The Bird Babe

By Len

September 21, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Well, this team’s done what no other Falcon team in history had done, easily win a game they should win. Remember when you know who was QB against the Browns a few years back?

They laid an egg last week, they had the Milloy distraction, it was all setting up to be a classic Falcon debacle. But they came out ready and prepared and took their opponent seriously. I like the mojo between Ryan and White. Props to Smitty and D.

By Bryant

September 21, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Even though the Chiefs suck, we all know that even a terrible team can sneak up and pull out a win on any given week, so I’m very pleased with the Falcons win today. The offensive line did a great job protecting Matt Ryan today. I don’t think he got sacked at all. Also, anybody who has any doubts about his arm strength should erase those doubts after watching his 70 yard TD pass to Roddy White. Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood were very effective once again. Our run game is very dangerous.

The defense bent a little, but they made a great stand when it counted. You have to give a lot of credit to John Abraham. He’s the only real pass rusher that we have, but he leads the league in sacks. If we can ever get pressure from the other side, our defensive line will be unstoppable. Kudos to the secondary for coming up with 3 INT’s and returning one for a TD to put the nail in the coffin.

This was a great win, but we will definitely have to step it up a couple of notches next week. Carolina lost to Minnesota today, so you can bet they will be looking to notch another win, especially at our expense. Let’s head up to Charlotte and beat the Panthers!

By Mark

September 21, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Good job Dirty Birds. Keep it up!!!

By Bryant

September 21, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

And another thing: Somebody call the guy who predicted that we would be 1-15 and tell him his was wrong!

By The Chiefs?

September 21, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Next week the Panthers…then Green Bay….Soul II Soul is warming up.

By richbrave

September 21, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

GOOD POINT regarding the opposition. But at least there are W’s going up on the scoreboard. Last year it really didn’t matter who the FALCONS played. Those stand tall letters were in short supply.

Don’t notice much “thugs” and “gangsta’s” talk here this season either. Just a little DUI blip. Our man RAY can help with that. Maybe the fans have noticed a different aura about the team. I have.

By Phalcon Phil

September 21, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

richbrave: good point here too.

Don’t notice much “thugs” and “gangsta’s” talk here this season either. Just a little DUI blip. Our man RAY can help with that. Maybe the fans have noticed a different aura about the team. I have.

It’s a new era! This team actually RESPECTS the game. No room for thugs and posers here anymore.

Tough few weeks coming up before the bye. I think we’re up to the challenges though.

By Fans? What Fans?

September 21, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

richbrave, there is no thugs or gangsta talk because the racist inbreds that spawned that talk are back in their holes not giving one iota about the Falcons. They only came out to spew their hatred that you apparently mistook for fan commentary…..NOT! They didn’t give a F— about the Falcons, just wanted to bash certain players of color. The same players that gave this franchise the relevance to get ESPN to mention the team at all. Well those guys are gone, and so are the inbred commentary. Did you really think they cared? Oh….did you not see the half-full Dome? Yep, so you can take your thugs and gangsta talk and see if those 20,000 empty seats get filled up at some point this season by the same ones that used to pollute the blogs with it.

By richbrave

September 21, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

FANS? WHAT FANS?:

I suspect that fannies will fill the seats when the team earns their respect. W’s have a way of doing that, and I expect to see many more of them. And don’t pin that jive crap on me. Just ask my man RAY what I’m about.

By Eric

September 21, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

I was just telling someone last week that the Falcons are way ahead of schedule. Ryan is better than expected of him to this point, and the offensive line is just nasty. The corners are short but aggressive and good. The backfield of Turner and Norwood may be the best combo in the entire league. This is the most discipline and organized Falcons team I have ever witnessed. I just wished the schedule wasn’t so brutal. Go Falcons!!!

By boxer99

September 21, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

I think the guy who predicted the falcons to be 1-15 is either “Vick Supporter”, or “unbiased blogger” two of whom have no sense and shouldnt even be allowed to write on this blog because of thier ignorance. I wonder were those two a* clowns are…..probably visiting Convick in the can. Hopefully they stay there permeanaetly! Oh yeah Go Birds

By Eric

September 21, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

To boxer99, if anyone is ignorant it’s you. Talk football, and stop all this name calling. Stop mentioning Vick, let him serve his time. MOVE ON!!!!

By Justin

September 21, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

boxer99……..I was waiting to see who would be the first ignorant a* to bring up Vick and you are the first place winner!

By Bryant

September 21, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Boxer99, the guy who predicted we would be 1-15 is a writer for a sports magazine. I believe it’s The Sporting News.

By Roddy White

September 21, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

You see that catch I made? I’m glad Vick is in jail. We got a QB that can actually throw now. I’m gonna put up 1,500 yards this season. Vote for me the pro bowl!

By Fans? What Fans?

September 21, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

richbrave, the Falcons sold out how many games in 1998? Did they sell out the season tickets leading up to 1999? Sorry but you must not really follow the Falcons and you obviously no nothing about marketing in the 21st century

Oh yeah, the answers are 1 and 0 respectively.

By Iamhappy

September 21, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Bottom line is Matt Ryan is a STUD. He’s going to be a top shelf NFL QB who can make all the throws. Dimitroff knows his stuff and I am thankful we have him. The future is bright and the team is a TEAM! Good times are ahead.

