ajcsportstalk

By Aaron C.

August 22, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Anyone know if this will be on any of the nfl packages or nfl network. WATL sux.

By DK

August 22, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

What idiot sold the rights to air the game without a guarantee that the game will be shown live. Oh well, maybe WATL knows something we don’t.

By Doup Perry

August 22, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

The first of many more blackouts to come

By BOYCOTT WATL

August 22, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

This is RIDICULOUS! I wonder if DJ Shockley’s mom really is the program director over there and she is p** about Ryan starting.

We need to call, e-mail and FAX WATL!

THE GAME MUST GO ON !!!!!!!!!!!

By Earl

August 22, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

If you would like to contact WATL you can do so at the following address:

(http://www.myatltv.com/company/contact/)

By acv

August 22, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

how the mighty have fallen…

By FalconMan

August 22, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Well I have seen some crazy things in my day.

I have seen coaches dressed in black, paperbag wearing fans, hail mary’s, last second wins opver the Saints, Super Bowl Appearances, Dirty Birds, Jail Birds, and Tweety Birds, but I NEVER thought that the “new and improved Falcons” would would let this happen!

We need to contact WATL, Mr. Dimitrof, Mr. Blank, and Keith Borrking and see if anything can be done about this.

I HAVE TO SEE THE GAME AND MY CAR IS BROKEN DOWN!

go birds/

By Birdie

August 22, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Let em have it!

[http://www.myatltv.com/company/contact]

By Matt

August 22, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

This proves a couple of things…1) The Falcons have no pull in this city…2) That this city again, can’t step up and become a real sports city…3) WATL is a 2nd rate station…so not happy…this is 100% something the Falcons have done and agreed too in hopes of having more people at the game…so in your home market, the COWBOYS are on but not the home team??? No, the NFL Network will NOT have it on…as average as this team might be for the next couple of years, they have a good coach and new QB and some things to be positive about but this proves that Blank and his staff continue to fire blanks! I am over it and even more reason to become a Panthers or Titans fan

By Brian

August 22, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

I am dumbfounded. This is about the top sporting event that this station can get and they throw it to the side for JAWS 4? Are you kidding me? The friggin’ COWBOYS are live in Atlanta tonight (Go Tashard Choice!), and the Falcons aren’t.

If it wasn’t actually happening, I wouold say that it’s completely unbelieveable.

How long has the 10 PM broadcast time been known? I got the impression that this is a new development.

By Eddie K

August 22, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Can’t watch pre-season football…still recovering from “cheering” for the female Olympic beach vollyball teams.

By Fan

August 22, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Where is PETA when you need them.

By Cairo

August 22, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Steve since the Falcons are trying to push TEAM why are trying to push Matt Ryan. I watch the Falcons not Matt Ryan. I would give a rats A— if Matt Ryan is starting or not it just goes to show once again that this team is an after thought to JAWS of ALL things. LOL…. Karma at its best.

By Slick Will

August 22, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Get Use To It “be careful what you ask for, you just might get your wish”

By Birdie

August 22, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Hey CAIRO - MAtt Ryan is on the TEAM!

You must be one of those Mike Vick/DJ Shockley TEAM ME fans.

Go Falcons!

By Preposterous

August 22, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe that with all of the hype of Matt Ryan and like many other have said “the new and improved falcons” the Falcons organization would allow something like this to happen. Fortunately I will be at the game but for all of those that can’t make it, this is RIDICULOUS!!

By UGA 3000

August 22, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

JIMMY CRACKED CORN…

By who cares

August 22, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

“REBUILDING YEAR”

By JuAn

August 22, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

I vowed to jump on teh Falcons bandwagon this year thinking that things have changed and that this really is a new and improved product. BUT, based on this BUSHLEAGUE move, I see that it really is the SAME OLD FALCONS!

SHAME ON YOU WATL!

SHAME ON YOU MR. BLANK!

By swolf4810

August 22, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

I’m not gonna watch it no matter when it’s on.

By jcarson

August 22, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

For those people that live in the Atlanta area….quit whining, buy season tickets, and go the the game. That’s what I did. Most NFL teams have 5 year or more waiting lists. I feel lucky that I can get good seats so easily for NFL games. We appear to be on the right track finally, so now is the time to step up and support the team.

By Rick

August 22, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Heck… I don’t even care about the Falcons when they’re on live! (Except when they sell out a home game, which does not allow the area to see the second broadcast game of the day.)

Why would I care about them on tape delay?

By baller12

August 22, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Yep, the Vick era is over…….Blackouts galore………..I stick with the COWBOYS and not waste my time on the SCAB Falcons……LOL

By Brian

August 22, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

What a joke. Do they really think this will force us to “pack the car” and fill the Dome? Some people just prefer to watch the game in the comfort of their own home with their buddies. Punt WATL, what a loser wannabe TV station.

By Calvin G. sims, Sr.

August 22, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

I love the Falcons so much, I am just glad that they are not blacked-out completely. Go Falcons!!!

By Mychelfromatl

August 22, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Conspiracy theory anyone??…mines is, this is a dirty tatic drawn up strictly by the Falcons to try to force fans into seats because they obviously can’t sell tickets and are now going into panic mode so they will delay a preseason game on local television. This is so embarrarsing lol for you falcons fans. Shame on you Arthur Blank!! LMAO!!!

Just the first of 8 more blackouts to come this year. Damn shame.

By Brian

August 22, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

WATL is owned by the same company that ownes WXIA (channel 11).

WXIA has sold local advertising during the primetime olympics coverage.

WXIA would rather have WATL tape delay the broadcast of the falcons game to keep from having viewers flip between commercials.

So, have a movie on that no one wants to watch on WATL and have a better chance that viewers will watch primetime olympics coverage on WXIA. Then at 10 when the olympic viewership starts to drop, add the Falcons were WATL has sold local ad spots.

By Erk

August 22, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Unless TV36 is showing Dagmar wash her car in a bikini, I need to see the Falcons live.

By dgroy

August 22, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

It’s all about greed folks and WATL is not a second rate station….in my book, they don’t even rate. Why watch it? If the Falcon Organization wants a team Atlanta can love and support, they need to change their way of thinking. They’re not the biggest game in town…..College and High School Football will outrate them everytime.

By Jackman

August 22, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Like I needed another reason not to watch the Falcons play this season. Way to go Blank, keep burnin the fans. I have been a Falcons supporter since a young age and a season ticket holder too, but I am tired of supporting any sport from Atlanta.

By Sirender

August 22, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

This is a preseason game for gosh sakes. Is your life going to change if you watch it at 7 or 10pm?

By dogHater

August 22, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

I’ll watch Tashard and the Cowboys then tune in to the Falcons game…it’s just a pre-season game ya know!!

By Manny

August 22, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Actually, I like that it’s coming on late! Perfect timing for me! I can watch some of the Olympics and WWE Smackdown, then just turn over to watch the Falcons.

Since I am no longer buying Falcons tickets or season passes, this is great.

By baller12

August 22, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Someone needs to tell KING ARTHUR that if he had the RIGHT product on the field then he wouldn’t have to pull such dirty tactics…….If people don’t want to go to the Georgia Dome this tactic isn’t going to make them show up……chances are it’s going to TURN THEM OFF FURTHER…….Buy a CLUE King Arthur………Get some players in here that folk can root for and feel good about…….Matt Ryan isn’t it and you can promote him until the cows come home………DJ may get you more people in the stands, but at this point, he may not be able to pull it off……..LOL……Too bad……Sooooooo sad………

By CowboysKing

August 22, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

What a joke of a franchise! Tape delay and the game is in your own town? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in weeks. The falcons will suck again, as usual—-nothing ever changes down there except prices for tickets, concessions and parking keep going up for a bad product. Arthur Blank needs to go back to Home Depot—-he doesn’t know what he is doing here.

