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From the land of the pirate ship

By Mark Bradley | Sunday, September 14, 2008, 02:28 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tampa — Gary Shelton, the fine columnist from the St. Petersburg Times, just wandered over and said, speaking of the team he follows, “This could be a long year.”

Then he said, “Of course, you guys know all about that kind of thing.”

Well, yes. It was here last December that the worst season in the history of professional sports reached its nadir. Playing for interim coach Emmitt Thomas, the Falcons managed five first downs in losing to the Bucs 37-3. Chris Redman’s quarterback rating was 0.0. A franchise (Tampa Bay) that had returned 1,864 kickoffs in its history without running one back all the way ran one back all the way.

It was so bad that a guy in the AJC wrote that Roger Goodell should stop the Falcons before they played again, but as it turned out the lost season’s final two weeks weren’t so bad. The Falcons lost in overtime in Arizona and beat Seattle in the finale, which didn’t mean much in the grand scheme but was still better than losing 37-3.

Nine months later, the Falcons arrive with a better record than the Bucs and probably the better quarterback. Brian Griese starts for Tampa Bay in place of the injured Jeff Garcia, and nobody down here seems to believe a Griese-led offense will be able to muster much today.

So does that mean the locals are picking the visitors to win? Uh, no. Three Tampa Tribune writers pick the Bucs in today’s edition, including Ira Kaufman’s forecast of a 20-0 TB victory. And Shelton and colleague John Romano both like the Bucs, sort of, although that rascal Shelton guesses the home side will score 23 points — on 10 safeties and a field goal.

Check back throughout the afternoon. I’ll try my best to make sense of the doings, although I have to warn you: Today’s my birthday, and I’m feeling even older than ever.

Permalink | Comments (283) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL

Comments

By intellibird

September 14, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Go Birds!
Prediction Atlanta wins 26-17. Tampa Bay columnists 0 for 3.

By dexter the dawg

September 14, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, the Falcons will kick the stuffing out of the Bucs today. There is no team that I hate worse in the NFL! All of the years that their arrogance has dripped off of them during the games that thy pile-drived us into oblivion. I hope that our dynasty, and dominance of them beggins today, and last at least a decade more! Go Dirty Birds!!!!!!!!!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 14, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

The Falcons will win today! Look for Turner to throw a touchdown pass.

By Drayton Xavier

September 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Defense looks solid on paper - and in the games. Turner’s on pace for 3400+ yards, and Norwood’s on pace for 1600+. Ryan played the QB position PERFECTLY in game 1. This won’t continue - but it doesn’t have to for us to have a great offense this year. If Turner can rush for 1600, Norwood for 900, and Ryan has a positive touchdown-int ratio, we’ll be the talk of the NFL this year - and will make the playoffs. Happy Birthday Mark Bradley!

By BIrdman

September 14, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

How’s it looking Mark? Is Brooks dressed?

By Jeff

September 14, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

i read Grady Jackson is inactive on a website (fanball), do you know why?

By Ron

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

Happy Birthday , Mark. During my years living in Southeast Asia, your columns gave a spark of color to the sports news from ATL, thanks. Hope the Facons pull another surprise and pull out another “W”. It wouldn’t realistically spark mass delusions of a superbowl, but it would validate some realistic confidence in the future of the Falcon franchise based on the execution of the plan as envisioned by the new GM and coach.

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Drayton. Thanks, Ron.

Derrick Brooks is dressed. Grady Jackson is inactive, which is a surprise. He woke up at 3 a.m. with a sore knee, according to esteemed colleague Darryl Ledbetter.

It’s actually raining, by the way. Not hard, but raining nonetheless. I hear it does that now and then down here.

By neal

September 14, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Still positive that we will win but they have not kicked off yet….LOL

By BirdMan

September 14, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Happy B-Day, Mark!

By Ted Striker

September 14, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Every day Grady Jackson doesn’t wake up with TWO sore knees is a miracle

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 14, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

RYAN IS OFF TO A GREAT START :) Well to a real defense :)

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Ryan threw high to Jerious Norwood on third down, and Aqib Talib intercepted the tipped ball. Tampa Bay drove and scored on Griese’s pass to John Gilmore. You might recall that it was the third play of the game last season when Ronde Barber intercepted Redman’s pass and scored.

Memo to the Falcons: Run the ball on the third play of the game down here next year. Or, better still, punt.

By AJC: race war supporters?

September 14, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

I said it last week & I’ll say it again, let’s not get carried away in labeling Ryan as the QB we’ve all been waiting for. Make no mistakes about it, I’m definitely pulling for the team. I’m just curious to know if the same folks singing his praises & making comparisons last week (you know what I’m talking about) will make excuses for him this week.

