EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff addresses concerns
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith have been in nonstop meetings. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Since returning from the playoff loss to the New York Giants, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has gone through two days of non-stop meetings with head coach Mike Smith and other members of the football operations department.
In a wide-ranging Q&A with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Tuesday evening, Dimitroff discussed his spending on free agents Dunta Robinson and Ray Edwards, the Julio Jones trade, quarterback Matt Ryan, what the team will be looking for in a new defensive coordinator and how they’ll attain a breakthrough in the playoffs.
Q: As you’ve had some time to reflect, what are your thoughts on how the season ended?
A: We came into this season with very strong expectations both internally and externally. We made some aggressive moves both in the draft and free agency. Our expectations were for us to be very productive on both the offensive and defensive sides [of the ball]. We had a solid regular-season by finishing 10-6. We had an opportunity to get into the second season and once again, unfortunately, we came up short in the playoffs. That leaves us all, once again, with a bad taste in our mouths.
Q: How would you evaluate the money spent over the last few years in free agency on cornerback Dunta Robinson and defensive end Ray Edwards?
A: First of all, we were aggressive with the acquisition of Dunta Robinson. Our expectations were for Dunta to come in here and have a presence as a physical corner, help us make plays on the ball and prevent teams from racking up a lot of yards against this defense. Dunta has shown that he can produce for us. Unfortunately, this year our defense was inconsistent and at times so was Dunta. I still believe that we’re getting solid production out of Dunta Robinson in his game. With Ray Edwards, our thought was to bring a defensive end into our organization who brought elements of grit, toughness and competitiveness. We feel strongly that he has done that. He was outstanding [against] the run. He had a presence that we haven’t had at left defensive end in the run game this year. As per his pass rush numbers, obviously both he and we would have liked his pass rush numbers to up around the eight to 10 area. Unfortunately, that didn’t come to fruition. But again, we’re confident that Ray can come back next year with one more year under his belt; with a different system and produce for us.
Q: How do you evaluate the offensive line, especially considering a comparison to a year ago?
A: Unfortunately, for the offensive line we started out with challenges. We struggled in Chicago early on in the season and Matt [Ryan] was exposed to a number of hits that he shouldn’t [have been] exposed to. With that said, we settled down well. We made appropriate adjustments along the way during the season. That enabled us to protect Matt better with each game. We finished sixth overall in sacks allowed so we definitely saw a marked improvement as the season progressed. With that said, we still need to develop as an offensive line. We need to make sure that we get the toughness and physicality out of the offense that we desire from year-to-year. It’s a very, very important part of our offense. We need to continue to protect our franchise-quarterback and we need to continue to move the defensive line so that we’re able to provide holes and opportunities for our run game; be that six inches or six yards.
Q: What’s your view of Matt Ryan in comparison to the league’s best – Aaron Rodgers, Peyton and Eli Manning and Drew Brees?
A: I’m very impressed with Matt Ryan and how he continues to grow from year-to-year. I think he continued to grow this year. I thought he had a fine season. As you know, Matt had the franchise-mark for passing yards this year. I thought he navigated through some difficult times and some challenges with some of our inconsistencies with our offense this year. He stayed positive and he continued to produce well. I think in my mind, there is no doubt that Matt Ryan is one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the National Football League.
Q: Can the running game be what you need it to be with Michael Turner, considering all of his carries over the last few years?
A: Michael continues to produce well for us. He amassed over 1,300 yards for us for the second straight season. When we have called his number, he’s stepped up and got the tough yards. We’ll always continue to evaluate our running game to see what we need to [improve in order] to have a multi-faceted and versatile football team; both in the run and the pass game.
Q: In hindsight, was giving up all of the (five) picks for Julio Jones worth it?
A: We said when we made the very aggressive move on Julio Jones, that this was not only a move for the here-and-the-now. This was a move for long term success of this organization and I believe 100 percent in what we did being the right move for this organization at this time in our evolution. Obviously, Julio Jones had a standout season for a rookie. He had more touchdown grabs — [eight] — than any rookie this year. Despite missing three games, he had the most prolific season for a Falcons rookie in our team history. We are very confident that he’ll continue to grow with Matt in this offense. He’ll continue to be a standout football player and help us produce for years to come.
Q: Can this defense, as constructed, compete for the Super Bowl title?
