This one is on Matt Ryan, and Falcons may be in trouble

good blog jeff…no whining here…you nailed it…we HAVE to beat the G-MEN next week…..it’s a must win….(you’re picking the G-Men on your Thursday predictions blog..) so I think the Falcons win….

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I’m not buying the sophomore slump and I don’t like the fact the Ryan refuses to accept that it was his fault for blowing the game. The team is just saying all these things to the media but i guarantee you thats not how many of them feel internally. He needs to get it together. Plain and simple Jeff.

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…..Ryan didn’t lose this game….who ever called that stupid down field pass on first down when we only needed a field goal to take the lead with 4 minutes to go…shares a lot of the blame! Why not keep trickulating the ball down field like we were doing, killing the clock, letting our defense rest, and get into field goal position? If Ryan audibled that call and threw downfield THEN it was his fault. Otherwise, I blame the coaching staff for this loss!

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There were some coaching boo boos today as well. The biggest being calling a long pass with 3 minutes left and us on the 50 yard line where a few more yards would have got us in field goal range. And also Ryan had been trowing high all day and he did it again to kill us.

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Smith’s The Man. Looks like we were thinking the same thing at the same time.

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“The Falcons lost to the Carolina Sunday, 28-17.” Come on man, as a so-called reporter, shouldnt you at least report the score correctly? And as a writer, shouldn’t you proofread before you post on the World Wide Web?

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maybe all the money and fame has gone to his head, but can you blame him.

he can always go home and count his money.

maybe has hear so much about his arm strength that he wants to prove he can throw deep.

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…after the next 3 weeks? So much for back to back winning seasons! The futility that is the Atlanta Falcons continues – 43 years and counting!

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IMO Matty’s puckering up. One bad pass or drop and he thinks he has to throw darts. He’ll study his way out of it but since his trip to the playoffs, his weaknesses have been exposed and he has yet to truely adjust. Gonzo’s not a check down, he’s his primary target.

Go over the top everyonce in a while just to keep’em honest might be a start.

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Geez, what a bunch of whiners and doomers. In the NFL, teams are never as good, or as bad as they seem. You just take em one week at a time. So they blew it today, it happens in the NFL.

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Yep, I sucked today, and the week before, and the week before, and the week before, but the weeks before that I was pretty good. And, even as bad as I was today, I did throw one 4th Quarter TD pass, and that is one more than MV7 did in 16 games in 06. And even if I suck from her on out, and we finish 7-9, I will match what MV7 did that year too.

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Maybe if I ran in reverse for 32 yards and then fumbled the all, yall would like me more.

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Jeff…you wrote a great column for us long-time, jaded Falcon fans. Thanks.

This season will go 9-7 at best…there is absolutely no way that the Falcons will win at NYG with their current problems, NYG coming off of a bye week, and NYG having lost 4 straight. That means the Falcons will most likely have to finish up 5-1 to get into the playoffs…and with games against Philadelphia, NO, and @NYJ on the horizon…that will be a tall order.

Unfortunately, I think we are seeing the real Matt Ryan. He NEEDS a great defense and good special teams to win. He will never be close to a Joe Montana or Peyton Manning. He can be an above average, solid QB, but the Falcons better plan on improving the defense if they are going to be a consistent playoff contender, and they need to scrap their heralded conditioning program because it sure ain’t working this year.

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One word: Elam.

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Ryan: ““There’s a lot of tough teams you’re going against. I feel like I’m learning a bunch and continuing to get better. But I’ve just made some mistakes, and that’s gonna happen”

Ryan: ““I’m young.”

What!!!!!!!!!!!! If Vick ever said that, he would have been KILLED IN THE PAPERS…yet the “fans” here still make excuses for him.

I have to give the writers credit….even though it took 5 games for them to do so, they have finally been critical of Ryan. They are a part of the culprits (more so Schultz than Bradley) that have annointed this guy as the next P.Manning.

I have consistenly said that Ryan will be a good but not great QB. All of the things that I’ve said about his game has come true…especially the arm strength. The guy simply can’t throw the deep ball or drill a ball into tight coverage. When he tried, the ball sailed over guys heads. I will continue to get bashed on here, but for those of you that know football see that I’ve been telling the truth. Its not about race for me….I simply believe that Vick is a better QB. F all of the numbers and qb ratings….Vick Won Games. On his back if he had to.

Bring on the bashing and some of your racial comments that you make to me on here…you’re just making yourselves look stupid.

“Vick will rise again”

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CJ

November 15th, 2009
7:13 pm
One word: Elam.
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You people blame the kicker, LMAO. What a bunchy of losers,lol.

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Ryan has probably been hanging out too much in Buckhead. Maybe after the season Brett Favre can do an intervention with him.

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Right before that 2nd interception, I said “Come on, Ryan. Stay composed.” As soon as he threw that pass, I knew it was trouble.

WTF.
JUST RUN THE BALL
JESUS

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are those Matt Ryan quotes or some analyst from ESPN… he’s talking like a psychologist… like he’s not trying to lose self confidence… as a QB what are you doing fundamentally wrong? are you seeing the field? going through your progressions?

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I was at the game today and there’s no question…both interceptions hurt, the missed field goal hurt and not having Turner really hurt. I believe that if Michael Turner is in the game, the play-calling is completely different. That said. he wasn’t and it fell to Ryan to lead them. It appeared (to me anyway) that almost all of his throws were a foot off the mark, either high or to the side. I was thinking playoffs at the beginning of the season, now I’m just hoping we break the streak.

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Vick was a great QB, probably the most exciting player in the NFL when he was in his prime, but he did not develop. Do you realize, the guy did not throw 1 4th Quarter TD pass in 2006, his last year in the NFL.

And as far as what we would do if he said “I’m young”, probably nothing. As a matter of fact, I never saw Vick take responsibility for anything, he just flipped off his critics.

Could you imagine what you would do if Ice scrambled backwards for 30 yards, and then got the ball swatted out of his hands?

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Jeff and CJ…timing was off between the snapper and holder on that missed kick by Elam. Sure, that was a brutal miss, but the interceptions were the worst evils in this game.

Vick supporter, Vick has not been a Falcon for a long time…and really blew every chance given to him. Most Falcon fans believed in him and wanted him to succeed…but the recent struggles by Ryan absolutely do not make me or other fans want Vick back. It is unfortunate that Vick threw his career under the bus, and there is nothing the Falcons can do about it now.

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my goodness… DC beat Denver…

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Matt Ryan is so overpaid it isn’t funny. He isn’t the only one but this guy comes out of College and they give him a ridiculous contract without even playing one game in the NFL. They should have learned something with the Vick situation, if this guy turns out to be a bust the Falcons are into him for a lot of money.

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Vick WAS a great QB, but it was more do to his running ability than his understanding of the game and ability to find the open reciever. Hence, a completion percentage in the 50% range, and the 74 career passer rating. However, he slowed down in 05 and 06, and lost that advantage, but he never grew as a passer. Now, 2 years later, he can’t even beat our Kevin Kolb. And you really think he can play QB better than Ryan? For the record, the best QB the falcons ever had was Chris Chandler.

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Is the Strayer University mascot an alley cat?

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Eric C.

I’ve never said that I wanted Vick back with the Falcons. We both know that would never happen and it shouldn’t

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Ask me again if I’ve lost confidence in Ryan.

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You little freakin weenie! I let the walking ATM machine out the door because the non paying fans threatened to protest at the training facility and the dome.

I took some stupid advice thinking a 5th year college player, with 22 interceptions in his senior year and couldn’t win a freaking A.C.C. title.

I should have known that his idea of stretching the field was squeezing some turf with his hands. I spent 72-million plus a ton more on marketing and advertisement to make this string bean loser look NFL material.

I even paid off the commissioner for that weak freakin schedule and even twisted some arms to get the Rookie of The Year award, when everybody knows if another rookie goes to the championship game, he should be the winner.

Now, how am I going to get sponsors to buy tickets, because this little piece of crap couldn’t sell out a stadium if he bought all the tickets.

What a loser this scrub is.

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I’m wondering how many people Gamble has to injure until the NFL looks into his tackling technique of going for the knees and below on players that are already 90% to the ground and completely defenseless. He essentially ended Culpepper’s career with a similar hit. Elam needs to be fired. That’s at least the 3rd chip shot field goal he’s missed this season. No excuse for that.

No pass rush at all. The two pics were disasterous. Does anybody know you deal with rooting for a consistent loser? I’m probably better off not getting the NFL package next year. I seem to do better with just reading about the loss then seeing it as it happens.

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TerryTheFalconFan

November 15th, 2009
6:47 pm
We had 19 points

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Unfortunately the other team had 28. 28 is greater than 19.

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Fair and Balanced, what is so wrong with saying “I am young”? He is only stating the obvious.

If Vick said that in his 2nd season after one of his games where he had 4 fumbles and 3 picks, I don’t think anyone would have had a problem with it.

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This is downright woeful. Smitty needs to jerk a knot in Ryan’s @$$ before he goes the way of Vick. Every time a QB has a decent year in Atlanta, they follow it up with crap. No excuses. Get your head right! And Elam…. how many games in a row with missed field goals before you stop glaring at the holder and look in the mirror instead? Sure, we have injuries. So what. That’s when pros “man up!” Come on, Falcons!

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@Keeping it real.

How in the hell is Vick going to come in and beat Kolb out for the #2 job when he wasn’t even there for training camp?

Please tell me how that happens. You beat people out for jobs in training camp.

For your information, Vick is the #2 QB right now….if he wasn’t he couldn’t come in for the Wildcat….so technically, he’s number 2, and he will be a starter next year.

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The game next Sunday will be really ugly. If Turner isn’t playing, the Giants will slaughter the Falcons.

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The way I see it , is the Falcons are really hurting from lack of good play from the defensive tackle position and the bad decision making of the quarterback. When you are getting man handled in the middle of the line, everybody else pays the price on defence. You can say what you want but when the line of scrimage is pushed back or flattened at the line, you can not stop anybody. As far as Matt Ryan, It is very clear he is scared on nearly every drop back(happy feet). Its sad we have to pin our hopes on him at this stage because Turner is hurt. Its looks like it is going to be the same ole Falcons of the past.

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Keeping it Real, I’m afraid you have hit the nail on the head. Chris Chandler. Geez. We rival the Bears when it comes to picking QB’s.

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I’m starting to think going to the playoffs last year was a big mistake .. succeeding as quick as they did was good at the time because of what happened the year before but as as we’re seeing now people set their expectations to high and when the expectations aren’t met the faults start coming and we start analyzing things more deeper.

I can only hope the Falcons overcome and have a winning season. Othewise, if the losses continue not only will the QB be under the microscope but the coach as well and that’s really disappointing.

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didn’t see any of it. What was with the Elam stutter step?? Is the snapper or holder not doing their job properly?? if so, then it will really screw up Elam’s kicking (although he has missed some easy kicks this year).

Real Falcons fans are still behind Matt Ryan. He’s having some sophomore problems–but it’s not his fault that the media annointed him a king immediately. He’s a hard worker, and I’ll give it at least two more seasons to see how things play out.

We know for certain that Vick couldn’t beat Philly or any really well coached defense. Matt Ryan has a lot more upside. It hasn’t helped that the running game has (overall) been a disappointment this season, and other than TG and Roddy (to a lesser extent), you can’t count on the hands of any of them.

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Ryan, like Vick, set the bar high by himself by winning early. Last year the team went 11-6, this year they are still above 500%. I don’t think you get there without the “skills” to win in the NFL.

It smacked both in the face, true character comes out with adversity. We all so how Mr Vick handled it, now lets see how Ryan handles it.

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“DUMP THE CHUMP”

BUST

BUST

BUST

BUST

BUST

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Why are we throwing long on 1st down from midfield, when our running game had been going all day. The throw was not what was bad, it was the decision to try and force it. All the Falcon fans who have been there for years, not just the Vick Bandwogoners have been waiting for this let down, because it is what we expect. Us fans remember that Bartkowski, Archer, Miller, Herbert, Chandler, and yes Mr Vick himself could never deliver back to back winning seasons. We had a chance in 05 with a 10 point lead over Tampa and Vick had a melt down that cost the game. Today Ryan delivered what we have come to expect from this franchise.

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jimbob

Ryan has alot more upside than Vick? PLEASE elaborate.

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What is wrong with Ryan saying “i am young”? It is an admission that he has a lot to learn. The guy is 16-9 as a starter since he stepped onto the field. WFT do you really expect?

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VS, Ryan has a lot more upside because he is going not going to prison. Generally speaking, folks who go to prison for federal offenses do not have much “upside”.

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he lost at least twice to them when it mattered: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-46162.html

Gimmicks like that will never beat the best defenses in the NFL. And he’s clearly never destined to do so. He doesn’t put in the effort that the great ones put in.

