Falcons’ tight end history vs. Tony Gonzalez
Falcons acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Kansas City Chiefs for a second round pick in 2010. (Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com)
The addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez gives quarterback Matt Ryan another solid target to complement Michael Turner and Roddy White on the Falcons offense, which ranked sixth overall last season.
Gonzalez, who’s entering the third year of a five-year, $35 million contract extension that he signed with the Chiefs in 2007, will cost the Falcons $6.5 million in 2009, $7 million in 2010 and $8.25 million in 2011 under the salary cap.
Gonzalez, 33, caught 96 passes for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns last season for Kansas City. The future Hall of Famer owns NFL career records for tight ends with receptions (916), yards receiving (10,940), receiving touchdowns (76) and 100-yard receiving games (26).
When his time is over in Atlanta, how will his time in a Falcons jersey compare to others who’ve donned the Red and Black?
Jim Mitchell spent 11 seasons in Atlanta from 1969-1979. The two-time Pro Bowl tight end played in 155 games with 305 receptions for 4,358 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns.
Loading ...Junior Miller was the 7th overall pick of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Falcons. Miller played four seasons in Atlanta, and was a member of the 1980 squad that had a club-record 12 wins and won the NFC Western Division title. He led the team in touchdown receptions that season with nine. The two-time Pro Bowl tight end had 1,328 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns as a Falcon.
Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt began his playing career with Atlanta in 1985. He lined up for the Falcons in 55 games, notching 56 receptions for 551 yards and five touchdowns.
A member of the 1998 NFC title team, O.J. Santiago had 819 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in three seasons in Atlanta.
Brian Kozlowski played for seven seasons in Atlanta. Alongside Santiago for three of those years he had 891 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He went to Super Bowl XXXIII with the team and caught one pass for five yards.
In 108 games as a Falcon, Alge Crumpler had 316 receptions for 4,212 yards and 35 touchdowns. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All Pro while in Atlanta.
Where do you think Gonzalez will fall in this crowd? Or will he surpass them all?
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61 comments Add your comment
Don from KC
May 15th, 2009
1:50 pm
Gonzalez is a stud and we will miss him. No matter how old he is, he is just as good as he was 5 years ago. I wish him the best in Atlanta.
BigTimeFalconFan
May 15th, 2009
1:57 pm
Best ever = Kellen Winslow!
John from AL.
May 15th, 2009
2:03 pm
I was born in Ga. and grew up in Atlanta watching the Falcons ever since their VERY humble beginnings in 1966. I am a TRUE fan because I have believed in and cheered for the Falcons win or lose, come Hell or High water.
Tony G. hasn’t even played a game yet and on paper he is the BEST tight end we have EVER had bar none. As long as he doesn’t get injured and end up like Bruce Sutter of the Atlanta Braves then we have a very bright future. He gives Matty Ice a definite GO TO GUY that can hold onto the ball. He also takes the pressure off of not only Michael Turner, but the entire offensive line.
Matt Ryan is by far the best QB we have had since the days of Steve Bartkowski. Barring injuries and with a few more quality draft picks this kid (and I am old enough to call him a kid) will get us to and win a Super Bowl. It won’t be this season, but I believe it will be in the next 2 to 3 years if Gonzo/Ryan/Turner stay healthy. I didn’t include Roddy White because he is a plus if he happens to HOLD onto the ball. He definitely could use some lessons from the likes of Billy “White Shoes” Johnson or Alfred Jenkins.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mountain_jim
May 15th, 2009
2:08 pm
AJC Sports topic trolling for page view stats with no real news to report….
How about some reportage concerning what is wrong with Abe that he had to be held out? Did he have any surgeries since last season?
Vick Supporter
May 15th, 2009
3:01 pm
Vick 09
Whopper Dawg
May 15th, 2009
3:04 pm
TG is the best TE we have ever had. Only time will tell if he can catch the other guys in terms of Falcon numbers. Alge Crumpler can’t carry Jim Mitchell’s jock strap. Not even close. Mitchell was a TE before there were TEs if you know what I mean, an All Pro playing on incredible bad teams, just like Nobis, who is one of the best linebackers to ever play the game.
sameold
May 15th, 2009
3:33 pm
I was think the same thing, mountain jim. Its a little sad
PMC
May 15th, 2009
3:51 pm
ha ha ha. OJ Santiago…. what about Reggie Kelly?
