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As of Thursday, Feb. 12, this little blog has relocated to a new home on AJC.com. It’s the same newspaper, the same Web site and the same writer (feel free to groan) — there’s just a new URL.
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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > October > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBradley’s Buzz: Feel-good Falcons, SEC coach questions & more
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta is happy; Chicago is most assuredly not
The Falcons’ astonishing victory prompted Don Banks of SI.com to turn the first half of his weekly Snap Judgments into a bouquet for the guys from Flowery Branch. The NFL’s story of the year, Banks calls this team, and wasn’t it just yesterday that the Falcons were a different kind of major national story?
Esteemed former colleague Steve Wyche knows all about last season. He covered it for the AJC. Now with NFL.com, Wyche wrote Sunday that Matt Ryan has a very Brady future — and that’s Brady as in Tom, not Marcia. And Peter King of SI.com calls Ryan the game’s next great quarterback.
Writing for ESPN.com, Pat Yasinskas passed along this delightful factual nugget: Sunday’s finish marked only the third time since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger that an NFL team took the lead with fewer than 15 seconds remaining and didn’t win. And the first of those happened in 1970, when Tom Dempsey booted his 63-yard field goal to beat the Detroit Lions.
Dempsey’s famous 63-yarder — here’s the video from YouTube — stood for nearly 28 years as the longest in NFL annals. It was matched in 1998 by a kicker for the Denver Broncos. His name: Jason Elam.
And, just to prove that for every delirious winner there’s a grumpy loser, here’s Greg Couch of the Chicago Sun-Times ripping into the Bears for blowing the unblowable game. Couch makes the salient point — why squib-kick with only 11 seconds remaining? — but also hammers Bears defensive coordinator Bob Babich for playing the exact wrong defense on Ryan’s pass to Michael Jenkins at 0:01. And here’s David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune breaking down just what happened on that fateful throw.
Southern discomfort
Auburn dumped its offensive coordinator. Tennessee and Clemson have changed quarterbacks. But there’s a greater issue at each outpost: Are these deflated programs, each of which began the season ranked in the Top 25, about to change head coaches?
Late-breaking update: We now know about Clemson. Tommy Bowden is out. I must confess I considered him the worst coach in the country. I mean, how much talent did that guy squander?
After Auburn lost to Arkansas — and Bobby Petrino, wouldn’t you know? — Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News wrote that he smells jet fuel, a reference to the infamous 2003 flight to Sellersburg, Ind., that nearly rendered Tommy Tuberville the former Auburn coach.
After Tennessee lost in Athens, Ron Higgins of the Memphis Commercial Appeal opined that Phillip Fulmer needs to go coach elsewhere. This follows a column by Mark Wiedmer of the Chattanooga Times Free Press in which Johnny Majors, over whose back Fulmer unceremoniously climbed in 1992, said Vols defensive coordinator John Chavis had saved Fulmer’s bacon for the past decade.
Is Tex great, or just good?
Mark Teixeira is considered the biggest non-pitching free agent on the winter market, but Joel Sherman of the New York Post quotes (anonymously) one of Tex’s ex-teammates as suggesting he’s more a creature of numbers than a bona fide big-timer.
Having viewed Teixeira as a Brave for parts of two seasons, I can’t say I’d disagree with that (anonymous) assessment: He’s a very good player but not necessarily a difference-maker. (Manny Ramirez, who’s also a free agent, is a difference-maker.) But a blog from Robert Kuwada of the Orange County Register contends Teixeira’s professionalism was never going to influence some Angels teammates the way the club hoped.
And today’s question for discussion: Who’s the anonymous teammate? Someone from Texas, where Teixeira wasn’t terribly popular? Or some Brave who saw Tex get lots of hits but never many big hits?
Marian Hossa, cover boy
Marian Hossa was featured on the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated, but the achievement carries a Ford-Frick-style asterisk. The Hossa cover was issued only in Detroit and Canada. Everyone else in the continental U.S. received the issue with the aforementioned Manny Ramirez on the front. As Arash Markazi of SI.com notes, the NHL hasn’t been featured on the main run of an SI cover since October 2002.
Given that the sport has such a high profile in the ol’ US of A, perhaps I should explain that Marian Hossa, who now plays for the Detroit Red Wings, used to play for the Thrashers, the Atlanta-based entry in something known as the National Hockey League. Perhaps I should also explain that ice hockey is a game played on … well, ice.
Don Waddell on thin ice — this time for sure!