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Keeping it Real

November 15th, 2009
7:49 pm
What is wrong with Ryan saying “i am young”? It is an admission that he has a lot to learn. The guy is 16-9 as a starter since he stepped onto the field. WFT do you really expect?
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Here you go…making excuses. Who you gonna blame now…..the water boy? The water boy didn’t give Ryan his water correctly?

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Matt Ryan=Rick Mirer

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Saying “I’m young” is not an excuse, it is taking responsiblity by saying “I not very good because have a lot to learn”. I find it amazing folks have a problem with that.

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If I see Matt throw the ball out of bounds 4-5 times a game I will puke.
He plays too conservative, get loose like farve or cutler and let it rip try to win instead of trying not to lose

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Vick put in none of the effort that Manning or Brady put in. He was more preoccupied with illegal extracurricular activities.

The studying/film watching doesn’t guarantee greatness, but it’s one of the things a qb needs to do to succeed. Vick was a failure. His life choices confirmed it. Maybe he’ll resurrect himself, but with the Falcons he was a failure. He did some decent things on the field, and then–kaput. His stupid choices put an end to it.

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Falcons lost the game because
#1 Ice threw 2 picks, the last one totally uncalled for.
#2 Missed FG, gotta make that one.

Pretty simple, as Bad as Ryan was, he did drive them from the 4 yard line with 6 minutes left, so he did do some things OK, but in the end, it was on Ryan.

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And Vick should never be forgotten, he did some thing on the field that nobody ever saw, but in the end, he was a loser, we must never forget that.

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This game is on Ryan. I question the play call on that 2nd INT, but Ryan should not have thrown that ball. With that said, before the 2nd INT, I believe he drove the ball 90+ yards for a TD. It is way to early to associate him w/Peyton Mannig and Tom Brady and for all who did that, shame on you. However I’m still glad he’s my QB. This is only his second year. This entire team is young, the defense is still young. Mentally we are not tough enough to squeak out wins. I still have faith in Dimtroff & Co. unless they dont do something drastic regarding Grimes/Hill next season.

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Hi, it’s Mike, y’know? Y’all lay off Vick Supporter. It’s called freedom of speech. And it’s a good thing it’s free ’cause I’m broke, y’know? Also I just figured out why I’m running so slow. Forgot to take off that darn ankle bracelet from my home arrest…

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Listen to the Ryan interview on the Falcons website. Does this guy EVER take responsibility for ANYTHING??? It’s always we we we when he talks about failures. How about owning up to this pathetic performance, Matt? You’re shooting the ball high and wide CONSISTENTLY, and I’m not talking about just when you’re under pressure. What the #$%^& is going on?

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Seriously’s comment: ” Amen. Vick looked like crap at the end of his career here in Atlanta. Matt Ryan looks like crap right now. Period.”

20 tds 13 ints (which Ryan is about to surpass ny a longshot), and 1039yds rushing.

That doesn’t look like crap to me……..

Ryan is lookin like crap right now..

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Keep it Real!

November 15th, 2009
8:02 pm
Vick Supporter why do you feel the need to comment about Mike Vick on a blog about The Falcons? Mike Vick has been gone for 3 football seasons!
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The whole city does it. Next.

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I just don’t get it.

So the Falcons have a record of 5-4, and all is lost? Have we forgotten that this team was practically rebuilt from the GROUND UP just barely a year and a half ago?

If the bar was set too high, it was because the culture changed. Instead of keying on one guy, we now have a TEAM. Only a TEAM can be a winner, not a single individual with 21 other also-rans. The sophomore jinx gets a lot of guys. Teams have tape on Ryan and now they know how to play him…for now . He’ll get better, and then they can watch all the tape they want.

And why are we (well, some of us) still bringing up Mike Vick? Seriously, people.

“We always had a chance to win with Vick”. Look Vick did some of the best stuff on the football field that has been seen on the football field. He did do a lot of good for this franchise. Unfortunately he also did the absolute worst for this franchise, letting himself, his family, and his team down in the end. Now, he’s little more than a bit player (if even that) for the very same archrival that destroyed him both times that we made the playoffs while he was quarterback.

I don’t know if that’s poetic justice or just cruel fate.

Either way, Vick did MORE to let this franchise down in the end, than he ever did to lift it up. That’s the way it is, and nobody is paying a higher price for it than Vick himself. It’s a shame. It really is.

But it’s stupid to compare Ryan to him. If you’re holding onto the past, then please do it on your own time. In the meantime, let Ryan play 6 years before you start making comparisons. It’s only fair. Of course, that might be inconvenient to some arguments, but such is life.

I know one thing…. The fact that his coaches and teammates (particularly his receivers) are showing Matt Ryan a good bit of support, particularly in this latest loss. I never remember seeing that for his predecessor, and that speaks volumes. Take it as you will.

Reality is, this team has a long way to go, but is for once (and for the first time) pointed in the right direction.

Finally:

Ryan ‘09 is a work in progress.

Vick ‘09 is a sad joke.

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Vick Supporter….. He is not the QB of this team! So why don’t go and support him on the Philly blog site?

We are commenting on the Falcons playing the Panthers! I did not see M. Vick in this game did you?

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Just so everybody knows:

In Vicks 2nd year (1st year as a full time starter): he threw 8 ints.

Matty Noodle has 12 ints already.

LMAO so if Vick sucks what does that make Matty Noodle who has way more weapons then Vick had. I’ll wait to hear the excuses LMAOOOOOOO

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Please!!!

I want to lay this to rest.

Vick = Tyson.

Reeves = Cus.

Both Vick and Tyson had “it”.

Reeves and Cus were as much handlers as coaches.

Some people must be contained more than coached.

Vick had Reeves. Blank thought better. Now he has neither.

Water under the bridge, but if you think the Falcons would run through a wall for Smitty, they would have built one for Reeves.

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Another way to look at it: Ryan is playing as poorly as he’ll ever play in his career–and he still got them into the FG range that should have lead to the go-ahead FG. It’s not like the Falcons are getting pounded and he’s completely lost and clueless.

Ryan and others will need to step up. The running game will need to step up big-time if Turner is out. Jenkins will need to stop dropping/tipping every crucial pass that comes his way, Elam needs to make all the short fieldgoals.

If Ryan’s slump was really the worst thing ever, the Falcons would be getting pounded every game. This is typically how it goes for truly horrible 1st and 2nd year QBs. In the long-term, I think he’ll be fine.

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Social comments and analytics for this post…

This post was mentioned on Twitter by JeffSchultzAJC: Matt Ryan has turned south, and #Falcons may be in trouble. http://bit.ly/DWaeO…

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If anything this should make us all appreciate how difficult it is to win consistently in the NFL. Of course the Falcons make it seem alot more difficult than maybe it is but it starts at the top and frankly I kinda like the guys we have at the top. The Falcons front office was NEVER going to shore up enough of the team’s deficiencies in two seasons. Certainly not enough for the team to live up to the hype going into this year with this schedule.

Furthermore: IT’S A TEAM GAME!!!! Everyone is responsible for success and failure. Matt Ryan is in FACT still learning his craft. Mike Vick could throw the ball thru a brick wall but was never any more accurate than Matt has been this year. He could have been, but the guy DIDN’T STUDY FILM so he didn’t always know where to even go with the ball (not all his fault – his coaches sucked, except for Dan Reeves). I’m pretty sure Matt will be a better passer than Vick will ever be because Vick didn’t do the little things it takes to master the craft when he was young. When Vick got older and that blazing speed and athleticism left him what was he going to rely on if he hadn’t put in the work it takes to become a top notch passer????? Matt is doing those things and it will help him in the long run. We don’t need Joe Montana, Jr. at QB anyway. It doesn’t take all that. We need a consistently nasty, tough defense with a front 4 that can pressure the QB on any down.

All this Vick vs. Ryan crap is a bunch of mindless drivel. I’m black and I loved Vick as much as anyone but some of you Vick supporters are IN-freaking-SANE. LMAO!!

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VS, I noticed you forgot to mention Vicks 4 fumbles in 06 too, So add that to his 13 ints, so that puts him at 20-17. Throw in a 52% completion percentage, and the fact (that you refuse to address) that he thew ZERO 4TH QUARTER TD PASSES IN 16 GAMES. That, my friend, is stats of an 7-9 QB. People think your motives are race, because you refuse to follow conventional logic.

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@Pump Your Freakin’ Brakes Already

“Vick supporters are IN-freaking-SANE. LMAO!!”

You should see the Ryan supporters…..they made this dude Ryan freakin P.Manning after one year!

What do you call that?!?

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I personaly wish we could keep you know whos name out of these blogs.Its bad enought to lose a game without hearing that name come up again.

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“DUMP THE CHUMP”

Put up or shut up and if I was a betting man, 68, 66, 46, 81 and 57 would not be my lucky numbers

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OK Choke,

Ryan did will to drive them 75 yards in crunch time, but then he failed miserably when he had a second chance after the missed FG that would have put them in the lead. Not sure why he tried to throw it 30 yards with 3 minutes left. A very bad decision on his part.

Pretty much sums it up to me.

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@Mr Charlie

Like I’ve always said….you people never judged Vick according to a “team” game. you people never blamed anyone else but Vick for the team’s troubles.

Ryan will surpass Vick’s turnover numbers by a longshot…especially int’s

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CHOKE is consistent.

His streak of 5 straight games with a PICK is alive and kicking

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Vicks 2nd season………8 picks

CHOKE’s 2nd season……………….12 picks and COUNTING

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Vick Supporter: What do I call that?!? I’ve seen all the hype after Ryan’s first year and Vick got the same hype after running wild a few times and taking the Falcons to the playoffs. They had massive holes in their games but ONE of them is doing the things that it takes to get better as a passer, the other thought he could get over on his athletic ability forever without doing the little things it takes to truly fulfill his potential.

To answer your question it’s insane on both parts but all that stuff is a bunch of media hype anyway. Most people need those media meatheads to tell them whose hot and who’s not. Matty struggled near the end of last year as he is right now, but he’ll adjust because he’s a hard worker. He may not ever be a Joe MonElway or Peyton Marino but he’ll be a better passer than Vick ever was.

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Just have to hang in there. 5-4 with a tough stretch coming up. They need to win 10 or 11 to give themselves a chance. The Falcons need to adjust to how they are being played. The run game is doing very well. I think they are pressing a bit in the passing game. Losing 3 out of 4 is tough but they just need to be resiliant get back to winning and focus on the important stuff.

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What is the “you people” stuff? You mean clear thinking, rational people who judge one by the content of their character? I did not blame Vick anymore than I blame Ryan. If we get a few more seasons of games like today, I will want to see a change at QB, just like I wanted to see one after Vicks two bad season in 05 and 06.

But why is it “YOU PEOPLE” always wanted to make excuses for Vick? You throw up some half stats trying to say he had a great 2006, but lost because the players around him.

What a whiner.

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Falcons fans and the CHOKE deserve one another. Should be a 2 team race for last.

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OK, I’m going to bash Dan Reeves… He was one of the all-time greats… Great in destroying a draft board! Name me 6 Reeves picks in Atlanta that amount to more than a hill of beans?

I will again note my previous statement. Matt Ryan is supposedly such a great cerebral intellect. If he is spending all of this time in film study, clearly something is missing! Hello!!!

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Hello,
I have been thinking all year long that the curse will continue. I really do not think we will ever have consecutive winning seasons.

Might be time to tank and get a good draft pick. Shame we lost the 2nd rounder due to the Gonzalez trade. Hate to sound defeatist, but the Saints have runaway with the NFC South and there are tons of teams with the same 5-4 record without having the brutal schedule that we do. Couple that with Turner going down…..

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I don’t get it… Vick doesn’t play for the falcons anymore. It’s like comparing Ryan to Jeff George or Byron Leftwich. If this whole thing is about race, then compare him to Leftwich too. Vick wasn’t dropped for Ryan. Ryan was drafted while Vick was in Jail. After being released from jail, Vick addressed his lying and laziness in the 60 minutes interview. I believe his exact words were “I was the first one out of the building and the last one to arrive” Can we let Vick die already and let the scars heal?

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Choke, 8 picks and 9 Fumbles. So he was directly responsible for 17 Turnovers. So, if Ryan turns it over 5 more times, he will equal Vicks 2002. Lets be fair.

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BONE

Just so everybody knows:

LMAO so if Vick sucks what does that make Matty Noodle who has way more weapons then Vick had. I’ll wait to hear the excuses LMAOOOOOOO

You did about the worst thing you could do, LOL. Bringing up stats. You’re right, Vick only threw 8 interceptions his second year, while Ryan has thrown 12.

Well….(oh yeah, here it comes)….

Vick had 16 thrown touchdowns all season long. Ryan already has 13.

Vick had 9 fumbles. Ryan has 0.

So yeah, no excuse for Ryan’s interceptions. None for Vick’s fumbles, either.

