Mark Bradley

By The Grinch

November 23, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Hear, hear. We are witnessing a new era, and as a long-suffering Falcons fan (who isn’t?) it’s about time. Anyone else still think we should’ve picked Glen Dorsey?

By Jack

November 23, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Yes…awesome. We got “THE GUY” !!

By aswingruber

November 23, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Everyone had their opinion of who we should’ve drafted and how well Ryan would play but NO ONE expected this. After Matty Ice brings this franchise a long awaited Super Bowl championship during a storied career, this season will be looked back on as a defining moment which served notice that the next all-time great QB is here.

By This Gets Old

November 23, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

You know Mark I know that you don’t want to pat yourself on the back but I remember the column you wrote after Tech played B.C. last year.

You wrote that the Falcons should take Ryan. I remember because I saw that game too and thought that he was great.

I didn’t think that he’d play this well for the Falcons maybe ever. Long suffering Falcon fans deserve a guy like this.

By Milton Jeff

November 23, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Much agreed. By far exceeded expectations and I’m glad our team is back on track. Let’s keep it up and go win at San Diego. Now all were missing is a key secondary player.

By BCS Slave

November 23, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Great read Mark!

It was clear that Ryan had the head and the tools to be something special.However, I never dreamed the season would go like this…never dreamed a playoff berth would be in reach. If Ryan played like a rookie, we wouldn’t be where we are. This has been a mystical magic carpet ride. It has been fun.

The whole organization is to be commended for good choices and the team for playing with heart.

By michaelgee

November 23, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

If getting Matt Ryan is our reward for all the years of pain, it was a great deal!

By Singletary

November 23, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Yes, Grinch. I was a Dorsey whinger, stomping off in disgust such that I missed the Sam Baker pick. (My spouse STILL yells “Go Dorsey” every time Ryan makes a good play.) I’ve owned up.

Now, can I please be a good little Falcons fan … and enjoy these freakin’ moments?

Can I give a good dap to Harry Douglas? Lofton is my password on my work computer now. Chevis is next.

Wow. Now this is what I like about Falcons football!

By tyrone h

November 23, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

we have ourselves a real quarterback who was born to play this position

By w. hughes

November 23, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Hard to find any weaknesses in today’s big win over Carolina with the exception that Roddy White needs more concentration on holding on to the ball after receptions. Overall, the Falcons deserve an ‘A’ for their performance today.

By Gray Mule

November 23, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

It ain’t just Ryan! He’s great, but this is a Falcon TEAM!!

Ain’t this great! Our 1-15 team is still in the playoff hunt this late in the season. Worst to first, an NFL South tradition, is still within reach. Gray Mule

By Tami

November 23, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Agree with The Grinch @ 10:06 & michaelgee @ 10:19. I’ve been following Falcons’ football (on & off) for 30 years now. I’ve always wondered why the Falcons couldn’t get the big-play QB like everybody else (or so it seemed, anyway). At last!!! After 40 years in existence, the time has finally come. Ryan has already surpassed everyone’s expectations, even the most optimistic. I just hope the millions he’ll continue to command for his expertise don’t spoil him. So far, so good! I love that the latest accolades he’s receiving come on the heels of a major beatdown of a division rival!

By John

November 23, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Still don’t understand why everyone is surprised about Ryan. Great leader, extremely intelligent, strong arm, moves well in the pocket, moves well side to side, throws very well on the run and is very, very accurate. If you read what the 11 head coaches said about him after his workout at BC, you knew he was a can’t miss QB. Gruden said it was the most impressive workout he saw in all his years in the NFL. This kid is humble, sincere and a winner.

He is and will be a top QB in this league for a long, long time and oh by the way, he’ll make this city proud on and of the field. I saw BC beat up on Florida State last week and there are two defensive kids I’d love to see join the Falcons, their defensive tackle Raji and linebacker Herzlich both are as good as I’ve seen this year.

By billcanoe

November 23, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Great column, Mark. The hallmarks of greatness for any quarterback are not making mistakes, executing with the game on the line and winning. I think Matt Ryan is qualifying on all three counts. May he long remain healthy and with the Falcons!

