Ray Edwards finally coming around for Falcons
Ray Edwards had this sack of Cam Newton two weeks ago but has only 3.5 this season. (AP photo)
FLOWERY BRANCH – The first time Ray Edwards made big news as a Falcon came when the team announced he would not play in the team’s first exhibition game because of what coach Mike Smith somewhat comically referred to as “a minor procedure.”
That “minor procedure” turned out to be slightly worse than an ear-wax removal. It was knee surgery – disclosed to the public two weeks after the Falcons’ signed him as a free agent. The injury limited Edwards in offseason workouts. It kept him sidelined for the first two preseason games. Most importantly, it generally rendered him as a nothing-special player in a season when he was supposed to be a something-special difference-maker for a team trying to win a playoff game.
“Yeah, it bothered me, because I know how hard I train and how hard I play, and I was not getting the numbers I wanted to get,” Edwards said Tuesday.
We can debate whether the Falcons should have thought twice about pursuing a player they knew had knee surgery – the specifics of which Edwards still won’t get into – and whether they were fully aware of how long this rehabilitation process might take. Even Edwards acknowledges, “As far as exploding off of it, I’m still not 100 percent. I don’t think I will be until [the offseason] when I go back to Minnesota to train and get back my strength in my legs that was lost in the surgery.”
But 14 games into the season, the Falcons are staring to get something out of their investment. Edwards has been in on two sacks in the last two games against Carolina and Jacksonville. That coincides with when he started to feel stronger. “I feel like I’m getting my legs back underneath me,” he said.
December is a good time for an NFL defense to get a boost. If the Falcons’ pass rush continues to improve, it makes their chance for success against New Orleans on Monday night and later in the playoffs significantly better. An effective Edwards and John Abraham up front, along with a rising Sean Weatherspoon and a healthy Brent Grimes, give this defense play-making potential that it has lacked.
Now, Edwards (and coaches) will tell you that he has been effective against the run all season. (Quoting: “I don’t think anybody at my position is as good at stopping the run as me.”)
But when a team signs a player to a $30 million free agent contract, there’s an expectation that you won’t have to go looking for him. He’s supposed to be a 100-watt bulb, not a tea light.
Edwards has 3½ sacks, 5 “quarterback hits” and 5½ “hurries” this season. Last year in Minnesota, he had 8 sacks, 13½ knockdowns and 14½ hurries.
When asked about the criticism, Edwards laughed. “Y’all are very cut-throat,” he said. “But I’m not worried about it. You don’t pay my bills or cause me any grief or unhappiness. It is what it is. That’s your job.”
If we haven’t seen the Edwards that had 16½ sacks the last two years in Minnesota, there are two good reasons: 1) The knee injury, which he said came from “the usual wear and tear.” (He denied it had anything to do with his boxing exhibition during the lockout); 2) His transition to the Falcons’ scheme, which he termed “totally different” from the Vikings’.
Edwards rarely missed a defensive snap in Minnesota. He is used in a three-man, defensive-end rotation with the Falcons. The Vikings’ defensive scheme, he said, was more “straight forward.” The Falcons tend to use more stunts up front.
Abraham said, “Everyone’s still learning how to play with each other.”
He also referenced the after-effects of a knee injury, as did linebacker Mike Peterson. “I could just tell from being around ballplayers and watching him that he wasn’t 100 percent,” Peterson said. “He was hurt. He’d make one play, but then he’d favor the knee. But you can see he’s getting better.”
It follows that the Falcons’ defense is getting better. In December, that means something.
By Jeff Schultz
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157 comments Add your comment
Carl from Slingblade
December 20th, 2011
4:56 pm
AS long as his presence is felt come playoff time then we’re good. We’re gonna need it with the likes of Romo, Brees and Rodgers…oh yeah…FIRST
Carl from Slingblade
December 20th, 2011
4:57 pm
MMMhmmmmmm, I reckon Abraham and Edwards putting pressure would look good while I’m eating my French Fried taterz…mmmmhhhhhh
JSS
December 20th, 2011
5:09 pm
Wow, old Billy Bob jokes and Hands on the Stripper but never on the QB Ray! It just never get richer than the AJC blogs! How many more days till next Monday? The yucks just keep coming!
JSS
December 20th, 2011
5:16 pm
Ray Edwards said: “You don’t pay my bills or cause me any grief or unhappiness.” Somebody’s been to the Chipper Jones School of telling everybody to kiss his behind! I wonder if he’ll enjoy watching every one else being successful in the post-season like old Chipper did after the swoon too?
falkonfan
December 20th, 2011
5:18 pm
Everyone is peaking at the right moment……..fun times are ahead of us!
GO BIRDS!!!!!
Ben
December 20th, 2011
5:24 pm
Lazy article. Look at the crap teams they faced. Let’s see it against the Saints. Bet ya he doesn’t do squat.
Ed
December 20th, 2011
5:30 pm
I think him and Abraham are probably in the best physical shape they’ve been in this late in the season. I think they will come up big Monday night and come playoff time.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 20th, 2011
5:31 pm
At this point I feel I am obligated to post a link to this every time Ray Edwards is mentioned.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 20th, 2011
5:33 pm
Carl from Slingblade
December 20th, 2011
4:57 pm
MMMhmmmmmm, I reckon Abraham and Edwards putting pressure would look good while I’m eating my French Fried taterz…mmmmhhhhhh
LMAO well done. I hope more people get the reference.
