ajcsportstalk

By bo

August 24, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

He is going to be a hall of famer, great move I’m so excited!!!!!!

By Gwalk

August 24, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

I thinks it’s a good decision. He gives the Falcons the BEST chance to win! He’s young and the O-Line has not looked bad so far. Come on guys, look at where we were this time a year ago. We’ve come a long way and I think Ryan will be a great leader for OUR team!! Go Birds!

By Steve

August 24, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Nice!! At least we don’t have to worry about him using drugs, killing dogs, going to jail, etc. Vick was such a THUG! I am also so happy that the other thugs on the team have been let go. Anyone who likes or supports Vick is a pathetic person. What will be funny is that the thugs that go to the game will still wear Vick jerseys and not Ryan’s. Makes me laugh.

By BullDawgNation

August 24, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Might as well start him, it’s not like the alternatives are anything to get excited over.

By michaelgee

August 24, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Finally a QB who brings a complete game to the Falcons.

This is the building block we have lacked for so long. Matt Ryan brought more than a body to the Falcons. Ryan’s intelligence can best be indicated by one thing, he doesn’t have to wear a band that has the plays listyed on it, the guy knows the playbook, the rest will play out to give us the best Falcon Leadership we have ever had.

Congrats to Matt but congrats to ALL TRUE FALCON FANS!

By Falcon610

August 24, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Great Move!!!! He won it fair and square. No doubt in my mind there has not been a more poised, and intelligent quarterback since Peyton Manning.

Get Ready to Win Falcons Fans!!!!!!!!

Go Matty Ice!!!!!!!

By allfalcon

August 24, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

why not, whos is he going to sit on the side line a learn from.

By No vick, no problem

August 24, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a good move. He hs shown this preseason that he has the confidence of the team and they have that “it” factor. I expect the birds to do fairly well this year and push 500 or better for their record. Let’s get em’!

By nick s

August 24, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

It’s clear that he gives us the best chance to win. He’s not going to go out and dominate immediately. Look at Peyton Manning’s rookie season and where he is now. I say that anything over 5 wins this year is a good start for a turnaround. The defense is where we’ll be weak!

By nick s

August 24, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

It’s clear that he gives us the best chance to win. He’s not going to go out and dominate immediately. Look at Peyton Manning’s rookie season and where he is now. I say that anything over 5 wins this year is a good start for a turnaround. The defense is where we’ll be weak!

By Blake

August 24, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

We have an extremely professional coaching staff. They’ve had nothing like this crew since the Dan Reeves era. I know they have considered every possible angle concerning Ryan. If Ryan or the offensive line struggles I have full confidence they’ll make the proper adjustments.

By hop

August 24, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

the falcons have no choice because they have too much invested in ryan not to start him.

ryan did not win the job outright and and at this stage is not the best qb on the roster.

dj and redman were never given an opportunity.

the falcons have written off this season to develop ryan.

he might have the most potential,but only time will tell.

i am afraid dj is gone and joey will be staying which would be another bonehead move!

By Cairo

August 24, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Steve,

You have some serious issues. The AJC has even more issues for continuing to let this crap get posted. The next time you see someone wearing a #7 jersey tell them what you just posted on this website since you seem to have a large set of testicles.

By Mac

August 24, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Ryan is not Michael Vick. Author Blank…this is not a goood idea. Lets loose a bunch of games (remember last year. Let Matt learn. He couldn’t even beat VT in the ACC playoffs. PLEASE, let him live and learn! Mac

By dan

August 24, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

No big shock here. He is a class act, great leader, and far more talented than any other quarterback on the staff. I enjoyed Vick as a QB, but he was more of an entertainer than leader. He did not have strong leadership skills, accurate passer, and constant motivator. I think he will be far more successful. Getting him was seen as a gutsy call, but the right one. I think we will go farther than most believe we will. Good decision

By Scott

August 24, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Undoubtedly Ryan is the starter for the future, as he’s already displayed everything the Falcons need…except for experience, and now he’ll get that.

Having said that, I would probably strongly consider starting Redman for the first couple of games, as I think he’s pretty solid. Since we’ll be running the ball primarily anyway, there wouldn’t be too much difference between the two.

My reason for sitting Ryan for a couple games is simple: let’s give the OLine a couple weeks to gel before we bring Ryan in.

IF the rest of the team can improve, then I think Ryan has a great chance to be very good.

By Vick Supporter

August 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Damn, you atl fans are so dumb. You people get excited about the damn preseason. Ryan will get drove into the ground. Can’t wait to watch

By Sandman

August 24, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Drink the kool-aid Ryan is the Man! He prepares for the game and learns fast. That (watching film and preparation) is what the good ones great!

By Kirkwood

August 24, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

No I don’t think he should . At the outset of training camp, Smith said he would play each quarterback with the first team and make a decision afterward unless he felt there was enough “clarity” to move sooner. Please I must have missed it when DJ get his chance with the first team. Put Matt in with the 3rd and 4th strings and lets see what he does. Don’t be fooled by the Tenn. game CB 20 N.Harper, RB 25 L.White, DB 29 C.Carr, CB 41 C.Williams, LB 53 K.Bulluck, DT 92 A.Haynesworth. They didn’t play there players. Just give everbody a fair chance. or is it just a good ole boy networking.

By NCFalconFan

August 24, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

GO MATTY ICE!!!! I WILL BE CHEERING FOR YOU AND THE FALCONS IN NC

By bigeasy830

August 24, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan does not give the team the best chance to win. Chris Redman or Joey Harrington gives the team the best chance to win. But, its the right move because it gives the team the best chance to win in the future. I believe that Coach Smith and Mike Mularkey will do all they can to put Matt Ryan in good situations in the game We will run first and have our QB manage the game with short passes, even in 3rd and long, instead of trying to win it with long passes. As Matt Ryan mature as a pro player I think he will be a very solid QB. He has done well in the preseason. But some of you insane fans should not expect that once the regular season starts. Be realistic and know that the young QB will have his ups and downs and do not expect more that 4 wins this year.

By Bumblebee Tuna!

August 24, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

I think his play earned him the job. He hasn’t made bad decisions and he’s getting rid of the ball before opposing defenses get a chance to destroy him. He’ll have some rough spots but that’s part of the gig. The fans of Atlanta are pulling for Matt.

That said, we’ve got to come up with a better nickname than ‘Matty Ice.’

By Atliens

August 24, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Who is Steve or Cairo, first off I supported michael vick didnt he make a bad decision yes, Does he need all this B.S. from you so call falcon fans, NO He made altanta Period like it or not. Now Starting Ryan is a JOKE a BIG A JOKE Atlanta lost 72 million dollars period he will not be a HAll of Famer he damn sure not Michael Vick or anyother starter in the NFL Blanks looking for a new face a white face sorry to say. He isnt better than DJ Shockley Period who is better than Ryan and anyother QB i use to support them. But the BS with this team and the dumb moves they made man they will only beat a team that is way worst than them they will be picking 1st next year too and Turner is not a good back either. and to end this for all those who or still talking about Mick leave him alone youll keep judging him how many of you havent did something or is cheating on husband or wife, sleeping with minors, doing drugs, lyning and committing some type of crime no one has the right to keep judging him that way.

By spotts

August 24, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

The Falcons aren’t going to win the Super Bowl this year. Why risk it with Ryan? Starting Carr turned out to be devastating to his career. Let Ryan get used to the NFL. He came from the ACC.

By Steve T

August 24, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

No surprise here. The flacons lie which is the reason why I can no longer support them. I heard that every QB will get a chance with the first unit. I have one question why wasn’t Shockley even given a chance with the 2th unit never mind the first unit. I hope Shockley even up on the Raiders roster because the Riaders would be the most dangerous team in the NFL. Again, I hope Shockley end up on a team that would give him a fair shot.

By Tyrone

August 24, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

I used to be a supporter of MV, but now I realize that the future of this franchise is in Matt Ryan’s hands.

Good luck to this fine young man.

Go Falcons!

By JD

August 24, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

So let’s flip the script, for those of you that say that the Falcons won’t win w/ Matt Ryan as qb. What if he does start winning, then what? What will you have to say when/if that happens?

While I’m not sure it’s the right idea, it’s the direction the TEAM is going in and I’m gonna support it, as a FALCONS fan. If it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out, but I’d like to at least see what the young man can do. Money or not, Matt Ryan is OUR starting qb.

Good move, Falcons…..LET’S SHOCK THE WORLD!!!

By Rod

August 24, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Auther Blank and that little twerp he hired for GM really get on my nerves.

