Poll time: How should we define success for Falcons?
Brian VanGorder and Mike Smith have a lot to fix before playoffs. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
(Updated)
The Falcons tell us how that just making the playoffs isn’t good enough any more. So you wonder why they played one of their worst games ever under coach Mike Smith — Monday’s 45-16 loss at New Orleans — the night after they had clinched a postseason berth?
But let’s move on. The Falcons play their final regular season game against Tampa Bay Sunday. The game may or may not their impact playoff seeding and match-up. Nobody’s expecting an overly festive atmosphere in the Georgia Dome for the season’s final home game. (The only way the Falcons could host another game would be as a No. 5 seed if they faced No. 6 Detroit for the NFC championship. Not likely.)
Loading ...For all of the regular season success under Smith, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and quarterback Matt Ryan, the team has whiffed in the postseason. They’re 42-21 in four regular seasons, but 0-2 so far in the postseason.
So what qualifies as success this season? Here are the choices:
• Achievement: Making the playoffs. Breakdown: The Falcons are there for the third time in four years, which is unprecedented in franchise history. But the bar was supposed to be raised. Conclusion: Not good enough.
• Achievement: Win one game: Breakdown: This would be an improvement over the last two years. It would mean the Falcons had beaten New Orleans, New York, Dallas or San Francisco. There are varying degrees of difficulty in those games. But what should be kept in mind is: What was the expectation level before the season? Conclusion: Better, but still not good enough.
• Achievement: Win two games: Breakdown: This could be as difficult as beating the NFC’s two best teams, New Orleans and Green Bay, on the road. The easier end of the spectrum would be finishing as a No. 5 seed and Detroit upsetting New Orleans, which would mean the Falcons would need to only defeat the NFC East champion (New York or Dallas) and San Francisco. Still, it would be impressive. Conclusion: Winning two road playoff games, regardless of the opponents, would qualify as success.
• Achievement: Get to the Super Bowl: Breakdown: For this to happen, the Falcons would need to be far more physical and consistent than they’ve been this season. There has been no indication that is going to happen, but we’ve seen strange postseason developments before. Conclusion: Definitely something worth celebrating.
• Achievement: Win the Super Bowl: Breakdown: Honestly, if the Falcons can winning three NFC road playoff games, beating New England, Pittsburgh or any AFC opponent on a neutral field wouldn’t seem as daunting. Conclusion: Duh.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours? What do you believe qualifies as a successful season?
The poll is up and the floor is yours.
By Jeff Schultz
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418 comments Add your comment
Do u have season tics?
December 29th, 2011
10:30 am
I have season tickets to college but never to any Atlanta pro teams.
They do not win enough championships. (one by Braves)
And for the Falcons, every last season has ended up without a Superbowl win.
Had I been a season ticket holder, that fact would had lost me.
End of season every time with people like me celebrating but never me.
I’m too smart for the product the Falcons have offered.
Dimi is just training here to get a job elsewhere.
He doesn’t compare with Green Bay’s GM who last year overcame an onslaught of injuries but still had the depth to win the Superbowl.
ShempHoward
December 29th, 2011
10:34 am
Asking and calling for coach smith’s dismissal is not something I wrote as a blog to stir things up. I think the Falcon fans have been DUPED into believing that they have a competitive team that is on the rise and can compete and become an ELITE TEAM. I watched the pre-game show a few weeks ago on the NFL network when the Falcons were playing against a Houston club that was starting their THIRD-STRING QB. All 5 of the guys in the studio picked the Falcons because it was a logical pick and all the falcons had to do was play up to their capabilities and potential and the Falcons should have CRUSHED THE TEXAS who were playing MINUS Matt Lineart (#2 QB) and Matt Schaub (#1 QB). This was an easy game for the Falcons and it could be that they looked past the Texans to the next game and came out completely unprepared. They got thoroughly beaten by the Texans and it was a major setback and an embarrassment for the franchise. Then we come out against new orleans and look like we are the worst team in the league. If I had known that those two losses were coming, I would have encouraged the falcons to do like the colts and just start the season on a losing campaign–and compete in the SUCK FOR LUCK SWEEPSTAKES for the sensational, cant-miss future hall of fame prospect Andrew Luck. The Falcons would be so much better off with Andrew Luck versus Matty “Choke” Ryan. Luck is a better talent than Ryan and Ryan will never work enough to be even a mediocre talent.
