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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > December > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons’ success makes a happy season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last month Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli, once Dimitroff’s boss in New England, drove to Athens to watch Georgia practice. En route the rookie general manager was still lamenting the narrow home loss to Denver three days earlier, whereupon his friend and counterpart cut him off.
“You’re 6-4,” Pioli said. “When the season started, wouldn’t you have taken 6-4?”
Even process-driven people get caught up in the rhythm of a football season. It’s tough to take a macro view amid weekly doses of micro, and here’s where we all need to consider what it is we’re witnessing. This isn’t quite the finest of the Falcons’ 43 seasons, but it’s surely the happiest.
“This is just out of the blue,” said Steve Bartkowski, the quarterback of the 12-4 team of 1980.
“This has got to be one of the most amazing seasons in Falcons history,” said Jessie Tuggle, the defensive fulcrum of the 1998 Super Bowl team.
“Winning heals everything,” said Leeman Bennett, who coached the Falcons during three of their eight playoff runs and who, like Bartkowski and Tuggle, still lives in Atlanta. And then: “You don’t even think about last year.”
Well, yes and no. We cannot fully appreciate this sunny season without first recalling its wretched predecessor. Listen as Tuggle narrates:
“Everything that could have possibly gone wrong went wrong. There was the trouble with Michael Vick, and the coach leaves in the middle of the night — the Falcons were the laughingstock of the NFL. They were losing their fan base, and people were looking at Mr. Blank as if certain individuals had taken advantage of him. Then they hire Mike Smith, who’s a name people don’t know — not a [Bill] Parcells — and then they have quarterback issues and the question of who to draft in the first round. It took a while for fans to absorb all that because Matt Ryan wasn’t the athlete — not the quarterback, but the athlete — Michael Vick was.”
Yet here the Falcons stand, 53 weeks after Vick was sentenced to prison and Bobby Petrino fled for the Ozarks, winners of nine games with a chance to finish 11-5. Only two teams in franchise annals — the 1980 bunch and the 1998 Dirty Birds — have bettered that, and neither faced such skepticism.
Bartkowski on 1980: “We had added a component here and there, and we’d been to the playoffs [in 1978.] It wasn’t necessarily a pipe dream. We had a lot of weapons on offense.”
Tuggle on 1998: “Our expectations were pretty high. We’d ended 1997 on a good note [winning six of the final eight games]. … But it wasn’t until the 12th or 13th week that people began to realize, ‘This team is pretty good.’ “
That team landed in the Super Bowl. Might this one? “When you get into the playoffs, anything can happen,” Tuggle said. “Why couldn’t this team do it?”
This team, as led by this quarterback, of whom Bartkowski said: “He’s light years ahead of the learning curve. Nobody has ever come into this game and done what Matt Ryan has done.”
Even if this season doesn’t last into January, even if it ends in a letdown, these Falcons have already accomplished what figured to require years of work: They’ve cleaned the slate and begun anew.
Tuggle: “There’s something about winning games that pulls a team together, and this team has pulled the city back together after Michael Vick.”
Bartkowski: “It’s been tough being a Falcons fan through the years … [but] this is a better place to live when they’re doing well. Atlanta so wants to be a football town.”
And now it can act like one. It sure as heck has a football team.
Permalink | Comments (115) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL
Comments
By AGTfan
December 15, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Good column Mark. I get a kick out of all the people nit-picking this and that. I was one of the more optimistic fans when the season began. I thought we could win 6 or 7 games.
By Mark Bradley
December 15, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
I’ll say it again: I thought the Falcons would go 5-11 — and I really believed I was being kind.
By falcon fan
December 15, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
I like the way things are progressing with this team. I really hope they add depth to the o-line and get abraham some help on the d-line. We need a good interior pass rusher to compliment him. Mark, how would you rate van gorders defensive scheme? Do you think he can put the kind of defense together that can help win a championship? Is he the answer?
By Dave in Buford
December 15, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
I figured 6-10, personally … and that was assuming Chris Redman was the starting QB.
Frankly, I’m happy, and not for the reaons you’d think.
It isn’t because they’re in the playoff hunt … its the way things have played out. They’ve shown resilience and a competitive fire … a willingness to put it on the line to win. That’s not something you saw from any recent Falcon teams and it is honestly thrilling to see. It’s an attitude and a refusal to quit … yesterday’s Tampa Bay game was a good example.
They made some bad mistakes which for previous Falcon teams would have caused them to fold the tents, but this bunch kept hammering away and found a way to win. That’s a trite statement sometimes, but for me it’s a real positive and makes me think the future is bright.
Regardless of whether they make the playoffs, they’re winners and you can’t buy that.
By mountain_jim
December 15, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Yes - Loads of fun, unexpectedly-good season, but it would be real tough to go 11-5 and not have a playoff spot.
That said, beat MN and hope Dallas loses saturday. Go Falcons!
By Baracked the vote!
December 15, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
heck i didn’t even think they would win five games. now, they have the opportunity to go 11-5 and miss the playoffs. amazing. what a screwy year. THE RAVENS HAVE TO BEAT THE COWBOYS!
By Randy
December 15, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
I thought:
1) Our record would be 2-14 2) Matt Ryan was a bad pick 3) Team was five years away from another winning season
I’ve never been so happy to be dead wrong.
By lawton
December 15, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
atlanta also has the problem, as we all know, of the large fanbase that is from out of town. a lot of people in the stands are rooting for the other team. the electricity isnt there yet, i think they waiting on the playoffs. they do have a core group of fans though. now, i remember 1998, and i told people after atlanta beat new england at new england early in the season that they had a chance to go to the superbowl, and everybody laughed. i dont look at perceptions, i analyze stuff. i look at this team, and its the 1998 team all over again. pound the ball running, play action, rollouts, bend but dont break defense, its a mirror image, the players and the coaching staff. its basic, no frills football.
By Paul Q
December 15, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
So much for the myth of sitting rookie quarterbacks so they can learn the pro game. Ryan is the real deal. Turner is LT to me and the Falcons have a great coach and owner. Atlanta—you were Vicktimized—you are Turning the corner and the page!
By FALCONS NEED VICK
December 15, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
THE SORRY FALCONS WILL NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING WITH MIKE VICK — THE TRUE QB IN ATLANTA! ARTHER BLANK DESERVE TO GO BROKE FOR HE DONE VICK AND ROB THIS TOWN OF ITS GREATEST HERO!
