AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons mini-camp ends with Ryan hot and Horn wanting out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch - The Falcons wrapped up mini-camp today with first-round pick Matt Ryan completing five-of-five passes for a touchdown in a two-minute drill.
After the workout, Smith was asked if there was any chance Ryan could start in the season-opener against Detroit.
“We are not going to rule out anything in terms of who is going to start,” Smith said. “We are not going to put a ceiling on any of our players whether if it’s the quarterback, offensive tackle, linebacker. We are going to let them go out and compete.
“I will say this, the quarterback position is probably one of the more difficult positions to make the transition. But if any body can do it, Matt is a guy that can.”
Take that for what you will.
It’s hard to say if Ryan did or didn’t have a good camp. He was going against fairly vanilla defensive looks against players in jerseys and shorts. We’ll know a lot more about the Boston College product about 10 days into training camp.
He looks like he can make the throws he needs to make but the thing you notice most about him is that he’s quickly worked his way into the good graces of his teammates. Ryan has the swagger and the leadership we heard so much about - at least for now. Those attributes tend to hold little water if a guy doesn’t produce on the field, but Ryan seems to be off to a good start.
In other developments:
— Wide receiver Joe Horn said that he would like to be traded (for the full story, go to the Sports page on AJC.com).
“I want to win a Super Bowl and I want to win a Super Bowl here in Atlanta but I don’t think I can help this team win a Super Bowl sitting on the bench, waiting for third down,” Horn said. “They’re going with the younger guys and I don’t have a problem with that if that’s the course they’ve chosen. I want to have an opportunity to play with a team that needs a veteran to play and contribute and who helps the young guys.”
GM Thomas Dimitroff said the team has plans for Horn. Whether those plans are to try and trade him remain to be seen. However, this is a team that is getting younger and looking at younger players and Horn isn’t part of the long-term plan.
Horn’s potential replacement is rookie Harry Douglas, who had a very strong training camp - again, in shorts and jerseys. Douglas caught just about everything thrown to him and he got open. He even stayed after workouts to do extra work with offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.
— FS Jimmy Williams is said to have reported to offseason workouts weighing more than 230 pounds. Williams acknowledged being overweight and that the coaching staff is not happy.
Williams said he has been going through some unspecified off-field problems that caused him to go home to Hampton, Va. for two or three weeks and kept him away from workouts. He said that the coaching staff and other team staffers have been very supportive. He declined to provide any details.
Williams worked as the No. 3 free safety behind Erik Coleman and Antoine Harris.
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Comments
By Darth Hater
May 12, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
If Horn hates it here so much, late him trade places with Michael Vick.
By Casey
May 12, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Maybe Jimmy Williams can play linebacker! We obviously need to get rid of this guy!!
By A sign of things to come
May 12, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Williams is the definition of a BUST!
By falcondawg
May 12, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Bye, bye Joe
By humble
May 12, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
VA Tech players are to the NFL what Duke players are to the NBA
By ATLplayer
May 12, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
WOW! Matt Ryan looked good…I didn’t expect anything different. Hopefully he can become the starter day one and show why he was the top QB selected. If not, and Dorsey plays like the rookie of the year; the Falcons will continue to look clueless.
By kreese31
May 12, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Class guy, just wants to play and not be a problem. Kudos to you Joe Horn, i still think you can play. However, we all know(from the draft), that this GM is crazy, so I hope you get what you want. On another note, Steve Wyche, as a reporter, I hope you don’t let other reporters, like Terrance Moore or Mark Bradley start making bs excuses for Matt Ryan’s play. He was drafted to be the face of the organization, so be the face. When MV7 came here, the Falcons were sorry. MV7 changed that instantaneously. Matt Ryan has to be held up that same accord because the Falcon fans have grown used to winning and winning with MV7 flare. Matt Ryan aS a QB is no more gifted than anyone that we already have, so if he doesn’t win within two yrs, like MV7, then here we go back into the QB market and Dimitroff needs to go back to scouting camp!!!!!!!!!
By Pogo Stick Comments
May 12, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Cut Williams please!!!
By Pogo Stick Comments
May 12, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Horn is Horn and has age but I feel he does still have game so I say…this is a young team get what you can for him and use the trade for Lito Shepard and next years 2nd round pick.