Again turning to puck-crazy SI.com, Allan Muir predicts the Thrashers will finish last in the NHL and be in line to land the No. 1 draft pick, and the only general manager they’ve ever known won’t be around to exercise it if they do.
Me, I say you count out the Teflon Don at your peril. Many among us have tried, and none of us has been right yet. And I also note that the Thrashers, with three points in their first two games, are way ahead of last season’s no-points-in-six-games pace. Good news for the Teflon Don. Better news for John Anderson.
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By FL Dawg
October 13, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Pls. keep Tuberville at Auburn forever. We’ll even buy him some more colored tee shirts.
By Riz
October 13, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Oakland Denver St. Louis (one win against either Tampa, Carolina, and New Orleans at home)
I think that’s our four remaining wins. Will it be enough for the Wild Card? I don’t know.
By mountain_jim
October 13, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Thanks for all the links to all the goodies to savaor - good times. Here’s one to a clown Bears Fan with pregame trash talk video now getting owned in the comments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOe4wD1Dei4
By RAMBLE ON!!!
October 13, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
What Conference did Matt Ryan come from, that dudes pretty good?
By Sautee Dawg
October 13, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Ramble on
He comes from a conference that nearly lost to Gardner Webb.
By georgia ghost
October 13, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
This is indeed a new day for Falcon football. The only folks who left the Dome after the final Chicago TD were Bear fans! There seemed to be sense that the Falcons were not out of the game, even with only 11 seconds left. In prior years, we would have been long gone!!
By srcdawg1
October 13, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Georgia loses by 11 and drops out of the top 10. Oklahoma by 10 and only drops 3. go figure!!!
By PeppersBuzz
October 13, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
The cool thing about Matt Ryan is the fact that he probably won’t get into a pit bull dog fighting syndicate.
By PeppersBuzz
October 13, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
The cool thing about Matt Ryan is the fact that he probably won’t get into a pit bull dog fighting syndicate.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 13, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
This will go down as one of the best Falcon victories EVER! And yeah this HAS to be the best story so far this NFL season. As a Falcon fan the last couple of seasons (especially last year)was absolutely HORRID. From YKW going YKW, the coach quitting, fans deserting the Dome to D-Hall’s meltdowns it was unprecendently terrible. To see all that and witness what’s going on now its unbelievable! Thank you Arthur Blank for not giving up. Thank you for finally coming to that crossroad and deciding to let some real football heads take charge of this franchise. Hiring Dimitroff and Mike Smith will go down as THE best thing you’ve ever done. From Sam Baker, Matty Ice, Curtis Lofton to acquiring free agent Michael Turner, the new staff that’s been picked up has shown they know what makes a football team a “team” The “me” attitude is gone and has been replaced with a “we” attitude thanks to Coach Smith. I never thought it would happen this fast. Just seeing all the fellas dog pile Jamaal Anderson after finally getting his first sack gave me goose bumps. They wanted it for him more than he did himself and that right there is the definition of “team” baby! I’m so glad we’re on a bye this week cause I want to relish this feeling for awhile and it will be awhile before I get over this game…
GO FALCONNNNNNNNNS! YEAH BABY!
By srcdawg1
October 13, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
The Falcon’s are winning (it isn’t pretty) but winning. I think Coach Smith and his staff have done a good job. You make the playoffs with discipline, good defense and a ball control offense. I haven’t seen this team play with this enthusiasam in a long time. Thanks Mr Blank for assembling the wright staff.
By DV
October 13, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Riz - I think we will lose to Denver, but beat New Orleans twice, Oakland, Minn, and St. Louis. We play both Carolina and Tampa at home again so we may be able to steal one of them. I have us going 9-7. I thought we could take San Diego, but after watching them put up 30 against the Pats I now have my doubts.
No one has mentioned that Matty Ice and the rebuilding Falcons are undefeated in the Dome. I am still on an emotional high from that game yesterday. This team does not know how to quit. Even in both losses they played better in the 2nd half. I was at the game in Green Bay and you could feel the momentum shifting after the Pack tied it up, as if we had awoken a giant. And the Falcons calmly marched down the field and retook the lead.
I was looking forward to seeing baby steps this year and looking forward to real progress next year, but this is better than I could have imagined. Thank you Falcons! All of you!
By Hollywould
October 13, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Nice article Mark. Thanks for the links. I have been a season ticket holder since the Dome opened. That was the most emotional game maybe ever. There were a lot of Bear fans there(for the most part pretty cool) and it was nice to see the droopy faces after the game. Props finally to Anderson who disrupted Chicago the whole game. Did you see how happy his teammates were when he got his first sack? This is actually a team, not the trash we have had lately. Man, that was fun.