By Mark Bradley
December 15, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
I’d have guessed 10 wins would have gotten them in the playoffs. But Baracked The Vote is right — it would be unbelievable if the Falcons went 11-5 and didn’t get in. In 2004 they went 11-5 and were the No. 2 seed in the NFC and got to play an 8-8 St. Louis team in Round 2.
By SickandTired
December 15, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
This season is what Arthur Blank envisioned when he bought the franchise. I’m sure if you ask him, he’d say that. He’s got a football person who knows talent now in charge of the personnel. He’s got a coach that you just have to respect and admire. Not flash, no bragadacio, just a good hard nosed football guy that stands up for his players, if, his players stand up for him. No buddy system, just a man to man mutual respect and I guarantee you that no player on this Falcon team wants to get on his bad side…..No Brian VanGorder let’s talk about him. I don’t think I’ve even seen a more over achieving bunch of Falcon defensive players that play hard every play and leave it all out there. Even Keith Brooking looks to have some pep in his step as old as he is. Give Dimitroff this draft and one more and the free agency and nobody is gonna want any part of the Falcons. I can’t wait to see who he drafts, because you gotta know, whatever the players name, he’s gonna be a productive part of the puzzle for the Falcons. I mean really, we sign the best free agent as it turns out in Turner, we draft the star of the 2008 NFL Draft when some were saying we shoulda taken a defensive tackle and I include myself in that. Good times are here, we may or may not make the play offs, it doesn’t matter. This franchise for the first time in it’s history, is in the right hands. Miracles do happen. As my dad used to say, “The sun doesn’t shine up the same Dogs A$$ all the time.” Well finally, the sun is shining on the Falcons.
By Joey
December 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
I rememer the wailing on these blogs the day after the draft. Now look how those picks have turned out…
The future looks very bright. Go Falcons.
By bill
December 15, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
What number did Michael Vick wear?
By Bugman
December 15, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Mark,
I still have that column taped to my fridge just so we could revisit it at the end of the year (I knew you would, just wanted to make sure there were no “adjustments”!).
I was nay saying along with 80% of the bloggers on what was needed, where we needed it and when it would produce results. Glad I’m not part of the Falcons brain trust.
Like several have mentioned, playoffs or not, it has been a treat to watch a different mentality pervade this team. How kewl to watch the maturation of a sports franchise right before your eyes. Too bad we are so impatient and spoiled in Atlanta when it comes to winning. Let’s hope that we will be contenders instead of pretenders for many years to come.
Thanks for the great season, Falcons!
By big o
December 15, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
amazing !!!! this takes a little and I’m stressing little of the hurt from the season the Dawgs had. We need to win out and pray that the cowgirls and the tampa bay fu##aneers loose one
By country boy
December 15, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Good article. Falcons are light years ahead of where I thought they would be. Even after they were 2-2 I felt they would soon revert to the old Falcons and win about 1 out of every 4 games. I remember looking at an 09 Draft site in late Sept. and they had us drafting something like third overall and picking Micheal Ohler the fine OL from Miss. So glad we ain’t drafting third again.
By Howie
December 15, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
just the fact we have a head coach who actually resembles an NFL head coach is quite an achievement…By that I mean his handling of the team, his tone when speaking, his sideline behavior etc…. Coach Smith is clearly what we have needed here for soooo long…Do you realize how difficult it must be to run a conservative offense and defense in todays NFL while rebuilding and winning????Go Falcons!!!
By LifelongDawg
December 15, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
The AFC has the same type of situation as the NFC in regard to potentially having an 11-5 team sit at home when the playoffs begin. It would be tough to take, but the circumstances aren’t unique to Atlanta, Tampa Bay, etc. And I remember when the baseball Giants got left out despite winning 103 regular season games. That’s heartbreaking.
By Getaway
December 15, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t think we get to 11-5 without playing these last two games as playoff games. It may not be exactly the same as getting in; but for all intents and purposes it is. Bucs, Falcons, Cowboys, all 9-5, new season. The ones that win out keep playing. Lose one and you’re done.
I’ve just become a bandwagon Ravens fan.
By King's X
December 15, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
LifelongDawg, maybe the 1993 San Francisco Giants were heartbroken after being left out of the playoffs despite winning 103 games, but this Braves fan — and Barry Bonds hater, even back then — couldn’t have been happier at that point.
I’m loving this Falcons season. Here’s a big question: Will the Falcons have a winning season NEXT year, and FINALLY have back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in team history? It’s absolutely pathetic that in over 40 years they haven’t been able to do something as simple as two consecutive winning seasons. Maybe this time they’ll do it.
By eddie dawg
December 15, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
MARK MY WORDS…..NO WAY THE BUCS AND THE ‘BOYS GO 4-0 THE NEXT TWO WEEKS…..FALCONS WIN IN MINN AND DESTROY THE RAMS EN ROUTE TO THE PLAYOFFS…….
By eddie dawg
December 15, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
BTW…..FALCONS WIN OUT AND PANTHERS LOSE THE NEXT TWO, WE WIN THE NFC SOUTH AND BECOME THE #2 SEED……UNLIKELY, BUT STILL A CHANCE!!
By Len
December 15, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Contrary to the AJC, Sports Center says the Falcons hold the tie breaker over the Bucs.
Thoughts?
By Mr Charlie
December 15, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Mark, Sport Center reports that the Falcons hold the tie breaker over the Bucs.
Can you find out who is right?
By brAves Sucios
December 15, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
My biggest hope was for a .500 season this year, and the ability to break the back-to-back winning seasons mark in the next three. Now we have bettered that and built a base of success on which to build. Go Falcons!
By atlien
December 15, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
I like the Panthers chances of losing their last two. Playing @ NYG after a loss will be very tough. Also playing a prideful saints team in the super dome in the last game of the year will also be very difficult. If the birds win out and the the panthers lose out would that not equal a first round bye and a home playoff game for the birds?
GO BIRDS!
By cb
December 15, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
There are conflicting reports on the wildcard situation. Who wins the tiebreaker—Falcons or Bucs if both win out?
By Bama
December 15, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith, Blanks and the Falcons Congrats on a great season and I believe they will make the play-offs.
Great job MB as always.
Auburn has really screwed it up with Chizik. I hope they lose every damn game this year and run the AD and Chizik out of town on a rail. I’ve been a Auburn fan since 1966 but this takes it all. Damn the War Eagles.
By Ernie Wheelwright
December 15, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Many weeks ago on this forum I predicted we would go 8-8 this year. My thinking was if we won 4 games with all that happened last year why would it be impossible to improve that by another 4 with better coaching.