By Peerless Mama
May 12, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
SEE YA!
By TG
May 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
If the right deal is there, trade him to an AFC team. He didn’t do hardly anything last year to impress me.
By Realist
May 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure Joe Horn is demanding a trade just to let everyone know he is still in the NFL. Most people probably assumed he had retired by now.
By Paddy
May 12, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Williams = Va Tech enough said. Lets let the Hokie tap go dry for awhile. There are alot more schools out there that can produce players. Mr. Williams, I think you would look good in Raiders black or Bengals (whatever that color is).
By Jack
May 12, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Bye bye Joe Horn. Bye bye Jimmy Williams. You must have a professional attitude and work ethic to stay here. Otherwise we will never improve.
By Buggsie
May 12, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Ship Jimmy Williams out to Oakland to be with his VT friend DeAngelo. Two peas in a pod. Good ridance
Buggsie
By MAXX
May 12, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
First? Well let’s go ahead and trade the 36 yr old guy with a big contract who doesn’t weant to be here, and let’s go ahead and move Jimmy Williams to linebacker now that he weighs over 230. Maybe next year we move him to defensive end when he shows up weighing 260
By Jay
May 12, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Williams looks like the latest McKay bust. Or is it the latest VaTech bust?
By the hammer
May 12, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
go through what Joe Horn said and count the number of times he said “I”,, trade him,, there is no “I” in team Joe
By Big Bull essie Jack
May 12, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
If I were the coaches, I would have kept J. Williams after practice and worked those extra lbs. off his butt. If thats all the respect he has for himself and teammates, then they should trade him! Coaches know what they’re looking at.If Smith had those comments about Ryan, Then he must have looked pretty darned good! I just hope they don’t throw him to the wolves; give him time to gain his confidence, and turn him loose. If the players feel confident in him and respect him, which he seems to have that persona, then they’ll block and play their butts off for him. I think he’s the man! GO BIRDS!!
By Braves Fan
May 12, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
If Horn wants out let him go. We already let go the whole team.. What’s one more? You need veterans mixed in with the rooks..If you don’t have that then you have no chance of winning the Super Bowl. Right now our focus needs to be getting above 4 wins and making it into the playoffs. Super Bowl is way out of the question this year and possibly the next 2. The Patriots certainly don’t have all rookies at the helm. They have a strong group of veterans mixed in with their rookies and that’s what makes them successful. That and coaching and not to mention cheating. Whatever works man.. Horn, Quit your whining and let the good Lord provide!!
By Buzzjob
May 12, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Let Horn walk…….
By zorro
May 12, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Is this a set up or what,why would anbody ask for this Kid to start the season.that in its self tells me and others that you know little if any thing about Pro-football.Let me ask you this,so before you ask another question like that think to yourself did they let me write my first editorial(newspaper article)right out of college,I didn’t think so.Brace leg Matt have not seen any or all of the EXOTIC BLITZ PACKAGES FROMTHE OTHER 31 PRO- TEAMS.And you really asked the coach that question.How about what number of Quarterback’s are they gonna keep and what is the level of competition like or are they gonna talk to Grady Jackson we want some meat on the bone come on man. please Mr.Wyche and I’m gone
By Green Tea
May 12, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Way to not rock the boat JOE HORN. I am actually very impressed with the way he is handling this. I just wonder what he had to do with Roddy White’s turn around last season going from 1st round bust to NFL stud on the field…
By Boiler
May 12, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Joe Blow Your Own Horn is the next overpaid over-the-hill Falcon to be trumpeted out of town.
Get rid of his $18 million, Harrington’s probably $15 million and Brooking’s probably $20 million and lower the ticket price, or buy a defensive tackle or two.
By T Beezer
May 12, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Finally the Falcons are on the road to recovery and Joe wants to leave. I think he has been a tremendous addition to this team and a true gentleman. I have had the pleasure of meeting Joe with my kids after a game and he is a great role model to some of the younger players. Hopefully, Joe will be here next year! If not the best to you and the final years of your career.