Steve-O
December 29th, 2011
10:50 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
December 28th, 2011
10:55 am
Winning in the playoffs is the only success.
Just getting there and choking is for Atlanta fans because they are not ambitious.
All they care about is having a qb that looks like them.
Even if he SUCKSSS
__________________________________________________________________________________
Nice racist rant, Choke.
Steve-O
December 29th, 2011
10:53 am
Asking and calling for coach smith’s dismissal is not something I wrote as a blog to stir things up. I think the Falcon fans have been DUPED into believing that they have a competitive team that is on the rise and can compete and become an ELITE TEAM. I watched the pre-game show a few weeks ago on the NFL network when the Falcons were playing against a Houston club that was starting their THIRD-STRING QB. All 5 of the guys in the studio picked the Falcons because it was a logical pick and all the falcons had to do was play up to their capabilities and potential and the Falcons should have CRUSHED THE TEXAS who were playing MINUS Matt Lineart (#2 QB) and Matt Schaub (#1 QB). This was an easy game for the Falcons and it could be that they looked past the Texans to the next game and came out completely unprepared. They got thoroughly beaten by the Texans and it was a major setback and an embarrassment for the franchise. Then we come out against new orleans and look like we are the worst team in the league. If I had known that those two losses were coming, I would have encouraged the falcons to do like the colts and just start the season on a losing campaign–and compete in the SUCK FOR LUCK SWEEPSTAKES for the sensational, cant-miss future hall of fame prospect Andrew Luck. The Falcons would be so much better off with Andrew Luck versus Matty “Choke” Ryan. Luck is a better talent than Ryan and Ryan will never work enough to be even a mediocre talent.
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Everyone has an a-hole and an opinion. How do you explain Ryan’s winning record, then? Sure is mediocre.
Gafan
December 29th, 2011
10:58 am
Super Bowl or Bust. Anything less is a failure. Nobody remembers who won a playoff game.
James Mcmullen
December 29th, 2011
10:58 am
What do Falcons do?…..Play 1 quarter in meaningful games.
What do Falcons need?…..A strong physical and mental fitness program…
Gafan
December 29th, 2011
10:59 am
We need a DEFENSE.
SavDawg
December 29th, 2011
10:59 am
Micheal’s 10:40 am post is right on the money!!
Gafan
December 29th, 2011
11:02 am
CHOKE, your mother is calling. You’re gonna get a spakin again.
Section 322 Row 7
December 29th, 2011
11:04 am
Anything other than a ring means that you are not a true competitor.
ShempHoward
December 29th, 2011
11:16 am
Steve-O. Ok. I guess you can tell my frustration with the falcons, but even though matt ryan has a great winning record, HOW COME RYAN DOESNT EVER SAY IN HIS PRESS CONFERENCES AFTER HE HAS THROWN THREE PICKS (interceptions) in a game and say, Hey, I stunk up the joint tonight and played like crap. I apologize for it and I will work harder next week and prepare so that it doesnt happen again. Matt Ryan never apologizes for his MEDIOCRE WORK.
Brandon
December 29th, 2011
11:51 am
No matter how much Falcons fans want to point the finger at Matt Ryan, he’s not the reason why the Falcons aren’t elite–it’s the Defense, plain and simple. If the Falcons had an “A-” or better D, Ryan could win a SB. The problem is that the D likely grades a “C+”. There is no #1 CB (Robinson is at best a #2 CB, but getting paid #1 CB money), Abraham is no longer a stud DE, so the pass rush is weak, plus it would be ideal to have 1 stud DE and 1 good/solid DE in any event, the DT’s are average, and the linebacker crew is hardly the ‘85 Bears or ‘87 Giants. The team needs at least 5 pieces on D, and that’s a lot. For all of the Julio Jones apologists who like to project him out to a full season of stats, the bottom line is that the “injury-prone” tag has to part of a complete analysis–you can’t simply project out an injury-prone guy or JD Drew would be a HOF’er. Plus, 5 picks including 2012’s #1 has to be part of the analysis too–I would love a rookie Mantle card, but I’d rather pay FMV or a slight premium, not 3x the value. Price matters. Also, if you accept White as a #1 WR, then you have to acknowledge that you paid for a #2 WR. With 53 spots and the need for D, that’s just a poor allocation of resources. The Falcons ARE a 9-7/10-6 team. That’s what they really are. Add 4-5 pieces on D, including a #1 CB, a killer DE and some good LB’s, and then expectations should be NFC Championship appearance or more. Look at the pieces–you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Time for Dimitroff to step up post one and done.
