Matt Ryan confident but admits he, offense could be better
Matt Ryan said he is concerned about the offense, but admits he'd like to have had more success in the preseason. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
FLOWERY BRANCH — Matt Ryan spent part of practice Monday as a blitzing linebacker on the scout team. Wow, seems a little premature to change his position already, doesn’t it?
“Maybe I missed my calling,” the Falcons’ quarterback cracked.
OK, nothing is over-analyzed more than NFL exhibition games. So this whole why-hasn’t-Matt-Ryan-been-better thing probably is overblown. But even Ryan, who was off target on several throws (13 for 26) in last Friday’’s game against Miami, admits that the offense could be operating more efficiently and he needs to be better.
“While we would’ve liked to have been a little more productive the other night, I still feel like we’re moving at a high level,” Ryan said after practice Monday. “We’re close. There are still a few things we’d like to tighten up.
“Personally, I needed to play better. I didn’t play well the other night. But it’s one game, and especially in the preseason you need to put those things behind you.”
Ryan is 24 for45 for 213 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the three exhibitions. But the most glaring statistic of the preseason is that the first string offense has produced only one touchdown in 13 possessions.
When asked what he saw when he looked at tape from the Miami game, Ryan said: “There’s definitely some footwork stuff. But it’s never as good or as bad as you think it’s going to be when you go in and watch the tape. The biggest thing is to maintain good footwork in the pocket, especially when there’s a pass rush around you. Miami did a good job with the pass rush. We had some opportunities. An inch here, an inch there. But if we want to be the kind of football team we want to be, you can’t just be close, you’ve got to do it. That’s probably the biggest thing you take from that tape – we’re right there, we’re right in position to make those plays.”
Ryan makes perfect sense. The Falcons might be fine. I’m just saying this: Until we see success on the field, that inch here and inch there is a big deal. As he said himself, “… If we want to be the kind of football team we want to be, you can’t just be close, you’ve got to do it.”
The Falcons play their final exhibition Thursday night in Jacksonville. The first string offense will play one to two series. Ryan said, “Our confidence is high.”
But a little more success would ease any doubts going into the regular season opener against Pittsburgh. Do you agree? Or are you not concerned ab0ut preseason results?
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92 comments Add your comment
Delbert D.
August 30th, 2010
3:21 pm
I’m really glad he is.
Just Sayin
August 30th, 2010
3:24 pm
2nd!!
SirReal
August 30th, 2010
3:25 pm
We’ll see….this year will show us the type of QB and team we really have. If Ryan doesn’t do well this year, in his THIRD year when the light bulb should go on….we may not have the QB we think we do. He missed 2 easy TDs in that game. I know they dont want to force their hand for PIT but let’s be honest….an elite QB makes those throws..and an elite WR makes those catches….Roddy isnt in the clear either…
Bleakley
August 30th, 2010
3:25 pm
I know some people are concerned about Ryan, but I truly believe he will have a very solid season. All he needs is the running game to be strong like in 2008 and he will be just fine.
Willy
August 30th, 2010
3:26 pm
My fan confidence is in the C+ range – in spite of all the hype the Falcons are still just a couple injuries away from another mediocre season.
Hollywould
August 30th, 2010
3:26 pm
Jeff, I hope this offense has been holding back as they have been very vanilla. They have to stretch it out to keep the linebackers respectful of the pass.
Just Sayin
August 30th, 2010
3:27 pm
Yes, I would like to see some results, even if it is Preseason. Thursday night would be a good time to show some of what they can do! Go Falcons!!!
Larry
August 30th, 2010
3:29 pm
I played QB, and were I Matt Ryan and had to throw to Roddy White under pressure for a key conversion my confidence would suffer too. This team is still an elite, pressure performing receiver away from clicking on all cylinders. Ryan has supreme confidence in Tony Gonzalez, but it spirals downhill from there.
Ryan confident but admits he, offense could be better – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) by Lebron James Miami Heat Basketball
August 30th, 2010
3:34 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
DirtybyrdATL4life
August 30th, 2010
3:36 pm
Matty Ice & the Falcons Offense are goin 2 shock alotta ppl this yr…in a gr8 way that is…
Ted Striker
August 30th, 2010
3:40 pm
Is there a free beer for a year option — in lieu of the other prizes — in the “Sack Schultz” contest?
Sure the 37 inch LCD TV is nice and the tix are cool. However if I had a steady stream of brew for 365 days, I could make it by with that 13 inch black and white Magnavox I got in 1977.
5150 P.O.A.D
August 30th, 2010
3:40 pm
As long as the Falcons were UGA colors from the old Rankin Smith choice I just can’t see the Falcon winning it all. It took UGA around one hundred years to win a national championship in those colors. The Falcons have only been around 44 years and I just don’t see a Championship anytime soon. I do think we can be a playoff team for the next 3 years, b ut not a Champion.
