By crabapplejoe

September 7, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Mike who?

By DWBFalcon

September 7, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

All right, all you naysayers….How do you like your CROW, fried or boiled? GO FALCONS!!!!

By A Falcons fan walks into a bar. .

September 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

If the Falcons could play Detroit every week, we might have a winning record this year!! At Tampa Bay next week. Womp Womp Womp.

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 7, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

TURNER/WHITE/ABRAHAM/JENKINS/NORWOOD - Great game brothas!

By dave

September 7, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

crabapplejoe = DARN YOU, I WANTED TO BE THE FIRST ONE TO SAY IT

By Ummmm THE LIONS

September 7, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

I know you can’t talk smack over a win over the LIONS…..that was cute, but its juuuuuuuuuust the Lions! LOL - Redman or Shockley could have done what Ryan did! Hell, your grandmama could have handed the ball off real nicely and thrown 13 times too!

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 7, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

By A Falcons fan walks into a bar. .

September 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

If the Falcons could play Detroit every week, we might have a winning record this year!! At Tampa Bay next week. Womp Womp Womp.

GREAT POINT

Hey “CRABAPPLEJOE” Vick has not played for 2-seasons yet you still compare all the quarterbacks after him. He must be in your head but why?

JULY 2009

Mark it on your calendars

By DeezNutz

September 7, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

It would have been 44 points if Mike Vick had played…..

I just wanted to say it before some other goofball did. Way to go Falcons! I love what I saw today.

By Brad

September 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Nice to see that when Ryan did have to move out of the pocket, he didn’t hold the ball out like a hand grenade. He tucked it up under his arm very nicely.

By ToeKnee

September 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

A good organization starts at the top. Yes it’s only one game, but Blank has managed to put together a competitive team in just 1 offseason. way to go! dmitroff and smith and all the other coaches look like great hires. love having experienced coaches opposed to mora and petrino, not nearly as many growing pains when ur working for guys who have been in the biz awhile. and theres still so much potential for the future. love the new team! o falcons!! oh and turner is an absolute beast!

By Todd Green

September 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

crabapplejoe why does it have to be about mike Vick; we still feel the same. As Falcons, the botton line is we want to win, regardless of who teh QB is. But most of you can not accept anyone else other than some ‘great white hope’. Let me remind you, it’s only one game. As a Falcon Fan, I always hope to go undefeated and win the Super Bowl, even if teh QB would be Joey Harrington. We are not that selfish. Bou you and the falcon management apparently are. Is Matt the best QB on teh team, perhaps not. But the ‘TEAM’ won today and probably behind Michael Turners great effort that would open anyones passing game.

By TampaGator

September 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

If the Falcons offensive line run blocks like that all season, the Falcons will have the opportunity to beat any team they play. Or was Detroit’s DL that bad? We will see next week against the Bucs. I personally think this is a talented, well-coached football team that will get better each week. Finally, the Falcons have a head coach and Gen Mgr. that understand how to win in the NFL. The future appears to be bright in Falconland. Go Falcons!

By dave

September 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

can’t you guys get over it, if Mike V. ever plays pro football again, which I doubt, it won’t be here….

By Bill Dauterive

September 7, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Ball control offense looked great. Hope they keep it up, and keep that defense off the field.

By DeezNutz

September 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

We can only hope Dave

By Lions D-Line..huh?

September 7, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

TampaGator, heck yes, the Lions D-line is just that bad. Lets not pretend like that was the Giants the Falcons were playing. Its still the same Lions!

By NCFalconFan

September 7, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Someone need to whisper in the ear of T.Moore that Calvin Johnson scored 0 TDs!!

By David

September 7, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Good article about Matt Ryan over Glenn Dorsey on bustedplay.com

By slick

September 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Man that boy can throw!!!!!!!First pass a touchdown.

By ed

September 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

hello from Boston

By Timothy

September 7, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I like the new Micheal……. Turner that is! Not too shabby for Mike Jenkins either!

Can I be the 1st to say I told you so——

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 7, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

2006: Lions-30, Falcons-14. 2004: Lions-17, Falcons-10. Vick quarterbacked in both games for the Falcons. Same Lions, different and better Falcons!

