Mark Bradley

By STLfalcon

September 22, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Hell Yeah! Go Falcons!

By Ted Striker

September 22, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Holy smokes, Mark —

Shall we expect another column by the witching hour? You’re making a bid to become the most prolific sports columnist at the AJC with the exception of Bisher. And if he hadn’t shown up in the newsroom around the same time Heisman arrived at Tech….

By Mark Bradley

September 22, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

What can I say? It was my day to write.

By rc

September 22, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

excellent observations MB!

I agree totally and thing the Birds are ahead of where they should be. I hope they win 6-8 games….

lots of promise there and Smitty is already delivering.

Defense and ball control wins, not flash and whine.

By Dr. Warren

September 22, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Falcons will challenge for the wild card. Mark my words.

By Pum Pum Driller

September 22, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

I feel good about this team. You have to tip your hat to Arthur Blank. Last year had to be a humbling experience for him. The house was toxic. The haz-mat team has done a great job cleaning out and cleaning up. Go Falcons!

By Reality Bites

September 22, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

These same AJC columnists whined about the Matt Schaub trade too and how great he supposedly was. Now Bradley has the nerve to suggest we can compare drafts after 3 games? Well, pull out the columns from the post-Tampa games and commence to changing the names around a bit….everybody knows the drill. So predictable….and keep it out, it’ll be a while before you can feign the praise on Schaub II.

By Nathan

September 22, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

I love how all of the media is talking about how our 2 wins were to the lions and chiefs. Fact is, we put up over 30 points on these guys, and we were only down by one touchdown to the bucs deep into the 4th quarter until the ernest graham run. I love the direction this team is headed.

By Tyler

September 22, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Dr.Warren falcons will challenge for the division, mark MY words

the division is so equal that a think a 9-7 team will win it and it may very well be the falcons…these next 3 weeks will tell us what to expect.

Matt Ryan needs to start looking off the corners more of hes gonna throw a bunch of pics

By Eric

September 22, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

The Falcons looks strong offensively and the defensive backs impressed me in the Kansas City game.

Now let’s all roll to Charlotte and beat those little cats.

By AJcrunchbunch

September 22, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

WE were all led to expect nothing this year from our guys. Yeah I know we beat 2 bad teams they say. But wasn’t we supposed to get beat by these teams. Anyway I’ve always heard 25%of something is better than 100% of nothing. And at least we’ve got something that actually resembles a team again which can only get better the more time these players and coaches have together. We have to remember that we’re just getting started but it feels good! WHAT YA THINK?

By Ron Roberts

September 22, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

This team should do no worse than split their remaining home games, and if they do that, there’s 5 wins, and we’re at Oakland late in the season, so you could concievably see this team winning 6 games and not feel like you’re bing overly optimistic.

With a sound running game, anything is possible. This might be a team in the hunt for a wild card spot well into the latter weeks of the season, and that, to me, is progress enough.

I LOVE the way this team plays; win or lose, I LOVE to watch this team, now.

By Mrbeas

September 22, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should should win 8 games this season, this week-end at Carolina will be the first away win. The dbacks played a great game Sunday. Huston need to keep his mouth close and not get into any trash talking with Steve Smith. I will be in Carolina Sunday.

By George Holman

September 22, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

The Falcon front office and staff have gone from “Amateur Hour” to totally professional in one season. Arthur Blank should be proud of this organization. He has made great hires and he deserves the credit for getting these people in and in letting them do their jobs. Go Birds!

By BooYah

September 22, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Hey, Arther, Thomas, Smitty, and Crew:

In case no-one else tells you today, You’re doing a great job, and we REAL FANS appreciate what you’re doing…THANK YOU!

By JRI

September 22, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

I was at the game Saturday. Two words. KA BOOM! I am drinking the dimitrioff kool-aid. Falcons make the playoffs next year!

By Herschel Talker

September 22, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Mark - why does Terence Moore suck so much?

By "Charles", The Original

September 22, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Falcons shows encouraging signs of promise. After watching the first three football games, the Tampa Bay game is the best barometer to make a good judgment of what we can expect to see during the season.

In the Tampa game, the Falcons experienced adversity early having two interceptions etc, and a menacing defense attempting to rattle a young quarterback. The Tampa Bay defense was extremely physical; and by half-time, the birds were down on the scoreboard. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the first half, 17-3.

In the second half, the experienced Tampa Bay defense continued to strike at the confidence of the young quarterback with late hits or unnecessary roughness.
But our young quarterback didn’t relent. Instead he attacked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense with an assortment of impressive pass completions. On the score board, Tampa Bay won the second half, 7-6.

The Atlanta Falcons beat the teams that they should have, Detroit & Kansas City, which is encouraging. Many good teams in the NFL beat the better teams but lose to lesser teams. And this is an indication that a football team is not sound. The Atlanta Falcons are a sound football team. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers game set in motion a promising season, 10-6 or 11-5, for our Atlanta Falcons.