By kreese31
May 12, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
I heard your comments on ESPN when you were predicting the Falcons to be 24th or lower next yr. they’ll be 30th or lower. Go back and LOOK at that segment(you were on the phone), the birds were 29th, 23rd, 29th, and 29th in scoring offense, total offense, scoring d, and total d respectively. The FANS are not happy about what is going on. Also if Curtis Lofton is starting, then that just makes this yrs moves even more atrocious. We could have gotten 2 stellar defensive stars for a 29th ranked defensive team!!(Glen Dorsey). Furthermore, we could have gotten a Great QB in a later rd (Andre Woodson is going to be a superstar—-Watch, u heard it here 1st). I respect Mr. Blank extensively for the type of atmophere that he brought Atlanta. But he did something that I never thought I would see. He broke under pressure. The Fans, whom, Mr. Blank sought to deliver a quality Org. to, love him, love MV7, loved the winning atmosphere, love how he reached out to the public. The FANS did not push for MV7 to be removed. his acts although horrific have nothing to do with our love for MV7 and what he did for our team. those Peta hypocrites did—damn’em!!!! I sat here on Sunday morning and watched a fat guy shoot a ram right in the head(on ESPN outdoors)its brains flew everywhere, and he talked gloriously about it. Was peta outside the Bristol studio(ESPN)requesting that that stuff be taken off, picketing sponsors to stop sponsoring their KILLING trips. I mean, it is cruel to blow an animals’ head off isn’t it? If you are a Falcon Fan, and you hunt, and you condemn MV7, then guess what you R——a hypocrite too!!! Mr. Blank please don’t get rid of MV7. you r a family man, its just like yo kid made a mistake. scald him, embarass him, and then bring him outside to show the world that yo kid aint bad, he just made a bad mistake and he is destined to still be great. The true fans will love that story for ATL. Al Davis Runs his organization without regard to outside influences, I wish Mr. Blank would have done that here, because then, he would have listened to the FANS!! Most of those condemning MV7 probably hunt and cant say anything anyway!!!!! just had to vent!!!
By Greg
May 12, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
I love Joe Horn’s passion and attitude, and the way he stays up and positive. He’s a great guy and he was a great player (like, he killed the Falcons for years). But he didn’t generate space when he was in there last year. Sorry, Joe, but that’s the bottom line. There’s probably not a position on the team for Joe this year. I hope he can be traded, because that means the Falcons can get someone they can really use. I doubt they need Joe Horn right now, except for the clubhouse leadership. BTW, here’s a prediction: I don’t think Roddy will start this year. I know for many people that’s a shocking thing to say, but I think he’ll be beaten out by equally quick/fast players who are a bit brainier, viz. Robinson & Douglas.
By Scott Case
May 12, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
It’s a shame that Jimmy W. isn’t going to pan out. There was all that hype about him, then he dropped to the 2nd round (for good reason we now see) and we pick him. I thought he played well as a CB when he finally got time that year, then they moved him to FS and it’s been downhill ever since. Why not let him play CB like he did in college and had results.
As for Ryan and this swagger… every DE is hearing about this and gearing up to knock the swagger right out of him. Start Redman, win 6 games and get more good picks next year. Then let him start.
By Orlando
May 12, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Atlanta should NOT start Ryan under any circumstances this year barring injury. He is the future of this team and to throw him out to the wolves now would only hurt his confidence.
Let Redman start off the season and around December consider starting Ryan in the last two games or so.
As for Horn, I’m sure it wasn’t an easy situation for him to come in, but I hope he sticks around to teach the young WRs a thing or two about the game. It seems to already have an effect on Roddy White, who could be that go to target in this offense.
By zorro
May 12, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Is this some kinda joke start the new Kid over the other three quarterbacks.And you really asked this question of the new coach, I hope no one was listen to you at the time .Think to yourself did they let me write my first editorial(newspaper article)right out of college.I didn’t think so,BRACE habit MATT R.#(2)have not seen all of the EXOTIC BLITZ packages from the 31 PRO-FOOTBALL teams and you really asked coach Smith that.How about since you got the inside track on most of us ,can you ask this one question for me how are the other QB’S doing O.K. lets try D.J. OR CHRIS REDMAND. Or what are they gonna do about that big a* whole in the middle on D. or are they thinking about bring Grady are you gonna EAT that Jackson back. come on steve sweat a little bit. ask some hard question now if you can’t come up with any just ask.
By TPM
May 12, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
This is the funniest thing I have read in a very long time. What does Joe Horn expect the Falcons will get for him in a trade ? A burrito ? Who in their right mind would pickup his contract ?
