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.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
501 comments Add your comment
Brody
October 26th, 2009
10:14 am
Would you true falcon fans top whining? Yes Turner AND Ryan had an awful game, but we all know how this coaching staff responds after a loss. So in total our two losses this year has come against the millenium’s dynasty and a physical Cowboys team. A loss or two was inevitable against this tough stretch of opponents people. Good to get it out the way now and be ready for the Saints. And you Matt Ryan cowards get off the man’s jock you guys are qucik to show your faces on the blog after a loss but during the wins you are nowhere to be found. Clowns.
Hatfield Geoff
October 26th, 2009
10:15 am
As with the Falcons, the only time we heard Brooking’s name was when they showed him celebrating on the sideline. He made no plays on the field. Cowboys knew to get him off the field on passing downs. He was too slow and too small to be an impact player in the league. Always assisting on tackles that have been made by another 5, 6, 8 yards downfield. Anyway tackles mean nothing stat that matters is tackles for loss, Peterson already has more this year that Brooking had all last season. The man had no impact on the game, just like 99% of the games he plays
IGivUp
October 26th, 2009
10:17 am
Wait! Oh my, Miles Austin just scored again! Secondary needs help big time. The rush has to get to Drew Brees next week or more of the same.
Keith Broke-ing
October 26th, 2009
10:18 am
Brooking had two tackles, and I am sure he had help with both of those. He’s an idiot.
Wake-Up Falcons
October 26th, 2009
10:19 am
Snelling should have gotten the ball more. If Turner couldn’t get going Snelling should have gotten the carries. It’s not going to be easy next week, the Saints showed heart and never gave up against the Dolphins. Wake-Up Falcons.
Vick Supporter
October 26th, 2009
10:21 am
FalconUGAFan
I’m not angry at anyone….I just speak the truth. you people turn on anyone not named Matt Ryan….read these posts on here and the majority of the people blame everyone else but Ryan. Sorry man, Ryan can’t carry the team, and that’s all there is to it
Howard Roark
October 26th, 2009
10:22 am
As player in ATL, Brooking had really become a pile-on guy anway. He seemed to be always jumping into the pile after the tackle.
No one should be suprised at his bad behavior – just more piling on.
Wesley Wallace
October 26th, 2009
10:24 am
Losing cornerback Brian Williams is a season ending injury for the whole team. For 2010, we need another good offensive lineman, because the OL looked wiped out at the end of the Chicago game, and they fell apart yesterday from fatigue. Additionally, we need another CB, and another DT for insurance. All other positions are good enough.
The offensive play calling was a much bigger problem than the running, because when the run wasn’t working, Mularkey kept going back to it in some kind of hope scenereo. Is is not realistic to think that you can wear a defense out with the run, when they have had an extra week of rest.
Ryan was a little off yesterday, because the “O” line was tired. Having a bye week early, coupled with the tough schedule, is going to kill us this season. Don’t get upset; just play the hand dealt to you and regroup for next year.
Jeff Schultz
October 26th, 2009
10:25 am
Folks. I’m in the process of deleting comments. Anybody who persists in bringing up race and stirring racial debate in this blog will be banned. I’m at zero tolerance. It’s your choice.
RODRJ32
October 26th, 2009
10:25 am
Snellings performance was decent, however keep in mind the plays that he got yardage on. Misdirection type plays. Not many hard grinding runs from him either if you think back to the game. Turner is playing awful, but it’s not time to put Snelling in yet. The Falcons will get torched next Monday if there is no rush on Brees.
Al Smith
October 26th, 2009
10:28 am
if you think that was bad wait till they play the saints next monday night, that’s going to be a massacre. lol, too bad. maybe they’ll get lucky and still make the playoffs. they’re 4-2 right now. I figure you have wins left against carolina, washington, buffalo, tampa (2). That leaves them with 9 wins. Of course they also have to play the jets, giants, saints (2), and philly.
I figure they can pull off a win against philly at home. That’d make them 10-6. the jets definitely look beatable, the giants kind of do too. Falcons aint beating the saints, that’s for damn sure.
