Falcons’ charmed existence ends, problems start with Turner
Here's a familiar scene: Falcons running back Michael Turner getting hammered by the Dallas defense in Sunday's 37-21 loss. (Ron T. Ennis/Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
ARLINGTON, Texas – After a performance that saw them commit three turnovers, allow four sacks, have their running back again look like he was trying to move with bricks tied to his ankles, allow a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown and generally get slam-danced Sunday by a Dallas team that struggled to defeat Kansas City, we can safely say this about the Falcons:
They’re probably not this bad.
But do you know what they have been?
Fortunate.
After weeks of tiptoeing over hot coals with a scrambled secondary, they finally watched an opponent turn yards into touchdowns. After weeks of skating on offense despite mediocre performances from a sluggish-looking Michael Turner, having only half of a well-functioning offense finally came back to bite them.
That’s how a 4-1 start turns into a 37-21 loss. That’s how a charmed existence suddenly blows like a Peep in a microwave.
“I felt like we did some uncharacteristic things,” coach Mike Smith said.
And folks, rest assured that his analysis in a team film session Monday will not be put so delicately.
Matt Ryan hadn’t been sacked in four games. Against Dallas, he was sacked four times and pounded often. His offensive linemen resembled milk bottles being knocked over by a softball. Protection was weak. Run-blocking was weaker.
“We got whipped,” tackle Tyson Clabo said.
Acceptance is wonderful thing. It’s the first step toward fixing a problem.
Michael Turner might want to try that.
The field was covered with enough Falcons’ dread Sunday that to pin the loss on one player wouldn’t be right. But Turner is a good place to start. Bottom line: He hasn’t been the same running back he was a year ago. He averaged only 2.8 yards per carry Sunday (18 for 50). He is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry and has gone over 100 yards once in six games, after breaking 100 eight times last season (all wins).
Even illegal mugging (see the penalty flag) couldnt help Brent Grimes stop Miles Austin from scoring this touchdown. (AP photo)
Now, we can sit here and bang on the Falcons’ defense in general and the secondary in particular. But the defense wasn’t expected to be great this season, and it took a big hit when it lost defensive tackle Peria Jerry for the season. The secondary wasn’t expected to be great, and an already suspect group suffered a huge loss when Brian Williams was knocked out for the year last week.
And yes, Brent Grimes was awarded the Charles Dimry Trophy posthumously Sunday, after he was largely responsible for Miles Austin looking like Crazy Legs Hirsch (six catches, 171 yards, two touchdowns). A pile of ashes sat in front of Grimes’ locker after the game.
But Turner was supposed to be a constant. Nothing against Jason Snelling. But when he’s leaving Turner in the dust (seven for 68, including a 31-yarder) on this team, there’s a problem.
Turner carried 376 times last season. The obvious question: Did that take something out of him?
“Physically, I feel the same,” he said. “I’m still healthy. It’s not about 300 and some carries last year.”
Here’s the problem: Turner seems to not be accepting much (or any) responsibility for what’s going on. You don’t hear comments like, “I have to be better.”
When asked what he believed the problem was — be it a lack of holes up front, him not being able to get into a rhythm or something else — he said: “I don’t know. It seems like there’s always guys we can’t get to, we can’t block.”
The offense opened the game with a 16-play, 80-yard, eight-minute touchdown drive. But that turned out to be an aberration. In their next five possessions, the Falcons committed two turnovers (a Ryan interception and fumble) and had three three-and-outs.
You know it’s bad when even Keith Brooking is trash-talking. The ex-Falcon taunted his teammates with his words and, at one point even broke into a bird-like arm flap.
He apologized later for the trash-talking. But the arm flap?
“I ain’t apologizing to anybody,” he said.
The bitterness about being let go following last season finally flowed. Good timing. The Falcons made it easy on an opponent. Too much caught up with them.
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500 comments Add your comment
Who Dat
October 25th, 2009
9:59 pm
What until next Monday night casue the Saints are going to put a show.
number 1 fan
October 25th, 2009
10:03 pm
bad games for us today. I think we definetly need some more secondary help via free agency if we are going to compete late in the season. we need to put more pressure on turner and maybe give snellings more carries its obvious turner is tipping. other than that lets rebound and beat the saints next week GO FALCONS!!!
hiramsaint
October 25th, 2009
10:04 pm
whodat 6-0
Reality for Brooking
October 25th, 2009
10:05 pm
Might want to mention to Brooking that he stuck it to alot of fans that spoke up for him for the past few years.
Rectal Bleeding
October 25th, 2009
10:05 pm
When he and anyone else is stopped behind the line of scrimmage, that indicates the blocking up front has failed.
ga peach
October 25th, 2009
10:06 pm
Wow blame it on everybody but ryan wow!!!! Amazing Matt Ryan is not Jesus Christ he didn’t play well at all and you all are afraid to say it
Bill
October 25th, 2009
10:09 pm
Yes, a good show today by the Saints…right Who Dat!
