIALLY when your secondary is full of 2nd year players who are shorter than 6ft tall…that means other teams will throw the ball against us all day long….and plus…the coaches are not letting him call his own plays…so this current coaching staff is gonna stunt his growth just like VICK’s coaching staff did…