Saints gone, Vick gone and Falcons ready to defend turf
Brent Grimes (20) and William Moore are two reasons for the Falcons' improved defense.
The New Orleans Saints are gone. Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles are gone.
Can you do without the drama? Thought so.
The Falcons’ first opponent of this postseason will be Green Bay. That hardly qualifies as an easy draw. At the outset of this season, many considered the Packers the best team in the NFC. But with the potential of Vick returning to the Georgia Dome in two weeks (nobody really relished that scenario) and the possibility of a third game against division rival New Orleans (were you really hoping for a showdown game against the defending Super Bowl champions?), this was as good a scenario as the Falcons could have hoped for.
They will be at home. They have had a week off. They will be facing a Green Bay team coming off a physical and emotional win and playing in a short week.
If you wonder whether the Falcons are good enough to beat Green Bay, maybe you’ve forgotten that they beat this team in November 20-17 at the Georgia Dome, when the defense wasn’t nearly as good as it is now.
Goodbye, Saints. Goodbye, Vick.
Now it’s just about football for the Falcons and trying to remember what postseason success feels like. When they play the Packers Saturday night at the Dome, it will be six years to the day of their last postseason victory — a 47-17 dismembering of the St. Louis Rams (Jan. 15, 2005). The following week, they lost the NFC title game at Philadelphia.
Then came the slide, then the misery, then the cataclysm.
It’s there for them. They are rested and they have the advantage of playing on their home turf, where they’re 20-4 since their rebirth in 2008 and quarterback Matt Ryan is 20-2.
It’s worth noting that when the Falcons defeated Green Bay in November, wide receiver Roddy White proclaimed: “I have no plans of going to Lambeau Field in January. I plan on staying right here and sleeping in my own bed in the playoffs.”
So let’s see where their own beds and climate controlled temperatures take them.
The path to a Super Bowl is there. That’s not just because the Falcons have a smart and efficient quarterback in Ryan, a game-changer in White and a versatile offense that prefers to pound the ball with Michael Turner. It’s because of a defense that nobody talks about.
This isn’t a game of real estate; it’s a game of points. The Falcons’ defense ranked only 16th in yards allowed during the regular season and 22nd against the pass. But they finished fifth in scoring defense at 18 points per game. In the final seven games of the regular season, the Falcons allowed 17, 17, 24, 10, 18, 17 and 10 points.
Has anybody noticed that?
Jack Tatum, the former Oakland Raiders safety, once proudly declared, “I like to think my best hits border on felonious assault.” (Worth mentioning: If Tatum played in Roger Goodell’s NFL, he would be jailed merely for thinking of inflicting harm.)
The Falcons’ defense doesn’t remind you of Tatum. They seem less a felonious assault squad than they do a bunch of sneaky pick-pockets.
We just watched the New Orleans Saints give up 41 points to the Seattle Seahawks. They’re out. So is Kansas City, which allowed 30 points to a pedestrian Baltimore offense. So are the Eagles, who finished 21st in scoring defense and couldn’t stop Rodgers and the Packers when they needed to
The Falcons’ defense hasn’t necessarily been some impenetrable force. But more often than not, it has made plays to win games or hold leads.
Defensive end John Abraham, from start to finish, has been the team’s best defensive player (the numbers: 13 sacks, one forced fumble, his first career interception). But the biggest difference of late is that the secondary no longer resembles scattering ants. Cornerback Brent Grimes and safety William Moore — who spent most of his rookie season on a training table – each have five interceptions. They’re two of the big reasons the lampooning has stopped.
“We know Abe has been a productive guy,” defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said. “Those two [Grimes and Moore] really have been the next two guys in terms of lively production. Grimes really has a comfort this year playing corner in the NFL. His growth has been unbelievable. It’s been fun to watch. William makes mistakes but his interceptions and his impact in tackling are evident.”
They’re better now than the last time they played the Packers. The Saints are gone. Vick is gone. So let’s see where this road takes them.
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948 comments Add your comment
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:06 am
It’s easy Najeh. If Vick were to come to the dome with another team and play the Falcons, and if you as a fan would cheer for Vick over the Falcons…even if you cheer for the Falcons in every other game, you are not a true Falcons fan. Period.
LOL Dirty Birds, now that Vick is out you are going to focus on the Falcons. Hey, did you know they’ve already played 16 games this year?
