Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > November > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmitty’s no Belichick or Parcells, except in results
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mike Smith has silver hair but no silver tongue. His postgame briefings at the Georgia Dome are fascinating for what he doesn’t say. He deals mostly in platitudes, and he leaves the impression of a dutiful assistant who’s afraid of revealing too much lest he offend his boss. And that makes sense, given that his bosses — Arthur Blank and Thomas Dimitroff — are in the room listening.
It also makes sense when you consider that Smith, who’s 49, has never before been a head coach. He’s not accustomed to addressing folks wearing coats and ties. He’s a career assistant who has made a career of dealing with sweaty guys in shoulder pads. And that’s why you don’t really get the full Smitty effect until you see him with his players.
He’s not a hands-off head coach. He’s a yeller and a cajoler, a teacher and a taskmaster. (“Taskmaster” is one of his favorite words.) He doesn’t hold himself above the fray. On the contrary, he enjoys frays.
Put simply, the guy who measures every word with the media speaks the players’ unadorned language. Pete Prisco of CBSsports.com reported that Smith sent the Falcons onto the hallowed Lambeau tundra by saying, “That [expletive] field is 100 yards long and 53 1/2 yards wide just like all the other [same expletive] fields.” Duly informed, Smitty’s men went out and whipped Green Bay’s, er, hindquarters.
There’s none of Belichick’s paranoid genius to this coach, none of Parcells’ raging bluster. He’s just Smitty. (Even his wife calls him Smitty.) But this isn’t to say the players nod benignly and pay him no mind. As the massive Grady Jackson, who has played for enough coaches to know the bad from the good, said Sunday, “It’s a treat to see guys buying in.”
For all the laurels draped on Dimitroff for his personnel decisions, these players would have amounted to nothing had they been entrusted to Elmer Fudd. Instead they were handed to a Real Football Man, one who knows how to relate to working adults as opposed to teenagers on scholarship. (Yes, that was a Bobby Petrino reference.)
When you ask these Falcons when they began to believe in themselves, you get a surprising answer. It wasn’t after Matt Ryan made his first NFL pass a touchdown. It wasn’t when they won in Green Bay. It wasn’t even after those 11 seconds against Chicago. It was, said the center Todd McClure, “in OTAs [organized team activities] and training camp. We thought then we could really be special.”
Why? Partly because of the Dimitroff-driven talent infusion, but mostly because these Falcons gained an instant respect for Smitty and staff. These coaches — Mike Mularkey and Paul Boudreau and Keith Armstrong and Ray Hamilton — know what works in the NFL and what resonates with NFL players. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to win football games; you just have to put talented players in the right positions and persuade them to play hard.
Yes, it sounds so simple as to go without saying. But then you hear the safety Lawyer Milloy, who won a Super Bowl under the scheming Belichick, praise Smith’s rudimentary approach: “He says, ‘Go out and play hard, and more times than not you’ll like the outcome.’ That’s his favorite saying.”
It’s not half as catchy as “Just win, baby,” or even, “Finish the drill,” but the sentiment expressed therein has lifted a lunch-bucket team to 6-3. Which tells us, in a way pretty words never could, that Smitty can flat-out coach.
Permalink | Comments (82) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL
Comments
By The Grinch
November 11, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Good call, Bradley. I predicted 6-10 before the season started and people thought I was an optimistic fool. Dimitroff knows how to draft, and these guys know how to coach. If we can keep the staff intact we’ll be perennial playoff contenders. I’ve been waiting my whole life to say that about the Falcons.
By Herschel Talker
November 11, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it time for T Mo to write something racist?
By GREER, S.C. DAWG
November 11, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Great article! Smitty deserves all the credit. Coaching up Matt Ryan is the key. GO FALCONS!!!
By YouGotThatRight!
November 11, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Great observations, Mark. I’m enjoying this season just like everyone else but I’m particularly excited about next year… and the one after that. I realize the Falcons schedule will get tougher the more they succeed but I gotta think they’ll be ready. I think we’ll finally see back to back winning seasons after all these years.
Congrats to all the Falcons and the guys who guide them.
By Alan
November 11, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Everyone needs to get to in their seats EARLY and help the team! End this 1:15 stuff. And why the hell are they introducing the opposing teams?
By Dan C.
