Smith-Ryan now one of top 5 coach-QB combos in NFL
This Falcons' pairing suddenly ranks among the NFL's best. Who would've thought that a year ago? (Curtis Compton/ccompton@AJC.com)
I’ve arrived at East Lake for a Tiger Woods press conference later this morning, but first I wanted to weigh in on the best coach-quarterback combinations in the NFL, which should not be confused with weighing in on the venue for the Georgia-Florida game, and . . . wait, what day is this?
Right. Wednesday. In four days, the Falcons will play the New England Patriots. It’s another chance to watch Tom Brady play and Bill Belichick coach, and the two will go down as one of the top five coach-quarterback combinations in the Super Bowl era. My others (in no particular order: Bill Walsh-Joe Montana; Tom Landry-Roger Staubach; Chuck Noll-Terry Bradshaw; some other two guys I’ll think of later after I steal a danish from the hospitality tent here at East Lake.
In the NFL, great coach-quarterback combinations can compensate for deficiencies elsewhere. That first Patriots’ Super Bowl winner with Brady was not a great team in terms of personnel. It had some talent but a bunch of spare parts, something necessitated by the salary cap era. But it had great leadership and resolve, thanks to Brady and Belichick.
I realize it’s only their second season together. But it struck me that the Falcons now have one of the premier coach-QB duos in the NFL. Here’s my top 10. Feel free to argue.
They could retire now and still go down as all-time greats.
1. Bill Belichick-Tom Brady (New England): They stand alone. They’ve never had a losing season together and missed the playoffs only once (if you exclude last year when Brady was injured for 15 games). They’ve won three Super Bowls and went 18-0 two years ago until the title game loss to the New York Giants. When the Patriots lost last week, it was their first regular-season defeat with Brady starting since Dec. 10, 2006 (albeit he missed most of last year). Each should help induct the other into the Hall of Fame.
2. Andy Reid-Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia): I know. If I were in Philly, I’d be tied to a lamp post for this. The Eagles haven’t won a Super Bowl, and ultimately that’s how many define things. But they have been to five NFC title games (winning one) in a span of eight seasons, despite good but not great talent — certainly not on the offensive side of the ball. They’ve also endured despite working among arguably the most demanding/lunatic fan bases in the league.
3. Mike Tomlin-Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh): I balked at this initially. Tomlin inherited a great team and Roethlisberger is not a statistically great QB. But both have proven they know how to win. They won a Super Bowl in their second season. Players follow them. Chances are, they will follow them to more titles before they’re done.
4. Tom Coughlin-Eli Manning (N.Y. Giants): Again, the younger Manning’s statistical greatness can be debated. But he already has won a title. He wins games on the road (as in Dallas the other night) and he certainly works in concert with his coach. Coughlin has had the greatest career turnaround among NFL coaches since, well, Belichick.
5. Mike Smith-Matt Ryan (Falcons): Yes, it’s early. It has been only 18 regular season games. But both are off the charts in terms of commanding respect from others in the locker room, and it has been that way from the time they first stepped into Flowery Branch. Both took over in difficult circumstances, and we don’t need to detail that anymore. But expect Smith and Ryan to be staples of this organization for several seasons.
The rest of the top 10, in brief:
6. Jim Caldwell-Peyton Manning (Indianapolis): The quarterback elevates a still unproven head coach.
7. Ken Whisenhunt-Kurt Warner (Arizona): Warner wasn’t supposed to be starter. That says something.
8. John Harbaugh-Joe Flacco (Baltimore): Some might debate whether they deserve to be ranked at least as high as Smith and Ryan. The difference is, the Ravens have had one of the NFL’s most dominating defenses and players (Ray Lewis), so Harbaugh and Flacco had an advantage.
9. Sean Payton-Drew Brees (New Orleans): Now they just need to win when it matters.
10. Vacant: After thinking about it, nobody else is worthy of being 10th. It’s too early for Rex Ryan-Mark Sanchez (N.Y. Jets), and the results are either too mixed or half the pairing is deficient with some of the others: Mike McCarthy-Aaron Rogers (Green Bay), Norv Turner-Phillip Rivers, Jeff Fisher-Anybody (Tennessee), Wade Phillips-T0ny Romo (Dallas).
Your thoughts? Would you rank Smith-Ryan higher or lower?
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266 comments Add your comment
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
10:58 am
Harbaugh & Flacco………….championship game
Smith & NOODLE ARM…………..1 AND CHOKE
Which is better
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
11:02 am
It’s funny but if you look at the list of top 10 coaches and qbs and every last one of them has won playoff games and made it to the championship game except………guess who?????????…..I give up…..
Smitty & NOODLE ARM…………Go figure
Paul H
September 23rd, 2009
11:03 am
Smith-Ryan have potential to be #1. As of today, I would put them in top 10 but not sure about top 5. Just yet.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
11:07 am
JEFF
The last time I checked, the defense doesn’t not throw interceptions, give up safeties. If Flacco had thrown 2 interceptions, had a fumble & a safety in their playoff games, there would have been no benefit of having a good defense.
Your rationale and reporting is like NOODLE ARM’s strength – VERY WEAK!
mryan
September 23rd, 2009
11:08 am
Bad News giving up? One can only dream. We are optimists here in the ATL! Schultzie, you make a good argument about Baltimore’s defense but that shouldn’t be a negative for Flacco-Harbaugh. Both will be great for years to come! Let’s see that Superbowl in the next 5 yrs!
Al Beeski
September 23rd, 2009
11:09 am
Don’t see how you balked at Tomlin/Big Ben, as I think they are definitely #2 on this list. And they have a great shot to move up to #1 on this list in a couple of years. The object of the game is to win & they’ve proven that better than anybody else on this list in a short period of time sans Giselle/Soul Seller 2 da devil.
mryan
September 23rd, 2009
11:10 am
Double negative Bad News? Shame on you.
