Ryan gives up some advice to Stafford
Matt Ryan pumping iron in the weight room. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
Flowery Branch – Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford are likely to be forever linked.
After Ryan’s spectacular rookie season, Stafford, who’s likely to be the top quarterback selected in the draft, will be expected to excel immediately, too.
Both are represented by super agents Ben Dogra and Tom Condon. At the NFL scouting combine, Stafford said he was impressed with Ryan’s work and will reach out to him.
Ryan will be ready to offer some advice when things slow down for Stafford, who went through a private workout for the Lions in Athens on Tuesday. Ryan, who was selected with the No. 3 pick overall last season, knows what Stafford and USC quarterback Mark Sanchez are going through.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford (7) will be pointing the way for a NFL team soon. Brant Sanderlin/ bsanderlin@ajc.com
“My advice to them would be to go in and work as hard as you possibly can,” Ryan said. “At times, you’re going to need to keep your mouth shut. Just keep your mouth shut, go out there and work hard and do everything you can to try and help your team win. If you focus on those things and leave some of the distractions that go with being drafted early and playing the position that you play, then you’ll be all right.”
Ryan doesn’t miss being under the NFL draft microscope.
“Things are starting to heat up,” Ryan said. “They have no idea where they are going to be. I’m sure, Matthew Stafford, at some point I’ll speak to him. Just with the relationship that I have with the agents, they represent me as well. But I wish both of those guys the best.”
Here’s Ryan on a few Falcons matters:
BIRDS NOT LAYING IN THE BUSHES: “We’re not going to sneak up on people. Anytime that you go 11-5 the NFL rewards you with a tougher schedule. So that makes things a little more difficult. With that said, teams are going to understand what we are capable of. But at the same time, we also know what we are capable of.”
OFFSEASON WORKOUTS: “I’ve been itching to get back here to start preparing for next season. I think that we did a lot of things really well last year, but losing in the playoffs serves as great motivation. I started to come back early and tried to get myself in shape before we got into the workouts. I wanted to watch a little bit of tape and start preparing for next year.”
OFFSEASON MOVES: (Five defensive starters left in free agency). “I think that they’ve done a good job. I think everybody has complete confidence in what Rich McKay, Thomas Dimitroff and the front office is going to do. We are comfortable with the moves they are going to make. We’re happy that we’ve kept a bunch of the guys that we have kept. We had Michael Jenkins deal done during the season. He’s a target that I like to throw to. He made a huge impact for our team last year. We got Babs (Jonathan Babineaux) back, which is huge and we picked up Michael Peterson in the offseason. He’s going to shore us up at linebacker.”
THROWING WITH THE WRs: “We’ve already started that. We’ve already started working on, getting out there and throwing a little bit. We are trying to do some different things. We want to get that rapport that we need to have during the season. We built a really good foundation during the season, we really did. But we need to get better. That’s got to be the emphasis this offseason.”
Ryan also pointed out that wide receiver Laurent Robinson is looking good and appears healthy.
Does Ryan have some sound advice for Stafford? How important is the offseason workouts? Do you think Ryan and his receivers can develop that type of chemistry that the Colts seem to have with Peyton Manning.?
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167 comments Add your comment
The Red and Black
April 1st, 2009
10:26 am
[...] off from the AJC, Falcons QB Matt Ryan has some words of advice for former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford as draft day inches [...]
willdave
April 1st, 2009
10:26 am
Matt Ryan continues to impress on and off the field. What a relief for us Falcon fans to see our QB spending his offseason pumping weights, reaching out to upcoming players, talking about getting better, looking forward to getting back on the field, etc. Gone are the stories about our QB getting caught with illegal drugs, hanging out with shoplifters, fathering children out of wedlock, participating in dogfights, flat-out lying, etc.
No, I don’t miss that convict one bit. I can’t wait for the announcement that the Falcons have finally cut that loser from their team.
redffer
April 1st, 2009
10:28 am
I agree with Greg! It’s great to hear that Robinson is back and healthy. I was elated when the Falcons picked him out of Illinois State. He WILL be a great compliment to White and Jenkins.
