Falcons version of “Saving Private Ryan”
Will Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan get some good protection against Washington and Albert Haynesworth, the $100 million man? (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC).
THE BRANCH — The one thread that runs through the last three performances by Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is that the opposition — Chicago, Dallas and New Orleans – brought the noise up front.
Coach Mike Smith said the one thing about Ryan’s seven interceptions is that he was being competitive and trying to make plays.
You can bet that offensive line coach Paul Boudreau is taking a closer look at the protections.
In the Chicago game, Alex Brown was a threat even though the Bears didn’t get any sacks or quarterback hits.
DeMarcus Ware had two sacks and made things rough on Matt Ryan. (V
In the Dallas game, Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware put on Pro Bowl performances. The Cowboys had four sacks and three quarterback hits.
In the New Orleans game, defensive end Will Smith got jiggy with it. They had three sacks and seven quarterback hits.
When given time, Ryan has shown what he can do. When the pocket collapses his NFL improvisational skills are still developing. But note that he did some of his major damage at Boston College while on the run. (Just pop in the Virginia Tech tape/disc/reel to reel from his senior year).
Look for Todd McClure and his posse to tighten up the protection.
And they’ll have a really big challenge against the Redskins’ front, too.
McClure, Justin Blalock and Harvey Dahl will get a chance to see the $100 million man, Albert Haynesworth. He only has three sacks, but defensive end Andre Carter has ran into 6.5 sacks with Haynesworth gobbling up blockers like a mammoth Pac Man.
Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall described Haynesworth as a “menace.”
Washington coach Jim Zorn said he’ll move Haynesworth around. He noted that he’s seen his defensive tackle pushing grown men around football fields and being quite disruptive.
PRO BOWL VOTING : Seems a bit early, but you can get in some Pro Bowl voting on NFL.com. The All-Star game will be played Jan. 31, 2010 in South Florida after years in Hawaii.
REDSKINS AND FALCONS CONNECTIONS: There are several connections between the two teams:
• Falcons Assistant Head Coach/Secondary Emmitt Thomas was the Wide Receivers Coach for the Redskins in 1986 and the Secondary Coach from 1987-94.
• Atlanta Quarterbacks Coach Bill Musgrave worked in the same capacity for the Washington Redksins in 2005.
• Falcons Wide Receivers Coach Terry Robiskie worked in the same role for the Redskins from 1994-98, was the
Falcons WR coach Terry Robiskie.
Passing Game Coordinator from 1999-2000 and served as the Interim Head Coach for the final three games of the season in 2000.
• Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons from 2004-07 where he received two Pro Bowl nods.
• Washington Offensive Lineman D’Anthony Batiste competed for the Atlanta Falcons in 2007 and part of the 2008 season.
• Redskins Director of Player Personnel Scott Campbell coached the Falcons from 1987-89 and moved to the player personnel department in 1990 where he served seven seasons. He was also part of the University of Georgia’s 1980 National Championship team.
Should the Falcons new regime been so quick to trade DeAngelo Hall?
LOOKING BACK AT THE D. HALL TRADE: Since trading D. Hall to the Raiders, the Falcons have failed to
Loading ...Brent Grimes opened last season there before giving way to Domonique Foxworth. Brian Williams open there this year before getting hurt, giving way to Grimes again. Then Tye Hill started at LCB last week.
The Falcons have had options at the position.
Hall had issues, but he was going to mature. Should the Falcons have paid him and waited for him to mature? Should they have paid Foxworth last season? Should they have drafted Illinois CB Vontae Davis instead of DT Peria Jerry. Davis had some issues, but maybe the team can help some guys work through some issues.
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91 comments Add your comment
Nick S
November 5th, 2009
10:02 am
He definitely needs more protection, but he also has to see those safeties cheating over like they did with the Saints. I hope we draft a shutdown corner, finally.
Kashi
November 5th, 2009
10:07 am
Give some protecting and time for Ryan and we will go 8-2 rest of the season. Teach Ryan to run from outside if he had to, not from middle of huddle. Two plays against Saint…he tried to get in front for middle of huddle instead of running from right side. Too many hands in the middle. Last throw in super dome….should have been wild-cat setup to buy enough time for our receiver to get down the field. Missed it!
An Observation
November 5th, 2009
10:10 am
It appears that, based on his recent comments/actions, D Hall has matured some and that’s a good thing. However, I still feel that the Falcons made the right decision in trading him when they did. He did not get the nickname “MeAngelo” for his team play. The nickname was very appropriate during the time that he played for the Falcons.
I still have memories of the back-to-back penalities (two 15 yard big ones) he had playing against Carolina’s Steve Smith in the GA Dome which significantly contributed to the Falcons losing that game.
Terrell
November 5th, 2009
10:20 am
DOL,
When you think about it D-HAll wasn’t doing anything that these ither guys aren’t doing now. He would be get beat deep. I remember when Hines Ward outran him and Hines had lost a shoe. I think back to when we played the Eagles the first game of the season and TO had 9 catches for over 100 yards and D-Hall thought he did something because TO didn’t score.
