Poll on Bratkowski: Thumbs up or down?
Bob Bratkowski (Associated Press).
We haven’t heard from Matt Ryan since the end of the Green Bay game.
Loading ...In addition to Carson Palmer, here’s a list of quarterbacks that the new Falcons quarterback coach has work with:
1989 at the U: Craig Erickson.
1991 at the U: Gino Torretta.
1992-’98, Seattle: Rick Mirer, John Friesz and Warren Moon.
1999-2000 Pittsburgh: Was the wide receivers coach.
2001-’10 Cincinnati: Jon Kitna, Carson Palmer and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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93 comments Add your comment
FalconUGAFan
February 13th, 2011
11:27 am
No expert like many of the other bloggers here so I will rely on Smitty to make the right decision. He’s done ok so far if his record is any indicator.
The real issue
February 13th, 2011
11:28 am
is whether the playcalling will be improved.
The real issue
February 13th, 2011
11:30 am
Maybe the difference in attitude by bloggers toward the Falcons concerns who paid for season tickets and the playoff game just to get another disappointment and a brutal one at that.
The real issue
February 13th, 2011
11:36 am
is also why do the Packers have 2nd stringers nearly as good as the 1st string?
Compare the Falcons lack of depth at WR to the Packers loaded stable.
Roddy White better not ever get injured or the offense is done.
The real issue
February 13th, 2011
11:38 am
Thanks D Led for the info on QBs B Rat has worked with.
Ok that one is a low blow.
Funny but not fair.
woodie
February 13th, 2011
11:39 am
Wow- he’s coached a lot of Hall of Fame QB’s…….
BigGAdawg
February 13th, 2011
11:47 am
If Coach Smith and Mr. Dimitroff are as skilled at picking coaches as they are a picking players we will be OK. However, I voted “Undecided,” taking the wait and see approach. I don’t think he could mess up Mattie Ice–but the real issue is can he help him continue to get better and can he develop the other QBs?
D man
February 13th, 2011
12:02 pm
Time will tell if he will help Matt.
Socialsea
February 13th, 2011
12:08 pm
In the end it has nothing to do with my vote. You’ll be able to pull this poll out all season depending on what happens to support who was right or wrong. Smith, Dimitroff and Blank know they are in an all or nothing situation next season. I’ve got to believe they studied this carefully, made the best decision possible and found a great match for Matt Ryan and the team.
GT GRAD
February 13th, 2011
12:08 pm
I do not know much about him.
I trust the decisions made by the current group of mrn at the Atlanta Falcons.
Based on the list of QB’s above, he seems to have a history of getting a significant amount of production out of marginal to good talent……….this leads me to think he will do a great job with Matt Ryan.
Ryan brings a better overall package than each QB listed above except for maybe Carson & Moon……….he very well might have as much or more ability/talent as Carson & Moon!! Only time will tell, but I would rather have Matt Ryan than right now than any of the QB’s listed above after 3 years in the NFL……….let’s see what Bratkowski and the rest of the Falcons staff can do with Ryan! {P.S. I was a huge fan of Warren Moon back in the day}
Titansfan
February 13th, 2011
12:34 pm
Disappointed up in Nashville. Word is he could have been the Titans OC but opted to go to Atlanta instead.
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Seattle Falcons Fan
February 13th, 2011
1:03 pm
let’s all remember……..before TD and Smitty were hired we all wanted Parcells or Romeo Cormell……how did they turn out? I’d rather be a Falcons fan that a Dolphins fan right now…TD obviously knows this guy (I’m sure they talked at the senior bowl)…….also we needed someone to come in and fit our system…..not someone who would come in and dramatically change the offense…..if we can sign two or three key free agents and have a good draft…..we’ll be in good shape…..my wish list-DE, RB, WR, OL, LB……D. Williams, Nnamdi, Vet Linebacker-draft DE, WR, and O-line…or sign a WR and draft a CB
Samuel
February 13th, 2011
1:03 pm
Don’t panic guys he’s just the quarterback coach. He might bring something to the game that’s different for Ryan. He might even take his game to the next level. We all know that Smitty and Marvin Lewis have been friends for a long time. Hence that’s where this guy comes in.
Falcons relax
February 13th, 2011
1:16 pm
Im betting TD and Smitty made the right decision just based on the fact that Jim Zorn was still out there and they could’ve hired him. BUTH THEY DIDN’T. They hired this guy. I put my trust in them. O-LINE AND BACKUPS ARE THE NEED FOR THIS DRAFT. Screw the sexy picks. No WR or RB is needed in the 1st round like some say. We need a younger o-line that will grow with Ryan for most of his career. This current o-line has taking us as far as it can and thats REGULAR SEASON PLAY. D-Led was right last year. We need to take the “next” pouncey and stick em at C.