By braveeli
December 15, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
What happens if Carolina loses both, and the Cowboys, Bucs and Falcons win out? All four teams would be 11-5. Who would win the NFL South and the wildcards?
By maddog
December 15, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
any body know who holds the tie breaker???i guess it dont really matter,no way the cowboys are going to beat the ravens and eagles in back to back weeks..falcons win out,cowboys lose to the ravens.ed reed,ray lewis are going going to rip romo apart. go ravens………
By DenverBird
December 15, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
sounds very similar to a 1986 article by the same Mr Bradley when the Falcons, led by QB Dave Archer, beat Tampa and bolted to an unexpected 4-0 start. here’s hoping the seeds for permanent future success are planted a little deeper this time…
By Mark Bradley
December 15, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
According to the Associated Press, the Falcons cannot make the playoffs unless Tampa Bay or Dallas loses. Here’s the link.
By 35YearBravesFan
December 15, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
This has been SO much fun to watch. From Matt Ryan’s rookie season to the veterans leading the team this year. Whodathought?? they would be where they are. These guys can do it (get to the playoffs).
GO FALCONS!!
By wiki
December 15, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
The AP article does not consider the situation if Carolina loses it’s final two games with ATL, TB, & DAL going 2-0. I did figure out that, in that scenario, Carolina would finish 3rd in the division because of a worse conference record than ATL & TB. That might also keep them out of the wildcard as well if tied with ATL & DAL; although, I’m not sure about that.
By Mark Bradley
December 15, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
DenverBird, as I recall, I was never truly sold on the 1986 Falcons. I was, like a lot of folks, encouraged by their start but dubious about their long-term prospects because I’d pretty much decided Dan Henning wasn’t a head coach. (I remember Buddy Ryan’s Eagles coming into the old stadium and shutting down the Falcons in Week 5. I also remember my first sentence after the Falcons lost to the 0-13 Colts on that blocked punt: “This was the worst.”)
And if you were reading then and are still reading today, all I can say is thanks.
By PlusSizeModel
December 15, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Here’s the most recent kicker: they played like crap and still won a HUGE game while clearly still on a learning curve. The Falcons have the brightest future in the NFL. Easily.
By PlusSizeModel
December 15, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Here’s the most recent kicker: they played like crap and still won a HUGE game while clearly still on a learning curve. The Falcons have the brightest future in the NFL. Easily.
By Maestro
December 15, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Just when you think that Atl was losersville, here comes Matt Ryan.
By FALCONS COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
December 15, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
IF THE HATERS HAD NOT KEPT VICK FROM PLAYING THE FALCONS WOULD BE 14-0 RIGHT NOW AND TURNER BURNER WOULD HAVE 2000 YARDS.
By Mark
December 15, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
If we win the last two games the rest will take care of itself. I guarantee Dallas is not going to beat Baltimore and Philly who are both hungry to get into the playoffs. The Eagles would love to beat Dallas because they hate T.O.
I also think that Carolina will lose to the Giants who are not gonna lose three in a row, especially at home on next Sunday night. Plus, Carolina has to go to New Orleans to end the season and remember that NFC SOUTH home teams are 11-0 when playing other divisional opponents so if New Orleans keeps that stat alive we will be alright.
San Diego won’t make it easy for Tampa Bay who are banged up.
We just have to beat the Vikings and Rams.
Go Falcons!!!!!!!!
By GTrules57
December 16, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
I’ll be the first to admit, I wanted Glenn Dorsey, and I thought we’d be lucky to win 5 games. This season has been incredible. Between the rebirth of the Falcons and the awakening of the Yellow Jackets, it seems like Atlanta football is going to be good for a while.
GO FALCONS!!!!!
By MrsBanks
December 16, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
I am soooo proud of MY FALCONS! They have proven all of the naysayers wrong - including my husband! Finally, a season we can be proud of as a team, as a unit! Congrats Coach Mike, the entire team and to the rookie QB Ryan whose playing like anything but a rookie…take it to the Vikings like we did in ‘98 and bring it on home against the Rams!
I BELIEVE!!!
By poppa falcon
December 16, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this
Please, people, get off Chris Houstons back! Least we not forget that this is a FIRST YEAR DEFENSE with a FIRST YEAR DEF COORDINATOR, yet these guys have played WELL ABOVE EXPECTATIONS!! AND not to mention that Houston was thrusted into the lineup when free agent Von Hutchins went in training camp!!! Changes WILL be made for next years squad, but I for one have better things to do than to put down or insult ANY player who had the guts to wear a Falcons uniform THIS SEASON after what happened to us last year!!! I’d STILL take Chris Houston over D.Hall ANY DAT of the week and twice on Sundays.
By poppa falcon
December 16, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this
Please, people, get off Chris Houstons back! Least we not forget that this is a FIRST YEAR DEFENSE with a FIRST YEAR DEF COORDINATOR, yet these guys have played WELL ABOVE EXPECTATIONS!! AND not to mention that Houston was thrusted into the lineup when free agent Von Hutchins went in training camp!!! Changes WILL be made for next years squad, but I for one have better things to do than to put down or insult ANY player who had the guts to wear a Falcons uniform THIS SEASON after what happened to us last year!!! I’d STILL take Chris Houston over D.Hall ANY DAT of the week and twice on Sundays.
By poppa falcon
December 16, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this
Please, people, get off Chris Houstons back! Least we not forget that this is a FIRST YEAR DEFENSE with a FIRST YEAR DEF COORDINATOR, yet these guys have played WELL ABOVE EXPECTATIONS!! AND not to mention that Houston was thrusted into the lineup when free agent Von Hutchins went in training camp!!! Changes WILL be made for next years squad, but I for one have better things to do than to put down or insult ANY player who had the guts to wear a Falcons uniform THIS SEASON after what happened to us last year!!! I’d STILL take Chris Houston over D.Hall ANY DAT of the week and twice on Sundays.
By poppa falcon
December 16, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this
Please, people, get off Chris Houstons back! Least we not forget that this is a FIRST YEAR DEFENSE with a FIRST YEAR DEF COORDINATOR, yet these guys have played WELL ABOVE EXPECTATIONS!! AND not to mention that Houston was thrusted into the lineup when free agent Von Hutchins went down in training camp!!! Changes WILL be made for next years squad, but I for one have better things to do than to put down or insult ANY player who had the guts to wear a Falcons uniform THIS SEASON after what happened to us last year!!! I’d STILL take Chris Houston over D.Hall ANY DAT of the week and twice on Sundays.