SirReal
August 30th, 2010
3:42 pm
@Dirtybyrd I hope you’re right about that…lol..I’m just not convinced…as long as Mike Mularley is calling the plays….we’ll never see what we can really do. Plus Ryan’s arm strength is in question to me. If he can throw more than 10 completions downfield at least 40-50 yards, I’ll give it to him…if not, the guy has a noodle arm. This team starts and finishes with Turner at the end of the day.
5150 P.O.A.D
August 30th, 2010
3:43 pm
sorry WEAR uga colors. NFC Champion yes, but a World Champion Super Bowl Winning Champion I just don’t see it.
Phinizy
August 30th, 2010
3:43 pm
The offense has looked thoroughly uninspiring. I’m starting to wonder if the unit has what it takes to lead the team to the next level.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
August 30th, 2010
3:46 pm
its great to be back in the blog world after a few weeks of burnt computers and stuff.
Not really interested in preseason except for hoping that no one gets hurt.
Manny
August 30th, 2010
3:48 pm
I think that this season will be meiocre. Possibly a little better than medoicre. (9-7 or 10-6.)
That being said, the Falcons match up pretty well against the Steelers. The Steelers corners are terrible and prone to give up mid-range passes, which just so happens to be Matt Ryan’s strength. They take away the long pass with good safety play, though.
Also, they allow big runs from physical backs. Turner can have a big day.
But here are the caveats: Matt Ryan must be accurate. He must have touch. He must be able to spread the ball around and not just key on Gonzalez. He doesn’t need to go up top to beat the Steelers, though.
Also, the D-line should beat the Steelers O-line. More than likely, they can rattle Dennis Dixon (who should get the start because he has more tools and is mobile. Leftwich should be the backup because he’s a tackling dummy with an arm.) They can rattle the kid. Don’t allow him to get comfortable.
So I think that the Falcons will beat the Steelers. If they don’t though, there’s no way that the Falcons will have a good season because the Steelers are a mess.
Manny
August 30th, 2010
3:50 pm
Oh, and by the way, I can spell “mediocre.” My keyboard is sticking for some reason.
Hampton
August 30th, 2010
3:51 pm
THe offense looks so vanilla I hope its just that we are in preaseason mode. Matt still has to spread the ball around and Friday night he did not do that it was roddy or gonza and one pass to douglas.
Expand Matt Expand Mularkey Expand!!!!
Ford Falcon
August 30th, 2010
3:57 pm
Confident, concerned and on meds for mood swings.
bug
August 30th, 2010
3:57 pm
have to be concerned. no deep threat other than Roddy to get the secondary off jumping the routes. too many drops. bad decisions by ryan.
Idot
August 30th, 2010
3:58 pm
I’m not concerned at all. There were a couple of passes that should of been caught that were not, especially the ones that hit the receiver in the hands.
I don’t think that the Falcons are going to show everything that they have got in preseason games.
I think that they will be 12-4, at the very least.
IF they stay healthy, and the OLine can protect Ryan and open up some holes for Turner and Co., The Falcons Are Going To Roll.
Big Ham
August 30th, 2010
3:59 pm
Yes, the Falcons will be fine against the Steelers. Did you see how bad the Steelers looked against the Broncos on Sunday night?? Not too good…But one game does not make a season…yes hopefully the offense was holding back in the pre-season. The defense cannot be giving up the big plays like they did last year. Didn’t the Falcons defense lead the league with the most number of plays over 20 yards?
GT BABY
August 30th, 2010
4:02 pm
DID EALEY REALLY R@PE THAT WHITE GIRL…..THATS WHAT I HEARD?
BugKiller
August 30th, 2010
4:03 pm
Joe Montana had “iffy” arm strength, too. People forget that Bill Walsh was set to draft Phil Simms, who possessed superior arm strength (which he would need in that wind tunnel stadium in the Jersey swamp), but the Giants picked him first.
I think it worked out for Walsh.
Joe Montana also had a few things that I see in Ryan. Outstanding work ethic, command of the huddle, and respect of his teammates.
Remember, the DogKilla had NONE of those things. Oh yes, he was liked by some of his teammates, even after the unsavory nature of his killing habits came out, but he was never RESPECTED by his teammates.
I, too, think that as long as Mularky is calling the plays, the Falcons have no real shot to win a SB.
Notice how much better the offense does, and how much better they flow with Ryan calling the plays from the line, running the no-huddle offense.