PackerFlip
January 10th, 2011
12:07 am
Kinda funny, your boards about the Falcons contain as much Vick garbage as our Packer boards still contain the Favre garbage. Should be a fun game to watch…See ya Saturday…
UGABugKiller
January 10th, 2011
12:07 am
I’m a Falcons fan, DogKilla Poop Head.
And you’re not.
You called down the thunder, well now you got it.
You DogKilla fans are finished, you hear me?
I see a man wearing a Falcons 7 jersey & I’m gonna tear it off his effing back.
So run you DogKilla Lover. Tell all the other DogKilla Lovers the REAL Falcons fans are coming.
You tell them I’m coming, and Hell’s coming with me, you hear?
HELL’S COMING WITH ME!!!
Dirty Birds
January 10th, 2011
12:09 am
dog killa, deer killa, bug killa, etc….all the same in my eyes. They are all animals created by the Creator. If you’re not killing humans, I could care less…most of us EAT animals.
Oh, I’m sorry…..I forgot white people have the authority to decide which animals are more “important” than others.
Good luck Vick.
Go Birds!!!!!!
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:09 am
Welcome, PackerFlip.
I’m a bit surprised…given what Favre has done “recently” and what Rodgers has done, aren’t most fans Rodgers converts now?
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:12 am
@Dirty Birds…you’re ignoring me…who are your favorite current Falcons, or who do you think is most responsible for their fine season so far? Thanks.
PackerFlip
January 10th, 2011
12:12 am
There are still a lot of holdovers that deem our GM the devil for pushing the legend out…They way Rogers and Ryan are both playing however, makes me think that both GM’s got their calls right.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:12 am
“I see a man wearing a Falcons 7 jersey & I’m gonna tear it off his effing back.”
Yeah, Internet e-thugs are sooooo scary. I’m so impressed by your e-muscle flexing.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:13 am
I’ve been watching Falcons games since Chris Miller was the quarterback. I’ve been watching Vick play since he was at Virginia Tech. No dumbass e-thug is going to tell me who I’m a fan of. Go do something useful with your life. Shovel some snow or something.
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:14 am
Maybe Ryan should switch from #2 to #7. That would solve everything, it would seem.
Ben Roth-rapist-berger
January 10th, 2011
12:16 am
I tried to order Falcon’s #7 jersey that says convick, but NFL.com wouldn’t let me.
Couldn’t get Dog Killer either.
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:16 am
I have a lot of simple questions that no one wants to answer.
Najeh: If Vick comes to the dome in another team’s uniform, do you cheer for him or the Falcons?
Dirty Birds: who are your favorite current Falcons, or who do you think is most responsible for their success this year?
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 10th, 2011
12:16 am
Chea
Why did people buy tickets? He was exciting. More of the Brothers started using the tickets instead of trying to scalp them. Historically the Falcons biggest rivals were New Orleans and Washington. WHY? because of the black fan base and the fact black fans from those 2 cities had family in Atlanta. Vick became a face of the Falcons the black fans could back. Before Vick it was DEION, but he didn’t get the touches enough to score more. Deion was a D player mostly. It is a race thing not not totally. The fans needed to feel a part of the franchise and Vick brought that more than any other Falcon player ever. That was a great thing until he show he was not a reapectable HUMAN BEING. I really hope the Falcons can win it all this year and bring the WHOLE fanbase together behind a winner and not seperate us over a clash of cultural acceptances. There is NO I mean NO reason to celeberate VICK in Atlanta. I don’t wish him personal bad fortune, but I will never praise his athletic ability against the Falcons.
Dirty Birds
January 10th, 2011
12:17 am
@ ijonathan, of course I was ignoring you. It’s obvious you’re trying to see if I’m knowledgeable about the Falcons or if I’m so some random guy on the net getting ur panties wet.
I don’t know you, I don’t have to prove anything to you.
Besides dumbass, we’re on the internet so if I didn’t know jack about the Falcons, I could research it in seconds….but I have no interest in proving ish to you.
Chea
January 10th, 2011
12:18 am
And that, Dirty Birds, is why ATL still supports Vick. Violating some hypocritical law without hurting another human being is only marginally worse than making foot fetish videos.
… or knocking up Hooters chicks.