Matt
May 15th, 2009
3:57 pm
F*** Mike Vick! we have a real QUARTERBACK!
jimmy
May 15th, 2009
4:24 pm
jim mitchell was so well respected that when the falcons played a george allen team he designed his whole defense to stop meat
Vick Supporter
May 15th, 2009
4:26 pm
Matt: “F*** Mike Vick! we have a real QUARTERBACK!”
Yeah, a QB who’s arm looked like a noodle 12 games into the season,lol
Vick 09. Redemption is near………NEXT WEEK
Falcon Devil
May 15th, 2009
4:36 pm
Have fun rooting for the Vikings or Broncos Vick butt licker!!
Vick Supporter
May 15th, 2009
4:45 pm
Falcon Devil, I will. Both of those teams with Vick at QB would wipe the floor with the Falcons. You know damn well you wouldn’t want to see Vick with the Vikings. And F the Falcons. Ryan will be exposed this year. I have no ill will towards Ryan, but he’s no Mike Vick on the field, and it will be proven. It’s funny how you caucasian Falcons fans were cheering and calling Vick the magician in cleats and turn around and say the he was the worse QB ever and he’s never done anything positive for the Falcons. That’s why I’m no longer a fan and never will be because you Falcons fans don’t know how to support your players and appreciate them when you have them. You people will turn on Roddy (again) when he gets his contract and starts dropping passes again (which he will do). I can’t wait to see how you people blame everyone but Ryan when the team starts losing again, while Vick will be dominating the NFL AGAIN.
Vick 09
JP in El Paso
May 15th, 2009
4:49 pm
Jim Mitchell was a beast. I’m sure this guy will be terrific, would love to have both of them on the same team!
El Lobo
May 15th, 2009
5:03 pm
VS: You’re right, Matt Ryan is no Mike Vick – he wins, doesn’t head up criminal organizations, and hasn’t done time in a federal pen. Ryan has already been exposed… exposed to a full schedule in the NFL and more than held his own. With the additiona of TG, we’ll definitely make the playoffs again this year!
Chunkdaddy53 in Athens
May 15th, 2009
5:05 pm
Mitchell,crump,Gonzo, in that order, for now. We’ll see if gonzo can stay with the team long enough to be the best Falcon TE of all time! I’ve been a Falcons fan since 1980, and I’ve seen my share of bad TE’s. Mitch Lyons, Reggie Kelly, Stone hands Santiago, the list goes on. Crump was a good tight end, one of the best the Falcons ever had, I hated to see him leave, but we now have one in place in Gonzo. I was a fan of his in K.C., and am glad to see him in ATL. Sorry K.C.
Fan since 1982
May 15th, 2009
5:05 pm
Don’t you ever get tired of rehashing the past, everyone? Vick did waht he did, and it’s over. If he plays again, he plays again. If the Falcons rock out, they rock out. Personally I would rather have Ryan that Vick under center AT THIS POINT IN THEIR CAREERS. I was a Vick fan, now I am a Ryan fan. I own a pit bull and think Vick is a slime bag for what he did; my disdain for him is twofold: he is a callous animmal killer, and he ALSO set this franchise back a lot of years and a lot of money, because his irresponsible and brutish action cost us his skills, and we SPENT THE FIRST PICK IN THE DRAFT on him. He set us back YEARS by doing stupid things in his personal life.
Let’s stop the destructive crap, and look forward to 2009.
Phillip
May 15th, 2009
5:08 pm
Gonzo will be the “BEST EVER” Tight End in Atlanta – it won’t be close. However, its doubtful that he will eclipse Crumpler’s records but it took Crump seven seasons to amass his stats and Gonzo will come close in only three seasons with the Falcons.
Why?
May 15th, 2009
5:09 pm
Why is there so much hatred towards Michael Vick? His life is the one that got ruined not ours. I understand not wanting him here anymore because of what happened but D@MN! Some of you people act like he never did anything for our franchise. Before Vick it was like Atlanta Who? The Falcons? You mean they’re still in the league? I happen to think the Falcons are very fortunate to have two of the better QB’s in the NFL in the same decade. Matt Ryan is no dud, I don’t care how much you like Vick. To say Ryan will be exposed or fall from earth is like saying Vick couldn’t run. It’s just hatred.