D3
April 1st, 2009
11:02 am
WillDave – you’re exactly right, but let’s focus on the positive and forget the negative of the past. But it is great to see the QB leading by example and trainin, lifting, and throwing to get better.
BTW, what’s the deal with posting a new handle-name to address a recent point? Don’t get it, but anyway.
JJ- what’s up money? Yeah, you’re right, a Cutler trade to anybody would definitely not benefit us as it would take a potential OFF pick off the board and allow a team like the Broncos to pick up an additional pick. GSU is an awesome school, finishing up my grad work there as a matter of fact. So, that being said, we’ll have to have a lot of flexibility when we draft at #24. I’m sure they have the prospects ranked on who will be available. As I’ve said many times, there are a number of players I would be completely happy with. Maybin/English/Matthews/Jerry/Hood/Brace not necessarily in that order.
Ken Strickland
April 1st, 2009
11:06 am
It’s unrealiztic for anyone to say a particular QB will be an automatic success or failure at the next level. As successful as Big Ben has been for the Steelers, do you think he’d be as successful running the Colts pass oriented OFF? He’s not that kind of QB. Do you think PManning would have been successful running the Falcons OFF under JMora and GKnapp? He’s definitely not that kind of QB. A QB’s success is as dependent upon the situation and the system he’s in, as much as his individual talents.
[Bears] Bears Want In On Jay Cutler Trade Talks? - GridironFans.com
April 1st, 2009
11:12 am
[...] [Bears] Bears Want In On Jay Cutler Trade Talks? The Denver Broncos announced Tuesday evening they will trade disgruntled Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, and the Bears are believed to want in. After more than a month of the Broncos trying every possible way to proclaim Cutler was their quarterback, owner Pat Bowlen issued a statement announcing that irreconcilable differences between the parties will not be resolved. ”We’ve got to get the quarterback position stabilized,” general manager Jerry Angelo said two days after the Bears missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. ”We’re fixated on that, and I don’t want us to lose sight of that.” Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]
cursive
April 1st, 2009
11:20 am
There’s a difference in Stafford and Ryan. Ryan won in college surrounded by sup-par talent. Stafford lost any big game that he ever saw surrounded by some of the best players in the nation. There are winners, and there are leaders. Stafford is neither.
Supes
April 1st, 2009
11:35 am
I think if Stafford has the same success as McNabb (as someone else said he may have), that would mount to a pretty darn good NFL career! There is this perceived notion that b/c Philly hasn’t won the superbowl, McNabb’s been a failure or a bust. Couldn’t be further from the truth. The guy is still one of the top QB’s in the league when healthy. So if Stafford gets close to Donovan’s level of success more power to him!
As far as comparing Matthew and Matt Ryan’s college careers you really can’t compare the 2. What if Matthew had stuck around for his senior year, the comparison would have been much more valid. I believe Stafford would have greatly benefitted from staying an extra year, but what’s done is done. He also didn’t lose big games at UGA by himself. I get it, the QB gets the automatic blame, but there are also 10 other guys out there on the field, they were also responsible.
D3…Regarding Cutler, if the Lions had ANY intelligence, they do a trade and get Jay Cutler as their QB. I still expect the NY Jets to do EVERYTHING in their power to get their slimy hands on Cutler as well. Not sure how he would fit in their system, but what about Cutler going to the 49ers? They have the 10th pick in the draft, I can see them working something out with Denver. Denver then can draft Sanchez at 10 (unless someone jumps in infront of them at 8 or so and drafts him). Either way, Josh McDaniels is on a very SHORT grace period. He’s ran out a franchise QB (who was about to enter year 4 of his career)…Denver doesn’t have anyone else (please don’t say Simms) at QB and their RB situation…well not good.
MARK IT DOWN!
April 1st, 2009
11:52 am
EW AND D3, MATT’S SENIOR YEAR AGAINST VT. MATT DROVE HIS TEAM DOWN THE FIELD TO WIN THAT GAME WITH A PASS PLAY. HE WAS ROLLING TO HIS LEFT THREW THE BALL ACROSS HIS BODY TO THE RIGHT BACK CORNER OF THE ENDZONE FOR 40+ YARDS! MARK IT DOWN!