November 11, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
I’ve been following the Falcons from day one. The time of $3 field level seats, Randy Johnson & Tommy Nobis, etc. I have some really great memories but many more sad ones. I don’t think I could be any more excited about the prospects for this team. It could never have happened under the Smith family. Mr. Blank deserves a lot of credit for not quiting when everything turned to crap last year. You know it had to be eating him up inside. Instead he went out and got an excellent G.M. and Coach. I’m retired in the Tenn. Mtns. now, but I go over to a sports bar in Boone, N.C. and watch the games. What a treat.
By Boo Boo
November 11, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
It seems like someone on the Falcons from last year’s team, who had played in Jacksonville while Smith was there (like Byron Leftwich maybe?), made a statement that was published in the AJC, after Mike Smith was named the new head coach of the Falcons. The player said something like, “I never had a conversation with the man (Smith). He never talks to the players. His assistants do all the coaching.” I remember that was a red flag, since Petrino left notes, rather than talk to the players. Whoever it was who said that couldn’t have known Mike Smith. Maybe he played offense and Smith didn’t talk to the offense? Whatever and whoever, besides the Falcons rise, there has been a drop in the Jacksonville record since Mike Smith left. I also remember how Grady (after Petrino released him and he got picked up by Jacksonville) said publicly playing in Jacksonville was night and day different from playing in Atlanta (last year). I imagine that had something to do with Mike Smith and had something to do with why Grady came back.
By leftcoastfan
November 11, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
falcons beat denver, carolina, san diego and go into december 9-3 with a lock on first place and a bye in the playoffs. they win at home and play the Giants for the Nfc title.
how bout them dirty birds. the funny thing is that this team is so new on paper, no team can get a hold on this unit, because each week they out play their opponent. and the problems in the red zone have fixed themselves. lookout john gruden, we are coming to kick you azzzzz!!!!
By jcdocpc
November 11, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
I’m as excited as the next guy about the Birds. I still have some friends that think we left the V guy under the bus, but Maybe things worked out like they did so we could get Ryan, despite many who thought otherwise. It was a BOLD MOVE by management. So was getting Mike ‘The Burner” Turner, and keeping and using J Norwood, and keeping and letting John Ab terroize on D, and moving Keith Brooking where he is comfortable and…I’m getting tired of typing because of all the great moves which would not have meant anything without the right coach. Thanks for this year and just imagine next year..when can actually go looking for a ‘SUPERSTAR D’ PLAYA…or players! Great job ALL AROUND!
By GT
November 11, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
We get a lot of bum leads on coaches in the Atlanta area. I don’t know if it is because we are a football town and rumors are thicker or no one gets it right unless it is negative which usually covers every occasion without much research or risk. You do have to ask how does a organization go from totally missing the boat to making it look so easy. I hope my eyes are not playing tricks.
By mikejones
November 11, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Fantastic read. Thank you.
By JoeFann
November 11, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Nice read, Mark.
When this staff was hired, I liked what I heard from insiders, but wanted to wait and see. When the first group of releases came out, I was surprised, but pleasantly so. When Ryan was drafted, I was disappointed—and WRONG! Clearly, the players believe. We FINALLY have a staff that can be labeled “PROFESSIONAL!” Keep it up Birds! The Kook-Aid’s in the fridge, and this whole town’s thirsty.
And PLEASE don’t wake me up!
By Baracked the Vote
November 11, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Bradley, it is very premature to start the comparisons with Bellysick and the incredibly large tuna. I am still hoping the falcons will win a super bowl in my lifetime.
By Mark Bradley
November 11, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Marcellus Wiley was the ripper in question. He played for Smith in Jacksonville and claimed Jack Del Rio did all the coaching. He also said the players didn’t respect Smitty.
FYI, the Jaguars are 4-5 — Del Rio must be doing a heck of a lot of coaching — and are the only NFL club to lose to the Bengals.
By Dogbyte
November 11, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
This TEAM is a well-coached bunch of achievers. They believe in the system, and each other. All they have to do is do their job with confidence that others will do theirs. That is a recipe for success.
By athensdawg
November 11, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
A blue collar coach who turns a group of underachieving athletes into a “smack you in the mouth” football team.
What a concept! We can only hope a certain coach in Athens is paying attention to this……….
this is early to say but maybe mr blank has found his version of bobby cox / john scheurholtz(sp?) we can only hope.
my heart has been broken ever since the ‘80 playoff loss to dallas and the subsequent firing of leeman bennett….it has been downhill ever since.