By Seth Epstein

August 22, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

* I Emailed them at http://www.myatltv.com/company/contact/ i suggeest everyone do the same, if we get enough bad publisicty they will think twice before screwing around with my programming… bad enough i got to watch it on this sister station of NBC*

By Ruger

August 22, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

I’ve already emailed WATL and complained. Jaws-The Revenge instead of Matt Ryan’s first start? What are these people thinking?

By Joe Horn

August 22, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

If me and King Vick was playing it would be shown live baby !!!

By Jackman

August 22, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Yeah, it’s just a pre-season game. All of the games that count will be BLANKED-out!

By Artie

August 22, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Absolutely couldn’t care less!!!!!

By Ty

August 22, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Typical Atlanta pro franchise……and everyone wonders why there are no fans.

Go Skins!

By Hollywould

August 22, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

I love it/get in the right frame of mind before it stsrts.

By Falconsftw

August 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

The broadcast quality on the other pre-season games that have aired so far this year has been terrible so this isn’t a huge loss if you ask me. Of course I’d prefer to watch it live, but what does it matter if the broadcast quality itself is barely viewable.

WATL stinks. Hopefully the Falcons organ-i-zation wises up to the fact that the station is terrible and puts the pre-season games next year on a respectable network.

Also, the majority of you people who post on this board are completely ignorant. Whether you want to admit it or not, there is a large fan base for this team in this city/state who are willing to support them, REGARDLESS OF RECORD, as long as they are headed in the right direction. The sad part is that not all of these people are willing to fork out the money for season tickets until that is proven. All the haters can continue to talk s**, and I’ll continue to support my team.

By Jill

August 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

I have 20 front row, at mid field, tickets for free. Please call 678-555-1212 to get them.

By Falconlover

August 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

What are they thinking? The worst Jaws movie ever instead of a Falcons game. The Falcons should be up and arms about this too. After last season, fan friendly would be a big plus. Come on WATL, smell the coffee and reverse this awful decision.

By Bobby Dowell

August 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

WATL must be a low rent station to show “Jaws III” or whatever instead of the Falcons. Complete morons at that station. I can’t believe Mr Blank is allowing this.

By wulfenite

August 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

That does it!! I am done with these bozos!! We went to the dome last week and waited in line for 45 minutes to get a hot dog; now they ruin the game for everyone at home! Blank and the Falcons have clearly made an effort to alienate everyone. I plan to enjoy college and high school games for awhile!

By rick

August 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Y’all get your facts straight. WATL had planned to show the game live. But the game is not sold out, and the NFL will not allow anyone to show a game live that is not sold out.

The only reason WATL can show the game at all, tape delayed, is because it’s a pre-season game. In regular season the NFL won’t even allow a tape-delayed broadcast. Blame the NFL, not the tv station.

By Falky

August 22, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

See response from WATL:

Please understand that this is not WATL’s decision. The NFL rules state that if an NFL game is not sold out, the game cannot air live. Early Tuesday we were notified by the Falcons that the game was not sold out and we changed our schedules to reflect a 10PM delayed start for the Falcons game and we reinstated our regular network programming 8-10PM.

By tj

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

i told you all, I put a CURSE on the Falcons back in 1998…. Terrance Moore has the story, if he ever wants to cover it… Until he does, the FALCONS are going to suck badly for YEARS to come !!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mike

August 22, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

If the Falcons want ATL to see the product they’re going to put on the field, they need to broadcast it. It’s Pre Season, for crying out loud! I think it’s ridiculous for the Falcons to charge full price for tickets to see college guys trying out for their team, anyway! I’m VERY disappointed in this decision.

By GADAWG

August 22, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I don’t care if they cover any of their games. When these million dollar PLAYERS start winning I’ll watch em.

By Falcon

August 22, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

That’s Bull Crap, why was everyone able to watch for the past two week..LIVE

By They Cannot Sell Tickets

August 22, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Once again - someone cannot do their job properly. It’s not hard to sell tickets in the 8th largest city in the county. They’s be better off offering $1 ticket to fill the Dome and having it air live. Here they have a new player finally worth watching to see how he’ll do and they cannot sell tickets and to further frustrate fans - they tape delay the game.

If the Falcons ticketing office were in charge of selling Papa John’s Pizza, they’d sell pizza for $30 per pizza and tell people it will show up the following day “when you’re good and hungry!”

By DKnight

August 22, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

This is the first of many Falcons games to be a non factor,pre-season and regular. Having moved from AZ were I got used to listening to Cardinals games on the radio,they had 1 sell-out game in the 6 years I lived there (Yes I did attend 2 games in my years of living there),the Falcons need to be ashamed. This is how they drum up interest in the team? Put a better product on the field, make the NFL experience more affordable for the average fan and their family and more fans will come. I LOVE FOOTBALL. NFL,COLLEGE,HIGH SCHOOL….Thank goodness for the NFL network and ESPN Gameday. I will be warming up the radio.

By Lance A. Dodd

August 22, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Who are the Falcons?

By McRly?

August 22, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

I email them. I think everyone else should too. The link provided in this blog worked great, took 30 seconds to do. Hit em up folks. What could it hurt? I WANT MY FALCONS.

By seth Epstein

August 22, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

So i guess the previous Pre-season game was SOLDOUT? This is total BS… now im starting to think that this is the Falcons doing, they have been trying to slang season tickets like Crack rocks, now al of the sudden you cant see it live unless you go… where there is smoke there is fire.

By Chris

August 22, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Was the Colts game sold out? Didnt look even close.Thats bunch crap

By TSPEC

August 22, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Wow, I remember the Monday Night Games, The Saturday Night ESPN games, we even had a Thanksgiving game against the Colts for the Vick/Manning Showdown, now we are reduced to this! It will get worst next season after we go 2 and 14 this year. Hey at least Vick isn’t here!

By tj

August 22, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

I think that if the Falcons want to sell out all of us FANS, then we, the FANS, need to start a BOYCOTT on the Falcons until they start doing something that we the FANS can get excited about!!!

By ian

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

Oh, it is more than a bad team. The season tickets seem largely snapped up by scalpers who ring the Georgia Dome. That means there is no continuity in the stands, making every game a home game for the visitors and their transplant fans. Unless the team finds a way around that issue or unless it builds a new stadium elsewhere, nothing short of a Super Bowl team is going to build a fan base.

By BUSHWACKER

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

I see we have alot of so called fans who know nothing about the NFL, the TV station and the Falcons have no say about showing the game.

The NFL is the one who says not tv if the game does not sell a certain amount of tickets by a certain date.

Just like its always been.

You idiots out there blaming WATL have no clue and probably don’t even watch football, you are just pitiful people who like to complain, get off the net and get a life!!

By Theycannotselltickets

August 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Mr./Ms. Theycannotselltickets,

English 101, please proceed towards your nearest college campus and take a class! What do you mean when you say,

“Here they have a new player finally worth watching to see how he’ll do and they cannot sell tickets and to further frustrate fans - they tape delay the game.”