By michaelgee
May 12, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
See ya Joe!
See ya JWill!
Loving these new Falcons!
By Bill
May 12, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Get rid of Horne and williams.Horne is just dead weight his career is just about over.Jimmy Williams is a bad apple and allways will be.Please do something to speed the prosess up and not let the fans suffer through tv blackouts and loss of team exposure.
By scribe
May 12, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
don’t let the door hit you on your sorry back side on the way out of town, you carpetbagger.
By kaz
May 12, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Great news about Ryan. Let’s try to support him as best we can. I have a good feeling about him. Looks like Jimmy Williams is not going to fit the mold of player that TD and Mike Smith want. Very excited about Roddy and Laurent starting. But a little worried about the OL and DTs
Go Falcons
By omg
May 12, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
I say Jimmy Williams doesn’t make the team. Anyone want to bet against me? The old Falcon’s regime really know how to pick their Hokies.
By Ned Burner
May 12, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Trade him, trade them all! Iwant The Foulcoons to lose every game this year so we’ll be assured of the top draft pick(s) … we can draft Tim Tebow, or better yet, Matt Stafford after the DAWGS win the National Championship (6th) and Knowshon Moreno.
National Championship for UGA means Superbowl for Falcoons!
By Jimmy Williams
May 12, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
1st round pick 3rd team player
By (UsedToBe)Falcon4Life
May 12, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
This team has become such garbage that this story was posted at 313pm and there’s no comments at 1110pm. Where are all the “now that we have a QB we can be proud of…” fans.
Good job, Blank
By Bk Hawk
May 12, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Horn wants out!!!Let him Go!!I like the Ryan Express.
By AJCFanatic
May 13, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
These athletes are so soft now-a-days.. I saw someone saying it on ESPN and I completely agree.. These guys who are competing against each other will go and hang out after games or laugh and smile and its just hard to play hard against someone who is your friend. I want to see guys not being helped off the field and our players storming into the lockerroom throwing their equipment everywhere and not shaking hands after losing a big important game. JIMMY WILLIAMS THIS IS YOUR JOB AND YOU GET PAID HANDSOMELY FOR IT! I’m not being insensitive but whatever personal issues you have should not have meant you ate and partied yourself to 20 pounds overweight..
By Mandrell
May 13, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this
I think the Falcons would be wise to keep Joe Horn around for his leadership. He’s no chump on the field either. I say this because we are already lacking veteran leadership on a young team and Horn has seen it all. Joe, Keith Brooking, Lawyer Milloy, John Abraham are the leaders and they need to be around to groom these young guys to be what the previously mentioned guys already are…LEADERS.
By Jay
May 13, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this
How Can A QB Get Hot In a Practice With No one in pads and seeing only vanilla camp defense, clearly over-reporting. I Hope They Don’t Throw this Kid Out To The Woods Early, because it could end up rattling him. I think Matt Ryan has the makeup and moxy to prove to be a capable NFL Quarterback, so lets not shake his confidence early. I am really concerned about Sam Baker, can you tell us Steve Wyche is there any update on how he looked in camp. I am really intrigued about WR Harry Douglas and FS/SS prospect Thomas DeCoud, an update on them as well.
By FalconFan60
May 13, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this
If Joe Horn doesn’t want to be a team player, get rid of him. If there’s one thing this franchise DOESN’T need it’s another player that is selfish. Horn showed his true colors during the Monday Night loss to N.O. with his pro-Vick stance. That era is over in Atlanta and the fans as well as the players that supported Vick need to realize how things are going to be. Whether you are (or were as the case may be) a Vick fan, one thing to me is pretty clear. The only player on the Falcons roster at this time that was a blatant supporter of Vick that hasn’t been cut or traded is Roddy White. Sounds like a message to me Joe and you need to listen.
By Dumbing Down
May 13, 2008 6:10 AM | Link to this
Let the brother go!
By Ha Ha
May 13, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Yet another Wyche blog with no comments allowed. Pathetic. When is AJC management going to make this guy get on the stick?
By Ajax
May 13, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, the Falcons paid Joe Horn $185,000 a catch last season and Joe Horn isn’t happy? He’s says trade me? Trade him for what? A bag of balls? Nobody wants a washed up, over paid, 40 yr. old wide reciever.
