Falcons

By BASEBALL KEN

September 29, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are o.k., 500 ball after the the first quarter,is a step in the right direction. Ryan’s play is good and he will get better, Turner doesn’t seem to have the speed portrayed in San Diego. Babineaux is excelling opposite of big Grady. We need a catching TE,a big corner and physical weakside LB, Brooking is looking older. 8-8 is a possible.

By BASEBALL KEN

September 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are o.k., 500 ball after the the first quarter,is a step in the right direction. Ryan’s play is good and he will get better, Turner doesn’t seem to have the speed portrayed in San Diego. Babineaux is excelling opposite of big Grady. We need a catching TE,a big corner and physical weakside LB, Brooking is looking older. 8-8 is a possible.

By norman

September 29, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

The Falcons looked good against weaker teams of Detroit and K.C., but looked terrible against Tampa bay and Carolina, especially troubling is no deep passes tried against Carolina. Get ready for a long season because better teams on schedule await falcons. Did anyone notice that Mattie Ice is starting to have happy feet? shades of Bartkowski days. Maybe two more wins at best for rest of season, then wait until next year begins!

By Ryder

September 29, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Falcons: World beaters at home, get beat silly on the road. Ok, not the most thorough analysis but it’s the truth.

Ryan has done well considering the circumstances in which he entered. I do believe he’s going to be a solid NFL QB provided his receivers can hold on to the ball. He’s already become a leader in the huddle and that was the biggest obstacle to overcome. Everything else will fall in place.

Turner doesn’t seem to have the speed portrayed in San Diego? You’re kidding, right? He has been nothing short of electrifying since coming over from SD. He and Norwood will become a force as the offensive line gets better overall.

We all knew the defense would be shaky, especially in the secondary, but there are parts to build around in Abraham, Lofton and Babineaux. I do believe the majority of next year’s draft will be about upgrading the D.

Overall I’m still seeing 6-10 this year and the major steps needed to get to the next level will occur in the offseason (Cornerback, Defensive Tackle, LB)

By Ben

September 29, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

They’re terrible….. Two wins against two of the worst teams in the league. Play a playoff bound team & they look lost. Lets see what the next 3-4 games brings. Probably 3-4 defeats.

By brandon

September 29, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

they haven’t looked good against good teams, but they have looked good against bad teams. i think they might be in a little more trouble than the 2-2 record demonstrates. they have only won against bad teams.

By Jim

September 29, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Barring injury, we could do ok this year. Can the weaknesses be fixed? Our run blocking is sub-par. Our receivers drop too many passes, and the defensive secondary is too porous. Is it players or scheme? We look a lot better in all other areas than last year.

By Shane

September 29, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Penalties are a killer. I think Smith needs to get a clarification from the league on what holding is, because, those two calls on Dahl did not look like holding…just good blocking. I agree with you on Boley what is up with him ? The secondary is talented and will get better. I am disappointed in Jamal Anderson he needs to do allot more. Overall I think they will get better through the year and Ryan will end up being the best player Atlanta has ever drafted, besides Favre and Deion.

By richbrave

September 29, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

RYDER:

Finding hope in the FALCONS franchise and frustration in the HAWKS.? Just askin’.

By Peachtree John

September 29, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

2-2 is better than any of us have a right to expect. Ryan appears to be capable and will get better with time. When you consider all the bad things that we went through last year, and when you consider the new hires since then, we should be elated. The organization of the new staff is apparent: that is welcomed. The players seem to want to accomplish as a group, and for the group: that is welcomed. At least we have hope. While the faithful have tried to see hope for years, hope now appears to have a foundation. Carry on.

By diehard

September 29, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS NEED TO USE ALL THEIR WEAPONS, NOT JUST TURNER AND NORWOOD TIGHT ENDS FULL BACKS TO MAKE PLAYS SEEMS LIKE THE OLD DAN REEVES STYLE 1 2 PUNCH AND NO SURPRISES GO FOR IT EARLY FIELD GOALS IS A FAILURE UNLESS U HAVE TOUCHDOWNS TO ADD GAME PLANS PLAY CALLS SUCKS THE WHOLE NATIONS KNOWS THE PLAY SOON AS OFFENSE LINES UP U CAN STAY WITH THE RUN ,JUST CHANGE HOW ITS DONE REVERSE TRICK PLAYS TO THROW YOUR RIVARY OFF

By Jack

September 29, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are playing better than expected by any REASONABLE fan. The team is in year ONE of rebuilding. Since there is NO CHANCE of winning a Super Bowl this year, what does it matter? The more losses the better the draft picks for next year, when we should definitely be much improved. I like the talent evaluation skills Thomas Dimitroff has brought to the Falcons. You won’t see the bust picks(Jamal Anderson, Michael Jenkins,MeAngelo) in first-round picks,we saw from McKay.Free agent signings were terrible under McKay too(Hartwell,Crocker,Harrington to name a few)The FUTURE will be bright.PATIENCE is a VIRTUE (that, unfortunately, most Falcons “fans” don’t possess)

By saint

September 29, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

When the receivers got Happy Hands, and Carolina loaded up the line, Ryan joined in with Happy Feet. For good reason: look at the size and speed of the Panthers, in a couple of years we may be like that.

So Smith tried Turner and he could go nowhere, and then tried to pass, and a bunch of catchables were dropped. When that happened, the game was over.

By Blake

September 29, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

The biggest dissapointment for me was the dropped balls against Carolina. It is hard enough to win with a learning rookie at quarterback, even more so when you factor in you are a rebuilding team, but the “veteran” recievers must step up and catch the damn ball when Ryan makes the throws! My grade through the first four games: C-

By Jimbo

September 29, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Falcons are about where you’d expect. Beat the weak teams and loose to the better teams. This team does not have the ability to close out drives and put the ball in the end zone. 20 to 20 good but you can’t rely on field goals alla Dan Reeves and Morten Anderson to win on a consistant basis. Best case is 4-5 wins all at home pick up another top 10 draft pick in ‘09 and continue the building process. I am willing to wait and watch the developement with Coach Smith and Thomas Dimitroff.

By falcon4life

September 29, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Three things: 1) We have got to tackle better, even in the wins our tackling is dismal. 2) Murlarkey and Ryan have got to make more out of the mistakes teams give us; i.e. when we have a 1st and 5 on their side of the field, that play call should include a go route at an attempted touchdown. I like our chances of picking up 5 on two plays with our running game. 3) We are scoring in the red zone off runs right now, but don’t forget that Finn is 6’5. Throw it up and let him go get it.

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Lol, what a funny a* game. Matt Ryan looked HORRIBLEm, just like I predicted, and you people are making excuses for him, like I predicted. “Its the reciever’s fault” I guess is your excuse for Matt “Field Goal” Ryan for this week. Last I heard, he supposed to have great touch and accuracy, Vick looked a whole lot better to me, and deep down, you people know it.

You people blamed Vick for this very thing, yet you make excuses for Ryan. Matt Ryan is no Mike Vick. like I’ve always said……………………………… No Vick = Losing Season. Matt Ryan = Losing Season

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Lol, what a funny a* game. Matt Ryan looked HORRIBLEm, just like I predicted, and you people are making excuses for him, like I predicted. “Its the reciever’s fault” I guess is your excuse for Matt “Field Goal” Ryan for this week. Last I heard, he supposed to have great touch and accuracy, Vick looked a whole lot better to me, and deep down, you people know it.

You people blamed Vick for this very thing, yet you make excuses for Ryan. Matt Ryan is no Mike Vick. like I’ve always said……………………………… No Vick = Losing Season. Matt Ryan = Losing Season

By Houston Texans

September 29, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Atlanta fans have no idea of what a good QB plays like, you sent us Matt Fraud, because my team listened to you idiots whine about how great he is and he needs to be the starter, well guess what!!!!

Matt Frauds QB rating is worse than Matt Ryan’s!!!!!!

WOW

Where are all the bloggers screaming about Starting Matt Fraud when you had Mike Vick? Oh yeah you’re the same idiots claiming Ryan will be great!

By PR

September 29, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Everyone says, falcons won only against terrible teams like Lions & Chiefs….Guess what.. Didn’t Chiefs beat broncos on Sunday ? … I think falcons doing well. Once, Ryan settles down, falcons will win on road as well.

By htwo0rider

September 29, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter, you are a jackass. Just to qualify what I”m about to say, I was a Vick supporter until the pitbull disgrace. It makes me sad for Mike, because he had the world at his feet, and we may never see another talent like him. Matt is a rookie playing in his first year, while Mike sat on the bench his first season like most rookie QBs. The receivers dropped seven passes yesterday. Feel free to give Matt a chance. Mike’s not a Falcon anymore, and probably never will be. If you’re a true Falcons fan, you’ll support the birds.

By maddoxh

September 29, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

To me the playbook seems to be very limited. How about passing to Norwood in the flat. It would take some pressure off White and Jenkins. How about running at least one screen with Turner. Maybe more cross and slant routes for receivers. Seems to me that they are running the same plays every week. The Falcons have a hard schedule this year. We need to at least try a mixture of things and develop what works best.

By Randy

September 29, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

To the Vick people…..get over it, he put himself into the position that he’s in and he’s not coming back. As for the Falcons, this is a team that is 3-4 players from being a playoff team. Next year if we sign a couple of key free agents and have a good draft we’ll love what we see !