tman
December 29th, 2011
11:57 am
After watching a game last Monday night that was supposed to be a huge game, I realize we have to be satisfied for this season with what this team has done. They are not in any elite category of the league and aren’t going anywhere with this coaching staff or the key players they rely on. I say clean house after the season. Go after the Aint’s Gregg Williams for head coach and let him fill out the staff. Then draft over the next few years some speed at ALL positions and get an agile, athletic team. Don’t make the mistake the Braves did by being satisfied for years just to make the playoffs. Atlanta is tired of being a second rate sports town. If Blank decides to stand pat with this coaching staff, I have a novel idea. Buy some Anthony Robbins series on how to be the best at something. No need to reinvent the wheel. Find the best teams and copy their plays on offense and defense as best you can with the personnel you have. I have a feeling nobody will copy the Falcons playbook, but why aren’t we copying the Aint’s or the Pat’s?? At least there you have a similar less mobile q’back that wins. COPY what they do!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brandon
December 29th, 2011
12:17 pm
Tman, I share your sentiments and feel your pain, but I would do it a little differently–rather than copy the Saints and Pats, who have HOF QB’s and great OLines, I would build an elite D and take a page out of the Ravens/Steelers playbooks. If the Falxons could build a truly great D, an A-/A D with playmakers and depth, they could shut down/contain the top Offenses and score enough to win. The problem is the lack of emphasis on Defense–that’s the true sin. They traded away key picks for an injury-prone #2 WR that doesn’t technically fit Ryan’s strengths–the out-pass, screen pass/short-mid length game. Based on the QB’s talents, they need a top tier possession-type WR (think Welker/Chrebet/Irvin), 2 TE’s, and 2 RB’s–the “style” concept is all wrong for Ryan’s intangibles–you can’t make him Jim Plunkett/Dan Fouts, and you can’t think that way. Dimitroff is going to have to nail a draft–a whole draft–which he has yet to do. Sam Baker after Ryan doesn’t cut it, and Jamaal Anderson and some of the FA picks have simply missed. They need a COMPLETE draft–4-6 picks, mostly D, hitting, with an All-Pro and 1 or 2 additional (legit) PRo Bowlers.
LKW4
December 29th, 2011
12:23 pm
Falcons are missing coachs with winning experience. Winning by a lucky break don’t count. Falcons are missing a quarterback that can play at the NFL level. Matt Ryan has not grown into that quarterback in the 4 years he has been in Atlanta. Falcons need to replace lard A@@ turner with someone that can run the ball. Rogers is exciting to watch. As short as he is he shows that he is willing to take on any opponet to get the first down. Falcons are lacking the motivation and love of the game to develope into a winning team. We have lots of talent on the Falcon team that is not being utilized to the best of the teams ability. To really perform you need a quarterback that can really perform. Matt Ryan will never be that quarterback.
DC Dirty Bird
December 29th, 2011
12:25 pm
Brandon,
I think our defensive scheme has a lot to do with our team success. I agree regarding our DE’s but think that our CB’s and LB’s are fine. An upgrade at FS is much needed in lieu of CB’s. Lastly, Julio labeled as injury prone as a rookie with a limited offseason? I don’t think you miss 3 games and approach 1000 yds as a WR if you’re not a stud.
LKW4
December 29th, 2011
12:26 pm
Blank needs to give up some cash and get some real talent in here. Or is this just a tax write off for Blank since we can never make it past wild card.
kcfoster34
December 29th, 2011
12:31 pm
People who think Ryan is not a “great” quarterback need some perspective. Ryan is in his 4th NFL season, on a team that has gone through a major overhaul. People who look at Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger and say they are better quarterbacks because they won a championship early need to realize that those two players became quarterbacks on teams that were already great. Aaron Rodgers had the benefit of sitting on the bench and working his way into an already established team as well. Drew Brees showed only glimpses of brilliance in his first for years starting, and put up nowhere near the numbers Matt Ryan has in that time (Wins, QBR, td/int ratio)
Matt Ryan is on pace to be a great quarterback. He has had a GREAT season, and will continue to improve (he has every year he’s started). AND for what it’s worth? (Maybe not a lot) Matt Ryan will break every Falcons passer record and be known as the greatest Falcons quarterback of all time.