Go Falcons go!

By Ted Striker

September 22, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

I comprende, Markus Bradlius. Someone (THIS MEANS YOU, JOURNALIST-DUDE) must step forward to address the needs of the news starved flock when:

a) Terence is moping about over his erstwhile predictions regarding the Tech offense in 2008.

(he ate that one)

b) Shultz’s assets have been attached by an IRS lien because of ‘back taxes.” (Translation: J.S. is being held hostage by his Buckhead bookie till his wife pays ransom for his outstanding chit — or at least the friggin juice on his over/under for the season so far. Supporting data:

Jeff Shultz picks, straight up: 28-0

Jeff Shultz, against the line: 4-24

Jeff Shiz, feeeeeeling the love: NOT SO MUCH*

By This Gets Old

September 22, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

It’s not college FB so it doesn’t matter what the “experts” have to write. I mean the Falcons were supposed to BE one of those bad teams and frankly may still be.

At least they have a start and KC only lost to the Pats by seven and though Brady was injured Cassel is certainly no rookie. Either way the Falcons have what no other team in Atlanta has - an owner who wants to win and will spend to do so.

You can complain all you want about the guy down on the sidelines but it’s better than an unknown suit in an office in NYC or Denver.

By Jay

September 22, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Good column. There is a noticeably different feel with this team in terms of responsibility and discipline. Let’s get to 9-7 and get some help from the AFC and NFC North with the other South teams. The division seems to be the better option as the NFC East may get both the wild card spots.

By You heard it here first

September 22, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

How the falcons play on the road will tale the tale for this year.I think they can play with most teams at home. but can they take it on the road and win.That tampa game was pretty onesided.Having said that GOoooo Falcons

By Donkey

September 22, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

I’m concerned that Baker’s “flu” is lingering effects from the concussion. Having experienced concussions in college, if you are rushed back, it can come back with the slightest blow to the head. If he’s our long-term tackle, I say bench him a week and let it heal. No sense in rushing him back this early in his career. He’s showing a lot of promise. Great draft pick so far.

By Tree Rollins

September 22, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Anybody that gives Arthur Blank the credit needs to have their heads examined. He’s the one hugging the coaches on the sideline with 5 minutes left in the game, pushing Mike Vick around on a wheelchair, and paying off the Miami law enforcement to get him off the rap for the marijuana bottle at ther airport. Then he tries to get Bill Parcells and is told to fly a kite. HELLO! All the credit goes to Mike Smith and Dimitroff who were his second and third choices.

By Tree Rollins

September 22, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

And and I forgot to mention Arthur Blank and his merry yes-man Rich McKay are the ones that picked Bobby Petrino out of the lineup of coaches and THEN Arhthur says I want Petrino to stay as long as he will stay and I fully support the coach and what he’s doing when EVERYONE else saw that Petrino was dragging the team into the gutter. The only thing Arthur has done right is so willingness to spend the money but there’s a salary cap anyway so even that is no great benefit. Meanwhile, he’s also raised ticket prices to ticketholders like me every year as he made dumber and dumber moves and the team lost more and more games. Again, I credit Mike Smith, Dimitroff, Matt Ryan and Michael Turner and gang. Arhtur’s lucky his first choices wouldn’t dance with him!!!

By Tree Rollins

September 22, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Now if we could just the egocentric and overblown Blank to do what Ted Turner finally did and that’s get back up into the stands where you belon, keep your mouth shut, and let the Falcons’ equivalent of John Schurholz and Bobby Cox do their thing maybe - just maybe - we could have a winning team for a few consecutive years. Hope I’m not smoking out of a pipe to wish for this.

By saint

September 22, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

While watching the Jets-Chargers game tonight, and thinking about Favre’s strong arm, and questioning Ryans’, it seems to be not so much the strong arm as it is the communication with the receivers. The Falcons coaching staff is really doing a great job!

By old fart

September 22, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

I thought Tree Rollins was dead

By Darrin "The Vent King"