By elephanthead

September 29, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

This game was decided where all football games are decided - between the tackles. What I saw was Turner hitting the line quicker than usual because the Falcons O Line was getting pushed backwards and allowing penetration. He could barely get started. Turner has good speed, but he does not start quickly - he needs a few steps. We are gonna need to draft another tackle high next year. The defensive line is mediocre as well. They got owned by an O Line missing 2 starters - thats pretty sorry. Grady does take up 2 guys, but he can’t drive through doubles and put pressure on the QB. Abraham can’t do it all, and as for J Anderson, jeez. Might as well identify the guys drafted by McKay and just get em traded. Anderson and Houston are apparently not going to produce and are going to have to be replaced - hopefully by someone who can tackle.

By TheManMike

September 29, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Matt Shaub is old news. Mike Vick is old news. who cares?

No one is blogging about Shaub, well, because he plays in Houston - who gives a sh1t.

People will blog about vick because he was an amazing athlete and will be back on some level, NFL or AFL so there is a story there that matters on some level.

We blog about our guys who played Sunday….go to Houstons blog shmuck.

Go Birds!

By Rick

September 29, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

If you told me back in July that the Falcons would be 2-2 after September, I would have taken it in a heartbeat.

Everyone said how bad Matt Ryan was going to be. The line has kept him upright and he only has 2 INT’s so far. Matt Ryan is exceeding my expectations. He was not helped out by his receivers at all against Carolina.

I would like to see more throws down field. I’m not sure if that’s on him or the play calling.

Oh yes, and to everyone who questions his arm strength, just shut up and watch the highlight from the K.C. game. It’s not even an argument.

By Bob K in NC

September 29, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

I was wondering why they did not use the fullback during the Carolina game? Is he inhyred?

By 1falconfan

September 29, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Ithinkthefalcons willbefine just have too give them time I been a fan for44years and will always be regardless

By Bo

September 29, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Coach Smith and the Team are doing better than everyone thought. They will only get better. I love the new attitude and Team concept. Ryan will get better, he’s all ready good!

Thank the Lord all the Big Mouths and dead wood is gone.

Vick Supporter: All I blame Vick for is being so stupid as to fight dogs and hang with the wrong group to get in trouble. I hope one day he returns to NFL but not the Falcons.

God bless you all!

By Frank

September 29, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

They need to get Turner in space because the line can’t move anyone with consistency. Ryan gets too nervous too quick. Let him roll right. Get rid of Jennings. Use Finneran in red zone only. Tell the coaches to keep listening to the critics and adjust.

By Hamp

September 29, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

I have said this on these blogs before, Deion Sanders could not cover a reciever for 8 seconds we have no pass rush unless Abe gives us some I was pulling for Jamal but he seems more and more like a BUST. Babs seems to be getting better and we have a core for the future we are a young team. The DBs are sufficent if you could just get a pass rush. The offense is hot and cold to many 3 and outs which stress the defense, the NFLs best defense will lose if it spends most to the game on the field.

By Ryder

September 29, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Hey, how about Vick going to Houston to replace Matt Schaub in a few years? Or maybe Vince Young since he won’t be in Tennessee much longer if the Titans keep winning with Collins at QB?

RICHBRAVE, my man! What’s going on? Sad as it may be, I do find more hope in the Falcons than I do the Hawks right now. You know of my disdain for Mike Woodson will never go away until he learns this thing called game management. Perhaps this year he will actually let more than 6 guys play this year so JJ doesn’t get burned out by January.

As for Mike Smith I believe that everyone on the Falcons are willing to follow him as he is adjusting to the game as a head coach. Ryan is a true leader in the huddle, and with time the talent around him will get better.

The reason I believe the Falcons are on a better track is because they are building to win a CHAMPIONSHIP. The Hawks are only trying to make the playoffs to keep their coach from getting fired.

By kappellmeister

September 29, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Hey, Vick Supporter, how’s YOUR team doin this year? You can join your buddy Charlie Sheen and Mike Convick in the California Penal League. Sorry, but I don’t call SEVEN dropped passes making excuses.

By Dennis

September 29, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

When I watch Grimes play, I can’t help but think two things:

1. He plays with all his heart.
2. You get paid for making plays, not your big heart.

As for Houston, sometimes he just looks lost, plain and simple.

The Birds need to do something at these positions.

By dondada

September 29, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Where is the pass rush. Quarterbacks are getting way too much time to throw. We need more than just John Abraham and Graady Jackson. If it takes two guys to hold up Grady Jackson,where the hell is the rest of our guys???

By mychelfromatl

September 29, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

By Shane

“Overall I think they will get better through the year and Ryan will end up being the best player Atlanta has ever drafted, besides Favre and Deion.”

^^^^^ Dude you should be drug-tested!!

By Chris

September 29, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

The recievers need to make catches!!!! It’s been time for Brooking to go!!! So long!!! Mike Smith and Matt Ryan are doing a great job!! Thomas Dimitrov can really evaulate talent, Curtis Lofton was questionable at first, but now it’s not… I guess this upcoming draft & free agency should address offensive & defensive line, secondary, and tight end. Jamal Anderson can be considered a bust, I have never seen such a defensive end drafted so high that cannot produce. He needs to go out the door right along with Brooking. Also, can Adam Jennings ever find a seam on punt returns? He should be gone to. Plus he does nothing on offensive, we could use Norwood or Chris Houston to return punts. He taking up a roster spot that could be used on another quality backup at another positon!!! Overall 6-10 maybe 7-9

By mychelfromatl

September 29, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

By Shane

“Overall I think they will get better through the year and Ryan will end up being the best player Atlanta has ever drafted, besides Favre and Deion.”

^^^^^ Dude you should be drug-tested!!

By Scotty

September 29, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Well…I guess my prediction was wrong. Our Birds didnt fair so well. 1st quarter Grade-B. This isnt against the rest of the league, but what I expected from the Falcons. MR2 is looking good. Secondary not so much. Milloy needs help and Grimes and Houston got exposed. I really thought they could handle the Panthers receivers. I was wrong. Good thing is we get to see ‘em in the A-town. That goes for the Bucs too. Four games down and half of ‘em are W’s. I aint gonna complain. Keep workin hard fellas and we got 12 more in front of us. A couple more wins is more than possible. Its probable. Dirty Birds baby!!

By not complaining

September 29, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

i still think Shockley should be leading this team!!!

By lost in space. Facons

September 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

How about Matt Ryan going to houston and Vick comming back home. Vick clearly is the best QB. T- 10 mo. to go to happy day again!!! What was his passer rating! same Falcon drop balls no defense and no offense line.

Baker is hurt already. Again defensive line and offensive lineman If you want to win ! Are keep playing PR games and keep loseing. Get the best player bar none. Matt threw a great pass just to the wrong team! you people keep saying the falcons will be fine. I guess when you are 110 years old!!!

By terrell barron

September 29, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Wtf? Babs has been a monster! Now Jamal, that’s a whole different story. I’m thinking we should go DT/DE/CB/S/RT/C/KR in next year’s draft. No particular order. BPA(for Smith’s scheme) at each of those 5 positions.

By Dennis

September 29, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Vick can’t go home. He’s ineligible to play at Va. Tech. again.

You truly are lost in space.

By btwarren

September 29, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Why do we have what could be the shortest CB in the NFL? Grimes has heart and I give him that but height will beat heart for a jump ball in the end zone almost every time. Jamaal Anderson is non existent. He needs to be cut. Brooking seems to get in the way more than he tackles people. Same old receivers and some new ones, dropping balls. I am just making an observation here, but Vick was partly blamed for the receivers dropping balls but seems like it is more the receivers than it was Vick. Need to get TE involved. A crumpler like TE is missing around then end zone. Those field goals should have been TDs. All and all not bad, something to build on. 5-6 wins are possible.

By PANTHERS.

September 29, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

1Falconfan,all they need is time?well its only been 42 years. how many more they need?Sorry franchise.

By Brian Hunt

September 29, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I only see one more winnable game on the schedule (the Rams). The team is better, but still not as good as it needs to be. The secondary isn’t cohesive, and the defensive line doesn’t have enough play makers. On offense, the right side of the line isn’t nimble or athletic enough. That’s why they can’t run screens to save their lives. None of the linemen can run in space and pick up a block. I think it’ll take two more drafts to finish the make over.

By terrell barron

September 29, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

I meant those 7 positions. And oh yeah, we also need a TE that CATCHES THE FOOTBALL. I really think Crump could’ve helped this team this year.

By gdg73

September 29, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Why is Keith Brooking still on the field For a guy making $5million, he plain sucks. He has made no plays at his “natural position”. Saying that he is off to a slow start is an under-statement. Don’t think he is going to get any better either. What you see is what you get. Bring in Stephen Nicholas and bench this sorry excuse for a LB. Also, Brent Grimes is a nickleback in this league, no more, no less. Chevis Jackson or Foxworth start and slide Grimes inside to cover the slot receiver. Also, go find and sign Rod Coleman to help Jackson and Abraham. Babs does ok in spurts, but is not an every down UT. He is best utilized when used in rotation. Also, Matt Ryan needs to start making some plays worthy of a #3 selection. We don’t need just a game manager, we need a playmaker. Kinda like old #7. I sure do miss that guy. We would probably be 4-0 right now.

By CA

September 29, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Some of these comments just go Beyond The Pale!

So this post goes to all of the Fantasy Football know nothings.

Yup a horrible team beat one of the Best yesterday. its the NFL you get yer wins when and in whatever way that you can.

Dont you dare blame our D for yesterdays loss. Blame the Receivers.

If the O cant make plays the D will tire out and be exploited Every Time by Every Team Every Game.

Yesterdays loss is the Receivers Fault PERIOD Not Big Gradys Not Brookings Not Grimes and NOT JA98

Face it you are just concerned about yer Fantasy Football Stats, Now Shut yer yap!