There is a reason why all those talented Pittsburgh teams flamed out every January and didn’t win a SB until Ken Whisenhunt was made the OC. And that reason, or the MAIN reason is Mularky.
Unless the Falcons give Ryan the Manning-like or Kelly-like control over the offense he’s proven that he deserves, the team will never “Rise Up” as long as Mularky is slowing the team down.
bass stringerfish
August 30th, 2010
4:03 pm
I will admit I do not make a million bucks+ a year coaching, playing or evaluating professional football…so what I have to say is just as a fan…assuming Matt Ryan is effective – my opinion is that the offense ends and begins on the offensive line and the emergence of a number 3 reciever…since we only have two established receivers – defensive opponents will do what they can to take Gonzalez out. Roddy has earned the right for the opposition defense to double him up. There will be no respect for Jenkins until he does something consistently to deserve it…the O Line has to rush block and pass pro in order for us to get a number 3 open and established in the scheme and to take the doubles off TG and/or RW….if that O Line does not do their job and we do not establish a number 3 go-to person… then all is for naught. Personally, since there are folks that make a lot of money playing and coaching football – opposed to probably 95% of those on this blog – I feel that somehow the Falcons already know this!!! And as such, will step up and perform to the level that is needed to move this team to the top tier of championship caliber playmaking…
Now the Defense…another day!
Place kicking anyone???
heartofdarkness
August 30th, 2010
4:09 pm
Pre-season focuses on getting timing down and running basic plays to get a player’s mindsets acclimated to live action. The real test comes in game one when the object is to execute plays that degrade or defeat a particular defense.
madfalconi
August 30th, 2010
4:12 pm
agreed bugkiller: would it kill them to throw in a screen pass to turner? just once? i saw the ravens throw 4 in a row the first preseason game and took a shot for a touchdown because the defense was guessing. but what do i know.
Sumit
August 30th, 2010
4:14 pm
When was the last time Falcons had a QB, He admitted that he’s making a mistake and need improvement.
Arno
August 30th, 2010
4:17 pm
Pass rush > footwork > turf toe. What Ryan is saying is that his success will depend on the o-line.
Ted Striker
August 30th, 2010
4:22 pm
And so it begins. Some guy has to bring up #7 — although he’s been gone for years — and start bashing.
I wish the AJC would have a contest to pick who would still bash #7 and Willie Martinez first in a blog unrelated to them — even though they’re both history with their respective teams — because I’d pick the blogger correctly each time.
GTMustang
August 30th, 2010
4:22 pm
I too would like to see more screen passes. I see a lot of swing passes out to WR, but those hardly go for any yards because that’s the only type of LOS pass we do. If we had the threat of the screen and the swing pass it would open both plays up better.
Also, Tony Gonzalez is the consistent receiver on the team. We need a WR to step up and become more consistent so Ryan can have to confidence to the ball to him. Jenkins as our number 2 sucks.
Nativebird
August 30th, 2010
4:40 pm
Based on what Mattie Ice has done over the last two years with this wretched franchise…I have NO worries whatsoever.
If Roddie (the-hee-hee-gee-i-dropped-another-pass-but-its-only-preseason-and-life-is-all-fun-and-games-cuz-I-never-grew-up-past-the-age-of-13) White catches that out and go pass RIGHT in his hands for an easy touchdown, then THIS blog is not even happening. Ryan is NOT the problem with this team…there are legitimately many others no doubt.
Delbert D.
August 30th, 2010
4:42 pm
There should be some ambulatory wide receivers available on Tuesday.
Old Fan
August 30th, 2010
4:46 pm
The Falcons lack quality front-line receivers, and even more distressing, they lack a reliable place kicker. The second problem alone will account for three losses this season. I have full confidence in the defense, but what good’s a defense when you can’t score? I don’t see anything above 9-7 this year. Every time they meet a New England, you can ring up another L. I see two losses to the Saints alone. I would love to be proven wrong.
Russ
August 30th, 2010
4:49 pm
One play they need to take out of the playbook is the fake handoff to the left and roll-out to the right. This hasn’t worked since about the fifth game of Ryan’s rookie season. The league adjusted to it long ago and Mularkey still runs it 2-3 times per game. It always results in Ryan having to throw it away. His two receiving options are always covered and he has pressure on him almost instantly. Insisting to run this play over and over again is a waste of a down each time and will probably get your QB injured eventually.
Smynings
August 30th, 2010
4:54 pm
They must pass on first down early and often. Hopefully, they are just trying not to show the Steelers anything right now, but they’ve been VERY vanilla on offense. This team isn’t designed to be the most exciting offense anyway, but it’s been ridiculous so far. Also, we need another kicker. I don’t trust Bryant with meaningful games on the line.
eturn
August 30th, 2010
5:06 pm
You want to know whats wrong with the Falcons offense, M I K E MULARKY!!!!!!!
