Something in Falcons' season has gone horribly wrong

Hillbilly Deluxe

November 30th, 2009
5:38 pm

What went wrong is that they are weak on defense and they need help on the offensive line. Every game where they’ve played a good team this year, they’ve lost the battle of the trenches on both sides of the ball. They’re headed in the right direction but they’re still a year or two away from being a serious contender.

uga_b

November 30th, 2009
5:42 pm

Just win 3 games and end the stupid back to back winning seasons talk.

Manny

November 30th, 2009
5:43 pm

The Eagles game may be the last Falcons game I watch this season. I expected more, but turf toe does hurt. I had it before in high school (even though I played.) Anyway, this game is the deciding game of the season and the franchise QB and the franchise RB will be on the sidelines.

Paul H

November 30th, 2009
5:43 pm

Injuries, injuries and more injuries. And Jason Elam.

DREW DOWN

November 30th, 2009
5:45 pm

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!

Matt

November 30th, 2009
5:47 pm

They have lost the battle up front, there receivers are not getting any separation, the corners are horrible and the d-line cant pressure. And they still have a chance at the playoffs, not to bad. They’re schedule was much harder this year. Every throw Ryan makes is contested you hardly every see him get “easy” throws like he did last year, and there are always guys around his feet. They are missing Douglas more then anyone knows. They need an impact DB in the draft, and a real right tackle.

joe cox really did not turn out fine

November 30th, 2009
5:48 pm

hillbilly hit it-progress slowed-injuries- qb dropoff- slow start by turner then he gets hurt. Coons were really bad 2 years ago and 2 years from now they might be really good.

TMAC

November 30th, 2009
5:49 pm

Keith Brooking has 90 tackles and the same number of sacks as abraham and he’s on a 7-3 team… where are the brooking bashers now? Probably shouldn’t have dumped 5 starters off defense. That’s the problem.

Extremus

November 30th, 2009
5:53 pm

Regardless of the outcome of the Eagles game, I wouldn’t rush getting Ryan or Turner back out there, especially with an ineffective offensive line that could easily get their injuries aggravated all the more. Even if this season ends up being a wash, we have to consider the long-term health of these players whom we’re depending on to carry this team through future campaigns. Frustrating, yes, but necessary.

But I won’t give up on this year just yet. Hopefully Redman and whomever else we can throw together can hold their own and keep the Falcons in the race until the starters are sufficiently healthy enough to return.

Go Falcons!!!!!

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
5:54 pm

RYAN RULED OUT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME:

This is a bunch of garbage!

This was pre-planned. Smitty was looking for an exit strategy for the CHOKE’s bad play this season. By faking an injury, it would look like Smith was not benching the CHOKE but just because of injury.

It’s quite a coincident that the CHOKE would walk off the field by himself and Smith, who would list Norwood as questionable for the past 4-6 weeks and traditionally not release injuries until Thursday or game day, but he is listing the CHOKE on a Monday afternoon?

Come on guys, this is so obvious!

Remember last week, he would not reveal Turner’s injury, because he did not want the opposing team to have an unfair advantage during the week’s practice sessions and film reviewing.

So now he is being courteous by letting the opposing team know their starting qb is ruled out already?

Yeah give me a break!

This is a coverup, so that the CHOKE would not look like the LOSER that he is and they can play Redman, without it looking like a benching.

“DUMP THE CHUMP”

"Chef" Tim Dix

November 30th, 2009
5:55 pm

Special in what way Jeff? Huge offensive output to overcome a young D?

Chance to get the consecutive thingy off the back?

Deep into the playoffs?

Win this week, you’re almost back in the driver’s seat for a WC.

For the record, I said before the season started that they would go 9-7 and not make the playoffs.

Thingy removed.

bass stringerfish

November 30th, 2009
6:03 pm

Go back and look at our most recent loses and see how the games would have come out differently had Elam hit his makeable kicks…even this last second win against the Bucs would have been over said and done had he made his kick. We would not have had to have that miracle TD at the end of the game. Right there, one could argue that we lost 3 games because of our kicker…
Now I agree 100% that we are getting beat on the O line and our running game has not been as stout as last year. BOTH these equate to our QB not having the success he had last year…and the DB and pass rush situation speaks for itself. I am not a fair weather fan…I am with this team all the way and look forward to making the playoffs and getting better via the draft, Free Agency and trades.

ATL

November 30th, 2009
6:07 pm

Falcon problem = Matt Ryan. Rather have Redmon anyway less turnovers and no media luv affair with him. We just need a win not a another Matt Ryan excuse story please.

John

November 30th, 2009
6:07 pm

“Matt Choke Ryan” you are one pathetic loser. Go move to Philly so you can stock your thug lover Vick,

ff

November 30th, 2009
6:09 pm

still waiting for the ‘Elam released, Coutu signed’ headline… Hopefully tomorrow?

BugKiller

November 30th, 2009
6:12 pm

I’d love to see “Choke” go into the Pittsburgh Steeler bar in town and call Jack Lambert, the TOUGHEST man in NFL history who retired because of TURF TOE, a chump.

I’d love to see the before and after pictures. Because, you know, staying in the game with an injury to your non-throwing shoulder is analogous to not being able to put any weight on your PLANT FOOT as a QB.

Does “Choke” even know ANYTHING about football? Or human anatomy? I guess his brain bone ain’t connected to his mouth bone, huh?

This year is disappointing.

But let me give y’all a history lesson:

The year after winning the Super Bowl, Tom Brady had his worst year as a starting QB, his SECOND YEAR as a starting QB.

The defending Super Bowl Champs went 9-7 and missed the playoffs. Their Super Bowl year, they went 11-5. They had a lot of injuries, especially on defense.

This is the NFL people.

Matt Ryan will be fine, both health wise, AND playing wise.

I don’t believe Thomas Dimitroff is going to make the hubris-filled mistake again next year during free agency that he made this past year.

He will sign an actual corner who can cover in the NFL. He will sign a DE. Then he will draft some new offensive lineman, because let’s be honest, Baker belongs at RT and Claybo belongs on the bench.

It’s all good. 9-7 this year breaks a 44 year-old curse. Seems to me, that’s a pretty darn good year.

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
6:13 pm

John

November 30th, 2009
6:07 pm
“Matt Choke Ryan” you are one pathetic loser. Go move to Philly so you can stock your thug lover Vick,

“Sorry, I don’t take requests”…. Do you have an ouchie big toe too

poppa falcon

November 30th, 2009
6:14 pm

McNabb is set too have a FIELD DAY against our secondary. At the same time, If we can provide ANY protection for Redman, he is CAPABLE of picking apart the Eagles secondary as well. Just ask Seattle a couple of yrs ago when they came to Atlanta NEEDING a win to secure a better standing in the playoffs.

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
6:15 pm

ART BLANK………….

Finally you listened to me by BENCHING THE LOSER

“DUMP THE CHUMP”

J-MAN

November 30th, 2009
6:15 pm

We want Brandon Cotou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
6:16 pm

poppa falcon

November 30th, 2009
6:14 pm
McNabb is set too have a FIELD DAY against our secondary. At the same time, If we can provide ANY protection for Redman, he is CAPABLE of picking apart the Eagles secondary as well. Just ask Seattle a couple of yrs ago when they came to Atlanta NEEDING a win to secure a better standing in the playoffs.

“Have you heard of” Asante (7 PICKS) Samuel

John

November 30th, 2009
6:22 pm

“Matt Choke Ryan” when you sleep with Vick, who’s on top?

Falconian

November 30th, 2009
6:22 pm

I wonder if Samantha Baker will be over his period before Sunday?

poppa falcon

November 30th, 2009
6:23 pm

That’s true about Asante, “Choke”, but I feel that Redman won’t have the “happy feet” or indecision in the pocket as I’ve been accustomed to seeing as of late.

MIKE

November 30th, 2009
6:26 pm

INJURIES ARE FRUSTRATING but you do have to overcome them through the year . I remember New england a few years ago players were playing both sides of the ball and if I remember they won the Superbowl . Play through it no excuses and WIN WIN WIN .

Coach Mike Smith

November 30th, 2009
6:27 pm

No back to back winning seasons. AGAIN?????? Always something. Murphy’s Falcon Law. What goes up must come down!

Falconian

November 30th, 2009
6:28 pm

I saw John Abraham on the Walmart Missing Persons board. Should I call the police?

Gamer

November 30th, 2009
6:34 pm

All three phases of the Falcons defensive unit(Front Four, Linebackers and Secondary) better show-up for the next three games and play big.

Redman didn’t play scared, even after taken hits and sacks. He played with a lot of poise.

He utilize all his weapons. If he can perform like that for the remainder of the season then the Falcons will be fine.

Falcons can still go 10-6, if they win the next three games, I like their chances of finishing 11-5. Definitely playoff bound!! Control your own destiny.

Manny

November 30th, 2009
6:36 pm

Matt “Choke” Ryan is hilarious!

I mean, he’ll put something on these blogs and people just respond! LOL! I mean, dude’s out there hammering about how he think Matt Ryan is terrible, and people respond in droves to either talk disparagingly against him, or defend Ryan.

And he’s been doing this for 2 YEARS! And he’s GUARANTEED a response!

Matt “Choke” Ryan- say something else. I like your entertainment!

(Personally, for the record- I don’t think Matt Ryan is terrible. I don’t think he’s as good as a lot of people think he is. And he’s not the franchise, to me. But he’s OK. I’m looking at this turf toe thing as an excuse, though.)

Andre "Pulpwood" Smith

November 30th, 2009
6:38 pm

There’s really only one thing the Falcons can do to save the season: hire Super Genius Coach Paul Johnson.

BugKiller

November 30th, 2009
6:45 pm

Manny, have you ever had turf tow or known someone who has?

It means you’ve torn LIGAMENTS inside your toe. You can’t put weight on your foot. And this is his PLANT FOOT.

You can’t plant, you can’t throw the ball with any kind of accuracy or velocity.

Please, because we’d like to know, explain how Ryan is using this as an excuse not to play.

Because that’s a pretty dumb kinda thing to say.

Again… JACK LAMBERT RETIRED BECAUSE OF TURF TOE.

Go to Pittsburgh and call Jack Lambert an excuse maker. See how they treat you.

jerry

November 30th, 2009
6:46 pm

I hate to bring this up, but could there have been any anti-semitism involved in the case of the 4 bye opponents. I only bring this up because I just read a book about the history of the Boston Red Sox and the author claimed that the owner of the early Red Sox, who was Jewish, was discriminated against.