By The Truth

September 21, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

No Justin you’re wrong…technically speaking Len was the first to bring up Vick…just didn’t do it by name. What’s even funnier is that these same people are the one’s that can’t seem to get past Vick while the “Vick Supporters” have let it go and moved on. Guess what….I’m a “Vick Supporter” but i’m also a supporter of the Falcons…been a fan every since I was a kid. So it’d be nice if some of you who didn’t support Vick finally moved on. It’s been a year and you still can’t get his name out of your mouth. On to the business at hand.

I want to be one of the first to step up and apologize to Dimitroff and Mike Smith because I was one of the ones that did not agree with the draft pick of Matt Ryan - not because he wasn’t a good ball player but because I believe you build a team from the line back. That being said I like the way we’re bringing him along. I understand when people like to mention the team you’re going against but this is not college football - this is the NFL. Any given Sunday anybody can beat you…just take a look at NE vs. MIA. No matter what it looks like on paper you still have to go out and play the game and then win the game. I like the job that the staff has done putting this team together and will enjoy watching the team continue to grow. All that’s left is for us to draft that DE from Ga Tech #93 Michael Johnson because we’re still not getting pressure from the other guy on the DE…..what’s his name again???? Oh yeah…Jamal Anderson….

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 21, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

The last time the Falcons played the Chiefs was in the 2004 season. The Falcons’ were quarterbacked by Mike Vick. The Falcons put up ten points that day. The Chiefs scored 56!

By preston

September 21, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Eric……I agree 100% with your 6:38pm comment, I could not have said it any better…….boxer99 just needs to STFU!!!

By stendec

September 21, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Falcons to be commended for victory. They are thus commended! Did not like lack of effort by defenders to keep Chiefs scorless by non-tackle at goal line in closing seconds of half. Any effort whatsoever in form of tackle would have kept visitors off scoreboard. Frustrated at unconcern to start new half as Chiefs waltzed uncontested down field to complete 14-0 scoring run. Keith “No Tackle” Brooking needs to go! Announcers made big deal over supposed tackle he appeared to make. HE MISSED! Normal for this untalented loser. Only brain-dead punt returner kept Falcons from turnover-free outing. Cut this bozo! Other than that it was a solid effort. At least the guys in bird helmets over the .500 mark for a few games. GO FALCONS!

By preston

September 21, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Here we go again…sounds like the jackazzes are comming out of their holes again with these backhanded comments against a qb that no longer plays for this team……first they told us that Doug Johnson was the man…..then it was Matt Schaub (whom the texans fans are about ready to run out of towm), then last yr it was Joey Harrington. You people are pathetic….you have no credibility, but yet you still want to fill up the blogs with the most lamest comments about Vick, whom is no longer affiliated with this team. Can we at least watch a game….good or bad, without having to hear you hypocrites say anything about him?

By Brian

September 21, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

The thing that impresses me the most about Matt Ryan is his maturity. To go from his horrible game last week and to go on to win this game is awesome. I really think he will be a top level quarterback because he has a good level head on his shoulders. With a balanced attack on offense, Falcons will do better than people think.

By bigman

September 21, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Great Game Falcons. Just the way I like it STRESS FREE WIN

By bigman

September 21, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Great Game Falcons. Just the way I like it STRESS FREE WIN

By RA

September 21, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Hey, today was a great effort, but the babe is right, it’s a long road, and folks, we’re all very much on the young team roller coaster. Now, the truth of the matter is that a lot of folks, self included (I’m just keeping it real), had given up this season for lost, and I still don’t think that this team is going to make this season one for the record books. HOWEVER, I do believe that they have a decent chance at respectability this season, and no, I’m not talking playoffs. I’m talking about other teams knowing that they have to do a little bit more than dress the minimum amount of warm bodies necessary to play a team in order to beat us. Make no mistake, we still have a long way to go and a lot of pain left to endure (some of which we may feel next week), but I honestly believe that at some point (that point being a season or two down the road) this flock of birds will be a team to rekon with.

By RA

September 21, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Preston please keep the language down. There may be ladies present.

By Madden King

September 21, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

This team is simple, Turner and Norwood gets the work load, defense plays tough, Matt Ryan throws 1 good pass a game and we win, you can put any QB on this team as long as they throw 1 good pass we win the game, these are the best coaches we had since the Reeves era, just wait until Vick gets back, HOLLA!

By preston

September 21, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

lol……RA…….sorry

By Brian F.

September 21, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

WAIT UNTIL VICK GET’S BACK !! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING !! TO HELL WITH VICK !!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 21, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

The last time the Falcons played the Chiefs was in the 2004 season. The Falcons’ were quarterbacked by Mike Vick. The Falcons put up ten points that day. The Chiefs scored 56!

Hey Madden, in the game in 2004 Vick didn’t throw one good pass. That chump is in prison and isn’t coming back here. Holla b***!

By Falfan

September 21, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

What a great name, “Madden King”, and I hope your faking your blog. Surely you understand that he isn’t coming back here. When he comes back, and is approved to play by the commissioner, the Falcons will barter him for a draft pick. He will never play here again.

By Ryno

September 21, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to talk about the QB position for once. Our defense has to improve.

The run defense was great in the first half - but a lack of depth lead to Larry Johnson’s very big 2nd half. Secondary is playing better, but needs more experience.

We really need to play well next week and the crowd needs to be big against Chicago or we could be looking at 4 losses in a row.

By AJ

September 21, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

I followed Matt Ryan during his BC days and you knew back then he could be a great pro quaterback. He knows how to win. I am now a Falcon’s fan, although I live in New England. GO FALCONS!!!

