Smith shoots down report, says Ryan will play if ready
Matt Ryan likely sit out again with turf toe.
A blog on NFL.com suggests that Matt Ryan’s status for Sunday’s game against New Orleans hinges on more than just his health and readiness for the game. Specifically, the report referenced the Falcons’ banged up offensive line. An excerpt:
“The availability of RG Harvey Dahl (ankle) and LT Sam Baker (elbow) could be the final factor in determining if Ryan suits up for a make-or-break game against the NFC South champions at the Georgia Dome, a team source said. Both players, along with Ryan, sat out last Sunday’s loss to the Eagles.”
I was stunned when I read this. My first thought — and I’d imagine your first thought – was: If Ryan is healthy enough to play, he should play. I don’t care if five guys from the Waffle House are blocking. I don’t care if everybody thinks the playoff race is dead.
Mike Smith agrees. The Falcons’ coach didn’t know about the story. He immediately dismissed it, saying Ryan will play when he’s ready and reaffirmed that the line’s health is not a factor.
“If Matt is healthy and he’s at the level where we feel he can be effective, he will play,” Smith said. “Our decision will be based on that.”
For the record, Ryan doesn’t at all strike me as the kind of athlete who wants to sit out any game. I don’t say that about everybody. Normally, I wouldn’t even bring this subject up, but the NFL.com report prompted the question.
Now, all of that said, it would be stunning if Ryan’s turf toe has healed enough that he’ll be in the lineup Sunday. Smith wasn’t obliged to give an official injury report Thursday. Technically he doesn’t have to make the call until game time. But Ryan participated in only morning walk-throughs Wednesday and Thursday, which means he didn’t put significant weight on the injury. So expect Chris Redman for another week.
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129 comments Add your comment
Jeff Schultz
December 10th, 2009
5:50 pm
Tucker — I would have a big problem with him not playing if he’s ready. Sends the wrong message to everybody — and about everybody.
Jeff Schultz
December 10th, 2009
5:55 pm
Sonny Clusters — you bring up an interesting question — Is turf toe green?
dawg fan 4 life
December 10th, 2009
5:56 pm
robertussen, regarding your comments about the fans here in Atlanta. I know you think we are bad fans, but we have been disappointed for over fourty years and it’s hard to support a franchise that can’t find winners. All the fans want is for this club to be consistant year in and year out, maybe like the Steelers or New England. If that ever happens this town will never conduct themselves in the manner they displayed on Sunday.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
6:01 pm
From: WHITE COUNTY NEWS – Cleveland, Ga.
Sports
Vick wins over The Dome
by Doug Stutsman
Doug Stutsman
Following Atlanta’s 34-7 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday, two lingering questions became clear about the Atlanta Falcons.
(1) The Falcons are nothing more than an average football team.
And, (2), the memory of Michael Vick will never leave Atlanta.
For the sake of my readers, I’ll refrain from going into detail about the first of the two statements.
As for the Vick situation, however, it needs to be discussed.
Three months ago, my friend Tom and I debated over who we would list as the top-10 most influential athletes in Atlanta sports history.
(Note: Tom and I come up with random sports top-10 lists all the time. You’re probably wondering if we have anything better to do with our time than to create lists involving our favorite athletes…we don’t.)
At No. 1 we started with Hank Aaron.
In second and third, we agreed on Dominique Wilkins and John Smoltz.
But as we got to No. 4, our lists began to differ.
I wanted Sid Bream.
Tom wanted Vick.
My initial response to Tom wanting to put Vick at No. 4 was disbelief.
I just didn’t understand how someone who left an entire franchise (and city) in disarray could even be mentioned in the same likes as Aaron, Smoltz and Wilkins.
But after Sunday’s game, it all became clear.
Atlanta doesn’t hate Michael Vick.
In fact, there were more Vick jerseys at the game than any other player on the Falcons current roster.
And it wasn’t even close.
When Vick first entered the game on Sunday, there were some initial boos.
But as he scrambled into the endzone for his first touchdown since 2006, those boos slowly began turning to cheers.
From that point on, the whole atmosphere of The Dome started to change.
Every time Vick replaced Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, the fans got louder and louder.
Vick had single-handedly turned the Georgia Dome into a modern-day version of Rocky IV.
