Forget slump: Dimitroff likes these Falcons more than last year’s
Despite consecutive losses and a 4-3 record, Thomas Dimitroff says he has a good feeling about the Falcons. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
One year ago, the Falcons were 4-3 and coming off a road loss to an NFC power (Philadelphia). This was due at least in part to a flawed performance by their young starting quarterback, Matt Ryan (two interceptions, two sacks, 68.1 passer rating). Next on the schedule was a punch line: Oakland.
This week, the Falcons are 4-3 and coming off a road loss to an NFC power (New Orleans). This is due at least in part to a flawed performance by their young starting quarterback, Matt Ryan (three interceptions, three sacks, 46.6 passer rating). Next on the schedule is a punch line: Washington.
Now, this isn’t to suggest we’re about to witness another 7-2 run to close the regular season. But here’s the question: If we didn’t know what to expect last season when the season played out like a fantasy, why is everybody panicking now?
General manager Thomas Dimitroff, who put this team together, has seen the roster get dinged by injuries (Harry Douglas, Peria Jerry, Brian Williams, etc.). That’s something the Falcons generally were able to avoid last season. But Dimitroff said he’s more confident now about this team than he was a year ago at this time.
“I think that because I believe that we have an increased enthusiasm and speed and urgency on this team,” he said. “Even though the expectations are much higher now than they were a year ago, there’s a competitiveness there that makes me feel good about things. He have a toughness and a resolve and, even in the last game at New Orleans, we fought for 60 minutes. I was encouraged. Last year, there was an unknown feeling. I really wasn’t thinking, ‘Where are we going?’ That’s not the case this season. I feel good about this team and where we’re headed.”
He is not going to project a win total. He is not going to predict a late-season surge to overtake New Orleans for the NFC South. He is not going to guarantee a playoff spot.
He again referenced, “The New England paradigm.” Pretty sure he mumbles that in his sleep.
“I was once told by a sagacious general manager that I control the interview,” Dimitroff said, laughing. “I’m very mindful of bulletin board material.”
But in his most guarded-GM-speak possible, he will say this: “This is a team that has a lot of young talent and an adept coaching staff. I have all the confidence in the world that we’ll play hard and the results will be favorable down the stretch.”
Ryan has been sacked seven times in last two games. (AP photo)
The Falcons have dropped two straight. Ryan has seven interceptions in the last three games after throwing two in the first four. He has been sacked seven times in the last two after not kissing turf in the previous four. What we’re about to find out is if these are minor hiccups or the start of bad trends.
We can try to break down the schedule. We can look and see that there’s nine games left, five against teams the Falcons should beat (Washington, Carolina, Tampa Bay twice, Buffalo) and four against whom they might struggle (road games against the New York Giants and Jets, home against Philadelphia and New Orleans).
But it’s never that simple in the NFL. Carolina is getting better. The Giants and Jets are getting worse. This league mutates weekly.
If you’re looking for one obvious key, here it is: offense.
Nothing has changed. This is the same team with the same strengths and weaknesses at 4-3 that it was at 4-1 a few weeks ago — and at 0-0 in July. The Falcons will go as far as the offense takes them. In that sense, it’s on Ryan and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.
If the Monday night loss to New Orleans wasn’t an aberration, then Michael Turner, perhaps stung by recent criticism, is back on track. He ran harder and looked quicker than he had all season. (Dimitroff when asked if criticism helped: “Michael is a very proud guy and a competitive guy. When things don’t go well he takes it personally. I’m sure [it did].”
If this offense is clicking, the Falcons will be fine. They have too many weapons and a quarterback who also takes things personally. After an early season loss at New England, Ryan said, “I hate losing more than I love winning.”
That’s the attitude you want. It’s hard to see this team falling apart.