Finally? We had one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the league for years, that’s why there was a season ticket waiting list, his name was Michael Vick! I’m waiting on the Ryan Era to begin and I hope it’s a good run but we had/have players worth seeing!

By Hill

August 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

WoW I am a Falcon fan to the Core, and I will still watch the Game on tape delay in order to evaluate players improvement. My family are Season ticket holders this games just belongs to my sister so she will be thier rooting our team on. But come on, what the hell is the motivation behind this. I have read the previous theories and I would like to think that my Falcons are little more tactful than that. This is Atlanta and the fans here really want respond positivly to struggling franchise forcing thier hand in such a manner. As a fan of 25 years and season ticket holder for five I just don’t think this is the route to go. Mr. Blank put your foot down and stick to your guns. Put out a product that people want to see. I was fan before Vick and will continue to be one post Vick,but the fact remains we want WINS. And one Foot note give the kid DJ and chance with the first team, if he proves to be better the Matt so be it. The Fans want what’s best for the team. And tape delayed pre-seanson is not a good start.

By Chris

August 22, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Wow! Bad Jaws sequel instead of the Falcons live. That bites!

By TB

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

There once was a time when Arthur Blank purchased all the unused tickets to make sure that there were NO blackouts in this town. He said that the home team should be on TV always!

Well last year how many blackouts were there at the end of the season? 2 or 3? Now its a new season, and it might be a preseason game but its beign aired TAPED DELAY?

Hey Arthur, what happened to making sure that the home town saw their home team?

The Falcons are just another Atlanta sports franchise: pathetic, horrible, in complete disaray and taking steps backwards, not progressing AT ALL!

By BUSHWACKER

August 22, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

To Falcon and Epstein, You are both showing your not football fans, EVERYONE except you 2 know road games are not blacked out.

And as far as last week’s game, it does not have to sell out completely, they have to sell a certain amount of tickets by Thursday which they did to show the game live.

If you want blame some one blame the NFL, they make the rules not Blank and WATL.

I feel sorry for all you people who have nothing better to do than complain about something you have no clue about.

I bet you all vote for democrats as well, TYPICAL UNINFORMED MORONS!

By Matt

August 22, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

NFL BLACKOUT RULES DO NOT APPLY TO PRE-SEASON GAMES…Ask fans in Jacksonville, Arizona and other markets that the stadiums are not sold out to season ticket holders…

By willie

August 22, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

If you guys were really fans, you would have season tickets and go to the games(and they have some ridiculously cheap ones, so don’t blame it on not having the money).

By Scotty

August 22, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Glad I’m gonna be there live. With my Brooking jersey. Takin a couple of Titans fans with me, so if ya see us, make sure you harrass my friends. But…thats not a good sign for the regular season. Matt Ryan needs to show out and we need a win, big time. We gotta support this team, y’all. We’ve had much worse than this in the past. Is Deion all the way retired?

By WACKA BUSHWACKER

August 22, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

BUSHWACKER no of the pre season games have beend SOLD OUT. So I guess the nfl let us what the first 2 NON SOLD OUT games HUH ??

By Season Ticket Holder

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

This isn’t a Blackout you schmucks!!

This is simply a decision to show Jaws Revenge over the Falcons game.

A REALLY BAD DECISION IF YOU ASK ME. I gave my season tickets tonight to a friend that has kids and can’t afford to go to a game this year.

I don’t regret the decision, but it would be nice to be able to see our future QB live, starting in his first game — the execs running WATL36 should be kicked in the nads for this.

By Vic

August 22, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

I love the Falcons. Obviously, WATL doesn’t. I can’t believe the Falcons are being bumped by Jaws 4. Is the city trying to run the Falcons out of town ?

By tj

August 22, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

calling me a typical uninformed moron is just the same as calling me a racist, because I vote Democrat LOL

By Get a Clue Ticket Office

August 22, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Once again - someone cannot do their job properly. It’s not hard to sell tickets in the 8th largest city in the county. They’d be better off offering $1 tickets to fill the Dome and having it air live. Here they have a new player finally worth watching to see how he’ll do and they cannot sell tickets and to further frustrate fans - they tape delay the game so we cannot see him until very late at night.

If the Falcons ticketing office were in charge of selling Papa John’s Pizza, they’d sell pizza for $30 per pizza and tell people it will show up the following day “when you’re good and hungry!”

At the end of the day - it’s the ticket offices fault for not selling tickets. You can get 80,0000 people together easily with the right offer. Get some talent - In the ticket office Mr. Blank.

By Webspinner

August 22, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Why don’t I believe the WATL guy? Last week’s game was broadcast live and it didn’t sell out. And since when does the NFL blackout rule apply to pre-season games?

By Tennesseetitanfan

August 22, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

WAKE UP PEOPLE! The Falcons have nothing to do with this, nor does WATL. There is a NATIONAL broadcast on FOX tonight of the Cowgirls/Texans game. That means local TV can’t broadcast the local game if its not sold out.

Besides while the Falcons will be improved really do you want to see your new QB on his backside all nitght? Kyle V ,Kearse and company will welcome Mr. Ryan to the real NFL.

By John E. Cain

August 22, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Just as well. WATL has no business broadcasting football….they are simply awful!!!!

By BeBe KID

August 22, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Hell to the NO!

By BOBO

August 22, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

This is crap

should be live on tv

they will prob blame it on vick somehow

By JuAn

August 22, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

BLACKOUT RULES DO NOT APPLY TO PRE-SEASON GAMES!

LAST WEEK’S GAME WAS NOT SOLD OUT AND IT WAS BROADCAST LIVE!

WATL and the Falcons are too GREEDY to show the game.

THE FALCONS ARE BUSHLEAGUE!

If they wanted this game on tv live, they could do it, but they are just STICKING IT TO US FANS!

BOYCOTT WATL

BOYCOTT MR. BLANK!

SHOW THE GAME

SHOW THE GAME

SHOW THE GAME

By marko

August 22, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Better teams than the Falcons have trouble selling out preseason games. Who wants to pay good money to watch a bunch of guys that will either be unemployed or sitting on benches in a few days. There’s nothing wrong with the Falcons that a little winning won’t cure. Note to the marketing department, send the rap tapes to Michael. They might cheer him up a bit.

By Hill

August 22, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Hey BUSHWACKER arn’t you that kid who played the Banjo in the movie *Deliverance

By Van Halen

August 22, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

It’s Vick’s fault. Darn that thug

By BUSHWACKER

August 22, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Your an idiot Juan, blackouts do and always have applied to preseason games!!

By falconsaregarbage

August 22, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

who cares? The Falcants stink anyway.

Move this pathetic franchise out of GA, so we can get a REAL NFL team here!

By Mr. man

August 22, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

UDATED: Then why was last week televised? I claim Horses**t. There are 3 possibilities here. Falcons fans need to find the truth. 1. WATL really does have their hands tied and can’t show it live, which brings me back to “Why was last week televised”… or 2. They have some other reason that they’re not disclosing, or 3. Mr. Blank is trying sell more tickets. Which is it REALLY?

By david epstein

August 22, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

the falcon are not committed to winning. matt ryan is a rookie and there is no way teams will allow a rookie quarterback to beat them. coaches should know that if they aren;t ignorant. dj shockley is or should be the man but the falcons have a problem as do the nfl with black quarterbacks. plain old bigotry as usual. dj shockley can bring back the fans here in atlanta if properly used. who is this guy coaching the falcons?