GT GRAD
October 26th, 2009
10:28 am
I am absolutely positive that Brookings “ANTICS” would have been minimal IF the many moronic bloggers and other Falcons Fans would have SHOWED SOME CLASS
FalconUGAFan
October 26th, 2009
10:28 am
Vick Supporter, actually you don’t speak the truth. I just said Ryan had a bad day and you lumped me into that as “you people”. Perspective is everything, is it not? Come on, you are in the military as was I. Navy right? You know better. Of course Ryan can’t carry the team, but neither could Vick. Thats why its called a team. He was a tremendous talent and may be again, but he’s not our QB. He did not have the support he needed either. He had to make plays up alot on his own. Let it go. I’m going to for sure. Peace.
RedTornado
October 26th, 2009
10:29 am
seems like every falcon blog comes back to bitter mike vick supporters. It’s laughable seeing #7 Eagle jerseys in the stands. I think I get it. You like Michael Vick. you could care less about your home TEAM. You could care less about the NFL. I really think you also don’t care to learn about the NFL game. Remember when Vick had a bad game. It wasn’t his fault either it was always the O-line. By the way Matt “choke” Ryan when was the last time M.Vick lead a 4 qtr comeback drive. M.Vick offense is called the wild cat that’s only run every so often. That’s why the option is not run in the NFL. The NFL requires pocket passing. And you must complete more than 50% of them.
Grey8632
October 26th, 2009
10:30 am
Where is that great offense the falcons were supposed to have. Turner is scared to hit the hole, hard, and Ryan refuses to throw downfield. Matt Ryan has shown me something…he has a weak arm!!! he cannot throw the ball with any force over 30 yards. Everything is short to Tony Gonzales….he has completely taken out our wideouts!!I think he has taken a step back, he looked much better as a rookie than he does now. We need to stretch the field. There was no need for me to talk about the defense because we all know they suck! Cut Houston!!! he never turns and look for the ball…he is soft, i think Grimes is a better player than him and thats just pathetic!!!
59bulldawg
October 26th, 2009
10:33 am
OK I haven’t been a Falcons fan since the late 1970s/early 1980s but I’ve always wished them well. Just couldn’t handle the annual mental fatigue and frustration of not being able to take the next step. Plus I really despised the constant mismanagement of the Clampett family. Over the years I’ve watched this team from afar not as a fan but as a former fan that wished them the best. So I thought I’d tune in yesterday (It’s rare that I ever see the Falcons on the tube up here in Virgina) for what I expected to be a really good game and a Falcons’ win. WRONG! I know the ownership now is far better than before and that Coach Smith is still building a team that can compete every year, but yesterday’s game brought back all those bad memories from before. It always seems that when the birds are about to take the next step, they always get stepped on. Last year it was Arizona. This year, so far, it’s been the Cowboys and Patriots. Both I admit very good teams but after equally competing with New England I surely expected a better effort against Dallas. It all brought back memories of being shot down in 1980 by these same Cowboys when probably the best Falcons (at least in my opinion) team ever, led by the likes of Steve Bartkowski, William Andrews, Lynn Cain, Mike Kenn, and Jeff Van Note, lost 30-27 in the divisional playoffs. While I’m no longer a fan, I refuse to root against them and hope they will someday be successful. But my fan’s heart died years ago between the valleys of futility when the product was simply awful and the peaks of despair when glimmers of hope were crushed in big games. Yesterday’s game was a solemn reminder of why I gave up my fan status. Perhaps I expected too much too soon with this team. Maybe I thought they were better than they really are right now! I still believe Dimitrov and Smith are building something good for you Falcons fans but yesterday for about two hours I was transported back to another era.
PMC
October 26th, 2009
10:36 am
Turner is fine, they are keying on him. Mularkey needs to start getting him the ball in space like he is with Snelling and Norwood and stop trying to strech with him and pound inside. Try some pitches, try some bubble screens or circle routes. Everyone keeps talking about the deep ball. That’s one issue, they are trying lots of deep routes with max protect and some without it and thier line just isn’t good enough for 7 step drops. The school is quickly becoming blitz on 3rd down run blitz on 1st and second. They need to run more WR routes over the middle and give Ryan more options. His arm is not as bad as some people think but obviously it’s not an elite arm and he’s not Ben Rothlisburger in the pocket either.
