Worried about Matt Ryan? Johnston says you’re nuts
Count Daryl Johnston among those who don't doubt Matt Ryan.
Jumping off the Matt Ryan bandwagon? Daryl Johnston has a message for you.
“If they’re selling, I’ll buy their seat,” said the Fox analyst and former Dallas Cowboys fullback. “His intangibles are off the chart. He’ll be fine. It’s very difficult to find a quarterback, and the Falcons have a very, very good one. He’s a young guy who’s going to get better. Did he set the bar high last year? Absolutely. But what he’s going through now is completely normal. Peyton Manning went 3-13. Troy Aikman was 0-10. I’m not saying Matt Ryan is either one of those guys, but it’s normal to struggle.”
Johnston worked the Fox broadcast last week when Ryan threw two interceptions that played into the Falcons’ 28-19 loss at Carolina. He also watched the Falcons’ wins over San Francisco and Washington, and will work this week’s game against the New York Giants in the Meadowlands.
Ryan has thrown at least one interception in six straight games, and has 10 in the last five. But, no kidding: Johnston started laughing when I mentioned to him that some fans and media members had increasing concerns about the second-year quarterback.
“I’m sure Matt will be the first to tell you that he’d like to have back that fourth-quarter pass to Michael Jenkins,” Johnston said. “He didn’t have to throw that. It was a tw0-man route and Carolina was dropping seven into coverage and the ball sailed on him. But in the drive before that, when they went for the field goal that [Jason Elam] missed, Matt was great. He took what the defense gave him. He completed some short passes and moved the team down the field. That’s what surprised me so much about the interception.”
Surprisingly, Johnston downplayed the significance of the loss of running back Michael Turner, who is likely out for at least Sunday’s game against the Giants, and possibly longer, with an ankle sprain.
“As long as Jerious Norwood is healthy, it won’t be as big a deal,” he said (although Norwood has missed four straight games with a strained hip flexor). “Jason Snelling stepped into a difficult situation last week when Turner left and Norwood wasn’t 100 percent, and he did great. Obviously, they’re not the same style offense without Michael Turner. But Norwood and Snelling are pretty good and they can do some of the same things.”
Earlier today, I attempted to break down the NFC wild card picture. Johnston still views the Falcons as a potential playoff team but believes the race won’t be decided until the final week of the season
“Minnesota and New Orleans have elevated themselves,” he said. “The East [Division] will be a tough race and I think Arizona will win the West. But those two wild card spots are going to be difficult for anybody to clinch. I think it’s going down to the end.”
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195 comments Add your comment
The Grinch
November 18th, 2009
5:58 pm
If he thinks Norwood’s gonna be or stay healthy, he obviously doesn’t watch many Falcons games. let’s hope he’s right.
Dawgs2009
November 18th, 2009
6:03 pm
Same old Falcons. They will find a way to let us down once again. I have watched it for years!
rknight
November 18th, 2009
6:11 pm
Might want to check your title. Are you saying Johnston says we should worry about our nuts instead of Ryan? That makes sense, too. I know I am.
RomeDawg
November 18th, 2009
6:18 pm
As a lifelong Falcons fans I keep waiting for that “bad” thing to happen and I am afraid Turner’s injury may be it. Hope not, but we’ll see. I like Snelling, but he’s not Turner. I also am have concern for my nuts!
Gamer
November 18th, 2009
6:19 pm
Falcons got the personnel to achieve postseaston play but will they put it all together when it count!!
A certain receiver(Jenkins) must complete his routes!!
The linebackers must stay solid tackling running-backs!
Stop dropping pass-rushers into passing plays, let them rush the passer!!
Whoever running the ball need to run hard and decisive every down given.
Hopefully, Ryan and WR’s can get on the same page!!
Falcons can still go 10-6.
20 wins in a row
November 18th, 2009
6:20 pm
Didn’t they learn anything from Vick? I am sure he will be a good NFL QB but what if he turns out to be a total bust? You have to pay him a lot of money thats what.
Born2Buzz
November 18th, 2009
6:27 pm
Ryan will be fine.
And Jeff, can you ban “Choke” before he even gets on here and starts ruining the blog.
Big games coming up in the next 3 weeks.
Whopper Dawg
November 18th, 2009
6:34 pm
The flaw in your conclusion that the Falcons make the playoffs is that we, the Giants and the Eagles all finish 9 – 7, they both beat us head to head, but we get in. I think head to head is the first tie breaker, so I don’t think that will happen.
I think 9 -7 is best case, with 8 -8 being more realistic.
Don’t forget that none of this year’s draft choices are playing to any type of significant level and Baker is hurt again. Yeah, I know that Perry and the safety are hurt – but the rap on them were their history and injuries, that was the rap on Baker too, and we drafted them anyway.
rms
November 18th, 2009
6:34 pm
falcons are soft!
Fair and Balanced
November 18th, 2009
6:35 pm
What intangibles caused 12 interceptions thru Week 9?
hiramsaint
November 18th, 2009
6:39 pm
honestly jeff, after sunday the falcons will be 5-5 with 6 to go. do you think they’re gonna win even 4 of those? of course you don’t. they may get 3 and go 8-8 so your consecutive losing season hang-up will be over . maybe next year they’ll concentrate on football instead of being distracted by…who is our qb…. why is our coach getting in fights….why did we get rid of our linebackers… is king arthur broke… why do we have no depth…no disrespect intended, just some observations!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 18th, 2009
6:39 pm
Fair and Balanced
November 18th, 2009
6:35 pm
What intangibles caused 12 interceptions thru Week 9?
