Falcons

By Mookie

April 28, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Hey DLed what are the Birds going to do about the O and D lines? They may have picked some players this weekend, but what about the big fellas up front? Still need some. Where they coming from?

By Sean C

April 28, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I dont know what to think about this draft. Of course its a wait and see, but even Todd Mcshay who might as well have been dating matt ryan with the amount of love he had for him said the falcons would have been better off with dorsey and brohm than matt ryan and sam baker…

that being said we could have even had dorsey, baker, and brohm, if they really wanted to. oh well, still not jumping ship… we’ll see how this goes

By Jim

April 28, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

a baller at quarterback ?????

By Singletary

April 28, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Orlando — this is correct. The 08 draft will be evaluated totally on whether Ryan is a boomer or a bust.

While I hope to be eating my words in a few years, e.g. either Redman or Ryan prove to be NFL-capable, I don’t think this draft gave them the tools (read linemen) to be successful.

Yee-haa, We gots us a new product to market more jerseys to sell. Alas, I hope we aren’t getting laughed off the field of play.

By Najeh Davenpoop (Newest Jaguars Fan)

April 28, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Jeff Brohm? Is that Brian Brohm’s brother?

“In film review of Ryan’s play, the Falcons counted 54 dropped passes. Ryan completed 388 of 654 passes (59.3 percent). If his receivers had caught half (27) the drops, his completion percentage would have soared to 63 percent.”

Haha, good luck convincing folks on these blogs that dropped passes are not the quarterback’s fault. I’d like to see that stat calculated for the Falcons’ previous franchise quarterback.

Anyway, I’ve said my piece about this organization, I’m not gonna bore y’all with it again. You’re right, if Ryan pans out this draft will be judged as a good one. But that pretty much applies to any first round pick in any draft. Good luck with that.

By Bojack

April 28, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

The Falcons still have time to take care of the OL & DL with Trades or Free agents. Man, I was not happy about the picks but they picked for a reason we don’t know. Have faith and believe, if it don’t work then you can given’m hell. Go Falcons !Now finish the job.

By Mark Z

April 28, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Of the Division I-A quarterbacks in the draft who started 24 or more games, Ryan won 76.5 percent of his 34 starts. Louisville’s Jeff Brohm won 73.5 percent and Michigan’s Chan Henne won 72 percent of their starts.

Who the hell is Jeff Brohm?

By A-DAWG1

April 28, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

One thing Im not clear about, I read that Mularkeys scheme is zone blocking, if thats true, Baker is a perfect as is the rest of our offensive line,

Remember when the zone blocking scheme was in effect, it wasn’t jus MV who was running, Dunn had holes to run in to.

If its a power running scheme then I am completely lost and don’t know what to think

Ill put my faith in these guys but I am a little stunned that not one DT was drafted

By T

April 28, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

I think it was very important to get a QB either this year or next year (preferably this year) to have a growing pains year and be ready the following year(s). Matt Ryan seemed to be the best QB available this year AND from next year’s seniors. While everyone screamed for Dorsey, he did have questions and 3 other teams passed on him as well. Will a dominant DT be available in next year’s draft? I would bet my house on it.

This rebuilding process is not a one-year evaluated job. I applaud the Falcons for identifying Ryan as a potentially very good QB and getting him. I wish all Falcons/football fans would realize it as well.

By Supes

April 28, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

If nothing else…Ryan is a lifetime yankee, take it for what it’s worth.

Thomas Dimitroff’s career as an ATL GM will be linked to the success or lack there of with Matt Ryan.

My instinct tells me we’ve got 4-5 years of the Matt Ryan/Thomas Dimitroff experiment.

Prediction for 2008 Falcons 3-13 and they will be drafting in the top 3 again.

Hopefully in the 2009 NFL draft…we draft nothing but LINEMAN, OT and DT plus more defensive help in the secondary at CB.

By MV7

April 28, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I hope Ryan can run, cause thats all he will be doing.

By Shamus Thacker

April 28, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Maybe our present O linemen are better suited to the incoming O scheme than they were to $hithead’s [Petrino’s]. I don’t think we can go by last year on ANYTHING. Much of last year’s poor performance can be attributed to the mental aspect of the game. Our players were in a fishbowl of controversy from beginning to end. Our linemen are not that bad, or they wouldn’t be in the NFL in the first place. I’m sure our current regime has studied film on each and every one. They must see something encouraging or they’d have drafted up the middle as we all expected. A marginal player in one scheme can be exceptional in another.

These guys are smart; they know what they’re doing. As a 40-year Falcons fan, I feel confidence I’ve NEVER felt, in our leadership, top to bottom.