Maker's Mark
April 1st, 2009
12:10 pm
Hary @ various times above
I, too, am a big UGA fan but I think Stafford does have the leadership skills though he’s not Matt Ryan. It may take Stafford a bit longer to mature but I think he will. You’re right, though, he has mad physical skills that will allow him time to mature. Remember, he’s going to be paid to perform – no leadership, no check. It’s a simple calculus in the “Not For Long” league.
Nookah
April 1st, 2009
12:15 pm
Richbrave, a’int no thing my brother. When a blogger like yourself, Ken and Stirg to name a few, writes well thought-out information/ideas they need to be credited. That’s what makes this exchange of ideas so great. Keep up the good work guys!!
Willbrave, all the things you named are all sins; none is bigger than the other. Judge not lest ye be judged my brother. I totally despised the things he did but I only hope he has learned from that experience and will be able to impart to other young men the path not to take!!! Everyone of us deserve a second chance. I’m just saying…. I hope you are not offended by my comments. It’s all good as each of us are entitled to our opinions. Respect is due to all!!
The good thing for us Falcon fans is that we’ve moved on and we’re on a good path. We have built a foundation and we are just adding the pieces now, that will make us an elite franchise in the future.
I’m looking at all the arguments regarding who we’ll take at #24. I am becoming convinced that we’ll go DT (thanks Stirg & Ken). However, there seems to be some concerns regarding the current changes taking place as we speak (re Denver’s imminent trade). I’m not worried in the least because I have all the faith in our dynamic duo, TD/MS (oh where does that leave Rich McKay?). All that means is that we will have to dig deeper to uncover the gems (as Ken suggested earlier in pone of his posts).
I came across a guy who is a DT (not a #24 pick) but he is intriguing. His name is Chris Baker, Jnr. from Hampton (transferred from Penn State in 2007) ; 6-2; 326; ran a 4.94 40 at the combine; vertical of 35 1/2; played some DE at Penn State.
Ken, Stirg, Richbrave, Big Ray, gimme some feedback on this guy. Certainly a late round pick but it’s all about depth and development. I’ll post some additional info on him.
GO FALCONS!!!
Nuff respect!!!
D3
April 1st, 2009
12:16 pm
Supes – right on the money. As I said last night, McDaniels better win and win quick and hope that Cutler doesn’t have a solid year year where ever he goes. What an arrogant dumb@ss. IMO, that’s all on him, why would you EVER try to trade a very young, very talented pro-bowl, franchise qb for a guys who did well for ONE YEAR in the patriots offense for god sake. Would Cassell have done as good in Miami’s Offense, for instance?
Understandable on Stafford, and it sounds like I’m the biggest hater on him but I’m really not. Just answering the question is Stafford as mentally and emotionally ready as Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco? The answer is NO. Even though you can’t blame the entire losses on Stafford, he does shoulder the blame for several. He was a sink or swim QB, really good and on or could just totally disappear (SC & TENN ‘07; Bama & FL ‘08). Consistency is one of his major weaknesses.
MARK IT DOWN!
April 1st, 2009
12:16 pm
I remember hearing the same thing about David Green when he was about to enter the draft. What’s he doing now? Riding the pine or working for Wal-mart?
Albert
April 1st, 2009
12:32 pm
I have whinced every year the ‘Birds do well, knowing that dubious stat, no consecutive winning seasons. Well this is the season to stop that. On to the next crop of rookie QB’s. Matthew Stafford will need time, and Mark Sanchez, if in the right system, COULD make a semi-positive impact. The Jets and Lions are the most important players in this fare. The Lions will try to trade for Cutler, allowing them to draft Jason Smith 1st, and a defensive standout later in the first. Thank God, we do not have that problem!!!!!!!!!!!
D3
April 1st, 2009
12:39 pm
Nookah – yeah I looked at Chris Baker a while back and his measurables and stats look good, but there evidently seems to be issues with his attitude according to the scouting report. Who knows though, maybe he’s taken care of it. I will be happy with a DT or OLB. I think a CB, TE, or S will be a reach @ #24.