Chunkdaddy53 in Athens
May 15th, 2009
5:10 pm
Let’s not forget Shane Dronett. He wasn’t a TE, but a DT for the Falcons in the late 90’s. He passed away a few months ago and he will be missed. Shane helped us clog-up the middle on our ‘98 Super Bowl team.
Chunkdaddy53 in Athens
May 15th, 2009
5:13 pm
Amen brother! Vick did what he did and now he’s gone. He does own the best winning% of All the Bird’s QB’s. Even so, his time is over and Ryan’s time is now! 2009 NFC CHAMPS baby!
Falcon Devil
May 15th, 2009
5:15 pm
Vick Supporter, I see a canker sore on your mouth, did Ron Mexico give you that?
Falcon Devil
May 15th, 2009
5:18 pm
Falcons are awesome!!!! Can’t wait to see Tony G’s first TD!!!!
Falcon Devil
May 15th, 2009
5:19 pm
Who is the best fantasy player after Turner? White, Tony G or Ryan???
Greg
May 15th, 2009
5:41 pm
TG is a great player, and will make an impact for a couple years. But one also has to amortize the price we paid…a pretty big contract, and a (probably pretty high) 2nd-round pick, i.e. a player expected to be very good for many years. Probably about fair value. KC certainly did not get robbed, however; and given the Falcons’ schedule this year, and the likely outcome, they were very wise to hold out for NEXT year’s 2nd round pick.
rmutt1917
May 15th, 2009
6:57 pm
Funny, in KC the debate is whether he is the greatest player they’ve had, period. You guys must have high standards.
kj
May 15th, 2009
7:03 pm
Falcon Devil I’d go with TG. He will be the outlet valve for Ice when teams come barreling down on him. At least that’s who is going on my fantasy team. IMO vick was good. He did bring the franchise back into respectability while he was in the league however, he also made ignorant decisions which set not only us but him back significantly. I do believe that we were better off for that though. look at it this way, no vick= Thomas Dimitroff, Mike Smith, Matty Ice, new attitude and hopefully more wins. Dont get me wrong, I loved vick, but I love my falcons more so guys, gals, cat, dogs, whatever let the past be the past and lets celebrate the present and bright future as an organization. Go Get Em Falcons!!!!!
JP in El Paso
May 15th, 2009
7:08 pm
Mitchell had great hands and tough to tackle. He would just run over guys, and it usually 2 or 3 guys to bring him down He was incredibly underrated, mostly because he played on lousy teams. Crumpler was also a great TE, but it’s tough to put him in front of Mitchell. Gonzalez is a great one as well, but hasn’t played a down for us yet. I remember watching JM as a kid, or listening to the announcers go crazy when he caught the ball. He was truly amazing. Was perhaps the best player on the Falcons most of the years he was with the team, certainly always in the top 3.
Mv
May 15th, 2009
7:34 pm
jim mitchell won the playoff game against the eagles, and his stats are are superior to any falcon tight end.
Darrin "The Vent King"
May 15th, 2009
7:35 pm
It will be hard to judge who was the best TE simply because every tight end you speak of had a different coach who utilized that TE differently, a different QB who was only capable of doing what he did at that time, and a different team that only provided so many opportunities to go the way of that TE. Put it this way, what if Alge played with a QB who didn’t have to throw it to him ALL the time because he could see other rcvrs or wasn’t the only one who could handle his bullet throws would Alge’s stats been so lofty? What if Pig Miller didn’t have the accurate passing of Steve Bartkowski? What if Dan Reeves hadn’t of ran plays that had Chandler handing the ball off a million times to Jamal Anderson and instead had a better proportion of plays going to O.J. Santiago? Now I will say this, had Gonzo came hear a couple of years ago, I think there’s no question he would probably statistically pass all the other TEs. As it is, he is 33 and he STILL will come close to passing all the others in the stat box, but to me NONE of that matters. Gonzo has the opportunity over the next few seasons to do what not only no other TE has done with the Falcons, but no other PLAYER has done with the Falcons and I believe that is winning the Superbowl. The stars are really lining up correctly for this to be IMO and one of those stars is Gonzo. The other stars- Matt Ryan, Roddy, Burner Turner, Big Abe, M Jenkins, Ovie, Sam Baker, the young guns like Lofton and Harry Douglass, then the front office like Coach Smith, Dimitroff, and of course Arthur Blank. It’s happening right before our eyes people. We as Falcon fans deserve this after what happened a couple of years ago too, heck our whole existence now that I think about it. Gonzo is a BIG piece toward the Lombardi IMO. We still have to fix the defense of course, but that is Mike Smith’s specialty (Ravens, Jags) and his resume gives me much confidence that is going to be taken care of. So in the end, Gonzo’s TE superiority over other Falcon TEs really won’t matter much to me cause he just happens to be the right TE for the right moment on this Falcon team that’s going to MAKE history!
