Falcons

By JIm H.

August 25, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Dont know how good they will wind up being, but the offensive line seems to have a nasty streak in them. That’s a good thing (gotta keep the penalties under control, though).

Also, I think we might have (for the first time in a few years) a coaching staff that actually knows what the hell they are doing.

By rainman

August 25, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Things are startin to shape up. Which of the following ‘bubble’ players make the team? OFFENSE (forget the 3rd QB arguement) TBrown, Snelling, McIntyre Jennings, Finneran Milner, Zinger

I guess Forney, Batiste, Pennington, Wilkerson, and Datish are all history

DEFENSE BAdams, Irons, Fontenot, Harris Moore, Frazer, TAnderson Stone, Cooper

By Ron in ATL

August 25, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

It appears some of the sentences at the beginning and end are missing. The font is messed up, too.

By mountain jim

August 25, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Yes, as Ron in ATL mentioned, this article is hosed - is anyone there proof-reading?

By Jason53

August 25, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

This is a real life example of the difference between a college coaching staff trying to coach in the NFL and a real NFL coaching staff. Besides Baker, this is the same line as last year and they look 100 times better. Our DBs and WRs also look better than last year and I give a lot of that credit to this staff. About 85% of our coaching staff last year were college coaches and took the “yell in your face every play tactic” which wears thin on pros.

The line has looked much improved which is the main reason I think Ryan should be the starter because it doesn’t look like he will be killed every week.

Looking forward to the Lions game.

By ATLplayer

August 25, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Ryan did look good and should start with Redman as the backup. DJ Shockley should be the 3rd string QB; he brings a change of pace. Release Harrington and move on. Both line play looks good. Anderson is proving to be a burst. If he hasn’t learned from Abe, then he don’t have the skill set. Abe is constantly in the backfield pressuring the QB. The 8th overall selection in the draft has to have shown more by now.

By clos21

August 25, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

This some B.S. It was never an opening stater QB Job. If so why D.J. never played with the first team. And in the practice reports from 790 the zone say that he was throwing the best balls? Sound more like a 72 million answer to me! MONEY DON’T WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS!

By kirknga

August 25, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

I hope they don’t release Laurent Robinson. It’s not as if we are deep at that position, and it’s not as if they don’t have him on tape.The guy is a talent, a big WR and this team needs all the talent it can get. The only old-school message I want them to send is to win. And you aren’t going to win many games if you don’t have enough talent.

By JD

August 25, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t be so quick to give up on Jamaal Anderson just yet. His development as a good DE could be a product of coaching last year (and we all know how THAT went). I say give him a chance, after all it’s only his second year. Look at what Mario Williams (the no. 1 pick in the 06 draft) did after a change and some seasoning. I can remember at least a couple of plays where he rushed the passer and almost (yeah, it only counts in horseshoes, I know) had a sack on Vince Young had he not gotten rid of the ball (and I’m talking about fractions of a second, too).

The team as a whole does look solid in every area. I’m still concerned about our depth at qb, given that all of them haven’t played w/ the first string offense (and before anyone says anything about Shockley being mediocre and he’s not this or he’s not that, I’m speaking in reference to all of them getting a fair shot to show what they can do against, what should have been, the opponents’ first string defense, not whether they should start or anything).

If Shockley is the odd man out, I believe that the things that plays against him are a) he got injured in his second season on a freak play, b) in the games that he’s played this pre-season he’s looked good in spots, but when it comes to passing he seems rushed, as evidenced by the ROCKETS he’s thrown that receivers haven’t been able to control, c) he seems to be pressing to show that he belongs. It’s one thing to say the young man is a mediocre qb that had one mediocre season at UGA (after all, all he did was lead the SEC in passer efficiency, win an SEC Championship, and finish his college career w/ a 142.8 qb rating - 24 tds, 5 ints as a senior- I’m just point out facts) but it’s another to doubt his skills as a qb. At this point in his pro career, we have yet to really see what he can do.

All that said, I’m impressed with how the team has performed this pre-season. The o-line looks solid, and the defense looks stout. Granted, it’s only the pre-season, and we should see subtle differences in pace of the game, but I think the Falcons will be able to hang in there and really surprise some teams that may be taking them for granted.

By Pimpin_Sean

August 25, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS ALWAYS LOOKGOOD IN PRESEASON. THIS YEAR IS NO DIFFERENT. I GUESS ALL THE CRACKERS GOT WHAT THEY WANTED WITH THEIR GREAT WHITE HOPE. ANOTHER LOSING SEASON IN 2008. FOR ALL YOU VICK HATERS, IF THE FALCONS DONT WANT VICK BACK, THEN WHY IN THE HELL WONT THEY RELEASE HIM FROM HIS CONTRACT? BECAUSE THEY WANT FIRST DIBS ON HIM WHEN HE GETS BACK AFTER 72 MILLION LOSER RYAN BECOMES A BUST.

