Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > December > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons have formula of playoff team
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They had a young quarterback as a first-year starter. They didn’t talk about the season before. They didn’t care about the gloomy projections. Or they fed off them.
The 2008 Falcons? No. The 2001 New England Patriots.
“A lot of similarities,” said Lawyer Milloy, the Falcons’ safety and a starter on that Patriots’ surprising 2001 Super Bowl team. “The teams are similar because of the bond the players had with each other. There were low expectations. But we just focused on getting stronger every week. Nobody ever saw us getting some place. But at the end there we were against the Rams in the Super Bowl, getting it done. That was the best. That’s the way you’re supposed to win games.”
This doesn’t mean Matt Ryan is Tom Brady. It doesn’t mean Mike Smith is Bill Belichick, or Lawyer Milloy at 35 is Lawyer Milloy at 28, or the Falcons of ‘08 are the Patriots of ‘01 and they’re going to the Super Bowl.
But if any team in the middle of a December jumble had the look of a playoff team, it’s the Falcons. At this point, the surprise would be if they didn’t get in.
They are 8-4. They have a quarterback, Ryan, who isn’t prone to rookie meltdowns. They have a team that already has won road games at Green Bay and San Diego. They have beaten two of the NFC’s most physical teams, Carolina and Chicago. Their running game is second only to the New York Giants’. The defense gives up plays but is improving and opportunistic. Overall, the team is healthy at key positions and has steadily improved from game one to 12 — which differentiates them from almost everybody in the NFC.
In four weeks, we’ll find out for sure. But right now, the feeling here is that they’re a playoff team.
Milloy is not the type of person to say he is surprised. To acknowledge surprise would be to acknowledge doubt. Leaders don’t do that.
But when asked about his satisfaction level, he admitted the obvious.
“At age 35, in year 13, this is the kind of year I needed,” he said. “Last year took a toll on me. Kurt Warner said it best: Seasons like this make you feel young again.”
It’s easy to get spoiled. Milloy made the playoffs in his first three NFL seasons. He started in a Super Bowl as a rookie in 1996. He won a ring in his sixth season in 2001.
He hasn’t been on a playoff team since.
Last year was a train wreck. From Michael Vick to Bobby Petrino to all the morass in between, the Falcons’ season ranked as arguably the worst for any franchise in pro sports history.
So imagine how an 8-4 season is being received by Milloy.
“We have a group of guys who were willing to work,” he said. “From the beginning, there was never any talk about last year, even from the college guys who knew what had happened. If anything, that kind of galvanized our individual relationships. You build your foundations through tough times. We brought in the right guys, whether off the street or free agents or in the draft. Then Smitty had a fresh new attitude. In that first meeting with us, he said there were going to be hiccups, but we would get through it. Everybody just went from there.”
Asked about the difference between a playoff team and a non-playoff team, Milloy listed talent, health and leadership. But the most important factor?
“Chemistry,” he said. “In this league, teams are changing players every year. The teams that can build relationships and find their identity the fastest are the ones that succeed.”
He saw this happen once before.
That story ended well.
Permalink | Comments (69) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL
Comments
By leland
December 2, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
JS—this is better. You ought not write about the Bulldogs anymore or you might get in trouble like the trouble Vick got in. Know what I mean? You write about the Bulldogs and it’s like throwing one knawed-on pork chop bone to a pack of mangy curs, foaming at the mouth. It’s animal abuse. YP, Leland
By Wildebeast
December 2, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Dang, I am so proud of the Falcons. Proud of the character guys they brought in. Of the utterly egoless Rookie of the Year Quarterback they start. Of Abraham and Lofton and Milloy. And, man, who has heard Harvey Dahl’s or Tyson Clabo’s names called all year for an untimely false start or fiesty infraction? It’s all good. I mean great! But, gawd, can we plese do something about Fred Kalil and Gerald Riggs on Sunday mornings. They are so awful they make my Bloody Mary curdle!!
By doyle
December 2, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
After The Game Saturday, I told my sons that for the 1st time in years I could say after a Dawg loss, “Thank God we have the Falcons tomorrow”. My, my. What a good feeling!
By PlusSizeModel
December 2, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
This column made me think of Eugene Robinson. Coincidentally enough I was driving through Carolina listening to the Panther-Packer game and heard that genius doing color on the broadcast. He is awful and the play-by-play guy sucks too.
By greg brown
December 2, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
If this is the first year of a rebuilding project. How many Super Bowls do we dare, dream to come??