JSS

November 30th, 2009
6:46 pm

BugKiller, what happened to all of that “high minded, take the high road talk” you put out there last night on Bradley’s blog?

Manny…
Well put by the way, what was it that W.C. Fields said? A what “_ _ _ _ _ _ is born every minute!”

jerry

November 30th, 2009
6:50 pm

Supposedly on W.C. Field’s tombstone: ” Better here than Philadelphia.”

dawgma

November 30th, 2009
6:56 pm

Falcons…Matt Ryan will workout to be a winner in the long run.

Gee…wonder how it would feel to have M Vick playing backup to Ryan this Sunday! Maybe like a chance to have back to back winners. Ownership should have ate their pride and settled with Vick to return to Atlanta.

BugKiller

November 30th, 2009
6:56 pm

JSS, again, I’m flattered at your obession with me.

But it’s getting to be a little creepy.

As to “high-minded”… where exactly did I go “low-brow?”

I thought making my pun was kinda clever.

But I guess, as the saying goes, everyone’s a critic.

Was it because I said making the assumption that Matt Ryan is using his injury as an “excuse” not to play is kinda dumb? Really? ‘Cause isn’t that kind of ridiculous insinuation kinda dumb?

Oh well.

It is kinda neat that I have a blog stalker.

JSS

November 30th, 2009
6:56 pm

“Anti-semitism!” Are you kidding me? Only thing the NFL League Office has ever done is to prop up this beleaguered franchise… Who can ever forget when they let the late Rankin Smith present the George Halas NFC championship trophy that one year, and they had to pry it out of his vise gripped hands! JINXED!!!

Reid Adair

November 30th, 2009
6:57 pm

No one can possibly account for injuries in the pre-season, and there have been plenty for the Falcons. Everyone knew that the defense was young, and it was going to have its ups and downs. That has certainly happened. The schedule was going to be tougher as a result of last year’s success.

All that said, who deemed that this “season was supposed to be special”? Really? Most of the fans I talk to (those who sit around me at the games and that I work with) were hoping for two things: 1) back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in the franchise’s history and 2) a playoff bid. Both of those goals are still attainable, despite the injuries.

I would also argue that Tampa Bay is NOT the worst team in the NFL this year.

reality

November 30th, 2009
7:05 pm

Anyone who thinks the injury was faked, is a hopeless idiot that is incapable of rational thought. It’s the same type of idiot that is also a “truther”.

Saint Simons has to get a life

November 30th, 2009
7:09 pm

You sir are a godless communist infidel. Was it over when the germans bombed pearl harbor…

MIKE

November 30th, 2009
7:12 pm

REID I APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS

Tech Buzz

November 30th, 2009
7:13 pm

First of all, all you Matt Ryan haters out there kill me!!! He is FAR from the problem. Yes, he needs to improve, but hell, who DOESN’T on this team!!!!! It is possible to go 10-6 this year, though with the stock pill of bodies on the injury reports right now, that will be a daunting task.

Allow me to speak on the main issues the Falcons have, as of RIGHT NOW–in order!!

1. Sorry Secondary….I counted three times Erik Coleman was late coming over on pass coverage yesterday. We have absolutely NO shut down Corners AT ALL!!! If I were the coach, they ALL would’ve been cut five games ago. Grimes, is too small, Tye Hill, as we have seen, can’t cover anyone, and Chris Houston…well why waste a second talking about his sorry ars? We haven’t had solid shut down CB’s since Deion and Scott Case, which was about 15 years ago, roughly.

2. We have gotten absolutely NO pass rush this year. granted, Peria Jerry got hurt, and I’ll give you that one; however, other than Abraham and maybe Bierman, we have no pass rush.

3. Our O-Line has NOT been the O-Line it was last year, for whatever reason? Sam baker, for the love of pete, can’t stay healthy for a damn six game stretch, let a lone a season, yet.

4. Our running is quite suspect, b/c Turner has adopted the “Duckett Dance” syndrome. Jerious Norwood, although he was good yesterday, can’t stay healthy either. He missed the last five games. The ONLY solid runner we have right now is Snelling.

5. Our receiver corps has been a little above average. Jenkins still needs to catch more than he drops. All in all, for a change, the receivers are o.k. I don’t think Finneran will be back next year though. They won’t take a chance resigning him while he is out with an injury right now.

6. The only part of special teams that has hurt is Elam. Ironically, my family goes to the same church he attends, so I feel bad for him when he does miss a chip shot or extra point. However, and I know Elam knows this, this is a business and if you can’t produce on a consistent level, then your out-plain and simple. I still think Elam is a great kicker but maybe age is starting to creep up on him? He’s only a year and a half older than I am..haha.

7. The coaching has been a bit so-so this year. I was pissed when we didn’t go for it on that 4th and 5 at Dallas being down by 10, but then DID go for it on a 4th and 10, down by 20, when it didn’t matter? My biggest grip about the coaching is not pulling Chris Houston out of the game when it damn well needs to happen. Maybe they feel that since they don’t have anyone else to play that position, then they are stuck with him. If so, then Thomas Dimitroff needs to do some SERIOUS Free Agent shopping for serious shut down corners before next season, b/c Houston and Grimes are NOT the answers. They are barely 2nd stringers at BEST!!! I don’t want rookie draft picks for the CB spots. We need VETERANS at these positions. We can’t afford anymore seasons with CB’s who get burned on every play, especially, on 3rd and long situations. We don’t need to spend 4 or 5 more years “grooming” and building up help at the CB position–we need help NOW!!!

This is my list of issues with the Falcons. I am sad to say, however, that even if we do slip into the playoffs, then we will have an early exit. With our injuries mounting, we will NOT be able to sustain any momentum. And unfortunately, I don’t have much confidence an many people stepping up, b/c it HASN’T HAPPENED YET!!!! Just break the back to back winning season curse and I’ll be happy!!!

JSS

November 30th, 2009
7:13 pm

Jerry… You’ll only hear me say three good things about the City of Brotherly Love… Benjamin Franklin (the one of the two true greatest Americans to ever live), the Philadelphia Art Institute (the American Louvre), and the Penn Relays!!! 5 reasons to hate Philly: Frank Rizzo (John Kincade with real power), Philly sports fans (enough said), South Philly (minorities are safer at a Klan or Taliban rally), Bucks County (think Forsyth Co. in 1988), and last but not least John Kincade… If Vick is supposedly going to hell, then guess who will be 2 steps in front of him?

Manny

November 30th, 2009
7:14 pm

I had turf toe playing football in high school. And turf toe can be a tear or sprain of the ligaments of your big toe. And it hurts not just your big toe, but the ball of your foot. I can feel it just thinking about it!

But I played the next game. They iced it and they taped my entire foot. And I wore a bigger shoe. But I played.

Here’s my thought: if Matt Ryan requires surgery for his turf toe (like in Jack Lambert’s case), then I will think twice. If he comes back and plays that next week? I’m suspecting something else about Matt Ryan.

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
7:17 pm

I wonder why, for the first time since he has been the coach, Smith has released his injury report on a Monday.

Now my question is:

Did he rule out Turner yet?

Did he rule out Baker yet?

Did he rule out Dahl yet?

Why oh why did he make an exception to his rule to make it known that the CHOKE is ruled out on a Monday? What is his leverage in doing so, when he could have held out until game time, listing him as questionable.

I smell fish and this aint Long John Silvers

Gary

November 30th, 2009
7:17 pm

What happened to our 2 minute offense we ran sooo well last year? It worked great and we abandoned it this year. And on to the defense. Why is it we look soft? I watch the Ravens and Steelers and they play tough. We’re slow off the snap and our guys just aren’t playing aggressive. The difference between us and them isn’t experience or talent, because both those teams are young for the most part, its attitude. Those defenses play angry.

bob horner stayed hurt

November 30th, 2009
7:17 pm

2 words…bad luck…..if we can somehow beat Philly we’re 7-5…and alive in the wild card picture…have faith….I feel like this blog is full of jaded Falcons fans..???

FalconUGAFan

November 30th, 2009
7:23 pm

So Choke. The guy you hated and blamed for ALL the Falcons problems will not be playing this weekend. You stated in one of your posts that you are a Falcons fan, so does that mean you will be rooting for the Falcons now? Great, good to have you on board…..What are your 5 keys to the game?…from a Falcons fan perspective, of course…..

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
7:26 pm

Okay guys, I remember reading the blogs during the 2005 and 2006 seasons, and “YOU” people were as usual blaming Vick for the losses and rewarding everyone else for the wins and I recall “YOU” people saying………..

“The team will be better with a traditional (code word for you know what)………. Saying Vick is holding the team back and that any quarterback could have taken the team to the Championship game, which was the first in the previous 6 seasons.

Well 4 quarterbacks later, the team has ZERO playoff wins and NO Championship Games.

I mean, surely a so-called “glorified running back” who took the last team to the Championship game, can’t be that hard.

Hell, they even spent 72-million, a weak schedule and damn they even robbed Joe “wrap up my ankle and put me back in coach” Flacco of the ROY award, because let’s face it, image is nothing but playoff wins earn the respect of the team and the league.

So, I say to “YOU” people, why is it so hard to duplicate what a glorified running back did without…………….

- 1st round offensive linemen

- Hall of Fame Tight end and pro bowler

- Pro Bowl Receiver

- Pro Bowl back

- New Head Coach

- New GM

I mean what more could they do for the CHOKE to make him IMPERSONATE an NFL qb……………….

“DUMP THE CHUMP”

JB

November 30th, 2009
7:29 pm

I know it’s easy to get down right now, but we still have some major threats on offense:

- Gonzales, White, Jenkins, an emerging Weems
- Norwood and Snelling have proven to be threats
- Solid coaching we’ve never had before

Sure, Philly SHOULD and WILL be favored…but if KC, Detroit, etc. can pull upsets we certainly could as well.

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
7:31 pm

FalconUGAFan

November 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
So Choke. The guy you hated and blamed for ALL the Falcons problems will not be playing this weekend. You stated in one of your posts that you are a Falcons fan, so does that mean you will be rooting for the Falcons now? Great, good to have you on board…..What are your 5 keys to the game?…from a Falcons fan perspective, of course…..

“SHOW me don’t TELL me” what I said on a previous post. I last rooted for the Falcons in 2006 – PERIOD!