C. Tampa Ironworse
September 23rd, 2009
11:13 am
JS…you’re spot on with some of these. Brady, no brainer. I think the Tomlin one is kinda weak and the Peyton/What’s his name…really? It’s hard to say it out loud because we (city of Atlanta) are used to being the bridesmaid…but Ryan might just be the BEST QB in the NFL by year’s end.
PS: Bad News…you’re a noodlebrain AND very weak. WAR Bowtie!
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
11:14 am
9. Sean Payton-Drew Brees (New Orleans): Now they just need to win when it matters
JEFF
Again, your reporting has more holes than swiss cheese. “Win when it matters”?………Serious?……….Really?
Maybe I’m confused but I believe Drew Brees has 1 championship game appearance and NOODLE ARM has ZERO………
So please point out exactly what game has NOODLE ARM won that mattered more than making it to the championship game……..
I’LL WAIT……….Take your time
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
11:20 am
NO PHILLIP RIVERS…………Are you nuts or what?
NOODLE ARM would not make it on my college top 10 list
Huge Falcon Fan
September 23rd, 2009
11:21 am
Maybe one day Ryan can be as good as Flacco. Til that day comes, real Falcon fans will just have to make do with what we have.
MightyQuinn
September 23rd, 2009
11:23 am
Bad News has no life and needs to get laid. Talk about frustrated! Sheesh. And what has happened to BigEasy? That 4-12 prediction is looking pretty weak now, huh? Somehow I don’t think this bunch is going to go 2-12 the rest of the way.
Bad News Thug
September 23rd, 2009
11:23 am
It’s much better to have a “noodle arm” (wow, that is quite clever isn’t it?) then to have a water head like Bad News and the idiot QB that he worships…..
schultz is mighty smart
September 23rd, 2009
11:24 am
How often do you have to submit articles now Jeff? The AJC is overworking you. This is appropriate to show your evil bosses.
Bad News-
September 23rd, 2009
11:26 am
I’m an unemployed loser with no absolutely no life or anything going for me. That’s why I am constantly on this blog and worship a convicted felon that couldn’t read a pop warner defense. Just bare with me as I’m not very bright, which is why the best material I can come up with is ‘Noodle Arm’ over and over and over again….
CraZyTRaDeMaN
September 23rd, 2009
11:26 am
MATT RYAN —-NOODLE ARM
BAD NEWS —–NOODLE =:@
CraZyTRaDeMaN
September 23rd, 2009
11:30 am
MATT RYAN == COLLEGE GRAD
BAD NEWS == Knuckle Dragger
DJ Sniper
September 23rd, 2009
11:30 am
Normally I refrain from commenting on the asinine posts by Bad News, but today I really want to know what this guy is smoking. He’s either a die hard Vick fan, or he’s just a troll who has nothing better to do with his time. First of all, how can this nut compare Brees vs. Ryan in terms of championship game appearances? Ryan is just in his second year in the league, while Brees is in his 8th season. Also, it makes me laugh how he thinks that that Flacco is a better QB than Ryan simply because Flacco made it to the conference championship while Ryan didn’t. This guy’s logic(and I use that term very loosely) is way out in left field.
Oh give it a rest...
September 23rd, 2009
11:36 am
…Ryan and Smith have been together 1 year and 2 games – that hardly qualifies as a “relationship” per pro football terms. They do not belong on ANY list – yet!
BugKiller
September 23rd, 2009
11:40 am
My question is, what has Caldwell done to be number 6? This is his first year. Does the presence of Manning alone make him great? I don’t buy it.
I also don’t buy Andy Reid and McNabb being number 2. They’ve choked more than they’ve won. They’re the Atlanta Braves of football. Which means like Bobby Cox, Andy Reid is vastly overrated.
As far as great coaches and quarterbacks all time, how the heck could you forget Lombardi-Starr?
I’d also submit for recognition Johnson-Aikman. If Jerry Jones had a smaller ego, the Cowboys WOULD have been the only franchise to win 3 Super Bowls in a row, if not 4 Super Bowls in a row. Jerry Jones cost his team more than he’ll ever own up to.
But Johnson-Aikman should be on the all-time list, too.
And I know you said “Super Bowl Era,” but you HAVE to include Paul Brown and Otto Graham on your list as well. The number of Championships they won were staggering.
Leslie Chow
September 23rd, 2009
11:43 am
Hey Bad News, seriously… Katrina was like 6 years ago. Move back already.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
11:46 am
DJ Sniper
Thank you for proving my point. NOODLE ARM and Flacco should not be on that list, but since he is on the list, he is open game to be scrutinized and since he is the ONLY player on that list without PLAYOFF WINS………..
He doesn’t belong on the list. Talk to your columnist who decided that 1 year players are better than PROVEN veterans
Silent Majority
September 23rd, 2009
11:50 am
Weeb and Joe
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
11:51 am
A BETTER LIST FOR NOODLE ARM:
TOP 10 CHOKE LIST:
1. NOODLE ARM
2. Joey Harrington
3. Ryan Leaf
4. Rex Grossman
5. Kyle Orton
6. Jay Cutler
7. Carson Palmer
8. Matt Hasselbeck
9. Jake Delhomme
10. Punky Brewster
Silent Majority
September 23rd, 2009
11:51 am
Grant and Tarkenton
Don
September 23rd, 2009
11:53 am
Bad News, you are insane, i call it like i see, for you to bag on a guy that turned around a terrible team and took them to the playoffs (granted with alot of help from the BURNER) in his rookie year leads me to believe that the only reason you do not like him is because you have ahuge man crush on Mike Vick, Mike Vick would not even trash matt ryan because he knows he did a good job last year.
