In an Empire State of Mind
Have the Falcons been naughty or nice? Who's getting a lump of coal and who's getting that I-pod nano?
(UPDATE THREE: Made it to New York !!!! In an Empire State of Mind. Will put up a new Beat Blog after the game. Read about the trip here and chat live during the game with Schultz. –DOL)
(UPDATE TWO: LET’S CHAT — Jeff Schultz and I had to fly to Boston to have a shot at making the game. Schultz pulled the Boston move early and is already on a train to New York. I’m at the South Station in Boston waiting for the 9:45 p.m. train that gets to Penn Station at 2:20 a.m. So if anybody is out there and want to chat some football. Fire away! I put the Gameday info below and you all can update me on the Dallas at New Orleans game. — DOL)
(UPDATE: Falcons coach Mike Smith said decisions to play Matt Ryan and Michael Turner won’t turn on Dallas game on Saturday night. Invoked the “Best Chance to Win” doctrine. Dallas win over Saints = playoff elimination for Falcons. Ryan and Turner practiced on Friday. They were limited in their participation.)
BIRDLAND – It’s a week before Christmas and most NFL players have done their shopping.
Most are a little busy with getting ready for their last three games. (Y’all need some Christmas music for this blog? Here’s some Christmas Rappin’ from Kurtis Blow.
“Actually I got my mom on that,” wide receiver Roddy White said. “She’s doing a good job charging up my credit card.”
White’s mom doesn’t have any guidelines.
“I should have (put her on a budget),” said White, who signed a $48 million contract extension in August. “That’s what I should have started off with. She just brings things back to the house. I’m like, ‘who’s that for?’ She’ll say, ‘don’t worry about it.’ I’m letting her do all of my Christmas shopping this year.”
White was asked if he’s been naughty are nice?
“I’ve been pretty nice,” White said. “Handing out checks to everybody in my family. Things like that, you know. Everybody has been calling me and telling me thank you, so I’ve been pretty nice.”
Linebacker Curtis Lofton is doing his own shopping, but hasn’t accomplished much.
“Yeah, I’ve done a little, but the malls are packed,” Lofton said. “I’m always so tired, but I’ve gotten a little in.”
He doesn’t know what Santa is going to leave under his Christmas tree.
“I got a couple of watches that I want, but I really don’t have a wish list,” Lofton said.
Naughty or nice?
“Both,” Lofton said.
A New Orleans win over Dallas on Saturday will set up "The Staying Alive Bowl: Falcons 6-7 vs. Jets 7-6."
THE STAYING ALIVE BOWL: Falcons fans will have to root for the “Who Dat Nation” on Saturday night when the Dallas Cowboys play at New Orleans. A Cowboys victory would drive a nail in the Falcons’ playoff coffin. Dallas would be 9-5 and holds the tiebreaker over the Falcons.
The Falcons, Dallas and Green Bay could all finish 9-7, but Green Bay has the better conference record.
A couple of other tidbits from playoff guru Matt Moore, of AtlantaFalcons.com:
1. If there were a three way tie between Cowboys, Giants, and Falcons the Giants would move through.
2. If there were a three or four way tie with San Francisco in the mix, the 49ers would win the tie breaker based on conference record and would be the 6th seed.
So Falcons coach Mike Smith would have a tougher “game time decision” on whether to play Matt Ryan (turf toe) or Michael Turner (ankle sprain).
Let’s just assume that they can both play, but are clearly not at 100 percent. Smith will have to decide if he plays them and risk a re-injury in a meaningless (playoff wise) game.
“That would not have any bearing on what we are going to do,” Smith said after practice on Friday. “Our main focus is the New York Jets. Any decisions that we are going to make will be based on what gives us the best chance to win against the Jets.”
Now the franchise needs to win-out to shake the 44-year hex.
So maybe you play them anyway.
So the Falcons need to Saints to reach 14-0.
WEATHER REPORT: The Weather Channel sent along this forecast for the game:
Gametime Weather Index: 3 (Very windy & chilly)
The Falcons haven’t played outdoors since the Sunday before Thanksgiving and the Jets have yet to play in cold, windy weather this month. A coastal storm may flirt its snowy reach into northern New Jersey Saturday night, but is expected to pull away Sunday. However, strong winds will linger through Sunday afternoon, and will, therefore, be a major issue in notoriously windy Giants Stadium. Winds from 15-20 mph with gusts over 30 mph will howl from the northwest toward the southeast end zone. Temperatures in the middle to upper 30s, wind chills will be stuck in the 20s.
BERGERON TRANSACTION CHART (Check out the Q & A with Troy Bergeron)
Sept. 5 – Troy Bergeron , released
Sept 5 – Troy Bergeron, signed to practice squad
Nov. 14 – Troy Bergeron, signed to the 53-man roster
Nov. 15 – Troy Bergeron, released.
Nov. 18 – Troy Bergeron , signed to practice squad
Nov. 28 – Troy Bergeron, signed to active roster
Nov. 30 – Tory Bergeron, released
Dec. 1 – Troy Bergeron, signed to practice squad
Dec. 5 – Troy Bergeron, signed to active roster
Dec. 7 – Troy Bergeron, released
Dec. 15 – Troy Bergeron, signed to active roster.
Who’s else has their Christmas Shopping done? Been naughty or nice? Going to root for the Saints to beat the Cowboys? Going to y’all “Who Dat?”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
172 comments Add your comment
retired on the lake
December 18th, 2009
9:42 am
Go NO Saints 1st
SPARTAN NATION
December 18th, 2009
9:46 am
WHO DAT! WHO DAT!
Rev. Blake
December 18th, 2009
9:53 am
Hmmm… Think I’ll wait and see if the Falcons can win, first, before I cheer on the Saints….That’s just sickening to even think about.
is it true?
December 18th, 2009
9:58 am
Am I really third?
is it true?
December 18th, 2009
9:58 am
damn!!! Fourth.
Rick Beach
December 18th, 2009
10:10 am
I’d love to see the Saints go undefeated for the season. Then turn back into the Saints we all know and love and lose another playoff game.
Gasman
December 18th, 2009
10:25 am
Rev Blake,
Saints and Cowboys play on Saturday night so you have no choice but to cheer the Saints on prior to the Falcons game. Sorry, it pains me too.
The Thrill is Gone.....
December 18th, 2009
10:37 am
Wow, 7 messages in and not one single post about Wac Ryan and Michael “The Burnout” Tuner coming back and leading the Birds to the playoffs….Hmmmmmmm..Wonder whats up with that?
truth
December 18th, 2009
10:38 am
Agree with you Rick Beach. And as much as I do hate the Saints, I will be rooting for them saturday.
Who Dat!!!
truth
December 18th, 2009
10:38 am
Ohj and don’t risk it…..keep Matt and Michael out.