By Emmitt
November 11, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
I love this team. I’ve been a Falcon fan since I was 6 years old (1976). I have never been so proud of a group of guys. This group seems like they would play for free. They have a joy for the game. That’s often missing in today’s pro sports. I didn’t think they would win 6 games this year. Even if they lose the rest of their games, I’d still very proud of them, but they won’t. They work too hard.
By BUDDHA
November 11, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
IN 1998, WE WENT TO THE SUPERBOWL WITH THE “DIRTY BIRD”. NOW, IN 2008, IT IS TIME TO BRING BACK THE “DIRTY BIRD”. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!
By MHendon
November 11, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
In a year of total uncertainty, where Ive seen my retirement funds drop by over 30%, my falcons season tickets were the only positive return on investment. Thanks Smitty.
By mike
November 11, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Mark- Didn’t anyone else think the Falcons played a little too conservatively with their lead against the Saints? If you don’t think so, please say why….Keep the Falcons’ articles coming. I really enjoy hearing your perspective.
By STLfalcon
November 11, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Hell yeah! Go Falcons!!!
By roan st
November 11, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Marcellus Wiley was cut in Jacksonville because he was a lazy malcontent. I’m sure Smitty had a lot to do with him being cut since he ran the defense. I guess that was Wiley’s way of trying to get even. All the Jacksonville players praised the hiring of Smitty when the falcons made the move. Wanna bet the Jaguars defensive players would welcome smitty back with open arms?
By Mark Bradley
November 11, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
I didn’t think the Falcons were too conservative. I thought they played it perfectly. Throw early, get ahead, switch to the run, get ahead more. That’s the way it’s supposed to work.
By Will
November 11, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
As a Birds fan in Richmond, VA, thank goodness for the NFL Sunday ticket. I’m having more fun watching the Falcons this year than I ever have. I’m looking forward to Denver on Sunday. They are kinda similar to N.O. with respect to a strong passing game, weak running game and weak Defense. Time for a Bronco Beatdown. Then it’s the Carolina Pansies. Yeah they are 7-2 but looked horrible Sunday against the Raiders. They also don’t play well on the road and they’ve got some tough road games coming up. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bill
November 11, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
I too am really pleased to watch the new Falcons. But, what I am really enjoying, is not listening to the whining and harping from some of the ex-Falcon prima-donas. This team plays like a team and acts like a team - on the field and off the field whether they win or lose. I don’t know what is driving that attitude but my guess is that it starts in the front office, is communicated and reinforced by the coaching staff, and supported by the players.
What a refreshing change from the recent years past!
By hitwriter
November 11, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
This may just turn out to be one of those great real life should be a sports movie stories. Everyone is watching now.
By Brian F.
November 11, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Future schedules will not get any tougher regardless of success. 14 of the 16 scheduled games each season are pre-determined years in advance. Only 2 of the games are based on previous years record. With the way teams are so up and down from year to year, that doesn’t mean a whole lot. This year 2 games based on previous years record are the Eagles and the Rams. GO FALCONS !! The next NEW ENGLAND of the NFC.
By michaelgee
November 11, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Marcellus Wiley’s problem with Smitty stems from the fact that Wiley didn’t fit the “Smitty” mold, and was released from teh Jags, which sent Marcellus into retirement.
I think any and all Falcon Fans have to agree that since 1966, we have never had the Total Front Office package, Coaching and players with such great work ethics in Falcon red.
This is the best setup the Atlanta Falcons have ever had, this is the pinnacle, it is the greatest time ever to be a falcon Fan.
Thanks to Mr Blank, Dimitroff and Smitty’s great Staff. We now have the foundation we always needed to become a Super Bowl winning team.
If not for Petrino taking us to the lowest of lows, all the total reassessment may have never happened, no doubt, we all knew when we were at rock bottom and exactly who took us there. Thank God those people are all gone now and we have a wonderful situation with Matt Ryan and a plethora of wide receivers vs just one receiver and a sprinter. We have NFL Pro caliber Running backs and a great OLine, thanks Boudreau and staff.
Our “no name” defense is so “sneaky good” that it is just crazy!
This is the best we have ever been, no doubt. We have genuine MEN leading us on and off the field, if it took 42 years it was worth every bit of pain to see these new Falcons. Matt Ryan is a genius QB and we were blessed by a higher power for Matt to come here and save NFL football in Atlanta.
I am stoked as a fan, just stoked!