By BUBBA

September 21, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

WHY DID’NT THEY DO THIS LAST WEEK? I’M HAPPY ABOUT THE WIN, BUT I WANT TO SEE THEM BEAT THE TOUGH TEAMS, IM TIRED OF THE BUCS BEATING THE FALCONS DAMMIT??? WHERE WAS THIS RUNNING AND PASSING AND CATCHING LAST WEEK MAN????

By Manny

September 21, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

We did well against the Chiefs. The running game really took the edge off because Ryan cannot win the game on his own. Plus, the defense was really strong and got a lot of pressure on the QB. And Ryan made some good passes.

That being said, we’re talking about the Chiefs. Right now, there’s a concerted effort in Kansas City for the owners to go to prison, wake up Mike Vick, and offer him a contract to play in 2009. That’s how bad their quarterback situation is. They played some child from Coastal Carolina who really needs more time learning about the game. That puts much pressure on Johnson to carry the team, but their O-line isn’t very good.

Oh, and the Chiefs’ defense made some terrible mistakes. Remember that pass that Ryan hit Roddy White up for that score? What happened to their safety? He was playing up and just let Roddy White run right past him! I was shocked!

So I’m glad we won in front of our “Sell-Out” crowd. But I have to discount it because the Chiefs are terrible.

Oh, and speaking of the crowd: where did everybody go? For a sell-out, there were a lot of empty seats.

By Roam The Dome

September 21, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Manny, the “sell out” crowd of 50,000 was all there was. After the game, was there post tailgating? Nope….by 5pm, it was empty, as if no game had been played. It was the Falcons vs the Chiefs…there will be more people and more excitement at the FAMU vs TSU game this weekend.

By Manny

September 21, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Roam The Dome,

But I didn’t see 50,000 actually in the stands. There was a lot of empty seats during the game.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 21, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

manny, the last time the Chiefs laid eyes on Mike Vick they kicked his a* to the tune of 56-10!

By Boo Boo

September 22, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

The 20,000 fans not in their seats still own tickets. It just takes them too long to sell the other 20,000 tickets they hold, as scalpers. So, they can’t get inside before the game ends. A few wins in a row will get interest up and make it easier for them to sell their spares to tourists. Then they will take their seats and make a sell-out look like one.

I had to “watch” the game on the Internet. For a while there I thought I was picking up a replay of the Tech-MSU game. Amazing how two teams came into Atlanta on the same weekend, both got behind big, and then both died in the red zone over and over and over again. Those two teams must have left 21-40 points off the board. Must have been some funky mojo going on. I don’t think funky mojo does that to really good teams.

Good to see how the offense can play when the defense isn’t committed to stoping anything. Hopefully, Ryan can bring home a road victory this year.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

September 22, 2008 4:08 AM | Link to this

Grady said it best when he told reporters that the Falcons were picked to only win one or two games ALL season and so far it appears we are ahead of schedule. When all the pundits made those predictions before the season, they predicted we’d lose to those “bad” teams too, now that we’ve beaten two of them all they can say was “well they beat bad teams”- uh yeah, the same teams you all said we’d lose to right? Can’t have it both ways, but nice try. We beat those teams you said we wouldn’t before the season started, give the Falcons credit for proving your previous theories wrong and I wish you all would stop with the “well they beat a bad team” crap already, this is the NFL.

By Algonquin Fool Please

September 22, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this

The last time Vick played against the Bucs, the Falcons won.

By Charles

September 22, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this

Hope you doubters about Ryan’s arm strength will now shut up.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 22, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this

In 2006 the Bucs finished with a record of 4-12. They were one of those bad teams you worms like to talk about. The Falcons are a good team that will, in the not too distant future, become a great team. You maggots just keep on denigrating the competition! When Vick was here the Falcons lost by forty to the Panthers. In consecutive weeks, the Falcons lost to the Lions and Browns. The excuses flew from you for the guy who hung and electrocuted dogs in his spare time. Stick your criticisms up yo nasty colons and shut the f*** up!

By jeanE

September 22, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

We should have beaten the Chiefs, they are HORRIBLE & were playing with 2 rookie corners & a 3rd string QB. A more seasoned team would’ve crushed them. Let’s see next week when we face a mad Panthers team in Charlotte. Then, we can talk. I am disgusted that they refuse to use Finn in any real reciver capacity, I know he’s the 4th or 5th option but come on, he’s Mr. 3rd down move the chains! I already abhor Mularkey’s playcalling: too predictible with a few gargabe trick plays thrown in. When someone stops the rush, let’s see how they do against a real NFL team & defense.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 22, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are under re-construction and i think Dimitroff has done a magnificent job. He has a good coach, with a load of talent and integrity, and he’s added a great, youn quarterback and a bruising runner. He’s eliminated the bad attitudes and has replaced them with players who actually play and play hard. The Falcons are building a new legacy and it’s exciting to watch. Go Falcons!

By Matt.M12

September 22, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

..jees, every time a comment blog opens, we get the same BS from the minority. I was so so sick of people writing off the falcons before the season (1-15,2-14) etc. But I, as many other Falcons fans who care to notice the progress we were making in all aspects of our franchise, stuck up for them. Matt Ryan was persistently put down, for no good reason, but many of us saw past the fact that he wasn’t a 300 pound DLiner, and that he could make it with heart, studying the game, good attitude and a damn good skill set. Can the Michael Turner do it in the league etc, stats don’t lie. The O-Line, worst in the league?? Do me a favour, they play with such heart and aggression, im proud to wear my jersey again. How about we lay off this damn pessimism, get behind our team, be happy we are winning with a young team and great coaching, and look forward to a positive era. I don’t care if we lose to the Panthers, GB etc, because I know we will play with what was missing last year. Heart. For the guys who still persist in mentioning no.7: learn about the sport, open your eyes, and stop wasting our time.