September 22, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

I, for one, am glad to see some positive press on the Birds for a change. It is well deserved. Say what you want about how terrible the Chiefs and Lions are, this is still the NFL and its not pre-season. We were predicted to lose to both of these teams and when we win, boom all of sudden those teams we beat are now the worst? I don’t remeber the power rankings rating them #32, I remember it being the Falcons. This is still a rebuilding team and we are not a SB team as of yet, but I like the direction this team is going and anyone hating on Blank after the non effort put forth by the previous owners need to have their head examined. So what if he rolled YKW around in a wheelchair. What in the world or rather HOW in the world does that affect the play of the players on the field? So what if Old Spoiled Tuna thumbed his nose at the Falcons. Did that cause us to lose or win the game this past Sunday? If you give credit to Smith and Dimitroff (who do deserve credit most definitely) then you are giving Blank credit too after all he was the one who hired them correct? Anyway, it is weird feeling to see “team” play for a change and I like it. I can deal with the losses like the one in Tampa as long as the guys keep fighting and they and most notably Matt Ryan did exactly that. I remember a season or two ago where the Falcons quit against the Carolina Panties AT HOME. You know that game where they ran the ball so much they just started hiking the ball to the RB over and over- that was disgusting. I don’t like losing, but I can deal with it if the guys kept up the fight and play with some pride like this team is doing. No one is trying to grab the spotlight for themselves or thumping their chest talking about they’ll fight anybody and that they’re the baddest ala D-Small. This is not an individual sport and I’m glad to see the “non-individual” mentality going on right now. Some guys are going to do their thing for themselves, but as long as they’re doing it when it is helping us actually win a game and its not tasteless- its a good thing that way. Detroit and K.C. tried to fight back and in the past, the Birds would have folded, but not this squad- they kept at it and that is a tribute to the mentality the new coaching staff has put in place. Beat the teams you suppose to and work your way up- that’s how the REAL teams in this league do it and that’s what appears to be happening now. No, we haven’t accomplished a whole lot yet, but we ain’t exactly doing “nothing” either. We are putting in work and eventually in this league no matter what how the so called “experts” try to make you believe otherwise, is how you win consitently. People that want to hate because so and so is not here, please get off at the next stop cause there is nothing that can be done about that and your whining about that is quite annoying. Today is happening now. Thanks for the positive vibes MB, now if we can just get your guy TM to think a little more positive we’d be cooking dog…

GO FALCONS!!!

By Mike D.

September 22, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

I was at the game yesterday. What I saw was 60 minutes of football. The offense was poised, the defense did not look winded, as I saw in the past. When everyone was leaving the stadium, I watched Houston intercept for a touchdown. They looked like an NFL team. Great job

By intellibird

September 23, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

The Tampa Bay game, I was thinking, may have been Mularkeys first time running an offense against Kiffin and that defense. Maybe he’ll come with a better game plan next time.

Anyhow, I’m very pleased with our progress and hoping that we can win 2 or 3 games in our division. Maybe we lose the first time through and then beat em at home the 2nd time through.

One last thought - it seems we used to beat these bad teams like KC and Detroit at the last second with a field goal or Vick pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Now, we’re beating them soundly from start to finish. I read earlier that we were averaging 29.5 pts through 3 games. I know that we averaged only 16 last year. This is a great improvement.

Keep it up!

By The Grinch

September 23, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Tree Rollins is indeed dead. Didn’t you see his corpse coaching whatever it is our WNBA team is called last year? Or is that still going on?

Falcons may very well not win more than 5, but I like the way they look. They’re finally a TEAM.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 23, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

Mark, i know you know this but you didn’t state it. The last time the Lions came to town, in 2006, they beat the Falcons 30-14. The last time the Chiefs faced the Falcons, 2004, they stomped them 56-10. This edition of the Falcons is a hell of a lot better than what we’ve seen in years gone by. As you pointed out, this is a team! I was not convinced of Dimitroff’s worthiness when he was hired. I am now! Many people point to the Tampa Bay game and say the Falcons’ weaknesses were apparent in that game. What I saw was a team that fought like hell! They were in that game up until the last few minutes. They never surrendered! When was the last time you saw a Falcons team fight like that? Remeber the capitulation to the Panthers in 2006? Utterly disgusting! You won’t see that out of this team. I think they’ll win 9 games but if they do lose 11 they’ll go down swinging! I’m very proud of this team and I’m exceptionalyl proud of Mr. Dimitroff. At first, I denigrated him for a lack of experience but he was the best possible choice. I apologize to you Mr. Dimitroff. You’ve done a magnificent job and I support everything you’re doing.

By AJ

September 23, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this

Very insightful and entertaining article Mark. I watched Matt Ryan at BC and what I liked the most about him was his penchant for finding a way to win a football game. He will do this for the Falcons one day.

By Calvin G. Sims, Sr.

September 23, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this

I am as giddy as a school girl. We have had teams to win more games than this year’s team will, we even had a team go to the Super Bowl, but we have never had a team that looks as much like a “real” team as this one, and I have been a fan since day 1.

The coach looks like a “real” coach and the QB looks like a young general on the field. The Falcons have been transformed into a team of warriors.

I watched Grimes (20) make a few rookie mistakes, but the young man never gave up and played hard the entire game. He is little, but he is going to be an impact player in this league, you can just tell it. The great thing is that someone had the vision to see this in this young man (and others) and give him a shot. What if this staff had been around when Brett Favre was drafted.

There are so many good signs that this team has turned the corner, they are too numerous to list. I am just happy for my hometown team. I am also very happy for Mr. Blank. He is a good man and he deserves to see some fruits from all of his determined labor.