Tron5000
August 30th, 2010
5:07 pm
Dude’s like an 86 on Madden 11. That’s all you need to know. He’ll be just fine, and so will the offense. In his first 2 years as starter, the Falcons broke the dreaded “back-to-back winning seasons” curse. That’s something ol’ MV7 could not accomplish in his tenure. Neither could Chris Chandler, Jeff George, Steve Bartkowski…I think the kid’s a keeper.
ReddJonn68
August 30th, 2010
5:10 pm
C’mon Jeff !!!!! Ok are you guys actually going there on this one ??? We all have known over about the past six years Falcon QBs have been given pretty much nothing to work with as far as WRs !!! True Roddy has finally matured into that ” hands guy ” or ” go to ” if you will. We have no one to stretch the field. Most of Roddy’s big plays come off of double moves or out & ups. Jam Roddy, you jam this offense. Look how predictable we were when the Burner went down.
How can this organization sit back while Flacco & even Sanchez ( who is not on Matts level ) are given new toys to play with. There is only one proven QB in this league that can get by with any WRs you give him, Peyton Manning nuff said. Even the great Farve needs some speed on his side even with AP !!! Watching some of these games, its like we are always waiting for a big play but it never comes. Straight question Falcons Fans if we lose Roddy where does that leave Matt for the rest of the season will it help him continue to grow or overwhelm him ????
BugKiller
August 30th, 2010
5:16 pm
Anyone claiming Sanchez is on Ryan’s level is to be mocked and ridiculed for their lack of football accumen.
ReddJonn68
August 30th, 2010
5:18 pm
Read the post BugKiller everybody know Sanchez cant hit the side of a barn, the analogy was made to compare the weapons of young QBs who have made to the playoffs !!! Duh !!!
Bone Meal
August 30th, 2010
5:27 pm
I’m more worried about Bryant than I am Ice. Defense is going to keep us close in most games; finding the end zone has been a real problem for this team. Without a spot-on kicker, we’re screwed. Who’s out there that can nail a 40-yarder in his sleep and a 50-yarder with regularity?
BugKiller
August 30th, 2010
5:30 pm
Redd, I apologize. Your post was hard to understand.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
August 30th, 2010
6:11 pm
Jeff or anyone, What are the drop pass rating for the falcons, for 2009?
SWAT Native
August 30th, 2010
6:14 pm
Marty Schottenheimer made an intersting comment on Hard Knocks a couple of weeks ago while looking at Mark Sanchez. He said that he alwsys believed that if a QB can perform at the same level his second year in the league, he considered that progress. It gave me a new perspective on Matt Ryan. I’m expecting a big year.
SWAT Native
August 30th, 2010
6:18 pm
I think that Bone Meal is right on target about the need for a consistent kicker. This also reminds me of something I’ve been wondering. The Falcons tried to let Koening be both the punter and placekicker his rookie year, but it turned out to be too much pressure for him and they had to bring Morton back. Why haven’t they ever given him another shot?
madfalconi
August 30th, 2010
6:31 pm
it’s actually brian schottenheimer; his son. good point, though. matt ryan is mature beyond his years and has all the tools around him this year to succeed. only thing missing is kerry meier. next year.
JONESBORO SLIM
August 30th, 2010
6:33 pm
Am I the only person to notice how Ryan throws his passes in a “rainbow” fashion which gives corners and safeties more than enough time to cover….hope I’m wrong………
GSU Eagle 91
August 30th, 2010
6:34 pm
When we watch football games, we instinctively follow the ball and ignore the rest of the play…
I do this…But I have made myself focus on the O-Line, including individual play, and frankly folks, I do not like what I see here…We are being pushed back and pushed around, which changes Matt’s ability to execute the called play. With under 2 seconds to throw the ball, how are our good WR’s going to get open downfield?
Let’s run the ball and control the clock…Save our Defense for important games in Nov and Dec when the playoffs are staring us in the face….
JONESBORO SLIM
August 30th, 2010
6:37 pm
Every game is important…………
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
August 30th, 2010
6:40 pm
thanks for the response….
SirReal
August 30th, 2010
6:43 pm
@GSU Eagle You have a great point about the line. Its hard to throw 40 yards downfield if your line isnt holding up. its been suspect for a while. In these 3 games, I’ve seen Sam Baker get beat constantly with his T-Rex arms. I think TD is too proud to admit he whiffed on Baker so he coaxs Smith to put him in so he can save face. This line will need to retooling. Guys, you can give me all the backlash you want but our team is not poised at a title run, playoff run maybe but TITLE run…we’re not built for it. BOTH our lines are questionable, as well as the coordinators. That alone won thave us hoisting up the trophy anytime soon….