By hop
December 16, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
The falcons are total surprise with all the many chances that hs been made.
We finally have leadership with our QB that we never had with mike vick,it is amazing how many people still don’t get it with him.
thank goodness, mr. Blank finally did and we have found a NFL QB.
By Dawg4Life
December 16, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this
I think the person that a lot of people that post regularly here owe an apology to is Arthur Blank. There was a ton of Blank bashing after the Petrino ordeal. This is a business man who has taken business risks and turned the tide on a sinking ship. No one ever would have guessed that our star qb was raising pit bulls to destroy each other. I could have seen the Petrino thing coming because I have always thought he was a sht stain. In the off season, Blank went out and hired a rookie head coach, a rookie gm, renovated the dome to make it the “Falcon’s home field”, lowered ticket prices and the sky has been the limits. They sht rolls down hill, so does success… and the decisions that Blank has made have found their way to the field, to the stands, and to the headlines of the national media. Matt Ryan for MVP & ROY!!!!! MIke Smith for COY!!!!
By CJFROMMN
December 16, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
THIS WILL BE OUR PLAYOFF GAME -UP HERE IN MINNESOTA - SO IF YOU DONT BRING THAT A- GAME — IT COULD BE A COLD FLIGHT HOME —GO VIKINGS
WHOOHOOO JARED ALLEN IN GOING TO ROPE YOUR RYAN LIKE A BABY CALF!!
By bull-gator
December 16, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
I haven’t been a fan of pro football for the last 20 years or so. However, watching these Falcons play is exciting and refreshing. I was somewhat curious when Blnk went out and hired a GM that most pedestrian fans had never heard of. Then this newly hired GM hires another “no name” for a head coach, then goes out and drafts a QB with his #1 pick when everybody in the world knows you build or rebuild a franchise from the middle out; defensive and offensive lines, linebackers, DB’s, RB’s, receivers, and finally a QB. Obviously the man knows talemnt when he sees it. Whether Blank got lucky or knew what he was doing is irrelevant at this point. This is a football TEAM and has exhibited true character and leadership all season long. Next up is to empasize more red in the color scheme (e.g., helmets, jerseys), add gold as the complementary color, minimize the black, and re-design the logo. The transformation will then be complete.
By Tron5000
December 16, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Hey Mark, thanks for posting a link to that article. Check out what FalconFanForever had to day:
“Will start the season 2 wins 6 losses, win 8 straight and lose 2nd game in playoffs. Mike Smith coach of the year and Ryan rookie of the year. Take that to the bank !!!!!! GO FALCONS”
Now, he’s probably right about Matty being named ROY. I think Smith should easily win the COY (although Harbaugh has done a great job, but the Falcons were an absolute terror). And though his methodology was a bit off, he did predict a 10-6 season. That could certainly be how it ends up, although we’d only make the postseason with that record if Tampa or Dallas lost both of their last 2 games.
Nice job, FalconFanForver. Everyone should check out that link. The comments are awesome. Especially yours, VickBeliever.
By sickovick
December 16, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
By FALCONS NEED VICK
December 15, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
THE SORRY FALCONS WILL NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING WITH MIKE VICK — THE TRUE QB IN ATLANTA! ARTHER BLANK DESERVE TO GO BROKE FOR HE DONE VICK AND ROB THIS TOWN OF ITS GREATEST HERO!
Greatest Hero? How about biggest idiot. After sending your comments off for translation I have come to the conclusion that you also voted for Obama based on his political views. I feel relatively certain that Mr. Blank will be calling to apologize for “HOW HE DONE VICK AND ROB THIS TOWN THIS TOWN OF ITS GREATEST HERO” especially since Vick did nothing wrong….A real shining example of leadership, well with the airport, dog fighting, Venerial disease giving incidents and all. Maybe when he gets out of prison he could fill Obamas senate seat in Illinois. Thanks for the eye opening insight… I have totally misunderstood the whole Vick thing..THANKS for clearing it up, no really Thanks! J@&K @55
By Bill Lonas
December 16, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
You know, you can easily change the number 7 jerseys to look like number 2.
It’s ok, we won’t ridicule you for it.
I’m very impressed with what the entire organization is doing. It’s amazing what good, competent leadership can do for a team.
Bill
By Anderson
December 16, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
I went on espn.com and looked up the play-off tiebreaking procedure.
When there are two division teams such as the Bucs and Falcons with identical records, the third tie-breaker is common games which gives the Falcons the edge.
The first two tie-breakers are head-to head meetings (1-1) and division games (both 3-3).
The Falcons are currently in the play-offs.
By Dirt Dobber
December 16, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
The Viking game will be the biggest test of the year for the falcons.there looking for pay back for the loss in the playoffs back in 1998. Falcons biggest win of alltime NFC chaimpions.Don’t put to much stock in what dallas and tampa does. the falcons have to take care of winning out and let the chips fall where they may.Tampa has 2 very winable games coming up.Dallas on the other hand have 2 very strong teams left to play and both are fighting for playoff spots.I hope the other teams the cowboys play don’t lay down like the Giants did or the falcons will be sitting at home.If the Falcons win thier games i believe thier in.
By Dirt Dobber
December 16, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
The Viking game will be the biggest test of the year for the falcons.there looking for pay back for the loss in the playoffs back in 1998. Falcons biggest win of alltime NFC chaimpions.Don’t put to much stock in what dallas and tampa does. the falcons have to take care of winning out and let the chips fall where they may.Tampa has 2 very winable games coming up.Dallas on the other hand have 2 very strong teams left to play and both are fighting for playoff spots.I hope the other teams the cowboys play don’t lay down like the Giants did or the falcons will be sitting at home.If the Falcons win thier games i believe thier in.
By Peachtree John
December 16, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
The sun don’t shine up the same dogs A$$ all the time! That’s a good one. Got any more? One of my favorites: It pays to pay attention. The Falcons are doing it this year. As frustrating as their play is at times, they always are in the hunt. It’s refreshing.
By BirdyDird
December 16, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Happy Days are here again!!! And we did it without “What’s His Name”?
By Tru Falcons Fan
December 16, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Great column. Like AGTFan, I was very optimistic before the season began. I thought we were a .500 ball club with an outside chance of being over .500 The success the team does not surprise me. Now everyone that doubted my predictions calls me a genius. Great column.
By BirdyDird
December 16, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Happy Days are here again!!! And we did it without “What’s His Name”?
By The Next Cleveland Browns?