By Shawn
December 2, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
I work at a restaurant that a lot of athletes go to. I always like to respect there privacy so I never bother them. Matt Ryan comes in about once a week. Last night i couldn’t hold it in anymore. I went up to his table shook his hand and said ” Matt you make me so happy. Thank You for Kicking A*.” He was real nice and said “Thank you”. he such a class act. I’m looking forward to the next decade of falcons football with Matt Ryan at the helm. Go Falcons.
By lex luther
December 2, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Chemistry on any team is the most important thing to have. Lack of talent can be compensated with great team chemistry. Lawery, Keith, Abe, and the defense will be fine. Those guys have developed great chemistry. The offense is one of the best in the league. The O-line is performing tremendously well and working off each other greatly. Remind me of the 98 squad. Thanks Falcons for making this one hellava season.
By ReddMann
December 2, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
I think the falcons have chance to tun the table and win the rest of their games. Because sombody is going have to loose monday night. The have learned from the lost they took from both panthers and bucs. They came back and out a beat down onb the panthers, so the same should go against the bucs but that game is more challenging for the Falcons. The bucs have good “D” but average Offense. The saints could have beat the bucs if they had a better defense. The Falcons defense is not the best but they are good when it matters because they are now like no other time before playing like a team.
First beat the aint’s at home, this game will be tough because they are mad and now can be the spoiler team. Against the bucs show the run and do the run and show the run but do playaction, roll outs and bootlegs. We have fast receivers and the bucs don’t have the speed in the secondary to beat all of our guys. Beating the bucs is the game of the year and will be like a pre super bowl game for us because chances are that if we do go all the way to the championship game it won’t be aginst any of our divison rivals. A NEW ERA HAS BEGUN….GO FALCONS!!
By Joel Foreman
December 2, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Great article J.S.! I really enjoyed it and especially loved Milloy’s quotes! Very nice writing.
By monty
December 2, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
How about that Jonathan Babineaux?
By jopo
December 2, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
the falcons are for real because they believe in themselves and have the proper attitude to surpass the agony and the non-ectasy of their miserable existence which leads me to believe that if King Kong was still alive he would be a mighty gorilla and king of all he surveyed
By zach
December 2, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
The Saints just had Deuce McCallister and their two starting DTs suspending. Turner should be licking his chops.
By SeminoleWarrior
December 2, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
What a return!! As a lifelong fan, I took a chance and bought season tickets for my beloved Falcons as a gift to myself after my retirement from the USAF. As I served around the world over the many years, my friends gave me much crap about my Birds but who is laughing now…me!! I held out what seemed to be an eternal hope with a brief highlight in 1998 as we went to the Super Bowl. No matter what, the Birds were the home team and home is always special. But I could not have imagined this in a million years. After visiting the mini-camps earlier this year, I just had a feeling that this was the start of something special. Big kudos to Coach Smith and his staff as well as TD and the front office. This team will be a force to deal with for years to come. And now that I am home for good, I plan to be the loudest fan in the Dome as long as I have good health and strength. GO FALCONS!!
By michaelgee
December 2, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
**If this Falcon Season is a dream, I will personally stomp whomever wakes me up.
We finally have ALL the missing parts!
GO FALCONS!**
By Edward
December 2, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of the Atlanta Falcons this season and I do think they can win out and win the NFC South. As a life long die hard fan it is so nice to see this team do well on Sunday afternoons. Matt Ryan has become a quarterback in just 12 games that has proven he can win football games for this team and he has made everyone around him better, the offensive line is playing well, the wide receivers are catching the ball, and the running game with Turner is nothing short of amazing. It is such a joy to watch this team play and more and more it is proving Mike Smith’s philosophy to be correct just as he said in his initial press conference, You win in the NFL with character football players all striving towards one goal. Good Luck Falcons lets get to the playoffs and show the rest of the NFC what we can do.
By mark
December 2, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
I assume it was luck, surely not genius that made A Blank hire T, Dimitroff. Either way he finally got one right, congratulations Mr Blank. Now stay off the sidelines. These birds are really really good. We must also thank Petrino for leaving and the foul maggott dog killer for making this possible. The stars aligned for us long suffering fans. It is notable Bill Parcells whiffed on Matt Ryan. Who is the genius now?By dawgs got STUNG all over
December 2, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
*Nice process Coach Smitty , we are in the 4th quarter now with only four games to go
By leftcoastfan
December 2, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
My first falcon game was in 1974 against the vaunted Dallas Cowboys, who i think beat atlanta like 42-0 on opening day, but if could of been by less. My family moved to atlanta from new york in the spring of 74, and my dad got us season tickets to the falcons, and we kids said who? he said the Falcons, we were puzzled, all we knew were the new york giants. my dad had season tix at Yankee Stadium, and sold them after we left town.