I am a fan of 31 NFL teams and the Falcons are not one of them

FalconUGAFan

November 30th, 2009
7:36 pm

As I expected. All lies exposed or a sad little person. Your life is pretty sad if you spend all your time on a blog for a team you don’t care for…

reality

November 30th, 2009
7:40 pm

Well, at least ‘choke’ has finally admitted here to being the bigot that he clearly is….

junebaby

November 30th, 2009
7:43 pm

i know the trick, just blame vick! regardless that he hasn’t been with this team in 3 years. it’s still his fault. everything bad, that happens to the falcons is his fault! if michael turner gets hurt, it’s his (vick’s)fault. if j abraham doesn’t get any more sacks, it’s vick’s fault! if ryan throws for 400 yrds, he’s a hero(anti vick), if he throws 40 int.s it’s vick’s fault. if the offensive line gives up sacks, it’s vick’s fault that ryan can’t run to avoid sacks. if there are issues in the kicking game, it’s all on vick. OH don’t blame the coaches or the g.m. for not getting more from the guys on the field, it’s vick’s fault. it happened 4 years ago, but we all know it’s his fault. if the falcons don’t have a winning season, oh i know, we’ll blame it on vick. HOW LONG ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BLAME IT ALL ON VICK????
i know he’s a big man with broad shoulders, and can take all the crap, certain fans and writers want to dump on him. but i’m sure he would love to know how long he is supposed to shoulder all the blame for a team that has never had any +seasonal win streaks

U-no

November 30th, 2009
7:44 pm

Choke is a joke… go whine on some other blog.

Our offensive line needs to improve. As much as I like Elam, he needs to go. We need to get some CB’s that are play makers and are faster and bigger. Injuries took away any advantage we would have had on defense early on, and now have taken away any advantage we still had at this point in the season.

We can still make the playoffs, but I am in agreement with many others as to what will make me happy. Break the back to back curse and then get some good trades and drafts in the off season.

Go Falcons!

reality

November 30th, 2009
7:46 pm

What the hell are you talking about Junebaby? Are you really as stupid as your above post or you just putting us on here for effect? I’d like to think it was the latter, but I don’t think you are smart of enough to come up with such a tactic.

FalconUGAFan

November 30th, 2009
7:47 pm

What are you talking about, Junebug? No one is blaming Vick. He is long gone. Good luck to him, hope he does well in life. I truly wished it had worked out with him. He was a raw QB that just neeed the right circumstances to develop in. It didn’t happen, he has moved on, so should we.

FalconUGAFan

November 30th, 2009
7:47 pm

What are you talking about, Junebug? No one is blaming Vick. He is long gone. Good luck to him, hope he does well in life. I truly wished it had worked out with him. He was a raw QB that just neeed the right circumstances to develop in. It didn’t happen, he has moved on, so should we.

FalconUGAFan

November 30th, 2009
7:48 pm

sorry cat caused double post

Alan

November 30th, 2009
8:01 pm

There are alot of idiots on this page, don’t respond to MCR and he will go away, he is only looking for an audience because he has no football smarts.

Dawgs2009

November 30th, 2009
8:03 pm

Matt “Choke” Ryan = Saint Simmons

dentaldawg

November 30th, 2009
8:07 pm

When you go to bed tonight ask Paul Johnson what he thinks, then you two can snuggle.

junebaby

November 30th, 2009
8:09 pm

@reality…, i see you found my post in a hot sec. and blasted me! why don’t u do the same for the racists comments i’ve seen directed at m.vick for the last 3-4 years. right, i already know those posters have you full backing! yes, i post these comments to see what responses i’ll get, and how long it’ll take to get them. i already know i’ll get surefire responses from “those people”, but it’s the people who try and play like it’s all fair, and that they have any biasis aghainst certain players. the first thing they always do is to attack me, but never any of the most blatant racists. it’s an experiment, so to say, and i plan on keeping count.

Greg

November 30th, 2009
8:10 pm

Dimitroff has never impressed me (although he is evidently much impressed with himself), and this, of course, calls into question Arthur Blank’s judgment. D. is supposed to be such a great judge of talent. But we paid gazillions for Ryan. How much better than Schaub is he? Is he better at all? Is he better than Flacco? Josh Freeman? Not so far as I can see. After paying huge sums for Ryan and Jerry, we now skimp on everything else, trying to do everything on the cheap, picking up other teams’ rejects. We have some great assistant coaches, but there’s only so much they can do with our talent. Frankly, we’re an average team at best in today’s NFL. 7-9 is not improbable, 8-8 is likely. Here’s some pure heresy: I’m not even sold on Smitty as a great coach. We throw away a lot of plays on offense (biggest error that the Birds keep repeating: we throw a six yard completion on 3rd and nine and get tackled—punt time). Van Gorder has yet to prove he is a capable defensive coordinator. I’m not as hopeful as some that we can turn this around in a year or two. I’m not at all sure we have the necessary talent at the top.

Angus

November 30th, 2009
8:12 pm

I’ve been to every game but one…….

- It’s a boooorrrrring brand of football we’re playing
- We’re good at a few positions, bad at too many, but only great at one (Tony G – dude knows how to beat a zone – RW & MJ should watch some of his film).
- Douglas’ injury took away our quickness (watch Wes Welker tonight).
- Roddy’s hold-out didn’t help and overpaying like we did won’t help in the future.
- Trading all our vets on D was a gamble we’re paying for right now.
- This year’s draft class has contributed absolutely nothing.

All in all, we’re only a game or two worse than I expected (hello Jason Elam) – the future’s still bright.

Bravissimo

November 30th, 2009
8:12 pm

I am a fan of 31 NFL teams and the Falcons are not one of them ….Then WHY in gods name are you here?

Eagles Message Board

November 30th, 2009
8:15 pm

“It makes absolutely no sense. All it does is disrupt the flow of the game. I wish Lurie would tell Reid to knock it off. Give Vick a clipboard and make Kolb the second stringer.”

Najeh Davenpoop

November 30th, 2009
8:18 pm

They suffered a lot more injuries this year and didn’t have the benefit of playing four of the league’s five worst teams like they did last year. It’s that simple.

Mixxo

November 30th, 2009
8:20 pm

I got my Xmas present early! matty “ice” is riding the pine for perhaps the rest of the year!!!

Yea baby!

This isn’t even a .500 team. Horrible, horrible football team.

Failed Season

November 30th, 2009
8:27 pm

How did matt ryan get worse this year, with a better supporting cast???? No playoffs, maybe not even a .500 season. What happened???

Babalu

November 30th, 2009
8:28 pm

OK… so this is like a great blog and everything, but the AJC has so much more insight to offer…check out the photo essay of victoria’s Secret Model Boot Camp. I learned a lot… and i know many of us who blog here regularly are really into interior design… so just check out the photos of last week’s feature privat quarters feature house house , in particular the close up of the butterfly… Now that is journalism at its best… the link is:

http://projects.ajchomefinder.com/gallery/view/homes/private-quarters/classic/pq-mann-1125/

Man is local news great or what.

tyler

November 30th, 2009
8:30 pm

I understand the increasing list of injured players on the team, but Tampa Bay, really?! The Falcons need to play with more INTENSITY. Let’s face it these last five games are pretty much play-off games and if the Falcons don’t realize this they’ll go nowhere.

WHERE’S THE BLITZING?!?!?!?!? Every other team seems to be putting pressure on the opposing q-b except us. When you let the q-b have all day in the pocket, he’s going to burn us downfield becuase of our horrible secondary. On 3rd and long, instead of rushing 3 and hoping against a long pass (which happens a lot by the way) BLITZ!!!!!

D.Ellis

November 30th, 2009
8:35 pm

The injury bug hits all teams. However it has hit the Falcons real hard this year.

-1rst and 2nd round pick out for the year-1 starter
-Harry Douglas ( Starting slot WR/PR/KR)
-BRain Finneran, veteran 3rd/4th WR
-Matt Rayn-Starting QB
-Maichael Turner-Starting RB
-J. Norwood-2nd RB/KR
-Brain Williams-Starting CB
-S. Baker-Starting LT

Among others. Like I said it happens but thats alot of freakin juice on the offensive side of the ball to be missing…..I don’t care what anyone says.

And to answer the statemwnt earlier that the Falcons have “1rst round offensive linemen”……that is a flase statement.

Clabo-undrafted free agent
Dahl-undrafted free agent
Blalock-2nd round pick
Baker-only 1rst round pick of the bunch….so that would be “1rst round offensive limeMAN” not “lineMEN”

Still though it;s the NFL and you gotta find ways to win games….which is exactly what this team did on Sunday. But the injury bug is bitin the offense HARD

D.Ellis

November 30th, 2009
8:39 pm

Tyler-I agree with your statement on the blitzing. Jsut my opinion though is the D-back field is very weak and alot of blitzing only leaves them that much more exposed if they don’t get to the QB with the blitz. Jsut my thought as an arm chair QB

Billy Bob

November 30th, 2009
8:40 pm

It is just a game. Too many people are entirely wrapped up in what is said here. Opinions are like butt holes, everybody has one. I enjoy the statement like dump someone and get someone else like you can find a “corner” at walmart, isle 12. 32 teams in the nfl, everyone is looking for someone to fill a weak position. Only so many people to go around. To win in the nfl part of it is just luck. Luck wasn’t it the cards this year, plain and simple. Falcons a great team, not hardly but compared with the last 30 years they are respectable, even when they loose.

Harpie

November 30th, 2009
8:41 pm

Jeff, you fit perfectly in Atlanta – Atlanta sports teams always cry and make excuses, instead of strapping up and playing their butts off, like REAL teams do. All football teams have injuries, it’s part of the game. Redman is a pretty good quarterback, we have other good runners besides Turner. They can still have a decent season – IF THEY DON’T FOLD ( like they have many times in the past ). Go Falcons – have some balls!

Vick Supporter

November 30th, 2009
8:45 pm

The Great Mike Vick Has Returned.

He’s going to break a big play against the Falcons. Guranteed

Vick Supporter

November 30th, 2009
8:47 pm

Matt Ryan = Overated

TheAntiMe

November 30th, 2009
9:00 pm

I love the Falcons but it’s been over, Jeff, since the loss at NY to the Giants. Even without the injuries last week there are just too many teams that the Falcons have to pass in the standings to reasonably expect to make it to the playoffs.