By Ben

August 25, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Im so glad I can finally cheer my hometown team again. Not because I think they will be great, but because we finally have character guys. I can be very patient rebuilding as long as we do it with good people. ie Braves

By lhp

August 25, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Please stop with the DJ Shockley nonsense. I am a huge UGA fan but DJ was just unlucky by not getting a chance to play last season during the QB merry go round. Thems the breaks. Deal with it and quit being so unrealistic about Shockley’s talent level in the pro’s.

That being said, I think that Matt Ryan is mentally tough enough to take his hits/losses/sacks and still find a way to learn from them and improve.

By BB

August 25, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

TO PIMPIN_SEAN

YES…YOU FIGURED IT OUT. THE FALCONS ORGANIZATION WANTS TO HOLD THE BLACK MAN DOWN. ALL WE WANT ARE WHITE PEOPLE. SHHHH….DON’T TELL ANYBODY ELSE.

GET A LIFE.

By jim

August 25, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Is Kroy Biermann going to beat out Jamaal Anderson for the job of starting DE on the left side? Biermann has outplayed Jamaal Anderson in the pre-season.

By mark

August 25, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

can’t wait to the season begin, i hope dj is the 3rd qb. jh just don’t have it. the falcons made the right decision starting matt ryan. the o-line been solid. show what a little coaching can do. it’s a process and true falcon fans understand that. pimpin_sean. grow up,name calling about someone else opinion is childish. i was/am a mike vick fan. i am a falcon fan first. wish mike vick the best. go falcons

By BJ

August 25, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Thanks Pimpin_Sean for your colorful comments. Take the caps lock off next time. I think they will release Michael Vick once the court issues and the money gets cleared up.
I’m eager to see what Shockley can do on Thursday. He may be rushed, but that’s because he’s playing with 3rd string OL (re: fumble vs. Colts). And that interception from the Colts game should have been caught by Zinger! C’mon!

By Jerry

August 25, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing the number of people that say D J should be on the roster and he has never done anything pro wise. It shows that ignorant Georgia Dawg blood runs deep.

Hop on the Ryan Express.

Go Falcons.

By Brock

August 25, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Memo to “pimpin sean:”

Vick has been banned for life by the NFL.

That is all.

By Black Panther

August 25, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it so funny how the media(AJC in this case) won’t ever come out and say what is really going on when everyone already knows it? There was never a QB competition going on. You don’t give a guy 72 million and not let him start. Sadly, this really has nothing to do with his play on the field. This has everything to do with Mike Vick. Arthur Blank and his PR dept needed a “clean cut white guy” to strut out there as the “face” of the team. This is strictly a business decision. They think that he will provide a glimmer of hope for a horrible franchise. I will admit that he has played much better than I expected and eventually he will be a solid pro, but this is about how the media thinks that everyone except them is stupid. Just call a spade a spade. Arthur Blank felt burned by a black QB, so he felt like he needed a white guy to help turn this thing around. We had a million more pressing needs to draft for instead of QB, but it wasn’t ever about improving the team only about getting some character guys on the team. Sorry, but that approach never wins championships. We will be lucky to win 2 games this year and it will be about 5-6 more yrs before we contend again. But, the Falcons brass doesn’t care, as long as no one gets arrested. DJ Shockley never got a chance. Was it because of his skin color? Of course it was. In their eyes, when one black player messes it, it must mean all of us are hoodlums. You think that it was a coincidence that all the players released or traded in the off-season were black and outspoken? Jim Crow still rules in the south!!

By X

August 25, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

I think that the Falcon have given Ryan every opportunity to succeed and 72 million reason to play. However like it or not the best QB in the organization is D J Shockley. This guy has been given a raw deal and the Falcon would be very wise to keep him. Or they can do what we did eighteen years ago with Brett Favre a guy that was not given a chance either. But, we know the rest of the story with Favre.

By Jim H.

August 25, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Uh, Pimpin_Sean….I’m sure you are a football genius and everything, but the reason Vick is still on the roster is because if they release him now before the legalities are cleared up it would count against the salary cap and with NO chance of recovering any of the money. You must have missed that the 397 other times it has been explained in article after article.

By Greg

August 25, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Jim is right about Biermann, who has, rather astonishingly, played with quickness and power even from the DT position, not to mention DE. He is the real deal. Twenty more pounds and I see Patrick Kearny all over again. Right now, however, Jamaal is solid enought at DE, and I don’t see Biermann, with his size disadvantage relative to the huge OTs out there, replacing him. The real doozy of a question is at running back. We are going to release (or trade) either Brown or Snelling (we’re going to keep Mughelli for his blocking—-just as an aside, why doesn’t he run more effectively?), and they have both looked good. At times very good indeed. Maybe we can work a trade for one of them and bring in another pass rusher. I shudder each time I see Abraham’s all-out rush as I recall how easily he gets injured.