I use to be a huge fan but people overrated him because he ran a fast 40 yard dash. I think we’re better off now because what we got from him was a chance to draft Sam Baker. The ints he got this year were gifts. If wasn’t like he had to make a play on them, and you think our CBs can’t tackle, I saw two times where he just touched the WR like he was going to go down and the guy ends up scoring.
midnite
November 5th, 2009
10:34 am
I believe it was three 15 yarders on that play against Steve Smith and Carolina at the Dome in 2008(pass interference, personal foul, unsportsmanlike) conduct. Meangela immediately went to the sideline and got in Petrino’s weasel face. Classic low-lights of the nightmare 2007 season.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
10:34 am
“The CHOKE Continues”…………….
- Albert Haynesworth stuffing the middle
- The Redskins Number 2 ranked passing defense
- D Hall punishing the special teams on punt returns
Even Jason Campbell is ranked higher than the CHOKE in the qb rankings………
THE LOSING STREAK CONTINUES……………….
midnite/bug killer
November 5th, 2009
10:36 am
Shouldn’t you be french kissing your wife, I mean dog?
I’m going to Japan to check out their legal dog fighting organization – got one more ticket if you want it
midnite
November 5th, 2009
10:37 am
I meant 2007 (in a zone, been in dentists chair for 2.5 hours this a.m.)
midnite
November 5th, 2009
10:39 am
juvenile much?
midnite
November 5th, 2009
10:41 am
Do us all a favor a make it one way.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
10:45 am
“NOT LOOKING GOOD”
A flock of Falcons (would have) missed practice
Posted by Mike Florio on November 4, 2009 7:09 PM ET
[Editor's note: The injury report distributed by the Redskins for Sunday's game against the Falcons listed the Atlanta players who did not participate in practice, with no indication that the Falcons actually didn't practice. The official NFL injury report, which came out later, explains that the Falcons didn't practice, and that the injury report is merely an estimation of who would have missed practice if the Falcons had actually practiced. And I think blood is now trickling from my ears.]
As the Atlanta Falcons, reeling at 4-3 after losing to the Saints, prepare for a must-win game against the can’t-win Redskins, a whopping 12 members of the home team missed practice on Wednesday.
They were: defensive end John Abraham (foot), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (ankle), tackle Sam Baker (ankle), receiver Brian Finneran (ankle), defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (calf), linebacker Curtis Lofton (knee/ankle), running back Jerious Norwood (hip), long snapper Mike Schneck (ribs), running back Jason Snelling (hamstring), receiver Eric Weems (ankle), receiver Roddy White (knee), tight end Keith Zinger (back).
The fact that the Falcons played less than 48 hours ago might have influenced the decision to keep so many of them out.
For the Redskins, linebacker H.B. Blades (knee), tight end Chris Cooley (ankle), and cornerback Byron Westbrook (knee) have been ruled out. Tackle Stephon Heyer (ankle) fully participated in practice.
mountain_jim
November 5th, 2009
10:47 am
Mularky needs to add some screen passes to the game plan. Mularky needs to have a safety-valve leak-out option for Ryan when max-protect is in and only 2 WRs go out. WHen they are invariably covered, he currently either has to take the sack or throw it away. How hard could it be to have one of those 8 left in to block be a safety valve?
I blame a lot of Ryan’s current problems on Mularky’s scheme design and play-calling.
MV7
November 5th, 2009
10:52 am
Hi, it’s Mike, y’know? Just think – if the Falcons had not traded up with San Diego in 2001 they could have drafted both L.T. and Drew Brees like San Diego did, y’know? Guess we know who got the better of that deal, y’know? But hey, thanks for all the money. Just wish I knew where it all went…
Mike Vick
November 5th, 2009
10:56 am
I rather be on the bench of a winner, than a starter for a 44 year old LOSER franchise.
Lombardi baby!
Be-a-Man
November 5th, 2009
10:57 am
Matt “Choke” Ryan
Lemme guess three things about you:
1) You’re a huge Mike Vick fan
2) You treat both dogs and women as pieces of trash
3) You blame “The Man” for all of your many failures in life
4) You both drink and promote the “Hope and Change” Kool-aid
MV7
November 5th, 2009
10:58 am
Hi, it’s Mike, y’know? Falcons gave up Tim Dwight and chance to draft L.T. and Drew Brees for me. WOW. Gotta be the worst trade of all time, y’know?
Humble Fan
November 5th, 2009
11:01 am
I for one am glad he is gone.I don’t care who you put at corner its better becaust he can’t tackle and never has been a team player.I say good riddance.
midnite
November 5th, 2009
11:12 am
Meangela refused to return kicks for the Falcons, that’s a team player.
William
November 5th, 2009
11:28 am
I want to see the deep ball more but you have to give the qb and receivers time to do this play.
William
November 5th, 2009
11:29 am
We need a younger field goal kicker too. You know someone who will hit a 34yd field goal.
Falcons Minority Owner
November 5th, 2009
11:34 am
Well, Matt has to overcome any perceived offensive line struggles. He gets paid the big bucks to make it happen regardless – he needs to do what it takes to make the plays. No excuses!
midnite
November 5th, 2009
11:39 am
DOL, what happened to Mike Schneck on IR?
Supes
November 5th, 2009
11:45 am
MeAngela Hall played his way out of town, why must people keep digging up the past?
This just in…the failed hero hasn’t done sh*t with the Eagles, yet he still has a SMALL and CRAZY number of followers on this blog disguised as Matt Ryan “critics”.
Hate all you want…Matt Ryan (franchise QB with a bright future)…Your failed hero (3rd string QB, game has passed him and he’s lost a step)
Manny
November 5th, 2009
11:45 am
Right now, I would like Deangelo Hall here as a Falcon. The Falcons do not have the time develop a rookie corner. We need a young vet- someone with experience being a shut-down corner. And that requires money.