The good news, however, is that I do believe that they will get that other 800 lb. gorilla off of their backs by finishing above the .500 mark this season.

pilgrim

November 30th, 2009
9:01 pm

The Giants went all out on QB pressure and TB copied them. Redman handled it well despite taking the hits. Expect the same from Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has tormented the Falcons in the past with their screen plays. Look for the Redman to try something similar with Norwood.

With all the troubles the team has had this year (unbelievable!), I see improvement over past Falcons teams in how this one is handling it. Hope the fans hang in there.

How ironic, considering certain bloggers, that we won’t see Ryan vs. Vick!

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
9:05 pm

Isn’t it Ironic that “YOU” people hated Vick being a mobile qb, saying he will get hurt, but the CHOKE is the one that may have a career ending injury, if it is in fact an injury, which I believe he just a FAKING PUNK BIATCH.

However, if he is injured and end ups being a career ending injury, not that he really had a career other than being a PICK MACHINE, it would destroy the salary cap with all that guarantee money he STOLE he will set the Falcons back 5 years before they can offer another monster contract.

Damn – I know Art Blank is mad as hell

“DUMP THE CHUMP”

Atlien

November 30th, 2009
9:08 pm

Well at least the Dome will be filled to capacity for a game this season. That’s a positive, right??

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
9:12 pm

There is good news – they will be home for the Christmas & New Years holidays

Todays Special: Grandma CHOKE pot pie – eat up boys while it’s hot

Asheville Dawg

November 30th, 2009
9:16 pm

Well Jeff I hate to be an “I told you so”, but now that Ryan and Turner are out hurt (as I predicted) the Falcons are shot. No back to back winning seasons, a 7-9 season is looming, maybe 8-8, but definitely not a winning season. Just call me the bearer of bad news.

pilgrim

November 30th, 2009
9:26 pm

(Just saw the Yellow Jackets advertised on Australian TV.)

RedandBlack

November 30th, 2009
9:30 pm

Listen folks, anyone who knows anything about football could already tell you that an NFL team can not just replace six starting defensive players from last years’ reserves and this year’s draft and expect the same result as last year with an extremely more difficult schedule this year. This season will be a major success if the Falcons win more games than they lose. It would be a miracle if they could make the playoffs, especially with all of the injuries. If anyone was expecting the Falcons to meet or exceed last year’s performance, then they really do not know anything about football.

T.D. will re-build this team incrementally each year by the draft primarily. Coach Smith is a super coach and works well with the players, management, and owners. The Falcons need more talent and size on the defense and they need a better offensive line less injury prone players on offense.

Give the Falcons two more years and then we all will see a team similar to this year’s New Orleans and Indianapolis teams. Yes, the Falcons can get that good. But it takes time, folks. Look at the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Falcons finally have the right ownership, management, and coaches. The right players will come too. Go Falcons!!

MarkTwain

November 30th, 2009
9:32 pm

Falconian and Tech Buzz- For a while I was starting to think I was the only Falcon fan who realizes what a poor effort this kid mails in. Forget the injuries, he plays like his testicals have yet to descend. My only complaint with Dahl and Clabo this year is that they haven’t stomped Baker’s guts in for taking plays off and not finishing blocks. Yeah, the fans notice that stuff. Clabo and Dahl ain’t perfect, but they bust ass for 6 seconds every time and get paid half what they are worth.

56 Supporter

November 30th, 2009
9:33 pm

It is funny——–OR NOT that you reverse racists ran Brooking out of town and EVERYONE in Dallas is indicating KEITH IS A MAJOR REASON FOR THIER SEASON.

Navigator

November 30th, 2009
9:35 pm

Does anyone realize that Jason Elam is directly responsible for taking the Falcons out of two games and almost a third one. How can the Falcons continue to use him when he’s barely over 60%, and has choked in several big game situations. The next two are most obvious, no pass rush, inability to stop the rush, the offensive line is offensive to the Team, the fans, and the city. They need an overhaul on both lines to get the Falcons back to 11 wins. Last year the Falcons had a running team, and Ryan filled in with his passes, but this year it’s Ryan’s passes and filling with the run.

Vick Supporter

November 30th, 2009
9:39 pm

Its gonna be a full house at the dome on Sunday, and I will be there. the only game i’ve attended. The falcosn are just not worth watching in person….unless Vick is there,lol

Vick will shine again

reality

November 30th, 2009
9:45 pm

I love the revisionist history you read on this blog. You would of thought that we had won, or even played in, a super bowl during the years from 2002 – 2006. What we had was a team that was completely one dimensional and easily shut down whenever it went up against a defense that was in the top 12 in the league. Whenever the Falcons went up against the top defenses of those years, they were completely rendered impotent, which is something ‘chokesondick’ can relate to.

On top of that, from 2005 – 2006 the Falcons had an awesome record of 15 – 17, including an amazing mark of 9 – 15 from the last half of 2005 through all of 2006. Yeah, it’s clear that we need to bring back the main cog of those teams to raise us up to the next level.

eric

November 30th, 2009
9:46 pm

“Choke” has got to be the single dumbest human being on the planet. If you really think that Mike Smith would have Matt Ryan, the future of the franchise, fake an injury to let a former insurance salesman start the most important game of our season then there just is no reason to EVER take you seriously again (not that I ever really did anyway). You are such a moron that it is at least entertaining to see what idiotic thing you are going to say next….

JV

November 30th, 2009
9:46 pm

Hyperbolic headline. 1999 was a season gone horribly wrong. This one just hasn’t gone as well as we hoped, and it can still turn out well, though I don’t see the Falcons making any noise in the playoffs if they happen to get there.

The future is bright.

Noodle Feet Rules

November 30th, 2009
9:52 pm

Thank you Navigator,, your the first person on this blog to make any sense

Noodle Feet Rules

November 30th, 2009
9:53 pm

Enter your comments here

reality

November 30th, 2009
9:55 pm

Yeah, he’s really shining again…

His 3 completions for 9 yards and 65 yards of rushing on 15 attempts on the season are truly amazing! That’s what I call a big time difference maker!

The fact is that Jason Snelling is a bigger difference maker now then you know who….

Noodle Feet Rules

November 30th, 2009
9:55 pm

Choke, Kiss our Falcon —

falcon

November 30th, 2009
9:55 pm

uhhh Jeff……how about the injuries to Westbrook and Jackson? How about the Eagle’s loss to the lowly Raiders a few weeks ago? Despite all your gloom and doom we will still convene at the Dome on Sunday and take care of business.

Noodle Feet Rules

November 30th, 2009
9:56 pm

By the way,, Keith Brooking sux

Jay

November 30th, 2009
10:04 pm

There is a reason they have so many empty seats for Falcons games. They’re VERY boring. They never throw deep, Turner hasnt been breaking nearly as many runs, Norwood is either hurt or riding the bench (despite the coaches saying year after year that they’ll use him more). I also noticed that Jenkins almost never gets any yards after catch. So unless Roddy is making a catch, nothing really happens on offense.

Add to it that our defense rarely gets sacks and turnovers, and gives up a lot of yards and…we just have a very boring team.

Matt Ryan's Vag

November 30th, 2009
10:13 pm

Im stinky.

Eric C.

November 30th, 2009
10:13 pm

Jay…I have to agree with you…the poor defense and ball control offense can make this a pretty blah team to watch.

Chris "Choke" Redman

November 30th, 2009
10:16 pm

All you Vick and Ryan groupies make me SICK!

FINALLY, the Falcons have a REAL QUARTERBACK!!

Falcons = NFC Champs: BANK ON IT!!!

woodie

November 30th, 2009
10:19 pm

It’s the same old Falcons- worst franchise in history. I love em but they suck!

woodie

November 30th, 2009
10:21 pm

Redman is definitely an upgrade over Ryan. He has really disappointed me this year. Dimitroff is suddenly not looking like a genius.

tell it like it is

November 30th, 2009
10:24 pm

I said before season started falcons would end up 7-9. been watching this team for over 40 years you get to know them after that long.some things never change.

Eric C.

November 30th, 2009
10:27 pm

Yep…I thought Redman showed a lot of poise. The defense is definitely the biggest concern right now as long as Elam can hit at least 2 of 3 FGs a game.

Jason "Choke" Elam

November 30th, 2009
10:29 pm

I’m still getting a paycheck?

Guess the recession isn’t so bad after all.

Suckers.

IlliniDawg

November 30th, 2009
10:33 pm

The asinine comments here and in other blogs re. injuries and accusations of players “faking it” or “not toughing it out” are perhaps the most uninformed load of BS. How many of the folks offering this drivel have ever suffered these injuries.

A sprained knee (Sam Baker): I’ve had three (MCL, MCL, ACL), and even if it’s only a Grade 1 it is really hard to plant and pivot.

Turf toe (Matt Ryan): my son had this in soccer and it literally kept him from putting even minimal weight on it.

Broken ribs (McNabb): I broke two last summer in a horrific mtn bike accident and I couldn’t hardly breathe, much less throw a football, without pain.

High ankle sprain (Turner): both my son and I have suffered this in soccer and you can’t do anything outside of running in a straight line – which does you no good if you are a RB.

Bottom line here – unless you have actually suffered these injuries, you have no idea how much they affect your ability to play. And “toughing it out” by playing through such serious injuries isn’t tough a tall – it’s flat out stupid. Which is basically what most of these dumba$$ comments are.

tell it like it is

November 30th, 2009
10:33 pm

Dump the chump when the Eagles come to town.we all know who the real chump is.

The Boss

November 30th, 2009
10:34 pm

Hey “Choke”. Going back several posts. I think that fish you smell is coming from the fryer man. Don’t forget to remove it from the oil when you hear the beeps.Glad you were given another opportunity in the fast chain food world…frying fish at Long John Silvers. You are quite the success story man!

Giuseppe

November 30th, 2009
10:36 pm

I agree with posters 1 and 2 in this thread.

Now, Matt “Choke” Ryan, what happens if Mr. Smith is playing a game with the Eagles and Ryan walks onto the field on Sunday? How stupid would you feel then? I bet as stupid as you always are, week after week, on these Falcons threads. Your IP needs to be banned here so we can all enjoy intelligent discussion, something you are clearly incapable of…

scottbravesfan

November 30th, 2009
10:39 pm

The secondary is terrible on defense that’s the main problem. The offense has been fine. This week is going to be tough with no Ryan or Turner.

IlliniDawg

November 30th, 2009
10:42 pm

OMG – Is “Choke” really “Saint Simmons”? Holy $***! Makes total sense. He is probably also “Robert” on the Braves blog who goes on and on and on and on about “the Donk” aka Bobby Cox. The same MO.