Go Falcons!!!

By Mandrell

September 23, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this

That’s a good observation, Mark. Much better than Mr. Moore, who is always so negative, but I digress. I think these Falcons are closer than most think due to the fact that there are no dominant teams in the NFC, except for Dallas. These Falcons can beat anybody on any given day. A few fortunate breaks here and there against a couple of the tougher opponents and who knows.

By Jonathan Sharpe

September 23, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this

Mark,

You are so much better than Terrance Moore. He has no idea what he is talking about. I hate that turkey.

By Billy

September 23, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this

I’m not ready to call the Falcons a playoff team, but they definitely look a lot better than they were supposed to. And, who cares if it was the Lions and Chiefs? The Falcons didn’t make out the schedule, they play who the NFL puts in front of them.

By jerry

September 23, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this

There is a long losing streak ahead. What are you going to say then? I just hope no one cracks under the pressure of the criticism that is sure to follow.

By Ken

September 23, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

I told yall back in camp on the Mark Bradley blog about giving Ryan a chance,that this would happen exactly this way.Everything I told you guys has happened.Smith has created a tough run the ball-stop the run mentality following the mold of his previous stints in Jacsonville and Baltimore.He and Demitroff have gotten rid of the prima donnas and began to build the roster with people who come to work everyday.The success of the running game has allowed Ryan to play right away just as I said he would.I told all you haters 6 weeks ago that you would begin to see a football team you could be proud of and the future was very bright.Almost all of you disagreed and said they would be lucky to win 2 games,Ryan would be a bust,Dorsey would be a beast and the team would be a laughing stock.Hate to say I told you so-but I told you so!

By Phil

September 23, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are half way to their win total this year, 4. They are not going to get a wild card as someone posted earlier. Have you seen their schedule?? Philly, Green Bay, Chicago, Denver, San Diego, etc… The only other games I see them a chance of winning is Oakland and St. Louis.

And Ken, you told us so on everything but how many games they were going to win. I said before the season started 4 wins. What was your prediction?

The team looks promising for the future but it’s going to take a few years before we can talk playoffs. Definitely encouraging though.

By Willie Coyote

September 23, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

“Bad teams”, “bad teams”, blah blah blah. If you have “bad teams” on your schedule, you go out and dominate them. The Falcons did the dominating as opposed to being on the receiving end. They will win some games this year, period. Tampa exposed Ryans lack of experience & also manhandled the offense in the first half so adjustments will have to be made. Barring injuries, this young team should get better as the year goes on so I don’t expect them to lose 10 out of their last 13 games. Playoff talk is a bit premature but it can happen and will be dependent on the play of the offensive line and the defense.

By NORTH GEORGIA FALCONS FAN.

September 23, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

GREAT WIN FALCONS. WE DID NOT GET TO WATCH THE GAME THIS WEEK IT WAS NOT ON UP HERE IN NORTH GEORGIA.I MISSED A GREAT GAME. L0VE THE FALCONS.GO FALCONS.

By Blake

September 23, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

I think some of you are getting ahead of yourselves about how good this team really is. Bradley, you are right on target. The WORK IN PROGRESS is coming along perfectly. The Falcons will be competitive this year and will be back in the playoffs in the near future.

As far as Ryan and Dorsey are concerned. I was convinced Dorsey was not an immediate impact type of rookie and Ryan had too many intagibles to pass up. You expect a rookie quarterback to have ups and downs, but not so much a rookie lineman. Damn, Dimitroff and I are smart!

By NCFalconFan

September 23, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Bradley, 1. How is the Milloy arrest going to play out. 2. I worry about J. Anderson even without a sack is he contributing? 3. Will we see Finneran on the field? 4. I am loving H.Douglas, will he be used the way W.Welker is used in N.England? Also I agree with everything you have said, what I have seen thus far will make me excited about our future. I love Coach Smith - especially him fighting for his players during the Tampa game. Also can the AJC get rid of T. Moore?

By Paddy

September 23, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Wonderful is how you feel when the tumors have been removed. The bad is gone and what is left feels good to me. These guys are building a team we can be proud to claim as our own. Mr Blank, look close at the backround and make-up of all new players. How is it that so many dirt bags got by you and your people? We will be watching and cheering for more of the same. Go Birds

By BulldogJim

September 23, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Falcons in the hunt for the playoffs? I think that might be a stretch. But I also think the Falcons have shown they are definitely no longer the laughing stock of the league. Five or six wins certainly looks plausible at this point. If they can be competetive with teams such as the Bears, Panthers,etc. this year, and Thomas Dimitroff is able to get a few more players next year via the draft and free agency, then perhaps we can be a playoff contender next year (and hopefully several years after that). When you clean house like Dimitroff and Smith did this past off-season (getting rid of Crumpler, Dunn, Hall, et. al.), it takes at least one full season to get the organization back to a playoff-caliber level. I’m a log-time frustrated Falcons fan (remember Bubba Bean? Mike Moroski? Rolland Lawrence? Alfred Jenkins? Greg Brezina? Mike Mazzetti?), and all of us long-time fans have endured more than our fair share of disappointments, but the future is definitely bright……and it’s been quite some time since any fan could say that and really mean it. Have faith and patience Falcons fans; good things are in store, but we have to take our lumps this year……that’s just the way the NFL is. GO FALCONS!!!!!