JSS
December 20th, 2011
5:35 pm
You never let me down Davenpoop!
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 20th, 2011
5:51 pm
A heathy Grimes means more.
MattRyansBrain
December 20th, 2011
5:54 pm
I never like it when players like Kelvin Hayden(Colts), Ray Edwards(Vikings) and Dunta Robinson(Texans) come to Atlanta and talk about how “different” our defensive scheme is…..makes me wonder about the soundness of BVG’s scheme – or lack thereof.
keith
December 20th, 2011
5:54 pm
Najeh, what is your race if you dont mind me asking lol
Tojo
December 20th, 2011
6:12 pm
Ray Edwards has had as many penalties that helped the other team (or wiped out Falcons would-have-been big plays) as he has had impactful plays in the positive sense. If he would just STEP UP during the final 2 games and the playoffs (still “learning the scheme?” Week 15? really?) and make ONE OR TWO big plays, it will still be a good signing. Otherwise, another big money BUST.
In other words… knock the crap out of Drew Brees, I mean hit him so hard he sees stars, and I don’t care if you get a 15 yard flag and cause SeenThisB4 to drop his copy of Playgirl…and all will be well in my eyes, Ray Edwards.
CAN’T WAIT
Kane337
December 20th, 2011
6:46 pm
Get healthy Ray Edwards. We need you for this stretch run.
P B Orr
December 20th, 2011
6:48 pm
I’d like to see the old vet Peterson out there with Abe and Edwards to get things stirred up Singletary style. I’m sure Lofton and Weatherspoon would be down with that.
P B Orr
December 20th, 2011
6:52 pm
Someone on the staff here should speculate on the defensive scheme to be used against Brees. He’s short so get in his face. If he moves his face then get into it again. Contain and pressure – send the backers.
JSS
December 20th, 2011
6:57 pm
Difference is? SIngletary could actually play when got old… See, those players Old Man Pete, Father Time Abe, and Reach Out and Touch Her Ray = Keith Brooking (a whole lot of Rah Rah!)
P B Orr
December 20th, 2011
6:59 pm
JSS, you don’t impress me. I know a lot more football history than you do and I see the makings of attitude. Our linebackers are forming up into a really good group.
keith
December 20th, 2011
7:11 pm
where is Patrick Kerney these days
Loyal Falcon
December 20th, 2011
7:15 pm
Fellow Falcons…You all can call me crazy, but I have a good feeling about this up coming game on monday night. Some people think we’re gonna go to NO and lay down. We’ll be ready!! Go Falcons!
P B Orr
December 20th, 2011
7:46 pm
Let us also investigate the accusations of dirty play on the part of the Saints (latest example, AP from the Vikings).
JSS
December 20th, 2011
7:48 pm
Son, I saw Mike Curtis, Willie Lanier, Ted Hendricks, Chuck Howley, Nobis, and Butkus actually play… Bring all of your knowledge and your Brian Bosworth snarling on, I’m so scared of your knowledge bank! Who said: “Like a pack of wild dogs?” Yeah, you don’t know!
P B Orr
December 20th, 2011
7:53 pm
Then why do you come off like a subtle girl?
Gritz
December 20th, 2011
7:54 pm
Ray, it doesn’t sound like you’re the type of guy who it’d be fun to have a beer with, but as long as you do the job Dimitroff brought you here to do I don’t really care. You can be the biggest jerk in the world as long as your harassing the opposing QB.
I’m a fan of the jersey, not who fills it.
P B Orr
December 20th, 2011
7:56 pm
You’re always tit-tit-tittering like a debutante. You’ve never been behind a team – well at least not in the figurative sense.
bobwhite
December 20th, 2011
8:01 pm
R.Edwards don’t show me “jack”..Still can’t believe the dumb ass falcons signed him..knowing full well that he had “baggage”! Why do we, as a franchise, go after every “dark horse” on the block? Pay them 3 times or more what they are worth..then we as a fan base expect “miracles”. from a player that wore out him welcome with his previous team!?
SWAT Native
December 20th, 2011
8:06 pm
Is Ray still trying to be an underwear model? Just play ball!
JSS
December 20th, 2011
8:14 pm
“Then why do you come off like a subtle girl?” Gender jokes, that is all you got?
Because you’ve never been with an obvious, subtle, or unpaid for her time girl…
Sam Mills didn’t need to holler and scream… Tuggle didn’t need to holler and scream… Harry Carson didn’t have to holler and scream… They let the wood do their talking… You need to let those players do their own talking on the field…
Fan of the game, from Sam Huff to even Ray Lewis… May not want to be either man’s neighbor, but not being invested in the silliness of “behind a team” keeps one from trying to get players on their last legs (old Brooking, now Peterson, and Father time Abe) to fire up professionals!
What are you going to do next year when Abe sign with another club? He’s going to be a old UFA. Are you going to turn on him because he’s the “enemy?”
country boy
December 20th, 2011
8:16 pm
JSS – LT
JSS
December 20th, 2011
8:18 pm
Kerney is enjoying that NFLPA pension!