years later, after my dad gave up ont he falcons and got season tickets to UGA(a school he didnt even go to), i never gave up.
so, years later i got a house in midtown, and could see the dome on a clear day from my front door. and after going to 100’s of games, supporting a loser, i got a funny feeling in 1998. I started to go to games with tix from scalpers. no one went to the games that year, i think they only sold out like 2 or 3 games that year.
so, on a cloudy and chilly january afternoon, the falcons did the unbelieveable, and beat Minnesota. we broke the heart of that franchise and they have never been so close, unless you call the 2000 title dismantling by the giants a abborration. in celebration i looked out my front door looked at the dome and saw a tiny break in the clouds that day, and a ray of light cast down on the dome, it was rankin Smith sr shining bright on his vision. smith died earlier that year, and atlanta was on fire.
i went to the super bowl with my buddy sabatino and paid 1800 a piece for tickets. thought i would never get that chance again, but vick got us close with zero QB skills.
i didnt want to hear the naysayers saying that you need a real QB to win, in the NFL. well, they were right.
Vick was not a leader either, he alienated everyone. a true classless act that should never get another shot, if he does, then elect pete rose into the baseball HOF as a player, if not then tell VIck and his supporters to go away. why, cause it is better to win with class than flash!
Matt Ryan is a greagt kid, with class, heart and a golden arm. I moved to LA in 2001, and have beed to SF twice, Seattle, and now San Diego. Saw alot of red, and tons of old school and new school falcon fans. i would never guessed in my life last year that we would rebound so well.
when the game was over, i stood up on my chair, 15 rows behind the falcon bench right on the 50 yd line and YELLED, “VICTORY”, just like johnny drama in Viking Quest, on HBO’s Entourage. BROOKING, MALLOY, BOLEY and HOUSTON saw and heard me loud and clear. Both BROOKING and MALLOY saw me, got up on the team bench, and gave the big VICTORY “V” salute. Man it felt great after all these years, to celebrate despite all the bad, and have that moment. Thanks Arthur, for still believing, and offering leadership when no one wanted this gig. Thank you Thomas D, for making all the right moves, and taking this job. And thank you MIKE SMITH AND MATT RYAN for being the greatest rookie tandem in league history!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On to better things, the falcons finsh 11-5, pass tampa, and get the bye, host a home playoff game, and win to meet the Giants in NYC. reminds me of 1998 all over. i thank the lord above for this chance to taste victory.
holla falcon fans, enjoy this moment, they come around only so often.
and I am out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Diamondave has left the building!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Cairo
December 2, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Jeff why can’t you keep YKW name out of your Freaking mouth? Let it go please. Dang!
By Grinch
December 2, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
You people are out of your mind. Don’t you know the saints have thier backs to the wall and will beat your eyes out.We were lucky to have beat them at the dome.Tampa allways finds ways to beat us with thier D.Don’t build your self up two high for a big let down.remember these are still the atlanta falcons and it has happen before.I hope i’m wrong. even if they don’t make the play offs this has been a great year and i am proud to be a Falcon Fan since 1966.
By Mike
December 2, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
leftcoastfan, the score of the 74 game was actually 24-0. The Falcons QB was Bob “General” Lee. As a Falcon fan since 1966 (they lost their first game to the Eagles 9-7 in the preseason) and this is my favorite team! I thought the the Bartkowski teams were a lot of fun. The 98 “dirty birdst things seemed to break just right for them. I think this team is the best ever. I’ve never seen a Falcon team have as many things go against them like Sunday and still win! GO FALCONS!
By wayne
December 2, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons make the playoffs Coach Smith should be coach of the year hands down. It’s been a long time since we have had a coaching staff this good. If we had Mike Mularkey as OC when Vick was playing we would have been ustoppable. He has done a great job with Matt Ryan, and our Offensive Line is playing great. MIKE TURNER IS THE TRUTH (enough said). We have to keep getting better on defense, but one important thing is that our defense doesn’t blow many assignments which is another sign of great coaching. We have a great chance to make the playoffs….GO FALCONS!!!
By Orlando
December 2, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Grinch,
I think I speak for everyone when I tell you to STFU!
What happened in the past is just that THE PAST! Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Turner, and some of these other young players don’t know anything about that old losing culture that permeated this franchise since ‘66. There is an actual foundation built to last, so get with it or get out!
