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
robertussen
December 10th, 2009
3:15 pm
first
jtwillis
December 10th, 2009
3:21 pm
Houston being gone is all feh, but Ryan being out is all NOOOOOO!!!!!! We need to knock these cocky Saints off their high horse like the Bears did a few seasons back.
robertussen
December 10th, 2009
3:22 pm
i hope ryan is healthy we need this one. im not too proud to say the saints are the best team this year and it will be hard to beat them. we have to remember we are only in year 2 of a complete rebuild and the depth just isnt there yet. the injuries have hurt us badly this year and with no one to step up what you gonna do we will be an elite team by year 4 hopefully but will be a playoff team any year as long as we stay healthy
TMoney
December 10th, 2009
3:24 pm
As much as I know we need Ryan, I’d almost feel better if the Falcons shut him down for the rest of the year. He and Turner both, I don’t want their long term health risked at this point.
Realistically, I think Ryan sits this week and Turner plays. I expect Ryan to give it a go against the Jets, but I really don’t think that’s the best idea.
Roderick Moore
December 10th, 2009
3:27 pm
Ending the Saints’ streak would be sweet. Hope the whole team is crazy stoked to do it.
Sonny Clusters
December 10th, 2009
3:29 pm
Clusters was always ready to play but Clusters never had turf toe. When a toe turns turf toe it gets real green and wiry like turf. It’s not pretty. Hopping around with turf toe won’t help this team win. We think Matt should get completely healthy and pink-toed before he plays again.
Tom Dempsey
December 10th, 2009
3:29 pm
I kicked 60+ yard field goals without toes…..what’s the problem?
Sonny Clusters
December 10th, 2009
3:31 pm
Why is one line offensive and another not? Harvey Dahl has bad manners and does not bathe. That’s like Stinky Wintes used to be and he was the most offensive lineman we ever met.
pilgrim
December 10th, 2009
3:42 pm
So the deciding factor is “effectiveness?” There’s a bunch of us fans scratching our heads over that, sure enough.
Peachtree John
December 10th, 2009
3:49 pm
So, let’s do some planning ahead. Coach Smith will make the decisions on who to play and who not to play. It is important to let these guys heal and be ready for next year.
The bright(?) side is that we will keep our record of not having back to back winning seasons in tact. We get a better draft choice.
And how about the importance of drafting or trading for a capable back up quarterback? Needs addressing. Not to mention the continued drafting of winners on defense and offense.
The big picture is to build a team that can plug players in and continue to win. It will take some time. Hopefully or QB can survive that long. Eh, Randy Johnson, Steve?
humble(1)
December 10th, 2009
3:50 pm
Sit him down for one more week. I have to say we will lose a game before we step on the field but this game may already be over. Banged up o-line, no Turner, now no Chris Houston. Don’t push Matt back, let him get healthy and live to fight another day. We don’t want this to be a prolonged injury that could effect the rest of his career. Sit Him.
SOUTH GA BIRD FAN
December 10th, 2009
3:52 pm
Sit him out the playoffs are not happening we still have a realistic chance at 8-8 thats all no 9-7 no run the table for 10-6 , I have been a suffering falcon fan for too long to expect that . lets sit the injured get everybody well for next year hope for a productive draft and shoot for playoffs next year .
of course play them all if they are healthy Ryan included but most of these injuries Toe and ankles will more than likely linger the rest of this injury infested year.
I will still be cheering every down even if we have to play norwood at quarterback and white at corner there is no fair weather in this fan.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tucker T
December 10th, 2009
3:55 pm
I don’t have a problem with him sitting out even if he is healthy enough to play if the offensive line is not going to be able to protect him. I would hate to see him play and get killed like Redman did last week. Gotta focus on the long term and sending a less than 100% Ryan out there with a substandard offensive line is not smart.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
3:55 pm
Man, Smitty & Company will go through great lengths to cover up the obvious…………
“And the Oscar for best performance goes to………”
Everybody and their mother knows that the CHOKE is faking the injury to save face.
Give me a break! It’s a major coincident that he was out vs the Eagles, but now he is ready to go less than 24 hours later………
IT’S A MIRACLE……..IT’S A MIRACLE…………IT’S A MIRACLE
Bat Masterson
December 10th, 2009
3:55 pm
The source was probably that Vick jockstrap sniffer, “Matt Choke Ryan.”