Nookah
April 1st, 2009
12:41 pm
Here’s some more stuff on Chris Baker. I know he was involved in a campus fight that he plea bargained out of. Not going to condemn the kid for that but it does put up a flag and you know our Management’s stance on that. I am not sure of the details anyway.
He transferred from Penn State as I said before. He played DE at Hampton and had 69 tackles; 16 1/2 for losses and 8 1/2 sacks and 13 QB hurries. Made 2008 All MEAC conference, 1st team.
Experts…..what can you all tell me about the level of competition in the MEAC?
GT fans, can anyone tell me about Vance Walker? I know he was injured for the combine? What is the evaluation of him? Any info?
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect!!!
Huh?
April 1st, 2009
12:43 pm
Stafford is a great quarterback. 95% of the criticism that he recieves is complete and utter BS with absolutely no basis in reality. I have honestly never seen anything like it. The guy throws for 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns in his junior year and some moron on this blog claims he “doesn’t care” about football. My god what an idiot. I only hear about things like his lack of accuracy, lack of leadership, lack of an “it” factor (whatever the good holy hell that means) when I am reading idiots post on blogs like this. When I read real journalism all I hear about is how impressed all of these NFL scouts are with his abilities. Funny how that is.
JJ
April 1st, 2009
12:47 pm
Chris Mortensen says the panthers could be in the Cutler derby. If he has to come down to our no-crybabies NFC SOUTH, let it be the bucs. The bucs are starting over so there is not a huge concern over them, even with Mr. Crybaby.
But can you imagine him in carolina? with their receivers? How many games did they almost lose BECAUSE of
JJ
April 1st, 2009
12:51 pm
their qb Jake D. They went 12-4 with an aging, overhyped qb. With cutler, the panthers could be scary. Is Denver dumb enough to take delhomme AND peppers $17millions? I doubt it.
Big Wheel
April 1st, 2009
1:06 pm
IMO, Stafford consistantly made terrible decisions with the ball. Maybe only second to Quincy in alltime UGA history. He was a 2 read guy, primary receiver or dump man. He has ALOT of maturing to do personally and professionally.
On a side note, can someone refer Stafford to a barber, the Beatles want their hair back!
Joey Porter
April 1st, 2009
1:26 pm
Matt Stafford is not better than Daunte Culpepper. Drew Stanton is much better than Matt Stafford. The Lions have no interest in drafting him numero uno.
Stafford is feeble minded and not yet a leader nor a winner just another overrated mutt QB.
D3
April 1st, 2009
1:26 pm
JJ – do agree with you on Cutler going to the Panthers. That would be scary, but like you said, the Panthers don’t have the ammo. They don’t even have a 1st round pick this year, so they won’t be in it, IMO unless they’re ready to unload the house. I disagree on Cutler being the crybaby though. That’s all on McDaniels for being so arrogant and stupid really for even considering trading, arguably, his franchise player.
Huh? – Even though there are some irrational arguments on here about Stafford, the question is not on whether he is a great quarterback, but rather on is if he is as mentally and emotionally ready to take over day 1 and perform the way Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco did. As mentioned earlier, he has all the skills in the world and will be a good qb in the NFL, but lacks consistency from game to game.
Barry
April 1st, 2009
1:27 pm
Great article Orlando. It is great to hear Matt Ryan discuss his pass year. He is really starting to talk like a real veteran. I know the experience he gained last years has made him grow an awful lot. I just can’t wait until he and the team get back together for the season. I know him and the offense, with all the great recivers he has, in addition to Laurent Robinson, these birds are going to be flying. Again, great article on Matt. It looks like you and him got it together in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!”. Keep up the good work!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!!!”
matt
April 1st, 2009
1:35 pm
The best advice Ryan could’ve given Stafford was TO STAY IN SCHOOL!!!!! He would’ve been that much more prepared and still would’ve been the #1 overall pick. Not to mention he might not have had the great honor of going to the first winless franchise in NFL history!!!! What a great way to start your career!!!