A: I believe that our defense has continued to improve since 2008. Obviously, there are still areas that we can improve upon. We need to continue to pressure the quarterback. We need to continue to get our hands on balls and capitalize on interceptions. With that said, I love the tenacity of this defense. I’m encouraged by the direction of this defense. Like I’ve said since the very beginning in 2008, we will always continue to look to see where we can upgrade our talent across the depth chart and specifically on the defensive side of the ball.
Q: What will you all look for in your new defensive coordinator?
A: I appreciate everything that Brian VanGorder has done for this team over the last four years. He’s put his heart and soul into helping to create a very aggressive and passionate defense. I personally appreciate that. Moving forward, this defense needs to continue its growth and evolution as a passionate and fiery defense, one that is going to fly to the football, disrupt, be opportunistic and capitalized on opportunities to turn the game around; flip the game in critical situations. We’ll look for a coordinator who will compliment Coach Smith and his approach to putting that type of aggressive defense on the field. Obviously, that coordinator is going to work hand-and-hand with Mike Smith in helping to create a very aggressive defense. Our hope is that we will, in the very near future, land that individual who we think is very appropriate with his approach to helping this defense grow.
Q: What has to happen differently for the Atlanta Falcons to have a breakthrough in the playoffs?
A: As a general manager, it’s my responsibility to step back and analyze what went on throughout the football operations. Not only on-the-field, but off-the-field as well; in the personnel department and from a coaching perspective. I believe that myself and Mike Smith will have [many] discussions, along with Arthur Blank to discuss what we need to change and what we need to adjust moving forward. This team needs to continue to be much more focused and consistent on offense in all facets of the game. Both in the offseason and in-season. We need to be an opportunistic football team through and through. I am, as well as Mr. Blank and Mike Smith, are very driven to make the adjustments needed to provide the fan base with a team that they can be proud of.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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369 comments Add your comment
lsl
January 10th, 2012
9:13 pm
What a pansy interview. Dimitroff was gently tossed soft balls and Orlando didn’t have the nerve to follow up or ask a hard question. I’m not even sure the interview actually occurred as it could have been scripted by anyone. What a waste of time to read.
beone
January 10th, 2012
9:13 pm
Questions posed during this interview were pathetic. TD is quite the politician. Unfortunately, all politicians care about is getting elected, so TD is just interested in keeping his job or getting a better one!
SirReal
January 10th, 2012
9:19 pm
He said NOTHING. I dont wanna hear this.LOL More of the same from Flowery Branch.
Are You Listening Arthur
January 10th, 2012
9:20 pm
Nice softballs you tossed him DOL. Ever heard of a followup question or even to challenge some of those answers. How in the world can you say our defense was aggressive when we rarely pressure the QB and hang back in a “soft zone”. What about asking him if Dunta would be better in press or man to man than zone. What about asking if Edwards surgery affected his performance. Prior to the New Orleans game, I would have agreed that Matt Ryan was maybe 8-10th best QB in the league. Not now. A top 10 QB does not go into the fetal position to pick up 6 inches on a QB sneak…twice in the same game. What a puscatore…he’s trending maybe closer to 15th best in the NFL to me now. Hell, I am beginning to believe Tebow could have taken this team further.
HardyFalcon
January 10th, 2012
9:25 pm
TD SPOKE LIKE HE HAD HIS HEAD IN THE GROUND ALL YEAR. i KNOW HE WAS TRYING TO BE POLITICALLY CORRECT, BUT ITS TIME TO MAN UP AND ADMIT YOUR DRAFT MISTAKES AND FREE -AGENT BUST THE FANS DESERVE BETTER!!!!!
Birdwatcher
January 10th, 2012
9:29 pm
I think that the fans are frustrated because of the utter hopelessness of the situation. I have no hope whatsoever that there will be anything different next year. We all have witnessed with our very eyes how this quarterback performs under pressure. I feel sorry for the offensive line because they get zero help from Ryan. Does anyone notice how Brees, Rogers, and even Eli manipulate the pocket to get an extra second to hit a receiver down the field? THIS F.N NEVER HAPPENS WITH RYAN!!! If this guy gets pressured, the play is DONE. He is either going to take the sack, stumble awkwardly trying to run, or throw the ball out of bounds. Every defensive coordinator in the league knows this. Mr. Happy Feet simply doesn’t have the pocket awareness and intestinal fortitude to give the receivers a chance. In the playoffs, you win by courage, determination, and will. You can’t wait for everything to go perfectly.