Bat Masterson
December 10th, 2009
3:57 pm
HaHaHa, speak of the devil.
Choke is a joke
December 10th, 2009
4:01 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan
December 10th, 2009
3:55 pm
Man, Smitty & Company will go through great lengths to cover up the obvious…………
“And the Oscar for best performance goes to………”
Everybody and their mother knows that the CHOKE is faking the injury to save face.
Give me a break! It’s a major coincident that he was out vs the Eagles, but now he is ready to go less than 24 hours later………
IT’S A MIRACLE……..IT’S A MIRACLE…………IT’S A MIRACLE
Look, the idiot’s back!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
4:03 pm
But seriously guys, the birds have not beaten a team with a winning record all season, with the CHOKE, i.e New England, Saints, Cowboys, Giants, etc., so why is Hell does it matter if he plays now
CHOKE, Redman or Ryan Leaf – doesn’t matter much.
Mora Sr.
December 10th, 2009
4:06 pm
Play….offs,Play…..offs,The Falcons can’t even beat their way out of a paper bag!
Terry Bradshaw
December 10th, 2009
4:07 pm
Mora Sr.
December 10th, 2009
4:06 pm
Play….offs,Play…..offs,The Falcons can’t even beat their way out of a paper bag!
NO THAT’S FUNNY!
Coach Killer
December 10th, 2009
4:08 pm
Matty Ice is costing Smith & Dimotroff their jobs.
Dennis Green
December 10th, 2009
4:10 pm
The Falcons are who we thought they were!
We let them off the hook!
Ryan is Crying
December 10th, 2009
4:10 pm
I guess the rest of the league found out that I SUCK just like all you Falcon fans out there!
Short Term Memory
December 10th, 2009
4:10 pm
Here is the thing people – the saints went 8-8 last year. Yes 8-8 – and last place in the division. This year with a few really nice free agency pick-ups on D, they are 12-0. We are in the same boat. We need to address corner and safety. We need a veteran safety and a shutdown corner, and we will be back on top. It’s that simple. We had a brutal schedule which included playing 4 teams coming off their bye. We had no plan at corner, but we got lucky and picked up Brian Williams. This year we need to spend money in our secondary, and not go so cheap.
Also it would be nice if Harry Douglas or some other receiver emerged.
Matt Ryan (Gillette Commerical)
December 10th, 2009
4:12 pm
My face takes enough of a beating. That’s why I use Dr. Scholls, because it’s specially formulated to heal turf toe.
robertussen
December 10th, 2009
4:12 pm
if it were up to matt he would have played vs the eagles, who was his favorite team growing up, there is nothing like showing up your childhood idol but its not his decision the training and med staff have to clear him first and if they say ok he would play with one leg and the football taped to a nub where his arm once was THIS KID IS FOR REAL
e.b.
December 10th, 2009
4:12 pm
If Ryan & Turner don’t play, Falcons don’t win. IT’S THAT SIMPLE!
Hamp from Tuscaloosa
December 10th, 2009
4:14 pm
I thought I would never see the day when I really, really wanted Chris Houston to play now he is out. He is a very good coverage corner but he doesnt get his head around. bigger recievers see the ball and go get it on him. If grimes was 3 inches taller he would be a beast. Almost is never enough. I like the live to fight another day approach I would give as many young guys playing time in games that get away they have got to grow. But Smitty has to much pride for that and I think I like it!
Herm Edwards
December 10th, 2009
4:15 pm
You play to win the game!!!
Get your sorry 72 million dollar butt on the field!
Gay Yankee
December 10th, 2009
4:15 pm
Aurther, Thomas, and Coach Smith go to great lengths covering up the fact Ryan will not play unless he has a healthy offensive line. Newsflash Ryan sucks and will be embarassing just like Redman was last week.
Chris(Rell)
December 10th, 2009
4:16 pm
If Ryan’s ready he should play, but if not just sit him. I dont think we will win this sunday even though we normally beat the Aint’s in the Dome. We may finish 8-8 this year. Before we lost to the Panthers I thought it was a real chance we could go 10-6. But we still cant beat teams we are suppose to beat.