If so, then in the words of Sean Connery (played by Darryl Hammond) on SNL’s Celebrity Jeopardy, to Robin Williams (being played by Jimmy Fallon): “boy, I believe you may be certifiably retarded!”

HeckyHech

November 30th, 2009
10:46 pm

how many qbs get turftoe?

The Boss

November 30th, 2009
10:46 pm

“Vick Supporter”- Its more likely that Vick will “break” into the Human Society looking for more dogs to murder, then it is a big play as you stated…”guaranteed!” Glad your coming to the game though man. Be sure to wear your Eagles Vick jersey so you can show your intelligence to the world.

HeckyHech

November 30th, 2009
10:46 pm

HeckyHech

November 30th, 2009
10:51 pm

Ryan needs to hang 2 dogs, call Vick, twirl around counterclockwise, howl at a full moon, then lift some heavier weights.

reality

November 30th, 2009
10:52 pm

Vick is more likely to become a member of MENSA then a super bowl QB…..

Matt "Choke" Ryan

November 30th, 2009
10:57 pm

HeckyHech

November 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
Ryan needs to hang 2 dogs, call Vick, twirl around counterclockwise, howl at a full moon, then lift some heavier weights.

“He can’t choke anything right now” he has a turf (hang nail) toe

SO cash

November 30th, 2009
10:57 pm

Cool story, bro.

HeckyHech

November 30th, 2009
11:00 pm

turftoe ?

David

November 30th, 2009
11:00 pm

This team is not dead!!!!! People need to stop losing faith! Chris Redman will get the job done and you want a wildcard well ill give u a wildcard and its Jerious Norwood! Norwood is back and he needs to explode this weekend against the Eagles and i believe he will!!! This team will finish 11-5!!!!!

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!

I BELIEVE IN REDMAN AND NORWOOD!!!!!!!!

HeckyHetch

November 30th, 2009
11:01 pm

turf toe

reality

November 30th, 2009
11:02 pm

I will say this though, I’d rather have #7 as the POTUS right now….

Noodle Feet Rules

November 30th, 2009
11:10 pm

Hey Choke, Choke this

hetch hetchy

November 30th, 2009
11:14 pm

brees is unreal. who would have thought it when his shoulder got destroyed.

choke, don’t be on my side. Ever.

Noodle Feet Rules

November 30th, 2009
11:17 pm

Hey Choke,, lets look at the stats.
lets see
your first post of the day comes at about what 12 pm,, so i’m thinking you either have no job or you have some kick ass hours at work. If you do work. Then lets say for the sh=ts and giggles you do have a job. Wow,, thes guys are getting their moneys worth,, a loser on the pc all day trashing the Falcons Qb,,, , tough job but somebodys gotta do it i guess, what time do you sign off, bout,, 3 am,, nice.
assh-le

Keep it real

November 30th, 2009
11:19 pm

How can the saints pickup mccallister and mckenzie two days ago and we still havent picked up a corner to come in and help our secondary?

Bill

November 30th, 2009
11:20 pm

Have no Fear, Redman is here………….Jeff what your E-Mail address ? If not private.

Noodle Feet Rules

November 30th, 2009
11:21 pm

Keep it Real,, because their within a nats as- of getting to the superbowl and we arent

JSS

November 30th, 2009
11:25 pm

Dang!!! I thought I was messed up when I broke my right ankle in 18 places in 1994. Still, IlliniDawg, you are some HMO’s worst nightmare! What are your premiums like?

Derek

November 30th, 2009
11:28 pm

COME ON GUYS! This is our team were talknig about here. If u have no faith in ur team then get the heck outa here because our season is not over. Chris Redman has always been the man behind the scenes for matt ryan. Now its his turn to prove to everyone that he can play. Quit complaining and start having faith in our Falcons!

Noodle Feet Rules

November 30th, 2009
11:28 pm

Just for the record, I never understood why we drafted a QB anyho,, Redmon is pretty good

Noodle Feet Rules

November 30th, 2009
11:31 pm

One more thing,, I like our chances this Sunday,, Go Redmon,, a true Pro.

Vick Supporter

November 30th, 2009
11:34 pm

Choke…I have to give it to you……you rule this blog….after me

IlliniDawg

November 30th, 2009
11:42 pm

JSS: that’s not even half of it. Between me and my wife and my now college-age kids, we’ve had fractured metatarsals (foot), fractured wrist, fractured tibia, fractured femur (god that one reaaally hurt!), two sprained wrists, many ankle sprains, torn meniscus, bruised kidney, bruised hip, shoulder tendonitis, sacroiliac inflammation, and somewhere around 100 plus stitches. All from sports/athletic injuries. We have become very good friends with all of the Sports Med folks at our local hospital!

NERDS!!!

November 30th, 2009
11:45 pm

tech still sucks!!

Matt the Brave

November 30th, 2009
11:50 pm

Ryan’s injury makes me wonder if he’s been dealing with this for about four weeks or so (i.e.: when he started throwing all the interceptions). Wouldn’t surprise me. Been saying all season, all I want is 9-7 and I’d be happy. Only have to win three more to get it, and I would expect that we’ll be better against Tampa next time. Can we go 3-2? We’ll see!

bravehawkfalcon

November 30th, 2009
11:50 pm

Considiring how bad this pass D is…If Jason Elam makes field goals against Panthers and Giants falcons are 8-3

Taylor

November 30th, 2009
11:53 pm

I think our chances are not terrible sunday. After all, the eagles probably won’t have desean jackson or westbrook. We seem to be a great home team too and as for VIck Supporter and Matt “Choke” Ryan I stopped reading anything they posted weeks ago, I don’t know why anyone would respond to someone that just says the same crap over and over. If you stop responding they might just go away

benchwarmer

December 1st, 2009
12:04 am

Hillbilly, I reakon you are right. And nuff said.

Greg Norton is HOT!!!

December 1st, 2009
12:06 am

Send Van Gorder back to the Dawgs, hire a new defensive coordinator for the Falcons, and everyone is happy!!!

Matt "Choke" Ryan

December 1st, 2009
12:13 am

Then after Philly, they have the Saints coming to town, fresh off of WHIPPING the Patriots that WHIPPED the Falcons……….

Back-to-back B-L-O-W-O-U-T-S

PlusSizeModel

December 1st, 2009
12:14 am

I think it’s cool no one with the team seems to be whining about injuries. Injuries happen, they’ll be back next year with Vick’s salary room for an additional stud or two. This is obviously the Saints year anyway. Deal with it and move on living in one of the best cities in the world!

tom

December 1st, 2009
12:47 am

I don’t see a playoff slot happening. If it did, they would lose in the first round. Next season!

yo mama

December 1st, 2009
12:50 am

bradley, you yourself said the falcons would struggle to 9-7 or 10-6. they are playing a tougher schedule, they have uprooted the defense, went with young’uns, have a kicker who has blown 3 games, and won against a much tougher tampa team than you lead on to be. TB, has played many tough, once they got their qb situation resolved. we are who we thought we are. a tough team that runs well. well, thats still the falcons, right now. elam doesnt choke, and we are 9-2. thats your difference maker right there!

yo mama

December 1st, 2009
1:25 am

oops, meant schultz

Falcon's History

December 1st, 2009
1:53 am

The falcons are and have long been a mediocre team and organization. One playoff year, with a first round loss, and everyone assumes that the team has “turned a corner” and will make the playoffs every year, just because matt ryan had a good season in 2008. Sorry—-it doesn’t work that way. The falcons personnel is average at a lot of positions and they have no quality depth at RB, DL or QB. It will be another sub-.500 season, but the team will still jack up prices for tickets, parking and concessions—got to keep Arthur rich!!!!

groundfog

December 1st, 2009
2:08 am

Injuries are no excuse. Look at the Saints defense tonight-Mike Mackenzie played incredible and he was out of football until recently-why didn’t the genius TD try to sign him? The Saints have had huge injuries and are still the best. TD is not the genius he was said to be after last year.

Dallas Broooks

December 1st, 2009
3:33 am

To read this piece of “journalism,” one might think that Turner’s injury Sunday was just bad luck when, in reality, it was horrible judgment by the coaching staff. It doesn’t take a doctor to figure out that high ankle sprains don’t heal in two weeks. As a long-time Falcons fan, each time Turner carried the ball I waited for him to re-injure himself. It was inevitable. A shameful and short-sighted bit of coaching — and typical softball “journalism” from a beat guy who won’t tell it like it is because he’s scared to lose access to jocks who have nothing to say in the first place.

MrDawg

December 1st, 2009
4:14 am

You are henceforth and furthermore irrelevant until you talk about the UGA game.

Reggie

December 1st, 2009
5:37 am

I knew it was stupid getting rid of Brooking. The Dallas coaches are very happy with Atlanta’s stupid decision. I’m predicting the offense won’t miss Ryan, ..and all the comments about needing Douglas was mere hope that he would be a weapon based on a few good games he had last year. We need Norwood back for sure.

Just wanted to know

December 1st, 2009
6:20 am

Is Arthur gonna push Matt Ryan around in a wheelchair on the sidelines with Vick in town?

Dale Tims

December 1st, 2009
6:42 am

MATT CHOKE RYAN, HOW ABOUT GETTING A NEW BOYFRIEND OR SOMETHING, DANG ! Let it go dude.

Back-ups are there for a reason

December 1st, 2009
7:10 am

Smitty will have the back-up players ready.
7-4 Philly barely got by the woeful Redskins.
Atlanta will be 6-0 at home after this game.

Injury bug continues to unravel Falcons 2009 season. | The Recycle Bin

December 1st, 2009
7:21 am

[...] Schultz of the ajc sums up the Falcons injury situation as follows … Harry Douglas, the No. 3 receiver, punt returner and speed burner, suffered a [...]

falconwatcher

December 1st, 2009
7:54 am

I really believe that the league will take a closer look at bye weeks when scheduling games after observing the Falcons season. You cannot underestimate that the Falcons played 4 games in a row with teams coming off a bye week. In the NFL when you have two weeks to prepare, that is a huge advantage. The biggest obstacle for the Falcons compared to last year has been the schedule. The lack of a running game has also been major and put undo pressure on a quarterback that tries too hard sometimes. That is my take.

e.b.