John
January 10th, 2012
9:29 pm
I agree with fansince74. We have been improving and continue to do so. My feel is that unless you have been a fan that can remember games being played in Atlanta/Fulton county Stadium …. You need to hold your peace. I have been a fan almost as long as fansince 74 and can remember those teams with Bart, William andrews and Lynn Cain, Bubba Bean, Buddy Curry, Fulton Kykendall, Junior Miller, Bobby Butler, Kenn and Van Note. Allow TD and Mike Smith to work it out….. I would suggest that with the upcomig draft that the focus be placed on the Offensive and Defensive lines. The scouts need to focus on linemen on both sides of the ball. This is where we need both quality and quantity. I also would not mind seeing Jack Del Rio or Mike Nolan walk the sidelines as our DC and we could do alot worse than to have Hue Jackson as our OC if Coach Mularky decides to leave or is asked to leave.
kreedham
January 10th, 2012
9:32 pm
I can’t stop laughing! What do you expect him to say? We’re going to fire MM, we’re cutting Sam Baker, we’re trading Matt Ryan to get draft picks back! Give it time! I’m not happy with the playoff results but I remember, as should everyone, when we had a losing record, every other season. We’ve had a winning record 4 years in a row. I’m happy about that….could I be happier…hell yeah! but it could be and has been a lot worse! As far as Julio goes, you’ll be happy we got him. The best thing about him is YAC. He doesn’t have to catch a 50 yard bomb!
waynester
January 10th, 2012
9:32 pm
Dimitroff has been around Pro football most of his life. I can’t believe he actually thought this pablum would cut it with the fans. These are PR Guy responses, not Football Guy responses. The football guys posting on here tonight are showing the proper reaction to the season we just endured. We’re making some tough statements but we’re saying it out of love for this team. We wouldn’t be anywhere near a Falcons blog after that playoff debacle if we didn’t care deeply about where the franchise is headed. Hopefully, Blank & Co. ARE listening and we’ll get a more honest evaluation tomorrow at the “State of the Franchise” event.
Dave
January 10th, 2012
9:33 pm
same old BS, I know he doesn’t want to throw his guys under the bus, but he’d better make some changes or he’ll be the one under the bus. Insane is keeping doing the same things and expect different results.
Jason
January 10th, 2012
9:33 pm
OBVIOUSLY for you idiots out there, TD was being politically correct. What else do you want him to say? He’s not happy. I bet you he doesn’t sound this way when talking with Blank and Smith. I’m sure he knows he also needs to get rid of Mularkey. And he will.
We have FIVE draft picks. Only 5 and we need to spend 3 of them on OFFENSIVE LINEMEN. Yeah that’s right. THREE OF THE FIVE PICKS need to be on the O-line. We’ll reap benefits from it. Trust me.
As far as the defense. A new scheme should help. But it’s not going to change much because Mike Smith has a BIG hand in how our defense plays. Don’t think it was all on BVG. We need some DBs. Ballhawking DBs. We need to sign a couple out of FA. And a RB. And we’re set.
FalconRed
January 10th, 2012
9:34 pm
Sounds like politically correct BS to me!! How can you look at yourself in the mirror and say “Dunta has shown that he can produce for us”? Like the saying goes…even a blind squirrel gets a nut every now and then! Dunta is a poor excuse for a cornerback! Turner needs to go too! Tell us the truth, TD! We don’t want to hear the PC stuff!!
Birdwatcher
January 10th, 2012
9:34 pm
If I’m a defensive coordinator with another team, my number one goal is to pressure Ryan up the middle. If he’s pressured up the middle it forces him to move out of the pocket. Now take away Gonzales with a double team, put a safety over the top to stop Julio and cover Roddy because he never goes deep. Now Ryan will get skiddish and sail the ball out of bounds – wasted play. Now put 8 in the box and continue to shut down Turner. GAME OVER.