By fes
October 13, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
screw hossa and his cover. i hope he never even gets a peek at the cup, much less to hold it.
By Riz
October 13, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
DV - I like those picks and I forgot how bad the Vikings are playing.
Taking two from NoLA will be tough. They score in bunches so we’ll really have to run the ball well. Mr. Turner and the O-line will have to control that clock!
Hey Mr. Bradley! How bout that Falcons Offensive line? Great stuff!
By James
October 13, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
PLEASE FIRE TOMMY BOWDEN!!!! Bring in Pete Lembo from Elon University. A Big time offensive team.
By GTforever
October 13, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Sautee Dawg
The key word is nearly. Tech still won and they have same record as the dawgs. The same dawgs that haven’t covered the spread all year.
By Tony C.
October 13, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Matty Ice is the man!
By da truth
October 13, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
What did i say about matt ryan?!! where are all the haters now?!! i knew this kid had what it takes, if nothing but for his dedication and work ethic alone. the kid evolved into something special over his time at boston college, a real leader. Oh yeah, HOW’S THAT ARM STRENGHT NOW?!!! -must admit that i was wrong on draft day, in that i thought dimitroff blew it by taking harry douglass, much less any wideout when we needed lineman. again, i was completely wrong on that. douglass is a flat out player! that kids got heart. can’t say enough about t.rex (sam baker) -he justs makes the line so much better when he’s in. dimitroff, you are the man!
By D.Ellis
October 13, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
GTforever-Spread for the UT game was 11.5
Looks like they covered Saturday.
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
So how’s that defensive lineman doing in Kansas City? You think we beat the Bears with him on the line and Brian Brohm or Chris Redman at QB? Not bloody likely.
By Bucs fan
October 13, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
The Bucs and Panthers defense don’t think Matty Ice is the man so much
By D.Ellis
October 13, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Just my opinion but the Falcon Offensive line is playing GREAT. I don’t think they are gettign enough credit for the way our team is playing.
Oh yeah and if I was Mike Bobo I would call a reverse at least one time on the Mareno toss sweep. MAN….the back side is wide open 99% of the time when we run that quick toss. ONE TIME PLEASE!!!
By Greg
October 13, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
I said it would take a minor miracle for the Falcons to win, and it took two: Lovie’s decision to go for it from the one needing a TD and a FG to win, and the insanely stupid squib kick. I won’t even mention the shallow-and-deep coverage on the last pass to Jenkins. Unbelievably stupid. Sometimes brawn won’t beat you if your opponents’ brains are completely absent.
By Billy
October 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Sporting News gave the Falcons 1 win this year. SI gave them 2. Looks like the Falcons have proved them both wrong with more wins combined! I don’t know if Matt Ryan is gonna be Brady-esque, but if he’s somewhere close, I’ll be overjoyed!
By Mark Bradley
October 13, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
A 9-7 record generally puts a team on the playoff bubble. Going 8-8 usually — not always, but usually — doesn’t get a team into the postseason.
Hard to believe we’re talking playoffs now, huh?
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
D. Ellis, you’re right, the O-line has been outstanding. I believe T. Moore said we’ve only given up 2 sacks in the last 3 games. And mind you, those 3 games included wins against the Pack in Lambeau and against the much-heralded Bears D here in Atlanta.
The Line is keeping Ryan up on his feet and giving him time to actually get off his passes. What a breath of fresh air.
Man, Steve Wyche hit a home run with that piece on Ryan. I talked to Steve last Monday and he’s very big on the kid. I agree with Steve, Ryan will be great and this is fun to watch.
So again: how’s that defensive lineman doing in KC?
By Barry
October 13, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
ONE HEARTBEAT!!!! That’s what I said: “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!!! That’s the Atlanta Falcons motto and that is the fans song: “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!
That is how the Atlanta Falcons played yesterday against the Bears and every other team they played this year so far. hey played with “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” The coaches, the offense, the defense, the special teams, and the fans. WE all played with “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” It is fun watching this. I mean I may sound redundant, but this is the consistancy that I see these Falcons playing. They are playing together and are not fazzled by anything the opposition does. Thsy just keep on beating along in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” They are focused as a team. And we as fans are focused as a community watching these Falcons turn into something great. The young players are growing up. They are starting to get that “SWAG”. When they do, NFL beware. One game at at time I continue to watch these Falcons jell into something “GREAT!” All I have to say is the Bears did not have a chance. The score should have been higher. But it doesn’t matter because we won in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!!!!!”