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@mars

I’m not being racial when i say “you people”. Its easier to type than having to type “falcon fans” every post.

Read my posts woman. Nothing racial about them. Schultz said he would bann those that make racial comments and I’m still posting, so that should tell you something

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VS, you hit the nail on the head, VIck was great “WITHOUT EVEN TRYING”.

Well, that sums up a true loser. The world is littered with those of lots of ability, and lack of effort who fall short of their potental.

Me, I would rather have the lesser talented/hard worker. They generally come out ahead in life. As a matter of fact, I am one of those guys, and I always hated those who had what I lacked, but it drove me, and today, I have more than most. So, go ahead and idolize somebody who had it all, but threw it away.

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Vick Supporter…and just why do you support Vick?

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OK it’s time to bench RYAN so that he can do a VINCE YOUNG. ELAM MUST BE CUT BY 8AM TOMORROW MORNING. FALCONS HAVE A CITY WIDE TRY OUTS FOR KICKER AND CORNER BACK.

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Mr Charlie

I give it to you…I’m one of the people also who’s had to overcome. I’m speaking of Vick on the field. My point was he took the falcons to heights we’ve never had with out apparently putting all of the time he should have.

You said he was just flat out dumb (he made a huge dumb choice off the field)….i was talking about on the filed and the plays that he made.

you just take words and twist them around to your advantage, but hey, thats what you do. Good for you

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Vick Supporter, I’ll ask you again, little girl. DID YOU READ THE REST OF MY COMMENT that you felt hellbent on responding to? No. You “cherry picked”. Therefore your point of view is biased and unvalid. Go change your panties.

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VS, I am glad that you admitted Vick did not try his hardest, I guess, he, and you, were satisfied with one trip the the NFC championship game, another quick exit from the playoffs. I, like you, fell in love with Vicks talents, but his obvioulsy unwillingness to put in the time necessary to be the greatest QB he could be bothered me. And in the end, I am glad he is gone. For 100 million, I would expect his best. However, maybe that is your ethic and motto, “Don’t try hard, make excuses, and in the end, tear down those to took your opportunities”. Maybe you line Vick so much because you are just like him.

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remember how cool mike smith was last week when he fought deangelo hall? forget him and his $15k fine. he is a clown and only arthur blank would hire him. great job, blank. jimmy the joke mora, bobby petrino and now this ernest borgnine look alike. THE CURSE OF DAN REEVES IS ON YOUR SORRY SIDELINE STANDING ARSE! Lotsa luck to the schlep in the red vest. you screwed dan reeves and now his curse will follow you the rest of your sorry life.

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Big Ray

November 15th, 2009
8:33 pm
BONE

Just so everybody knows:

In Vicks 2nd year (1st year as a full time starter): he threw 8 ints.

Matty Noodle has 12 ints already.

LMAO so if Vick sucks what does that make Matty Noodle who has way more weapons then Vick had. I’ll wait to hear the excuses LMAOOOOOOO

You did about the worst thing you could do, LOL. Bringing up stats. You’re right, Vick only threw 8 interceptions his second year, while Ryan has thrown 12.

Well….(oh yeah, here it comes)….

Vick had 16 thrown touchdowns all season long. Ryan already has 13.

Vick had 9 fumbles. Ryan has 0.

LIAR LIAR LIAR – He had 2 alone against the Cowboys.

You wouldn’t know the truth if it hit you Sambo

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@Pump Your Freakin’ Brakes Already

We’ll see about that man. Vick will get it done. Hell, he was better than Ryan without even trying, apparently.

As far as football, you people under estimate Vick’s football IQ. You can’t make the plays he made ON THE FIELD being dumb. you were right about Vick on alot of points, but Vick had instincts on the field that have never been seen before
——————————–
What I find interesting is how people used to say Vick didn’t have the intellectual ability to read NFL defenses. Contrarily, Matt Ryan has thrown more INT’s than any other QB in the last 5 weeks and all people can say is how “young” he is.

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The Vick obsession is sentimental. Anyone need a tissue?

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The point I was trying to make before being sidetracked by (well, never mind. He’s not important), as a fan of whoever our QB happens to be at the moment (and always have been) we should not offer blind adoration when our guy performs poorly. We need to hold him, and all of them, responsible. Matty is our guy, and I’m behind him. And I’m wearing workboots, so he really doesn’t want a kick in the @$$! Do your job, Matty!

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@ Seriously…

Yeah that is interesting, and I have theory for what that was all about but there’s enough race baiting going on in the board so I’m not gonna go there. I’ll just say that Vick had to WANT to get better and he needed coaches that demanded that he do more to improve but not enough of that seemed to happen.

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The CHOKE now ranks 3rd in the NFL in interceptions, and one more than the rookie in Detroit

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In Ryans 1st year, he went 11-5 and got to the playoffs. Vick rode the bench. So, I would have to say year one goes to Ryan.

I would also have to assume regardless of what happens, Ryans years 6 and 7 will also be better than Vicks.

Lets see how year 2 goes before we make any judgements, but right now, Ryan’s year 1, 6 and 7 beats Vick.

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Mr Charlie

November 15th, 2009
8:39 pm
VS, I am glad that you admitted Vick did not try his hardest, I guess, he, and you, were satisfied with one trip the the NFC championship game, another quick exit from the playoffs. I, like you, fell in love with Vicks talents, but his obvioulsy unwillingness to put in the time necessary to be the greatest QB he could be bothered me. And in the end, I am glad he is gone. For 100 million, I would expect his best. However, maybe that is your ethic and motto, “Don’t try hard, make excuses, and in the end, tear down those to took your opportunities”. Maybe you line Vick so much because you are just like him.
——————————–

I assume you’re calling me a t.h.u.g because I support Vick…..if you are, so what.

You think you’re the only one who has a story? Lol. I can’t believe its this bad that people bash me on here because i support a damn player and speak my opinion on another….

What a sad society we live in…really. You’re actually offended that I would support Mike Vick,lol

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Dear Fans,
I just wanted to say thanks again for the blind faith. A blind man can see that I’m not really what everyone thought I was but they continue to hype me. I think I was in over my head here in the NFL but I’m too headstrong to admit it. I dont know if I’ll ever stop looking like a deer in the headlights when the pressure comes because I’m scared. I just dont have that killer instinct Atlanta. I wont be that QB you guys thought I could because it simply isnt in me to be. I’m also colorblind. I thought all those balck jerseys where actually my guys I was throwing to. Sorry guys. Like I say every week, I’m still learning and trying to get better. I’ll keep making the same excuse until I’ve lost enough games where I cant anymore. I lost Turner today so I’ll show you all that I cant beat a team by myself. Thanks Atlanta!!!

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THE BOTTOM LINE: Falcons have lost 3 out of last 4.

So if it’s not the quarterback’s fault – who’s is it?

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Look Falcon fans if Matt Ryan can stop turning the ball over we can get to 10 victories and still make the play-offs!

We have Tampa twice, The Jets and Buffalo then we would have to beat Phily or the Giants at home. We are a very good home team!

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Well we didn’t play well on defense but still had a chance to win…….why in the world would you call that play first of all…..and Matt should not have thrown the ball second of all. Well get ready gang….7-9 may be looking right at us.

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Mr Charlie has been smoking on that “Chief”….all these crazy a…. comments,lol

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Falcons: 7-9.

End of story.

To many INTs

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“Nick”- yea you needed to keep going. You left out the one with the biggest support of all” Obama!”
There, now list is complete.

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talking about mike vick is not going to help, he’s in philly. its ryan amd the coaching who must straighten things out.the secondaryb has no heart. florida’s secondary and their recieving coorp is better than the falcons. what does that equal?a losing season. management knew this but they din’t address it when they needed to.

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Racist…
Standing before the NAACP National Convention in July 1992, Independent Presidential candidate Ross Perot used the following statement: “Financially, at least, it’s going to be a long, hot summer. I don’t have to tell you who gets hurt first when this sort of thing happens, do I? You, your people do. Your people do. I know that and you know that.”

Non racist…
In commenting on individuals who were not fans of NFL and former Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick, blogger “Vick Supporter” used the following statement: “you people never judged Vick according to a “team” game. you people never blamed anyone else but Vick for the team’s troubles.”
It is not that hard to see the difference… Well, maybe if you are capable of being objective in the matter.

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Nope, I can’t quit on Matt, just like I could not quit on Vick, well, until he quit on himself.

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Matt “Choke” Ryan ,

I’m not a liar (funny YOU, calling ME that), I just got my stats wrong. Now if that happened as often as you making your predictions, then it would be clear that I’m a liar. Please don’t make me drag up the stuff you’ve posted wrongly….hell, I’d have to get paid for that one, it would literally take all day to gather the data.

By the way, nice try with the “Sambo” stuff. You’re just not going to get me that easily, kid. We both know you enjoy saying things like that where you can’t get your lily hiney kicked. LOL….

By the way:

THE BOTTOM LINE: Falcons have lost 3 out of last 4.

So if it’s not the quarterback’s fault – who’s is it?

You’re not REALLY serious with that question, are you? Wow…I keep forgetting. It’s ALWAYS the quarterback’s fault when a TEAM loses. I wonder how that logic applies to your old friends Vick and Flacco….

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I’m just done w/ Ryan….like I said you all can buy the “sophomore slump” bs if you want to. He just isnt showing he has the tangibles at this point. Wait and see what happens when we go the face the G-men….if he doesnt come through with a win…then maybe you guys will stop lying to yourselves.

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Choke, so in 2005 and 2006 when we finished 2-6, losing to some really bad team, who’s fault was it? The QBs?

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JSS ,

I agree. It’s not a racist statement coming from Vick Supporter . Oh wait, I’m black, so that automatically means that my opinion is forfeit in this matter, right? LOL…..

People are crazy. None moreso than the “Choke” character. I still think the AJC is paying him to do what he does. Nobody is really this manic…are they?

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Mr Charlie…. You cannot make workers who get paid worked hard at their craft. You can try to encourage a good work ethic but we all know not everyone is going to follow your lead.

First the head coach is the leader of a team! Bill Parcels, Don Shula, etc and the list goes on and on.

M.Vick exhibit poor workmanship but each paid player must try and get better on their own that is what they get paid to do!

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I will Quit on Ryan when he quits on himself, the same rule I have for Vick.

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After sitting here and reading the comments; I have a couple of things to say. First Ryan and interceptions is nothing new, he did it in college, but people gave the excuse of him trying to win games, and he didn’t have any help on offense, so I guess no one ever thought that he would ever have pressure on him to win games as an NFL quaterback. Secondly, I understand Vick was not the most accurate quaterback, but if anybody seriously argues that Vick, was placed in the best situation to win, you are full of it. Roddy White is a pro bowler now, but come on, honestly who didn’t think he was a waste of draft pick before last season (the guy couldn’t catch a cold but naked in the artic) and the same for Jenkins. Running back, yea I don’t even need to touch that subject and the defense is still garbage, but blame the coach and gm who decided not to focus on it, because they thought they would be able to outscore everyone, which is their fault, because they placed extra pressure on a second year quaterback. Am I giving up on Ryan, no, he still has the oppurtunity to be great. The Falcons have the same problem they have always had, a suspect defense. I leave everyone with this be fair with your criticism.

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Keeping it Real. That is true in theory, but that is the difference between team that play for a paycheck, and teams that play for a championship.

I do agree it started with the coach, and Mora should have had the balls to bench Vick and put in Schaub when Vick did not put in maximum effort. So you are right, the failure ultimately was on the coaching staff, although it probably would have started a race war, but in the end, everyone would have came out ahead, probably even Vick.

Vick-Shaub, who would of thunk one was going to be leading a team to the playoffs, while the other ride the bench for what looks like his last year in the NFL.

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MR. CHARLIE

Now you KNOW he won’t answer that question straight up. He never does. Not if it’s a direct challenge with evidence. Proves he’s not insane, there is “malice aforethought” present. Can’t be reasoned with. Like a monkey on crack or something. Let it have it’s time alone with the keyboard and computer. Take it away, and you’ll have to put the poor thing down for good.

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My sweet sweet Matt

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@James..I don’t think anyone here feels that Vick was given the weapons that he needed to be successful. If he was the QB now, who knows where the Falcons would be. But the point is he is GONE and will NEVER be back, IMHO. So why all the talk about him? Its just non-productive and pointless. But people clearly want to talk about him and nothing that we say will ever stop them.

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“Vick Supporter”-
Vick was dumb? I know you didn’t say that but I couldn’t resist……. Geez, what an understatement that is. Has he even learned the English language yet, much less a playbook?
I think you should go on the Eagles blog as Vick Supporter with all this b.s, and see how “supported” you are! lol

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Maybe time to take a chance on Larry Johnson? You have to look at the injuries this year at Nosetackle, RB/FB, etc. – definitely affects the gameplan.