The Aint’s will most likely beat use unless a different Aint’s team shows up. Now the Jets game looks like an even match up, the Bills have been playing a little better but we should beat them. And Tampa played us tough in the Dome. That game may end up being a challenge.
robertussen
December 10th, 2009
4:16 pm
the idiots are back talking the trash of a city that doesnt deserve a nfl team. i hope mr balnk takes the falcons from you atlanta they deserve better ATL THE WORST FANS IN THE NFL
Flying Ryan
December 10th, 2009
4:18 pm
Ryan might BLOW A FEW but he won’t CHOKE ON THE BIG ONES!
Matty Ice
December 10th, 2009
4:19 pm
You dudes hurt my feelings last Sunday. How do you think it feels to hear the fans chanting WE WANT VICK, WE WANT VICK? That really hurts dog gonit. I’m the NEW FACE OF THE FRANCHIS DAMMIT!
JSS
December 10th, 2009
4:29 pm
Choke…
Remember my message? Your points about the Falcons futility against winning teams should be what real fans and observers take note of… Unfortunately, they start on the same ole rants…
MV#777
December 10th, 2009
4:35 pm
All during the week of practice, Andy Reid told Vick he would score two touchdowns against his former team in this emotional cauldron.
Vick played along. Why not? That would be fine with him.
“We’re always saying things about what we’re going to do and stuff,” said Vick, who didn’t have to add that much of the time those things don’t happen.
Everything happened yesterday, though. The crowd greeted him with a mixture of cheers and boos, even when he scored a touchdown on a quarterback draw on the first drive of the third quarter.
But as the game got out of hand, heading toward a 34-7 blowout win for the Eagles, the most rabid of Atlanta fans exited the building, leaving behind only Eagles fans and locals nostalgic for better days. That’s when the chant began.
“We want Vick. We want Vick.”
Even Reid, usually more phlegmatic than dramatic, couldn’t ignore the moment and Donovan McNabb came off the field after the first play of the Eagles’ first fourth-quarter drive. Vick came on and, as if he had written the script himself, drove the team to a touchdown, finishing it off with a pass to Brent Celek on a misdirection play.
“When I heard the chants, it made chills go down my spine. It let me know that people here do appreciate what I’ve done and what I’m able to do moving forward,” Vick said.
It was the first time Vick ran for a touchdown and threw for a touchdown in the same regular season game since September 2006. The cheers from that day in the Georgia Dome faded away long ago, replaced by the crashing sound that accompanied Vick’s long fall from grace.
“Everyone deserves a second chance, no matter what happens,” McNabb said, “and I think he’s relishing the moment right now.”
The Eagles are relishing their own moment, too. They have won three straight games and are positioned for a decent run in the playoffs. The offense has kept going despite the loss of Brian Westbrook and the jumbled nature of the offensive line.
As the games grow more important, it will be interesting to find out if Vick will be a regular contributor now, and not just the strange cameo player he has been. It could be that Reid planned to give Vick his day in Atlanta, maybe in reparation for his scant use elsewhere, or it could be that some invisible corner has been turned.
“We’ve got things in” the offense for Vick, Reid said. “It’s easier when you’ve got a little flow going in the offense. There’s not a set number of plays. We see how things go with a game. If we feel it’s the right time, we put him in there.”
This has been a strange trip for Vick, from Falcon to jailbird to Eagle. Anyone would be changed by it, although neither the most ardent supporter nor the most cynical critic can know for sure if Vick’s words now are sincere or contrived.
“I want this to be an inspiring story for a lot of kids – that things may happen, but you have to persevere, have to overcome adversity and continue to make strides day in, day out, week in, week out, year to year,” Vick said. “If you keep pressing forward, good things happen to you, but you have to believe in yourself. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”
Well, that much we know is true. It has been a long time. Atlanta team owner Arthur Blank walked to the middle of the field during warm-ups yesterday for a very public embrace of Vick. Just over two years ago, Blank told the public that Vick lied to him and instructed the team’s lawyers to sue Vick in an attempt to recover almost $20 million in salary.
All of that seemed forgotten yesterday, and a cheering football stadium is a long way from solitary confinement. Vick’s time in Leavenworth was only the first stage of his purgatory. The second stage is this season, as he has endured the publicity that came with his return, and as he has waited for something good to happen on a football field.