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:21 am
Dirty Birds, I don’t care about your knowledge of the Falcons. I care about the lens through which you view the Falcons. Would put your comments into perspective. But I have my theories and they are probably correct. No need to confirm them.
If I wanted to converse with a knowledgeable Falcons “observer” I’d ask Mr. Poop.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:21 am
“If Vick comes to the dome in another team’s uniform, do you cheer for him or the Falcons?”
Both, Mrs. Babineaux-style.
Then again, I pulled for Greg Maddux and Andruw Jones when they faced the Braves as members of other teams too. I give Jason Terry his props when he comes back to Philips as a Dallas Maverick.
I don’t think people like UGABugKiller realize the absurdity of pledging their undying allegiance to a billion dollar corporation who couldn’t give two sh-ts whether or not he was a fan of them, to the point of threatening violence against people who wear a jersey of a former player. Certainly no less absurd than supporting a player after he moves to another team.
Dirty Birds
January 10th, 2011
12:21 am
@ijonathan…..I will answer one quesion you asked the other guy.
I’m a Falcons fans first. I was a Falcons fan before I was a Vick fan.
If the Falcons play Vick, I cheer for the Birds. You happy now ?!!!
Dirty Birds
January 10th, 2011
12:23 am
@ Najeh
“Both, Mrs. Babineaux-style” – LOL. Good one.
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:27 am
Najeh, just so I understand…you think being the fan of your hometown team is equivalent to cheering for a former player once they go to another team…even if that means cheering against your home town team? And I don’t mean a polite “thanks for your time here” round of applause before the game, I mean rooting for the guy to beat your team.
Oh, and you still didn’t answer my question. Maybe I didn’t phrase it properly.
When Vick returns to the Georgia Dome in another team’s uniform, do you root for Vick to beat the Falcons, or do you root for the Falcons to beat Vick? “Both” is not an option.
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:29 am
@Dirty Birds, I am…thank you! Than answer surprised me a bit, so I’ll eat some e-crow.
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 10th, 2011
12:30 am
Chea
How is dog fighting HYPOCRITICAL? Some people are canibals is that OK? In the US we consider some animals to be culturally unacceptable to fight, kill, and bet on. I bet you think human slavery is wrong don’t you? Well, that is what dog fighting is. If the slave or dog doesn’t do it’s job then beat it or kill it. You do know people thought slaves were just property like dogs, cattle, chickens, or horses.
UGABugKiller
January 10th, 2011
12:31 am
DogKilla Lover Poop, it’s been awhile since you’ve seen Tombstone, I take it, as my dramatic paraphrasing of Wyatt Earp’s key confrontation with Ike Clanton on a train platform went woosh over your head.
I maintain this, WITHOUT pledging undying love for any team other than my Georgia Bulldogs (and undying love DOES NOT mean accepting mediocrity in any form, either):
You CANNOT be a Falcons fan and a DogKilla Lover.
They are two ideas which are so opposite that they cannot coexist inside a sane mind.
DogKilla Lovers are sick individuals suffering through battered wife syndrome who refuse to understand just how poor the DogKilla was at his job in Atlanta, how little he actually cared for them, his most loyal worshippers, and just how badly he f—ed over the Falcons organization.
People who are DogKilla Lovers are NOT Falcons fans. DogKilla Lovers are people without the capability for rational or logical thought.
Choose, or perish. Choose… chose the form of your fandom.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:32 am
““Both” is not an option.”
It is for me.
Some of y’all take being a sports fan too seriously. Try to apply your logic to other aspects of the entertainment industry. If your two favorite musicians go up for a Grammy Award, do you pick a side, or are you happy with either outcome?
I like watching players I like play well and I like watching teams I like play well. I like seeing Mike Vick win and I like seeing the Falcons win. I don’t get too happy or too unhappy over a bunch of people that I don’t know and that I have no control over succeeding or failing. It’s only entertainment.
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:33 am
If Andy Reid is smart, and I think he is…he will realize he got some tremendous play out of Vick this year…and also realize the shortcomings and issues inherent in the Michael Vick Experience. And he’ll wave a fond farewell to MV7, anointing Kolb his starter.