By KMoss

August 24, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Great move. The future is now, time to move away from the Vick debachle. Heard radio interviews with Joe Horn and Dan Reeves this past week. In both cases they said they’d written Vick several letters and in both cases he never replied. What’s he have to do in jail that’s so damn important that he can’t respond? That’s all you need to know about him.

By Steve

August 24, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Mars I pity you. What is so funny is when a white person says something that is 100% the truth, it’s called racist. If I say there are more blacks then whites in jail is that racist? If I say blacks murder more then whites is that racist? Those are FACTS just like thugs will be at games with their stupid Vick jersey’s on since they love and support the thug so much.

By dylan w/o the dead

August 24, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

I am not liking this move at all I would much rather see chris redman or joey harrington out there taking the lumps for this team then the qb of the future the chance of forcing him into bad habits ala carr or destroying his confidence with what should be a lackluster season. the only reason to start ryan is if you have the pieces around him to win games ala Ben Roethlisberger otherwise its too soon.

By dmac

August 24, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

This is a huge gamble. Are we ready to make Matt a Carr or a Peyton….This is still the same offensive line from last year save a new rookie. This smells more like a sales pitch than an open competition. I wouldn’t put him in till our Oline proves it can block…Crazy….

By Todd Green

August 24, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Now I know you can not trust this teams management anymore. Why would Mike Smith lie and say all QB’s have a chance to start during pre-season and lie to us and DJ more specifically. Ironic, only the black buy and probably the best of all 4 QB’s get lied to.

The lies start from the top with Arthur Blank.

By Flafalcon

August 24, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

After Joey’s wonderful game 1 last year I can’t see Ryan doing much worse.

By darrell starks

August 24, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

YES THE OFFENSINVE LINE LOOKS OKAY SOFAR YES STARTE RYAN I THINK CLABO SHOULD STARTE BEFORE TODD WIENER I RALY LIKE CLAYBO

By Skip Floyd

August 24, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Starting Ryan is not a good idea. Let Redman start, he is the better QB at this time. If Redman plays well the Falcons could trade him for a 1st or 2nd round draft choice next year. If Redman does not play well Ryan gets additional time to develop. As it is Ryan will start and this will be a year for development only. The Falcons will not win this year. If Redman starts Falcons at least have a chance to win.

By BOYCOTT WATL

August 24, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

The problem with DJ is not his alma mater or the color of his skin, just that he is not an NFL caliber QB.

Nice try Todd Green, but the fact of the matter is that DJ is mediocre at best….

By Ron Moody

August 24, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

The Falcons outstanding leaders have made a bold decision to challenge the lack of success by rookie QB starters.Ryan’s performance and poise exceeds any that I’ve seen in a rookie under pressure in the NFL. Even more importantHe has the respect and trust of his teammates who he knows controls his success or failure. Matt can read defenses and will soon be doing audibles on a regular basis to insure we don’t run plays with no chance. GOOOO Birds

By Mark

August 24, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Please people don’t be disturbed by Steve’s comments. He just another example of that old saying which is:

“YOU CAN TAKE THE TRASH OUT OF THE TRAILERPARK, BUT YOU CAN’T TAKE THE TRAILERPARK OUT OF THE TRASH”

Anyway, I say start Ryan. It might not be the best move, but it will be better than watching a Joey Harrington or Chris Redman. One thing that I will say is that this new regime seems to have changed the mentality of the players and hopefully that will help to produce more wins. Honestly, I would love for them to win this year (which could happen, after all it is the NFL) but if they are just competitive and not embarassing like last year then that will be fine.

Can we please stop talking about #7, because that is in the PAST. We have to move forward as fans and not dwell in the past.

By DOTHAN

August 24, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

My only concern is that he might get shell shocked early. Defensive coordinators will put 8 in the box to contain Turner/Norwood/Thomas and force Ryan to beat them through the air. Falcons call Green Bay and see if we can get an O- lineman or a D-lineman for Harrington. There’s no sense keeping two drop back pocket passers, people want DJ on the QB depth chart, everybody hates Harrington, and Green Bay needs an experienced QB behind Rodgers because Brohm and Flynn have not been impressive in the preseason.