Round by round, Vick continued to win back fans.
By the time the fourth quarter came, the stadium erupted in “We want Vick” chants.
It was unlike anything I had ever witnessed.
As the chant continued to catch on, my brother looked at me and said, “This is the loudest The Dome has been all season.”
Sadly, he was right.
There’s no question that Vick’s off-field activities have been despicable, to say the least.
But for better or worse, the fact remains that Atlanta will never see another Michael Vick.
And because of that, I now agree: Vick has to make the list.
Rod
December 10th, 2009
6:02 pm
Mike Turner was on 680 and and you know how the hosts like to bait falcon players in to praising Matt Ryan. Well, Turner had none of it. Turner was like what about Matt Ryan do want me to say. Ryan had chance to outstage Vick and say this is my house now. Management choose to sit Ryan and not let him play with pain in his toe. It is obvious they are holding Ryan out until he gets the starting Oline back. Looks like the players are upset that the falcons are throwing in the towel just to protect Ryan from looking like Redman did last week.
Falcon Freddie
December 10th, 2009
6:02 pm
That’s a good question, what happened to Mark Bradley? Is he selling groceries now or what? I’m sure wherever he is, he’s sticking pins in his MV7 bobble head.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
6:05 pm
Rod
December 10th, 2009
6:02 pm
Mike Turner was on 680 and and you know how the hosts like to bait falcon players in to praising Matt Ryan. Well, Turner had none of it. Turner was like what about Matt Ryan do want me to say. Ryan had chance to outstage Vick and say this is my house now. Management choose to sit Ryan and not let him play with pain in his toe. It is obvious they are holding Ryan out until he gets the starting Oline back. Looks like the players are upset that the falcons are throwing in the towel just to protect Ryan from looking like Redman did last week.
“Just what I have been saying”
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
6:05 pm
Rod
December 10th, 2009
6:02 pm
Mike Turner was on 680 and and you know how the hosts like to bait falcon players in to praising Matt Ryan. Well, Turner had none of it. Turner was like what about Matt Ryan do want me to say. Ryan had chance to outstage Vick and say this is my house now. Management choose to sit Ryan and not let him play with pain in his toe. It is obvious they are holding Ryan out until he gets the starting Oline back. Looks like the players are upset that the falcons are throwing in the towel just to protect Ryan from looking like Redman did last week.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
6:05 pm
Sports
Vick wins over The Dome
by Doug Stutsman
Doug Stutsman
Following Atlanta’s 34-7 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday, two lingering questions became clear about the Atlanta Falcons.
(1) The Falcons are nothing more than an average football team.
And, (2), the memory of Michael Vick will never leave Atlanta.
For the sake of my readers, I’ll refrain from going into detail about the first of the two statements.
As for the Vick situation, however, it needs to be discussed.
Three months ago, my friend Tom and I debated over who we would list as the top-10 most influential athletes in Atlanta sports history.
(Note: Tom and I come up with random sports top-10 lists all the time. You’re probably wondering if we have anything better to do with our time than to create lists involving our favorite athletes…we don’t.)
At No. 1 we started with Hank Aaron.
In second and third, we agreed on Dominique Wilkins and John Smoltz.
But as we got to No. 4, our lists began to differ.
I wanted Sid Bream.
Tom wanted Vick.
My initial response to Tom wanting to put Vick at No. 4 was disbelief.
I just didn’t understand how someone who left an entire franchise (and city) in disarray could even be mentioned in the same likes as Aaron, Smoltz and Wilkins.
But after Sunday’s game, it all became clear.
Atlanta doesn’t hate Michael Vick.
In fact, there were more Vick jerseys at the game than any other player on the Falcons current roster.
And it wasn’t even close.
When Vick first entered the game on Sunday, there were some initial boos.
But as he scrambled into the endzone for his first touchdown since 2006, those boos slowly began turning to cheers.
From that point on, the whole atmosphere of The Dome started to change.
Every time Vick replaced Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, the fans got louder and louder.
Vick had single-handedly turned the Georgia Dome into a modern-day version of Rocky IV.
Round by round, Vick continued to win back fans.
By the time the fourth quarter came, the stadium erupted in “We want Vick” chants.
It was unlike anything I had ever witnessed.