Jason
January 10th, 2012
9:36 pm
This is how the Falcons will WIN A SUPER BOWL TITLE:
-Draft 3 O-linemen in the upcoming draft
-Sign a RB, CB our of FA
-Draft a S with one of our 5 picks
-Draft a DE with the other
-Get a new OC—Brian Billick
-Get a new DC—Jack Del Rio
If we do all those things….we’ll win the Super Bowl
Let's boyott them
January 10th, 2012
9:38 pm
If we are serious about our disgust, let’s boycott the AJC and the Falcons. Move our blog to another site. Don’t read the AJC. Don’t buy Falcons tickets. Don’t watch them on TV. Don’t listen to them on the radio. Don’t buy their jerseys. We should take them seriously. They obviously don’t take us seriously, and why should they, if we keep buying their spin.
EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff addresses concerns | NFL Online News
January 10th, 2012
9:39 pm
[...] Atlanta Falcons This entry was posted in Atlanta Falcons and tagged addresses, concerns, Dimitroff, EXCLUSIVE, Falcons, Thomas. Bookmark the permalink. ← Childress, Schottenheimer latest veteran coaches on Bucs’ radar [...]
randyt
January 10th, 2012
9:39 pm
I hope since we don’t have a first round pick this year that we will go big in free agency. We need an O-line bad. This front office has concentrated on skill position players and totally neglected the O and D lines. And it showed. A good O-line would make Ryan a better Qb, Turner a better Rb, etc. Come on guys the trade for Julio is a waste unless you upgrade this line!
Jason
January 10th, 2012
9:39 pm
Our linebackers will be FINE next season. Lofton, Spoon, Peterson, Nicholas, Dent, Adkins, etc. We have PLENTY of depth at LB. No need to draft one. We need depth in the secondary BADLY. Franks is the best backup player we have back there. DEPTH is CRUCIAL because when someone goes down, you always want someone to step in that is EQUALLY talented as that guy that went down. We need depth in the secondary, depth on the O-line, a new OC, and we’re good.
If this O-line is revamped and looked over, and we get a new OC, our offense will SOAR. Watch what I tell you. I’m never ever wrong. The Falcons will soar if we do those things.
NtheNo
January 10th, 2012
9:40 pm
So, everything is wonderful…..I feel better.
AtlNative
January 10th, 2012
9:41 pm
@John
Yep, you’re right. We were a BAD TEAM for a LONG TIME.
But now, I thought we wanted to take the next step – to build something lasting, and organization that is good for long stretches, and makes noise in the playoffs.
Sorry, I remember the bad times too, but that attitude of “oh well, at least we won 10 games” is PART OF THE PROBLEM IN THIS CITY!
If we would quit letting our teams (BRAVES, FALCONS and HAWKS) get away with this mediocre crap, maybe we would hang banners instead of our heads.
Is it nice we win a lot of games? Sure it is, winning is better than losing.
Is it good to get our asses handed to us by the Packers in the playoffs last year?
Is it good to NOT SCORE A SINGLE OFFENSIVE POINT to the middle of the road Giants?
Why is it, that every time, EVERY TIME, one of our teams gets on the national stage, MNF for example, we get creamed.
Its not just that we lose…. we lose in epic fashion. Complete collapses. Biggest loss in playoff history kind of losses. That is not – moving in the right direction folks. That is not ready for prime time. Did anybody hear Barkley’s comments about the Hawks the other night? That sentiment is shared about ALL ATLANTA TEAMS….
We look good in the regular season, but when the chips are down, the pressure on, we fold. We disintegrate. It is embarrassing.
And if you SETTLE for this crap year after year, if you say, well, at least we aren’t as bad as we used to be… We will NEVER hang a championship in this town.
Do you realize that TEBOW scored more points by himself, against a top flight defense, than our ENTIRE OFFENSE DID on Sunday?
It’s not good enough guys…. not by a LONG SHOT>
Birdwatcher
January 10th, 2012
9:44 pm
@Jason (9:36)
Say No to Del Rio. No more Jacksonville people. What championships have they won? I’m with AtlNative; Let’s stop settling for mediocrity!