So, to the people who believe he is “mediocre”, check your stat sheets, history books etc. and try telling me what he has done in 4 years as a member of one of the most beleaguered franchises in the NFL isn’t GREAT.
Brandon
December 29th, 2011
12:42 pm
KCFoster 34:
As I’ve been saying, Matt Ryan isn’t the problem, and he’s a good QB, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call him great. Marc Bulger put up crazy stats, and a lot of QB’s are putting up big numbers in a pass happy league where the CB’s can’t breathe on guys. Ryan is good, but he needs an elite D to win a SB IMHO. He COULD develop into a great QB, though his lack of arm strength is a concern and he hasn’t won a truly big game yet. The jury is still out on his “greatness”, and as you said, the Falcons’ all-time QB isn’t much when Bartkowski, Ron Mexico and Chris Chandlier are your big 3.
MotherGoose
December 29th, 2011
12:50 pm
I disagree that the Falcons CAN’T be an elite team. I think they CAN BE and have shown flashes of brilliance and greatness this season. To be sure, the falcons record at 9-6 could easily be 12-3 for starters. If the record was that, we would be battling new orleans for the southest crown. Secondly, i think in the jacksonville game, you saw the Falcons play a solid 60 minute effort and the result was a 41-13 blowout and easy dominance of a team the falcons should beat. If you analyze the season objectively, the Falcons competed against N.O. in the first game and green bay in the first half of that game—but because the falcons DIDNT FINISH either game, those were two losses that could have been wins. Plus in the texans game–the effort simply wasnt there and the whole season would have turned if the falcons had had those three wins instead of three losses. Then going into last monday nights n.o.’s game, had the falcons come in with a 12-2 record instead of a 9-5 record AND HAD THE FALCONS PLAYED SOLID FOOTBALL WITH STELLER DEFENSE FOR 60 MINUTES, CAPITALIZING ON TURNOVER OPPORTUNITIES, the falcons could have stolen that game 34-31 instead of losing it 45-13. I’m convinced the falcons are almost there, but in order for them to “finish the drill” and become elite they would have to do three things: #1:hire a better offensive coordinator than mike mularkey; #2:run a more wide open style offense–west coast type–utilizing the passing game more on first downs and letting the receivers run crossing patterns which would guarantee that one of them would ALWAYS be open; and #3:MOVE TURNER OUT OF THE STARTING LINEUP and shove snelling into that slot as #1 fullback. If turner is a backup for a few games–turner will come back to life and play up to his normal standards so that turner can eventually win back his spot. THE FALCONS ARE CAPABLE BUT ARE UNDERACHIEVING AND PLAYING FAR BELOW THEIR CAPABILITIES. Maybe next year it will all come together.
Steve-O
December 29th, 2011
12:50 pm
ShempHoward
December 29th, 2011
11:16 am
Steve-O. Ok. I guess you can tell my frustration with the falcons, but even though matt ryan has a great winning record, HOW COME RYAN DOESNT EVER SAY IN HIS PRESS CONFERENCES AFTER HE HAS THROWN THREE PICKS (interceptions) in a game and say, Hey, I stunk up the joint tonight and played like crap. I apologize for it and I will work harder next week and prepare so that it doesnt happen again. Matt Ryan never apologizes for his MEDIOCRE WORK.
__________________________________________________________________________________
It’s because he has thrown 3 picks only once in his entire career and has 31 starts with zero picks.
Mr Charlie
December 29th, 2011
1:05 pm
Shemp, you just took a SMACKDOWN…..