By ed

September 7, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

hello from Boston……..crabby sucks ..crabby sucks

By Vick Supporter

September 7, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

People, people, calm down. 1st point: It was the Lions, don’t get too excited Falcons. The losing will be coming soon, and for you people to say that Ryan is better than Vick after 1 game, is crazy. 2nd point: Turner will be NOT run the ball like that week to week, I gurantee it. 3rd point: The Falcons deserve the chance to move on, which they will do. It is indeed a new era in atlanta, but it will never be like it was with mike vick, we always had a chance to win, and w/Ryan, you will not. This game was an abberation. Just wait until next week when they face a real NFL defense, the Lions suck, staright up. Vick is gnna keep taking his lumps, and alot of them he deserves, but the Falcons will never be winners for a long time. Detroit should have won this game, the falcons can’t cover the lion’s recievers. We miss you Vick!!!!!!!!!

By Mike

September 7, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Nice game from the Falcons. The only thing that matters in the NFL is WINNING. All you negative people just go stick it!

By TIWAS

September 7, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Congrats on the win Falcons!!!!!

OL looked very solid. DL looked good on the ends and Grady did a very good job but we still need a couple of big guys at DT. LB’s good job and good job by the rookie. DB’s did a good job of covering but are a little height disadvantaged which led to the Lions TD at the end of 2nd quarter. (But they should have never been put in that position by coaches. Falcons should have run out the clock with 1:08 left and the Lions with no timeouts. Why put your young QB in the position attempting to pass when you’re inside your own 20 and you’re up by 14 ? The possibility of going downfield and getting in scoring position is slim.) The only hiccup I saw.

Overall, great job for the team, owners, and fans.

Congrats to the Mike, Matt, Grady and Big John.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 7, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

vickjocksniffer, you’re right, it was the Lions the Falcons played. The Lions had won two of the three previous meetings but they were handed their helmets today. so what’s your problem. Matt Ryan is, already, a better quarterback than Vick ever was. After all, Vick quarterbacked those two losses to the Lions. As for next week, the Falcons will beat Tampa too. You support the criminal dog-killer all you want but he’s no longer a football player. He’s a prisoner convicted of a felony!

By westcoastatlfan

September 7, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Hey let’s just give credit for the win. Any win in the NFL is great.

Let’s give credit to the coaching staff because we all know this is going to be a “growing” season with all the new faces and personnel. It seems evident on the surface that this franchise has a seasoned staff and front office that will turn this thing around unlike the circus we had with Mora and Petrino.

I didn’t see the game but to me it seems like the Falcons had an attitude and swagger (not cocky) which is how you want your team to feel when they take the field. Yes, I know it was just the Lions but still you don’t accuulate that much running production without gashing the other team and punching them in the face with your boys up front.

Let’s all be proud ATL fans that your team will put on a good showing each week this year. I thought this team would be lucky to win 2 games this year so when I saw the score, I was pleasantly surprised.

Good luck to the Falcons this year as I watch from afar on the west coast.

By TampaGator

September 7, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Why wouldn’t Vick get the chance to play in the NFL again? When he gets out, he will have paid his debt to society. I think he will be a better man and a better person to boot. He will never play QB again for the Falcons, but I imagine the Falcons will eventually get a last round draft choice for someone else to take a chance. Wild prediction: Vick never plays QB for the Falcons again, but maybe another position. I would like to see Vick play for the Falcons again as a slot receiver (ie. Percy Harvin type) who can come around on the run; come around and throw a pass; or take a short pass and run like Hell! If I were Vick, that is what my conversation would be with Blank…”Give me a chance at that position…and I will pay you back from all my stupid mistakes and lack of character I exhibited before going to prison. I owe you, I owe the people of Altanta, and I owe every dog in the world! Plus, I am broke and I need the money!”

By DWBFalcon

September 7, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Athletic.uh I mean Vick, Supporter. What game were you watching? All the years with Vick, I never saw this kind of intensity and spirit from the whole TEAM. Hell, in the Falcons history even. And I’ve been around from the start. I am surprised I’m not institutionalized after all this time…lol. No, the FALCONS will not be capable of this performance every week. No one can. You notice I said FALCONS and not individuals. That this group is a TEAM is what has me excited. GO BIRDS!!!

By Myrtle Beach

September 7, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

The OLine looked great and it was a great start, this team will go as far as the Oline takes them and Weiner did not even play so that say’s something right there! Wow! Wow!

By brad

September 7, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

I dont want to say it, but————I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!! This team is a whole lot better than people gave them credit. OL is very good. You dont run for 300 yards against anybody without a great line. Falcons will compete for the division or the wild card.