By John

November 23, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Still don’t understand why everyone is surprised about Ryan. Great leader, extremely intelligent, strong arm, moves well in the pocket, moves well side to side, throws very well on the run and is very, very accurate. If you read what the 11 head coaches said about him after his workout at BC, you knew he was a can’t miss QB. Gruden said it was the most impressive workout he saw in all his years in the NFL. This kid is humble, sincere and a winner.

He is and will be a top QB in this league for a long, long time and oh by the way, he’ll make this city proud on and of the field. I saw BC beat up on Florida State last week and there are two defensive kids I’d love to see join the Falcons, their defensive tackle Raji and linebacker Herzlich both are as good as I’ve seen this year.

By Bama

November 23, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Great job Mark I remember you saying Falcons should take Ryan. Man, I can’t believe the Falcons!! I believed they were going to win maybe 6-7 but This is GREAT. The Atlanta Falcons have a new GM, Coach and Great Team Players. They will only get better. Thank God!!

By FanATicaL

November 23, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

I hate the comparison of Matt Ryan. With these obvious great QB’s of the past.Not a full and completed season yet.Can we scream about his laurels ?I’m not diminishing his great performance.Just trying to keep it all in context.Lets just make the playoffs first.Win 10 games.But it is nice to think we see the frame work of an dynasty.Bring a superbowl to this great town. Go Falcons

By monty

November 23, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

It’s time for the “We Believe” signs to start fillig the dome!

By mars

November 23, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

I was totally against picking Ryan. I was totally wrong. I am totally sorry. I am also totally happy. By the way, it was the referee who dropped Roddy’s catch. Two feet in bounds, ball under control, when suddenly the ground knocked the ball free. Ref’s this year have made incredibly stupid calls all around the league, and this was no exception.

By awesompt

November 23, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Ryan is indeed the real deal. I’ve been attached to this team for the past 30 years, and I’ve seen the good, bad, and ugly. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen the Falcons field a team with MORE promise than the one that we are fortunate enough to witness right now….and that includes teams with Bartkowski, Andrews, and Swann in the backfield. They will hopefully make the playoffs this year, but even if they don’t, we have the sound basis for an awesome team for many years to come. And we have the added bonus of having an “intelligent” guy behind center…..no need to worry about him making boneheaded personal decisions like the last “face of the frachise.”

Just thought I’d throw this in…..I’ve still got my 2 Vick jersey’s in my closet. I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing them out in public, but I’ve still got them. Here’s my plan…..I’m hoping that Goodell bans him for life, and then when he’s old and fat and begging for reinstatement….just like Pete Rose…..I figure that I can sell them and at least get the money back that I paid for the now worthless peices of crap. I WAS a Vick fan, but I’ve ALWAYS been a Falcons fan. When Vick screwed my team by not being able to completely leave the hood behind, he became public enemy number one. If you can’t say the same thing, you need to stop reading these blogs and become a dedicated Cowboys fan or something…..because you are definitely not a FALCONS FAN and you are part of the problem….NOT the solution.

Thank God that Arthur hired the new GM and has brought hope, destiny, and TALENT to my beloved team! I admit that I was initially upset over the draft of Ryan over Dorsey, but once the decision was made, I embraced it completely, and the GM and coach now look like geniuses….righfully so. Just think about it. He’s a rookie….a ROOKIE! He’s got the tools and talents that the coaches tried to teach number 7 the entire time that he was here! And Ryan is a rookie! The sky is the limit for this team!

By lex luther

November 23, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

I’ll take all the credit for this season. Yes that’s right, I said I. Because for years I’ve prayed that the FootBall GODS would bless this organization. For the many years we suffered under the Smiths it was bound to happen. Just like the other wonderful blessing bestowed on us, a change was sure to come. Prayer does work!!!!!

By Mike

November 23, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Ryan is having a great year no doubt. Definitely a top ten rookie year….but until a rookie QB leads a team to the Super Bowl…Marino will always be the greatest rookie QB. Marino was brought in 6 games into the season, because the Dolphins had struggled to that point…mainly because of inconsitency at the QB position.

By mars

November 23, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

awesompt, I’m confused. When you say “Swann,” are you refering to Lynn Cain? Can’t recall a Swann in our backfield.