Burner is fine he just needs some room to operate and he needs that high and tight hold on the football.
Ryan is a second year player. These are growing pains. He’s been very good thus far he just had a really lousy game yesterday under pressure. I was a Vick fan when he was our QB and some of the same issues existed of course. One Mike Jenkins needs to be replaced with Finn or Booker until he learns to catch. Two, Matt is getting happy feet. He needs to work on his footwork and they need to call more 3 step drops. Also use the no huddle. It was working. The faster paced the Falcons are the slower the pass rush has been. They have GOT to get Turner and the boys in SPACE!!!! That means no holding WR’s. If I had to run behind any WR I think I want it to be Roddy White if it’s not Hines Ward.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 26th, 2009
10:36 am
2ND YEAR COMPARISONS
Mike Vick (Age 22):
9-7 (Regular Season)
1-1 (Playoffs)
Milestone: 1st qb in NFL history to beat Green Bay on road
MVP: 2nd place finish
Pro Bowl Selection: 1st of 3
Matt Ryan:
LETS SEE WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR 2ND SEASON.
GT GRAD
October 26th, 2009
10:37 am
I am absolutely certain that Brooking’s “ANTICS” would have been less intense if the many moronic bloggers and Falcon’s Fans would have SHOWED SOME CLASS when he was playing for the Falcons.
Many ignorant fans blasted him and dogged him consistently………….these are the same people who claim he is being classless now………why did they not support him when he was a starting LB, defensive leader and superb representative on & off the field for the Birds?????????
He did ONE thing that bothered me (a short arm flap); every other time he was on camera he was simply pumped up and excited because his team was putting the game away for a win. Over 50% of the time he was on camera, he was simply watching the game……………..you people are being ridiculous and soooooo unfair. GROW UP!!
Ronald Millsaps
October 26th, 2009
10:39 am
This game was by far the worst I’ve seen the Falcons play in the Matt Ryan/Mike Smith era, and I’m sorry I wasted three hours watching it.
Michael Turner is not playing well. The offensive line isn’t playing well. Ryan is having a sophomore slump (camouflaged a bit by the play of Tony Gonzalez), and the defense doesn’t look strong. Furthermore, I’ve seen instances over the past year where the defense would get shredded and then not fix the problem as the game went along.
The Falcons clearly are not in the NFL’s elite. If anyone who has watched their play this year thinks they’re in the same league as the Colts, Saints, Patriots, even Bengals, etc., that individual’s in denial.
Jerious Norwood could be a major key in getting things turned around. IF we utilize him properly (we need to have several sets where both he and Turner are in the backfield), we can get defenses off-balanced by having to guard against speed and power, but we haven’t used Norwood well when he HAS been healthy! He’s underutilized!!!!!
There’s a lot of blame to go around. Thankfully, this organization is committed to winning, and a lot can be accomplished on the practice field.
We really miss Grady Jackson. Cutting ties with him was a mistake, no matter how many sportswriters try to justify it.
I’d give some guys on the practice squad a chance to play. I think we’d all be pleasantly surprised.
JT
October 26th, 2009
10:40 am
I knew as soon as the Falcons lost all of you anti Ryan would come out. Where were you when the Falcons were winning. You can sure dish it but cannot take it. Oh by the way Vick is really lighting up the NFL with the Eagles. Please go look up his stats for the year. I do not eant to hear any excuses that he is not starting or has been out 2 years. If he was so good like you say why is he 2nd string. Please. By the way, this is Ryan’s 2nd year in the league. Lets compare his 2 years with Vick. If Shockley is so good how come no one has picked him up.
lamac66
October 26th, 2009
10:41 am
Remember when Vick had a bad game. It wasn’t his fault either it was always the O-line.
RedTornado, we see things haven’t changed. Ryan has a bad game it’s the offensive line fault or Turner’s fault. Call it both ways now. That’s all I respect.