Brandon
December 29th, 2011
1:10 pm
MotherGoose–I love your optimism. If you’re not a motivational speaker, then you need a career change. There were so many crucial “if’s” in your analysis, that I actually now believe that I should be in Hollywood–IF I hadn’t stopped growing in 9th grade and I were 6″3 instead of 5″10, and if I still had a full head of blonde hair instead of some recession (but overall, pretty good–and it’s still blonde), and if my last name were “Spelling”, and if I actually tried to be an actor instead of a physician, then I would be Brad Pitt. My favorite was turning the 45-13 blowout into a “coulda been”. The Falcons also “Could” have lost a few of those games that they won, and their record is benefited by 2 average–mediocre division rivals, the Panthers and the Bucs. Still, a lot better than what I’m reading on the Hawks posts–Hawks fans now believe the team is ready for a championship run after knocking off the Wizards and Nets, plus many think that Horford should not be traded in a package for Howard EVEN IF Howard signed up for mulit-yrs. Gotta love ATL sports fans!
CGD..
December 29th, 2011
1:13 pm
UH OH, another nail biter against a loser….Coach Clean Shot will see to it..
Your last hooray for the season Coach Norv Turner Jr. and then prepare to get buried the following week……….
tman
December 29th, 2011
1:22 pm
Brandon, I have no problem if they want to model a defensive style scheme. But model somebody with similar personnel or let’s start over with a GM and coach with the same vision. I’d rather start over at this point and do something drastic! I’m telling everyone right now, that we’re going to get killed by Carolina when Cam Newton gets a few more games under his belt and Brees is still young enough to kill us for years, so status quo thinking will not serve this team well. Yes, a great D would help, but with current rules against defenders (ridiculous, btw) you still won’t stop Brees and Newton. We need a totally different offensive scheme, either with or without Ryan. I like Ryan, but he’s going to have to take some dancing lessens to manuever in the pocket! The days of a pure drop back QB are gone. You have to at least consistently move UP a step or 2 when they rush!! Call me “frustrated since 1970″ when I started watching….and for the record, Bartkowski, despite his lack of mobility was the best leader this team ever had at QB.
CGD..
December 29th, 2011
1:22 pm
Saints 52 Falcons 14
Coach Smith and crew will be jettisoned..
Steve-O
December 29th, 2011
1:26 pm
CGD, much of an axe to grind? Coach Smith and Crew have had more success with this team than any administration ever. If you honestly think that 4 straight winning seasons and making the playoffs 3 out of those 4 years will get Smith and Crew or ANY coaching staff fired, you clearly have an agenda against the Falcons. Try to use a little reason and stop making the rest of us laugh with your biased vitriol.
tman
December 29th, 2011
1:32 pm
I’d rather have a team in the playoffs every other year that could WIN a playoff game than just be good enough to make it there and get killed your first game. I remember making it deeper with Chandler/Reeves, Vick/Reeves than anything with Mr. Nice Guy. Keep him on as a PR guy or something and get a kick butt head coach who really isn’t that nice once the whistle blows…
ShempHoward
December 29th, 2011
1:39 pm
CGD..
December 29th, 2011
1:22 pm
Saints 52 Falcons 14
Coach Smith and crew will be jettisoned..
—————————————–
YOU ARE RIGHT ON THE MONEY. The falcons will NEVER work hard and play up to their potential. Look what has become of “Patty Cake Turner”. Turner is as soft as tissue paper and has averaged about 1.5 yards per carry in his last 6 games. Turner should acquiesse the starting job to Snelling, because the more talented, more gifted, and more explosive Snelling can help the Falcons beat the elite teams–where Turner cant help you with that at all. Plus, if the falcons make no changes in their starting lineup, the next time the saints face us in the playoffs, the Saints will defeat the Falcons 97-3. Sell the Falcons and move them to Alaska.
JesseHester
December 29th, 2011
1:50 pm
I wish that the Falcons were 0-15. This means that they would be drafting Andrew Luck and by all preliminary accounts, Luck will probably be the greatest NFL qb that the association has ever seen. Luck would replace Ryan and we could probably trade Matt Ryan for Larry Fitzgerald and really have the speed, power and quickness to score points quickly. RYAN WILL NEVER MAKE IT IN THE NFL–BECAUSE HIS ARM IS TOO WEAK–RYAN CANT THROW MORE THAN 20 YARDS. SO FAR, MATT RYAN HAS TURNED OUT WORSE THAN RYAN LEAF WAS. OH WELL, HINDSIGHT IS 20-20.