By Recent Reader

November 23, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Well I saw every game the guy played at BC . .as I’ve said before .. this is exactly the same way he played!! I remember reading about all the interceptions and the impending “pick six’s”. They were a factor of the team and receivers …and the need to make throws to stay in the game. You all have exactly what I’d thought you have. Sorry for you all that wanted a potentially “good” pro defensive player. :)

By wright

November 23, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Ryan stayed in college for four years in a pro-style offense, maturing as a man and as a player. He has been very impressive as a player and a leader, but, as others have said, this is a team that plays together and takes care of business. Turner and Norwood, White and Jenkins, Douglas and Lofton, Foxworth and Abraham, this is a team!!!! Whether they make the playoffs or not, this has been a great year for the Falcons organization. Now, get another pass rusher and a tall cornerback during the off season.

By Michael

November 23, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

As a Falcon fan for approx. 33-34 years I am thrilled. And if you think Matt Ryan (the rookie) is good, wait until you see Matt Ryan the (vet)in the years to come. Get ready Falcons fans this the next 10-12 years should be a lot of fun.

By Tron5000

November 23, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

I guess the ‘Jock Supporter’ will have to choose another screen name.

But perhaps I shouldn’t hold my breath. ‘He Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned’ in 09, right?

By BC fan

November 23, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

I watched Ryan at BC and I watch him and your Falcons every chance I get because you just don’t get to see someone like him play every day.

There is a small but noticable group of people in sports bars around Boston who are Pats fans… but they’re also cheering for the Falcons.

By shannon

November 23, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

I was a huge Vick fan and i wanted Dorsey but man I’m glad we picked Ryan.. He has showed so much poise and intelligence despite his young age. He is one rookie worth ever penny he has been paid. He didn’t holdout or nothing unlike J. Russell.

By lucy

November 23, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

What I’m enjoying most this season is the attitude of the entire team — they just never give up. In years past, over and over again, I have seen the team give up — to the point that we either just leave the game or turn the TV off. Not this year, not this team! I think Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Michael Turner,John Abraham, et. etc. …all of the guys are class acts with a winning attitude! I see none of the thug type attitude that has plagued the NFL for the past few years. Way to go Team!

By Best Ever??

November 23, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Best ever?? ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By awesompt

November 23, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Mars, you are absolute correct! I meant Cain, but my fingers must have gotten a mind of their own. :) I’m well over 40, so I actually got to see some of those acrobatic catches that Lynn Swann made though. Thanks for the corretion!

By Great Falconi

November 23, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

The sad thing about about the Roddy White “incompletion” is that he’d already managed to get three feet inbounds before landing (knee down out of bounds) and having the ball come out when his hands hit the ground. After that one, I thought the refs were going to find a way to screw us today.

(By the way, was I the only one screaming “DON’T DO IT!!!!!” when Mike Smith was holding that challenge flag in his hand on after the two-point conversion attempt by the Panthers? I doubt it.)

Ryan managed the game very well today. Turner ran best when it mattered the most. Harry Douglas certainly deserves a game ball. Chauncey Davis played like a man upfront and should get a game ball of his own.

By Brad

November 23, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Great column Mark! We are witnessing history here - for the Falcons and the NFL. Thanks for putting it together for us so well.

By congrats to Mr Blank

November 23, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

After getting played and lied to by his QB and his Head Coach - he made some great moves with Mike Smith and his first round draft pick!

Build us a winner AB!

By JoethePlumber

November 23, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

awesompt, did you really need to bring V’s name back? This discussion was great, about Ryan and the great players who are buying into Smith’s plan and you have to ruin it w/ your little jersey plan. Have some class. Stick to the current players and what they are doing. They deserve it and we do too.

By The Truth Hurts

November 23, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

matt ryen is so much better then vick….it so easy to forget about that guy……..Vick was nothing…Ryan is a real team leader and makes vick look like a chump that he is…finally the Falcons have a Quarterback we can count on!!!! thank god vick gave us this opportunity!!!!!!!!!

By Pittjacket

November 23, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Ryan may be having a banner season, but Big Ben’s the standard for young quarterbacks. A Super Bowl and finding ways to win on an off day are what make him special. But if Matt Ryan can lead the Falcons to two consecutive winning seasons (assuming they don’t lose from here on out), he’ll be right behind Roethlisberger.