Reno 911
April 1st, 2009
2:19 pm
Barry’s in the house!
D3
April 1st, 2009
2:21 pm
Reno – whats up man? Where you been? When we moving back to the DEF argument, because it sounds like our OFF, by all accounts should rock pretty good. Assuming we get a quality TE.
Nookah
April 1st, 2009
2:27 pm
I also looked at another DT from Texas – Roy Miller, Snr; 6-1; 310; ran a 4.98 40 at the combine; bench pressed 225lbs 36x. He played in all 13 games last season for Texas at DT. Did not start however. He had 49 tackles with 20 solo; 11 TFL, 7 QBHurries, 1 sack and 7 QBPressures, was voted outstanding defensive player of the Fiesta Bowl (vs Ohio State) and you know who else plays for Texas – Brian Orakpo, so he was in pretty good company.
I think his stock is rising and we can also look at him in the later rounds. Will be a solid pro, good work ethic and no character issues.
Ken, took a look at your guy Sammie Hill from Stillman, 6-4; 329; ran a 5.12 40 and benched 225 27x. This is the scouting report on him.
Excellent size and overall mass; has natural strength to handle 2x teams; displays good athleticism for his size; will take time to develop. One of my concerns is (as it is with Chris Baker), has he played against enough elite competition and or does he have enough upside. However, these could be 2 possible value picks to develop for the future. Not suggesting we should look for so many DT’s, just looking st the prospects.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect!!!
jd
April 1st, 2009
3:25 pm
Some of the comments on here make me sick. Did you ever actually watch a georgia football game? Stafford was a clutch as there was in big situations. He led a bunch of game winning drives in his time at Georgia. And despite this lack of leadership, that’s a joke! He was the glue that held everything together through a season that saw half of his team go down with injuries. Give me a break, talk about something you know something about!
Terrell
April 1st, 2009
3:46 pm
willdave, as always stupid people say stupid things. Can we talk about our current QB without dogging or even mentioning our former please? I don’t even want to touch on everything you said, because it’s to easy to rebuttle.
IE'66
April 1st, 2009
4:13 pm
I’m taking that Robot’s place on here. His whatnot was outrageous. It really was. Ok, now with the pleasantries out of the way, some football talk here on the internets.
Orlando, I’m calling you Atlanta, because you’re writing on our behalf. Enough of that.
I support the draft and the Falcons. Let’s pick a few tacklers this time. We picked a mighty good thrower (centerback is what we use to call them) and a small fast catcher (a wide out is what we called them) last year. Now we need stoppers. We use to call them linemen and linemen backers, defensive backers depending on where they stopped you.
Those were the days.
This team will be good. Ryan is one of the good ones. Is he coming back next year?
IE'66
April 1st, 2009
4:16 pm
I see that Ryan is coming back. Good for him. He seems to have his head on straight. And a nice hair cut. Reminds me of Gib Parker, the centerback for the ‘36 NYC Giants. Gib could throw with the best of them.
Is this Laurent person French? Or Canadian French? There’s a differnce. One’s faster than the other, but I forgot which.
IE'66
April 1st, 2009
4:17 pm
Kudos Atlanta (Orlando) for a well run and respectful blognet.
GATORZONE
April 1st, 2009
4:23 pm
DEFENSE
DEFENSE
DEFENSE
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT TD HAS FOR US THIS DRAFT!!!!
Ken Strickland
April 1st, 2009
4:37 pm
NOOKAH-FOOD FOR THOUGHT. when players assemble at the scouting combine and go through the same routines, the results aren’t based on the level of competition they’ve gone up against, or which school they came from. Remember, we’re counting heavily on the healthy return of DT TLewis of little known Washburn college, who had the same questions asked about him. Also, GJackson, the guy TLewis replaced as starter in 07, and will likely replace again, attended little Knoxville college, a school that’s in the same SIAC conference as Stillman college.
Smith’s DEF scheme uses a rotation, so none of our DLinemen are required to be every down linemen. A player like SHill would be an excellent situational player in our rotation. Even though GJackson was a starter, he was nothing more than a situational player himself.