Matt Ryan= good arm, very accurate
Mike Vick= great arm, no accuracy what so ever, couldnt hit the broad side of a barn.
mryan
September 23rd, 2009
12:00 pm
Jeff is not “reporting”; he’s stating his opinion. Just like you are. For argument’s sake, Joe Montana didn’t have the best arm coming out of ND. Not comparing; just saying.
BmoreBlitz
September 23rd, 2009
12:02 pm
Ryan could be on the top 5 list if he was being judged alone(amazing rookie year). Smith not yet, he hasn’t won anything. Now Flacco and Harbaugh, if we’re counting both QB and coach, no question should be ahead of Ryan and Smith. If you want to bring up Baltimore has a better defense, then I call out Smith and ask why Atlanta’s wasn’t better? Smith played a bad base defense that relied on the front 4 getting pressure(Abraham was the only one who could regularly) and changing up cover schemes.
kappellmeister
September 23rd, 2009
12:02 pm
Oh where oh where has FALCONS SORRY gone, oh where oh where can he be?
FalconUGAFan
September 23rd, 2009
12:03 pm
Have to agree it is way too early to put Smith-Ryan in this company…yet. It appears part of your criteria was that they compensated for for deficiencies in other areas. I would argue that the Birds are able to count on Turner and White and a decent front line. Although, I sure hope they earn it through many years of fine work for the well-deserving Falcons fan, tho. Time will tell.
WHAT!!
September 23rd, 2009
12:03 pm
Bad News…..why are so much hate for Matt Ryan? Is it because he proves you and many others wrong week in and week out?
Rebel Fan
September 23rd, 2009
12:03 pm
Schultz,
I like this list except for one thing. I would have put Brees-Payton in the top 5. Here’s why? Brees makes Payton’s offense go. they compliment each other. The only thing the Saints needed was a quarterback to make the offense go. They have that guy in Brees. I also have not seen any QB on this list even sniff Marino’s passing record. Brees came within 15 yards of breaking it last season.
I agree with you Brady-Belicheat, i mean Belichik, are at the top based on their accomplishments and winning the 3 Superbowls.I know Matt Ryan is going to be good but putting him 5th on this list may be a stretch. Do this list in 3 or 4 years and Ryan will be in the top 5, maybe even the top 3.
FalconUGAFan
September 23rd, 2009
12:04 pm
FALCONS SORRY was banned. Its best just to ignore the trolls.
MV7's Pet Dog
September 23rd, 2009
12:05 pm
All time favorite: Billy Joe Tolliver and Jerry Glanville
mryan
September 23rd, 2009
12:05 pm
Bug Killer, Johnson-Aikman is a great call! I hate the Cowboys but they deserve their due.
Falconsforlife, easy buddy. Let’s focus on the positive and leave what’s his name out of this conversation.
That said, Chris Chandler-Dan Reeves? 1 and only Superbowl? Beat the Vikings? Anybody? Nevermind.
mryan
September 23rd, 2009
12:08 pm
Bmore blitz, great argument and great points. And you did it without calling our QB names. Thanks.
Kurt
September 23rd, 2009
12:09 pm
You guys do nothing but humor this deadbeat and give him legitimacy by even responding to him.
BugKiller
September 23rd, 2009
12:10 pm
BmoreBlitz… REALLY???
You want to give Harbaugh-Flacco credit for the defense CARRYING that team?
Flacco is doing much better this year, but last year, ESPECIALLY in the playoffs, he STUNK.
If it weren’t for Rex Ryan’s stout defense, Flacco would have easily lost his first playoff game.
To give Flacco credit for playoff wins last year (or the majority of regular season wins) is simply intellectually dishonest.
Ryan, on the other hand, is the ONLY reason why the Falcons were able to make the playoffs last year. He was able to not only win games at the end (Chicago being the most awesome example) but his ability to play smartly, get the offense into the right plays, and such, to cover for an untalented defense is to be praised.
Good work for old Noodle Arm, I think.
Falcon Fan
September 23rd, 2009
12:13 pm
Jeff George and June Jones
mryan
September 23rd, 2009
12:16 pm
Bugkiller, what about Brooking? You should have seen that SNF game where he jumped on all those dogpiles to try and get credit for an assist. Mike Peterson? Marginal upgrade at best (sarcasm intended)
BmoreBlitz
September 23rd, 2009
12:18 pm
Bugkiller- simply intellectually dishonest? wow… moving on though
I wasn’t giving Flacco the credit, that’s where I was giving credit more to Harbaugh and the coaching staff. They came up with a better plan throughout the playoffs than Smith and company. During the Falcons entire playoff game, the Cardinals knew the snap count and Smith(or Ryan) did nothing to change it up. Smith didn’t play enough to Ryans strengths early and it cost the Falcons the game.
Harbaugh played to the Ravens strengths and we beat two teams we were underdogs against. Adv: Harbaugh and company
FalconFan5114
September 23rd, 2009
12:19 pm
Really dont understand why morons have to slander Ryan to make Vick look better. Vick did what he wanted, and he is gone. Anybody really want to trade Smith and Ryan for Vick and Petrino?
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
12:20 pm
I think you guys have it wrong! I don’t hate Matt at all. I’m just giving him the same support and motivation the last qb received.
I mean you guys were just trying to motivate your last qb right?
I mean teams should improve right? If so then since the last qb took the team one game from a superbowl, the only improvement would be to make it to the superbowl or win it.
Losing in the 1st round is not an improvement, but what do I know
Now Harbaugh & Flacco were 1 game from the superbowl – now that is improving not regressing.
So I am here to support Matt just like you guys supported the last qb.