The Real Falcon
February 13th, 2011
1:18 pm
Hey, glad to see the real and realistic posters back.
Not the nay sayers.
Let’s give it a chance and then decide.
rollo lawson
February 13th, 2011
1:20 pm
The only quality qbs on that list are Moon and Palmer. Moon really doesn’t count because he had already been in the league several years before Bratkowski got with him. If we don’t find more weapons, his hiring is moot anyway.
kelly
February 13th, 2011
1:34 pm
sorry to hear this news. I thought Kevin Rogers was in the running and would have been the best person to work with young QB. Oh well time will tell, but I think we missed the mark here.
Larry
February 13th, 2011
2:03 pm
Ryan and Bratkowski on the sideline…
Ryan: “Coach Brat, it is 2nd and 8, were down 21 points in the 3rd quarter to the packers, and Coach Mularkey just signaled for a Turner off tackle run” I think this may end up with a 3rd and 6 or 7. Can you talk with him?”
Coach Brat: “Matt, pretend you misunderstood the signal, call a pass instead, and I’ll cover for you!”
Result: First down pass from Ryan to Gonzalez and a finally a good QB coaching hire!
falcon21
February 13th, 2011
2:19 pm
I agree with Falcons relax, the o-line has to get better at pass protection or we will keep seeing the same old 3 to 7 yard throws and punt.
Who Dat Nation
February 13th, 2011
2:52 pm
Perfect Fit for the most Overrated Team in the NFL. Maybe the qb won’t choke next season
#1 BLANK FAN
February 13th, 2011
4:39 pm
@Seattle Falcons Fan 1:03 pm my wish list-DE, RB, WR, OL, LB……
Does that say RB as in Running Back? No offense but that kind of shocked me. We do have Turner, Snelling, Norwood (Jerious is still on the team isnt he? seriously, I havent heard that he was released but haven’t heard anything really) and Ovie. I know Ovie is a FB but man I would love to seem him with a football in his hands more often, he is a monster. But my point is we got a bruiser in Snelling and Ovie, we got a speed back in Norwood (yea I know, if he can keep from getting broke), and then we got the freak Turner the Burner that is the odd bruiser plus speed. In my opinion assuming we still have Norwood on the team we have a NICE set of Backs out there. What we honestly need is like 3 WR’s. We need a DNA clone of Roddy starting on the other side, then we need a couple serviceable backups. Somebody said it up above, if Roddy goes down we are in deep deep trouble man. If we can somehow hold on to this crew I think we will be set. Personally I think Snelling is probably a nice little trade piece to dangle out there to move up in the first round or get that veteran clone of Roddy.
hirsutedawg
February 13th, 2011
5:53 pm
Or throw as many picks as your boy, right Who Dat?
suwaneefalcon
February 13th, 2011
5:54 pm
Like the first post states, I will trust TD and his crew to make the right decisions. Unlike some of the ignorant Falcon “fans” that will post their whines and boo-hoo’s because they don’t know squat. Right woodie? Oh and who dat, you got to be kidding on here shooting off your backward a** cajun mouth. You do remember Seattle, right? Or did you drink that memory away cajun inbred?
Big Rich
February 13th, 2011
5:56 pm
Really….Seriously…Did anybody look at the list of QB this guy has coached. Everyone of them average to sub-par. Palmer is the best he’s had to work with and has been a question in the Bengals organization since being drafted. His body of work as a QB coach is not impressive
some sense
February 13th, 2011
6:06 pm
The only things anyone on here really care about are:
a.) Who will UGa hire as “defensive ends” coach?
b.) Will John Jenkins…is that his name? the new nose tackle?…be in shape when he reports in June?
JSS
February 13th, 2011
6:13 pm
He really coached up Rick NightMirer!
JSS
February 13th, 2011
6:19 pm
Larry
February 13th, 2011
2:03 pm
“Ryan and Bratkowski on the sideline… cover for you!”
“Result: First down pass from Ryan to Gonzalez and a finally a good QB coaching hire!”
No, result: Monday morning visit to the GM’s office and a security escort off the Flowery Branch complex… See ya!
BFALCON
February 13th, 2011
6:19 pm
Would have preferred Zorn or J.Jadozinski (name my not be spelled right, but he coached Ryan at BC. The Falcons problem go beyond a QB coach, they were exposed in the game with G.Bay. Now teams will copy that formula.This offseason is the most important because the Falcons have shown the can win on a consistant basis, now they have to take it to the next level. They released Colman, now they should release J. Anderson, B.Finneran,C.Owens, J.Norwood(I think he’s a free agent).I know this labor situation is a black cloud over free agency and what to expect.If everything works out. The Falcons need to be aggressive.Here are a some players who I like to see become Falcons: S.Holmes WR or S.Rice WR, M.Kiwanuka DE, C.Bailey CB, a true shutdown corner, who would provide leadership and direction.Homecoming would excite alot of people around Ga. In the draft, I would look to draft A.Bailey from the U or C.Jordan DE from Cal.
collegeballfan
February 13th, 2011
6:21 pm
Up!