By Rogue42

September 7, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

It didn’t take very long, did it? A young team with a rookie quarterback and a (former)backup running back destroy a team on the opening day. And you “fans” have already devolved into this same damn hate-filled diabtribtes within literally minutes. You don’t deserve an NFL team — heck, you don’t even deserve an indoor team.

Give a ton of credit to the O-line — that’s right, the much maligned O-line — for both opening those holes for Turner (who WAS a beast today) and giving Ryan sufficient time to operate. Yeah, how about those “short-arms” on Baker, huh?The fact that your franchise rookie quarterback thows a TD, didn’t make any errors today and generally did a great job of being the on-the-field leader would have been a cause for celebration in many NFL cities but NOT HERE. Better all you yahoos stick with SEC football — ir fits your fraternity boy psyches much better.

Jeez….

By Vick Supporter

September 7, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

@Algonquin J. Calhoun. Ryan is better than Vick already? Are you out of your mind? Lets see what happens when he lays against a good team and doesn’t hand the ball of 30 times. There’s a huge difference between the teams Vick QB’s and Ryan. The Falcons seem to have a real coach now instead of Quitrino and Mora. I credit the Falcons for trying to do it the right way now, but admit that the Falcons were a mess, from the top down. You falcon fans are so dumb, you get excited about one game for a guy who throws 13 passes, half of the 5 yards or less. Say what you want about the Great Mike Vick, you can say it no wuntil he comes back to the NFL and proves “you people” wrong.

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 7, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick, 6-0, 215 pounds, was chosen by the Falcons with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech. The Falcons made a trade with the San Diego Chargers on the eve of the draft in order to acquire the pick to draft Vick. The NFL’s fifth-winningest active starting quarterback (minimum 35 starts) with a .671 winning percentage, Vick’s play has been a vital component for the Falcons, who have now secured two playoff berths in the last three years.

With a style of play which cannot be completely measured by statistics, Vick’s unique combination of athleticism and instinct has contributed to him being one of the NFL’s most recognizable superstars despite being only 24 years of age.

Vick was named to his second Pro Bowl for his performance during the 2004 season, which to date has included 2,278 yards passing and 889 yards rushing, along with 16 combined touchdowns (13 passing and 3 rushing).

Vick’s 889 rushing yards this season currently rank him third on the NFL’s all-time list for the most rushing yards by a quarterback. He needs 80 more yards to break Chicago Bears’ QB Bobby Douglass’ 32-year-old record of 968 yards set in 1972. Vick’s rushing total includes three 100-yard games in 2004, which ties the single-season modern day record for the most 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback. His 104 yards rushing in the Falcons 14-10 win over the New York Giants on November 21 gave him the fifth 100-yard rushing game of his career, the most for a quarterback in NFL history. Twice named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week in 2004, Vick became the first player ever to throw for more than 250 yards and rush for more than 100 yards in the same game in the Falcons 41-28 victory over Denver on October 31.

In his first full season as a starter in 2002, Vick led the Falcons to a 9-6-1 record, enabling them to earn a playoff berth as a Wild Card entry. In the NFC Wild Card Game at frigid Lambeau Field, the Falcons made history in becoming the first team ever to defeat the Green Bay Packers in a home playoff game.

Vick’s 2002 season culminated with him being named to the NFC’s Pro Bowl squad, making him - at 22 years, seven months and seven days - the second-youngest quarterback (Dan Marino, 22 years, four months, 14 days) ever selected to play in the game. The Pro Bowl honor came on the heels of a season in which Vick set four NFL records and five team records as a first-year starter. As a passer, Vick’s 2002 statistics included a 55-percent completion rate (231-of-421 passes) for 2,936 yards and a two-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio (16-8). Vick did not throw an interception until the first quarter of the season’s eighth game at Baltimore.

What separated Vick from the rest of the NFL’s quarterbacks was what he could do with his legs as he finished the 2002 campaign with 777 yards, the third-highest total for a quarterback at the time (since surpassed by his 889 yards this season). Vick’s play was the catalyst during an eight-game unbeaten streak (7-0-1) in the middle of the 2002 season, which culminated with a 30-24 overtime victory at Minnesota. Against the Vikings, Vick set single-game NFL records for the most rushing yards by a quarterback with 173 yards and the highest single-game rushing average (17.3 yards per carry). His 46-yard touchdown run in overtime capped off a game in which he combined for 325 yards in total offense (173 rushing, 152 passing) and three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing).