Carl
December 18th, 2009
10:47 am
Ryan may as well rest; we needed him the last 2 games, not now. I know he has a sore toe, but I have to wonder how bad he wants to win by not demanding to play. He has been a huge disappointment this season overall.
truth
December 18th, 2009
10:53 am
All you so called fans who “showed up” this year can leave know.
Jackets2009
December 18th, 2009
11:01 am
Past Falcon teams might quit at this point but I don’t think anyone wants to incur the wrath of Mike. But it is diappointing that both the Falcons and Jackets have taken so long to hire someone with fire in their bellies.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
11:28 am
HA HA HA
Falcons are regulated to CHEERLEADERS
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
11:30 am
Jackets2009
December 18th, 2009
11:01 am
Past Falcon teams might quit at this point but I don’t think anyone wants to incur the wrath of Mike. But it is diappointing that both the Falcons and Jackets have taken so long to hire someone with fire in their bellies
“They are 2-8 with 3 left” and that is better than the past….
HA HA HA you are funny
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
11:33 am
Carl
December 18th, 2009
10:47 am
Ryan may as well rest; we needed him the last 2 games, not now. I know he has a sore toe, but I have to wonder how bad he wants to win by not demanding to play. He has been a huge disappointment this season overall.
E-X-A-C-T-L-Y
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
11:35 am
UH OH………….
Don’t look now, but the Ravens have the last wildcard……….
Hmmmmmmmmmmm…..who was on the blog talking about the Ravens….. HA HA HA
Should have drafted Flacco
Henry hemroid
December 18th, 2009
11:39 am
That an’t no fire in his bellie, thats disintery, the guys full of it.
Tell it like it is
December 18th, 2009
1:16 pm
If the falcons can’t get in the playoffs i will pull for the saints all the way through the playoffs. who Dat
Brooking kicked your booty
December 18th, 2009
1:20 pm
Too bad. Falcons let loose the only leaders this team had. So no I do not feel sorry for this team. You deserve to have Ryan as your team leader. HA!
Rev. Blake
December 18th, 2009
1:32 pm
Thank you, Gasman. I noticed my error a couple of hours after posting. I want the Saints to win, but, I just can’t force myself to say “Go Sssss….see, I can’t say it.
Ryan is worthy of being our team leader. He will be a great quarterback. Saying the opposite will never change Vick’s past. Sad, that there is so much anger and hatred over past occurances. I understand what all of this Ryan bashing is REALLY about. The only person you are hurting with your anger and hatred is yourself. Not Ryan, not Arthur Blank, just yourselves. I think you are better than this type of behavior. Let it go.
TMoney
December 18th, 2009
1:35 pm
For those that haven’t seen, here’s the Falcons injury report from the first 2 days of practice:
DE John Abrham (not injury related) – DNP | LP
DE Jamaal Anderson (chest) – DNP | DNP
DT Jonathan Babineaux (shoulder) – DNP | LP
T Sam Baker (elbow) – DNP | LP
G Harvey Dahl (ankle) – LP | LP
CB Chris Houston (hamstring) – DNP | DNP
WR Michael Jenkins (ankle) – FP | FP
C Todd McClure (Knee) – LP | LP
TE Justin Peelle (head) – FP | FP
QB Matt Ryan (toe) – DNP | LP
T Will Svitek (Ankle) – LP | FP
RB Michael Turner (ankle) – DNP | LP
WR Roddy White (Knee) – LP | FP
Only two starters held out both days, that’s a definite improvement.
rms
December 18th, 2009
1:37 pm
I’m pulling for the Eagles. I want to see McNabb win a ring. It doesnt matter if the Falcons make the playoffs because they wont win. They aren’t built to win…..at least this year!!
Tell it like it is
December 18th, 2009
1:37 pm
The falcons did the right thing letting Brooking go to another team.They need someone to step up and fill the leadership roll.I would like to know what happen to abraham this year. its allmost like he took most of the yesr off.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
2:01 pm
Rev. Blake
December 18th, 2009
1:32 pm
Thank you, Gasman. I noticed my error a couple of hours after posting. I want the Saints to win, but, I just can’t force myself to say “Go Sssss….see, I can’t say it.
Ryan is worthy of being our team leader.
“Your team leader” is 2-4 down the stretch
Seeer
December 18th, 2009
2:10 pm
Yes we do and damn glad of it! Ryan is a great leader and will only get better at the QB position! True Falcon fans will be pulling for a Saints win Saturday night, Falons win Sunday afternoon and a Redskins win Monday night. With that it could make for a very interesting last couple of weeks with the pressure clearly on the Cowboys and Giants! Go Falcons!
Rev. Blake
December 18th, 2009
2:13 pm
Mr. Choke,
I stand by my *entire* previous post. Ryan will become a great quarterback.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
2:18 pm
Enter your comments here
Barry
December 18th, 2009
2:18 pm
Hey Y’all:
The ideal scenario is that New Orleans beat the Cowboys, the Falcons make the playoffs, and the Falcons beat the Saints in the first round of the playoffs. That would be the ideal scenario for this season and it will happen. I believe our falcons are going to make a run. THEY ARE GOING TO “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!”. They will win these last three games and make the playoofs. When they get in the playoffs. “ALL HELL IS GOING TO BREAK LOSE” IN HOW THEY PLAY!! They are going to be hurting teams “EGOS”. That is why I love this time of year when professional football teams, which includes our Falcons, are in the hunt for the championship. We are right there. It is up to us to “CONTROL OUR DESTINY”. ” JUST WIN, BABY!!!!” YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!!!
“JUST WIN, BABY!!!!!!”. JUST WIN IN “ONE HEARTBEAT”. Play CREATIVE, INNOVATIVE, SMART, SMASH MOUTH, NASTY, SOUTHERN STYLE FOOTBALL, and then we will “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!” Yes, “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!”, Anything short of that, we will be home watching the playoffs, instead of being in it. THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN!!! We will make this playoff run in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”. I can hear the Beat now, THUMP!!!!! It is getting louder THUMP!!!!!! THUMP!!!!!!!. Oh, it sounds so GOOD, THUMP!!!! THUMP!!!!! THUMP!!! THUMP!!!! …………..
NOW, LETS MAKE THIS PLAYOFF RUN!! LETS DO IT IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
LET”S GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!
…………………………….ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!!!………….
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
2:20 pm
“I guess the Chargers said” the same thing about Ryan Leaf.
truth
December 18th, 2009
2:22 pm
Come on Matt”choke’n” on Ryan’s manhood……..the Flaco thing is old. He has shown this year as well as Matt that it’s tough to be an NFL QB. Both will be good QB’s in the near future.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
2:26 pm
I remember when the blogs were blowing up @ 4-1, saying “Dynasty” and “Superbowl” bound.