Whose next???!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!This is a SECRET frm a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!"Ringold
By JB
October 13, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
OC Mularky (Sp?). I have never seen the Falcons put the other team on it’s heels. The guy knows how to call a game. He’s gone next year. He will get another chance at Head Coach.
By D.Ellis
October 13, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Mark-Very hard to believe. But I would rather not untill and if we are sitting at 7 wins, and get a much needed W against the Bucs or the Panters in the dome
But I must admit even mentioning/thinking the “P” word is making the season that much more enjoyable.
Blank’s hire of Dimitroff seems to be paying off SOONER than later….along with Coach Smith of course for righting this sinking ship in the less than a year. Really is amazing when you think about it.
Funny Mark I don’t see alot of the same posts we saw after wins over the Lions and Chiefs about beating horrible teams.
Winning has a way of scaring non beleivers off. HAHAHAHA
By Sautee Dawg
October 13, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
GT Forever.
WE very seldom cover the spread, in case you haven’t noticed over the years. Very unpredictable as far as the numbers game goes. I was just taking a jab at Ramble On about the conference Matt Ryan came from. Saw a nice play from the Tech running back that went to Dallas (Choice) yesterday. Recovered a ball on the kick-off, nice play. Good luck against Clemson this week.
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Mark, I see this team hitting the midway point of the season at 5-3, possibly even 6-2 (Philly doesn’t scare me, and Oakland is, well, Oakland. They got thoroughly thrashed by the Saints yesterday.
5-3 at halfway is a good place to be, and I don’t think this team or our current coaching staff will allow the type of second-half collapse that we witnessed a couple years ago. These guys want to win, and they don’t want to wait to do it.
New GM, head coach, QB, RB and K. New attitude. New team.
Now if only we can keep Arthur off the sidelines…
By J. Harrison
October 13, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
I don’t want to invest too much into a four game sample, but Teixeira was the best player in the ALDS for the Angels. He got at least 2 hits in each of the first three games, and even when he went 0-2 in game 4 he got on base twice anyway. He made good defensive plays all series, and the only reason Jed Lowrie was able to drive in the game winning run was because Tex saved the game momentarily by grabbing Kotsay’s frozen rope down the line. Tex wasn’t the one making outs on the basepaths, or calling suicide squeezes, or whiffing on suicide squeezes, etc.
By phatt
October 13, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Sautee Dog, what years did you play at UGA?
Because if you’ve never strapped it on, don’t refer to a team you root for as “we”.
By Not a beeliever - yet
October 13, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Hey, Clempson….there’s a former ACC head coach that’s reputed as having a great offensive mind working for KC in the NFL right now. If you’re gonna can Tommy, Chan is your Man!!!
By Pitbull
October 13, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Hey Phatt head, never tell a Dawg its not “we.”
All Dawgs are in this together. The Bulldog Nation is a “we.”
I am talking players, coaches, alumni, students, fans, and the Bulldog Radio Network announcers.
“We” are one. Go Dawgs.
By phatt
October 13, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
That’s too funny.
As mentioned, if you didn’t strap them on, it is not “we”. You can support the team all you want, but trust me, it’s “them”. As a former player, I know how it is…
By Paddy
October 13, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Can someone fill me in on Dorsey. Is he playing good, bad or average? Whats the poop. Thanks
By Mark Bradley
October 13, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Actually, Michael Jenkins caught the fateful pass four feet in front of Arthur Blank. Which means the Falcons owner was almost as close to Jenkins as the Bear defender.
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Phatt, why are you wasting your time conversing with “we” mere mortals? “As a former player” and all, I’m surprised you’ve stooped to conversing with “we” fans.
I donate money to my school’s programs. I buy season tickets. I spend money on souvenirs, clothing and snacks at the games. I’ve poured more money into my school than most players ever will. I helped pay for our spiffy new jerseys this year. And I’ll keep doing it long after all the players have come and gone.
I’ll refer to US as “we” all I want, thank you very much.
By phatt
October 13, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
It’s not WE…
I have more of a problem with the cats that didn’t even go to the school. A lot of redneck fools in GA that don’t even have a college education (probably not even a High School Ed) are the ones who really irk me.
Overrated is all I can say. And it’s a yearly ritual.
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Mark, wouldn’t it be something to see Arthur Blank get knocked down by an out-of-bounds play? Now, I would never wish injury upon someone (especially our owner), but I can’t help thinking that if he took a spill it might make him think twice before again patrolling the sideline in the 4th.