Until he replaces the last qb in……
wins (38-28-1)
playoff wins (2)
championship games (1)
pro bowls (3)
mvp finalist (2nd)
**NOTE**…..The last qb accomplished this in 4 FULL seasons
Until then, he will forever be recognized for what he is………….
BUST & NOODLE ARM!!!!!!
Russ
September 23rd, 2009
12:21 pm
Bad News – By your standards Flacco is automatically beter than Ryan because he made it to the Championship game. By that rationale, wouldn’t every QB that has made it to the Superbowl be better than any QB that has not? So, I think you better adjust your top ten choke list because there are three QB’s on there who have gone to the Superbowl. Which means all QB’s that have not (including Rape Stand Vick) should be listed ahead of them on the choke list.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
12:22 pm
Bug Killer
Which Falcons made the pro bowl last season?
sick and tired
September 23rd, 2009
12:29 pm
I’m sick and tired of hearing all this Matt Ryan and Mike Smith talk like they have accomplished something. They havent done anything yet. The guy has been in the league got lucky the Falcons got a stud running back. Chris Redmond could have run the offense the same way last year. You guys are just so happy to have a traditional QB and you know what I mean by a traditional QB. This team will only go as far as Michael Turner, Offensive line and the Defense. But we know all of you are happy to have aa “TRADITIONAL QB”. The Facons will win because of the running game and when the defense becomes an ELITE, but i guess Matt Ryan will be playing D as well.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
12:29 pm
Week Two power rankings
Posted by Mike Florio on September 23, 2009 9:22 AM ET
Week Two is over. Week Three is coming. Wednesday is the one day when there isn’t much to talk about, since players typically are off on Tuesdays.
So we need to do something to generate traffic.
So here are the new Power Rankings. Last week’s rank is in parentheses.
We welcome your complaints and ridicule in the comments. We’ll save our profane responses for Twitter.
Since, you know, it’s private.
1. New York Giants (3)
2. Indianapolis Colts (6)
3. Baltimore Ravens (9)
4. Minnesota Vikings (7)
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (1)
6. San Diego Chargers (4)
7. New Orleans Saints (12)
8. New England Patriots (2)
9. Atlanta Falcons (13)
10. New York Jets (15)
11. Chicago Bears (14)
12. San Francisco 49ers (18)
13. Dallas Cowboys (11)
14. Philadelphia Eagles (5)
15. Houston Texans (24)
16. Buffalo Bills (16)
17. Tennessee Titans (5)
18. Cincinnati Bengals (28)
19. Green Bay Packers (10)
20. Arizona Cardinals (22)
21. Washington Redskins (20)
22. Seattle Seahawks (17)
23. Miami Dolphins (21)
24. Denver Broncos (23)
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (19)
26. Carolina Panthers (25)
27. Oakland Raiders (27)
28. Kansas City Chiefs (26)
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (29)
30. Cleveland Browns (30)
31. St. Louis Rams (31)
32. Detroit Lions (32)
JOE FLACCO ROCKS!!!!!
WHAT!!
September 23rd, 2009
12:32 pm
Bad News…….since you are talking about not regressing, what would you call Mike Vicks last two seasons? Again, you’ve been proven wrong. You are really a step below stupid. Give it up. Have respect for yourself.
WHAT!!
September 23rd, 2009
12:34 pm
The last two games Ryan carried this team not Turner, so throw that argument out the window.
Go Falcons
September 23rd, 2009
12:36 pm
Matt Ryan and Mike Smith belong on the list for their composition. Both of them are as professional as they come and they both demand respect just as Jeff Schultz stated. It’s not necessarily about who has won what yet.
If you name a combo of coaches that are as close as being on the same page in the NFL you would be hard pressed as Jeff also stated.
Mike and Matt both keep reiterating that there are things to be learned and implemented yet even though they are winning. Keeps them from getting ahead of themselves.
They are my favorite coach-quarterback combo in the NFL.
They absolutely are the best in Falcon history IMO.
Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. Flacco couldn’t hold Ryan’s Jock.
BAD NEWS- P.S. MATT RYAN’S QB RATING FOR 2009: 108.5 (TOP 5)
JOE FLACCO’S QB RATING FOR 2009: 96.1
CHOKE ON THAT!!!!!!
All I'm Saying Is...
September 23rd, 2009
12:37 pm
Schultz: Its way too early to include Mike Smith and Matt Ryan in any discussion with Super Bowl winners. Furthermore, its too early for them to be on a list like this. They have to win a playoff game together first. Since they haven’t done that, they should be dropped from the top 10 list as should Caldwell and Manning for the same reason (Manning has nothing to prove but per your rules these two haven’t won one together).
Whisenhunt & Warner, Payton & Brees and Flacco & Harbaugh all move up because they have won during the regular season and the playoffs.
Y’all might not like to read it but the Falcons had a great REGULAR SEASON last year and are off to a 2 and 0 start this regular season which is awesome but the fact remains that the Falcons (Smitty and Ryan) have not done a darn thing in the playoffs and until they make it to the NFC Championship game, then they will have not yet matched the Mora-Vick combination and certainly not the Reeves-Chandler combo….but don’t worry, it’s going to happen!
LET’S GO FALCONS!
Go Falcons
September 23rd, 2009
12:39 pm
SICK AND TIRED,
HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN MICHAEL TURNER GETTING SHUT DOWN THE LAST TWO GAMES AND MATT RYAN GETTING 3 TD’S IN THE LAST GAME????
Matt Ryan will only go as far as Turner? But Turner got shut out and Matt Ryan still won the game with his arm. The defense also got burned a lot….so explain how your argument holds any water, because in 2009 it does not.