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 10th, 2011
12:34 am
NAJEH
when you give birth then that holds water. If you are a parent or more than 1 child then you also know you love them all the same but you do have a FAVORITE. Why do you cheer for a millionaire player that don’t give 2 Sh.ts about you either? The player cares lees about you than the Team owner and the corporation.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:34 am
“how little he actually cared for them, his most loyal worshippers”
Of all the things Vick haters say, this is the most hilarious. Do you think ANY professional athlete you like “cares” for you? Do you really think Matt Ryan or Michael Turner gives two sh-ts what you do every day?
Y’all are the ones who talk about Mike Vick as though he personally betrayed you. He didn’t betray you any more than you betray Arthur Blank every time you buy plywood at Lowe’s.
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:35 am
Najeh, okay, fair response. Then I think many (most?) on this blog would not describe you as a true/die hard Falcons fan. Maybe more than an “observer” I called you earlier, but certainly not a “fanatic”. Disagree?
UGABugKiller
January 10th, 2011
12:35 am
And by the way, Choose or perish is again, movie paraphrasing, this time from Ghostbusters (Choose and perish).
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:36 am
“Why do you cheer for a millionaire player that don’t give 2 Sh.ts about you either? The player cares lees about you than the Team owner and the corporation.”
I like to see players I like succeed. Neither players nor team owners care about any of us. Players care about us to the extent that we buy their jerseys and drive up their marketability, and owners care about us to the extent that we buy tickets and team merchandise. That’s all.
It’s only entertainment. Quit taking this sh-t so seriously.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:37 am
Sorry UGABugKiller, I haven’t seen Tombstone.
Jimmy C
January 10th, 2011
12:38 am
Green Bay is America’s team!! Just ask Jimmy. Go Packers!!
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:39 am
“Najeh, okay, fair response. Then I think many (most?) on this blog would not describe you as a true/die hard Falcons fan. Maybe more than an “observer” I called you earlier, but certainly not a “fanatic”. Disagree?”
Maybe, I don’t know. I mean I go to Hawks games all the time and yell my azz off in support of the team, but that doesn’t mean I like every player on the team or that I will hope for former players’ failure. On the few occasions I’ve been to a Falcons game (I’d go to more if they didn’t cost so much) it’s been the same way. If that doesn’t make me a “real fan” in people’s eyes, so be it.
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:40 am
There seems to be a fundamental need for the Atlanta sports fan to have athletic, explosive players on their hometown teams to get excited by them. That’s why, in my opinion, Ryan and Turner are only received in luke warm fashion by many in the fan base. That’s why Josh Smith generates more interest than a more pedestrian Joe Johnson. Or why Turner Field would burn to the ground if Jason Hayward was traded. Moderately athletic guys who are consistent and win quite a bit, or contribute to a winning team are okay, but the fans long for the super-athlete.
I wonder if this is common in all cities, or if there is something different about Atlanta.
UGABugKiller
January 10th, 2011
12:41 am
DogKilla Lover Poopy Pants… you made my point for me.
I don’t think Matt Ryan cares for me as a person. I do know, however, that Ryan has shown that he is humbled by and respects those that are his fans.
You can’t ever say that about the DogKilla, which makes his worshippers, lovers, and sycophants all the more sick in the head.
THE LINE IS DRAWN IN THE SAND!
You are either and FALCONS FAN or you are a DogKilla Lover!
THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!
Eric
January 10th, 2011
12:44 am
I just don’t understand what there is about MV to cheer? The fact that he obliterated a team that had had his back from day one? The fact that he stabbed an owner in the back while lying to him after said owner paid him over $100 million? The fact that he was lazy and uncoachable in his time with Atlanta but decides that he better actually try to become a QB when he goes off to the hated Eagles? I could go on and on but I digress…
Btw, if the national media didn’t like what they saw in the last Saints/Falcons matchup, I wonder what game they were watching. The Falcons completely controlled that entire game until the last 2 minutes when the defense finally got gassed. They held NO’s offense to just a couple of scores when they had been averaging almost 30 a game in recent weeks. If anything, the game proved that Atlanta’s defense has improved big time since Atlanta last played GB but nobody is mentioning that. The offensive playcalling was also very conservative in that game, as though the Falcons didn’t want to give too much away to a team they’d likely play in the playoffs. Lets not forget that Atlanta definitely did NOT need to win that night but the Saints most certainly did….
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:45 am
“DogKilla Lover Poopy Pants… you made my point for me.”
I don’t even know what your point is. You’re making movie references, you’re accusing people of having battered wife syndrome, you’re tossing around exclamation marks like candy on Halloween… I’m totally confused.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:48 am
“There seems to be a fundamental need for the Atlanta sports fan to have athletic, explosive players on their hometown teams to get excited by them. That’s why, in my opinion, Ryan and Turner are only received in luke warm fashion by many in the fan base. That’s why Josh Smith generates more interest than a more pedestrian Joe Johnson. Or why Turner Field would burn to the ground if Jason Hayward was traded. Moderately athletic guys who are consistent and win quite a bit, or contribute to a winning team are okay, but the fans long for the super-athlete.”
I think Atlanta fans are just as excited about teams that are legitimate title contenders, like they were with the Braves in the ’90s. If the Falcons can go deep in this year’s playoffs, I think the level of excitement over them (which is pretty high as it is) will get a lot higher.
Eric
January 10th, 2011
12:49 am
I almost forgot the two killer turnovers the Falcons committed. That was unusual for this team this year and it cost them the game. I will give you this: If they turn the ball over against the Packers they will lose. If they play mistake-free football like they did almost all season long they will win. Simple.
extremus
January 10th, 2011
12:50 am
I agree wholeheartedly that it’s great to see the field cleared of teams like the Saints and Eagles, for all of the reasons mentioned here. But while the Packers are banged-up and have a secondary that may be their achilles heel, they are indeed a very dangerous, offensively explosive team with Aaron Rodgers at QB. I fully expect the upcoming game against them to be a nail-biter, and it could go either way.
I won’t bother mentioning the scenario possibilities of the next game afterward, because it’s completely irrelevant unless the Falcons win THIS game. It’s the only one that matters right now, and I hope and believe that this team under Mike Smith’s guidance will be very aware of that and mentally prepared come Saturday.
GO FALCONS!!!!!
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 10th, 2011
12:51 am
Najeh
You love both your parents right? I will bet you love one parent a lil more. If you have more than 1 child you love them all, but you love 1 more. I love college football and Tech. I want all the Tech players to do well in the pros, but I would never wear their pro jersey from another team to the DOME when they play the Falcons. Do you Cheer for Brooking and Dallas? Brooking is from GA. played at Tech, and then wanted nothing more than to be a FALCON for life. Do you have his jersey? Would you wear it to the Dome like you want to with your Vick jersey?
UGABugKiller
January 10th, 2011
12:51 am
This is for Mr. Poopy Diapers, and for anyone else that loves all things that are awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynKoZD-sFi4
Chea
January 10th, 2011
12:52 am
I root for Vick for reasons even past being a sports fan. If anyone has been unfairly blamed and ostracized, I’m gonna root for them, in any facet of life.
Also, it hasn’t been that long since Warren Moon went undrafted and had to play in the CFL. Just sayin…
jhughes
January 10th, 2011
12:52 am
im going to throw my two cents in Mike Vick is an amazing athlete that is very inconsisitent with his atheltic abiltity he can beat anyone however when he goes up against well thought out defenses he has problems the defenses usually puts him in positions that he tends to fail at. with vick you never know if you are going to get the good vick or the bad vick he really is all over the place with ryan you do no have anywhere near the athelte that vick is but you do have consitency you know you are going to get solid to great QB play with vick it could be anywhere.
BigLou
January 10th, 2011
12:53 am
Falcons and Packers will be a great show down. Two up and coming quarterbacks square off in a playoff battle. I cannot predict an outcome, but what I can do is support my team! Hopefully the Falcons want it more. Also, I have to tip my hat to GreenBay fans, all the ones I have met are very respectful. I still shake my head in amusement in why people feed the trolls like choke, seen, or whoever… Also, why we must talk about Vick. He is not on the Falcons anymore last time I checked. Anyways, hopefully the team can come together and prove themselves. Respect is earned and even though the Falcons get no love from the media… I understand. But who cares? Less distraction, more sweeter when they win. Go Falcons!!!