By BUSHWACKER

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

hey WACKA BUSHWACKER , I see you did not read MY ENTIRE MESSAGE. I’ll repeat and say it real slow this time,

The first game was a road game, road games are not blacked out.

Last weeks game sold the amount of tix required 3 days before kick off in order for the blackout to be lifted.

THE GAME DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SOLD OUT COMPLETELY, JUST 75% OF THE TICKETS.

Why don’t U idiots get facts straight and come with some game.

Spend less time wacking off people and learn something.

By Marty Russo

August 22, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Who wouldn’t rather watch the Cowboys???

By JuAn

August 22, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

BOYCOTT WATL!

BOYCOTT BUSHWACKER!

BOYCOTT DJ SHOCKLEY’S AUNT

.

By Bar Owner

August 22, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

I love the later starting time - it’ll keep customers in my bar much later into the night, watching the game, drinking, eating, and spending money. Go Falcons!

By BUSHWACKER

August 22, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Hey Hill, thats was me, want my autograph.

By Lost in space ATL. Falcons

August 22, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

The Falcons Management must like what they have because they don’t listen to the fan base that was buying tickets. 7-2009 you can fill the dome with people. Listen to the media who don’t buy ticket or the fan base that want Vick back and they buy tickets.

Keep doing the same things and you will keep the same thing year after year. You get it but you hate what you have to do to get fans. The fans that want to win want offense line and defenses lineman and vick back. Then watch Ticket sell take off. you won’t because you are trying to prove a point PR. Know your market and ticket base or lose!! This year I could not throw away my money on PR , so I brouth us a new steam washer & Dryer . MR. Blank you could have had my 1800 bucks but you listen to the wrong people and got PR. It your again if you listen to your fan base who buys tickets!

By jahir

August 22, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

True to my falcons…. regardless….

By Mr. Pip

August 22, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Will they be broadcasting the game in other parts of Georgia, like Augusta and Savannah?

Thanks for your help.

Pip, Pip!

By harold england

August 22, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

I know this has long been the policy of the NFL`s but if I were Arther Blank or any other owner going through a down time I would want to get the show out to as many in the public as I could. I think the NFL owners need to take a hard look at this policy as I think they are shooting themselfs in the foot.

By Wow

August 22, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Worst and most un-informed fans in America.

1)The league makes the rules. Blank has nothing to do with it.

2)It’s a product. They’re not supposed to give it away. Attendance is horrible for all of the teams when we have some of the lowest prices in the nation. I buy season tickets. I couldn’t care less about helping all of you see it for free. You’re worse than welfare queens. At least most of them can’t do any better. It’s not a right to see the game for free you idiots!

By Unbiased_Blogger

August 22, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

He is not V I C K - Nobody wants to see a bust!

By tj

August 22, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

BOYCOTT BOYCOTT BOYCOTT BOYCOTT BOYCOTT !!!!!!!

By Jaws 4 Number 1 Fan

August 22, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Hey I love the falcons but come on were TALKING JAWS 4!

Just get some popcorn, get your best friend/girlfriend/boyfriend and just enjoy the movie. You can read about the birds in the AJC the next day.

By JuAn

August 22, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

BOYCOTT WOW!

.

By BLANK SUCKS

August 22, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Blanks could have bought the remaining tickets to get this game on tv.

By Jason

August 22, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Sadly, the game isn’t even going to be on TV at all in the Macon area. So even though it is disgraceful that the most important pre-season game of the pre-season will be tape delayed in Atlanta, at least people there will get to see it. I would still think that the Falcons would pull more viewership than Jaws 4. I wonder how many other team’s pre-season games are taped delayed so that a low rate movie can be shown in primetime.

By Red Skin

August 22, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

You Falcons fans (all 2 of you) are as ignorant as you are pathetic. The tv station is not to blame. It’s the low-level non-supportive fan “base.” Atlanta always has been apathetic sportstown. And, clueless maggot Blank, friend to the felon, is a laughingstock in the NFL.

By Realty Time

August 22, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

To Lost in Space ATL.Falcons:

Lost in Space, please correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t believe it was the Atlanta Falcons’ decision not to have Mike Vick in the lineup. I think a little problem of being in a Federal prison made that impossible, so why are you blaming the Falcons. Why don’t you write Mr. Vick a nice letter at Leavenworth and let him know how disappointed you are that HE made it impossible for you to see him play. I understand he is working in the laundry so I am sure he will like hearing about your now steam washer and dryer.

By gee wiz arthur

August 22, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

for some one who claims to be a business guru arthur you don’t even know your fan base.

you damn s.o.b.

By 3 4 da brat

August 22, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I’ll bet DaBrat gets to see the game live tonight in jail where they provide the inmates with satellite feed that the rest of us can’t afford!

By Bob

August 22, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Up here in Dalton we can get it on WDSI-TV, the Chattanooga Fox affiliate. We couldn’t get the other games because we don’t get WATL.

By Player Parent

August 22, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Loveit… first, it beats a total black-out… second, I can fully enjoy Friday Night under the Lights with High School football, even if only a scrimmage!

By J

August 22, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Wow! Over 50 posts and not one person has a clue about what they are complaining about. Yep, that sounds about right. The NFL not the “evil” Mr.Blank or “Still Not MY ATL” has a rule in place that unless the game is sold out the it will be blacked out. This applies to preseason as well but it is not as strictly enforce. For the People that refer to a sports team as a product, I laugh at you and your pretentious business acumen.

Stop complaining and buy a ticket or enjoy watching Jaws 10.

By Roy S

August 22, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Guys please…..it is not just a movie! It’s Jaws 4-The Revenge with the great Michael Caine AND Marion Van Peebles. I’m not making this dream cast! This is the conclusion of the Jaws marathon this week! Three other great Jaws movies will now culminate in this exciting conclusion. I have to know if the shark dies- AGAIN, for the fourth night in a row. Each movie greater than the one the night before! 8pm just can’t get here fast enough!!

By HuHa

August 22, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Hey, ‘Bar Owner’ - If you depend on Falcon’s fans to beef up your sales, you’ll be out of business by October!

By Captain Reality

August 22, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Who cares, it is a preseason game. The station may have a compelling reason, like the NFL will not allow a live feed to compete with their choice of games. The bigger fear is if the regular season games don’t sell out and the casual fan, like the Captain, end up being more casual at the golf course…

By Howard Thrower

August 22, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

I am intersted in the Falcons(so far). I want to see all their games, pre-season included) until I get disgusted with them. Again.

By Gilley

August 22, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Falcons fans might as well get use to blackouts…

Since they forgot who sold out the Dome every Sunday

Sorry Matt Ryan, you are playing in a terrible sports city. They’ll 4get abt you in a second…Play bad or get in trouble, its a wrap for you.

By Roy S

August 22, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

My apologies all……….MARIO Van Peebles. Marion does not make an appearance and may not even exist, but MELVIN Van Peebles does and he is in this freakin’ epic! Two Van Peebles for the price of one! 8pm- WATL.

By ihopguy

August 22, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

“Currently, five American television networks (CBS, NBC, FOX, and ESPN) are paying a combined total of US $ 21.4 billion , US $ 3.735 billion / per year (2006) to broadcast NFL games. However, the league imposes several strict television policies to ensure that stadiums are filled and sold out, to maximize TV ratings, and to help leverage content on these networks.”

By Doug

August 22, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Good, my girlfriend might be asleep by then.