Jason
January 10th, 2012
9:44 pm
You guys are IDIOTS! If Ryan had a better O-line he’d be EPIC! A QB needs an O-line before he can throw the football. We couldn’t even get TWO FKING INCHES!!!! TWO FKING INCHESSSSS!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!! The O-line got their tails whipped all day long. You guys wanna sit here and blame it all on Matt Ryan. Well damn can the O-line get a 2 inch push with their fat asses?!!!!!!! My goodness did you guys watch the damn game AT ALL?!
waynester
January 10th, 2012
9:49 pm
Our society has become overly feminized and sadly, NFL football is not immune. We no longer celebrate big hits–hell, we’ve got friggin’ Madonna playing the Superbowl! I’d gladly pay to hear my GM, Owner or HC say after a loss like this “I’m mad as hell and I’m fixin’ to start kicking ass and taking names!” instead we hear “I’m disappointed we didn’t get the oucome we wanted.” It’s a man’s sport played and coached by men–NOW ACT LIKE IT!!! Shoot straight and no more “spin”–leave that to “Dancing with the Stars”…..
roman25
January 10th, 2012
9:49 pm
I didn’t expect TD to reveal exactly what he was going to do in the post season. But I believe all falcon fans wanted to hear anger/emotion/passion anything but the dishwater weak answers that was given to these questions.
AtlNative
January 10th, 2012
9:51 pm
@Jason
I agree with a better O line Ryan would be better. But to say Ryan can be epic is really, really not smart. Have you seen his down the field throws? The guy has a very weak arm and bad accuracy past 15 yards out.
That doesnt mean he can’t win, but he simply isn’t in the same league with the truly epic QB’s of the league.
Birdwatcher
January 10th, 2012
9:52 pm
@Jason
Ryan, EPIC with an O Line? If you can’t stretch the defense in the NFL, you’re screwed against good teams. The league has caught up to those comeback routes. I agree that the O Line needs help, but spread the blame out evenly.
Jason
January 10th, 2012
9:52 pm
I want a coach that knows what the hell he’s doing. We haven’t had that in Atlanta for quite some time. I’m SICK of the mediocrity. When when we stop SETTLING and GO FOR THE KILL? TOO MANY TIMES during the season, we were up on a opponent and LET UP to almost lose the game! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! NFL teams aren’t supposed to do that! We got a sorry ass O-line! A sorry ass OC!!!!! and a sorry ass RB to boot!!!! Turner is 250 pounds! What RB can move at the rate an NFL RB needs to move at 250 lbs!!!!!!!!!!! He needs to be replaced with a LeSean McCoy kinda guy IMO. We need someone shifty but also someone who can take the pounding. BEN TATE perhaps?!!
dr henry
January 10th, 2012
9:54 pm
You didnt ask him what he thought of M Smith, Mularkey, and any of the other coaches – - Watching Coach Smith at the podium after the game I was disappointed in the way he looked like a deer in headlights, having no clue as to what had happened – same as the Green Bay game last Jan.. I know Detroit got their butts kicked in NO but the coach after the game was royally pissed and it showed. Swartz said what he thought and pointed fingers at his DB’s….All Smith did was hem and haw and shuffle around a little bit not giving any answers….He reminds me too much of Mark Richt…In over 40 yrs of following the Falcons Sundays loss was the most embarrassing I can ever remember…..
Jason
January 10th, 2012
9:56 pm
AT BIRDWATCH AND ATLNATIVE….YES Ryan can be EPIC with a great O-line. He can make all the throws. As a matter of fact WATCH THIS SH!T!!!!!!…
http://youtu.be/AHfESfUbyjU
That’s for you FKING HATERS!!!!!! Talking about he’s not MOBILE enough, or he doesn’t have the ARM!!!!! Watch that!!!!
Falcon Fanatic
January 10th, 2012
9:57 pm
Dimitroff is a terrible liar, but what can he say? “I wasted Mr Blank’s money because Dunta and Edwards are terrible” “Matt Ryan is never going to be an elite QB” “Giving up all those picks for Julio was a great idea even though we lost more games and was bounced from the playoffs the same as last year”. If I am Arthur Blank I am wondering what kind of morons I hired to run my investment.
waynester
January 10th, 2012
9:57 pm
ATLNative
“hang banners instead of heads”
awesome line!
Jason
January 10th, 2012
9:59 pm
ANYBODY REMEMBER this throw to Jenkins in Ryan’s ROOKIE season?!!! It takes BALLS and it takes ARM STRENGTH to make this throw. This is one of the TOUGHEST throws an NFL QB has to make…Ryan did it IN CRUNCH TIME!!!!!
http://youtu.be/YkfIt4hOndE
Michael M.
January 10th, 2012
10:00 pm
Reading some comments here and I am with majority of you…………………..lets take a look at this in perspective here for example;
Take New England Patriots and their Coach and staff……you think if they played like our team has in some games this Season they would put up with this ? Nooooooooooo Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy ! They would not have players in there that wasn’t getting the job done !