By Unbiased_Blogger

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

An interception and touch down already?

TAMPA 7 ATL 0

This is what it’s like when you put a bust up against a “REAL” defense. Come on BRADLEY & Atl fans - where are you now?

LET THE BLOOD BATH CONTINUE :)

By welikebaseball2

September 14, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

By The REAL Falcons

September 14, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Hmmm:

Coaching = F Ryan = F Defense = F

Great Start

By CDS

September 14, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

The Detroit Lions just gave up 48 points to the Packers. They have a terrible defense. That’s why I wanted to see what Ryan and Turner can do against a good defense on the road. So far, it’s not looking too good.

By welikebaseball2

September 14, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post!

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Hey, it’s early yet, folks. (Then again, I was saying that during Game 7 in Boston four months ago, and that one got late pretty fast.)

Ryan overthrew Norwood on third down again to quash a promising drive. Memo to Matty: Don’t throw the ball to Norwood. Or, better yet, aim better.

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Your attention, please. Keith Brooking just made a stop on third down. Just so nobody accuses him of going another whole game without doing anything.

By The REAL Falcons

September 14, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

D line is looking pretty good. Zone has a lotta holes though. Good defensive series.

By Brian

September 14, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

D looking pretty good though.

By TAMPA BAY

September 14, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

KEN STRICKLAND - Where are you buddy?

By welikebaseball2

September 14, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Gee, I wonder if the pass rush made the trip to Tampa Bay…

By The REAL Falcons

September 14, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Coaching issues:

12 men in huddle… Illegal formation…

By Ron

September 14, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

I can’t see the game from where I am, but just reading this and looking at the espn gametracker from time to time, I wouldn’t give up on a rookie qb’s career based on a tipped ball interception in his second “live” pro game. 0 for 5 ain’t great for the first quarter, but it is a long season, and I suspect most folks realistically consider this a learning year for him with a high draft choice next year to bolster the o-line for the future. Here’s hoping the learning curve shows some results the second quarter!

By TAMPA BAY

September 14, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Where are all those ATLANTA Fans last week.

IT’S GETTING UGLY FAST !!!

By neal

September 14, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

good run stopping so far but no qb pressure

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

End of quarter. Bucs 7, Falcs nil.

Get used to this kind of football, folks, and not just this week for most of the weeks to come. The Falcons are playing defense and running the ball and trying to manage the game, which is what you have to do on the road with a young quarterback. Example: The draw to Norwood on third-and-15. Some might call that a give-up play. I call it common sense.

By Reality_Check

September 14, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Just like I predicted! 72-million dollars for 0-5 and an interception. Can you say B. U. S. T.?

Say it with me and nodd your heads. Are you analyzing this BRADLEY. By the way, the RAIDERS WON 23-8.

By neal

September 14, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

and the true fans are still here……but I guess after being beat last week the TB fans will come out now their playing a young team…goes to show the true colors of a TB team that if lucky will win maybe 7

By welikebaseball2

September 14, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

I’m not saying let’s give up on the rookie QB, I’m just saying that some of you shouldn’t let your haste to bring on “a new era” cause us to prematurely crown him the QB we’ve been longing for…like folks were doing last week…in all their comparisons…

By The REAL Falcons

September 14, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

I guess Mr. Dunn heard that people on this blog were calling him a thug and a malcontent and a bum….LOL

By TAMPA BAY

September 14, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

1st and goal at the 23 - oh well T O U C H D O W N :)

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Some good fireworks were just expended for nothing. Earnest Graham appeared to score on an 8-yard run, but the play was flagged for holding on B.J. Askew. The cannon from the pirate ship loosed a volley to celebrate what was in effect a 10-yard penalty.

Then, just as it seemed the Falcons had stopped the Bucs, Warrick Dunn popped a draw on third-and-goal from the 17 and scored. A great call.

Jon Gruden, as you might have heard, is a shrewd guy. He’s managing the game, too, and he has the advantage of having the better team.

Bucs 14, Falcs nil. Danger time for Matt Ryan and the young Birds.

By Realist

September 14, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Smith really made a mistake by not challenging the spot on Dunn’s TD. He didn’t get in, and it would have been Fourth and Goal.

By Where's the D

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

Ok. Can the Falcons stop a 3rd down play anytime? Looks like they can’t.

By stendec

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

Falcons are F+++++G losers! Ryan a F+++++G waste! Defense a F+++++K joke! Coaches F+++++G morons! Team will be F+++++G luckry as Hell to win two games this season! Touchdown on a F+++++G third-and-forever? Keith Brooking needs to be put out to F+++++G pasture! Nobody in F+++++G secondary could a damn one-legged elderly woman in a wheelchair! Total embarassment! No heart! No guts! No desire! No F+++++G talent! F++K them all!