By Cybed

August 22, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I dont live in ATL area.. Game is on NFLN Sat morning at 10AM EST. I’ll watch it then

By moo

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

who cares if the ‘coons r live, tape delayed, or NEVER shown?

By Jerry

August 22, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Sure we want to see the game live! I’m finally a Falcon’s fan again for the first time since I heard the name Vick called on draft day years ago! GO RYAN, GO!!!!!!!

By ATLfan

August 22, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

The Falcons game is not a sell out?!?!? That has to be a mistake! It should be on the radio right?

By Mychelfromatl

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

Umm J, as you laugh at people that refer to a sports team as a product, maybe you should start by laughing at Arthur Blank…as in last weeks game, he was the one that said “Falcon fans will support because we will provide good product on the field”. Just a little nugget that you missed while trying to be a smartass but failed miserably.

By TAMPA BAY BUCS.

August 22, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe that you people care about the game not being televised.Hold up one minute,LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!HAAAA HAAAAAAA HEEEE HEEEEEE.Umm ok,im back.Ya’ll want to watch this sorry team in action?ya’ll on here crying and complaining wanting to see ryan leaf play tonight.hee heeee!threw out the season get used to it,(blackouts)come down to tampa were a real!team plays.Mark my word,the sorry falbillies won’t be in a playoff game for the next 10years.Don’t even think about a superbowl until 2080.

By EyePod

August 22, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

What’s a ‘radio’?

By TAMPA BAY BUCS.

August 22, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe that you people care about the game not being televised.Hold up one minute,LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!HAAAA HAAAAAAA HEEEE HEEEEEE.Umm ok,im back.Ya’ll want to watch this sorry team in action?ya’ll on here crying and complaining wanting to see ryan leaf play tonight.hee heeee!threw out the season get used to it,(blackouts)come down to tampa were a real!team plays.Mark my word,the sorry falbillies won’t be in a playoff game for the next 10years.Don’t even think about a superbowl until 2080.

By ihopguy

August 22, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it… The Falcons have a face for radio ( live @ 92.9FM )…

By Navigator

August 22, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

History has been unkind to the Falcons, but I can’t help but ask a most obvious question. With the large amount of hate thrown Schaub’s way when he was here, and after he left, would you rather have Schaub now than Ryan, and the obvious loss of picking the best defensive player in the draft from LSU. Many of you got what you wanted, and me well it’s like missing Tomlinson and a certain QB starting for the Saints, when we instead opted for MVick. No disrespect for Vick, but what did we lose then and what did we lose by letting Schaub leave. I like Ryan, but were four years away from having a veteran QB.

By JeffOfGwinnett

August 22, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Until the Falcons move to Gwinnett Place Mall and builds a retractable roof stadium complete with places to tailgate, I won’t care…

By GoBoys

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

it’s a pre-season game - who cares? if it means so much to you, buy a ticket and go see it!

By ATL Resident

August 22, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Well, ATL, we know how this goes, all that need to be said is if Matt Ryan has Vick-like talent like they say, there won’t be any problems with us. Until then we can care less.

By chris

August 22, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks vick kill more dogs!!!!!! No seriously kill more dogs

By bill

August 22, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

The only reason to watch the tape version wold be if the station could do technical enhancements like make the Falcons look like a good football team. This would entail editing to show Falcons making blocks, catching passes, good defense, etc. Come to think of it, there is no technology that could make the Falcons look good.

By Pete

August 22, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Not televising the game “live” is just a glaring illustration of how really BUSH LEAGUE Atlanta is, compared to the rest of the NFL cities. Can you imagine this in Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Philly, etc., etc. ????? Just pathetic. And the REALLY sad part of it is…………..they don’t get it, and they NEVER will. End of story.

By Mental Recession

August 22, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

The PEOPLE have spoken..Advertisers Saw how worthless their money was spent last week. Fool me once shame on you..fool me twice shame on ME!

The Birds have come home to Roost. Everyone that cried for REAL Falcon Football and how they HATED that Flashy BOY that couldn’t speak well playing QB, well, your wish has been granted…. Seems to me like YOU all should be happy.

By Mental Recession

August 22, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Need to change the Name to the Atlanta Parrots because

Polly Wanna Cracker… now DEAL with the results.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By chris

August 22, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Thanks Vick all we got is WATL to view the game and fox showed bears and niners thanks vick thanks heck of a role model

By LOLOL

August 22, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Get used to it idiots. You won’t miss anything but Ryan on his back or throwing more interceptions. We will drop DJ very soon. He will be a star in this league in a couple years. He will CRUSH Ryan and the sorry falcons.LOLOL.

By Recent Reader

August 22, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Don’t live in Atlanta/Georgia but have been reading posts on Quarterback situation for the past few weeks. Real strange brew of fans you got. Pretty angry, pessimistic, and for those wanting DJ Shockley - just because he went to UGA - well that doesn’t seem intelligent. Blackouts are a pretty common process … .its just that they don’t usually happen due to fans or corporations buying tickets. Pretty standard MO.

By Mental Recession

August 22, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

To all those blamming Mike Vick…if ONE man was able to get us GOOD TV, National Attention, Primetime Games, and Sold out Domes so you FAKE fans could watch at home….then Maybe it WAS about ONE DUDE!!! Now that he’s gone, the Horrible Drafts and the WEAK marketing of Blank are all being exposed…. fortunately those that Paid $$ are wise enough to not invest in garbage. Those of you complaining about where the game is being shown, never went to the games anyway so if you don’t pay…you can’t complain.

By MRyan

August 22, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the suggestion chris. This crap made me so mad I just went outside and kicked the crap outta somebody’s dog. Feel much better now.

By Da Analyst

August 22, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

May be they can air some Boston College highlight games and call it see Matt Throw interceptions.

By Andre

August 22, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

THE NFL SUX!!! Don’t blame ATLANTA or WATL. Blame the NFL they made this stupid RULE!! EMAIL THEM!!!!!

By Shady

August 22, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I drive 100 miles each way for every game. When we start winning again the band wagon will fill back up. Go Falcons!

By Former STH

August 22, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Now who believes this obvious lie? Well, for real the game didn’t sell out, but that’s not the reason its blacked out. The game LAST week wasn’t sold out. Remember that Colts game in the Dome last Sat night? Yeah, who believes that game was sold out? You already know it wasn’t. How could it be when Rich McKay was quoted in the AJC on the 19th saying they were still selling season tickets and season tickets include the preseason games? Do you think there was some mad rush at the last minute for tickets for just a preseason game?? PUHLEEZE. So you already know the “game didn’t sell out” excuse is a blatant lie. So what’s the real reason? Could it be that no business will pay the premium advertising rate for a live NFL game (preseason or not) for the Falcons when last Sat they realized the interest in this team is less than that womens football team out in Gwinnett County somewhere? They paid last week, they aren’t paying this week. Its just not worth it. It doesn’t matter that its WATL, nobody will pay up. So you get Jaws Revenge instead

Welcome back Falcons!

By You got to be kidding me

August 22, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

As much as I would like to blame WATL, it is not their fault… its the stupid NFL policy where games are blacked out in their home markets if there is not a sellout! Its just another ploy by the league to increase profits to help pay these overpriced athletes and the multimillionaire owners… unfortunately, if you don’t have a product in demand no one wants to buy it! The NFL should think about maybe using TV as a means of advertising their product and not using blackouts to p** local markets off! We potential fans may want to go see games in person should the team show signs of improvement, thats called marketing… if we don’t see the games on TV then many of us just don’t care! I, myself will be watching the Titans/Cowboys game… Sorry Matt Ryan…

By JuAn

August 22, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

VICK RUINED THE FALCONS!