He got all of that yesterday in a scenario made for him. A return to Atlanta, against a banged-up football team incapable of staying close. An opportunity for Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg to make all the bother seem worthwhile.
“I’m proud of Mike. He’s had one coming to him,” Mornhinweg said.
Maybe so, maybe not. That view depends on the viewer. To some, his sins are forgiven. To some, his sins are unforgivable.
“Who cares about what happened in the past?” Vick said.
He was talking about the games earlier this season when he didn’t do much, but it is a question that covers a lot of ground for Vick. Does what happened in the past still matter for Michael Vick?
The real answer to that is for the future to decide. But this much is certainly true: It didn’t matter yesterday in Atlanta. Not even a little bit.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
4:36 pm
JSS
December 10th, 2009
4:29 pm
Choke…
Remember my message? Your points about the Falcons futility against winning teams should be what real fans and observers take note of… Unfortunately, they start on the same ole rants…
“Because deep down” they are embarrassed because the “HOPE” is in reality a big “JOKE”. They are living in denial.
"Choke" is a Troll
December 10th, 2009
4:40 pm
“Choke” is illiterate.
MV#777
December 10th, 2009
4:40 pm
THANKYOU CHOKE……..
MV#777
December 10th, 2009
4:45 pm
C
H
O
K
E
!
!
!
jerry
December 10th, 2009
4:48 pm
For those concerned about the stench level left over from the Eagles game, it has not dissipated. Gas masks on sale at the gate.
DJ Sniper
December 10th, 2009
4:48 pm
Can somebody tell me why the village idiot hasn’t been permanently banned?? He is quite pathetic. Notice how he was going on and on earlier this season about how the Falcons should have drafted Joe Flacco instead of Matt Ryan. Well, Flacco seems to be going through his own sophomore slump, so he’s had to make up some new nonsense to pollute these blogs.
At any rate. I’m up in the air about Ryan for this Sunday. I would like for him to play and give us our best chance to beat the Saints, but not at the expense of his long term availability for the future. Maybe Redman bounces back from last week’s performance and has a decent game. If we can get our running game back on track, that will help a lot.
Also, I’ve read other blogs and seen people giving Thomas Dimitroff a lot of grief for not re-signing Dominique Foxworth. I guess those people haven’t watched a lot of Ravens games this season, because Foxworth is not having a great year. He got faked out pretty bad on a TD pass against Green Bay on Monday.
jarvis
December 10th, 2009
4:50 pm
Has Mark Bradley been fired?
FoxNoise.net
December 10th, 2009
4:56 pm
I’ve been a Falcons fan since 1976, I LOVE THEM, but at 6-6 they’re not serious playoff contenders anymore. Don’t risk Ryan’s or anyone else’s future by pushing them out on the field before they’re ready.
Herschel Talker
December 10th, 2009
4:57 pm
No chance he plays.
Hillbilly Deluxe
December 10th, 2009
5:09 pm
I don’t care if five guys from the Waffle House are blocking.
What Waffle House are you going to, Jeff? What about 5 of Sonny’s ol’ buddies from the DQ?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 10th, 2009
5:15 pm
Last year, after a schedule of:
- Detroit
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
- Oakland
All of you guys were praising the Dimitroff/Smith team was brilliant and a New England dynasty, but we all know with a schedule that weak, even a AA team could look good.
Now fast forward to 2009, when they have to play against a “True” NFL schedule, they nut up like the LOSERS that they are. They run around like a whole chicken coop with their heads chopped off.
I mean it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realize you don’t cut your entire defensive leadership to save a few bucks, and think that an already weak defense would magically become New England without the personnel.
That whole NEW FRANCHISE project has been a failure. The talk around the blogs was that the Mora/McKay era was a total disaster and how much more classy and proficient the new regime would be, yet 2 years into the project, they are as worse off as they were prior to the new regime’s arrival.
At least the last regime can say they took the franchise to the championship game in the very 1st season and with this regime they cannot take claim to that accomplishment, even though they have had twice the amount of time.
Every single team in the NFC have gone through the traditional “Last to First” for the decade, until the new regime broke that trend last year, by not going from “last to first”. They also broke the Falcons trend of being the 1st team in the decade by going 1 and done in the playoffs.