Monday films and Tuesday is A@@ kicking time by Coach Smith.
Thanks Jeff for good job although we lost.
Matty Ice
October 25th, 2009
10:11 pm
Keith Brooking did nothing to affect the game positively to affect the win for the Cowboys – just like Brooking did nothing for the last 3 years he was in the A-T-L collecting his $6million/yr paycheck…..no class…
Michael in Dunwoody
October 25th, 2009
10:16 pm
Keith, you “ain’t apologizing to anybody”? What about to the supporters of the team that took you to your one (and likely only) Super Bowl? You lost a lot of fans with your antics this afternoon and looked like a complete jerk in the process. And this is how many Falcons fans will remember you. What should we think of you if/when you return to have your number retired by the team in a few years??
It’s understandably an emotional event, and you said as much before the game began, but it doesn’t mean you are entitled to arrogantly show-up your former team, especially without amounting to much by way of your defense.
Atlanta got out-played today, plain and simple. We knew this would be a tough stretch of the season, especially with so many teams coming off byes. It’s my hope the coaches and players will prepare and show up for what likely could be our biggest game of the year. We can’t afford to fall three games behind.
GTJackets
October 25th, 2009
10:23 pm
Ga peach that wasn’t on Ryan. It wasn’t his best game but he is the reason2 of the three td’s were scored. You can’t blame it on the QB when he is sacked 4 times and rushed out of the pocket by piss poor blocking all game.
That was a very uncharacteristic game for the burn unit. Who looked burned out much like Turner.
I know you are a Vick fan most likely judging by your ignorant and uninformed opinion, but the Vick team was built around Vick and he accepted that type of team, so yeah when he made his usual stupid mistakes that cost the game on many occasions you most certainly can blame him. Not with the new team, because unlike Mora, Smith built a complete team dependent on more that one player on offense. End of story.
hop
October 25th, 2009
10:29 pm
i think keith brooking was a very good falcon player and he represented the city with class.
needless to say, we saw a different keith brooking today, that showed a person who showed a total disdained for atlanta falcon fans and his former team.
his classless cheerleading behavior and his total disregard on the field was a brutal message of “in your face message” to the atlanta falcons was pathetic.
yes, he made a few tackles along the way ,but was he a difference maker; hardly, his performance ws not the reason dallas won,but one would have thought he was the star of the game.
what a an absolute joke he was and one that many of our fans will never forget!
GT GRAD
October 25th, 2009
10:30 pm
Brooking was a solid player and represented the Falcons well for 11 years (on & off the field). He has not said anything negative about the Falcons (not in public anyway). He was obviously bothered by the way the Falcons decision makers decided to let him go (they told him this is a young man’s game and that he had no place on the Falcons roster) eventhough he wanted to stay with the Falcons organization. He had to be sick and tired of the ridiculous abuse he was taking from some fans (mostly ignorant of facts). I am not proud of his emotional antics during the game, but I understand the “chip” on his shoulder considering the past transgressions…………..we all know he is an emotional player who gives the game his all; I imagine he was simply pumped and very excited to prove to the people who did not believe in him that they were wrong. He came into this game as the leading tackler for the Dallas Cowboys and his new teammates have consistently stated that he is making a huge impact (positive ) on the entire defense.
I am a huge Falcons fan & yes I am also still a Brooking fan.
Before you negative punks start to trash Brooking…………..think about it a little………..how would YOU have handled the same situation. Overall, Brooking has shown solid character throughout the transition. His emotions and desire to prove he is still good enough to contribute got the best of him a couple of times, but anyone who has played the game of football knows how easy it is to get jacked up while playing the game. Let’s all move on and try to focus on what the birds need to do to win games (i.e. motivate Turner to run with a “chip” on his shoulder like last year and find/develop better cornerbacks!!)
Go Falcons!
willie
October 25th, 2009
10:32 pm
The combined record of the 4 teams the Falcons have beaten is 10-14. I do think we are building toward something, but we clearly aren’t there yet. That being said, is it too much to ask that we try to stretch the field occassionally? They are loading the box but we continue to run and throw mostly short passes. White and Jenkins are both big and fast…throw the ball down field to these guys!
jroc
October 25th, 2009
10:33 pm
Enter your comments here
51sx
October 25th, 2009
10:33 pm
Brooking was a non-factor especially on the Weeks TD when he ran the wrong way like he did on 3:16. Why didn’t we just dump the ball in Brookings vacant spot? Just a lot of hot air and hype as usual. I guess he feels he got his revenge yapping when he was on the bench since he doesn’t play when they need to play good D. I’m happy for him even though Blank gave him way too much salary cap money over the years. But Romo will let him down in the playoffs and we’ll go farther than they will so we’ll get the last laugh. Ha Ha Ha.