HA HA HA
Now the blogs are filled with crickets
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 18th, 2009
2:36 pm
(UPDATE: Falcons coach Mike Smith said decisions to play Matt Ryan and Michael Turner won’t turn on Dallas game on Saturday night. Invoked the “Best Chance to Win” doctrine. Dallas win over Saints = playoff elimination for Falcons. Ryan and Turner practiced on Friday. The were limited participation.)
jg
December 18th, 2009
2:38 pm
i hate the saints as much as anybody…but i will root for them tomorrow night. i’ll root for anyone that can win and help our chances of getting into the playoffs. but a saint win on saturday has to be matched by every other team in the league losing and us winning our last three. huge longshot.
with all that said–if the falcons don’t make the playoffs i WILL root for the saints in the playoffs. their fans have been through more crap than we have–i’ve been to three games in the superdome including the ‘91 playoff game there and i respect that franchise. so if we don’t get in mark me down for the saints….look at this way–they win the super bowl–we should feel pretty good about playing them two really close games that we could have won–without a lot of our starters.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 18th, 2009
2:41 pm
WEATHER REPORT: The Weather Channel sent along this forecast for the game:
Gametime Weather Index: 3 (Very windy & chilly)
The Falcons haven’t played outdoors since the Sunday before Thanksgiving and the Jets have yet to play in cold, windy weather this month. A coastal storm may flirt its snowy reach into northern New Jersey Saturday night, but is expected to pull away Sunday. However, strong winds will linger through Sunday afternoon, and will, therefore, be a major issue in notoriously windy Giants Stadium. Winds from 15-20 mph with gusts over 30 mph will howl from the northwest toward the southeast end zone. Temperatures in the middle to upper 30s, wind chills will be stuck in the 20s.
mike
December 18th, 2009
2:56 pm
Barry:
I don’t know what you’ve been smoking, but it has made you delusional.
#1- The Falcons are not making the playoffs.
#2- If they did, they would not play the Saints in the 1st round, as the Saints have a bye.
If Dallas wins, Mike Smith needs to shut down Ryan and Turner. No reason to get hurt again in meaningless games.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
3:02 pm
There is no way the CHOKE plays on Sunday.
With 20 mph winds, that NOODLE ARM doesn’t stand a chance
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
3:04 pm
BravesFan79
December 18th, 2009
3:02 pm
Any black that helps support his family and kids instead of wasting all his $$ on “ice” and rims.. is alright with me
“How about” any White that buys 6 dogs while his family lives in a trailer park?
WW
December 18th, 2009
3:08 pm
“The Thrill is Gone….. ”
It’s all about resting our players to hopefully picking up Joe Haden, CB, Florida in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft.
If we suddenly play well, then we will be a bad team again next year, and none of us want that.
BravesFan79
December 18th, 2009
3:09 pm
Thank God im a NFL fan, i cant imagine having my favorite sport being one where my team could go undefeated and still have NO shot at a championship. Don’t worry fans, the Falcons will be back in the playoffs next year!
WW
December 18th, 2009
3:13 pm
“Matt “Choke” Ryan”
No need for crickets when I predicted a 0.500 year. Even if I am off, then I will have only missed it by one game. Muuuuaaaaaahhhhhh.
TMoney
December 18th, 2009
3:14 pm
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 18th, 2009
2:41 pm
WEATHER REPORT: The Weather Channel sent along this forecast for the game:
Gametime Weather Index: 3 (Very windy & chilly)
The Falcons haven’t played outdoors since the Sunday before Thanksgiving and the Jets have yet to play in cold, windy weather this month. A coastal storm may flirt its snowy reach into northern New Jersey Saturday night, but is expected to pull away Sunday. However, strong winds will linger through Sunday afternoon, and will, therefore, be a major issue in notoriously windy Giants Stadium. Winds from 15-20 mph with gusts over 30 mph will howl from the northwest toward the southeast end zone. Temperatures in the middle to upper 30s, wind chills will be stuck in the 20s.
__________________________________________
I think one missing storyline about this game is Mark Sanchez. He has never played in cold weather. He spent his college career at USC and played high school at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and Mission Viejo High School, both in Southern Cal. How will he respond to his first cold weather game?
Tell it like it is
December 18th, 2009
3:29 pm
TMoney—-Da man loves ice cream it won’t be a problem.I heard a lot of the falcons players don’t even like ice in thier tea.So the cold could be a proplem for the falcons ,just saying
STL Falcon
December 18th, 2009
3:36 pm
Barry is the Anti – Choke, the Anti – VickSupporter2, and the Anti- whatever other names he uses— and man oh man was he missed.
Mike, whatever Barry is “smoking,” we all need to get some. If we were only going to look at the best possible candidates to win, every fan of every team other than the Saints and the Colts should go ahead and find something else to do on Sundays – where is the love?
And it is love because love doesn’t make sense. Sometimes things happen that we can’t control, sometimes things happen that we don’t understand, but you never stop loving – when you stop loving, it’s time to move on to other pastures. Love keeps the captain on the ship while it sinks. Love is irrational and makes men (and women) to irrational things.
So why not us?
Why not believe that we could get healthy while Dallas falls into its annual December swoon and play the Saints as tough as we did the first two times—
Only this time, we make the kick…
We make the catch…
We avoid the sack…
We make the sack…
Who knows.
This is football, and until the Falcons are eliminated, they’re the team to beat.
I don’t care how irrational it is.
GO FALCONS!!!!! (one heartbeat)
Tom K
December 18th, 2009
3:51 pm
All I want for Xmas is for the Falcons defense to record a few 3 and outs, make the Jets punter work for his paycheck, a sack or two, and a couple of turnovers.
GO BIRDS!!!
MCook
December 18th, 2009
3:52 pm
Does anyone know what channel the saints, cowboy game is on?
It’s not on the sports TV listing… Thanks
James
December 18th, 2009
3:56 pm
Risk injury. Just break the curse. It’s sad that that’s a milestone, but we need to do it.
And CHOKE, what the heck does “regulated to cheerleaders” mean? Relegated? Very different.
Hope everyone has a nice day.
TMoney
December 18th, 2009
3:57 pm
MCook
December 18th, 2009
3:52 pm
Does anyone know what channel the saints, cowboy game is on?
It’s not on the sports TV listing… Thanks
____________________________________
I believe it’s going to be on NFL Network.
MCook
December 18th, 2009
4:00 pm
TMoney,
I should have known that. Thanks bro
MD Falcon Fan
December 18th, 2009
4:45 pm
THis is a tough one, I want Dallas to lose, but it’s going to be hard as hell cheering for the Saints. That is a game time decision for me. GO FALCONS.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
4:50 pm
Tell it like it is
December 18th, 2009
3:29 pm
TMoney—-Da man loves ice cream it won’t be a problem.I heard a lot of the falcons players don’t even like ice in thier tea.So the cold could be a proplem for the falcons ,just saying
“That’s a good one” people like that are always looking for a reason to have hope
The Jets will run all over them and with that wind, the CHOKE’s passes will blow backwards 
tyger
December 18th, 2009
4:58 pm
Falcoons Easy Button 0.7 Early Mock Draft
1. 16 Terrance Cody, DT, 6′5, 365, Ala – National Champion pedigree provides options, depth, strength up the middle. Cody, Jerry are the future at DT. Resolved.