FALCONS SORRY
September 23rd, 2009
12:40 pm
FINALLY YOU GOT A BLOGGER THAT MAKE SENSE. MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE A STORY ON OWNER AND QUARTERBACK SO YOU CAN HAVE NOODLE ARM AND NOODLE BRAIN. RUN THIS STORY IN 3 WEEKS AND YOU CAN PUT ANDY REID AND MIKE VICK AT THE TOP OF YOUR LIST.
Ben
September 23rd, 2009
12:40 pm
Dear Bad News. You’re a moron.
If Flacco was the end-all, be-all for QB’s, why did he have to tranfer to Delaware before he could start a game??
If VICK was/is such a great QB, why did Philly just bring in a 50 year old has-been (JEff Garcia) who is listed ahead of him on the depth chart?
Go Falcons
September 23rd, 2009
12:43 pm
MATT RYAN IS SECOND IN THE LEAGUE FOR TD TOSSES!!!!!!!!!!!! GO MATTY ICE!!!!
Frank Wren
September 23rd, 2009
12:43 pm
Boy the black racist are out in full force today.
Frank Wren
September 23rd, 2009
12:45 pm
Matt Ryan has way better career numbers than Flacco. To compare the two is insane. Flacco couldnt carry Matt Ryans jock.
The only bust around here are the black racist who dont like Matt Ryan because he is white. Guess he isnt part of the “black agenda” It would be funny if it wasnt so sad.
Bad News is Retarded
September 23rd, 2009
12:45 pm
Bad News…you are officially retarded. Vick was treated like a GOD in this town. He is the one who went to jail. Who exactly do you think was going to play QB for us while he was in the slammer??? We didn’t turn our backs on him. He turned his back on us…and it was the greatest thing that ever happened to this team beacause it got us a future hall of famer at QB instead of a highway freak show. If you knew anything about football you would be able to see how Ryan surgically dismantles defenses with pinpoint precision and his so-called “noodle-arm” instead of running around like an idiot and then throwing the ball as hard as he can to random spots on the field like our former QB. To call him a bust is ridiculous. Ryan went 11-5 last year which ties the BEST season Vick ever had AND we are already 2 games on our way to having our first back to back winning seasons, which is something YOUR boy never did.
falconidiot
September 23rd, 2009
12:46 pm
Kinda think Brees & Peyton deserve a higher ranking among this bunch. But I’m looking forward to Noodle Arm vs ConVick Dec.6th.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
12:46 pm
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20030104009
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=290103022
OH THE MEMORIES
Go Falcons
September 23rd, 2009
12:46 pm
SICK AND TIRED,
I’ll take a “traditional” QB (you racist idiot) over a FELON any day!!!!! I’ll also take a leader who hasn’t had to worry about dropping the soap, oh wait I just read Vick learned to use body wash rather than soap…wonder why?
FalconUGAFan
September 23rd, 2009
12:48 pm
Another useless Power ranking
Week 2 Power rankings from Sporting News
Meanwhile, that sound you hear could be the Steelers, Patriots and Eagles all tumbling down the power poll. All were losers in Week 2, so the deck has been seriously shuffled.
1. Giants (last week: 3). Another clutch performance by Eli Manning puts them atop the NFC East and this poll.
2. Colts (9). Thanks to Peyton Manning, life without Tony Dungy has been business as usual.
3. Falcons (12). Home cooking has been good to them. Now, they face a road test at New England.
4. Vikings (7). We will find out more about this team, and the 49ers, when they meet Sunday.
5. Ravens (5). Their offense has become more diverse. Ray Lewis still looks young.
6. Steelers (1). They are unlikely to hit their stride again until Troy Polamalu returns.
7. Patriots (4). Lack of a consistent running game is making life more difficult for Tom Brady.
8. Saints (11). Drew Brees is an early favorite for league MVP. Their offense looks machine-like.
9. Eagles (2). Michael Vick finally will get to play Sunday, but the player they need most is Donovan McNabb.
10. Chargers (8). They need LaDainian Tomlinson back to help them in the running game and red zone.
11. Jets (14). Rex Ryan can talk, but he can also coach defense. Mark Sanchez should run for mayor.
12. Bears (16). Beating the Steelers was huge, but Jay Cutler must keep the momentum going.
13. 49ers (18). They lead the NFC West and have a chance to start 3-0 for the first time since 1998.
14. Titans (6). Starting 0-2 is concerning. Their game at the Jets on Sunday is one they need badly.
15. Cowboys (10). Talent keeps them from falling too far, but Tony Romo’s mistakes remain troubling.
Daniel
September 23rd, 2009
12:48 pm
Commentors like Bad News and Falcons Sorry are so off target and short sighted that responding to their posts is a complete waste of time. It would be easier to ignore; if they both were not constantly on the blog about the Falcons with the same statement over and over again. I enjoy all atlanta sports and even commenting on the columns, but I hardly ever get invovled with the Falcons talk because of those two. I would hope that someone at the AJC may consider the fact that those two posters specifically are affecting the on-line version readership.
BugKiller
September 23rd, 2009
12:51 pm
Bad News, if you measure greatness by Pro Bowls, which are popularity contests and sometimes have nothing to do with actual talent, then you’re a bigger fool than you actually come of as.
Terrell
September 23rd, 2009
12:51 pm
Bad News-
The fact that you had to mock the original Bad News just shows how much of a life you have or lack thereof, but truth be told our team is set at QB and coach, so original Bad News, get over it. It takes more than a rocket arm to win games, and as much as I cheered him on he didn’t take advantage of what he had to the fullest so now we got somebody that will work hard.