Seattle Falcons Fan
February 13th, 2011
6:21 pm
Look at Mularkey……he was terrible in Buffalo…he seems to be doing pretty good with the right weapons……
#1 Blank fan- I’ve been hearing that Norwood is going to be cut…..nothing official but most speculation is he’s gone…..I’m just afraid Turner will get burnt out if we keep using him so hard and teams will have a hard time tackling Turner up the middle if they have to chase down a speedy back on two or three downs a series….plus imagine the play action passes that would open up for Ryan….I’ve only heard two rumors so far D. Williams from Carolina and D. Sproles from San Diego….
I know financially it probably doesn’t make sense but defensive backfield of Nnamdi, Moore, Decoud, Robinson, and Grimes at nickle would shut down Greenbay and New Orleans
Brent
February 13th, 2011
6:41 pm
No one is going to copy the GB game plan…. what would that game plan be exactly… Take the field and wait for the Falcons to have the worst game of their season? It was a bad game at the worst possible time. Mike McCarthy has already said their game plan was the same as in the first game. We won that game. Also, even if they beat us when we were at the top of our game (which they might well have had we played our best game…they were hot), not a lot of teams have the depth at WR or the QB to copy their game plan.
Already have one loser with "U"ga ties.....
February 13th, 2011
6:45 pm
He was rushing 3 for the entire game against Green Bay, and letting Rodgers stand around like a statue all day with no pressure around him.
Not really a fan of this, given his track record. I guess as a “backup” Off Coor, he may not be that bad, but we need a real QB coach who has developed QBs. This guy has not…..and anyone with “U”ga in the blood has an inbred short life.
Brent
February 13th, 2011
6:52 pm
He was rushing 3 because we lost our nickel back and new if we rushed more he would chew us up… not that his way was any better… but it was a viable coaching decision… we would have lost that game no matter what until we get a few more DBs that aren’t practice squad caliber players.
Brent
February 13th, 2011
6:53 pm
that should be knew… not new lol
Falcons relax
February 13th, 2011
7:22 pm
@ Seattle Falcon Fan NO! What your saying makes perfect sense. We have the money with blank and the cap space based on TD’s genius way of building this team. Letting coleman go is just cutting more fat of the pig. Signing Nnamdi IS THE KEY TO FIXING THIS WHOLE DEFENSE. Revis is the reason Jets defense is good. He cuts one side of the field off. I thought the same thing. Franchise Tag Grimes to keep him for 1 more year and put him in the NB. Robinson and Nnamdi would make top CB tandem in the league.
@ Brent “No one is going to copy the GB game plan…. what would that game plan be exactly… Take the field and wait for the Falcons to have the worst game of their season?” LMAO!! But seriously, BVG actually called a pretty good game compared to what he went through. YOU FORGET ABOUT ALL THOSE MISSED SACKS, based on his play calling??? Same thing happened with the saints. THAT ISN’T BVGS FAULT, guys just didn’t execute and wrap up. Rodgers scrambled the whole defense. BVG was put in a hard place. He had no choice but to go ALL COVERAGE with rushing 3 lineman to put more DB’s on the field.
Seattle Falcons Fan
February 13th, 2011
7:24 pm
If we sign Nnamdi and D.Williams-
Round 1- best DE, unless Pouncey is available….. (DE round one)- WR # 2, OL # 3, OL or DL # 4, CB # 5……
(Pouncey round one)- DE # 2, WR # 3, OL or DE # 4, CB # 5
CRAZY FALCONS FAN
February 13th, 2011
8:21 pm
LOOOK AT THE WALTER FOOTBALL MOCK DRAFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS THE BEST ONE I HAVE SEEN YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AGREE WITH 100 PERCENT OF THOSE PICKS AND IF WE COULD ADD A CONER IN FREE AGENCY FOR THE NICKEL THEN WE WOULD HAVE A GREAT TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF THAT EXACT SCENARIO HAPPENED, FALCONS WIN THE SUPPERBOWL NEXT YEAR, COUNT ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Falcons relax
February 13th, 2011
8:44 pm
@ seattle falcons fan I disagree. O-LINE TO ME IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY. We still have sidbury and kroy bierman is still growing. ITs funny because when grimes was garbage it was, “DRAFT CB FIRST ROUND” or “SIGN CB IN FREE AGENCY.” Now its “Hope we keep grimes.” Why? Because Smitty and TD did the EXACT OPPOSITE of what most falcons fans wanted in cutting grimes. They kept grimes AND LET HIM DEVELOP. Whos to say the same thing can’t happen to bierrman and sidbury?
