And with the first pick, Miami takes … not Matt Ryan!
Try to imagine Matt Ryan wearing a Dolphins hat on draft day. OK, nightmare over.
The other day in Weekend Predictions — a weekly and somewhat hallucinatory departure from this planet — I recounted how Bill Parcells solicited a job offer from Falcons owner Arthur Blank in December of 2007, only to then give him the standard hello-I-must be-going Bronx salute and take a similar position with the Miami Dolphins.
Actually, I’m not really sure Parcells ever gave Blank an official salute. He might have just left one of those little Bobby Petrino sticky notes on the door of the executive washroom.
But today, we recall another interesting tie between the Falcons and Dolphins, before Sunday’s season opener at the Georgia Dome: Matt Ryan.
Seems hard to believe now. But Ryan actually was only the third player selected in the 2008 draft. Miami passed on him first overall, opting for left tackle Jake Long. St. Louis passed on him second overall, taking defensive end Chris Long. What’s even harder to believe is really smart people like me thought Thomas Dimitroff must have been dropped on his head at some point for taking Ryan and passing on Kansas City defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey. (I was just kidding. Sort of like taking Georgia over Oklahoma State.)
We know the rest. Ryan threw a touchdown pass on his first NFL attempt. He was named Rookie of the Year. He helped heal a franchise, its owner and a city. He led the Falcons to an 11-5 record and the playoffs. Parcells is fortunate. Because if the Dolphins didn’t also have a strong season, and had tanked, he’d be fried in South Florida.
There’s certainly nothing wrong with Jake Long. Great left tackles are difficult to come by in the NFL, and obviously it’s an important position. But Long isn’t Ryan — and certainly neither is Miami quarterback Chad Pennington (solid but injury prone).
Knowing what you know now about Ryan, imagine how would you would feel if you saw him emerge from the tunnel Sunday in a Dolphins uniform?
The Florida Sun-Sentinel noted that former Dallas quarterback-turned-broadcaster Troy Aikman raised the issue during a recent Miami pre-season game, saying: “There [are] a lot of people that wondered why the Dolphins didn’t take Matt Ryan. If you know he’s a franchise quarterback, then you take him there. Something about it, the Dolphins didn’t think he was a franchise quarterback.”
They guessed wrong on that one. And think about this, if Parcells had signed with the Falcons and come to the same conclusion about Ryan, he wouldn’t have drafted him here either.
Parcells not coming here was the best thing that ever happened to the Falcons.
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95 comments Add your comment
MiltonDawg
September 11th, 2009
3:31 pm
No doubt choosing Ryan was the best move for this franchise. Go Falcons.
Jeff Schultz
September 11th, 2009
3:38 pm
Can’t imagine what a Dolphins fan must be thinking.
FalcTech
September 11th, 2009
3:40 pm
They can have Parcells and Long. I couldn’t be happier with Ryan, Dimitroff!! Lets just win this weekend and put all of the Atlanta and Miami similarities and differences behind us.
Bobby Cox is da man!!!
September 11th, 2009
3:42 pm
Parcel’s main problem is he thinks he is bigger than the game. While he did win 2 superbowls, I feel he is way overrated. His 2 wins came in 86 and 90 with the Giants. He was mediocre at best with the Jets and Cowboys. He was 172-130-1 in the regular season and only 11-8 in the post season. Solid career but not a ledgend
Sonny Clusters
September 11th, 2009
3:49 pm
When we was playing ball me and Jeff tried out for a traveling team and one of us was picked and one of us wasn’t. When we got ready to leave Jeff wouldn’t go. We was very good friends and we was wanting to play ball together. We went up to the coach and told him we was used to playing ball together and the coach said he was sorry but they was no place for crybabies on his team. That’s when Jeff hit the ceiling. He told that coach he was through crying and he could play ball wherever he wanted to and he wanted to play on the team with me and Stinky Wintes. That coach took Jeff at his word and let him play with us that summer. We was championship.
Dol Fan
September 11th, 2009
3:51 pm
I would take the BIG LEFT TACKLE to protect my quarterback and open up holes for the best running backs in the LEAGUE. Go DOLPHINS!!!
Andrew
September 11th, 2009
3:56 pm
Also remember, when Ryan was drafted all the comments about it being a “Blank pick” and how he wasn’t letting his new GM make the decisions.