The Saints are overrated and will get it handed to them, especially with their best defensive end out for the year. Can’t wait to play Minnesota now since the Williamses are suspended.
Even if Atlanta gets to 10-6 this has been a successful season. GO FALCONS!!!!
By johboy
December 2, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Diamond Dave EH? Well whoever you are , I enjoyed reading your post. It made me feel like a kid . I remember those feelings like* we old school fans* * USED* to feel! I remember waiting to board a plane in PITTSBURGH, January of ‘79 while watching the birds give it away to DALLAS in the NFC title game. I watched Matty Ice beat GT last year while leading BC to the top of the ACC and thought, “I wish we could have a QB like that.” Even though the MV7 thing had not yet happened, I was an old Staubauch fan, so Matty Ice is my kind of guy. Here’s to the restoration of pride! Hail to Mr. Blank,Mr. Dimitroff, & the entire nest of DIRTY BIRDS!!! Atlanta loves the RED, BLACK & SILVER!
By phattso
December 2, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Not only is New Orleans missing key players for their game against us, Minnesota just lost it’s defensive WALL against the run.
This team is going to the playoffs…
By Top Cat
December 2, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
What a joy to watch these Birds soar…Amazing example of the benefits of ‘TEAM’…working together…Believing in themselves/their system. Thx AB,TD,MS&staff for restoring the pride!Thx players for restoring the fun! GO FALCONS!!!
By Chipper 4 MVP
December 2, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
GO CAROLINA PANTHERS!!8]
By Supes
December 2, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Grinch
Be sure to show up at the FALCONS BLOG after the Birds of Prey beat the Saints this weekend.
Some of you have little faith. Gotta believe in the 2008 Falcons! Just have to. I know we want to “wait and see”, but come on, 4 games left. Either jump on or stay the hell away from the “wagon”.
By Ric Flair
December 2, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
I am 30 years old and this was the first year I could afford decent season tickets so I jumped on and thank God I did. I sit in a great section and I look forward to each and every game. I DVR the home games when I’m there and come home and watch the replay which my girlfriend hates. She can’t understand why I want to watch a game on TV that I just watched live. Well, that is what happends when you following a team and a special season like this. If this can some how finish with a playoff game it will be like a made for TV movie.
Go Birds!
By Bill
December 2, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Win or lose - I am enjoying this Falcons TEAM. They play like a team, act like a team, and even have been able to win like a team. No superstars, although some could be. No whining. And, most important, no Prima Donnas that don’t deserve it. For once in many years, I look forward to watching NFL Football on Sunday - what a nice change!
By Dr. Warren
December 3, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Leftcoastfan— Great stuff. I like your cathartic moment at the end. I too first attended a game in ‘74, maybe ‘73. My own father had 2 season tickets since the Falcons first came to town. My older brother and I would have to take part in a “draft” at the beginning of the season—choosing the games that we personally wanted to go to with our father. The nearly lifelong suffering eased up a bit during the victory against the Vikings. I too moved to LA in Jan 02 and had to watch every game at Barney’s Beanery. Now living abroad, I pay to watch on Yahoo’s NFL pass. If you know Falcons’ history like we do, then you know this already has the feel of one of those rare destined seasons.
By row3
December 3, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
I remember Lawyer Milloy pushing for a contract extension early in the season, he stated he didnt want to be part of the rebuilding he wanted to be here for the reward. I think the reward came faster than expected, he’s been a great leader for this young defense. Hopefully the front office will see this and sign him for another year. I just renewed my season tickets, now i’ll be expecting a playoff invoice anyday. Merry Christmas to me. Its the gift that keeps on giving!!
By David C
December 3, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
As a Cowboy fan 1st, Falcon fan 2nd, they remind me of the 1990 Cowboys..not yet mature..but plenty of young talent..brains in the front office that will grow greatly in the next two years and be a big winner.
By C
December 3, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
What a great year after the darkness of last season. Ryan, Smith, and Dimitroff are the real deal and we will have consistant winners here in Atlanta. Can’t wait to get playoff tickets.
ATLANTA FALCONS!!
By leftcoastfan
December 3, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
dear mike,
you got the score right but wrong QB, that was when atlanta drafted and used pat sullivan the heisman bust from auburn, you stand corrected.
diamond dave(if you dont know the original one was david lee roth). YO, Doc warren, thanks for the props. it is rough out here as a falcon fan, but today was a sign that things are looking up. while meeting with a producer friend of mine, a young black kid from my producers building stopped as we passed him and said did i see that raiders game, and i said raiders?
theni said i am a falcons fan, and the kids face lit up, and said man you got matt ryan, he is the bomb!!!!!! i smiled and said yeah, and i saw them kick SD’s butt in person.
good times, good times. take care of yourself doc, smile from overseas. falcons upset the giants and play tennessee in the super bowl.