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75 comments Add your comment
TBAYZ
November 5th, 2009
12:24 pm
First!
midnite
November 5th, 2009
12:27 pm
The 150 yd. game for Turner was huge in NOLA. Maybe Meangela Hall melts down again and gets 45 yds. worth of penalties on one play again against Roddy. This staff is great at game to game adjustments.
Blue Fender
November 5th, 2009
12:31 pm
We need to make sure we don’t overlook the Deadskins. Even though they are a bad team, just remember what Oakland did to Philly a few weeks back. We need to start fast and bust them in the mouth. GO FALCONS!!!
Jeff Schultz
November 5th, 2009
12:34 pm
Blue Fender: Roddy White vs. DeAngelo Hall. Who do you like?
JD THE MAN
November 5th, 2009
12:34 pm
SAY WHAT YOU WANT!!!!
MICHAEL VICK WILL GET A RING THIS YEAR…$$$$$
I LOVE HIS JOB
VICK GETS THE FRIST DOWN FOR MCNABB!!!!
NOW HE CAN GET HIS RING!!!
EAT YOUR HEART OUT!!LOL…..
ICE MAN LOVERS..LOL……
NODDLE ARM..LOL……..
Marcus
November 5th, 2009
12:35 pm
Building for the futre and playing for now. Didn’t most of us surmise that we might have a worse record than last year, but better team?
we will be aiiiight.
Barkin'Dog
November 5th, 2009
12:40 pm
I can easily see the Falcons going 8-1 the rest of the way, including @ the NY football Giants. Washington will be a huge win, like 41-17. The way they played at NO, if the picks weren’t there (or the 2 missed FGs), they would have had a better outcome. What I loved was the passion of every player, and the urgency. Haven’t seen that for quite awhile, except for last season. Burner-Turner will have a virtual “field day” this weekend… especially if he is spelled by Norwood (hope he’s ready). Go Birds!
Larry
November 5th, 2009
12:43 pm
Is they’re just one Michael Vick fan out there without an earring, tattoo and/or double digit IQ?
Just one? Anyone?
Crickets!
Ronnie
November 5th, 2009
12:43 pm
The coaches are not over looking the Redskins. They are not like the fickle fans who one week praise the team and the next say the team is a bust. FAKE FANS HATE’M!!!
Mitun
November 5th, 2009
12:47 pm
here is my predictiion
vs Washington W
@ Carolina W
@ NYG W
vs TB W
vs Philadelphia L
vs New Orleans W
@ NYJ W
vs Buffalo W
@ TB W
PMC
November 5th, 2009
12:52 pm
no one is panicking. If anything I’m impressed at how well they have handled a bunch of season ending injuries. I think I’m more impressed with this years team than last year. There has never been a time in our history when it has been better to be a Falcon Fan.
BW
November 5th, 2009
12:52 pm
Great stereotype Larry…you’re a piece of work…everyone was a Michael Vick at one point when he was winning games and dogfighting was not even suspected….Matt Ryan is the QB and it will be the same..everyone will cheer when he wins and the factions will reveal themselves after losses
Ole Ball Coach
November 5th, 2009
12:52 pm
Wow Schultz got rid of his silly article on Spikes rather quickly. Guess he realized if you can’t beat the gators you can always whine about them. Glad to see he decided to move on and accept the loss.
TheManMike
November 5th, 2009
12:59 pm
I think with Deangelos mentality, he will under estimate Roddy. Roddy will turn on those nice burners and really stump DHall this weekend. I like the deep threat to show up again this game – Someone in another blog had a nice question about the receivers – Since I cant go to games and can only watch on TV, What is the deal with all the throw aways and whatnot from Ryan>? I understand its important and a good thing that he is not willing to just make a bad decision all the time and throw it just to throw it, but those who attend many games – are the receivers just not getting open down field? Is Ryan not getting adequate time for the receivers to complete their routes? On TV we can only see about 10-20 yards past the line of scrimmage and most of the time the receivers are off screen – Can someone shed some light here? I know Roddy is a really fast runner, but is he not a good route guy?
pilgrim
November 5th, 2009
1:01 pm
Every interview I hear with Falcons players, they talk of the team jelling. I think that’s where Dimitroff is coming from, too.
dean
November 5th, 2009
1:08 pm
I’d rather be talking about our “issues” than say, Tampa Bay, Oakland, St. Louis, Detroit, and others. I really believe when the teams who have already penciled in their names in the playoffs bracket start talking (amongst themselves) about their preferences for opponents, the one team they do not want to see across the field is the Atlanta Falcons.