Franky
October 25th, 2009
10:34 pm
It’s true, the falcons are weak at cornerback. I’m sick and tired these little corners who can’t cover. How do you get a holding call fall down let the receiver catch the ball and still can’t make the tackle.Pitiful that’s how. Then the other corner hasn’t turned around yet to see the ball in flight. Won’t be no superbowl around here until that is fixed. Yes, Turner the burner is running like a girl, all his tiptoeing like he’s scared to get hit. Jason Snelling out shined him easy, maybe he should start. Plus we miss Norwood who can stretch the defense. And last but not least Matt Ryan just don’t look as good as last year. He makes stupid mistakes I didn’t see last year. Same Ole Falcons F@#& Keith Brooking!
MAD-DONNA
October 25th, 2009
10:34 pm
Falcons Fans, it only gets worse from here!
Randy in Dalton
October 25th, 2009
10:39 pm
Tough game today but they’ll bounce back.
As for Brooking, I thought he was a class individual. Now we actually find out he has no class. He will live to regret what he did today.
BrookingRANT
October 25th, 2009
10:39 pm
So you’ve just alienated yourself in Atlanta Keith, 11 years of great football in Atlanta erased by one manic half cocked frenzy directed at a team that you let down in the playoffs…
FSJR
October 25th, 2009
10:41 pm
Turner says there’s a block or two being missed yet Snelling finds open space. Turner used to have a cut back now he plods into piles.
I’ve always been indifferent about Keith Brooking. I have an opinion of him now.
Bangkapi Ajarn
October 25th, 2009
10:43 pm
I had a chance to catch the game on TV, and Turner seemed slow- even getting caught from behind by linemen, not turning the corner, etc. It is as if he has a physical problem that slows him down, but with two rb’s out with injury already perhaps he has to suck it up and go out there and give it his best shot.
Also, has the injured FB been that big of a factor blocking for him, I wonder?
Moses
October 25th, 2009
10:43 pm
There is absolutely no doubt that on this particular Sunday, Dallas was the better team. We were outplayed, outhit, and frankly outsmarted. While I will admit that we did not play our best game, I am extremely disappointed and angered at the antics of Keith Brooking. He has every right to be excited and happy to beat his former team; he can even have a personal grudge or vendetta. However, his gross disrespect for the organization and owner that paid him millions and his total disregard for fans like myself who helped pay his salary is inexcusable.
If you look up the word “unprofessional” in Webster’s dictionary today, you will see a picture of Keith Brooking. Arthur, do not ever allow his number to be retired into the Falcon Ring of Honor.
Jroc
October 25th, 2009
10:44 pm
I know it probably wont happen but…. we are 6 games into the season and Michael Turner is ( for whatever reason ) not living up to expectations but I definitely think that Jason Snelling should be given more snaps. He runs downhill and with more determination. Also, Keith Brooking did the same thing with the Cowboys as he did with the Falcons…… Nothing.
Jroc
littlebird
October 25th, 2009
10:44 pm
Brooking sure was a jerk today. He claimed there was no animosity toward the Falcons when they let him go in free agency . . . well he showed he lied about that today! The camera crew was on him a lot and you could see his REAL emotions by the way he was running up and down the sidelines yelling. Classless man, really classless! Never have I seen another player in that same situation act like Brooking did. Good riddance . . . glad you’re a Cowboy!
benadawg
October 25th, 2009
10:46 pm
Every time i saw brooking acting out i thought hell you cost us last year when a tight end ran by you, i can’t blame him for hating the front office but if we retire his number now it will be a joke…..f him and the horse he rode out on…
greg
October 25th, 2009
10:47 pm
The Falcons rode Turner last year and rode him in the ground. He has nowhere near the quickness and burst that he had last year. Happens every time.
AUG24
October 25th, 2009
10:48 pm
Keith Brooking looked like a total idiot out there flapping his arms. I’m not bitter about the loss, but I feel Brooking has more class than he exhibited, today. I have always thought very highly of Brooking, but he showed little class, today. Maybe, we will meet them in the playoffs and turn the table. There are alot games to be still played.
BrookingRANT
October 25th, 2009
10:49 pm
Brooking has totally alienated himself in Atlanta…way to go! I would’ve gladly cheered you for 11 years of tough footbal…now I’m thinking you’ll get booed whenever you set foot in the dome…
AUG24
October 25th, 2009
10:53 pm
Turner looks really slow this year. He has people tackling him from behind. For some reason, Snelling hits the hole faster. Turner does not look like the burner from last year. Something has got to be wrong. An injury, worn down, or a lack of passion. Maybe, Snelling will push Turner. I believe Turner will get it turned around.