As far as us not having a winning season next yr, it ain’t going to happen. We started last yr uncertain, shakey, inexperienced and limited. We progressed as the season went along and accomplished a lot considering our DEF weaknesses. We’ll start next season confident and minus those early issues of last yr. We’ll have an upgraded OFF(complete TE) and an expanded scheme and playbook. We’ll definitely have an upgraded DEF that will reduce the high rushing and passing yds that last yrs DEF gave up. IT’LL TAKE A LOT MORE THAN A TOUGHER SCHEDULE TO STOP NEXT YRS FALCONS FROM FLYING HIGH.
JJ
April 1st, 2009
4:47 pm
A
IE'66
April 1st, 2009
4:49 pm
Ken Strickerland, you have a keen eye for football and blogging. Nice work. I agree with you on the defensive strategies of our coaching staff. They appear to favor a rotation policies on the defensive line. All of which bodes well for the drafting of additional troops in that area. One on the end of the line and one to tackle in the middle.
George Blanda once told me at a cookout that you can’t tackle an opponent without a good mean lineman. We need another one of those. I hear about this one called Ziggy and I have to admit the name sounds a bit sissy. But I’m willing to set that aside if the kid can play. I know nowadays kids have some crazy names and I shouldn’t hold that against them. My assistant’s name is DePhonizo and he’s a good kid.
Are there good defensive linemen available in the third and fourth rounds of the draft?
JJ
April 1st, 2009
4:50 pm
Ken: Amen! GO FALCONS!!!
JJ
April 1st, 2009
4:59 pm
IE’66 : You must have missed the last 2 weeks on this blog, its been all about potential defensive players, no biggy. “ZIGGY” aka Evander Hood has been climbing the charts the last few mock drafts. A damn fine player, but I prefer Ron Brace who is more of a NT, to replace grady. Welcome to the blog!!!
IE'66
April 1st, 2009
5:22 pm
JJ, I appreciate your response. It is duly noted. I will respond in full once I finish my dinner.
I prefer Ron Brace too. He is fat, as the kids say.
Nookah
April 1st, 2009
5:30 pm
Ken, my brother, in a word…………….WORD!!!!
That’s exactly why I enjoy blogging on this blog. I always come with an open mind and I always end up learniing something and expanding my perspective.
Very good point Ken. You have allayed my fears.
By the way, I also agree with you when you say we will be much improved for the same reasons you have expounded. In addition to all you have mentioned we will be approaching this season with less distractions (MV situation behind us), more confident and a core of players who will be in the 2nd year of the system. Add to this core some vital pieces and we will be very dangerous!!! Not to speak of the obvious unity in the locker room from top to bottom. AB must be feeling pretty good about the direction his franchise is now heading.
Go Falcons ……..it’s FEEDING TIME!!!!!
Nuff respect!!!!
Ken Strickland
April 1st, 2009
5:42 pm
IE66, JJ-thanks for the acknowledgement. I was a QB and DB in HS, which required that I know every OFF position and assignment and every DEF position and assignment. I also played in the military and eventually became a coach after tearing up my shoulder(rotator cuff) and ending my football playing days. I also became more enlightened after TD picked QB MRyan and showed me there are different or nontraditional ways to build a winning team. Last yr we saw the results of excellent coaching on both sides of the ball, especially on DEF. HOW ELSE DO YOU EXPLAIN OUR DEF GIVING UP AS MANY PASSING AND RUSHING YDS AS OUR’s DID LAST YR, YET RANK AS FAVORABLY AS WE DID IN PTS ALLOWED, WHILE WINNING 11 GMS?
I’d like to see us select 2 DT’s in this draft. Maybe Ziggy Hood with our 1st pick and SHill in the 4th or 5th. FA DT’s KMorehead and KJefferson have likely reached their max potential, but we can certainly expect a lot more upside from EHood and SHill.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 1st, 2009
6:20 pm
I expect Carolina to get in the Cutler sweepstakes, too. How can they sit by after one of the worst playoff performances by a quarterback.