Drafting a DE 1st still isn’t smart to me, especially if the guy isn’t top 5 prospect. Neither is WR. WR shouldn’t be looked at until round 4 or 5 and thats just for back up. We need the next Finneran in being a red zone threat. 1st round-Pouncey or draft LT. 2nd round-OG or C. 3rd round-RB ( like Kendall Hunter) and after that is whatever we need for back ups. This is the time for NEEDS, not being sexy like AL DAVIS AND THE RAIDERS DURING DRAFT TIME.
surfdawg
February 13th, 2011
9:14 pm
In my opinion only one Quarterback mentioned had some success and that is Warren Moon
Gene
February 13th, 2011
9:42 pm
Bratkowski will probably be ok. Cincinnati is a great example of what happens when you enlist criminals like Tank Johnson and head cases dismissed from other teams. The Bengals are no measure of coaching talent in recent years. I am not nearly as smart as most fans who post here, but it looks to me like the Falcons would benefit from having someone small and fast in the backfield to spread the field a bit.
Seattle Falcons Fan
February 13th, 2011
9:54 pm
No I don’t have a problem with that……..and I think we need to resign all three OL FAs….I just think we need those positions filled…..the only reason I didn’t put the o-line sooner is because A- this is adeep draft for DE and you can find really good linemen deeper in the draft…..but I wouldn’t just draft a player with less talent just to full a need…..I’m all about restocking the line of our future….and I didn’t forget about TE but Gonzo will be back one more year…TE # 1 2012
Duck tape and glue
February 13th, 2011
11:27 pm
Agree with the need for more o-line. Doesn’t matter who the qb coach is if you’re trying to launch a deep ball in less than 2 seconds. You want a playmaker get one at left tackle. Matt Ryan’s greatest strength is covering up this weakness by constantly throwing it away in the nick of time. However, if you didn’t see the steady decline in Turner’s game this year you are wearing blinders. If Snelling got as many carries as Turner this year the yards would not be much less. If you can get Leshoure in the right spot you have to take him. I don’t understand why everyone seems to want to cut Norwood. Reggie Bush is hurt all the time. What do you expect from an undersized back? When he’s healthy Norwood is 100% effort all the time. Turner looked physically slow or mentally apathetic alot this year. Whatever the reason its not good and appears to be getting worse.
bigeasy830
February 13th, 2011
11:38 pm
Get Matt Ryan some playmaking WR’s that can get YAC, and the Falcons will win the Super Bowl.
just me
February 14th, 2011
12:13 am
I am concerned and this is why.
Rick Mirer was highly touted coming out of college. His best year with Seattle was his first. The following years he had a decline in passing yards, comp pct, and tds, with an increase in ints by the 3rd year. He had 17 starts over the next 8 seasons. He never really caught on for any extened amount of time with another team.
John Friesz was a career back-up QB he did start 11 games over 4 years for Seattle while being the back-up. He never finished a year with a comp pct higher than 58% w/ Seattle. He did have a 2:1 TD:int ratio the year he started 6 games.
Warren Moon was in the twilight of his career amd was under him for the 14th and 15th years of his(Moon’s 17 year) career. The first he had over 500 passing attempts and a 5:3 td:int ratio. The second Moon only started 10 games and he had 11:8 td:int with a drop in comp pct. Moon never completed 60% of his passes under Bratkowski.
Jon Kitna was under Bratkowski in Seattle (back-up) and in Cin. Kitna’s(3rd year starting) first year under Bratkowski in Cin saw a decilne in Kitna’s comp pct and tds from previous year with an increase in his ints. Good news !!! Kitna’s comp pct, passing yards, td:int ratio all improved the next two years under Bratkowski. Kitna became the back-up to Palmer in 2004. Although in 2006 and 2007 while Kitnas started for Detroit his passing yards and comp pct where higher that any year under Bratkowski.
Carson Palmer became started for Cin in 2004. With the exception of passing yards, which improved in the 06 and 07 seasons, 2005 was his best season. Palmer’s only season with a comp pct below 60% was 2008. 08 (injury year) was also the only season he threw for more ints than tds. In 09 his stats dropped drastically. This past year they were closer to his career average.
Ryan Fitzpatrick took over when Palmer got hurt in 2008(4th year in the league). This was his only year under Bratkowski. His comp pct was 59%, and had 8 td and 9 ints in 12 starts. The next year in Buf (not under Bratkowski) he saw action in 10 games started 8. He threw 9 tds and 10 ints and comp pct dropped to 56%. This past year in 13 starts he threw 23 tds with 15 ints and a 58% comp pct.