In 2003, a broken right fibula suffered in the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens sidelined Vick for the first 11-plus games of the regular season. Vick made his first start of 2003 in the season’s 13th game against the Carolina Panthers. Despite more than three months of inactivity, Vick accounted for 320 (179 passing, 141 rushing) of the Falcons 380 yards in total offense, including the second 100-yard rushing game of his career (14-141) as the Falcons upset the eventual NFC Champion Panthers 20-14 in overtime.

Vick would eventually lead the Falcons to a 3-1 record over the last four games of the season, including a 30-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which snapped a six-game losing streak to the Buccaneers.

By Scott

September 7, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Tampa Bay looked like crap this week so you need to watch what you say about them running over the Falcons next week. I got the Falcons easy next week. The Saints and Bucs looked AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ed

September 7, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

crabby where is sponge bob…. oh he is holding the athletic supporta….crabby go back to the bottom of the ocean .u r a losa( boston slang for pathaticperson that lives in his Mothers basement)

By littlebird

September 7, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Who is this bunch pretending they are Falcons??? Whoever they are, they didn’t look anything like the REAL birds of feather we’re used to!!! Three posessions to start the game … 3 TDs!! Those “sorry” OL sure blocked like PROS … MT ran wild and Jerious too! And Ryan did what good QBs do … WIN BABY WIN!!! GO BIRDS!!!!

By TampaGator

September 7, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Unbiased…you really think anyone is going to read all that. Remember, most of these bloggers are Georgia grads. Just kidding!

By Convick

September 7, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Here’s the deal ya’ll..I’m glad you suported the team only because of me and you spent your rent money on my #7 jersey; howeva, I dont’t care about any of you sukas and I proved it. Holla.

By Gmoney

September 7, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

I am my father’s brother

By Bill

September 7, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter——Mike who?

By Matt who??

September 7, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

LOL…the same people thinking Matt Ryan is the next Montana said the same thing about that last Matt, Matt SCHAUB…LOL And just like Schaub, he too will be exposed when a real D-line controls the running game.

By DeezNutz

September 7, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

My bad. Thats right. Hes owed something just because…..

Convict.

By Damon

September 7, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

I AM AN ATLANTA FALCONS FAN. I am also a Vick fan. But, Matt Ryan’s arm looked pretty strong on the pass to Jenkins and Roddy White. TURNER is a beast, and better have a rating of 95 on Madden by next month.

By Harleyman

September 7, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Just sitting here enjoying another cold beer after watching a great Falcons victory today with the tune of all the Vick and Entitlement Program lovers whailing in the background. Ah, music to my ears! Great start Falcons. A win is a win in the NFL. A win today over Detroit counts the same as a win over New England. Great running tandem, a quarterback who doesn’t have happy feet, offensive line that played well (it’s easier to block for someone when you know where they are), ah, the joy!

By Vick Supporter

September 7, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Unbiased_Blogger- I already know. I will have seats on the 50yd line line. The thing is, these people are gonna talk and get excited over one game and 13 passes, I don’t blame them though, they need to have hope about something. Vick will destroy this team, no doubt. The Falcons beat the Lions, lol.

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 7, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

HERE ARE SOME FACTS:

Turner: 200+ yards Norwood: 90+ yards Jenkins: 60+ reception play White: 46 yard reception Abraham: 3+ sacks

You do the math.

By voiceofreason

September 7, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Falcon secondary extremely weak. Pass over defender in corner of end zone an embarrassment! Keith Brooking still needs to be booted to curb. Completely ineffective. Falcon pass rush must improve 1000 percent. Lion QB had far too long in pocket most of day. Run defense adequate. Offense gets high marks this week. NO TURNOVERS! That is always a tremendous plus. Falcon rookie QB impressive. Did what he was asked to do. Did it well. Was not required to pass for 400 yards (or forced to run for 1,000 to all dog-killer convict backside f^^^^d wannabes) to guide team to victory. Am I the only one unhappy with Falcon punter? Was not impressed. Placekicker from Broncos okay but I will always be a Morten Anderson guy. Falcon runners in their own stratosphere this week. Brought back visions of Super Bowl run. I know, I know. Excellent effort. Great to start off with win. Is 2-0 start too much to hope for? Hope not.