Once "Recent" Reader
October 26th, 2009
10:42 am
Matt”Choke”Ryan . . .got the stats. One thing I’ll have to comment on is the “!st qb in NFL history to beat Green Bay on the road (playoffs of course). Go back and look at Vick’s stats for that game and you might want to change wording to “QB on 1st Team in NFL history to beat Green Bay on the road. Again – look at the stats . . it definitely looked like the rest of the team had as much or more to do with that win than just the QB. (PS: I liked Michael Vick very much as the Atlanta QB!!!)
PMC
October 26th, 2009
10:42 am
People, please do not bring up the same old falcons thing with last night. It’s not even close. This was not Kurt Kittner or Doug Johnson and no chance. This team has more than a good chance to win each week. They aren’t an elite defense by any stretch of the imagination and the offense has yet to gel and play up to their talent level… but seriously… we’ve got a second year QB.
This team has played better talent this year and thier flaws are more evident. They are 1 year away from being completely blown up.
This is not even close to the same old falcons of the old regime. These guys play hard. Jamaal Anderson is playing with passion now.
There is no give up on this team, they just have to stop making mistakes.
j
October 26th, 2009
10:42 am
With the exception of the saints game, the QB that had the most turnovers in all the other games lost.
FalconUGAFan
October 26th, 2009
10:43 am
59Bulldawg, Funny you should bring up Jeff Van Note. I saw my first game as a tike in 70/71ish. Somehow my Dad got us seats by the Falcons entrance. Jeff Van Note walked off the field from a shellacking they received at the hands of someone. He handed me his chin strap. Been a fan ever since and will be to the day I die. Never give up on em.
Ronald Millsaps
October 26th, 2009
10:43 am
A year ago, I really thought Matt Ryan and Michael Turner outplayed everyone else at their respective positions, but this year, it’s arguable that neither guy’s in the top ten of either.
Once "Recent" Reader
October 26th, 2009
10:45 am
I’m really confused on the “Sophomore Slump” comment for Ryan. Yes – it was not a good day at all in Dallas for Ryan . . . . .but come on . . . .he has looked pretty good cumulatively in the first 6 games!! It’s very frustrating reading a lot of the AJC posters this year (and in past) which seems to be loaded with “what have you done for me in the past 24 hours” comments.
JT
October 26th, 2009
10:45 am
Wow. Vick was 9-7 in his second year. What was his record in his 1st year. I am sure it was not 11-5. What, Vick did not win Rookie of the year. I am schocked. Atlanta fans are the worst fans I have ever met. Lose one game and you all want everybody head. For the record there has only been 2 teams that have gone undefeated in regular season. Got to give the team a chance and let the season play out. You guys sound like the o-7 Tampa Bay Buccs.
Ronald Millsaps
October 26th, 2009
10:46 am
“jt”– Any criticism of Matt Ryan in 2009 is not necessarily an endorsement of Michael Vick, buddy. You’re sounding as ignorant as that flapping fool, Keith Olbermann, now.
As for Vick, to his credit, he’s not the horrible quarterback that we’re all told he is. He was perfectly fine under Dan Reeves but went South in a hurry as soon as Arthur Blank and Jim Mora, Jr. tried to turn him into Steve Young….. WITHOUT Jerry Rice, John Taylor, etc..
Todd - Dacula
October 26th, 2009
10:48 am
Just checking in because I knew Matt Ryan would not be mentioned… Thanks ‘MATT ‘CHOKE’ RYAN for your post. The MV7 replacement has been an over achiever; his success has been because of the play of his team-mates. yesterday wasnt the 1st time he sucked; he just sucked worse yesterday.
Many will try to blame and call out MichaelTurner, but the O-Line has to do better and the corners cant get burned. In a nut shell, the Falcons talent level is average overall and what we can expect is an aveage record, most of the time. No super-bowl with MV7 and no super-bowl with MR2… whats the difference. me, I’d take my chances with MV7, he a better athlete and always gave teh Falcons a chance to win;especially when the lien broke down. Perhaps MR2 should fight dogs too.