Gman
August 30th, 2010
6:47 pm
Hoping for the best from the Falcons but…
There seems to be quite a bit of unwarranted hype around this team. The team itself seems very, very self-satisfied.
The only issue with this is that they look mediocre in the preseason and looked pretty mediocre last year (bad D).
I have to believe what I’ve seen and not what I wish for. As such, look for the Falcons to be a medore bunch (9-7, 8-8).
They don’t look like world-beaters
jfreak13713
August 30th, 2010
6:56 pm
The Falcons are a team made up of good and some really good players which means they will be fine this year assuming key players don’t get hurt?? Ryan is the key of course but the QB’s play depends on O-line and the running game behind him. The team has talent with good management and ownership which spells success. How far this team will go (12-4 or 10-6) we’ll just have to wait and see?? I’d take 11-5!
Peter
August 30th, 2010
7:01 pm
You know it’s so typical of Atlanta blogs. Ryan comes out and says “yeah, I could be better” and guys are so wrapped up in imagining that they are Matt Ryan and it’s not “their” fault but Roddy White’s fault. Nobody cares about your high school careers as fourth string QB. Roddy White helped make Matt ROY.
“Personally, I needed to play better. I didn’t play well the other night. But it’s one game, and especially in the preseason you need to put those things behind you.”
That’s what he said, it’s what he meant and it is the truth. Grow up like he is and give him credit for telling it like it is. He’s right it’s one game and he and the offense have to put it behind them.
ReddJonn68
August 30th, 2010
7:05 pm
Every team in the league, are gonna have those days when the D doesnt show up & vice versa I expect Matt to show his true fortitude, and pull a cpl of games out with his arm. I just think we are missing that one extra game changer like a Harvin & a Cribbs. We have give Norwood several chances to wow us, it has not happen. Please Dimitroff give the kid some tools please, or at least get someone for the return game, is it just me or did you guys see that Weems couldn’t shake the kicker !!!!
SirReal
August 30th, 2010
7:09 pm
Thanks to all the people with REALITY assessments based on what you see and NOT what you think. i love my team and just because I point out their issues, it doesnt mean I’m a fair weather fan. I obviously observe and follow them alot if i do. Let’s face it. Our team has a questionable QB…b/c he obviously has admitted he needs to play better…its the same broken record as last year and I’m not feeling that this time around. We dont get to tell our bosses….”Well, I’m getting better…” We’d be gone. Our O-Line OVER-achieved in ‘08 b/c the league thought we’d be in the doldrums. They got exposed last year….our QB didnt get that toe injury bc guys didnt make it into the backfield. Our RB (who’s an absolute stud) came to camp fat so he has to show and prove this year too. Our #1 WR needs to hold on to the ball and our #2 needs to do the same when he gets back. Harry Douglas coming back gives me a lot of hope. I like what he can bring. Our O coordinator is questionable at best and I think Musgrave should have his job. There I said it. Musgrave has worked MUCH closer with Ryan and knows what he can do.
Defensively, our main star on the line is aging and our best DT will be out the first game. Jerry is pretty much a rookie again. The LBs are solid. The secondary is better but they’ll probably still give up a good number of 20+ yarders.
With all that said….do we really look poised to make a run….be honest with yourselves…me personally, I’ll take the cautiously optimistic approach.
DHunt
August 30th, 2010
7:11 pm
Isn’t it about time to start banning people who still want to make Matt Ryan great in comparison to “He who Shall Remain Nameless”, who is no longer the Falcons QB. It’s been three years already, Ryan has got to stand or fall on his own merits by now. Having said that, he has looked pretty mundane so far, and between his errant throws and the ones that should have been caught, his numbers and those of the Falcon offense look uninspiring in the extreme. The major problem that I have seen is coming from under center, Matt is often taking a three step drop, but then holding the ball like he has all kinds of time. Three step drop has to mean short timing pattern, so the ball has to come out quicker. I don’t have the benefit of video showing the whole field, but If this is happening because he is waiting for receivers to get open, that’s going to be a problem. He has to start throwing the ball to where they are supposed to be going and putting it in a position that only they can catch it. That’s what Montana, Peyton and Brady and all the great ones were/are great at doing.
But I still have 100% faith that Matt Ryan and his receivers will get on the same page, Matt can throw for a 70% completion rate and this can be a dynamic offense. My confidence will start to shake if he gets three games into the regular season and we are only averaging one TD per game. That just won’t cut it.
whodat70816
August 30th, 2010
7:13 pm
Just finished reading the article about where does Ryann fit in the QB pecking order. I had to laugh, because Brees was not listed in the top teir, but I have no idea what the rankings were based on. Many will say Brees has reached the level already.