It is right for the Atlanta Fans to want and expect more than they got this Season and it all starts with Head Coach Mike Smith !
Rainman
January 10th, 2012
10:00 pm
Of course TD is going to spin it and not throw his players under the bus. He knows he has made mistakes. Draft picks are precious especially first three rounds and he missed on Baker, Peria Jerry, Chevis Jackson(3rd round), Owens. The defensive tackles need an upgrade along with free safety. Need a playmaker on defensive that makes a difference. Offensively, I would try and trade Turner for draft picks. Pick up a more mulit-dimensial back. Offense is way to predictable. Even my son is amazed when I call the plays before the snap after I see the alignment. If I can do it, then what do you think the defensive coordinatiors can do. I love Quizz Rodgers and still do not understand how he wasn’t implemented more in the offense with swing passes out of the backfield or line him up in the slot against a linebacker. Joe Montana did not have a huge arm to go downfield, but what he did was get his recievers and backs the ball on the run for YAC. This seems to be how Ryan is best suited. Throw in some screens, draws and keep the defensive’s guessing. Of course need a couple of additions on the offensive line, but this is as important as you might think if Ryan can get the quick passes out to his playmakers. A first down is only 10 yards. Just move the chains 4-5 yards at a time and mix in a few YAC and play 49er’s ball from the 80’s. It’s not rocket science. Definetly think Turner needs to go. His prescense in the backfield limits your options. Use Quizz and another multi-dimensial back. Running backs are pretty easy to find.
Birdwatcher
January 10th, 2012
10:01 pm
@dr henry
Mike Smith is an excellent coach at bringing stability to a team. I just don’t think he’ll take you to the promised land. He doesn’t have the strategic acumen. I like his old school, pound the rock mentality, but (1) he has overvalued the talent of his team for what he wants to do and (2) he has not accounted for the rule changes that allow for a pass happy league. Any team with decent receivers should get at least one PI a game. Why don’t the Falcons?
Just like waynester said, the league has gone soft. Any forward thinking coach would take advantage of the soft rules. Adapt or Die.
Jason
January 10th, 2012
10:01 pm
And THIS is what I ADMIRE MOST about Ryan….his TOUGHNESS
http://youtu.be/mSskqthHbeE
Olik
January 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
PEOPLE – stop complaining about TD’s comments. He HAS to say these things. The problem is that an interview with a GM is a complete waste of time. If he said anything else he’d be a pathetic leader.
Imagine if he said even part of this: “yeah, we F’d up the Julio trade, I’ve lost confidence in Matt Ryan, we’re gonna cut Dunta and Ray next week, and Mike Smith has peaked as a coach.” With that attitude, the team would go 4-12 next year.
The only nuggets worth taking from this article are that
1. they’re not firing Mike Smith
2. they realize the offensive philosophy was too conservative, and
3. they know they played too much soft zone on defense (”need to be more aggressive”).
And Matt Ryan, bad as he was, might actually be the 11th best QB in the league. He had the 8th best QB rating this year. There are only 10 QBs I’d rather have:
Rodgers
Brees
Manning
Brady
Rivers
Roethlisberger
Stafford
Romo
Cutler
Newton
Birdwatcher
January 10th, 2012
10:03 pm
@Jason
Ryan can take a hit – no doubt. He just can’t take the pressure of the national stage.
AtlNative
January 10th, 2012
10:03 pm
@Jason…..
Uhhh, are you serious with that video? Look man, you are obviously a Ryan fan, and that’s great, I think he is a solid QB myself. I also think we can win with the guy,
However,
To call the guy epic? Really?
He DOES NOT HAVE A GOOD DEEP ARM. It doesn’t make him a bad guy, or a bad QB. It’s just a fact. That video does not change it, throwing a desperation throw to the back of the end zone does not make you a good deep ball QB. Watch Brees, watch Manning (Eli or Peyton), watch Rodgers, watch Stafford….. those guys are epic with deep ball. Ryan is not even close to those guys….
rabiddawg
January 10th, 2012
10:03 pm
any truth that del Rio might just be the next def coor? Didn’t smith work for del Rio in Jacksonville?