By good draft

April 28, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Outside of the Atlanta market (fueled by blogs like this), the Falcons draft was deemed a success. I have ssen it rated no lower than a B, and as high as an A.

What Mr. D. Orlando fails to point out, is that the Falcons signed 4 defensive lineman, and 1 OL during the free agency signing period. You don’t draft guys that you don’t believe in simply because you have a need. This team had MANY holes to fill and this draft went a long way to helping fill those holes.

Of course, this draft will be judged on the productivity of Ryan…any moron understands that! Mr. D. Orlando needs a new hobby!

By patrick

April 28, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

People are making a huge deal about the offensive and defensive lines. I agree about both, however, I think the biggest issue facing the team heading into the season is definitely the o-line, not the d-line.

a lot of people are overlooking the fact that our d-line has some decent players. anderson, abraham, davis on the ends and newly signed moorehead, moore, and tim anderson to go along with babineaux, lewis (i think is hurt), and stanley.

moorehead and moore have started in the nfl and are very big guys. to me, while we don’t have stars there, we seem to be deeper and have a better rotation than the we had last year, barring major injuries. to me, loading up in the defensive backfield and linebacker corps is going to not only going to add lots of speed, but, improved special teams.

to wrap up, i am more worried about the o-line more than the d-line.

By Hamad Meander

April 28, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

SUPES - I agree totally - next years draft better average over 300 lbs.

I just think this draft didn’t address the Falcon’s needs very well at all. In fact, it seemed to completely ignore their needs. I cannot accept that the Ryan pick was to ‘appease the fans’ and put a ‘fresh face’ on the franchise, because Glenn Dorsey would have done both of those things and have been much less risky.

Also, if the Falcons had let the draft come to them, they could have had Dorsey, Brohm, Baker, and another lineman before Sunday even came around.

Next issue - check Andre Woodson’s stats and look at his wins vs. Matt Ryans. Other than the color of their skin, there is no difference, except maybe about 24 million bucks.

By Da Analyst

April 28, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Blanks bought into the new face the franchise theme..this is not Home Depot its the NFL…you build a winner in the trenches …Dorsey..Baker..Trevor Laws..Lofton..Decloud ….Woodson at QB in 4th round and Douglas…most of your needs are met in the first year.

By norcrossfan

April 28, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

if anyone is expecting ryan or the falcons to pull off any miracles over the next two years—- forget about it. this team is going to be lousy. 8-24 over the next two years. this team has holes everywhere.

lets give them some time… as in 2, maybe 3 years…

By Brian Hunt

April 28, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Great blog Mr. Ledbetter. I feel a little better about the Ryan pick after reading it. I’m still mystified by most of the rest though.

By good draft

April 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

HAMAD…are you kidding on the Woodson comment???? There is a reason he went in the fifth round. No mobility, SLOW release, and bad decisions.

By D. LED

April 28, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Oops! JEFF is Brian’s brother. He a coach at L-Ville now. Played for them back with “Big Playz” Ray.

By Buffalo Chip

April 28, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Does Dimitroff look like the kind of GM who will make moves to ‘appease the fans?’ I don’t think so.

By oldmike

April 28, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

they didn’t get the third pick in the draft because they were good. quite the opposite. so to expect this or any draft to miraculously turn their fortunes around is, well, “ain’t gonna do it”. it will take several years to dig out from under the mess of the Mora/Petrino/McKay debacle. Give this new group time and see if things look better by the end of 2008. can’t look any worse.

By Cairo

April 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan in that picture with his nice suit, nice watch, big smile, nice hair cut and the Falcon Helmet sums it up for me. We don’t want football players (Just like Vick) we want market boys. If AB wants to make this team marketable he has to make it a CONSISTENT winning product. I can’t wait to see #2 plaster ALL over the ATL trying to SELL this LOSING franchise. It may work for Corporate America but id DONT work for “Football Fans”… But since we are A$$ backwards as usually he will get punished week and week out until this organization figures out what it take to win. DEFENSE!!!!

By surfrider

April 28, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

It appears to be a draft to build depth, competition and fill the QB position. As for the lines if depth is needed there are two vehicles the Falcons can and will probably use maybe three…free agency, scout the waivers, and trades. The Falcons are not that far off as last year it appeared the towel was thrown in halfway thru the season and then the coach left. Many of those games the Falcons were in them heading into the fourth quarter. The passing game did’nt click due to holding the ball to long, locking on one receiver, slighly missed passes, and not improvising or adapting to the conditions of the play. Ryan should help over time in these areas. But the stat that really came out during draft day(s) was 60 QB’s played last year that means each team better have two capable QB’s to have a chance.