Still that DEF line isn’t getting enough pressure and Abraham always seems to be hurt. What has happened to Jason Elam – getting old?

They really have been been in every game except the Dallas game this year. I do have to agree that Ryan is making some “decision” mistakes and that scares me.

However, the NFC is wide open and as they say, the Falcons can control their destiny with the upcoming games against Giants, Philly and Saints (2 of 3 at home). Couple this with games against Buffalo, NY Jets, and Tampa, I still see them winning 10 games this year – is it enough?

Keep the heads up fans because long way to go….

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Look like I shut both VS and Choke up. You guys can thank me later.

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Time management, coaches. Why let 40 seconds run off the clock near the 2 minute warning, when you could have mounted 3-4 more plays with an effective use of a time out. (Not to second guess, but isn’t the red flag on a spot the LEAST likely to be unconfirmed after the zebra goes under the hood?)

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Vick will shine again

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Vick didn’t have weapons to be successful? If he had them he wouldn’t know how to use them.
Vick threw bullets to receivers. He had NO touch on the ball.
Vick had problems staying in the pocket. His scrambling put way too much pressure on the offensive line trying to figure out where he was and how to protect him.
Vick had the benefit of a league leading running game. Yet for some reason, he still couldn’t complete 60% of his passes. He missed receivers high ALL the time.

I liked Vick. I was willing to spend my hard earned dollar to see him play. But let’s be real. He didn’t exactly light it up as a passer or as a QB. Much of that was HIS FAULT too…not a lack of talent around him. He had trouble hitting Algae Crumpler over the middle, for cripes sake.

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I think the fans deserve to know who called the down-the-field pass at the end of the game. If Ryan called it, then he blew the game, if someone else called it, then Ryan is off the hook. Jeff, please use your super powers to get us this information. We will all be waiting patiently here on your blog for the information.

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po ole falcons

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[...] CHARLOTTE — There’s a problem with setting the bar so high in year one. When you run face first into the bar in year two, everybody notices. Matt Ryan hasn’t necessarily been a spectacular crash this season. But he certainly hasn’t been the quarterback …Read Original Story: This one is on Matt Ryan, and Falcons may be in trouble – Atlanta Journal… [...]

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Vick was garbage his last 2 years in the league. How come our receivers magically started cathcing balls after Vick left? Like I said before Vick Supporter will not vote Mary Norwood and am willing to bet any amount of money he voted Obama. Blacks can do nothing wrong in his eyes. He does not care if they commit felonies because he is a “brother”. I will admit Ryan has sucked the last 5 weeks. Saying that, he will have a much better career than Vick. Vick will never again be a factor in this league. He can’t even get on the field anymore. On the year he is 2-6 for 6 yards with 1 rush for 7 yards. Nice. The blacks will support him no matter what.

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Ryan didn’t lose the damn game. The Falcons lost as a TEAM=all the players screwed it up, just look at the ‘D” and other mistakes etc. it takes 11 to get the job done not just one.

Its easy to blame Ryan like everyone did on blog today. Hell Blame Bush ,Obama,are Palin its just as easy. TEAM, TEAM at least Coach Smith knows that. Always put the blame on QB but he can’t do it by himself. IF< IF <IF<IF<IF Thats a big word to have 2 letters. IF

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For all those who make the “you criticize Ryan because you’re racists” comment… LET IT GO. There has been ONE black starting QB for the Falcons. ONE. He happens to have the best winning percentage of all Falcons QB’s, despite his obvious and well documented flaws. Essentially, you’re a team up by six touchdowns complaining that the refs are biased against you because of a suspect pass interference call. Same also applies to all other Glenn Beck inspired twisted views on race relations. First of all, Vick is gone by his own choices, and irrelevant. Second of all, Ryan is the QB, and absolutely deserves criticism right now. I’m actually glad to hear criticism. Criticism after a loss is about losing, and human nature is to place blame on SOMEthing. Last thing I want is to think that Falcons fans are as racist in their support of Ryan as a few were in their early opposition to the last guy.

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@Pete

You’re hilarious,lol. Your dumb ass post cracked me up,lol

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All you Jerks… bring back Bartkowski… Brink back Chris Miller. Bring back..Billie Joe Tolliver..Chris Chandler…revisionist history.

These things aren’t even worth reading anymore.

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2 and 1 is a free play to take a shot down field. How have we never had an OC that thought that way? Are we ever going to throw vertical again?

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Glenn Beck inspired twisted views on race relations, said Kris G.

Kris, Glenn don’t give a damn what color race you are he tells it like it is. If the glove fits wear it. Everyone is on race. Race don’t matter if your right good if you wrong bad. F the color crap. I’m a Ryan Fan, I was a Vick fan, I didn’t see Bk are wh but two good QB’s. Give it a break.

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it almost slipped my mind it was someone elses fault in 06 that Atlanta lost to Detroit and Cleveland down the stretch, but no way, no how was it Vick’s.

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Are folks really blaming this on the play calling? Just because the play is called does not mean that the QB has to force a throw into double coverage. There are several options on any given play, and Ryan, as has been the trend, was dead set on forcing the ball. Plenty of blame to go around but the ball is ultimately in the QB’s hands to make a play and he made the wrong one, again.

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Maybe Coach Smith should follow Paul Johnson and go for it on 4th down rather than trying field goals.If you can’t gain one yard, you not gonna win.

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ok guys, we can bash Matty all you want, but how in the world do you pay a kicker $3.4 million to miss game changing 34 yard field goals. It’s just inexcuseable and shouldn’t be tolerated. I suggest that the falcons start looking for a new kicker that they can pay $3 million less who can make kicks when the game is on the line.

In all honesty, I have made 34 yard field goals, easily, and there is NO EXCUSE for Jason Elam’s miss.

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Ok lets look at the facts Vicks first year did not play unitl late in the season beat a very good Miami team on the road. Ryan first year lead team to playoffs and lost. Second year Vick (full time starter) lead team to playoff win in Green bay. Ryans second year in progress. Vicks third year hurt in prseason game VS Ravens. Vick comes back late in season leads team to win over Panthers Dan Reeves is fired. Fourth year Vick leads team to NFC Title game Eagles win. Vicks fifth year team goes 7 and 9. Let me hear from you when Ryan wins a playoff game (which will not be this year.) Until then its no contest. Stats don’t matter wins do…Good luck Mary Ice…..the G-MEN are rested and ready 5 and 5 Ryan fans.

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Why do we pay a QB 76 mill to throw a ball game away. Elam missing the field goals that he has this year is unacceptable. I can accept the picks Ryan threy against New Orleans. The one that was clearly interference, the tipped ball, and the Hail Mary. But his last three 1 against Wash and the two against Carolina were horrible passes, and the decisions to throw them have been even worse. Jeff I would take Schaub over Ryan.

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Injuries not withstanding, the Falcon’s biggest problems are Ryan’s poor reads and decision making. His two interceptions at Carolina were the result of passes that should have never been attempted. An occasional errant throws is to be expected, but beginning with the fourteenth game last year, Ryan has too often thrown to receivers blanketed by zone coverage that would make completions dubious at best even if the balls were throw perfectly. And Ryan is lucky to escape with only two interceptions today. A third was narrowly avoided when a pass intended for Gonzalez was dropped by a defender surprised by being hit squarely in the chest with Ryan’s misguided delivery.

If Ryan’s unforced errors continue, back-to-back winning seasons will have to wait at least two more years.

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Everyone wants a simple answer to why Ryan is playing poorly of late, but the fact of the matter is, it’s complicated.

1) As they said, teams have seen him on film for over a year now and can gameplan better for him.
2) Guys go through slumps, and with it only being his second year, this isn’t the least bit unusual.
3) Our receivers are not that good, not even Roddy White. Yes, he gets paid like a top receiver in the league, but tell me the last time you saw him make a spectacular leaping/diving/whatever catch like Larry Fitzgerald or Vincent Jackson. He doesn’t. Roddy too often drops easy catches. He ends up with a lot of catches because he’s good at getting open, but he can’t make the tough catches in traffic like a top wideout should. Jenkins I don’t even have to elaborate on, he’s just not very good, period.
4. Ryan doesn’t have a “noodle arm,” but he doesn’t have a canon by any stretch of the imagination. We’re not throwing the ball downfield very often, not sure if that’s bad playcalling or if Ryan just doesn’t have the arm for it, so defenses aren’t as spread out as they are against certain QBs. I think that’s also why so many of his throws are sailing high. He has to put more into it to get it there, and when you do that, your accuracy suffers.

In the end I think Ryan will be a great quarterback, but this is just like a young hitter in MLB. They can have a great start, but once pitchers adjust, it’s on them to make the next move and make their own adjustments to succeed. Some do, and some don’t, as we saw with Jeff Francoeur. We’ll have to wait to see which type Ryan really is, but I think he’s too smart and too determined to not figure it out.

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Yeah, Matt is making a lot more mistakes lately. Sure it is worrysome. His teamates and coaches also talk a lot about the above average extra work he puts in each week to cotinually learn. This is after all just his 2nd year. Wasn’t Brett Farve sitting on the Falcon bench his 2nd year in the league? The other thing that really stands out as being different from the beginning of the season is the offensive line. They had only given up 2 sacks in the 1st 4 games. Ever since that Dallas game, our offensive has not protected Matt as well. He is getting hit left and right by people that aren’t even touched once. That has of course led to his poor decision making. If the offensive line plays better, he will play better. They do kind of need each other. That said, looking at the performance of the whole team (except for running backs) the quest to finally have back to back winning seasons will be much harder. We all are starting to have some doubt now. Even when we had lesser coaching staffs, we played hard at home and hit or miss on the road. But hey, Giants on the road next Sunday. Remember, the visiting team ALWAYS wins that matchup. Lets keep that stat going.

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Big Ray…
Good to hear from you, even if it is on Jeff Schultz’s blog (holding my nose).
It is like talking to a suicide bomber (talking to entrenched ideologues with an agenda), they refuse to accept the simple premise. Racism has many faces, South Africa faced up to their problem, and look at how they are poised to become the first African based superpower by the mid 21st century. That is if they can get a handle on their HIV/AIDS problem and the disintegration of their neighbor (Zimbabwe). Speaking of that nation, it is funny how the US and the former Rhodesia are the only two nations too prideful to do real soul searching; it is why we keep picking on the same scab and somehow expect for the wound to heal…

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Time to call a spade a spade. Season is falling apart and everyone is acting like what we are seeing is not actually happeing. OK, Ryan is face of franchise and the perfect little golden boy and blah, blah, blah. Fact is, he’s playing terrible. Has been for a while. No one wants to admit it. Watch how Smith tears into the defense but won’t even look Ryan in the eye after he kills drive after drive. I wonder if the players have picked up on this favortism. I know they have cause the players are just like the rest of us. Then Smith won’t let OC or QB coach talk to media. What is that? Is he afraid the truth will be told.

And explain this: Why does it seem like when the Falcon’s offense is rolling good, with Ryan just handing off, the coaches feel that he must get the glory, so they call a play to kill the drive? Case in point: Falcon’s 1st drive, Turner carries twice to get us to the Panther’s 21. Then, 3 incompletions by Ryan. Why? STOP TRYING TO GET RYAN’S STATS UP AT THE EXPENSE OF WINS, DADGUMMIT! In other words, stop using the Mark Richt philosophy. You know: Sacrifice the success of the team so David Greene and Matt Stafford can look better than they really are. You know how he does it. Let his QBs throw and if the drive isn’t going good, let them hand off on 3rd and 10+ so he can blame the running game for the loss, eventhough his QBs are 25 for 50 for 85 yds and 2 INTs. And for those who don’t like that, well too bad cause Stafford NEVER won anything at UGA other than beating an overmatched and overrated Hawaii team. Oh, and Green has 1 SEC ring. Shockley has 2! Yeah, I said it!

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And one other thing Coach Smith…….drop Jason Elam like a wo’ out transmission! Dude is terrible. He has no confidence. Even extra points are not a lock with this guy. How many 34 yarders does he have to miss for you guys to see that Elam is no longer the kicker he once was? He is done.

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Why is everyone talking about the playoffs? This team has come a long way and won some games last year that they should not have won. They really were not a playoff team. Now we have a QB who is having a sophmore slump, is he different from last year, no. The Atlanta media and fans are the worst in the league. Lets get ride of Ryan because he is terrible and never will be a NFL QB. Start JPW, get Shockley back. thank goodness the leadership of this franchise do not panic. They will do what is necessary 2nd year QB and 2nd year headcoach have put this franchise on the move upward. Media and fans are working real hard to tear it down. As usual Jeff, you are an idiot.