By Shane

August 24, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Steve, you’re a butt head if you think that all Michael Vick supporters are thugs. That is a gross stereotype, and really unnecessary on this post. The question is whether or not Matt Ryan, not Michael Vick, is the better option at QB for the Falcons NOW, not last year you dumbass. People like you want to jump on the bandwagon when one person f’s up trememdously just to camoflauge the bull-ish you do in the privacy of your home. Who’s to say you’ve never hurt a dog or any other animal for that matter. Do you honestly think a black man came up with dogfighting as a sport? Or was it your ancestors from Europe? Yes his dogfighting was wrong and he is paying his dues right now, however have you gone on any national newspaper site and posted your displeasure about all of these children getting molested and abused on a daily? Probably not, because we don’t know what you do when you get drunk now do we? Make sure that when you make comments, they are well founded. That certainly was not an opinion but a comment from an idiot. And besides, you probably have a #7 jersey your damned self!

By drmondo

August 24, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

WHO CARES ABOUT VICK?!! This blog is about the 2008 Falcons. Let’s concentrate on the team and stay focused. I rooted for Vick and the Falcons but after his conviction and his being cut by the team I don’t consider him any more WHEN TALKING ABOUT THE FALCONS. All this “who’s more racist than who” chest-thumping has no place here. The AJC should be dumping those posts. When it comes to color and the Falcons, the only one I’m concerned with is red. I don’t care if there’s an albino camel playing QB. If he’s wearing a Falcons jersey and puts up good stats that’s all I need to know. Please, can we give the Vick argument a rest? It really makes the city look bad.

By reg

August 24, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Hey might as well. What else has we got to lose. It aint like we are competing for a playoff spot. We have a lot of unproven talent at almost every position. Lets just wait and see. And by the way whats with all these racist comments, go find a “hate blog” and bash away!

By darrell starks

August 24, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

LOOK WE CANT FORFIT THE SEASON YOU NEVER NO IF THE OFFENSIVE LINE WAS LOOKING BAD I WOULD SAY STARTE REDMAN BUT THE OFFENSIVE LINE LOOKS OKAY SO LET STARTE RYAN AND SEE WHAT HAPPEN AND LET CLAYBO STARTE IN FRONT OF TODD WIENER.GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!

By Boodro

August 24, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

I’m in agreement with the decision, Ryan’s shown very good presence and ability to manage the offense. He’s the QB of the future and there’s nothing like OJT. As to Vick, he was one of the most electrifying players I’ve ever seen, he could have been one of the most outstanding players of all time but he’s not here now. I wish him the best and a successful return to the NFL but the Falcons have to move on and it appears they’re headed in the right direction, this team is playing a lot more aggressive and both the offense and defense are much better looking than last year.

By jim dandy

August 24, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

I you are still wearing a vick jersey you may not be a tug, but it does say much for your intelligence. Vick was the biggest mistake the Falcons every made.

As luck would have it the Falcon’s draft the anti-Vick in Matt Ryan. He does not have the incredible skills Mike had but he is already a better leader, and in the end will be a far better quarterback.

I had season tickets for vick’s entire career and I never once say him gather his offensive line on the sidelines like Ryan did Friday night,. Usually if things were not going well he sat on the bench and sulked.

In the end the Falcons and the city will be far better off with Ryan as a role model rather than Vick.

By michaelgee

August 24, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Vick had his chance and blew it!

Ryan deserves his chance and wil take full advantage of the opportunity. The only difference is that Matt Ryan won’t screw up like 7 did.

Don’t blame Ryan for being a great QB candidate, for all the 7 lovers go support your guy.

The Ga Dome belongs to the Atlanta Falcons now, sorry ,we don’t need any prison inmates on this team.

If you must blame somebody, blame 7 for taking himself out.

By vegasknight

August 24, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

I’m looking forward to the Falcon’s season! I lived in Atlanta for 30 years then moved to Las Vegas. I’ve done well betting on the birds (they do good against the spread) they have h=more talent than they are given credit having! Bottom line that defense has not allowed a touchdown in 9 quarters of football! That’s impressive even in the pre season! If the Falcons can establish a running game and keep’em honest throwing the ball in Ryan’s first year that defense will win them some games (and me some money) I’m thinking 8 wins. For the record what the hell did Vick really win? I recall several LOSING seasons even with the GREAT BLACK HOPE as the qb. Ryan reminds me of an NFL quarterback. Clean Cut,(no ghetto corn rows. Find another successful qb that comes close to liiking like Vick) Smart (ever hear a Vick press conference or interview um, man …can’t speak English!)accurate Yeah you better be able to pass the ball…Vick makes good recievers look bad…Roddy has gotten alot better without him! Leadership…name your price and I’ll lay you 10000 to one Ryan doesn’t end up in Jail for anything! Everybody just stop with Shockley, yeah I’m a Georgia fan too, but come on the guy could’nt unseat David Greene, was a 7th round draft pick (could have signed him as an undrafted free agent, nobody else wanted him) and is not and never will be a starting NFL quarterback, dump him go with Joey as our 3rd draft a project next year to sit behind Redman and eventually be Ryan’s backup.