As the chant continued to catch on, my brother looked at me and said, “This is the loudest The Dome has been all season.”
Sadly, he was right.
There’s no question that Vick’s off-field activities have been despicable, to say the least.
But for better or worse, the fact remains that Atlanta will never see another Michael Vick.
And because of that, I now agree: Vick has to make the list.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
6:07 pm
by Doug Stutsman
Doug Stutsman
Following Atlanta’s 34-7 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday, two lingering questions became clear about the Atlanta Falcons.
(1) The Falcons are nothing more than an average football team.
And, (2), the memory of Michael Vick will never leave Atlanta.
For the sake of my readers, I’ll refrain from going into detail about the first of the two statements.
As for the Vick situation, however, it needs to be discussed.
Three months ago, my friend Tom and I debated over who we would list as the top-10 most influential athletes in Atlanta sports history.
(Note: Tom and I come up with random sports top-10 lists all the time. You’re probably wondering if we have anything better to do with our time than to create lists involving our favorite athletes…we don’t.)
At No. 1 we started with Hank Aaron.
In second and third, we agreed on Dominique Wilkins and John Smoltz.
But as we got to No. 4, our lists began to differ.
I wanted Sid Bream.
Tom wanted Vick.
My initial response to Tom wanting to put Vick at No. 4 was disbelief.
I just didn’t understand how someone who left an entire franchise (and city) in disarray could even be mentioned in the same likes as Aaron, Smoltz and Wilkins.
But after Sunday’s game, it all became clear.
Atlanta doesn’t hate Michael Vick.
In fact, there were more Vick jerseys at the game than any other player on the Falcons current roster.
And it wasn’t even close.
When Vick first entered the game on Sunday, there were some initial boos.
But as he scrambled into the endzone for his first touchdown since 2006, those boos slowly began turning to cheers.
From that point on, the whole atmosphere of The Dome started to change.
Every time Vick replaced Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, the fans got louder and louder.
Vick had single-handedly turned the Georgia Dome into a modern-day version of Rocky IV.
Round by round, Vick continued to win back fans.
By the time the fourth quarter came, the stadium erupted in “We want Vick” chants.
It was unlike anything I had ever witnessed.
As the chant continued to catch on, my brother looked at me and said, “This is the loudest The Dome has been all season.”
Sadly, he was right.
There’s no question that Vick’s off-field activities have been despicable, to say the least.
But for better or worse, the fact remains that Atlanta will never see another Michael Vick.
And because of that, I now agree: Vick has to make the list.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
6:08 pm
This article from WHITE COUNTY NEWS in Cleveland, Ga.
http://www.whitecountynewstelegraph.com/articles/2009/12/10/sports/sports02.txt
Falcon Freddie
December 10th, 2009
6:13 pm
Great article “Choke”. I have never seen a stadium cheer for an opposing player like that either. Not in the NFL.
tyger
December 10th, 2009
6:22 pm
White County sports section better than AJC? Geez!
tyger
December 10th, 2009
6:26 pm
Vick still matters
MV7 turned the dome out. Forget the Falcoons, it was all Vick from the start. Some say all he did was score from the 5yd line, nevermind that the Falcoons couldnt score from the 5 yd line.
He did more than that, he opened old wounds. His larger than life persona took over like purple haze, and by the 4th qtr., they were Vick drunk and wanted another hit. How did this happen?
Vick was made a martyr, he was crucified, buried – yet, arose like Lazarus – erstwhile, the others wanted him put to death. But the believers had witnessed a small miracle.
Even more bizarre, as Vick was rising, the Falcoons savior was down and out. And the others were losing faith. He had not been victorious, but odorous – now his feet hurt. He is young and owed tens of millions, yet has bad feet.
What is an athlete with bad feet? A coach.
D.Ellis
December 10th, 2009
6:27 pm
Hey look everyone Choke is really white….check out his picture on the link above he provided. He’s one of “YOU” people just like us!
Big Easy-How bout dem Steelers baby!
Don’t start snifflin now guys….just havin a little fun!
GOOOO FALCONS!
Falcon Freddie
December 10th, 2009
6:32 pm
Good Story. The Return of MV7 should be the No. 1 Sports story for AJC.