By Tyrone

August 25, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Black Panther - a an African American, I am appalled by your comments. They are totally racist and not in any way based in fact or reality.

The FACT is that, because Vick is in a federal prison, the Falcons needed a QB.

The FACT is that Matt Ryan was the best QB available.

What does race have ANYTHING to do with that analysis?

Are you sugegsting that there was some other black QB out there that the Falcons front office by-passed and that the decision was made on the basis of race?

You are nothing but a shallowed minded racist to spew such unsubstantiated garbage.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Go Falcons!

.

By TheManMike

August 25, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

I agree with jim on one hand, but i dont think Kroy should start over Jamaal…Lets give Jamaal some time, lets see how the new coaches have coached before we kick him out. I do love the looks of this Kroy fellow tho - he appears to be fighting hardcore for a roster spot, and i think he earned it simply with his preseason game play. He should be a mammoth next year and start in place of Jamaal if he just cant make ithappen this year…maybe sooner if needed. He should make a spot. this, of course if Abe can make an entire season without injury….

Shockley will not be released. He will make practice squad. He will have his chances to get better and become the eventual #3/backup….thats a possibility with Redman being as old as he is.

Go birds!

By falcon

August 25, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Black Panther says, “Arthur Blank felt burned by a black QB”

Vick lied right to Arthur Blank’s face. Mr. Blank met with Mike to determine his involvement in the dog fighting allegations. Vick promised he wasn’t involved.

I don’t like dealing with liars. Do you Black Panther? Vick hung himself. You gotta play that race card! That’s all you got!

By FALCONS610

August 25, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Give it up on the racist comments. It is over, done the Ryan is the starter… it is time to move on. Ryan is the best QB right now and we have seen it. The reason Joey Harrington got to start in game 2 instead of DJ Shockley is because Harrington is in fact the veteran of the two, and Shockley has zero real time game play experience. Harrington and Shockley both played against the same defense in game 1 and Harrington did a more solid job. DJ spend most of his time scrambling around anytime any pressure started to get to him. He may have a good arm, but he just lacks experience and in this case we need experience over unproven for a number 3 spot.

On to bigger and better things. The O-line does look good. I think they are having great success and they are showing some “nasty” streaks. It is great to watch. Senseless penalties must stop though, and they will in the season.

I like Snelling and Brown, it will be a tough decision either way. Finneran wins a spot, not only has he made bold and good catches, given his down time, he has also looked good on special teams. Look out for more.

I personally liked Clabo and Dahl together. Then again, I haven’t seen Weiner play enough to know if he has the same “nastiness” as Dahl and Clabo. I hope he does.

GO FALCONS 9-7, NFC South champs, and a playoff birth here we come!!!!!!!! Great in 08’!!!!

By Jim H.

August 25, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Well folks…..it didn’t take long for all the racists morons to rear their ugly heads on this subject, did it? Back Panther, you might be surprised learn that as a white man I sometimes go all day long without pondering ways to keep the black man down…..Too busy worrying about making a living, my kids, my parent’s health, etc. etc.

But anyway, back to the subject of football…I hope they keep Shockley, as he has potential and possibly a huge upside. Joey Harrington has had every opportunity to prove himself and has only proved that he is a somewhat capable QB, more suited to a backup role than a starter (on some other team besides ours hopefully).

By JD

August 25, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Look, I’m on board with Matt Ryan. I think he’ll be a good qb for this franchise. And I’m also aware that Shockley, for whatever reason(s) hasn’t been able to show what he can really do. That’s not a knock on his perceived shot or non-shot. The point I was trying to make is that he would be an adequate back-up qb for this team, not a starter. And truthfully, I think that as a player, DJ knows that. It would be good that he get the chance to start, but based on his merits, not because of his race. I think that he does give a different aspect to the game, but I also felt that when he did get into the games he was pressing to do well, therefore that may or may not be a factor in why he has performed so poorly. That being said, you won’t really know what he can do until he gets the opportunity on the field to do it. That’s all that was being said….

By Reality Time

August 25, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

To Jim Crow:

I must take exception to a few of your comments about who was released from the team and why. #1 not all outspoken players were removed from the team, Roddy White for example. DeAngelo Hall and Joe Horn made it abundantly clear they no longer wished to play in Atlanta, that was not racial. Warrick Dunn was embraced and loved by Atlanta and losing him was painful, but it was in no way racial, we simply had to get a younger running back. The only racial overtones were that certain players chose to align themselves with Michael Vick, even after he had plead guilty, rather than support their team. A group of malcontents, who feel they have been wronged because one of their team mates is in jail, by his own admission for committing a crime, does not win football games either. Please stop with the race issue. The team is predominantly black, what more do you want. DJ Shockley was and is loved by the Bulldog Nation, but that doesn’t mean he is a NFL caliber quarterback. He has been given as much opportunity as any fourth stringer would have, probably more, and he will have more on Thursday. Please give the race issue a rest.