“Because” if he didn’t use his intangibles, it would be 20 PICKS
FalconUGAFan
November 18th, 2009
6:40 pm
They learned plenty from Vick. Thats why he isn’t on the team.
I’m a lifelong fan too. Been through all the lean years, but I’m not ready to give up on them. I never have and I never will. Go Falcons!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 18th, 2009
6:41 pm
The only football in the state is at Georgia Tech. They also happen to be the only football that has a fair open competition at quarterback, regardless if his eyes are not blue.
Go Jackets!
Edd
November 18th, 2009
6:42 pm
Like I say and have said , , it is time to see how good the coaching staff and front office is. Great teams get it right and get it fixed ! Are the Falcons headed to the “NEXT” level and how quickly ? It will be very very hard to win in NY. Go to coaching Mike Smith , call the plays Larkey and man up players, this is the truth for this year, dig deep, we are gonna need it and I will do all I can, drink, watch, drink, cuss, hurray, drink, cuss the prevent defense , and hope for a WIN in NY, this is it since ‘66. Go Birds !!!!!!!!!1
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 18th, 2009
6:45 pm
If The Great Smitty would stop fighting with opposing players and do his job, maybe he can avoid ending up like the ex Buffalo coach.
rknight
November 18th, 2009
6:45 pm
Your welcome, Jeff. Damn budget cuts in the newsroom/sports desk.
BTW, Falcons will be fine; near and longer term.
Loyd Roser
November 18th, 2009
6:48 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan , get a girlfriend or another boyfriend.
Karla
November 18th, 2009
6:50 pm
Loyd r, that was funny to me.
karl
November 18th, 2009
6:55 pm
I still say “choke” is Terrence Moore.
junebaby
November 18th, 2009
6:55 pm
keep it up “choke”. i for one, love your posts! all these hypocrits hate it when the shoe is on the other foot!
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
7:04 pm
People let’s inject some facts in here, Matt Ryan came in with all this hype, and the truth of the matter is this is Michael Turners team. Michael not Matt is the more significant Body on the field now. Lose Matt and Redman, with “Burner Turner” keeps Defenses honest. There will be all out blitzes on Matt this next few weeks, and ATL Fans will see his breakdown. With that said, do I think he will be a good QB in the NFL? yes. Will he get to that next level as a QB remains to be seen. Management will attempt to get players around him to make him look better than he is, but in reality he is at best above average. Imagine if M. Vick had “Burner Turner”, and a now mature Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and yes Michael Jenkins to keep defenses honest. They couldn’t be played againt in a cover 2 because know safety would want to take a chance on covering them and watching this guy take off out the pocket, and corners would crap there pants on roll outs. Atlanta Matt is going to be good, but reality is Vick is and will Always be Considered the best QB to play here. P.s If Bartkowski would’ve had wheels(Legs for those who dont understand)he know doubt is the best Ever. One last note, If you really know football please hope that he gets away from trying to use T. Gonzalez so often he is getting read like a people magazine these days by D. Coordinators!
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
7:12 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan, Hate Tech, but must admit about fair QB situation. D.J. Shockley put up way better numbers in senoir years than JPW, and ole Brown eyes got shown the door. Come to think of it with the exception of the old days, what Bama QB you know has did anything in the NFL in lets say the last 20 years?
gman
November 18th, 2009
7:15 pm
when is somebody going to call out T.D. and his choice of draft picks, out of two drafts we really get two significant players, calling ryan 1 and lofton 2. oh and ill say biermann as 3
so this blog if for T.D. if a player is injury prone in school and college, guess what. sometime
you have to pick the next best player at the position.you think guys with the tangibles that
jerry and moore slipped on purpose, no they were risky. so please the draft is to get help its
not to see how many players we can fill the injury report, unless your starting and I.R. club
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
7:16 pm
Karl “Choke” ain’t Terrance Moore, “choke” is real and honest. You know that thing that most Americans aren’t any more!
matt r
November 18th, 2009
7:19 pm
Do football announcers speak in rhetorical questions even when not on TV? Of course they do!
Larry
November 18th, 2009
7:20 pm
Jeff,
I agree with you on this one! I know! I know! You can close your mouth now and get up off the floor!
Others,
Please stop referring to the past, “the curse,” and the jinx! This type of utter nonsense has nothing to do with the present or future and you simply continue to perpetuate that Southerners are still addicted to pork rinds and rely on Palm Readers to validate their future spouses. This makes you look stupid, wimpy, insecure and unintelligent!
Everything this team and its owner has done since ridding itself of the Georgia Dome Thug/Rap environment over the past couple of years is both remarkable and worthy of praise and admiration. I now feel like I’m in a true football environment agings like we had with the Leeman Bennett era and going to the Dome is fun again.
We are set for years of sound, competitive football!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 18th, 2009
7:21 pm
Addition by subtraction:
- Delete the CHOKE
- Delete Mike “Grumpy Old Man” Smith
- Delete Thomas “I Aint No Belichick” Dimitroff
Sum it all up:
About 100 million dollars of freed up money.
This “New Face” project was a failure from the beginning.