IE’66: Thanks for your kind words. Yeah, we’ve been heavy draft lately. The New Mock will available on Friday. And that’s “PHAT!”
NOOKAH: The MEAC has turned out several pros and Pro Bowlers including the Indy safety Antoine Bethea from Howard. It’s an I-AA conference that usually gets knocked out in the first round of the I-AA playoffs.
BARRY: 1-HB!!!!
DON’T BUY THE HYPE ON Hood. Falcons are big film studiers. They are not going to be impressed by a good Senior Bowl showing. My Missouri folks say the film is real bad on the Zigster. In the words of Public Enemy and Flava Flav, “DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE.”
JJ
April 1st, 2009
6:31 pm
Where’s the love D-LED? Ok, I’m sorry – its the Pulitzer, not the Noble! lol
Tyger
April 1st, 2009
6:38 pm
Current MEAC NFL players:
Hampton – Justin Durant, LB; Kendall Langford, DE; Onrea Jones, WR; Alonzo Coleman, RB; Marcus Dixon, DE
Howard – Ron Bartell, CB; Antoine Bethea, S; Tracy White, LB; Marques Douglass, DE; Rudolph Hardie, DE; Brandon Torrey, T; Geoffrey Pope, CB;
Bethune – Rashean Mathis, C; Nick Collins, S, Eric Weems, WR; Damion Cook, DT
FAMU- Quinn Gray, QB
NCAT – Will Billingsley, CB; Junius Coston, C; Jason Horton, DB;
SCST – James Lee, G; Chartric Darby, DT;
Morgan – Cliff Lewis, T;
D3
April 1st, 2009
6:41 pm
Ken Strick – what’s happenin? I figured you were probably a coach at some point with your knowledge. I’m starting to finally come over to the DT 1st theory as well. The question is do you still pick Hood if Jerry is still there? I think Hood will be a stud, but the 1.5 sacks his senior year worry me a little. Stats are tough to gauge in college though, I guess. I know that would be better pick and higher need for us but I just have a really hard time letting go of drafting a stud OLB like Maybin, English, or Matthews. What do you think about OLB in the draft if we go DT first?
IE’66 – welcome aboard. You’re descriptions are cracking me up man.
If all 3 are available, Jerry, Brace, and Hood, where do you go?
Brace gives us more meat as a run-stuffer and Hood probably gives us more of a pass-rush push. Jerry worries me a little since a knock on him is that his frame might be maxed out.
Good stuff guys.
murfdawg
April 1st, 2009
7:06 pm
This is the funniest blog I have ever read. Falcon fans criticizing UGA and Matt Stafford. Oh never mind. I figured it out, April Fools joke on me!!!
JJ
April 1st, 2009
7:07 pm
The golden ticket to my fellow falcon fanatics: If you have not checked out “THE BEST NFL WEBSITE”, (BESIDES OUR D-LED OF COURSE), HERE IT IS: SI.COM/PETERKING/MMQ.
JJ
April 1st, 2009
7:18 pm
Lynchy Right Now Sports . com (I know, weird name) is a very good sports site. Looking for more sites – Can you recommend?
Peter’s monday morning quarterback is the pinnacle of nfl sports writing – I bet D-led would agree. Pat Yasinskas with espn/nfc/south has chats most fridays that are informative plus stories throughout the week.
However, I always check here first because we have our man-D-LED. okay d, worth $5? lol
Nookah
April 1st, 2009
7:53 pm
D LED, thanks for dropping the knowledge on me my brother. Respect is due!!!
KEN, your 4:37PM post cleared the air for me and in my words…”allayed my fears”…..about the “small school” phenomenon or lack thereof.
TYGER, thanks also for those examples. Once you are a good football player it doesn’t matter where you played. I am sold!!!
Go Falcons!!! In a few months it will be FEEDING TIME!!! Can’t wait!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Scooter
April 1st, 2009
7:57 pm
Ken, whats up man good to have you back! I quit reading these blogs for a while, they got so out of hand. Now they are worth reading again. Always good to hear you guys thoughts. Come on draft! Lets go def. tackle first pick. Then maybe some DB’s after that.