"Falcon Fan from The Sippi"
November 5th, 2009
1:10 pm
Please do not overlook the Redskins, they went into Carolina and upset them at home. Defensively they are a good team, their offense just does not score enough points. This will not be an easy win. In fact I think this is going to be one that we barely squeak out a victory. With Big Albert in the middle he can disrupt the running game and push the line into the quarterbacks face. I hope we are taking this game seriously, it is a must win and a key to get us on a role for the second half of the season. We mess around and lose this one and we are in a mess at 4-4. This one kind of feels like the Denver game last year. I just knew we were going to beat them, but they took our lunch money, we had no answers for their receivers. I am thrilled that Washington does not have the big 6′4″ or taller receivers, we should match up well.
Dooley's Cardiologist
November 5th, 2009
1:12 pm
I don’t really care that much about pro football, just a casual watcher. But, does anyone else think that Thomas Dimitroff looks like he stuck his finger in a light socket? Side note: I remember Terry Bradshaw a couple of weeks ago telling the story of how he was walking through the falcons complex one day and he passed Dimitroff and didn’t aknowledge him because he thought he was the mail currier for the falcons. What an Idiot!!
billcanoe
November 5th, 2009
1:15 pm
I like this Falcons team. They are going to do good things this season, and they are going to do GREAT things in the future. Just give them some time – and don’t worry about Matt Ryan – he is going to be just fine.
Supes
November 5th, 2009
1:20 pm
10 or 11 wins is still within reach if the Falcons play up to their potential in all phases of the game.
Subzero_1906
November 5th, 2009
1:21 pm
6 of the last 9 gets you in the playoffs. Wins against Washington, Carolina, two against Tampa, Buffalo, and NY Jets. I will take more wins. With the way we played last week, we can win more. New Orleans needs to watch out when they come to the dome.
Eric C.
November 5th, 2009
1:39 pm
The game against Philly will decide whether the Falcons get into the playoffs…that is the most critical game on the schedule as both teams will likely be battling for the second wild card spot behind Dallas as NYG will still end up winning the east.
Dallis04
November 5th, 2009
1:42 pm
I hate it when people call the NY Giants, the “NY Football Giants,” its obvious this is who we are talking about, get over it.
- P’oed in GA
Rectal Bleeding
November 5th, 2009
1:46 pm
I love dumb people. They can be so entertaining.
Doyle Hargraves
November 5th, 2009
1:46 pm
The real question is, did Turner return the TJ Duckett costume, or is it just at the dry cleaners?
L.L.Y.F.F.
Eric C.
November 5th, 2009
1:46 pm
The game against the Redskins will be tough, no doubt. The Redskins had a bye and the Falcons are coming off an emotional MNF loss making for a short week. I see an ugly win coming up for the Falcons, and will be surprised if they cover the spread. Also, if Elam is still missing short FGs, this game could be a loss. Prediction: Falcons 17 Redskins 16
Dallis04
November 5th, 2009
1:47 pm
I know me too. hahaha I dont know why but I HATE when Chris Berman says it especially.
Wiink
November 5th, 2009
1:48 pm
Jeff, he’s the GM why would he not like the Falcons team, he put it all together…duh! Rick Sunds likes the Hawks and Wren likes the Braves, but it does not mean they are headed in the right direction. All the teams are a work in progress.