By cb

September 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Overall I am satisfied with their performance so far this year. They’re beating the teams they’re supposed to beat while also protecting home field. Improvement needs to be seen in the pass rush to protect our young secondary (55 can’t do it on his own!!!). We also need to bench Brooking (he is really a liability on defense, too slow!!!!). The receivers have to stop dropping so many passes to help our young qb. For this to be a rebuilding year, other than these areas, I am satisfied with the team’s effort and performance.

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

September 29, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Any thoughts on the red zone and third down woes. I keep asking everybody, Matty Ice, et al and we just keep getting “we have to execute better.” No kidding? What’s going wrong in the red zone and on third down.

By 1GB/packs

September 29, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Hello bird fans,im originally from GB but moved to the A town for buisness.I would have to say that atlanta fans argue and fuss with eachother more than i have ever seen fans for the same team do.And reading some of the comments,ive never seen people have so much hatred for a former player(m.vick)or you can say a team player(still on roster)in my life.Seen players over the years do waaaay worst crime.Guess its a color thing because he’s paying for what he did doing more than enough time for doing so.Being honest i would rather see ryan than vick any day against my boys(G.B).Im a die heart GB fan and will welcome the birds to the house of pain for this up coming beat down.Rogers-brett=still a playoff bound team.GOOOOOOO!PACKERS!

By 1GB/packs

September 29, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Hello bird fans,im originally from GB but moved to the A town for buisness.I would have to say that atlanta fans argue and fuss with eachother more than i have ever seen fans for the same team do.And reading some of the comments,ive never seen people have so much hatred for a former player(m.vick)or you can say a team player(still on roster)in my life.Seen players over the years do waaaay worst crime.Guess its a color thing because he’s paying for what he did doing more than enough time for doing so.Being honest i would rather see ryan than vick any day against my boys(G.B).Im a die heart GB fan and will welcome the birds to the house of pain for this up coming beat down.Rogers-brett=still a playoff bound team.GOOOOOOO!PACKERS!

By Mr. Charlie

September 29, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Scotty,

Nice post…refreshing to see somebody man up and admit they were wrong. I was too…really thought the kids would do better in the secondary.

You know, anyone who didn’t expect that we would have these kinds of games against our division rivals on the road hasn’t been watching much NFL football. Take a look around the league and you will see there are not a ton of upsets for visiting teams.

Add to that, you should have low expectations for the Birds and be joyfully surprised when they win. It’s a rebuilding year folks!

I love what T.D. and M.S. and the coaching staff have done with the team and it’s only going to get better. The whole org is doing a great job.

Matt Ryan is a rookie! What do you people expect!! He is damn* good and will get better with experience. Yes, Jamal appears to be a bust at end though it even took Kerney a few years to get going so maybe….

Grimes made some athletic plays but against big physical receivers he’s going to have to rely on technique. Musin got his hips turned on that play he got the TD on and there was no recovery for that…but where was the safety on that play?

My grade for the Falcons is a C+. But I love em’ and their going to be great after another draft.

The faithful keep the faith.

By better days ahead

September 29, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

**Great post Chris,

Brooking is 3 steps to slow and gets in the way more than helping. Jaamal is a bust. Receivers need to catch the ball.**

By Chris

September 29, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

The recievers need to make catches!!!! It’s been time for Brooking to go!!! So long!!! Mike Smith and Matt Ryan are doing a great job!! Thomas Dimitrov can really evaulate talent, Curtis Lofton was questionable at first, but now it’s not… I guess this upcoming draft & free agency should address offensive & defensive line, secondary, and tight end. Jamal Anderson can be considered a bust, I have never seen such a defensive end drafted so high that cannot produce. He needs to go out the door right along with Brooking

By Henry

September 29, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

The best solution right now is replace Keith Brooking and weakside linebacker. He can’t cover and is reacting very slowly to plays. All he tackles are five yards or better down the field.

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

@htwo0rider, I’m sure you were one of the several idiots on these blogs that blamed Vick for everything. Well, you know what, its time to BLAME MATT RYAN LIKE YOU PEOPLE DID VICK. He’s a big boy htwo0rider *, I’m sure he can handle it. Now, htwo0rider, what’s the problem with blaming “Matty Ice”? Is it not his fault that the recievers are dropping passes? He supposed to be so accurate and have such good touch on his passes, according to you people. Vick hit them in the numbers and they dropped them shi!ts. Ryan has the same WRs and pretty much the same O-line that Vick had. NO EXCUSES, this is the NFL, Ryan neee to get it done or sit down. I told you people this guy will be average at best. I see all these excuses *“help our young QB, blah blah blah. BS!! Vick got none of that, he recieved nothing but scorn on these blogs, and he wasn’t allowed to have a bad game wiithout being ridiculed about a bunch of BS that had nothing to do with football. I hope the Falcons lose every game. Roddy White admitted that he let Vick down many times because of his dropped passes, he has gotten better but you must remember Roddy was a a rookie when Vick was here, so it wasn’t Vick’s fault that he came slowly. But its different for Ryan. I don’t carewhat you people say about me, ya’ll know this is the truth. Vick will redeem himself, beotches

By Mychelfromatl

September 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

You Matt Ryan lovers words of inspiration means nothing so save it, you all were the same fools that swore Matt Schaub was the next best thing and we’ve all see how that turned out. So please keep your false praises and blind optimism to yourselves. Thanks!!

-From a once proud Falcon season ticket holder who now owns Hawks season tickets.

By Stephen Gray

September 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

I am pleased with their progress. This team hit rock bottom last year and went through a major overhaul. It appears the players have bought into the system. Teams are only as good as their offensive line and this is the biggest improvement on the team. Isn’t it fun watching players play hard instead of watching players like Deangelo “Heartless” Hall running his mouth but not producing.

By Mr. Charlie

September 29, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Hahahahaha!

And then Vick Supporter said “wah wah, waaaaah”! Haha!

Then he said “whine, whine’ my boyfriend Vick, whine, whine” some more!

After that he said “whine, wah, blah, blah, my precious Vick, whine, wah, blah, blah”!!

And to wrap it up he said “Whaaaaa! Everyone should listen to me, listen to me, because I’m carrying the torch for my little prison buddy Vickie, his nickname in Jail!! He’s mine, and he’s the bestest axlete to ever play for the NFL”!

Then he said “I’m practicing my soap drop so Vickie will feel at home when he gets out”

Hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By TheManMike

September 29, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry for my previous post about Schaub, I was one of the Dumba$$’s that thought he was a great quarterback!

Ryan is Garbage, he will go down in Falcon History as the 2nd coming of Ryan Leaf!!!!!!!!

All the Money, None of the Talent!

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

@Mr. Charlie, lol. You need to try a little harder. your comment was pathetic

By Sarah

September 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Nice to see mostly positive comments on here and nice column Mr. Ledbetter. One thing that is really nice - you people have finally learned something - no one has bothered to post anything on Terrance Mr. Negitive Moore blog -HA HA HA!!!

By Mr. Charlie

September 29, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter,

Your retort was pathetic…just like your whiney Vick loving posts!

Hahahahahahahahaha!

Your a joke! Hahahaha!

By Dale

September 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

D. Orlando, To answer your question about 3rd down and red-zone, I would have to ask one back. What is Mike Mularkey’s career record on 3rd downs and in the red zone? I honestly do not know. I like the guy and am happy about him as a offensive coordinator. But if his career stats are similar to what we have now, then I think we have found our answer. If not, which I hope is the case, then we can look at “execution” of individual plays and see if there is a pattern in failures at any given position, etc.

Personally, I think we get too careful/conservative in the redzone, and we have had too many third and longs to have good success on 3rd down.

By Jeff

September 29, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Atlanta will be a playoff contender. Just not this year, it will take 2 years to be playoff contenders. We need to draft some Defensive players to tighten up our secondary ..Jamaal Anderson was a bust at DE, Brent Grimes is too small to play with the big receivers in the NFL, Chris Houston has a high upside..We need to draft a big time receiver too, maybe Crabtree from Texas Tech..

Why is Vick still an issue with some of you people. He’s gone, get over it.

By N2Pain

September 29, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Admit it, Falcons blew it by not drafting Calvin Johnson last year. They have no receivers. Shoddy is the best and he’s up and down. Secondary is suspect with 5’5” DBs. Can’t cover today’s bigger receivers. D Hall was a dwarf but had speed and he couldn’t defend bigger receivers. All in all much better team than when Putrid (Petrino) was here.

By Falcon 3107

September 29, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Keep crying about the secondary , will some of the falcons defense coaches watch the P. Eagles that’s defense they dictate to the offense. The QB never knows where their coming from he just knows their coming . Anybody out there remember the 1977 “Gritz Blitz”.Help the D-Line and Abe.

By Stephen

September 29, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Dear Vic Supporter

Can you please go get a life and let the “TRUE” Atlanta Falcons’ fans utilize these AJC blogs for communicating with each other about the “CURRENT” TEAM, e.g., making legitimate comments, observations, etc.

If you don’t want to support the Atlanta Falcons, then don’t, but just let the Michael Vick element go. He is “NEVER EVER” going to play for the Falcons again. In the words of Rodney King…”can’t we just all get along?”…and I’ll add…”just move on”??

By CA

September 29, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

D-Led/Dale:

With a New System Coaches Players etc etc.

The way I see the Big Problem is Over thinking the game. IMHO I feel that we should be focusing on the Fundamentals of the Game and just cleanly execute the plays, or just keep it simple and let the Players MAKE their Plays if you will.

Remember Ryan’s first Pass? A “simple” route CLEANLY Executed and to the House.

KIS

By Gary

September 29, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I would give the Falcons a C+ for their efforts so far.