JSS
December 20th, 2011
8:19 pm
@ Country Boy…
Prize winner!
JSS
December 20th, 2011
8:24 pm
And to quote the late Rick James: “Cocaine is a helleva drug!” Just imagine what he would have been like if he hadn’t been stoned 70% of the time?
Blake
December 20th, 2011
8:30 pm
I was hard on Ray a couple of weeks ago and I forgot about the knee injury. I hope the “missing piece” can wreak havoc from here on out…Knock Brees on His butt Ray….RISE UP BIRDS……
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
8:33 pm
Dont forget Me,, I always brought the wood,,,,
Michael
December 20th, 2011
8:34 pm
Blake
December 20th, 2011
8:30 pm
I was hard on Ray a couple of weeks ago
———————————-
That sounds really inappropriate
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
8:35 pm
If Rick James hadn’t been high he would’nt have been Rick James Bit__h
JSS
December 20th, 2011
8:38 pm
Stone City!!!
TROTTINGHOME
December 20th, 2011
8:43 pm
Let’s not forget….WE had that first Saints game won…till Roddy ‘Pipper’ White dropped the ball …in the end zone…for lack of focus.
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:03 pm
Gotta get that Zoom focus….but Trot, no only did Roddy drop the winning pass, NO froze like Frosty the snowman with a 10 point lead while the real cool once, Ice, owned the 4th quarter. But in the name of objectivity, Ice did miss a sure TD to Gonzo….But, all I can think is that the Falcons relish a do over, Aints? Just happy to escape with a W. But in the end, that is all that matters….until the next game.
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:04 pm
Rick Case, you just had Rick James due to his braids.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:05 pm
“My defense was afraid to attack Mike Vick – Rex Ryan”
“I’m afraid of Mike Vick & The Eagles – Jerry Jones”
Those quotes say it all
The only fear CHOKE puts into his opponents is how many times he will hand off to Mike “Franchise” Turner
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:07 pm
Choke, that is why they lost….Send the house, smack MV7 in the mouth, and he goes a cryin, some things never change. “no mas at the dome”.
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:07 pm
Rick Case,, I think thats a Honda Dealership,,,
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:08 pm
Hyundai to be exact.
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:09 pm
I would have knocked MV7 out,,,
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:10 pm
Mr Charlie,, I stand corrected,,,
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:10 pm
Fact is, here we are, week 16, and the Ice Ice is going to the playoffs for the 3rd time in 4 years, and ConVick, who missed half the season due to his frailties, quit on his team as he has done since 2005.
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:11 pm
Yes Rick, you would sent MV7 to the dentist for some new gold teefes.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:13 pm
Thanks to the Cowboys & Giants bumbling of the division that the Dream Team tried to gift wrap for them, their lack of closing the deal, has led the Falcants straight to the door steps of Lincoln Financial Field.
If you listen to the delusional & mentally challenge CHOKE lickers like Mrs. Charlie, they will say that’s what they want – to play Mike Vick and the Dream Team again. We all know that is stupidity disguised as confidence.
The Dream Team that they say in the early part of the season was a bunch of great players who didn’t have a training camp to jell together. I think it’s safe to say that Rex Ryan & Jerry Jones know close up that this Dream Team has jelled.
We all know that CHOKE can’t win a bingo game outside of the dome. When that Philly win starts to whistle in January cold, CHOKE’s ding & dunk will float like a kite.
This is going to be hilarious. The Falcants better be the biggest Cowboy cheer leaders this weekend
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:17 pm
FACT ZONE:
CHOKE quit on his teammates vs Tampa because of a pinky toe blister – FACT
CHOKE has never won a playoff game – FACT
CHOKE has a 4-11 record when he throws 40 or more times – FACT
CHOKE is a bust – FACT
CHOKE has as many playoff wins as Joey Harrington & Ryan Leaf – FACT
HA HA HA
Coach Smith please don’t let me go back in – my pinky toe hurts….ha ha ha
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:18 pm
I wonder if maybe Filthadelphia is having any regrets for handing MV7 another 100 million. He’s no spring chicken and his style of play is a young mans game. He cant stay on the field. Better them than us..
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:19 pm
So, we have Choke making yet more excuses for the Cream teams wet dream season. So the strike caused MV7 to QUIT at “no mas at the Dome”? It made him fake a broken arm? It made him lay out with some sore ribs? Again, I hope we play them, cause Smitty aint no Rex Ryan, and Arthur ain’t no Jerry Jones. They know MV7 has not heart, and all you gotta due is smack him in the mouth, and he will quit, just like he always has.
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:20 pm
Hey,, its our old pal MCR,, Merry Chrimas MCR,, and keep up the good work…Maybe Choke can win a playoff game this year so we dont have to listen to that crap anymore
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:20 pm
“CHOKE’s LETTER TO SANTA”
Oh please oh please Santa I want to experience winning a playoff game
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:21 pm
I remember MV7 having a fake broken foot,, cost a good man his job,,,
SeenThisB4
December 20th, 2011
9:22 pm
I know I rag you Falcant’s fan all the time. But to be completely honest, I am scared shotless about Monday night. The Failcons are playing way better than I ever thought they would. My new prediction is Saints by 3 only for home field advantage. Matty Melt will choke under the noise if the Failcons don’t put us away early!!!