What does this mean? Maybe nothing. There are tons of factors that play into QB stats ( O-Line, WRs, types of plays called, etc.) Maybe that had to do with the QBs he worked with. Though Kitna did have more passing yards and higher comp pct each year in Det than he did in Cin. Maybe the stats have something to do with maturaty level of the players and the coach. You be the judge. While I am concerned, I am praying that good things will come of this. I am looking forward to seeing MR spread the ball around a little more.
just me
February 14th, 2011
12:46 am
One other quick note…2010 was the first year that Cin had 4 players with 50+ catches while was Bratkowski QB coach. Two year there where 3 players with 50+ catches and six years with only two players with 50+ catches.
MR top three targets the 3 years he has been here are White, Gonozo(09,10), and Jenkins. How many games did Jenkins miss and he was still the third leading reciever on the team this year with 40+ catches. Can we please get the ball spread around a little more?
Great Falconi
February 14th, 2011
12:47 am
Bratkowski’s a bleepin’ QB coach. Ryan is entering his fourth season as a QB and his coming off his best season. Ryan puts in a ton of film work. If any of you think Bratkowski is going to keep Ryan from getting better…well, I don’t think you understand football very well. I’m indifferent to this hire. An offensive coordinator is infinitely more important, so if Mularkey is given more weapons to work with and the play-calling stays vanilla, then we’ll know who to blame, won’t we?
CRAZY FALCONS FAN
February 14th, 2011
6:40 am
A YEAR OF DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYE OF TONY GONZALEZ WOULD DO WONDERS FOR A YOUNG TE CUZ TONY G HAS SO MUCH HE CAN TEACH HIM
Bird Game
February 14th, 2011
8:16 am
How can Bratkowski be a great hire when there is not one successful season at any team on his resume. Not one of the quarterbacks he has tutored is worth mentioning as a legitimate franchise QB that made an impacted in the league. I mean Gino Torretta………………are you serious? Carson Palmer is even a subpar QB in the league, and he’s not even in the top ten discussions right now as I write this entry. They should’ve revamped the whole offensive coaching staff at the end of their playoff run when there were still quality OC’s and QB coaches to choose from.
JSS
February 14th, 2011
8:21 am
Great Falconi
February 14th, 2011
12:47 am
“Bratkowski’s a bleepin’ QB coach. Ryan is entering his fourth season as a QB and his coming off his best season. Ryan puts in a ton of film work. If any of you think Bratkowski is going to keep Ryan from getting better…well, I don’t think you understand football very well.”
He does “tons of film work” and still can not figure out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! I’m so sick of hearing that (his film study habit). Ryan, Peyton Manning, and Eli Manning are geniuses who still don’t see corners sitting on routes; or free safeties waiting 3 yards off of seam routes baiting them (especially Ryan)!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 14th, 2011
8:22 am
EARLY RETURNS:
Do you like the hiring of Bob Bratkowski as quarterbacks coach?
* Yes (43%, 427 Votes)
* Undecided (37%, 368 Votes)
* No (20%, 207 Votes)
Total Voters: 1,002
Bird Game
February 14th, 2011
8:28 am
D. Ledbetter,
Honestly…. give one high light of Bratkowski career that speaks out great hire…. I’ll wait.
mgdawg
February 14th, 2011
8:58 am
Has carson palmer really progressed that much? He had a good couple of seasons at the start of his career, but since then he has flatlined and probably isn’t in the top half of qb’s in the nfl. Maybe this was due to his injury or some other factor that I don’t know, but having carson palmer as the top name on the list doesn’t blow me away. However, I do realize the top qb coaches out there are not going to make a lateral move, if they leave their team they’re going to want to be an offensive coordinator. Hopefully the falcons know what they are doing.
LOCKOUT
February 14th, 2011
9:05 am
All of this talk is irrelevent. THERE WILL BE NO..ZERO NFL PLAYED IN THE 2011-12 SEASON. START LOOKING AHEAD TO 2012-13.
PMC
February 14th, 2011
9:18 am
I don’t know enough about his body of work to say whether or not I like the move or not. I’ll just hope for the best.
The fact that he’s been employed as a QB coach in the league for a long time would seem to be in the plus column much moreso than that resume of students.
Cincinatti is a trainwreck of an organization with horrible ownership. Success is going to be few and far between there for virtually anyone. Hard to judge any player or coach only on what they did for the Bengals.
Rick Mirer was vastly overrated because he was a QB for the Irish….(and we all know that never happens right?)
Barkin'Dog
February 14th, 2011
9:19 am
1989 at the U: Craig Erickson.
1991 at the U: Gino Torretta.
These 2 QBs did pretty well being coached by Bratkowski in those years at the U of Miami (college). What happened to these 2 QBs in the pros hasn’t much to do with their college QB coach.