By Len

September 22, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Jean E, we had the Cheifs down 24-0, and won 38-14. How much more should we have crushed them? Anyone with any NFL knowledge knows that a W against and other NFL team is earned. Any true falcon fan would know this too, because how many times have we seen the falcons lose to “bottom of the barrel” teams. Anyone remember playing the Browns and Green Bay in 06?

By Manny

September 22, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Yes, this is a rebuilding year. Don’t expect playoffs, but I do like the balance on offense, though. The coaching staff is the best that we’ve had in recent memory, and because of that staff, I think we will just barely miss the playoffs this year.

Matt Ryan is a work in progress. I do not think that he’s the second coming of Dan Marino, but he can work well within this system. As long as he doesn’t have to win games all by himself, which tragically has been the case the last few years with Mike Vick as quarterback, we should be fine.

But our running backs are the ones that can put behinds back in seats. These guys are exciting. Plus, Roddy White is proving to be as advertised… a “Sometimes” dominant player. I believe that if the chemistry between Matt Ryan and Roddy White continues to improve, this system will be a playoff contender for many years to come.

But here’s what I like the most about this team’s personnel: There really are no superstars. No one on this team has to be the superstar. From what I’ve heard, Matt Ryan is making all the right moves in the clubhouse. And even though there has been competition in preseason at the QB position, I’ve noticed that Matt Ryan and DJ Shockley are friends. For Real. That tells me a lot about Ryan’s character.

And even though we’re just loving Michael Turner, he seems so low key that it seems like he can’t be looked upon as a superstar. He’s just enjoying the system.

This is what will make the Falcons successful. The big-time, carry-the-whole-team-on-my-back coaching system is gone. As much as I like the abilities and talents of Michael Vick, it’s good to finally see a team.

Oh, and as for Vick’s chances to come back to the NFL, there’s rumblings with the Chiefs. And the Lions. And the Bears.

By Woodman

September 22, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Vick doesn’t work here anymore. Why do you people have to fight with each other all the time? You are all idiots. Vick Jock Lickers on one side and Racist Retards on the other. How about you all STFU and go find another team to irritate with your comments. The real fans on here just want some civil conversation about the FALCONS. Go away. All of you just please go away.

By Tron5000

September 22, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

So the Falcons (albeit after only 3 games) currently lead the NFL in rushing yards and own the league-leaders in rushing yards (Michael Turner) and sacks (John Abraham).

That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win in this league. Control both sides of the line. With Turner (and Norwood) gobbling up yards (and possession time) and Abe having QBs seeing stars, at least this team knows what it needs to do to win. Not that it will always work, but they are beginning to form a sort of team identity. Much preferable to last year’s schizophrenic mess, when we could not even decided which QB to play.

Not only does pounding the ball chew up possession time, but it also opens up the lanes downfield. Watching the game yesterday, as soon as I saw the safety inch toward the middle of the field, and Ryan launched the ball, I knew we had 6. Great play calling by the coaches most of the day.

Pressuring the QB also takes pressure off your secondary and allows them to play, as evidenced by the 3 picks yesterday. Yes, it was Tyler Thigpen, but that’s what you have to do to make it in this league; beat the teams you are supposed to beat (which the Birds have done, and very handily, I might add) and step up and knock off a couple teams you are not supposed to beat.

Even in the loss at Tampa, the team looked much better in the second half and were still in the game in the 4th. If you can hang around good teams in the 4th, you’ll eventually be the beneficiary of a couple big plays and a couple big wins.

I’m very encouraged by the start, and it looks like our guys are once again having fun (very important) and playing together as a team (even more important). Good job, Birds. If we can get out of Charlotte with a W on Sunday, I like how this team looks at 3-1 with a split on our first 2 road NFC South games. Keep it up.

By mars

September 22, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

When you children quit sulking about which overpaid ego is responsible for what, think about the condition of the NFL this year. Considering the state of the perrenial winners, I for one think that anything, ANYTHING, could happen this year. Whether we capitalize or fail, it will still be interesting to watch. Speaking of “interesting”, would all of the boring crybabies please put yesterday behind you and acknowledge current events, please. I’m not going to qualify the constant idiocy by stating who I was or was not a fan of in the past, because it doesn’t matter. All that matters is what’s happening now.

By ksagendo

September 22, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

A good start so far, even if the wins have come against horrible teams. The Falcons have lost to horrible teams in the recent past. The main thing is keep improving and good things will continue to happen.

By Vick Supporter

September 22, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

@boxer99, my caucasian friend, why did you have to mention my name and make negative comments about me? I haven’t said a word to you at all, haven’t even left a post yet. You don’t want it with me on this blog, boy. Anyway, i guess the Flacons should be proud for a win against the chiefs,lol. Where was all of this “greatness” against Tampa? The Chiefs are the sorriest team in the league!!! And you people are so happy? ” All you people can STFU about Matt Ryan’s arm strength”, LMFAO Roddy had to slow down and damn near reach back to catch it, but who cares. Like I’ve always said, if “Matty Ice,lol” throws a 10 yard slant, you people make him to be the next Montana. We will see (again) what the Falcons are made of when J.Peppers gets all in Matty Ice’s a* on Sunday. What excuses will you have then?