That being said, I think that Deangelo could have calmed himself down with this new regime. We would have realized that he was with a professional football team. He has not ever been with a true professional football team before. He was a supporting cast memeber for the “Michael Vick Show.” He played for that freakshow in Oakland. And now he plays for the Dan Snyder experiment in Washington.
I personally think that if he played for a professional football team, he would have been a better citizen, instead of lashing out at everybody like a drowning man.
But that being said- I still have to say this: I’m not sure that Deangelo is a shut-down corner. I think he’s a lot of flash, but I think his technique needs help.
C from Marietta
November 5th, 2009
11:48 am
To Mike Vick,
Don’t you think drafting YOU has helped the Falcons stay a loser franchise? Like someone pointed out could have drafted LT and Drew Brees. Hmmm. Who has had a better career in the NFL Drew Brees or Michael Vick? That’s a no brainer. BTW… Here we go again. Folks can’t let him go. Michael Vick is GONE! He is not coming back. Either go root for the Eagles or shut the f up!
FalconFan
November 5th, 2009
11:48 am
Two comments:
1. Really Ledbetter? Getting Jiggy With It?
2. Honestly, I would take a less talented Grimes and Hill over Hall any day. We do not need that type of cancer on this team. Why do you think we immediately became successful after purging our roster of those type of players? Though, I hope we address that position during the off-season.
Dimitrov
November 5th, 2009
11:52 am
Matt “Choke” Ryan you’re probably the biggest Idiot i’ve never seen
Nativebird
November 5th, 2009
11:53 am
the Jerry 1st round pick was solid. His early performances showed, if stay’s healthy, could ultimately be pro bowl caliber. Tye Hill is the perfect example of why picking CB’s in the 1st round is a high risk gamble of the type that Thomas D. isn’t prone to. quite frankly, as it turns out, D. Hall has shown that his performances over the years while better than average, isn’t 1st round caliber. more like 2nd or 3rd. He’s way over paid considering the onfield production, but alas, where a franchise needs “exposure”, he’s certainly sellable to a certain sub-market in a fan base.
JeanE
November 5th, 2009
11:53 am
OMG, yes, we should’ve traded that whiny showboating all about me jerk D. Hall!! I’d rather go down in flames than have that ass clown on my team! I can’t wait to play him, we should run Roddy right on by him!!! Let’s keep Matty upright and open up the passing game, if we don’t beat this team, I wash my hands, but I’m fully confident WE WILL WIN. Better playcalling, please. Finn Finn, he’s our man, if he can’t catch it, no one can!! Go Birds!!
!st time Long time...
November 5th, 2009
11:55 am
Can someone tell me when it became a sin to be critical of Matt Ryan? I understand that he is the Great ***** Hype, But what gives? Is he rally beyond being called out for his crappy play?
Mike Vick
November 5th, 2009
11:59 am
C from Marietta
November 5th, 2009
11:48 am
To Mike Vick,
Don’t you think drafting YOU has helped the Falcons stay a loser franchise? Like someone pointed out could have drafted LT and Drew Brees. Hmmm. Who has had a better career in the NFL Drew Brees or Michael Vick? That’s a no brainer. BTW… Here we go again. Folks can’t let him go. Michael Vick is GONE! He is not coming back. Either go root for the Eagles or shut the f up!
Mike Vick Championship games ———— 1
Drew Brees Championship games ——————1
LT Championship games —————- 0
emack06
November 5th, 2009
11:59 am
“Be-a-Man” Let me guess three things about you
1. You’re an idiot.
(You say you wanted to guess three things but listed 4)
2. You’re an idiot.
(what does being a Mike Vick fan has to do with “Matt “Choke” Ryan” post)
3. You’re an idiot. (character assassination of someone you do not know)
Great Falconi
November 5th, 2009
12:03 pm
Ryan hasn’t played well in several games during his career. Anyone with a brain and without a completely positive agenda to put forward (Falcon fans desperate to latch onto anything other than Vick, any media intent on doting on a team whose destruction was played out on a national stage, etc.) knows this. However, anyone who loves the game of football and has a decent level of understanding about it knows that Matt Ryan is currently a good QB who has the ability to be a very good or great QB in the NFL. Will he achieve greatness? We hope so, of course, but we don’t know. One thing we do know is that Ryan is a hard-working guy who wants to be very good. Still, his a** shouldn’t be crowned before he has earned the crown. He is not above criticism any more than Vick was when his defenders came out of the woodwork after any poor performance he had for the Falcons. Ryan deserves to be called out when he doesn’t play well. That’s fair, and if you were to mention that to Ryan, he’d agree. After all, if he’s any kind of player, he’s going to demand more from himself than we do.
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO
November 5th, 2009
12:04 pm
PLAYOFF WINS:
Ryan (Kidding right?)………… Zero, Zilch, Nada
Flacco……………… 2
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES:
Ryan (Get serious)…………… ZERO
Flacco…………………. 1
WINS VERSUS UNDEFEATED TEAMS (6 or more wins):
Ryan (get off that crack)…………… ZERO
Flacco …………….. 1
GAMES IN SOPHOMORE SEASON WITH QB RATINGS IN 60 OR LOWER:
Ryan (The Master)………….. 3
Flacco…………………… ZERO
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO
November 5th, 2009
12:06 pm
C from Marietta
November 5th, 2009
11:48 am
To Mike Vick,
Don’t you think drafting YOU has helped the Falcons stay a loser franchise? Like someone pointed out could have drafted LT and Drew Brees. Hmmm. Who has had a better career in the NFL Drew Brees or Michael Vick? That’s a no brainer. BTW… Here we go again. Folks can’t let him go. Michael Vick is GONE! He is not coming back. Either go root for the Eagles or shut the f up!