Kevin Modica
September 11th, 2009
4:00 pm
Jeff- I’ll tell you what a Dolphin fan is thinking….I’m thinking you guys are in for a rude awakening come Sunday afternoon. Ryan will be lucky to get out of the game alive after we blitz the hell out of you. Two words for you (Porter, Taylor)
Good Luck, you’ll need it.
TeflonDon
September 11th, 2009
4:03 pm
I’m worried that Ryan will turn into a head case, a la the Falcons’ last two high profile QB picks (Favre in 2nd round in ‘91 and Vick as the #1 pick on ‘01). You could also make the head case for Chris Miller, but he was never high profile.
Perhaps Dmitroff and Blank should be getting Ryan to a shrink as soon as possible to avoid this ailment.
Go Falcons!
Ryno
September 11th, 2009
4:05 pm
Mr. Schultz – I’m going to disagree with you on this one.
Do you remember, right after Matt Ryan walked off stage at the NFL draft, he was grabbed by an ESPN reporter who asked him “how does it feel to be a Falcon?” (paraphrasing here, you get the idea).
Ryan responded by saying, Atlanta was always the place he wanted to be and he knew he really liked the city when he played GA Tech in the fall.
I honestly think he wanted to come to Atlanta – so he probably isn’t upset about being passed over.
Fin
September 11th, 2009
4:07 pm
While Matt is laying on the field, it will show ATL wh you select a left tackle. Go DOLPHINS !
Bird Watcher
September 11th, 2009
4:08 pm
Kevin, the answer to your plan is Tony Gonzalez. If Porter and Taylor blitz, then Tony G. is open. If they cover Tony G., then Turner is burning you for big gains. Hmmm. Kevin. It seems like your team has a dilemma.
chc4
September 11th, 2009
4:08 pm
The Dolphins are about to get waxed. Jason Taylor was a great player 5 years ago. That Miami is secondary is actually worse than ours. Bombs away!!
Russ
September 11th, 2009
4:09 pm
Jeff what are you talking about, you “Can’t imagine what a Dolphins fan must be thinking.” Its what used to feel after almost every draft at least they did get a good player Does Andrey Bruce mean anything to you
Bird Watcher
September 11th, 2009
4:10 pm
Fin, left tackles don’t win championships!
F-105 Thunderchief
September 11th, 2009
4:10 pm
Yeah, I’m glad it was Thomas Dimitroff and not Parcells, me, you, or anybody else drafting. Otherwise, we’d be watching Dorsey limp around, while Andre Woodson carried a clipboard for Chris Redman.
True Fan
September 11th, 2009
4:16 pm
If your walking in the Dome at 12:45, you’re already late! Be there for role call!
Howard
September 11th, 2009
4:16 pm
Jeff…with all the good stuff you write about Bill Parcells, I do believe you have found your substitute Phil Fulmer now that the fat slub has gone to the TV booth. Am I right?? And are you gonna tune in to hear the nuggets of wisdom from the “Great Pumpkin?” I remember that time you called Fulmer “Philistine” Fulmer…that was one of the all-time great names you gave him. How about one for Parcells that is that good??
Scott
September 11th, 2009
4:17 pm
ummm… Dolphins fans are probably thinking they have an all-pro LT to anchor their OL for the next 15 years along with a franchise QB (Henne) they took in the same draft, getting rave reviews and waiting in the wings.
couldnt be happier with Matty Ice, but the Fins’ draft day haul was pretty solid too, and i dont think they’re losing too much sleep
BabyGoatEater
September 11th, 2009
4:30 pm
“Parcells not coming here was the best thing that ever happened to the Falcons.”
No truer words have ever been written. Matt Ryan really is the reason for Falcons hope at this point. Turner is a beast, no doubt, but Ryan is the fuel that feeds the machine.
mountain_jim
September 11th, 2009
4:30 pm
No Scott – they start losing their sleep on sunday night…
Russell
September 11th, 2009
4:32 pm
You can’t publish what I think about Parcells
Russell
September 11th, 2009
4:32 pm
Enter your comments here
Adam
September 11th, 2009
4:33 pm
lol wut a falcon dik rider this author is. can he write an un bias article for once?
jt is still the same pro bowl player hes all ways been
lol and this guy thinks hes a psychic, parcelles in any team is a good thing, wtf he talkin bout
HES such a DIK RIDER
Adam
September 11th, 2009
4:34 pm
ohh ye Chad Henne>matt ryan
“ryan is no long” fixed*
Bullish-on-the-Falcons
September 11th, 2009
4:35 pm
Great article Jeff.