The big difference is that the fan base has expectations now…so does the GM…I sure you recognize the GM speak! Falcons will go as far as Ryan takes them, whether this year or near future.
E!
November 5th, 2009
1:50 pm
love the falcons
TlovesMattR
November 5th, 2009
1:53 pm
Larry – yes there are many true Falcon fans that still love Michael Vick. I am a southern white female and I loved watching him play football! It will be a pleasure to see him on the field DEC 06… I am proud of him for making a comeback in all areas – Character; Father; and Player. I have loved the Falcons all my life and I take the good with the bad. WE ARE A GREAT TEAM THIS YEAR! Blood was spilled out on Monday night… and I couldn’t have asked for any more as a fan.
Fred Garvin, male prostitute.
November 5th, 2009
1:55 pm
I’ll be in town this weekend.
Gritz Blitz
November 5th, 2009
1:58 pm
First of all, Washington did not upset Carolina. The Panthers won 20-17. Nevertheless, we should be ready to play much like we were against the 49ers after our loss in New England. I have the utmost confidence in this coaching staff. We will finsih this season strong. But please Ryan, don’t throw a pick six to D Hall. My stomach couldn’t take that. Go Falcons!
tjhook
November 5th, 2009
2:20 pm
I think the Atlanta Falcons will make their fans feel good the entire month. I anticipate a lot of impressive performances. The only thing that bears watching is the roles Jamal Anderson will play and what kind of performances we get from our cornerbacks.
WhopperDawg
November 5th, 2009
2:23 pm
Definitely on the right track as a franchise. I see no reason for panic. All QBs have rough spots especially second year guys against the hottest team in the league at their house. Ryan is and will be fine. He is very good now and be only get better with experience. A concern is that this year’s draft has yielded NADA. Yeah, yeah, the first two picks are hurt, but hey that was their rap coming out of college, so no excuse there. Bad draft this year, great draft next year. Absolutely great job on free agents and by the coaching staff. An unsung hero is Van Gorder, you give him some more pieces (players) and watch out.
RTibbs
November 5th, 2009
2:29 pm
Big deal. Even if Mike Vick does get a ring he will have to pawn it.
Terrell
November 5th, 2009
2:48 pm
RTibbs that was funny. I have to admit that, but what’s so puzzling is when we did have Vick and the team sputtered like this I remember this same stuff happening. We had people pulling for the backup to play or saying Vick wasn’t the answer and guess what we have that same issue now. This is Ryan’s second year and he will become the 2nd QB to throw for over 3,000 yards in their 1st two seasons. The other? Peyton Manning. Owe, another thing, Peyton Manning threw more ints (28) in his rookie season than Ryan has in his 1st two years in the league.
I do forget though that common sense is something many here don’t excersise as they should. When the Falcons get a consistent pass rush watch how much better our secondary plays
Chris Broe
November 5th, 2009
2:50 pm
I like this year’s Falcons better than last year’s too. I expect playoffs.
Jerome
November 5th, 2009
2:52 pm
Some are panicking this year because you had a schedule of punchlines last year and you have one of the toughest schedule of any NFL team this year that’s why the panick!
Nativebird
November 5th, 2009
3:06 pm
I don’t see this team falling apart. In fact, I think while it’s not going to be the 2007 Patriots, it is a very solid, stable and predictable “top 12″ quality NFL team. IMO, the Falcons playoff picture is much more dependent on how the rest of the leaque shakes out versus anything like a collapse or hotstreak on the part of these Falcons.
The only questionable weak spot that might prevent it from getting to the “next level” IMO is the OC.