December 1st, 2009
7:56 am

have any of you even seen the Eagles play this year? They are worse than their record, they got beaten down by New Orleans, where the Falcons lost to the Saints by 8…and nearly won. The Eagles eeked out their last two games over bad opponents (Chicago& Redskins), they took a beat down from San Diego, and they too one on the chin from the horrible Raiders. Eagles are also very banged up ball club right now. Falcons can hold their own.

DripDropDre

December 1st, 2009
8:05 am

I am very glad he is hurt. Now we may be able to do somethings offensively without giving up the ball. Now as far as the defensive is concerned that is a whole nother story. They will not make the playoffs.

33yrs True Falcon Fan – Football Fan 1st

Chris Deighan

December 1st, 2009
8:24 am

McNabb is a notoriously slow starter…He’ll make mistakes and probably throw a pick or two in the first half. The question then will be whether or not the Birds can convert those errors into points.

I think it will be an interesting December game with a lot on the line. In other words, it will be fun and exciting. And isn’t what this pro football thing is supposed to be about?

Chipper Jones

December 1st, 2009
8:25 am

Don’t let all the bashers get to you Matty, everytime I get in a slump I start having sore toe problems too. Hey, its worked so far.

WW

December 1st, 2009
8:32 am

Hillbilly Deluxe is correct. We need one more OT who won’t get our QB continuously sacked. The Falcon’s greatest asset is Redman, so losing Ryan is not the problem.

First round – best CB on the board
Third round – best OT on the board

I think the LB core, the receivers, and the QBs are fine. Just pick up back-ups to the O-line and D-line, or take the best player on the board after the first and third rounds.

Most importantly, don’t be stupid during this off season, in letting our best players like Foxworth leave. If you want to be cheap like Oakland, move the team out there.

greg

December 1st, 2009
8:34 am

As I said before the first game… 8 and 8 or 7 and 9. Average. Remember the San Diego pre season game when the defense got smoked. One or two injuries and the team is toast is what I said and this is what has happened.

Chipper Jones

December 1st, 2009
8:38 am

We really need a medical expert on such things as sore toes, sore tits, blisters, snuff can cuts, nose and booger problems, nut itching, strains, cramps and other major medical problems that affect pro baseball and football players to offer us some advice on how to prevent such things from happening.

David

December 1st, 2009
8:50 am

You people cant be serious with all this redman is better than Ryan talk…how many weeks in a row did the falcons play a team on a bye week? Remember Ryan is only a sophomore…and blame our running game if you want to blame something..teams don’t fear the run…which puts alot of pressure on ryan..so stop with all this knee jerk blogger reaction bull and cheer on your team…”this will be last time i watch them play”..Really? be honest with yourself..if you dont watch them anymore..you are not a fan. you are a fairweather fan and you need to find another team to cheer for…you also probably cheer for the yankees, red wings, lakers, and manchester united.

Sunday is going to be a tough test. Do I think they can win? No. But, I will be cheering them on hoping they can salvage this season and pray they can sneak themselves in the playoffs..

David

December 1st, 2009
8:53 am

greg…i think everyone said that..but..yeah..not good stuff on defense

C

December 1st, 2009
8:54 am

All the negativity around this team from the “fans” and media is really dissapointing. This is a franchaise on the right track for a number of reasons. This town seems to forget that this is the NFL. It’s not easy to win. Ever. This is not the SEC, ACC, or whatever college conference that is in vogue right now. College football is easy to win. Why do you think Saban, Petrino, and Carroll went back to college where much easier to win football games than the NFL, and Atlanta football fans are so enamored with the college game that they forget that. Even the best of franchises don’t go to the playoffs every year.

The Falcons haven’t lost a home game in over a calender year (as a season ticket holder, thats all I ask for. Win at home.) They played four teams coming off of bye weeks, all of them on the road. Their own bye week was practically in September, which is never a good situation for injuries. The schedule to begin with was brutal. And finally the Falcons have had terrible cornerback play (which we all knew coming in the season was going to happen), an over the hill kicker, a patchwork running game and offensive line, and a 24 year old QB who is still learning what to do. All of this and it’s December and we are still in the playoff race playing relevent games going into Christmas and going to finish an over .500 record.

So, come on ya’ll. This franchise is on the up and up. This isn’t the same old lousy Mora-Vick, Jones-George, Glanville-Rison, Campbell-Miller led Falcons team. But if you want to go for it. Jump off the bandwagon. More beer for me at the Dome on Sundays.

Samuel

December 1st, 2009
9:08 am

Stop making excuses why this team will lose. These are professional athletes, who most make a lot of money. Next man up!

DJ

December 1st, 2009
9:20 am

Check my previous postings at the end of the season. I’ll say it here again…this team WILL NOT lose at home. Given that 15,000 empty seats watched another Falcons win I can only conclude that the ATL is not capable of supporting a winning team.

Perhaps that explains alot about the politics here in GA. Our fans are a bunch of whiners that elect politicians with the same personality flaw.

Ackshun

December 1st, 2009
9:26 am

I love this type of crap. Let’s be brutally honest for a second, Matt Ryan wasn’t himself before the injury. Anxious in the pocket, making mental errors, getting “happy feet”. Lately when he would take the snap from center his eyes were as big as saucers and he looks, frankly, scared. How do you know that maybe this injury is the best thing for the Birds right now. I mean against a downright scary Bucs defense Redman managed over 200 yards, 2 Touchdowns and most importantly 0 that’s right ZERO ints. The Falcons have lost the majority of the games they have lost this year due to their kicking game and POOR QB PLAY (that’s right, I said it). Smitty and Dimitroff would never bench Matt (it would wreck his confidence). Redman is in the last year of a two year deal and I think he would prefer to stay in the league rather than go back to selling insurance. He’s good, maybe better than we realize. He’s hungry and if he doesn’t succeed spectacularly he is probably out of a job after this season. I am someone reminded of the simple grocery boy who got a shot not too long ago….. remember that guy, well his name was Kurt Warner. And history DOES repeat itself.

Ackshun

December 1st, 2009
9:32 am

Oh yeah and one more thing. I have got to wonder how in the world Dimitroff missed out on picking up Sharper in free agency. That guy is a beast.

David

December 1st, 2009
9:34 am

Kurt Warner….Matt redman….Kurt warner…matt redman..KURT WARNER…matt redman…

JeanE

December 1st, 2009
9:35 am

No offense to Matty Ryan but I haven’t seen anything out of him this year that is any better than Chris Redman. Ryan killed us with interceptions this year & bad decisions. So, bring on Redman who is a capable QB. The bigger thing is that the o-line needs to do a better job of Protecting whoever the QB is! I am also very comfortable with Jason Snelling, he is very versatile. When is Finneran coming back? Too much focusin on Tony G, Roddy is our true playmaker. Is there nobody better than Jason Elam available? Morten Anderson is probably still automatic inside the 50!!! Keep the mistakes to a minimum and our defense somehow someway must get pressure on McNabb and we have a chance. Go Birds.

jt23

December 1st, 2009
9:36 am

Jeff Schultz- Why do uou continue to allow bloggers like Choke the Joke and others who bring nothing of value to these blogs. They just like to bring incindiary racial comments to these boards instead of well orchestrated opinions. It is good to listen to all sides but when they make constant racial innuendos and resort to childish name callings it makes me wonder what type of readers do you attract. I am all for freedom of speech but there should be some kind of rules. i do not know. Also, please do not continue to say the Philadelphia eagles and Michal Vick are coming to town. He hardly plays and they have 53 players on the team. Earn the readers respect by putting out quality product not National Enquirer material. Please. I know you are a better journalist than that. Do not stoop to their level just to have readers.

Thanks

Manny

December 1st, 2009
9:45 am

Matt “Choke” Ryan hasn’t said anything racially incendiary- unless displaying his dislike for Matt Ryan’s game is somehow racial.

This reminds me so much of a couple of years ago. If you switch out Matt Ryan’s name with Michael Vick, the players of the argument would change sides; but the arguments would sounds eerily the same.

And if Michael Vick can receive that kind of treatment, Matt Ryan can receive the same.

Carlun

December 1st, 2009
9:50 am

The Falcons are a better team than they were last year. Losses at NE, at DAL, at NO and at NY is not a real disappointment. NO didn’t do the Falcons like they did NE on Monday night. Elam personally hurt us in 3 games. The schedule has been the diff this year not the play of the team. We played 4 teams coming off their bye and that’s difficult for any team to handle. Still we’re 6-5 with 3 out of the last 5 at home and a trip to the Jets and the Bucs. Both are winnable games.

jt23

December 1st, 2009
9:57 am

Why is it so hard to support your team. i am from Miami and I thought the Miami fans, college or pro were the worst bandwagon fans ever. But when I moved to Atlanta I started supporting all the local teams but Atlanta in the 10 years here I have to say you are definitely the worst fans when it comes to supporting your teams. Just like the weather. I am disgusted in all the fans. Whay can’t we just support the team. None of us are coaches or players but we talk like we know all the plays, or if the injuries are fake or who to cut or keep. However, most of us live our meaningless life doing menial jobs and blaming all our problems on someone else.

Fact, the Falcons are 6-5 and still are in the playoof hunt. Anything can happen. Some of you give up so easy. Tech was suppose to beat Geaorgia, but what happened. The game was played thats what. Look at the Titans lost first 6 and have won 5 straight. Healthy teams usually have successful years and make the playoffs. With all the injuries to key personnel we still have an opportunity to make the playoffs. I do not know if they will or not but I do know that by supporting the team it can only help. If you are a true Falcon fan support them if not then root for another team. Plain and simple. You can support them and still point out any problems or criticize certain aspects of the team, but when fans state that a player is faking it or whatever that is just being malicious. If any of you ever played organized sport beyond high school and ever had any kind of injury no matter how minor you know that any athlete at any level wants to play, they do not want to sit. In the pros in any sport, specially in football, players play hurt because they can lose their jobs in no time. Just ask Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady. So please just support you team, boo them if they play bad but do it with integrity and class. No athlete wants to drop a pass, miss a tackle or cost their team the game so do not make it seem that they do not care.
Also, stop making it into a black or white thing. Vick is no longer with the Falcons. We have another QB. If you do not like him that is fine, but support the team. In Miami we had Dan marino, I never liked him as our QB but I supported our team and rooted for them to win.

IRON CITY

December 1st, 2009
9:58 am

If I remember correctly, the Saints were 8-8 last year with basically the same team. Injuries are a mo-fo!!