By brAves Sucios

November 23, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

It’s a great feeling to be able to support all our key players without qualification. With Vick, DeAngelo etc it was always “no seriously, he’d be great IF…” I know a little luck played into all the pieces coming together like they did, but great decisions have been made and EVERY player has stepped up when they needed to, as the improvement in the team’s record without Sam Baker as the season’s progressing has demonstrated. Way to make this football season a good one in Atlanta, Go Birds!

By The Truth Hurts

November 23, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

matt ryen is so much better then vick….it so easy to forget about that guy……..Vick was nothing…Ryan is a real team leader and makes vick look like a chump that he is…finally the Falcons have a Quarterback we can count on!!!! thank god vick gave us this opportunity!!!!!!!!!

By Just Watch

November 23, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

And as soon as Roddy wants a new contract he will be bashed as selfish and arrogant. Then when Wonder Boy has to adjust to a new receiver, it will be Roddy’s fault because he left and got paid with a new team, just watch

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 23, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan has had a much better rookie season than I (or pretty much anyone else) thought he’d have. He deserves his props. But…

Dan Marino went to the Super Bowl. Ben Roethlisberger went to the AFC Championship Game. Until Ryan can do the same thing, I’d hold off on jumping to conclusions.

And don’t look now, but when all is said and done Ryan may not even end up with the best rookie season of the QBs from this year’s draft class. The Ravens got a very special player with their first round pick too.

By awesompt

November 23, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

JoethePlumber, dude…… V is a chapter in the history of our team. That isn’t going to go away just because no one mentions his name. Just like with all things in life, you have to embrace the past in order to fully appreciate the present. If you consider the years with number 7 and then compare that to the this team, these players, these coaches, and the amount of chemistry and class that we are witnessing every Sunday…..how can you NOT be impressed, proud, and grateful? BUT…..you HAVE to consider where we’ve been in order to appreciate where we are AT!

I’m not a number 7 fan…….at all. Like I said, when he screwed my team, he bacame enemy number one.

By So Why the Lay-offs

November 23, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Why is the Blank Foundation (parent company of the Falcons) laying people off?? Shouldn’t the Great One be bringing in the revenue?? Employees let go, cut backs….why is that?? Shouldn’t the Golden Boy be generating his worth??

By Lance

November 23, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

It’s a lot of fun to be a Falcons fan this year. First time I could say that in a while. Ryan is excellent and performing at a leverl far more advanced than most rookies could ever hope for. He is rounded out by a terrific supporting cast also. Harry and Chevis are proving to be a great fit as well. This is a REAL team. Way to go Falcons!

By Exodus Mentality

November 23, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan is the very fortunate beneficiary of an excellent coaching staff, and a really great group of players, a real team, around him.

Having said all that…Dude Is Good. Real Good. And I’m one of those who was looking for him to be bad, expecting that a rookie QB was the last thing a rebuilding Falcons team needed. And yet, I have not seen him make the same mistake twice. He has made some mistakes, all quarterbacks do, but not once have I seen him do the same thing wrong twice. Carolina found that out today.

Rookie of the Year? Definitely.

Best Rookie QB of All Time? Five more games to make the case.

By Dennis Borders

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

I also, was one of those that thought we needed a Glenn Dorsey. I knew MR2 was going to be a good QB. I didn’t see this comming. I wouldn’t take $1.25 for him now. My expections was very low for this season. To me this is the icing on the cake. Even if we don’t make the playoffs we shouldn’t be disappointed. because no one gave us a chance to begin with. My hats off to the coaching staff they are doing a wonderful job with the young players. Keep up the good work coach Smith. GO FALCONS!!!!

By Mike

November 23, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hey “So why the layoffs”

Reason would be that in Atlanta we can’t fill seats in a dome to support our own home team. P** me off that at every game, there are as many fans for the away team as there are for the Falcons. Maybe real Falcons fans will start buying tickets again and there won’t be so many empty seats.

By Rattlers

November 23, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

ATTENDANCE: 64,841

When the Georgia Dome can get 90% capacity, let me know.

By Mark Bradley

November 23, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Marino went to the Super Bowl — his one and only — in his second season, not his first. The Dolphins lost to Seattle in their first playoff game in Marino’s rookie year.

By Mark Bradley

November 23, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

And I’d grant you that 13-0 as a rookie starter is as impressive as all get-out (as we say in Kentucky), but I’d suggest that the Steelers would have come close to being a playoff team with Tommy Maddox — who began the 2004 season as their No. 1 quarterback — as their starter the whole way. How many games do you think the Falcons would have won without Ryan this year? Two? Four? Five?