Dude, I know it’s your team and you’ve got a lot of money invested in it, but please, leave the coaches and players be on the sideline. If you want to come down and shake hands and hug necks after the game, by all means, please do so. But just wait until the clock reads all 0s, OK? I don’t like it when my boss is looking over my shoulder at work. I mean, he’s a great guy and all, but just let me do my work and give me some space, OK?
By Mark Bradley
October 13, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
I think Arthur Blank will stay off the Falcons sideline when Jerry Jones stays off the Dallas sideline. In other words: Ain’t happening, dude.
By scottbravesfan
October 13, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Awesome game at the Dome yesterday. That’s somewhat funny about Hossa not being on the cover in the rest of the U.S. Also Tex never did come up with a big hit with the Braves so it probably was from an Atlanta team mate.
By Jd
October 13, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
We all went from feeling terrrible to terrific in the matter of 11 seconds. I think we have a team to be proud of and a coaching staff that seems to know what they are doing - finally!! Whether we win another game or not (and we will)this season the game yesterday was worth all the Sunday afternoons we’ve watched in dismay as the Falcons lost another on. What a nice change of pace to be able to finally enjoy a comeback victory of our own. Nice going Falcons.
By BATMAN
October 13, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
WHO NEEDS MIKE VICK???
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Now Batman, why ruin the good mood following a win by bringing up He Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned? Let’s discuss the current team and not focus on the past, shall we?
By TONY SHUMPERT
October 13, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
You can thank the bear’s for the STUPID play calling, the short kick, and not scoring seven instead of three. With that said, Go GT for the basketball season. I see sweet 16 with Iman leading the team.
By Kelvin
October 13, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Tommy Bowden is out as Clemson Head Football Coach.
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Breaking News: Tony Romo out for up to 4 weeks with a broken pinkie on his throwing hand (from espn.com). That greatly benefits the Falcons, who are currently tied with the ‘Boys (and 4 other teams) at 4-2. Yes, people, I am already thinking about the playoffs. This team can do it. WE can do it (that’s for you, phatt). Bring on the rest of the NFC; the Birds will be in the mix at the end.
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Matt Ryan wins Peter King’s “Offensive Player of the Week” award. Pretty high praise all around for the rookie signal caller after 6 games.
Says King, “Folks, we may be seeing the game’s next great quarterback growing up before our very eyes. To complete 22-of-30 for 301 yards, one TD and no interceptions against a defense that hounds the quarterback as well as Chicago does is a tremendous feat for a quarterback in his sixth pro game.”
I’ll take that. Dude knows his football as much as anyone.
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Also, speaking of Peter King, he has a great piece on Mike Smith and John Abraham on page 4 of his Monday Morning Quarterback. Check it out. National love for the Falcons? Is this the Twilight Zone?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/10/12/week6/3.html
By Mark Bradley
October 13, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Way to go, bloggers: Everybody link to something! Fun for one and all!
By Tron5000
October 13, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Hey Mark, I’ll link to you on other sites. Is that cool? Just trying to toss you some web traffic, homey.
By HIllbilly Deluxe
October 13, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
That’s gotta be the best Falcon game since they beat Fran Tarkenton on a Monday night back in the day.
By theantivick
October 13, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
who cares if Arthur is on the sideline,, some people just have to find something to complain about,,, and where is vick supporters sturpid comments ,, i miss them
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 13, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
After all he has put together with Dimitroff, Coach Smith and his staff Arthur Blank can stand on my freaking head if he wants to!!
GO FALCONS!!!
By Fred
October 13, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
I just saw something that really makes me feel this could be our year.
Go look at the AJC.com picture of the winning FG. Notice Dahl (#73) and the hold he has around the front collar of #71 of the Bears? Now notice how close #71’s hand is from blocking the kick. Thusly (a) it might have taken that hold for the kick to make it and (b) it wasn’t called. Two things that are rare in Falocns history - catching a break!
Go Birds - keep flying high!
By T K Wetherdunce
October 13, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Finally!!! Well, almost Finally!!! Only the senile, demented, sideline wandering, “CEO” Coach Bowden STILL TO GO!! Terry—after his ADVENTURES at Auburn and the threat of Dossier to be released—ISN’T COACHING ANYWHERE!!! Tommy finally recognized as the prissy, priggish punk who couldn’t inspire Anna Benson to make out will never coach again, Jeff , as the MORONIC SLOW son who brought nepotism to a new level, Steve, the embezzler son who took old man for 1.5 million and let’s not forget the Wicked West of the Panhandle—Haggish, Ann who ACTUALLY partied like it was New Year’s Eve as her hubby stomped her son a few years back.