Falcons please get rid of Joe Horn NOW!
By kreese31
May 13, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
You reporters want to call Matt Ryan the Messiah, because that aint what the fans r calling him.
By Ha Ha
May 13, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
I apologize, Steve. When I logged on this morning, nothing appeared under comments.
By Eric Butcher
May 13, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Michael Vick was a great college quarterback. He’s blessed with blazing speed and phenominal physical ability and that gets the job done at the college level. At the pro level everybody is blazing fast and is a phenominal athelete. From a QB perspective the pro game is more of a cerebral game rather than a physical game. A championship level pro QB must be able to process istantaneously what the defense is doing then execute his physical talents to deliver the ball to the playmakers on the team. Let’s face the fact…Michael Vick is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. A phenomial athelete yes but not a NFL championship QB. The reason the game is played is to win the Superbowl right. Ryan may not have the speed and phenominal physical tools of Vick but he has the intelligence and the right package of physical tools to be a championship level pro QB. Vick would have never taken the Falcons to a Superbowl title. Ryan may not either but he’s much better equipped than Vick.
By JeanE
May 13, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Joe Horn is a legend in his own mind, just what does he think the Falcons can get for him, an over the hill overpaid whiner? Cut him, I’m still hoping Finn can make it back & he can fill the veteran receiver spot anyway. Bye Joe! As for Matt Ryan, give me a break with this salivating hype. It’s minicamp, people. He probably will be the starter which is funny b/c he’ll be steamrolled. As for his nice low key manner, what are Redman and Joey, jerks? There nice guys, too who play hard. I sincerely hope they get a fair shot but I doubt it. Everyone including the coaches has already made Ryan the starter. So cool it with the breathless Matt Ryan coverage, we don’t care.
By GATORZONE
May 13, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Oh, well. He really should never have came to this team. Horn’s time was through the last year in New Orleans.
By MR2
May 13, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
kreese31 as you type your comments wearing your vick jersey… come on man if youre a real falcons fan give it up bro. Vick is gone and will never play for the falcons again. SO if youre a fan then move on with the team man. No more vick comments please
By Brent
May 13, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
When Matt Ryan is flat on his back for most of the season, we don’t want to hear any whining about the O-line and his receivers. NOBODY said a word about the O-line and the receivers 2 years ago….it was ALL the QB’s fault!!
By Chuck
May 13, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Joe Horn I don’t blame you….who wants to play in front of a half empty stadium!!
What happened to the 90,000 fans on the season ticket waiting list???
By Bubba, Lower Forty
May 13, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Hi y’all! If we start Ryan, I hope the coaches have a game plan ready. Something like, Turner left, Turner middle, Norwood sweep, then a lot of dinks and dunks. Short passes to the flats, hooks, screens and several draw plays. Nothing to leave him back there in a five or seven step dropback. I think a lot of what could be done will come down to how well the offensive coaches can come up with a game plan.
By Gee
May 13, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Lets see how many people run out and buy season tix because of Matt Ryan!!
By bucsfan
May 13, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
i dont blame him for wanting out.
come on, who wants to stay with the falcon after Vick and Hall leaving.
this team will end with big ZERO wins next season.
Go bucs.
By maf
May 13, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
cut him
By kreese31
May 13, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
I am a real Falcons fan, which is why it hurts soooo much with what they are doing. This years draft could have put us back in the game. with glen dorsey and curtis lofton starting, we could have drafted formidable o-linemen to protect a QB that we could have gotten later. As for MV7, I only defend him because he delivered this franchise from the depths of hell. He didn’t send this franchise to the dumps, it’s just that when he was off the field, the Falcons really got exposed for the type of team they are. Those players would have died for MV7 on that field because he provided a chance to win. Matt Ryan doesn’t even have the skill set to do that. He is barely an average QB. Don’t listen to me look at tape ad view his STATS, they don’t lie!!!! those of you who really know something about football(Have played and can see the little nuances)know that. Furthermore, it does make a differnce as to what kind of competition he played against. Matty Ice(HA!!!-as in ice cold production)was an ok QB in the ACC, dude, he threw 19 picks against subpar competition. dont dare compare him to Dan Marino’s 23 picks, at the time all Pitt did was throw and they threw against powerhouse independents and conferences such as Penn state, Notre Dame, Nebraska, USC, UCLA, GA, those type teams. Matt Ryan threw his picks against GT, Wake Forest, NC State, and Duke. That’s a Basketball conference.