HE FlIPPED A BIRD AT THE CROWD!

VICK SMUGGLED DRUGS!

VICK KILLED INNOCENT DOGS BY DROWING THEM!

VICK IS IN FEDERAL PRISON

VICK RUINED THE FRANCHISE FOEREVER!

If it weren’t for VICK, this game would be on TV and we would not be the laughingstock of the NFL.

Instead, Mr. Blank soesn’t care about us fans and we are subject to teh whims of DJ Shockley’s aunt who is the program director at WATL in Atlanta.

You can bet that next week’s game will be televised when SHOCKLEY is starting.

Coincidence? I don’t think so.

BOYCOTT VICK

BOYCOTT WATL

BOYCOTT DJ SHOCKLEY’S AUNT!

Last weeks game was not a sell out, but it was on TV. This is clearly a way to get back at all of the Falcons fans who want to be MATT RYAn supporters.

IT IS UNFAIR.

I HATE YOU WATL.

By Steve

August 22, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Falcons have noting to do with this, so no conspiracy to get people into the seats. Almost every team in the NFL has a similar agreement in place for pre-season games and WATL showing it on tape delay is better than what some teams go thru.

Just ask fans in Cincy and Pittsburgh, who only get to watch there teams AWAY preseason games. They don’t even get the home ones on tape delay.

That being said, the NFL regular season is a farce. They should learn from the Atlanta Braves, who showed all their games on a small cable channel and became the most watched team in the World. The amount of money that brought into the Braves organization, while playing in a mid-sized market was unreal, and it really helped MLB spread to other markets. Meanwhile, the NFL chooses to punish fans with blackouts and force feeding stupid games in Europe and Asia where they care next to nothing for American Football.

Note to the NFL, fans that don’t go to the game account for far more money coming into the coffers than fans that do .. so start thinking about them. A couple of million fans not going to the games who might buy jerseys, car flags, home flags, and all sorts of other items far outweighs the piddly 50k that attend most teams games and buy at the concessions. Anyone who isn’t completely ignorant of finance would know the blackout rule is one of the most ridiculous rules in the history of entertainment.

By Sabyrna

August 22, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Dear Mr. Blank,

I do like the upgrades to the Dome, even though the women’s restrooms still need some work (e.g., a few of the doors still won’t close properly, the toilet paper dispensers need to be replaced, etc.). Many season ticketholders, including myself, understand that it will take time to build a winning franchise, but we won’t wait too much longer. Just like Vick, you’ve put too much of the team’s success again on the quarterback. However, most true fans are willing to give this a chance. Lastly, please improve the fan experience my using more updated music in the Dome. It used to be a special experience to attend an Atlanta game, now it is quite boring. The fans are drunker and crude, with terrible, outdated music playing in the background. If you must play older music, let it at least be hits. Now the music is tame and tired. Thanks.

By darrell starks

August 22, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

A DISASTER FOR US SPORTS FAN

By You got to be kidding me

August 22, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

To Wow, If it is not a right for us to see the games for free (which we don’t since we pay for our cable or satellite systems) is it fair for you to read the news for free?( which using your argument, you are, since you are on here blogging and I doubt that you pay for a newspaper!) So go sit in your seats, watch them lose, and be p** off at the rest of us who chose to spend our money more wisely!

By Ted

August 22, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

It’s doesn’t matter. This just a prelude of things to come. I will be watching the Cowboys and Texans LIVE!!

By ihopguy

August 22, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

“For the second week in a row, the Falcons managed fewer than 100 net yards passing, finishing with a miniscule 52 yards. Vick was sacked three times. At times he was characteristically scattershot and, on those occasions when he delivered the ball on target, his butter-fingered wideouts usually dropped it.”

Those were the days…

By Keeping It Real

August 22, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I will take Jaws over the funky Falcons any day. Since it is not a sell out, I guess some others feel the same. Who wants to see an over paid rookie QB get his a* handed to him.

By Over the Falcons

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

Who freakin cares? They suck.

By tj

August 22, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

first a curse, now a boycott, things just keep getting worse and worse!!!

By Vick Supporter

August 22, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

AAAHHHHH. My predictions are coming true. Like I’ve always said……………. No Vick = Losing Season, Blackouts, fan base, superstar, merchandise, etc etc etc. True enough, Vick did this to himself, but maybe now you will see the importance of the Great Mike Vick, on the field. Too bad they didn’t build the team around him properly. Someone made a comment earlier that Blan puts too much emphasis on the QB, and thats the truth. blank is gonna expect “Matty Ice,lol to make money for him the same way Vick did, and he cannot and will not do that. Face it people The FALCONS SUCK AND ARE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE NFL!! Vick messed up, but you now have your blond haired, blue eyed QB. It doesn’t look good. I can’t wait to go to my one game and wear my Vick jersey and cheer for Vick, thats right people, we have nothing else to cheer for, so might as well pretend that Vick is still here. The Falcons are DONE and the season hasn’t even started yet.

By michaelgee

August 22, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Don’t be so cheap, buy a ticket.

Local fans have no excuse, I drive a 500 mile round trip and with my season tickets in hand, I will be there in the Dome.

Get off that sofa and support your Team.

By JackP

August 22, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Bush did it.

By Ben

August 22, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

I sent an email and called them to let them know that i was not happey with them not showing the game. They said I was the only person to call them about the game being delayed. If anyone else would lilke to call the # is 404-892-1611

By FalcFan Doppelganger

August 22, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

michaelagee, sorry dude, but you stupid. Telling everybody you drive 500 miles roundtrip for the Falcons is like a cry for help. You sad as a mofo.

By Rob

August 22, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Get used to this Falcons fans! Most home games this year will be blacked out and we’ll be getting Cowboys games all year!

By Vick Supporter

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

Cowboys games…. sounds good to me. It will remind me of when I grew up in Oklahoma watchin the Cowboys. At least they have a real QB.

By Recent Reader

August 22, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Have I been reading the recent posts correctly? If so, it would seem a good amount of Falcon fans want to see them lose/fail out of spite. That’s too bad. I’m a Pats fan, but have always liked the Falcons since the Bartkowski/ Grits Blitz et al days. Rooted for them with Deion, Super Bowl, and Vick. I really hope these posts don’t represent a true image of the fans.

By King Poster on Board

August 22, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

all you negative “fans” are pure idiots.Go to the game

By ihopguy

August 22, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Hey Michael… “Here’s your sign.”

By the football fan

August 22, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Why not just show the highlights if the falcons actually score. Until they show that they can win, thats about all I care to see.

By Josiah

August 22, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Do you people read? Seriously.. you all are blaming A. Blank for not being able to see the game live. It’s your all faults, not his. The NFL made the rule, not the Falcons. If people bought the tickets, you would be able to see the game. Same goes for the regular season. You don’t go, everyone else in the ATL doesn’t get to watch.

BTW, what is the deal with all the hate? Half the people think M. Ryan is a bum, the other half think DJ is a bum. why?? Have either done enough to even garner an opinion, no.. Give the players a break. Let them play before you start giving them a hard time. If you all hate this team so much, stop posting on the Falcons blogs. Let this place be for REAL Falcons fan. All you pretenders need to leave.