An ENTIRE family of derelicts and hypocrites who will go down as the most preposterouus coaching family in history.
AND Bobby—-whose family has taken away his car keys—-I got news for you, you Pompous Fool. Paterno is healthier, smarter and more lucid than you so that #1 coaching win’s title is as far away as your ability to read a French menu.
Stay at FSU FOREVER—-All ACC teams are relishing the moment.
By Mark Bradley
October 13, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
If they’d have called holding on the winning field goal, they’d have had to arrest Arthur Blank for zebra-cide.
By Mark Bradley
October 13, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
That’s cool, Tron5000. And much appreciated.
By Fred
October 13, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Then, taking a line from Al Michaels in last nights Chargers game, just like in San Diego, Blank would probably go buy the Atlanta Zoo and kick out the zebras.
In any instance, that picture shows it’s a pretty obvious hold that we got away with - AND IT FEELS GREAT!!!!
By not D.Ellis
October 13, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
D.Ellis - the spread was 12.5 and I won money again by betting against the dawgs.. its pretty simple.. they never cover because they are always overrated..
By JB
October 13, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
To all of those jumping onto the Falcons bandwagon: please stay off!
Now they’re a national story, the “story of the year,” etc. These same “experts” will have no problem throwing knives right back into the team in a few weeks if they start losing a few games.
I hope the Falcons, and their true fans, just take a week and enjoy this one. No more, no less. Don’t get too high or low. Just enjoy the moment. They earned it.
By unFamous Control Freak
October 13, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
BLANKED OUT on the sideline___(with no wheelchair)
By Really not D.Ellis
October 13, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
For all those that like to invest in football futures - UGA is 0-3 against “the number” vs. SEC teams this year. It isn’t a surprise, they have been bad in that respect for quite some time. That, the same as falling from #1 to #10 so quick is just another negative of being overrated.
By Really not D.Ellis
October 13, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
For all those that like to invest in football futures - UGA is 0-3 against “the number” vs. SEC teams this year. It isn’t a surprise, they have been bad in that respect for quite some time. That, the same as falling from #1 to #10 so quick is just another negative of being overrated.
By lost in space. Falcons
October 13, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Vick is the QB ! Matt all world wait and see in December. Then and only then will I belive in him. Please don’t get your feeling hurt! But Matt is a good kid and has play well so far! won’t hate him like you clown hated Vick!
By Kelley
October 13, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are a WELL coached team, such a nice, refreshing change.
Texeira will make much more money than he’s worth next year. I hope he has the same type season as Andruw Jones did this season. Good enough player, but the obscene salaries are starting to get a little hard to take.
By Wow
October 13, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Wow, so phatt just made people think that he’s a snobby, sore loser who played for Tech and hates Georgia. Nice. You sound like a real class act. About what you’d expect for someone associated with Tech, though…
By Mark Bradley
October 13, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Perhaps I shouldn’t violate the sanctity of the press box, but here’s something esteemed colleague Tom Stinson said Sunday about the baseball postseason: “I root for the team with the fewest Scott Boras clients.”
That’s Tampa Bay, by the way.
Tom’s in Nashville today, doing a Vanderbilt story. Say hi if you see him at Ernest Tubb’s Record Store.
By Mike
October 13, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Hey lost in space… Vick is NOT the QB.. HE IS IN JAIL! And most of us “JUST CLOWN” as you put it,never said we hated Vick. Please just get over it,finally. This is WAY,WAY too old.
By Jeff321
October 13, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Tex is and will continue being a big choker. GOOD RIDDANCE!
By TO DWAYNE ALLEN
October 13, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Hey Dwayne Allen,
Bet you wish you didn’t screw Georgia over at the last minute by picking that loser Bowden over Richt and the Dawgs. Have fun changing oil the rest of your life you worthless Benedict Arnold!
Who’s your coach now big boy!? Oh how sweet it is!!! Really hate it for you kid. Its not too late to transfer to UGA and be third string water boy. Have fun with a program that is now set back 5 years. See you at the garage.
By Boo Boo
October 13, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
On the heels of such a finish to yesterday’s Falcon game, when all the press loves a miracle to write about (even if its cursing the miracle allowers), let us not forget the famous quote of Howard Cossell, when he said, “You won’t have any crap on Monday Night Football anymore, like the Atlanta Falcons.” The Falcons, as a franchise, has only been able to perform miracles outside the scope of a national audience. One winning years means the “crap” designation has gone away, but always followed by pie-in-the-face national appearances the following year. For example, last year (with Mr. Convick), four “prime time” games were scheduled, with the world presented a miserable excuse for a team. The Falcons won a game yesterday; but the Falcons have to get the monkey off their backs that proves they can win year after year. When that happens, we can remember Howard Cossell’s other famous quote, “Look at that little monkey run!”
By m
October 13, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Mark, you might be right that Tommy Bowden was the worst coach in the country THIS year, but you obvously would have been wrong in prior years. The last 6 years Chan Gailey was the worst coach in the history of the world. Thank God and Greyhound he is gone FOREVER!!
By Murphy
October 13, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Glad Tex is gone. He is proof that numbers do not always equal wins. I would rather we had a team of grinders any day. For my guess though, I would think that the quote was from one of the TX players. That just seems so out of character for the Braves.
By Submariner683
October 13, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
To answer Paddy’s question; Glen Dorsey, the DT who Terrance Moore and countless Falcon bloggers said by not selecting him and selecting Matt Ryan, is doing average in Kansas City. Doing about as well as you expect an interior lineman to do. So far nothing that would make you think that he’s the next Warren Sapp as Mr Moore suggested. But, he is only a rookie and so is Ryan, so the book is far from written. But can anybody argue intelligently that the Falcons are better off at this particular point having drafted Ryan over Dorsey?
After Elam missed the 38-yard field goal attempt and watched the Bears run down the field at ease to take the lead, I was so overcome that I could barely enjoy the fact that they came back to win the game.
I don’t know why the Falcons played so conservatively after Norwood’s magnificent kickoff return. With the exception of two runs, Chicago had completely shut down Turner for the game. Why they thought running 3 times would net them a first down. I guess the point was to hold the ball, not take chances and wait for Elam to make the “chip” shot. Which if he makes, it puts the game in a different perspective. If the Falcons do some play action or try to pass and get a first down, it puts the game in a different perspective. If they get a first down, Chicago doesn’t get the ball back. Period. I see they were playing it safe, but playing it safe almost and should have cost them the game.
A win is a win, and a great win it was. But IMO, the game should have and could have been iced away without the drama. My heart really can’t take these type of games..:)
By brad
October 13, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
I had to listen to game in internet and follow it on nfl.com . My son and I were huddled around the computer, listening and watching the Bears seemingly break our hearts. Then the local Fox channel switches to the Falcons with 1 second left. We run to the tv just in time to see the ball sail through the uprights. We ran around the house screaming like madmen, just like I did 10 years ago when Morten Anderson sent the Falcons to the Super Bowl. This is a special team.
By Mark Bradley
October 13, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
As I recall, Chan Gailey fared pretty well against Tommy Bowden.
By Submariner683
October 13, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
To answer Paddy’s question; Glen Dorsey, the DT who Terrance Moore and countless Falcon bloggers said by not selecting him and selecting Matt Ryan, is doing average in Kansas City. Doing about as well as you expect an interior lineman to do. So far nothing that would make you think that he’s the next Warren Sapp as Mr Moore suggested. But, he is only a rookie and so is Ryan, so the book is far from written. But can anybody argue intelligently that the Falcons are better off at this particular point having drafted Ryan over Dorsey?
After Elam missed the 38-yard field goal attempt and watched the Bears run down the field at ease to take the lead, I was so overcome that I could barely enjoy the fact that they came back to win the game.
I don’t know why the Falcons played so conservatively after Norwood’s magnificent kickoff return. With the exception of two runs, Chicago had completely shut down Turner for the game. Why they thought running 3 times would net them a first down. I guess the point was to hold the ball, not take chances and wait for Elam to make the “chip” shot. Which if he makes, it puts the game in a different perspective. If the Falcons do some play action or try to pass and get a first down, it puts the game in a different perspective. If they get a first down, Chicago doesn’t get the ball back. Period. I see they were playing it safe, but playing it safe almost and should have cost them the game.
A win is a win, and a great win it was. But IMO, the game should have and could have been iced away without the drama. My heart really can’t take these type of games..:)
By maddog
October 13, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Hey Clemson, wanna bring back Danny Ford?
By jcy1968
October 13, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Subamariner…great post….BUT..PUUULEAZZE…Ryan was the correct pick over Dorsey…..
By jcy1968
October 13, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Maddog…..My daddy told 25yrs ago that Danny Ford had a propensity for “cheating”..and that Clemson fans were “rednecks”..and that oilmen wre “crooked”…Was he wrong..???