By Dupiicity
December 3, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
Gee, where I have heard this observation before?
Oh, now I remember!
“There is just SOMETHING special about these Falcons.” - Mark Bradley, August of 2007 (Not 2008)
By the way…
BURN IN HELL, VICK !
By Oscar
December 3, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this
Some people in this blog are writing that its a good thing that the Saints and Minnisota are gonna be without their players due to suspension. Some are are saying that we are lucky to have that advantage. If you ask me, I would say it will take away from everything the Falcons have worked so hard for and accomplished all season long. These guys have beat the odds and have done thus far what nobody, including myself, expected them to do when the season started. Yes I believe its a bone that the football gods have thrown to the dog. Never the less, I dont believe that thats what it would take to come out on top our division. This team has played some tough nose football against some pretty solid teams and came out with the win. I believe these guys to be winners despite who lines up. They have a record to prove it and I hate it that on the day the Falcons take the field vs. these two teams, that the media is gonna downplay the fact that they are without certain starters. I live in St. Louis and I had to purchase the nfl ticket to watch the falcons play on Sunday. This season has made it worth every penny and I am proud of what they have accomplished and how bright the future looks. Go Falcons!! -Oscar-
By Jack hammons
December 3, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this
“chemistry” is the most important ingredient in building great teams…take note Atlanta Braves…
By spiker
December 3, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Nice article if you leave the references of the 2 idiots from the past OUT OF IT!!
The media needs to realize everybody knows what happened last season and have been told again a million times………………So give it a rest!!!!
By Barry
December 3, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Milloy said it best. It takes chemistry and teamwork to win games and championships. Is sounds so easy to say but it is difficult to put together. the falcons hae been blessed by the “football God’s” to get after 2 tumultuos seasons. And it is a great holiday blessing for the Falcon football community to have it happen here and now. I believe this concept of “chemistry” is now built into the Falcon vision and mission so that the team has a foundation to win consistantly over the long haul, and not just one season. But in this season seeing the reults of it is so enjoyable to watch and be a part of. I believe the Falcons and the Atlanta community needs Super Bowl championship. Not just appearing in the Super Bowl, but winning it. Can you imagine the feeling that the organization and the Atlanta community will have. It will be complete “JOY”. I look forward to that in this season and those to come. We have the foundation for it and it’s called “chemisrty” equals “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN.
TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!"Ringold
By bali
December 3, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
thanks for the good article on the falcons and the success they have had this season. It is really hard to believe that this is happening to the falcons.December and here they are in the playoff hunt with a rookie quarterback /new players and a new coaching staff………… hard to believe. I really think this has got to go down as one of the best/ if not the best season in Atlanta history. It really makes me proud to say I am a Falcons Fan.
By AFnPC
December 3, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
I’ve been so happy with the change in this organization this year. It’s amazing how undersung each player on this team is. No Me-Angelo’s or Jimmy “I can’t play” Williams. It all starts from the top and Dimitroff has done a great job of getting a coach that, while he wasn’t a big name, is a great football coach. He also built this franchise around talented players that many others in the league thought he was crazy, aka Matt Ryan. What is Dorsey doing? Who cares?! We’ve got the Rookie of the Year. Great job and GO FALCONS!
By Barney Frank
December 3, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
The O Line has a lot to do with the success. They have kept Ryan on his feet, and given Turner some holes.
By Jimmy P.
December 3, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
3 Saints and at least 2 Viking players have been suspended for using a banned substance. Atlanta’s Grady Jackson is on this hit list, but no word yet. Talk about an early Chirstmas present for the Falcons!!! The losses of 3 key players for the Saints should help the Falcons on Sunday, and When we play the Vikings in week 16, the loss of both Williams’ on Defense should help Turner and Ryan. Falcon fans, we have a great chance of winning 3 out of the last 4 games. Saints, Vikings, Rams…our toughest game will be aginst the Bucs at home. Hell, we have a great chance to win all 4, and take the NFC South and the #2 seed in the playoffs!!
By Space Mountain
December 3, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Lets keep the focus on the Saints. The Birds have just as good a shot as anybody at the postseason. For a Saints-Falcons game one most throw all preconceived notions out the window. These teams traditionally hate each other with a passion. Hopefully the turnovers from S.D. stay there. Another great performance from the defense is definitely needed. I have to give the edge to the Falcons.