By Big cowboys fan

August 22, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Who cares.. This team has more holes than a fishing net. Matt Ryan will not improve this team. Just read the scouting report on him. DJ is the best QB on the team…

By JuAn

August 22, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

BOYCOTT JOSIAH

DJ SHOCKLEY IS A BUM

.

By BJ

August 22, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know how many tickets are left over? Were there so many that WATL couldn’t afford to buy out the Dome?

By Tyrone

August 22, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Vick will not be able to play football when he gets out of prison.

Being someone’s prison b!tch probably takes a lot of a guy.

By the way, I am an african american so don’t start with the cries of racism. I just call’em like I see’em dog.

And I’m gooooooooone.

By Rex

August 22, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

.

That is true Tyrone, Vick probably is taking it up the poop shoot.

Karma is a b!tch!

LOL!

By William T. Williams, a.k.a. Billy

August 22, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Same old Falcons. Mr. Blank can’t seem to get anything right.

1st: His prize QB turns out to be a pot smoking dog killer.

2nd: He drafts a mediocre QB instead of a stud D lineman.

3rd: He won’t start Shockley, who we all KNOW is the BEST QB on the team.

4th: The local Falcons TV affilaite would rather show reruns of JAWS than teh Falcons with Arthur’s new poster boy at the helm. IF DJ WERE STRATING NONE OF THIS WOULD HAV E HAPPENED! DJ IS THE MAN ASO I IS HIS ANT!

.

By Brock

August 22, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Black is probably just leveraging the team so that he can sell them to Portland or whoever is subbosably going to be buying the team. Maybe after the move to Oregon, we will be able to watch them on ttv.

Question: DO NFL Blackout rules apply to an old city’s franchise like when they are in Portland will we get to see ald of the games abnd will tehy be in the nFC or AFC??

Hopefully DJ Shockley will move with them and start for the Portland Falcons.. DJ IS THE MAN! RIGHT!

By rick

August 22, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Whats the BIGGIE..FIRST U WATCH BRAVES LOSE , THEN WATCH FALCONS LOSE—DOUBLEHEADER..!!!

By mickey

August 22, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Obama did it. Did i mention he is black!

By presdog

August 22, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

“Jaws - The Revenge” is on most people’s list of the worst movies ever made! What is WATL thinking? They can’t be serious! This is so rediculous that it is almost funny! Not a good way to build market share in Altlanta………

By Mychelfromatl

August 22, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Sits back and laugh my a* off!!!!

By Brock

August 22, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

This is total racist BS.

If MATT RYAN WERE BLACK, THIS GAME WOULD BE ON LIVE TV!

.

By Brock

August 22, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

I can’t beleive that DJ Shockley’s AUnt is actually teh program directror at WATL.

Would she really stoop so low because her nephew is not starting tonight. I know that some people think that DJ is not being given a “fair cahnce” (evben though he is terrible), but for his aunt to deprive the whole city of Atlanta the opportunity to see teh Falcons play some live football is bullcrap!

She should be ashamed of herself. If it isnot too late, DJ Shockley himself should call her up and reason with her.

Come on guys, it is NOT TOO LATE for Ms. Shockley to change her mind and Boradcast the FLACONS GAME!

I AM SO PUMPED THAT THEY ACTUALLY MIGHT SHOW THE GAME LIVE.

CALL WATL AND ASK TO SPEAK WITH SHEILA SHOCKLEY AND LET’S SEE IF WE CAN’T TURN THIS THING AROUND!

YES!

YES!

By Billy

August 22, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t matter to me, I’ll just watch it this weekend on NFL Network.

By A Falcons Fan walks into a bar. . . .

August 22, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Falcons fans are so stupid. It has nothing to do with WATL. It’s a long standing NFL policy that games can only be show live and locally if it is a sellout. Just proves that yet again, Atlanta is one of the worst sports cities in the country. Congratulations. Boycott WATL instead of buying Falcons tickets. It won’t accomplish anything, but then again, Atlanta usually doesn’t. Idiots…

By A Falcons Fan walks into a bar. . . .

August 22, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Just think. PETA could be buying up those extra tickets in order to protest. Then you could watch the game live.

By The Dean 21

August 22, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

By Falcon

August 22, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

That’s Bull Crap, why was everyone able to watch for the past two week..LIVE

This is why we cannot sell tickets to this fan base….This one fan can’t even rationalize with the fact that we can watch away games regardless if the game is a sell out or not.

So many folks on here can’t even read, clearly it’s the NFL policy on not the show the game live. It’s better for the Falcons anyway, with the Olympics and the Cowboys, trust me, this is better for them.

By Boodro

August 22, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

While I would like to watch it live it’s no big deal to wait a couple of hours to see it. I have many things that I can do in the 2 1/2 hour interim. The important thing to me and to the Falcons’ future (in this season anyway) is that they can move the ball on the Flaming Thumbtacks very respectable 1st team defense and even more importantly score TD’s and not just FG’s from the red zone. If the Falcons can accomplish this they might be on to a very good season, if not it might auspice a very painful rebuilding season. This is an important game no doubt about it.

By The Dean 21

August 22, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

JuAn, please take your silly a** back to mexico! Oh and take all your cousins, aunts and uncles with you!! Who spells their name JuAn, hmmmmm no wonder the only word you can type is BOYcott!!

LOL

By ScottBravesfan

August 22, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Maybe Atlanta should, I don’t know, support one of their teams? You don’t support the Braves, the Hawks, the Thrashers, the Falcons, Georgia Tech football, you don’t support anything. I don’ t watch arena football but you probably don’t support the Force either. Maybe if your city actually cared about it’s sports teams you would get better teams and actually get to see the games on TV. I drive 7 hours round trip at least 4 times a year to see the Braves play in Atlanta. I drive up a couple of times a year to see the Thrashers play and I have a partial season ticket plan for the Falcons. That’s right and I live in Dothan, Alabama which is almost 4 hours away driving time. At least the people of Atlanta could drive 30 minutes to see a freaking game.

By The Dean 21

August 22, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

By chris

August 22, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks vick kill more dogs!!!!!! No seriously kill more dogs

Hey chris, while you are at it…why don’t you thank your President for killing more soldiers! You should grow a brain and vote!

By dakota

August 22, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Now you Atlanta fans know what it is like to live in south Georgia and can’t watch an Atlanta event because of no telecast. DISH net does not carry the braves when Peachtree does. Local TV over Dish. Kind of crazy. When you locals can go to a game by all means…Stay Home.

By Wow

August 22, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

To You gotta be kidding me:

This used to be a pay site and I WAS here then. It was a far better site because most of the people were knowledgeable and weren’t freeloading cry babies!

You and all of the rest have been able to watch because of people like me who are true sports fans.

Atlanta is the kingdom of excuse makers when it comes to fan support. Get off of your lazy a*******es and go buy a ticket. I can’t believe this lame paper even runs this kind of blog.

By lex luther

August 22, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Falcon Fans, get ready to watch alot of different teams on television this season. The real Black-out has just BEGUN!!!

By roan st

August 22, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe there not showing this game on T.V. in ATL. Fortunately for me, because I live in Dalton I will get to see the game because we get all the Titan games. Because of our proximity to Chattanooga we are considered part of the Tennessee valley T.V. network. In our market the falcons come on fox and the titans come on CBS every sunday. Hopefully Ryan will have a good game tonight and not ruin my evening.