R.U.KIDDINME
October 25th, 2009
10:54 pm
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A MORE BACKWOOD’S,NO PLAYMAKIN’,LACK OF CLASS,REDNECK IN YOUR LIFE??!! I KNOW YOU TECHIES HAVE GOTTA BE PROUD OF THIS SOUTH END OF A NORTH GOIN’ MULE !! WHAT A CLASSLESS UNPROFESSIONAL HAS BEEN!! HEY KEITH,BITTERNESS DOES NOT BECOME YOU !! IS THERE ANY DOUBT IN ANYONE’S MIND WHY THIS CHILDISH JERK WASN’T RESIGNED??!! WHAT A PITIFUL DISPLAY OF UNPROFESSIONALISM ON A NATIONAL STAGE!! YOU ARE SOOOOOOO LUCKY I’M NOT A FALCON PLAYER B/C INSTEAD A HANDSHAKE OR A HUG I WOULD HAVE KICKED YOU RIGHT SQUARE IN YOUR ASS!! TALK ABOUT POOR SPORTSMANSHIP!! HOW ABOUT THE YOUNG INSPIRING KID’S WHOM VIEWED THIS INEXCUSEABLE LACK OF SELF CONTROL!! I’M BETTIN’ YOU HAD THE WIFE WEAR A #2 JERSEY ALL WEEK LONG DURING SEX THIS PAST WEEK TOO!! YOU HAD 2,COUNT’EM 2 TACKLE’S ALL GAME LONG AND YOU BIT ON EVERY SINGLE PLAY ACTION ALL GAME LONG!! DUDE GET OVER YOUR WASHED UP ARROGANT SELF!!
gabeaux
October 25th, 2009
10:55 pm
Turner is to tentative. He used to steamroll through the line. Now, he stops and sidesteps, looking for a hole, rather than making one on his own.
Mister Earl
October 25th, 2009
10:57 pm
Forget Brooking. The Falcons have bigger worries contending with the Who Dat Nation on Monday.
I watched Drew Brees, sir. Matt Ryan is no Drew Brees.
Who is covering Colston?
Will The Superdome be loud?
AUG24
October 25th, 2009
10:59 pm
Atlanta really needs to get Norwood back. He puts alot of pressure on the defense. We need to take some chances throwing the ball down field. Michael Jeinkins needs to get more involved. Why can’t Christopher Owens beat out Brent Grimes? We have all these little corners. Chevis Jackson is our biggest corner but he isn’t very fast. We should have addressed this problem earlier.
Wow.
October 25th, 2009
11:00 pm
Wow. You Atlanta fans can’t see the forest for the trees. Brooking has been acting that way (cheerleading, etc) in EVERY game this season, not just against Atlanta. As a Dallas fan, I would know – I’ve seen every game. Take off your Falcons-colored glasses awhile and realize that what Brooking has been doing isn’t showing up Atlanta – it’s called leadership. There’s a reason he wears the C on a Dallas team full of veterans. Get off your high horses.
Pamela
October 25th, 2009
11:00 pm
The Falcons made some mistakes today just like the Steelers and the Patriots have. This loss will be good for them to re-examine and work on what needs to be fixed. I did not see vastly superior play. I still prefer the Falcons over the Cow girls. They will flame out when we have recuperated. Remember last year. They will actually believe they are good. Their coach still seems bewildered. Coach Mike Smith is far more introspective. Good teams lose games too. We are not the Panthers, the Browns etc. Does 37-0 by the NY Jets make them the dream team again? Atlanta, stand by our Falcons…..We know the Monday morning quarterbacks like Jeff will be writing all week long while our team will be taking their licks. Let us be classy and move forward. We are not quitters.
DJ The Realist
October 25th, 2009
11:06 pm
Get over it crybabies…every former player gets a big kick out of beating his former team. Congrats to Keith Brooking..while he’s not a difference maker he held his own. The Dallas defense mauled Atlanta today. I’m really not sure what kind of team we have…when I heard the local sports talk guys proclaiming that the Falcons organization was better than Dallas ( right now )..I knew we were in big trouble.Now it’s time to see what the Falcons are made of….Here come the Saints!!
Driver 8
October 25th, 2009
11:07 pm
Looks like the secondary we saw in the preseason vs San Diego. They did a remarkable job shoring things up to start the season, but with the loss of Williams, they are pretty much that same group again- with predictable results.
Turner definetly isn’t running downhill, but truthfully he hasn’t had a lot of plowed road.
Brooking is a Tech guy, always gracious in victory. You win, you can do whatever you want-doesn’t mean it’s classy.
GaFB
October 25th, 2009
11:07 pm
Falcons need to fix their problems and quick, they’ve still got plenty of good teams left to play and more slip ups could easily cost them a winning season and a playoff appearance.
JB
October 25th, 2009
11:11 pm
Turner’s not the biggest problem. OL couldn’t pass protect or run block. DL can’t pressure the QB. Corners are weak.
FalconFan
October 25th, 2009
11:12 pm
The Falcons did not look good today. The entire team including Mattie Ice had issues. When the line did protect him, he made poor decisions. For the first time, he looked like a second year player.