By keep it real

September 22, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

you falcon fans are simply pathetic. you have beaten teams that have not won any games and you think your team is good?

FYI the chiefs got rid of their best defensive player last year. The raiders run all over them last week and the raiders are pathetic. Did you see how denver beat the crap out of them in week 1?

the falcons suck. you played a team without a QB. Thigpen is garbage. Herman edwards gutted this once proud franchise.

You won but your wins are extremely suspect.

The same way atlanta has won its home games is how it has lost on the road

The real test starts next week because there will not be any more cupcakes on the schedule.

By AguilaFan

September 22, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Like AJ, I followed Matt at BC.

Live in Puerto Rico so I doubt I will get up to see a game in person. Am now a fan of the Atlanta Falcons. The team is impressive. Blank has done the right things. Glad to see the fans having a good time.

By Matt Fraud

September 22, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

I remember when all you guys that think Ryan is great thought the same thing about Matt Fraud, did you check out his game yesterday?

17 of 37 with 3 Interceptions!

Houston Comp Att Yds Pct Y/A Sack YdsL TD Int Rating
M. Schaub 17 37 188 45.9 5.1 3 17 0 3 27.8

By Tron5000

September 22, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Hey keep it real (dumb), that’s what good teams do; they beat the bad teams and they beat them badly. We jumped on top of Detroit 21-0 and beat them handily. Likewise, we got on top of KC 24-0 and won by 24. If they keep doing that to the bottom-level teams, and hang around in the 4th against better teams, eventually they’ll hit a couple big plays and sneak up and beat a couple of the better teams.

It’s not like we squeaked by the Lions and Chiefs; we beat them down. Falcons teams of recent years may have just barely won, if at all.

They’re having fun, they’re playing like a team, and they are capitalizing on their opportunities and the other teams’ mistakes. You’re right, this weekend should be a decent test. But even if we lose, we’ll be 2-2 with only 1 more divisional road game left, and 3 divisional games at home. But if we win, we’re looking at 3-1 a quarter of the way into the season.

Now, I don’t know how many people had thoughts of the postseason before this year started, and I don’t know how many have those thoughts right now. But I see a team that is better than others expected (Sporting News picked us no.32 in the NFL, with a record of 1-15; guess we got that covered). I see a coach who wants to run, run, run the ball and get after the opposing QB. If you can do those things, and if Ryan only has to pass <20 times a game (a la Ben Roethlisberger), you’ll win more games than people think.

By Vick Supporter

September 22, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick = Blamed for all of the Falcons mistakes, including defense, offense, kicking game, the way he looks, speaks, etc etc etc.

Matt Ryan = Excuses made up for him for bad games, lack of arm strength. Looks the way people want, which doesn’t add up to wins, etc etc etc.

Winner: MIKE VICK. He will be back in the NFL and he will dominate the NFL/Falcons.

Loser: “Matty Ice lol” Average QB, throws lots of INTs, Joey Harrington 2.0

By arm stregth

September 22, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Laughable comments on arm strength. Throw to Roddy was right in front of me. He did not slow up. It was a perfect throw. Also - The 20 yard curl was a bullet. The roll out sideline out pattern was a strike. Aside from having plenty sufficient arm strength, Ryan is accurate and reads defenses very well - he’s had 3 starts. Think how much better he is going to get. As with most of the commentary looking for anything to criticize, you continually prove you don’t know jack. Yeah we beat up on 2 bad teams - Well we are a bad team looking light years ahead of these others. There will be no playoffs - that’s not the point. The team is not turning the ball over and taking stupid penalties. Yes I know about the 1st half in Tampa so save your limited thoughts for something else. Team looks like a professional organization - O/D and Special Teams - except Jennings. The Dome is sadly empty.

By Vick Supporter

September 22, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

@arm stregth. The Dome will continue to be empty. You need players that bring excitement to bring the people out, i.e, Manning, Brady, Romo, Vick, Favre, you get the picture. The Falcons have Matt Ryan, who will be a 5 yard completion type passer, instead of having zip on his throws, it looks like a leaf floating in the air. Like I’ve always said………………No Vick = Losing Season.

By arm strength

September 22, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

you’re dumb.

By Vick Supporter

September 22, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

@arm strength, I guess that makes 2 of us.

By Len

September 22, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Vick Supporter, well we get excited by Matty’s 10 yard slant because we lived for 5 years with a QB that could not complete one.

Fact is, Vick was 7-9 his last two years. When he came into the league, he could outrun all his mistakes. But the Defenses figured him out, and he lost a step, unfortunately he never grew as a passer (hence, no 10 yard slants), hence 7-9. Nothing more than a flash in the pan.

There are many athletes who admit, if it were not for sports, would be in prison. Unfortunately for Vick, he was so stupid, even sports could not keep him from his destiny.

By Dottie

September 22, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

we finally have a real team, not some arrogant idiot that says “the world needs to see me”..then gets lit the hell up by New orleans on MNF, and this isn;t racial but you need more than running skill to be a great QB,you need intelligence, like a peyton manning, which i feel MATT RYAN has.. and 7 was about as stupid as they come..his airtran commercials and felony record attest to that

By Tron5000

September 22, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Hey Jock Supporter, what’s this “5 yard completion type passer” nonsense? That throw to Roddy traveled 57 yards in the air. 57 yards. Now I know you don’t like the kid because he doesn’t look like you, but how many other rookie QBs look as good as he did yesterday in their 3rd career game? Not many.