Falcon Freddie
December 10th, 2009
6:39 pm
Jarvis, that is a good question. Where is Mark Bradley? Is he selling groceries or what?
FalconUGAFan
December 10th, 2009
6:39 pm
@JSS I’m sure you won’t respond to me because I have a reasonable view, as you would rather argue with people that argue back but here goes. Some of us actually agree with a few points that Choke and you bring up. But Choke has admitted himself that he isn’t a Falcons fan and his agenda is much different than ours. Well mine. I can’t speak for anyone else here but myself. I recognize the problems with the Falcons but they are my team and will be until the day I die. They do things I don’t like and I call them on it, but I still support them. I agree that Vick has skills that Ryan doesn’t and vice versa. I supported Vick while he was here but he is gone. I wish he was still our QB but he isn’t so i support the guys that are here. Simple as that. Endlessly talking about someone that is gone is just futile. So some of us hope for the future and support folks while they are here and some us are self-professed non-fans (Choke) and are here because.. well I don’t know. Some people just like to get a rise out of others. We do understand the problems of the Falcons but we have hope for the future…Simple as that….. futile???…well we are Falcons fans after all..We understand futility.
tyger
December 10th, 2009
6:49 pm
Black College Hall of Fame Player Finalists:
Lem Barney (DB, Jackson State University, 1963-1966)
Mel Blount (DB, Southern University, 1966-1970)
Robert Brazile (LB, Jackson State University, 1971-1975)
Rosevelt Brown (OL, Morgan State University, 1949-1952)
Willie Brown (DB, Grambling State University, 1959-1963)
Junious “Buck” Buchanan (DE, Grambling State University, 1959-1963)
Harry Carson (DE, South Carolina State University, 1972-1975)
Willie Davis (DL, Grambling State University, 1952-1956)
Eldridge Dickey (Tennessee State University, 1964-1967)
Willie “Gallopin’ Gal” Galimore (RB, Florida A&M University, 1953-1956)
Joe Gilliam, Jr. (QB, Tennessee State University, 1966-1969)
“Bullet” Bob Hayes (WR/RB/KR, Florida A&M University, 1960-1964)
David “Deacon” Jones (DE, South Carolina State and Mississippi Valley State, 1958-1960)
Ed “Too Tall” Jones (DL, Tennessee State University, 1970-1973)
Leroy Kelly (RB, Morgan State University, 1960-1963)
Willie “Honey Bear” Lanier (LB, Morgan State University, 1963-1967)
Steve McNair (QB, Alcorn State University, 1991-1994)
Marion Motley (RB/LB, South Carolina State University, 1939-1942)
Walter “Sweetness” Payton (RB, Jackson State University, 1971-1974)
Jerry Rice (WR, Mississippi Valley State University, 1981-1984)
Willie “Wonderful Willie” Richardson (WR, Jackson State University, 1959-1962)
Art Shell (OL, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, 1964-1967)
Ben “Big Ben” Stevenson (RB, Tuskegee University, 1923-1930)
Willie “Satellite” Totten (Mississippi Valley State University, 1982-1985)
Paul “Tank” Younger (RB/DB, Grambling State University, 1945-1948)
source: Leo Willingham’s HBCU Blog
Falcon Freddie
December 10th, 2009
6:50 pm
FalconUGAFan, good post. The root cause of a lot of the MV7 sympathy is derived from the fact that when MV7 was here and carrying the team on his back, many people constantly blamed him for all of the teams shortcomings. Imagine that with Jim Mora, Jr. coaching. Now, with Ryan at the helm, I’ve heard everything except global warming blamed for the Falcons poor performances. The link to the White County Sports story was right…the Dome was alive Sunday!
ATL
December 10th, 2009
6:55 pm
Choke great artilce about Vick. I would say Vick might be #2. Hawks nor the Braves have never had season tickets sold out. Vick (Falcons) had a waiting list for season tickets for the first time in Atlanta sports history like the Yankees, Cubs, Lakers, Boston Steelers Cowboys. Now that is Elite. Matt Ryan seats are still available as I speak 100 Million dollar flop.