How long has it been since the Falcons won a playoff game other than Vick? 1998
When will the NOODLE ARM win one?
C from Marietta
November 5th, 2009
12:11 pm
Just a bit of FYI…. Choke Ryan, Mike Vick, and Should drafted Flacco = ALL THE same blogger.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
12:14 pm
If this isn’t a CHOKE please tell me what it is:
- vs Arizona…2 picks…2 fumbles… 1 safety
- vs New England … 0 tds
- vs Chicago …. 2 picks…68 QB RATING
- vs Dallas ….. 2 picks… 66 QB RATING
- vs New Orleans ….. 3 picks….. 46 QB RATING
- Ranked 18th in NFL in passing
- 82 QB RATING
- 9 picks and on pace to have more than 20
So if this is not a CHOKE then by all means celebrate this winner
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
12:15 pm
C from Marietta
November 5th, 2009
12:11 pm
Just a bit of FYI…. Choke Ryan, Mike Vick, and Should drafted Flacco = ALL THE same blogger.
Is that really a surprise? Now what does that have to do with this 2 game losing streak
JC
November 5th, 2009
12:22 pm
If we had drafted Flacco, you would be all over his case!
C from Marietta
November 5th, 2009
12:24 pm
I see the logic here. It’s the Falcons fault Michael Vick is a criminal. Yeah Ok. So, with the statement how many playoff wins does the franchise have since he went to prison OR with anyone else is irrelvent. If he is still so good, why is he not starting for another team now? By comparing Vick’s one playoff games. I remember the game at Green Bay. Correct me if I am wrong but the defense scored one of the TDs and they had a blocked punt for a TD. His win against St Louis in the playoffs (I was at that game BTW..) They rushed for over 250 yards (with Warrick Dunn getting the most of the rushings yards). But yeah it was his arm. Another thing that is funny is I never mentioned ONCE whether I am a Ryan supporter or NOT. I just pointed out. I would rather have LT AND Drew Brees. Yes, I would rather have Drew Brees than Matt Ryan or Michael Vick. As a matter of fact, I saved an email to a friend saying Michael Vick was a project per and simple. I also said in that email that Drew Brees would be a very good QB. Finally, to add I have told/ keep telling my friends. Matt Ryan is average. He is not terrible as you indicated OR great as many think. He is/will be average. That being said. I think defense wins championships. Trent Dilfer has a ring for godsakes. Look at Eli he is average IMO and he has a ring. One thing is for certain. All Super Bowl championship Teams have had very good defenses. In summary, YOUR STILL BITTER about Michael Vick get locked up. I am betting you really don’t care about Joe Flacco.
TheManMike
November 5th, 2009
12:26 pm
Emack06-
HEHE – Nice. He really did list 4 things.
I’m not 100% concerned with all the folks listed on the Injury Report – We all know that really doesn’t mean much these days and many people get some time off at least a day a week anyway. Its all switch and bait.
I look for a nice comeback win this week – Ryan will be more comfortable and the OL will protect much better. Our coaching staff is great and will make this happen. I think we opened the deep threat a little last week, and since Ryan connected with Roddy, we should see more of that this week. Jenkins needs to practice those catches man, we can’t afford those kinds of easy catch-drops. Turner will pound again this week and with the addition of our better QB protection, we’ll soar. Our D REALLY has shown up this season more than we expected, this will be a fun game for them.
GO FALCONS!
-We need some Barry-love going on in here. Where you at? – ONE HEARTBEAT!
TheManMike
November 5th, 2009
12:28 pm
C from Marietta-
Dude, are you new to these Falcons blogs or something? Stop fueling the flames man – Talk some present Falcons football and don’t be the fish swallowing the hook.
Who do you think will show up this weekend on Offense?
AlternateReality
November 5th, 2009
12:36 pm
Why does it seem like the Falcons’ receivers are never open? It looks like Ryan goes through his progressions really fast and then ends up looking for TG most of the time. Do the wide receivers ever get open deep, or does Ryan give up on their routes too quickly? I never record the games so all I see is what’s on the live broadcast.
C from Marietta
November 5th, 2009
12:38 pm
To TheManMike,
I think Matt Ryan will be fine. I not sold on him being a great QB yet. Positives – WORK ETHIC, intelligence, leadership ability, and accurate with short to medium passes
Negatives – arm strength and mobility.
That being said, The positives all point to him being a great QB. However, based on early returns he has not been terrible or great. He is average so far. I guess (being a Falcons fan my whole life), my expectations are low to medium. Since, I have been burned by optimism in the past. That being said, I am and will always be a Falcon’s season ticket holder (barring any unforseen life problems coming up or moving away from Atlanta). I think the Falcons offense will be fine this week and they will pull out a win. They are tough at home. Notice Ryan’s bad games have all been on the road, except against da Bears.