By ed

September 7, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

crabby..my bad I apologize I thought you were snapping at the Falocns …my bad………sorry go matty heisman

By Rogue42

September 7, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Written earlier:

“2006: Lions-30, Falcons-14. 2004: Lions-17, Falcons-10. Vick quarterbacked in both games for the Falcons. Same Lions, different and better Falcons”

Vick’s combined stats —

35 out of 61 (57.4%) 1 TD 3 INT

Yep, really spectacular

By Vick fans are whining babies

September 7, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Wish the Vick lovers would STFU. Your boy is in jail where he belongs, get over it. You put the man above the team, shows what kind of “fans” you are. The Falcons don’t need you chumps.

By Myrtle Beach

September 7, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

the falcons just played the team with the best recievers in the NFL today and won. Not 2 but 4 of them and won plus the Detroit Offensive line features 2 1st round draft picks. Detroit is not a bad team, watch what they do in the GB next week. Laugh all you want but the Falcons looked “GOOD’, Very “Good”. MV7 is trade bait when the cuffs come off and nothing less. I could care less if he wins the super bowl with another team or not, but what i see is at TEAM building to win for as long run as i live and that’s all i care about, With this Coaching staff and players in a few years we will mentioned with Pittsburg and Dallas regardless of our record at the end of this year.

Wow what at start the OL looked great the backs looked great, the recivers looked great, the DL looked great, the LB looked great and the DB”s played above there heads. Kickoffs and Punt returns looked very good.

There is alot of talent on this team and i was smiling until we did not sit on the ball with a 21 to 7 lead with under 2 minutes to go in the 1st half. The only mistake i saw from the coaching staff make. Wow what a difference a year makes with a real overall overhall.

The worse team in the NFL is not altanta, and they will loose more that they win this year but i can see a big difference already. If MV7 had played today we would have lost because it’s all about him and the team can get the finger as long as he gets his. Thank you Mr. Blank for making the right decisions and putting us on the path of future greatness!

By mn

September 7, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

I missed the game, tried but couldn’t make it, does anyone know where I can watch a replay of the game online? thanks!

By Dawgone

September 7, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter,

True. We always had a chance with Vick to win. We also always had the chance that he would have his lazy day and give up half way through a game and we would get destroyed. M.Vick might just be the most talented athlete to play the QB position but he couldn’t manage a game to save his life.

He was the only Starting QB in the history of the NFL to never really be able to call audibles.

Is Ryan a better athlete than Vick? Stupid Question. Vick is worlds better.

Is Vick a better QB than Ryan? I would suggest that isn’t answerable right now. I know that Ryan has better intangibles than Vick ever had. Ryan has the ability to be a better QB. Will he is the only question that can be answered.

Your right though Vick’s legs would win us a game or 2 a year. Even with vick we sucked the last 2 years.

A change was needed when Vick decided to do something stupid in his life. Hope he gets a chance to play again in the NFL but I doubt that happens. He is fun to watch.

By March Hare

September 7, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

It’s okay. Things do and will get better than even this IF we can keep Mr. Ryan, Mr. Turner, Mr. Norwood, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. White… and at least some portion of the O-line off the DL.

It’s all about staying healthy and learning from each game.

Oh… it’s also about shoving a size-12 Nike into the mouths of all those desk’perts and booth apes who have called for the Falcons’ demise for the last two months.

Eat hearty…

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 7, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

DAWGONE - Good post. About Vick not playing in the NFL again, you may be right. The talk is, he is being considered for the new league “UFL” and Mark Cuban has lots of money.

The article states that he would be the marquee player for that league and the article also states that it is a 98 percent chance this will take place in 2009, according to the “UFL” President.

So, I don’t think Vick will have to worry about his football career. I doubt he wants to return to this team.

By Lions?

September 7, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

When Joey Harrington got traded to Miami, in his first start against his former team the Lions, he threw for 3 TDs

The Lions allowed the most points scored against their defense in 2007

The Lions were last in allowing 3rd down conversions in 2007

Jon Kitna can throw for 4000 yards, but still can’t improvise if he needs too, he was 5 yards from the goalline with nobody around and STILL threw the ball, overthrowing his receiver

ITS JUST THE LIONS. THE LOWLY DETROIT LIONS. WHY DO YOU THINK GOODELL SCHEDULED THE LIONS FOR THE FALCONS FIRST HOME GAME TO START THE REGULAR SEASON?? WHY DO YOU THINK HE DIDN’T SCHEDULE ANY NATIONAL GAMES??

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 7, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

VICK & UFL

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/08/10/ufl/

By NO CBA?? UFL!!