UGA Girls are Dawgs
September 23rd, 2009
12:53 pm
I think BAD NEWS has a thing for Noodle Arm – no one is this obsessed with something or someone unless they have a serious crush.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
12:53 pm
Air/Ground Leaders
St. Louis Passing
C/ATT YDS TD INT
Bulger 19/32 230 1 0
Atlanta Passing
C/ATT YDS TD INT
Ryan 10/21 160 1 2
St. Louis Rushing
CAR YDS TD LG
Jackson 30 161 2 36
Darby 3 20 0 8
Atlanta Rushing
CAR YDS TD LG
Turner 25 208 1 70
Norwood 3 56 2 45
St. Louis Receiving
REC YDS TD LG
Holt 6 90 0 33
Jackson 4 54 0 36
Atlanta Receiving
REC YDS TD LG
Jenkins 4 72 0 41
White 3 48 1 22
St. Louis Fumbles
FUM LOST REC
Bartell 0 0 1
Atlanta Fumbles
FUM LOST REC
Turner 1 1 0
THIS IS RYAN CARRYING THE TEAM:
Completed 10 of 21 passes
1 touch down
2 INTERCEPTS
This was against the 31st ranked defense and a 2-12 team……
Yet that’s amazing stuff
OLE NOODLE ARM
phoenix falcon
September 23rd, 2009
12:55 pm
black racist?
were you people born this stupid, or did you have to work up to it?
Ross
September 23rd, 2009
12:56 pm
Please ban this tool Bad News. It’s not funny. It won’t be good for AJC’s hit count. Make him go away.
-drl
BmoreBlitz
September 23rd, 2009
12:56 pm
Frank Wren- The article was about Head Coach and QB, not QB alone. But if you want to compare them ok I’ll be “insane” and take you to the mental hospital. Putting up Ryans yards, TD’s, and Int against Flacco’s and Ryan’s a little better last year. This year they’re very similar. Over the last 16 games(including playoffs) Flacco is 13-3. The only other QB with a record of 13-3, Peyton Manning. Lets compare Playoff wins, Flacco 2-0, Ryan 0-1.
Ok “insane” guy 1, Frank Wren 0
Terrell
September 23rd, 2009
12:57 pm
sick and tired,
Come on man! Get over yourself. Yes there are a few who want a “Traditional QB” but the QB we had even said it himself he was lazy. The majority of us are happy not because he’s a “Traditional QB” but because he works hard at his craft.
Are you just one of those who are sour because Matt Ryan isn’t a “Non-tradtional QB?” You know what I mean?
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
12:58 pm
Ross
BOO HOO
Bad News is and idiot
September 23rd, 2009
12:58 pm
Bad News…what stats are you looking at? I don’t remember Ryan having a game like that this season…you are officially retarded. Vick was treated like a GOD in this town. He is the one who went to jail. Who exactly do you think was going to play QB for us while he was in the slammer??? We didn’t turn our backs on him. He turned his back on us…and it was the greatest thing that ever happened to this team beacause it got us a future hall of famer at QB instead of a highway freak show. If you knew anything about football you would be able to see how Ryan surgically dismantles defenses with pinpoint precision and his so-called “noodle-arm” instead of running around like an idiot and then throwing the ball as hard as he can to random spots on the field like our former QB. To call him a bust is ridiculous. Ryan went 11-5 last year which ties the BEST season Vick ever had AND we are already 2 games on our way to having our first back to back winning seasons, which is something YOUR boy never did.
Bad News is and idiot
September 23rd, 2009
1:01 pm
Bad News…you are officially retarded. Vick was treated like a GOD in this town. He is the one who went to jail. Who exactly do you think was going to play QB for us while he was in the slammer??? We didn’t turn our backs on him. He turned his back on us…and it was the greatest thing that ever happened to this team beacause it got us a future hall of famer at QB instead of a highway freak show. If you knew anything about football you would be able to see how Ryan surgically dismantles defenses with pinpoint precision and his so-called “noodle-arm” instead of running around like an idiot and then throwing the ball as hard as he can to random spots on the field like our former QB. To call him a bust is ridiculous.
mryan
September 23rd, 2009
1:02 pm
Joe Flacco’s nickname is the Unibrow.
Kyle Boller had a strong arm too and he can’t beat Marc Bulger for the starting job.
Go Falcons
September 23rd, 2009
1:04 pm
BAD NEWS are these last years stats???? Hmm….I seem to remember that we are in a new year, in which MATT RYAN IS THE NUMBER 4 QB IN THE LEAGUE ONLY 2 PERCENTAGE POINTS BEHIND PEYTON MANNING IN QB RATING. Interesting.
You are using selective data, and it is therefore biased and faulted.
How about a game from last week for you…..
MATT RYAN: 3 TD’S
1 INT
122 PASSER RATING
77.8% PERCENTAGE COMPLETION RATE
13 COMPLETED PASSES CONSECUTIVELY
JOE FLACCO @ KC (A WAY LESSER TEAM HE SHOULD HAVE EXPLOITED):
3 TD’S
1 INT
95.8 PASSER RATING
60.5 COMPLETION PERCENTAGE
F-105 Thunderchief
September 23rd, 2009
1:05 pm
The best trio in football is UGA, UF and Jacksonville.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
1:06 pm
THE “TRUE” TOP-10:
Big Chief’s NFL Top 10 -Week 3
Deke Bellavia Reporting
Each week during the NFL Season I will post my top ten of who I think are the ten best teams in the NFL. Here’s my top ten as we head into the third week of the season. Carolina, San Diego, and New England are gone while Atlanta, the New York Jets, Minnesota and the 49ers make their first appearance in the Top 10. And remember, what I said the first two weeks – do you think Tony Romo is that good? Three picks versus the G-Men shows he’s not ready yet!