Asheville Dawg
November 5th, 2009
3:07 pm
I still think Matt Ryan breaks his leg and the Falcons go 7-9. Can you say consecutive winning seasons never happen for the Falcons.
sidslid
November 5th, 2009
3:09 pm
Who’s hot/who’s not scale of Atlanta-area sports teams:
GT Football
Hawks
Falcons
Thrashers
GT B’ball
Braves
UGA FB
UGA B’ball
Scotty
November 5th, 2009
3:13 pm
I’m from Atlanta and go to school in New Orleans. I talked smack to every Saints fan here since school started, saying that on November 2nd, the Dirty Birds coming to town and were prepared to deliver a beat down. As the season has unfolded, I kept up my talk but knew that we could very easily fall apart in the Superdome. The Saints clearly have the ability to open up a lead and after Falcons’ bad loss the week before in Dallas, I was worried for Monday night. My friend and I were maybe two of 100 Falcons fans there. I was very wrong. The two teams looked even. I know that the Saints are a better team this year, but with every big play by Brees, Moore/Bush, and their defense, we responded. The place was electric, but I feel that playing in our own Dome prepared us greatly. It seemed that the Saints didn’t have any ridiculous plays that they’ve done earlier this season to crush the morale of their opponent. We kept fighting, even after going down two touchdowns at halftime and having to play defense to start the 2nd half. This may not be our year, but once we get healthy and add a few more pieces, we can terrorize the rest of the NFL. Monday showed that we had more than just talent.
TheManMike
November 5th, 2009
3:19 pm
This will be the first of MANY winning seasons for the falcons. It’s a new trend we can live with here in Atlanta. These Falcons have the coaching staff and front office we have been wanting for many years and it’s time to reap those rewards. That being said, we can’t expect to go to the SB every year, or win every day or even hit the playoffs EVERY year. But the legend of no back to back winning seasons will finally be lifted this season.
Hawks are kicking on all cycliners too – It’s a good time in Atlanta Sports! Looking forward to the Braves next season as well.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
3:47 pm
pilgrim
November 5th, 2009
1:01 pm
Every interview I hear with Falcons players, they talk of the team jelling. I think that’s where Dimitroff is coming from, too.
At some point, even Jello gets eaten. Enough of jelling, this isn’t a Dr. Scholls commercial
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
3:49 pm
dean
November 5th, 2009
1:08 pm
I’d rather be talking about our “issues” than say, Tampa Bay, Oakland, St. Louis, Detroit, and others. I really believe when the teams who have already penciled in their names in the playoffs bracket start talking (amongst themselves) about their preferences for opponents, the one team they do not want to see across the field is the Atlanta Falcons.
Actually, New England, Dallas & New Orleans looked pretty good across the field
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
3:52 pm
billcanoe
November 5th, 2009
1:15 pm
I like this Falcons team. They are going to do good things this season, and they are going to do GREAT things in the future. Just give them some time – and don’t worry about Matt Ryan – he is going to be just fine.
How much more time do they need? 2010? 2011? When?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
3:53 pm
Supes
November 5th, 2009
1:20 pm
10 or 11 wins is still within reach if the Falcons play up to their potential in all phases of the game.
You mean like the last 2 weeks? Yes, there is nothing to worry about if that’s your idea of success
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
3:55 pm
Subzero_1906
November 5th, 2009
1:21 pm
6 of the last 9 gets you in the playoffs. Wins against Washington, Carolina, two against Tampa, Buffalo, and NY Jets. I will take more wins. With the way we played last week, we can win more. New Orleans needs to watch out when they come to the dome.
The season will be over, when New Orleans comes back. Were you talking about 2010?
Gamer
November 5th, 2009
3:56 pm
To Matty-Ice, I know we expect alot from you not because of your great rookie season alone but you really are a great qb in the making and all the NFL components and opponents can see it. If they can’t see it then they’re blind or they’re looking with a close football mind.
I can see greatness before it’s formed and you got it! You got the IT FACTOR! So strap up and play the game every down like the champion you are and we will see the Falcons make noise in the post season!
Your weapons are prolific, but you must choose your targets wisely. Put a little more emphasis on going long to Roddy, especially when he’s in single coverage. Put the ball where only Roddy can get it and he won’t let you down with interceptions.