September 7, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Unbiased Blogger, the UFL will be perfectly positioned. With the CBA negotiations and the problems between what the owners want versus what the players want, with fans being priced right out of the games when owners build stadiums and want people to pay for PSLs, the UFL will come in at just the right time. Markets like the Falcons will hurt the most, but whatever….maybe they don’t understand marketing, but Mark Cuban definitely does.

By dtzr1

September 7, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

You negative folks that cant stand it because the Falcons won ,need to find another blog to hiss and moan on.

By TampaGator

September 7, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

When I read this kind of crap on a AJC blog, I just thank the lord I no longer live in Georgia. God help you all! What a racist blog this has been…on both sides of the fence. I think I will take my positve thoughts and feelings about life elsewhere.

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 7, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

NO CBA - You are right. Mark Cuban didn’t become a billionaire by accident, so yes Vick will not be coming back to the NFL and that’s because of his future in the UFL.

So he will be taking that 500,000.00 of annual franchise revenue to the UFL.

By drmondo

September 7, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

It’s time to have a moderator. These blogs are going way too far.

By Eric

September 7, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Big ups to the offensive line, I have been telling everybody that this was the strongest unit on the Falcons team. They just knocked the hell out of the Detroit Lions defensive line. Turner will get the glory, but this line is nasty.

By md2020

September 7, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

I just can’t believe some of you people. This Falcon team was picked by most pundits to be the worst! in the NFL. Any win after last season is a great accomplishment. Do you know how many games Detroit won last year? A damn site more than the Falcons. If you aren’t a fan, that’s fine. But why not share your views with at a site for the team you really support? And the idiot who said they’d score 44 points with Vick, well, at least Ryan can hit the broad side of a barn with a pass and a lot of dogs aren;t suffering any longer. Try and rain on the true fans parade. That’s fine. Sad to have so little to feel good about yourself and you get your rocks off criticizing others.

By Falconsfan

September 7, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

every few years someone comes out with a new league that is going to take money and fans from the nfl.lol.Remember the xfl.If the best the ufl can do is con-vict for the face of this venture then they will be out of business in three years or less.And believe me when I say the Falcons and especially the NFL will not be to worried about where vick goes.And I wish he would go to Carolina because after watching his sorry team management and leadership skills that would not worry me one bit as a falcons fan.GO BIRDS.

By md2020

September 7, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

I agree this needs a moderator to keep the overtly rascist, white and black, out. It takes all the fun out of trying to share with like-minded fans opinions about football when these simpletons use this as a forum for showing the world their ignorance. Fortunately, they are a very small minority but like hemorroids, only takes one to be a pain in the a—.

By Recent Reader

September 7, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Still can’t believe the whining blogs ….guys you WON!!! Be happy! I’d rather have Ryan than Matt Cassell!! Or DJ S.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 7, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

ITS JUST THE LIONS. THE LOWLY DETROIT LIONS. WHY DO YOU THINK GOODELL SCHEDULED THE LIONS FOR THE FALCONS FIRST HOME GAME TO START THE REGULAR SEASON?? WHY DO YOU THINK HE DIDN’T SCHEDULE ANY NATIONAL GAMES??

Thanks for the caps idiot. The lowly Lions beat the Falcons in 2004 and again in 2006. Ryan is the man and Turner is a great back. The Falcons played well and that’s going to continue!

By fatalbert

September 7, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Ryan played they way a quarterback is supposed to play. He led the team. The running backs got the rushing yards (not the QB). The receivers had no problem catching the ball. Amazing what a professional approach to the game by a professional coaching staff and professional players can do for a team. Vick went out and “Do what he do” and we win 4 games. Our current QB does what a pro QB is supposed to do and we win…..imagine that!

By The Bird Babe

September 7, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

I realize there are going to be comparisons to Vick, but keep them clean! No one wants to read your racist comments. If you continue to post derogatory comments, you will be banned from the blog.

As for those who are keeping it clean, I apologize that you have to be exposed to them.

Thanks, guys.

By fatalbert

September 7, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

It is what it is…I just go out and do what I do…my receivers just gotta step up and “make plays”….LOL!

By Historian

September 7, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Less we forget that the Falcons have played this well before. 1998, 16-2 and the superbowl, and they played the whole season like this game.

By DirtyDawg

September 8, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Ya gotta know that Arthur Blank probably would have made some different decisions over the past half-dozen years, or ever how many he’s had the Falcons, but you also have to believe that he’ s a happy man today. He deserved this game and, hopefully, this season will be a blessing to him.