PMC
February 14th, 2011
9:20 am
I really think another athletic TE, a faster WR on one side or the slot (perhaps HD) and or a back with some speed out of the backfield who can catch passes will ultimately help Matt Ryan. He needs to model his game after Drew Brees.
DoninAcworth
February 14th, 2011
9:22 am
Seems like another step forward for Matt and the team. I’m with the coach here.
Sid
February 14th, 2011
9:22 am
Bratkowski wasn’t the Bengals QB coach, he was their Offensive Coordinator for the last 10 years being replaced by Jay Gruden this month. Bratkowski’s dad was a QB (Packers) but Bratkowski himself was a wide receiver. You don’t hear anything about Frank Reich (Peyton Manning’s QB coach) so I guess we’ll just have to trust the hire to the Falcons brass.
Barkin'Dog
February 14th, 2011
9:24 am
If Palmer hadn’t torn his ACL in the first half of the AFC CG against Pittsburgh, they would have won that game and likely the Super Bowl. And, as we all know, Palmer has never been the same since (fear of future injury, quick releases, I assume). Then the carnival began with Ocho Cinco, etc… and the Bengals regressed for all time (hence why Palmer wants out). One can only assume Bratkowski wanted out ASAP as well. Personally, I’m glad to have him – believe he will perform better than any other time in his career with this opportunity. GO FALCONS!
Terrell
February 14th, 2011
9:29 am
Falcons relax
Are you serious? First you say we should get Nnamdi and then we should franchise Grimes and move him to NB? I’m sorry but that is just dumb. You’re going to pay Grimes $10-15M to be a NB? Come On Man.
The Jets are good because they can generate a pash rush and they allow their DBs to play man the whole game which is a strength of Revis and Cromartie. They are both suspect in zone defense
Barkin'Dog
February 14th, 2011
9:31 am
Sid — good call on Frank Reich… one of my favorite back-ups of all time. He orchestrated the greatest comeback in NCAA history (playing for Maryland vs. Miami, the week after Flutie’s Hail Mary, against Bernie Kosar), and NFL history for Buffalo in the AFC CG against Warren Moon’s Oilers after Jim Kelly went down (these records may have been broken since then, though). I would suppose the best news about a QB coach is no news (as you stated). Only bad news seems to make the news
mryan2
February 14th, 2011
9:34 am
If you’re an Atlanta/Georgia Sports fan and want to talk with other fans, check out our NEW message board.
http://www.atlsportsnation.com/forum
We have team forums for the Falcons, Bulldogs, Hawks, Braves, Yellow Jackets, Thrashers, etc. Please register and post! Be apart of a huge site in the early days of existence. See ya there! We’re looking for posters, moderators, bloggers/writers. Join up if interested.
cbcon
February 14th, 2011
10:17 am
He has a good pedigree. Wiki him and his dad, Zeke.
Falcon Fan 2
February 14th, 2011
11:46 am
Its a done deal, he is the Coach so why all the voting and BS. Lets see what the man can do. Support the Falcons and work together..get good draft picks and lets win!!!!
JSS
February 14th, 2011
12:26 pm
“Cincinatti is a trainwreck of an organization with horrible ownership. Success is going to be few and far between there for virtually anyone. Hard to judge any player or coach only on what they did for the Bengals.”
That is like “Mama’s Family” (the Falcons all-time .424 winning percentage) calling “BJ and the Bear” (the Bengals all-time .435 winning percentage) bad TV!
SawThat1nce
February 14th, 2011
12:55 pm
Stuck in TVLand?
Die Hard Falcon
February 14th, 2011
1:09 pm
Hey all, I for one think this is a good hire for us, but only time will tell. I trust TD and his judgement, while it’s not perfect, I think it’s the best in the almost 20 years I’ve been a Falcons fan.
In other offseason comments, I would very much like to get Nnamdi but he isn’t going to come to ATL, unfortunately he’s talked only about the Jets and the Packers, let’s hope he stays in the AFC if he doesn’t come our way. One thing that crossed my mind though was now that the Texans are moving to a 3-4 D, what does that mean for Super Mario Williams? I know it’s a ridiculous longshot, and I’m a dreamer, but if they would somehow be willing to trade him for our 1st round pick and JA98 who fits the 3-4 better perhaps, or even adding another mid round pick or something, would that not be an “super” pick up for us? I know it’s a dream and almost certain not to happen, but what a scenario. Any thoughts?
Kane337
February 14th, 2011
1:11 pm
With the lockout looming Bratkowski may not even get a chance to coach up Ryan until September.
Die Hard Falcon
February 14th, 2011
1:18 pm
I think this is a good hire, you’re not going to get a huge name for a position coach very often, and when you do, they usually leave in a year or 2, this guy has plenty of experience and I trust in TD’s decision-making ability. Not perfect but the best I’ve seen in ATL in the 20 years of being a Falcon fan.