By bigeasy830

September 23, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

I got to give it to you Mark your are being realistic. I believe the Falcons will lose their next 12. They may beat Oakland but that games is in Oakland and I have to give the home team the advantage. But also, they have shown great improvements this year irregardless of what the final record may be. I hope I am wrong and we can sneak a few wins out, but with a rookie QB with a weak arm I don’t think so. Coach Smith and his Staff are doing a great job. If we start Redmond I believe we can win 6-8 games easily, maybe 8-10 games, that is how much faith I have in Coach Smith and his staff. I would hate to see Coach Smith pile up loses that he does not have to with a rookie QB that has no business being the starter. But, it is what it is.

By Shane

September 23, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

KUDOS…your column is right on the money. What I like the most is not the players, but the coaching. The play calling is excellent. The personnel packages and alignments are superb. I love that all the WRs get on the field in different packages along with both TEs allot. The DBs and LBs are all working together on the pass. They seem to actually know what they are doing and working together as a team! AMAZING! I have not seen the Defense play TEAM DEFENSE since Reeves was here. With these coaches, young players and Dimitroff I see the Falcons as an actual solid franchise. It has only taken 42 years!

By Ben Layton

September 23, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Good post Mark!! I like what I’m seeing out of this team. And yes I agree with most of the observations about beating Detroit and KC. These post about them being terrible teams comes from the same ones that were predicting them to beat the Falcons before. As for the Tampa game, I’m beating that we’ll see a different game in Atlanta. Understandably, Matt Ryan was rattled in the first half on the road and against one of the best defenses in the NFL. However, he played a much better second half which is to be commended. Ryan is a smart QB and has already shown that once he sees something he rememebers what he’s seen and reacts accordingly. I think Mularkey knew that Kiffin was going to stack the line against the run and that’s why he called pass plays to start the game, trying to back the defense out of the box. It just didn’t work because Ryan was full of adrinaline and his nerves had him over/under throwing the recievers. If he had hit them I think this game would have had a different outcome. I know Chucky was glad to get away with the win. I think Ryan is a bright young man and will continue to develope and will get better each and everytime he’s on the field. Another thing I have noticed and really admire is that the players are behind him. They have all, offense and defense, bought into both the coaching staffs and Ryan and are playing TEAM ball! This is the most sound and professional acting team we’ve had since Dan Reeves was here.

By Mark Bradley

September 23, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

I don’t think the Milloy arrest will have much effect. I don’t know what to make of Jamaal Anderson. I’d be surprised if Finneran plays much in the passing game, given that he’s the No. 5 receiver at best. And the Falcons liked Harry Douglas when they drafted him and like him more now.

By Tree Rollins

September 23, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

We all know why Terrence Moore doesn’t like this team (his man love for Vick, Crumpler, Hall and the rest of the hip hop gang). Mark has been right about the new regime from the beginning. They look like a team, play like a team, have a clue about what they want to accomplish and how they want to do it. And then they go out and execute and fight hard to win.

Arthur got oh so lucky when Ernie Acorsi turned him down and recommended Dimitroff as the new GM. Everything else, as they say, has been downhill from there. He drafted right, let the right veterans go, got the right coach who got the right staff. And now coach Smith is doing a great job with some players that have great attitudes. Each player knows his role clearly and does his part. Now, Arthur and Rick McKay - PLEASE STAY THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY AND LET THESE GUYS MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD!!

By joey porter

September 23, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Castle/Cassell ain’t no Tom Brady.

The winning record of the teams the falcons have beaten thus far 0-6.

Every team that has played detroit and KC beat them so what is there to brag about?

Beating KC a team that was playing with 10 men on offense is not exactly a sign of how good you are.

The cupcakes are over. Now we are about to see the real lousy falcons thus MB’s column to warn you fans who do not understand football.

Matty ice was terrible from the outset against KC, however, he had an even worse QB and Chan Gailey on the other side.

If this is how he is going to start games the dirty birds will not win one single game on the road.

Chan Gailey knows only one thing. how to lose games.