By gaels1979

August 25, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Open competition for the quarterbacks? I wonder how Shockley would fare playing with the starting offensive unit; with linemen who block and receivers who can catch the football? Didn’t the other 3 guys have that luxury? My guess is, we will probably never know. Oh well, So much for open competition.

By Little

August 25, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Wow!

Did I just read someone compare D.J. Shockley to Brett Favre??

Whitney Houseton was right:

Crack is Whack

Go Falcons!

By kreedham

August 25, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

I think DJ would be a good choice for 3rd QB. Nice change of pace and tremendous upside. Several have commented on the coaches and their coaching players up. He can get better!

However, DJ will make the team or be cut, based on his performance this Thursday.

By Tommy

August 25, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Two observations:

1) Falcons message boards always prove that bigotry is a two-way street, and

2) For the first time in memory, we may see a Falcons team that plays above its talent level. They will not be the worst team in the NFL. Now anyone that seriously thinks they will be any better than 6-10 is clinically insane, but we’re in a much better spot that the Raiders, 49ers, or even the Cheifs at this point. Build and take the lumps this year, and start contending in 2009. And dare I say that maybe we’ll FINALLY get the back-to-back winning seasons hex broken in 2010 or 2011.

By Unbiased_Blogger

August 25, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

GET TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME OR YOU ARE A BUST.

By Famuan

August 25, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

The Falcon fans motto is BACK! “Maybe in 2 or 3 years”

By Famuan

August 25, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Hey Unbiased Blogger, no talk of playoffs THIS season, but its back to the days of maybe we can get to the playoffs in this decade. LOL Who cares what happens in December, its back to the days of what happens in April.

By 007

August 25, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Gentlemen, and notice who loosely I use the term. It appears we have a bit of a disagreement when it comes to the Falcons and their QB. All joking aside we do not own the team and therefore do not have the privilege to make any player decisions for this organization.

Now as to who gives the Falcon the best opportunity to win? The Falcon currently believe it is Matt Ryan. Should you disagree with that only time will tell. This is just one mans opinion. Currently, I am on the fence on this one. However it is not up to me. That belongs to the Owner and the Falcon organization.

So stop making this a black or a white thing. Because to the Falcon it’s a green thing. It about winning and money.

By Edward

August 25, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I am so excited as a life long Falcons fan that Matt Ryan has been named the starting quarterback. I think he has a lot of the intangibles that it takes to be a great quarterback in the NFL one day. I love the way he motivates guys around him and I love the way he actually sits down and studies the playbook and encourages his fellow teamates, Michael Jenkins is actually making catches from Matt Ryan. He is a very positive role model for the fans and the team and I am 100 percent behind him and the Falcons just like I’ve been for almost 30 years now.

By Too Sad

August 25, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

WOW, always about race, why cant this be about football. First of all, how can anyone black or white want Vick to be the QB when all he has done is get in trouble and is in prison as we speak. Are we supposed to put the entire football team on hold because he is a black QB? Hes not even a good qb hes a great athlete END OF STORY!

As far as starting Ryan, whether he is a rookie or not he is the best QB on the roster, anyone who has watched the preseason games knows that. Shockley has been around long enough that the coaching staff knows what he is capable of, and he will get his chance to play with the first team this week.

I just wish stupid morons like Pimpin_Sean wouldn’t use race when any normal person, black or white knows what Vick did was wrong, I would bet that if it was a white QB that got in trouble it wouldnt even be discussed anymore, any disagreements???

By PMC

August 25, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

I would wait for Jamal Anderson, but they passed up on Amobi Okoye and Glen Dorsey. Glen Dorsey is no big deal since their plan was to get a QB and Left Tackle. I understand that from a financial and rebuilding standpoint… but passing up Amobi Okoye just to grab Anderson who is a workout warrior was a bad move. The guy isn’t terrible. He’s good against the run…. but he’s not been very able to shed blocks and he’s got average DT’s next to him. Grabbing Anderson at 8 when Okoye dropped to 10. Okoye was ready to play at 20 years old. Anderson is still learning the position. He might be a good player eventually but he wasn’t worth the number 8 pick in the draft, especially since the saints got Sedrick Ellis around the same spot. The Falcons will STILL yet again struggle against the run.

By Zeb

August 25, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

One thing that Matt Ryan and DJ can do is read defenses and change the play at the line. That’s something Vick could never do and it used to drive me freakin crazy!

I think Matt’s gonna do fine. He’s a smart guy, and that’s what you need at the QB spot. You don’t have to be an ultra athlete to be successful….just use your head.