Here’s to hoping that Long gives up 2+ sacks and Ryan makes Parcells cuss under his breath in his suite with a 3 TD / 0 INT showing.
GO FALCONS!
Marvin Mangrum
September 11th, 2009
4:40 pm
Bill Parcels being elsewhere is one of the greatest things to ever happen to Atlanta! The GM should not be the receiver of the most ink.
Guy
September 11th, 2009
4:41 pm
Considering Chad had a better year, and we still have Long to boot. I think it was pretty good for us. Now in a couple of years when Henne is the man, then we might have to take another look.
Jeepers
September 11th, 2009
4:49 pm
If the injury problems are past, Sam Baker may be a Pro Bowler soon too. Getting him, Matt Ryan and Michael Turner in the same year…I’d say Dimitroff is just as good, if not better, than Parcells. We’ll see. Go Falcons.
Adam
September 11th, 2009
4:50 pm
Adam…. were dropped on your head as child? Or did you just drop out of school in the second grade. You shouldn’t post anymore, it shows your mental retardation!
dawes
September 11th, 2009
4:50 pm
dolphin lose our gain thank dolphin
Adam
September 11th, 2009
4:52 pm
Chad Henne…. really? Talk about delusional. Chris Long is a bust.Considering Ryan will be Brady-esque in 2-3 years, I think we came out on top there “Guy.” Take off your turquoise colored glasses. Looking forward to stomping that @-$-$ sunday.
Ryder
September 11th, 2009
4:54 pm
Both teams are on the right track, I do believe they both overachieved last year. That said, this game will be close for a half, but I think since Atlanta is playing at home that defense will be fast enough on the track to counteract the Wildcat and force Pennington to throw deep on them.
Offensively I just don’t see Miami able to keep up with Atlanta. Expect Gonzalez to have a big game and that will be the difference. Falcons 27-17
"Chef" Tim Dix
September 11th, 2009
4:55 pm
Dan Hennings wildcat offense will be like his one back offense in Washington, a one year wonder. The tuna deserves him. I’ll take what we got thank you. Even with a young defense, Falcons roll. Take the over, Ryan and Co. have line of sight to 35 on thier own.
dawes
September 11th, 2009
5:04 pm
kevin modica put your money where month is matt ryan will have about 300 yard passing
Larry
September 11th, 2009
5:08 pm
Another pointless story by Jeff Schultz.
First, Bill Parcells would have taken Jake Long regardless of whether he though Ryan was a “franchise QB.” Second, The Falcons too would have taken and WANTED Jake Long had he been available as their clear number one priority was a franchise LT to build around what was considered a weak OL.
Jeff, do your research. The Falcons preference, in order, in the 2008 draft was Jake Long followed by Joe Flacco (a LT and a QB). But afer Long was taken, they reversed the order and took Matt Ryan, then traded up to get in their opinion the best available LT in Sam Baker (a QB and a LT).
This time the facts are free, Jeff. The next time I will charge you.
Nativebird
September 11th, 2009
5:13 pm
Three things point to the odds that Mr. Ryan isn’t worrying too much about what draft spot he was picked at two years ago. 11-5, rookie of the year and a 72million contract.
sportaree
September 11th, 2009
5:34 pm
Goodby Mr. Parcells it was a business doing pleasure with you!
Jeff Schultz
September 11th, 2009
5:35 pm
TeflonDon – Of all the concerns people may have about Matt Ryan, I’d say him becoming a head case is the least likely. That kid’s as serious and grounded as I’ve encountered in pro sports.
Ryno – I never said Matt was upset. (The headline written on AJC.com, “Revenge Revenge” might lead you to think that though.)
Russ – Aundray Bruce. Oy. Thanks for the memories.
Howard – may be we can come up with a good nickname for BP. I’ll check with my cheapshot writing staff.