By Falcons Fanatic
December 3, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
This is definetly one special season. Coach Smith & TD have totally brought a new attitude to ATL. What a wonderful thing to watch. I will be the first to admit that I was not Happy when the Bids drafted Matty Ice, but that is definetly not the first time that I have been wrong. I can’t wait for the rest of this season & especially the next 5 to 10 years in Atlanta. GO FALCONS!!!!!!
By ChicagoPOW
December 3, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Amazing - positive comment after positive comment. It’s just so great to read. We have a winner! GO FALCONS!!!
By DaveMcDuffie
December 3, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Thanks to whomever came up with nationally televising all the NFL games on Sunday ! Being in LA since ‘78 I can now watch MY BIRDS at the local brewery and last Sunday I found myself sitting at the bar completely surrounded by a pack of Chargers fans(I like them too!), who are the complete opposite of the Raiders fans. Need I say I had a great time?!! Even after the refs attempted to keep the score close with their silly calls the Falcons did not fold, they came back even stronger rather than folding their nest. The Charger fans were awestruck watching Ryan, White, Turner, that fabulous offensive line(we will forgive you that goal line stand although Jerious should have been given the ball to go around the end), and of course the defense! In fact the whole team was just awesome! It feels terrific to hear other people say “man those guys are great!”, its almost like they are talking about my family and I guess in a way they are since I have been a fan since the days of Bartkowski and Nobis so I have been through it all Brothers! What brings tears to my eyes? The Star Spangled Banner, especially with some jets flying overhead, and watching these Falcons play. Isn’t that silly? So what, its just a small part that makes life great. Falcons, CONTINUE TO IMPOSE YOUR WILL AND YOU WILL NOT BE DEFEATED!
By Trainwreck
December 3, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
I wish the Falcons would get a little more respect, but I don’t mind them flying slightly under the radar. Nice to see J Babs on ESPN First Take earlier this week… but man reading this article [http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-6-14/NFC-South-getting-snubbed-in-fan-Pro-Bowl-voting.html] got me a little mad… as of now we have ZERO pro-bowlers from the Falcons… come on we gotta start hitting up the polls and get our boys in!
By dawgs got STUNG all over
December 3, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
BEAT THE SAINTS and get to 9-4
By Pete
December 3, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
This Falcon team is unlike any previous Falcon or………….any NFL team. Period. There has never been anything like them. Why ? Because of: The amazing turnaround. The amazing chemistry. The amazing coaching staff. The amazing Michael Turner. The amazing Matt Ryan. You need more amazing ? Thomas Dimitroff.
By Andre
December 3, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I’m only 17 years old and I do remember the dirty birds in 98.But ever since then the falcons just loss but we had one bright spot in 04 wasn’t to surprise to see the eagles beat us. But we just loss after that. But now to see Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Mike Smith and co. I feel real good about now and the future. I have never felt so proud to be a Falcons fan GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!
By Mike D.
December 3, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I’m glad to see everyone starting to jump on the band wagon again. Let’s keep everything in perspective. “ONE GAME AT A TIME”. That is what the coaching staff and players emphasize. I thought 6 and 10 would have been a great start. To be 8 and 4 and if the season ended today, we would have a WILD CARD ? .Who would have believed it , not me. Great job to AB,TD,MS,coaching staff,players and the ATL FANS. The ones like me, who never gave up hope, because really, we have been here before. Everyone have a safe and happy holiday’s. GO BIRDS
By Brian F.
December 3, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
As I keep saying ” We are witnessing the next New England of the NFC.” GO BIRDS !!!!