My biggest concern is the lack of a pass rush.
You true Falcon fans, stay behind your team. The Falcons will continue to win and make the playoffs.
Like many of you, I agree Brookings had no impact on the game. On Weems touchdown catch, Brookings looked just like he did in the Arizona Playoff game last season – CONFUSED.
GO FALCONS
Josh
October 25th, 2009
11:12 pm
If we want to compete for a wildcard, we better sit Turner down NOW and start SNelling before Turner dig us deeper. Our play action is our best passing plays, and nobody bites on them cause I run game needs no more respect. Also, You got to put in Owens and Tye Hill, there is no way in the world their worst then those two boneheads that played today (Chris “No Neck” Houston or Brent “2lbs” Grimes)
R.U.KIDDINME
October 25th, 2009
11:13 pm
HEY DJ,AIN’T NO CRYIN’ ABOUT k.b. HERE! JUST SAYING HE WAS BIT OVERBOARD IN HIS UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR!! IF I’MA CRYIN’ IT’S DUE TO THE FACT WE GOT OUR ARSSES HANDED TO US TODAY!!! THAT’S THE REALIST IN ME!!
Josh
October 25th, 2009
11:14 pm
I think we have to fight for that winning season a little more than what we thought, and Playoffs is out of the question and even if we do go….There is no way we win with that secondary…PERIOD!
Ted Striker
October 25th, 2009
11:15 pm
Most criticizing Brooking’s harmless arm-flap are likely bloggers who took verbal shots at Brooking when he was a Falcon.
I was pulling for the Birds but I have no problem with Brook enjoying himself.
Falcons Hero Zero
October 25th, 2009
11:18 pm
“When he and anyone else is stopped behind the line of scrimmage, that indicates the blocking up front has failed.”
Yep. The work on The O-Line is not complete… They have a good scheme.. Somebody is secretly hurt, or tired..
I think that Turner should drop some lbs.(bulk), but The Falcons don’t seem to have confidence in their deep passing game, nor do they punish opposing teams for watching for the run. Get those defenders to drop back away from the line of scrimmage!
Teams should scheme for Turner because if he beats you early with the run, it’s going to be a long blow-out..
Secondary, D-Line, and O-Line..Plays….always with the problems with this team.
Falcons Hero Zero
October 25th, 2009
11:21 pm
Falcons offense could be “tipping-off” the run as well… They need to study themselves more closely on DVD..
thunderbull56
October 25th, 2009
11:21 pm
Lotta cheap shots,lotta cheap officiating, lotta cheap Brooking.He, of the lead’s the team in tackles,5,10,15 yards down the field,a la Nobis and his fabled pred’s.Good riddance Brookie and may you, the AJC’s Homers, and T Roy Aicche Munnn live Happily ever after in Cowbouiy Valhalla! Pardon me while I Puke on you and ‘T Roy’s KLEETS.Not a Vegas kinda fan, but , 2 outta 3,3 outta 4,4 outta 5,Feather Heads win.No one asked but,Snelling and Finneran deserve more credit and clutch player awards.Finneran for GUVNR Snelling for Ltnt.
MV777777
October 25th, 2009
11:22 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
ITS ALL STARTS WITH MATT RYAN(NOODLE ARM) MATTIICE (MELTED)
Atl Resident
October 25th, 2009
11:23 pm
To keep it real, that game was Ryan’s fault and it needs to be said. Falcons was playing okay until he fumbled. Yeah Turner didnt run well, but Ryan’s turnovers was the main factor. That needs to be said and since no one is talking about it. It’s no one else to blame but him. Oh by the way, White saved Ryan by catching that pass which almost got intercepted for which would have been another turnover.
MV777777
October 25th, 2009
11:24 pm
THE GOLDENBOY MATTIICE
S
U
C
K
S
!
!
Samuel
October 25th, 2009
11:28 pm
Matt Ryan didn’t have a good game,the offense other than their first drive in which they scored seemed out of sync. We just don’t have the corners to play man to man and our cornerbacks aren’t tall and most of these receiver their up against are over six feet tall.There were plays where we almost got to Romo and missed him and he made the big play down field. We need Jerius Norwood’s speed bad, but he can’t seem to stay on the field. Will Coach Smith activate Antone Smith? To help with the running game. If we don’t fix some problems fast, It’s going to be a long night in the Big Easy. The Saints are very good -we got to bring our A Game if wer’e going to have a chance.Go Falcons….
RDNYB
October 25th, 2009
11:29 pm
Brooking is an A hole. Pure and simple he was doing the same thing Jeff George did with the bird flap. Totally Classless. I ripped his Poster off my son’s room after the game. That being said Grimes has no business starting. He is too short as are all of the secondary players. Dmitroff need’s to be on the phones trying to acquire secondary help or pick up someone whose at home because that is our biggest weakness. And how many weeks does it take to learn a defense Tye Hill? Try calling the Redskins and get D. Hall back. Or Ty Law. Or for that matter Charles Dimry. BTW..Im a Vick fan, but Matt Ryan is doing a sensational job. With that im out.