Larry – Glad you’ve got it all figured out. You’re wrong, of course. Long-Flacco was never going to happen. But you sure made it sound good.
TheManMike
September 11th, 2009
5:54 pm
Excellent point JS! Great blog.
Real Falcons Fan
September 11th, 2009
6:10 pm
Jason won’t be able to concentrate on the game, he’ll be doing to busy watching the cheerleaders dance moves…so he can practice for the next “Dancing with the stars”. Ovie will hit Porter everytime he gets near Matt, might even see him start to cry.. Tuna steaks on the grill Sunday!!!
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
September 11th, 2009
6:12 pm
(I was just kidding. Sort of like taking Georgia over Oklahoma State.) Jeff..did you HAVE to go there…!!!???
VERY good read……Parcells had his hay day long, long ago…the Falcons are having theirs now……things worked out…
Here we go again
September 11th, 2009
6:27 pm
Another pathetic blog post by Larry.
Glad you’ve got the time, resources and huge brain to write internet blog response posts that illuminate local sports writing professionals about the REAL facts.
Rev B
September 11th, 2009
6:44 pm
Mr. Schultz, concerning your comments to “Larry”….well, to quote my favorite chef… BAM!!!
To Kevin Modica: two words for you…grow up! The “my daddy can beat up your daddy” mentality of many sport fans today is sad and pathetic.
Go Falcons!
SECHomer
September 11th, 2009
6:46 pm
The key to the Falcon’s success last year was Michael Turner not necessarily Matt Ryan although he played extremely well; evidence of that is when Michael Turner was limited to 42yds, Matt Ryan went into a funk throwing a couple of picks and provided the cards with a fumb-six and a two point safety. The fact of the matter remains when the running game is not working for ATL, Matt Ryan is relegated to average QB at best. Watch for Miami to stop the running game and play discipline football to grind it out in this game.
Country Boy
September 11th, 2009
6:49 pm
Hello Jeffy Boy. You shouldn’t be to rude to Larry. You should pick his brain. Obviously he has a seat in the Falcons war room.
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
September 11th, 2009
6:50 pm
Here we go again….I’m glad I’m not Larry…that was a gut punch…you won man….
Rocky Mountian Falcon
September 11th, 2009
6:52 pm
Can’t wait for Sunday!!! I have butterflies already!!! The Whole Vick, Pertreino nightmare, made way for a great Coach, GM, QB, and RB. This year we have a Great TE, and a revamped Defense. I see a great season, and I expect a Superbowl ring by end of Next season.
GO FALCONS!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!
Rev B
September 11th, 2009
6:53 pm
Average quarterback, Homer? Not sure you actually watched Ryan’s performance last season. There are some veteran starters in the NFL who don’t have the poise Ryan did as a rookie. Too many offensive weapons now, for the Dolphins to simply “stop the run” as you offered. If the Dolphins key in on the running game alone, they’ll have a long day in Atlanta.
Guy
September 11th, 2009
7:04 pm
Thanks for that enlightenment “Adam”. I never said Ryan was not going to be a great quarterback. All I stated was I think we did alright and you guys did also. Besides Henne was a 2nd round hope not a first round prayer,
DePlane
September 11th, 2009
7:14 pm
Ryan and Turner together made the Falcon’s offense potent. But add RW, MJ and TG to the mix with a dose of J-rock and a few other surprises and the Miami D is going to have their hands full. The assembly of this offense was methodical and has brought together a talented group that is going to grind out the win against a talented Miami team.
Hold the Tuna thank you…
PhinzFan54
September 11th, 2009
7:25 pm
“Can’t imagine what a Dolphins fan must be thinking.”
I’m thinking we have our franchise LT for the next 10 years, and you have your franchise QB. I’m thinking we did just fine last year with Long, and will continue to, while you guys will continue to be just fine with Ryan.
I’m also thinking that Matty Ice will be spending quite a bit of time on his back Sunday afternoon, courtesy of Jason Taylor and Joey Porter. I like Ryan. Classy kid. Starter for my fantasy team. But I think it’s safe to say both fan bases are happy with the guys they got. Should be a good one this weekend- enjoy it, and hopefully I can come back here Sunday night and talk a little junk after a Dolphins win.