1. New York Giants (2-0) – The G-Men are the only unbeaten in the tough NFC East and it looks like Eli has found his new big target in Mario Manningham. Manning to Manningham – boy will New Yorkers run with that one! Last week the Giants beat Dallas 33-31 / this week @ Tampa Bay.
2. New Orleans (2-0) – The Saints beat the Eagles at their own game by creating turnovers and then turning those takeaways into TD’s. The Saints have laid the foundation for a nice season and now they have to take care of business in Buffalo. Last week NOLA beat Philadelphia 48-22 / this week @ Buffalo.
3. Baltimore (2-0) – QB Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense is on fire right now, but their defense is suspect. But with Ray Ray and Ed Reed, the Purple Birds D still have the two best defensive playmakers in the game today. Did you see Ray make the game saving play against the Bolts last Sunday? Last week Baltimore beat San Diego 31-26 / this week vs Cleveland.
4. Indianapolis (2-0) – The Colts hung on for a win over the Dolphins. Say what you want about their defense, but they found a way to hang on despite being on the field for 84 plays. A good one this week has Payton, Reggie and Dallas in the desert. Last week the Colts beat Miami 27-23 / this week @ Arizona.
5. Atlanta (2-0) – The Dirty Birds are for real and although they went to the playoffs last season, people are still doubting ATL. A win at New England would put them on the national scene in a very big way. Last week the Falcons beat Carolina 28-20 / this week @ New England.
6. New York Jets (2-0) – The Jets are playing sound defense and young QB Mark Sanchez is doing well right now. The Jets could be 3-0 after this week, but it won’t be easy as they host a desperate 0-2 Titans team. Last week the Jets beat New England 16-9 / this week vs Tennessee.
7. Minnesota (2-0) – Minnesota has the best runner in the game in Adrian Peterson and a QB who looks like he has one more run left in him. The Vikings have a huge one this week at home against the 49ers. Is this the 1980’s or what? Last week the Vikings beat Detroit 27-13 / this week vs San Francisco.
8. Pittsburgh (1-1) – The Steelers beat Tennessee in week one on a Jeff Reed field goal, and last week they lost to the Bears on two Jeff Reed misses. Oh well, things have a way of evening out in the NFL. Look out for an underrated Bengals team this Sunday! Last week Pittsburgh lost Chicago 17-14 / this week @ Cincinnati.
9. Philadelphia (1-1) – The Eagles are not as bad as they looked against the Saints. The Saints are that good. Once the Eagles get McNabb back and get Mike Vick in the mix, they should be able to confuse all the defenses they see. Last week Philly lost to New Orleans 48-22 / this week vs Kansas City.
10. San Francisco (2-0) – Will someone please give Mike Singletary credit? The man is a good coach and he has his team playing well right now without a very good QB. The 49ers can get a lot of respect this week with a road win over the Vikings. Did I mention that RB Frank Gore is a beast? Last week the 49ers beat Seattle 23-10 / this week @ Minnesota.
Go Falcons
September 23rd, 2009
1:07 pm
BALTIMORE BLITZ,
Joe Flacco’s stats aren’t close to Matt Ryan’s this year. Get over it. Flacco got more playoff’s wins that Ryan because the Ravens actually have a defense moron.
Again, Matt Ryan’s passer rating for 2009: 108 (Top 5)
Joe Flacco’s passer rating for 2009: 98
No comparison.
Crabkilla
September 23rd, 2009
1:08 pm
I think you have to include John Fox’s man crush relationship with Jake Delhome. If they weren’t making sweet love, Jake wouldn’t have the starting job. Either way, I hope to see this relationship stay strong for many years to come. Go Birds!!!
keep it real
September 23rd, 2009
1:08 pm
I must agree. Joe Flacco is way better than Mike Vick. Vick isn’t half the qb that Flacco is.
Go Falcons
September 23rd, 2009
1:10 pm
BAD NEWS-
Is that the “true” top 10 because you agree with it? ESPN’s overall power ranking rate the Falcon’s 3rd over the Ravens so I’ll take that with a bunch of opinion’s over just one opinion.
Did I mention, Vick got raped in prison?
Go Falcons
September 23rd, 2009
1:10 pm
Keep it real,
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Good one, that should fix him.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
1:11 pm
***3. Baltimore (2-0) – QB Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense is on fire right now, but their defense is suspect. But with Ray Ray and Ed Reed, the Purple Birds D still have the two best defensive playmakers in the game today. Did you see Ray make the game saving play against the Bolts last Sunday? Last week Baltimore beat San Diego 31-26 / this week vs Cleveland.****
INTERESTING…………..
So the Ravens defense is not good this year, while the offense is carrying the team……………..
INTERESTING……………Damn that Flacco
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
1:13 pm
FLACCO ROCKS
The true ROY
BmoreBlitz
September 23rd, 2009
1:14 pm
Go Falcons- This year the Ravens defense is ranked 17th or something…what’s the falcons defense ranked?
You forgot to put up Yards, TDs, Int…. oh and Points scored for the TEAM. Ravens(34.5/gm) second to only the Saints in points scored.
Daniel
September 23rd, 2009
1:15 pm
Comparing Flacco and Ryan is pretty fair, and ultimately both are playing extremely well for second year quarterbacks. I would take Ryan over Flacco (not just b/c I am a Falcon fan) but he has had more control over the entire offense than Flacco. He runs the no huddle better and is able to spread the field better. Now, clearly this year Flacco has been given more responsibility by his coach and so far he is living up to it. This is not meant as a slight towards Flacco.
Sean Payton/Drew Brees should be higher on the list.
Al Davis
September 23rd, 2009
1:15 pm
you cant be serious…file this will all your uga articles
Cannonball Butler
September 23rd, 2009
1:16 pm
” During the Falcons entire playoff game, the Cardinals knew the snap count and Smith(or Ryan) did nothing to change it up ”
This is true.