By row3
November 11, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
It starts at the top with Mr. Blank making the hire of the decade when he choose Tommy D. as G.M. This man knows football, Coach Smitty is a product of a football guy who knows talent. It was’nt the sexy pick. It was the football pick. I’ll take this group of coaches and players over anything Parcells could have put together. What a blessing it was when the Big Tuna turned us down.
By Kenny
November 11, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of people saying this year is still not our year, next year next year………..WHY!!!! Why cant it be this year, we are playing some good football, we have a good team, we have a chance to break multiple records…..I feel it, i feel this year is the year…..WHO AGREES WITH ME!? GO FALCONS!!!!
By Kenny
November 11, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of people saying this year is still not our year, next year next year………..WHY!!!! Why cant it be this year, we are playing some good football, we have a good team, we have a chance to break multiple records…..I feel somethin special…..WHO AGREES WITH ME!? GO FALCONS!!!!
By dl
November 11, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
I’m with you Kenny, why the HELL NOT!! Why can’t we steal the superbowl! I believe!
By jcdocpc
November 11, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
I think the Falcons have a good team. I think We have Some good athletes. I think we have great coaches and a great front office. I think a good team can go far and indeed make the playoffs, but is it asking tooooo much for ‘all the way this early’? I’m not doubting, just trying to be realistic…but next year…WOW…Get your season tickets now!!
By Kenny
November 11, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
I Believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By mcthomas
November 12, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
I am not really a blogger, in fact I think most of you guys are lazy losers. However, this team has gotten my attention. I was only a child when my father was carried to the hospital with heart palpitations after Danny White threw 3 td’s in the final quarter of that dreaded playoff game against Dallas (I am not making that up, by the way). I am not claiming to be any more of a fan than any of the other die-hards here in this city, but I have seriously not missed a regular season game at the dome in several years. This organization, as it stands, can win some football games. From athletic talent, to coaching, to management skills, to ownership — Atlanta has a real advantage over may teams. I have seen enough NFL competion over the last 30 years to realize the difference between winners, loser, and pretenders. Let’s just be thankful, and enoy.
By Kenny
November 12, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this
mcThomas is right, just enjoy!! GO Falcons
By Kenny
November 12, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this
i forgot the you all are sleeping in ATL, i am in cali, lol
By Dr. Warren
November 12, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this
McThomas—I believe your story about your dad. As an 8th grader who went to that game, I could barely get out of bed the next morning, much less function at school that week. I sometimes wonder if my misery was a sign of a happy childhood, since I’d never felt that way before in my life. Anyway, my gut feeling is these guys might just churn their way to the division title. But if they don’t even make the playoffs, the 8th grader in me will be disappointed, but the adult in me will still be pleased that we’ve turned the corner long-term in such an impressive way.
By falcon
November 12, 2008 6:19 AM | Link to this
Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood in the same backfield. Tell me that don’t wreak havoc on an opponent.
We certainly can win it all this year. There are no teams that appear to be world beaters. We beat Tennessee in the final home preseason game. We can beat them again. The Giants? Cleveland took them apart, so they can also be beaten.
Smitty has got this team playing like a team, without all the self promotion. He insists that the Falcons do the little things right, and it is paying off.
As for the fellow above who doesn’t like the other team being introduced. They are not introduced individually, but simply as ‘The New Orleans Saints’. This just gives the fans the cue to stand up and boo the heck out of the opposing team.
My interest in buying season tickets was begun when AB hired Dimitroff from the Patriots. My 40 yard line seats are looking mighty good about now. It is a great time to be a Falcon fan.
By jerry
November 12, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this
Smitty has morphed the Falcons from “the lousy bast-rds” into “DA BIRDS”.
By nativebird
November 12, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Spot on! Along with Dimitrof, the ONLY two good decisions this ego-maniac owner has really made, if you really think a winning football team is the sure-fire way to a beloved and ticket buying fan-base. (A universal truth that all other owners seem to know yet something this ego-maniac billionaire owner took 7 years to figure out.) What hubris. What a jerk. Due to SMITTY and the type of football person and good genuine person he is, I will support THIS team, win, lose or draw.
By Getaway
November 12, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
I think it’s interesting that we’re getting so many comments from long time fans. I’ve been hitting these pages since before they were called blogs, forums, and boards.
2005, 2002 and even 1998 were very active years with lots of fans expressing similar sentiments, but for different reasons. The excitment in those years was for what was going on at the time. The excitement this year is not only for what’s going on mow, but for what is to come.