I’m sorry you’re beleaguered QB (who I always supported) ended up in jail. I’m sorry he made very poor decisions and is now in the federal pen. But the Falcons have moved on, and your blatant racism in looking down on Matt Ryan because his pigment is a little different than yours is sickening.

If you’re only a Vick fan and not a Falcons fan, then do us all a favor and take a hike. You can become a fan of Vick’s new team next year and annoy some other fans with your foolishness. I support the Falcons, no matter who plays for the team, and I will embrace our new QB as I did our last one.

By FREE MIKE VICK

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

Just think how many points they would have scored if Blank had not turned his back on Vick……..Face it Atlanta, this team will never be the same without Vick……You losers!

By Spudd Webb

September 22, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

lol, I love it. Can someone please post another blog (like the many I saw last!) saying Ryan’s arm isn’t strong? ahhahaha. WOW, WAAAAAAAAYYYYYY OFF. The guy’s arm is fine. Yes two wins for two of the worst teams, but I will take it. You can see some progressions going on with the coaching staff and with Ryan. The defense is also growing. Too many yards for Larry, but all in all, I will take it. FREE MIKE VICK do us a favor, go to where Vick is in jail and picket outside, for the rest of your life. ahahhahha, see how that works for you. Get over it, dude is a loser.

By Tron5000

September 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Hey FREE MIKE VICK, even if Blank hadn’t “turned his back on Vick”, Vick would still be turning his back for Bubba right now. Vick would be in prison, with his back turned to some fine big gentleman, no matter what Blank had done.

And by the way, Vick “turned his back on” you, me, Arthur Blank, his teammates, and the entire city of Atlanta when he knowingly engaged in criminal activity leading to his eventual admission of guilt and subsequent incarceration in a federal penitentiary.

I hope one of those empty seats at the Dome yesterday was yours. Just stay away until Vick again starts for the Falcons. Which is to say, when Satan bust out his hockey skates.

By Algonquin Fool

September 22, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

you’re so excited over a Chiefs win? A team that started its 3rd quarterback in its 3rd consecutive game? LMAO!! That explains the 0-3 Chiefs. Did you see what the 49ers did to the Lions? That should tell you about the 0-3 Lions, and Yep, the Falcons are still in top 5 draft pick territory! But oh yeah, the “future” looks bright all right!……in Oklahoma City which is where the Falcons will be!

By Lloydd

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

Matt won me over with those two passes over twenty yards YEAH RIGHT one more and I think he’s ready for the HOF. Matt only had to manage the game and he did that well. We will get a better assessment of what can or cannot do in the next few weeks.

By bigeasy830

September 22, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan looks more like Danny Wuerffel each game. He has the weakest arm in the NFL. That kid is pitiful. HE put so much air under that TD pass. Roddy White had to slow up for it and if Roddy did not do such a great job to get wide open against a terrible defense a decent CB would have caught up to that pass and broke it up. The Falcons will lose their next 12 games. Matt Ryan will throw 25 INTs in the next 12 games. After each lost for the next three months I want all you thrash talking “MATTY ICE” fans, “GET RID OF THE THUGS” people to keep talking trash. I am going to the next home game the scalpers are taking a beating did you see all those empty seats. I bet you can get a good seat for 20 bucks on the street or on CL. The only fans that are showing up to the games are the MV7 fans that are waiting for his return. The rest of you PETA loving metrosexuals are the ones spewing racism and hatred.

Holla…….

By DOTTIE DOTTIE DOTTIE

September 22, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Dottie, I remember when you “thought” the same thing about Matt Schaub!

**By Matt Fraud

September 22, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

I remember when all you guys that think Ryan is great thought the same thing about Matt Fraud, did you check out his game yesterday?

17 of 37 with 3 Interceptions!

Comp Att Yds Pct Y/A Sack YdsL TD Int Rating M. Schaub 17 37 188 45.9 5.1 3 17 0 3 27.8**

By Tron5000

September 22, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Hey bigeasy, if you actually watched the game yesterday, you would have seen that most of the jerseys being worn by fans did not have a number 7 on them. Yes, there were a few, but your statement that, “The only fans that are showing up to the games are the MV7 fans that are waiting for his return” is factually untrue.

Why don’t you just save your Matt Ryan-hatred and let the real Falcons fans discuss things here? Why bring up MV7 when he does not even play for this team? What point are you trying to prove, that you’re and idiot, or just ignorant of how the NFL works, or both? ‘Cause you’re out to an outstanding start on both fronts.

By Houston Texans Fan

September 22, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Well Falcons Fans, when this Chump Ryan washes up you can keep him, my team listend to you idiots claim Matt Schaub was then next “great one” and he’s about to be benched in Texas

So yeah, your city is a great judge of talent at QB!

By bigeasy830

September 22, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Also most MV7 supporters predicted a victory this week for the Falcons. They knew how bad KC was. The MV7 supporters seem to be the real Falcons fans because they just want the team to win. They are not depending on some athlete to be role models for their kids. They raise their own children.

By Tron5000

September 22, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

**By bigeasy830

September 22, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Also most MV7 supporters predicted a victory this week for the Falcons. They knew how bad KC was. The MV7 supporters seem to be the real Falcons fans because they just want the team to win. They are not depending on some athlete to be role models for their kids. They raise their own children. **

That is one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever read. Nice job for bringing some humor to my day. I needed a good laugh.

By The Truth

September 22, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

I’m laughing at the Texan fan as well as any Raider fans out there who did NOT believe the ones that did not clain Shaub the next great thing and well…for the Raiders they got what they wanted. There was no split in our fan base about DeAngelo or as some call him here on the blogs MeAngelo.