Matt Ryan has shown more than I thought a rookie QB could do in this league. He needs his receivers to step up and make catches (how many times did White slip in the 2nd half and ended a drive? ) He also needs his offensive line to step up a little more, but overall they have done a good job.

Turner and Norwood have been outstanding. Turner needs the line to hold up a little better on the run blocking, but he has cut off some great runs and is everything as advertised. Norwood is a beast and would love to see him get more action of the PA pass and screen passes.

White has been good receiving and is the go to guy. However he needs to put it together and make critical catches on third down. The previously mentioned slips in the second half yesterday all occurred on 3rd downs and if he makes those catches, result in 1st downs and sustain the drive. Jenkins has shown flashes but is pretty much a bust even under a new regime. Douglas looks like he could be a good WR but he too needs to make the critical catches. Robinson needs to get on the field.

Defense - Brooking is getting older and really needs to be used in specialty packages. Houston is making me think he is Deangelo Hall all over again by constantly getting burned by a big play receiver. Anderson….move to DT or cut all together. Kudos to Grady and Big John A for keeping the Falcons in it with their exceptional play. I am starting to see flashes of Jessie Tuggle in Curtis Lofton. That kid can flat out play. Same goes for Brent Grimes. I love the grit in the little fella.

Overall - we need to play better in the defensive secondary and someone on the left side of the DL needs to step up and help out Abraham and Jackson on run plays and pass rush. On offense the receivers need to be consistent with catching the ball and the offense as a whole needs to execute better in the Red Zone. 2-2 is very good for a team many picked to win only 1-2 games. The Falcons do have some winnable games left to be played. Chicago at Home, At Oakland, and home against the Rams are very winnable games. Minnesota is not looking so tough either. Not to mention that the Falcons were in the games against TB and Carolina until late in the 4th Qtr. I can expect the Falcons to “steal” a win or two from very good teams at some point this year, especially division rivals. All in All this team could very well end up 7-9 or 8-8 with a mid 1st rounder next April and a playoff contending team in 2009. The future looks much brighter now than it did one year ago. Thank you Dmitrov and Smith.

By Clayton Anthony

September 29, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

It has no gone unnotice to me that the Falcons top draft choice a couple of years ago, Jamal Anderson, has contributed very little in regards to pressuring the quarterback or stopping the run. Usually if a defensive end is not good in one area he is good in the other. I don’t want to label Anderson a bust but he is very close to being one, a huge one.

By Boo Boo

September 29, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

So so for the “first quarter.” That is nothing to write home about. However, the first quarter is not usually the way the game goes. The first quarter is when teams adjust. Wins become harder to come by, unless one team is paired against another and one team has a significant mismatch advantage. The “first quarter” of the Falcon’s season has exposed:

They cannot win on the road.

They can win at home with a big early lead.

They have no defense of significance, because only 3-4 of 11 players on the field (at any given time) can play (age, injury, and/or historical record), know how to play (experience), AND will give their all when they play (experience with heart, drive, self-motivation, and drive).

They have too much inexperience to win consistently, due to an innate ability to adjust mid-game.

The defense gives up too many long plays, where passing yards afer catch and runs past the d-line have resulted in a great flag football team spirit, but an inability to wrap-up, stop, and tackle.

They have an offense that sputters and dies in the Red Zone.

They have the ability to run a “no huddle” only as long as the quarterback has memorized what plays to run consecutively. Beyond that, the rookie quarterback is completely dependent on a play being called for him.

They can run when the other team is mismatched, defensive line to Falcon offensive line.

They cannot run consistently when opposing teams are committed to stop the run.

With the running game stopped, the passing game sputters and chokes, with erratic throws and dropped balls.

Unless injuries provide mismatched opponents (like Green Bay not being able to start A. Rogers), or other teams drop passes and turn the ball over, without anything forced (karmic wins), the Falcons can be expected to face the same result they had against Tampa and Carolina, when playing good defensive teams:

Green Bay; Chicago; Philadelphia; New Orleans; Carolina; San Diego; New Orleans; and Tampa Bay. That is 10 probable losses right there.

They could be 3 - 6 when they play the Broncos at home. If Kansas City can run on the Broncos and win, the Falcons might have a chance there. Assuming they can win on the road in Oakland, a victory again Denver would make them 4 - 6. However, by the time they go to Minnesota before Christmas, a lot might depend on what the Viking record is, as well as who is healthy and not playing. They should arrive there 4 - 10. By the time they end against St. Louis, everyone might have already given up and are prepared to mail it in.

By Shawn dodson

September 29, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

I look forward every week to the AJC blogs and i will tell you why.I just love how all the matt ryan lovers defend and make excuses for him.They want so much for us(vick fans 4 life)to stop bringing him up.Well,guess what?It will never happen!

By PANTHERS.

September 29, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Charlie,you know about the soap dropping hugh?wah wah wahhhhhhh is the sound you made when you dropped it.You said that to well.

By PANTHERS.

September 29, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Charlie,you know about the soap dropping hugh?wah wah wahhhhhhh is the sound you made when you dropped it.You said that to well.

By Noitall

September 29, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

The problem with most of you bloggers is that you grade the Falcons as if you were expecting them to make the playoffs or even win the superbowl this year.

Expectations are good but if you expected either one, you would have to be a complete idiot. The franchise has been rebuilt from the top down. You must know that great teams are not constructed overnight.

The Falcons looked GREAT in their two wins and GOOD in their two losses. Although they lost those games, the competed. Yeah there’s plenty of room for improvement…but that’s a part of the process. They have deifinitely showed signs of a promising future.

Once you idiots realize that this is not “the year”, you’ll be able to better evaluate our FALCONS.

So quit talking trash HATERS!!! It’s only a matter of time.

By da truth

September 29, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Hey, you idiots! Referring to vick supporter and mychelformatl, -are you just plain stupid? Matt Ryan is a freakin’ ROOKIE! Do you know anything about football, really? Most rookie quarterbacks never even get to see the field & some of the best qb’s of all time were very pedestrian or worse in their first years. I used to be a Vick fan and thought (and still think) that racism was behind the anti-Vick sentiment in the ATL. But after I realized that Vick is a freakin’ idiot moron with no regard/ respect for life, I gave up on him quite easily. (I do hope that the young man learns from his mistakes and gets his life together, but as far as for football, I dont ever want to see him in a falcon’s uniform unless he’s returning punts). For a rookie, Ryan is doing pretty damn good, you morons. As was the case for Vick, Ryan has crappy receivers -nice to see Roddy’s back to droppin’ passes again. So before you say Ryan’s a bust and all your other ignorant rants, freakin’ pay attention!! Oh, and to that Green Bay clown, A.Rodgers would have gotten his a** handed to him if he even dreamed of starting his rookie year! For a rookie qb, Ryan’s doing fine, I think I’ll wait a year or two before I start making stupid statements that reveal a total ignorance of the game.

By Ryder

September 29, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

I try to follow up on the rosters as much as possible, but does anyone know if Brian Finneran is still on the team? I think he would be a big boost in the red zone on those corner routes where he could use his height as an advantage.

If that can’t work, might I suggest more WR screens and swing passes to Norwood in the flat? This way it can create some holes for them to utilize speed since the field is so much more condensed at the 20 yard line.

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

@da truth. Its the NFL. Quit cryin. He deserves the same criticism as Vick recieved. you people make excuses for ryan. If Ryan played well, I would say so, but he didn’t. You people judged Vick on every pass, even if they were TDs, you people had something negative to say. I hate to say it, but the majority white people here never liked vick and he played his a* of with nothing, which is whats happening to Ryan. “Ryan has crappy WRs…..” Really?!?!? You People are just now realizing that?!?!? Its been going on for the last 7 years and it was all Vick’s fault that they couldn’t catch, now Ryan is feelin the same thing and its “He’s a rookie QB, give him a chance” Ryan’s gonna get judged, at least by me and 100s of others who feel the same way I do. he’s a big boy, he can handle it. Vick did. I gurantee that Ryan WIL NOT BE BETTER THAN VICK. No f’in way. Also, You never hear me say I want Vick to come back to the Falcons, I’m not stupid, I know he’s not coming back here, and thats a good thing. this city doesn’t deserve a player of his stature. Make all the jokes you want, but Vick will redeem himself, and he’s gonna do all on the falcon’s a*, not on A.Blank, he didn’t do anything wrong, it will be on you sorry, racist fans. Yeah I said it.

By Exodus Mentality

September 29, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

1st QTR of Season Grades QB (B-) - He’s a rookie and he is ahead of the learning curve. He hasn’t made the same mistakes two weeks in a row yet. If he doesn’t get control of the happy feet, he may not last in this league. He hasn’t been hit that much this season to where he should be losing his composure.

RB (A-) - Atlanta was (is?)leading the league in rushing as a team and Turner was leading as a player. Both RB’s need to be more consistent, and better plays need to be called to give them a better opportunity to make plays.

WR (C+) - Roddy White gets an A, Everyone else gets a C. (Robinson might have gotten an A but he got hurt right after getting hot). This group has talent but must step it up in the next four games or this season will officially devolve into a long nightmare. Any team that doesn’t have to respect the pass can stop the run.

TE (C-) Would have been a D, but they are part of the line that blocks for the league leading rusher. Otherwise they are the missing link, invisible in the Red Zone. I don’t know if they have no talent or if there is no plan for using them, but nobody even guards Falcons tight ends if they happen to release.

Off. Line (B) - Half of Ryan’s sacks are his own fault for stepping into a defender who was otherwise being blocked. He’ll develop better pocket presence (or not), but the line is giving him enough time to make something happen. This group wasn’t supposed to be able to pass block. Once the rookie gets healthy, I expect continued improvement. Dahl and Clabo are nasty… I Love It!