Anyway, the article said Ryan was in the 3rd grouping and can become an elite QB…which I suppose is possible, but then I read this article and the following quote from Ryan:
“Personally, I needed to play better. I didn’t play well the other night. But it’s one game, and especially in the preseason you need to put those things behind you.”
Sorry falcon fans…those are not words of an elite QB or anyone working towards elite status. This is what Brees or any elite QB would have said….
“Personally, I needed to play better. I didn’t play well the other night. I definitely have to clean those things up before the next preseason game.”
Elite QBs would never dismiss their mistakes for playing poorly…they always talk about how they will work to fix their mistakes…preason or not.
Sorry Falcon fans…you do not have an elite QB in Ryan….at least not for a awhile!
DHunt
August 30th, 2010
7:21 pm
@ReddJonn68, that was ridiculous that Weems didn’t even try to make a move on the kicker. Hopefully someone else will emerge (or Norwood can get back there again without falling apart), because big plays are going to be few and far between with Weems doing all the return work.
Peter
August 30th, 2010
8:06 pm
Please, please, please don’t encourage any Saints fans on our blogs. Leave ‘em out to dry. If we answer them we’ll be in a pi$$ing match all season long. Don’t answer them!!
DHunt
August 30th, 2010
8:49 pm
Brilliant whodat. My QB doesn’t talk a good enough game. If that’s the worst that happens Mr. Ryan will be just fine. Can’t wait to see how many of these Saints interlopers will hang around after we put that beat down on them in the Superdome week 3. Only way to shut up a Saints fan is to beat them down, one way or the other.
McDavid's win is painful reminder of Atlanta Spirit's birth | Jeff Schultz
August 30th, 2010
9:05 pm
[...] ♦ Matt Ryan confident but admits he, offense could be better [...]
JSS
August 30th, 2010
9:38 pm
Well at least he’s interjecting some reality back on to himself for a change… I’ve said it before, Ryan is not the key to this team. If they can’t run it, forget about it! I won’t even get started on the defensive side of the equation.
@ Ted Striker…
Thanks for calling him out! He sat around for three years ranting and raving about getting other bloggers banned for bringing up a certain player. Now, when everyone else has turned the page, closed the book, and sold the item on EBay; he keeps trying to bring it back up…
@ Jeff Schultz, I’m going to send you some pics from the wedding on Facebook…
Big O
August 31st, 2010
12:09 am
Give the Falcons a couple games to get in a groove and they will be VERY competitive. Will they blow away everybody? No. Will it be mostly Ryan’s fault? No. Is Matt Ryan an “elite” QB at this time? No, but so what! Give him a break. Will the Falcons go 12 -4? Possible, but I think 10-6 or maybe 11-5 is realistic. Are they better than 2009? Definitely. It’s a process . . . . . . . . .
Whopper Dawg
August 31st, 2010
9:00 am
Ryan and the offense hasn’t been worth killing yet. They may be close, I don’t know, but close just gets you beat. Witness the New England game.
THE CURSE OF BRETT FAVRE LIVES IN THE ATL
August 31st, 2010
9:04 am
ALL I CAN SAY IS NOODLE ARM!
P.S. FALCANTS LOOK AT THE COLTS,SAINTS,PATRIOTS,COWBOYS,JETS,CHARGERS AND BENGALS,THEY ALL HAVE MORE THAN 1 TOP RECEIVER,WE ONLY HAVE RODDY WHITE,AND HE AINT LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD EITHER,WE DONT HAVE ENOUGH TO BEAT THE TOP TEAMS
THE CURSE OF BRETT FAVRE LIVES IN THE ATL
August 31st, 2010
9:06 am
BEAT THE SAINTS DOWN? ARE YOU KIDDING ME,THESE ARE THE FALCANTS WERE TALKING ABOUT!
jam
August 31st, 2010
9:17 am
I think it’s time for everyone to stop holding Matt’s hand and skipping around with him. Each year everyone hype’s him up like he is ALL MIGHTY. Well it’s time for him to start walking the walk, Talk is cheap, SHOW me something OR Who’s next, This is the NFL not daycare!
RobbE33
August 31st, 2010
10:48 am
The Falcons needed the stinker in Miami as a reality check against believing in the preseason “Rise Up” hype. Sure, “it’s time,” but it will require a lot of grindstone work and mental toughness.
Manny
August 31st, 2010
11:45 am
Uh, two things:
1. Why do we call Matt Ryan “Matty-Ice?” Is it a Southern thing to have this need to have nicknames for our quarterbacks… especially stupid nicknames that sounds like he’s some failed rapper from the late 1980s? Seriously. I mean, what’s Tom Brady’s nickname? Or Peyton Manning? Can we let the “Matty-Ice” madness die and start calling the quarterback “Matt Ryan?” It’s a good name for a quarterback.