GEAUX SAINTS
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:23 pm
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:20 pm
Hey,, its our old pal MCR,, Merry Chrimas MCR,, and keep up the good work…Maybe Choke can win a playoff game this year so we dont have to listen to that crap anymore
____________________________________________
You have a deal!
But……………………
If CHOKE does what he does best and CHOKE again, what will you bring to the table?
I’m a person of my word – you?
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:23 pm
Letter to Santa,,,, LOL,, thats funny MCR,,,
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:24 pm
I’m not making any predictions,, I dont run my mouth like some kinda fool,,,
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:26 pm
Rick, MR2 has 7 seasons to win 2 playoff games to match the great MV7’s career record. Don’t let “choke” intimidate you. Matty Ice has started about as fast as any QB in history, he has missed 2 games in 4 season, the man is as tough as nails.
Look at it this way, MR2 misses 1/2 a game per year on average, he would have to play about 50 seasons to miss as many games as MV7 has, and that aint even including the games MV7 missed doing time….LOL….Can’t even make that crap up.
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:26 pm
SeenThis ,,, are you feeling ok,, you dont sound right,,
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:26 pm
I hope you LOSERS realize that CHOKE will have to play in Green Bay if they are lucky enough (I doubt) to advance in the playoffs.
We know what Vick did vs Green Bay. Let’s see CHOKE pull off a WINDY, SHOWY & ICY win on the road…………..
Good luck with that, you have a better chance of winning the lottery………….
HA HA HA
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:28 pm
Why dont you just come clean MCR,, you just dont like “Choke” cause he’s a white boy,, there,, I said it..
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:30 pm
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:26 pm
Rick, MR2 has 7 seasons to win 2 playoff games to match the great MV7’s career record
____________________________________
I guess you are low on your meds but that ship has sailed already
Vick won those games before age 25, CHOKE is already 26…………..HA HA HA
You are PATHETIC & DESPERATE
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:31 pm
You’re right about one thing MCR,,, somebody is going to have to play Green Bay and it taint gonna be pretty,,,
SeenThisB4
December 20th, 2011
9:31 pm
@Scott Case: Feeling fine. Just throwing the Failcants a bone. Don’t let it go to your head. We’ll see whose laughing Tuesday morning and who Smith is making excuses as usual for.
GEAUX SAINTS
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:32 pm
Rick, he never will admit that. He is like the terminator, he cannot be reasoned with, he cannot be negotiated with. He will run his mouth until he is crushed by a ball bearing machine press operated by Matty Ice, metaphorically speaking.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:34 pm
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:28 pm
Why dont you just come clean MCR,, you just dont like “Choke” cause he’s a white boy,, there,, I said it..
_________________________________________
He’s White? Didn’t know that.
Maybe you got me confused with Mrs. Charlie and his love for players that resemble Mike Vick.
Just a thought
TROTTINGHOME
December 20th, 2011
9:36 pm
If I choke one more time I may have to go to the doctor.
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:37 pm
Dont worry about me SeenThis,,, i’m on a even keel,,, i have no lofty expectations,, been in this town to long,,, if we win great ,, if we dont life goes on,, its just a stupid game…
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:38 pm
MCR,, nice copy and paste job,, struck a nerve i see,,,
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:39 pm
TROTTINGHOME
December 20th, 2011
9:36 pm
If I choke one more time I may have to go to the doctor.
___________________________________________
HA HA HA That’s funny!
Unfortunately CHOKE has 9 lives, so he’s due for another CHOKE soon
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:40 pm
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:38 pm
MCR,, nice copy and paste job,, struck a nerve i see,,,
____________________________________
Stroke a nerve? We all have dreams
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:41 pm
Struck that is.
You still haven’t said what you will bring to the table when CHOKE does his CHOKE act again.
SeenThisB4
December 20th, 2011
9:42 pm
My even keel prediction:
“We didn’t play consistently in all phases of the game and obviously we didn’t get the outcome we wanted. When we get back to work on Monday, we will sit down and go throught the film and make the adjustments we need to make. We need to put this game behind us and prepare for next week. With that being said we will take some questions.”
Mike Smith after the loss on MNF December 26, 2011
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:43 pm
I think I made myself clear MCR,, i dont really give a Rat A$$,,, now what is it you dont understand about that,,,
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:44 pm
Nytol
falcon fan
December 20th, 2011
9:46 pm
anyone who’s had knee or shoulder surgery knows it takes a year to really recover and be 100%….they say you’re “physically healed” in 16-20 weeks, but regaining your full strength and conditioning takes another 6+ months!!!!…..let’s wait till next year to make an judgements about the acquisition of Ray!!….I trust our GM’s judgement, and there’s no way we didn’t know what we were getting!!!…..that’s what physicals are for!!!!
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
9:49 pm
Matt, but ConVick has not won JACK after that age of 25. He relied on his athletic ability and won a few games, but did not have the intellectual ability to grow and become a real QB…..Ice, just the opposite, he will continue to develop intellectually and will just get better and better.