GO FALCONS
The Ole Ball Coach
May 15th, 2009
7:47 pm
Jim Mitchell was a beast in an era where a TE was suppose to block only…
Maconga
May 15th, 2009
8:12 pm
Russ Makeska goes way back. Now plays a mean golf game at Cuscowilla at Lake Oconee.
I once was a Vick Supporter. BUT, in the end, he provided poor leadership and blamed others. I hope he can find a job in the NFL but I am VERY happy to have Matty Ice. Yes, his arm got a little weak late in the year, but he has leadership intangibles MV never had.
This isn’t white or black, it is just the truth.
David Smith
May 15th, 2009
9:06 pm
Tony Gonzalez will be a huge addition to our offense this year in two ways. 1.He gives Matt Ryan another weapon to exploit defenses when they try to put 8 in the box for turner or try to double roddy. 2. It helps out our young defense because we will be able to match up with just about anyone offensively to mask any holes on defense.
VICKSUPPORTERSUCKSBALLS
May 16th, 2009
12:11 am
VICK SUPPORTER YOU ARE A RACIST HYPOCRITICAL DUMBASS IGNORANT FOOL SHUT THE HELL UP WITH YOUR BLOG SWITCHING HATING ASS VICK COULD RUN THAT WAS IT BITCH CAN THROW 100 YARDS WITH NO ACCURACY AND 5 YARDS WITH NO ACCURACY HE SUCKED. HE SOLD TICKETS BIG DEAL I PREFER WINNING AND MATTY SELLIN TICKETS TOO! YOU SUCK VICK HAD CHANCE BUT BLEW DONT CARE BOUT DOG FIGHTING THING I BIT BUT HE BLEW HIS CHANCE N DATS IT GL IF NOTHA TEAM WANT HIM BUT NOT GONNA HELP EM NOW WITH HIS LOOSE BOOTY THING GOING ON
Vick Supporter
May 16th, 2009
3:46 am
One year isn’t going to tell the whole story on how Matt Ryan will ultimately turn out. Ryan may be perceived as more cerebral, but can he sustain success and overcome obstacles on the field and off the field? Vick has missed nearly two years of football, but was 38-28 as a starter, a three-time Pro Bowler and led his team to a conference championship game.
Ryan has yet to beat a NFC South team on the road and is totally dependent on the success of Michael Turner duplicating his Pro Bowl season that garnered him NFL MVP votes. Ryan didn’t fall totally flat on his face and showed he had some moxie and was able to lead the Falcons to a 11-5 record.
However, one has to take into account last year’s soft schedule–especially early in the season which included the winless Lions and hapless Chiefs in back to back weeks. The 2009 schedule starts off with last year’s playoff-bound Miami who is not a pushover and has a potent offense as well.
Many are talking about the acquisition of Tony Gonzalez, but he is 34 years old. Last year he played at a high level on a bad Kansas City Chiefs’ team, but any athlete over 30 is deemed year to year which means overnight their skills could vanish. Gonzalez isn’t a long-term solution for the Falcons and Roddy White is in the last year of his contract and it is not certain he will stay with the Falcons.
Turner is the key to the Falcons staying relevant and making Ryan look respectable, but defensively the Falcons will be very young and inexperienced outside of John Abraham and Eric Coleman. Defensively, the Falcons were nearly in the bottom third in most categories and during the off season the loss of veterans Keith Brooking, Dominique Foxworth, Lawyer Milloy, Grady Jackson, Michael Boley and Rod Coleman is no small thing. This is significant and no one is really focusing on it, but conceivably the Falcons could have one of the worst defenses in the NFL next year.