MV777777
October 25th, 2009
11:31 pm
AUTHUR BLANK!!!
BAD MISTAKE
SHOULD HAVE KEPT D.DJ SHOCKELY!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND MICHAEL VICK!!!
DAM!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:33 pm
I have being hearing this chump being compared to Peyton Manning, and for the 2nd week in a row, his QB RATING has been in the 60s
68 vs Chicago
66 vs Dallas
How on Earth do you pass that low and be compared to one of the greatest passers in NFL history. You people ragged on Vick for his 74 QB RATING but that is a lot higher than what this chump has put up against 2 mediocre teams.
Now they are trying to put it all on Turner and all of last year, the credit was given to ole NOODLE ARM, but when he stinks up the place, it’s always Turner, White, the defense, offensive line or the damn cheer leaders, but not once has this double A quarterback has been blamed for anything and everybody with a lick of sense knows why.
He is the BUST that I knew he was when he got drafted and he is being exposed and it will get even worse for the next 4 weeks.
Falcons Hero Zero
October 25th, 2009
11:34 pm
People wanted blitzing from the LBs, CBs, and Safeties, but the Falcons do not have that kind of personnel there.
You need a good set of cover CBs. A D-Line with size that can stop the run alone (even though they may not be great pass-rushers)
You need fast LBs with range as blitzers..
Former Falcons LBs like Boley were good for that.. These LBs must support a light D-Line that is supposed to get to The QB for them to “clean-up the mess”. These are some large LBs..
Zone-blitzing and over-rotating…? Eh.. No.
This D-line needs to bring more pressure.
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:38 pm
They put the game on Ryan’s shoulders and he couldn’t get it done. End of story. He simply can’t function without a running game, which isn’t unusual. That’s where Vick is a difference maker….a couple broken plays that can be converted to 1st downs….Ryan can’t do that, and doesn’t have the arm to stretch the field. yeah….Ryan will be accurate, but the will be short, timing type passes. Enjoy Trent Edwards 2.0
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:42 pm
THE TOUR OF EX-FALCONS VENGENCE CONTINUES………..
Brooking (Cowboys)…………….DONE
Boley (Giants)…………..COMING
Vick (Eagles)………………COMING
D-Hall (Redskins)…………..COMING
Just like with Deion, if you want to win a Lombardi Trophy, you have to leave the Falcons and Brooking, Boley, D Hall or Vick’s odds just increased by being cut from this LOSER City.
CAN U SAY OVER-RATED
October 25th, 2009
11:42 pm
WILL THE REAL MATT RYAN STAND UP! OPPS, I THINK HE JUST DID….. The truth will eventually prevail, DJ Shockley was the better QB, but never got a fair shot……Thomas Dimitroff, you will eventually be on the clock….preciate the remodeling job u did, but this isn’t New England. Ya’ll know what I’m talking bout, good supporting cast, solid QB. but a bit overrated……
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:43 pm
I have to admit, Matt “CHOKE” Ryan, Ryan’s arm looked “tired”. once they started laying that wood on him, he had the “deer in headlights” look. I won’t call Ryan a bust, but he’s not a great as they say he is or the Falcon “fans” have hyped him up to be.
Also, of course its not Ryan’s fault they Falcons got their asses whooped….. let’s blame last year’s team MVP M.Turner!!!! LOL. Same ol’ Falcon fans, LMAO
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:43 pm
BACK-TO-BACK 60 “QB RATING”………..
Enough said……………
BUST
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:45 pm
@Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
You crack me up man,lmao
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:47 pm
The Saints are going to mop the floor with these clowns,lol
Dec 6th……”The Day Of Rekoning”
Atlanta Peach
October 25th, 2009
11:48 pm
Matt Choke Ryan, are you African American ?! It sure sounds like it ! Are you angry Micheal Vick is no longer in this city ?! Talk to me quick ! Let me know !
Falcons Hero Zero
October 25th, 2009
11:49 pm
Love Vick for the excitement..
Can’t use Manning in an argument of Vick vs. Ryan.. It just doesn’t make sense.
Vick was beginning to be hit..often.. The Giants and Browns in 2006. That is where his passing was supposed to improve.. The Falcons O-Line and WRs did not help, but he admitted that he was not studying and preparing.
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:49 pm
@Jeff Schultz
Cmon man….you lay all of the blame at Turner’s feet?
Last year you were speaking of him like he was the 2nd coming, yet Ryan gets a pass. I thought you were better than that…..
You’re still my favorite writer though…
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:50 pm
Atlanta Peach
Whether I am pink, blue, purple or orange, won’t change the results of today’s football game.