Now, take last week end, when the New Face of the franchise, in the game that would stamp his legacy and remove all memories of the old Franchise Quarterback, he wasn’t up to the challenge, and decided he would rather leave his teammates out to dry, rather than take the risk of being EMBARRASSED by the old Franchise quarterback.
That is not a Franchise Quarterback, and that is not a leader. For all of the above mentioned, this regime is a TOTAL BUST.
whodat70816
December 10th, 2009
5:17 pm
The Saints Defense is banged up. Our top CBs are out at least until playoffs and may not even be ready by then. I would much rather see the Saints lose to Atlanta Sunday than to risk bringing these guys back too soon.
I believe our Saints will take Atlanta, but I think it will be another close game with our Defense so banged up.
I guess my point is, a win is not as important as getting your stars healthty…at least in my book. But I guess that’s easy for me to say because my team has already clinched a playoff spot.
GEAUX SAINTS
dawg fan 4 life
December 10th, 2009
5:29 pm
This Fxxxxxx team sucks in a bad way. The so call GM has done a horrible job since he’s been here. Where is the Defensive Secondary these guys are horrible at best and we knew this during preseason. I’m really tired of being a fan of these jokers, but I can’t find myself cheering for another team. Can anyone tell me why John Abraham is wearing a ski mask on sunday’s, because he’s robbing us the fans and the franchise.
Jeff Schultz
December 10th, 2009
5:44 pm
Hillbilly – I haven’t seen the DQ’s 5-deep roster.
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.
DePlane
December 11th, 2009
7:23 am
Babs….what were you thinking? I can’t believe it. That’s what this team needs, eh?
I am so disappointed.
JTH
December 11th, 2009
7:27 am
The Falcons are in a good position to upset the Saints. After the lucky and emotional win for N.O. last week they may came out flat and the Falcons should be fired up after being embarrassed by Philly and Vick.
Got to pound the ball, control the clock and keep Brees and Co. off the field. Play with emotion and urgency, maybe throw in a trick play or two(off-sides kick when unexpected, flea flicker, anything). Keep the score relatively low.
Falcons 21-17.
JTH
December 11th, 2009
7:36 am
OMG! Babineaux! This is unreal. UNREAL! How much is enough?
Well $#!+%&#@$%^&
Fair and Balanced
December 11th, 2009
8:08 am
Well if that’s true about Babineaux then I can only expect for the Saints to put a beatdown on the Falcons since we’ve offically reached “implosion” status now.
JSS
December 11th, 2009
8:39 am
Just waking up and checking before I go out in the suddenly even colder L.A. foothills to get a 4 mile trail walk in before work.
@FalconUGAfan…
Amazing, the only way you can talk Falcons football is for them to make it about the product that they put on the field… And from I’m reading this morning, I guess that won’t be the case before Sunday… That is why I wanted for “Choke” to explain his position on Ryan. As I mentioned last night and this morning, this team has some amazing problems that are systemic… It was evient even last year to those who were not awash in the moment (the playoff berth). Unfortunately, those people were drown out as being negative or foolish. Let’s hope that Babineaux is the last of it all… In the best of all worlds, it should be, however until Arthur Blank steps up, not in a news conference like the sideshows that were Vick’s departure or Dimitroff’s entrance… Now, what will the AJC’s columnists do?
JSS
December 11th, 2009
8:41 am
“evident” before the grammar/spellcheck cop appears, I’m done…
TMoney
December 11th, 2009
8:50 am
The name is misspelled as Babineox, but one look at the picture tells it all. What a dumb move.
Full list of charges:
12/11/2009 1:01:00 AM|BABINEOUX|JONATHAN|JOEL|99313464|EXPIRED TAG
12/11/2009 1:01:00 AM|BABINEOUX|JONATHAN|JOEL|99313464|*NO DRIVERS LICENSE
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12/11/2009 1:01:00 AM|BABINEOUX|JONATHAN|JOEL|99313464|TAG LIGHT VISIBLE 50 FT.
Gamer
December 11th, 2009
9:00 am
IF COACH SMITH PLAYS RYAN OR TURNER AND THEIR INJURIES ARE RE-AGGRAVATED CAUSING AGITATION IN THEIR PLAY NEXT SEASON THEN COACH SMITH SHOULD BE FIRED!!!!