The drafting of William Moore and Peria Jerry looks good on paper, but will they be able to duplicate the experience and production of Milloy and Grady Jackson in one year? Not likely. Also, can the first-year players stay healthy and on the field? Peria Jerry got hurt in one of his first practices…hopefully that isn’t a sign to come.
Matt Ryan could be the next Carson Palmer on mediocre to bad Falcon teams and fails to show leadership despite being anointed as one of the chosen ones at the QB position. Ryan may be more cerebral, but does he have the heart to overcome potential obstacles (tougher competition, injuries to key players, bad defense, negative press)? Right now, Matt Ryan and the Falcons are a big question mark for the 2009 season.
The Trurth Comes Out
May 16th, 2009
10:12 am
Come on Vick supporter. He is gone…. it is over…. he wont be back….he wasnt that good….I know you could never admit it but it’s true. Sorry but the train has left the station and you were not on it. Try and catch a bus and catch up to the new direction the Falcons are going in or just drown in your sorrows. Poor little fellow. Bless your heart!
Stephen
May 16th, 2009
12:20 pm
I am totally amazed at the ignorance of those who keep stating that Atlanta Falcons did not have a team until Michael Vick. Back during the days when Atlanta played in the Fulton County Stadium there were lots of sold out games. There were also sold out games at the GA Dome when Deion Sanders was here.
Some of you might not be old enough to actually know the city’s history with the Falcons, but please go someplace, do some research and become informed before you post your TOTALLY INCORRECT garbage comments about Atlanta not having a team prior to MV.
TRUE ATLANTA FALCONS’ FANS CHEER FOR THE TEAM, AND NOT FOR ONE OR TWO PLAYERS. THAT IS WHY IT IS KNOWN AS A TEAM SPORT!!!! GO FALCONS IN 2009-2010!!!
Vick Supporter
May 16th, 2009
12:56 pm
The Trurth Comes Out, sorry man. I used to be a falcons fan until I saw how the “fans” turned their backs on him. I understand being upset about the dogfighting, but for fans to say he never did anything positive for the franchise and all of a sudden he’s the “worst qb ever” rubbed me the wrong way. That’s why I say F the Falcons. I feel like Mr.Blank did what he had to do as far as getting a QB. It’s you fans that have ruined alot of people’s fellings about the Falcons due to your ignorance and racist statements/thoughts.
Vick 09
BurningRedBleedingBlack
May 16th, 2009
1:06 pm
Vick had it all, he had the whole world in his hands, the choices he made were his own fault. That being said it over for him in Atlanta. However that doesn’t mean he does not deserve a chance somewhere else. I love….LOVE the new Falcons. Matt Ryan, Turner, TG, I really feel good about are team. Vick put us in a bad spot for a couple of years.The new young players stepped in a took care of us. Now Atlanta has a chance to be GREAT instead of good.
OldTimer
May 16th, 2009
6:05 pm
Tony Gonzalez will turn punts into field goals and field goals into touchdowns. How many? Over the course of a season, I’d say about eight of each. He really does put points on the board. Great move by the Falcons.
brew
May 16th, 2009
6:36 pm
Can you imagine us on third down conversions or in the red zone with Tony G, Jenkins, and the Fin Man. With that type of size we should really be able to the the job done. Tony is not just a reciever, he can also hold his own in run blocking which means that he will be on the field at all times. When all is said and done, his success will not be measured only by receptions. Because he will comand so much attention it will keep double teams off of the other recievers and keep teams for stacking the box against the running game. It’s like Jordan picking up Paxon or Pippin. The result= best offense in the pros.
Phoneguy
May 16th, 2009
7:27 pm
Hey Vick Supporter:
Don’t you mean Vick 09-22313
Isn’t that his prison Number?
Phoneguy
May 16th, 2009
7:31 pm
And also Vick Supporter:
The reason Matty Ice’s arm was a noodle: He was a rookie. In college, they only play 11 games. He wasn’t used to it. Can you imagine what his numbers will be in year 2. With all offseason to condition to an NFL season. WOW
Face it: Vick is done!…… Sorry
Rabiddawg
May 16th, 2009
11:35 pm
I can’t wait to see how you people blame everyone but Ryan when the team starts losing again, while Vick will be dominating the NFL AGAIN.