TheItalianDawg
October 26th, 2009
10:48 am
tell you what Jeff you are a curse, bad karma or whatever you want to call it, whenever you cover a team that team loses, so please stay home and dont go to Jacksonville, stay with tech…
RODRJ32
October 26th, 2009
10:49 am
TC how much you wanna bet your Cowboys don’t make the playoffs. Hell there not good at all. They had a decent game because Romo sat his soft ass back in the pocket all day with little to no rush and all you have to do is touch him and whimpers off to the bench. You heard it here. THE COWGIRLS WILL NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS!!!!
Once "Recent" Reader
October 26th, 2009
10:51 am
Todd Dracula . . .. . .I think if you go back in ancient/recent NFL history, it will clearly be noted that in the end the equation Better Athelete = Better QB has been proven to be False:) (Of course there have been exceptions!)
lamac66
October 26th, 2009
10:51 am
Millsap,
Spot on regarding Norwood. He’s been undervalued since the falcons drafterd him. I know he is not a bruiser and is of slight build. No excuse why he gets lest than 6 carries a game. I think he is a slightlty bigger version of Chris Johnson of Tennessee. That guy is a threat to score everytime he touches the ball.
Turtsnap
October 26th, 2009
10:53 am
Funny how one game can change the tone for most in this city (and I did say “most”, some still have class). No wonder we are considered a losing Sports city. We jump off the band wagon as quickly as we jumped on.
I’m disappointed, but I still bleed Red and Black for the Falcons, as well as the Dawgs. Dawg fans have disappointed me this year as well. Can you honestly have forgotten how pathetic our teams were prior to Coach Richt coming in?
Some need to get a life!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 26th, 2009
10:54 am
THE “NEW FACE OF FRANCHISE” PROJECT:
Arthur – time to pack in this program. You took a gamble and it cost you 72-million dollars to find out.
You have lost way more than 72-million:
- He can’t sell jerseys (Out sold by backup on new team)
- Can’t sell out the dome without donors (former qb sold out 55 straight)
- Can’t win against elite franchises (New England/Dallas)
- Can’t win playoff games (Choked vs Arizona)
- Can’t make Pro Bowls (Pro Bowls market teams)
Art you need to take it like a man, put your pride in check and in 2010, make a trade with the Eagles with a package of Ryan and a 1st or 2nd round draft pick – if you kiss Vick’s butt and apologize.
Vick would instantly:
- Restore the running game
- Stretch the field
- Increase jersey sales
- Immediately sell out the dome
- Bring more prime time games to team
- Send a qb to the Pro Bowl
- Most importantly – win playoff games
Now that the team has more weapons than he ever had when he was here, this team would INSTANTLY be a pick to win the Lombardi Trophy!
Art get your head out of your butt – you know what to do!
Just An Observation
October 26th, 2009
10:54 am
Houston and Grimes need to be on the bench as back-ups. These two would not be starting CBs on any NFL team that hopes to win games.
Hopefully the team can learn from yesterday’s beat down and be ready for the Aints!!!
59bulldawg
October 26th, 2009
10:55 am
FalconUGAFan, Van Note was a great one! I was a huge Bartkowski fan! Do you remember General Bob Lee? LOL! When the Steelers began drafting and signing Bulldawgs in the 1990s, I began watching their games and pulling for them . . . especially after they took Hines Ward! And I’ve never regretted it! The Vikings/Steelers game yesterday was sorta what I expected between the Cowboys and Falcons. Beginning to think I’m a jinx! LOL!
FalconUGAFan
October 26th, 2009
10:55 am
Agree on Norwood to a point, but dang everytime he plays, he gets hurt. Gotta feel for the guy, great potential but gets hurt in a hurry. I would be hesitant to use him too for his own safety. But gotta play the players, I guess.