By Orlando

November 23, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop

FACT: Marino joined a team that went to the Super Bowl the year before he arrived.

FACT: Roethlisberger had a World Championship Defense and TWO Pro Bowl Running Backs as well as three Pro Bowlers on the offensive line when he came in. Heck Tommy Maddox even led that team to the playoffs, so I can’t give them that much credit.

FACT: Joe Flacco, as good as he has been, has one of the best defenses already around, so all he has to do is not turn the ball over. I’ve seen every Ravens game played this year, and all he has become is a game manager. Ryan has actually won games down the stretch. Until Flacco does the same thing he will not be the Rookie of the Year.

Yes I understand that Matty Ice can’t do it on his own (actually the Falcons have at least 4 Rookies this year who have done great), but he has been the leader that many of those other rookie QBs mentioned didn’t develop in their first seasons.

By Great Falconi

November 23, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

The hosses up front are doing a great job. Not a damn one of us expected the offensive line to play like this. The only people that expected this kind of effort from the offensive line are the people that matter the most: the coaches and the players. That’s why this Falcons team is playing so well. They expect success. Failure is not an option. When failure does occur, the staff and players do all they can to prevent it from happening again in the next game. That’s all a fan can ask from a team.

By awesompt

November 23, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

You’re right, Mark. Matt deserves most of the credit with the way our team is playing. The simple fact is that without a Bears or Ravens defense, you just can’t win consistently in the NFL without really good QB play…..and Ryan is playing WAY above good. I agree with you. Ryan is possibly the best rookie QB ever…..but I’m a lifelong, rabid Falcon’s fan, so my opinion might be a LITTLE influenced by that. Just a little. :)

Thanks for the great article! Keep speaking the truth!

By hotrod

November 23, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

you white people tickle me

By THE MAN

November 23, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

YOU RACIST VICK HATERS WOULD BE 11-0 WITH DORSEY.

By saint

November 23, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Regarding rating Rookie QB’s: Ryan has had a shuffled up team, whereas some other rookie QBs have had strong, established teams to work with. While I think the Falcon players are highly under-rated, Ryan should be Rookie of the Year.

By Adam

November 23, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Mark - you’re dead on - Ryan is something special. But, we’ve also got to give credit to Dimitroff.

To think, I was ticked the Falcons didn’t take Dorsey. (I also thought Aundray Bruce was going to be a sure fire HOF’r so what do I know).

Maybe your next column could be “The Best Draft Ever”

Of course, Ryan is the big story, but before he was injured, Sam Baker was playing great. Curtis Lofton has been awesome at MLB. Chevis Jackson has had some playing time and a great pick to ice the New Orleans win. DeCoud made a great play on special teams today and Kroy Bierman has made some contribution. And last, but not least, what a game by Harry Douglas!

That draft and the best free agent acquisition of this year’s off season has had an unbelieveable impact on this team.

By RTW

November 23, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Ha! You said tickle!

By awesompt

November 23, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

For everybody with the word “racist” or any context to race in their blog entries………EVOLVE!

By Michael

November 23, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anybody even pointed out that Ryan is doing all this on a team whose head coach bailed late last year and was gutted in the offseason. New coach, new GM, new running back, two Pro Bowlers sent off (Crumpler, MeAngelo).

Football is too team-oriented to say one player is the best ever. But I can feel safe saying if the Falcons win only 1 more game, it’s one of the biggest turnarounds ever. Quick, name a game that the Falcons never had a chance in? You can’t. Even Matthew Stafford in college can’t claim that (he’s been in three of them).

I think Arthur Blank should get a minor shoutout for cleaning house and making nice improvements to the Dome. I haven’t been in a few years, but those red seats look much better than the 1970s refrigerator green seats that were in there before.

By igotxx3

November 23, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

lol as I predicted the falcons win and now everyone post POSITIVE stuff, as of last week when they lost everyone was sayin they suck smh worst fans ever.

GO FALCONS!!!!!

By SuwaneeJim

November 23, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to throw any water on the party because Mattlanta Ryan is having a great year along with the whole offense. Best rookie quarterback? If not, he’s definitely in the running. His true growth will come next year when the teams have 16 (or more!!) games of film to study on him. After enduring 10+ years of season tickets, it’s FANTASTIC to see a GOOD overall Falcons TEAM! From Dimitroff to Smith to all of the players …. GO FALCONS!