I thought The Great Smitty was brought in because of his defensive guru status, but the defense is in even worse status than it was in 2007, before he started have Viagara issues.
He is so frustrated with his and the CHOKE’s performance that he attacks players who had nothing to do with his failures.
He will be the 2nd coach to be DELETED.
Turtsnap
November 18th, 2009
7:22 pm
I see Matt “Choke” Ryan has arrived… end of blog!
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
7:23 pm
Born to Buzz, Ya’ll ain’t even got a stinger playing in the A.C.C. Who, and I mean who has did anything in the ACC? If not for Miami, or FSU you guys couldn’t claim a “real” legit champion, and to be honest they wasn’t in the ACC when they won it. So ya’ll Tech fans please shut the smuck up!
Dale Tims
November 18th, 2009
7:25 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan is a dum dum, duh .
Kendra
November 18th, 2009
7:29 pm
I totally agree Big Mike,I am Vick’s #1 fan and I too think that he was and still is one of the best. Matt Ryan is truely not ready to perform and need a little more practice. I am a true falcons fan that is very tired of watching them lose. Please Mr. Art let’s put more time into the team and less time in trying to own the dome, which will never happen.
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
7:32 pm
Larry, Thugs win Championships (Rothlisberger, R. Lewis, R. Moss, and yes Pretty Boy Brady) who had 30 chicks before he settled down. So please don’t come with the “soft boy” mentality, and please don’t try to bring the sublimital thoughts (thugs a.k.a. Black Guys) in the mix. Oh yes a Thug actually knows what sublimital thinking is, and has a degree.
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
7:34 pm
Kendra, nothing sexier than a woman that knows the game and can still keep it street and sexy!
FALCONFAN4LIFE (BABY)
November 18th, 2009
7:35 pm
Why isn’t Chris Owens playing, can anyone tell me.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 18th, 2009
7:35 pm
I can recall after that weak schedule the Falcons had in 2008, you remember. Surely you do. Let me remind you:
- Detroit
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
- Oakland
Remember now? Thought that might ring a bell. So, all the anti Vick media, you know, John Clayton of ESPN, FOX, AJC, etc. The were saying he will be the next coming of Jesus, but I never heard of Jesus having a sophomore slump.
Fast forward to this season and the only teams they can beat are the ones with losing records. You know who they are. Well, let me refresh your selective memories:
- Miami (4-5)
- Carolina (4-5)
- San Fran (4-5)
- Chicago (4-5)
See a pattern? No? Well let me make it easy for you. They are all LOSING teams. Anybody can beat those losing teams. Now the winning teams, Patriots, Cowboys, & Saints – the CHOKE did what he does best….. CHOKE.
Now if he couldn’t win against winning teams with Turner, who had 428 yards in his last 9 quarters, how in hell do you expect him to win without Turner.
With 10 interceptions in the last 5 games, this guy is a BUST.
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
And stop making excuses!
riggo
November 18th, 2009
7:37 pm
When will Michael Jenkins show up?
Whitey
November 18th, 2009
7:38 pm
rknight
I agree…shouldn’t use johnson and nuts in same sentence…too close together, but if anyone would be an expert on nuts, it’s johnson!
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
7:39 pm
Ya’ll stay cool out there in BLOG LAND, but remember, “Ain’t no sunshine when BigMike gone!
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
7:43 pm
Hey “Choke” just one Question man! Do You see a Romo effect going on in Atl? I do all the hype and no real game.
Larry
November 18th, 2009
7:47 pm
“BigMike Said,”
By definition, “subliminal” is defined as “existing or functioning below the lever of consciousness.” I know you have a degree and all but I think the word you were looking for is implication or implicative.
And to set the record straight, yes, I think the DeAngelo Halls are thug like individuals always looking for someone (black or white) to fight with but I do not consider Vick a thug. Vick is just a guy who was raised by poor or non existent parents who failed to grow up and overcome this and whose behavior is more defined as stupid, ignorant and grossly immature, not that of a thug like Hall. The rest of the people you mentioned aren’t “thugs,” They’ve just done some questionable and irresponsible things.
Clear it up for you, smart guy?
Cairo
November 18th, 2009
7:50 pm
Choke you are a celebrity now. Milk it! Loving it….
Larry
November 18th, 2009
7:57 pm
Jeff,
To rid ourselves of the “Chokes,” “Big Mikes,” and other cerebrally challenged and cognitively deficient bloggers on here, have you ever considered an IQ test that first one must pass before gaining access to your blogs? I know, I know! Some, like “Choke” will find someone to take the test for him but hopefully the inconvenience and embarrassment of asking will run him and others off after a while.
I just feel too often when I visit with you its like driving through the slums to get to the Island Resort and I’m hoping to find a way to circumvent these pest-like irritants to enjoy a higher level of exchange.
Give it some thought!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 18th, 2009
7:58 pm
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
7:43 pm
Hey “Choke” just one Question man! Do You see a Romo effect going on in Atl? I do all the hype and no real game.
“Exactly”
So let's hear it choke
November 18th, 2009
8:00 pm
What’s your thought’s on Ryan? I don’t think we’ve heard it yet.
Not that Ryan will end up as one of the NFL greats at the QB position but are you basing your opinion of him based on his sophomore year stats alone? Or is it for another reason? Race, alma mater, or home town, or something else? Be honest.