2. 32 Patrick Robinson, CB, 5′11, 182, FSU – Falcoons have to figure a way to get back into the 2nd rd. – 5 star talent could be best in ATL since Deion.
3. 48 Myron Lewis, CB, 6′3, 202, Vandy – Finally, a big, smart corner. Faced top-level WR weekly, wont be in awe at next level.
4. 64 Eric Norwood, OLB, 6′1, 252, S.Car. – Best player on team; local product w injury history, but bigtime playmaker and team leader.
5. 80 John Jerry, OL, 6′6, 335, Miss. – interior line needs re-inforcements; took Reynolds on the outside last year; now some inside help; doesn’t hurt to be related to Peria either.
truth
December 18th, 2009
5:00 pm
Seriously Choke……..why do you spend so much time and effort on these blogs spewing about Matt Ryan? Don’t give me some childish answer, be a man about. To me it just don’t make since. How many times does a person have to say they don’t like Matt Ryan?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
5:43 pm
truth
December 18th, 2009
5:00 pm
Seriously Choke……..why do you spend so much time and effort on these blogs spewing about Matt Ryan? Don’t give me some childish answer, be a man about. To me it just don’t make since. How many times does a person have to say they don’t like Matt Ryan?
“For the 1,000th time” I don’t dislike the CHOKE, I’m just giving him the same love the previous quarterback received. I thought that’s what a sports fan does
6 - 10
December 18th, 2009
6:00 pm
post eaten?
Samuel
December 18th, 2009
6:01 pm
Let’s hope the Saints can stave off the Dallas Cowboys and keep hope alive. Then worry about starting a not so 100% Ryan and Turner. The bottom line is you have to shut down Thomas Jones. Get some points from your defense and special teams. Be successful in your running game and throw the ball away from Revis their cornerback.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 18th, 2009
6:04 pm
what ever guys me and mike vick are myspace friends and hes in my to 5 so there yall dont know cuase im way too baditcal for yall lameos
Falcon 8211
December 18th, 2009
6:17 pm
leave choke alone at least he is not on vick today. thank god. but if he does please answer this question choke how many championships does he have. thanks that what i thought . the game on sun with the jets is all about pride. let’s see if the falcons have any
mars
December 18th, 2009
6:48 pm
All “Choke”, all the time. D-Led, I thought you ran a classy joint. What happened to the crowd that kept this blog interesting in the off season? What did they call themselves, the Birdcage er sump’in?
Lesa
December 18th, 2009
7:31 pm
Great post, STL Falcon! I agree 100%. The word “fan” is short for “fanatic.” I am a long-time Falcons fanatic. There’s nothing logical about it. I’m still hoping the Falcons can win out and at least break “no consecutive winning seasons curse” even if they don’t make the playoffs. GO FALCONS!!!!!
Falcon 8211
December 18th, 2009
8:41 pm
i love the falcons too hope we break the curse at the least. go falcons
Win,lose, or tie bravos til i die
December 18th, 2009
9:25 pm
hey if it werent for elam we would be 8-5
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 18th, 2009
10:06 pm
SANCHEZ TO START FOR JETS
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2009/12/18/sanchez-will-start-for-jets-on-sunday
DrJ
December 18th, 2009
10:58 pm
Before I saw that Sanchez might play, I was sure that if Dallas wins, Ryan and Turner would sit. But if Sanchez actually does start, I think Smitty will put Ryan in to see how he does, but will have a quick hook if he stumbles. Likewise, I think Turner will rotate time with Snelling.
TheManMike
December 18th, 2009
11:08 pm
Poo Scat!!!!!!
chuck
December 19th, 2009
12:47 pm
I think it’s time to bar Matt “Choke” Ryan from this and all other boards.
Avery
December 19th, 2009
1:32 pm
Choke is kind of entertaining, you can use his posting times to figure out when he’s at home and when’s in Vick’s bedroom.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
6:40 pm
(ANYBODY OUT THERE, WANT TO TALK FOOTBALL? STUCK IN BOSTON, WAITING FOR TRAIN TO NEW YORK.)
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH AGAINST THE NEW YORK JETS
1. Stop the coal miner’s son: Jets running back Thomas Jones of Big Stone Gap, Va., has rushed for 1,000 yards for the fifth consecutive season. He has 1,167 yards and helps to power the league’s top rushing attack, which averages 169.1 yards per game.
Jones will face a stiff test against the Falcons defense, which has allowed 89.8 yards rushing over the past four games.
“It’s definitely a big challenge,” Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas said. “Jones is back there running the ball like a mad man.”
Jones has rushed for over 100 yards in 33 games in his career. He has six 100-yard games this season, including a 210-yard effort against Buffalo on Oct. 18.
New England’s Fred Taylor is the only running back to run for more than 100 yards against the Falcons this season.
“You don’t want anybody to run the ball against you,” Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton said. “I think their offensive line has five or six guys who have been taken in the first round. They move well and they are smart players.”
2. Watch out for Darrelle the Dominator: Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis will shadow Falcons receiver Roddy White.
His job is to shut down the opposition’s top receiving threat.
“There is nobody close to him in this league,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “I’ve been in the league a long time and I’ve never seen anybody close to him. We put him on the best receiver each week, and each week he goes out and doesn’t just compete, he dominates.”
With Revis locking down receivers, Ryan is free to roll coverages to the opposite side of the field and allow his blitzes more time to get to the quarterback.
“I’ve seen where people will lock a corner on a second receiver,” Ryan said. “But to do it down after down against the opponents’ best receiver — and not just on middle-of-the-road guys, but Pro Bowl talent — the guy is really, really amazing to me.”
3. Who is David Harris?: With Bart Scott and Calvin Pace in the Jets linebacker corps, middle linebacker David Harris gets overlooked.
Harris, who’s in his third year out of Michigan, can stuff the run and play in pass coverage. He’s the Jets’ top tackler with 123. He also has 5.5 sacks and two interceptions.
“He’s been a tremendous player on the No. 1 defense in the National Football League,” Ryan said. “I think he’s a guy who will get a lot of attention as well.”
The Falcons are well aware of Harris.
“He’s having a very good year,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “I’ve been very impressed with David Harris.”
4. O-line has to get nasty: The weather could make field conditions sloppy, and the Falcons may have to rely on their running game.
The Falcons have not rushed for more that 90 yards since Michael Turner was originally hurt against Carolina on Nov. 14. Over the past four games, they’ve rushed for 90, 75, 61 and 89 yards.