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Stick a fork in em…matt ryan has been looking alot like joe cox lately…they need to sign larry johnson

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Ummmm…why wouldn’t Mike Smith allow the OC and QB coach to speak with the media..what is that all about?? Surely there will be a scathing column about this coming up from Bradley or Schultz today..of course there will be!! LOL…yeah…hope nobody holds their breath waiting for it.

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This is just my observation, and if it has been posted before, my apologies. Having been a Falcon Fan since Tommy Nobis, I have a serious feeling that the jinx is still on and we will NOT have back to back winning seasons. I see 8-8 tops. Hope I’m wrong, but don’t think so. Blame it on the schedule. Never did get a satisfactory explaination as to why we had the fifth hardest schedule in the NFL. Still, no back to back winners this time.

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This Matt Ryan thing is getting to be a real issue. I agree that it is not time to push the panic button but here is the elephant in the room. Matt Ryan is NOT a playmaker!!! And when an average QB makes mistakes…the team can’t recover. Favre, Rothlesburger, Manning, Brees can make mistakes and come back with great plays to pick their teams up. Matt Ryan, at least so far, is not that guy. Agree or disagree?

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Give the kid a break. He can’t be Tom Brady or Payton Manning in year two. That is just not realistic. Falcons 8 and 8 and no playoffs. Maybe 7 and 9.

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I’ve defended Ryan for the last couple of games, no more. This was all on him. And maybe Jason Elam. And the defense who couldn’t stop Carolina’s run game. Kudos to Michael Turner, Jason Snelling and Michael Koenen who all had great games. Ryan looks lost out there. Even the game announcers were saying he got Happy Feet pretty quickly. That makes me lose alot of respect for our QB, he hasn’t been hit that much and that badly, stand in there and throw the ball! But he looks more and more like he’s got Jim Everett Syndrome which is deadly. I can’t even blame that sub for Sam Baker, Svitek, he wasn’t that bad. I guess Aaron Stecker will be getting a call, probably got one yesterday during the game. Buy Troy Bergeron, Finn will be back soon, don’t need ya. We need Jerious back, stat. I am really starting to see an 8-8 team, no winning season again. I don’t expect us to beat a rested, ticked off Giants team next week. We are not a come from behind team, if we don’t start off and keep going quickly, we disintegrate. Yikes.

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The hits have taken their toll on Ryan; he clearly is nervous back there now. Whether he is tough enough to play in the NFL over an extended period is yet to be seen, but it is no coincidence that his quality of play has gone down after he started getting sacked and hit hard a few times. The hits may be affecting his concentration, and if so, he will toughen up or be a flash in the pan soon.

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Agree alot lies at the feet of Elam, I agree to sign Coutu but Larry Johnson, I don’t think so. He is the J R Rider of football.

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We need a NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR.

Even when we were winning, the play calling didn’t make a lot of sense.

Also, some new defensive backs.

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Ever since Matty Ice got the beat down from the Cowboys, he’s not been the same. He’s all skittish back there. He was protected fairly well this week, and still, he looks really uncomfortable in the pocket. Matty Ice is now Matty frozen.

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Vick Supporter: Do you not think it is obvious that with your repeated entries and Ryan bashing that all you bring to the table in support of Vick is just a bunch Blog BS. If you were so strong in your support of Vick you would not feel the need to do anymore than state your Vick promotion and move on. Be a man?? Is that all you got? Give us some accurate stats about the premise you wish to lay down, a basis on which reasoning proceeds. Here is a correct and accurate synopsis of what Vick was during his tenure with the Falcons: A gifted athlete with exceptional running skills, a dangerous long ball passer. Unfortunately that is as good as it gets. A career 75 QB rating, he could never master touch on passes shorter than 20 yards, nor did he have much intelligence. He was never a field general or a team leader. His father was quoted in the media that Vick was fighting dogs as early as 2001, in 2004 his “friends” were arrested for distirbuting marijuana driving a truck registered in Vick’s name, also in 2004 his “friends” stole items as they passed thru Hartsfield security, in 2005 he distributed herpes to his sex partners and was Ron Mexico, in 2006 he flipped off fans, in 2007 he was found in possesion of a water bottle with a hidden compartment at the Miami airport, also in 2007 Vick missed a scheduled appearance in front of Congress to lobby for funding for after school programs and was also a no show at a breakfast the next morning to honor him for his foundation’s work with after-school projects, in 2007 a drug investigation led to the discovery of his dog fighting enterprise, then he lied about his involvement to “everyone”. And this will further present evidence that his intelligence is in question: While free on bond he tested positive for drug use. I am all for Vick getting his life together, he did his time, but something tells me the day we are blogging about Vick getting arrested again you will be a no show.

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Greg @ 7:32

Last year he was labled the best rookie QB ever…. Yeah he is not Brady or Manning, But Neither is her Big Ben who went started 13-0 in his rookie year and won the Super Bowl in year 2!!! BTW Brady won it all in year two as well….

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Vick is old news….bad news. No point in even bringing up his name. Matt is a class act and he’s our future. He’ll get better. Falcons fans will support him. The rest of you will throw him under the bus every time he makes a mistake.

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The Falcon Fans have to own this…. last year the Falcon played the easiest schedule by percentage of any team in teh last 30 years!!! The got fat on all of the sacraficial lambs in the league, and this year they are not able to cut the mustard. Falcons fans jumped on the Matt Ryan express and and the noe the train has jumped the tracks… as my dad used to say, you asked for it, you got it… warts and all!

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Wow, how quickly everyone turns on the Chosen One. Stats and excuses cannot save this season. Let’s face it, the questions we had coming into this season are back and now we are faced with the original goal of attaining back to back winning season.

I totally agree that yesterday’s loss was on the QB and coaching. We also lost Turner early on who was on pace to bring us the victory. So, now the questions begin:

1. Ryan is clearly in the Sophomore slump. Musgrave and Mularkey, help him out! Can he finish strong?
2. Is there a missing person report out on Abe’s?
3. What the heck is wrong with Elam? Koenen start practicing FG and PATs.

All is not lost Falcons fans, our lofty dreams and expectations have been brought back to reality. We were spoiled last season and parts of this season. TD and crew have a lot to work on in the offseason.

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Folks, let’s face it, there are so many areas to blame for the loss to Carolina, one we should have been able to win. The defense didn’t show in the first half, thus a 21-10 halftime deficit. Poor coaching and play calling, Elam’s nasty look @ Koenen for Koenen missing that field goal, Ryan having a poor game, plenty of blame to hand out all around. But how bout those special teams…..a bright spot on the otherwise debacle of the team. None of us know the pressure Matt Ryan is putting on himself to excel and win, thus some happy feet and errant passes. He’s got the skill set and is learning, he’ll be one of the best. Shake it off Birds, let’s go kick some Giant butt…………!!!

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We did better last year than expected. No major injuries. This year we lost our first rounder for the year, the cornerback we had picked up and whos the best we had for the year, we lost Douglsa for the year, norwood has been out several games, Turner gets injured, BF misses game. We are not a deep team.

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With injuries, much-needed turnover on the D and a much tougher schedule, a backslide, record-wise makes sense. I just want to be one game over .500 to break that darn curse. Think it’s a longshot, though. 8-8 or 7-9 are looking more probable.

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Anybody who thinks Vick Supporter’s vile isn’t racially driven is out of their minds. I started out as a Vick fan like every other Falcon fan I knew. He electrified this city for a short time. Problem is, the league finally figured him out. Stay home on the edges, play two safeties deep, send pressure up the middle, and make him throw accurately with people in his face. He had a horrible time standing in the pocket and going through his reads without trying to take off. Bottom line, the man was terribly inaccurate on anything inside of 25 yards. This caused many 3-and-outs and interceptions.

I truly believe that most of the racist points of view came from those who would forgive his poor plsy, blaming it on everything else (notice the same receivers catch the ball now since the QB doesn’t try to gun it through them every time). Living in the south, some were so enamored at seeing a QB that looked like them (how many older people voted for the first times in their lives in 2008 on the same principle?) that they would look past all his ills. I, for now, am a Matt Ryan supporter. He is young and has much to learn, but most experts see a potential franchise player in him. Should the rest of this season and next look more like the last few games vs. the ten or so that preceded them, I absolutely reserve the right to change my stance- just like I did on Vick. How is that for “fair and balanced”?

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I cannot believe you doom-and-gloomer’s. Ryan is 2nd year QB. He is a good QB and will get better with time. The offensive line sucks. Give him the kind of protection Tom Brady gets and he won’t be rushed to make bad throws.

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Ryan throws to many balls out of bounds sometimes he could simply run the ball and pick up yardage. Hopefully he is not scared.
lastly to call a long pass at that juncture,was STUPID.

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Get a Field Goal kicker….asp !

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lmfao: I am certain that in this instance the “F” stands for fat. Obviously it suits you to make up your own “facts” to make your pointless point. You actually listen to the announcers??? No wonder you are confused. Did you not know that Ryan can actually throw further than the wildcat specialist sitting on the bench in Philly…..? So can McNabb. You inaccurately count all the way up to 3 and then make up a fairy tale……?? Desperation is ugly on you. By the way, Vick’s QB rating is 42.4, he has 2 whole completions, 1 for a yard, 1 for 5 yards…..wow, that is really downfield…..!! And his average per carry on rushing is an astounding 2.3 yards. GO VICK!! Your nickname certainly fits you and your rotund corpulence.

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Ryan got them in position to kick the go ahead field goal then let the defense continue to shut them down like they did for most of the 2nd half!

I don’t even blame the kicker.

THIS ONE IS ON THE COACH for that stupid challenge.

In that situation you line up and kick the chip shot asap, NEVER LET HE KICKER HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT.

Kick the goal, get the lead, let the defense stop them one more time then we run the clock out and we are 6-3.

Sorry but this one is on the coach!!!

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Matt Ryan, better pray that Turner comes back next week because without Turner we see whose the real Matt Ryan. Vick may have had his faults but he was able to make something happen with his legs. It’s been several times that Vick actually beat the Panther’s by himself with his legs…. Matt Ryan is nothing more than a pocket passer that will only make it as a play action passer in this league. Without a running game and Matt Ryan as QB Atlanta will be a the very best a .500 team.

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People: It’s been two years. Peyton Manning threw two picks last night, and he’s the best quarterback in football. Sometimes a defense plays you well. Matt Ryan hasn’t played in many games… look up Joe Flacco’s numbers, and see what he’s done in some of Baltimore’s losses. Look at Mark Sanchez. There’s a learning curve. No reason to jump off a bridge because of a few games that have him in a slump.

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Looks like ole Matty Ice is about to melt. Face it people the true Matt Ryan has shown up but no reason to be surprise. This is who he was in college but you people were in such a rush to get rid of Vick and put him out of misery you overlooked the obvious, which is Matt Ryan is average at best and we are stuck with him for the next 5 years.

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ryan2atl you are the same dude that could catch your wife in bed with another man and tell your self it wasn’t her. Face ithe facts he has been terrible for the last 5 weeks.

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I have said for the last couple of weeks that the problem with Matt Ryan comes from a truely hard blow he took in the Dallas game. He was hit square in the chest by a bull rushing tackle, almost giving him whiplash and then buried on his back. He has not been the same since. He’s playing scared and hurrying his throws, throwing off balance and ducking his head. Matty, if you’re reading this you have to realize all quarterbacks take hard hits, you’re paid plenty for the discomfort. But you have to get your ‘head’ back in the game and stop playing scared. The team needs you.

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Enter your comments here

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No, the point is that you made a dumb-azz mistake and are trying to make up for it. I can give further examples of your ignorance.

Once again I quote you: “Did you not know that Ryan can actually throw further than the wildcat specialist sitting on the bench in Philly…..?

No one in their right mind thinks that Ryan can throw further or harder than MV7. Even the most blind kool-aid drinking Ryan apologist knows that arm strength is not Ms. Ryans forte.

Secondly, you are making my point about fanatical Vick haters. Why are you even comparing Vick’s arm strength to Ryans? Vick is gone. I did not speak of Vick’s competance or incompetance. All I said in reference to Vick was that he was brought up on this blog first and foremost by Vick Haters, not Vick Lovers. Then, off you go, comparing their arm strength and quoting irrelevant Vick statistics.

Can’t your quarterback stand on his own without comparing him to an x-quarterback?

No, he obviosly cannot. Game, set, match.

LMFAO.

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If a coach called for the downfield pass with 3:58 left then he should have his head examined and certainly the head coach should have a conference with him. A weekend warrior in his easy chair at home knows better than call that play. Run down the clock and kick the field goal. Shades of “Bart”. Matt is getting ‘happy feet’ and thus the high throws.

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Falcons just re-group and go to N Y and play hard forget last sunday you still Atlanta an Ga. Team(GO FALCONS)

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HAHAHAHAHA!

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lmfao

yeah, you stroked me, just last night………..night sweetie!!!

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Ricky- I will defend your right to be gay, but I will not participate in your fantasies.