In other offseason comments:
I would love to get Nnamdi, but he’s said he wants to play for the Jets or the Packers. I hope he decides to stay in the AFC if he won’t come to us. I was thinking since the Texans are switching to a 3-4, I wonder what that’ll mean for Super Mario Williams? I know it’s a complete dream that will most likely never happen, but what about trading our 1st round pick, JA98 (since he fits 3-4 scheme), and another mid round pick to Houston for Williams? I know it’s a stretch, but that would lift us up to elite status immediately. Any thoughts or has anyone heard anything regarding the Texans moving Williams to other teams or where they’ll play him?
Decatur Falcon
February 14th, 2011
1:27 pm
Matt Ryan needs Bratkowski wisdom, because Matt Ryan needs it out there on the field. Now Matt Ryan has to get some arm strength, he is tall and can see over the line. I love that, but you have Roddy White. No wide receiver like to came back for the football, Falcons don’t have the wide receiver that got that kind of instinct on the field to fight for the football in the air like Green Packers wide receivers. Mike Smith has to see this about Matt Ryan when he look at game film. I am hoping that Bratkowski can correct Matt Ryan weakness, and become the quarterback we drafted in the first round.
Trailboss
February 14th, 2011
1:48 pm
Now that we have a new OB coach,,,, Don’t for the our DF coor. who play not to lose insteal of playing to winn. I can’t blame the plays its the coaches call the plays and I know none of the wanted to play prevent D and they’re behind and Van Gore and 3-8 prevent D. He should be back in college.
JSS
February 14th, 2011
3:02 pm
SawThat1nce
February 14th, 2011
12:55 pm
“Stuck in TVLand?”
They wouldn’t play that crap on TV Land… That is why the comment about the Bengals was illogical coming from a Atlanta sports fan (sorry Paul, you actually make sense 98% of the time)…
Brian
February 14th, 2011
4:34 pm
SAINTS FANS and others pretending to be Falcon faithful (JSS – I’m talkin to you!)– GO BACK TO THE ‘AINTS BLOG WHERE YOU BELONG!
Did anyone pay attention to Carson’s numbers without the DIVAS on the field? In the two games with good route runners (and without T-OCHO to contend with) Carson posted 90+ passer rates (according to NFL.com). Matty is a GOOD QB, still developing and needs two more speedy WR with great hands to scare defensive secondaries out of double coverage. Matty showed in the PRO BOWL he can take you apart with multiple targets (Calvin Johnson, FITZ, Desean, ROWDY). HD and Jenks (even Roddy) dropped many crucial passes along the course of the season.
This Bratkowski guy is just a position coach, NOT the OC!
Here are what I think the important draft/free agency needs are:
1 – WR (James Jones (GB) will be a free agent this year.)
2 – OT (specifically left tackle) Baker struggled all year against speed rushers.
3 – DE (Abe is in the twilight of his career)
4 – RB (Turner will be 31 this year and Norwood needs to go.)
5 – TE
6 – OLB/MLB
7 – OG
JSS
February 14th, 2011
6:40 pm
Reposting here as well…
@ Brian the Clown…
I systematically answered your “snarky” post. Maybe your master and protector Ledbetter will release it… If not, you have no clue!
PlanB
February 14th, 2011
8:09 pm
Don’t forget about Meier next year. I think he will be good but hope he doesn’t come back like H. Douglas did this year.
I do think we should go for Nnamdi though if we are serious about being SB contenders.
I still have to wonder who is calling the O & D schemes in games. Is it MM & BVG or is Smitty putting conservative restraints on them. If not, we need to let MM go.
MB
February 14th, 2011
9:23 pm
WE NEED A Back that can catch the football
MB
February 14th, 2011
9:31 pm
we need to chill relax a littli bit were in the third yr of a process ive been wtchn since 66 seen alot of bad times arthur will get us thru.do yall know who the smiths r.this aint even close.count ur bleesins.gonna build thru the draft.we will have r revenge.green bay ur lucky
yo mama
February 14th, 2011
11:44 pm
Look Ryan;s game is solid except for throwing the deep ball. he hangs it up too high, just throw the damn ball deep better than we have, and thats an improvement. carson can throw the deep ball. what else does Matty have to do? he needs to win in the post season, and work on his deep ball. looks like his work last off season worked, and now has a new coach to help out his game. nice work. good find.
kevin
February 14th, 2011
11:46 pm
Let me set everyone straight about Bob Crapkowski….as a long suffering Bengals fan, Bengals nation has wanted this bum gone for 3 straight years and finally got their wish. He is the NFL graveyard for QB’s and offenses…has shown an utter inability to adjust in-game to situations, does not utilitze the talent around him (forget about your TE ever getting the ball thrown to him, bob would rather bite off his own hand first)…has let RB Bernard Scott rot on the bench instead of using him in the screen game with his immense speed…and he is the undertaker for all quality QB’s….last good season he oversaw an offense was 2005….and the talent stayed the same for 3 years following that. Anybody would be insane to make their O-coordinator….QB coach is even a huge stretch. Mark it down–he will single handedly ruin Matt Ryan within a matter of 2 years. He already did the same to Carson Palmer.