Feed Turner the Burner, especially when he’s hot!!
Falcons can got a real chance at 10-6 record, maybe enough to make post-season.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
3:59 pm
RTibbs
November 5th, 2009
2:29 pm
Big deal. Even if Mike Vick does get a ring he will have to pawn it.
And the CHOKE would buy it, because that’s the closest he will come to owning one
All I'm Saying Is...
November 5th, 2009
4:09 pm
Schultz: Michael Turner was never the problem (as proven versus NO). Turnovers and inconsistency at the QB position was and still is the issue.
Turnovers is self explanatory. By inconsistency I mean look at the QB rating per game and how many times he locks in on Tony G as his first option. Other teams watch film and know Ryan keys on his Tight End.
Hopefully, Ryan is a proud guy and hears the criticism and will feed off of it as allegedly Turner did and raise his game which has fallen off since the 49ers game.
LET’S GO FALCONS!
Ted Striker
November 5th, 2009
4:12 pm
Personally I don’t see what the big deal is. If Fergie’s hubby had an affair, or didn’t — that’s between the two of them.
Wait…what blog is this?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
4:23 pm
NFL Power 10: November
Midway through the season, the Contenders emerge…
by James LeBeau
Nov 04, 2009
Indianapolis Colts (7-0, 2) Is their any better field general than Peyton Manning? This guy continuously puts up good game after good game and is set to go down as one of the all-time greats, if not the best ever.
Fantasy Stock: The Colts impressive start and known staying power has fantasy owners giddy with what they bring week in and out. The downside of this is that come FF playoff time, will they even need to play their starters?
New Orleans Saints (7-0, 4) The Saints keep on marching their way through the NFL, showing an impressive mix of offense and defense. They are clearly the best in the NFC at this point in the season.
Fantasy Stock:The Saints offense continues to roll on all cylinders and the man behind it, Drew Brees, is easily the number two fantasy QB in the league today.
Minnesota Vikings (7-1, 6) As much as I am loathe to admit it, Brett Favre is exactly what the Vikings needed. With a good defense and great running game, is there any stopping this team?
Fantasy Stock: Brett Favre is, as always, a viable starter and it’s only a matter of time before Adrian Peterson has a breakout game.
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2, -) The Champs return to the top ten after putting up 4 straight wins.. With the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall and the return of Troy Polamalu and the defense to the glory it had a year ago, the Steelers are poised to reemerge as playoff favorites.
Fantasy Stock: The improved passing game has rejuvenated wideout Hines Ward and has made QB Ben Roethlisberger into an early lock for the Pro Bowl.
Cincinnati Bengals (5-2, -) The Bengals sit stop the AFC North (and no, that’s not a typo) after impressive wins against division rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The question has to be whether or not this team can carry this fast start into the second half of the season.
Fantasy Stock: I knew RB Cedric Benson would be a good fit in Cincy last season but who would have imagined he’d be THIS good a fit? And welcome back to relevance, Chad Ochocinco, it’s been a couple of years.
Philadelphia Eagles (5-2, 7) With the healthy return of Donovan McNabb and the opening up of the Eagles O, this is a team to be feared come playoff time. It will be interesting to see how this team grows as the season goes.
Fantasy Stock: Michael Vick has been the non-factor he was expected to be but the surprise has to be the ineffectiveness of RB Brian Westbrook. Does he have anything left in the tank?
New England Patriots (5-2, 10) The Patriots are finally looking like the team it was two seasons ago as quarterback Tom Brady looks to be back to 100%. The defense looks surprisingly old and suspect though, so you have to wonder how deep this team can go in the playoffs.
Fantasy Stock: With Tom Brady back to top form, the entire Patriots offense is starting to bloom as ff roses.
Denver Broncos (6-1, 9) What a difference a year makes? Last season, the Broncos were mired in mediocrity and destined to be watching the playoffs from their couch. This season, they have shored up their defensive woes and have a good hold of the AFC West.