No one knows what type of QB he’ll turn out to be, but he does have a good work ethic and is a leader on the field whether you acknowledge that or not. Are his teammates wrong when they say that he is a leader?
I don’t want to turn this into a MV conversation because he is yesterdays news but is he the reason you hate Ryan?
Make some good points other than giving us his passer ratings for this season.
Jeff Schultz
November 18th, 2009
8:12 pm
So let’s hear it choke — Sorry, are you asking me? My position on Ryan is pretty clear. He’s struggling a bit right now but I think he’ll be fine eventually. But when you take a step back after achieving so much last year, it’s going to scare people.
Jeff Schultz
November 18th, 2009
8:12 pm
Larry — No IQ tests for open commenting. Or calling into talk radio. Or the vent. Or blogging. Or . . .
cdog
November 18th, 2009
8:18 pm
the problem is not matt ryan. its the defense. when you have a defense that has no pride about itself. can’t stop the run, constantly gives teams 2nd and 3 or less, a secondary that can’t cover william perry,and constantly keeps the offense trying to come back from being two or more touchdowns,even johnny unitas or peyton manning couldn’t consistently bring them back. this what ryan is running into. he has to try and match td for td with the opposing teams. all of this spell losing. until the defense takes pride and stop people, its going to be a struggle.
Dustin
November 18th, 2009
8:19 pm
For all you Falcon haters out there, route for another team and stop bashing the home team.
Matt Ryan can’t be great 100% of the time. Flacco is having the same growing pains with the Ravens, and, hey, look they’ve got the same record.
As far as Mr. “choke” and his comments about the Falcons only winning to losing teams, true, but every one of those teams are still in the playoff hunt, two of those teams made the playoffs last year, and every team was at or near 100% healthy when the Falcons played them.
It’s hard to beat Brady and Co. in NE, they hung with the Saints in the Superdome, and the other two loses also came on the road. The only game they didn’t play to form was last week against the Panthers (which by the way was the second time they’ve played this year).
As far as Matty “Ice” is concerned it’s way to early to call him a bust, which I highly doubt he is. Who else were all the Vick lovers out there begging for in the draft, oh yeah, Glenn Dorsey. Where is he now? That’s right making no impact, faded into transparency on a dismal 2-7 KC team.
Ryan is adjusting to the game, like the article said just like Manning, Aikman, and just about every other starter has since the history of football. A bust would be someone like JaMarcus Russell and teetering Brady Quinn.
Ryan will make the throws needed, and the more he sees these pro defenses, especially after playing all these good teams this year, he WILL make the adjustments needed. I think 10 wins is attainable, 9 more likely. No matter what I can promise you that Matt will be working harder this off season. No need to fret.
So let's hear it choke
November 18th, 2009
8:20 pm
My fault Jeff, was talking to “CHOKE”…
I’d actually like to hear your thoughts on Elam. Missing filed goals at crucial points hurts and he seems to be having a rougher year than Ryan. Does Smitty get to a point and start putting in Keonan? I was at the game Sunday and when Elam came in to kick the go ahead FG my stomach dropped. And of course he missed it. That could have been a game changer.
joe
November 18th, 2009
8:21 pm
Looks like Falcons will continue a long time tradition–not have back to back winning seasons for their existence. Oh well.
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
8:22 pm
I’m back again!
Dawgs2009
November 18th, 2009
8:32 pm
The entire 2009 Draft was a bust. Where are the play-makers? He drafted stiffs from Furman and San Jose State. Do I dare question the great GM?
Larry
November 18th, 2009
8:33 pm
joe,
Come on Eeyore! They need four wins…at least let them play the games, man!
rknight
November 18th, 2009
8:46 pm
Thanks, Whitey. Still wondering why I didn’t get Sports Blog Snarky Comment of the Year. Then again,it is a sports blog. In Atlanta.
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
8:59 pm
Larry I’m so impressed that you can use large and important words, and that you keep a websters dictionary at your desk. However your limited knowledge of the game is still very obvious, your blind loyalty is overwhelming, and if you beleive Matt Ryan will ever take the Falcons to the next level, dream on! You see people like”Choke” and myself as being overly critical and not supporting the Falcons, but let’s look at the facts Larry, since 1966, the beginning of the Falcons existance, they’ve dropped the ball in every aspect, I’m not going to take it back that far though, let’s go back to 1989, when they took Deion, and one Brett Farve in the first two rounds, and failed to keep either one. Or do you want to discuss the George deal (Jeff George), when Indy and every other team knew he was a head case, I know he was, because I played against him in college. Or let’s talk about the Big one, I love Vick, but on a business level we made bad decisions. Should’ve took Brees in the second round, saved alot of money and kept plenty of cap money. Think about it Larry, this is your team 43 years and no SB’s Why Larry? Why?
DC in Loganville
November 18th, 2009
9:01 pm
Remember, this is a process! Much tougher schedule and there is a precedent for young QB’s to struggle in their second years. There was NO tape on Ryan last season for the opposition to prepare for, his strengths and weaknesses. There was PLENTY after last year. Ryan is an emerging leader, and will learn from these mistakes. Patience people!!!
BigMike Said
November 18th, 2009
9:01 pm
Bye peeps!
Mr Charlie
November 18th, 2009
9:09 pm
Here is the first question of the IQ test:
They Falcons beat the Dolphins, Bears, Panthers and San Francisco, all their records are 4-5. So the Falcons are criticized for WINNING against teams with LOSING records.