2. Another thing: What’s up with these bloggers getting upset because someone types the name “Michael Vick” on this blog? Why does it have to be some vast conspiracy, or heinous crime to compare the current quarterback to the former quarterback? Did Mike Vick actually exist? Yes. Did he win football games as a Falcon? Yes. So what’s the big deal?
‘Oh, but he killed dogs and lied about it!’ ‘He quit on the team!’ ‘He partied too much and he didn’t work hard!’ Those are valid arguments but no excuse for his name to be banned from blogs or an excuse for those who validly and fondly recall his tenure as a Falcon. It’s completely bull-headed to exert some weird reasoning that his name should be banned from Falcons lore as some moral high ground because when people talk about Mike Vick, they talk about what he did on the football field, not off it.
This reminds me of when my eldest son learned about Mike Vick going to prison because of dogfighting and lying. In his room, he has a big giant poster of Michael Vick. He also possesses a Michael Vick jersey and a Michael Vick autographed football. My son is an African-American and plays football and basketball.
Well I asked him one day as to if he was going to throw away his Vick gear. He said no. I asked him why? He said “Because I like the way he play football. I don’t know Vick personally.”
Think about this for a moment: I like the way Roger Clemens played baseball. And Pete Rose was probably one of the top 5 players in baseball history. I admire their play, too. Get it?
But here’s the real bottom line: The last time the Atlanta Falcons won a playoff game, Michael Vick was quarterback. The last time the Atlanta Falcons won a playoff game on the road, Michael Vick was quarterback. The last time the Atlanta Falcons was a fan favorite to watch nationwide, Michael Vick was quarterback. The last time the Atlanta Falcons would sell out stadiums when they were the VISITING team, Michael Vick was quarterback.
So until Matt Ryan and these Atlanta Falcons reach a few of these milestones, people in Atlanta are still going to talk and compare him to Michael Vick. You can be angry about it all you want, but you’re going to hear it. You’re going to see #7 jerseys in the stands. You’re going to see his name in blogs. It’s going to happen until at least the Falcons win a playoff game or two.
jam
August 31st, 2010
12:26 pm
Well said Manny. It’s time for some action instead of just talking and hype
Big O
August 31st, 2010
1:39 pm
The only “talking” I’ve heard from Falcons players have been when the press asked them questions. I don’t recall hearing ANY “hype” from them. All the ‘hype” and most of the “big talk” has come from earlier press reports and the blogger football experts. Then when the team doesn’t live up to our previous blogger/press hype, we bad mouth the team for not meeting our hype expectations! What a lousy bunch of fans we are!
Birdword
August 31st, 2010
1:42 pm
I believe he was called Matty Ice at his northern university for his ability to remain cool under pressure.
As for Vick, it is equally valid to like or dislike the guy for actions on or off the field. The issue has certainly been talked to death and it seems people have reached their own conclusions as to what it important to them.
Go Falcons!
Eric C.
August 31st, 2010
1:49 pm
If only he was more of a deep threat
Saints LSU
August 31st, 2010
2:08 pm
@D HUNT are you crazy beat the saints in NAWLINS you have to score more than 16 points deep in your heart you know what gonna to happen saints 42 falcons 17
Manny
August 31st, 2010
2:46 pm
Birdwood,
You are correct about Vick. You can like or dislike him based upon your own personal conclusions. But just because you choose to dislike Vick doesn’t make you more or less of a fan than those who doesn’t.
Oh, and as for the term “Matty Ice”, he actually got it in high school, but it wasn’t something that was commonly used. At Boston College, kids weren’t walking around calling the guy “Matty Ice.” It’s kinda like how Joe Montana was called “Joe Cool.” It’s not commonly used, but we use it like Matt Ryan’s friends walk around calling him that. It’s silly.
Birdword
August 31st, 2010
3:53 pm
Sounds like you’ve answered you own question regarding the nickname.
I make no judgements about your “fan”dom.
Go Falcons!
Manny
August 31st, 2010
4:04 pm
Birdwood,
No, I haven’t. Why would we want to propagate a nickname that was given as a joke from high school as a mantra of some sort? Why do we have to continue this? It’s not like it’s something that he goes about calling himself. It’s not something that his teammates call him. Why do we need to continue to call him this?
This is merely my personal opinion because it’s silly to me. My disdain for “Matty Ice” speaks nothing for his abilities. By the way, I can’t stand “MV7″ (Michael Vick), ‘Air’ Jordan or “The Human Highlight Film” (Dominique Wilkens).