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It’s over. losses to the giants, saints and eagles/jets will prevent the 2 winning seasons in a row curse from being lifted. Ryan has an average arm (at best) and in the nfl they will expose your weaknesses. he cant throw deep so they play the run and short passes

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I will keep my comments short and sweet! I know everyone likes to compare Matt Ryan with Peyton Manning when the Falcons are (4-1) and then they lose 3 of 4 and now what are we going to do.
Well I will keep the comaprisons going and remind you that over the first five seasons Manning threw 100 interceptions, 20 a year. We have to remember the Falcons have also had a few injuries this year as well that have hurt, the top pick is out for the year, there corner back is out for the year, there is a significant drop off in talent after gonzo, white, and turner. I think the Falcons showed go deep early in the game like they did last year. Think about Ryans first career completion. I think stretch the defense early. Early in the year Turner struggled as well. Now he is coming around, hopefully recovers from injury. The Falcons have a tough schedule coming up. In addition when the Falcons have played their opponents out of the 9 games, 6 of them had winning records, two of the three that didn’t were carolina. And lets face it Carolina is a good ball club. Two dynamic running backs two good receivers. Im not giving up on Ryan yet, not so fast. He’s a smart QB with a great work ethic, is team believes in him, and they will turn it around. ALso first year as QB for Manning team went 3-13, three years it look like he had things turned around and went 10-6 , in year four he went 6-10. A QB takes a little time, just a little lets give it to him!!! I know ATL fans are patient and want it now, I lived in ATL 28 years the ARMY took me to El Paso, and its hard out here, just recently went to Dallas game in my Matt Ryan jersey !!! Go FALCONS!!!!

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Open Mind….

November 16th, 2009
8:36 am
Greg @ 7:32

Last year he was labled the best rookie QB ever…. Yeah he is not Brady or Manning, But Neither is her Big Ben who went started 13-0 in his rookie year and won the Super Bowl in year 2!!! BTW Brady won it all in year two as well….
————

Ryan wasn’t simply “labeled” the best rookie. His stats were arguably the best ever as a rookie.
Brady and Big Ben has MUCH, MUCH better teams around them also.

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Would somebody keep A. Blank off the field until the game is over… (unless he is willing to suit up and kick field goals).
—–
are you kidding me? that’s the main reason he bought the team and hires newbies. That’s his time to come down and prance for the city.

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“The Patriot’s loss proves that ultimately it’s the coach who wins or loses.”
—-

It proves bellicheat is garbage without his tapes.

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Go Tech610

November 16th, 2009
11:20 am

Be honest…. After some of the losses in teh Vick / Mora era, were you defending #7 that strongly? There is some validity to what you posted, but Last year everything went right for the Falcons and Ryan was given all of the credit…This year they beat San Fran without Frank Gore, and excuses were not accepted by SF fans… Injuries are a part of the game, but If Ryan wants to be one of the greats, he has to find a way to win a game when all is not well…

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Dogfighter,

I believe that was as far as Matt Ryan could have thrown that pass since, you know, he was at the three yard line. Use some sense.

Further, who said QB’s have to chuck the ball down the field 50 yards every game to be considered great? Deep balls are a product of a system. The Falcons offense is predicated on more short passes out of the backfield to the talented guys we HAD, like Norwood and Douglas who are quick and can make moves with their feet, as well as Gonzalez who is short pass guy as well.

The only threat on the longer balls is Roddy White, but between double coverage and poor route running and inability to extent the route for when Ryan is pressured it’s getting to be a tough task.

Michael Jenkins you cannot trust for anything, it’s a jump ball for him.

Ryan has had plenty of downfield passing, but it’s not really what the system is predicated on.

Injuries have choked this team and when everyone is back next year, you will all realize that free agents aren’t going to replace top draft choices in the NFL. We went after them for a reason.

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New nickname Matty Melt. GO PANTHERS

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Open mind,

I am not even going there. This is a new team, Vick is gone. If Vick was here I would defend him, of course I would. Jim Mora was stupid for building a team around a guy who was never going to be great. Vick would have never gotten a superbowl. It was set up for disaster. That’s why I said a QB will never win a super bowl on his own. Vick couldn’t and the people on here bashing on Ryan are hypocrites because Vick was the team in Atlanta and he couldn’t do it. The team was built around him. “The team went if Vick went” in Jeff Schultz’s rationale. Sorry but it’s true. Vick couldn’t play in a system like this one, because it involves thinking and patience and a short passing ability which Vick definitely did not have the touch for. He just rockets everything which is why arm strength isn’t the only thing.

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Go Tech610
———-

“injuries have choked this team and when everyone is back next year, you will all realize that free agents aren’t going to replace top draft choices in the NFL. We went after them for a reason.”
—-
this is what losing franchises say every year. the good teams plug players in and coach them up.

—
I am glad my previous post elicited a dissertation from you.

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Jimmy,

it’s true. To blame losses on Ryan completely is foolish. It is very obvious that injuries, lack of defense, and really, really stupid play calling are also factors. It looked to me that the 30 yard pass yesterday was a play call not so much a decision by Ryan.

Here’s my thing on that. Why pass at all on first down why even call the play? Your on the 50, after a great punt return, 3 minutes left in the game, run the ball, kill the clock, kick a field goal, win. Right? I can understand a pass on say a 3rd and 5 if the run game was unsuccessful. Also, why dial up a post route? if any thing do a hook route, or slide Snelling into the flat and set up a screen. I just didn’t get the play call. Ryan’s pass also wasn’t a bad pass. Jenkins jumped for it way too soon. He could have gotten two more steps and made the catch.

The Falcons are just not playing as a team and that is the factor, but they really can’t do much about it because like I said the real talent is sidelined and in crutches.

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Dogfighter,

I am sorry, but if you lose a first round draft pick, a very good receiver, running back, those are skill positions. It’s hard to just coach them up in mid-season without expect some drop off. That’s all the Falcons’ are dealing with right now is just the drop off in the talent. They are still close in these games. They’ll hopefully come around to start winning again.

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Jimmy,

Once again the entire team is out of sync and that is the problem. The team couldn’t even get a field goal off in sync yesterday. It’s just a culmination of people on separate pages and the coaches need to fix it.

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Dogfigher,

If your talking about the playcalling inside the five, I agree with you. I hate watching teams pass the ball in that situation. If you have Turner, then use him there. In my opinion they should be running Turner at least twice inside the 10. But Carolina was being very stingy up the middle yesterday, so I can kind of agree with the pass call there. It was obvious the Panthers were looking to clog the middle on that 4 and 1 on the goal line.

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GoTech,
Yes, the team is out of sync because of all those injuries.
Elam’s problem, though, is not timing as he seemed to indicate.
He has kicked poorly all year.

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Jimmy of course it is.

Most people who criticize Ryan on this board are/were Vick fans and he was asked to carry the team so naturally his fans are holding Ryan to that same standard, when in fact it’s a completely different situation.

It doesn’t take a fool to realize the Falcon’s problems are deeper than Ryan, who by the way is a second year and people are expecting the world of him but that’s another issue.

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And you Goose are an idiot and that too doens’t take a fool to see. If you think the Falcons are building a team around Ryan you are crazy. That’s why they went after Baker in the first round. They went after a hall of fame tight end. They got receivers. They got a D line man. They are trying to pick up corners.

Your an idiot. If they were building a team around Ryan, they would have paid him 135 million dollars and got crap personel, and even worse team mates. Sound familiar?

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I disagree that Vick was asked to carry the team. We had a pretty good running game while Vick was here. We didn’t have a good passing game because Vick couldn’t pass. Vick had a different kind of happy feet. He relied on his scrambling to make plays. When done too often, that creates problems for receivers and blockers. Vick’s running was his gift and he wanted to use it…to the detriment of the team.

I also disagree with those who say Vick took the team to levels it had not been before.
That is just stupid. We went to the Superbowl before we had Vick.

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“No reason to jump off a bridge because of a few games that have him in a slump.”
—–
you say it is a slump and we keep waiting every week for him to overcome this slump yet it is now becoming a habit, which is scary.
—-

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How bout those Hawks!!!

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Ryan is indeed in a slump. But we can’t judge the duration and severity of the slump because this is a different team playing a much tougher schedule than last year. If we had the same team as last year, with the addition of a couple of line backers and TG, I think Ryan would have a better chance of coming out of this during the season. As it is, it is hard to tell how much of this is Ryan and how much is the better competition and lack of a better O Line and better D.

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Max,
I wish all talk of Vick would be banned.
Morons criticize Ryan using Vick as the measuring stick.
I know…like I said, they are morons.
That is why Vick is talked about.

I agree, he is gone. I wish Vick Suckers would just crawl back into the hole they crawled out of.

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Jimmy = ditto.

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Those idiots who continue clammoring for Vick are forgetting that Vick was basically a running back (at the quarterback position). It would be the same if Michael Turner tried to play quarterback for the Falcons. Turner would be out of position if he did that. Vick was simply a running back, or a scat back hoisting throws from the qb position like you would toss bricks into a dumpster or throw mud on a wall. Vick is yesterdays news but people want to go into a time machine and relive the glory years of Vick, hoping that he will miraculously return to the Falcons. Folks you are wasting your precious time.

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Jimmy: Let’s put things in perspective. Yes there is a lower level. Your president Bush took us there. It’s called Iraq.

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Kane337 : It’s all politics. If you don’t know that then you’re the obvious idiot.

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Go Tech610

November 16th, 2009
11:40 am

Lets try this again…. I have no beef with Matt Ryan. I have no “longing” for MV7….My point remains, You guys can blame Jenkins, or Play calling or whatever, but Carolina had him DOUBLE COVERED!!! There was a LB in front of him and the Corner played over the top. The pass was 3 or 4 over teh receivers head ( which is why the DB was able to catch it on the fly. Jenkins would have had to have a 60 inch vertical in order to even tip that pass. Ryan misread the coverage and made a awful throw. The game was on the line after a strong return and he made a choice that cost the Birds the game. This is problem with fans in this town…. Our QB has pissed the bed in the last couple of weeks and folks would rather continue to dump on the old QB than call out the current one. What Vick did is neither here nor there… Ryan is hurting this team now and regardless of how much some people try to push it off on others, that is all his. What wrong with making him earn it????

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Good for the Goose,
Don’t close that window yet.
I’m still laughing.
Call an ambulance…my sides are splitting.

Open Mind…

You need to open your eyes too.

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Jimmy

November 16th, 2009
12:44 pm

My eyes are open…And because I am not a rabid fan, I can see clearly whet the issues are. The D did a poor job of stoping the run. Elam missed a chippy, and Turner got hurt. All of those things, and you where down 2 with 4 minutes left and the ball on the 50. He could have taken the dump down pass and gained 6 or 7 yards. He could have scrambled up the middle and gained 3 to 5 yds. Hell, he could have thrown the ball away…. This is the NFL. its the ultimate team game…But at some point, the main guy on a team has to rise up and will his team to a victory. You need examples? Eli did it when the Pats scored with 1:37 left in the SuperBowl. Big Ben did it when the Cardnials took the lead in the Superbowl. I know this was just a regular season game, but when your team needs you to make the play he did not do it, and that is on him….

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Open mind…
Maybe you failed to see the game.
There was enough blame to go around.
Jenkins did not play the ball correctly. Period.
Jenkins didn’t even put himself in position to break up the interception.
The defenders were maybe ten yards apart with Jenkins in between.
Jenkins jumped about six inches off the ground after he misplayed the ball.
Matt Ryan should NEVER have thrown it.
But don’t say it is all on him.
Receivers have to get open.
They have to play the ball.
O Lines need to block.
They couldn’t block a three man rush in this game.
Sad. Definitely not all on Ryan.
This is a team sport.

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Open mind…
You should change your screen name to “Open mind…Open eyes” because both statements are equally false. Yes, Jenkins was bracketed, but the distance was much less than you say when the ball was intercepted. We’ll agree to disagree on that.
But you can’t say that play cost them the game.
Ryan didn’t miss the field goal that would give them the lead.
Ryan didn’t give up the touchdown that put them nine points down.
Ryan didn’t call for the two point conversion that put them in that position.
This is a team sport.
Ryan doesn’t block for himself.
Our O Line (Baker in particular) does not show very much pass blocking ability.
Ryan has had happy feet. If that doesn’t change, he will be a bust.
But in this case, the loss is not on him alone.
There are poor plays that cost a team a game.
It is just not always black and white as to whose fault it was.
New England coach called a pass on 4th and 2 on their own 28.
Pass was made, catch was made but was short.
Whose fault was that? It involved a coach, QB and receiver. And don’t forget that even defenders get some credit for good plays.
In this game, there was not one single Ryan play that can be called a game loser.
It is hard to pin the loss on him alone.