December 16, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are having a great season. But, next year after they lose Mularkey and Musgrave and play a much tougher schedule it will be back to life, back to reality.
By AJC Voice of Reason
December 16, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
MIKE VICK is a lot like Winston Churchill. It may take decades before society as a whole sees what a great man he is and all the wonderful good VICK did for the community and for the whole State of Georgia.
It cannot and will NOTt be right for the Falcons to win the Super Bowl without MIKE VICK leading the team.
The people of this city will not realize what a true TREASURE they have in MIKE VICK until a time when it is too late to enjoy him anymore.
By Tom
December 16, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Mark, do you recall the late-summer poll that got posted on the ajc site?….
Who will win more games this season?
(1) UGA
(2) Tech + Falcons combined
Now, both the Falcons AND Jackets could each surpass UGA in wins. Whodathunkit?
By Ryno
December 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
There is no place on this or future Falcons teams for federal criminals.
Mr. Blank, Mr. Dimitroff and Coach Smith have decided on drafting and aquiring CHARACTER first. That’s what has brought this team so far. John Abraham’s CHARACTER to persure the quarterback even when he gets knocked down. Lawyer Milloy’s CHARACTER to play despite being on the last leg of his career.
Liars, drug users, and criminals need not apply. Fans of the aforementioned can go root for the Raiders.
By GO FALCONS
December 16, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Who is the idiot trying to flame up the board with useless Vick comments!? PLEASE Don’t respond to his posts…It’s obvious he is only trying to stir things up on this board.
By Barry
December 16, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
What a holiday season we are having in football land here in Atlanta. We have our falcons playing for a possible playoff spot with the potential of making the Super Bowl. Who would have thunk it at the beginning of the season. This goes to say “BELIEVE” and have “FAITH”. The righteous words for this holiday season and every holiday season. What we are seaiing is that these words and its process in thouht works. And throughout history they have proven to work. Therefore, “BELIEVE” and “HAVE FAITH” in our FALCONS. “WE ARE GOING TO THAE PLAYOFF WHERE ANYTHNG CAN HAPPEN”. Who’d of thunk it this year. I, for one, am grateful for this fun and exciting football season. We have something to cheer about and have fun with our friends and family. Let’s enjoy it to the fullest. I truly “BELIEVE” that the “PROCESS” that’s been started by the Falcon organization exemplifies what we will be getting during more holiday seasons to come next year and beyond. The foundation is being set and the process has begun in establishing a consistant winning football team here in Atlanta. I have “FAITH” that more surprises is coming these next to games and into the playoff. Of course, it will be done in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!"HAPPY FOOTBALL HOLIDAYS!!
Ringold
By Sarah B
December 16, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
I said it Sunday afternoon and I’ll say it again X-Mas came early for me on Sunday while sitting in section 342 row 6 and watching Abraham stuff the Bucs in OT and watching Turner & Norwood & Ryan put us in field goal range and watching the winning kick sail thru the uprights! 9-5! HO HO HO everybody!
By Sarah B
December 16, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Oh and Hi Bugman!
By BLANK = USER
December 16, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
BLANK AND THIS WHOLE SORRY TOWN OWE MIKE VICK FOR HOW BLANK USED HIM TO MAKE HIS MILLION$$$$ AND THEN TOSSED VICK AWAY LIKE KLEENEX. THE DAY OF REDEMPTION IS COMING!
By dan
December 16, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
I don’t think I can be more dissapointed with the UGA Bulldogs and more proud of the Atlanta Falcons. 2008 has been a mixed blessing to be sure!
By Apologize
December 16, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
When will all the Mike Vick fans apologize to Matt Ryan? All they do is beat their chest and say “JUSTICE”
All Ryan has done is succeed where Vick failed. When #7 was here - it was “we need to get more pieces around him, we need to get him more blockers…etc” Ryan took Vick’s scraps and is on the verge of making the ProBowl. In his FIRST SEASON he could tie Vick’s most wins.
When will you apologize? When will you beg for us REAL falcons fans to ALLOW you to come enjoy our team again. Apologize to OUR quarterback. Apologize for YOUR arrogance and criminal behavior. APOLOGIZE
By Linkin
December 16, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
This season has been awesome. Living in Carolina, i didnt think i would see a game all season, except for the obvious 2, but the birds have been on 4 times and the Minnesota game will be as well… Sunday cant come soon enough….. Falcons 4 life!!!!
By Linkin
December 16, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
This season has been awesome. Living in Carolina, i didnt think i would see a game all season, except for the obvious 2, but the birds have been on 4 times and the Minnesota game will be as well… Sunday cant come soon enough….. Falcons 4 life!!!!
By Shaye
December 16, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
C’mon, don’t feed the trolls…
I was… uneasy… about picking Ryan instead of Dorsey, and thought we would be doing well to hit .500. To say I am ecstatic would possible even be an understatement. It’s a building year, and I’d say they are building very well.
Combine that with an Alabama Sugar Bowl berth, and I am one happy girl. This has been a fabulous football season so far, and I hope it gets better.
Goes to show sometimes the guys paid to do this stuff know better than we do. ;)
By Mark Bradley
December 16, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
I remember that poll. I also recall a little audience-participation exercise in which I asked readers to submit the total number of (regular-season) games the Falcons, the Jackets and the Bulldogs would win.
I said 23 — 11 for Georgia, seven for Tech, five for the Falcons — and we’re already at 27.
By nuclearlank
December 16, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
The Falcons win the division if… (1) They win out AND (2) Panthers lose to Giants and Saints AND (3) Bucs lose to Chargers or Raiders OR (4) Rams beat 49ers, Seahawks lose to Jets and Cardinals, Eagles finish with a better record than Cowboys (currently 1/2 game back, they play in philly week 17).
The Falcons win a wild-card spot if… (1) They win out AND (2) Bucs or Cowboys lose 1 game OR (3) Panthers lose both games
*NOTE: NFC South is 0-3 against NFC North NFC South teams are 11-0 at home in division matchups
By nuclearlank
December 16, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Typo… NFC South is 0-3 against NFC East
By nuclearlank
December 16, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Typo… NFC South is 0-3 against NFC East, not North…
By Boo Boo
December 16, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Steve Bartkowski said the 1980 team had the experience of having been in the playoffs already, in 1978. That was the first year the franchise had ever been to the playoffs, and it took a missed 38-yard field goal to win that first playoff game.
What seems to be forgotten is Norm Van Brocklin, who made his team believe it could win, with no history to prove it could. It takes knowing it is possible to win before it become possible to make the playoffs.
The 1978 team went 9-7 and made the playoffs, as the #1 Wild Card (the first year two Wild Cards were chosen). In 1971 Van Brocklin turned a franchise that had never had a winning season into winners. That team finished 7-6-1, by winning 2 of its last 3 (December) games. Then, in 1972 the coach saw them slip back to 7-7, losing the last two games. That then led to 1973, when Van Brocklin had them a playoff contender, sitting at 8-3, only to finish 9-5, and out of the playoffs.
Those three years became the history of winning for the franchise that Bartkowski, Leeman Bennett and gang could build on, to take the team to the playoffs a first time, and then a first ever division crown.
This season is a happy season because once again the team has remembered what it feels like to win. It feels like those Van Broklin times to me, because last year was so bad. It felt like the team did not know how to win because it lost one player. Now it feels like a team, with a coach that knows how to remind them that they can win, with a history of winning to pull from. That history comes from prior to that one player having ever hit town. That history says they can win even when no one expects anything out of them.
By Falcon Fan Since 74
December 16, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Really excited about this season - especially since Auburn’s was so terrible - but I am ok with the Falcons missing the play-offs if it turns out that way.
You may remember that Sean Peyton’s first year with the Saints, they went to the NFC title game. They have been trying to get back to that ever since, without success. Too much success too soon could be a bad thing, and I would rather see a slower steady build up, than a flash in the pan. I want the Falcons to come hungry next season, and just missing the play-offs would accomplish that.
By Vick Supporter
December 16, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
@Apologize, lol
Apologize to Ryan? For what???! You say that he used Vick’s “scraps” and made it work. Michael Turner made it work you fool. If you have ANY football sense, you should know how bad the organization was in the Vick Era. I’m not gonna get into that, you should already know. Its a whole different attitude in the front office…….its because Blank got the hell out of the way and hired the right people and this is what usually happens when you do that. It does make me angry that all of a sudden they “decide” to make some changes and get good football people in there, but oh well. Regardless of what you say, Vick had your a* standing up and clapping, like everyone else in the town, racist or not. Vick can’t go anywhere but up. Redemtion is near…….
By Otis Nixon
December 16, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
I predicted that the Falcons would go 5-11 also, 8-8 at best. This season truly is incredible, and I can’t wait to see how great this team can become behind Matt Ryan in the future. I see #2 leading this franchise to at least 1 Super Bowl Victory.
By Vick Supporter
December 16, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
I know one thing, if a team don’t play him at QB, it would be racist in my opinion. He’s proven that he can win, he’s had great success for what he was working with. Some people believe that Ryan just came in and used Vick’s “scraps” and winning. Our organization was horrible during the Vick era. Its funny how all of this has to happen for the front office to do things the right way. Mckay…FAILURE…..Knapp….Failure…..Mora….same result. The recievers couldn’t catch nothing excpept Crumpler. People here in ATL think the recievers can “catch” Ryan’s passes, the recievers have simply matured, and it usually takes 2-4 years for that, which is about right in line with the present. Vick had his flaws as a QB, but who doesn’t? Vick is better than half the NFL QBs starting right now. He could come in and win now just on atletic ability alone, but he will be sharper as a passere with the right system, and coach. He just didn’t have that in atlanta. Vick 09
By Cobb Nero
December 16, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Falcons Fans - better have your tissues hand for Sunday’s game! The VIKINGS ARE GOING TO DOMINATE. Your little “dirty bird” celebration is a joke and here comes payback for 1998.
You’re about to get your Dome rang! Beotch!
By been here since '67
December 16, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
11-5 in 2004; the problem is the team never got any better; WHY? Your guess is as good as mine; one thing is sure; it was a team based on personalities instead of a team based on TEAM; let’s hope this team continues to grow and continues to be a TEAM; been a fun season; hopefully we’ll get the breaks nessacary to get into the playoff;s
By Deuce
December 16, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
The Falcons can clinch a playoff spot this weekend if the following happen:
By dan
December 16, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Mike Vick fans,
Enough with the sour grapes already. Let’s celebrate what this team is instead of what it’s not. Mike Vick gave us some good memories from 2001-2004 but he lost his focus in 2005 and 2006 and surrounded himself with less than honorable people. Success has a way of tripping people up at times, and Vick is a perfect example of that. He’s a talented player and I hope he gets his life together. I think he’ll get a second chance and hopefully make the most of it. As for this team: It just goes to show how much parity is in the NFL during this day free agency. Any team can turn it around with consistent QB play, balance on offense, sure tackling on defense. Say what you will about the Falcons, but they have taken advantage of their opportunities this season. They are playing with conviction and momentum and those are good things to have when you’re making a playoff push.
By Apologize
December 16, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
That’s the thing about the Vick fans - they want everything perfect for their little golden criminal.
-The team had the #1 running game in the league with Dunn and the Zone blocking system - but apparently TURNER is the key. Never mind the fact that Vick led the league in fumbles by a quarterback and had the worse passer rating in the division.
How many times did we see Alge Crumpler or Peerless Price stand W I D E O P E N only to have #7 skip the ball three feet in front of him or put it 5 feet over his head. Never has a player ruined a winning team with his lack of practice and dedication to the team.
Have some more weed Mike? Want to set up an illegal gambling and dogfighting ring? How about flicking off the home fans after a loss to the saints? Want to have your posse steal watches at the airport? How about giving a woman Herpes and then lying to her? Why not father a couple of children out of wedlock?
What you don’t and never will understand (possibly because you’re on drugs yourself or are locked up or simply too stupid) is that not only is Matt Ryan 10x the Quarterback that Vick is IN HIS FIRST SEASON but he’s also 100x the person that Vick is and he’s almost 10 years younger. Character counts. Ryan is still waiting for your apology.
By Michael
December 16, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
This is why I don’t tend to get as excited on draft day and signing day in college as many people do. I recall some “experts” saying the Falcons would be crazy to not take Glenn Dorsey. Has anybody heard his name since then?
I also recall Georgia being in a battle for offensive linemen Derek Morris and Max Jean-Gilles. Ohio State got Morris, UGA got Jean-Gilles. MJG is now in the pros. I think Morris left school after a year or two.
Good job to the people paid to do their jobs (Dimitroff) for picking the right guys and ignoring armchair GMs.
By Mark Bradley
December 16, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Payback for 1998? Are you kidding? Beating the Falcons in the 15th game of a regular season 10 years later is going to make up for a 15-1 Minnesota team blowing a lead and losing the NFC championship game to the Falcons?