By PMC

August 25, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Wow it sure is nice to have a professional coaching staff again though.

Seems like that’s been sorely lacking since Reeves left. I tried to buy in to Mora and Petrino because I’m a fan. I hope wins and consistancy go along with Mike Smith because he and his staff are really professional and seems like a likeable coach all around for all parties. Not only that. They seem to be getting the most out of the talent provided which has not been the case here very often if at all.

By McRly?

August 25, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

I like DJ, but he can’t stay healthy. If he gets cut, then the fact that he’s a little injury prone is enough of a reason right there for me (true Dawgs fans know this about DJ too; love him, but can’t trust his body for 10 games). I want both Brown and Snelling to make the team too, but right now, Snelling is the lead horse. The fight was really between Brown and Jennings, and Brown didn’t do enough in camp I think to get his shot at taking that job on game day. Brown heads down to the practice squad unless someone grabs him. If so, good. I want the kid to get his shot in the NFL, and this preseason was a nice audition for him. Wish Miller could have gotten healthy enough to play, but I bet he’s done like dinner. Pollard’s signing signals that. But I dont’ expect Pollard to be the answer either. Hartsock’s gonna have to step up or we’re not going to be very reliable at the TE position (receiving-wise) this year.

Vick? Who’s that? My QB’s name is Matt Ryan. R-Y-A-N. I do not know (or care about) this ‘Vick’ fellow you speak of.

GO FALCONS

By This Gets Old

August 25, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Will all of this crap ever end???

STOP IT, STOP IT, STOP IT OR SHUT DOWN THE FALCON BLOG!!!!

By DOTHAN

August 25, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

It’s an absolute disgrace when people( be they black or white) like pimpin’sean and black panther inject completely unfounded racist rhetoric into a legitimate discussion about Falcons football. This is why decades go by and race relations don’t improve all that much!!!!!!!!!!!

By Same Ole Falcons

August 25, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

What is with this “Ryan can read defenses” line? When you throw that many interceptions in a year its because you CANT READ DEFENSES! Its not because it was everybody else’s fault! Look at the excuses…no, Ryan threw a WHOLE lot of interceptions because he didn’t get the coverage read right. Just like the pick 6 he gave away last week, he’ll give a few more out this season. 19 intereceptions from a 5th year senior is not a sign of reading defenses well.

By HCI

August 25, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

If Shockley weren’t black and from UGA these folks would be yelling for his release. He’ll never be more than a 3rd team NFL back-up if he ever gets that far. Be for real!!!

By Eric

August 25, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Listen Black Panther, as a black man, I am insulted by your racist comments. Matt Ryan was the best quarterback in the draft, that is why he was picked. Also, there were no black quarterbacks in the first round, much less were they better then Ryan. You also made the comment that the players released in the off season were all black, thus proving racism. Let us take a look at that: Warrick Dunn was an aging running back (I still liked him) who has a couple years left in his career. This is why the Falcons drafted Jerious Norwood, a running back with similar skills, and oops, did I mention he is black. DeAngelo Hall, played off receivers to pad his stats, and penalized his team 60 yards against Carolina. He is being replaced by Brent Grimes who is black. Marcus Pollard and Ben Hartsock will play tight end. Marcus is black and Ben is white, yet they are playing for Atlanta because they have skills and they do not take up the salary cap room of Algae Crumpler. This is not racism; this is sound management of a team.

By Black Panther

August 25, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Race relations won’t change because America was created by a bunch of outcast Europeons that came over to North America after being kicked out of Europe and stole this country from the Native Americans that were already here. The racist history books tell you that Columbus “founded” America, but how do you find a country that is already occupied by a whole society of people? Then the rogue Europeons went over to Africa to kidnap “blacks” to come help farm and build this nation to what it is today. So, this isn’t racism, it is simply the truth whether you white boys want to admit it or not. Now back to the Falcons, they suck!! Matt Ryan will be average at best. The defense will get exposed and so will the coaches after this year. The Falcons are about to enter the same stage the braves are in, load up on average white guys that are character guys and get a mudhole stomped in you on the playing field. Sure, no one will get arrested, but they won’t win either. Oh, and FYI, just because you listen to rap music that doesn’t make you a thug!! Micheal Phelps just proved that!!

By Daryl

August 25, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

It sure now be apparent to all Vick fans, that the falcons will cut D.J. Arthur Blank don’t want a quarterback controvercy. If he keeps D.J. as a back up, he knows he will continue to have one. He know that the more D.J. plays, the more D.J. proves himself as the better quarterback. And the more he proves himself, the bigger this controversy becomes. All of this was obvious the moment the falcons drafted Ryan. Everyone knows, D.J. is the best quarterback on the team. But, he will continue to play with the 4th team offenses until the falcons cut him.