SawThat1nce
February 15th, 2011
1:58 am
Jss…..@6:40pm……………your “snarky” post….Ha Ha.
SawThat1nce
February 15th, 2011
2:01 am
Enter your comments here
Jeff
February 15th, 2011
9:15 am
Wish the Falcons were hiring a new defensive coordinator. The current one is not capable of coaching in the nfl.
yeahsure
February 15th, 2011
10:07 am
Theres no pleasing some of you “falcons” fans. This is a guy with decades of football experience that we are hiring as QB COACH. It’s not HC or OC. He will not be calling plays!
“but we should have hired __enter big name here___ or ______ ” Umm… maybe they didn’t want to leave their stable higher paying jobs, move their families to come to Atlanta to become a QB Coach.
schmeckdawg
February 15th, 2011
10:18 am
Can this guy improve on the Falcons’ third favortie play? Hey Tony take two step and turn around. The Falcons need a lot of help at a lot of postitions so the hiring of this guy doesn’t really float my boat. Get back to us with some free agency signings and after the draft!
yeahsure
February 15th, 2011
10:26 am
Musgrave is well respected and may have been a really good coach. However, Matty did have several instances where he stared down receivers and threw off his back foot on the long ball. Maybe a fresh pair of eyes from a football guy will have some benefit for this progression.
And again, position coaches do not call plays on the offense or defense.
Who?
February 15th, 2011
10:40 am
why are the falcons hiring no name coaches from a crummy team like the bengals? Their offense was terrible. Atl needs to hire coaches from good teams like Green Bay and New England, not the lowly bengals. Atl better get it together quick or they may not even make the playoffs next year.
JR from VR
February 15th, 2011
10:49 am
I was hoping the Falcons could hire John Ramsdell from San Diego if he perhaps was interested in a change of situation but I trust Smitty and think Bratkowski will be a good QB coach
JeanE
February 15th, 2011
11:57 am
Why do we need the “next Finneran” when we still got the original? His hands didn’t stop working, nor did his brain, his character or his stellar work ethic! Guy can still move the chains and we can’t afford to lose his excellent play on special teams, I hope the Falcons Brass realizes these facts.
falCANTS4ever
February 15th, 2011
12:24 pm
where are all the fans that have been saying Matty Melt doesn’t need a QB coach?…he’s top tier…one of the greatest…HOF stuff…my a$$….no coach will be able to get MM to quit looking at his primary receiver at the snap….and of course, who’s gonna coach him out of that ‘out’ pass that sails over the receiver and into the ball boy’s hands…..falCANTS
Truly study the game of football, the trends, and what's going on.
February 15th, 2011
5:47 pm
Undecided
Jethro
February 15th, 2011
8:31 pm
Ryan’s a sponge. If Brat has something worth offering (I think he does) then Ryan will absorb. Matt’s not so malleable that a coach can completely change his style. Wouldn’t be a good coach if he tried. Besides, Matt didn’t lose to Green Bay – the Atlanta Falcons lost to Green Bay. This is a team that doesn’t need an overhaul; it needs a tweak. A different perspective is a tweak.
Falcons relax
February 16th, 2011
11:22 pm
@ Terrell Im serious as a heart attack. Heck yeah I said we should franchise tag Grimes (TO KEEP HIM 1 MORE YEAR) and sign Nnamdi. I said that would be the dream. But letting grimes go in FA and signing Nnamid is more of a realistic thing. Either way my point is signing nnamdi would be epic. AND WHY DO YOU THINK THE JEST GENERATE A PASS RUSH???? Its because of the CBs in Cro and Revis. IT AIN THE PASS RUSH.
Look at the steelers, prime example. Got ate up by the packers. STeelers have a strong front 7 and pass rush, BUT GARBAGE CB’S. Jets are the exact opposite. JEts don’t have a Polamalu or James Harrison type players. Rex Ryan has to make exotic blitzes and schemes to get to the QB based on the play of Revis and Cro. Point being, WE NEED THE SECONDARY TO GET STRONGER. We get a pass rush with Babs and ABe all the time but the secondary gets ate up too often.CB’s create the pass rush with their great covers skills, while a team like the Steelers has to create a pass rush for the CBs to even have a shot at covers skills.