By TAMPA BAY

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

RYAN LEAF - 0-6….Will he complete a pass today :)

WHAT A BUST

By welikebaseball2

September 14, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Hello…where are you guys from last week with your comparisons?

By The REAL Falcons

September 14, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Hmmm…throwing everything high…sounds vaguely familiar…

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 14, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick struggled in his first couple of games against (a much better) Tampa defense, but even he didn’t go 0/8 with 2 picks to start the game.

This is what happens when you draft a QB before you have a team, and this is why the Falcons will never be good.

Good luck #2, you’re gonna need it with this team.

P.S. The Bucs are missing their best defender today too.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 14, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, great to see Warrick Dunn run for 17 yards for a TD… about 16 yards more than the Falcons line ever let him run while he was here.

By Dane

September 14, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Bucs 17, Falc 0 Stick to the running game, passing is overrated.

By Ben M in Albany

September 14, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Good call there stendec….saw the replay of Dunns TD and Brooking just stood there and watched him go by. Cement for feet is not a good attribute for playing in the NFL

By Dane

September 14, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Bucs 17, Falc 0 Stick to the running game, passing is overrated.

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 14, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

DEAR ATLANTA:

You all said I was too short, couldn’t pass, couldn’t read defenses. So you dreamed up a tall, blue eyed traditional passer and pay him 72-million dollars and even labeled him “face of the franchise”. How is that working out for you?

Last week you wanted to give him the key to the city against a WEAK Detroit team who gave up 48-points today and he only passed 13 times.

Today he is 0-8 with 2-interceptions. I must say he is really reading the defense pretty well today and with a better offensive line and 2-great running backs.

I can’t wait to join my new Team Carolina and destroy this already pathetic franchise, even though you are 72-million less.

Sincerely,

Mike Vick

By falcondawg

September 14, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Just like the good old days again.

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

OK, here it is: Matt Ryan looks like a rookie. He’s 0-for-8 with two interceptions.

Let’s see how he responds to a terrible start. This game could get out of hand before halftime, assuming it isn’t already. I imagine the Falcons will try to run the ball on this next drive.

Bucs 17, Falcs nil. Why am I thinking I’ve seen this one before?

By Falcons Blog Greatest Misses

September 14, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

“We finally have a quarterback intelligent enough to read defenses. We finally have a quarterback that can throw the ball with some accuracy!” lol

By Where's the D

September 14, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Well. Does this look like the Falcons of old when they play the Bucs? Jeez. So much for the euphoria of last week carrying forward.

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Ryan: 0-for-9 now. Just overthrew Roddy White.

On the other hand, Glenn Dorsey’s team got beat by the Raiders today. So he hasn’t exactly turned Kansas City around, either. And guess who the Falcons play next week?

By Will

September 14, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Is Ryan going to complete a pass today? Just saying…

By Falcons610

September 14, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

VICK ALSO DID NOT LEAD HIS TEAM TO A 3 SCORE 3 DRIVE OFFENSIVE STAND.

VICK DID NOT THROW A TD ON HIS FIRST EVER NFL PASS.

Come on he is a rookie, Peyton Manning had 29 INT’s his first season, give the guy a break.

He is your Atlanta QB now so get used to it. Vick isn’t coming back so you might as well get behind your team.

By falcondawg

September 14, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

You have seen it before, Mark. Hopefully it’ll get better before it gets worse. I just hope this doesn’t damage Ryan’s confidence.

By falcondawg

September 14, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

You have seen it before, Mark. Hopefully it’ll get better before it gets worse. I just hope this doesn’t damage Ryan’s confidence.

By Birdman

September 14, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Falcons D is not good. Ryan is a rookie! This game was over on the first drive when we decided to throw on three straight plays deep in the other teams endzone.

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 14, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

DJ DJ DJ DJ DJ

By DeathFromAbove

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

There is no team I like losing to less than the Yucs… :-\

By Where's the D

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

Not so fast. Falcons still stink.

By Matty

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

Matt has those happy feet. I understand a rookie QB has to take his lumps but he is not standing tall in there and delivering the football. He is tap dancing and then slinging it with no mechanics at all, that’s why everything is sailing on him. We might as well pull him to the side today and rebuild - if he is gonna be acting scared back there he has NO chance of being productive on this Sunday.

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

At least can this defense make an interception… I’m playing against Brian Griese in fantasy.