Vick 09
Dude, Let it go. How can you criticize the Falcons for severing ties with Vick. And to your quote above, dominating the NFL again? What team were you watching? He didn’t even dominate the NFC South, and I loved Vick.
Boxcarar
May 17th, 2009
1:00 am
Don’t take the bait. In TEAM we trust. Go Birds!!!
HATinGA
May 17th, 2009
5:18 am
please every1 learn if you dont post reponses to the Vick crowd maybe they will go away!
Jonnyboy
May 17th, 2009
9:35 am
Vick supporter your just a ….Oh I can’t say that. You are living in a fantasy land. Vick was a great runner not a QB. He made all-pro by running not being a QB and if I remember right the offense was positioned to let him run. He also had some help from a RB named Dunn and a good TE.
When will you blacks drop the hatred for Matt and start rooting for the guy to succeed. Now that was a rhetorical question. I already know the answer.
For you are your ilk, football is about being a TEAM player.
snaddermen
May 17th, 2009
12:03 pm
Is this a white/black thing. If they switched skin colors would all you bloggers change teams.
brad
May 17th, 2009
12:20 pm
vick supporter vick is a dumb ass he sicks and is a fag u never see him with a female and matty already has a better record his first year. i hope vick nevers plaies again. if u forgot vick shoot his fans and the falcon fans a bird after a game.
Ripped again.
May 17th, 2009
1:10 pm
Vicksupporter is just bitter that his “boy”isnt going get another job in the NFL because no one wants his dog killing dope smoking thug life ways on their team ..Vick’s lucky if not with Quincy Carter playing in the arana leauge playing in some small town in south Tx .
Bigmac2058
May 17th, 2009
1:41 pm
First, Matty Ice was a rookie last year. When you compare him to other rookies he didn’t fair so bad. I have a lot of confidence in TD and Smith to continue building the program into a established program. In doing so the imediate and longterm future in ATL looks bright. The problem with Vick was he was a good runner and mild/medium passer. He did bring folks back to support the Falcons after they hadn’t been a real threat in the playoffs since 98. As a football coach myself, Vick was extremly unpredictable and made it real hard for lineman to know which way to block due to unpredicability. Although it was an asset at times it also disrupted the whole offense leading often sacks or turnovers. The main thing ATL needs is consistancy. Vick brought the running game(which ATL was already good at due to the hiring of a former Broncos lineman coach during the Reeves Era). Hopfully with the addition of Gonzo,Turner/Norwood as a good running attack and the Emergance of some really talented young WRs the falcons can play with anyone. My main concern is that Atl really focuses on the big D. As we all know that offence wins games, but DEFENCE wins CHAMPIONSHIPS!!
GO FALCONS!!!
Vick Supporter
May 17th, 2009
2:02 pm
RABBIDAWG, (LOL, what a dumb ass name) here’s my post: “The Trurth Comes Out, sorry man. I used to be a falcons fan until I saw how the “fans” turned their backs on him. I understand being upset about the dogfighting, but for fans to say he never did anything positive for the franchise and all of a sudden he’s the “worst qb ever” rubbed me the wrong way. That’s why I say F the Falcons. I feel like Mr.Blank did what he had to do as far as getting a QB. It’s you fans that have ruined alot of people’s fellings about the Falcons due to your ignorance and racist statements/thoughts.”
As you can see, I never criticized the Falcons for cutting ties with Vick. Open you broke a$$ eyes and learn to read.
Vick 09
Bigmac2058
May 17th, 2009
4:41 pm
Hey VS. “I used to be a falcons fan until I saw how the “fans” turned their backs on him.” Don’t blame the falcons for their dissapointment in a man who was the FACE of the team. With great gifts come great responsibility. When Vick became a falcon I was playing football as a senior in high schoo. Now as a football coach myself, I understand more about how players, coaches, and the community view players as a leader in the school, in public, and how they are a reflection of both.Its a team game. Thats the biggest problem that Vick had. He was an unbelievable talent, but I would doubt many teams are going to take a chance on him at QB. If anyone takes him it will be at reciever or on speical teams. I don’t think he has the leadership qualities to play such an important position. Rather, as a WR he can be a T.O. and still be a productive player. Character is a huge part of what makes a leader. If you have watched both the draft and any college football signing folks like TD are not only at what players do on the field but the character they display as leaders on and off the field. I hope that Vick has turned over a new leaf.