AtlNative
January 10th, 2012
10:04 pm
@waynester
thanks
Mr. Belichick
January 10th, 2012
10:06 pm
I told you people TD has no clue. I say get a new GM who wants his ow people in place. Ala the Raiders new GM. And my grandmother could ask tougher questions than TD was asked and she is dead and knew nothing about football.
2 points
January 10th, 2012
10:06 pm
<<<<<<<<<< amazingly we got on the board in that one
FIRE MIKE SMITH AND SEND MATT RYAN PACKING !!!!!!!!!
January 10th, 2012
10:08 pm
THIS WAS THE BIGGEST SOFTBALL INTERVIEW I HAVE SEEN SINCE THE BRAVES BLEW AN 8 GAME LEAD AND STAYED HOME FOR THE PLAYOFFS. THOMAS , YOUR ANSWERS WERE PURE WINDOW ( WE THE FANS SEE RIGHT THROUGH YOU PUNK ) . DLED , YOU ARE A BETTER INTERVIEWER THAN THIS. YOU NEVER HELD HIS FEET TO THE COALS AND FOR THAT HE GETS ANOTHER PASS ? THE “PROCESS” WORKED FOR 2 YEARS AND NO ONE IS DRINKING YOUR KOOL AID PUNK. FIX YOUR HAIR AND ACT LIKE A GM AND NOT RICH MCKAY’S BUTT PIRATE. IF YOU KEEP MS AS THE HEAD COACH ( AND I SEE THAT HAPPENING ) THEN RELIEVE HIM OF HIS OC AND DC OVERRIDE AND LET’S GET RAHEEM OR SPGS IN HERE FOR A DC AND GET A QUALITY OC THAT CAN COME IN AND GIVE US SOME RESPECT AND DC THAT WILL MAKE THE OTHER OC THINK HARD WHEN GAME PLANNING. ARTHUR , YOU BETTER BE LISTENING. MATT RYAN GETS ONE MORE YEAR WITH A NEW OC , IF HE DOES NOT IMPROVE , CAN HIM IMMEDIATELY AND ASK FOR “OUR” MONEY BACK.
Jason
January 10th, 2012
10:10 pm
http://youtu.be/C_Lq7OaorUc
THATS FOR YOU AtlNative or ANYBODY else who says Ryan can’t be ELITE! Look at that ARM! That’s AS GOOD AS IT GETS!!!!
Jason
January 10th, 2012
10:12 pm
WATCH these Julio Jones highlights….who’s throwing him the ball?????
http://youtu.be/q9gtPCny-UM
OldSchool
January 10th, 2012
10:12 pm
For a moment I was going to rip D.Orlando Ledbetter for running this PR/SpinMeister load of BS. But what the heck—he’s the Falcons writer, not a columnist who rip and roar for a living and tell like they see it. Two different animals. But still……what a waste of space. Could there not have been some follow-up questions? Whatever.
I wonder if Dimitroff and others who hold similar positions in sports all secretly take a class like Spin 101 or Advanced BS or “How to Insult the Intelligence of Your Team’s Fans in 10 Easy Lessons.”
As umpteen others have said: What a total load of crap!!!!
Come to think of it, on second thought if I was D. Orlando Ledbetter…I’ve always thought people who use the initial in their first name have identity issues— should have deleted the DELETE button when he read Dimitroff’s “answers.”
AtlNative
January 10th, 2012
10:15 pm
@Olik
Why does he have to say this? I have heard other front office guys on other teams talk about their problems. I have heard coaches throw players under the bus when they under perform. I have heard coaches call out their entire teams for a bad effort before. I think we are simply used to the excuse making, vanilla atlanta sports town mentality that we just accept it now.
Anyone notice how much Mike Smith and Mark Richt sound alike? Ever notice how their teams consistently UNDER PERFORM against quality opponents?
Anyone think either guy had a chance at a national title against other teams/coaches in their respective leagues?
Yeah, didnt think so…
eastbound and down
January 10th, 2012
10:17 pm
with all of these improvements how did the team go from 13-3 to 10-6? isn’t he responsible for the Oline? but it had “challenges.” this guy speaks with arrogance and hubris. “Every move i have made has been the correct one and do not question it”
he may believe that dunta robinson produces for the defense but mostly he produces missed tackles and 15 yard penalties.
Sam
January 10th, 2012
10:17 pm
Wow, Jason, you really do have a man crush on ryam