By GT

September 23, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Conspiracy theory, Blank called the dogs on Vick. You would never have this professional stage with Vick around. Blank is a very smart New York type business man. He knows the whole time what he has got on Vick, as far as a low character that is on the fringe with dogs and other things, but in the early days of this team he needs the name. As he gets his feet wet he sees this guy is paid too much, causes too much commotion and when it comes to wins and losses he ain’t going to get it done. There was nothing wrong with our receivers when Vick was here, they just couldn’t figure out what Vick was doing. He is like the doubles partner in tennis that takes all your balls on your side of the court, you after a while can’t hit the simplest shot worrying about your own partner Nothing was timing everything was subjected to his running around and releasing when he thought he was going to get tackles. Now White looks like the guy we drafted because the offense is organized. The ball is release with a purpose not a prayer. But anyway back to Blank, he is either very lucky or very smart to get rid of a 100 million plus salary, that was a negative drag on his teams image and ability. The PR firms had spun Vick and created the monster so firing or trading him was out of the question and this team would be in the bottom of the division for a long time if they didn’t get rid of him. Telephone calls are made and dog fighting becomes a major offense instead of the rare offense it had been for a century. Blank claims he had no idea yet half the world knew the kid was into this. A call to the office would have cleared the situation but a arrest and jail sentence would get rid of the over sold talent and trouble maker, clear up the salary caps for a guy like Dimitroff to work his magic and the press who gets paid to watch this 24/7 is shocked the team is so good. They haven’t seen anything yet, but if I were an underperformer on the Falcons I would make sure all my parking tickets are paid.

By rOLLINGsTONED

September 23, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

AFTER BURNING MY VICK JERSEY & SMOKIN SOME GOOD BLUNT WEED THIS MORNING I TUNED IN ON MARK DUMB A* BRADLEY, HE IS ALWAYS SMOKIN GOOD WEED SO WATCH OUT MATT RYAN AND HANG TEN ON EM, THIS WILL GET YOU FAME LIKE VICK HUH DUDE

By a01311

September 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

I like coach Smith. He is just like Dan Reeves. Who along with Bennet is the only real coach the Falcons have ever had. Fundemental football, running game sets up passing game. Bend but don’t break defense.

By Ted Striker

September 23, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Why would someone come to a Mark Bradley column to whine about Terence Moore? For that matter, why go to a TM column with the specific objective of whining?

Perhaps it’s just a sense of know-it-all entitlement.

By Brian F.

September 23, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Finally a real football team with real football coaches. This is the year to sneak up on people though. Next years schedule is brutal. We play the NFC East and the AFC East. This weekend’s game against Carolina should set the tone one way or another for the rest of the season.

By Tami

September 23, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

It’s just nice that there’s actually POSITIVE stuff to write/read about the Falcons again, coming off an abyssmal year like 2007 was. It’s actually FUN watching them again. I think it’s wholly possible that they could actually finish at .500. What an improvement THAT could be to throw back at the pre-season “prognosticaters”!!

By Tree Rollins

September 23, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

GT, are you smoking something??? Arthur is the one that pre-emptively paid Vick the most of any player in the NFL while Vick still had 2 years left on his original contract. Arthur was clueless regarding the dogfighting. That’s why he still propped up Vick as the centerpiece of the team all the way up to the preseason last year and even brought in a coach (Petrino) that was supposed to get the most out of Michael’s talent. Why don’t you go to Home Depot and buy yourself some more hardware so you can make Arthur happy!!

By Skeptic Tank

September 23, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

My disgust with this franchise has been displaced by newfound respect and hope. Still not expecting miracles, but none of us can call these Falcons “clowns”. If not this year, then next: the ascending Atlanta Falcons WILL be a force to contend with.

By Sautee

September 23, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

*By Tree Rollins

September 23, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

We all know why Terrence Moore doesn’t like this team (his man love for Vick, Crumpler, Hall and the rest of the hip hop gang).*

Tree, you have put me in the unenviable position of defending T. Moore, who I often disagree with.

If you’ll go back and read, you’ll see that Moore was at the front lines of criticism of Vick, even on National TV interviews. He also blasted D. Hall about his silly penalties in that Tampa game. Your accusation reeks of racism (but hey, we ARE discussing the Falcons, so why am I surprised?).

Get your facts straight if you’re gonna bring nonsense here. The only “man-love” I’ve seen from Moore is for Dunn, who we all love and for good reason.

By NCFalconFan

September 23, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Thanks MB for answering “some” of my questions. Its ok if you want T. Moore fired. The Moore Haters got you back and it’s a lot of us out here :-)

By Sautee

September 23, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

My bad, the Hall penalties were against Charlotte.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 23, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

If you’ll go back and read, you’ll see that Moore was at the front lines of criticism of Vick, even on National TV interviews. He also blasted D. Hall about his silly penalties in that Tampa game. Your accusation reeks of racism (but hey, we ARE discussing the Falcons, so why am I surprised?).

As a matter of fact, Terence was excoriated by many who claimed to be African-American for his stated views on the mess Vick created. He was called an ‘Uncle Tom’ and worse. Terence gets it from both sides and, to me, that’s something only honesty can bring about.