Vick Supporter
May 17th, 2009
6:32 pm
Bigmac2058, I guess you’re another one who didn’t read my post. I said “THE FANS”, not “THE FALCONS”. Read the post man. Yes, Vick failed off the field, but it’s unfair for you to say that he wasn’t a leader on the field. Dude, for one, you wasn’t there, so neither one of us can say if he was a leader or not. You’re just like the rest of the falcons “fans”..you make judgements from afar…..I bet you the team would say he was a leader. Also, leaders dont have to be running up and down the sideline like Ryan…you’re a football coach so you say so you should know that. People lead in different ways. Someone WILL bring him in as a QB…you want to know why? ITS THE ONLY POSITION HE’S EVER PLAYED!!! Now you’re a football coach….what sense would it make to CHANGE HIS POSITION AT THE NFL LEVEL JUST BECAUSE HE”S FAST?????!! I mean really, you’re a “coach” now, and that makes sense to you? If it does, then you’re a terrible coach. If you or any one have any balls and want to debate the question I just asked….let’s do that. Here’s the question again…Falcon “fans”….Why would you change Vick’s position at the HIGHEST LEVEL OF FOOTBALL when he’s only played QB? Somebody step up and give an intelligen answer without any racist BS comments.
Vick 09
Vick Supporter
May 17th, 2009
6:41 pm
And also, all of you saw that Ryan’s arm got “tired”,lol, last season. Of course, none of you are concerned…Ryan is the next Brady according to you people. What a f’ing joke. I give Ryan credit, he will be a good QB, but not great. Just what this town accepts….good…not great. You didn’t respect great when you had it when The Great Mike Vick was here…and yes, I know he did it to himself so you don’t have to say it f’ing 50 times.
Vick 09
Bigmac2058
May 17th, 2009
8:10 pm
VS. First and foremost lets please leave the racism at the door. Yes, you are correct in the fact that I wasn’t there in the lockeroom. I was trying to put a positive spin on what his options could be. I am a defensive coach and I could see how he would be a very dynamic reciever. For example look at Hines Ward. One of Georgias best quarterbacks turned reciever. Would you say that he has had a bad career. It would open up several more opportunites for him to play now rather then having to go to either a lesser league such as the CFL. In a time were coaches are looking to mix up their schemes could you imagine if you had somone would could both throw and catch. Look how well it went for a team such as the steelers. He could be a great fit for a team like the dolphins who run that wildcat spread offense. I can clearly see that you are passionate about Vick. Us as falcons fans have to move on. After the season Atl had the year was imprisioned there wasn’t much to look forward to. We had a coach who split (cowardly) and a team left with to many holes and not a enough answers. Atl as a city had to rally around someone would could bring a possible championship to atl. The only other team who has done that were the braves who at that point was in rebuilding mode. With the argument about vick as a qb. He needs to either work on his passing ability in order to stay healthy. Look at some of the other mobile qb’s such as steve mcnair, donavon mccnabb, and steve young. All were very mobile qbs who had to learn to adjust the throwing in order to remain in the game and lead their respective teams further in the playoffs. The question I have to you is were do you see Vick playing QB at? It wouldn’t be MINN because they are trying to get FARVE to play for them. I am interested to see your response. Please feel free not to use anymore fowl language or comments on racism. Thank you
Vick Supporter
May 17th, 2009
9:46 pm
Bigmac2058, I don’t recall using any racial statements, and I don’t agree with your answer. As far as racism, maybe you should look at the comments by your own people. Now, Vick ISN’T a WR, no way no how. It’s funny that you say Vick should be a wr just because he’s fast. It just wouldn’t work. If he wasn’t a QB, why in the hell would he be drafted as one? You mean to tell me that NFL Scouts, even the ones for YOU ATLANTA FALCONS, don’t know a QB when they see one? Hell, you people said that McNabb, McNair, etc etc etc were not QBs but you guys failed that test also. Ya’ll even tried to have Warren freakin Moon change positions and he has almost the most yds passing all-time,lol! What about that?