By RTW

November 23, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Mark, re: wins without Ryan — 4.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 23, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

I didn’t say Flacco’s had a better season so far. I said when all is said and done Flacco could very well have had a better season. If the Ravens make the playoffs and the Falcons don’t I’d certainly be inclined to think so, particularly since the Ravens have played a much tougher schedule. I haven’t seen every Ravens game this year, but I’d be surprised if the Ravens had won by scores of 37-27, 41-13, 36-7, 29-10, 28-10, and 27-13 this year with only a game manager at quarterback.

But none of this is meant to take away from what Ryan’s done… it’s just meant to respond to the question posed by this article, which is whether or not Ryan is having the best rookie season ever. I still think until the playoffs roll around it’s way too early to say that.

By RTW

November 23, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Mark, re: wins without Ryan — 4. I mean for the whole season.

By awesompt

November 23, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

The MAN…..whatever! More like THE RACIST JACKASS, but the good news is that your right! We don’t like Vick, we didn’t draft Dorsey, and we are not 11-0. BUT….we ARE 7-4, and we have alot more promise and talent than we’ve had for the past 10 years! Ya know, I think I’ll take the 7-4 start over your proposition. If you’d like the Cowboy’s webaddress, drop me a line. You can go fill them up with your racist garbage……one less turd clogging up the septic system of society.

By Dixie Dawg

November 23, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

I know this is kind of old news, but what was so important about us needing Dorsey? We direly needed a quarterback. I’m not knocking Chris Redmond, but while the whole talk of the draft thing was going on, I was pulling for the Falcons to get Matt Ryan, and when we finally did, I was excited. Go Birds!!!

By Recent Reader

November 23, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley …thanks for answering to the posts regarding 2 other really good/great QBs. Dolphins and Steelers were WAY different teams then the Falcs team of which Ryan took the helm. Another factor there … is where Marino and Rothlisberger(spelling) were drafted. No where near #3!! Good teams already! Will not compare Ryan to either QB yet ….however I’d take him over the Pitt QB:)

By Mark Bradley

November 23, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Oh, and thanks to those who remember what I wrote about Ryan way back when. Here’s me advocating that the Falcons draft him..

I link to it not to brag — well, not much — but because I wanted to offer tangible proof that I have, at least once in my so-called life, been right about something.

By Recent Reader

November 23, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Oops . . I better clarify! I’d take Ryan over the current Pitt “Steeler” QB …not yet ready to say I’d take him over the 1984 Pitt “Panther” (Dolphin) QB!

By Johnny Danger Dawg

November 23, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

The best “find” the Falcons ever got might have been Thomas Dimitroff. He is the reason why I believe for the first time that the Falcons can achieve sustained success.

By LC_Northside

November 23, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

If Ryan was such a “can’t miss” pick why did the Dolphins and Rams pass on him? I sure as heck am glad they did. Finally we have our FRANCHISE QB.

Looking forward to finally getting those back-to-back winning seasons and championship moments. The future has never been so brighter for this organization.

By GThugs

November 23, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Thank GOD we don’t have that dawg fightin, drugged out thug in Atl anymore. Good riddance and go back to the hood

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 23, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

I agree with RTW — the Falcons would probably have been 4-7 if they had taken Dorsey instead of Ryan. Mike Smith would still have had them beating the three doormats and New Orleans at home without Reggie Bush. 5-6 might be possible too — with the run blocking and special teams play today the Falcons may have won with Kurt Kittner at quarterback.

It definitely does help the Falcons’ playoff chances this year that they get to play the four worst teams in the league.

By Recent Reader

November 24, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Thank God - we only get a very few posts like. . well no need to mention name. Thank God we only get a few posts that have little to do with talking football!!! Much better than spring…much better than summer . . now that we have a good team - even much better than fall. This may not make sense to many - but to some it will!

By RTW

November 24, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Mark: Checked the draft link. Time to crow!

By Najeh Davenpoop is retarded

November 24, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Najeh,

I can understand you wanting to save face by clinging to a ridiculous statement that Flacco “may have a better season when all is said and done” because it was you’re retardedass that was claiming to jump ship to Jacksonville when the Falcons drafted Ryan instead of Dorsey.