“But we know all of you are happy to have aa “TRADITIONAL QB”.”
Also very true.
“Chris Redmond could have run the offense the same way last year”
Nah. Not even close to true. And the NFL Rookie of the Year votes seem to confirm this.
Leslie Chow
September 23rd, 2009
1:17 pm
OMG bad news no one cares who you think the top 10 teams are. You have ZERO credibility and are a complete moron Saints fan. Move back to NO already, Katrina is long gone by now…
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
1:17 pm
YET ANOTHER OBSERVER:
New Orleans Saints (2-0 SU, 2-0-0 ATS) – - 48 to 22 is a butt whipping no matter who is playing quarterback for the other team. That’s two straight games where the Saints have scored over 40 points and managed to cover the spread. This team is scary good.
New York Jets (2-0 SU, 2-0-0 ATS) – - Trash talking didn’t get in the way of Coach Rex Ryan and quarterback Mark Sanchez beating up the New England Patriots. It was a huge victory for the Jets who beat the Pats at home for the first time since 2001.
Baltimore Ravens (2-0 SU, 2-0-0 ATS) – - They went into San Diego as 3 point underdogs and beat the Chargers straight-up. Quarterback Joe Flacco has emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings (2-0 SU, 2-0-0 ATS) – - Favre looked very comfortable in the second half of their 27 to 13 victory over the Detroit Lions. Minnesota is easily the class in the NFC North in 2009.
San Francisco 49’ers (2-0 SU, 2-0-0 ATS) – - The 49’ers have the inside track to the NFC West title already after beating the Seattle Seahawks for their second straight victory in their division.
Denver Broncos (2-0 SU, 2-0-0 ATS) – - Forget the off season shenanigans, the Broncos so far are winners. Against Cleveland, they actually looked good holding the Browns to 6 total points and putting up 27 on their own.
New York Giants (2-0 SU, 1-1-0 ATS) – - Expect New York to climb in these rankings in weeks to come. Beating the Cowboys on opening night in their own stadium couldn’t have been easy and it wasn’t as the G-Men needed a last second field goal to pull out the victory. As 3 point underdogs, the 33 to 30 win easily covered and the Giants betting faithful took home a chunk of change if they took them SU.
Buffalo Bills (1-1 SU, 2-0-0 ATS) – - The Bills bounced back from their loss to the Patriots by dominating the hapless Bucs 33 to 20. It was a nice cover ATS as Buffalo was giving up only 4 points.
Oakland Raiders (1-1 SU, 2-0-0 ATS) – - Oakland fans had to have been nervous watching their team struggle against the Kansas City Chiefs for most of their rivalry game this past Sunday, but the Raiders pulled it out, and pulled out a cover ATS after Darren McFadden waltzed into the end zone late in the game.
Dallas Cowboys (1-1 SU, 1-1-0 ATS) – - Nice stadium, ‘Boys, too bad you couldn’t pull out the win against the New York Giants. Dallas’s defense just isn’t that good which means that Tony Romo’s mistakes are compounded.
keep it real
September 23rd, 2009
1:19 pm
Damn that Flacco, indeed sir. He and the Ravens are way above that noodle-brain Vick and the Eagles. Flacco is far superior to Vick and he doesn’t do stupid sh#t that gets him sent to prison. Ole noodle brain.
Steve C
September 23rd, 2009
1:19 pm
Hey Bad News, here are some sweet Flacco stats.
Date Opponent Att Cmp Yds Cmp% Yds/Att TD TD% INT INT% LG Sack/Lost Rating
1/4 @ Miami 23 9 135 39.1 5.87 0 0.0 0 0.0 31 0/0 59.1
1/10 @ Tennessee 22 11 161 50.0 7.32 1 4.5 0 0.0 48t 0/0 89.4
1/18 @ Pittsburgh 30 13 141 43.3 4.70 0 0.0 3 10.0 22 3/16 18.2
TOTALS 75 33 437 44.0 5.83 1 1.3 3 4.0 48t 3/16 50.8
Aggregate 50.8 QB rating with 1 TD vs 3 picks IN THREE GAMES. It’s plain that Baltimore’s defensive unit carried them in the playoffs.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
1:19 pm
Tom Brady’s next 2 games are vs Ravens & Falcons
We can put the “STUPID” debate to bed
BUST vs WINNER
Daniel
September 23rd, 2009
1:20 pm
Bmore Blitz- I assume you are a Ravens fan, so I totally understand why you like Flacco. He has done exceptionally well so far, just as Ryan has done for the Falcons. Both players are setting up for a long productive career, so comparing the two now is difficult because they are both works in progress. I am really unsure why it has to be one or the other. Obviously you root for your team to win, but some of the comments on here seem like it is life and death.
UGA ALL THE WAY
September 23rd, 2009
1:20 pm
In my opinion i would of put Smith/Ryan in front of the eagles. Not first but def. in front of McNabb. There is just CHEMISTY with Matt Ryan and Mike Smith. I just know its gonna be a good season regardless… Smith/Ryan should be 3rd or 4th. At most.
Cannonball Butler
September 23rd, 2009
1:20 pm
I agree with Bad News. Flacco is better than Vick.
UGA ALL THE WAY
September 23rd, 2009
1:21 pm
In my opinion i would of put Smith/Ryan in front of the eagles. Not first but def. in front of McNabb. There is just CHEMISTY with Matt Ryan and Mike Smith. I just know its gonna be a good season regardless… Smith/Ryan should be 3rd or 4th. At most. What do yall think?
Cannonball Butler
September 23rd, 2009
1:22 pm
Brady is also plainly better than Vick.
Bad News
September 23rd, 2009
1:22 pm
FLACCO IS THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!