FalconsFan
November 5th, 2009
12:40 pm
Falcons 4-3
Ravens 4-3
Both QB’s are great young talents, they’re being asked to do run two different schemes, to compare the two is foolish. The same could be said for comparing Peyton Manning to Tom Brady, they’re both great QB’s but they run completely different schemes are asked to do totally different things.
Unless you win or at least make it to the Super Bowl your season is meaningless, nobody remembers the teams in the NFC/AFC title games, nobody remembers losers. The Falcons and Ravens were losers last year, they didn’t win it all. Both teams had nice seasons but when looking at the big picture very few people will remember specific records or wins. That is unless you’re a Vick fan and all you have to hang your hat on as a VICK ONLY FAN is a single win over the Packers. Then again how quickly do those same fans forget the drubbing Vick took against the Eagles the following week.
Bottom line, Ryan is a great young QB, Flacco is a great young QB and over the next 10 years as long as both stay healthy they’ll replace names like Brady, P.Manning, Brees while other young talent develops behind them.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 5th, 2009
12:47 pm
Here ya go Midnite: On Schneck. He had a tackle on Reggie Bush at 3:59 of the second quarter on a punt return. Don’t know if that’s the play that he got hurt on, but he suffered a rib injury. He’d be listed on the injury report with a back injury. –dol)
NEW LONG SNAPPER SIGNED: The Falcons place long-snapper Michael Schneck on injured reserved with a rib injury and signed former Houston and Seattle long snapper Brad Pittman on Thursday.
“I came Tuesday evening for a workout (on Wednesday),” Pittman said. “They expect me to come in and pretty much takeover where Mike left off. I have to learn the protections and just do that.”
Pittman, 6-3, 265 pounds, has played in 92 games with the Houston Texans from 2003 to 2008. He was signed by the Seahawks, but was released after an an off the field injury.
Pittman has a string of 598 consecutive successful snaps from 2003-07. He has also recorded 14 special teams tackles and one fumble recovery in his career.
Schneck served as the Falcons long snapper for 35 games after being signed by the team on October 1, 2007. He has also spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers in his playing career which dates back to 1999.
It’s a difficult time for the Falcons to replace a player in the kicking game. Longtime kicker Jason Elam missed two field goals last week against the Saints, a 34-yarder and a 51-yarder. He also missed two field goals in the season opener against Miami and missed an extra point.
FalconsFan
November 5th, 2009
12:47 pm
AlternateReality ,
I’ve heard people complaining about Ryan looking T.G.’s way too much but let’s be honest the man gets himself more open than almost any other player I’ve had the chance to watch both on TV and in person (Season Ticket Holder here) . Not only is he open he will fight for every extra yard he can get, that’s not to knock White, Jenkins, Booker, Finn or any other Falcons pass option, but Tony is a instant Hall of Fame candidate for a reason. I could see people complaining about the Matt to Tony connection if it wasn’t paying off and it seemed forced (to increase T.G.’s stats) but the combo works.
AlternateReality
November 5th, 2009
12:53 pm
FF -
I definitely wasn’t complaining about the MR/TG combo and I agree with your comments.
I was just more concerned about the fact that the WRs don’t seem to get open.
AlternateReality
November 5th, 2009
12:54 pm
Or they’re open and Ryan doesn’t see them. That would be a bigger problem, but I have no evidence of that.
boxer99
November 5th, 2009
12:57 pm
There is no reason to panic everyone of the QBs that Ryan was compared too had a bad couple of seasons even the great Joe Montana and Payton Manning didnt have stagering numbers thier first two years. I just love all these anti Ryan fans on the blog…..I got nres for all you losers he isnt going anywhere. He is here to stay. So “Choke” dont bother writing your ignorant comments every week because dont think for one minute Arthur Blank regrets his decision of getting rid of the convcick. By the way your keyboard needs a break from your greasy kentucky fried chicken fingers.
Manny
November 5th, 2009
1:03 pm
… and against St. Louis. The Falcons beat the Rams the same year as the Packers in the playoffs that year. (I was at that game, LOL!)
But your point is that Ryan won the same amount of games as Flacco this year. That’s fine. Personally, I think Flacco is a better QB than Ryan RIGHT NOW (because that may change.) And Flacco was taken 18th in the draft, instead of 3rd overall. (But given how the draft worked, you almost had to take Ryan 3rd, because Flacco wouldn’t have been there when your next draft pick came up.)
Oh, and speaking of the 2008 draft: hindsight being 20-20, didn’t Dimitroff do a good job? Think about it: Matt Ryan at 3rd, Sam Baker at 21, Curtis Lofton at 37, Chevis Jackson at 68, Harry Douglas at 84, Thomas DeCoud at 98, Robert James at 138, Kroy Biermann at 154, Thomas Brown at 172, and a couple of 7th rounders.
Flash-forward to 2009. Dimitroff did a good job.
midnite
November 5th, 2009
1:11 pm
Thanks DOL, keep doing what you do.
!st time Long time...
November 5th, 2009
1:13 pm
Perspective please!!!! Last year, both Ryan and Flaco won 11 games… But to really be fair, you have to look insdie the schedule…Ryan beat Oakland and Detroit ( combined 2-30) and Flaco last twice to Pittsburg, ( Super bowl champs).
midnite
November 5th, 2009
1:15 pm
Excellent post Manny. TD has done a fantastic job with the draft.
Supes
November 5th, 2009
1:17 pm
You need to give an NFL draft class 3-4 years to see “if it worked” or “not”.
Anything less is short sighted.
DJ Shockley
November 5th, 2009
1:35 pm
Miss me yet?
REDMAN 4 QB
November 5th, 2009
1:37 pm
I SEEN ENUFF. ITS TIME 4 REDMAN TO STRAT SO WE CAN SALVAGE THIS SEASON.
MV7
November 5th, 2009
2:16 pm
Hi, it’s Mike, y’know? I really appreciate all you fans still supporting me. I mean, my 42.4 passer rating and 2.3 yards per carry with the Eagles can’t get any worse, can it? Y’know?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
2:21 pm
vs Chicago 2 ints QB RATING 68
vs Dallas 2 ints QB RATING 66
vs Saints 3 ints QB RATING 46
vs Redskins 3 ints 2 fumbles QB RATING 37
Starting To Feel Sorry For Blank
November 5th, 2009
2:21 pm
As a white guy, who was raised in Hall County, I support all of the Georgia sports team. At the same time, I appreciate and respect honesty. This is the way I see the current situation with Matt Ryan and Atlanta.
Unfortunately, Matt Ryan will always be considered the player that divided this city down racial lines. This is not because of Matt himself, but the timing of his arrival and the hype that the Falcons brass bestowed upon this kid. Consequently, he came to this city at the wrong time and now he will reap the benefits, hopefully in the end, in a good way. I really feel that had he arrived next year or the year after that wouldn’t be as half as much controversy surrounding him.
The Atlanta Falcons currently have 5 different fan bases, which is never a good thing for a team and its owner (Arthur Blank).
First, you have us fans who strongly support Ryan and would love nothing more than to see him develop into a super-star and carry this team to a Superbowl. I don’t care about that other crap. I just want to win..right now
Secondly, you have some fans that will side with Ryan no matter what in protest of Michael Vick. (us against them mentality)
Third, you have the fan base that feel Matt does not have the necessary tools to lead this team. Also, they feel that Vick gave us the best chance to win over a Ryan type QB. However, with this sector winning would cure any doubts they may have about Ryan and the Falcons new strategy.
Fourth, you have the loonies that will cheer against Ryan no matter. And while they’re criticizing everything Matt does, I don’t think the hatred is so much towards him as it is Arthur Blank.
Finally, you have the fans in Atlanta that have no “dog in the fight” (no pun intended) and are very neutral. Of course, this sector makes up most of the fan base here in Georgia. Many of them will tell you that while Ryan might be suffering from the old “Sophomore Slump” he is very overrated at this point in his young career. With that said, many of the neutral fans still believe that he can improve over time; Conversely, many from this fan base also feel that Blank & Co. could very well be staring at the same scenario from five years ago with Mora. You now- the guy interviews well, but that’s about it. And as a result of Blank’s obsession with image, the organization took several steps backwards by passing on Lovie Smith. Some even think that we are still reeling to regain that national draw and interest. Yes Vick destroyed the team image, but the interest went down the drain as well. Vick could fill the seats and the national media loved him, whether you believe it or not.
I digress-
I truly believe that Matt had started to catch the eye of many local and long distance observers and critics, but took 2 steps back on Monday night. Now he must show the world that he belongs in the NFL and the Falcons really do have a star in the making. As of right now, he’s lost a lot of that luster and his flaws are starting to show on more consistent basis.
Nevertheless, it’s going to be a very interested 2 months in Atlanta. And while I feel Matt will definitely improve in some categories like decision making and game management, you can’t teach touch and arm strength. And with the Falcons current structure and scheme, he’s going to need both. His “touch” is fine, but arm strength…I’m not so sure.
Honestly, I’m waiting on pins and needles to see how Matt develops over the remaining season, and so is Arthur and Co. Fortunately for Ryan, winning heals all wounds and I would venture to say that all will be forgiven with the haters if the team manages to win a game or two in the playoffs. If not, then Arthur will see this thing get uglier before it gets better.
!st time Long time...
November 5th, 2009
2:22 pm
Just an observation…. Do the Ryanites realize that crapping on Mike Vick does nothing to make Matt Ryan any better? He still has happy feet and tries to hard to force the ball to Mr. “never done anything but collect stats” Gonzales….
MV7
November 5th, 2009
2:36 pm
Hi, it’s Mike, y’know? Y’all don’t be hatin’ on “Choke” and Vick Supporter. It’s called freedom of speech, y’know? And it’s a good thing it’s free ’cause I’m broke, y’know?
Jerome
November 5th, 2009
2:38 pm
Why does anyone say these words about a NFL quarterback? “When given time”. Most any quarterback that has made it to this level and with a good running game would look like an All Pro if allowed to stand in the pocket and look,look look and look and make a throw. Please stop anointing Ryan great just yet, he look to have all the qualities of a future pro bowl quarterback but there is a progression that he has to go through. Stop the unreal high expectation just yet. Most quarterbacks make that jump to pro bowl status in the third or fourth year.
gdg73
November 5th, 2009
2:47 pm
You are right, we haven’t addressed D. Hall’s vacated CB spot. I say open up the check book Blank and go after a proven free agent CB. And let your young corners (Owens, Jackson, Grimes) continue to develop. Chris Houston will not get another contract with the Falcons, nor does he deserve one. By the way, is Antonio Cromartie a free agent next year? If so, he would be my pick. With the way our defensive line is shaping up, this team could be dangerous for years to come.
gdg73
November 5th, 2009
2:49 pm
And as far as Matt Ryan goes, Bill Parcells said it best when commenting on Tony Romo, “Put Away the Annointing Oil”!!!
Thankful we have Matt Ryan
November 5th, 2009
3:28 pm
Enter your comments here
Dukester9
November 5th, 2009
4:08 pm
Look folks stop making excuses for the kid, he must overcome bad protection, drops by recievers, bad coaching, bad calls and even this whole “he is only in his second year” non sense. If last year you guys would have said “lets wait a minte before we annoint him the next Payton or Brady” non of you guys said that. So since he has been annointed by all of football as a savy young man that can carry his team step back and let him do it. If he succeed through all of the pitfalls then he truly his one of the best like he has been annointed. He fails lets not point the finger at why. He failed.
F-105 Thunderchief
November 5th, 2009
4:57 pm
Wow, this blog was unleashed and off the hook.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
5:28 pm
UPCOMING TEAMS RANK VS THE PASS:
Redskins………..Number 2
Carolina………….Number 1
Giants…………Number 3
We shall see if it’s a bump or a thump
Kato Kaelin
November 5th, 2009
5:52 pm
Kato Kaelin
November 5th, 2009
5:29 pm
I want to address this individual who goes by the moniker “Matt ‘Choke’ Ryan” (we’ll call him The Chicken Choker). This person, The Chicken Choker, logs repeatedly onto every Falcons blog on this web site and takes needless, pointless, malicious jabs at Matt Ryan all day long. The Chicken Choker is obviously, as he makes it well-known, a huge fan of Mike Vick. So these endless attacks on Ryan have less to do with Ryan than they do with The Chicken Choker’s obsession with the failed career of Mike Vick. Never mind the fact that Ryan is a solid and talented – but young and inexperienced – quarterback, with a strong work ethic and a high intelligence, who has done nothing but try, with all his might, to learn the game, to get better and to help his team win. Never mind that Vick is a washed-up has-been, a third-string quarterback, a convicted felon with a very low I.Q. and a far worse work ethic, a selfish oaf who brazenly self-destructed, throwing away a fortune and a future as a potential Hall of Famer/sports legend. What is truly sad and pathetic are The Chicken Choker’s reasons for his love affair with Vick and his loathing for Ryan. Of course, he is a racist. Yesterday I blogged that The Chicken Choker cheered when O.J. was acquitted. The Chicken Choker’s response? “I take the fifth!” In other words, he freely admits that he was elated when a black murderer was exonerated by a black jury for the brutal murder of two innocent white people. That pretty much tells us all we need to know about The Chicken Choker. Let us be thankful that The Chicken Choker is indeed a chicken. Unlike his heroes, Mike Vick and O.J. Simpson, who are merely cowards, The Chicken Choker is a chicken – he lacks the courage to act out his self-hatred on the innocent. He dreams of viciously murdering white people, or even dogs, but he cannot bring himself to do it. Let us be thankful that he can only muster the courage to sit anonymously behind a keyboard and attack that which is honest and decent in this world, while idolizing cowardly black sports ex-heroes who get away with murder simply because of the empathy/adoration of other moronic ebony-idol worshippers like The Chicken Choker.
To Kato Kaelin
November 5th, 2009
6:28 pm
Kato Kaelin- You are the one with issues. Matt Ryan is not the only QB critized. You’re the one that needs to get over it. If Matt was in Philly, NY or Chicago he would be toast by the media.
Mary Wanna
November 5th, 2009
6:48 pm
You idiot sportswriters at the AJC are beyond predictable. Gee, wonder what controversy you’ll dig up for the Eagles game? I hope y’all make minimum wage, because you’re worth even less.
count_schemula
November 5th, 2009
8:01 pm
DeAngelo Hall might be the better corner, but I can root for Brent Grimes. I can’t root for DeAngelo Hall. And balls to this “lies and disrespect treat me like a man” sheit. Big time sports is big time money and things are going to happen, just like in any other business. Athletes are so coddled from 8th grade on, that when they hit the real world, all they know how to do is cry cry cry about how they were treated after failing to hold up their end of the deal. Seen Michael VIck saying any crap about Blanks? No, because Vick is MAN enough to understand his role in his own situation. Nothing about me misses DeAngelo Hall.
Chan
November 5th, 2009
8:10 pm
Mike Ryan is who we thought he was.A little wimp!
Steve C
November 5th, 2009
9:36 pm
After the play that Grimes made to sky and pick the pass out of the air at the very top of it’s arc, I’ll give him every benefit of the doubt. Until our D line starts to harass the QB, even Deion Sanders and Champ Bailey would have a tough time covering today’s top line receivers.
Falcon 8211
November 5th, 2009
11:10 pm
Meangelo need to shut up. seeems he still has not learned to shut his mouth. all he did in atl was get picked on every game. can anyone tell me what he did for atlanta besides give up touchdowns. if i was thomas i would have traded him too because he is NOT a team player. i hope he covers roddy sunday because roddy needs some touchdown catches. oh yea meangelo likes to arm tackle too never recall him hitting anybody while he was here. i do remember eddie royal schooling him last year in the first game of the season
Kato Kaelin
November 5th, 2009
11:31 pm
To Matt “Choke” Ryan: Dude, you’re not fooling anyone. We all know it was YOU who responded at 6:28 PM under the moniker “To Kato Kaelin.” And my blog was not about your criticizing Matt Ryan. It was about your obsession with him. My only “issue” is your “issue” over the fact that a white quarterback replaced your black quarterback. From your perspective, it was about race. From the Falcons’ perspective, it wasn’t about race. Vick hung himself and the team had to replace him. Ryan was available. They drafted him and now he is their guy. It’s over and done with, and there’s nothing you or I can do about it. You need to let it go.