Thanks for hanging in there Arthur.

By TheAntiMe

September 8, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

The Birds totally had Detroit freaking-out in the first quarter. The Lions couldn’t stop the pass. They very much couldn’t stop the run and they couldn’t get a 1st down, so much so, that Lions quarterback John Kitna was throwing a major hissy fit!

Oh yeah, all you know-it-all’s who pitched such a hissy fit about not drafting Glenn Dorsey, Glenn Dorsey had 2 assisted tackles and 0 solo tackles for Kansas City in their loss today to the Patriots.

By Recent Reader

September 8, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

I say again …. any fan hoping a player does poorly for their team to prove what I find to be an idiotic point, is well . ..a loser fan!

By DC

September 8, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

YOU VICK LOVERS ARE SO FUNNY.

By BigDaddyBirdDawg

September 8, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

BirdBabe, You hit the nail on the head about our Falcon’s defense. It definately needs to tighten up. Once Kitna (Detroit’s QB) recognized this and he called the timeout and went to the sidelines and berated the coaches for trying to force him to run the ball, He picked our defense apart with the passing game….Other teams will take note of this as they review game films and will come out exploiting our weak pass coverage abilities. Hopefully our coaching staff will work extra hard this coming week to strengthen and reinforce their coverage.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 8, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Picked apart? williams and Johnson are two great receivers but they didn’t pick the defense apart. The Falcons’ defenders disrupted them all day. By the way, the Falcons won!

By BigMan

September 8, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Matt was good, but hats off to Mr. T and that Oline. The Falcons are off to a great start!

By Chubbyboy

September 8, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

I admit I didn’t expect a whole lot going into yesterday’s game…I just wanted to see the Falcons play a good competitive football game…What I saw was shocking..Everyone was down on Falcon’s management and staff for not getting more help on the O-line during the draft..They looked like world beaters yesterday…The holes they were opening for Turner and Norwood…you and I could have run through them…Ryan managed the game and didn’t make a mistake..The only hiccup I saw was just before the half when the Falcons had the ball @ their own 12 (1st and 10) and a little over a minute left with the Lions out of timeouts…They ran the ball on first down but passed it (both incomplete) on 2nd and 3rd down…This allowed the Lions to get the ball in great field position and they scored 7 just before the half…I would have ran it all three plays and gotten to the half happily leading 21-7 but it was 21-14 at the half.. The Falcons still have alot of work to do in the secondary..They have two young corners, though trading for Dominic Foxworthy (Denver) last week will help going into next week against Tampa…One thing I can say is that the Falcons were above 500 for at least one game this year..I still believe we will go 5-11 or maybe 6-10 but it was a good start to put the # 7 era behind us…They are on the right track…a smart QB, sound running game and a defense that will hit you but give up alot of yards…I love Mike Murlarkey’s play calling…not preditable…The Falcons stood up yesterday and is telling the league to take notice…We will not be an automatic win for an opposing team every week…It is just one week and one win but it did alot to healing all the wound left from MV#7, Bobby Petrino and Bill Parcells…We will see what week 2 hold for the Falcons in Tampa.

By FREE MIKE VICK

September 8, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

If Vick had played, they would have scored 60 points.

Why can’t some you see this?

By N. GA. BOB

September 8, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

I’m sure that most of these Vick lovers will eventually be cellmates with him one day.

By DK

September 8, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

To all you Vick lovers who want to say that, if Vick were here we’d scored a lot more, you may be right (although I doubt it). Remember that it was Mike’s stupidity that got him AND the Falcons where they are today.

Vick was a great player, but not a great QB. Had Mike been the QB yesterday I suspect that the Lions would have been much more prepared to face the run than they were yesterday. That may have hurt his and Michael Turner’s ability to run the ball and forced him to win with his arm, not Vick’s strong suit. I’ll bet Mike would have missed the first pass that Ryan made as he did almost all of his 40+ yard passes. Mike’s accuracy was very suspect at distances over 40 yards. Ryan’s accuracy seems to be much better.

Lastly, for all those of you that are waiting for Mike’s triumphant return to the NFL, Mike will be 30+ years old when he returns. As speed was his forte and people usually start slowing down at 30, I’m willing to bet that Mike will not last two years when he returns to the NFL.