THE BEST THING THE FALCONS COACHES CAN DO FOR RYAN AT THIS STAGE OF HIS CAREER IS STRENGTHEN HIS THROWING ARM!!
RYAN INTELLIGENTLY PLAYS THE QUARTERBACK POSITION LIKE A PEYTON MANNING AND JOE MONTANA BUT HE STRUGGLE TO GET THE BALL TO HIS RECEIVERS BY NOT HAVING ANY ZIP ON HIS PASSES BEYOND 20-YARDS.
MARK MY WORDS, NEXT SEASON RYAN WILL NEED A STRONGER ARM TO COMPETE AGAINST MUCH SMARTER AND FASTER DEFENDERS!!!!
ESPECIALLY, THOSE WHO HAVE PLAYED AGAINST RYAN AND CONTINUE TO STUDY HIS PASSING TENDENCIES..
THIS SHOULD BE THE COACHES CONCERN ABOUT RYAN NOT PLAYING FOR PRIDE OF A WINNING SEASON!!!
FalconUGAFan
December 11th, 2009
9:17 am
@Gamer
Agree to a point. They shouldn’t play but the reality is this is a “what have you done for me TODAY” league. Too many losses and Smitty and TD will be gone. Wholeheartedly agree that Ryan needs some zip.
SAINTS_RULE_OVER_FALCONS
December 11th, 2009
9:54 am
Saints will beat you sparrows no matter who you start….we already did it and we had several of our starters out…this time will be worse though…42-10 SAINTS…start saying this now so you will get used to it: New Orleans Saints SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS
Vick Supporter
December 11th, 2009
10:12 am
Ryan won’t play even if he’s healthy because his O-line is dinged up? LMAO!!!
What a f’ing pu…
And you people call this guy you franchise QB? McNabb played on a broken ankle…hell Matt Stafford played 2 games with a seperated shoulder, yet Ryan is being protected,lmao.
What a loser franchise and what a loser, WEAK QB you people have.
“Vick wil shine again”—WHOOPS!!!!!!!!!!!! He just did last week against the Falcons, LMAO.
“We Want Vick!! We Want Vick!! We Want Vick!! We Want Vick!! ” LMAO!!!! lololololoollol
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 11th, 2009
10:19 am
JSS
No problem. Oh that LITTLE MAN Bugkiller and Midnite are probably leading a rally somewhere.
Vick Supporter
December 11th, 2009
10:22 am
Mike Smith: Matty Ice, we need you to play this week….please!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ryan: Not unless my entire O-Line is healthy…..with my injured toe, I really can’t throw the football very far or hard…not that I could anyway. I have an image to protect…
Mike Smith: Yes Matty Ice, whatever you think is best sir.
Mike Smith: (Under his breath) Damn I wish I had Mike Vick on my team…..Redman!!!! Get you f’ing ass out there and PLEASE throw the ball over the lineman this time.
Vick Supporter
December 11th, 2009
10:23 am
And you people call Matt Ryan a “leader”,lol.
He’s leading alright….straight to the hot tub for his toe,lol
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 11th, 2009
10:42 am
Vick Supporter
December 11th, 2009
10:22 am
Mike Smith: Matty Ice, we need you to play this week….please!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ryan: Not unless my entire O-Line is healthy…..with my injured toe, I really can’t throw the football very far or hard…not that I could anyway. I have an image to protect…
Mike Smith: Yes Matty Ice, whatever you think is best sir.
Mike Smith: (Under his breath) Damn I wish I had Mike Vick on my team…..Redman!!!! Get you f’ing ass out there and PLEASE throw the ball over the lineman this time.
“MAN THAT’S COLD”
You know that PUNK is FAKING
An Observation
December 11th, 2009
11:03 am
What is interesting about the biased reporting about the chants for Vick in the GA Dome last Sunday is that when that happened (towards the end of the game)…the majority (and I mean thousands) of Falcons’ fans had already exited and headed for home. I am also sick and tired of people making the assumption that ALL Black people in Atlanta and elsewhere cheered for Vick’s return on last Sunday. At best, he is an average NFL QB..great athlete, but average NFL level QB who won’t be in Philly next year and it’s going to be interesting to see if any other team wants to take on Vick and all his baggage next year no matter how bad they might need a QB.