By Unbiased_Blogger

August 25, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

IF THE FALCONS DON’T MAKE IT TO THE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP THEN RYAN CAN’T READ DEFENSES AND A “DUMB” QUARTERBACK MADE IT TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME NOT READING DEFENSES. THAT’S VERY BIZARRE.

By Great Falconi

August 25, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

The most passing attempts in a season that Peyton Manning had at the University of Tennessee was 477. He threw 11 interceptions that year (1997).

Matt Ryan threw 654 passes for Boston College in 2007. He threw 19 INTs.

Why do I bring this up? To show that throwing 19 INTs in 654 attempts is not bad. It’s not even close to being bad.

(And we all know Tennessee had better receivers and a better O-line than Boston College.)

By Unbiased_Blogger

August 25, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

DARYL YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. WE ALL KNOW.

By falconhusekr

August 25, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

For all those who are whining that Shockley hasn’t his fair time with the first string, remember this. The Falcons are an NFL team, not a YMCA or Pop Warner team. Why take time away from Matt Ryan when he has consitently shown that he is more then capable of being the starting QB for this team. I for one could care less who is holding the clipboard while drinking Gatorade on Sundays. Shockley has only shown that he is not ready to take a snap in a live game, be it with the first of third string. His repeated bad decisions came against players who most likely be cut or see little playing time. To call it racist is ignorant is it self. Repeated posts that are poorly written and use horrible grammar with claims of racism are a slap in the face to not only the minority players you are trying to stand up for, but to other minority fans (myself included). We all know racism exists, but seriously. The color of Shockley’s skin has no bearing of how he plays on the field.

By Unbiased_Blogger

August 25, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

GREAT FALCONI - THE ACC & SEC IS A BIG DIFFERENCE OF COMPETITION.

By HANK

August 25, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Harrington is not a 3rd string QB. Why hasn’t the Falcons front office given Green Bay call about a trade for him since all they have behind Rodgers are two true rookies in Brohm and Flynn? That way all of DJ’s fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing he will still be on the roster. Seriously can anybody shed any light on this ? And Black Panther since you obviously dislike this country and whites so much DON’T LET THE DOOR HIT YA WHERE THE GOOD LORD SPLIT YA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Eric G.

August 25, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Guys! I would really like some of you to call me to explain why DJ Shockley has been less impressive and why you think he is not pro caliber, so I can give you some rebuttals. Call me and let’s exchange our opinions. I am a little tired of exchanging opinions on this blog because sometimes it takes to long. My number is 4044244785. God bless!!

By Spivey

August 25, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

First: Shockley has not played with the first team offense thus far so yeah he seems rushed—because he is being rushed. Let’s see how he looks after playing with the first team this week. Second: “Beer-Man” looks real good. He’s very athletic but light—he needs to literally “get his weight up” to have a real chance and this kid could be special. Third: Please ignore/don’t respond to idiots like Black Panther and Pimpin’ Sean or anyone else who wants to interject racism into this blog. I’m not even sure if they’re black (I am) and they just want to illicit a response and detract us from the real task at hand…A winning season in 2008-2009. Go Falcons!!

By Paddy

August 25, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Pimpin Sean…The Falcons will release Vick when it makes financial sense and not before. They don’t want him back and all the baggage he carries. I hope he gets a second chance in the league. But you lie to the owner, coach and fans and people just move on and write it off as a bad deal. Lets just play football and forget MV. He is not ever coming back.

By Unbiased_Blogger

August 25, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

PADDY - MV7 WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU CAN’T WIN MORE THAN 4-GAMES IN A SEASON. AS FAR AS LYING TO THE OWNER, IF YOU FEEL THAT HE IS THE ONLY PLAYER THAT HAS LIED IN THE NFL YOU ARE INDEED EITHER NAIVE OR BOGUS - I’LL LET YOU DECIDE WHICH. ANYWAY, THE WAY MV7 HAS BEEN TREATED BY THIS CITY, AFTER HE IS FINISH WITH THE UFL, HIS ONLY GOAL WILL BE TO COME BACK AND DESTROY THE FALCONS EITHER WITH CAROLINA OR TAMPA BAY.

By White Panther

August 25, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Black Panther, guess what? There really aren’t different “races”. Everybody’s geneology can be traced back to Africa. The term “race” was invented by racists!

And I had no idea Columbus “founded” America. He wasn’t even the first European (or Asian) to find America.

The competition was never between Shockley and Ryan. It’s between Shockley and maybe Harrington or Redman.

I find it hard to believe that the management of ANY NFL team, even in Atlanta, base their personnel decisions on “race”.

I LOVED Vick, but he gone. Now I want to WIN. The better chance to win is with Ryan, not our beloved sixth round pick, starting.

By Daryl

August 25, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

One hypothetical question. Had Matt Ryan been black, would the falcons had drafted him? If you say race doesn’t matter, you’re a racist.