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Jimmy

November 16th, 2009
1:35 pm

Ok Jimmy, I understand your point…. Please try to understand mine. All players are not equal… While one has to be exceptional to become a NFL QB there is a difference between the average, the above average, and the great. In order to be great, or in order for your team to be great individual players must go above and beyond when the time comes. In my previos post, I gave you examples of young QBs that rose above issues, ( Eli got away from a sure sack and made a perfect throw) to make the play …even when others on the team came up short. On yesterday Ryan was handed the ball on the 50 yard line with 3 minutes to go and down 2 points. Those are the times that the best QBs separate themselves. In this case he did not….Again, that is on him

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**Terrence Moore wrote better columns than this junk. You know about as much about football as my 5-year-old daughter. I’d rather read Mr. College Football than this poorly written crap.**

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Its ridiculous for people to say that the absence of Michael Turner, after he got injured, is what cost us the game yesterday against the Panthers. Thats nonsense. Ryan was off of his game a little, but when the Falcons started from the Panthers 49 yard line trailing by only two points after Elam missed a chip shot field goal, the Falcons should have taken the lead on that drive. Ryan tried to get down field on one play and was intercepted trying to force a pass over a defensers head and it sailed on him over the open receiver. The Falcons only needed about 20 yards to get into Elams range; SO WHY DIDNT THE FALCONS METHODICALLY MARCH DOWN THE FIELD USING SOME OF THEIR OFFENSIVE WEAPONS; RODDY WHITE, SNELLING, JENKINS, GONZALES. All those guys were playing yesterday and I’m sure they could have marched down the field 20 yards to get into Elams range. Ryan “choked” and “panicked” and tried to get all the yards at once, making an errant throw. They began the drive on the Panthers 49 and COULDNT MOVE THE BALL DOWN FIELD 20 YARDS. To me, that is what is pathetic about yesterdays game. Peyton Manning had a similar situation against the Patriots and made it look so easy. The Falcons had enough weapons to move down the field 20 yards to get into Elams range. However, Elam might have missed the field goal attempt anyway since he had already missed a chip shot yesterday; so the Falcons now have more problems than they are willing to admit. The Falcons should bring aboard Morten Anderson, because Morten would have made a 34 yard field goal. The Falcons were acting as though they didnt want to win the game yesterday. The Falcons made NO REAL EFFORT TO WIN THE GAME.

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Vick Supporter = Typical Thug.

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Chris

November 16th, 2009
2:58 pm
Vick Supporter = Typical Thug

_________________________

Chris, I used to be a huge Vick Fan….

I have a MBA in International Finance and am currently a Regional Director for a large Multi-National..

Please tell me, What is Typical Thug about that???

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goosewilson………….. hall of fame stature? are ya’ kidding me? the dudes in his second year! he’s an average qb so lets keep it somewhat real

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Its truly a shame that Ryan didnt get a chance to develop under the steady and watchful tutilage of Bobby Petrino. Petrino BOLTED before we had a chance to extract his infinite wisdom. Matt Ryan has all the ingredients of a certain first ballot hall of famer, and those talents certainly would have been showcased and developed under the magnificent leadership and coaching of Bobby Petrino. Oh well Pig suey!

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I wish that I had DVR’d the game because what I saw on the final interception was Jenkins stopping early and trying to jump up for the ball instead of finishing his route — which would have put him and the ball in the same place (and yup, a db who would have rung his bell, but isn’t that his job?). I see guys posting that Ryan should be more like Favre and others, but isn’t squeezing the ball into tight spots what the best do and isn’t that what Ryan was doing on that last play? Jenkins came open in my opinion and needed to have manned up and continued his route.

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Open mind…
You want to judge Ryan against what veteran QB’s did? Eli Manning’s passer rating was 75.9 in his second year. He had 17 interceptions. His completion % was 52.8%.

Ryan’s second year so far—he has a 78.8 passer rating, 12 interceptions, and a completion % of 59.7. Everything else, Passing yards, sacks, and ypc are all projected to be similar by season’s end.

I did get your point.
The problem is you are comparing Ryan to veterans and saying this loss is on him.
Young QB’s (BR and EM are not young anymore) need a good team around them.
But what you are saying does not disprove what I am saying.
The fact that he is not playing like a veteran only proves my point…he is a sophmore QB on a team with a ton of holes.
This is a team sport.
If you want to compare Ryan to anyone…compare him to second year QB’s.

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Nativebird,

Exactly. Well put.

Big JC,

Good post. Thanks for pointing out that Ryan has already made some great plays and he hasn’t played two years. He has made some game winning plays.

To the haters,

Every QB goes through slumps–often tied to how well other teams are game planning them.
Ryan will be fine.
Just needs to get his head on and learn better pocket presence.
He has been a pro for 1.5 years.
Give him a break.

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Jimmy

November 16th, 2009
4:08 pm

Ok, ok, ok…. Now we are playing the stat game…
Did you know the Elway has a career completion % of 58%?
Or that Troy Aikman has less 20 more TDs than INTs?
My point is that I can find stats to justify anything. I am not comparing second year to second year, because if I were, Ryan would need to go and win a playoff game in a place where its never happened before in order to be better than MV7, or win a SuperBowl like Big Ben and Brady did in their second year. Instead of trying to find a reason why this loss was on someone other than Ryan why not just….well thats not gonna happen, so let me say this, I want a Franchise player that can make a play to win a game win it counts, not one that comes up short and then hides behind the “team”…Montana made his bones winning games at the end, and he never blamed his recrivers or his line when he failed. Thats what the great ones do…They win games in spite of things going wrong.

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Hey Vick supporter…everybody is racist, right?

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Atlanta is no Falcon good. Deal with it. No playoffs for buzzards.

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If Jenkins catches the first down pass two weeks ago, we go in for a touchdown and game is all but over. If we get the sure-thing field goal last Sunday, we take the lead and play defense and run out the clock and win. Two games lost not because of a Ryan interceptions, but because other team members did not do what they are paid millions of dollars to do.

Sure, he has been throwing high, but did you see the view from behind the quarterback, there is a defender in front of the receiver and one behind the receiver. It would have been a spectacular throw if it had been completed and the play call was suspicious given the coverage of our downfield receivers. Moreover, hasn’t anyone notices that our receivers are blanketed every week. Either that is a problem with our receivers or the teams we play have employed press coverage. The other teams have seen that we have stopped throwing the ball down the field on long passes, so they are not concerned that our receivers will run past them. Therefore, without fear of the long pass, they can safely play on the hip of our receivers. We need to throw more long passes, even if one or two of the them are intercepted, so that the defenders will back off and give us a cushion the way our defensive backs always seem to give the other teams’ receivers.

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Jimmy

November 16th, 2009
4:42 pm

I challenge you to name two games where he has made willed his team to a win….. Even MV7 had those moments…..

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“Open Mind….

November 16th, 2009
5:17 pm
Jimmy

November 16th, 2009
4:42 pm

I challenge you to name two games where he has made willed his team to a win….. Even MV7 had those moments…..”

Obvious first choice would be Chicago last year

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jj

November 16th, 2009
5:20 pm

I asked that you name two…..

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you can always go gety Vinny Testaverde off the golf course like Charlotte did a couple of years ago.. here take a look at this, it will encourage you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8GuH9oDHrU

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I just looked at the picture of Turner being tackled by Johnson and I have a question. I didn’t get a chance to see the game so I don’t know if Johnson was penalized for the tackle, but isn’t the rule that if you grab any part of the helmet to make a tackle it is a 15 yard facemask penalty? From the picture it looks like Johnson is trying to rip Turners head off. Do you think this is why we tried to knock Steve Smith out of the game also? Tit for Tat!!!

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The falcons were finished when they hired Demetroff.. This guy doesnt know football…..just look at his face, he looks like a little twerp…Anyway, heres a little advice for TD…..ALL-PRO TIGHT ENDS WILL NOT WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP..just ask Alge Crumpler, Todd Heap, Jason Whitten, antionio Gates, heck Tom Coughlin shipped his TE and then they won the superbowl…….WIDE RECIEVERS WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS, just ask Plaxico Buress, Jerry Rice, Hines Ward, Marvin Harrison or michael irvin………CLASS DISMISSED TD

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is it too late to resign D.J. Shockley ??

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Sorry, I meant weakness. Spelling is obviously my weakness.

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Art Blank

November 15, 2009
7:29pm

Very Funny!!! Ol’ Artie Blank got duped by ESPN & Peta into signing Matty Melt!! Face it, this team just doesn’t have the same vibe it had a few years ago, & it isn’t going to get easier.

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Over coached,over hyped.Matt’s going to be all right.He just needs to step back and realize that he can’t hit a five run homer every play.Just ’cause you traded for a “future Hall of Fame” tight end, does not mean you or your O Coordinator should freak/flip out.Too much attention is being paid to “Prima Donna” egos than to winning/scoring.Hate to say it ,but the Gonsalez trade will turn out to be a curse in disguise.Matt was fine until he had a Superstar to worry about.Why pay Roddy the big bucks if you gonna throw to the TE half the time or more? Course I’m probably the only one to notice Jeffy.

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Matthew stafford does suck. No one can deny that just as I said when he was at UGA. Same issues and a QB rating in the 50s. Thats not the stuff of legends for sure LOL

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It’s a good thing Atlanta doesn’t have a bridge with a large body of water underneath. If the Falcons finish .500 or below, that bridge would cluttered with jumpers.

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Turner out, Ryan throwing high, Defense average at best Yeah I think we are in Deep Trouble

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Matt Ryan is one of the greatest talents to ever come into the NFL. He will be fine as soon as be breaks out of his slump. The person who is to be blamed for the loss to the Carolina Panthers is Jason Elam. That is a greater concern than Matt Ryan. He missed a chip shot field goal that was the distance of an extra point. If this continues the Falcons may only be getting 6 points for touchdowns instead of 7 points. THAT FOLKS IS A GREATER CONCERN FOR ME RIGHT NOW!!!! Lets quickly bring in 100 year old Morton Anderson to fix our kicking problems.

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@Russell,
If Jenkins catches the first down pass two weeks ago, we go in for a touchdown and game is all but over.

Two weeks ago? Heck, you could have said the same 4 years ago!

Two games lost not because of a Ryan interceptions, but because other team members did not do what they are paid millions of dollars to do.

So I guess this doesn’t apply to the current QB?

Sure, he has been throwing high, but did you see the view from behind the quarterback, there is a defender in front of the receiver and one behind the receiver.

Other QB’s get killed by pundits when they throw into double coverage. You’re ok with you’re QB’s tendancy to thrown into double coverage?

Either that is a problem with our receivers or the teams we play have employed press coverage. The other teams have seen that we have stopped throwing the ball down the field on long passes, so they are not concerned that our receivers will run past them. Therefore, without fear of the long pass, they can safely play on the hip of our receivers. We need to throw more long passes, even if one or two of the them are intercepted, so that the defenders will back off and give us a cushion the way our defensive backs always seem to give the other teams’ receivers.

Where have you been the last 6 years? With the exception of White’s emergence as a pro WR last year, the Falcons haven’t had an adequate WR’s core since Tony Martin and Terrance Mathis.
Why are many on this blog so afraid to admit that the QB is part of your problems here?

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- Mora’s rookie year resulted in Championship Game

- Smith’s rookie year resulted in Lame…1 and done

- Mora’s guy went to Pro Bowl

- Smith’s guy went to Tidy Bowl

It’s pretty clear that everytime I flush my toilet, I see a bunch of Smitty & Matts – and that my friend is not any scrubbing bubbles

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I am shocked as I read through a lot of these ignorant BLOGS. Matt Ryan is the current the “reigning” OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. Does that mean anything to anybody. HE’S PROVED HIS PERFORMANCE FOR AN ENTIRE SOLID FOOTBALL SEASON, HIS ROOKIE SEASON NO LESS. The majority of folks are blogging as if Ryan is an unproven commodity and a likely bust (like Ryan Leaf) and if dramatic changes are not made, he wont make it in the NFL. Folks your eyes are deceiving you. Ryan was not solely the blame for the last two losses as was pointed out by a fellow blogger. Had Jenkins held on to his attempted catch late in the game in New Oleans we beat the Saints. If Elam makes his chip shot field goal, we likely beat the Panthers because they would have been deflated and our defense would have gotten fired up and we probably beat those two teams. Our record would have been 7-2 instead of 5-4. We only got thoroughly beaten by two clubs this year: Dallas and New England. We should have won every other game on the slate. Ryan is the best thing that has ever happened to the Falcons. Someday he will stand tall in Canton, Ohio and will be enshrined in their illustrious halls of fame.

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lamac66

November 17th, 2009
1:52 pm

Isn’t “IF” always the story? If Jenkins hadn’t misplayed that second interception, it might have been a big play. “IF” Ryan hadn’t throw it…if, if, if.