But you’re argument is based on an overall team record and a supposed tougher schedule and who makes the playoffs when comparing Baltimore and Atlanta.

But if you would actually take your head out of yourass - which I don’t think you’re capable of doing - and look at what Ryan’s individaul role on the team is compared to what Flacco’s role on his team is, and there’s no comparison.

Anyway, I can’t think of a more impressive rookie in my lifetime than Ryan. Besides the rookies and coaching staff brought in, the Falcons have the same team.

Maybe since everything is coming together so fast it’s hard to tell who’s more to blame for the success - Dmitroff, Smith, Mularkey, Ryan, Douglass, Lofton, etc - but one thing is for sure:

When Ryan is called upon to come through for the Falcons (which is often) he does. Despite what Abraham and the defense is doing, despite what Turner and Norwood are doing, despite any factor you want to look at, Ryan is holding his own and leading the team.

No other rookie quarterback in this league is doing what Ryan is doing. Compare Ryan and Flacco’s numbers.

Compare Ryan’s rookie numbers with ANY rookie quarterback’s numbers throughout the history of the league.

Or, be retarded like Najeh and look at the Ravens defense and say that if Baltimore makes the playoffs and have the better record, then Flacco had the better season.

Najeh, please follow through with your preseason promise to jump ship to Jacksonville. You contribute nothing to this blog or anything with the word “Falcons” in it.

By Recent Reader

November 24, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

I agree RTW!!! But did u scan through the posts:) MBradley seemed to be a lone wolf at that time!!

By THE MAN is drunk

November 24, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Hey “The Man”. It’s not racist to hate dog killers. And I wanted us to take Glen Dorsey. Thank GOD we didn’t! We would not have been 11-0. Have you looked at the team that drafted him? It’s the Kansas City Chiefs, buddy. They are 1-10!!!!!!!!!!!!! So if we’d drafted him, at least we would’ve lived up to preseason expectations, right? Do your homework before you blog. But actual facts wouldn’t support your racist rhetoric, right?

By RTW

November 24, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

You’re right Recent Reader. Here’s an excerpt from a current poster:

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 17, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Not only is it idiotic to waste your #3 pick on a QB when you have holes at every position except RB and you haven’t drafted a first-round lineman in 14 years, but Matt Ryan isn’t worth the #3 pick anyway. As is the case in every draft, some team is gonna reach for a QB about 30 picks higher than he should go because QB is considered the “most important position” — see David Carr, Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich, Alex Smith, etc. Matt Ryan is that QB this year. Hopefully the Falcons are not that team.

The best QB in this year’s draft is Brian Brohm, and he will most likely be available in round 2.

By RTW

November 24, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Sorry Najeh. Not personal, just illustrative of how most of us were wrong. It happens!

By Brian

November 24, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

The reason why Matty Ice is such a great qb is that he studies countless hours in the film room and actually studies tapes. When you put in the hours and actually learn from the game films, and have the smarts to retain defensive schemes and tendencies, you get a Matt Ryan.

By DawgNCA

November 24, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Bradley. In response to your last post. For the longest time I had, posted on my wall, an article you wrote in the 80’s that proclaimed Chris Miller was the quarterback that was going to lead the Falcons to the promised land. So you better not jinx us. Again.

Yes I blame you for all the Falcons woes.

By Recent Reader

November 24, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

RTW - I try not to be an “I told you so” person. But everyone was so negative . . and so SURE of themselves. It was hard to deal with as a fan of Ryan. I just thought no one was giving him a chance for the wrong reasons.

By Recent Reader

November 24, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Um …I thought Chris Miller was part of a Super Bowl playing team. Unless the promised land is finals in the World Cup . . well then he took them there - once.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 24, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

“I can understand you wanting to save face by clinging to a ridiculous statement that Flacco “may have a better season when all is said and done” because it was you’re retardedass that was claiming to jump ship to Jacksonville when the Falcons drafted Ryan instead of Dorsey.”

What do I gain by “saving face”? Do you really think I care what you, or any other anonymous person on this blog has to say? I don’t come and post on these blogs trying to make friends. I post whatever my opinion happens to be at a particular time. If you don’t like it, great, I could care less.