Steve-O
December 29th, 2011
1:52 pm
JesseHester
December 29th, 2011
1:50 pm
I wish that the Falcons were 0-15. This means that they would be drafting Andrew Luck and by all preliminary accounts, Luck will probably be the greatest NFL qb that the association has ever seen. Luck would replace Ryan and we could probably trade Matt Ryan for Larry Fitzgerald and really have the speed, power and quickness to score points quickly. RYAN WILL NEVER MAKE IT IN THE NFL–BECAUSE HIS ARM IS TOO WEAK–RYAN CANT THROW MORE THAN 20 YARDS. SO FAR, MATT RYAN HAS TURNED OUT WORSE THAN RYAN LEAF WAS. OH WELL, HINDSIGHT IS 20-20.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Care to elaborate on your LSD-induced post? Please expand on why Ryan Leaf’s career was better than Ryan’s.
C from Marietta
December 29th, 2011
2:01 pm
@ ShempHoward
Michael Turner is averging 3.6 yards a carry over the last six games
105 attempts 380 yards in the last six game.
Against NO 11 39 yards
Don’t let facts get in the way of your tempter tantrum.
dr
December 29th, 2011
2:01 pm
We should abandoned the zone defense and try the bump and run. Anything to slow down the receiviers. Smart quarterbacks and good receivers see right through what we are doing. What do we have to lose. Man up!!!!!!!!!!
C from Marietta
December 29th, 2011
2:04 pm
People Matt Ryan has over 4x passing yards. Again, don’t let facts get in the way of your temper tantrums.
dr
December 29th, 2011
2:06 pm
Dump the “burner”. He is burned out. He has no ability to break it outside. If you watch any game there are frequently opportunities on the outside if the back has any speed to change directions and get to the outside. His time has passed.
C from Marietta
December 29th, 2011
2:10 pm
Matt Ryan is currently 10th in passer rating. Puts him in the top 1/3 doesn’t it?
Matt Ryan is currently 7th in passing yards. Puts him in the top 25% doesn’t it?
Matt Ryan is currently 6th in TD passes. Puts him in the top 25% doesn’t it?
AGAIN- NOT HIS FAULT! Don’t know what you game you guys were watching. He made big plays, but they were called back by stupid pentalies. How is this Matt Ryan’s faults.
AGAIN- DON’T FACTS GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR TEMPTER TANTRUMS.
Die Hard Falcon
December 29th, 2011
2:11 pm
I believe that Grimes is a #1 corner, I don’t think he’s top 5, but I think he’s a legitimate #1 CB. I also think our LB’s our solid, Spoon & Lofton are studs and got snubbed by the pro bowl voters. I totally agree that we need a pass rusher at DE, we’ve been very ineffective at getting sacks and helping out the secondary. So I believe our defense is more like 2 (3 tops)players from being successful, a true force at DE, and 1 more solid corner and quite possibly a better FS.
C from Marietta
December 29th, 2011
2:24 pm
@ Choke
Your an idiot. Everyone knows YOUR THE LOSER. LOL
C from Marietta
December 29th, 2011
2:26 pm
@ Die Hard Falcon Fan
Your right. A CB, FS, DE away from a great defense. On the plus side the LB corps are young and will only get better.
Tojo
December 29th, 2011
2:31 pm
A little voice keeps saying, “maybe that was a little rope-a-dope Monday night…maybe they know to beat Brees they have to bring blitzes and take their chances with man coverage, but they didn’t want to show it to them yet, since this game was less important than a future one would be. Maybe they were holding some things back on offense, some looks and plays they haven’t shown ANYONE yet because they learned their lesson from last year…save something different for the playoffs”.
It’s a very small voice, and I’m trying to ignore it.
damngooddawg!
December 29th, 2011
2:42 pm
Stop phoning it in on Monday Night Football against our arch rival, the Saints!!!!
Mr. SaintsFan Jr.
December 29th, 2011
3:03 pm
@tojo a voice huh? what else do you hear? next you will say i see dead people.
Die Hard Falcon
December 29th, 2011
3:10 pm
To all the Matt Ryan haters out there I can only say 1 of 2 things depending on the “reasoning” behind your contempt for our up-and-coming QB– Either it’s an idiotic racial issue and there’s no room for that in this day and age, or you just aren’t dealing in the facts (stats, comparisons).