So, which of the statements is a fact?
A. Falcons Choke
B. Falcons only beat bad teams
C IF Michael Vick were here, would would only beat good teams.
D If the falcons lost all the games to these teams, they would only be LOSING to teams with WINNING records.
Answer below
coop
November 18th, 2009
9:18 pm
BigMike, you’re a racist idiot. How’s that for real and honest douchebag?
You two define a fair chance as the black person gets the job. Regardless of performance. That makes you a racist and an idiot.
Mr Charlie
November 18th, 2009
9:24 pm
It is amazing, our star QB was in jail, our coach walked out, and we were the laughing stock of the NFL, we were montioned on Leno.
Men inhereit teams in better shape and don’t achieve half as much in twice the time as Smitty and TD did. Look at the Rams, Detroit, Kansas city and Houston. You just don’t walk in a do what they did. So, naturally every decision is not going to work out, but are so far ahead of were they should be, they are due for a bad decision. It is not that you can’t criticize them, but anyone rational does not listen.
Singletary
November 18th, 2009
9:34 pm
Hey Jeff — I usually like the Vent It’s mind candy (sometimes mindless,) but folks often have insights & quirky lines that I haven’t thought of. Jeff, I’d be curious to know if the same person organizes the Vent (or if the office holder is different now) whenever it is changed? I’d also like to recommend that it be changed once every 24 hours during football season,
And I recently made a post similar to Choke’s analysis, but without the overt, bludgeoning conclusion. Dude, please tell me you aren’t Southern.
I do think having several Westers last year probably helped to take what would have been a solid season at 8-8 and turn it into wow11-5. And for the record, Mike Smith was quoted as saying that Burner was the 2008 MVP of the team, and I completely agree with him.
That being said, the Falcons are my team whoever is the quarterback, HC, owner, etc. It’s ingrained. And Giants better Dread the Pred(ator!)
Nativebird
November 18th, 2009
9:36 pm
Young QB’s need their VETERANS to step up sometimes and MAKE a play for you…MICHAEL FRIGGIN CAN’T CATCH A PASS UNLESS IT’S RIGHT IN HIS BREADBASKET JENKINS!
c’mon man. This is the NFL. be an athlete.
Back 2 Reality
November 18th, 2009
9:36 pm
Hey Dustin, its “root”, not route & also where were, not “who else”, leave the trailer a little earlier & catch that short yellow bus.
gdg73
November 18th, 2009
9:38 pm
Schultz, where was all this optimism when Vick was here? If Vick was struggling like Ryan is now, he would be crucified. I will be in the Dome with my Eagles #7 jersey when Philly comes to town.
The Dogfighter Returns
November 18th, 2009
9:41 pm
for those of you who are willing to support a losing franchise keep reminding people that peyton manning threw 100 ints in his first five years.
wake me up in 2015.
Mr Charlie
November 18th, 2009
9:55 pm
gdg73, he did struggle, however he was in his 5th and 6th years. He was not crusified, but questions were asked, just like they are now.
Mr Charlie
November 18th, 2009
9:58 pm
The Answer is D.
IF the falcons lost to all the 4-5 teams they beat, all thier records would be 5-4 and instead of “only beating teams with losing records”, we would be saying, “we are only losing to teams with winning records.”
Conclusions, these teams only have losing records BECAUSE WE BEAT THEM!!! Morons.
Mr Charlie
November 18th, 2009
10:03 pm
gdg73, Vick struggled WORSE than Ryan, he might have had as many interceptions, but he had 10 fumbles a year to go along with it. In 2006, in the 4th Qrt, Vick did not throw on single TD pass all season. 16 games with ZERO TD pass during crunch time.
Also, Vick played 6 seasons for the Falcons, and got to the playoffs twice. You Vick guys speak as if he was anything above mediocre.
Mr Charlie
November 18th, 2009
10:04 pm
Vick was medicore at best. 2 playoff in 6 seasons.
FalconUGAFan
November 18th, 2009
10:06 pm
I still to this day don’t understand why Vick has to be brought into a discussion about Ryan. We supported Vick when he was here (idiotic eye color comment ignored), but he is GONE! I suspect he doesn’t want to be here nor do the Falcons want him back. Is Ryan struggling..yes.. Have the Falcons ever had a succesful run- no…but do you really think anyone in the Falcons organization will just kiss 60-70 million dollars away after 1 1/2 seasons? If you do you are delusional. I just really don’t understand your points. I really don’t…
True Fan
November 18th, 2009
10:19 pm
I loved Mike Vick. He was exciting to watch. But Mike would love to be able to make half of the throws that Matt Ryan makes
U-no
November 18th, 2009
10:33 pm
Ryan will be OK! The Falcons will be OK! It was bound to happen, that there would be a let down of sorts, but it will not be forever. This team is a team, and they will survive the injuries and the learning curve that Ryan is having to deal with. The teams who play against us have made adjustements to counter Ryan’s strengths and Coach Smith will come up with the answers. Everything is going to be OK! Trust me on this one!
An Observation
November 18th, 2009
10:45 pm
From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
“Vick is 2 for 7 throwing the ball, for a total of 6 yards. He has run it 12 times for 27 yards. Vick has also come in and – hold onto your hats – handed off the ball, which is obviously something Donovan McNabb couldn’t have done instead.