There was a lot of buzz in 2002 with the emergence of Vick, but it was tempered by the perception that there wasn’t much talent around him. Our new QB is turning heads and getting lots of attention, but rarely is he mentioned without the author pointing out the contributions of Turner, Norwood and White…AND the coaching.
Now, the defense is finally starting to get the attention it deserves. What a great story this team has become.
By Josh
November 12, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
This season has already beat all expectations I had for this team. Thank you Falcons. Now lets kick the crap out of Denver!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Preston
November 12, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
I agree with a posts above about if it wasn’t for Bobby Petrino and his (in hindsight) “god-send” decision to bolt for Akansas, we might not be in this situation. I think that the city of Atlanta needs to send Petrino the biggest and fattest Thanksgiving turkey we can find to express our gratitude to him. I can honestly say that Mike Smith has brought something to the falcons coaching staff that I have not see in yrs……a competent, no nonsense staff that commands respect from the team, the city, and the league.
By willdave
November 12, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Any coach who allows everyone to call him “Smitty” has got to be cool. I’ve liked everythng I’ve read or seen about Smitty since he became the Falcons head coach. He has played a major role in turning this team into a winner. Look for a SB championship within the next, say, four seasons.
By Pete
November 12, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t trade Smitty and his staff for all the coaches in the football world. He is beyond SPECIAL. The good Lord was looking out for the Falcons when he brought them Thomas Dimitroff and Smitty. And then there’s Matt Ryan. How do you spell BLESSED ???
By BAMA - Shane
November 12, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
I am amazed by this team and far they have come. Prior to the draft the Falcons needed players at ALL positions. I had never seen a team so weak everywhere! No look at them. Defense. Foxworth is a steal and w/ Houston and Jackson and Grimes we have 4 good corners ! Coleman and Milloy are veterans and although Milloy is no tthe best in coverage he is an intimidator for WRs. The D-line is possibly below average with the excpetion of Abraham, and Brooking is not the same. All told, I think this defense is noit overly taltented. They are all on the same page and play whithin the system. Smart players and good coaching. The offense is full of talented players and Murlarkey is a genuius ! This offense w/ Ryan at the helm is going to pressure ANYBODY’s defense ! We are looking at a possible playoff team that, unless something crazy happens will be a team we all can be proud of for years to come.
By srcdawgrome
November 12, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Nice article Mark! I picked the Birds at 5-11 this year. What ever Smitty is selling the team is buying in. It is so refreshing not to hear about the thugs (Vick, Hall etc.). We are now playing football like it should be played. I still believe we are a few years away for the big prize. We have a process in motion and i love it. Go FALCONS and thanks for bringing real football to Atlanta.
By BirdFaninBama
November 12, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Besides the coaching and the talent influx, has anyone not noticed how this team is winning. Its in the trenches same as our team over here in Tuscaloosa. Do the work in the trenches and the skill people will take care of the rest. OL and DL coaching staff appear to be doing a fantastic job. No smoke and mirrors here, just smash mouth football, the way its supposed to be played. SuperBowl for Falcons and 13th NC for Bama. Go Birds and Roll Tide!!!
By Mark Bradley
November 12, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the kind words, folks. And, again for the record, I had the Falcons at 5-11, too. And I thought I was being optimistic.
By tixholdersince 66
November 12, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Dallas playoff game!!! Only time I saw my Dad crying like a baby, leaving Atl-FulCo stadium. So many horrible Sundays wasted during those years. Great fans and Loyal. We buried our Dad with 2 tix to the following home game in his suit pocket. Hope he is enjoying this season up there.
By GATORZONE
November 12, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
WHat a refreshing change from years past. I am a lifelong fan (38 years) and have seen many ups and downs, but I truly believe in the professional direction of this team and management!
THANK YOU ARTHUR BLANK, TOM DIMITROFF AND ESPECIALLY MIKE SMITH!!!
Falcon Fan in Sarasota!
By Reality Time
November 12, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Hey Mark, doesn’t Brian Van Gorder even deserve an honorable mention in your column. Seems to me the defense is doing pretty well under him.
By Peachtree John
November 12, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
And what is the story on Jamal Anderson? We read that he has a concussion, then nothing. Has he healed? Is he being released, traded? Is he terminal?
By SirReal
November 12, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
I really dont think this group is a one season wonder even though the season’s only half done. I am ALMOST sold…..I still need to see just a LITTLE more. With the success of the birds, I think there’s still a little tweaking left to do. But overall, I’m optimistic about what’s going on. I hope we can make a playoff run. 8-8 at the WORST this year!!!