By Ted Striker

September 23, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Once “Moore”: If you really really don’t like a guy’s writing — why not focus on something else? Or do you somehow view AJC sports columnists as elected officials that create policies that affect your life?

Are you similarly compelled to complain about bad advice in ‘Dear Abby?’ Show-times published by the AJC if you’re not seeing a movie? Doonesbury? Luckovich cartoons you don’t understand? Obituaries for people you never heard of? Classifieds for stuff you’re not buying? A guy’s column you don’t have to read?

Is it nature or nurture to object to something with vitriol when it has zero affect on your life?

By Tree Rollins

September 23, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

I’m not down on T. Moore per se. He seems like a decent guy. I just think he gave Mike V. way too much slack when he was dissing the fans, etc. and the same with D. Hall and his antics. He did finally come around to the Vick problems and chastise Michael at the very end to his credit. It was just so obvious that the year before last this team was spinning out of control from Mora to Vick to D. Hall and the rest. Petrino (and I couldn’t stand him myself) tried to bring these guys under control and they rebelled (and I’m fine with that).

Mike Smith knows how to fire up the players while treating them as professionals. He also realizes you have to have people like Grady Jackson and thank goodness he had the foresight to bring Grady back. Like I say, I love this new administration. Go Falcons!

By Scott Hornibrook

September 23, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

This weekends game with Carolina is huge. If we win that one on the road, then I think we are on our way to being a good team this year and going in the right direction for next year. Mike Smith and his staff have done a great job, we FINALLY look like an NFL franchise.

By Chris Cook

September 23, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Thanks, I wish you had written this yesterday. Your counterpart Terrence Moore showed no loyalty or optimism for the Atlanta Falcons franchise. I am used to him doing this, and damn it, I am just sick of him. Everyone in this city knows the Falcons are not going to be great, but he never game them any credit for turning a new leaf, cleaning some of the trash, and just starting over fresh. Sometimes in life you must start off fresh.

This team last year, was a total of 9 points away from being 7 - 9, with all the quarterback changes, the Mike Vick fiasco, and a selfish, non-talented coach. These same guys could have cashed it in on day one, and lost everygame but one and everyone said “they did what was expected”. The future is a little brighter now, because there is hope to finish a season with more than 4 wins. Even decent minded individuals have to think they can sneak in a win or two against someone they were not supposed to beat.

No playoffs, no superbowl, but just not being anyone’s door mat is all we asked, and at this point, 2-1 is more than anyone expected of this team. So tell Terrence Moore “if he can not start saying anything good about the teams that paves a way to his salary then get to steppin brother. Cause the people and the franchises of Atlanta are tired of his crap”.

and once again Mark thanks for sharing some sort of optimism with the real Atlanta Falcons Fans. Meaning those of us that sat at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium with 20,000 other people on cold December Days, those that saw Billy Joe Tolliver toss a “Hail Mary” Pass to beat Green Bay, those that can remember Jeff Van Note playing with casts on both arms…. Thanks for sharing some sort of belief that things are and will finally get better after so many disappointing years.

By Hamad Meander

September 23, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Let’s be honest here. The Falcons are not making the playoffs - but that’s no all bad. There are at least 4 more ‘winnable’ games on the schedule. If the Falcons went 6-10, that would be amazing considering the position they were in at the end of last year.

I like Mike Smith football. Run it hard, and stop the run will help form a team that will compete for a playoff spot very soon.

Next draft - please, I say this every year, draft for ‘meat’. Offensive and defensive line.

Otherwise, keep up the good work Falcons!

By Tree Rollins

September 23, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Dear Algonquin J. Calhoun, your accusation of racism is par for the course. A lesson on racism: racism implies you don’t like a player or person simply because of their color.

I love the kind of players J. Abraham, Michael Turner, Jerius Norwood, Lawyer Milloy (yes even with his DUI), Roddy White and Grady Jackson represent to this team. It’s the “Me First” players that we moved out that I had no patience for - and unfortunately J. Mora had a soft spot for those guys and so did Arthur Blank and THAT’S why this entire team imploded and it wasn’t just the dogfighting. And THAT’S why this new administration is such a breath of fresh air. They got rid of the problem children and brought in a great new attitude. Maybe you came up with the racism comment because of the hip hop comment. I’ll admit I don’t like hip hop and what it represents. Well, if it makes you feel any better I’m not a country music fan either. Now do you feel better?

By Larry A

September 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark,

Did Arthur Blank issue you a miniskirt and a set of pom-poms with this column. Need we remind you that Jim Mora Jr took the Falcons to the NFC championship game his first season? that all seemed rather encouraging. Of course, it lasted for one season, the next was 8-8, then 7-9 (either of which would be considered otherworldly with this team) then bye bye Mora, hello Petrino, hello laughing stock of the league.