SeenThisB4
December 20th, 2011
9:52 pm
“We knew that Brees was going to come out to win, we talked all week that we need to get pressure and we just did not execute like we needed to. When we don’t get pressure and we lose the turnover ratio, more times than not we are not going to get the outcome we want. This is a process and we are going to continue the process of working on the process. We still have not played a full game and I take 100% responsibility for that. The entire coaching staff prepares week in and week out preparing for executing the process. But I am not going to talk about the process as this game was not about the process. It was about execution of the process. We would like to have executed the process better and next week will stress that the we need to execute the process better. With that I will take no more questions.”
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:53 pm
Scott Case
December 20th, 2011
9:43 pm
I think I made myself clear MCR,, i dont really give a Rat A$$
_______________________________
Struck a nerve?
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
9:55 pm
CHOKE = Joey Harrington
SeenThisB4
December 20th, 2011
10:05 pm
LMAO-
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2011/12/transcript-mike-smith-post-practice-interview-72/
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
10:06 pm
Falcon, amen to that.
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
10:11 pm
Choke, again, MV7 set the world on fire, but WTF happened? He lacks leadership, when the chips get down, he cries, complains and blames…I see a little bit of MC7 in Cam….Remember the Chicago game this year? Ice was getting killed, the game was over, smacked like a MC7 pit bull, it was the first game of the season, and there was NO reason to have Ice out there, he easily could have put Redmon out there to keep him out of harms way, but, he was screaming “Finish it, FINNISH IT. You have no idea what a man and QB Ryan is.
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
10:16 pm
Think about it, the first game on the season, MR2 was smacked around like a ConVick pit bull….He did not come out of the game even though the line could not protect him and the game was out of reach. He just pulled his teammates together and insisted they FINNISH. You ever see MV7 do that? LOL, he just set on the sideline shaking his head. That is why he was never able to capitalize on his athletic ability and build on his early years…..So, 10 years later, 2 playoff wins……Whoo hooo, clear out a wing in Canton.
hobbler
December 20th, 2011
10:17 pm
Oh is Ray Edwards on our team this year?
Mr Charlie
December 20th, 2011
10:29 pm
Watch at the 3 minute mark, down 30-6, 28 seconds left, Ryan getting smacked in the mouth. If you watch the game, you remember him jumping up sayin “finish the game”…..That might have been Ryan best moment. He aint strong, he aint fast, his arm is average at best, but it is his leadership and intellect that makes him a top 5 QB….And CMR HAAATEESSS it….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WHQmx6ktdc
Michael
December 20th, 2011
11:09 pm
I think Mr. Charlie is a drug addict. He just said Matt Ryan is a top 5 QB.
Kerryb
December 20th, 2011
11:09 pm
It’s funny. During the Jaguar game when the Falcons were playing great and when Matt Ryan was having a good night you didn’t see Choke anywhere on the Falcons blog. He waits until they are not playing to come on a Falcons blog and spew his crap. What a gutless wonder.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
11:11 pm
Michael
December 20th, 2011
11:09 pm
I think Mr. Charlie is a drug addict. He just said Matt Ryan is a top 5 QB.
_________________________________________
HA HA HA
Give him some slack, he lost his meds
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
11:12 pm
@Kerryb
Trick please, you were playing a 2 or 3 win team with the 4 STRAIGHT rookie qb
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 20th, 2011
11:14 pm
“CHOKES RECIPE”
Beat up the bottom dwellers…………..
CHOKE vs good defenses…………… HA HA HA
Black is back
December 20th, 2011
11:29 pm
Ray Edwards is a typical black @ss entitlement negro. He has not produced this year yet his attitude suggests he answers to nobody. Ray has zero business sense and has no clue what fans pay to see him underperform.
JSS
December 20th, 2011
11:41 pm
Chipper said the same thing last Spring… What’s his “entitlement?” 1997? That was 14 years ago… Hurt is hurt, condescending is condescending… I don’t condescend those of you who are cretins, I pity most of you…
ohhhYEAH
December 21st, 2011
12:15 am
Choke face….
i hope YOU are smart enough to realize that the Packers have a first round Bye, but we all know you arent that smart since earlier you just said the Falcons would have to play them WHEN we make the playoffs. Right now its lookin like we will go to Dallas an then San Fran, which is about as ideal as it could get for the Falcons
ohhhYEAH
December 21st, 2011
12:17 am
Be that as it may JSS, The Chip was still in the top 5 of almost every major offensive category among all 3B last year. Nope, hes definitely not ‘97 Chipper or even ‘08 Chipper, but hes still producing better than most at his position, even at his declining age and skill level. Really goes to show the kind of special talent he was in my opinion
PaulieOldschool
December 21st, 2011
1:32 am
I was for signing Charles Johnson instead. I’ll stick with that opinion, thanks.
SAINTS > FAILCANTS
December 21st, 2011
5:59 am
Fact….we win the NFC South Monday night….your team is simply inferior…Payton is a better coach than Smith….Brees > Melted Ice….I could go on for days about our superiority….but, you get the point…
True Falcon Fan
December 21st, 2011
6:07 am
SAINTS > FAILCANTS
December 21st, 2011
5:59 am
Nope your wrong again – you’ll see……….