By Chopdawg
October 13, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
In the replay of Jenkins’ last-second catch: isn’t that Arthur Blank on the sidelines, giving the “incomplete” signal? Maybe he meant “stop the clock” but he signaled “incomplete” pass.
Arthur, if you’re gonna be on the sideline, study up on your signals, dude
CHOP
By Buzzfan1936
October 13, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
That was the best pro game I’ve seen in quite awhile. HOW ‘BOUT THE ACC! Matt Ryan,BC, for Rookie of the Year; Keith Brooking, GT, 5 time Pro-Bowler who made a key hit at the goal line and calls the defensive signals; Chauncey Davis, FSU, who played great, etc.
By BobbyBowden
October 14, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Dadgummit Clemsun, you will pay now. Run my boy off the way you did. I will drop the hammer on you & run up the score every chance I get against you worthless necks. I will put a bounty on that sorry QB who smarted off about my boy say he got what he deserved. Rest assured, Cullen Harper, there will be a bounty on your head when we play you boy. I can see the apple did not fall far from the tree with your daddy popping off about my boy as well.
By mesmo
October 14, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
No, Tex is no Manny Ramirez, but he’s a hell of a lot better than any Atlanta Brave with the exception of a healthy Chipper. Trading him certainly did not help the Braves, a squad of pretty good young players. When you compare the rosters of Atlanta and the Phillies you wonder how the Braves will ever get back into contention. They need some stars, some better than average players—like Texiera.
By OMG
October 14, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Glad Tex AND Andruw are gone. Now can we get rid of Terry Pendleton and get a hitting coach? PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
By asa
October 14, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Hey Clempson, If you hire Chan, I hope it won’t take you as long as it did GT to discover this ain’t working!
By Gatorfan
October 14, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
What happened to all the GT fans and the “we should be ranked cries”????? I guess you now know that your team is a long long way from really being a top team…needing a blocked FG to beat a div II team at home…what a laugh!!!!!!!!
By Paddy
October 15, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the info I requested about Dorsey. Sounds like he is a solid D lineman and playing ok for a rookie. On another topic. We, as fans, didn’t hate Mike Vick. We hated what he did and then lied about it. There is a huge difference. I, for one, hope to see him play again, just not in ATL.
By h8thecold
October 15, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Tex was in the TOP 10 in all of baseball in OBP, RBI, BB, & OPS. Has 5 straight years of 30+ HR and 100+ RBI’s, he hit .358 after being traded to the Angels where they scored over 1 additional run per game after he was picked up (smells like some difference making right there). He hit .308 with RISP & .615 with the bases loaded (I know more of those pesky numbers that seem so misleading). He did get off to a slow start no question, but he sure does seem to get better as the the season rolls along doesn’t he? Not to mention he’s pretty durable and probably the best fielding 1st baseman in the game(not that being in the lineup everyday or playing your position flawlessly in any way counts towards being a “difference maker” just thought it might be worth pointing out). Jeter was a difference maker because he had pitching that allowed him to hit in spots where he could make a difference. Same with Ortiz, Manny etc… If Tex lands on a club that doesn’t have a starting rotation consisting of some key members of the Disabled List All-Star Team then i’m guessing he might have some difference making type of at-bats over the next few years.
By Barry
October 15, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
But what did Tex do in the playoffs? Isn’t that why they signed him?
By h8thecold
October 15, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Come on Barry, really? He hit .467 got on base at a .550 clip and he OPS’d 1.017 (I know i’m a big numbers geek and it was only a 4 game series but you asked what he did so I’m giving you the data). I’m fairly certain I saw him make a play or 2 in the field on top of that. If you don’t like a guy than say you don’t like him and let’s move on. But to concoct this “difference maker” nonsense is pretty laughable.
By Braves20
October 15, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
The anonymous teammate who commented on Tex not being a big time player apparently saw the same things I saw in his year with the Braves.
Big in 8-2 games - not much in 4-3 encounters. Good luck to whatever NY team gets him.
By AtlantaGator
October 15, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Gators gonna neuter the pups this year Bradley, you UGA Homer! Normalcy of our ownership of UGA for the past 18 years returns in three weeks.
By Ed Glennon
October 15, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
If Tex is worth $20 million a year then Longoria is worth $35 million a year. Overpaid Tex will go to Baltimore because the studpid owner over there will pay him the most money. We will never hear about him again.
By Flustered Fan
October 15, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Matt Ryan was definitately the better pick over Dorsey. Nothing against Chris Redman but do you think he would have gotten us this far???