Falcons

By JT

September 22, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Any word on special teams? The Jennings muffed/fumbled/mishandled punt was terrible.

By Gram

September 22, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

No, I’m not worried about those guys going down for a little while primarily because the Falcons have a little depth for a change. Douglas can play, and thank God the Falcons had the wisdom to keep Finneran- you want him on your team. It’s true the Falcons have beaten two patsies while struggling against a good team, but i honestly feel that finally, after watching them for over thirty years, this team is on an upward spiral. I think Dimitroff knows what he’s doing. The Falcons had an excellent draft, had a brilliant free agent signing in Turner, and Ryan already looks like a vet. The way the league is structured, any team that drafts well, makes some good trades and free agent signings, and has a little luck can contend. looks like things are looking up.

By Tyger

September 22, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Kudos to the Falcoons Organization

What we saw in the preseason is real. The Falcoons have returned to the NFL. They are a much more organized and disciplined team and these are the results. Even in the Tampa mauling, they played hard throughout, a sign of class.

True enough, we havent beaten any world beaters, but NFL teams just the same. We are a quarter of the way to a .500 season and barring catastrophe, I think we will again be proud of our very own Falcoons.

They are a deeper and more fundamentally sound team. They playmakers are getting touches and Thank God for Burner Turner!

But Mike Smith is also a godsend, he is not above his players and they are responding. Kudos to Arthur Blank and Kid Dimi - I think they got it right this time.

By KingoftheRing

September 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Seriously…we were suppose to be the WORST team in the league!! This team has heart and spirit. Things are really looking up. If there was ever a time to be excited it is now.

By KingoftheRing

September 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Seriously…we were suppose to be the WORST team in the league!! This team has heart and spirit. Things are really looking up. If there was ever a time to be excited it is now.

By This Gets Old

September 22, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Well while we knew that last season was an abberation and they weren’t the worst team it’s at least a start.

They will at least be built like a pro team is built. Run the ball, if you get a QB then you have to get some linemen. Sounds simple but hasn’t been done here before. Still have to get that ball to Jerious out in space. But like I wrote last Mon. if you can’t see that the Falcons are the team on the come then you just don’t want to see it.

By terrell barron

September 22, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

At Carolina, at GB, Chicago, and at Philly. We might win 1 of those games. Definately not in Philly against Jim Johnson and that defense. I say win vs. Chicago at home and end up at 3-5 after 8 games. If we’re 2-6, we’ll probably get BLACKED OUT locally, for the remainder of the season. At 3-5 there’s still a little hope. Things are looking up though. 5-11 this year. 7-9 next year. 9-7 and playoff berth in 2010.

By terrell barron

September 22, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

At Carolina, at GB, Chicago, and at Philly. We might win 1 of those games. Definately not in Philly against Jim Johnson and that defense. I say we win vs. Chicago at home and end up at 3-5 after 8 games. If we’re 2-6, we’ll probably get BLACKED OUT locally, for the remainder of the season. At 3-5 there’s still a little hope. Things are looking up though. 5-11 this year. 7-9 next year. 9-7 and playoff berth in 2010.

By Singletary

September 22, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Okay, on a weekend where Miami beats the Pats, and Atlanta — forecasted to be #32 on the power rankings — goes 2-1, I think this may be a pivotal season in which … expectations change.

Do I think we have a long way to go: YES. Am I AS negative about the choice of Ryan over Dorsey or Ellis as I was earlier (I admit it,) no. Do I want Laurent to get well and be the promise of the team, YES! Did our D secondary step up, YES.

And most of all, DOL is my new favorite Falcons writer because he’s giving me analysis and real information, not just teasers and inflamatory text.

By Boo Boo

September 23, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

Coach Smith said (by not talking about it) the defense made Larry Johnson look like an all-pro again. He is not still an all-pro. This is on the heels of the defense giving up a 60-something yard run to Tampa Bay, when only down 8 points.

He also said (by not saying) a third-string quarterback drove his pitiful team to two relatively easy touchdowns; and twice he drove them inside the Falcon ten yard line, only to not score. They did not score because they missed a chip-shot field goal and were stopped on a goal line stance. The stops in the red zone were positives, but letting them get into the red zone so easy was a problem that needs to be improved.

The Chiefs were 8 - 18 on third down plays, 1 of 2 on 4th down plays, and had 17 first downs (to the Falcon’s 16).

The punt return team gave up the ball in Falcon territory, which ended up in the goal line stance.

Coach Smith said yesterday, before he had seen the films, the team did some good things, but there was room for improvement.