As a tech fan I don’t know if anybody has mentioned this yet on the blog but what about a congratulations to all of our football teams in the state. This was a good weekend for football in the state. Its also nice to finally have good coaching on all of our teams instead of just one. Again, I’d just like to point out about the win yesterday. While some writers like TMoore feel that next week is a better gauge because the Chiefs suck I don’t know if they can remember where the Falcons was initially placed in tons of pre-season power polls but I’ll remind them - DEAD LAST. Any win for this team that was picked to be the worst team in the league is a GOOD win, I don’t care who we play.

By ivanpayne

September 22, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Is bigeasy830 serious?? A Weak Arm after throwing it 58 yards in the air hitting his target IN FULL STRIDE for a 70 yard TD!!??

Dude. Something must be in your water. You might want to get that checked out.

By uneasy

September 22, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

The comments are getting better and better. I know I would be comfortable with Free Mike Vick, U_B, BigEasy830 and the rest instilling their values in my children. Certainly they are at least sound financial thinkers. Trading $130MM for $5,000 (cash!) is a good idea. At least they are well founded morally in that they don’t need to have any sense of responsibility - that no matter what “the Man” is out to get them. Newsflash - The “Man” is to busy trying to get ahead to get you. Besides, why waste the effort - you do all the work yourself.

By Jim P.

September 22, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Can we drop the whole MV7 thing? The jerk is in jail ok?

We have a new Mike to cheer for. MT33!

Turner is a hell of a RB, and Matt Ryan showed he can throw the deep ball to Roddie White. We have a very good team in the making.

We need to cheer for them, not the past. This is my 30th season of Falcon football that I have watched. There is not alot in the past 30 years to be cheering for. Leave the past in the past, and MV7 is the past.

The present looks good and the future look better than it has in a long long time.

By Vick Supporter

September 22, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

@Tron5000, It took all of might to hit those 57 yards. I understand your logic, you’re gonna protect Matt Ryan at all costs on here, and thats ok. Its easy for Ryan to look good when you run the ball almost every play, which they should do. Matt Ryan has ability, I’ve never denied that, he’s just not Mike Vick and its not about color for me, as you think. I defend Vick because he a great qb in my opinion who had to carry the entire franchise on his back. What makes me angry about the falcons and the reason I hate them so much is because not that they have a “pocket passer” they finally realize that they need to get o-linemen and and power running game, when Vick was here, it was “go win the game for us Michael” and he getting blown up everyplay. They’re taking measures that they were SUPPOSED to do with Vick, which they didn’t do, and they’re now doing it for “Matty Ice, lol”. Vick made his mistakes, but he was never given a fair shake PERSONNEL WISE. Name a great reciever or RB, and I mean GREAT, NOT AVERAGE, that Vick had during his tenure here. The very people on these blogs right this moment have said themselves that the Falcons organization have made some bonehead moves (does Jamal Anderson ring a bell?). So attack me all you want, At least I have the balls to admit that Vick f’ed this up himself, but i only defend him football wise, and he’s heads and shoulders better than Matty Ice, lol, will ever be. You people will witness GREATNESS and a redemption story like no other when Vick comes back to the NFL Write it down.

By McRly?

September 22, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

“Vick woulda put up 50pts!” “Vick would have thrown 3 touchdowns!” Vick Vick Vick. Woulda Coulda Shoulda. Waa Waa Waa. You guys are funny. Vick’s gone, and I don’t even remember what he looks like. What was his number? Zero, wasn’t it a big fat 0? hahaha. You guys are so silly. “Wait til Vick comes back! He’ll show you!!!” show me what, his ankle monitor? hahaha. You guys make me laugh.

2-1 baby. 2-1. Say what you want, we’re 2-1. Rough schedule ahead Falcons fans, the team needs us badly at the Dome. Man it’s fun to compete, and this team will NOT quit. This team is a blast to watch, come on down, enjoy the tailgate with that sweet Atlanta flare and watch a team with passion and heart play to win! Cya at the Dome!!!

By Ryder

September 22, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Although what I’m about to write goes against everything I stand for as a longtime Falcons fan, I have to bring up this point:

Did anyone catch what Deion Sanders said on NFL Network last night when asked who would be the perfect QB for the Vikings, and he mentioned Michael Vick? VickSupporter what do you think about that one? Honestly I think he’d be just the QB that franchise needed. Someone who could make them pay for stacking 8 in the box against Peterson. By 2010 (in case Vick gets a one year suspension from Goodell) that could be a realistic possibility.

Anyway, tron5000 you’re right about the upcoming schedule, after Carolina it’s one more divisional road game against the Saints. Pretty easy stuff to deal with now.

I think that from a mere growth perspective, Atlanta has to win at least one of their next three upcoming games (AT CAROLINA, AT GREEN BAY, CHICAGO). This team has shown what they can do when everything is clicking. Ryan is taking the baby steps you’d want your franchise QB to take, he’s playing smart and the team rallied around him.

Turner is taking it to the defense with each run, and White is still gaining that ever important QB-WR relationship every team needs.

Now do I think Atlanta will be a great team this year? No, simply because their defense is suspect, especially at the corners. At best the Falcons are a 6 or 7 win team, but at least they are just a solid draft away from building a contender.