Big Ray
September 11th, 2009
8:04 pm
Heh.
Dolphins fans are funny. The only way Ryan ends up on his back a lot tomorrow is if he holds the ball too long, something he’s not known for doing. Why hold the ball when you can give it to Mike Turner? Or Jerious Norwood? Or Roddy White? Or Tony Gonzalez? Or several others? Ryan proved that he will pass the ball to a variety of people (unlike a former QB). Taylor is good, but not as great as he used to be, and Porter better be looking for Turner and Norwood. If he concentrates on Ryan, he’s gonna have a rough day, because you don’t ignore a guy who got 1,700 yards last season. Nor can you ignore a Hall of Fame tight end.
Our O-line is not the swiss cheese unit it used to be. Baker, Clabo, Dahl, McClure, and Blalock. Not a bunch of patsies, I’m afraid.
The Dolphins are a good team, but so are we. Wildcat or no, our offense is superior. The comparison of defenses is another story. But we’ll find out tomorrow, won’t we?
Larry ,
So Dimitroff tells you all his secrets, does he? Is that before or after you shine his shoes?
Big Ray
September 11th, 2009
8:09 pm
One other thing. Jake Long is a great left tackle. But you never hear about a left tackle leading his team to anything. And even a Pro Bowl left tackle can’t protect an injury prone quarterback.
Funny, Pennington is known far more for his accuracy than his “strong arm.” I wonder how the usual naysayers missed that?
TP
September 11th, 2009
8:11 pm
Be prepared fans of both teams . . . The Fish and the Birds both overachieved last year; each was about three seasons ahead of schedule. This season could be a painful dose of reality. I like what the Falcons have done, but you need to be looking at next year especially when the defense has hopefully matured to see real success not the made for movie stuff that happened last year!!! And the dolphins are still a work in progress; until either Henne or another QB selection steps up as the replacement to Pennington it will be a work in progress. As for the argument, Ryan or Long: How can you say either went wrong? Falcons fans better hope Baker works out for 15 years or Ryan will have to learn to like the taste of turf, and Dolphin fans better hope the Dolphins find a qb replacement Pennington’s arm will only remain a sturdy rubbery material for so long. As far as having Parcells as your prez . . . you are out of your mind to act like you wouldn’t want him here. As I drove home from work the afternoon when Parcells was supposedly in town speaking with Blank I received five phone calls from excited Falcons fans and season ticket holders salivating over the idea of having The Tuna here. Don’t be stupid and act like you wouldn’t have taken him . . . that’s just sour grapes. As for Sunday, I think the fish have a little too much in the front 7 for the Falcons . . . at least a little more complete team because the Falcons’ D just haven’t looked good. If the Fish don’t win outright by 1 – 4 points, they should cover.
mike
September 11th, 2009
8:13 pm
Pennington’s numbers were better than Ryan’s across the board last year……..more yards, more TD passes, fewer INTs, much better QB rating. Plus, he did it with lesser receivers. The only advantage Ryan has is that he’s younger. 87 QB ratings like Ryan had are pretty average in the NFL; especially when the QB has a good running game. Everyone’s assuming that Ryan’s going to get better, but despite Schultz’ claim, he’s certainly not better than Chad Pennington right now. Plus, he would have been A LOT worse had he been drafted by Miami or St. Louis. Time will show that Matt Ryan is no better than Chad Henne.
Big Ray
September 11th, 2009
8:14 pm
From Jay Glazer, courtesy of AtlantaFalcons.com:
AF.COM: There has been a significant amount of buzz in the national media involving Falcons qrterback Matt Ryan suffering through the Sophomore Slump. What do you make of that talk?
JG: “I think the addition of Tony Gonzalez is the perfect sophomore slump buster for the Falcons. From what I saw when I visited Falcons camp this summer and from what people I trust around the league are saying, Ryan has improved this off-season. Ryan and I actually trained together last year at API (Athletes Performance Institute) and he actually looks bigger and stronger this year. Looks like Fish (Falcons Director of Athletic Performance Jeff Fish) worked him hard this off-season.”
Uh-oh. The possibility that “ol’ Noodle Arm” might get stronger and better never occurred to some people. Sounds like Bad News for some, heh heh heh!