JT
October 26th, 2009
10:56 am
Ronnie, is that you. Fans can criticize Ryan all they want. That is not the issue. The issue is that everytime we lose all those Vick supporters come out like if he never lost a game. By the way, last year the team stayed healthy all year. This year we have had many key injuries. For whatever reason the running game has not excelled like last year. I am not a coached nor act like one so I do not know why the running game is not working. Ryan’s stats mirrors last year but I do not see it. He is definitely not the same from what I see. Oh, Ronnie why is it that when someone disagrees with you all of the sudden they are ignorant. This is America and people can have different opinions. Just because we have different opinions does not make one or the other ignorant. Ignorance is the failure to accept someone else’s view that is different than our own’s.
armenchuck
October 26th, 2009
10:58 am
The injured full back is sorely missed!!!! (I can’t spell his name) the full back is worth his weight in gold and the blocking schemes are starting to show why. When will the full back be healthy?
lamac66
October 26th, 2009
10:58 am
“jt”– Any criticism of Matt Ryan in 2009 is not necessarily an endorsement of Michael Vick, buddy. You’re sounding as ignorant as that flapping fool, Keith Olbermann, now.
As for Vick, to his credit, he’s not the horrible quarterback that we’re all told he is. He was perfectly fine under Dan Reeves but went South in a hurry as soon as Arthur Blank and Jim Mora, Jr. tried to turn him into Steve Young….. WITHOUT Jerry Rice, John Taylor, etc..
^5^ That was crazy wasn’t it?
Once "Recent" Reader
October 26th, 2009
10:58 am
Matt Choke Ryan . . .you seem good at the Stats thing. Could you put together a simple list of stats for both Vick and Ryan on their first season and 2nd season through 6 games? Such as Passing attempts/completions (%), passing yards, pass TDs, Ints, rush attempts, rush yards, rush TDs. I’d be interested in seeing how they compare with just stats. Add wins/losses if you like – I’m really curious on that. Thx if you get to it!
Ronald Millsaps
October 26th, 2009
11:00 am
“once”– Ryan HAS slumped so far this year. He hasn’t been bad but has made some uncharacteristic throws.
I’m not giving up on this team. The commitment to winning is there, from top to bottom. Even if we don’t win 11 games again this year (I do think we’ll get at least 9 and end that dreaded drought), I don’t think we’ll see a lot of improvement as the year progresses.
I largely avoid the Fox Pregame Show, watched it for a few minutes yesterday, and got a quick reminder of why I largely avoid it. I’ve listened to two Jimmy Johnson speeches, which basically are half full of his obnoxious self and half full of his propaganda. He’s not the great coach that he thinks he is. If he is, why did the Miami Dolphins not improve one iota in the four years he was there?
The Cowboys moved right out of one eyesore of a stadium and into another, and why do they want stadiums where the sunlight hits the field at all sorts of disturbing angles?
After watching the end of yet another Pittsburgh game where the Steelers got their share of phantom calls, I find myself with that many more questions of the league’s credibility. Roger Goodell needs to be replaced.
Speaking of the Steelers, their defense looked yesterday like it did in its days of Lloyd/Greene/Woodson, etc., which was galvanized. The team has been soft offensively in recent years, particularly in Bill Cowher’s last few years there, but it’s nice to see Mike Tomlin bring back some of that physicality. It’s quite symbolic that there isn’t a steel mill left in Pittsburgh, but maybe it’s time to get at least one back.
FalconUGAFan
October 26th, 2009
11:03 am
Ha yes General Bob Lee…um another example of some one that went to another team and played with success. Of course he did ok here too.
Steelers! Easy team to pull for!
Could never swith to them. Wife is a Cleveland fan…..
Once "Recent" Reader
October 26th, 2009
11:05 am
Got it Ronald M. I will agree I’ve seen some inconsistency from Ryan here and there . . . but do like the overall effort so far. Was a stinker of an effort yesterday by most elements of the team . . .including QB!! Hope not to see to many like that in the future . . but sure there will be a recurrence(s)!
j
October 26th, 2009
11:05 am
the falcons made a horrible dallas team look legitimate. The cowboys had only beaten tampa, carolina, and kc before this game. They barely beat kansas and carolina.
Tom
October 26th, 2009
11:05 am
Mike Peterson has made more impact plays already this year then Brooking
msde the last few years. The only time I noticed him yesterday was when he was flapping his wings or his mouth. The Falcons did not play well but Brooking absolutely no impact in the result of the game.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 26th, 2009
11:08 am
NEW FACE OF FRANCHISE:
LAST 2 WEEKS “QB RATINGS”
vs Chicago 68 (Chicago got beat 45-10 yesterday)
vs Dallas 66