“Anyway, I can’t think of a more impressive rookie in my lifetime than Ryan.”

As far as rookie QBs are concerned, he’s certainly up there. At no point in this entire discussion have I said he doesn’t deserve the props he’s getting. And believe me, the Matt Ryan c-cksucking festival is in full swing every Sunday on TV, so he’s getting plenty of props.

“Maybe since everything is coming together so fast it’s hard to tell who’s more to blame for the success - Dmitroff, Smith, Mularkey, Ryan, Douglass, Lofton, etc -“

I don’t know how you “blame” someone for success, but in my opinion Mike Smith deserves by far the most credit for the Falcons’ surprising success this year.

“Compare Ryan’s rookie numbers with ANY rookie quarterback’s numbers throughout the history of the league.”

Ben Roethlisberger’s rookie QB rating: 98.1. Matt Ryan’s rookie QB rating so far: 87.8. That argument is not gonna help you.

“Or, be retarded like Najeh and look at the Ravens defense and say that if Baltimore makes the playoffs and have the better record, then Flacco had the better season.”

Yes, the Ravens have a nice defense. But denying that they have a much tougher schedule is, well, idiotic. There’s only one team in the league this year that gets to play the four worst teams in the league, and that’s Atlanta. The Ravens have to play the Steelers twice, the NFC East, Tennessee, and Indianapolis. Joe Flacco has to face a murderer’s row of pass defenses this season. If he can come out of it with comparable stats to Ryan and his team makes the playoffs, then yes, his rookie season is more impressive.

“Najeh, please follow through with your preseason promise to jump ship to Jacksonville. “

I’m a man of my word. Where did I ever say I didn’t follow through on that promise? I still live in Atlanta, I still visit ajc.com, and I’m still an NFL fan which means I watch whatever games come on TV. Usually that’s the Falcons game. I don’t see where it says you have to be a Falcons fan to comment on Falcons-related articles. And anyway, just because I’m no longer a Falcons fan doesn’t mean I hate the Falcons or don’t want them to do well — it just means I don’t care any more about the Falcons’ overall success than I do about any other team.

By RTW

November 24, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

Recent Reader: I’m with you. After the Tech game last year, I thought he would be the answer. I just didn’t think we would draft him. Stars do align. Thank heavens!

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 24, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

“Sorry Najeh. Not personal, just illustrative of how most of us were wrong. It happens!”

No offense taken — like you said, I and pretty much everyone else underestimated how good Ryan would be in his first NFL season. You’re never gonna catch me pretending I’m always right.

All that said though, I’d still like to see what Brohm can do in the NFL — it’s highly doubtful he’s gonna get that opportunity on the Packers, the way Aaron Rodgers has been playing.

By RTW

November 24, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Najeh: Agree on Brohm! Good comment! “Davenpoop” does make me laugh though. — Dick Trickle.

By Recent Reader

November 24, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Najeh .. . I’ll double the “nothing personal thing”, but you remind me of my “ex brother in-law” always ready with an excuse. So Dorsey did not work, now do we have to wait until Rogers goes down to prove that Brohm was not the better choice. How does it go… Oy Vey!

By RTW

November 24, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

Sorry.

By kenney

November 24, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

let’s see him play an nfc team, b4 u make him so great

By Boo Boo

November 24, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

The Falcons had one of the greats, back in 1991, but he got away. He threw four passes here that year (in regular season play), and completed two. Unfortunately, both were completed to the other team. Otherwise, the record shows 0 for 4 passing that year. That kid loved to drink and party, so the Falcons traded him to Green Bay. Now he plays for the Jets.

Watching SNF tonight and listening to John Madden, I heard him say, “Payton Manning is the best quarterback in pro football right now. You don’t leave him a minute on the clock, or he’ll beat you.” That was after the score was tied 20-20, with 1:30 left on the clock. He was right; but Peyton needed Harrison and Venitari to help out in the beating.

Matt Ryan has all the skills you want in a quarterback. He does the Peyton Manning-like study of his craft; and he is at least low-key about party time, if he parties at all during the season. Reading game reports and seeing how the other guys on the offensive team talk about doing their job right, you can’t help but see how having Matt Ryan in the huddle gives them confidence that if they do their job, something good will result. That is a true sign of a winner, because no one person wins a football game. A winner inspires others to help win.