I’m American baby
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:51 pm
“Vick was beginning to be hit..often.. The Giants and Browns in 2006. That is where his passing was supposed to improve.. The Falcons O-Line and WRs did not help, but he admitted that he was not studying and preparing.”
And he is still the best player we ever had,lol
Barry Jay
October 25th, 2009
11:52 pm
Actually, for those blaming Ryan…it’s kinda hard to pass when your O Line is not protecting you. Dallas did a good job in coverage too. They played their best game of the season. Our big problem on offense was the O Line and Turner. Turner has definitely slowed. I think he needs to lose a few pounds to get a little quickness back.
I have long been a Brooking fan. I think he brought something positive to the team. But I too was angered at what he did today. He makes two tackles and acts like a jerk. His play today reminded me of his last couple of years with Atlanta. Brooking has never acted that way on the sideline…and we Atlanta fans should know…he was here ten years. Brooking lost a fan today.
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:52 pm
Atlanta Peach
Take off your Matt Ryan sunglasses. he deserved to be blamed too…. Let’s be real here
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:52 pm
Just so you people know, in Mike Vick’s 2nd season they won their 1st playoff game.
Well this is Matt Ryan’s 2nd season – can’t use the rookie excuse anymore.
Let’s see if he can match Mike Vick’s 2nd season.
CAN U SAY OVER-RATED
October 25th, 2009
11:54 pm
VICK SUPPORTER – I don’t normally blog, but I I feel you 110%, been feeling you…..& Good Luck DJ……& B4 ya’ll start – I’ve been w/ the Falcons since Bubba Bean, Haskel Stanback, Bartkowski, Pridemore, Curry & Kuykendall so I’ve been a fan (Bring back Dewey Mcclain) I dont play no games, but I know that DJ Shockley was not given a fair shot& ws the better QB…..Get Rid of Dimitroff
PMC
October 25th, 2009
11:54 pm
It’s just one game, one loss. Even if they lost this one and on the road in NO next week it’s still not a big deal. This is a good team and likely a playoff team with a lot of serious and obvious flaws. One of those flaws is not the pile jumper who still has yet to make an impact play in his entire career. He can talk smack all day they won the game but this team is better off without Keith Brooking. The guy made roughly what 60 million dollars playing here… wow. 5 pro bowls. That’s exceptional. Ok Falcons Fans you watched this guy for more than a decade… pull out 10 exceptional plays where he changed a game and or a season…. Go!
Yeah. It was pretty tough for me too.
This is one game. Tough loss, but this is a game dallas HAD to win and the talent on our defense is still quite lacking especially in the secondary. You can’t get too down about this one except it does tell us that definitively they don’t think I guess Tye Hill can play at all because Chris Houston is killing them in coverage and Brent Grimes is lucky to be on an NFL roster much less starting. This team has to be lead by the offense and the Dallas D line ripped our guys apart tonight. It happens. It’s the NFL. Time to regroup, focus and get ready for Monday night. Still no reason to doubt or put limitations on this team…
Would have been nice if Michael Jenkins could have made a catch or 3 that hit him in the hands today…too.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:54 pm
My prediction for the Saints game:
Saints 55
Falcons 7
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:55 pm
@Barry Jay
“Actually, for those blaming Ryan…it’s kinda hard to pass when your O Line is not protecting you”
What do you think happened when Vick was here?!? you people were PRAISING THE O-LINE just a couple of weeks ago,lol.
Just like when Vick was here, the blame is placed at the QB when he played here….why should it change now? They put the game on Ryan’s shoulders and he FAILED MISERABLY. The dude couldn’t throw over 10 yds
Atlanta Peach
October 25th, 2009
11:56 pm
Oh yeah ! I know number 2 messed it up today ! But, Micheal Vick did it to hiself ! He must have been the stupidest negro that ever lived !! No fault but his own !!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:57 pm
Atlanta Peach
That was a lame attempt – anybody with a lick of sense knows you are as closed to being black as Condeleesa Rice
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:58 pm
Dec 6th……………..
PMC
October 26th, 2009
12:00 am
For the record, it looked like when he got decent blocking Turner ran fine. They weren’t keying on Snelling. Dallas has a ridiculously talented team… the best money can buy save some of that crap they trot out at linebacker…. but you can get away with old and slow when you have athletes on the line and in the secondary. Two weeks off and at home…. is a huge advantage…. though I wonder why smitty chose to go conservative again with 8 minutes left in the game and punt to a defense that couldn’t stop anything this week and why Mularky would not choose to go no huddle more often this week when it works so well everytime they use it.
It’s time to see if Tye Hill and Chris Owens have some ball skills. I have no idea if they can tackle but Houston and Grimes are getting absolutely abused. Some changes have to be made.
Vanilla Peach
October 26th, 2009
12:01 am
After Matt Ryan’s performance this season, I am embarrassed to be a white woman. It’s hard enough that we suck at sports and he get’s 72-million dollar contract and he stinks up the place.