Fantasy Stock: As shocking as this sounds, Kyle Orton is now to be considered a consistent fantasy option. His lack of turnovers makes even his modest production a proven plus.
Dallas Cowboys (5-2, -) The Cowboys have put up three straight wins and have leap frogged the slumping New York Giants in the Standings.
Fantasy Stock: Credit the insertion of wideout Miles Austin into the starting lineup for the resurgence of the Dallas offense. He has 21 receptions for 482 yds and 5 tds since being put into the starting slot.
Houston Texans (5-3, -) How about them Texans! The Houston Texans have finally realized that stopping the Indianapolis Colts shouldn’t be priority number one, emulating them should be. And like the Colts of years past, the Texans sport a sizzling passing game and a solid running game.
Fantasy Stock: The Texans took a huge hit with the injury to top ff Tight End Owen Daniels, who was having a breakout year. His loss should be Kevin Walters gain as he should see more balls thrown his way.
Freddie G
November 5th, 2009
4:51 pm
Frank Wren has made some good moves this past year, I am not exactly sold on his latest, which is the signing of Hudson. He is a good pitcher, but still does not know how to get out Ryan Howard and the Phillies meat of their order. I think to trade Vazquez would be stupid, he was easily our best pitcher. Mark my word this will be a losing decision if that is what he does.
u-no
November 5th, 2009
5:24 pm
Mitun, I agree with you, except I think we will beat Philly and lose to the Giants. Another option would be that we win everything except the rematch against New Orleans. Either way I don’t think we will lose more than two more games this year.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 5th, 2009
5:30 pm
UPCOMING TEAMS RANK VS THE PASS:
Redskins………..Number 2
Carolina………….Number 1
Giants…………Number 3
We shall see if it’s a bump or a thump
uberVU - social comments
November 5th, 2009
5:50 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by JeffSchultzAJC: Forget “slump.” #Falcons will be just fine, says Dimitroff (and me). http://bit.ly/UXl6y…
Voice of Reason
November 5th, 2009
6:20 pm
I just want a winning season. I’m tired of every sports big-mouth broadcaster expounding on the fact that we have never had back-to-back winning seasons.
tell like it is
November 5th, 2009
10:19 pm
I don’t care about back to back winning seasons. i care about playoffs and super bowls.
Dash
November 5th, 2009
10:51 pm
Actually, Larry, I am a Michael Vick fan with no earring, no tattoo and I have a 156 IQ as well as scored 1370 on the SAT. He is still a very gifted athlete who happened to make some very bad choices. However, he was elected to two Pro Bowls. Now, unless you are talking football, shut up before I come over there and kick the cinder blocks off of one side of your double wide trailer…
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » Forget slump: Dimitroff likes these Falcons more than last year’s
November 6th, 2009
1:21 am
[...] link [...]
Dean
November 6th, 2009
8:21 am
Choke, You are correct. We (I don’t deny being a homer) lost THOSE games.
But being the optimist I am, I’m looking forward. “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”
Mark
November 6th, 2009
9:35 am
I was born in Atlanta – I am 54 years young. I have seen ups and downs here with OUR teams. But I thought the word FAN refered to a person that was a fanatic about the team they cheer for. Up or down – who cares – they are my teams and I feel if you support OUR teams – then support them. When is the last time you had a bad day or made a mistake. Does your family disown you? I never saw the Falcons fight so hard for a full 60 minutes like I witnessed Monday night. I am dang proud of our Falcons and I expect the true fans put up or shut up. The season is too short to teeter on the fence. Micheal Vick – well – he too made a huge mistake – but when is it correct to give a person that makes a mistake only one chance. I at least admire his determination to get back on the field and play. Go Falcons! Go Hawks! Go Thrashers! Go Braves! I am a true fan – good or bad season. I love you guys!