These blogs are for you folks to say pretty much whatever you want, I know. But let’s try to be credible.
And Michael, you’re absolutely correct. Signing Day is fun for the fans but the furthest thing from an exact science there could possibly be. The draft is somewhat more reliable because there’s a larger body of work to study, but not every well-considered pick comes up trumps, either. As you well know.
If Signing Day meant everything, then Southern Cal would never lose to Stanford or Oregon State, and Georgia would never lose to Georgia Tech.
By This gets old = Profiler
December 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
Here’s one thing that we lose track of: The 2008 Atlanta Falcons, no matter what happens in the last two games, would have spent every day of the season with a record of .500 or better.
We haven’t won because of any freak plays and when faced with a physical opponent have played a physical game themselves. They’ve played up to the level of really tough teams. In a lot of ways this is our best team.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
December 17, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Playoffs or no playoffs, after everything that could go wrong and then some last season I am one happy Falcon fan. Sure it would be disappointing if we didn’t make it (which I really think we will) but after last year this year is like good cold water after walking miles in the desert thinking you were going to die. And I don’t care what ANYONE says, there is no way Matt Ryan is not the MVP of the league! To come into the league with any team let alone a team in unprecedented shambles like the Falcons were and be a leader of men the way he has and have that same team on the verge of the playoffs is totally incredible. No one has done this in the NFL, not Rotheslisberger, not even Dan Marino. Sure they were good, but so were the teams that drafted them when they got there. You think of all the horrible things that went on here and tell me how a rookie qb gets done what Ryan has. Okay having the Burner behind you helps, having Murlarkey and Coach Smith helps, but ultimately it is up to the QB to get ‘er done on the field. Before the Bears game and the incredible play to Jenkins I remember something I saw Ryan do early on in the season that along with the BC vs Va Tech game his senior season made me think this kid might be special and it wasn’t even a completed pass- it was his ability to get defensive VETERANS to jump off sides at will when the Falcons needed 5yds with his cadence call. You just don’t see that anymore even with veteran QBs. Favre was the last guy I remember being good at that and maybe Brady but I don’t even see them accomplishing that anymore and here you have a ROOKIE doing that? Wow. To be where we are right now is the best Christmas gift a fan like me could get this year cause last year I got it from everybody. My friends ripped on me mercilessly, everyday ESPN and sportstalk radio went on and on and on (especially 680 the Ham) dogging the Falcons to no end and it had a bad affect on me because I bleed red and black. Petrino quit, YKW was sent to prison, D-Small lost his dam mind, Alge revolted, fans left, and worst of all Joey “Blowey” Harrington became our starting qb. But now we have a great leader of a QB (something as much as I like YKW he never was), a very good power RB in the Burner, both Roddy and Jenkins have rediscovered what those things with fingers on em are used for, and even Jon Abraham stayed healthy for most of the season (and there’s no way Peppers should be on the probowl roster ahead of Abe- NO WAY!).
The future is looking so bright for the Falcons now I may have to do like that song and wear my sunglasses at night!!!
GO FALCONS!!!
By Falcons are Birds of Prey
December 17, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
It’s been a great season no matter what happens the rest of the way because NO ONE saw anything REMOTELY like this coming. I just wish all the Vickophants would just give it up and get a life because they all look SOOO silly pining for a player who is never coming back here no matter what Ryan does. It’s really sad to have people downplay Ryan’s impact because they don’t want people to see Ryan for the upgrade he is over their “hero”.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 17, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT
—————YOU SAID—————
-HE IS LIKE NO ROOKIE BEFORE HIM
-HE IS A SURE HALL OF FAMER
-HE IS THE REASON FOR TEAM’S SUCCESS
-HE IS AN MVP CANDIDATE
-QB RATINGS MATTER
-AN INTELLIGENT THINKER
-NEW FACE OF THE FRANCHISE
BUT CHECK THIS OUT
——-PRO BOWL COMMITTEE SAYS———-
THANKS —- BUT NO THANKS
———LETS SEE———-
A PRO BOWL RUNNING BACK
A PRO BOWL WIDE RECEIVER
WHERE IS MY PRO BOWL QUARTERBACK
I GUESS IT’S TRUE THAT……
VS DETROIT
VS KANSAS CITY
VS OAKLAND
DOESN’T PROVE SQUAT
—————SOMEBODY HELP ME————-
……….HOW DOES………
A TEAM WITH A PRO BOWL RECEIVER AND WIDE RECEIVER BUT THE QUARTERBACK SUCKS…..CAN ONLY MEAN……
72-MILLION DOLLAR BUST
THAT’S ALL FOLKS :)
2004 AND COUNTING
“BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE ONE AND ONLY…..
VICK SUPPORTER 2 :)
By Tron5000
December 17, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Jock Supporter, the only thing busted here is your thinking. Dude’s in the top 11 in NFL QB rating…AS A ROOKIE. But I’ll bet if he were less pigmentally-challenged, you’d probably be on his side, right?
Funny you brought up 2004. That was the last time the Birds had a winning season…until now.
Don’t hate. Celebrate. We have a winning team, and Matty Ice is much of the reason behind it.
And Abe was also left off the Pro Bowl list. You gonna tell me he’s a “bust” because he’s not in the Pro Bowl? Grow a brain.
By Shamus Thacker
December 17, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Matt Ryan has intelligence, leadership ability, and touch on his passes, that Michael Vick NEVER had! Vick was a novelty item, RYAN is an NFL QUARTERBACK!!
Don’t you Vick supporters realize what fools you’re making of yourselves? If not, you’re the only ones!
By Eric C.
December 17, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
How can the Falcons possibly clinch this week?
According to ESPN…the Falcons can!
See excerpt from the ESPN playoff picture.
FROM ESPN:
The Falcons clinch a playoff spot with:
1) A victory over Minnesota and Tampa Bay loss and Dallas loss OR 2) A victory over Minnesota and Tampa Bay loss and Dallas tie and Philadelphia loss OR 3) A victory over Minnesota and Tampa Bay loss and Philadelphia loss and Chicago loss or tie OR 4) A victory over Minnesota and Tampa Bay loss and Philadelphia loss and Dallas clinches strength of victory tiebreaker over Chicago
By Bill
December 17, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Let’s keep this simple so EVERYONE can follow along.