Take Good With Bad
September 11th, 2009
8:19 pm
I telling ALL OF YOU PHINS FOR LIFE TO SUCK IT UP AND ADMITT THAT YOUR DUMB -SS OVER RATED GM MADE A BAD MOOOOOOOOVE YOU CAN HAVE LONG AND PARCELL I’M HAPPY WITH DIMMY,SMITTY,AND MATTY. New names for our 2 featured backs SEARCH AND DESTROY .JERIOUS(SEARCH)Michael(DESTROY SWIM HOME PHINS!!!!!!!!
Big Ray
September 11th, 2009
8:21 pm
Mike,
Um, no. Pennington ought to be better than Ryan right now. Ryan is a rookie. So for Pennington to be better is no accomplishment. Ryan can and will get better. Will Pennington? Nope. If anything, you better hope Henne gets good soon, as Pennington cannot stay healthy.
Oh, and when Henne wins the awards and gets the stats that Ryan has had, then you can say that Ryan is no better than him. Until then, you don’t have a leg to stand on with that statment.
The Falcons are in rebuild mode, and this is year 2. Ryan was a rookie quarterback with a rookie head coach, and a rookie GM. And basically a gutted team. For him to do as well as a veteran QB with the best passer rating in the NFL, a seasoned GM and a defense featuring two Pro Bowlers says something. In time, Ryan will be better than Pennington.
Mike
September 11th, 2009
9:00 pm
Take Good With Bad – What do you have against our GM Jeff Ireland? He wasn’t even brought up in the article.
Ed-Covington
September 11th, 2009
9:13 pm
What no one has mentioned is that the ‘Fins didn’t even have Pennington when they drafted. Where would they have been if Favre hadn’t come out of “retirement” causing the J_E_T_S to cut Pennington? Was Tuna planning on letting Chad Henne start last year?
GO BIRDS!! BEAT THE ‘FINS!!
Sonny Clusters
September 11th, 2009
9:54 pm
Enter your comments here
Falcon 8211
September 11th, 2009
10:32 pm
all this talk about porter hitting ryan what about lofton hitting pennington. we will just have to see
dawglover
September 11th, 2009
11:56 pm
My father, Ken Chalker, Sr., passed last night at 8:08 after a long tough struggle with cancer. He was a huge falcons fan as we grew up in Atlanta. I’m talking Nobis and Van Brocklin years. The greatest game I recall was the 15-9 game vs. the Vikings in the early 70’s. That was the former bartender who kicked the 5 field goals. My buddies and I in Jr. high made a sign that said “Howie the mouth invades the south.” They put the sign on TV and we were all thrilled. We had season tickets then in the back row of the endzone of the old stadium. I never hear that game talked about much but it was really a big deal back then. I sat there with him and will never forget it. His funeral is Sunday at 4:00. Can everyone say an extra prayer that we have a win to start the funeral off with. Thanks for the enjoyment you gusy give with all your crazy comments, Obit is in the MDJ if anyone wants to view it. Pleae call your daddy and tell him that your love him.
Valandui
September 12th, 2009
12:02 am
The truth is that the Falcons had a lot more picks to play around with than the Dolphins in last year’s draft. We didn’t have anyone we could trade (ala DeAngelo Hall) for extra second rounders like the Falcons did. Our only consistent OL coming into last season was Vernon Carey, so LT was absolutely essential. Without someone like Long there, it’s very possible that Ryan would have gone the way of David Carr or Joey Harrington for us. With more trade potential for the Falcons, they were able to make a move up for a Sam Baker. The talent drop off between a Matt Ryan and a Chad Henne is nowhere near as significant as that between a Jake Long and a John Grecco. If you have the flexibility of the Falcons, absolutely go QB first. If not, you have to go with your biggest need, which in Miami’s case was Jake Long.
michaelgee
September 12th, 2009
12:38 am
Jeff,
I’d rather have Matt Ryan than Bill Parcells , Jake Long and Chad Pennington put together.
Real Falcons Fan
September 12th, 2009
1:09 am
Ok, enough talk from Fins fans, when you learn how to vote… Then you can act like you know football.. Since Dan/Shula left, you have nothing left…
DePlane
September 12th, 2009
2:13 am
dawglover,
I’m sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family in your time of grief.