By boxer99

September 22, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter my colored friend guess what? Vick isnt coming back. Thew guy is a low life disgrace. And no he was not a great QB he was a great athlete and thats it. The Falcons did not turn thier backs on nhim, it was the other way around. Nobody was a bigger supporter of Vick then Blank you embesol! But Vick was true to himself and ended up in jail….Boo Hoo you Vick Supporters are pathetic get a life.

By Len

September 22, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

VS Good point, he never had any talented recievers, like Roddy White either, ahh, wait a minute, was here. Maybe he never caught any ball because the QB was always off target?

Hmmm, How do you consider a guy a great QB who can barely sustain a 50% completion average.

Vick was a one trick pony, hardly a QB, and as he aged, he lost a step, and defenses figured him out, hence, the 7-9 records his last two years.

The guy could not complete a timing pattern if his life depended up it. Why were Algie and Finneran his favorite targets, because they were big and slow.

Bottom Line? Vick is where he belongs, and Ryan may or may not be the answer, but they are better than predicted. Nobody calls them the worst team in the NFL any longer.

By The REAL Falcons

September 22, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Its the Vick Haters who cant let go. They have to try to hold on to the past; like those pathetic stars & bars flags you see all over; or even worse , the georgia flags with the HALF stars & bars. They still cant get over losing the civil war.lol.

By Vick Supporter

September 22, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Ryder, the Vikings would be perfect.

By The REAL Falcons

September 22, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

boxer99 I was gonna come down on you hard but judging by your spelling and grammatical skills you are obviously mentally challenged. So enjoy yourself big guy.

By Tron5000

September 22, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

The REAL Falcons are the ones who support their team no matter what, no matter who is under Center.

What is this nonsense about Falcons fans and the “Stars and Bars”? Are you attempting to make a racist statement without actually making it?

At least REAL Falcons fans support a flag, unlike Vick fans, who are probably in Josh Howard’s camp when it comes to flags.

By Dreski

September 22, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I really don’t care what these down talker’s say! we won!! who cares about Vick, all the cancers that use to be on this team and every thing else! BELIEVE IN NOW!

By Dreski

September 22, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

I really don’t care what these down talker’s say! we won!! who cares about Vick, all the cancers that use to be on this team and every thing else! BELIEVE IN NOW!

By Dreski

September 22, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

I really don’t care what these down talker’s say! we won!! who cares about Vick, all the cancers that use to be on this team and every thing else! BELIEVE IN NOW!

By The REAL Falcons

September 22, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Tron5000 Of course you and all your racist murdering seditionist ANTI-AMERICAN pals support the stars & bars as YOUR national flag. This is so easy. You make my point for me. LOL

By Boo Boo

September 22, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick is the reason the Falcons could not do anything after going 13 - 3. They went 8 - 8 and 7 - 9 and 4 - 12 because of Mike Vick (including his not being around last year being due to his faults). Arthur Blank was in love with Mike Vick and his hiney still aches for the man; but Arthur Blank is not the coach of the team. Mike Vick was a coach killer because the coach was like a teat on a Vick hawg. What coach wants to be a lackey to a player? None! Mora, Jr. laid down and died, primping the egos of Vick, Hall, Crumpler, and Kearney, and then letting the players go out and lose games they should have won. When it was all Mike Vick, you live or die on how well the other team is manned to stop Mike Vick. Good teams stopped Mike Vick with ease; and the last two years he was around to play proved that. Mike Vick was a team killer, because his presence made the coach plot the team’s demise.

Vick is gone now. Good riddance. Long live the Falcons! Still, Arthur Blank’s perverted love of players is like a cancer in remission. If he starts to get back in the game of pampering players, we will again sing the same song, new verse.

By Tron5000

September 22, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

No, REAL Falcons, we don’t. And the fact that you think Falcons supporters are “racist murdering seditionist ANTI-AMERICAN” speaks volumes of the hatred you yourself harbor.

You’re a moron, and the more you speak, the more you reveal yourself. Keep it up. It’s fun watching an idiot make a fool of himself.

By NCFalconFan

September 22, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

To all of you who were calling for M.Schaub a few years ago, how do you like him now? Their was a reason he was a back up

By The REAL Falcons

September 22, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Tron5000…..”It’s fun watching an idiot make a fool of himself.” You are obviously looking in the mirror”. LOL…do you dee a big pointy white hat?…lol

By Tron5000

September 22, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

So REAL Falcons, you’re calling me a racist for saying that I like the Falcons and that I don’t support the “Stars and Bars.” Great job there, genius. Have you filled out your MENSA application yet?

By Vick Supporter

September 22, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

@Boo Boo. i guess some things never change, when all else fails, blame mike vick, just like you people have always done. no surprise. the falcons will never have a 13-3 season, much less a 7-9, 8-8 season for a long time. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

By The REAL Falcons

September 22, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Tron5000 A moment ago you were ALL FOR the stars & bars…In response to my statement that many of you support the stars & bars you said…and I quote“At least REAL Falcons fans support a flag”. Make up your mind grasshopper.

By Vick Supporter

September 22, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Will anyone on this blag admit that Vick lifted this franchise when he was here? No one knew sh!t about the flacons until Michael Vick was here.

By Vick Supporter is dumb

September 22, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Never is a long time isn’t it? I guess that’s cool though since the Falcons never did that with Vick either.

7-9 9-6-1 5-11 11-5 8-8 7-9

Quick get Canton on the phone. There is a sure fire Hall of Famer missing from enshrinement. How can we ever grow from this legendary accomplishment of 2 winning seasons out of 6?

By Vick Supporter

September 22, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

@Vick Supporter is dumb. Since you looked up those stats, why don&#