By Dreski

September 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I almost cried watching my Falcons yesterday! entirely new team this year

By Unbiased_Blogger

September 8, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Wait until my new team CAROLINA (VICK’S NEW TEAM) Comes into town and rips Ryan Leaf and this sorry defense apart. Ask the CHARGERS :)

By AGTfan

September 8, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

I loved Mike Vick. He let me and everyone in Atlanta (mostly himself) down with poor decisions. If Vick had played, they would have scored 60 points.

Vick was QB against the Lions in 2005. Falcons won 27-7. (Hardly 60?) Those Lions were 5-11.

Vick was QB against the Lions again in 2006. Lions win 30-14. (Again not close to 60.) Those Lions were an impressive 3-13.

I see nothing to justify the Idea that the Falcons would have done better with MV7. This was probably the Best Lions team we’ve faced since MV7 was drafted and we did better with MV7 than we did with him.

I’m ready to forgive MV7 when he finishes serving his sentence. Even at 30 years old, I think he’d be an excellant slot reciever/slash kind of player.

BTW - No one’s mentioned it, but I have to think we finally used a FB the a FB was intended to be used. FB play has to account for some of the yards gained by MT and JN.

By AGTFan

September 8, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

What did Sunday’s Falcon’s game and Saturday’s GT game have in common?

Both teams appeared to be well coached for the first time in many years.

By Theone

September 8, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

The panthers have QB already. Keep dreaming and give some of what your smoking. It be some good @@@@! Vick lovers wake up!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 9, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

Unwashed Hogster, the Chargers ain’t all that. The Panthers proved that. The Falcons will win against the Panthers! Your disappointment then will be unbearable.

By Ken Strickland

September 10, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I would have preferred we drafted a DT over a QB, although LSU’s Dorsey wouldn’t have been my DT preference. I would have traded down for a 2nd rd pick and drafted USC’s DT Cedrick Ellis. The Ravens would have jumped at the chance to trade up for Ryan, leaving Flacco for us. That way, we would have had our QB of the future in Flacco, our playmaking DT of the future in Ellis and an additional 2nd rd pick. I like having MRyan as our QB, but I like what we could have had a whole lot better.

Can anyone seriously tell me we are better off with MRyan as our starting QB, instead of having Flacco as our starting QB, CEllis as our starting DT, plus an additional 2nd rd pick? COME ON.

By drew

September 11, 2008 6:01 AM | Link to this

So who’s the lamest, dumbest, azzwipe on the AJC sports blogs?

and the winner is…

…Unbiased_Blogger!!!!!!!!

Congratulations….dumbazz!

By Joshua

September 12, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Look we all know the Falcons are an up and coming middle of the pack team we will win 5-10 games and barely miss the postseason . Tampa Bay is beatable , But New Orleans I don’t know and we have a tough scheadule . But by 2010-2011 we should be in super bowl contention .

By BlytheVixson

September 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Ryans accuracy was flawless against the Lions. Vick could never throw the deep ball with pin point accuracy because he couldnt thread the needle and keep the ball on line on a rope the way Ryan can. Ryan is the real deal and he may just win the Rookie of the year in the NFL. Hopefully, when Vick returns, we’ll convert Vick into a concessions guy or an usher to help serve at the Ga. Dome during home games.

By GilbertWilson

September 30, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Ryan has exceeded expectations from the Falcons so far and I think by the seasons end most fans will have forgotten that there was ever a Mike Vick, since we undoubtedly dont need his services or his his obnoxious finger flipping behavior any more. Its just a shame we gave up on Matt Schaub too soon because I think Schaubie will became a HOF qb some day.

By JuliusCesaer

September 30, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Matt Schaub would have been the man for the Falcons qb job had the Falcons been smart enough to recognize his enormous talents. Whats ironic about Schaub is that Schaub languished on the Falcons bench behind Mike Vick for at least 5 or 6 years. Then when we needed Schaub the most after Vick was sentenced to prison on dogfighting charges and turned ConVickted jailbird, that was the time when the Falcons would have had their ace in the hole in Matt Schaub and Schaub would have gone on to become the greatest quarterback of all times. But it didnt turn out that way because the Falcons prematurely and unknowingly let Schaub get away and the Falcons qb job was left with leftwich, Joey Harrington and other bozos who couldnt get the job done. Thankfully Matt Ryan has finally ended all qb auditions for the Falcons. The Ryan Express, as I refer to him, will give the Falcons many years of quality football and the Falcons should soon see the playoffs again.