By Joey Fan

April 28, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

“In film review of Ryan’s play, the Falcons counted 54 dropped passes. Ryan completed 388 of 654 passes (59.3 percent). If his receivers had caught half (27) the drops, his completion percentage would have soared to 63 percent”… …Joey Harrington’s receivers in Detroit had the second most dropped passes in the NFL during the time Joey Played…rarely did anyone take this into consideration when critiquing Joey..had his receivers there had dropped far fewer passes, his completion percentage would have been about 65%…the Detroit Fans and media could never see this..Glad someone is seeing the logic here, even though it might cost Joey his job.

By SportsGhod

April 28, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

This is like reading Bradley’s column last night: “Trust us.” I’m sorry, but after 42 years of sorry football and straight up lies about how they were going to build the football team “up the middle” (e.g., the lines), these guys don’t have the credibility for “trust me.” This was an Arthur Blank, politically correct marketing pick; a football pick would have been Dorsey. “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.” Wake me in 2012 when the next regime takes over.

By Joe

April 28, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

The Falcons signed several new offensive and defensive linemen doing the off season thus far and a look at the roster, they signed not only some good sized linemen, they also had game day experience in the NFL and I believe at the the last mini camp, those linemen impressed the Falcon coaches to the extent that with the possible exception of Dorsey and Ellis, they felt that the ones already on the roster were better than those left on the draft board with no NFL experience.

By Andy

April 28, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

I like a lot of these picks, but there still is a question about the O line and D line. Has the front office made any post-draft signings or camp invites to any undrafted free agents to solidfy the backups to these line positions?

By Hamad Meander

April 28, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Good Draft - I’ll let you see the stats and see if you can figure out the difference between the QBs. Go to www.sundaymorningqb.com. Don’t scroll down all the way until you look at the chart. I would think that if Woodson had a slow release, no mobility, and made bad decisions, he wouldn’t have been so successful in the talented SEC conference.

You can listen to the experts all you want, but sometimes the statistics can tell a story a little more effectively. Woodson was destined to be a 1st round pick in October, after his win over LSU. What happened from there, I’ll never figure out, but the truth of the matter is that he was thought to be very talented until April 27th.

I don’t think you can say Woodson faced less talent in the SEC than Ryan faced in the ACC.

By SportsGhod

April 28, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

To be clear: I’m not saying Ryan is a terrible pick; I’m just saying he was a terrible pick at #3 given our needs and what was available. We could have had Dorsey, Baker (if we had to have him; I’m not wild about that pick, either), Brohm/Henne (either of whom, to my mind, is as good as Ryan), and our other 2nd round choice. Instead, we got Ryan and Baker. Which is better? If it’s my team, there’s no question that the first option is better but, as IBM used to say, “You make the call.” Moreover, many of you are ignoring the whole matter of NOT HAVING ANY HELP FOR THE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE LINES. Are you suggesting that free agent linemen are beating down the doors to play for the Foulcons? Or do you think Ryan is so good that he’s not going to need any offensive linemen AND he’ll ring up 50 points per game so they won’t need any defensive linemen, either? This isn’t about PR and a “face of the franchise,” folks, it’s about building a team that can win football games. The new “brain trust” (I use that term advisedly) said all the right things about how to build a team and then turned right around and let Arthur “Clueless” Blank stampede them into a political pick—which then produced a stupid deal that frittered away useful early 2nd round draft choices to reach with Baker because they were panicked they wouldn’t get a tackle. Given all of this, you expect us to be happy? Puh-leeze

By PAFalcons

April 28, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Free agency gave us five linemen… Drafted a first round talent in Baker… Coming off the Great Arkansas Escape, how can you honestly judge with the half-hearted coaching last year??? Four wins with the equivalent of the Towering Inferno for management itself is a miracle and a tribute to the players themselves… Get off the line talk, get on board for another five year plan… Just as likely to be in the same position as be in the playoffs…. Let’s see what this team can do before we start piling on… Good Luck Matt!! You’ll need every hand on deck to right this ship and little to no support coming the more ignorant fans….

By Andy G

April 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

We all must admit that we needed a quarterback more than anything else. There were 4 games we could have one with a one single pass to open recievers. The defense was on the field for most of the games because of 3rd down inefficiencies. Harrington, Redman, and Leftwich could not make the throws.Vick is not coming back. (He cheated us and the Falcons out of our money) Accept Matt Ryan with open arms. He is the best chance we have at winning now and he is not going anywhere anytime soon.