By roan st

September 23, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

The falcons defensive line is still a major issue that Dimitroff was unable to address in this years draft. He could only do so much in one offseason. Next years draft the defensive line will be priority number one. I also think that depth on the offensive line will be adressed next year. Once the lines are built to full strength this team will be pretty damn good if Ryan develops the way we think he can.

By jeanE

September 23, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I am sorry Robinson is hurt but this is the chance to give Finn more work!! He can do it, give him a shot Mularkey!! This guy is a wily, savvy veteran with awesome hands who can go over the middle or the corner of the endzone! I just don’t understand why they aren’t using that to their advantage! The very few times Ryan has thrown to him, he’s overthrown him, how do you overthrow a guy who’s 6’5”??

By terrell barron

September 23, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

You guys still want Schaub back? lol!! He looks awful. He’s about to lose his job to Rosenfels. Great move by Mckay, for once.

By Larry

September 23, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

The Chiefs were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league if all their players stayed healthy. They were down to their 3rd QB against the Falcons. Please don’t get excited about the victory over the Chiefs!!!!

By bigshelly

September 23, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

This team reminds me of the 1997 team, the year Dan Reeves arrived. Very similar, smart and talented QB (even though Chandler was injured prone), bruising and swift RB’s (I really miss Jam), decent but not great WR’s (White will be a star though), unknown but workmenlike OL’s and DL’s (Chuck Smith and Abraham star power), LB’s tenacious (just like when Brookings was a rookie then, Lofton will be that young fire), veteran lead DB’s (Houston, Grimes, and Jackson will be legit). The team in 1997 played hard just like the one now. So, yall know what happen the following year ten years ago. I’m not saying superbowl for this new group of falcons but they will be playoff bound next year. Holla!!!

By bigshelly

September 23, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Also, the team in 1997 was well coached.

By Spud Webb

September 23, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

roan st I agree. Demitroff will address the D line this offseason with the draft or free agency. Probably another body along the Oline wouldn’t hurt also. Abraham is a stud if he can stay healthy. I love the way Smith has this team playing and the teams attitude. Going to be tough at times this year, with a rookie QB but small progressions will be made. Eventually the playbook will be wide open. I have a suspicion they have “shrank” the playbook a bit and probably limit Ryans ability to audible. Hopefully by the end of the year he will be able to change some plays and not lock into one reciever. Overall, I give this team and A thus far. They beat two teams they should’ve and put up a good fight vs the Bucs.

By Manny

September 23, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

This week will truly be a good parameter as to where the Falcons are by playing the Panthers. The Panthers is a good team, but going down a downward spiral. Let’s see how we do against those guys.

I expected the Chiefs to lose. Oh, and I expect the Falcons to beat the Oakland and St. Louis. I had them winning 4 games at the start. A surprise, for me, is if they win 5.

The Falcons may beat the Vikings, so 5 is doable. But if they beat the Panthers- I will declare the entire season a success.

By Ken Strickland

September 23, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Moving JAbraham around, and playing him next to an active JBabineaux, has allowed him to avoid constant double and triple teams. We can see the results. I can’t wait until the entire OFF package is installed and MRyan is allowed to open up. I can see that happening after the bye week.

By The Grinch

September 23, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

I’m very happy with the team so far. I must admit that if Baker is so concussed he can’t even watch film he may be out for 4-6 games at least. Not good. But we’ll still show improvement and finish ahead of expectations. I hope Robinson is ok; he’s got talent. But if he isn’t it won’t change things too much as receiver is one of our deepest spots. I wish Anderson would step up; the fact that he’s a good guy who probably would if he could makes me think we’re probably gonna have to draft another DE soon. DT, DE, SS, TE, CB, OL is probably how we’re gonna go next year, though through draft or FA who knows.

By the truth

September 24, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

the problem is not the team in atlanta it’s the fans or lack there of. Sunday the dome was half empty for a team that is quickly earning a lot of respect in the NFL but not in atlanta. There several other teams that have struggled for years far worst than atlanta but the fans remain loyal and fill the stadium every week. Show this team some support and appreciate the effort being given from top to bottom.

By the truth = a lie

September 24, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

“the truth” - I was at the game on Sunday and it was 90% full. Stop selling your pessimissic disinformation campaign.

The actual gate at the Georgia Dome on Sunday was over 70,000 people in attendance.

Get a clue.

By Regal1_Got 1

September 24, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Sure didnt look no more than 30,000 tops.

By John House

September 29, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Maybe my previous comments over the past two weeks awakened the stats reporters. THey finally got it right. Brooking made one tackle-ONE- and that was about right for the previous games but many more were reported. He’s been a good one but now he’s hurting the team by his presence. Too slow and frequently out of position.