I don’t need to say anymore to any racists, not worth it. As for those who just don’t think he’s anything, I don’t get where it’s coming from, I don’t think he’s top 5 yet, but he’s definitely top 10. The stats speak to this, the winning % speaks to it, the ONLY thing empirical that anyone can say is he’s 0-2 in the playoffs. So what, it’s 2 games thus far, he WILL win in the playoffs, I will bet anyone on that. Other than that he’s been all anyone could ask for and more in his first 4 years. I’ll ride w/ him all day.
Go Falcons! Go Matty Ice!
fan man
December 29th, 2011
3:13 pm
Win a playoff game ! You can bet the talking heads will beat that one to death if we don’t.It will be just like “they never had two winning seasons in a row” Every week next year we will here it till finally Smiths birds win a playoff game if we don’t win one this year.
Mr. Panic Button
December 29th, 2011
3:13 pm
ShempHoward: “Its just that the eagles have a great coach in andy reid and the falcons have a marshmello and vanilla coach in Mike Smith. MIKE SMITH NEEDS TO BE FIRED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE!” I couldn’t agree with you more! A team takes on the personality of its HC and Mike Smith is the epitome of conservative and has as much aggression as a lamb (HE’S SOFT!!!). This team needs a HC that gets in his staff’s A$$ and holds them accountable. Smith is a former DC why don’t you take over the defensive playcalling if BVG can’t get the job done? If it’s not the scheme then why select the players you and TD did that doesn’t match the type of defense you’re trying to build? You all can praise Smitty all you want for giving this team back-to-back winning seasons and taking the team to the playoffs–THAT’S WHAT A HC IS SUPPOSE TO DO!!! Is it our fault the previous and current ownership kept hiring JackA$$es to run their team?
Ivan
December 29th, 2011
3:23 pm
ROFL!! Choke gets choked up by seeing his main crush on ESPN!! Forget not making the playoffs. Forget leading an all-star “dream team” to the LOSERS bracket. Him gotta picture!!
It’ll be ok. There’s always next season for losers.
Mr. Panic Button
December 29th, 2011
3:30 pm
I’m still pissed that we don’t have a coaching staff with common sense, can create a sound game plan to attack a team’s weakness, or make in-game adjustments to counter what the opponent is doing. I don’t want to hear anymore of B.S. about Smith winning in the past. This team has too much talent offensively not to score 28 or more points a game. Build the lines FIRST and find a ball hawking FS, a quicker MLB than Lofton, a Big Body NT in the middle and we should be fine with the RIGHT coaches.
Mr. SaintsFan Jr.
December 29th, 2011
3:40 pm
Matt Ryan is a good QB, but he’s more of a system QB and he needs a system that will fit his abilities.He may not be a long ball QB,as I have seen him play, a short passing game wil fit him well.
Mr. Panic Button
December 29th, 2011
3:58 pm
We don’t know what Matt Ryan can truly be without a real OC that calls plays to his strengths. Matt does need to work on his footwork, timing, and accuracy in the off season.
NO1 FALCONFAN
December 29th, 2011
4:01 pm
i was very dissapointed in the way the falcons played against the hated ,arrogant aints in the fema hut(superless dome)..get a better quaterback that can scramble and throw the ball down the field..get some defense..IN THIS ECONOMY AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW I I SO ANGRY WITH THE FALCONS PLAY AGAINST THE GHETTO THUG AINTS AS A SEASON TICKET HOLDER THAT I WILL NOT RENEW MY SEASON TICKETS NEXT YEAR!!TOO MANY OTHER THINGS TO DO WITH THAT MONEY TOO WATCH A TEAM JUST LET THEIR HATED RIVALS HAVE THEIR WAY WITH THEM ON THE BIG STAGE…THE AINTS NOT ONLY DISRESPECTED THE FALCONS BY RUNNING UP THE SCORE BUT HUMILIATED THEM AND MAT RYAN AND THE FALCON CREW WERE FINE WITH IT..I LIKE TO GET WHAT I PAY FOR NOT A BUNCH OF MILLIONARES PLAYING LIKE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM..