Falcons are not getting much mid-season love
MID-SEASON AWARDS: Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) had a slow start to the season, althought he's on pace to score 20 touchdowns. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
THE BRANCH – It’s mid-season award time and the Falcons are not getting much love.
With NFC South foe New Orleans off to an 8-0 start, they are the mid-season darlings.
Sportingnewstoday has quarterback Drew Brees as the mid-season MVP and safety Darren Sharper as the defensive MVP. Denver’s Josh McDaniels is the coach of the year and they have the Saints beating the Colts in the Super Bowl, 37-17.
Pro Football Weekly has it’s mid-season All-Pro team and there is not one Atlanta Falcon on the list.
Their team is led by Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, tight end Dallas Clark and defensive end Dwight Freeney.
PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY’S MID-SEASON ALL-PRO TEAM
OFFENSE
QB Peyton Manning/Colts*
RB Adrian Peterson/Vikings*
RB Chris Johnson/Titans*
WR Reggie Wayne/Colts
WR Andre Johnson/Texans
TE Dallas Clark/Colts
C Nick Mangold/Jets
OG Jahri Evans/Saints
OG Ben Grubbs/Ravens
OT Ryan Clady/Broncos*
OT Michael Roos/Titans
DEFENSE
DE Jared Allen/Vikings
DE Dwight Freeney/Colts
DT Darnell Dockett/Cardinals
DT Haloti Ngata/Ravens
OLB James Harrison/Steelers
OLB Elvis Dumervil/Broncos
ILB Patrick Willis/49ers
CB Darrelle Revis/Jets
CB Charles Woodson/Packers
S Darren Sharper/Saints*
S Brandon Meriweather/Patriots
SPECIALISTS
PK Sebastian Janikowski/Raiders
P Shane Lechler/Raiders
PR Josh Cribbs/Browns*
KR Percy Harvin/Vikings*
HEAD COACH
Josh McDaniels/Broncos
Did they miss boat on the Falcons? Should some of the Falcons be considered for midseason award or do they need to step it up? Is it a good thing that the Falcons are 5-3 and flying under the national radar or at else in the the shadow of the Saints?
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92 comments Add your comment
bigstack19
November 11th, 2009
12:51 pm
Can’t say they were wrong though Babineaux is quietly having a Pro Bowl season. The problem is the Falcons have played three good teams, New England, Dallas, and New Orleans, and got spanked in two of those and beat themselves in New Orleans. They need to win a few of those games to get some love.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 11th, 2009
12:51 pm
FROM ESPN.COM
2009 Schedule/Results
Todd Kirkland/Icon SMI
Michael Turner has started to get on track the past two games.
Where they stand: The Falcons are 5-3, but we’re still trying to figure out who they really are. So are they. The charmed life of last season is a thing of the past with the Falcons having to deal with a brutal schedule and some adversity. They’ve looked great at times, like when they went out to San Francisco. But losses at New Orleans and New England have showed they’re not quite an elite team. The potential for that is there, but lots of things have to be worked out. Michael Turner and the running game have been at their best the last couple of weeks and that’s a big stride if the Falcons can continue on that path. Quarterback Matt Ryan has had a tough time when the running game hasn’t been there, and the defense remains very much a work in progress.
Disappointments: After hitting a grand slam with his first draft class, general manager Thomas Dimitroff hasn’t looked as brilliant with his second. Top two picks, Peria Jerry and William Moore, are out for the year with injuries and that’s part of the reason the defense hasn’t shown the improvement the Falcons were hoping for. The secondary’s been a big problem spot, particularly at cornerback. With veteran Brian Williams out for the season with an injury, the Falcons have turned to Chevis Jackson, Brent Grimes and Tye Hill to go with Chris Houston. No one in that trio has really stepped forward.
Surprises: The Falcons have made the most out of what was a bad situation by sliding former first-round pick Jamaal Anderson from defensive end to defensive tackle. Anderson’s at least competent in that role and playing Kroy Biermann in Anderson’s old spot at least gives the Falcons the threat of a pass rush. With Moore’s injury, second-year pro Thomas DeCoud won a starting safety job and he isn’t likely to lose it any time soon. DeCoud has been perhaps the only bright spot in the secondary.
Outlook: We’re going to find out a lot about the Falcons in the second half of the season. The schedule doesn’t get any easier and they probably have no chance of catching the Saints in the NFC South race. But the Falcons are very much in the playoff hunt. Can they stay in it? Well, much will depend on Turner. If he can run like he’s run the past two weeks — and like he did last season — that’s going to solve a lot of problems. There’s no doubt Ryan has to be more consistent, but that will happen if Turner can take pressure of him. The biggest question is the defense. It’s not like this unit is loaded with talent, so Mike Smith and Brian VanGorder will have to do some strong coaching.
ARE you kidding me?
November 11th, 2009
12:55 pm
Who is that linebacker leading the league in tackles? Some guy named Loftin. How else does a ‘Backer make the list? Geez!
MWC
November 11th, 2009
1:00 pm
I guess elementary class got out early today
Rhett Butler
November 11th, 2009
1:18 pm
Don’t pay any attention to this Matt “Choke” Ryan character. He’s just a boy.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 11th, 2009
1:24 pm
Rhett Butler
November 11th, 2009
1:18 pm
Don’t pay any attention to this Matt “Choke” Ryan character. He’s just a boy.
It worked
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 11th, 2009
1:28 pm
“YOU” people are really LOSERS. Everybody outside of Atlanta reports, with no bias that this team is really bad and the CHOKE is not what “YOU” people want him to be.
“YOU” people need to wake up and smell the coffee and realize that if you want to replace the former quarterback, “You Can’t Send a Boy” to do a man’s job
I thought you guys said it would be so easy to win playoff games by signing an intelligent thinker who can read defenses.
If he is reading defenses so well, then 68, 66, 46 & 81 QB RATINGS must be his I.Q.
Brooking kicked your booty
November 11th, 2009
2:45 pm
CJ
November 11th, 2009
10:22 am
Curtis Lofton has more tackles than anybody in the NFL right now. At the very least, he should be on the list
Since when have any of you cared about tackles? You had a tackling machine for years and all he got was grief from all you no talent idiots!
Brooking kicked your booty
November 11th, 2009
2:52 pm
If you would read this SI article on Peyton Manning then maybe people would quit comparing Matt Ryan to perhaps the greatest QB in history. Ryan will be good but DOES NOT belong in the same class as Manning.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1162442/index.htm
Falcon in a down spin with Ryan (Patty Melt) ICE NOT
November 11th, 2009
3:19 pm
The Defense is growing up if they can play for 4 quarter they are going to be heard from. RYAN ALL HYPE look at his numbers . Has he brought this team from behine yet-NO can he right no. maybe he needs some prozac so he does not punt out so fast . He has a week arm and all this about he can read defense is yet to be seen !
Eric C.
November 11th, 2009
3:20 pm
“…they have the Saints beating the Colts in the Super Bowl, 37-17.” That is the most moronic prediction I’ve seen in a while…the Saints have gotten behind the last three games and they are supposed to beat the Colts by 20?
Let the experts doubt…the Falcons have the same record as last season despite the brutual schedule. I agree that they are not an elite team yet, but don’t see how losing at NO on MNF shows that as the ESPN article states. The loss at Dallas was worse.
Cedrick (Arlington, TX)
November 11th, 2009
3:21 pm
What dfo you expect from the different rater when this team goes out and plays scared against better teams. We were competing with New England then our coached punked out on 4th& short. Like the defense had stopped New England at all in the 2nd half, again against the Dallas Cowboys this team disappeared. We had a very good chance to make a serious splash by beating the Saints in New Orleans but again someone choked and kick a field goal instead of going for the TD. Now, thats why this team is not getting any mid-season love. You have to prove you belong to get that repect!
T.C
November 11th, 2009
4:09 pm
I don’t see why eveyone is in aww of no stinky birds making the list.The falcons don’t have probowl players.
SNOOP DAWG
November 11th, 2009
4:33 pm
MATT CHOKE RYAN, DUDE, YOU NEED A GIRL FRIEND OR ANOTHER BOYFRIEND !
Choke Needs His Passy (Again)
November 11th, 2009
6:06 pm
Choke (Jethro?) has returned to once again post QB ratings numbers AGAIN. Oh, h’s done that AGAIN! Wait a minute, he doesn’t think you got it….he did it AGAIN!
He’s jumping up and down in his mother’s basement. (Not in a good way). But throwing another MV7 tantrum. Look at me, look at me, look at me! Look, I can read. I can add. I have more yellow faces than you do. I will use them! I will reeeeepeeete myself. I will throw tamtrums. It’s what I do!
Deep down, I am a Falcon fan, but please don’t expose me. Oh wait. I already exposed myself. OMG, you can see all my MV Con-Vick Tattoos. Oh the humanity!
Mixxo
November 11th, 2009
6:54 pm
Truth is….we’re an average football team. A so-so defense and have made too many mistakes on offense to join the ranks of the elite teams so far. Got a lot of work to do.
Michael QUITTER Vick
November 11th, 2009
7:03 pm
Hey, good friend of mine, “Choke,” have you seen my numbers for 2009? 33.3% completion rating, an average of 1 yard per pass attempt, a QB rating of 42.4. And you must’ve forgotten all my fumbles when NOBODY was around when I played for the Falcons (I swear, Claude Rains and Chevy Chase caused them, but nobody believes me) and my penchant for constantly throwing into triple coverage and my inability to complete more than 57% of my passes, and my public admission of quitting on the team when the Panthers beat us 45-10 or so to end 2005? Chokey, I guess you forgot the times I failed to show up and play against crappy, league worst teams like the Lions and Browns in 2006, or the Packers in 2005? And choke-it-up, thanks for inferring I’m a man, when everyone knows that I, Michael Vick, am the biggest Wuss-boy in the NFL, perfectly evidenced by my running away and diving on the ground for cover when DeMarcus Ware intercepted my pass WHILE STANDING RIGHT NEXT TO ME – I was too scared to try top tackle him and help my team. If I had just grabbed him with one hand and held on for a half second, 4 or 5 team-mates would have decked him, but I chickened out and didn’t even try to stop Ware. And of course, I respected the Atlanta fans so much that I flipped y’all off with BOTH HANDS before I went home to hit my bongs and then get busted at the airport.
jerry
November 11th, 2009
7:48 pm
One thing for sure, Ryan and Abraham don’t look like Pro Bowlers.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 12th, 2009
12:40 am
Only Roddy and the Burner made the Pro Bowl last year. Ryan was an alternate. Abraham made second-team All Pro.
Lofton was under consideration for Pro Football Weekly’s mid-season team, I was told by them earlier today.
If Babineaux keeps playing like he did against Washington and he’ll get some Pro Bowl votes.
PJ.
November 12th, 2009
1:46 am
Ryan won’t be an alternate this year even if the top five quarterbacks selected cannot make it. His performance todate and his look like Deer in headlight cannot be motivating to his team. I know it is his second year and he will get better. However looking at him in the games reminds me of a quarterback we had here in the late 90’s who went on to play well in the Arena League, he was always looking scared.
mike
November 12th, 2009
4:14 am
Lots of wishful comments and ideas here. However maybe the wrens I mean the falcons should try winning more games. That usually gets respect, people.
Falcons Minority Owner
November 12th, 2009
6:26 am
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Looks like some “fans” would rather talk about MV7… that little diatribe at 7:03pm by a “fan” shows where the interest really is.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 12th, 2009
8:03 am
OUR PAL STEVE Wyche of NFL.com gives Curtis Lofton some mid-season love.
Defense — Curtis Lofton, MLB, Falcons. The second-year, second-round pick from Oklahoma is a flat-out beast. Playing behind a rotation of unknown nose tackles, Lofton has proven to be a cross between throwback thumper and a pursuit player who makes plays in space. Oh, and guess who is leading the NFL in tackles (84)?
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/11/11/midseason-awards-not-stating-the-obvious/
Falcon in a down spin with Ryan (Patty Melt) ICE NOT
November 12th, 2009
11:19 am
New fan head ware for Ryan fans hamburger with melted cheese or bread with melted cheese Or maybe waffle house can offer $1 off it’s patty melt and on the menu call it the #2 punk under under pressure!
J.J.M.
November 12th, 2009
12:06 pm
lol dont our “MLB” leads the NFL in tackles????
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 12th, 2009
12:36 pm
THE COMMISSIONER HAS SPOKEN:
The League doesn’t want Ghetto THUGS in the NFL.
Smitty break out the check book – you owe the Commissioner 15 Grand baby
That will teach you a lesson, to stay in your place and keep that street THUG life in your neighborhood
Yet another victory for the Virginia Tech boys
- Bonus case…………….LOST
- League disciple case…………..LOST
Damn it must hurt to know the league respects D Hall more than Smitty
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 12th, 2009
12:38 pm
Falcon in a down spin with Ryan (Patty Melt) ICE NOT
November 12th, 2009
11:19 am
New fan head ware for Ryan fans hamburger with melted cheese or bread with melted cheese Or maybe waffle house can offer $1 off it’s patty melt and on the menu call it the #2 punk under under pressure!
“Can we suggest some soft NOODLES” on that menu as well?
FalconFan
November 12th, 2009
12:54 pm
Media loves winners. We aren’t winners in their eyes. Saints are the darlings. I don’t care what Tony and PETA thinks. As long as he’s catching passes and score touchdowns. There’s nothing on the football that comes from a PIG. They haven’t used pigskin since the early days And his cleats are made from rubber.
midnite
November 12th, 2009
1:13 pm
Really stupid of the NFL fining Mike Smith $15,000 for sideline incident and letting main instigater/punk DeAngela Hall off free.
It’s a good thing Toast Hall has money because he is all mouth and no game.
UGA Girls are Dawgs
November 12th, 2009
1:17 pm
We should trade Ryan while we can still get something for him and go after a seasoned quarterback like Collins or Griese
monty
November 12th, 2009
1:17 pm
Who would have thunk it? Coach Smith getting the biggest fine? Something wierd there.
Eric C.
November 12th, 2009
1:20 pm
For those who would like to get some updates on the Falcons…From ESPN:
“Atlanta left tackle Sam Baker sat out Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury. Keep an eye on this one as the week goes on because it could mean an easy day for Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers.”
Eric C.
November 12th, 2009
7:51 pm
From the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer:
“Atlanta Falcons receiver Brian Finneran, who injured his left knee in last week’s victory over Washington, did some light running but skipped practice Wednesday.
The Falcons also were without starting tackle Sam Baker, who did not practice after hurting his left ankle against the Redskins. It’s not known if either will be able to play when Atlanta (5-3) travels to Carolina on Sunday.
Running back Jerious Norwood, who already has missed four games with a concussion and a hip injury, missed practice to be at the birth of his child. But another running back, Jason Snelling, was back on the field for limited work after missing the last two games with an ailing hamstring.”
jael
November 12th, 2009
9:46 pm
we should all be happy we have a winning team halfway thru the year and quit whining
Reginald
November 12th, 2009
11:17 pm
We shouldn’t get caught up into individual numbers, just wins and losses. Let’s take care of the panthers. GO DIRTY BIRDS!!!!!!!!
The Boss
November 13th, 2009
8:01 am
“Choke”, I told you last time , the people waiting in the drive thru and getting angry and pay attention before you over cook those fries. YOUR boss is not happy with you!
stendec
November 13th, 2009
8:04 am
As much of a gut shot as it was at the time that searing smash the television set in frustration loss on the Bayou may have served to forge these players into a hungry us-against-world unit with a purpose! To hell with all the detractors. That said…Thank you Coach Mike Smith! A fiery sideline leader is worth his weight in gold or other precious metals. Just wish you would have knocked piece of shet thug DeA$$hole Hall out! Worthless oxygen waste that he is/always will be! State fans blessed with you plus a certain gentleman who coaches college football in the same city! Such emotionalism is good for two or three victories per season. Unmotivational robots who may know x’s and o’s but little else are liabilities. Certain truck salesman in Athens comes to mind! Oh well. Thanks again coach. When thug Mike Sick comes to town with Eagles slug him once for me! My check will be in the mail. Keep on fighting! ++STENDEC++
E43
November 13th, 2009
8:36 am
im not surprised, but you know what? curtis lofton leads the NFL in tackles last time i checked monday. this will always be like this untill we get that flashy player. john abraham was all we had and he isnt producing but i sure hell come along sometime. he gets way too close many times so im not ruling his abilities out. that being said when curtis lofton leads the nfl in tackling im sure peoples heads will turn around and be like man where was my head at?
DamnGoodDawg
November 13th, 2009
9:44 am
Anybody who kicks DeAngelo Hall’s butt aught to be awarded $15,000!
ToccoaDawg
November 13th, 2009
10:33 am
Coach Smith deserves a raise. Blank man up like your coach.
catfish31015
November 13th, 2009
11:23 am
To all you Falcon Haters,
The only thing you know about the South is what you’ve read in your history books. You’ve never had southern fried chicken, home-made biscuits, and probably don’t even know where real bar-b-que comes from. As a child, my dad used to make me watch him cut the nuts out of hawgs. That toughens you up real quick. Yeah, he was a hog farmer, but became a self-made multi-millionaire off of people like you who come down here to laud over us southerners before you return home to your ivory towers. But that’s alright. You are like hemorrhoids, when you come down and go back up you are O.K., but when you come down and stay, you are a real pain in the a$$. You’ve probably never even seen a real cotton boll. 80% of your food and clothes come from the south. In closing I would just like to quote Herbert Spencer: “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a men in everlasting ignorance–that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”
There is only one award
November 13th, 2009
11:32 am
that really matters and that’s handed out after the SuperBowl.
I’ll be at BOA stadium this weekend raising hell for the Birds.
I hope we beat he PI$$ out of Carolina…