Def. Line (B-) - Everyone but Jamal Anderson is playing well, and even Jamal got close to a QB and has made a few tackles. Nowhere near what we need from a high draft pick, but not a total loss either. Abraham is an A+ player, and he’s staying healthy. The Carolina game was an aberration that largely falls on the coaches for not picking up on Carolina’s scheme and making NO adjustments. I wouldn’t expect to see them look that bad again this year. They still looked decent against the run.

LB (C+) MLB is good against run, Boley is starting off very slowly, Brooking is past his prime and a step or two late on almost every play, even though he still gets there a lot. I expected more out of this group. Add to that the fact that they can’t seem to cover anyone in the short passing game, and we have a problem area.

CB (C+) - Everyone thought these little guys were going to get torched and manhandled all over the field. While it’s true they are vertically challenged, they both have more than enough heart to make up for it. Did you see Houston and Grimes sticking and STOPPING Steve Smith, arguably the most physical receiver in the game? We’ve all seen Smith run over and away from many corners, but not these two. They held their own against taller receivers as well, and are starting to show up in run support. I wanted to give them a B, but as a former CB, they have to deal with a higher standard. I think they will get surprisingly better as the year goes on and the pass rush improves.

Safeties (B-) - They’re solid against the run and shaky in pass protection. Milloy is an A player or else they would rate a C as well.

K (A) - perfect so far

P (B) - Koenan has lost some leg over the past couple of years. Not so high and not so deep any more.

S/T (B-) - Not too many penalties, no big time returns against, and Norwood is showing flashes. This group should be better, but I don’t think Jennings will ever be a good punt returner. He is fast, but not quick, and quick is what makes a good punt returner.

Def. Coord. (C) - And that’s being charitable. Last game was a solid D-. Coaches have to react better and be more aggressive, especially on the road.

Off. Coord (C-) - Again being very charitable. Only one pass called to the End Zone the whole game? I’ve never heard of anything that ridiculous. Complete lack of Red Zone plan. Not really getting the playmakers (Turner, Norwood, White) in a position to make the big play. Another area where immediate improvement is required or it will be a long sad season. Same thing applies, need to react better and be more aggressive, especially on the road and inside the 20.

Head Coach (B+) - Don’t like his press conferences, but he has this team playing hard most of the time. Everyone seems to be on the same page, and he looks to have control of the game situations during the game. 6 or more wins and no team melt downs will earn him an A for the year in my book.

Overall Team Grade (C+) - I love the Falcons, and I expected them to be horrible this year. 2-2 is better than most of us hoped for. But I see potential here that is not being lived up to. This team could be 4-0 expect for miscues and passivity in play calling and defensive schemes on the road. Still, it is a relatively young team, with new management and coaches, so they get a passing grade and Anything under 6 wins for the year will be a disappointment at this point.

By Exodus Mentality

September 29, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

1st QTR of Season Grades QB (B-) - He’s a rookie and he is ahead of the learning curve. He hasn’t made the same mistakes two weeks in a row yet. If he doesn’t get control of the happy feet, he may not last in this league. He hasn’t been hit that much this season to where he should be losing his composure.

RB (A-) - Atlanta was (is?)leading the league in rushing as a team and Turner was leading as a player. Both RB’s need to be more consistent, and better plays need to be called to give them a better opportunity to make plays.

WR (C+) - Roddy White gets an A, Everyone else gets a C. (Robinson might have gotten an A but he got hurt right after getting hot). This group has talent but must step it up in the next four games or this season will officially devolve into a long nightmare. Any team that doesn’t have to respect the pass can stop the run.

TE (C-) Would have been a D, but they are part of the line that blocks for the league leading rusher. Otherwise they are the missing link, invisible in the Red Zone. I don’t know if they have no talent or if there is no plan for using them, but nobody even guards Falcons tight ends if they happen to release.

Off. Line (B) - Half of Ryan’s sacks are his own fault for stepping into a defender who was otherwise being blocked. He’ll develop better pocket presence (or not), but the line is giving him enough time to make something happen. This group wasn’t supposed to be able to pass block. Once the rookie gets healthy, I expect continued improvement. Dahl and Clabo are nasty… I Love It!

Def. Line (B-) - Everyone but Jamal Anderson is playing well, and even Jamal got close to a QB and has made a few tackles. Nowhere near what we need from a high draft pick, but not a total loss either. Abraham is an A+ player, and he’s staying healthy. The Carolina game was an aberration that largely falls on the coaches for not picking up on Carolina’s scheme and making NO adjustments. I wouldn’t expect to see them look that bad again this year. They still looked decent against the run.

LB (C+) MLB is good against run, Boley is starting off very slowly, Brooking is past his prime and a step or two late on almost every play, even though he still gets there a lot. I expected more out of this group. Add to that the fact that they can’t seem to cover anyone in the short passing game, and we have a problem area.

CB (C+) - Everyone thought these little guys were going to get torched and manhandled all over the field. While it’s true they are vertically challenged, they both have more than enough heart to make up for it. Did you see Houston and Grimes sticking and STOPPING Steve Smith, arguably the most physical receiver in the game? We’ve all seen Smith run over and away from many corners, but not these two. They held their own against taller receivers as well, and are starting to show up in run support. I wanted to give them a B, but as a former CB, they have to deal with a higher standard. I think they will get surprisingly better as the year goes on and the pass rush improves.

Safeties (B-) - They’re solid against the run and shaky in pass protection. Milloy is an A player or else they would rate a C as well.

K (A) - perfect so far

P (B) - Koenan has lost some leg over the past couple of years. Not so high and not so deep any more.

S/T (B-) - Not too many penalties, no big time returns against, and Norwood is showing flashes. This group should be better, but I don’t think Jennings will ever be a good punt returner. He is fast, but not quick, and quick is what makes a good punt returner.

Def. Coord. (C) - And that’s being charitable. Last game was a solid D-. Coaches have to react better and be more aggressive, especially on the road.

Off. Coord (C-) - Again being very charitable. Only one pass called to the End Zone the whole game? I’ve never heard of anything that ridiculous. Complete lack of Red Zone plan. Not really getting the playmakers (Turner, Norwood, White) in a position to make the big play. Another area where immediate improvement is required or it will be a long sad season. Same thing applies, need to react better and be more aggressive, especially on the road and inside the 20.

Head Coach (B+) - Don’t like his press conferences, but he has this team playing hard most of the time. Everyone seems to be on the same page, and he looks to have control of the game situations during the game. 6 or more wins and no team melt downs will earn him an A for the year in my book.

Overall Team Grade (C+) - I love the Falcons, and I expected them to be horrible this year. 2-2 is better than most of us hoped for. But I see potential here that is not being lived up to. This team could be 4-0 expect for miscues and passivity in play calling and defensive schemes on the road. Still, it is a relatively young team, with new management and coaches, so they get a passing grade and Anything under 6 wins for the year will be a disappointment at this point.

By cITyofdecatur

September 29, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

vick supporter and mychelformatl: give Ryan the same chance everybody gave your favorite playa BEFORE he did the Ron Mexico thang, the joint in the back seat thang, the quit in the fourth quarter of a december game thang, the flip off the fans thang, the water bottle in the airport thang, the little thang with dem dogs thang, the lie to the boss thang about the dog thang. prick suvvovtev and mychelformatl your favorite is gone and yes the recievers did to him what they are now doing to Ryan. but get real Vick quit on us before we gave up on him and he gave the world away for hanging with the homeboys. get over it your revisionist history is getting old and his last couple of years there was no winning season remember (15 - 17). in the words of the old grateful dead song HE’S GONE HE’S GONE AND HE AIN’T NEVER EVER COMING BACK. Support the Falcon’s Team they will get better as they finally seem to have a clue

By Shawn dodson

September 29, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

all of you who say you were a fan of Vick,but aren’t any longer knows nothing about loyality.I just can’t see myself turning my back on someone who’s done so much for my team.I’m not a falcon fan but i invested my all in them when Mike was the QB.I just hate how some of you guys disrespects him while he’s at his lowest point.I wouldn’t even treat a dog that way.Oh,i”m sorry!I hpoe i didn’t offend some of you people who put dogs up there with humans.I just demand that Mike be treated better!

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

@cITyofdecatur, you’re right, I assume he wen’t 15-17 by himself, right? I’ve never said Vick was perfect, I just know that he’s better than Ryan. I don’t care about off the field stuff, I defend him ON THE FIELD. Also, let see what “Matty Ice” can do with this roster. Not lookin good so far, at least we had a chance to win w/Vick. Also, what up wit the 52.2% completion percentage? Thought he was accurate? What happened cITyofdecatur ?

By Gator 1

September 29, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

They will not make the playoffs but they still look more like a team than last year. They do appear to have a plan.It will take a couple of years,

By cityofdecatur

September 29, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Shawn read the previous post * YOU said it all your not a Falcon’s Fan* one playa does not a team make and we now have the beginnings of a team. Something we haven’t had since the Super Bowl year. Go the dog fighter blog your irrelevant here!

By htwo0rider

September 29, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

vick suppporter. Just to recap. Before you respond to my comments, feel free to read my whole post. I stated that I was a Vick fan till the end. I was thrilled when the Chargers traded the pick to The ATL in order to draft Mike. I followed Mike’s career at VT and was awestruck by his performance in the National Championship game against FSU. So when the Falcons drafted him, I thought he would one day take them to the Superbowl. I read in one of your other posts that you only care about his on the field performance, and not what he does off the field. Well, he’s not playing anymore, and the Falcons needed a QB. Who would you have drafted Wonderlic? I agree with you Vick was a superior athlete to Ryan, but he’s not playing anymore!