Getting Turner back would certainly help. He’s a game-time decision as he’s coming back from reinjuring his ankle against Tampa Bay on Nov. 29.
If Turner is not able to go, the offensive line has to open some holes to spring backups Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling so they won’t have to rely on the passing game in the notorious swirling winds at the Meadowlands.
“We are preparing to see Turner,” Ryan said. “He’s a load. When I was in Baltimore we played San Diego. I’m like ‘all right, L.T. (LaDainian Tomlinson) is out of there.’ I’m thinking I’m getting a break and play seven-man spacing. Turner runs for about 50 yards. So I’m like ‘wow, who is this guy.’ ”
5. Both teams could turn to backups: Both teams have quarterback dilemmas.
Matt Ryan (turf toe) and rookie Mark Sanchez (knee) could return to action from injuries.
Both practiced last week with their teams but could give way to their backups, Chris Redman and Kellen Clemens.
Early word out of both camps is that it looks like Sanchez and Redman will square off.
Sanchez has struggled this season, completing 53.2 percent of his passes for 2,059 yards with 11 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
“Mark is a very talented quarterback,” Smith said. “He cannot only make plays throwing the football, but he also is a very effective scrambler.”
Redman passed for 303 yards against the New Orleans Saints last week, his second-highest total over his seven-year NFL career.
Key matchups
Jets LB Bart Scott vs. Falcons FB Ovie Mughelli: The former teammates used to have classic battles when they were trying to earn playing time in Baltimore.
“We were both very hungry,” Mughelli said. “We knew we could be starters and we fought for that every day.” Jets coach Rex Ryan used to witness those battles when he was an assistant with the Ravens. “Bart Scott is kind of like our engine,” Ryan said. “So I’m looking forward to those contacts. He is a physical football player.”
Jets CB Darrelle Revis vs. Falcons WR Roddy White: White needs 85 yards receiving to post his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. Revis is being touted as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He has six interceptions and a league-high 30 passes defensed. “They pass a lot and we know that,” Revis said. “We know that there could be opportunities for us to make plays. We know there are going to be a lot of balls thrown to us as well.”
Falcons LB Curtis Lofton vs. Jets RB Thomas Jones: Lofton leads the defense with 140 tackles and has helped the Falcons hold three of the past four opponents to under 100 yards rushing. Jones powers the league’s top rushing offense with 1,167 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is the first Jets back since Johnny Hector in 1987-88 to post back-to-back seasons of 10 or more rushing touchdowns.
The Falcons will win if …
They win the turnover battle: “We are 32nd in the league in interceptions per pass,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “That’s a stat that obviously nobody is proud of. But I think we’ve gotten better the last three weeks and have really protected the football. We aren’t throwing the careless interceptions.”
Control the Jets pressure: The Jets are trying to bring the pressure, and it comes from just about anywhere on the field. Defensive end Shaun Ellis leads the team with six sacks. Linebacker Calvin Pace, who served a four-game suspension at the beginning of the season, is second with six sacks.
Convert on third downs: The Jets have dominated their past three opponents on third down. The Jets have allowed a league-low 12.2 percent of third-down conversions (5 of 41) and have stopped the last 24 third-down attempts. The past three games were against Carolina, Buffalo and Tampa Bay. The Falcons have converted 69 of 166 third downs (41.6 percent).
Chris Vivlamore
December 19th, 2009
6:59 pm
DLED: Planes, trains and automobiles! It’s Philly all over again!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
7:01 pm
There were 3 different “CHOKES!” I blocked all of them. One sent me a message calling me “a serious Uncle Tom.” Choke used to go by MV7, but that was blocked.
I told CHOKE. “I can’t be an Uncle Tom, I don’t have any nieces or nephews.”
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
7:02 pm
Philly 2005. I told Wyche the same thing. He was at Lucy’s last night. He’s in New Orleans for tonight’s game.
SPARTAN NATION
December 19th, 2009
7:08 pm
It looks like Chris Redman and Michael Turner are going to start? Is that how you see it?
Did you see where Rex Ryan said he didn’t get the Falcons job because he was “Too fat?”
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
7:19 pm
I’m betting Redman/Turner, too. Hopefully, I’ll be at the Stadium early enough to tweet the update. I think Ice will be active. I should get a ride over from Commissioner Goodell. I want be too far from his office when I get to Penn Station.
Rex was joking, but he seriously believes he didn’t fit the image the Falcons were going for post Petrino & Vick.
Jeff Schultz
December 19th, 2009
8:00 pm
D-Led — We’re about 10 minutes outside of New York. A lot of that white stuff coming down.
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
8:09 pm
D Led, sorry that Air Tran thing didn’t work out for you.
And, nice work on MV7/the multiple “Chokes.”
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
8:19 pm
Thanks Reid!!!
It’s hard doing the season, but we have to get back to focusing on the football and the team.
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
8:23 pm
Yes, and getting back to football, I agree with you. I think Michael Turner will play/start – and Matt Ryan won’t.
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
8:27 pm
0-0 Cowboys vs. Saints with 12:35 left in 1st. Cowboys 1st & 10 at own 41.
dylan is hoping for snow
December 19th, 2009
8:27 pm
Will Ryan start?
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
8:30 pm
Romo 49 yards to Austin, 7-0 Dallas with 11:24 left in 1st.
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
8:37 pm
hey d. led the saints look flat big return by crayton
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
8:39 pm
cowboys look up for this game. bad news for us
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
8:41 pm
cowboys already in field goal range
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
8:48 pm
14-0 dallas d. led
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
8:54 pm
I’m back. Got kicked out of the upstairs area. Some security tried to get nasty. But I was cool. Didn’t take him out.
Thanks for the updates!
Dylan: I think Chris Redman will start.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
8:56 pm
The 8:35 to Framhingham just left on Track 7. Use to love riding the train as a kid. Remember a St. Louis to Detroit train ride as a kid. Hope they have a beverage car on the train.
Saints play well from behind. But their secondary is awfully shaky without Greer.
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:04 pm
looks like the saints may hold to a field goal. the only game i want them to win and their offense can not move the ball
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:05 pm
boys goin on 4th
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:06 pm
cheap pently on the aints32 gives boy 1st @ aints
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:07 pm
32 romo sacked @ 37
realistic
December 19th, 2009
9:08 pm
matt ryan should finish the rest of the season with his team, and if he don’t I’m going to think of him as the biggest pu$$y around here. These peoples are drinking some good kool-aid if they think matt ryan is going to lead the falcons to a super bowl. He don’t have fire in his belly at all. You should win, and lose with your team. Matt ryan is just a big hype machine. I can’t believe the falcons passed on flacco to get this noodle arm of statue.