By SportsGhod

April 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

If your excuse for Ryan’s so-so season (19 ints against mostly mediocre competition) is that “the skill level at b.c. was awful,” how can you possibly think he will do any better with the Foulcons?! On a relative basis, their skill level is less than B.C.’s. You did notice that they didn’t draft another offensive lineman after Baker or a single defensive lineman, didn’t you? Here’s what they drafted after the Not-so-Big Two (Ryan and Baker): three linebackers (though I like the Lofton pick, this was supposed to be one of the very few areas of team strength), three slow secondary players, a couple of mediocre-to-worse receivers, and a UGA running back who can’t carry Knowshon Moreno’s jockstrap (and who stayed hurt most of the time at Georgia, too). I’m sorry, but I just can’t get too enthusiastic over the idea that anyone in the Foulcons “brain trust” has a clue.

By Dave

April 28, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

I admit I like most Falcon fans was in the camp to draft Dorsey and Brohm. Most pundits liked Ryan a lot more than Falcon fans. NFL teams who watched a lot of tape on Henne and Brohm did not think much of these two QBs as they lasted deep into the second round before being drafted. Falcon fans pretty much hated the pick of Matt Schaub in round three and were proved wrong on that one. Falcon fans loved the pick of Mike Vick as the first pick the pundits not so much the pundits proved to be right Mike Vick was never a good passer. No matter what we now probably have at least the second best QB in the NFC South behind New Orleans QB in Drew Brees. Tampa’s Garcia is an old retread now and Carolina’s QB Delhomme is trying to come off Tommy John surgery which no NFL QB ever has? Reality is we were hoping to see a Jacksonville defense & offense hopefully we can be more like the New England offense now where our offense maybe leads the way and puts people in seats. Fans are usually wrong about most everything this hopefully is just another case where fans are again proved wrong. Dorsey won’t be scoring any points and hopefully Ryan will have a bigger impact on this team than Dorsey would have only time will tell I will wait to reserve judgment unlike some fans who know it all.

By SportsGhod

April 28, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Alright, one more time: What will help the Falcons in the city of Atlanta is to win football games! Fans were foolish enough to actually believe Dimitroff knew what he was doing when he talked about winning by “being strong up the middle.” Then they turn around and reach for an over-hyped QB who threw 19 ints against mostly mediocre competition last year. (And for those of you who say, “but he didn’t have anybody to throw to ,” he’s not going to have anybody in Atlanta to throw to, either, relatively speaking!) This pick is even worse when you consider they could have had Dorsey. Then, with multiple unfilled needs, they throw away useful, early second round draft picks by trading up for Baker! BTW, did I mention that Baker has been injured for 2 years and is not particularly good as a straight-ahead drive blocker (short arms), which our “brain trust” (I use the term advisedly) is on record as wanting for their power(less) running game. The Ryan pick and the related panic have Arthur’s fingerprints all over it. (“The new face of the Falcons,” my behind!) If you’ve noticed the feedback here and on ESPN’s Falcons draft board, the reaction isn’t exactly positive. The fans don’t want a “face,” Mr. Blank, they want a commitment to building a GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM! Good luck selling jerseys, Arthur, maybe it’ll make up for kissing off the rest of your season ticket base. Sheeesh!

By bigeasy830

April 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Look folks, I saw a few Matt Ryan games and was impressed the kid brought his team from behind, he played hard, thats great. I saw a few David Carr games his last y ar at Fresno State. I thought David Carr was a baller. He played fearless. He was a gunslinger. Little Fresno State beat some big time programs that year with Carr as QB. He went to the Texans and got beat half to death. The man is now shell shocked and almost worthless as a QB, because of what happened to him at the beginnig of his carreer with a terrible team with a terrible O line. Matt Ryan “May the Force Be With You” better yet you better stay prayed up. Only God can help you with that O Line. You see I think Ryan is a Good QB, but the Falcons first of all needed to improve their team before even thinking about getting a QB, When you rebuild, you start with the line. O and D lines. We are rebuilding, our team is one of the 3 worst teams in the league. We won 4 games, should have been 3, Seattle gave us that game and we still struggled to pull out that win. We even lost to ST. Louis and had no business beating Carolina or Houston. But any team should be able to stumple to 3 or 4 wins and that is what we did. You see its not about MV7. I was a Falcons fan long before him and will be a Falcons fan long after him. What the fans are so tired of is losing. I am so impressed and happy that so many real football fans understand what it takes to build a winning franchise. Example. Cleveland last year. They built up their lines. I do not see any of that with the Falcons. If so they would have spent money alreay on linemen. They have not. Anyone you get now is not a coveted free-agent, it will be a has been that some other team has discareded. I understand that Blank is still trying to get the money back from MV7 that is why he cannnot say he no longer wants him be be a Falcon, But, man do not srew up you teams future by trying to make a point. And, the charecter issue, common people, you do not remember Blanke setteling that sexual harrasment case, Enough said.

By David

December 3, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

In retrospect everyone was wrong about Ryan wrong about Blank and wrong about the Falcons we are doing awesome this year!!!! Go Falcons !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!