By mack11
December 3, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
im just glad all the haters dissapeared off the blogs.we have a great core.this is a winning season no matter what.this team is headed for greatness.i said at the beginning of the year 8-8 and im happy.now i see that we are a better team than that so i am greatful for smitty and demitroff.and thank you matt ryan,roddy turner,abe,and the rest of a team.cause 4 the 1st time in a while we are a team
By THE REAL MIKE VICK
December 3, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
HI PEOPLE IM MIKE VICK AND WHEN I PLAYED FOR THE FALCONS MY OC WAS GREG KNAPP, I HAD A SMALL OFFENSIVE LINE AND MY RECEIVERS WERE YOUNG AND DROPPED A LOT OF MY SO CALLED INACCURATE PASSES. I STILL KEPT THE FALCONS IN THE NFC HUNT. MY OVERALL TEAM TALENT DROPED VERY LOW SO I WAS UNUABLE TO WILL MY TEAM TO THE PLAYOFFS. BUT THEN I STARTED FIGHTING PITS AND EVEN THOUGH GEORGE BUSH PUNK A* HAS PEOPLE DYING EVERYDAY FOR NO REASON, “THE MAN” DECIDED THAT BECAUSE DOGS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THEIR OWN PEOPLE, I HAD TO GO DOWN. BUT MATT RYAN IS A GOOD REPLACAMENT AND IS DOING GREAT,BUT DMAN I WISH I COULD’VE HAD PLAYMAKERS AND A GOOD OFFENSIVE LINE AND A COACHING STAFF THAT TRUST’S ME AND ALLOW ME THE OPTION OF GETTING OUT OF BAD PLAYS . COACH KNAPP DOESNT GIVE HIS QBS THE RIGHT TO AUDIBLE OUT OF PLAYS SO THATS WHY I WONDERED WHY PEOPLE SAID I COULDNT READ DEFENSES? I WONDER WHY THESE ATLANTA FANS DONT RESPECT ME WHEN I GAVE IT MY ALL EVERY SUNDAY AND IT WAS MORE HOLES ON MY TEAM THEM SWISS CHEESE! BUT I PREDICT THAT THE FALCONS WILL WIN THE SUPER BOWL NO BS, BUT ONLY IF BLANK AND MCKAY WOULD HAVE DID A BETTER JOB SCOUTING AND DRAFTING AND BUILT A REAL OL AROUND ME. BECAUSE I WAS BLACK THEY FELT I COULD BE SUPERMAN. HOPEFULLY WHEN I GET OUT AND GODELL PUNK A* QUIT HATING, SOME SMART TEAM WILL SIGN ME AND I WILL GET MY SUPER BOWL! I WILL REMEMBER THIS ATL,TRUST ME I WILL REMEMBER IF I GO TO THE VIKINGS OR TAMPA I MIGHT GET A RING NEXT YEAR. ATLANTA FANS ARE THE WORST FOOTBALL FANS IN THE NFL. NO PASSION, RACE ISSUES, AND ATL FANS ONLY GO TO THE GAME WHEN THE TEAM IS WINNING. BUT HELL MCLAIN WON GA AND PEOPLE HERE LOVE BUSH SO IM NOT SUPRISED
UNTIL THEN MIKE VICK
PS.WHY DO YALL RESPECT KEITH BROOKING MORE THAN ME? HE HASNT ME MADE A BIG PLAY IN 10 YEARS. IS IT BECAUSE I FROM NEWPORT NEWS AND HE’S FROM GWINETT?
By Jim P.
December 4, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
To the “REAL MIKE VICK” I hope we trade you to the Lions.
By BravesFan79
December 4, 2008 4:50 AM | Link to this
“Real Vick” That small offensive line helped LEAD the NFL in RUSHING!! And we had like 5 pro bowlers!
Or were u to hi to remember? And never forget… Vick was the ANTI John Elway… u get down by more than a touchdown in the 4th quarter and its game over!
Anyways this new team makes me proud as a longtime fan…..go Falcons!!
By Three Man Rush
December 4, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
Schultz: Had you written that piece in October…..
I was a believer from day one. That first game where they played as a team. That’s rare. Team play, where everyone shines. That’s how you win the superbowl. I think the falcons have the most depth, that is, they can hurt you from anyplace on the field, whether it’s special teams, defense, or offense.
For some reason, the play calling seems too predictable. You cant run unless you pass on first down, you cant pass on first down unless you run. That’s why only a handful of people in the world can call the correct play in the correct sequence in the down-to-go scenario.
I’m vulnerable now to a real heart ache if Ryan melts down or gets injured. I swore I’d never get hurt by football again, but I’m a sitting duck. The Falcons must win, or I cant sleep for weeks…months….I’m still not completely over that wounded duck touchdown in the waning minutes of the 81 season against dallas in that playoff game from hell. I still see the replay in my mind everytime I close my eyes. How can you rush three men? Never rush three men. Ever. Too much time. The Q is going to find someone. no….No….NO!
Auntie Em!
By JohnGTFan
December 4, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
Such a nice blog ruined by one idiot (yes, you know who you are). Defend him with unintelligent dreams…NOONE could have helped “him”. NOONE. Waste of talent plain and simple.