By htwo0rider

September 29, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Vick supporter, I am one of the white minority that supported Vick. I don’t care what color you are. If your the best, then you’re the man. I don’t live in the ATL anymore, but its to bad so much racism still exists there. My post to you was to argue the merits of picking Ryan…not to bring race into the discussion

By Shawn dodson

September 29, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Vick will be playing again real soon,and i will bet anything that those who are big on Ryan would love to have Mike return as qb.I would love for him to be traded to a divisional opponent so he could light the falcons up.

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

September 29, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

SHAWN DODSON

You know these same people (nice word) saying they hated MV7 style, knows that when he’s on the other side of the ball, they are going to be scared out of their minds knowing they can’t stop the thing they hated the most.

You know MV7 is going to be so motivated to land major damage to them. If he goes to Carolina or Tampa Bay it is going to be a masacre!

By Vick Supporter

September 29, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

@VICK SUPPORTER 2. What’s up man? htwo0rider, I did read your post and I saw nothing positive on there about Vick, and thats ok. Vick is a superior QB compared to Ryan, not just an athlete. Whatever you people say, Vick will be back in the NFL and he WILL DOMINATE the Falcons and the NFL. It will be a redemption story like you’ve never seen. He just need to get with a real team and organization, which he never had here, and we still were competitive. Man, if Vick sucks so bad, why were we 4-12 last year? Why can be barely complete a pass? Ryan gets down to the red zone, and he gets exposed for his weak arm because the passing windows are tighter and close faster, he jsut doesn’t have the tools to be a great QB. Ryan does have ability though. I can give credit where it’s due.

By Shawn dodson

September 29, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

those who are tired of seeing Mikes name being brought up i say get use to it!Mike owns the falcons right now.When people think of the falcons Greatness in this decade who comes to mind?The mention of Mike the Great will not stop!

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

September 29, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

VICK SUPPORT

What’s up man! I was born and raised in Georgia and I left that backwards place a long time ago ——— a long distance move and I don’t know how you can deal with it.

Anyway thanks to LOYALISTS like you, SHAWN DODSON and others, his name will not be forgotten and he will redeem himself!

They are just mad because of the shade of his skin and nothing else. Well it’s ironic because the whipping he will put on this franchise will be the color they hate most “black and blue”.

So for all you idiots saying leave MV7 name out of these blogs…..like SHAWN DODSON said…….IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN

By SouthernFriedFalcon

September 29, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

I would love to see the Falcons win. But I am also a realist and came into the season from that perspective. Rookie QB, young team, new 1st-time head coach, and a lot of baggage that needed to be dropped- the Falcons season looked to be painful from the start. So thought the national media. The Sporting News NFL preview had the Falcons picked to go 1-15 and ranked them last. SI preseason power rankings had the Falcons at 32. After all, even Peyton Manning on a rebuilding Colts only won 3 games his rookie year.

So now when I hear fans or media making comments about how the Falcons only beat two bad teams I have to roll my eyes. We beat two teams. They are not even the worst team (Rams). We were supposed to be the worst team! On paper, preseason, It looked hopeless. All the media, and many of the fans thought we would be the bottom of the NFL. We’re obviously not the bottom. We not only beat those bad teams, we beat them convincingly. We beat them roughly the same as good teams beat them. And we were more or less in the games we lost to a couple of pretty good teams. Mediocre is a huge accomplishment right now. Like the Sporting News said at the end- if this teams approaches anything like 8-8, Smith should be nominated for Coach of the Year. Right now, I have low expectations but lots of optimism as opposed to the many years in the past where that was reversed.

By richbrave

September 29, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Exodus Mentality:

Leading the league in rushing does sound like better that a B grade for the O-line.

By saint

September 29, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Red Zone problem is the opponent’s lack of concern about our red zone Passing game:so they get everybody up on the line. Start firing some quick completions in the end zone close-up and the rushing game will open up.

By here since'67

September 29, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

does anyone think Vick improved over the four something years he play?

By Professor

September 29, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Man get off Mike Vick’s jock. Every week the same thing, Vick, Vick, Vick. Vick doesn’t give a damn about yall. Get it through your heads! Are you guys gay? WTF? I’m glad I’m not from Atlanta and I feel sorry for the real fans, you country bred dudes have no clue how to root for a team, freakin joke, lmao! Go Giants! BTW- I like the Falcons and I think they are headed in the right direction, but they won’t ever go anywhere until you guys learn how to root for them. I bet Vick could come have sex with some of the guys on this blog’s wives and they would probably pat him on the back and tell him good job….

By Steve

September 29, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

I think they are headed in the right direction. I deifinitely see a much better team on the field. They will be there in a couple of years.

By Shawn dodson

September 29, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Professor…very funny man!I got a good kick out of that one.Too bad it’s not true,you’re just a hater.And like i stated before,i am not a fan of the falcons.I don’t root for them losers.I surf this blog every week so that i can represent for my fallen hero.I’m here to see that he get the respect he deserves.I don’t care what people think or say about me.I’m a Vick fan for life!

By richbrave

September 29, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Professor:

So that’s what Vick supporter means.!!!!

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

September 29, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

PROFESSOR

It is quite obvious by your ignorance and lack intelligence that the professor title was self-proclaimed and not awarded.

You are obviously a hurting soul. It’s not MV7’s fault that he was awarded the HIGHEST salary of any player in the history of the NFL, including Golden boy Brady and Peyton Manning & oh yeah - Brett Favre.

Don’t be jealous because you are not making that kind of money - hating won’t justify your lifestyle & earning potential.

By howboutarush

September 29, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

everybody’s talking about poor corner play…no corners in the nfl can cover for 5+ seconds. how bout getting a pass rush. non-existent against carolina. all starts with stopping the run on 1st and 2nd down so we have teams 3rd and long and can bring the heat.

By Shawn dodson

September 29, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

I can’t really even get mad at the haters on this blog.I realize that it’s easier to hate than to love,so maybe that’s why some hate so much.I’m not here to cause conflicts i’m just here to support the greatest in my eyes,whom i feel was done wrongly.I don’t care who disagrees with me.It’s all about MV7!

By richbrave

September 29, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

howaboutarush:

Bungie jumping. There’s a rush.

Seriously though, many here in April admonished the FALCONS admin to draft on the O-line and D-line first and go for JOE FLACCO in the second round instead of MATT RYAN. ‘Course that logic wouldn’t have worked because JF went in the first round to BALTIMORE.

By Cheif Mills

September 29, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Jamaal Anderson is hurting tbis team. APB - not seen during games with sack or tackle. Too weak and slow …no technique. Bench him, cut him or let him work with the scout team only. Why keep him in there other than just McCay/Blank bad choice denial at this time. Anybody else on the roster would better help this Defense Line. At least try somebody else for next game please…he is deserving of bench time for poor performance.

By Poor Falcons

September 29, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are and forever will be a sh!tty NFL Team!

You idiots went from ESPN primetime Saturday night games, Monday night Games, Thanksgiving games etc…To not even having a 4pm home game this season!

At least you rednecks finally have a white quarterback, the second coming of sorry a$$ Matt Schaub, it’s sad that Ryans QB rating is better than Schaub and you rednecks thought he was better than MV7 whom you never supported

Falcons Fans Are Pathetic!

By Birdy

September 29, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

According to Buck & Kincaid, Vick had to take last year’s team “deep into the playoff” or be deemed a bust. (all of this was before the indictment and so forth. Back before the dogfighting issues erupted).

So why is it now that the team is rebuilding? You guys mean to tell me our OLine really isn’t chock full of MVPs???

Are you guys saying Keith “Highway 56” Brooking is not on of the seven “most feared LBs” in th eNFL???

How can a team expected to go deep into the playoffs, suddenly find itself in rebuilding mode? Was vick THAT good?

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

September 29, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

BIRDY

Excellent post!!!!!!!!

By Exodus Mentality

September 29, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Richbrave. They almost got the A, Last time D. Orlando asked for grades I did give them an A. I could not in good conscience give them the A again after the somewhat lackluster performance in Carolina. And we’re #2 in the league rushing now, even though Turner is still ahead of Peterson by 2 yards. The running game has to be more consistently productive to earn the A. We are talking about a composite grade for the first 4 games.

By Shaqueita

September 30, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this

Vick supporters right- me and my nine kids and their six baby daddies ALL think Vick was better.

So does my parole officer.

By EC

September 30, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this

The Falcons could easily be better had they let Redmen start. He was actually show signs last year and I think could be trusted more in this offense. Ryan is okay, nothing really special from what I can see, just hope he doesn’t get down on himself as he stuggles through the rookie year. The Falcons are okay, the Jamal A. thing stands out as the biggest dissapointment. Defense vanilla but solid. Would like to see more blitzes to help pass rush, especially on third down. Finn in the redzone on the fade was money for Vick and could be for Ryan too. They have competed even in the losses, though settling for field goals is something I loathe, its the new NFL, you gotta score points. Heck they have alrady exceeded are matched most predicted win totals so here on out, they are playing with house money. Give the fans something, the play calling on both sides of the ball got conservative against TB and Carolina. Attack them and stop letting the defenses dictate to you. If Ryan can’t do it, salvage the season and let Redmen or DJ do it. I hate throwing away seasons we did that last year. No reason why if they address the lack of pass rush, and intermediate passing game the Falcons can compete for an NFC south championship!

By Shanakajaweta

September 30, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this

Vick was the best…that’s what everybody at the wellfare office thinks.

By here since '67

September 30, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

Again, does anyone thing Vick improved during his four something years here?