I’ll believe it when I see the Falcons end one of the most humiliating records in NFL, no back to back winning seasons in 40 years.. I hope you are right but, I am a Missouri kinda guy.

By Boo Boo

September 23, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Anyone who can make a comment like, “The defense didn’t look winded,” or “they played a whole 60 minutes” is watching the Falcons through jaded glasses.

The defense might should have tried to wind themselves a little more, rather than play it loose and let KC dominate on offense for the last 32 minutes of the game. KC had three long drives into the Falcon red zone, scoring a TD right before halftime (we saw Detroit do that too), then another TD to start the third quarter, followed by a missed 32-yard field goal attempt. The only time KC was forced to punt in the second half, the Falcon’s fumbled the ball away, letting KC do another drive, only to die at the one yard line, without scoring.

The defense also made Larry Johnson an all-pro again, after everyone else had him written off as over the hill. The same defense turned a 17 - 9 game into a 24 - 9 “romp”, by letting Earnest Graham go on a 68 yard run. That “all-pro” had 16 yards on 12 attempts against Chicago.

The Falcons ARE on the right track to respect, but the only way they will win 5 games (or more) this year is if the “football gods” cast spells on the other teams and make their defenses fall asleep, more that ours has been.

By Big Dom

September 23, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Our has finally emerged from the abyss that was Bobby Petrino and the Mike Vick fiasco. The NFC South is up for grabs now and I believe we can win our division and beat the Bucs the 2nd time around. Thats Bucs game was very competitive until late in the 4th. Matt Ryan needed a game like that to use as a learner tool for the rest of the season. We can play with anyone in the NFL as long we commit to the run. Defense is solid and better than when Mike Vick was here. Look for 9-10 wins and possible a division title to boot.

By bama12

September 23, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

any team who has a good running game and a good defense has a chance to win any game. I see that in the falcons.

By Dennis

September 23, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if the knee to the head that concussed Baker was intentional or not, but there were plenty of other cheap shots taken by those masters of the cheap shots known as the Buccaneers.

The league needs to monitor them very closely. This is nothing new, and I think more than one of them should have been suspended for at least one game.

By JHouse

September 23, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

What game was the team statitician watching? Brooking was given credit for 7 tackles and 3 assist. I don’t think so!

By DawginLex

September 23, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

It is too early to annoint this team as a playoff team. One thing is clear and that is this is an organization on the upswing. Every win will take this team up and further away from the circus atmosphere that once surrounded this team.

Running the ball, playing defense and not making mistakes in the passing game has served Pittsburgh well for many years. The Falcons are choosing to duplicate this model and I applaud them or it.

By T.BAY

September 23, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

For all you sorry falcon fans (better known as the worst fans of all sports)my next post will be the last game of the season.The reason being is yall are being set up to be disappointed the same way it has always been for yall since 1966.You play three games(two against the youngest team in the league KC and a car salesman team the lions) and flex your mouths like this team is superbowl bound.So ill just wait til this season is over to say,”I TOLD YOU SO”.Fact is it will be a while before this so called team can do something,like 2020.GOOOO TAMPA!

By T.BAY

September 23, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

For all you sorry falcon fans (better known as the worst fans of all sports)my next post will be the last game of the season.The reason being is yall are being set up to be disappointed the same way it has always been for yall since 1966.You play three games(two against the youngest team in the league KC and a car salesman team the lions) and flex your mouths like this team is superbowl bound.So ill just wait til this season is over to say,”I TOLD YOU SO”.Fact is it will be a while before this so called team can do something,like 2020.GOOOO TAMPA!

By T.BAY

September 23, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

For all you sorry falcon fans (better known as the worst fans of all sports)my next post will be the last game of the season.The reason being is yall are being set up to be disappointed the same way it has always been for yall since 1966.You play three games(two against the youngest team in the league KC and a car salesman team the lions) and flex your mouths like this team is superbowl bound.So ill just wait til this season is over to say,”I TOLD YOU SO”.Fact is it will be a while before this so called team can do something,like 2020.GOOOO TAMPA!

By Mark Bradley

September 23, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

It is too early to proclaim this a playoff team. It’s not too early to say that the Falcons aren’t nearly as bad as many had anticipated. (Remember, they were a home-field underdog against Detroit.)

By WHITEMENCANJUMP.

September 23, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

For all the vick hatred coming from 97% whites,you would think he killed white people for a living and ate them like ya boy JD.They will never let his name rest and think just because they hate him and don’t support him that everybody else suppose to feel like they do.LOOK HATRED PEOPLE,HE KILLED THREE DOGS AND DOING MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME FOR DOING SO.HE DID NOT GET OFF FROM DOING WHAT HE DID,HE DID NOT KILL A WHITE PERSON.gee,oj get more respect than vick.Gosh,get off the man back already.We can talk about baseball and vick name pops up.Make me think that some of yall are married to DOGS.