Vick Supporter
November 6th, 2009
9:56 am
Vick will shine again
Ronnie
November 6th, 2009
10:27 am
Vick will shine my shoes before he will shine in the NFL again.
Vick Supporter
November 6th, 2009
10:29 am
I guess he will join you shining shoes Ronnie
Is it me?
November 6th, 2009
11:02 am
Or does Ryan seem to have taken a few steps back this season? To me, he seems to be keying in on Gonzalez too much instead of spreading the ball around to White, Jenkins (if & when he catches the ball), and Finneran. Ryan’s play has to improve or the Falcons won’t make the playoffs.
DJ
November 6th, 2009
1:18 pm
A realistic goal for this team at the beginning of 2009 would be to improve by 1 game, presumabley at home (i.e. 8-0 at home). This means they must take 3 of the reamaining 4 road games.
They WILL NOT lose at the dome. Keep your fingers crossed and hope this team continues to make progress toward learning how to win on the road and keeps taking care of business at home.
Mr. Thomas Anthony "The taxman Cometh" Jones, SR (Waf-SS)
November 6th, 2009
2:24 pm
Dimitroff is a liar. The way he lied to Mr. Angelo Hall was disgusting. A man word is his bond. Anyone who lies to another person is a low-life creep who should be fired, ASAP. Mr. Angelo Hall was a two-time NFL Pro Bowler while playing here with Mr. Michael Vick and Mr. Warren Dunn and the Falcons. Never trust anyone who lies. They are disgusting!!!!!
JYD
November 7th, 2009
8:13 am
1st and foremost if Hall was that great why was he cut by the raiders?Apart from Ryan being in a slump i wonder why Smitty isn’t benching Jenkins he’s an overrated #2 for either Booker/Finn receivers who can actually catch the ball
Alan
November 7th, 2009
9:41 am
Thomas Anthony, you have the shoe on the wrong foot, back up and put it where it belongs. The only man in the group that you spoke of is Warren Dunn, the others are a jail bird,one convicted and a liar. By the way, take a look at who lies and recognize the truth.
dawgfan13
November 7th, 2009
10:26 am
I think the Falcon s are going to be fine. I think Matt Ryan is a top QB in this league. Many teams would want Matt Ryan as their starting QB. In that game Monday night he made some mistakes, but he had the team driving for a winning touchdown. If the ball would not have been tipped by Vilma, Gonzalez makes a play for a touchdown or a first and goal. The defense played ok. They are injured in a lot of key position, but you cant dispute that they had some big plays in that game. The only knock I have on Matt Ryan is that he has to servey the field better. He has to check down to the backs, go to Booker and Finneran more and not focus on Rody and Gonzalez. I predict 7 more wins and a road play-off game against Arizona again, this time we win after learning our lesson from last year against them when we were super conservative!.
Eric C.
November 8th, 2009
5:05 am
I’m afraid the Redskins tough defense and Elam’s kicking issues will keep the Falcons from getting more than 17 pts. This will be an ugly win against a well-rested Redskins team. The Falcons will be flat after a short week and a tough loss at NO…I’d take the Redskins and points in this game.
Doyle Hargraves
November 8th, 2009
11:28 am
I think you can bank on the fact that Meangelo will be unable to control himself back in the ATL, especially after the way he showed his BUTTOCKS last year in Oakland. I can’t wait to see the inevitable defensive pass interference followed immediately by a personal foul for 30 yards. Shipping him off, imo, was one of the best things TD has done. As long as we keep drafting MEN and not the Meangelo’s and Jimmy Williams of the world, we’ll be fine. TD has shown that he has the God-given talent of “discernment of character”, which is something McKay apparently does not possess.
LLYFF
We're live from Falcons (and it's time to kick around Skins) | Jeff Schultz
November 8th, 2009
12:03 pm
[...] When I spoke to Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff earlier in the week, he stopped short of guarantees. But he said he still feels good about this team — better even than he felt last season when the Falcons started 4-3 and finished 11-5. [...]