By Shawn dodson

September 30, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

BY HERE SINCE ‘67…To answer your foolish question,yes Vick did improve.But,how many different offences and coaches did he have to go through?Plus factor in how bad his receivers were.His o line never protected him,need i go on?Also,when a player is already at the top of his game it’s hard to improve.All he was lacking was a good coach and a good team.It will be proven next year when he go play for the bears,YOU WILL SEE!

By ray

September 30, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

Geez. Still living in the past, some of us are….

Let me think just a minute. We’re comparing a rookie QB to a guy who has played in the NFL for several seasons. Yeah, I think it’s fair to say that Vick is better than Ryan at the moment. It must take absolute, sheer genius to realize that. Give that guy a Pulitzer while we’re at it. The question is, given the same amount of time, who will prove himself to be the better QB for this franchise? That question won’t be answered until Ryan has been here as long as Vick was.

And once again, the bottom line is this: Nobody in the Falcons organization put Vick where he is now. No fans put Vick where he is now. Nobody on these blogs put Vick where he is now. VICK AND HIS BUDDIES put himself where he is now. They testified against him, law enforcement made the case, and the courts handed down the sentence. IF YOU INSIST ON B!TCHING ABOUT THIS, B!TCH TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE, BECAUSE NO ONE IN ATLANTA, FANS AND ORGANIZATION ALIKE, PUT VICK WHERE HE IS NOW.

Nobody here…not one single blogger. And only someone in denial and drowning in unjustified anger is incapable of seeing this. Of course, being a racist doesn’t help….

By Shawn dodson

September 30, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

oh,Ray..i’m sorry you consider yourself a racist.If i were you i wouldn’t tell anybody.Now,if your’e trying to say that people who defend and support Vick are racist,you have gotten it backwards.Blacks can not be racist because if we don’t like a person it’s not because of the color of their skin.Get real buddy,some people just will never understand!

By bigeasy830

September 30, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

By Shawn dodcon, let it go man. You are arguing with 2 fools. You know you will never win a foolish argument with a fool. The fool has the advantage. He has homefield advantage. Foolishness is all he know and all he understand. But, he knows it well. Someone called Vick a coac hkiller earlier. paraphrasing what Jim Mora Sr. called him. No the coach killer on that team was Greg Knapp. he is also killing Kiffen and J. Russell. Vick could not improve under that O-coordinator, no one can.

By Shawn dodson

September 30, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

bigeasy830…Well said,you are right.Fools will be fools.But,i will continue to support MV7 to the fulliest.i’M OUT!

By Tom

September 30, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Yes, Curtis Lofton is the real deal. Take a bit of advice from your Okie fans. Leave Lofton on the field on all downs. Don’t take him off. He’s a winner and has a nose for the football like nobody you’ve ever seen. He has a knack for making things happen, just give him more opportunities and quit coaching so much.

By here since '67

September 30, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Vick was the man; but did he improve? he didn’t get faster; he didn’t become more accurate; I’m not sure he got better at recognizing defenses; he started out as an incredible athelete and stayed an incredible athelete; I loved having him on our team; wish he’d wanted to stay on the team; not so sure we didn’t see the upside early and know we didn’t have enough cash to spread around to build a team to compliment his skills; wish it would have worked out for us;

By da truth

September 30, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Quit crying? are you freakin’ serious? isn’t that all you vick guys do? did you even read my post. i said vick had crap for receivers! i’ve freakin watched the falcons since ‘85. i said alot of people probably didnt like vick because of his skin color! -i lost favor with him because he was an idiot! i was a vick fan until his true stupidity was revealed. again, i wish him the best and i hope he gets his life together. all im saying, is dont try to bury ryan just cause you’re upset about something that’s irrelevant. ryan looked freakin lousy in the first half of the bucs game, decent in the second half. vick looked lousy many times against the bucs even after he’d been in the league for a while, and dont give me some bullsht, i’ve fkin watched the games, hoping vick would do well. if it wasnt for his incredible running ability, he’d be a mediocre quarterback at best (only from what i’ve seen so far, maybe there’s a freakin chance that he could have progressed) and that running crap doesnt work too well when you play a real defense like the bears, the bucs, or the eagles. what was vick’s numbers his rookie season? -anyway, stop turning this into some race bullsht, ryan’s just a rookie and the kid’s got heart and potential. im not white, and i could care less what color a player is. it would be great if they just weren’t a total moron off the field. by the way, ive always said that donovan mcnabb’s been the most underrated qb in recent time. that guy’s got heart and is a warrior, and ten times the passer (accuracy, reading defenses, etc.) that vick was, and dont give me that bullsh*t crybaby stuff, -i was a vick fan and hoped that he would develop but i never saw it.

By kd

September 30, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Ignorance shows a lot on this board.

1. Brooking isn’t a star, but he is better than you think. One of the jobs of a LB is to fill holes and protect gaps. Brooking does a very good job of that, and grades out very highly. Football isn’t flash all of the time. Good football players do their jobs- some of which aren’t things that show up in the box score. Since all of you grade film, I am sure you would know more than 4 coaching staffs that have kept him in the lineup.

2. The receivers struggled this weekend. They missed on 3 or 4 third down conversions. That hurts.

3. Turner slipped on the toss in the first half that could have been big. We can’t afford to miss big plays.

4. No one with any sense can criticize Turner for his play. He has been as good, or better, than expected.

5. Matt Ryan is clearly going to be very good. He is a strong rookie and will improve. Anyone that doesn’t see this, isn’t paying attention, or is just biased for the sake of being biased.

6. Stop with the race card. Racism works both ways. I loved Vick. He made a mistake. He’s not here.Regardless of whether his sentence was fair, the Falcons made him the highest paid player in the NFL. He did something illegal. Regardless of whether or not you agree, he could have not done it. Maybe we would have won with him, maybe not. Move on. Calling Brooking out has shades of racism too. You can’t fight racism with racism. If you think Brooking is subpar, did you feel the same way about Jimmy Williams, or Wayne Gandy, or Bryan Scott, or any of the other players that deserved to be criticized. Criticize players for what they are, not who they are.

7. Stop making Vick the entire race issue. Abraham is great, Boley is great, Milloy is solid. Its not like people don’t support African-American players. Don’t pick the one case where someone did something illegal and call it racism. Real racism issues need to be addressed- not percieved ones about millionares in professional sports.

8. The Falcons beat bad teams. That makes us better. We didn’t do that last year. Can we beat good teams? Maybe not, but we are competing- unlike last year. Anyone with sense knows that it is going to take more than 1 year to do that. Are we on the right track? I think so.

9. I don’t think the playcalling is the issue. There is a plan, and Mularkey makes mostly logical calls. I would think that execution is the bigger issue. Those holding calls really hurt us (whether they were legit calls or not) also.

By terrell barron

September 30, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Here since ‘67, I’m over Mike Vick, but to ask if he improved is a joke? He improved as MUCH AS HE POSSIBLY COULD, considering the poor recievers, o-lineman, and COACHES he had. He was getting better and better under Dan Reeves, but when he got hurt and Reeves was fired, he came back the following year with Gregg freakin Knapp as his play caller. Nuff said!

By Dennis

September 30, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Whoever came up with “Matty Ice” needs to be executed ASAP.

Maybe those who repeat it, too. :-)

That’s even worse than Frenchy (who, btw doesn’t want to be called Frenchy but nobody seems to care).

By ray

September 30, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

BigEasy830 and Shawn Dodson, very good assessment of yourselves. You know, the whole part about being fools and what not.

I see that you either did not comprehend what I had to say, or you continue to cling desperately to your denial. Oh well, such is life…for some of us. By the way, the racism comment was sarcasm. And I’m black so you can cram your lame-a$$ racism card right up your a$$. I’m glad you’re supporting Vick. Who’s he playing for again? Ah well, I’m sure he’ll pull through. Just for you. Fool.

By killert

September 30, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Ray, you don’t have to tell lies that you’re black to make your point!

We live in the Deep South and it’s a known fact that most of the “good ole boys” on here calling for support of Ryan never supported MV7! Nonetheless MV7 made his own bed and is paying the price! There is nothing wrong with supporting him through the good and bad but we have a new falcons team and it’s hard for a few black folks to show Ryan the support that MV7 was never shown!

Good luck Falcons and Ray just stop pretending to be black to make a point!

By ray

September 30, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

da truth, I agree. Ryan is no star. At least not yet. But it’s absolutely ridiculous to expect him to do over the course of 4 WHOLE NFL GAMES what Vick couldn’t do over several seasons. There is no valid comparison or fair judgement. Ryan isn’t even playing with all of the same players. I am so tired of this nonsense….

KD, execution was everything. There were several drive killers where passes were dropped. These guys will get better. At least we’re saying this after 4 games and not SEVERAL SEASONS….then we’d have a real reason to complain.

And as you say…we’re beating bad teams. Last year, we weren’t. That’s something to build on.

By Southern Born

September 30, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Here’s something to consider. Perhaps the “supporter” of “he who shall remain nameless” is actually an AJC employee, or at the very least a plant, who posts his outrageous screed for the sole purpose of getting a rise out of fans and thereby driving up post and hit counts.

Consider that the AJC’s hardcopy circulation is tanking, and advertising revenues with it. Add to that the loss of the AJC’s single largest hardcopy cash cow, the Bill Heard auto dealerships. Now also please consider that ajc.com ad revenue prices are driven by post/hit counts.

When you see that the most active blogs have their post counts driven up by either white vs. black or Rep vs. Dem, it’s not too far of a leap to consider that AJC is acting in its own interest to allow, nay even encourage, race-baiting (look no further than T. Moore.) After all, many columnists’ blogs are short on substance and long on incendiary language.

Too bad - some of the blogs I previously enjoyed have become practically unreadable as a result.