VICK IS GONE!!!
November 5th, 2009
11:54 pm
***THE BOTTOM LINE!!!***** MIKE VICK is not here anymore. If Matty Ice doesn’t pick up his game he’s going to look like a complete BUST. That’s the honest truth, we have to have better quarterback play if we have a chance of making the playoffs. Atlanta Media has built this kid up to be the savior of the franchise. Arthur Blank praises this young kid. He’s not Mick Vick, not even close to the arm strength and athletic ability. Right now he look just like JOEY HARRINGTON!!! john parker Jr is in the waiting. WHY NOT? THE ICE IS MELTING!!!
TRUE FALCONS FAN
November 5th, 2009
11:57 pm
MATT RYAN IS NOT LIVING UP THE HYPE……COOL AS ICE…….YEAH RIGHT!!!
7-9, ANOTHER LOSING SEASON!
bigdawg2
November 6th, 2009
8:06 am
Hey,
If vasaline hands jenkins catches that pass to put us at first and goal to go up 21-14 we’re singing a different tune. Instead we play catch up the rest of the game. Big difference mentally. When are the coaches going to wake up and cut him? He’s worthless. How do we not have a 2nd legit receiver? It’s the easiest position to fill these days.
Thankful we have Matt Ryan
November 6th, 2009
9:11 am
I’ll listen to people like Steve Young and other former great QB’s and their assessment of Matt Ryan and tell you non-meaning scums who no nothing about football to take your meaningless spew and “choke” on it!!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 6th, 2009
1:48 pm
Thankful we have Matt Ryan
November 6th, 2009
9:11 am
I’ll listen to people like Steve Young and other former great QB’s and their assessment of Matt Ryan and tell you non-meaning scums who no nothing about football to take your meaningless spew and “choke” on it!!
Can you hear: 68, 66 & 46
Thankful we have Matt Ryan
November 6th, 2009
1:51 pm
“choke”……..your hilarious. No one wants to see hear about your I.Q.(68,66 $ 46) Silly little man.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 6th, 2009
1:56 pm
Oh really thankful…..what’s your I.Q.?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 6th, 2009
1:57 pm
If Ryan wasn’t so big I wouldn’t choke on it. Vick never gaged me like Ryan.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 6th, 2009
2:02 pm
Well gotta go boys and girls, UPS just delivered Vick’s jock from last weeks game. Man I’m so happy the other one was losing its aroma.
leader
November 6th, 2009
2:46 pm
I wish Vick all the best in his future. He has paid a big price for his stupidity. The cause for it can be laid directly to Coach Mora and his hero-worship coaching style. Instead of coaching-up Vick, Mora did nothing but praise him to the press and all who would listen. He never made a bad play or did the wrong thing. Anything he did was perfect according to Mora. With the right coach, I believe everything would have turned aout differently. As far as the current staff, Ryan has all of the tools, both physical and mental to make it big in this league. We had a playoff run last year and it looks good for this year. We are not a super bowl team yet. Should be within the next couple of years if everything goes according to plan. Go Falcons
brad
November 7th, 2009
12:23 am
On Mike Vick: “Sir, you are to consider the intention of punishment in a future state. We have no reason to be sure that we shall then be no longer liable to offend against God. We do not know that even the angels are quite in a state of security; nay we know that some of them have fallen. It may, therefore, perhaps be necessary, in order to preserve both men and angels in a state of rectitude, that they should have continually before them the punishment of those who have deviated from it; but we may hope that by some other means a fall from rectitude may be prevented.”
Anybody but me have a son? I’d want my son to be allowed to put it down if he paid the punishment.
On the comments about “the Man” and other dick-like racial slights: You can be white and conservative and still be concerned that a young man got two years of prison time when a few months later people rode a horse to death after shooting it full of roids and another guy gets thirty days for running over a human. We’re fcking Americans fercrissakes and I want the system fair and rational. I’m a dog lover btw so spare me the bullsht response.
As for Ryan: He’s panicking back there. He’ll learn. Mularkey DOES need to game plan it and I don’t mean keeping 8 in the boxand splitting two wide. That’s an automatic double team and a crease blitz. Now that the coaches have seen that Ryan’s weakness is moving in the pocket undera rush they need to adress it. They will. He will. And he’ll get alot of practice cuzthese rushesaren’t gonna stop ’til he proves he can beat them.
Falcon in a down spin with Ryan (Patty Melt) ICE NOT
November 12th, 2009
12:44 pm
Get new Matt Ryan fan ware melted burger or two pieces of bread with melted cheese and waffle house could have a add that says 2 dollars off a Ryan patty melt or #2 punk under pressure patty melt ! with no Ice!!
Falcon in a down spin with Ryan (Patty Melt) ICE NOT
November 13th, 2009
6:23 am
Ryan you are doing better than J. culley 5 whole INT. Ryan you are look up!
Michellecgk
February 8th, 2010
5:10 pm
very useful article. I would love to follow you on twitter. By the way, did any one know that some chinese hacker had busted twitter yesterday again.