He has got to be the most stupid whitey I have ever seen.
Atlanta Peach
October 26th, 2009
12:01 am
You want to make it a race game with me ?!!
CAN U SAY OVER-RATED
October 26th, 2009
12:02 am
@ Atlanta Peach (11:48) – I’m African-American, what’s your point, the fact is the kid is overrated, he’s solid but overrated it is what it is…The bes QB sqrewed himself by fighting dawgs (his fault) & the better QB for this team was put on the practice squad to make room for JOHN PARKER WILSON (r u serious) & then cut because he could actually be a threat to these new Falcon UTOPIA……GOODLUCK W/ MEDIOCRITY
Scott
October 26th, 2009
12:02 am
For God’s sake would the AJC actually pay some 14 year old kid to moderate these blogs? It’s the SAME freaking idiots every time with some ill thought out agenda that basically make it unreadable within 30 minutes…ie…Vick Supporter, Matt “Choke” Ryan, and whatever aliases these idiots use. Hate to tell ya, Mike Vick isn’t coming back…so grow up and move on.
Flappin' Falcon
October 26th, 2009
12:02 am
The Cowboys had 2 weeks to prepare for a home game along with Brooking’s knowledge of our offense…Dallas better win. This Bye-Week BS is only half way over, folks. We get Washington and the Giants on 2 weeks rest too. Thank goodness our schedule gets easy after the Saints game. Brooking can kiss my Balzac.
roger
October 26th, 2009
12:03 am
and you don’t think Michael Vick is overrated just because he has moves??? what did vick do for us??? absolutely nothing except embarrassing the city of Atlanta.He had his chance here!
Atlanta Peach
October 26th, 2009
12:04 am
Didn’t I say Matt Ryan is overrated ?! Yes I did !! Go back and read my posts !!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 26th, 2009
12:04 am
SCOTT
BOO HOO HOO………Suck it up girl and take off those pink panties
Vick Supporter
October 26th, 2009
12:05 am
@Scott
Is it not a free country? lol
Scott
October 26th, 2009
12:05 am
Matt “Choke” Ryan. Suck it up and realize that Mike Vick paved his own way out of town and that he’s NOT coming back…no matter how much you whine and act like a baby about it.
roger
October 26th, 2009
12:06 am
and Brooking was absolutely Classless today, I am sure GT is happy for his two tackle performance and all his dancing around
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 26th, 2009
12:07 am
roger
October 26th, 2009
12:03 am
and you don’t think Michael Vick is overrated just because he has moves??? what did vick do for us??? absolutely nothing except embarrassing the city of Atlanta.He had his chance here!
“Since you asked”
3 Pro Bowls
1 2nd place finish in MVP voting
2 Playoff wins
1 Conference final
1st qb in NFL history to beat Green Bay on road in playoffs
Want more?
Ryan has a “choke” in the playoffs and 1 and done
dog killa
October 26th, 2009
12:07 am
my fellow brothers, what song you tink we goan be playin when we come down to whip your ass in december, “who let da dogs out”
Just-Sayin
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
J.Schultz you are WRONG (this time)…it dose not start with Turner, it starts with the quarterback Mr. Matty Ice!!! I understand that Turner isn’t having the stellar year that he did last year but ‘who does?’….I’m tired of everyone kissing Ryans’ behind when they win and blaming someone else when they lose…the fact is Matt Ryan has made too many turnovers every game they have lost (or have barely won) Matt always throws interceptions. It starts with Matt Ryan. My compliments to our defense good job (considering what you have to work with) but it must be addressed in the draft
StingerSplash
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
I thought Tony Gonzalez was supposed to help this offense.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
Can we keep the comments about the “CURRENT” qb?
He sucks that’s why
Vick Supporter
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
dog killa, lol.
your comment was funny
Atlanta Peach
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
And Matt choker Ryan, you are as close of being a racist as your 43rd president !!
Scott
October 26th, 2009
12:09 am
Why don’t all the Vick fans go blog on the Philly papers? Oh wait, because noone on there gives a crap about their 3rd string QB..lol. And Vick Supporter, it IS a free country obviously since you’re free to make yourself look like an idiot every time you post.
roger
October 26th, 2009
12:09 am
I still don’t see Super Bowl Champion!
CHRIS HOUSTON
October 26th, 2009
12:09 am
WHY IS BODY PICK’EN ON ME? IM TIRED OF GETTING BEAT EVERY GAME!!!
Falcons Hero Zero
October 26th, 2009
12:09 am
I just saw what Brooking…wow..lololol.
He turned into The Rock on the sidelines, but good for him. According to the latest AJC.com interview after the game, he felt that The Falcons staff insulted him. I doubt that his former Falcon teammates did the same though.. It’s good.. This should motivate The Falcons.
Looks like he may be in trouble with the locals though..
His number will still be retired here….? lol. Probably.