Warrick Dunn did more in the ATL for minorities with a whole lot less resources than Vick ever did so I’m not drinking the Vick kool-aid. In fact, Dunn’s charities are still making a positive impact in Atlanta. Vick made Blank a lot of money but did very little within the community at-large with all his millions. His foundation was a joke. It’s a known fact and even the woman that was in charge of his foundation (his mother was also a salaried officer) admitted that they did very little in terms of successfully completing any outreach programs of any magnitude.
JYD
December 11th, 2009
11:33 am
I agree with some people here on the blog that there’s nopoint in playing anybody whose hurting right now just to lose again. Even in the games when the Birds were full strength the offense was still so so not at all efficient and the defense from preseason needs nothing to be said. TD & Smitty let’s see you guys earn you’re paychecks with better drafting not often injured guys from College& please, please, other teams rebuild thru free agency ie Saints, Dallas, Giants, Philly. As for Barbs just like Boley this could be his ticket out of town which will haunt us next season since TD& AB don’t seem to be in a forgiving mood due to the guy who burned them last weekend.
Manny
December 11th, 2009
1:17 pm
I don’t think if the decision was made that Ryan wouldn’t come back unless the O-line is healthier, it was Ryan’s decision. I think that Ryan really want to be out there, but I think him staying off the field is a business decision- if that decision was indeed true.
I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but even though I don’t think highly of Ryan’s skills right now, I think he’ll get better… eventually. But I would like to give him some time to develop- even if that means for the Falcons to be average-to-bad for the short-term.
In other words, I would like to extend the time for Matt Ryan to develop, and get better pieces surrounding him. That really wasn’t given to Mike Vick while he was here. They gave him an undersized line. They gave him either over-the-hill or too young receivers. They gave him Jim Mora Jr, and Gregg Knapp to run the show for him- with no ability to audible out of terrible offensive plays (and if you thought that coaching staff wasn’t bad, take a gander at the 2009 Seattle Seahawks. Gregg Knapp is an offensive genius. Even the GM ran away from that team.)
Hopefully, Matt Ryan can get better support than Vick. If not, hope for the best,but expect the worst.
SC Dave
December 11th, 2009
1:54 pm
Michael Vick is not coming back to be an Atlanta Falcon. It’s not going to happen. If those of us who have moved on are supposed to get over the fact that the man was electrocuting dogs, then get over the fact that he will not be your Falcon’s quarterback.
When it’s all said and done Matt Ryan will probably have had a good career as an NFL quarterback.
“Choke” your conspiracies belong in your crystal meth diary… not here.
Get over it.
GO DAWGS
December 11th, 2009
2:36 pm
Hey Vick supporter you better say nice things about VICK THE CONVICTED FELON
GO DAWGS
December 11th, 2009
2:38 pm
Make Vick mad he may slam your kid to the ground and crack his skull.
Vick Supporter
December 11th, 2009
3:26 pm
“We Want Vick!!! We Want Vick!!! We Want Vick!!! We Want Vick!!! ”
lmao. Damn that was great to hear
Jeff Schultz
December 11th, 2009
5:49 pm
Go Dawgs — I unapproved a comment because it was a blanket statement on a race. You’re right on the ban/don’t ban borderline. Take a step back.
Rocky Mountian Falcon
December 11th, 2009
7:16 pm
Coach Smith, Mr.Ryan, Mr. Turner, and the rest of the Falcons:
All I want for Christmas is..9 wins. The heck with the playoffs, just give me nine. Lets get this back-to-back winning seasons monkey off our backs. Playoffs will be for next year. Lets just get this frickin monkey off our backs.
bigeasy830
December 11th, 2009
10:12 pm
D. Ellis
My Steelers are done. We won championships playing with a certain signature style, hard hitting great intense defense and smash mouth offense. We do not play that type of football now. We need a big bruising running back and the lost of our all world safety showed the weaknesses we have on defense. Last nights lost was…I can’t even explain it. When you realize your team just don’t have it after a 6-2 start and being the defending Champs man, what a disappointment. But oh well, I know Mike Tomlin will turn it around next year.
Vick Supporter
December 11th, 2009
10:46 pm
people…you have to check this out….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzEq0m_6FrI
MV#777
December 12th, 2009
11:09 am
All during the week of practice, Andy Reid told Vick he would score two touchdowns against his former team in this emotional cauldron.