Manny

December 1st, 2009
10:02 am

*Question for the staff at AJC:*

It’s been reported by Pro Football Weekly that Matt Ryan will go later to a specialist in Charlotte to determine if there’s any ligament damage on the toe. Coach Smith dismissed the report.

So here’s my question: has there been any determination as to if Ryan’s toe has indeed suffered ligament damage? If not, then why did the Falcons decide on Monday that Ryan wouldn’t play against the Eagles- when if there’s no ligament damage- all they have to to is ice the toe to reduce swelling and start a painkilling regimen? In other words, if there’s no ligament damage, turf toe could possibly repaired enough to play after a couple of days. Why the rush to take Ryan out?

n.o. finest

December 1st, 2009
10:03 am

man yall boyz jus need to quit worryin’ bout yall lil’ birds cuz dem saints finna win at all GEAUXX SAINTS YEA

Skee Wee90

December 1st, 2009
10:07 am

Lord help our Falcons!!!!! Please Pray for our team, Any way Matt Ryan not the answer to our problems, Our offense need to step up and catch some damn balls!!! Defense need to play harder also!!!!!

Saint Fan

December 1st, 2009
10:13 am

And for all the saint fans enjoy this winning streak for now cause trust and believe it will be a miracle if they make it pass the first round of the play offs. They will face some real teams!!!!

ELVISINTHEHOUSE.

December 1st, 2009
10:30 am

John stop taking a silly blog and a football player so serious.Don’t be simple minded and insecure over a football player.Choke could ask you the same fowl question for being on ryans nutts.

Ricky

December 1st, 2009
10:43 am

You are telling me that Smith has announced his player injury list prior to the Wednesday deadline, I doubt it.

A Rod

December 1st, 2009
10:46 am

Is MR2 gay? not that there’s any thing wrong with that I’m just wondering.

CHEF MENTUER

December 1st, 2009
10:47 am

DONE

Ricky

December 1st, 2009
10:48 am

Did ya’ll see that look on John Parker Wilson’s face on the sideline? It was like “Oh crap, I am one stubbed toe away from going in”.

CHEF MENTUER

December 1st, 2009
10:49 am

HEY did you morons see the SAINTS last nite! Now that is one hell of an offense. Brees is NFL MVP!

Matt " Choke" Ryan

December 1st, 2009
10:56 am

Go Falcons

Matt " Choke" Ryan

December 1st, 2009
10:58 am

I never played football. My mommy wouldn’t let me.

Matt " Choke" Ryan

December 1st, 2009
11:06 am

I am 18 years old cant I make my own decisions?

Barry

December 1st, 2009
11:07 am

Hey Y’all:

Jeff Shultz, you stink with your “pessimistic” assessment of “OUR” Falcons. When we are winning. I know it is hard for you to cheer for us Falcons because I believe you are a “CLOSET FAN” for some other team instead “OUR LOCAL HOME TOWN TEAM”, THE ATLANTA FALCONS. That is why, whatever chance you can get, you start writing these negative articles on our Falcons. NOW you are saying “we got injuries therefore we are going down hill.” What a bunch of “CRAP”. Every team in the league get injuries. That is part of the game, but the winners become “RESILIENT” and “SURVIVE” and make it to the playoffs. WE ARE ONE OF THOSE TEAMS. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT. THEREFORE, TAKE YOUR SORRY, PESSIMISTIC, NO SPORT PLAYING, SCARY BUTT TO ANOTHER CITY AND WRITE THAT “CRAP” ABOUT THEIR LOCAL TEAM. We do not need you here in Atlanta at this point of the season. We are digging in for ‘BATTLE”. WE ARE LAYING TRAPS. We are strategicly planning with the resources we have and will are innovative in the continued “PROCESS”. When they come to “OUR HOUSE” , the GEORGIA DOME, we will “TAKE NO PRISONERS”. THIS IS “GORILLA WARFARE” WHEN THEY COME INTO OUR HOUSE. We are going to do this in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. IT’S THAT TIME, BABY!!! IT IS TIME TO “CIRCLE THE WAGONS” in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” Therefore, Shultz, if you are not with the “BEAT”, GET THE HELL OFF THE WAGON AND GO TO ANOTHER CITY!! WE DO NOT NEED YOU HERE FOR THIS FIGHT!!!!! IT IS ON!!!!!! IT IS ON IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!”. CAN YOU HEAR IT??? THUMP! IT IS GETTING LOUDER!! THUMP!!! THUMP!!!!!! THUMP!!!! THUMP!!!!!

LET”S GO FALCONS!!!!!! LET’S KICK ALL OF THESE TEAMS BUTT!! THEY ALL OWE US FOR THE DOWN TIMES. NOW IT IS OUR TIME TO PUNISH THEM. LET’S DO THIS IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

……………………………………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!!!…………………………………..

AceDawg

December 1st, 2009
11:10 am

This assessment is WAY too critical. Think of the Falcons’ history. The coaching right now is great, the effort is GREAT. Yeah, I’d say the injuries are playing a real role. Additionally, they played so well last year, in reality beyond what they should have, and this year is probably more in tune with where they should be. I figured 8-8 was a reasonable record for this year, but of course I’m a believer and thought a season like last year might be in store too. It can still be done, but we sure need Matt Ryan back at minimum. Snelling and Norwood could work if Norwood can take a beating and stay healthy.

ATL Observer

December 1st, 2009
11:18 am

Matt “Choke” Ryan is an interesting message board character…but reading his posts for two straight days now, I see where he’s coming from. I think he feels Vick suffered from undue scrutiny while in the ATL and wants to take it out not necessarily on Matt Ryan but on the people who dissed Vick while he was here, all for the want of a “traditional” QB. Matt Ryan is irrelevant to his MO, any QB was the “traditional” QB that came here would be subject to the same scrutiny.

Truth is, Matt Ryan is a little behind where Vick was at the same stage of his career but not by much (16-11 record vs. Vick’s 17-9-1 in first 27 games…a little better for Vick but not by much). Both Ryan and Vick suffered injuries early in their career that cost them important time (let’s face it, the moment Vick hit the turf in 2003, it went from “let’s talk back-to-back playoffs” to “let’s talk draft”). So really, anyone who wants to say “wow, Ryan is way better than Vick” is exaggerating. Anyone who says the opposite is also exaggerating.

BigHittas

December 1st, 2009
11:21 am

Shultzie!

I’m surprised you’d do the Chicken Little routine.

I watched the game this past Sunday and didn’t see that much of a drop off with Redman. Seems to me he’ll just need a little tweaking on the timing, etc. The thing that worries me the most is the loss of Turner (at full speed) and the play of the corners. I’m not sure why the coaches want to keep starting the ones they do, but then again, I’m not the coach.

Go Birds! Beat Philly!

DICK SUPPORTER

December 1st, 2009
11:30 am

Dick Cheney School of Hunting……!! All idiots continuing to promote Vick (including you Shultzie) please sign up for the introductory program. Posting the highest number of racially biased, bigoted, irrelevant, asinine, moronic, erroneous, and may I add ignoramus statements qualifies you for nothing other than idiot of the year honors. You prove time and again that you have no life, no football knowledge, no moral ground, no education, and plain and simply nothing better to do. Your hate for people of all color is transparent, but your disdain for people in general is sad. You put the “funk” in dsyfunctional Choke, so sad you didn’t get loved as a child. You are all alone and will be the rest of your miserable little life.

ATL Observer

December 1st, 2009
11:34 am

(and part 2 of my thoughts)

Here’s what’s hurt the Falcons this year:
1) Lack of Turner in a crucial NYG game (put Turner in that game and ATL wins. Snelling hit holes for 7 yards that Turner would have broke for 20+).
2) Jason Elam (same kicking in BAL, also a hot start, now down to 6-5).
3) I will give “Choke” some due: Ryan turned to Jay Cutler after five weeks. I think Ryan will have a great career if he’s healthy but it’s like he watched Cutler in the SNF game and took lessons. If he learns to dump off more often and not force it when it’s not there, the offense will improve tenfold.
4) Uninspiring defense. Either the defense plays terribly or average, take your pick. There’s no heavy hitter or definitive player to really make the other team worry.
5) Injuries. Some teams get ‘em more than others, the Falcons have had quite a few this year.

That said, being 6-5 after all that is pretty good. If they could improbably pull off a win over Philly, the picture would brighten dramatically.

Arthante Lafleur

December 1st, 2009
11:37 am

This Choke Ryan kid needs to be in school–or if he’s truant, at least be working a job. Get off mama’s stolen laptop, little guy!

RODRJ32

December 1st, 2009
11:44 am

Hey Jeff why haven’t we signed Shockley yet. We need him asap. With Redman and Wilson we could easily have a fatality sunday. The Eagles blitz on every down. We will, mark my words have trouble with that defense on sunday. We need to get Shockley back into the fold quickly and oh yeah by the way, we need a kicker badly!!!

Ricky

December 1st, 2009
11:52 am

ATL Observer:

Two completely different QB styles……..the entire offense is coached based on what the team talent can do. I am not sure you can make a comparison based soley on W-L record 27 games in either. I don’t have time to do the research but I am certain there are QB’s enshrined in Canton that didn’t start out with either Vick or Ryan’s record initially. I haven’t heard anyone saying so much that one is better than the other, hell, let’s say Chris Chandler is better than both, he took us to the Super Bowl. The argument is some people are pissed Vick got caught and they want Matt Ryan to pay for it,

Hatfield Geoff

December 1st, 2009
11:54 am

TMAC,

Keith Brooking’s tackles are always downfield and usually he gets in on an assist (counted as a tackle) at the end of a play. Impact players stop backs before they get the first down and get tackles in the backfield. Brooking couldn’t do that in his prime much less now. Peterson is doing both. The Falcons defensive problem are the small sized linemen who cannot get a consistent pass rush and a secondary with limited ability. The last two years the best defensive back on the Falcons was claimed off the heap of cut players a few weeks before the season. What does that say about the level of talent back there?

Raheem Morris

December 1st, 2009
12:21 pm

We’ll trade you Josh Freeman for Matt Ryan and throw in a box of kicking tees?

Manny

December 1st, 2009
12:35 pm

Josh Freeman for Matt Ryan??? That’s a bet! You will take his contract, right?

Seriously, I would take Josh Freeman for Matt Ryan AND Tye Hill! Josh Freeman looks poised and he doesn’t throw many interceptions- not in the NFL nor in college!

Samantha Baker

December 1st, 2009
12:41 pm

Ok Seriously,
Why isn’t the Offensive line getting more heat?
Sam AKA “Samantha” Baker.. How many full games has this guy played? Move him to right Tackle and get a real Left Tackle in here…
Also, I have noticed one thing about Dimotroff. He likes to draft Injury Prone Players.. PERRY, Moore and Baker all had College history’s of being constantly injured.
We need serious OLINE and D line help.. Kroy can’t do it all by himself.
Also, Go spend some money and bring in some Talent we are far from The New England Patriots position and have no depth. YOu can’t do it all by the draft right now, not till you start getting up to par.. By the way we dont have a 2nd round pick next year… So we are in Major trouble..
Open the Pocket book Arthur and Tommy Swallow some pride and bring in soem Veteran Corners! The Patriots did not draft Moss, Welker, etc..

Samantha Baker

December 1st, 2009
12:45 pm

Maybe Arthur can dig deep into his pockets with the Raise in the Ticket Prices he stuck to his fans in a recession and get us a team we should be paying for…

ELVISINTHEHOUSE.

December 1st, 2009
12:47 pm

JT23,Then go back to miami.Nobody cares about the sorry falcons or the sorry dolphins.

Where is the Red Stripe guy?

December 1st, 2009
12:50 pm

Just haven’t heard from the Red Stripe guy.. Just want to make sure your still a fan these days…

Samantha Baker

December 1st, 2009
12:54 pm

Finally,
I can’t decide who is worse JASON ELAM or our Corners? oh yea, your right ELAM is worse! And why is he still on team?

Jason Elam AKA Shankapotamus

December 1st, 2009
12:57 pm

The timing is bad..
The Holder didn’t hold the ball correctly

LACES OUT!!!

falcons fan in ga

December 1st, 2009
12:58 pm

choke shut the hell up you racist fool… and vick supporter get a damn life… i am so tired of this crap from everone… vick is gone… and vick is a convicted felon for christ’s sake… he shouldnt even be playing to begin with… he had his chance to shine and he blew it a number of way’s- whether just being lazy or to busy fighting dog’s… it is amazing how a certain segment of the population could care less that what he did was so heinous and they just want our black quarterback… instead of railing on a quarterback that is a decent human being and can actually play the position why dont you applaud ( and yes vick brought a dimension to the game with speed; but, the guy had no touch at all… ) i think the nfl powers that be recognize talent a little better than you… ryan will be fine today and into the future… just give it a rest with the racist rhetoric…

ELVISINTHEHOUSE.

December 1st, 2009
12:59 pm

Barry,you sound like charley brown with that one heart beat crap.Truth is the truth,the falcons are SORRY. it is what it is.its like trying to make a apple to be a watermelon,it is what it is.

ELVISINTHEHOUSE.

December 1st, 2009
1:07 pm

Falcon fan in ga,get off vick supporter and chokes nutts.They have a right to comment just like you posted your hatred.Geez whats up with all these insecure people.

Ricky

December 1st, 2009
1:15 pm

Elvis is dead……………I’m all shook up!

PaulieOldSchool

December 1st, 2009
1:21 pm

If you watched the Dallas game at all, especially their defense, you saw their #56 “making” the same kind of plays he made here in the last few years. That is, late pursuit, open lane blitzes, “assisting” with a tackle. This is his first year at Dallas, and he will never again play as well there as he has this year. Simple fact. He got a kick in the pants when Atlanta did not re-sign him. In addition, he is, fortunately for him, surrounded by talent there that he simply did not have here since his early years. I’m glad he’s gone, we’re better off, and I frankly could give a tinker’s damn what anyone in Dallas thought about anything.

tcloud45

December 1st, 2009
1:35 pm

I think 10-6 is very realistic, with the only loss coming to New Orleans. I think they’ll go 15-1, if not undefeated.

These are your daddy's Falcons

December 1st, 2009
1:38 pm

Come on Man….these are the falcons……..legacy losers…………remember william andrews, steve bart…whatever, Jamal Anderson, jeff george…….come on man.

It is difficult to change a culture of losing……..

DMac

December 1st, 2009
1:44 pm

Time to power with Snelling, get to the edge with Norwood and Blitz 90% of the Snaps. We can’t cover more than 3 seconds at a time. Its the Playoffs this Sunday…

RK

December 1st, 2009
1:52 pm

Why has the Washington Post beat the AJC to the story about the new Atlanta Beat stadium and today’s announcement?

Dan

December 1st, 2009
2:10 pm

Is it to early to look forward to next year. Basically if you look at the Saints they drafted alot of offensive players and filled their needs with Free Agents. DE Julius Peppers Carolina Panthers (NORTH CAROLINA), DE Richard Seymour Oakland Raiders( GEORGIA), LB Shawne Merriman San Diego Chargers ( Maryland) and CB Dunta Robinson Houston Texans (South Carolina)…….Personally I would like to see them go after Dunta and Merriman and fill DE need in the draft

Mel in Midtown

December 1st, 2009
2:27 pm

Someone needs to ask some hard questions about Thomas Dimitroff. Yeah, he made a great move with acquiring Tony Gonzalez, but his entire 2009 draft is a bust.

Last night, the NO Saints played two guys (Mike McKenzie and Chris McAllister) at cornerback – both were available as free agents as little as two weeks ago – and they looked “All World” against on of the best passing attacks in the NFL (Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Randy Moss et al). One INT, several “pass defended” and some crucial tackles by the NO corners.

Question: Did Dimitroff ever look at McKenzie and McAlilster given our ongoing problems at corner?? If not, why not?

And, my personal ongoing rant – get the ultimate jock-sniffer Arthur Blank off the f—in’ sidelines!

9-7 at best..and maybe worse???

M Anthony

December 1st, 2009
2:28 pm

How about blaming the falconettes problems on D Hall and Mike Vick. That has always worked in the past.

Stephen

December 1st, 2009
2:34 pm

The falcons have to understand that building a team isnt rocket science its about putting people in the right places on your team and spending money on good free agents that can help a team out. As for the defense you will not stop anybody in this league with a non existent pass defense. Number 1, the falcons need athletic cover corners and superior passrush that comes from the middle of the defense. Secondly, I like Matt Ryan as the quarterback but he needs more developing as the quarterback. With that being said the falcons must draft or pick up free agents on the defensive side of the ball that are willing to tear up concrete and wont think twice about it. Falcons defense doesnt have and attitude or swagger about themselves that can elevate them to another level – see Steelers, Ravens, Saints, and Colts. So So players get you So So results. Go get top notch talent and coach them up so that it reflects on Sundays. Please spend the money on quality players……. Lower level talent gets you lower level results. I want the falcons to be feared when they step on the field. Nobody fears the falcons and I have to say they are scared of themselves.

DeloresVixesen

December 1st, 2009
2:45 pm

This headline is ridiculous. The falcons management are not dumb owls. THEY KNOW WHAT WENT WRONG. We lost two games we should have won (Carolina and Giants). We lost one game we could have won had we given ANY EFFORT AT ALL (Cowboys). Win those three games and your record is 9-2 instead of 6-5. All three of those games should have been won. Now the Falcons are making excuses why their season stinks.

Kelli

December 1st, 2009
3:14 pm

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!

I BELIEVE IN REDMAN AND NORWOOD!!!!!!!!
—————————————————-

Norwood, yes. Redman, not so much.

Falcons Ugly Win

December 1st, 2009
3:16 pm

Duhhhhh.

The offensive line sucks!

5 sacks in the first half? WTF?

And as for Elam….. That dude better not show up at my restaurant, I’ll spit in his food.

Anthony

December 1st, 2009
4:41 pm

FIRE JASON ELAM!#@(*$()@#*$()@#*()$#*@()$#*@()#*@)(#@

Kuhanluke

December 1st, 2009
5:29 pm

Remember the last game of 07′?Redman threw for 250 yards plus and four touchdowns and upset the seahawks,at one point in that game we scored 3 touchdowns in 90 seconds.Bam!We can do this!mark my words Redman is due.

Steve

December 2nd, 2009
3:24 am

They refused to sign free agents where experience was needed. With the exception of Brian Williams, all of their free agency efforts were not effective at all. New Orleans signed Chris McAlister, New Orleans signed Darren Sharper. We needed both, we signed neither. We also refused to pull the trigger on Elam until it was too late.

Singletary

December 2nd, 2009
5:29 pm

Elam. One word. Elam. Yes, there were other hiccups but counting on your mo=jo means something in game time reality.

jojatek

December 2nd, 2009
11:44 pm

Agree… the season really came unraveled against Carolina after the bye week (that was their opportunity to make a statement and show everyone they had begun to escape their past, but they weren’t quite ready for that stage…). That said, this team (and I have been a fan since ‘74) has never been in a better position to finally build a long-term contender and a solid, highly respected franchise (although you could make an argument for the 1980 team). It will take time, but three of the most critical pieces (coach, GM, and franchise QB) are finally in place, and Dimitroff clearly recognizes that every great team is defined by the play of its offensive and defensive lines…

Patience, everyone… we’ve waited this long… let’s get 9 or 10 wins out of this season, learn a little bit more about this team and how they handle themselves when the chips are down, then turn the page to next season and hope they keep moving this franchise in the right direction…

MV#777

December 7th, 2009
7:20 pm

THE REDEMPTION OF MR.MICHAEL VICK!!!!!!!!

CHECK THIS OUT!!!!!!!

PHIL 34 – ATL -7
VICK SCORED 14-7=7

1)14-7=7
2)3+4= 7 =#7
3)ATL= 7

THE PROBLEM IS THE ATLANTA FALCONS NEED…. MICHAEL VICK #7.

YOU HAVE AN ATHLETE IN MIKE WHO THROWS LIKE JOHN ELWAY, WHO RUNS LIKE BARRY SANDERS, WHO IS AS FAST AS DEION SANDERS, AND WHO IS PLAYING THE QUARTERBACK POSITION. PEOPLE LOVE IT,ALL OVER THE WORLD, I LOVE IT!!!!!! MR.BLANK THINK!! AND THE DOME WILL SELLOUT AGAIN,AGAIN AN AGAIN.
YOU ARE A BUSINESS MAN…. HE’S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something in Falcons’ season has gone horribly wrong

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Something in Falcons’ season has gone horribly wrong

233 comments Add your comment

About Jeff Schultz

We’ve Moved!

One Subscription. Total Access.

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Recent Posts

Archives

More from the AJC

Categories

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