Doug Pancoast
September 12th, 2009
2:20 am
Please defend how you can say with certainty that because Parcells preferred Long at #1 and passed on Ryan there, that he would have definitely passed on Ryan again with the 3rd pick? That is total conjecture on your part. I am curious if you really believe that or if you just had nothing else to write about it.
Big Ray
September 12th, 2009
5:45 am
Ed Covington,
Good point.
Valandui,
That actually makes sense. Nice post.
Greg
September 12th, 2009
6:02 am
I like the way Ryan has turned out, of course. he’s going to be a great one. But what I said at the time I still say: we SHOULD in fact have taken Dorsey, and we could have traded up for Flacco for our QB.
BravesFan79
September 12th, 2009
6:41 am
Dawglover: sorry to hear about your loss. May his spirit help the ol dirty birds win it all with some good luck! Im thinking maybe a mysteriously blocked field goal in the Superbowl ; )
Baba O'Riley
September 12th, 2009
7:26 am
Greg- Taken Dorsey? Seriously? Flacco is a game manager and one of those QBs you tell “You don’t have to win the game, just don’t lose it”. Matt Ryan can win games. How good would Flacco have been without the Ravens defense?
falcon fan from the past
September 12th, 2009
7:53 am
tell all fish fans we got our left tackle later in same draft not the 1st pick of draft but we thank them for doing what they did all the way to the playoffs for about 10 years
falcon fan from the past
September 12th, 2009
7:57 am
dawglover sorry for your loss, but be glad he will have a smile on his face in heaven looking down on sunday.
Dolphins Fan
September 12th, 2009
8:43 am
You are acting like Jake Long isn’t doing anything special in Miami. He is one of the players who has helped the Wildcat work so well. Without his blocking the Dolphins would be nowhere near where they are today. Matt Ryan would have helped, but I am glad we took Long instead of him.
DePlane
September 12th, 2009
9:08 am
Good for Jake…but we have the personnel to defend the wildcat…Jake or no Jake. He’s a great player, but I would rather have a franchise quarterback now than one OLman to build around a six year vet who has had his opportunities. There is no substitute for experience and CP is a decent QB…but he’s no MR. Who knew MR would be so well equipped to make the transition to the Big Time? T.D. that’s who.
Falcons 31 Phins 21
Singletary
September 12th, 2009
9:12 am
DawgLover, when you think of your Dad, I hope the warm memories will ease the grief you feel right now. He’s still with you in spirit and in the person you became. I remember my parents didn’t allow me to sit with my classmates until my JR & SR year, so I learned a lot of football. I was six when the Falcons came in to the NFL, and I’m thrilled that we actually have a clue of how to have two winning seasons. Here’s my shout out to the D to play up, hit often, and dominate.
I
Birds and Braves
September 12th, 2009
10:42 am
There’s another take on the Parcells thing here.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/253051-falcons-dolphins-just-a-game-for-players-something-more-for-blank/poll_results#poll
Lowercaseg
September 12th, 2009
10:55 am
Parcells has never won a SB without Bill Belichick as his defensive coordinator. Parcells is good but his status as being a top football coach/gm was based on his work with Bill Belichick. He’s not done much since that relationship split.
TRUTH
September 12th, 2009
1:12 pm
Lowercaseg,
You hit the nail on the head…TUNA ain’t jack without Bellichick !!!
Navigator
September 12th, 2009
1:12 pm
I glad on both accounts, but we know championships are built in the trenches, so you can’t blame him for taking the top linemen in the country.
Bill
September 12th, 2009
2:00 pm
Amen Jeff!! Keep up the good work.
JOE THE BOLGGER
September 12th, 2009
4:28 pm
Remember when all of those experts criticized Dimitrov for taking Ryan over Dorsey? Hard to believe as we look at it now. Maybe it was Karma… or maybe we were just incredibly lucky. Either way, this town was overdue for some good fortune. Go fulcrums (I used to call them that when I was a kid).
t larry
September 12th, 2009
4:56 pm
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO FALCONS SORRY, I’M MISSING HIS COMMENTS
Dolfan4life
September 12th, 2009
6:30 pm
What Dolphin fans think, is that both teams got what they wanted. Jake Long will be protecting Dolphin QB’s for the next 10 years. Ryan looks like he is going to be a great QB for a long time. Everyone is happy. But since you want to be a butt about it Jeff, you and the rest of the Falcon fans saying idiotic things like “Taylor was good 5 years ago”…I say bring it on Falcons, and prepare to lose your home opener. Jake Long will handle Abraham….who will be sackless and Pennington, who YOU seem to proclaim not as good as your sophmore Ryan, will have not only a better performance, but a winning game. Good Luck Atlanta.