At this point, Vick is just a curiosity as he stands on the sideline, like some tchotchke you spot on a mantelpiece and the owner tells you a long story about having it catch his eye in a bazaar in Budapest.
“Oh, that? That’s a Vick. Went to jail for mutilating dogs, but I found it oddly fascinating. Only a few of that variety in the world. See the arm? No, the left one. Reputed to have magic powers, but I think that’s just fable.”
It doesn’t really matter if the coaching staff has decided on its own that Vick is just another anchor lying on the deck, or if McNabb made it clear he won’t tolerate many interruptions. The effect has been the same.
This lack of work should allow Vick a lot more time for his community efforts, but those appear to have slacked off a bit. Lurie said that, regardless of the football end of things, the signing would be a failure if Vick were not “absolutely committed to be[ing] proactive” about his social responsibilities. Sorry, Jeff. His quarterback rating looks better than his reformer rating, regardless of how much money the team throws around to paper over the mess.
Not that any of it probably matters to Vick, who knew this purgatory was necessary before he could ascend to the better-paying paradise of a starting job somewhere else. It was nice of the Eagles to be facilitators, but, man, let’s move on already.”
—————-
MY REASON FOR POSTING THIS IS TO SIMPLY SAY….LET’S ALL MOVE ON (POST THE VICK DISCUSSIONS ON THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER EAGLES’ BLOG) AND LEAVE THE AJC FALCONS’ BLOG FOR DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE CURRENT PLAYERS ON THE TEAM.
Brownie
November 18th, 2009
11:03 pm
Mr. Charlie – great comments about comparing the Falcons to other struggling franchises!
We live in a fast-food world…we want it now and we want it right, and we’ve got short attention spans. Everybody needs to just chill out. The Falcons have made tremendous strides, and will continue to get better as they years roll on.
2008: very easy schedule, new blood, new attitude, NO expectations…..11-5.
2009: very hard schedule (5 opponents coming off bye weeks), new blood all hurt, still a great attitude (except for fair weather fans), and TONS of expectations….probably 8-8 or 9-7 at best.
Now, as far as Matt Ryan goes, all of you ready to give up on him are morons. If you were to build the perfect QB, you’d want: tall, accurate arm, good & decisive decision-maker, leader on and off the field, intelligent, avid film-studier, great work ethic, energetic, unselfish. Ryan possesses ALL of these traits (and oh, by the way…Vick possessed NONE of them).
The only real concern I have about Ryan is that his passes sail on him. Even many of the ones the receivers catch are high causing them to have to jump to get. Trying to throw the ball too hard causes balls to sail, so he needs to relax and bring the ball down a little. A lot of young QB’s overthrow receivers until they either learn and gain confidence OR they’ll be selling insurance or real estate.
Most young QB’s are still fondling clipboards halfway thru their 2nd season…Ryan is way ahead of the learning curve, and all of his intangibles and talent will get him there.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 18th, 2009
11:04 pm
Mr Charlie
November 18th, 2009
10:03 pm
gdg73, Vick struggled WORSE than Ryan, he might have had as many interceptions, but he had 10 fumbles a year to go along with it. In 2006, in the 4th Qrt, Vick did not throw on single TD pass all season. 16 games with ZERO TD pass during crunch time.
Also, Vick played 6 seasons for the Falcons, and got to the playoffs twice. You Vick guys speak as if he was anything above mediocre.
“There is a big difference than MAKING the playoffs and WINNING in the playoffs”
Also Ryan has multiple FUMBLES this season to go along with the 12 INTERCEPTIONS, against Dallas alone he had 2 FUMBLES.
Stop making excuses………….
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 18th, 2009
11:11 pm
Mr Charlie
November 18th, 2009
10:04 pm
Vick was medicore at best. 2 playoff in 6 seasons.
“MEDIOCRE? Le’t take a look at his resume”
- @ 22 Became 1st qb to beat Green Bay in playoffs
- @ 22 Became 1st Falcon qb to finish 2nd in MVP voting
- @ 22 Elected to Pro Bowl
- @ 24 Led team to 1 of 3 division titles in history
- @ 24 Led team to 3rd Championship game in team history
- @ 24 Elected to 2nd Pro Bowl
- @ 25 Elected to 3rd Pro Bowl
Mediocre? Then there are 28 mediocre starting qbs in the NFL, including the BUST.
Barkin'Dog
November 18th, 2009
11:23 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan — ”DUMP THE CHUMP”
You’re one CHUMP I’d like to DUMP! Right off this blog. Enjoy yourself now, like a lot of Techsters, basking in your glory… for a short while. In another year or so you will all be so yesterday. Ryan will succeed, and you’ll have nothing to say, and the Dawgs will be back on top with GT looking up again. So, go ahead and soak it in while you can – it’s your day. Just don’t be surprised by the backlash when the tide turns… because it will turn.
Reid Adair
November 18th, 2009
11:41 pm
I think Daryl Johnston is right on this one. Matt Ryan has struggled the last couple of games, but for the long term, he’s going to be great.