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
saints d holds still 14-0 dallas
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:10 pm
d led. how sure are you turner will play
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:11 pm
how did he look @ practice or was it closed to the public
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:13 pm
is the team spirit up or down d. led
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
9:16 pm
Reality seemed to be setting in that they probably would not be making the playoffs. But, they got a big charge out of Ryan and Turner being back. Also, kicker Matt Bryant had them fired up this week too. He was booming (and making) his kicks.
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:19 pm
saints @ the dallas 17 1st and 10
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:19 pm
miss fire to the endzone
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:21 pm
do you think the falcons will play with fire and passion still or what?
saints 3 dallas14
SadDawg
December 19th, 2009
9:22 pm
DOL, how is the weather going to affect the Falcons. Being a dome team with no wind-cold concerns at home, will they just try to run the ball?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
9:25 pm
It will be interesting. They always play hard for Smith. I think they’ll play with passion. You have to run because the wind will be a factor tomorrow.
Finally, they are boarding my train. Track 8. Will get back on here once we get rolling.
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:25 pm
looks like dallas may be starting to self destruct
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:28 pm
5:10 left in half
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:31 pm
i think yhe pressure is beginning to bother romo
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:32 pm
i hope that the defense is ready for jones tomorrow
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:34 pm
i heard on the radio i think espn that the falcons will get a heavy dose of jones tomorrow. should be a good collison between lofton and jones
Falcon 8211
December 19th, 2009
9:59 pm
d. led score @ half aints 3 boys 17
lipscomb1
December 19th, 2009
9:59 pm
It pains me to have to cheer for the Saints after the way there fans were so obnoxius last weekend in the win against our JV team. Screaming Who Dat in my face as we were leaving the Dome and congratulating them is not cool…
JB
December 19th, 2009
10:20 pm
I tried, but there’s just no way I can vote for the Saints. There’s no way a Falcons fan could handle any Saint or Saints fan going on and on about a perfect season…it would last a lifetime. Therefor, this must end.
Never thought I’d say this but: Go Cowboys.
Real American
December 19th, 2009
10:27 pm
Oh so there are still delusional people that think the Falcons can make the postseason??? LMAO, well hopefully the Cowboys will end those fantasies tonight for good.
Real American
December 19th, 2009
10:29 pm
Well Ledbetter, I read your interview on The Starting Five…you sure you dont have nieces and nephews?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
10:30 pm
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island. The train is moving.
Schultz just sent a text: Cowboys 24, Saints 3.
MAD-DONNA
December 19th, 2009
10:34 pm
….can knock the Falcons out of the playoffs? GO COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
10:36 pm
ON THE WEATHER — Shots down the field will be limited tomorrow. It’s going to look like an old Big Ten game. Lots of power formations and running. Thomas Jones and Michael Turner is a power back run off. Snelling should be able to get his power game on, too.
REAL AMERICAN: I do have three nieces and three nephews. WHAT ARE YOU really trying to say?
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
10:36 pm
D-Led, it’s unbelievable. Dallas up, 24-3.
Brees: 12-17, 127 yds, 1 int. (also sacked three times and lost a fumble)
Bush: 1 carry, 29 yds.
Thomas: 6 carries, 20 yds.
Bell: 2 carries, 0 yds.
Colston: 2 rec., 47 yds.
D. Thomas: 5 rec., 34 yds.
Meacham: 3 rec., 29 yds.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
10:37 pm
Where’s Sean Payton great play calling today?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
10:40 pm
Reid: Thanks for the stats. Really cool. Got your follow, too. Thanks.
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
10:46 pm
Saints finally score a touchdown. 24-10 with 12:35 left in 4th.
Falcons v. Jets
December 19th, 2009
10:54 pm
One more score Dallas!! Hurry up and eliminate the falcons, it’s time for them to look to more obtainable goals like winning these final 3 games so they can have another winning season rather than the 1% possibility of getting into the playoffs if Dallas loses
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 19th, 2009
10:58 pm
Who scored for the Saints? Guess I could follow the gametracker, but that’s cheating.
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
11:00 pm
1-yard run by Mike Bell.
Saints on Dallas 17, 1st & 10, with 8:38 to go. Still 24-10.
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
11:02 pm
Touchdown New Orleans … Brees 7 yards to L. Moore. 24-17 with 8:00 left in the game.
Joe
December 19th, 2009
11:12 pm
Live in Cherokee County. Must be in Newark for 8AM meeting Monday. First flight up tomorrow gets me there around 1 tomorrow. If I drive straight to Giants Stadium, what do you think the chances are that I can get in for at least the second half? Do you know if there’s ticket reselling policy there?
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
11:17 pm
Dallas missed a 24-yard field goal with 2:19 left. Saints have it, trailing 24-17.
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
11:22 pm
Brees converts a 4th & 10 with a 14-yard pass to Colston. Saints 3rd & 5 now with 44 seconds left at their own 39.
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
11:24 pm
2nd & 10 Saints at their own 45 … 32 seconds to go.
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
11:28 pm
Saints 2nd & 10 at Dallas 42 with 18 seconds …
Reid Adair
December 19th, 2009
11:31 pm
Brees sacked, fumbled and Dallas recovered with four seconds left.
The Saints’ undefeated season is over.
woodie
December 19th, 2009
11:34 pm
Can I say it ?? Ok I will anyway…”Same old Falcons”…..
treaddawg
December 19th, 2009
11:35 pm
Welp, that’s all she wrote
ATL BEACH
December 19th, 2009
11:41 pm
OK since football season is over…..How bout them Hawks!!!!
Ex wideout
December 19th, 2009
11:47 pm
Damn, that’s messed up Falcons eliminated and didn’t haven’t to play yet for it to happen. Matty Ryan needs to be eliminated too especially if he decides to play tomorrow instead of trying for past two games.
HIGHPROGLOW
December 20th, 2009
12:02 am
WHAT THE HECK
HIGHPROGLOW
December 20th, 2009
12:02 am
COWBOYS KICKED A**
dd
December 20th, 2009
12:03 am
No team could have navigated the Falcons tough schedule this year with the key injuries they had and still made the playoffs.
Folks coming on here calling them the same old falcons and other ignorant, negative comments don’t understand sports and are looking for ways to feel better about themselves.
Go root for tech.
HIGHPROGLOW
December 20th, 2009
12:04 am
STOP CRYIN ALL U SAINTS FANS….. U SHOULDVE SEEN THIS ONE COMIN LOL….. RIGHT ACROSS UR FOREHEAD LOL….. WHAT WHAT!!!!!
MAD-DONNA
December 20th, 2009
12:07 am
Falcons didn’t deserve a spot anyway! Just would have been another letdown for the fans in the end! GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IlliniDawg
December 20th, 2009
12:11 am
DOL:
Always liked your blog and columns, considering you to be a well-informed and reasoned critic.
But now, with the blocking of “Choke” (aka MV7), you have been elevated to a higher status – nominated for sainthood, along with the Pope!