FALCONS SORRY
September 12th, 2009
9:26 pm
OMG LOL BBQ!!! TOO BAD FALCONS FANS, CAN’T BEAT THE PHINS NO WAY NO HOW!!!!111eleven NOT YET MOM I’M NOT DONE WITH THE INTERNET AND I DON’T HAVE PANTS ON RIGHT NOW!!! MIKE VICK FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KakNiqueTree
September 13th, 2009
12:44 am
Jeff Schultz makes me laugh. The Dolphins got an anchor to their offensive line for what surely will be a long time. They got their qb anyway, courtesy of the Jets. Nothing at all against Matt Ryan, but the Dolphins made a great choice with Jake Long.
Big Ray
September 13th, 2009
3:52 am
Yes, the Dolphins got a good one in Jake Long. But I’ll say it one more time: Left Tackles don’t take you to the playoffs or to the SuperBowl. ‘Nuff said. 9 hours. Game on.
rob
September 13th, 2009
5:50 am
Here’s a Dolfan’s explanation…
Miami had made sooo many previous bad draft decisions (ie Ted ginn jr at 9 instaed of Brady Quinn, etc. etc.) that they needed to take less risk and select Long over Ryan. There are so many #1 quarterback selections that don’t pan out and you can’t afford that at 1-15. Ryan looks great… but its only one year. Still, now that Ryan’s performed, Miami lost out by playing it conservative. Enjoy the game… Go Fins!
NikkiFree
September 13th, 2009
5:57 am
I’ve always believed in the saying that everything happens for a reason.
Stephen
September 13th, 2009
12:12 pm
If you read Michael Lewis’ book “The Blind Side,” then this column takes on a pretty ironic hue. Parcels, the man who “coached” LT and refused to acknowledge the importance of a left tackle in the evolution of football, chooses a left tackle over “a franchise quarterback.” I am not a Ryan hater by any stretch, though I did vote against picking him. He had a great season, and I hope he repeats it. But the Dolphin fans may be on to something, and the pressure from the blitz may get to him.
Oddly enough, left tackles DO take you to Super Bowls, and they make mediocre QBs look like legends– see the 49′ers of yore (who beat Parcels).
Today, watch Abraham vs Long. If Long wins the battles, then ask yourself “Could the Falcons have drafted Long, then used the Abraham money to get a QB at least as good as Matt Ryan?” If so, the Falcons would have been better off with Long.
Should be an interesting game. Go Falcons!
dave
September 14th, 2009
9:29 pm
ryan missed wide open guys all day. he had 19 td last season that’s just ok #’s. I guess falcons fans have not seen a franchise qb in a life time so this guy will do
DC Dolfan
September 16th, 2009
5:33 pm
Give me a break, you act as though the Falcons are some storied franchise, do me a favor, go to 5 super bowls then we’ll talk, that’s what I’m thinking. I’m thinking, we had a franchise QB, and we didn’t win a Championship with him, so check yourself. I’m so tired of this NFL draft/Mel Kiper BS, “pick this guy, not that…” Fact is Matt Ryan fit the Falcons very well, you can’t say he would have done the same in Miami considering that our O-Line was in shambles. THAT is why we picked Jake over Ryan. So we could have had Ryan and a shaky O-Line, or had Jake, solidified the line, and Chad Pennington. Oh, and Pennington was a better statistical QB than Ryan was in ‘08, so there’s that.
Countdown cleansing: Mora, Bowden and Wrestlemania! | Jeff Schultz
September 29th, 2009
3:51 pm
[...] be coming back. Again. A few weeks ago, I played Hindsight Is 20-20 Theater and remarked how Bill Parcells should be catching heat for passing on Matt Ryan in the draft. That heat just got turned up. The only drops if Chad Henne, a second-round pick, can [...]