Kendra
November 19th, 2009
12:27 am
Yes, the defense is truely not playing well, but what do you expect when you have all short cornerbacks. It is amazing that football is played for fun through youth and college with great compassion,but when there is money involved it is lost. If we are going to have a great season we need a new defensive coordinator who likes to blitz and not allow QB’s the comfort to throw the ball. It seems that the Defensive coordinator only likes to blitz when it is not very much needed. Falcon’s have to apply pressure and play with heart if they want to ever win a superbowl.Let’s Step Up Defense!
Haley Hutchinson
November 19th, 2009
12:45 am
Some of you boys get awfully fired up about this stuff. Almost makes me hot and bothered. (Almost).
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » Worried about Matt Ryan? Johnston says you’re nuts
November 19th, 2009
1:05 am
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/11/18/worried-about-matt-ryan-johnston-says-your-nuts/ [...]
The Ghost of Norm Van Brocklin
November 19th, 2009
1:14 am
Boo.
Lurking behind all of this Matt Ryan sophmore stuff is the “win at all costs” reality.
IF VICK had been QB of a championship caliber Falcons team, Blank and Company would have held onto him until the bitter end.
Conversely, whether or not Matt Ryan is the perfect model for the Chamber of Commerce is irrelevent if he doesn’t win.
When you win, you can be a THUG with immunity.
When you lose, it don’t matter if you are purer than Peyton Manning – you are history.
As Bear Bryant said when asked about his iconic status – “I had the virtue of winning”.
As Lombardi said, “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing”.
It’s nice that Matt Ryan is a nice boy, but he better win. It’s not nice that Mike Vick was – and is – a thug, but if and when he wins for a team, his thug-like ways will be forgiven.
Boo.
BeachGaBulldog
November 19th, 2009
1:54 am
Jesus Christ, it means another week of Kenny Albert! I can’t stand to hear his voice. The only thing just as bad is Thom Brennaman.
JSS
November 19th, 2009
3:40 am
For the millionth time, when one is a meticulous in being studious (as many bloggers declare about Matt Ryan’s preparation habits); but the same person never gains an advantage from that type of study, then there is an issue. Many of you continue to overlook this basic fact. His pre-draft psychological testing was supposedly off the chart. So pray tell, why doesn’t Matt Ryan learn from his mistakes?
Roger
November 19th, 2009
5:12 am
I dont think we should be jumping off the Matt bandwagon….but are the falcons ready to contend yet? No, in my opinion…Still need more help on defense(didnt help to lose the first round pick)..Offense is much better but still need more quality lineman too…We are close but not there yet…Actually if we didint finish in the playoffs, got better draft picks and chose well, would be better long term…I think this team is very very near being VERY good….the touch schedule doesnt work in the falcons favor this year too….I dont understand all the doom and gloom…future looks good…but with a few breaks the falcons could even do a lot of playoff damage this year.
Mr Charlie
November 19th, 2009
5:14 am
Matt “Choke” Ryan
November 18th, 2009
11:11 pm
Mr Charlie
November 18th, 2009
10:04 pm
Vick was medicore at best. 2 playoff in 6 seasons.
“MEDIOCRE? Le’t take a look at his resume”
- @ Age 21, although he is drafted #1, inable to comprehend NFL play book, rides bench behind the Chris Chandler, the best Falcon QB in the history of the franchise.
- @ 22 Became 1st qb to beat Green Bay in playoffs (He won one game, then got spanked in the 1st round of the playoffs, Not bad, nothing “GREAT” by any stretch of the imagination.)
- @ 22 Became 1st Falcon qb to finish 2nd in MVP voting (Runner up in a Beauty Contest winner)
- @ 22 Elected to Pro Bowl (winner in a beauty contest, how many Pro Bowls did Brooking attend?, the poster child of average?)
@ 23 hurt.
- @ 24 Led team to 1 of 3 division titles in history (Ok, not he is rising, he has climbed to Steve Bartkowsi status one notch below Chris Chandler, the poster child for medocre).
- @ 24 Led team to 3rd Championship game in team history (See above)
- @ 24 Elected to 2nd Pro Bowl (another beauty contest winner)
- @ 25 Elected to 3rd Pro Bowl (see above)
- @ 26, league figures him out, Vick a one trick pony, can’t make adjustments. Fails to rid the Falcon Curse, lumping him next to Bartkowski, one notch behind Chris Chandler in Falcon History.
- @ 27 loses a step, and since he never was a “real” qb, starts to blame everyone but himself, displays true lack of leadership and character, it all comes do a head when he flips off his own fans. Shows a nack for finding trouble, proves critics right, his lack of character in interfears with his career.
- @ 29, Riding cannot unseat that superstar in waiting, Kevin Kolb for the #2 QB position.
Mediocre? Then there are 28 mediocre starting qbs in the NFL, including the BUST. Every year there are 10 playoff games, So in the 6 years, Vick won 2 of those, the other 28 won the rest of the 58 games. So, in his 6 years, he won less playoff games than the average QB. I think that pretty much sums is all up, SLIGHTLY BELOW AVERAGE.
FACTS!!!!!
Bottom line, 6 seasons, 2 playoff wins, poster child of mediocre. If winning 2 playoff games annoints greatness, where is Rex Grossman and Trent Dilfer fall into the picture? All the other “accomplishments” were beauty contest winnings, because a Rush Limbaugh stated “the NFL badly wants a black QB to be successful.