By bobbyb
December 4, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Been a falcons fan since I moved here in 1979. Season ticket holder for 15 years of that time. I spent the last 5 years in Canada and the middle east…Dubai. Saw the 98 birds win in Minny live…it was amazing. I was taken in with the Vick craze like allot of people. I lost my like of him watching him stand alone 25 yards away from his team mates on the sideline when things went bad..he was not and never was a leader. It was amazing however to see young kids in India, China, Kuwait, UAE and the UK wearing a MV7 falcons jersey! We had never esperienced anything like that in Falcons history. Great organizations start at the top. Mr. Blank finally got it perfectly right. Bringing in TD and Mike Smith was a stroke of not hard work, great due diligence and a little luck. These are good solid football people. They brought in the right stuff kind of guys and kept the ones here who also came from the same ilk. The NFL gets it so right with the salary cap. It allows a team with chemistry, hunger and something to prove to not only succeed, but succeed beyond all of our and their dreams. Worst to first!…why not us?…why not now? I am writing a book about my having to be smuggled out of Dubai past machine gun toting guards in the middle of the night, a horrifying true story…in it I have a section about my love of the Falcons and the roller coaster joy/agony of being a fan for almost 30 years. It kept me going at the toughest of times. I am beginning to think that we legitimetly have all of the parts to become the Super Bowl Champions for the first time. I haven’t always been happy with the Falcons, but I have always been a die hard fan. I want to thank the management and players of the team for the remarkable job thusfar…they aren’t done yet but all of football has taken notice. Set your sights high gentlemen. So, again, why not us?…why not now?
By Samuel
December 4, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Everybody on the falcons team are stepping up to make plays. Now if one of our cornerbacks can be a shut down corner watch out…..
By row3
December 4, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Enjoyed the read bobbyb. Its fans like you I like to stand beside. See ya in the dome.
By ricknole
December 4, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
To the Real Mike Vick
The Falcons nor did the state of Georgia;
Get caught with a suspicious bottle in Miami.
Supposedly gave some chick Hepes.
Seeming was holding a “blunt” in the pic with that fugly chick.
Flick the Fans off after a loss.
Purchase your “black house” for dog fighting.
Did not participate in your illegal interstate transportation of dogs for dog fighting.
Lied to Authur Blank when asked if you were involved in this Dog figthing scandal.
So quit making this a racial thing bringing up “McCain” and “Brooking”.
Its about your stupidity trying to “keep it real”. You #$%-ed Up stop trying “Obama-ize” everything and blame “da man” and everyone else.
By Obvious
December 4, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
I’m white, it’s all my fault…
By Darrin "The Vent King'
December 4, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Better write up today. Unfortunately some will never let YKW go and maybe just maybe articles like this can help, if not oh well they are missing something special. “bobbyb” - great post. I, like you, have been a fan since the late 70’s and most of the time it was NOT a good experience. Got caught up in the same things too. As much of a fan of YKW I was, I am liking Matty “Ice” too just as much. If you’re a fan of the Falcons you hope the best for any player on the team whenever he is there and I’m glad I was able to let go of the past and get with the “now” unlike some posters who just like stirring up the pot. Its over, done with, and continuing to hold on to it defeats the purpose of being a fan of this “team”. You’re missing what good football is all about. Complaining about who was the coach back then, off co-or or whatever isn’t going to change anything. I was unhappy about some of those things then also but that again is the past. I am proud of the job Coach Smith, Blank, Dimitroff and the entire team did to move forward. As soon as some of these beatwriters and narcisstic fans of YKW do the same, the pain of the past can be forgotten by all as to enjoy the “now” and “future”. The chemistry is good between the players, the effort is there, and so is the focus. I for one intend or NOT missing the future of this team for good days are definitely ahead. Finally there is light at the end of tunnel and unlike in the past- this time its not an oncoming train.
GO FALCONS!!!
By webhead
December 4, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
I’m so happy to watch a team with a real running game instead of that wildcat formation we ran back when Vick was with us. Love seeing the leadership being displayed by Brooking, Milloy,Abraham, Ryan ,Turner.It’s just great watching a QB who can hit a receiver on the run instead of putting them in danger because he couldn’t get the ball within 5 yards of them. Finally coaches who can coach. It’s just great!
By bfred
December 4, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Here’s to hoping that teams around the league take notice of the wonders that can be worked by getting disruptive elements out of the clubhouse and replacing them with team-first types. Atlanta and Tennessee are Exhibits A and B, and New York is about to be C. Ultimately, it’s just not worth it to have 50 players distracted, annoyed or p** over the antics of a few.
By Realist
December 5, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Here’s hoping that when reality come crashing down on all of you “we’re going to multiple SuperBowls for years to come” dummies that you don’t take it too hard.