Go Falcons – Ain’ts Next
FL dawg
December 21st, 2011
6:23 am
It’s imperative that ATL puts pressure on Brees from Abraham and Edwards. The inside guys are the ones who really have to step up, Bierman, Lofton, Weatherspoon: to get sacks on Brees’s darting around and stepping up in the pocket.
P B Orr
December 21st, 2011
6:29 am
You know some of us actually like to BS about our football team on this blog. The presence of Choke and his retinue makes it impossible to enjoy this thing the way it was designed. I would hope that the writers here would make some effort to get rid of this punk, so the rest of us who are sane can have fun here.
Joe Tess Fish House
December 21st, 2011
6:52 am
Ray Edmunds is a joke Flacons should of never of had of sighed him.
Hilarity
December 21st, 2011
7:06 am
JSS is a typical internet ninja troll. Loves to see his words in print because his voice sounds like something from Revenge of the Nerds. Idiot alert.
CHOKE’s team is 9-5. What’s MV7 “I can’t stay on the field because I have brittle bones” record? 6-8, right?
Between idiots and Aints fans this forum is hopeless for falcon fans.
Michael
December 21st, 2011
7:19 am
There is nothing wrong with supporting your team and having optimistic expectations. My problem is with the fans that see this team consistently lose to upper tier teams, but then make outrageous proclamations when the Falcons beat up on lesser opponents like the Jags. Of course I want the team and Matt Ryan do well, even “Choke” would admit that even though I know he has issues with Ryan, but to come on here and act like the Falcons are primed for a SB run when they haven’t proven they can beat a real contender is a little misguided in my opinion.
True Falcon Fan
December 21st, 2011
7:55 am
Hey Michael, who in last 5 posts has said anything about the Falcons & SB in the same sentence?
Go Falcons – Ain’ts next
That Dude Devin
December 21st, 2011
7:58 am
Win against the Saints on MNF for sure. Put your bets down on that money line…too tempting. But in the playoffs….maybe a first round victory (we aint winning the division).
Falcon Hardy
December 21st, 2011
8:03 am
Ray Edwards is a WORTHLESS INVESTMENT along with D.Robinson. I have watched a lott of games these pass 2 weeks and I see all this defensive Talent that TD passed on and sign Plugs like Edwards, Jerry, and I could go on and on and on…………………………….
Michael M.
December 21st, 2011
8:05 am
Falcons fixing to get the brooms out. You know what that means boys n girls ? Sweeping Teams !
Michael M.
December 21st, 2011
8:07 am
bet that brings some lewd comments……………..lol
Matt "CHOKE " Ryan
December 21st, 2011
8:30 am
UWEjvv sfdöosfo kddssdf ssfdsefe…
…oops , sorry, had some stuff in my mouth…was just visiting my pal Mike Vick….he was showing me all the stuff he learned in prison
trademark
December 21st, 2011
8:40 am
…exactly. LOL
trademark
December 21st, 2011
8:40 am
On a more serious note….I thought the most interesting thing about the column was the description by Edwards of the “plain” approach the Vikings used on their D-Line, and the amount of stunting the Falcons do….
I remember when Abraham said at the half of the Carolina game that the D went “vanilla” and then *click-click-BOOM*, they were all lights out for the next 5 quarters.
Is BVG out-thinking himself here? I know the Falcons are mid-to-smallish size-wise on the D-Line, but is all of the stunting necessary? The Predator is a c=ck-strong SOB, and can bull rush even the most powerful left tackles in the game, and when Edwards is healthy, he is fast and powerful as well. Is the stunting slowing down the rush? It takes a few extra steps, which may translate into a few extra seconds, and that’s all a competent NFL Quarterback needs to pick you apart. Interesting.
Shultz sez
December 21st, 2011
8:40 am
Quoting Mike Tanier, “The Eagles are a cautionary tale, or an Oprah-worthy redemption narrative, or the raving manifesto of a lunatic in a tinfoil pirate hat, or all three.”
Matt "CHOKE " Ryan
December 21st, 2011
8:52 am
Hey, if the blogs won’t ban me, then at least I can speak the TRUTH finally!
I LOVE MIKE VICK!
I WANT TO HAVE HIS BABY! 
….
ah hell, just found out the Ryan had a black grand-auntie-
I LOVE MATT RYAN!
I TAKE BACK EVERYTHING I EVER SAID BAD ABOUT HIM! 
Decatur Falcons
December 21st, 2011
8:52 am
Let stop this madness. Ray Edwards have to step up big against the New Orlean Saints. I hope this man is studying film, because what I saw the Saints do against the Vikings on offense was cruel. Look for the screen pass and if Drew Brees run for the first down hit him hard. I love the way Drew Brees plays the quarterback position with passion, and the Falcons have to play with that same passion by getting Drew Brees on the ground. Ray Edward has to use his tall frame hit the ball or intercept those balls that create the screen pass that the Saints love to do on offense. It will be a close game. I feel good about this game. GO FALCONS!!!!!!
Double Zero Eight
December 21st, 2011
8:57 am
Let’s hope Edwards is getting into form.
We will know for sure once we play the Saints.
Without pressure from Abraham and Edwards, Brees
will pick us apart, and the secondary will be “toast”.