If you have a QB that can think, throw, lead AND get out of the way of oncoming defensive players, he is an asset to the offense because that’s what the position demands. Ryan fits this bill and the results speak for themselves. (so far)
On the other hand, if you have a QB (really a RB, but play along), who has the most electifying legs even seen at the postion, but from the waist up was no better than a backup, you get Michael Vick, (sorry, these are indisputable FACTS).
Vick supporters, realize that Vick is GONE and will only be coming back to the dome if another franchise is stupid enough to pick him up. You’re rooting for a loser!
By Eric C.
December 17, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Please!!!! Enough about Vick…he has nothing to do with the Falcons playoff push.
AJC — please set your filters to blank out the name, VICK!!!
UGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
By Armando
December 18, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
GREAT ARTICLE!!!
By Turdy Matt
December 18, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this
The Vikings defense is decimated, the top RB in the NFL is hurt and the Falcons will still get beat. Hmm…quite the playoff caliber club.
Vikes 28 Birds 17
By Turdy Matt
December 18, 2008 4:38 AM | Link to this
The Vikings defense is decimated, the top RB in the NFL is hurt and the Falcons will still get beat. Hmm…quite the playoff caliber club.
Vikes 28 Birds 17
By been here since '67
December 18, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
The funny thing about the vick guys is they keep talking about no playoffs since 2004; those are all Vick years! yeah he didn’t play in 2007 but that was his team; he chose dog fighting over TEAM which is his right; but when the vick guys talk about no playoffs since 2004 they’re really talking about how ineffective VICK was as a quarterback!
By RYAN SUPPORTER 2
December 18, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT
FLACCO FOR ROY? LOL!
HORRIBLE AGAINST THE STEELERS
AND EVERYTIME HE PLAYS A REAL TEAM!
23RD PASSER IN THE LEAGUE = AVERAGE CHUMP!
RYAN = PRO-BOWL ALTERNATE AS A ROOKIE!
VICK’S ROOKIE YEAR = LAUGHABLE!!
(GUESS YOU CAN’T RUN YOUR WAY TO THE TOP)
VICK’S PLAYOFFS = FLUKE WIN VS. THE PACK
VICK IN PLAYOFFS = CHOKE! CHOKE! CHOKE!
JUST ASK PHILLY’S D!! IM SURE THOSE GUYS WERE SCARED BY HIS “ATHLETICISM”, LOL
GUESS BEING ONE-DIMENSIONAL = BUST!!!!!
RYAN WILL HAVE HIS REDEMPTION!!!!!
130-MILLION DOLLAR BUST & IN PRISON!!!!!
By RYAN SUPPORTER 2
December 18, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
WHAT’S THIS?
RYAN NOMINATED FOR ROOKIE OF THE WEEK EVEN AFTER HE HAS A “BAD GAME”?
GUESS BEING A WINNER,PASSING FOR OVER 200 YARDS, MAKING CLUTCH RUNS IN WHAT HE WOULD SAY WAS A BAD GAME IS STILL IMPRESSIVE BY NFL STANDARDS, HUH?
BOTTOM-LINE:
RYAN’S ROOKIE YEAR > VICK’S BEST YEAR
FLACCO = 30-MILLION DOLLAR CHUMP
DON’T WORRY, HE MIGHT STILL BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR FOURTH PLACE, MAYBE!!
VICK = LOWLIFE DOG-KILLER
130-MILLION DOLLAR BUST!!!!!!!!!! ;)
By falcon fan
December 18, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Hey, vick supporter 2, if you love him so much why don`t you just go out and commit a federal crime so you can go to levanworth and take turns screwing each other in the a$$ during shower time? You could yell, “GO DEEP!” Then he would spike the soap and scream, “TOUCHDOWN!”
By AJC Lost in space
December 18, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
TO ALL THE MATT. RAYAN LOVERS THE NFL TEAMS HAVE GIVEN MATT A PASS. THIS YEAR. WHY HAVE THE DEFENSIVE NOT DAIL UP THE PRESSURE ON MATT THIS YEAR ; BECAUSE THEY WANT HIM TO LOOK GOOD. ONLY TWO TEAMS DAIL UP PRESSURE ON MATT PHILY AND THE BUC..
LAST SUNDAY THE BUC PUCKED MATT ALL THE WAY OUT THE SECOND HALF OF THE GAME AND THE COACHES STAFF KNEW IT. FOR ALL WHO CALLING FOR MVP MR. TUNNER IS THE REASON THE FALCONS ARE WINNING AND THE DEFENSE HAS SHOWED UP. IF A GUY CAN THROW YOU MEAN THE DEFENSE JUST LET HIM . THIS YEAR THEY DID JUST THAT. THE BUC. SHOWED WHAT KIND OF QB YOU HAVE WHEN HE IS NOT GIVIN A FREE PASS.
By been here since '67
December 18, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
@ AJC lost in space; you must think the NFL is managed like wrestling; there are no teams that want to lose which is what you’re suggesting; if the blitz works you’ll see it every down in the NFL; Ryan has done alright; the national press seems to think he’s worthy; why is it folks here in Atlanta don’t seem to want him to succeed?
By here since'67
December 18, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
@ AJC lost in space; you must think the NFL is managed like wrestling; there are no teams that want to lose which is what you’re suggesting; if the blitz works you’ll see it every down in the NFL; Ryan has done alright; the national press seems to think he’s worthy; why is it folks here in Atlanta don’t seem to want him to succeed?
By GTIronman
December 19, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Please oh Please Mr. Bush, pardon MV7 before you go and we’ll put Mike in the bone wit Turner and Norwood for the playoffs. (If Tech can beat Georgia running the Big O, just imagine what the Dirty Birds could do.)
By GTIronman
December 19, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
And for all you diaper dandy bloggers, the wishbone has three running backs behind the QB, so Mattie Ice is still throwing the rock. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wishbone_formation
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
December 21, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
I’m not surprised. I believed, and said before the first game, I believed they’d win nine or more and contend for the playoffs. I now believe they will go to the Super Bowl. They are as good as any team in the league and they’ve won two tough games in consecutive weeks. The stabilizing element of the team is Ryan. Even when he’s not torching the opposition he remains calm and focused. He doesn’t have to come up with diverting excuses, like his predecessor, because they are winning and not losing as they did then.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
December 21, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Warning Will Robinson!
LAST SUNDAY THE BUC PUCKED MATT ALL THE WAY OUT
Space, does this mean some sort of Hockey-related activity suddenly broke out? You are seriously in need of some remedial help in reading and in expressing yourself through the written word. You make no sense and, sadly, you make no sense badly. Matt Ryan is the MVP of this team and of the NFL!