By country boy

August 24, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

NO NO NO First bad move by New coach and GM. It will be a long season and there will be plenty of chances for him to play. I think the better way to go would be to let him start around game 4-6. This would provide players with a “pick me up” mentally.

By Loser Falcon Fans

August 24, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Pathetic Falcon Fans look forward to a losing season and are so stupid they let the AJC and these hick radio sports shows talk them into thinking that “hope” and “optimism” is all good. Tell that to any other teams fans and they will cuss you out. Hope and Optimism means “be happy with losing”. The people the AJC and the Falcons are selling this too sure aren’t the people that got used to a team trying to make the playoffs in December. Now you got the AJC and those clowns at 790 and 680 convincing people its okay to look forward to 2010. Talk about a loser mentality. Now these are the REAL ATLANTA FALCONS. Forget thinking you CAN win, be happy that somebody you could win POSSIBLY. LOL

By reg

August 24, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

whats hurts the most is that the “other Matt” down there in Houston is about to do his thing playing for the Texans. If we would have known sooner, we could have kept Schaub and wouldnt have this debate over whether to keep ryan or not. dorsey would have been the easy pick

By Racist Fans

August 24, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

These same posters who come running so they can praise Ryan and bash Vick are just mad because their kids dont want a Ryan jersey but they made their parents buy them a Vick jersey. THat’s why they mad. Mad because their little Todd and Nolan cried for a #7 jersey and now dont even want to watch a Falcons game (NO Daddy! I dont wanna watch!) These same clowns pretending like its so great to be in a half-filled Dome are too stupid understand how dumb that even sounds. They’ll be the main ones hollering when the Atlanta Falcons become the Oklahoma City Falcons

By Najeh Davenpoop

August 24, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan is ready to be an NFL starter, but the Atlanta Falcons are not ready to start a rookie QB. Not a good move.

By jim dandy

August 24, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

All of these people are mad because they cant dictate that Ryan gets the same attention as Vick did. All of this anger because there was no rush to buy season tickets. All of this hate because the league wouldn’t give the Falcons one national game. All of this hate because the team is completely irrelevant outside of 285. All of this hate because 1000 people showed up for a free Rome the Dome with autograph signings, but in 2006 in the pouring rain, you had close to 20,000 in Piedmont Park and you had to pay for a ticket to SEE the scrimmage game at Grady High School. All this hate because there used to be 75% of the people at the games in a #7 jersey, but now you would be hard pressed to find ANY jersey on in the Georgia Dome. All this hate because Jaws the Revenge trumped a live Falcons game. All this hate because they can’t demand how people spend THEIR money. All this hate because they know we will remind them week in and week out that the Falcons suck and will suck for years to come…and as soon as Vick comes back, be it the NFL or UFL, we will remind them even more. Get use to it haters. They dont call it a blackout for nothing

By macon063

August 24, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

This is the best decision the Falcons could make. Sometimes you have to take a chance to win big. The Falcons took a chance in the draft by taking Ryan and Baker. So far, both have been impressive. Now, they are taking another chance. The Birds want to build for the future. If they went with one of the other QBs, they would be doing nothing but spinning their wheels. At least now, Ryan will gain loads of on-the-field experience. I’ll be honest, I’m really nervous! But you know what, I’m also really excited! I look forward to seeing what happens this year.

By JD

August 24, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

So let’s flip the script, for those of you that say that the Falcons won’t win w/ Matt Ryan as qb. What if he does start winning, then what? What will you have to say when/if that happens?

While I’m not sure it’s the right idea, it’s the direction the TEAM is going in and I’m gonna support it, as a FALCONS fan. If it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out, but I’d like to at least see what the young man can do. Money or not, Matt Ryan is OUR starting qb.

Good move, Falcons…..LET’S SHOCK THE WORLD!!!

By DirtyBirdz

August 24, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

People have been hoping for the Falcons to lose and hating on the team since April 2001, what makes anybody think that will change now?