By kreese31
May 13, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Eric Buthcer you don’t know what the hell you are talking about. when they say that the QB position is more mental they are talking about how they respond to adversity not whether or not he can understand they plays!!! NEWSFLASH!! if a QB can’t understand the plays or terminology, guess what, they are not in the league, much less going to several Pro-bowls(MV7). So that BS about MV7 not being able to process info is crap. the receivers couldn’t catch the ball, the line couldn’t pass block, but it’s all MV7’s fault. If you dummies would put on your thinking caps you would see that the falcons still have the same problems. At least with MV7 we could still win with this. we’ve been a 4-12 team the last 7 yrs, it’s just that MV7 defied the odds and made winners out of us. Good luck Matt Ryan. You are about to be the next David Carr, and Joey Harrington!!!!
By Space Mountain
May 13, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Let them both go. What have they done? Relics leftover from the former regimes. This TEAM is moving forward and if they cant get over themselves and put the TEAM first get them the H$!! out of here, and get someone who does care about the TEAM and TEAM MATES in their place. We as fans of the game and more specifically of this franchise do not need this BS anymore. No more gimmicky offenses. No more one player is the team. No more first round busts. No more egotistical “geniuses” who bail on the players to suit their own egos. The list goes on and on. New players. New attitude. New year. Still 8 and 8 if they are lucky. And do not start Ryan too soon.
By kreese31
May 13, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Im with Brent, When Matt Ryan is flat on his butt, don’t start blaming the o-line now, when the receivers don’t catch the ball, call matt ryan inaccurate, just like ya’ll did MV7!!!
By Greg
May 13, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
It seems like the Falcons are trying to con people into getting on board with this pick. I think Matt Ryan will be a good QB, but we had other needs that could have made us winners this year instead 2 yrs from now. So win and people will supports you. Lose and the Dome will be empty.
By mo
May 13, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Here’s the deal…They shouldve let Horn play more last year. ACTUALLY throw a ball to some of the vets. Sad to see some of them go..On another note…Experience is priceless. Hopefully he sticks around
By Hamad Meander
May 13, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Williams misses pre-camp and reports at 230 lbs? I don’t have any problem with a 230 lb. safety as long as most of it is muscle. Sounds like he isn’t working out at all though.
Joe Horn - I hope you find a good team to play for and I hope the Falcons get a nice draft pick for you. This team is building (not re-building because to rebuild you had to have something to begin with). I hope the Cowboys call and you get to team up with T.O. to win the Superbowl. The only thing standing between the Cowboys and the Superbowl is Jessica Simpson.
By Karl
May 13, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Kreese all I have to say is SERIOUSLY? Think about what you said and I again ask you SERIOUSLY! Comparing dogfighting to hunting SERIOUSLY! I myself do not hunt so you can not call me a hypocrit. I however being a person who stuck behind MV7 as you call him saying he was innocent until proven guilty to any who would listen. Which he eventually was. Cannot believe you have the audacity to call out Arthur Blank or compare hunting to Dog fighting. Hunting is controlled and used for population control so the animals that are being hunted to not become a problem. Whereas dog fighting is a cruel and sadistic way for a bunch of idiots to get their jollies off while watching these dogs tear each other apart for money. Here is a better idea why don’t these owners stand up and be real men and fight each other to the death at least that way as one dies off there will be one less idiotic sociopath in this world. Just a few thoughts IMHO. SERIOUSLY!!!!
By Green tea
May 13, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Hey “Gee”, I’ve had season tickets for 7 years and will be renewing them. How many games a year do you go to? I thought so… So many complainers on this blog. How about everyone just wait for next season (not this one) before judging Matt Ryan. He is on the team and will be for a while, quit complaining already.
By weights and standards
May 13, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
The players see what the real deal is and it not about haveing a good team. No way this team will win when they refuse to do what it takes to will. Blank and his snow boarding gm are clueless. some of You fans cheer now but hold on you will see the real deal 5-11 for years to come. Gm you get the team need and the best players. The Gm is a high paid clown and the joke is still on. Gm look at the tuna he drafted very well our so call gm what does he draft PR and linebackers!