Nativebird
December 21st, 2011
8:58 am
The way injuries are flat out hidden, dened and deflected in the NFL, especially by head coaches, is quite disturbing and frankly, deceitful and disrepectful to the fans, (the ones who actually pay for all of this). One would think that letting the public know the truth about an injury that could affect performance would be to the team’s advantage, possibly causing an opponent to prepare differently expecting a missing player.
trademark
December 21st, 2011
9:03 am
Nativebird, while I agree that it wold be nice for the paying fans to know who’s going to be there and who isn’t, the injury report is really just a device for the Vegas gambling, it really doesn’t serve any other purpose. It actually makes it more competitive if the teams just have to stick to their game plans, instead of knowing flat out if someone is going to be healthy or not. It also prevents the jacka$%es from making plans to dive at player’s ankles in unison.
j
December 21st, 2011
9:16 am
No play Ray and Dunta “Toast” Robinson are up for my Worst of 2011 defenders award.
j
December 21st, 2011
9:19 am
He also doesn’t have Jarred Allen to take the attention any more
Cowbell Hell
December 21st, 2011
9:22 am
You can look at a turning point for the defense at halftime of the carolina kitties game when we brought William Moore back in for good and he immediately started layin folks out. The second play he’s in he hit J Stewart so hard it hurt me throught the TV! I counted 4 huge shots against JAX, he is shutting down the running game and bringing fear to all WRs coming thru the middle. Along with Ray Ray getting it going and getting Optimus G back I love our defense going into the playoffs
Frazier
December 21st, 2011
9:25 am
“Y’all are very cut-throat,” he said. “But I’m not worried about it. You don’t pay my bills or cause me any grief or unhappiness. It is what it is. That’s your job.”– -Season Ticket Holders DO pay your bills
and you SHOULD be worried about 3 1/2 sacks… but I guess you already cashed the check so why should it cause you any grief
Score Prediction
December 21st, 2011
9:25 am
New Orleans Saints 42, Atlanta FalCANTS 9.
PMC
December 21st, 2011
9:26 am
I think the Falcons went out and got him because at that point, the price was good and lets face it, they were desperate. They have John Abraham who generally stays dinged up, but when he’s healthy he’s amazing. Other than that, every pass rusher on the team was an NFL backup at best. They needed a starter. They planned on Edwards all along so they made the deal.
You can’t spend 4 draft picks plus the one they used on Julio and not try to plug one of the most glaring weaknesses on the team from the previous year.
Frazier
December 21st, 2011
9:27 am
Nevertheless, If he shows up Monday all is forgiven.
PMC
December 21st, 2011
9:32 am
All in all it’s been a slightly disapointing season from Edwards but he’s a good NFL caliber defensive end. Deal’s aren’t made for a single season alone and there’s still time for him to make an impact. At 30M he’s still a bargain compared to others, and how much was spent on freaking Anderson?
It would be nice going forward if they could draft another pass rusher early and somewhat proven. No more projects please.
MWC
December 21st, 2011
9:41 am
…joe tess/jss/choke… go play in the yard….
DJ Sniper
December 21st, 2011
9:45 am
Christ on a stick, who let Choke and his mental instabilities back in this blog? This fool keeps going on and on and on about how much better Vick is than Ryan, yet it’s the Eagles who need all kinds of help to get into the postseason. This dude is worse than a broken record.
Anyway, back to the topic: I didn’t mind the Ray Edwards signing. The knee surgery was a bit of a red flag, but I don’t expect it to be a long term issue. I think he will work out just fine in the long run.
D man
December 21st, 2011
10:17 am
Defense is getting healthy at the right time. We are peaking now and that is the best thing that can happen to any team going into the playoffs. I’m ready for this Monday night game. Time for some payback…
Matt "CHOKE " Ryan
December 21st, 2011
10:25 am
I like NOODLES!
That’s why I keep saying that word all the time!
I like ALL KINDS OF NOODLES! Big NOODLES, fat NOODLES, Long NOODLES-especially Mike Vick’s NOODLE, he has the fastest, strongest NOODLE int the whole world!
mmmmmmmmmmm!
Sid
December 21st, 2011
10:34 am
Lest we digress. Jeff, I appreciate this read. I don’t know how I missed hearing about Edwards “minor” surgery but I swear up until the last couple of weeks my thinking had been
what did the Falcons brass see in this guy. It seemed to me he was taking some plays off and not playing to the whistle. But just as you say in your article I noticed his game stepping up and have seen him playing with much more velocity. To friends and forums, I was wrong. The jury is in and Welcome to Atlanta Ray Edwards.
Take it from me.
December 21st, 2011
10:49 am
I don’t care about anybodys predictions on the game monday night,the players are the ones that play the game,and determines who wins,not the blogers.But i would like to hear from a long time professional on the subject,Mr Crabbapple Joe.Joe you there?
P B Orr
December 21st, 2011
11:24 am
I’ll offer again – I’m between IT contracts and would gladly put in a forum system for the AJC that includes a kill file so that people can filter out the misery represented by CHOKE and everyone like him. Then we could talk about the Falcons without noise. I’d still count the hits for your ad revenue.
DC
December 21st, 2011
11:44 am
I just want to know what is “choke”’s actual screen name..seems he blogs here often so he has to use another name…and I agree with another poster..his posts destroy blogs because you cant have normal conversations with other bloggers..