Mr Charlie
November 19th, 2009
5:27 am
In Vicks 6 season, there were 60 playoff games, and 6 superbowls. He managed to win 2 playoff games, the other 28 QBs won the other 58 games. Vicks 2 playoff victories rank him slighly below the average of all the QBs in the NFL during those 6 years.
All his other “accomplishments” were just bestowed upon him by the NFL power who so badly wanted a black QB to be the face of the NFL.
Think about it, this guy was the highest paid player in the NFL, and his real accomplishments on the field pale in comparison to Trent Dilfer.
Next time you bring up pro bowls and voting awards to equate greatness, don’t forget Brooking. As a matter of fact, Brooking was a better linebacker than Vick was a QB. He got to a superbowl, and is still a starter. He has had a much better career, and how exaclty would you describe his accomplishments? Medocre?
Mr Charlie
November 19th, 2009
5:34 am
Again Choke, your silence on the FACT that Vick never threw a 4th quarter TD pass in 06 speaks volume. You can’t even spin that one. Cruch time, time for MV7 to earn that 100 million, and what does he do? ZZZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRROOOOOOOO TD passes……
You think if we were playing the Patriots that Belichek would have gone for it on 4th down to keep him off the field knowing the probablility of him throwing a TD pass was ZERO? Hahahah, Glad he is gone.
Alan
November 19th, 2009
7:13 am
I have to wonder if any of the naysayers have a life, where would they be if they couldn’t beat down the Falcons.
Maybe just maybe they will find a life somewhere because their is absolutely nothing to their present one, if you can call it that.
GO FALCONS AND GO SOUTHERN RUSH.
The Boss
November 19th, 2009
7:38 am
“Choke”, you parasitic pig!
Lose the hate, your an embarrassment to this city.
Matt Ryan is “white”, deal with it . He is our QB now and will be for many years. If you were a real Falcons fan, you would support this team regardless of his skin color.. But unfortunately your agenda is paramount to anything constructive.
Your boy is long gone, not just from “our” team, but soon to be the NFL. Deal with that too!
Now get back to work flipping those burgers.
Samuel
November 19th, 2009
7:45 am
I think most informed fans know Ryan will have growing pains. But after the 11-5 season last year, And a possibility of the playoffs we want him to play better now.
IceFan
November 19th, 2009
8:08 am
Schultz,
I really think it’s time you and every other blogger on AJC prevent “Choke” (including his alias names) from making entries. It’s not like he knows what the 1st Amendment is anyway, so he won’t know what he’s losing. He is ruining the blogs.
“Choke,” I would love to see you spew all your nonsense to Matt Ryan’s face, away from media eyes of course. And what will you have left in your life once Ryan becomes the perennial MVP he will become and the Falcons continually win playoff games? All you will have left is your lotion and your Mike Vick poster. Enjoy.
Now come back at me with some insignificant stats proving why Flacco is better than Ryan. I’m on pins and needles waiting for you to prove to me why I should stop supporting Ryan and the Falcons.
SHOTYME
November 19th, 2009
8:12 am
AGAIN I SAY CHOKE HAS A MAN CRUSH ON MATT RYAN
Falcon in KC
November 19th, 2009
8:15 am
Choke, you’ve never answered all of our questions about why you are interested in the Falcons?
Please answer.
Your boy doesn’t play here any more. Aren’t you an Eagles fan, now?
Please answer.
When ConVick comes to the Dome on Dec 6th, you’ll be rooting for thre Eagles, right?
Please answer.
Do you really think the Dog Killer will ever completely please you again?
Please answer.
Choke, what is your story, really? YOUR story? Not No. 2’s story. YOUR STORY?
Please answer.
Why do you repeat yourself so much on here?
Please answer.
Where do you buy your smiley faces? Do you get a discount?
Please answer.
Who would Choke like to see QB the Falcons? And coach them? (But you’re not a fan so why would your care.)You’re a know-it-all. So…
Please answer.
OK, I’ve spend 2 minutes longer on you than I wanted. But go ahead and answer. I think you’ve got some ’splainin’ to do.
no name (required)
November 19th, 2009
8:27 am
Matt Ryan is good and his team always has a chance to win with him at quarterback.
Chris Chandler
November 19th, 2009
8:30 am
I was not even close to being the best quarterback in the history of the franchise. I was an effective quarterback on the best team. Steve Bartkowski was the best quarterback in the history of the franchise.
bigjohn
November 19th, 2009
8:37 am
Look at last years schedule…look at this years schedule. It was known from the get-go that the Falcons would have a tougher season than last year. Defenses have had a year to look at film of Ryan and know how to rattle him. He will adapt and have to trust his offensive line to protect him. Snelling looked good last week. Not Turner, but good. We’ll see on Sunday. I have predicted from the beginning of the season that the Falcons will probably go 9-7 or 10-6. I still stick by that prediction. The wild card is reachable but they will need help unless they can find a way to win the rest of their games and I don’t think that is possible. I pray they prove me wrong!
Falconian
November 19th, 2009
8:39 am
Ryan is the last guy I am worried about with this team. I am more concerned with the little girls we have constantly on the sidelines with boo-boos. Sam Baker, William Moore, and Jerious Norwood need to stop the circle jerk they’re having and get on the football field. Play football pansies!!
bigjohn
November 19th, 2009
8:40 am
I agree with “Chris Chandler”. Bartkowski was the best so far. Ryan has a long way to go to reach that level. Give him a few years to grow and he just might do it.