By Matt
May 13, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
I can understand Joe’s point. As he said, he wants to win a Super Bowl and would like to win one here, but if he’s on the bench, he can’t contribute. Can’t fault a guy for wanting to play, especially someone like Joe Horn who is a seasoned veteran.
By MC
May 13, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I remember after Williams was drafted, McKay was dumb enough to tell the world that HIS SON (8 years old or something?) told him Williams was the best player to draft. I can’t believe it took two more years for Blank to come to his senses….. I lived in Tampa for a long time and always had McKays back. Looks like his support staff in Tampa was the true talent…(I still give him props for bringing in Simeon Rice, that worked out well/long enough….)
By chas
May 13, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
If Horn leaves it not that he is mad or disgruntle with Falcons, He simply understands what direction they are going and respect their decision, but it doesn’t mean he has to stick around
By kreese31
May 13, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Karl make as many excuses for hunting that you want. Population control, get outta here!! I didn’t know that GOD worked for the government, and when was the last time you were checkin out a piece of property in the woods or the desert or any of these other rural hunting uninhabitated areas, try that BS philosophy on your kids.
By JROD
May 13, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Dogfighting is worse than hunting because it is against the law and people do not ever plan on eating the dog; However I longed questioned hunting for animals for sport rather than to feed your family. Very few people these days are hunting to feed their family. They are doing it because they enjoy the sport of killing animals otherwise why do it?
P.S. I am sure non dog animals dont see your hypocrisy (being sarcastic)
By Family
May 13, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
i don’t blame Joe.How can the falcons not play a 4 time pro bowler.That holds all type of receiving records with the saints and single handed kill the falcons everyntime they played. I have seen Joe make every falcon receiver look terrible in practice. The Falcons receivers can not hold Joe Horn jock strap. Yes Roddy White had a good season. Who wouldn’t, if all the passes went to him.He should’ve had a pro bowl year. So go Joe ,you still can play this game. Let the falcons put there trust in the young receivers and watch how they go. Its teams that wants a true leader . Like the titans, redskins, packers,cowboys and texans. Coach Petrino lied to Mr. Blank..Mr. Blank and the Falcons staff lied to Joe Horn Hollywood in the Music City
By MariettaFalconFan
May 13, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
I’m sure by July/August Jimmy Williams will not be apart of the Falcons roster.
Joe Horn is better off with another team that need a veteran wide receiver.. If I was in his position, I would probably say the same thing but only to the GM and not to the AJC.
In regards to Matt Ryan, if he does well in training camp, and the o-line turns out to be decent with Sam Baker, then let him start.. Reports have said that the offense will be a run oriented/Steeler offense. So all he has to do is hand the ball over to Norwood/Turner and throw it about 15 to 20 times.
By chuckmonster
May 13, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Still a loud-mouthed, disgruntled punk, and will never be anything more. He was a cancer in New Orleans and will be wherever he goes. ALWAYS a ME guy and should look around at his contributions to one losing team after the next and realize he was a MAJOR contributoe to chemistry disasters on every one. Atlanta would be MUCH better off without this whining jerk.
By Astro Joe
May 13, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
OK, I’m drinking the Kool-Aid being served by this coaching staff (and GM). I know it will take 2-3 seasons to return to respectability, but I look forward to watching the progress. Here’s hoping that true Falcons fans will stick around for the transformation while MV7 fans find another individual player to adore.
I say throw darn near all of the the rookies out there on day 1. Baker, Ryan, Lofton & Jackson. No time like the present to get this thing rolling.
By terrell barron
May 13, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Falconfan60, you forgot about Chris Houston. So now you want Chris and Roddy to leave to? Please!
By Lil E
May 14, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
Jimmy Williams could slim down to 220 and be used as our backup SS. I think we need to let him work his way back, instead of trying to cut him. Remember our secondary isn’t deep anyways..
By NAFIZA
May 14, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
By doctor
May 14, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
who the h### cares about the new QB’s image, this is not a beauty pagent. we want to when games. stop thinking that these guys are saints, who cares. we need people who can produce on the field, not just look good for the media and you wishy washy fans
By wes
May 14, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Man Joe Horne should have tons of trade value after last season. Maybe Philly would give us their seventh rounder next year for him.