Vick played along. Why not? That would be fine with him.
“We’re always saying things about what we’re going to do and stuff,” said Vick, who didn’t have to add that much of the time those things don’t happen.
Everything happened yesterday, though. The crowd greeted him with a mixture of cheers and boos, even when he scored a touchdown on a quarterback draw on the first drive of the third quarter.
But as the game got out of hand, heading toward a 34-7 blowout win for the Eagles, the most rabid of Atlanta fans exited the building, leaving behind only Eagles fans and locals nostalgic for better days. That’s when the chant began.
“We want Vick. We want Vick.”
Even Reid, usually more phlegmatic than dramatic, couldn’t ignore the moment and Donovan McNabb came off the field after the first play of the Eagles’ first fourth-quarter drive. Vick came on and, as if he had written the script himself, drove the team to a touchdown, finishing it off with a pass to Brent Celek on a misdirection play.
“When I heard the chants, it made chills go down my spine. It let me know that people here do appreciate what I’ve done and what I’m able to do moving forward,” Vick said.
It was the first time Vick ran for a touchdown and threw for a touchdown in the same regular season game since September 2006. The cheers from that day in the Georgia Dome faded away long ago, replaced by the crashing sound that accompanied Vick’s long fall from grace.
“Everyone deserves a second chance, no matter what happens,” McNabb said, “and I think he’s relishing the moment right now.”
The Eagles are relishing their own moment, too. They have won three straight games and are positioned for a decent run in the playoffs. The offense has kept going despite the loss of Brian Westbrook and the jumbled nature of the offensive line.
As the games grow more important, it will be interesting to find out if Vick will be a regular contributor now, and not just the strange cameo player he has been. It could be that Reid planned to give Vick his day in Atlanta, maybe in reparation for his scant use elsewhere, or it could be that some invisible corner has been turned.
“We’ve got things in” the offense for Vick, Reid said. “It’s easier when you’ve got a little flow going in the offense. There’s not a set number of plays. We see how things go with a game. If we feel it’s the right time, we put him in there.”
This has been a strange trip for Vick, from Falcon to jailbird to Eagle. Anyone would be changed by it, although neither the most ardent supporter nor the most cynical critic can know for sure if Vick’s words now are sincere or contrived.
“I want this to be an inspiring story for a lot of kids – that things may happen, but you have to persevere, have to overcome adversity and continue to make strides day in, day out, week in, week out, year to year,” Vick said. “If you keep pressing forward, good things happen to you, but you have to believe in yourself. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”
Well, that much we know is true. It has been a long time. Atlanta team owner Arthur Blank walked to the middle of the field during warm-ups yesterday for a very public embrace of Vick. Just over two years ago, Blank told the public that Vick lied to him and instructed the team’s lawyers to sue Vick in an attempt to recover almost $20 million in salary.
All of that seemed forgotten yesterday, and a cheering football stadium is a long way from solitary confinement. Vick’s time in Leavenworth was only the first stage of his purgatory. The second stage is this season, as he has endured the publicity that came with his return, and as he has waited for something good to happen on a football field.
He got all of that yesterday in a scenario made for him. A return to Atlanta, against a banged-up football team incapable of staying close. An opportunity for Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg to make all the bother seem worthwhile.
“I’m proud of Mike. He’s had one coming to him,” Mornhinweg said.
Maybe so, maybe not. That view depends on the viewer. To some, his sins are forgiven. To some, his sins are unforgivable.
“Who cares about what happened in the past?” Vick said.
He was talking about the games earlier this season when he didn’t do much, but it is a question that covers a lot of ground for Vick. Does what happened in the past still matter for Michael Vick?
The real answer to that is for the future to decide. But this much is certainly true: It didn’t matter yesterday in Atlanta. Not even a little bit.!!!!!
GO DAWGS
December 12th, 2009
11:49 am
Sorry your right my apology.
Hawks Fan
December 12th, 2009
1:00 pm
Fellas Give up Falcons season is OVER they aren’t gonna win sunday againts Saints, how the hell ya gonna support losing team 6-6 not supporting hawks 16-6 thats shame on atlantans lets get out support the hawks. i’ll see ya at the game sunday. have a bless holiday.