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
August 31st, 2010
4:42 pm
I TOTALLY AGREE with all the folks who have stated that a HUGE part of the Falcons offensive problems fall on the shoulders of Mike Mularkey.
Birdword
August 31st, 2010
4:49 pm
I’m sorry man I just don’t care about his nickname to have this conversation. Was just trying to help. Best, and go Falcs!
Aaron Murray will give Georgia what it has been missing | Jeff Schultz
August 31st, 2010
5:06 pm
[...] ♦ Matt Ryan confident but admits he, offense could be better [...]
Martin
August 31st, 2010
5:07 pm
Beat the saints down, in what world you live in. First of all you have to have a offense that can keep up with the saints high powered offense. The saints are averaging 33 points a game in the preseason. Secondly the saints has had the number one offense the last 3-4 years. The year that they were not number one they were number 4. Thirdly, the saints are 7-1 against your team the last eight games, so you may think a beat down is in order, but the only team that will get the beat down is the dirty birds. I know you guys hate the saints, just like we hate the falcons, due to the rivalry, I just don’t see the dirty birds winning the NFC south are making the playoffs for that matter. You guys don’t have a offense, nor do you have a good enough defense to stop some of the better teams in the NFL. Week three is fast approaching, I’ll bet any of you, that the dirty birds will not and I mean will not beat the saints in the super dome. The only championship Atlanta will see this year, may be with the braves.
sorrytogopoltical
August 31st, 2010
8:13 pm
Manny—-reminds me of certain folks who try to defecate a discussion,by trying to control the very verbage/language with dictum that is profound,thank you very much to the PC thought police,and I’m glad this blog remains an open discussion,oh yeah,vick is dog killer,but what a great guy.mattyice is for remaining cool under pressure,you don’t get that?
whodat70816
August 31st, 2010
9:05 pm
@DHunt….Elite QBs don’t talk a good game, they are constantly looking at how to improve and how they can get better. Ryans basically said, yeah I could have played better, but who cares…it was a preseason game. If you think that winners talk like that, then sure you have an elite QB in Ryan. Good Luck with him!
sorrytogopoltical
August 31st, 2010
10:18 pm
a
Manny
September 1st, 2010
9:43 am
sorrytogopolitical-
No. The “Thought Police” are tose who try to dictate as to if you have a certain thought, you are or are not labelled something… i.e. “A REAL Falcons fan doesn’t like Mike Vick nor should they type his name on a Falcons blog.” That’s policing the blog for those who doesn’t think like you.
I’m more of a “Thought Liberator.” You can call Vick a dog killer and hate his guts all you want. You can also think that Vick was the greatest thing to happen to the Falcons as well. But if you spend money on tickets or watch the Falcons games on television, you are a Falcons fan. You can come on here and call Matt Ryan “Matty-Ice” or you can think the nickname “Matty-Ice is silly, but you are still a Falcons fan.
In other words, I cannot label you. And you cannot label me. Get it?
What I’ve said about certain Falcons fans continuing to call Matt Ryan “Matty-Ice” is silly to me personally. And it’s silly to a lot of people across the country, because people didn’t constantly call the guy “Matty-Ice” when he was at Boston College. But I also think that to call Matt Ryan an “Elite” quarterback is silly, too. I think he’s an average quarterback that can run the “no-huddle.” He’s Chad Pennington to me. And I like Chad Pennington. You can win a Super Bowl with Chad Pennington.
But this is merely me stating my opinion. Continue to state yours.
stendek
September 3rd, 2010
12:22 am
SO MUCH FOR ANOTHER SEASON IN TOILET!
http://hubpages.com/hub/Falcons-Choke-On-Jaguar-Meat-In-Florida?done
Jake Wolf
September 4th, 2010
2:23 pm
T.J Houshmandzadeh is now a free agent!!!!Falcons could get him or trade Michael Jenkins to chargers for V-Jax(Vincent Jackson)
Vick Supporter
September 5th, 2010
3:07 pm
This team will always be nothing without The Great Mike Vick. It will never be the same. I hate the falcons
Samuel
September 5th, 2010
9:37 pm
Will we have Michael Jenkins back against Pittsburg? Somebody is going to have to step up, to fill Babs shoes in the opening game. It will be crucial for Ryan to pickup that blitz from the Steelers. If we can get Turner going early, it should be able to loosen up the defense. I look for Harrry Douglas to be very effective against that Pittsburg defense. Watch Norwood and Snelling come out the backfield catching passes. Also special teams can’t give up the big play. Remember, we have to take advantage of the Steelers- not having there Hall of fame, quarterback out there.GO FALCONS!!!