BipolarDawg
December 21st, 2011
11:48 am
Well this subject is about Ray Edwardo, to all the Edwardo haters, he is right nobody pays bills but Falcons Org. Let them worry about that, this is his first year give him break, i like him he got brilliant years ahead, so we’ll see next year i bet ya he will be the beast like Abram!
rammed saint
December 21st, 2011
12:09 pm
Man o’ man; chokes man love for vickie is immenent; “just can’t get enough of your love, O’ I can’t get enough of you’re love. Posters of my man michael all over my room; man crush!man crush! He comin’right over for ya choke,sit by da phone he’ll call ya soon.
Sid
December 21st, 2011
12:15 pm
I am sorry to offend anyone but it seems to me it is quite possible the ones who lack intelligence are the ones who can’t resist responding to the trolls.
********************************
DON’T FEED THE TROLLS
********************************
panic fan
December 21st, 2011
12:23 pm
just ck past games and current nfl stats we can play with most any team on any sunday if THIS team does not make stupid mistakes (players & coaches) Mr ray
will be fine. everyones finding same page at the correct time to sing the damn song HOPE THE LIGHTS STAY ON
rammed saint
December 21st, 2011
12:42 pm
Maybe the birds can keep pressure on the outside & covering the screen pass boxing them in. William moore,DeCoud,spoon(pressure up the middle),abe,edwards knock down some of those screens; Seems like they used alot of those against minnesota.
JSS
December 21st, 2011
1:13 pm
“Was,” and that is it…
JSS
December 21st, 2011
1:14 pm
and somebody is mad because he doesn’t have a yard…
JSS
December 21st, 2011
1:27 pm
1. It is not a forum…
2. It is not even a Falcons blog (It is a columnist blog on the subject of a Falcons player). That is a big difference…
3. Some of you are just plan damn silly… If I want to see my name in print, I can just go to the library… A “Ninja” is stealth warrior… Nothing stealth about my life, defiantly nothing stealth about “blogging.” I just can’t wait to see in January if the AJC rolls out a new commenting policy as promised just how many of you big talkers about “trolls” are still here?
4. ” I’m between IT contracts and would gladly put in a forum system for the AJC that includes a kill file so that people can filter out the misery represented by CHOKE and everyone like him.” And somehow you think that they won’t deep six your multiple user-name personality disorder comments too? Incredible!!!
JSS
December 21st, 2011
1:37 pm
And you can always tell the difference between “real MCR” and the “phony MCRs” who think hijacking that user-name will somehow get bloggers “banned.” Or in most cases, just to make some plain silly homophobic comments, big brave bloggers! What you don’t need to feed is “Multiple User-name Personality Disorder” sufferers!
JSS
December 21st, 2011
1:39 pm
******************************************************************************
Don’t feed the “Multiple User-name Personality Disorder” sufferers!
******************************************************************************
rammed saint
December 21st, 2011
2:31 pm
If Julio Jones keeps reeling off big catches stayin’ hot even opening up lanes for Roddy, Gonzo,HD, & let Jaquezz catch a shot down field,but to catch em’w/change of pace, but Matt’s gotta keep’em w/ quick releases. Hopefully using the 2-min. offence will allow us to keep tempo.
PlanB
December 21st, 2011
3:09 pm
Sid’s right, DON”T FEED THE TROLLS!!! They are like wolves. The kind that are parasites that get under the skin of squirrels and rabbits to develop. Don’t let them develop. Ignore them and they will die out and we can discuss the good and the bad of our Falcons without interference.
mark
December 21st, 2011
3:59 pm
CHECK THIS A NICE ARTICLE http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/34668/matt-ryan-must-beat-blitz-on-third-down
G-Dawg
December 21st, 2011
4:29 pm
We all know what “Choke” like to choke on..and it may be Scott Case!!! Is AJC have a dont ask, dont tell policy? Terds…both of them!!
JSS
December 21st, 2011
6:23 pm
“Terps?” What the? Don’t ask, don’t tell? What is this, 1992?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2011
6:52 pm
DEAR FALCANT’S FANS:
I know there is a lot of anger in direct response to my posts.
I also know that facts don’t seem to excess in your vocabularies. For that…………….
May I suggest investing in a box of KLEENEX
Mr Charlie
December 21st, 2011
7:30 pm
Enter your comments here
Matt "CHOKE " Ryan
December 22nd, 2011
4:03 am
Let me raise my right hand-
“I am Matt “CHOKE” Ryan, and I AM NOT a Homophobe!”
I really, really, LOVE Mike Vick, like full-on, I ain’t scared of it, either.
Red Helmet Swarm
December 22nd, 2011
8:27 am
Good to know Grimes will bring his energy Monday night.
Ueeediot
December 25th, 2011
12:30 pm
Sounds like Charlie is obsessed with MANDIGO..
He must be small in stature….
LIVE: Falcons are in playoffs, now go for South vs. Saints | Jeff Schultz
December 26th, 2011
6:14 pm
[...] league; 2) Don’t waste red zone possessions, as was the case the last time the teams met; 3) Get some semblance of a pass rush on Brees, at least forcing him to move off his spot; 4) Pound the Saints’ defense with the [...]