FalconUGAFan
December 10th, 2009
7:01 pm
Well don’t get me wrong. I don’t blame Ryan for ALL the Falcons problems no more than I blamed Vick. Vick admitted that he didn’t study as hard as he could have and IMHO opinion Ryan could work on upper body strength a bit and gain some confidence. Vick oozes confidence, which actually contributed to his downfall, IMHO. Nothing about the Falcons problems is about ONE person. It is a TEAM sport. I spent many years playing football as I’m sure many of you did and anyone that is honest will say the same thing.
jazzy
December 10th, 2009
7:04 pm
Drew Brees is off the charts this year! Let Matt rest this game and get healthy for next year. Let him sit back and learn something from Brees. Brees is unbelieveble at 6 feet tall and he can make anyone an all pro receiver!! We need Matt to play at that level if we plan on going far.
BravesFan79
December 10th, 2009
7:36 pm
I believe Ryan is a elite level QB, and if we improve the defense i like our chances of at least getting to the NFC championship game next season.
But for now.. the best thing for the long term interest of the team is to loose the remaining games and get the best draft picks possible. This would also give us a easier schedule. Make the games close, but Loose baby loose! From… a Diehard Falcons fan.
How Tough is the SEC?
December 10th, 2009
7:48 pm
Tim Tebow Tough.
Waaahh!!!!!!
BravesFan79
December 10th, 2009
7:55 pm
The only thing that Vick oooozzzes is what comes out of his body from the latest STD hes caught. What was Vicks record when loosing after 3 quarters? Like 0-16? Face it…vick is more like Jasuckis Russel than John Elway.
I still truly believe than if we had used Matt Schuab in obvious passing situations and when needing a comeback, and Vick at the start of the game, the 03? team (the one that started out 5-0) would of made it to the super bowl.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
7:55 pm
BravesFan79
December 10th, 2009
7:36 pm
I believe Ryan is a elite level QB, and if we improve the defense i like our chances of at least getting to the NFC championship game next season.
But for now.. the best thing for the long term interest of the team is to loose the remaining games and get the best draft picks possible. This would also give us a easier schedule. Make the games close, but Loose baby loose! From… a Diehard Falcons fan.
“Elite as in……….”
- 10 PICKS IN 5 GAMES
- 22 PICKS IN 25 GAMES
Is that the elite you were refering to?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
8:00 pm
BravesFan79
December 10th, 2009
7:55 pm
The only thing that Vick oooozzzes is what comes out of his body from the latest STD hes caught. What was Vicks record when loosing after 3 quarters? Like 0-16? Face it…vick is more like Jasuckis Russel than John Elway.
I still truly believe than if we had used Matt Schuab in obvious passing situations and when needing a comeback, and Vick at the start of the game, the 03? team (the one that started out 5-0) would of made it to the super bowl.
“The same Matt Schaub that…..”
- Has a career losing record of 15-21
- Never made the pro bowl
- Never led his team to the playoffs
- ZERO playoff wins
You really can pick your LOSERS – You should stay off of the Moonshine
D-Block
December 10th, 2009
8:49 pm
A lost on Sunday aginst the Saint’s I plan to move my seat to the nose bleed section. 50 yard line 2nd row was a waste this season……….
Fair and Balanced
December 10th, 2009
8:51 pm
So Michael Turner wasnt defending his QB fiercely in his interview today on 680am?? Hmmmmmmm……is there dissention in the ranks?
JSS
December 10th, 2009
8:53 pm
FalconUGAFalcon…
“@JSS I’m sure you won’t respond to me because I have a reasonable view, as you would rather argue with people that argue back but here goes.”
An Argument is a point to persuade or in rebuttal. People are welcome to take what I say as they like.
“Some of us actually agree with a few points that Choke and you bring up.”
Choke speaks for himself and I speak for me. I argue regarding only three points: the true state of the Falcons franchise and its direction. The level of misinformation put before us (the readers) by those who write on the subject matter and those who choose to respond on the AJC blogs. In the final place, I comment on Jeff Schultz and his continuing propaganda war against segments of the AJC readership.
“But Choke has admitted himself that he isn’t a Falcons fan and his agenda is much different than ours”
And what is wrong with that? There is a whole series of fan blogs littering the internet where the pro Atlanta Falcons supporters can pat them self and the franchise on the back all day long. I give credit where it is due; but I will never be smarmy… The best advice that I ever received is that “all that glitters is not gold.” Learn to see all sides of an issue. We had two people in this city who fueled a literal Lynch mob regarding Michael Vick. As the evidence (not the innuendo) was laid out, certain people made pronouncements as facts (Jeff Schultz and John Kincade). I took issue with it because it was not supported by the facts. Now there is a whole back story to Michael Vick, I won’t go back over it, but there was a double standard. Much is made of his QB rating, go look at the all-time list and look at some of the names who are near or below him on the list… One them has his jersey number hanging from the rafters of the Georgia Dome. Another one has been held up as the prototype of all QB’s to have played professional football. Was he a great passer? No, was he Joe Kapp or Billy Kilmer? Heck no! Poster Najeh Davenpoop has stated it many times, what many people resent, is the constant demonization of Vick as the reason the Falcons were a .500 team in 2005 and a .437 percent team in 2006. Michael Vick was not the reason the Green Bay Packers came to Atlanta and ran a 3rd string running back Sakmon Gado) down their throat to victory. Nor was he the DeShaun Foster raked up two 150+ yard rushing efforts for Carolina in successive seasons against Atlanta. Now Vick and Ryan do have something in common. John Fox has exposed their teammates the 2nd time around in a season! That is not a Vick problem or a Ryan problem, that is a Falcons problem!
“Well mine. I can’t speak for anyone else here but myself. I recognize the problems with the Falcons but they are my team and will be until the day I die.”
Like I say about the purported super study habits of Matt Ryan, if you study all the time and never learn from the mistake, then there may be something very wrong with you! That is not personal, but this franchise is 125 games below .500! If they go 16 and 0 for 8 straight years then they would finally be a winning franchise… Sorry, I can not fathom that, that is not acceptable…
“They do things I don’t like and I call them on it, but I still support them.”
Good luck with that… Seriously, you are a better person than I.
“I agree that Vick has skills that Ryan doesn’t and vice versa. I supported Vick while he was here but he is gone. I wish he was still our QB but he isn’t so i support the guys that are here. Simple as that.”
Again, I believe that the Falcons problems are a lot like the City of Atlanta and the surrounding communities of the region. You can tear down the character and the substandard housing; but you never address the underlying inadequacies of the foundation. Sooner rather than later, the sewage comes back to the top…
Anyone who has ever read anything or any point that I’ve made regarding the issue that is the ATLANTA FALCONS knows that I’ve never made it about him (Matt Ryan). I said the day that they hired Bobby Petrino, “you’ve made a pact with the devil.” Now there is a segment of the Atlanta sports calliope that will always put 90% of the failure that was the 2007 Atlanta Falcons on Michael Vick. I don’t waste my time trying to change their mind. None of the numbers support the premise.
JSS
December 10th, 2009
9:09 pm
Freddie…
I think ya’ll broke poor Mark Bradley’s spirit on Sunday and Monday. I mean did you read some of the tripe that was posted on there before he came back and deleted them and closed commenting? Maybe he is exploring the Terence Moore, Sekou Smith, and Furman Bisher exit strategy? AJC blogs = the Fallujah of web blogging!
Manny
December 10th, 2009
9:11 pm
I remember watching some interview with a Falcons lineman in the AJC. This guy was talking about Michael Turner. It was after a game where, even hurt, he played very well. I cannot remember what guy it was, but I can remember what he said about Michael Turner.
They said that the offensive linemen LOVES Michael Turner. They love him because he has complete confidence in them. He said that they would go to war for Michael Turner anywhere.
That was striking to me because that is normally what you hear from linemen about quarterbacks. I can remember Dan Marino talking about how his linement would NEVER have to pay for their vacation. Marino made sure that their families were taken care of. If someone’s wife had a kid, Dan Marino was in the waiting room. And the one thing that he would always tell his linemen was that he cared for them and that he loved them.
Another case in point: Matthew Stafford. Matthew Stafford is not a better quarterback than Matt Ryan. But I saw something and noticed something about Stafford’s interaction with his linemen. The linemen would come up to him and tell him that he loved him. And he would tell that lineman that he loved them, too.
Where’s Matt Ryan’s love? I haven’t seen it. I haven’t seen a lineman defending Ryan. And I don’t see the kind of love from teammates for Ryan that they have for Michael Turner.
I mean, watch how they come off the field. Watch the interaction. Notice how the receivers come over and talk to Ryan. And the other QBs would come over. But EVERYONE, including the linemen, would hang out and interact with Turner… including the receivers.
Here’s the bottom line, from my perspective. Matt Ryan is the quarterback of this team. But Matt Ryan is a role player. It’s Michael Turner’s team. Michael Turner doesn’t have to tow the line concerning Ryan because Ryan plays on Michael’s team. Ryan is just the face of it. Matt Ryan’s job isn’t to win the locker room. That’s Michael Turner’s room. His job is to not make mistakes, manage the game and hit those receivers on those short-to-midrange routes.
But Michael Turner is the leader.
scherrell
December 10th, 2009
9:47 pm
come on Redman don’t stand a chance against the saints. Come Matt we need ya
FalconUGAFan
December 10th, 2009
10:04 pm
@JSS Thanks for the response. Nothing wrong with Choke not being a fan. I just have to wonder why he/she would spend so much time on a board of a team he doesn’t support. We are all motivated to do the things we do for a specific reason and I suspect his reasons are not for the betterment of the current QB or team.
Ryan is just trying to do his best. He didn’t cause Vick to leave, he just has to try and QB. I believe we can agree on one thing, the Falcons franchise has one woeful messy history from Mora, to Vick to Petrino, etc. etc…. I only hope they can reverse the trend in my life time. I would settle for 2 consecutive winning seasons at this point. But if you’re looking back, its awful hard to move forward. All this talk of conspiracies and Vick just seem detrimental to the growth of a successful franchise. Anyway doesn’t matter what I think…..I’m just a fan.
Reid Adair
December 10th, 2009
10:24 pm
I agree, Jeff. That report seemed a bit strange. I think if Matt Ryan is physically able to pley, he’ll play – regardless of who is blocking for him.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
10:40 pm
TEAMS THAT WILL PURSUE VICK IN 2010 AS A STARTER:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/306293-five-teams-that-will-court-michael-vick-in-2010#page/7
Najeh Davenpoop
December 10th, 2009
10:40 pm
If the Falcons lose this Sunday, they are done in the playoff race. They would have to be fools not to trot out their best players, even if they are only 50%, and regardless of the health of their teammates. In fact, I’m a little surprised that they didn’t approach last week’s game with the same mentality.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 10th, 2009
10:51 pm
Choke, interesting article. The list of suitors for Vick will depend a lot on how the draft goes and how Jimmy Clausen, Jake Locker, Colt McCoy, and Sam Bradford are valued by NFL scouts. My personal opinion is that none of those players is as good as Matt Stafford or Josh Freeman, and I personally wouldn’t pick any of them higher than #15 overall, but we’ll see what the GMs think. I doubt that Vick joins any team that drafts one of those QBs, particularly if that QB is picked in the upper half of the first round. One trend we are seeing in the NFL right now is that teams are more willing to play quarterbacks as rookies, and I doubt that Vick wants to go to a situation where he will be a lame duck from day one or that a team that drafts one of those QBs signs Vick knowing the expectations and media hype that will come with such a signing.
I would also rule out a team like Minnesota that has a young quarterback which was drafted by the current regime. I think a team like that would rather give Tarvaris Jackson another shot to prove himself than bring in another veteran like Vick.
I do think, though, that Vick and Kevin Kolb will be the most coveted among the current NFL QBs that teams try to pursue by trade or free agency. I’m guessing Vick goes to a team that brings in a new, high-profile coach like Bill Cowher or Mike Shanahan, and/or a team that is hurting at the box office and needs to sell more tickets. Right now, I’d think the Bills and Redskins are most likely, with the Panthers a dark horse.
tell it like it is
December 10th, 2009
11:23 pm
The team is regressing just like it has for 43 years or more.nothing has changed but the faces.same old Falcons.
JSS
December 10th, 2009
11:25 pm
Davenpoop…
If someone with the track record of Ryan can be considered a “franchise quarterback,” it’ll be Locker, he’s Chad Henne with a brain. Then unless he (Jake Locker) does something crazy at the combine, he’s going to be the darling of the draft. See what the hint of quality coaching can do for a player…
JSS
December 10th, 2009
11:40 pm
FalconUGAfan…
I post another response; however I doubt if it clears the AJC filter. It is not profane or anything, however it points out somethings about certain individuals who keep talking about non-football matters and Vick… No biggie…
“Choke”
On a serious note, can you take a minute and explain to certain people why you post on these particular blogs? In advance, thanks for whatever you choose to post in response (if you don’t)… JSS
Tripp Bowden
December 11th, 2009
1:20 am
For some odd reason my previous comments did not come through. So I will say it simply. Go Birds, I believe in ya, and I am proud to use my real name. Why do so many of you hide behind a fake name? I don’t get it. You either love the team or you don’t. Fine to comment as you see fit, in fact I welcome it and enjoy it, but man up and put your real name behind then commentary.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 11th, 2009
1:49 am
JSS
December 10th, 2009
11:40 pm
FalconUGAfan…
I post another response; however I doubt if it clears the AJC filter. It is not profane or anything, however it points out somethings about certain individuals who keep talking about non-football matters and Vick… No biggie…
“Choke”
On a serious note, can you take a minute and explain to certain people why you post on these particular blogs? In advance, thanks for whatever you choose to post in response (if you don’t)… JSS
“The reason I post on these blogs is simple”
I was a Falcons fan for 27 years until 2007. I watched on these blogs how Mike Vick was treated and disrespected, even though he was winning and they were just looking for every excuse in the books to complain.
When the Falcons would win, it would be everybody else’s credit, but when they lost, it would be Mike Vick’s fault, regardless if it was a missed field goal, dropped passes and sacks because of poor protection by the offensive linemen.
Then, when the CHOKE was drafted, the same criticisms of Vick, the same rule did not apply to the CHOKE, therefore it opened my eyes to the reason why that was and since that day, I have made it a passion to treat the great HOPE CHOKE the same way that Vick was treated.
You see “JSS” I was created by the same people that praise the CHOKE, even though he could not even hold Vick’s jock strap and that’s in addition to Blank providing him with more weapons than Vick could have ever dreamed of.
I hope that cleared up the confusion of my intentions.
JSS
December 11th, 2009
2:59 am
“Choke”…
I surmised as much, but I have never chosen to speak or make assumptions for other people. I hope that you’d take the opportunity and you did… I respect that and thanks again… It will be interesting to see if people accept it or will they keep up the “monkey and dog show?” Regardless, life is made up of the choices we make and how other choose to perceive them… Not trying to cause trouble, but where is you boy “BugKiller” at these days? Enjoy the weekend, it is nearing 12 midnight and I have to get up at 5:30…
Oh you may enjoy this clip… I know BigEasy830 will…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ceiQqhHj1w
Jsmuga
December 11th, 2009
6:26 am
If Redman plays I do not even want to go or watch this game. Redman is terrible and painful to watch….
Fair and Balanced
December 11th, 2009
6:37 am
Was Jonathan Babineaux arrested in Gwinnett County last night on a marijana with intent to distribute charge?? The AJC has nothing on it so far, but that’s the word.
FalconUGAFan
December 11th, 2009
6:59 am
@JSS I surmised as much about Choke too. Choke and JSS just remember there are plenty of us “certain” people that supported Vick and now support Ryan. We are not all like “choke this”. JSS, this discussion started because you mentioned something about fans in your initial post. I would love to talk about Falcons football rather than non-football related issues. There will always be people that incite emotions (on both sides) on these blogs. We just have to do our best to let them pass.
Anyway, it doesn’t appear that Ryan will play if what Shultz says is accurate. I think this game is important but we lost alot of horses this year and it will be tough. I think Turner is as valuable as Ryan (if not more so) and they both need to be held back if they are hurt. Don’t mortgage the future for one game.
FalconUGAFan
December 11th, 2009
7:01 am
Was Jonathan Babineaux arrested in Gwinnett County last night on a marijana with intent to distribute charge?? The AJC has nothing on it so far, but that’s the word.
Unfortunately yes….
http://www.gwinnettcountysheriff.com/asp/imageone_stage2.asp?target=%202009166810
LaKwanzza S.
December 11th, 2009
7:22 am
Yall be wishing that Mike Vick be back as a Atlanta Falcon. Black players dont get no turf toe. Matt Ryan is a punk sissy.