P.S. THANK YOU FOR RELEASING ADAM JENNINGS!!! No disrespect to the person but the player had to go. I wish him well somewhere else.
By wxwax
November 12, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
**You know who this team reminds me of? The Pittsburgh Steelers. No-nonsense football. A front office and a coaching staff with a shared vision of how the game should be played and what kind of players are needed to make it happen.
It’s unbelievably refreshing to see character make the cut in Atlanta. For the first time since Dan Reeves, it’s possible to feel proud about rooting for the team and the franchise.
Thomas Dimitroff took a huge but necessary gamble in the draft. He hit the jackpot. Ryan has been the catalyst not just for the offense and its previously fumble-fingered receivers, but also for the entire team. He represents hope.
I think Blank, typically, used a goofy process to select his coach and GM. His heart’s in the right place but his head often betrays him. In what has been a rare stroke of luck for this star-crossed franchise, his hires are all working out perfectly.
They say you can’t appreciate pleasure until you’ve felt pain. I think the pain of the Mora/Vick years has us pinching ourselves to make sure this year’s pleasure is for real.
I’m holding my breath that the Falcons have banished their jinx and that the almost miraculous chemistry in the front office and on the field can sustain itself for more than just a season. It really is a pleasure to behold. **
By bali
November 12, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
good article on a good coach and the beginnings of a special football team in Atlanta. It is really amazing what the coaches and staff in Atlnta has accomplished this year.I just hope the fans realize that this is just the first year and their is still a long way to go before the product is finalized, but hey , what a start
By Father Falcon
November 12, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed this year is that our owner and GM have kept out of sight. No press conferences, no public ballyhooing of any sort. In years past you could count on Arthur and Rich appearing every week or so to reassure us that Jimmy Mora, and then coach what’s-his-name, had some idea what they were doing. I always had the feeling they were looking over the coaching staff’s shoulder making sure they didn’t say or do the wrong thing (which they often did).
This year has been a completely different atmosphere. Arthur has shown he can learn from his mistakes and Dimitroff is one smart cookie. He understands this is Smitty’s team and has given him some great tools to work with. Each understands his role in the new scheme of things and has played it to the hilt. Arthur is still a fixture on the sideline but he stays conspicuously out of the way. Gone are the days of chauffeuring star players around.
Dimitroff identifies the best available talent (so far he has shown an uncanny talent for this), Arthur turns on the charm and convinces them Atlanta is is best job in the league, and Smitty get’s them coached up under his steady hand. This is a winning “process” and I truly believe we are just seeing the beginnings of something great.
I wasn’t completely convinced until watching the defense against New Orleans and realizing that this was a unit coming into their own. What was once our biggest weakness (our defensive backs) is quickly becoming one of our biggest strengths. What team has 2 better safeties than Coleman and Milloy? Foxworthy learned from the best in Denver (Champ Bailey) and the young corners are learning fast.
I know we’re all a bit giddy over the fast start but this is a team that truly believes in itself. Todd McClure said it best after the disappointing loss in Philly. Before the muffed punt, “There was no doubt in anybody’s mind that we were going to drive down the field and win the game”. There is not a team in the league that we can’t beat right now if we continue to work the process. Believe it.
By AJ
November 12, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
WAIT!!!!
I thought T. Moore predicted that Matt Ryan would be a bust and that D. J. Shockley would be starting by now!!
What Happened?!?!?!?
By Barry
November 12, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Welcome to Atlanta Mike Smith. You are a breath of fresh air to what football is really about . You and your coaches have brought teamwork and some nasty, gritty, dirty, fun football into this town that is enjoyable to watch. I know your players are committed to what you are doing and the process involved in making them respected players and a championship team here in Atlanta and the NFL. You and Dimitroof and your coaching staff are the architect of “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” It is spreading in the football community. You and your coaching staff “get in the trenches with the players” teaching style has earned the respect of the players and they are “down by law” in doing what they have to do every Sunday. It appears the preparation and adjustment during the games make all the fans and players feel secure in that we can win against anybody. We are not backing down. Keep upp the good work. This coordianted, teamwork from ownership, management, coaches, players, the media, the fans, and the community can all be summed up as “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”. We are with you and the FAlCON as you are with us. We are ONE!!!! In fact this is our motto fo the FALCONS. As the Oakland has “Just win baby, we as FALCONS say “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”. We play and watch football with “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!” And every game we, as fans, will be there for you and the Falcons in the process of enjoying seeing this team become champions. We are “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” And I am loving it!!.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEE YOU AT THE DOME: OUR HOUSE!!!!
"ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!"Ringold
By bubbaisaac
November 12, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
I have been a fan since the late 70’s and this is fun to watch. These guys are not flash or out spoken , they are just a bunch of blue collar LUNCH PALE kind of guys. From the coaching staff all the way to special teams. You look forward to watching because even in a loss they fought their butts off. Go LUNCH PALE Guys
By Reality Time
November 12, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
If you’re going to create a slogan, spell it right. “Lunch Pail Guys”.
By mikesaysDIRTYBIRDS
November 12, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Regardless of what happens the rest of the year this team has made me believe, in the present and the future… most of all it makes me look forward to MY HOMETOWN NFL FOOTBALL TEAM ON SUNDAYS.
I’m so pumped for Sunday, I can’t wait for Hell’s Bells for the kickoff and us kicking the crap out of the BRONCOS.
LETS GO FALCONS!!!!!!
By Space Mountain
November 12, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
This TEAM has already exceeded my wildest expectations and show no sign of letting up. I find myself giving pause and not setting the bar too high. It is hard to believe Ryan is a rookie. But he is. Smitty looks like a head coaching vet. But it is his first year also. If this TEAM has a winning record in the second half of the season there are no words to describe that accomplishment. I have never seen anything like this. Especially from the Falcons. All I can say is keep it up.
By Oh HEELLLLNOOOOO
November 12, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe that with a white coach a white rookie qb and a receiver named white that Moore isn’t jumping all over these Falcons…. and claiming racial discrimination.
Maybe with Obama winning the election all the racial inequality criers have finally been pacified…
Ryan looks like the real deal… I can’t remember ever feeling this good about a Falcons QB who actually understands the meaning of team…except for maybe Bartkowski or Chandler. But neither one of those guys could touch Ryan at this point in the game.
By ChicagoPOW
November 12, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
“you just have to put talented players in the right positions and persuade them to play hard.”
C’mon now Mark - you know there’s been a lot more to it than that. CHARACTER has been a huge part of the equation. Intelligence HAS mattered to these guys. Past accomplishments, leadership ability, TEAM focus - does “indisputable role understanding” ring a bell?
To say the team is winning because of player plug-and-play coaching is to sell the players, coaches, and brass, short. This team has made a 180 degree turn because of focus on quality people from top to bottom, and low and behold they’re playing quality football! GO FALCONS!!!
By Ryder
November 12, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Father Falcon,
I like your point about how you don’t ever hear from Blank or Dimitroff. It’s as ESPN’s Colin Cowherd once said, any time you start hearing the GM/owner talking to the media, that’s a sign of a front office that’s not focusing their job. Exhibit A: Jerry Jones.
How often do you hear from Scott Pioli of New England? That’s right NEVER! Most people don’t even know who he is. You never hear from the Rooney family in Pittsburgh dealing with the media on a regular basis.
It’s those organizations that the Falcons have began to emulate. Sure, it’s still early but tell me you don’t see the seeds for a great organization taking shape.
Also, all of the players (re: ALL) of the players on this team have bought into Smith’s philosophy, and it shows on Sundays.
When’s the last time you heard a Falcon player put himself out there with some sound bit this season? Aside a couple of off field incidents, no one is complaining about playing time (and if they did they’re gone now) and you see a “we’re only worried about the next game” mentality.
Yes, I know a lot of it has to do with winning, but since Game 1 you’ve seen a confidence we haven’t seen from this team in years, even from the team that went to the NFC Championship in 2005.
Also, unlike the Saints and Browns (two teams that came out of nowhere to surprise everyone) the Falcons are built to win the old fashioned way: power football, not chucking the ball around.
By Chip
November 12, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
VICK , WHO IS THAT??? GO FALCONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By SouthernFriedFalcon
November 12, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
You know who else I believe was a blue-collar coach? Dan Reeves. You remember where he took us. He caught a lot of negative pressure after Vick came, with people saying that his old-school football mentality was holding the young phenom back. But in the end, he gave us our best season ever, and even Vick had by far the best passing season of his career under Reeves’ tutelage. It’s good to see a coach back in there who knows the game rather than the spotlight.