By Rex

August 22, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

I LOVE MICHAEL VICK

By Tyrone

August 22, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are ish without Vick!

By Ha!

August 22, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

You Falcons fans got exactly what you asked for and what you deserve.

By I'm watching the game live

August 22, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Phenix City, AL and Columbus, GA has the Falcons on live.

By roan st

August 22, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Ryan looked really good on the first drive as the falcons were driving into titans territory but unfortunately Weiner got two stupid penalties that killed the momentum. So far the falcon defense has not played well.

By roan st

August 22, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Chevis jackson makes a big interception of vince young and returns the ball to midfield as the first QTR ends!

By roan st

August 22, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Ryan over throws white for a sure touchdown and the falcons end up having to settle for 3. SO far Ryan is not stepping into some of his throws and the ball seems to be sailing a bit.

By roan st

August 22, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Ryan go’s 4/4 on his third possession but stupid penalties have killed another promising drive. This kid looks really poised against a very good titans first string defense. He’s making the right decisions and not forcing anything like you see with typical rookie QB’s. So far I’m impressed with the kid but the falcons have to stop these stupid penalties.

By roan st

August 22, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Ryan overthrows robinson for a sure TD and then overthrows white for a sure TD on the very next play. Falcons have to settle for a field goal and were going to the halftime.

By Tom

August 22, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

So I thought we were getting a decent kicker in Elam, but looks like we will be turning the real “old” reliable midesaon….Mort Anderson..

By roan st

August 22, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Ryan overthrows robinson for a sure TD and then on the very next play overthrows white for a sure TD. The game is tied at halftime 3 to 3.

On defense both grimes and houston look very shaky thus far. Fortunatley for the falcons Young is not a very good passer and the tiatns receivers can’t catch a cold. Otherwise the birds would be in trouble in this game.

By BillDawg

August 22, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

This is due to the a*-holes from the NFL. They make the money-grubbing rules that pretty much suck all the time. Other than that, who gives a rats a* about the Falcons anyway? When they kicked Coach Reeves out the door, that showed which way they were headed! Now they have another no-name coach, with another “can’t lose” QB. Yeah, right!!!

By roan st

August 22, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

On the opening drive of the second half Norwood breaks a 45 yard run to the titan 1 yard line. Ryan then throws a TD to pass to harry douglas. Ryan so far is 15-21 for 102 yards with a TD and no INT’s. With the exception of a few high throws Ryan has looked very good tonight.

Barring injury brian finneran will make this football team. He has came up with several big catches across the middle tonight and looks like the brian finneran of old.

By kj

August 22, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

DJ didn’t get to come in after matty Ice tonight. I’m thinking he’s going on the chopping block tuesday. The 3rd tailback position is looking very very good. I like both snelling and brown

By Titans 2nd team

August 22, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Some big names not playing on the Titans defense tonight. How Finneran looks is how he SHOULD look against backups, that’s why he needs to go.

By newnan native

August 22, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Good. who wants to see them anyway. how can this coaching staff say that they are gonna give each quarterback an opportunity with the first string when all they do is put DJ out there with the mop up crew. he(DJ) looks better with that group than redman and harrington put together with the number one unit. how fair is that to DJ. is it that they no longer want a black quarterback leading the falcons?….too bad for atlanta..i hope all the games are blacked out!

By Titans 2nd team

August 22, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

The Falcons first team scored a TD on the Titans second team defense…whoopity-dam-do.

By thad

August 22, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

the ratings wont get any better as long as they are not being fair to the players and the fans. shockley a local favorite doesnt even get to play in a preseason game. How can you judge talent that dont play. give me a break. i might just take a nap on sundays.

By TItans 2nd team

August 22, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Albert Haynesworth, Keith Bullock AND Nick Harper didn’t even play??

By Thorpe

August 22, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Shockley doesn’t have any talent. That’s easy to judge!

LOL!

By OMOY

August 23, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

It’s sad that your Newspaper has printed such a small inprint of now the fastest man in the world Jamaican Usain Bolt and the sordid comments that was made by the IOC president on a very brilliant athlete.It’s good that i sorced my information from another very reputable, international and distinguished publication in New York to get some Objective news on a superb victory for the Jamaican athlete. Muhamid Ali carried the torch for the United States but tell Muhamid ali that he should shake the hands of his opponents after plundering them to the floor i guess that would be good sportsmanship right?

By Manny

August 23, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan looks poised, but he can’t pass well downfield. He can throw a good quick slant, though. My 10 year-old son throws great slants, too. Oh, and hitting those quiick outs in the flats, too. So Matt Ryan is at least as good as my 10 year-old son.

But my son can only sometimes hit those comeback routes. And he can’t pass more than 10 yards, unless the receiver is wide open. Matt Ryan is having difficulties with that, as well.

Oh, but my son plays wideout and RB. Oh, and on defense, he plays corner, both safeties, and some linebacker. And all you have to do is take him to Stevie Bs after the game.

So my 10 year-old son has better upside?

On a positive note, our running game is nice. And that Brett Grimes has made me forget that guy who played cornerback for us last year. I’m telling you, I cannot remember his name!

But we have problems at QB. You’re not seeing it too much right now, but during the season, we’re going to have some serious problems. You can run one scheme and take away the run and those quick pass plays in the flat. And remember, the talent is going to be strong, not the second team that we scored on in the 3rd quarter. Matt Ryan should not start.

In other words, I’m really scared that even with our weapons we’ll be easy to defend against. All preseason I’ve not seen Matt Ryan pass a ball to a defender, right on the spot, in tight coverage. All that I’ve seen is wide open receivers and short screens and quick slants. That should tell you something…

By kreese31

August 29, 2008 6:13 AM | Link to this

Matty Ice is looking cold as hell!!! hey man all you racists pigs asked for it so reveal in it. Matt ryan is just as much a bum as you all r. I can’t believe that there is actually a discussion on keeping joey harrington. I saw that article the other day talking about how Joey could help Matt Ryan. my question is, With What? getting cut, being a bust, not being able to read dfenses. Matt Ryan is already the same type of QB that Joey is, we don’t need Joey Harrington, just like Detroit didn’t need him, nor did Miami. put that racist BS down and go with DJ, he is a much better player. and toSteve Wyche, stop giving Matt Ryan credit where he doesn’t deserve it. Your headlines read”Matt Ryan Gets Falcons Started with win” That is some BULLDOODY!!!! I know that you were trying to incorporate his starting with the win, but some Dummy, that knows nothing about sports may actually believe that Matt Ryan won the game, when, in actuality, he sucked in the Baltimore game. DJ won that game despite the odds stacked against him. the AJC did not give VICK any room for error, so don’t give Matty “ICE” cold any either!!!!!! He is stinking it up!!!! and will continue to do so. who cares that Matt is one the sidelines barking and stuff, just like Vick, Ryan aint Peyton Manning. Ryan needs to WIN immediately and that is the bottom Line!!!!!!

By kreese31

August 29, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this

Thorpe either you are stupid, didn’t play any football, or are a racist pig. DJ is the best QB on the team, Just bcause they paid Matt Ryan all of that money, does not mean he is a better player!!! You idiot, Matt Ryan was signed to lure Corporate America back to the seats. OH well!!!!!

By xily mzkvfawyx

March 29, 2009 2:48 AM | Link to this

ntxrikw jetbc jnht pxhdamgi wnbj cojzvs anidcboqu