Back on topic, I like the direction the Birds are headed. Dimitroff and Smitty are putting the right pieces in place, and I see good things in the future. They’ll probably lose a lot more games this year, but they’re playing to the whistle on every down and not giving up, and that’s something I haven’t seen from a Falcons team in a long, long time.

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

September 30, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

SHAWN DODSON

Don’t let these idiots get to you. It’s obvious they are mad because of the money and the gifts only Vick could bring to this sorry franchise.

For all you saying forget the past and stop bringing up MV7 in these blogs: IT IS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!!

Well of course if you take off those white sheets you wear at night, but we both know cowards never listen to reason.

Anyway, MV7 will always have support from loyal supporters and he will come back on a different team and shove that rebel flag all the way up dixie’s you know what.

HOPE I DIDN’T HURT ANYBODY’S FEELINGS - :)

By PANTHER.

September 30, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Ray your not black,stop your false tales and be real.You let someone call you a fool and it hit home?and now your black,yea right!Guess the truth hurts.

By PANTHER.

September 30, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Ray your not black,stop your false tales and be real.You let someone call you a fool and it hit home?and now your black,yea right!Guess the truth hurts.

By da truth

September 30, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

ok, one last thing. some of the geniuses on this blog are really showing their football acumen. Ryan may or may not be a great qb in this league, the jury is still out. i can only comment on what ive seen over the last 30 years or so. The kid’s got great leadership qualities, a better than average arm, and most importantly, a willingness to study film and get better. Arm strength: joe montana was one of the greatest of our time, -how was his arm strength?. If it was all about freakin’ arm strength, then jeff george would actually have been worth a sh*t. some of you are like those morons who drool over 40-times and bench presses but know nothing about the factors that make a real pro. vick had a cannon for an arm, but freakin please, he’s no john elway, in that elway had a cannon, but could actually read defenses and could throw accurately; and i couldnt stand elway! man, i hate to be rippin on vick so much ‘cause he did have some of the worst receivers that ive ever seen. Bottom line: You dont need to have amazing arm strength to be a great qb, even in the red zone. you just need to make quick decisions and know where to go with the ball. Side note: Laurent Robinson is the best receiver on this team, hands down, period. he’s got the tools to be something special. Roddy could keep developing into a really good one, but still needs more consistency with the concentration. Just throw the damn ball to robinson more, please.

By datruth I'm sorry

September 30, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry but I haven’t seen any leadership qualities in Ryan, He’s a rookie for god’s sake! You can study all the film you want but if you don’t have the talent, It’s pointless!

I’m willing to give the kid the benefit of the doubt, do I think he’s overrated and overpaid yes, but you can make that argument against most athletes!

In Vicks defense, (since you brought him up) he was never given the opportunity to read a defense and call an audible. He had the worst/smallest offensive line and the worst coaching staff in Falcons History!

Now, maybe Ryan will devlope or maybe he will just be another Matt Schaub, well at least his QB rating is better that Schaub’s, they are ready to ship him back to Atlanta!!!!!!

By ARM STRENGTH?

September 30, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Ijust don’t get why Vick Supporter and others are still obsessing over #7. He’s Gone!!!!!!!! GET OVER IT!!! Ryan looked much better than he did in Tampa and his receivers dropped SEVEN passes. I’m particularly disappointed with White’s play Sunday because judging from last season we all thought he had turned the corner. Defensively, there were too many blown coverages and missed tackles. Ryan doesn’t play defense all you Vickophants and DJ Shockley supporters!!!!!!!!

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

September 30, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

DELUSIONAL ARMS STRENGTH

First off, no matter how many times you ask us to leave MV7 alone ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN FORGET ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!

Ryan has the arm strength of a cheerleader.

By Tommy

September 30, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Overall the team is about where they should be. They can handle the league’s basket cases but it’s a crapshoot against everyone else. Oakland and St. Louis should be two gimme wins later this year, and if they can catch a couple teams napping, 6 wins is a reasonable goal.

Right now the Falcons have only two major problems, but they are killers:

1. Converting Red Zone opportunities into touchdowns. With Turner and Norwood, the problem isn’t getting from the 10 to the end zone, it’s getting from the 20 to the 10. This is where lacking a big possession receiver or a pass-catching fullback is a problem. Unfortunately no one on the roster, except maybe Snelling, can fill this role. For now it’s either try to pass it in or try to break Turner for a big run.

2. The bigger problem is the secondary. Tampa and Carolina killed us with their #2 receivers [Hilliard and Muhammed]. Brent Grimes is a gamer and gives 110%, but he’s giving up 6 inches and 40 pounds to almost everyone he’s matching up against. All the hustle in the world isn’t going to fix that. Had Von Hutchins not gone down Grimes would have been the nickel back, which would have been perfect, but as the 2 he’s getting exposed, and opponents are building their game plans around going after him.

What is GREAT is that, for the first time in who knows how long, the Falcons are playing up to their talent level. That alone makes this year a big success.

By WHITEMENCANJUMP.

September 30, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Tommy,your right but my big success for this team is to get to some superbowls.I know it wont happen over nite but these players get paid more than enough to perform.So playing to there talent level wont cut it with me and im sure i speak for a lot of people.Every year its wait til next year and im tired of hearing it and saying it.Been hearing it since 1980.Everybody is on vick and just can’t and wont forgive him for what he did like he did it on the 50 yard line in front of 70,000 fans.Then try and take away the good things and records he set in the game.I personally think he would have come around with the rite coaching staff,remember p.manning to me is the best Q.B in football and it took him 8 years to go to the big dance.People forget that tho.Im a fan of vick and always will be but just don’t like what he did.I forgive him he’s paying for it and didn’t get off.

By WHITEMENCANJUMP.

September 30, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Tommy,your right but my big success for this team is to get to some superbowls.I know it wont happen over nite but these players get paid more than enough to perform.So playing to there talent level wont cut it with me and im sure i speak for a lot of people.Every year its wait til next year and im tired of hearing it and saying it.Been hearing it since 1980.Everybody is on vick and just can’t and wont forgive him for what he did like he did it on the 50 yard line in front of 70,000 fans.Then try and take away the good things and records he set in the game.I personally think he would have come around with the rite coaching staff,remember p.manning to me is the best Q.B in football and it took him 8 years to go to the big dance.People forget that tho.Im a fan of vick and always will be but just don’t like what he did.I forgive him he’s paying for it and didn’t get off.

By Realist

September 30, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Seriously, what happened to Michael Boley?

By Professor

September 30, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

You country Vick lovers have been on this blog for years and are still double posting, hahahahaha. I don’t even know why they break these blogs into different subjects, because it always ends up about the same thing. Oh, and AJC, I know your loving this, but all this attention your getting on the blogs still aint gonna make me buy your sorry paper, lol. Peace up, Mike Vick down………

By Greg

October 1, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this

I cannot believe the number of people who think the Birds are a good team this year. Were these people completely hypnotized by Kansas City? Were they not paying attention Sunday? In every department—-q-back, running backs, receivers, o-line, d-line, backers, secondary—-every single department, the Panthers were better, more physical, tougher, stronger. That the score was 14-9 for so long was an anomaly. They are in a different league. We are a re-building team. Please don’t live in fantasy-land.

By Deep Throat

October 1, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Psssst, Can’t you people see? Vick was a patsy, but he’ll come out smelling like a rose. He was just too big to stay in a cow town like Atlanta. The people who run the show in the NFL knew Artie Blank would never cut him free. He had carnal love for the man. They had to tear him away by using the one true love Mike Vick has against him - he loved killing dawgs. They have Vick, right now, in a high-security training facility in Levenworth, KS. Nothing but state of the art equipment in the basement there. Vick is going to come out a monster playa; and he’s going to play again in the NFL. Only he will go to a big city team. Don’t tell anyone, but it will be very much like Detroit. Every home game he plays there will be like a mega rap show, with all the fans swaying back and forth in the stands. Tailgating will be replaced with “tail-making.” Atlanta just had too many white fans to keep Vick. He had to go. With the next great American President giving government subsidies to underprivledged, inner-city ghetto dwelling sports fans, to make up for 200 years of sports oppression, the poorest will get free box seat season tickets. President O will also bring about a new elementary school steroid program, designed to bring out that special talent all African-Americans are born with. The future will be full of Mike Vicks, only some will be herpes free. But, for the time being, Vick Supporters should be checking out the choice property in the Projects of D-Town, cause that’s where it will be happening next.

By Shawn dodson

October 1, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

To all supporters of Vick…I just want to say thanks and please keep up the support.I personnally take the Vick situation very serious.I think all people should be treated the same,rich and poor.I’m not talking so much about race,i’m talking about positions in life.Why did the feds stick their nose into the case?If it was you or me they wouldn’t have.Why do people hate Mike so much?Do they hate DMX the rapper who was known for dogfighting?Why is it like that Mike invented dogfighting?This stuff was going on long before Mike.I’m not defending what he did to those dogs,but there are so many crimes that are for worse.No,i can’t and i Won’t let it go!Not until Mike has his life back.I hope some of you feel what i’m saying.To those who don’t like what i’m saying i say this to you….get down on your knees and pray that God may put some love and compassion in your hearts.The love you have for dogs should be even stronger for humans.Hate sin,don’t hate the sinner.Also meaning,hate crime,not the person who commit the crime.

By Shawn dodson

October 1, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

I’m not done yet!Also,i think people should be pulling for him.For him to come back a changed man would do alot of people good.It could show how a person can become a better person.I read something a while back and it stuck with me.It said,CRIME IS NOTHING,REDEMPTION IS EVERYTHING.So people let’s not be so hard on Mike.I BELIEVE IN REDEMPTION,I BELIEVE IN MICHAEL VICK !!!!!!!!!!!!!