Any chance you could convince DOB to do the same thing to that annoying twit named “Robert” on the Braves blogs? These guys just poison the entire conversation.
MAD-DONNA
December 20th, 2009
12:11 am
dd, you seem to be the ignorant one! Look at the Falcons history….can’t have back to back winning seasons! Enough said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Atlanta Peach
December 20th, 2009
12:19 am
Choke, “Howd you Doin” ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tell it like it is
December 20th, 2009
12:20 am
A-men Mad Donna.
TB
December 20th, 2009
12:24 am
We all knew the Falcons couldn’t get in the playoffs weeks ago. Each week, the game was called a “Must win” and the Falcons kept loosing. But, hey, they are my team, I want to see them win Sunday and get that winning record. But playoffs? That old Jim Mora quote is apt here. I just want to see the Birds finish the season like the San Fransisco win. Usually teams that have strong finishes carry that into the next season. That was the case when Dan Reeves took over and we went to the SuperBowl.
ATL BEACH
December 20th, 2009
12:25 am
2nd that Mad Donna about dd
FullMetalJacket
December 20th, 2009
12:25 am
Safe travels up there, guys. Personally, I am glad the Cowboys went ahead and won the game, so now the Falcons can concentrate on doing what is best long-term (meaning next season). Rest the tired, heal the wounded, test the younger guys, and feel the pain of missing out on the playoffs….Get motivated for that offseason work and next year! And start making moves for the obvious roster changes we need to make.
FullMetalJacket
December 20th, 2009
12:28 am
I am sorry that the most over-rated franchise of the last decade, Dallas, was the team that finally beat the Ain’ts. They might win another game in December, but I can’t see Dallas going anywhere in the playoffs.
J Cole
December 20th, 2009
12:30 am
You staying in the city or headed to hotel near Meadwolands?
J Cole
December 20th, 2009
12:32 am
I took the train from Penn Station when we played the Giants and that was a nightmare. They don’t run often enough and that was on game day. Can’t imagine at 3am. Wish I had paid for the cab ride.
Atlanta Peach
December 20th, 2009
12:34 am
Let’s get Tebow !!!!!!!!!!! Trade Ryan !
Robert Seipp
December 20th, 2009
12:36 am
JETS fans are whining about the snow, they want the game moved to 4PM like BAL and PHI…I think it is amazing. These crybabies can’t take NJT? There are so many ways to get to the Meadowlands, it’s crazy. Anyway….if you want to see the JETS Fans crying like their coach go to nyjets.com—you will laugh. Go ATL!!–I’m a Dolphin Fan, and hate the NY Jets. Pass this post to all Falcon Fans who care, because it’s funny. I see the opposing team made it here, but the fans of the Jets are crying about not being able to make it to The Meadowlands? I bet there are some ATL Fans here that will go…Let’s here from you…Beat the whiny, cry-baby jets!!
Atlanta Peach
December 20th, 2009
12:37 am
What if the Falcons would have brought Mr.#4 back before drafting Matt Ryan. Only what if !!!!!
JSS
December 20th, 2009
1:41 am
IlliniDawg…
Still pretending to be tenured on someone’s University faculty?
By the way for all of you pretend NY’ers… Go to the Port Authority and take the #164 bus… The first one leaves around 6:40AM (may be delayed by a hour because of the weather) Simple as that usually around $10 bucks roundtrip #161 leaves 25 mins. later, or #163 at 7:20
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 20th, 2009
3:18 am
MADE IT!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 20th, 2009
3:21 am
J.COLE: City. Will ride over with Schultz in morning.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 20th, 2009
3:25 am
JOE: I think you can make it. With the weather, you should be able to get a ticket. Don’t know the re-sell rules.
juliemarty
December 20th, 2009
4:22 am
Healthy Samples are offering free winter samples check http://bit.ly/4EjHTu
We love MV7
December 20th, 2009
9:27 am
QB rating
MV7 93.8 going to playoffs
MR2 80.0 going to play with Blank’s wife and kids
Falcon Obit
December 20th, 2009
10:30 am
Wow, I guess BigEasy was right in his prediction. It is just not looking like a winning season afterall.
Choke Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 20th, 2009
10:48 am
M”C”R is soooo boring. Has anyone ever read ALL of his posts? If so, my condolences.
LM
December 20th, 2009
10:49 am
Today’s game will result in a Falcons loss.
NY Jets 20 – Atlanta Falcons 10
Arthur Blank, you might as well go ahead and reserve some ad space for the AJC sports pages. It could read, after this season ends with the Falcons finishing with a 7-9 W-L record:
“My apologies to all the Atlanta Falcons fans here in the ATL. There’s no excuse for this team failing to make the playoffs, there’s no excuse for this team to fail to post a winning record this year. There’s no excuse period. Due to the generally miserable history of this team since it’s expansion season back in 1966, I’ve decided to relocate this team to Los Angeles in the spring of 2010. It’s my hope this will spare Falcons fans any more misery and at the same time afford this franchise a change in scenery…which at this point may be the only thing, short of divine intervention or meeting a leprechaun, that changes the overall fortunes of the Atlanta Falcons for the better. Thanks you.”
You love MV7 too much
December 20th, 2009
11:34 am
MV7 93.8 going to playoffs
Those figures have absolutely nothing to do with the Eagles going to the playoffs.
Mike Hunt
December 20th, 2009
11:36 am
LM,
You are an idiot. Disappointing season – absolutely. Move to LA – absolutely not. Injuries and some questoinable decisions by the GM with respect to the defense doomed this season. There’s always next year and it will be in Atlanta. Anyone that thinks otherwise is a retard.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
December 20th, 2009
1:09 pm
THANK YOU… OH THANK YOU MR. LEDBETTER for making one of my Christmas wishes come true. Your taking the initiative to totally ban “CHOKE” and all his many aliases is definitely a step in the right direction and mine is not a racist thing because I’m Black too and like you, am no Uncle Tom (although I do have neices and nephews). Now if you can only get Schultz and the other AJC sports writers to do the same it might make reading the Falcons’ blogs worthwhile again. Most of the people, even those who don’t like the Falcons, are decent and don’t constantly post the same comments/remarks over and over again.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK WITH THE ARTICLES ABOUT OUR FALCONS!!!!!!! AND AGAIN….THANKS!!!!!
j
December 20th, 2009
2:21 pm
Hello,
We really need to just tank the rest of the Season and get a better 1st Round Draft Pick. We are now eliminated by the Playoffs. Again, the loss of what will be a high 2nd Round Draft Pick (Gonzalez) is going to hurt. I realize some might think I sound like a fair weather fan, but I love the Falcons with all of my heart. It is just with no chance of making the Playoffs, what difference does it make if we finish 9-7 or 6-10 aside from much better Draft Picks.
We all knew, due to our success and playing the AFC South, that our schedule was going to be much harder. It is beyond depressing that the curse of consecutive winning seasons continues.
Now is the time to let the youngsters play and figure out who is worth keeping. Hopefully seeing a bit more of Sidbury. Hopefully Moore and Jeria will prove worth their selection when they return from injury. Jeria’s injury issues are definitely cause for concern. Hopefully, we will not waste a high Draft Pick like we did when we selected Jamaal Anderson 8th Overall. That pick has been almost as bad as the Hawks drafting Shelden Williams 5th in the 1st Round.
Still hard to believe the curse will continue. Especially after stating 4-2. But such is life.
Cheers,
J
RUDEDOGG
December 20th, 2009
5:16 pm
the falcons are a second tier team at best no playmakers just a bunch of jags,pre madonnas.Matt Ryan is unsure of himself.
Falcon Obit
December 20th, 2009
5:29 pm
RUDEDOGG
December 20th, 2009
5:16 pm
the falcons are a second tier team at best no playmakers just a bunch of jags,pre madonnas.Matt Ryan is unsure of himself.
*************
Hey, dont pull the curtain back!! Let us think its the Wizard!
Without-a-clue
December 20th, 2009
6:01 pm
Isn’t it amazing that the people who can’t spell, phrase or reach a logical conclusion think what they say(or write)on here could possibly be taken seriously? Conclusion: Even idiots can use computers….and many do!
RUDEDOGG
December 20th, 2009
7:28 pm
Sorry for the mispelled words, but I’m talking football here. Jenkins is once again a no show also Abraham. Can you say contract re-do? We are soooooo soft!!!!!!!!!!! Is anybody in the gym?
RUDEDOGG
December 20th, 2009
8:13 pm
I hope nobody looks at this as a credible win. It was against a subpar team with an “if-average” rookie quarterback. I am tired of the NFL and its pupils using the Atlanta Falcons, and this town, as a pit stop, with its end of the line, half-@ssin’ players, coaches, GM’s, etc. Gosh darn it!
tom
December 20th, 2009
8:32 pm
I have been bad mouthing Grimes all season and still think he should not be a starter. However, he kicked butt today with two interceptions. Great Job.
unbelievable
December 20th, 2009
8:35 pm
I be listen to christmas rap to get the chillins’ ready fo christmas. Wouldn’t it be easier for you to listen to the game in the garage on your sirrus car radio
MV#777
December 29th, 2009
7:17 pm
IT FIRST BECAME obvious, this feeling between Michael Vick and his new teammates, a couple of weeks ago in Atlanta. It was his homecoming game, as it were. It was where he scored his first touchdown for the Eagles and his teammates bounded off of the bench in celebration, where cornerback Sheldon Brown said that he and some of the players were telling each other before the game that they wanted to win it for Vick.
I mean, win one for Mike? Really? We all observe from a distance, and it was so hard to see or to understand. But it was real. There is no doubt that it was real, this bond between Vick and his new teammates.
And, now, this:
The Eagles’ players have unanimously voted Vick as the team’s recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, given annually to the player on each NFL team who exemplifies “commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.”
Guilty of horrific crimes. Sentenced to a federal prison term. Forfeited millions and millions of dollars. Back in the league for only a few months, only through the good graces of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Eagles coach Andy Reid. Now, a convicted felon honored by his teammates for overcoming a terrible situation into which he had put himself.
“I’m not sure you can explain it unless you’ve gone through it here with him,” Reid said yesterday. “Everybody is going to have their opinion on it, I’m sure. Until you’ve been with him for the hours that his teammates have been with him and seen him through all these different things that he’s had to go through, that time-tested part of it, you can’t appreciate it quite as much.
“I don’t expect everybody to understand it, no, but I think it’s a tribute when it’s a slam dunk by his teammates voting him that. It was just a unanimous vote there.”
That this is just a gut punch to the people who have opposed Vick’s reinstatement goes without saying. For them, a PETA spokesman said:
“The Philadelphia Eagles fumbled when they gave Michael Vick the Ed Block Courage Award, which was named after a man who advocated in behalf of abused children. Michael Vick should not be the person anyone points to as a model of sportsmanship, even though he has now exchanged dogs for touchdowns after serving time for extreme cruelty to animals. We wish him well in educating others, but this is not appropriate and does not mark a joyous moment in NFL history.”
It is hard to disagree with any of that. It does seem too soon to be celebrating Vick. It does not feel right – and this comes from somebody who thought Vick deserved a chance to play this year, somebody who was looking forward to seeing what he could do on the field.
But here is the thing: I did not get a vote and you did not get a vote. This is a players’ award, voted upon by players. And whatever your personal feelings, it is impossible not to be fascinated by this team’s embrace of Vick, right from the start.
“I never worried that guys wouldn’t accept me,” Vick said. “That probably was one of the last things on my mind. The most important thing was to get in here and get to know the guys and get acclimated in the city and playing football again. You just let things happen naturally. You just be yourself.”
This is more than just teammates supporting a teammate. It is clear that they like the guy. Talking to them through the season, it is clear that they thought the punishment for the crime was so severe, prison-wise and especially financially, only because Vick was a celebrity. Their inclination as fellow celebrities was to root for him, and as fellow teammates to root for his ability to help them on the field. But the feelings still ended up going deeper, and this award demonstrates it.
“It means a great deal,” Vick said. “I’ve only been in this locker room for 3 1/2 months. For those guys to feel that way about me, it means a lot to me. The bond that I have with the players on this team and the way we’ve jelled has been outstanding.”
Someone asked Vick what kind of courage he demonstrated, per the award.
“I’ve had to overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can bear,” he said. “Take a look at what I’ve been through. You ask certain people to walk in my shoes, they probably couldn’t do it – probably 95 percent of the people in this world. Because nobody had to endure what I’ve been through, situations I’ve been put in, situations I’ve placed myself in, decisions that I’ve made, whether they were good or bad. There are always consequences behind certain things and there are repercussions behind them, too. Then you have to wake up every day and face the world, whether they perceive you in the right perspective or it’s a totally different outlook on you.
“You just have to be strong and believe in yourself and be optimistic. That’s what I’ve been able to do and that’s what I display.”
When you talk to Vick, it sometimes takes him a minute to get to the key point: situations I’ve placed myself in. That is what rankles for some, still, that minute it sometimes takes. But it is all part of a longer process.
Anyway, Vick said, “The thing I told Roger [Goodell] was that, 4 or 5 years from now, when I come to him, I’ll be able to say everything I told you I was going to do, I’m still doing it. That’s what I pride myself on. That’s my focus and that’s my goal.”
That might have seemed a more appropriate time for an award such as this one, not now. Then again, this is all about a bond within a locker room, a place that none of us can hope to understand from the outside
MV#777
January 2nd, 2010
3:00 pm
WHAT GOES AROUND….
COMES AROUND……
LOL………..