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Great day for first-round rookies. Ryan hasn’t completed a pass, and Sam Baker is hurt.

By M. R. Biggins

September 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Time to switch to channel 13 for the Jets and Pats. At least that is a competetive game.

By bookie

September 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Im glad we got Matt. If it was not for his “intangibles” we would be getting our a* kick. lol

By neal

September 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

wow who would have thought matt would look like a rookie….I guess we should dump him according to all the haters…second game and I guess we should just quit the season. I do wanna warn yall next time we face the great almighty TB will be at home with a more experience ryan. laugh it up now chucky fans

By The REAL Falcons

September 14, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many fans went out and bought season tickets after last weeks anomaly.

By M. R. Biggins

September 14, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark, Ryan has completed 3 passes…2 to the Bucs and one to our side.

By BCS Slave

September 14, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Hello! Ryan is a rookie. I saw a few people predicting super bowls for this team…most of us realistically said 5 or 6 wins. This game does not mean Ryan is a bust.

I’m in Alabama and this place shows Saints games. There is no radio broadcasts. So I’m relying on the blogs to feed me. This place is the armpit of the US (no offense to anyone who loves Alabama)

By preston

September 14, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

ok guys will you give this Vick stuff a rest……….I have been one of his biggest fans, but we have to stop this BS….I don’t care how bad Ryan is looking today, he is the QB of this team so lets support the team and stick with him, or just STFU!!!!!

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Ryan just completed a pass. To Roddy White for 9 yards. So there’s that.

By DeathFromAbove

September 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Punting from their 38 was a totally wussy move…

By intellibird

September 14, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Defense looks good. Without the turnovers the score would be 7-0. Hopefully we can make some adjustments, though it looks like our offensive line is just getting beat physically.

By welikebaseball2

September 14, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Falcons610: LOL. You don’t really want to compare the stats of a rookie with one NFL start under is belt with those of a former Pro Bowler do you? You’ve got to be kidding. LOL. Let it go…let it go. What Ryan did last week doesn’t make today’s performance look any less brutal. Let it go…let it go…

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

According to Falcons publicist, Sam Baker has a concussion. A good day gets even better.

By bookie

September 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Falcons610 , Vick DID put butts in the seats. Vick DID put atlanta on the map. Vick DID beat green bay in green bay in a playoff game. That didnt happen until Vick DID it. Did you forget all those things or maybe your hatred forces you to look over them.

By ed

September 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Die, FoxBot. Die. Please.

By falcondawg

September 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Coach Smith will stick with Ryan in the second half or risk doing serious damage to his ego

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

BRADLEY - You failed to mention that the team that beat Kansas City today was D HALL’s team :) Analyze that :)

GO F A L C O N S & and take the Braves with you :)

By edward

September 14, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

I knew Ryan would have trouble, but I didn’t think it would be this bad!! Is it time to put in Redman or Shockley? Just to see if we can get anything going?

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 14, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Aaron Rodgers today, in his 2nd ever start in the NFL, went 24-38 for 328 yards and 3 TDs against the almighty Lions, who the Falcons defeated last week.

By Falcon Fan Since Day One

September 14, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

What’s with the play calling of the Falcons airing it out on 3 and 3. We could have benefited from a 1st down and 3 more shots - maybe at least kick a field goal and see if we can get a bit of offensive confidence going. Then we stop Bucs within the 20 with about 2:25 to go and don’t take time out - letting 25 valuable seconds tick off. Just seems like poor decisons by the coaching staff on these two calls.

By The REAL Falcons

September 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

* Hey Falcons610* Just because someone is your teams quarterback DOES NOT mean that you have to support them. YOU MADE THAT ABUNDANTLY CLEAR WHEN VICK WAS THE QB.

By edward

September 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

I knew Ryan would have trouble, but I didn’t think it would be this bad!! Is it time to put in Redman or Shockley? Just to see if we can get anything going?

By Mark Bradley

September 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

You know, I wondered about that, too, DeathFromAbove. But Jason Elam has a bad hip and can’t kick from long distance, and Mike Smith is a field-position coach. And the Falcons just did force a three-and-out and will get the ball back two minutes before the half.

And Adam Jennings returned the punt to the TB 23. A chance here.

By GreatWhiteHope

September 14, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

White guys are better quarterbacks period. Matt remember white folks will forgive you foryour mistakes because after all…”if you are white you’re right”

Now complete some passes or give us a refund %$%#@@#$!!

By This Gets Old

September 14, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

It’s one half of the second game and it’s this negative? What’s Tampa proving by being ahead of a rookie QB?

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 14, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

MATTY ICE or MATTY LICE?

By stendec