There are a few teams (notably the 49ers) that have an interest in Vick, but can’t speak publicly because he under contract with the Falcons. Look man, I defend Vick because he’s my favourite player for one, and for 2, the falcon fans are a bunch of hypocrites. You guys were at the games cheering your butts off for Vick, and now you say he’s the worst QB ever? What kind of fans are you? I totally understand the hatred over his crimes, but to totally down Vick and say he’s never done ANYTHING positive for the franchise and he’s the worst QB ever is over the top, and it’s not Black people saying that. Is that racist? You decide. Doesn’t make me any difference.
Vick 09
Vick Supporter
May 17th, 2009
9:58 pm
Bigmac2059: “We had a coach who split (cowardly) and a team left with to many holes and not a enough answers”
You’re right…there was a ton of holes on the team when Vick played here. Thats the way it ALWAYS was, and when Vick got in trouble, the team was exposed for all to see. I blame managment for that because Vick doesn’t sign and pick the players. Blank knew he had a cash cow and a great draw to fill his stadium. He put everything on Vick’s shoulders, then he gets Ryan and “suddenly” realizes that McKay is a idiot and keeps his nose out of football related matters. Well, he’s human and he had to learn like everyone else. If you’re a true falcon fan you would admit that management was jacked up during the Vick era. Vick had his faults also, but HE WAS THE TEAM. Then all of a sudden, management makes good decisions now,lol. That’s easy to answer though, they knew that Ryan couldn’t (can’t)do it alone and they get him some help. They know Ryan is no Vick and he needs more around him. Its a shame that they didn’t do that for Vick, but’s that’s done. Vick will redeem himself. guranteed.
Whooper Dawg
May 17th, 2009
10:23 pm
Vick Supporter,
If you don’t understand how the Falcon fans (and I have been one since 1966), can feel betrayed by Vick after the position he had on the football team and the commitment the franchise made to him in terms of draft choice and money, and the commitment the fans made to him with their hearts, then you are a pretty dumb fellow.
That being said, Vick did do a lot for the franchise which makes his betrayal of those commitments above all the more tough to take. I loved Vick, but it became apparent to me that he had many shortcomings as a QB, no touch, reading defenses, etc. He often made up for it with his feet, but as defenses adjusted, it became apparent that he would have to mature (i.e. more effective in more aspects of the game) to be effective long term.
Can he find a place in the NFL? Sure. I think it is with the likely candidates – Oakland, Dallas, Cincinnati, maybe Miami. Will he be a starting,high caliber QB in the NFL? I don’t think so. But as long as his wheels hold up and he is elusive, he will probably find a spot somewhere.
Vick Supporter,
I realize that you will take this all as a racist comments, but I live in Memphis now, and don’t get the opportunity to see many Falcon games, but when I saw Ryan play for the first time, I said to myself, that is the first time I have seen a real NFL QB under a Falcons center in a long, long time.
Bigmac2058
May 17th, 2009
11:14 pm
VS. Good call on the ol McKay non-sense. At that point he did have Alge Crumpler and Dunn who were decent weapons. The recieving corps was inept to say the least. However, I do think that the falcons were a run based team. You can’t argue the fact that TD has made some wise moves in the past year to bring in a knowledgable coach and coordinator to help groom Ryan to his full potential. That is the key when having such a young quarterback, giving him time to learn and grow. Vick never had that opportunity. And if you believe that Vick was the team it is not a wonder they didn’t go any further. Football is a team game, it is the only sport were one play can’t win the hole game. If you have a slacker on O or D the other team will and often does take advantage. Do you think Singleterry (SF) would gamble on Vick? If so you know those PETA folks are going to raise all sorts of Cain. I hate to say it but I don’t think ATL will benifit whatsoever from the departure of Vick. Other than the fact that they may have given another team the headaches that are going to follow with protestors and the like. Its a shame that a former 1st round pick will be let go without any compensation. Thank you VS for a good debate and hope to hear from you soon these matters. There is nothing wrong with debates as long as we keep them classy and full of knowledgable insight.
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » The Jumping The Gun: Is Tony Gonzalez The Best Falcon Tight End Ever?
May 18th, 2009
1:01 am
[...] if Tony Gonzalez will be the best tight end in Atlanta history, though? That’s a pole vault over an assault [...]