The problem with the Ryan detractors and this goes for ALL of them—-
The problem is the haters expect a guy 1.5 years in the league to play like Eli Manning or so called, “big game” QB’s.
The problem is you are all impatient and unreasonable.
Eli Manning looked very similar to Ryan in his second year.
So did Peyton Manning.
The Ryan haters are impatient and unreasonable.
Give the guy a few years in the league.
You won’t because you are simply a hater…..
not a real football fan.

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LukeMerriman

November 17th, 2009
1:34 pm

Luke,

Most of the Ryan haters are either morons or lonely, bitter people who just want to tear down.
I don’t have a problem with discussion about problems with Ryan’s game.
If someone points out, “Ryan has happy feet for some reason” or “Ryan is not making all his reads” that is cool.
If someone just criticizes his ability or suggest he is a bust because he hasn’t “carried” the team a few times…that is just idiotic.
He is in the league one and a half seasons.
He has made some really big plays.
Maybe he didn’t “win” the game in dramatic fashion.
So what?
Give him time.
The problem with the “noodle arm” and the vick supporters is that they are here ONLY to tear down…not discuss.

The problem is the haters are impatient and unreasonable.
Give Ryan as many seasons as Vick had.
Give him as many seasons to get it together that Eli Manning had.
Then let’s talk.

The problem with the haters is they are impatient and unreasonable.

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Hamp,

I agree. I am sick of the Ryan haters who don’t really care about the TEAM.
They want to tear down.

I also agree…if we lose to NY, the pressure is REALLY on.
When the season began, I said it would be great to make the playoffs.
But what I want is nine wins.
Just nine wins would mean this franchise has moved forward in a big way.
Nine wins gets breaks that “no consecutive winning seasons” streak.
Playoffs would be gravy.

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Can the Falcons bring Deion Sanders in to coach DB’S on techniques. So far, a lot of miss plays are left on the field because DB’S don’t turn the head around to play the ball.

Play the receiver until the ball arrive. Then play the ball by swiping ball away from receiver before he snags it in.

Tye Hill turn his head around to the ball when Smith leaped but he never look back toward the receiver to locate the ball, blind play. The result TOUCHDOWN STEVE SMITH.

FALCONS STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO GO 10-6.

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Uh Oh………………

Falcons have lots of concerns going into big games
By PAUL NEWBERRY (AP) – 18 hours ago

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Matt Ryan is struggling. Michael Turner is hurting. Jason Elam can’t seem to make a field goal.

Yep, the Falcons definitely have plenty of things to worry about as they head into a decisive stretch of the season.

Atlanta (5-4) was down in the dumps Monday after a sloppy 28-19 loss at Carolina, knowing it had wasted an excellent chance to gain an upper hand in the NFC wild-card race.

“We had several opportunities to win that game,” coach Mike Smith moaned. “But we made way too many mistakes.”

Now, at a time when some doubts may creeping into the team psyche, the Falcons face three games over the next four weeks that will likely determine the course of this season.

Next Sunday, they travel to the Meadowlands to face the New York Giants, one of four teams tied for the wild-card lead at 5-4. Philadelphia — another 5-4 team — visits the Georgia Dome on Dec. 6 for a game that will feature the return of Michael Vick to Atlanta. The following week, the Falcons host the unbeaten New Orleans Saints (9-0).

“This,” said running back Jason Snelling, “is no time for us to start getting nervous or think about the past.”

Ahh, the past.

Coming off a surprising trip to the playoffs last season, the Falcons were convinced this would be the year they finally broke the franchise’s streak of never having consecutive winning seasons. A 3-1 start certainly bolstered those hopes, but two wins in the last five games have undoubtedly caused some to wonder if that ignominious streak will continue.

“It’s not about just being average,” receiver Roddy White said. “A lot of us are going out there saying, ‘I’ve got one job, I’ll just do that.’… We’ve all got to get out there and do more, be more productive.”

Atlanta’s most pressing concern is Turner.

After a sluggish start, the Falcons’ leading rusher was on a major roll with three straight 100-yard games — until he went down with a sprained right ankle against Carolina. Now, Atlanta could be without its top two backs, since No. 1 backup Jerious Norwood has missed the last four games with a hip flexor (on top of sustaining two concussions this season). Snelling will start if Turner can’t go.

The Falcons re-signed running back Aaron Stecker and released wide receiver Troy Bergeron on Monday. Stecker had two carries for 6 yards and five receptions for 34 yards in two games before he was released last week.

Turner had only nine carries against Carolina — and still managed to gain 111 yards. Over the last three games, he averaged 9.1 yards every time he got the ball.

“We need that guy,” White said. “He’s our MVP. As long as we’ve got him, the offense rolls smoothly.”

So begins a week of speculation about Turner’s playing status. Even if the injury is not as serious as initially feared, the Falcons can hardly afford to be without their top running back for even one game. Smith was vague about Turner’s status, saying he’ll provide an update Wednesday when the initial injury report comes out.

“Mike’s a warrior,” White said. “Ignore the injury report. Mike is going to be playing Sunday.”

If Turner is the first concern, Ryan is 1-A.

The second-year quarterback already has thrown more interceptions through nine games (12) than he had in his sensational rookie season (11). His level of play has really gone down over the past five weeks — a completion rate of just under 55 percent, with 10 interceptions and only seven touchdowns.

Ryan has struggled with accuracy, leading some to wonder if there’s an issue with his mechanics or that perhaps he is suffering from a tired arm after a strenuous offseason program. In particular, he’s had a problem with passes sailing high over the intended receivers.

White pointed to Ryan’s competitive nature, saying it’s part of his makeup to attempt throws that other quarterbacks might shy away from.

“It’s like I told him yesterday, ‘Hey, man, don’t stop trying to make plays just because bad things are happening for us right now,’” White said. “He was like, ‘Hey, I’m going to keep making the throws that I make.’

“There’s nothing wrong with Matt,” the receiver added. “It’s tough playing quarterback in this league.”

Elam’s struggles are just downright mystifying.

One of the most accurate kickers in NFL history — including a 29-of-31 performance in his first season with the Falcons — Elam is a dismal 5 of 10 on kicks from 30 yards and out this year. If not for his reputation, the team surely would have brought in a replacement already. While the team has switched long snappers this season because of an injury, the problems seems to run deeper.

“You just try to keep doing what got you here,” Elam said. “If you get down on yourself, then it’s over. I’ve been through these little valleys before. It’s not a lot of fun. But you just keep your head up and keep going.”

Good advice for the entire team.

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Falcons have lots of concerns going into big games
By PAUL NEWBERRY (AP) – 18 hours ago

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Matt Ryan is struggling. Michael Turner is hurting. Jason Elam can’t seem to make a field goal.

Yep, the Falcons definitely have plenty of things to worry about as they head into a decisive stretch of the season.

Atlanta (5-4) was down in the dumps Monday after a sloppy 28-19 loss at Carolina, knowing it had wasted an excellent chance to gain an upper hand in the NFC wild-card race.

“We had several opportunities to win that game,” coach Mike Smith moaned. “But we made way too many mistakes.”

Now, at a time when some doubts may creeping into the team psyche, the Falcons face three games over the next four weeks that will likely determine the course of this season.

Next Sunday, they travel to the Meadowlands to face the New York Giants, one of four teams tied for the wild-card lead at 5-4. Philadelphia — another 5-4 team — visits the Georgia Dome on Dec. 6 for a game that will feature the return of Michael Vick to Atlanta. The following week, the Falcons host the unbeaten New Orleans Saints (9-0).

“This,” said running back Jason Snelling, “is no time for us to start getting nervous or think about the past.”

Ahh, the past.

Coming off a surprising trip to the playoffs last season, the Falcons were convinced this would be the year they finally broke the franchise’s streak of never having consecutive winning seasons. A 3-1 start certainly bolstered those hopes, but two wins in the last five games have undoubtedly caused some to wonder if that ignominious streak will continue.

“It’s not about just being average,” receiver Roddy White said. “A lot of us are going out there saying, ‘I’ve got one job, I’ll just do that.’… We’ve all got to get out there and do more, be more productive.”

Atlanta’s most pressing concern is Turner.

After a sluggish start, the Falcons’ leading rusher was on a major roll with three straight 100-yard games — until he went down with a sprained right ankle against Carolina. Now, Atlanta could be without its top two backs, since No. 1 backup Jerious Norwood has missed the last four games with a hip flexor (on top of sustaining two concussions this season). Snelling will start if Turner can’t go.

The Falcons re-signed running back Aaron Stecker and released wide receiver Troy Bergeron on Monday. Stecker had two carries for 6 yards and five receptions for 34 yards in two games before he was released last week.

Turner had only nine carries against Carolina — and still managed to gain 111 yards. Over the last three games, he averaged 9.1 yards every time he got the ball.

“We need that guy,” White said. “He’s our MVP. As long as we’ve got him, the offense rolls smoothly.”

So begins a week of speculation about Turner’s playing status. Even if the injury is not as serious as initially feared, the Falcons can hardly afford to be without their top running back for even one game. Smith was vague about Turner’s status, saying he’ll provide an update Wednesday when the initial injury report comes out.

“Mike’s a warrior,” White said. “Ignore the injury report. Mike is going to be playing Sunday.”

If Turner is the first concern, Ryan is 1-A.

The second-year quarterback already has thrown more interceptions through nine games (12) than he had in his sensational rookie season (11). His level of play has really gone down over the past five weeks — a completion rate of just under 55 percent, with 10 interceptions and only seven touchdowns.

Ryan has struggled with accuracy, leading some to wonder if there’s an issue with his mechanics or that perhaps he is suffering from a tired arm after a strenuous offseason program. In particular, he’s had a problem with passes sailing high over the intended receivers.

White pointed to Ryan’s competitive nature, saying it’s part of his makeup to attempt throws that other quarterbacks might shy away from.

“It’s like I told him yesterday, ‘Hey, man, don’t stop trying to make plays just because bad things are happening for us right now,’” White said. “He was like, ‘Hey, I’m going to keep making the throws that I make.’

“There’s nothing wrong with Matt,” the receiver added. “It’s tough playing quarterback in this league.”

Elam’s struggles are just downright mystifying.

One of the most accurate kickers in NFL history — including a 29-of-31 performance in his first season with the Falcons — Elam is a dismal 5 of 10 on kicks from 30 yards and out this year. If not for his reputation, the team surely would have brought in a replacement already. While the team has switched long snappers this season because of an injury, the problems seems to run deeper.

“You just try to keep doing what got you here,” Elam said. “If you get down on yourself, then it’s over. I’ve been through these little valleys before. It’s not a lot of fun. But you just keep your head up and keep going.”

Good advice for the entire team.

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FANTASY FOOTBALL UPDATE:

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons ($7.01 M). A Panthers fan I know compared Ryan to Jake Delhomme. Granted, it was a bit unfair as Ryan has thrown more TDs, but it just shows how far the sophomore has fallen. In draft-and-trade leagues, you’d be stuck hoping for a rebound from Ryan. In salary cap, you have no such obligations. Ryan should not be anywhere near your squad until he puts together a couple of good games. Even then I’d have some reservations about using him unless it’s in a dream matchup. (@NYG, TB, Phi, NO)

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Let’s take a look at the teams the CHOKE has beaten:

- Miami (4-5)

- Carolina (4-5)

- San Fran (4-5)

- Chicago (4-5)

- Redskins (3-6)

COMBINED RECORD: (19-26)

TEAMS LOST TO:

- Patriots (6-3)

- Dallas (6-3)

- Saints (9-0)

- Panthers (3-4)

COMBINED RECORDS: (24-10)

So it looks like they can squeeze by the cellar dwellers but CHOKE against the contenders.

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Atlanta’s pass-protection terminology and blocking schemes are the same as Ryan had as a BC senior, so right away he knew such technical elements as whether the tight end or the running back would pick up a stray blitzer. That allows him to immediately identify his hot receiver.
http://www.cardinalsportal.com/news/young-man-s-game-.php?act=print

This offense was built around Matt and Gonzalez was supposed to be the last piece to create this high powered offense that was being bragged about all off-season. We heard how great Matt looked from these very same AJC writers who are now scratching their heads. The same media pundits from Steve Young to Jaws have all gone quiet as church mice. Bottom line, we were told this offense would be BETTER than last season and its not. Apparently no one thought opposing teams would watch film and peep out every weakness – especially when Turner is shut down or out the game altogether. Well it is what it is so no need in trying to make excuses with that “sophomore slump” BS…its not a sophomore slump, its the defenses around the league kicking the butt of a Falcons offense that was desgined to accomodate a QB with limited abilities. PERIOD. Those so-called intangibles that were being bragged about have resulted in 12 interceptions thru week 9. Yeah…”intangibles”..that mystical belief made up by pundits who so dearly wanted Ryan to become the reincarnation of Johnny Unitas to satisfy a myth.

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