By DMac
November 12, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
After the last few years, no one new, if any of these widerecievers or RB’s or OLine were any good. Bad Schemes, (Zone Blocking), and a bad Head Coach last year…5 wins would have been great given our schedule. 1 possibley super QB and unbelievable coaching has us in position to contend for a division title and playoff spot….This may be the most complete football coaching staff we have ever had…Shell Shocked fan… Go Birds……2 more consecutive home wins and we will go to the playoffs….
By chip2
November 12, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Good one Chip! Also, VICKSUPPORTER? Who’s that? GOOO FALCONS!!!!
By Kevin
November 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
What should we infer from Jennings’ roster spot being filled by a defensive end? Does that mean management is comfortable with the performance and health of Finneran and Douglas? Or does it mean they have concerns about Abraham’s health? Abe got dinged a couple of times last Sunday. Can’t afford to lose him.
By Essayons
November 12, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
OH, how sweet it is. “OH” One Heartbeat. The soul of Atlanta.
By Eric
November 12, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Just heard about Jennings release, does this mean that Jamaal Anderson is next on the chop block??? They just added defensive end Brandon Miller to the team. Anderson is the weakest link on this surprising team, he has only 2.5 sacks in about 25 games. The only reason he’s on the field is because the Falcons spent to much money on him, go with Chauncey Davis and look to the draft next year.
By falcondawg
November 12, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Nice to see so much positive energy in these blogs, now. I believe we will now have our first back to back winning seasons under this management team!!
Go Birds!!!
By Frank Booth
November 12, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Aaaaaaahhhhhhh! Hhhhhhmmmmmmmm…. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
So, who’s it gonna be, the Broncos or the Falcons?
OR
So, what kind of beer do you like? Heineken. Heineken? F that S!
MATTY F’in ICE!!!
Take the Falcons and the points, Jeffrey!
By mike addington
November 13, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
I have recently begun watching the Falcons again with interest. It occurred to me that the Falcons look like a professional football team for the first time in memory—and I’m up there in years.
By Ken Strickland
November 13, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
ERIC-you seem to think a DE’s only responsibility is to get sacks. DE JAnderson is 2nd on the team in sacks behind DE JAbraham. Why aren’t you concerned about the fact none of our DT have been able to put any pressure on the QB or get more sacks? If we could get more pressure up the middle our DE’s would have no problem getting more sacks.
If you paid attention to our pass rush against the Saints, you’d have noticed how often QB DBrees avoided sacks by stepping up into the pocket. There were actually times when both Abraham and Anderson got their hands on him, but he avoided the sack by stepping up into the pocket at the last minute. In fact, he even gained signigicant yds by running. And all of this was made possible because we got very little pressure up the middle.
Teams now recognize we have a weak interior pass rush and are double teaming our DE’s. An unbalanced pass rush makes it hard on your DB’s and LB’s. They have to drop into pass coverage and then decide whether to come up when a QB steps up onto the pocket because they don’t know if he’s going to run or pass. TRUST ME, DE JANDERSON IS FAR FROM BEING OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM OR WEAKEST LINK, WHEN IT COMES TO RUSHING THE PASSER AND GETTING SACKS. WE NEED TO IMPROVE OUR INTERIOR PASS RUSH.
By mark
November 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
ATL got A Team dis year!!! Just suprise how many people r jumping back on the falcons wagon rite now compared to the beginning of the season! ATL need some real fans to stand behind dem!
By DavidkickedGoliath'sbutt
November 13, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
What a nice change from last year. I must say as an Atlanta fan, we must be proud to have such a breathe of fresh air permeate with our team this year. Even w/ the deficiencies in TE play and WLB play(yes i said WLB. Keith Brooking is getting too slow and and since he can’t cover or chase down a 270lb full back…in the Philadelphia game; his time is running out. and i bet the coaches are noticing…watch Boley move to the weakside, lofton in the middle and Nicholas play the strong side next year), and we have only ONE SUPERSTAR ON DEFENSE, we are playing as a TEAM. even if we don’t win any more games this year, i am now sold on my team. Spending all that money on season tickets makes it a little sweeter again.
Thanks Mr. Blank for finally pushing the right buttons
By Pete
November 13, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Mike Smith is not only a great football man, he is a rare human being. Zero ego, warm, sincere as can be. TD was very wise selecting Smitty. Atlanta is blessed to have both of these great guys in charge of the Falcon franchise.
By COOP1
November 13, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
it’s easy to talk when there winning. lot’s of people jump on the band wagon when there winning. i been on the wagon and a fan for more than 35 years. tks bradley a CHANGE is coming.
go falcon