By JEM

August 25, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

I hate everybody.

By Edward

August 25, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have distanced themselves about as far as a team possibly can from that dogfighting criminal Michael Vick and that is exactly what they needed to do. The color of Mike Vick’s skin has nothing to do with his inability to play quarterback for the Falcons ever again, the big deal is the fact that he is a liar and a criminal and shouldn’t ever walk back onto the field at the Georgia Dome again unless its in an opponents uniform. Matt Ryan meanwhile, is a character football player and as I recall Mike Smith stated in his initial press conference…You Win in the National Football League with character football players… and rebuilding the team around quality football players is exactly what the Falcons have appeared to do. The Mike Vick supporters always want to cry race when its all about winning and success in my mind thats all that I have ever cared about. I want the quarterback that gives the Falcons the best possible chance to win and I believe Matt Ryan is that guy. He is a Peyton Manning-esq quarterback (not statiscally yet) in the way that he studies the game and gets the players around him motivated including Michael Jenkins for cryin out loud. Friday night against the Titans he looked like he had been there before, he looked very comfortable and completed most of his passes including 1 for a TD. I also think that he is out to prove all of the people that say he can’t play in the NFL wrong. The Falcons have moved on from Vick and it shows in their much improved performances on the field, why is it so wrong to have a quarterback that can beat people every week with his arm instead of every now and then like Vick did.

By Unbiased_Blogger

August 25, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

CAN ANYONE STILL REMEMBER THE ALAMO? HOW ABOUT WWII? HOW ABOUT MAKING THE PLAYOFFS? OLD HISTORY IS A GOOD HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECT BUT IT DOESN’T FILL THE DOME.

By Unbiased_Blogger

August 25, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

EDWARD - YOU NEED A HUG.

By darrell starks

August 25, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

PEOPLE WHO SAY LET DJ SHOCKLEY GO YOU ARE RETARTED HOW CAN YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT KEEPING JOY HARRINGTON AS YOUR QUARTABACK WHEN HE HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING FOR THE 7YEARS OF HIS NFL CAREA THIS TEAM WHENT 4 AND 12 LAST YEAR WITH HIM AT QUARTERBACK AND THE GUY CANT EVEN THROW THE BALL MORE THAN 20YARDS LOOK YOU HAVE TO put the best players on your 53 man roster and JOEY IS NOT ONE OF THEM SORRY.GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!

By JEM

August 25, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank and the Falcons organization would have LOVED it if Ryan was black. The best quarterback in the draft AND he happened to be black? It would have been perfect for the franchise. I’m sure the front office saw the backlash coming from some of the black Falcons fans with the decision of drafting a white QB after MV7.

Oh, and Shockley being the best QB on the team? Please.

By falcon/dawg/football fan

August 25, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

when i started reading this blog i counted how many bloggers (6) before it turned to racism, it never fails.

the falcons (and every other team in the nfl) can’t afford to worry about weather a qb is black white or purple!! at one time your comments may have been true but not now.

i was always a vick backer until the last year when he started to act like an idiot and very much want dj over harrington, yes i’m a dog fan, but he’s the better qb and is nothing but a class act.

as tough as it is to win in this league do you really think any team can afford to worry about what color his qb is?????

if you are looking for racism, you might find it in the mirror.

By Manny

August 25, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

$78 Million is the reason why Matt Ryan is the starting QB. And the reason for the $78 Million is because of Mike Vick.

But I wish Matt Ryan the best. I hope that what I think is going to happen won’t come true, and that he will have a good season.

As for DJ Shockley, Matt Ryan didn’t play for the Falcons last year either. So if Coach Smith says that there would be open competition, and that Shockley’s balls are crisper (which I’ve seen and heard, as well), but he still haven’t played a preseason game with the first team offense; someone lied.

Also if you look at the play calling, and more bubble screens and quick slants were called for Matt Ryan, but everyone else had plays where they had to throw downfield… c’mon. There are people who watch the games that have played and coached the game too. Anyone who has ever coached or played in an offense will know that you call certain plays that are considered safe. You know, quick slants, bubble screens, quick outs and curls to the outside. I haven’t seen many fly patterns, curls in the middle of the field, or longer slants. No double-move patterns, either. Those are not considered safe.

But alas, we won’t see any of that from Matt Ryan this weekend, either. He’ll probably go out for one series and hand it over, along with the rest of the first team, and hand it over to Shockley. Which makes me afraid. For the week after.

By JEM

August 25, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick is a dumba#&. Horrible QB. And it has nothing to do with the color of his skin. He’s simply stupid.

By Peter

August 25, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Did any of you Rhodes’ scholars bother to think that the Falcons might want to take a chance on slipping DJ through waivers and don’t want to expose him too much? Or that Joey might be traded? Don’t forget they say him in regular season action just last year when we played the Jags.