ijonathan
January 10th, 2011
12:55 am
@Chea…really, I’m trying to deconstruct your last post, but having difficulty. Can you explain please? Specifically…
1. What was Vick “unfairly” blamed for?
2. What the hell does Warren Moon have to do with Vick?
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:56 am
“I just don’t understand what there is about MV to cheer? The fact that he obliterated a team that had had his back from day one? The fact that he stabbed an owner in the back while lying to him after said owner paid him over $100 million? The fact that he was lazy and uncoachable in his time with Atlanta but decides that he better actually try to become a QB when he goes off to the hated Eagles? ”
Sure, they had his back when it came to signing him to the contract. They certainly never had his back when it came to providing him with teammates and coaches who would have allowed his talent to develop. The Falcons hired a head coach whose unit had never ranked in the top 10, a defensive coordinator whose claim to fame was 4th and 26, an offensive coordinator who rode the coattails of Steve Young to create his reputation, and a GM who took the credit for building the championship Tampa Bay team when in reality his understudy Tim Ruskell was the real brains behind the operation. At no point during Vick’s time here did they ever draft an offensive lineman higher than the 5th round to let him stay on his feet. At no point did they bother bringing in a kicker who could kick a field goal longer than 40 yards (which DIRECTLY led to the Falcons missing the playoffs in 2005). At no point did they bring in a running back like Michael Turner who could convert short yardage opportunities. At no point did they ever realize the plainly obvious fact that you can’t have a defensive line smaller than every opposing offensive line without expecting them to wear down over the course of the season.
“Uncoachable”? Don’t make me laugh. Mora, Knapp, and Donatell have done JACK MOTHERF-CKING SH-T since leaving the Falcons. They have failed at every level. Vick could have memorized every inch of film in the history of the NFL and it wouldn’t have helped with that coaching staff.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:56 am
“I just don’t understand what there is about MV to cheer? The fact that he obliterated a team that had had his back from day one? The fact that he stabbed an owner in the back while lying to him after said owner paid him over $100 million? The fact that he was lazy and uncoachable in his time with Atlanta but decides that he better actually try to become a QB when he goes off to the hated Eagles? ”
Sure, they had his back when it came to signing him to the contract. They certainly never had his back when it came to providing him with teammates and coaches who would have allowed his talent to develop. The Falcons hired a head coach whose unit had never ranked in the top 10, a defensive coordinator whose claim to fame was 4th and 26, an offensive coordinator who rode the coattails of Steve Young to create his reputation, and a GM who took the credit for building the championship Tampa Bay team when in reality his understudy Tim Ruskell was the real brains behind the operation. At no point during Vick’s time here did they ever draft an offensive lineman higher than the 5th round to let him stay on his feet. At no point did they bother bringing in a kicker who could kick a field goal longer than 40 yards (which DIRECTLY led to the Falcons missing the playoffs in 2005). At no point did they bring in a running back like Michael Turner who could convert short yardage opportunities. At no point did they ever realize the plainly obvious fact that you can’t have a defensive line smaller than every opposing offensive line without expecting them to wear down over the course of the season.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 10th, 2011
12:57 am
“I just don’t understand what there is about MV to cheer? The fact that he obliterated a team that had had his back from day one? The fact that he stabbed an owner in the back while lying to him after said owner paid him over $100 million? The fact that he was lazy and uncoachable in his time with Atlanta but decides that he better actually try to become a QB when he goes off to the hated Eagles? ”
Sure, they had his back when it came to signing him to the contract. They certainly never had his back when it came to providing him with teammates and coaches who would have allowed his talent to develop.
The Falcons hired a head coach whose defensive units had never ranked in the top 10, a defensive coordinator whose claim to fame was 4th and 26, an offensive coordinator who rode the coattails of Steve Young to create his reputation, and a GM who took the credit for building the championship Tampa Bay team when in reality his understudy Tim Ruskell was the real brains behind the operation.
Once "Recent" Reader
January 10th, 2011
12:57 am
Strange discussion. But just got back on after watching a dismal Offensive showing by my alma mater BC in Kraft Bowl . ….nice Defensive showing though. Now I don’t know why folks can say you can’t root for Vick to play well against the Falcons if you are a Falcon fan. I’m a Patriots fan from childhood who may have an interesting dilemna if both Falcs and Pats are in SB. Right now I must admit, I’m leaning towards rooting for Falcons and that is mostly because of how much time and effort I’ve put in defending my fellow BC alum Matt Ryan on these posts. I see know way of silencing many criticisms of Ryan short of a SB win . . . . .which to be honest I find kind of ridiculous. So I can say now, although a long-time Pats fan being from Mass., I’ll find myself rooting for Falcons I’m fortunate enough to see that matchup!