Harrington has a $1 million contract. No way in he!! that you pay a third string QB that kind of money. And nowhere in this article was Mike Vick even mentioned!The Falcons didn’t get rid of Vick, Vick got rid of Vick!

Vick will get a job after prison which goes to show you that NFL owners don’t give a crap about skin color. 60 percent of the league is black and if you can’t deal with that too bad. Arthur Blank gave Vick the largest contract and Vick lied to the man’s face. I wouldn’t want him back be he black or white.

You a*******es want to fight so bad there’s some openings in Afghanistan and none of you guys are breaking any records to get over there are you?

Black and White all you guys do is give the town a bad name. I wish you’d all go away and let the football fans have the blog back!

By Damon

August 25, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Have you seen Colt Brennan play with the 3rd stringers? Why can he throw tds with 3rd string players, but it is an excuse for DJ?

Keep him so he can play scout QB.

I am from Newport News, VA and AM STILL a Vick fan. But, it is what it is. Matt Ryan is the QB, and I want him to succeed. Just like I wanted Joey to succeed.

By Nookah

August 25, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

It would be nice if all of us could stick to football and specifically the Falcons. I won’t even dignify the race discussion with a response.

It is my opinion that we will be better than advertised. Matt Ryan will be a very good QB in time. He has impressed me this preseason. Let us also give some credit to our OL. I think with time they too will gel. Let’s be honest Matt will only be as good as his OL and as I said before I think they’ll be fine.

My take - 8 & 8. We’ll contend in 2-3 years. You heard it here first.

Go Falcons!!!

Nuff respect!!!

By -ger hater

August 26, 2008 3:38 AM | Link to this

hahaha - i love seeing the those of a darker hue whine and cry and hate on the matty ice, who is way more intelligent and way more of a leader than vick will ever be. what’s so funny about this is those of a darker hue realize this and can’t handle it.

hell yeah matty ice got his money. can you really picture him buying a house in dacula for the purposes of starting an illegal dogfighting ring? face it people of a darker hue, vick had his chance…

but he was incredibly stupid. plus, whatever he was trying to do from the quarterback position would have never worked. he belongs in a circus.

By True Braves Fan

August 26, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan is THE QUARTERBACK; Redmon is his backup. The #3 qb will never get into a game. Give Shockley the job and make all the UGA fams happy. Release Harrington. He never did look good anyway.

By Rob 10

August 26, 2008 4:10 AM | Link to this

WOW!!! PIMPIN_SEAN!!!!! u really don’t do much to difuse the preconcieved notions about your people do you?? VICK is a ####### IDIOT!!!! BLACK OR GREEN I really don’t give a ####!!!! An idiot is an idiot and that’s all that matters!!! I hope he never sets foot on an NFL field again! he’s a disgrace and a LIAR and deserves nothing from REAL FALCONS FANS!! Whether you like it or not doesn’t matter because you obviousley are not a FALCONS FAN!! But we are moving on and leaving the LOSERS behind!! Matt Ryan regardless of color is our best option and a leader, a winner, a competitor, and an extremely hard worker. All things that CON-VICK wasn’t!! So I look forward to the season with a NASTY offensive line, a very talented recieving core, and a running back tandom that should be tops in the league. Our coaching staff is no nonsense and is only interested in results, THANK GOD!!! No more of this playing favorites and coddling ####!!! Great decision by Blank to bring in Dimitroff and this coaching staff because these guys know they’re ####!! 7-9 this yr to all you HATERS!!!!!!!

By marko

August 26, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

Three weeks ago I was sure Finneran was outta here. Based on his play, I can’t see any way the coaches could bring themselves to cut him. Third and long would seem a lot longer without him, and his special teams play has been outstanding. In working his back from what seemed like career ending injuries, Brian has proven that he has the kind of stuff we need around here.

By Gerry

August 26, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

Cutting Laurent Robinson would be a big mistake. He has more upside than any other receiver we have.

By DSan

August 26, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

What are you doing Wyche!?!?! Don’t ever compare Matt Ryan to Harrington!! We all know what happened to Joey and it’s not good!!

By ATL Chief

August 26, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

If we compare the arm strength and types of completed passes then Ryan and Harrington are very similar. People take the blinders off. In the NFL arm strength is need or defenders will load up the box on you. Cut DJ since he will never get a fair chance to compete.

By jeanE

August 26, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

We need a proven pass catching tight end, Pollard sounds like a good signing to me. Milner seems injury prone & didn’t have great hands from what I can remember. As for Robinson, that’s life. Finn is back & should play often behind the starters. The most interesting roster competitions are back up running back & QB. I wish they would keep Joey & maybe DJ for a change of pace. I have nothing against Redman but he’s odd man out, to me. Let him catch on with another team that needs a veteran type back up.